Friday 19th August 2016

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

NEWS

Lagos Ranked World’s Third Worst City to Live in Lagos maintained its position at the lowest rungs of the Global Liveability index by ranking the third worst city to live in the world, according to the 2016 ranking by the Economist Intelligence Unit released yesterday.

Lagos placed 138th out of the 140 cities ranked in the latest liveability survey, just above war-ravaged Tripoli and Damascus.

“Of the poorer-scoring cities, 13 continue to occupy the very bottom tier of liveability, where ratings fall below 50 per cent

and most aspects of living are severely restricted,” the report stated.

“Continued threats from groups like Boko Haram acts as a constraint to improving stability in Lagos.”

Escalations in hostilities in Libya prompted a sharp decline in liveability in Tripoli, according to the report, while Damascus, although seeing a stabilisation in its decline remained rooted to the bottom.

The top five best countries to live in, according to the report, remained unchanged from last

Ambode year. They are Melbourne, Australia; Vienna, Austria;

Vancouver, Canada; Toronto, Canada; and Calgary, Canada.

The liveability survey assesses which locations around the world provide the best or the worst living conditions across five broad categories – stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.

Of the five categories, Lagos scored highest in culture and environment, followed by infrastructure. It scored lowest in stability.

Three other African cities joined Lagos at the bottom

rung of the liveable cities, with Douala, Cameroun; Harare, Zimbabwe; and Algiers, Algeria; ranking 132nd, 133rd, and 134th respectively.

While no African city made it to the top 10 most liveable cities, five were in the 10 least liveable cities.

Steve Ayorinde, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, could not be reached for comments yesterday.

Phone calls, text messages, and emails were not responded to, reported online news website, Premium Times.

The ranking of Lagos among the least liveable cities of the world comes amidst a massive revenue drive and huge infrastructure investment by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

The government generated N101.69 billion in the first quarter of 2016, N4.85 billion more than in the same period last year.

Lagos has consistently ranked in the 10 least liveable cities since 2011, ranking 137th out of 140 in that year. It ranked 138th in 2012, and then remained at 137th until this year.

14 Persons Feared Dead in Foiled Ebonyi Jailbreak Umahi declares state of emergency, vows to reform prisons in the state Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki About 13 inmates in Abakaliki Prisons in Ebonyi State and one prison guard were believed to have been killed in the early hours of yesterday, when the inmates of the prison rioted over the poor meals served to them by the prison and attempted to escape from the facility.

During the riot, the inmates allegedly snatched a rifle from one of the guards in the prison yard and shot some at them, prompting the officials to defend themselves.

In the course of the riot, the leader of the inmates, who allegedly incited other inmates against the officials, was allegedly killed.

The Ebonyi State Comptroller of Prisons, Mrs. Oputa Emilia, confirmed the incident, saying three persons were injured but denied that lives were lost.

She admitted that the angry prisoners broke part of the fence,

adding that the situation had been brought under control.

THISDAY gathered that during the mayhem, inmates created openings in the prison walls in a bid to escape before riot policemen arrived the scene, shot into the air and tear-gassed them into submission.

The gunshots were heard intermittently as the police and soldiers battled to recover the rifle allegedly snatched from one of the prison guards.

A source disclosed that the inmates were actually killed in self defence and their bodies evacuated secretly. However, another source said two officials were killed during the incident while five casualties were recorded on the part of the inmates.

The source added that three of the officials sustained serious injuries and were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA), Abakaliki, for medical attention.

The source said: “Had it not been for the rapid response of the combined team of prison officers, the police and army drafted to the scene, the inmates would have started escaping from the prison having overpowered the guards.”

She admitted that the angry prisoners broke part of the wall but maintained that the situation was brought under control.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, George Okafor, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the command was still working to resolve the crisis, adding: “There was an attempted jailbreak and the prisons called in the police.

We cordoned off the area and restored normalcy to the area.”

Last April, a similar incident took place at the Afikpo Federal Prison in Ebonyi State when the inmates wielded dangerous weapons against the officials while also protesting over the poor quality of food.

Though no casualties were recorded in the Afikpo attempted jailbreak, female inmates were reportedly raped while some officials sustained minor injuries.

Meanwhile, the state governor David Umahi immediately declared a state of emergency on Abakaliki Prisons.

He made the declaration when he visited the prison after the riot and botched jailbreak by the inmates.

Umahi had just returned from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he attended the Peoples Democratic Party national convention when he rushed to the prison.

The governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, said: “Early in the morning, I was told of an attempted jailbreak by inmates of Abakaliki Prisons.

The Commissioner of Police (Peace Ibekwe-Abdallah) reported the incident to me,

but assured me that they (police) were reinforcing.

“She told me she had contacted all the security chiefs in the state. They successfully prevented the inmates from escaping.

“Luckily, I am told that the prisoners were not complaining of maltreatment and malnutrition. I was told that those who attempted the escape were those awaiting trial. I was told that there are so many of them awaiting trial. This is not good for us.”

Umahi directed the state director of prisons, Adaobi Oputa, to compile such cases and send to them him to enable him work with the state’s chief judge, Justice Aloy Nwankwo, to fast-track justice.

He decried the level of infrastructure decay at the Abakiliki Prison, saying the condition was not good for the inmates and recalled that the structure was built in the

1960s.

He promised to partner the prisons authorities to modernise the facility.

“Ebonyi State Government could suspend one or two things and would want to at least de-roof some of the buildings and re-roof them,” he said.

The governor also said his administration would provide sporting facilities in the prisons in order to keep inmates engaged.

“Recreational and sporting facilities will be provided. I believe such things will engage those in the prison and keep them form thinking of ways to escape.

“When they are engaged, they will not have time to think about crime. What we have here cannot reform anyone. It will rather harden them. We have to reform them and reintegrate the good ones into our society,” he added.

any mistake in choosing Ikpeazu to be its standard-bearer in the 2015 governorship poll, adding that he was confident that the Abia governor would deliver on his election promises to the people of the state.

Also, Okowa congratulated Ikpeazu on his victory at the Appeal Court. The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, said the victory of Ikpeazu at the Appeal Court was a true test of the rule of law and commended the unanimous judgment of the court by not allowing political opportunists

to take over power through the back door.

He also thanked the justices for holding on to justice and fairness in their judgment.

He noted that the judgment had once more restored the hope, faith and confidence of Nigerians on the country’s judicial system.

The Delta governor further called on the dramatis personae in the Abia governorship debacle to end the unnecessary legal battles to enable its government focus on bringing democratic dividends to the people of the state.

militia group behind the recent spate of attacks on oil and gas installations in the oil producing region, vowed to make good its threat to declare an independent Republic of Niger Delta by October 1 this year.

In a statement yesterday, the violent militant group said its declaration of independence remained sacrosanct.

It stated that the only reason for it to abandon the declaration is for the federal government to heed its calls for the restructuring of the country.

The statement by its spokesperson, Mudoch Agbinibo, also warned those using its name to defraud the federal government.

“The October 1st declaration of independence is still sacrosanct. If the Nigeria government fails to retrace its step by restructuring this

country.

“We want to warn the general public that those using NDA to defraud the people, the day of reckoning is close,” it added.

In the statement titled, “Our Prayer for Buhari”, the group said its prayer is for the president and northern governors to discover oil in commercial quantities so as to allow the Niger Delta to go.

It declared: “Our prayer for Buhari and the northern hypocrite (northern governors) is that oil should be found in commercial quantities in the north, so they can let the Niger Delta go.

“The Buhari-led government has failed Nigerians with their misdirected policies that have divided the country. As such, nobody wants to be part of that failed state, not even the Niger Delta.”

CONTROVERSIAL ABUJA JUDGE, ABANG, TURNED THE LAW ON ITS HEAD, SAYS APPEAL COURT been affirmed by the Court of Appeal in Abuja. This to us is a victory for the common people of Abia State that voted massively for us in 2015 general election,” he said.

Though the long drawn legal tussle over his mandate appeared to have taken its toll on governance, Ikpeazu assured the people that with the favourable Appeal Court ruling, “we’ve been reinvigorated to continue our service to the people of Abia without let”.

While expressing his thanks to God for seeing him through his tribulations, Ikpeazu equally

lauded the judiciary that stood as the last hope of the common man.

“Without the judiciary of this country, what would have been the fate of the son of a poor teacher who became governor at the mercy of God and Abia people?” he asked.

According to him, without the steadfastness of the judiciary, it would have been very difficult for ordinary people like him to aspire to be anything, much less becoming the governor of Abia State, given the penchant of the rich and mighty to trample on the weak and poor.

The Abia governor also asked the Nigerian media to rise up to the task of “firming up our democracy and making sure that all arms of government work in consonance to promote the ideals of democracy”.

Ikpeazu had emerged from the government house chapel where he had gone to pray and give thanks to God after receiving the news about his victory at the court.

Shortly after the governor’s session with journalists, members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) arrived

at the governor’s lodge and congratulated the victorious governor.

The BoT Chairman, Senator Wahid Jubrin, who led the team, comprising Professor Jerry Gana, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Senator Stella Omu, Hajia Zainab Maina, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, and Air Commodore Dan Suleiman (rtd), said they were in Abia for the burial of Chief Ojo Maduekwe.

Jubrin said they were on their way to Maduekwe’s country home when they heard about the Appeal Court verdict, adding that PDP did not make

S’SOUTH LEADERS TO DISCUSS N’DELTA CRISIS TODAY, ABDULSALAMI MEETS BUHARI crises threatening the unity and social fabric of the country.

Although the purpose of the meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja was not made public, Abubakar informed State House reporters after his meeting with the president, that his committee was working quietly behind the scenes to ensure an amicable resolution of the crises in the country.

Abubakar harped on the need for the Buhari administration, with the assistance of all Nigerians, to resolve the various crises in the country.

Abubakar, who said he was in the villa to discuss some undisclosed issues with the president, also called on political parties to work together.

“I came to discuss issues of national interest and international affairs with the president. Both of them are interwoven. I have discussed

with the person I came to see and I don’t think I need to discuss it in the news media,” he said.

Asked about the impact of the peace committee on critical national issues, Abubakar said: “We are still working, although quietly. We are working to make sure that there is peace in the country and all the political parties work amicably because each one has a role to play.

“So I hope that the current administration, through the assistance of all Nigerians, will give a helping hand to make sure that these crises that are unnecessary and uncalled for can be overcome.”

Abdulsalami plea came just as critical stakeholders and elders from the six South-south states in the country prepared to meet today in Warri to douse rising tensions in the region and the country at large.

Elder statesman and Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, said in Warri yesterday, that the meeting had been called to forge a way forward for the region and to write off the impression that the region’s problem is an Ijaw one.

Speaking to reporters, Clark, who was accompanied by a former Minister of Police Affairs, Chief Broderick Bozimo, said invitations had been sent out to all stakeholders from the six core states of the region, including serving and former governors, serving and former legislators (federal and state), youths and other interest groups in the region.

He appealed to the aggrieved youths and the Niger Delta Avengers to give peace a chance, and urged the federal government to be open and sincere in its proposed dialogue with militants in the region.

“We called this meeting to inform you that we the leaders of the Niger Delta region are consulting to end this prevailing situation of renewed militancy.

“This is why stakeholders, including governors, traditional rulers, legislators (federal and state) and leaders are meeting on August 19, 2016, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun, Delta State.

“We’re appealing to our youths to give peace a chance.

The underdevelopment and marginalisation of the region cannot be resolved with bombing and vandalism of oil facilities. Nigeria belongs to everybody.

“Buhari is the President of Nigeria and not of a particular ethnic group. We want peace in the Niger Delta,” Clark said.

Irrespective of the efforts to douse the tension in the region, the Niger Delta Avengers, the

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FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

News Editor Davidson Iriekpen Email davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081

House Principal Officers: Abdulmumin’s Removal was in National Interest Police: Investigation panel making progress on scandal Abdulmumin: I stand by my Allegations

Dele Ogbodo and Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The body of principal officers in the House of Representatives has said the sack of Hon. Jibrin Abdulmumin as the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation was a collective decision taken in the best interest of the green chamber and the nation.

The body also took full responsibility for his removal, after intense pressure from the lawmakers who were irked by his abuse of the budget process.

The body of principal officers made their collective position known in a statement yesterday.

The statement was signed by the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara; Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun; Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado Doguwa; Deputy Leader, Umar Buba Jibril, and Deputy Whip, Pally Iriase.

Others are Minority Leader, Leo Ogor; Minority Whip, Yakubu Umar Barde; Deputy Minority Leader, Chukwuma Onyema, and Deputy Minority Whip, Binta Bello.

The statement read in part: “While the leadership is determined to ensure that absolute diligence, maturity and due process are employed in dealing with the allegations, instead of joining the accuser in a press war, it is important to state, in the interest of the agitated public, that the allegations are wild, baseless and unfounded. Good enough, all the said allegations raised issues that can be easily verified and the public would be availed ample opportunity upon the resumption of the House.

“In the meantime however, the leadership of the House wishes to reaffirm that it took collective action, in conjunction with the Senate and a team from the executive, to rescue the 2016 budget when it became obvious that the former appropriation chairman had placed both the document and the process in jeopardy resulting in a spate of agitations from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

“Furthermore, the decision to relieve the erstwhile Appropriation Committee chairman of his position was a collective decision of the leadership in response to unrelenting pressures from the overwhelming majority of members who were irked by the former chairman’s gross abuse of the budget process.

Both actions were taken in the best

interest of the institution and the nation for which we take full responsibility.

“Truth may be slow but it usually always wins the race in the end.

We have no doubts.”

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Panel (SIP) constituted by the acting Inspector for General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, yesterday said it was making progress on the report submitted to it by the former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin.

Abdulmumin, after his removal as committee chair, presented documents to the panel, alleging that the Speaker of the House, Dogara, fraudulently inserted fictitious projects into the 2016 budget.

This has led to accusations and counter-accusations by the principal officers of the House, which made the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC) to call for a ceasefire among the warring factions.

Speaking with THISDAY in an exclusive interview on the update on the ongoing investigations, a member of the panel who demand not to be mentioned, admitted that the panel was going ahead to investigate all the allegations presented to it by Abdulmumin at the Force Headquarters in Abuja a few weeks back.

Asked whether the panel actually invited the Speaker, , to answer questions on the allegations levelled against him

by Abdulmumin, he said: “Yes, the Speaker, was invited to intimate us on the alleged padding, but at a point, we had to stop that pending our further investigation into the matter.

“As you know, modern policing has to do with proper and painstaking investigation before calling any of the principal officer to face the panel.”

He however, said the police do not need the presence of Dogara before carrying out their work.

The source also admitted that the ongoing probe was not putting political undertone into its investigation, adding that modern day police do not have a political face.

He said: “Yes, we have a report that accuses a House member of having a farm in Nasarawa State where equipment and farm buildings are located. We will do our investigation by visiting that farm to find out how the investment were acquired.”

He pleaded that the public

John Kerry toVisit Nigeria, Meet Buhari Zacheaus Somorin with agency report The United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, will visit Nigeria next week for talks with senior government officials on regional issues, the US State Department said yesterday.

According to Reuters, Kerry would meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss cooperation on the fight against

Boko Haram terrorists, the economy and human rights issues, the State Department spokesman, John Kirby, said in a statement.

The statement added that the US Secretary of State will also visit Kenya and Saudi Arabia.

Kirby added that Kerry’s visit to Kenya would focus on South Sudan’s peace process and Somalia’s political transition.

should not think that the case has been swept under the carpet, adding that “at the right time when we conclude, we would avail the public our findings.

However, Abdulmumin has reiterated his stance on allegations of corruption and abuse of office levelled against Dogara and principal officers of the House.

Abdulmuminin in a statement, said he spoke on phone yesterday with the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, requesting to make presentations to the committee on the allegations.

“Let me restate that I have interacted severally with anticorruption agencies. It is however heartwarming to know that they are indeed working meticulously on the matter. I have little doubt that

they will do justice expeditiously and sooner than later we will get to the point where every Nigerian is waiting for -- the arrest of Dogara and his group of budget criminals and fraudsters parading themselves as ‘Honourable’ members, indeed,” he said in the statement.

Abdulmumin again accused Dogara of trying to use his office to obstruct the investigation.

“He is also using same and the time he has now before the long arms of law catches up with him to hurriedly clean up the mess on his desk, spend the stolen money on all sort of consultants and people he thinks can help him out through subterranean means,” he added.

He added that while waiting for the response of the party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), he continues to reach out to any

group or persons who can help his cause of fighting corruption in the House.

Abdulmumin however, remained silent on the allegations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revived a case of money laundering against him. Abdulmumin and his firm, Green Forest Investment Limited, had been charged alongside a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Mr. Aliyu Akwe Doma, and seven others in relation to charges of laundering stolen state funds totalling over N15 billion in October 2011. In December 2012, the EFCC removed his name from its amended charges.

The EFCC has also been petitioned by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) to investigate the lawmaker’s role

in the unscrupulous award of questionable contracts by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in September 2014.

The House has been embroiled in crises following the removal of the Abdulmumin by Dogara.

Abdulmumin, employing a scorched earth policy after his ouster, accused Dogara, Lasun, Doguwa and Ogor of allocating N40 billion to themselves out of the N100 billion appropriated for the National Assembly, and making “senseless’ insertions into the 2016 budget.”

He also petitioned the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police, demanding their arrest and prosecution.

WELCOME TO THE VILLA

President Muhammadu Buhari (right), welcoming the former military Head of State , General Abdulsalami Abubakar, to his office at the Presidential Villa , Abuja ...yesterday Godwin Omoigui.

PDP Leadership Tussle: Sheriff Moves to Stall Court Order Applies for stay of execution Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has appealed against last Wednesday’s ruling by an Abuja High Court in Kubwa, seeking a stay of execution his sack by the court.

Justice Nwamaka Ogbonna of High Court of the Federal Capital Territory had told Sheriff that he was illegally appointed as the chairman of the PDP and as such, should stop parading himself as the party’s national chairman henceforth.

The suit seeking declaration on Sheriff’s status was instituted by a contestant to the position of the youth leader at yesterday’s convention, Danladi Ayuba, while the sole defendant was Sheriff.

However, Sheriff yesterday reacted to the judgment of the High Court

sitting in Kubwa, saying it did not affect his chairmanship position.

Sheriff said though the judgment did not affect him in anyway, however disclosed that he has appealed it and asked for stay of execution.

Justice Valentine Ashi had on June 29, 2016, declared that “the purported amendment of article 47(6) of the PDP Constitution of 2012 at a special National Convention of the party held on December 10 and 11, 2014, is unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect for non-compliance with mandatory due process as provided in Article 66(2) and (3) of the said constitution.

“By reason of the above, the purported amendment introduced in article 47 on the aforesaid dates are hereby set aside.

“All persons or individuals, officers, servants and agents of

the PDP parading themselves as national officers of the PDP purportedly pursuant to the said amendment which has now been nullified are hereby restrained from further parading themselves around in those capacities and claiming the rights and privileges attached or appurtenant thereto.”

Based on this, Justice Ogbonna, in her judgment last Wednesday, nullified the appointment of Sheriff as PDP chairman and declared his appointment as null and void.

Speaking on behalf of Sheriff, his deputy, Cairo Ojuogboh, said although Sheriff was not a party to the suit, he has appealed it and asked for stay of execution.

“When you are too much in a hurry to kill your enemy, sometimes you kill yourself. Some persons went to Justice Valentine Ashi and Sheriff was not party to the case.

Justice Ashi gave judgment based on what was placed before him.

“Sheriff was not a party to it and we have appealed it and asked for stay of execution. In that ruling, Justice Ashi annulled the amendment of the 2014 PDP Constitution. In annulling it, we go back to 2012 constitution. In that constitution, it is stated that when a National Working Committee (NWC) member leaves his office by virtue of death or anything, somebody from that particular zone will be nominated and appointed to complete his tenure and continue in office until the next convention.

That is what happened.

“The court annulled the 2014 constitution as amended, it does not affect Sheriff in any way. He will now stand on the 2012 Constitution.

We have taken it back to the court in an appeal,” he said.

FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Kachikwu: FG to Unveil Four New Policies on Oil and Gas Sector Nigeria suffers $2bn shortfall in cash calls yearly Amendment of NLNG Act will cost Nigeria $25bn, says Omotowa

Ejiofor Alike As Nigeria’s oil and gas sector awaits the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to provide clarity on the terms of investments, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, has stated that the federal government would finalise four new additional policies in the sector by the end of October this year.

Kachikwu has also hinted that the proposed talks on output cuts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to ensure the rebound of oil prices would have limited influence on the prices as the cartel controls only 30 per cent of the global oil output.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos at a conference organised by the National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC), Kachikwu stated that the country’s oil and gas sector was faced with myriads of problems that required urgent solutions, stressing that the drop in oil prices was the least of the country’s problems.

Also speaking at the conference, the outgoing Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited, Mr. Babs Omotowa, disclosed that any tinkering of the Nigeria LNG Act of 2004 will violate bilateral agreements with international investors as well as cost the country a huge $25 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and fines running in billions at the international courts.

Kachikwu said the issue of cash calls deficiency had been his nightmare with $2 billion shortfalls, which had accumulated to arrears of about $6.2 billion.

“Every year, we lose 10 to 15 per cent of the joint venture production.

There have been no new projects in the last five years and most of the projects touted cannot stand the current economic realities as they were based on $90 per barrel oil price. We are losing investments to our immediate neighbours,” he explained.

According to him, the drop in oil prices is a global problem that is not peculiar to Nigeria, adding that the country has more pressing problems, arising from the renewed attacks on oil facilities by the Niger Delta militants.

Kachikwu, who spoke on the topic: ‘The Urgency of Now’, revealed that while 3,000 cases of pipeline vandalism were recorded in the country from 2010 to 2015, the country had recorded 1,600 incidents between January and June this year, representing over 50 per cent of the incidents that occurred in five years.

He said the incidents of vandalism that occurred in the previous years had led to the loss of 643 million litres of petroleum products, amounting to N51.28 billion lost in 2015.

“Between January and June 2016, 1,600 incidents were recorded, resulting in the loss of 109 million litres of petroleum products and 560,000 barrels of crude oil to the refineries,” Kachikwu added.

He added that while 850 million standard cubic per day of gas has been shut in due to the Niger Delta crisis, which has led to power outage exposure of 2,700 megawatts to 3,000MW. The minister further disclosed that the crisis has forced a drop in

the country’s crude oil production from nearly 2.3 million barrels per day to about 1.56 million bpd.

“In addition, the Niger Delta crisis has resulted in loss of lives, high cost of operations, fuel shortages and environmental degradation.

“Additional 1.1 million barrels of oil per day is required to be produced between now and end of the year to meet the targeted annual production. We don’t have money to finance federal budget due to problems outside the control of the government. We need to produce extra 1.1 million barrels per day to be able to catch up,” he added.

The minister appealed to the Niger Delta militants to use the same level of aggression used in destroying oil and gas facilities to join the negotiation table.

“I am as passionate as the militants are on issues concerning the Niger Delta. But whatever message they want to convey, they must stop destroying pipelines and use the same level of aggression used to destroy the pipelines to the negotiating table,” Kachikwu said.

He noted that the country’s oil and gas industry requires policies

to remove the challenges facing the sector.

According to him, apart from the PIB, the federal government will finalise and gazette four new policies in the sector by October this year.

Kachikwu identified the four policies to include: National Oil Policy, National Gas Policy, Downstream Policy and Fiscal Reform Policy.

“We need to complete these between now and October, but the problem is bureaucracy. So, how do we go to the National Assembly to get the permission for the urgency,” he added.

Kachikwu said the gas policy, for instance, would “unlock the gas potentials; ensure effective development of the Nigerian gas market with adequate and sustainable gas supply to the power and industrial sectors; transit from gas flare penalty regime to flare commercialisation and shift focus from government-built to investor-built infrastructure.”

He said apart from the four new policies, the PIB would also be split into three sections.

Speaking on the proposed OPEC talks to cut output to ensure price recovery, Kachikwu stated that OPEC’s decision would have limited impact on the oil market as the cartel controls only 30 per cent of the market.

“OPEC controls only 30 per cent. So, even if we shut down, it will have limited impact because the 70 per cent producers are more powerful. Only a handshake between OPEC and non-OPEC can solve it by inviting Russia, Mexico and the United States.

“Are we cutting volumes? I don’t see that happening. Will that meeting help lift the price? Well yes if we succeed in having conversations with Russia, the US and Mexico. If there is a handshake with individuals across the aisle, that would be the beginning.”

The theme of the NAEC conference was ‘Low Oil Price: Impact and the Way Forward’.

Omotowa, who was the chairman at the conference, has been the Managing Director for NLNG for some five years and will be handing over to the incoming Managing Director, Mr. TonyAttah, on September

1, 2016.

Speaking during his address, Omotowa said NLNG, through its expansion growth programme which involves the expansion of production capacity of the LNG plant in Bonny, Rivers , with a Train 7 and 8, could attract $25 billion, create 30,000 construction jobs, help to further reduce gas flaring and generate over $1billion to $2billion additional revenue to the country in taxes and dividend.

“In a period of huge youth unemployment and need for more revenue, this should really be a cause we should have all hands on deck for especially as NLNG has demonstrated its pedigree having attracted $15billion in foreign investment, grown from a 2 Train to a 6 Train plant, contributing to the reduction gas flaring from 65 per cent to below 20 per cent, delivering $33 billion to Nigeria from a $2.5 billion investment. This potential $25 billion in investment, creation of 30,000 jobs, reduced gas flaring among others are being put in jeopardy by attempts to renege on promises that Nigeria gave to foreign investors which enabled the historical $15 billion investment historically attracted,” Omotowa explained.

Again, Jonathan Denies Links with N’Delta Avengers Gboyega Akinsanmi

Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday denied reports that linked him to the renewed militancy and bombings of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

Two national newspapers had yesterday reported that the former president was allegedly involved in the formation and activities of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

But in a statement by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan denied the report, saying there were similarities in the two stories published by the national dailies.

The statement said: “We are convinced that such clear coincidences are only permissible in situations where general statements are issued, but not on matters of intelligence/security reports which do not fly into newsrooms as press releases.

“We are also concerned that the stories did not differ in content and substance from the trite allegations earlier made by the so called Reformed Niger Delta Avengers over the same lies of linking Jonathan to the militants,” the statement said.

It expressed shock that a newspaper would publish such a report, which was said to be “a confirmation of a similar claim by

the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND)”, without subjecting such frivolity to any ethical interrogation.

It pointed out that no responsible government agency would rush, as claimed in the reports, to adopt the accusations of a questionable rebellious organisation as its own findings, without applying the professional processes of rigor and due diligence.

It said the two publications wore the cloak of the deceit from the same misguided characters that “are hellbent on pulling down the former president, despite his clear record of diligent service to his country and long standing commitment to the good of society.

“There is no doubt that there exist such people who may have scores to settle with the former president but are now feeling frustrated by the fact that his national and international profile has continued to rise, despite their recourse to endless muck-raking character assassination.”

It added that such people would stop at nothing to continue “to throw obstacles, albeit futilely, on his path.

We are aware that the same people approached other well-meaning newspapers with the same false information, but they were wise to turn it down on account of its absurdity.”

IDENTIFYING WITH THE MEDIA

L-R: Chairman, National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC), Yusuf Yunus; Outgoing MD/CEO, NLNG, Babs Omotowa;Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu; and MD, Niger-Delta Power Holding Company, Chiedu Ugbo; and a representative of the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, at the annual conference of the NAEC in Lagos....yesterday

Udoma: $3.05tn Required to Implement National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja A total investment outlay of $3.05 trillion will be required for the implementation of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, said yesterday.

NIIMP is a blueprint for accelerated infrastructure development in the country over the next 30 years (2014 – 2043), and seeks to raise the stock of infrastructure from the current level of 20 per cent to 25 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), to at least 70 per cent by 2043.

Udoma, who spoke while

receiving the report of the threeday Pre-Summit Workshop from the Chairman, Infrastructure PPP Summit Group, Abubakar Mahmoud, in his office, said the investments will be geared towards meeting infrastructure requirements of the major sectors of the economy as enunciated in the NIIMP. He listed the sectors as energy, transport, ICT, agriculture, water mining, housing, social infrastructure and security a as well as vital registration. ‘’You will all agree with me that implementation of the NIIMP requires collaboration of stakeholders – The federal and state governments and the private sector

to provide the required investments. ‘’The NIIMP, apart from being a robust framework for infrastructure development, will also serve as investors’ guide, enhance economic growth, and create job opportunities among other benefits. ‘’In recognition of the critical contribution of the private sector, the Plan envisaged that public sector will account for 52 per cent of the total investment while private sector will underwrite the balance in the first five years of the Plan. This translates into USD 80 billion for the private sector and USD 86 billion for the public sector. ‘’The Plan outlined a financing plan for the public sector component

of the investment requirement with four major options: public budgets, loans, pension funds and sovereign wealth fund as well as public-private partnership (PPP),’’ the minister said.

According to him, in this direction, the federal government is working on the $25 billion Infrastructure Development Fund, which would provide pool of funds for long-term financing of priority projects. ‘’All other necessary actions will be taken to actualise the NIIMP objectives. Finally, I want to assure you of the full cooperation of my ministry in achieving the core objectives of the Infra PPP Summit,’’ Udoma stated.

FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWSEXTRA

No Alternative to Post-UTME, ASUU, ASUP, Obaji Others Insist ASUP resumes strike next week Funmi Ogundare in Lagos and Amby Uneze in Owerri Stakeholders in the education sector, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji; Prof. Peter Okebukola and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof, Rahamon Bello, yesterday kicked against the suspension of the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), opting for regulation instead of outright cancellation.

The submission was taken at a summit organised by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), a body of journalists from the print, electronic and online platforms, covering the nation’s education sector.

With the theme: ‘Integrity of Public Examinations and Admission in Nigeria’, the summit held at the University of Lagos, was chaired by the Secretary of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), Prof. Michael Faborode.

Okebukola, who was the keynote speaker at the programme, traced

the foundation of the post-UTME to the degeneracy in the quality of admission seekers to higher institutions in the past, and suggested that the most important thing is to restructure the postUTME rather than scrap it.

Similarly, the National President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, reiterated the union’s stance that it is the primary responsibility of the Senate of each university to admit and graduate students for the institutions, adding that ASUU would continue to fight against the suspension of the post-UTME and that the fees charged by the institutions should be regulated.

In her presentation, Obaji expressed concern that the initiative she introduced then as a response to the loss of integrity in the public examinations, including the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, (UTME) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) among others, has been rubbished by the institutions while jettisoning the original idea behind the initiative.

Meanwhile, the communiqué issued at the end of the summit, stated that the federal government should rescind the decision on the suspension of post-

UTME, restructure the entrance examinations by the institutions and called for the implementation of the 2002 national summit on higher education.

The summit also appealed to the federal government to re-introduce the Higher School Certificate (HSC) programme as parts of efforts to bring back the integrity of public examinations.

They challenged the new Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, to consult stakeholders within the system before taking positions on key policies.

Meanwhile, ASUP has concluded plans to resume indefinite strike by the expiration of the one month ultimatum it gave to both the federal and state governments if they fail to resolve its 13 point demands that made it to embark on a nine-month strike between October 2013 and July 2014.

The union whose one-month ultimatum expires by August 21, 2016, wants the relevant authorities

to remedy the rots afflicting the polytechnic/monotechnic sector, warning that failure to comply with this would compel it to return to trenches.

Addressing journalists in Owerri shortly after its emergency zonal meeting, the Zone D Coordinator of the union which comprises polytechnics, Colleges of Technology and monotechnics in the South-south and South-east, Chika Ogonwa, of the Delta State Polytechnic UgwuashiUkwu listed the issues in dispute as contained in the letter of ultimatum already issued to both the federal and state governments.

According to him, the items include the non implementation of the NEEDS Assessment report of 2014, non-payment of salaries in many stateowned institutions, shortfall in personnel allocations to polytechnics as well as unpaid allowances in federal polytechnics since

January 2016, victimisation of union officials, non release of check off dues and interference in union activities.

Others according to him are: non-release of arrears in many public polytechnics with some dating back to 2012 as well as non-implementation of CONTISS 15 migration salary scale in many polytechnics, delay in the review of the polytechnic act in addition to non release of visitation panel reports of federal polytechnics since 2011.

Ogonwa disclosed that while some members of the union are owned salaries ranging from 2 to 10 months, some polytechnics have earned an unwholesome reputation for breaching the boundaries of autonomy of the union even as some officials of the union are being suspended, sacked and hounded by some heads of these Institutions.

The ASUP boss therefore called on all well meaning Nigerians to prevail on the government at both the federal and

state levels to comprehensively address these challenges for the betterment of the rising and future generations.

He warned that the union might have no option than to mobilise its members to embark on an industrial strike at the expiration of August 2016.

Ogonwa also stated that ASUP was equally worried by the refusal by government to implement the agreement it entered with the union after nine months strike which ASUP embarked between the year 2013 and 2014.

He said ASUP might be forced to resume another strike at the expiration of one month notice given to government on August 22, if government fails to look into the issues raised by the union.

According to him, “the issues in dispute include: non implementation of the NEEDS Assessment report of 2014, the conduct of needs assessment survey for public polytechnics and monotechnics and the review of Polytechnics Acts.

APC Rival Supporters Clash over Alleged Endorsement of Aspirant in Ondo James Sowole in Akure Confusion yesterday ensued at the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure, Ondo State yesterday as supporters of the Chairman of the party, Isaacs Kekemeke and supporters of those who wanted to install a new chairman clashed.

The incident was the third in a week on the forthcoming gubernatorial primary of the party fixed for August 27.

A group insisted that Kekemeke must quit the over an allegation that he was instrumental to the endorsement of an aspirant by the National Leader of the party, Senator Ahmed Tinubu and which had been causing crisis within the party.

Determined to remove Kekemeke, aggrieved supporters of the self-acclaimed new chairman, Saka Yussuf Ogunleye armed with various dangerous weapons stormed the party secretariat in order to take over the place.

However, the pro- Kekemeke group, who were also armed with their own weapons, repelled the invasion leading to exchange of weapons including gunshots.

While the anti-Kekemeke group was led by one Mr. Adebo popularly called Idajo, the pro-Kekemeke group was led by Alhaji Amoda Bello.

The acts displayed by the rival teams paralysed social and commercial activities on the popular Oyemekun- Adesida Road for several hours abandoned their wares and ran for dare lives.

The intervention of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Operations, Mr. Edward Ajogun and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Charge of Akure Command, Mr. Olatoye Durosimi saved the situation from degeneration.

Addressing journalists after he gained access to the secretariat, Kekemeke said the aggrieved members have right to gather at the party secretariat and express their grievances against his leadership style.

The chairman, who frowned at the situation, said the aggrieved people constituted an embarrassment to the party and the executive.

Kekemeke said the grievances of some members are not justified as he does not have the power to conduct the party primaries or manipulate the delegate list as alleged by his enemies.

“I am to assure aspirants, members of the party and delegates to the primary election that the list of delegates will be as produced by Femi Pedro Congress Committee and as amended by the Chief Aro Lambo Congress Appeal Committee, both committees of the National Executive Council.

“As for the endorsement, it should be clear to all by now that endorsement is not synonymous with imposition. My view is that since all the delegates are known by all, being officials of the party at various levels, let endorsement contend with endorsement.”

Kekemeke said the August 27 fixed for the primary is sacrosanct and there would be free, fair and credible primary.

ON-THE-SPOT INSPECTION

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi (middle); state Controller of Prisons, Adaobi Oputa (left); and Army Commander. P. Kulawe , when the governor visited the prisons after a jailbreak in the state...yesterday

Buhari Campaign Staff Allege Neglect Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Several staff of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) have complained of ill-treatment by the party and the presidency.

The staff, numbering over 100, yesterday lamented that all the promises made to them by the PCC have been jettisoned.

According to some of them who spoke with journalists, they were posted to the PCC office from the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) as volunteers, while others stated that they were employed as protocol staff for campaign officers.

A lady who gave her name as Joy Ebere Umeh, stated that her appointment letter was signed by the Director General of the APC

PCC who is now the Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi.

She also said she served as a protocol officer for the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Presidential Campaign Office in 2011 and her appointment letter then was signed by President Muhammad Buhari then.

According to her, they were told to work for the PCC with the promise that they would follow the president to the Presidential Villa should the APC win the election.

She however stated that since the party won and the president moved into the Villa, they were abandoned by the PCC. “l am Joy Ebere Umeh, Protocol Officer of the APC campaign council.

We were at the PCC on appointment as we were given letters in Febuary

2015. From the day we resumed office, there was no salary, and there was no allowance.

“They did not state any amount on the appointment letter, all they said verbally was that if the election was won, we will move into the President Villa with the president and that is when they would place us on salary.

“So, we now worked with all our hearts without salaries or any other form of remuneration.

We served the presidential candidate and the campaign office, and after winning the election and inauguration, that was the end of the story. We were chased out of Lobito Crescent office and were sent to the campaign office to go and remain there since May last year.

“From that May till date, it is almost 17 months that we have been in campaign office without any money. We have been subjected to poverty, s we end up begging on the streets. Most of us cannot pay for our children’s school fees anymore,” she said.

Umeh said they have brought their complaints to the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who said his hands were tied and could not help them on the issue.

Two other persons who also spoke, Badiru Olabiyi Balogun and Usman Justice Sambo, said they were volunteers that were deployed from the Head Office of the BSO at Lobito Crescent, Wuse 11 to the APC PCC office as security men.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

COMMENT

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

WOMEN, INTELLECT AND POWER IN POLITICS Remi Sonaiya, a former presidential candidate, embodies gender, intellect and power in politics, writes Emmanuel Ojeifo

“My thinking was that we could not undertake this reflection on the future of the nation without putting at the centre of our consideration those who constitute that future – our young people.” – Professor Remi Sonaiya In a country where politics has long been considered the turf of men, the emergence of renowned Professor Remi Sonaiya on the political geography some years ago signalled the re-unification of gender, intellect and power in politics. As the only female presidential candidate in the 2015 presidential election under the auspices of KOWA Party, Professor Sonaiya knew that her chances of getting into the presidential villa were slim but she trudged on with determination to alter the contour, content and context of the Nigerian political conversation, from the vantage point of her intellectual horsepower.

Professor Sonaiya earned her PhD in Linguistics at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, one of America’s Ivy League colleges, and for nearly three decades, she taught linguistics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Her foray into politics has been marked by robust intellectual engagement with diverse sectors of the Nigerian society.

In 2010, she published A Trust to Earn, which contained her personal reflections on life and leadership in Nigeria.

In 2014, she published another groundbreaking book, Day Break Nigeria: This Nation Must Rise! In this book, Sonaiya attempted to paint in broad strokes the tragic failure of leadership in Nigeria, raising a battle cry for the nation to rise up to its rightful position in world affairs.

“What do so many countries, mostly in the West, do right – or, at least, what were they able to do so well in the past to significantly improve the living standards of their populations? How come several Asian countries are also succeeding in turning around their lot and bringing their populations into an era of prosperity? And why have we, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, been unable to do the same? What do we do wrong, or what critical notions have we failed to comprehend, imbibe or successfully apply, thereby ensuring that we remain the poorest, most underdeveloped, most disorganised, most unstable, most disease-ridden, most poverty-stricken region of the world, with unacceptably low – and, arguable, the most deplorable – standards of living on the globe?” Sonaiya asks.

From the perspective of a young mind, reading Sonaiya’s book brings deeper insights into the fundamental dynamics underlying Nigeria’s developmental incapacitation. According to her, over the years we have embraced anti-development habits, values, and attitudes that the rest of the world has long abandoned.

Elementary issues such as “the filling of potholes, getting water into people’s taps, making enough food available

WHAT DO WE DO WRONG, OR WHAT CRITICAL NOTIONS HAVE WE FAILED TO COMPREHEND, IMBIBE OR SUCCESSFULLY APPLY, THEREBY ENSURING THAT WE REMAIN THE POOREST, MOST UNDERDEVELOPED, MOST DISORGANISED, MOST UNSTABLE, MOST DISEASE-RIDDEN, MOST POVERTY-STRICKEN REGION OF THE WORLD?

to keep the population healthy, providing decent shelter for the people and making sure that they do not spend their evenings in darkness” continue to elude us. Basic comforts of life that are taken for granted in many countries of the world are still luxuries in Nigeria today.

In her view, there is absolutely no justifiable reason why basic, sustainable development continues to elude us in sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria.

Because there is no security of life and job at home and the enabling environment for the pursuit of liberty and happiness, there is a mass exodus of skilled professionals and artisans from Nigeria to countries of Europe and America in search of better opportunities. In Sonaiya’s opinion, “The harshness of life and the lack of prospects at home have turned my brothers and sisters into servants in foreign lands. And unlike our ancestors who were forced – raided and captured, bundled onto ships and taken to faraway lands where they were sold to masters who used them as they pleased – [today] these men and women go willingly.”

Puzzled by the mass intellectual haemorrhage occasioned by the tragic failure of leadership, Professor Sonaiya asks: “Why has it taken long for black Africa to throw up true leaders since independence over 50 years ago – leaders visionary, energetic, competent and committed to the common good? How can we redeem political leadership in Africa, and in Nigeria specifically?”

She goes on to addresses the root causes of violence, crime, corruption, mediocrity and nepotism in the country. She laments the pernicious effects of hedonism, conspicuous consumption and a pleasure-seeking lifestyle of many Nigerians. She worries about the corruption of religion, endless ethnic bickering, the undue veneration of politicians and traditional rulers, and the distorted valuesystem that have become a defining feature of Nigerian life. She wonders how deep religiosity and pervasive corruption can exist side by side as cherished values among our people and offers penetrating insights into a strange Nigerian conundrum, what many economists have called “growth without development.”

She calls for prudence, moderation, and sobriety in the way we live. She advocates for value reorientation in the workplace, at home, in school, in churches and mosques and in government offices. She asks us to dream big dreams and to work with the outline of our dreams into making Nigeria truly great. She calls us all to do our part in laying the building blocks of a system that works for the good of all. In her opinion, Nigerians must put on a defiant spirit; they must reach that point on the downward slope when they say, “enough is enough” to the excesses of their leaders.

Ojeifo is a Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Abuja

THE HANDS OF GOD

P

Sunday Adigun urges all to support the government of Yahaya Bello for the progress of Kogi State

rior to the recent decision of the Court of Appeal reaffirming Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi as duly elected, it had been observed with keen interest, the sustained onslaught in a section of the media on the respected judges of the Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal for ‘daring’ to validate the election of Governor Yahaya Bello.

Reading through some of the articles, and even in some extreme cases, editorial comments on the election tribunal ruling, one could easily see that some unseen hands had busied themselves attempting to use the media platform to manipulate public opinion just as they tried to call the integrity of the governor and the respected tribunal judges to question. Cleverly disguised as right to freedom of expression, authors of these articles descended on the governor in an attempt to make him look like he is the bad guy.

It was clear from these media interventions that the anti-Yahaya Bello campaigners will stop at nothing to stand logic on its head by constantly pummelling the tribunal judgment as if it was a piece of ruling from hell and should therefore be discarded by the appeal court.

We saw this kind of scenario played out in a number of instances before, where politicians who had lost out at elections resorted to the use of media platforms to pressurise and intimidate the judiciary to

get unmerited judgments particularly where they don’t get the chance to compromise the judges through the usual underhand methods.

In their desperation to harass the judiciary to submit to their wishes, they deployed the services of some so-called legal ‘experts’ to do a serial interpretation of the tribunal ruling and discrediting same as if they alone understood the letters and spirit of the constitution and the electoral act better than the judges whose jobs it is to handle such matters.

It was therefore not surprising that these people have continued to react angrily to the Appeal Court’s judgment that reaffirmed Governor Bello, as duly nominated and validly elected.

One would have expected that every genuine stakeholder in Kogi State should by now rally around the young governor in order to fast-track the much needed development which for decades has eluded the state due to the fact that it had been cornered by political jobbers and infamous godfathers.

Rather, what we are seeing from the opponents are posturing of bitterness, even after the governor has magnanimously extended the olive branch to all who might be aggrieved one way or the other.

While it is expected that the judicial fireworks would ultimately get to the Supreme Court, it is however important to clarify that the issues before the court

are not as complex as some people try to present them. The Supreme Court will not and cannot be expected to search for extraneous reasons outside what the two lower courts had decided in considering the merit or otherwise of Hon. James Faleke’s petition challenging Yahaya Bello’s election.

Section 141 of the Electoral Act clearly covers Alhaji Yahaya Bello in the sense that not only did he participate in the primary of the Kogi State All Progressives’ Congress governorship primary, he went on to participate in the supplementary election to conclude the entire process which started with the primary. His main challenger did not participate in the primaries but was only nominated as a running mate by another candidate after the primary election in which Bello was a runner-up.

It was a sound political judgment on the part of the APC leadership to have presented Bello as the substitute to Prince Abubakar Audu who unfortunately died before the gubernatorial elections could be concluded in November 2015, necessitating the drafting in of Bello who came second in the APC governorship primaries.

And the APC acted within the purview of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2010 (As Amended) which empowers a political party to substitute a candidate in the case of death before or in course of an election.

This case is clearly different from that of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Bonnie Haruna,

the governorship candidate and his deputy respectively in the gubernatorial elections of Adamawa State in 1999. In this instant case, the elections had been concluded and Atiku declared the winner.

But before he could be sworn-in, he had been appointed as the Vice-Presidential running mate to former President Olusegun Obasanjo who had emerged as the presidential standard-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This paved the way for Bonnie Haruna to take over the mantle of leadership of Adamawa State as the governor-elect.

One would therefore urge those who are yet to come to terms with the reality of Bello as the current leader of Kogi politics by virtue of his being governor to tarry a while. The hands of God have apparently manifested in what has happened, and as a people who claim to be religious, it behoves on all to embrace the man with open heart so that Kogi can witness transformation and progress.

This is the time for all lovers of peace and development in Kogi State to unite behind Governor Yahaya Bello and work harmoniously to reposition the state for greatness.

Endless bickering and litigations cannot take the state anywhere. Rather, what is required to move the state forward is unity of purpose. All the political gladiators must therefore cooperate with Governor Bello in the interest of the state.

Adigun wrote Lokoja, Kogi State

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

EDITORIAL CONSEQUENCES OF ARMS PROLIFERATION

I

Everyone is endangered, unless the authorities move fast to stem the trend

f anyone was in doubt about the danger posed to national security by the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) in the country, such doubt must have been cleared by the recent announcement that the Nigerian Army lost 11 personnel, including an officer to an attack by some bandits at Kopa, Dagma and Gagaw villages of Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State. The troops were on a cordon and search operation to recover suspected cache of weapons and arrest their owners when they were downed in an ambush by the bandits.

That tragedy has signposted the urgent need to address the menace of arms proliferation that has posed a clear and present danger to the security of the nation, especially against the background that available statistics paint a grim picture of a disaster waiting to happen. And the pity is that the response from the authorities is too lackadaisical to inspire hope that gun-running would be effectively brought under control soonest.

A recent research showed that out of the 857 million small arms and light weapons in the world, THERE IS A COMPELLING 500 million are illegal NEED TO UPGRADE with 100 million found THE OPERATIONAL in sub- Saharan Africa.

CAPACITY OF THE About 7.5 per cent SECURITY AGENCIES of that is in Nigeria.

TO MAN THE NATION’S This damning figure BOARDERS AS WELL AS was confirmed by the OVERHAUL OUR ARMS findings at a NaSTOCKPILE MANAGEMENT tional Consultation on STRUCTURE TO MAKE Physical Security and IT LESS PRONE TO THE Stockpile Management ABUSE in Abuja. Organised by the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament and the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, it was found that 350 million of the 500 million SALWs in West Africa are in Nigeria.

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOlA BEllO, KAYODE KOMOlAFE, ISRAEl IWEGBU, EMMANUEl EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OlUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS pETER IWEGBU, FIDElIS ElEMA, MBAYIlAN ANDOAKA, ANThONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEh ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS hENRY NWAChOKOR, SAhEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOlA TAIWO, UChENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER pATRICK EIMIUhI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOlUFAShE ART DIRECTOR OChI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION ChUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

With a whopping 7.5 per cent of Africa’s illegal arms and 70 per cent of the West African sub-region’s SALWs, 90 per cent of which are in the hands of non-state actors, any wonder why there is so much strife in the country? Yet the situation only promises to grow worse with the influx of weapons from the residue of the conflicts in Libya and Mali. Indeed the Nigerian Customs Services said recently that it had seized arms and ammunition imported into the country from the United States and Europe on 17 different occasions at various points of entry between 2012 and 2016.

What this has revealed clearly is that there is a growing market for SALWs in the country and government ought to intervene more decisively to stem the ugly tide. The insurgency in the North-East, the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta, the menace of herdsmen in the NorthCentral and the rising wave of violent crimes, including armed robbery and kidnappings, particularly in the SouthEast and the South-West of the country are directly linked to the upsurge in SALWs even as they demonstrate the concrete negative impact on national efforts at integration and development.

To deal with these challenges, government needs to be more serious. For instance, in spite of the fact that Nigeria is a signatory to the ECOWAS protocols, the National Assembly is yet to pass the National Commission against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill.

Indeed, Nigeria is the only West African country that does not have the commission that is saddled with the responsibility of tracking the spread of SALWs. Also loitering in the federal legislature is a bill to amend the archaic 1959 Firearms Act that regulates the use of firearms in the country.

The executive needs to fast track the passage of these remedial legislations in order to provide a more practicable and efficient legal framework to tackle the problem. To this, we must add the compelling necessity to upgrade the operational capacity of the security agencies to man the nation’s boarders as well as overhaul our arms stockpile management structure to make it less prone to the abuse.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

PROMOTING SELFLESS SERVICE TO HUMANITY August 19 each year, the world commemorates the World Humanitarian Day. The day is dedicated to recognise humanitarian personnel and those who lost their lives while working for humanitarian causes. The event was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as part of a Swedish-sponsored General Assembly resolution on strengthening the coordination of emergency assistance of the UN. The World Humanitarian Day is a time to recognise those who face danger and adversity while helping others. The day was set aside to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, which claimed 22 lives including that of the then special representative of the UN SecretaryGeneral to Iraq in the person of Sergio Vieira de Mello.

The declaration of August 19 as World Humanitarian Day was the outcome of the relentless efforts of Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation coupled with the partnership of the deceased’s family with the Ambassadors of France, Switzerland, Japan, as well as Brazil in both Geneva and New York in tabling and steering the draft resolution through the UN General Assembly. The effort of the foundation was to ensure that

the tragic loss of the said hero and his colleagues and all the humanitarian personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifices were not in vain.

Sergio Vieira de Mello, a Brazilian, dedicated his lifetime spanning over 30 years in the UN, serving in some of the most challenging humanitarian situations in the world, to reach the voiceless victims of armed conflict, alleviate their suffering and draw global attention to their plight.

His death alongside 21 of his colleagues in 2003 deprived the victims of armed conflict worldwide of a unique humanitarian leader of unmatched courage, drive and empathy.

The tragic event also robbed the humanitarian community of an outstanding leader and intellectual whose thought, philosophy, dynamism and courage inspired all, and remains a timeless legacy to emulate by generations yet unborn.

Mindful of this legacy, in 2006, the family of the late humanitarian icon and a group of close friends founded the Sergio Vieira de Mello Foundation dedicated to continue his unfinished mission of encouraging dialogue between communities and relieving the predicament faced by the victims of humanitarian crises.

The World Humanitarian Day was

commemorated for the first time on August 19, 2009. As the international community marks the event today, we are all urged to borrow a leaf from the indelible landmark achievements of the great warrior and legend – Sergio Vieira de Mello. To this end, we are all expected to strive towards promoting selfless service in our respective endeavours.

Surely, the most important thing to any man remains his/her welfare. Welfare could be referred to as one’s well-being, or organised efforts to ensure the basic well-being of people in need. Since the term ‘humanitarianism’ has to do with human welfare, it is of no need reiterating the fact that this remarkable event was set aside to sensitise mankind on the need for people to help one another, and for anyone to support any crusade that is targeted at promoting the welfare of those in need.

We must be willing and ready to volunteer ourselves whenever our services are required in our various jurisdictions. It’s very disheartening to notice that whenever tragic incidents occurred, some persons’ intent is usually how they would benefit from the crisis. Which is rather sad. It’s our duty to ensure that we bring succour to the

needy, or those victimised by a crisis such as war, terrorism, religious extremism, and genocide, just to mention but a few.

Furthermore, since no one ever wishes to be in a community or society made up of only him or her, we ought to ensure that the sustenance of the well-being of our relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues, associates, as the case may be, is at all times our civic responsibility. By so doing, we can boast of a peaceful society filled with united individuals.

So, as Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the World Humanitarian Day, I enjoin every relevant body - religious institutions, civil society, mass media, governments at all levels and well-meaning individuals, to do everything humanly possible toward ensuring that selfless service to humanity is deeply promoted come rain come shine. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “In a world that is ever more digitally connected, each of us has the power and responsibility to inspire our fellow human beings to act to help others and create a more humane world”.

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor, Centre for Counselling, Research & Career Development, Owerri

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

POLITICS

Group Politics Editor Olawale Olaleye Email wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com 08116759819 SMS ONLY

PERSONALITY FOCUS

Clinton’s Comforting Cuddling by Republicans With more Republicans ditching their own presidential nominee, Donald Trump, for the Democratic Party’s candidate, Hillary Clinton, the choice between the two is clear, writes Adeola Akinremi

T

he Hillary Clinton Campaign is making an impressive gain in an unpredictable election season, where two unlikable and deeply flawed candidates are courting American voters. On the face of it, it appears the race belongs to Clinton with the statistics churned out so far on who’s leading where.

Clinton has opened a commanding lead in swing states, including North Carolina, Colorado, Ohio, Virginia and Pennsylvania among others. And the defeatist mindset of the Republican candidate, a belligerent Donald Trump, is casting shadow on his own effort. Trump has repeatedly claimed in recent speeches that the election will be rigged.

“The only way we can lose, in my opinion — I really mean this, Pennsylvania is if cheating goes on and we have to call up law enforcement and we have to have the sheriffs and the police chiefs and everyone watching because if we get cheated out of this election, if we get cheated out of a win in Pennsylvania, which is such a vital state especially when I know what is happening here,” he said, adding: “She can’t beat what’s happening here. The only way they can beat it in my opinion, and I mean this 100 per cent, if in certain sections of the state they cheat.”

Trump is behind Clinton in Pennsylvania (one of key states) with polls showing Clinton in the lead with 9 points. Clinton’s lead in the polls may not be unconnected to the way she defined Trump early, calling him a “loose cannon” and “dangerous presidential hopeful.”

That was accentuated by the Michael Bloomberg’s endorsement for Clinton and his classification of Trump as a “dangerous demagogue” that American voters should be wary of.

Bloomberg, a former Mayor of New York, who was once a Republican and later an independent said: “To me, this election is not a choice between a Democrat and a Republican. It’s a choice about who is better to lead our country right now, better for our economy, better for our security, better for our freedom, and better for our future. There is no doubt in my mind that Hillary Clinton is the right choice this November.”

Its people like Bloomberg with Independent cloak and several others in the Republican Party now rooting for Mrs. Clinton that is making the mandate an easy one for Clinton.

By and large, there has not been a significant shift in Secretary Clinton’s promise to American voters and she has been consistent with issues that the Democratic Party takes seriously, but her aggressive courting of the Republican leaders and party faithful is worrisome for some liberal Democrats, though they agreed that it is a good strategy in an unpredictable election season.

Clinton has vigorously pursued Republican votes and has toasted them with the names they are familiar with like Mitt Romney and John McCain.

In a no Trump Op-ed, published on Monday August 8, by Los Angeles Times, David Shulman, a diehard Republican wrote: “Donald Trump had flamed out of the primaries as almost everyone expected, I would have proudly voted for Marco Rubio, John Kasich or Jeb Bush, and would have supported Scott Walker or Chris Christie.

But compared with these candidates,

Clinton...the election could be hers to lose

Donald Trump lives on another planet.

Simply put, he is neither a Republican nor a conservative as we have understood those terms for decades. Instead, I will vote for Hillary Clinton in November. Despite her serious flaws, Clinton believes in America and its values. Trump — who would establish religious tests for immigration and ethnic tests for judges — does not. She is open to the world; Trump is not.

Trump believes in only himself. As Khizr Kahn, the Muslim father of a slain U.S. Army captain noted at the Democratic Convention: Trump has “sacrificed nothing.”

From different groups such as Republicans for Hillary to Republican Women for Hill-

There may indeed be compromise necessary to palliate those working for Clinton within the Republican Party, if she wins the election and becomes the first woman president America will ever know, but it will be up to her to call the shot in the interest of Americans and the progressive leaning known with the Democratic Party

ary, self-inflicted injuries of the Republican nominee is making party members to jump the ship daily.

Last Monday, no fewer than 50 Republican national security officials declared in an open letter that they would not vote for Trump.

“From a foreign policy perspective, Donald Trump is not qualified to be President and Commander-in-Chief,” they wrote. “Indeed, we are convinced that he would be a dangerous President and would put at risk our country’s national security and well-being.”

And days after, the Clinton campaign celebrated endorsements from a long list of 50 more high-profile Republicans. They are people who are important to the Republican Party. They served with Ronald Reagan and George Bush administrations. Some of them spokespersons, others donors, party enthusiast and elected officials.

On August 9, a Republican Senator from Maine, Susan Collins said: “I have become increasingly dismayed by his constant stream of cruel comments and his inability to admit error or apologise. But it was his attacks directed at people, who could not respond on an equal footing — either because they do not share his power or stature or because professional responsibility precluded them from engaging at such a level — that revealed Mr. Trump as unworthy of being our president.”

Clinton has doggedly pursued Republican votes since she opened her campaign, especially since Trump is not staying on message. Now, political pundits are saying the current trend may persist with Clinton strongly in the lead and voters continued to be with her across the aisle.

According to The politico, those who have studied presidential campaigns since 1952 — the advent of modern polling and

TV — aren’t writing off Trump yet. But they say that time is running short for Trump to reverse the trajectory of the race before voters’ preferences become locked in.

“There are only a handful of opportunities left for Trump to impact the race, including the three general-election debates, in which Trump has indicated he intends to participate, though he wants to negotiate some of the details. But some pollsters caution that there is a significant risk that, even by the first debate in late September, the race will be locked in against Trump, who would be on an inexorable path to defeat regardless of how he performs,” the online political news said.

One analyst, Professor Christopher Wleszian of the University of Texas who co-authored the book, the Timeline of Presidential Elections: How Campaigns Do (and Do Not) Matter told the news medium that Trump has slim chance of making it during the presidential election in November.

He said: “When you come out of the conventions, the leader in the last 16 elections has not lost the popular vote.” The polls have changed in states where Trump won overwhelming votes during primaries. They are now in favour of Mrs. Clinton.

Undoubtedly, the time period around and immediately after conventions is always critical in America’s election because it is the time voters make up their minds regardless of how the campaign progresses.

There’s another complication for Trump according to the Politico that candidates trailing historically didn’t face the proliferation of early and no-excuse absentee voting over the past decade or so. It says in accordance with the National Conference of State Legislatures, 37 states allow voters to cast their ballots before Election Day if they wish. And, in some states, the no-excuse absentee ballots are mailed to voters as early as next month.

So much for Trump really, but whose mandate will Clinton use as she takes over the oval office as the first American woman president when that happens?

“If she’s going to get anything done as president, she is going to have to have a mandate,” said Robert B. Reich, a secretary of labour in Bill Clinton’s administration, who supported Bernie Sanders in the primary.

The Clinton campaign understands that sentiment too and last Friday, the campaign released collection of supportive quotes from left-leaning leaders and political groups that includes words taken from twitter to prove that Clinton will not waver on promises.

“She is not just running as the alternative to the other guy. She is running on a progressive policy agenda that she seriously believes will make a difference in people’s lives,” Brian Fallon, a campaign spokesman, said in an email. “If she wins, it will not just mean a rejection of Donald Trump. It will be a call to action on the issues she has championed.”

There may indeed be compromise necessary to palliate those working for Clinton within the Republican Party, if she wins the election and becomes the first woman president America will ever know, but it will be up to her to call the shot in the interest of Americans and the progressive leaning known with the Democratic Party.

But as she said during her speech in Philadelphia, when she accepted her nomination as the candidate of her party for the White House, “America is once again at a moment of reckoning.”

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Did Buhari Get It Wrong 31 Years Ago? President Muhammadu Buhari should revisit the closure of our borders as he did in his days as military head of state as part of an economic and security strategy, writes Magnus Onyibe

L

ast week my security gate keeper suddenly packed his luggage with the intention of quitting his job. The reason he decided to withdraw his services and return to his country is the weakening exchange rate between the CFA the franc-currency of the African Francophone countries and the naira.

If you have not guessed already, my security man, Honoree is from the Republic of Benin and after receiving his salary every month he changes a portion of it into CFA franc and remits same to his folks back home.

Owing to the fact that the Naira was stronger than the CFA franc, he migrated to Nigeria to work and earn income to be remitted home, but with the current devaluation of the Naira- less CFA franc is now being exchanged for the Naira so working in Nigeria which was attractive in the past, has now become unviable for Honoree, necessitating his decision to return to his home country.

My gate keeper’s sudden decision has put me on notice with my chef, Micheal, who is from Togo. Only a couple of weeks ago, Micheal requested for salary advance which I obliged him. With hindsight, he might have done so because the portion of his salary that he usually retains in Nigeria after remitting the other portion to Togo was probably inadequate to cover his local expenses due to the inflation arising from Naira devaluation.

My gateman and chef are just examples of millions of Africans, who owing to the fact that the Naira was over-valued, have been coming in droves to earn their living in Nigeria. Before the infamous Ghana Must Go Episode of 1985 – expulsion of over 700, 000 aliens from Nigeria – up till now, the high value of the Naira, has been encouraging the steady influx of artisans from neighboring countries like Republic of Togo, Niger Republic, Chad, Ghana, eking out their living in Nigeria.

These foreigners fill up job vacancies as masons, tailors, mechanics, electricians, plumbers and marble tillers etc in Nigeria simply because of the oil boom that is now fast turning into a burst, which made our currency stronger than that of their home countries. But with the Naira now significantly devalued, as international oil prices plummet in the past couple of months, as they say in street lingo, levels have changed, and the foreign nationals, who had been working in Nigeria and have been denying Nigerians of artisan jobs, are now vacating the jobs and in the process creating vacancies for Nigerians.

Unbeknown to me, and I believe most Nigerians, my two domestic staff who are foreigners from neighboring African countries constitute a drain on Nigeria’s forex because when we pay them salaries and as foreign nationals, they convert a portion of their salaries into remittances back home and that represents an import cost, which has a negative bearing on our forex resources.

Now, this is contrary to the notion created by some anti-devaluation crusaders on the side of President Buhari, who have argued that Nigeria does not export finished products like iPhones or other high tech items like computer chips from Silicon Valley in the USA, neither is Nigeria like South Korea that has Samsung tvs or Kia cars to export, which could have justified devaluing the Naira.

Conversely, devaluation advocates had fired back by validating their position with the fact that a strong Naira encourages higher propensity to import ‘cheap’ stuff like high end champagne or low end tooth pick into Nigeria including employment of foreigners to engage in jobs that Nigerians could have easily taken up as illustrated by my personal experience.

They conclude that it is such indulgence

Buhari

that has been leading to the unwarranted depletion of our foreign exchange reserve.

This is a classical case of the argument on whether the glass is half full or half empty.

As a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), where an economic treaty for free movement of people and goods has been signed, foreign nationals have easy migration access to Nigeria and as the country with the largest economy in Africa, boasting an estimated GDP in excess of $530 billion, nationals of less endowed countries have been making a beeline for Nigeria.

Considering that the recent referendum in the United Kingdom, U.K, tagged: BREXIT that led to her exit from European Union was influenced by jobs losses by British citizens to foreign nationals, (would your white hotel guests prefer white chamber maids from Eastern Europe to non-white Britons?) Nigerian authorities should have been studying the pattern of immigration into our country with a view to determining the implications on the economy in terms of employment and security/safety of Nigerians.

This is more so because it is free movement of people within the ECOWAS borders similar to what obtains in the EU which the UK just exited via a referendum that has been aiding terrorists in their recent bombing expeditions in France and Belgium. In a similar fashion, it is believed that the Boko haram religious fundamentalists might have been migrating into Nigeria from neighboring countries like Chad and Niger Republic.

The assertion above is buttressed by the fact that both countries that are our neighbors have been experiencing schisms related to religious fundamentalism for a very long period of time and of which Nigeria has been intervening over the years. This is probably the reason the Nigerian authorities had cause about 31 years ago to shut down Nigerian borders to stem violent crimes and smuggling during the estimated 20 months reign of General Muhamadu Buhari on the saddle of leadership between 1983 and 1985 as head of state and commander-in-chief of Nigerian armed forces.

Writing in New York Times, NYT of May 12, 1985, Sheila Rule reported in a news item titled Ghanaians Expelled by Nigeria, Return to Start Over, that “On May 3, the Nigerian government told 700,000 illegal aliens that they had a week to leave and that the borders previously closed to prevent smuggling, would be open for their departure. In addition to the 300,000 migrant workers from Ghana, there are about 100,000 from Niger; most of the rest were from Chad and Cameroun,” she reported.

Continuing, the NYT reporter noted that “It was Nigeria’s second mass expulsion of aliens, who had been attracted to African oil giant in hopes of gaining a foothold or fleeing drought. Sheila Rule finally observed

that “falling oil prices have slowed Nigeria’s economy, and foreigners viewed as depriving citizens of jobs are being expelled”.

When I came upon the foregoing excerpts in the course of my research for this article, I felt a sense of dejavu as I wondered how Nigeria has turned back 360 degrees to where she was 31 one years ago with the economy in doldrums, politics in shambles and the same personality, General Muhamadu Buhari, back at the helm of affairs.

At first, the reality broke my heart, but my spirit became buoyed by the fact that our country is now practicing multi-party democracy and Buhari has now transformed from a dictator to a democrat having been elected president of Nigeria.

As a result, President Muhamadu Buhari is now addressing the perennial socioeconomic and political challenges with less draconian policies of deporting aliens, but with more pragmatic economic and strategic initiatives like devaluing the Naira which is a monetary approach and the introduction of fiscal policy measures like backward integration and investment in infrastructure etc.

However, to finally asphyxiate Boko Haram, perhaps, President Buhari should revisit the strategy of shutting down our borders as he is now doing with War Against Indiscipline (WAI), which he is rebranding to promote discipline in our society – a hallmark of his days as military head of state.

This would enable each of the member countries of the task force against terrorism trap and confine the Boko Haram insurgents and other criminal elements within their respective borders thereby enabling them deal squarely with the anti-social elements before reopening the borders again with more effective policing.

Reorganising Nigeria’s border posts would benefit Nigeria in two folds: (1) protect our borders from religious insurgents like Boko Haram and cross border criminal elements (2) enable our customs service working with consultants trap revenue leaking out through smuggling.

To be clear, I’m not in any way advocating walling-off our neighbours like Donald Trump, the Republican Party presidential hopeful in the USA intends to do with Mexico.

But I’m only suggesting that we become better organised at the border posts in order to keep track of the developments in that sphere and mitigate any further negative implications while earning the tax revenue through legitimate trade currently lost to criminal elements.

Nigerian can truly be what the United States of America is to North America if we position ourselves very well for trade and politics that would facilitate mutually beneficial leadership as if she takes up a hegemonic role.

Also, it needs pointing out that I’m not encouraging wholesome return of WAI with horse-whipping of citizens and other barbaric acts associated with the initiative, but just a variant of it with particular attention to forming anti-corruption marshals in ministries, departments and agencies, MDGs and cleaning up our environment. Has anybody wondered why there is so much filthiness in our living environs, even in highbrow and very expensive real estate locations like Ikoyi in Lagos and Maitama in Abuja?

In Singapore, people go to jail for littering the street with items as innocuous as bubble gum, hence it is one of the cleanest countries in the world. One good thing about the floating Naira policy is that as foreign nationals are now voluntarily exiting Nigeria owing to a weakened Naira, the vacancies that they are leaving behind would be filled by unemployed Nigerians hitherto denied the job opportunities by their probably more savvy foreign counterparts.

Another good thing is that a weakened Naira also compels Nigerians to descend from their high horses by toning down their epicurean tastes and settling for Nigerian made products. Already, in place of imported tomatoes purée from China etc, fresh tomatoes widely grown in the Bauchi/ Gombe zones known to be food basket are being processed into purée locally. Rice is also being aggressively farmed and milled in Kebbi State with the potential of boosting local supply and reducing import.

Similarly, Irish potatoes endemic to Jos, Plateau State area is now about to be processed locally into packaged chips for French fries by a new company set up for that purpose as opposed to being imported, if the devaluation of the Naira is sustained.

By the same token, an entrepreneur may come up with plans on how to harness the abundant cassava crops sprouting widely all over Delta State, so that it would be processed into starch to serve the pharmaceutical industry etc.

But the narrative above is just the palatable and sunny parts of the Naira devaluation experiences, which have become a swan song of sorts.

There is the gloomy, unsavory and dark side to floating of the Naira which is just beginning to manifest. With dollar exchanging at N400/$1 in the open market as opposed to N197/$1 barely a couple of months ago, the prices of practically everything in Nigeria are now double, in consonance with the doubling of the Naira exchange rate.

As a result, banks’ balance sheets are now double the original size, and to keep their lending within financial institutions prudential guidelines, they have to make provisions to forestall violating the limits without granting new loans.

Consequently, practically all the banks in Nigeria are not granting new credit facilities as they are struggling to balance their accounts in light of their over-exposed loans positions which are precarious.

Undoubtedly, Nigerian financial system is basically gasping for breath, apologies to former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently used the metaphor to describe the former ruling political party, Peoples Democratic Party a platform with which he ruled Nigeria for 8 years. Depending on how dexterous the authorities are, the economy may be resilient enough until boom returns again or become unable to withstand the Naira devaluation pressure and literarily fall off the cliff.

-Onyibe, a development strategist and former Commissioner in Delta State is an alumnus of the Fletcher school of Law and Diplomacy, Medford, Massachusetts, USA NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD FOREIGN AIRLINES SERVICING NIGERIA NOW OPERATE FROM GHANA fact that Nigeria’s economy is suffering.

The AON Chief said Mobile and Total are making excess profits from their downstream operations because of the runaway revenues they generate from the sale of aviation fuel.

Meggison said AON should be given allocation to start importing Jet A1, noting that domestic carriers need about 1.2 million litres of fuel a day.

The secretary of Aviation Round Table (ART) and former Commandant of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd) said that oil marketers have priced aviation fuel out of reality, pointing out that by selling the product from N200 per litre it is no more in consonance with the exchange rate.

“When dollar was sold for N165 the price of aviation fuel was about N80.00 per litre. Now the price of dollar has doubled, so ideally the price of aviation fuel should be about N160.00.

AYADE RESTATES COMMITMENT TO N300BN BAKASSI DEEP SEAPORT would support the exportation of agricultural products of the state.”

Ayade said the state government is planning to cultivate the largest banana plantation in the world and would be exporting the products through the deep seaport.

He noted that the Calabar port would serve as a transit port to support the mother vessels that would be operating at the Bakassi deep seaport.

“We will provide supervision for the dredging of the Calabar Port. We will do our best to support you in the dredging of the Calabar Port, “he said.

In her response, Usman assured the governor that the NPA would jointly work with the state government to have sustainable development of the ports.

“We would interact exhaustively on way forward to improve the Calabar port,” she said.

NEWS

NAICOM Suspends Use of Channel Partners in Insurance Product Distribution Ebere Nwoji The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), has suspended all financial activities concerning bancassurance and use of channel partners in insurance product distribution by insurance operators.

The regulator insisted that henceforth every insurance product distribution channel must be licenced by it.

The Commissioner for insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, who disclosed this at the investiture ceremony of the 22nd Chairman of the Nigeria Insurers Association ( NIA), Mr. Eddie Efekoha, in Lagos said henceforth, all activities concerning bancassurance have to be suspended until NAICOM licences channel partners. The commissioner’s latest decision on insurance product distribution channel may not be unconnected with recent controversy between the commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) in which according to Kari, the apex bank wrote the commission last week saying it cannot allow the commission to licence financial institutions in the country especially banks for any reason.

Against this backdrop, Kari, on his part, said laws guiding insurance industry, does not allow anybody or institution to operate or earn commission from the industry without being licenced by the commission.

“If we don’t license them, our law forbids anybody to

earn commission from insurance company and it makes it illegal for licenced insurance companies to deal with anybody who is not licenced and as insurance companies are licenced by us, it is them we will go after, if they infringe in the law, we will deal with them. We have always allowed it because we want to deepen insurance penetration and at the same time, we are trying to bring out rules and regulation. They must be done

within rules and regulation but that has failed. So we cannot allow it,” Kari insisted.

Kari explained that another reason for his latest decision to apply the law on insurance distribution channel is because, the commission, in a bid to ensure insurance penetration in the country, before now allowed insurance firms to enter into agreement with the distribution partners for a period not longer than two years.

He said latest information reaching the commission, showed that some insurance firms signed ten years agreement with their channel partners and even pay commission in advance to the partners.

“There is a bank and insurance company that signed ten years agreement whereas our directive is that it cannot exceed two years. There are insurance companies that have paid a bank commission in advance,

these are totally irresponsible on the part of both parties”, the commissioner said.

Because of this, Kari, said until the guidelines come out, the commission must strictly operate by the rules, which is that anybody who is to transact insurance business must be licenced by the commission.

These he said, include all airlines, financial institutions, mobile telephone network operators among others.

EXCHANGING PLEASANTRIES

L-R: Executive Director, SystemSpecs Limited; Mr Deremi Atanda; Acting Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA), Dr. Vincent Olatunji and Managing Director, SystemSpecs Limited, Mr. John Obaro, during a courtesy visit by NITDA to SystemSpecs’ office in Lagos...recently ABIODUN AJALA

Customs Boss Pays Unannounced Visits to Apapa, Tin Can Ports Eromosele Abiodun In a bid to find solutions to corruption challenges and address complaints by customs licensed agents and port users, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone “A”, Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ACG Eporwei Charles Edike over the weekend visited some of the sea ports in Lagos, Apapa and Tin Can, unannounced.

Without escorts or aides, the Customs chief, who disguised

as an agent, mingled with other agents and customs officers inside customs offices in order to ascertain the level of efficiency and quality of service rendered by Customs officers to port users.

Dressed in plain jeans and T-shirts, the ACG was in Apapa in the morning to see if reports that Customs officers come to work late were true.

He walked around unrecognised by agents, who had also arrived waiting to be attended to.

At the APMT office in Apapa, Edike met a huge crowd of agents who were begging APM officials to attend to them.

Edike, who had to reveal his identity in order to address the situation asked the APMT officials to avoid delaying agents unnecessarily.

The visibly angry Edike said: “Time is money. Every second counts, by delaying these people cost of doing business is increased. It also makes our ports unattractive to customers.

We must eliminate delays to

reduce time and costs if our ports are to be competitive and attractive to port users within the West African Sub-region.”

The ACG also inspected Customs offices and officers and charged them to sit up and live up to national expectations.

At the Tin Can port, he interacted with clearing agents, made enquiries on what their challenges are before entering Customs offices to inspect officers and men of the Service.

The ACG met with the CACs of the two commands

to find lasting solutions to the identified gaps. He charged the Area Controllers to be on their toes and ensure that ports users enjoy efficient services.

Edike also tasked the CACs to ensure that not a kobo accruing to government as revenue is lost under any guise.

According to the ACG, “These are very trying times for everybody; government needs funds to carry out developmental projects and to meet its obligations locally and internationally.

SIFAX Boss Proffers Solutions to Greenfield Seaport Development Challenges Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku Maritime Editor

John Iwori

AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Linda Eroke (Labour) Eromosele Abiodun (Cap Mkt) Ejiofor Alike (Energy) James Emejo (Nation’s Capital) Obinna Chima (Money Mkt) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritime)

Eromosele Abiodun The acting Managing Director, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, Mohammed Bulangu, has identified areas that the government needs to address in order for the country to take advantage of the on-going Greenfield seaport development.

Bulangu pointed out these solutions while delivering a lecture titled: “Greenfield Development: Imperative for Port Development in Africa” at the African Day of Seas and Oceans hosted by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in

Lagos recently.

According to him, there is an urgent need to find sustainable solutions to various impediments bedevilling the laudable projects.These challenges, he stated include unstable government policies, lack of safety and security of funds invested by promoters, comfort of investors not guaranteed and non-provision of adequate measures to ensure continuity, lack of infrastructure, efficient transport system, among others.

“Looking at the port development projects Nigeria is embarking upon now- Greenfield ports at Lekki, the proposed port at Badagry and also the Olokola port on the borders

of Ogun and Ondo states, one important missing link that can be observed is accessibility. On the completion of these ports, if some key and fundamental challenges, of which accessibility is the chief, are not addressed, serious environmental and economic issues will arise especially with the Lekki port.”

Bulangu further noted that all these challenges are surmountable if the government can guarantee safety and security of lives and investments put into the development of such Greenfield projects.

He added that there is an urgent need to deploy adequate security within the country’s territorial waters to check the

activities of pirates and sea robbers.

Other areas that the Ports & Cargo boss suggested the government should attend to include provision of modern infrastructure, integrated transportation system which includes good road network, efficient rail system and revitalisation of inland waterways for the movement of persons and goods, attractive incentives for investors, including friendly tax policies and streamlining of operational procedures for smooth service delivery.

He said, “With the continued increase in global sea-borne trade and vessel sizes deployed to many routes for economies

of scale operation, the need for new ports development with deep draft and large stacking areas for transhipment and transit cargo are becoming imperative.

“New trends in maritime trade have also dictated that new port development takes into considerations a shift from its traditional roles as only destination of imports for the country and for its exports, but as hubs for connection and transhipment to other ports.

Greenfield port development within supply chain now comes with activities such as cargo/ warehousing, sorting, packaging, ship repairs, fuelling, discharge and many more.”

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Aviation Industry Retirees Face Doom and Gloom

Chinedu Eze writes that retired workers of aviation agencies are going through harrowing times to get their benefits Recently in a chat with newsmen, one of the senior officials of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) painted a gory picture of what retired officials of the agency go through. The senior official revealed that the agency owed its retired personnel about N18 billion.

“What we realised is that in NAMA we have funds tied down somewhere and then we are carrying liabilities. When you look at just pension, this is an emotional side of it. We are in liability of almost N18billion.

So we have a situation in this system that somebody will retire and for the next three years he is on queue waiting to earn his benefits. You put in 35 years and retire. You were used to earning something monthly, but at the time you are weaker, you are older and you may even be sick and the time you need all the support; that is when you begin to earn nothing, as the salary stops. That is the situation we have now,” he said.

This is the fate of many who have retired from NAMA. It is the same problem with the retired officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) where some of the workers that retired three years ago are yet to get their gratuity. In the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) the management was unable to make a clear arrangement with the Pension Fund Administrators, which brought a lot of confusion on how to settle the retirement benefits of the workers.

An official of the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) told THISDAY on Wednesday that the pensioners have an association that agitates for the payment of their benefits; that even the unions also carry out campaigns to ensure that management of the agencies pay them.

“In FAAN and NAMA it is not a question whether they have the money. The money is there but they don’t manage it prudently.

In FAAN, they keep on recruiting new staff that are not even skilled or needed and the money, which would have been used to pay pensioners, is used to pay new workers whose services are not even needed. I know NAMA and FAAN can do better. NAMA generates most of its money on foreign currency but is not prudent in the utilisation of the money.

Until the invasion of NAMA by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who would have thought that such humongous amount of money could be allegedly stolen and the agency would still be working and paying salaries. They don’t want to settle the pensioners that is the truth,” the ATSSSAN official said.

Housing Fiasco and Monetisation Policy Recently there was on-going conflict between aviation agencies, especially FAAN and NAMA, where retired officials laid claim to the accommodation at the agencies’ living quarters where they lived until they are retired. The retired officers insist that in recognition of the monetisation policy of the federal government that they ought to buy the apartment where they lived until they retired. In fact, their names had been slated by the presidential committee in charge of the policy implementation, but the agencies are kicking against this and also are questioning the implementation of the policy, which with new administration at the centre may push for a change of that policy. Recently, a policy that once an officer is appointed a director in any of the federal government agencies he has to retire after eight years was changed and the old system that an officer should retire after 35 years of service or when he turns 60 years has been returned.

In the monetisation policy, which is also referred to as fringe benefits, a new approach to the remuneration of public officers in Nigeria was introduced by Acts 2002, which provided the reference point for monetisation of the

Eze standing amidst his thrown out household effects

salaries and allowances of all categories of federal public servants, which stipulated that the fringe benefits, which were formally paid in kinds be converted to cash by the salary and wage commission.

It was believed that the policy, which indications have showed has suddenly become unpopular, would encourage private initiatives and facilitate creativity and motivation

In the monetisation policy, which is also referred to as fringe benefits, a new approach to the remuneration of public officers in Nigeria was introduced by Acts 2002, which provided the reference point for monetisation of the salaries and allowances of all categories of federal public servants

and most importantly, improve the service of quality delivery, promote patriotism and efficiency among civil servants.

Evictions Last week, trouble ensued among the residents of the official quarters of the aviation agencies, known as FAAN quarters located at the domestic area of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. NAMA wanted to evict two of its retired officials, insisting that since they had left the service, they had to vacate their residences three months after their retirement.

The duo, a former Director in charge of Safety and Electronics Services, Godfrey Eze and a former General Manager Administration, Moshood Kolawole Jimo became the butt of NAMA management’s outrage against the monetisation policy as it forcefully ejected them from their residences.

THISDAY learnt that before they were forcefully ejected by men led by NAMA officials, the Nigerian Air Force personnel belonging to Operation MESA were drafted to the quarters to arrest thugs allegedly brought in by NAMA to enforce an order of eviction secured by the agency.

Speaking in an interview, Eze, who retired from NAMA, as Director in charge of Safety and Electronics Services, between December 2005 and February 2009, said the agency was unfair in its attempt to evict them out of the quarters because issues surrounding his ouster had not been fully settled, noting that the

agency was yet to pay his gratuity.

He said the refusal by the agency to pay his entitlements and other matters related to deductions from his salary, while in service as part of the Monetisation Policy on the apartment needed to be thoroughly looked into.

“NAMA tried to evict me in 2013, but the move was resisted because there was no eviction notice from a competent court, or the Police and court bailiff. For a matter that is yet to be fully decided by the court, the action so far taken by NAMA management amounts to taking laws into its hands,” he said.

But the crisis generated by the matter was yet to settle last week, when crisis broke out at the quarters forcing some residents to scamper for safety. Thugs allegedly hired by NAMA invaded Eze’s residence to evict the occupants. Eze, according to investigations, on August 6, 2016 was in Abuja when the thugs raided the apartment.

Investigations revealed that the said thugs broke the wall at the back of the building to gain access, shattered the windows and threw out his property.

“My family has been traumatised since August 5, 2016 and August 8, 2016 when thugs hired by NAMA management invaded my apartment at FAAN quarters. They damaged my property, ransacked the entire house, stole huge sums of money, jewelry and other Continued on page 24

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Olayinka: Airline Operators are Tax Collectors

The country manager of British Airways, Kola Olayinka, in a presentation at the just concluded Aviation Round Table in Lagos, raised controversial issues in the aviation industry. Chinedu Eze brings the excerpts: Dollar Scarcity Dollar scarcity as I said earlier is one of the issues I will discuss. I will rather not call it dollar scarcity; I will call it economic realignment. I think Nigerians needed to get to some point that something needed to jar us. We should thank God for this dollar scarcity. We needed to be woken up, not just in aviation, but in every sector of the economy.

There have been frivolities; there have been excesses. Even at home, I had to talk with my wife on economic adjustment. This is reality. There are some things we probably should not be doing that we are doing and doing them excessively. So I just broke this down and said dollar scarcity, if you choose to call it that, has given rise to uncertainty, which is affecting business. It is affecting every business, no matter the industry that you are in. it is creating uncertainty. Losses are not strange to businesses.

At the height of dollar scarcity, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will tell you clearly that all foreign airlines together are approaching $800million worth in Naira, which is sitting in our banks and needed to be transferred but could not be transferred. You remember that we sold ticket at N197 per dollar for months; now when the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor made the announcement and it went to N285 per dollar.

That day, there was a loss of N80million on every $1million. Do the mathematics. Now, no airline is a stranger to losses, but those losses something have to happen. Some of our colleagues did not survive it. One of mine didn’t. Iberia was the first to back out. They stopped operation. Next came my friends, United Airlines. This gave rise to a lot of adjustments here and there; even British Airways made adjustments.

In my 28 years in the industry, British Airways had never flown Boeing B777 to Lagos, but it has happened. It is happening now, even last night. We are hoping to be able to change that. Our friends, Virgin Atlantic moved theirs from Airbus A340-600, the longest aircraft ever manufactured, to Airbus A330.

This means that you are reducing the seat capacity. Last week we sold at N330 to the dollar; if we sold N330 to the dollar and we used to sell at N165, so a fare of $1000 has not changed. It used to be N165, 000, but suddenly at N330 per dollar, it is now N330, 000. So the airlines are not essentially increasing fares. We didn’t make it more expensive or less expensive; the dollar did. Thank God nobody else is leaving; it is not in our interest for anybody to leave.

At the height of dollar scarcity, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will tell you clearly that all foreign airlines together are approaching $800million worth in Naira, which is sitting in our banks and needed to be transferred but could not be transferred

Olayinka

Fair Competition If you bring 10 more airlines in Nigeria, they will fill up. That is our strength. We should be proud of our strength as Nigerians.

If you bring 10 more airlines they will fill up, but guess what? They need to fill up at the right price. We need to deliver the right service; we need to compete effectively and in a friendly way. We need to compete in a way that we are not hurting the consumer.

It is not in our interest to earn excess money dumped in the Central Bank and it is going nowhere. What is the point of doing that business?

Multiple Unemployment Many people are not talking about this.

Some agencies would have rationalised; even airlines have rationalised; we had sent some people away. This is because when you are not making the money you are supposed to make, what is going to happen? And you consider the multiplier effect; if we start bringing in less people what will happen to hotels; what will happen to taxi drivers? What will even happen to my friends in Immigration? You have all these to deal with. And you know one thing government has forgotten? They

also will lose money. All airline operators are tax collectors for government. Let me run through the taxes we collect. They collect $20 for every single passenger that passes through security at that airport. They don’t wait for you to give them; they take it from your account. They collect $50 dollars for every passenger. And wait for the biggest one, five percent of the real fare is a tax that goes to government. So really anything that affects aviation equally affects revenue generation of government.

Nigeria as Giant of Africa I wish to mention two other points. Nigeria is the giant of Africa, rightly so by location, by size, by attitude, by who we are. We are the giants of Africa. But are we really the giant of Africa. If you are a giant, it should show in everything you do. How is our being a giant in Africa shinning though in our infrastructure? Try next time you travel to South Africa you look at the airports. I was talking to the ART President earlier on.

I just came back from Accra and if you see Accra airport. People that may not be up to Lagos state but if you see their airport.

It is small, no doubt but it is effective. It is

functional; it is clean. It is something you can be proud of. I counted the Immigration desks, they were 50 and they were manned.

Now, so are we really the giant in Africa? Go through South Africa: Johannesburg or Cape Town, I counted the check in counters. I was at counter 91 in Cape Town.

So the questions are, we truly the giant and if we are not or if we have not been living through to our name or our calling, what are we doing to get there? I think ART has a voice; you are our leaders in this industry.

What you can be accused of is not talking to them. We cannot affect the policy but we can keep telling them until they get tired of us.

So I will advise that every quarterly meeting a position paper comes out of ART that goes to government on specific aspect of what we do, telling them the reality. We may not be able to say it because they will say; British Airways, but you can say it.

Cooperation among Nigerian Airlines Have we fully tapped the opportunities we have even within Africa? If we are the giants of Africa we should naturally be the hub. We don’t need to be talking about it.

Continued on page 24

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OLAYINKA: AIRLINE OPERATORS ARE TAX COLLECTORS We should by location, by everything, be the hub, by strength, by size, by population, we should naturally be a hub. But are we? We are not. This is a question that bordered my mind up till now. Why should we be travelling within Nigeria and we are unable to inter-use our tickets? Why should you have one airline which you miss by 7:00 O’clock and you cannot go to them and say, sign this ticket for me I want to travel by 10:00 with the other airline? You cannot get stuck in London or Frankfurt or Paris. It is not possible.

Regardless of which airline you bought its ticket as long as you bought the right ticket.

If you bought a very cheap ticket then you will have to buy another ticket. I think this will be better for the Nigerian airlines. I think it is good opportunity to cooperate rather than operate individually.

Can domestic airlines focus on real development in the industry and explore our ability to compete rather than waiting for handouts or bailouts and I know this is a very contentious point I have raised. Let us choose Medview as an example, they proved it from their flight to London, as I read in the newspaper, they had 400 passengers on Boeing B747-400 to Gatwick Airport, London. I was proud of that.

I am happy because this is a Nigerian airline proving outside the shores of this country. So can we confidently say that we are creating a better aviation landscape for tomorrow?

Are we looking at our infrastructure; are we looking at our airports? Are we really proud, delighted and excited about our airports?

Whose fault is it that our airports are in this state or is it nobody’s fault? But can we do something about it. and the last question that came to my mind is, I see a lot of lawyers and accountants and I usually see that at least one of their children will become a lawyer or accountant; how many of us have their children in one airline or one travel agency or the other. In fact, if they want to go there you will tell them, don’t go there o. I know that things are hard. That means that we are not preparing the industry for tomorrow. All of us here now will not see the end of this 21st century. What will we be remembered for? When you finally leave what will you be remembered for?

Interline Agreement In many parts of the world, you will hear things like interline agreement. Why is it not being practiced in Nigeria? When they wanted to introduce Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) I was one of those that were very sceptical.

I said they would steal all the money. I said they would remove the machines from the walls and carry all the money, but can we do without ATM now? So if ATM can work, which is an interbank transaction, why can’t interline work in Nigeria. You can take your Zenith Bank card and go to GTB ATM and collect your money. Do you know how they settle, you are taking GTB money, Zenith will reconcile accounts with them. Why can’t we have interline agreements in our airline industry? It is the same simple mechanism.

Are we looking at our infrastructure; are we looking at our airports?

Are we really proud, delighted and excited about our airports?

Whose fault is it that our airports are in this state or is it nobody’s fault? everybody is struggling to create small, small names? Lastly, airlines alliances; no Nigerian airline is in any alliance. There are conditions and standard that these people require before you become a part of an alliance. For example, Iberia and British Airways were in One World and when they decided it take it a bit further it worked. Iberia and BA share efficiency, shared personnel, costs were reduced and operations more effective. Why can’t we do that in Nigeria? Do you know that we even have code shares with rail? We even have code share with coaches. The world has become very complicated and you need to remove your individuality and join something that is bigger, which is here and it is now.

is no one in Nigeria. What is code-share? It is very simple. You cooperate with another airline, put your codes on them. Now, let ne go into even more dangerous one, franchise.

There is no one in Nigeria or near Nigeria.

The nearest I can see in Africa is in South Africa where an airline called Comair, which is a franchise of British Airways because; they carry the colour and everything of BA. For example, all these KFC eateries are all franchise.

You think it is KFC that own all these shops?

No. There are people who paid to use the name. We are not even close. Why is it that

Commendable Strides I am confident that Nigeria’s economy will bounce back. I want to salute the courage of Alhaji Muneer Bankole, Managing Director of Medview Airline. I want to salute the courage of Nigerian airlines. Elder said something earlier on; that we are always singing discordant tunes.

So here this morning I salute with every degree of respect Medview Airlines which I think in the last few days brought in their Boeing B747 and operated into Gatwick Airport. I am proud. I am proud to see the flag of Nigeria on a B747 that is not borrowed. Before now it used to be borrowed.

I have some pictures in my office of such borrowed aircraft. This one truly and truly belongs to Nigeria. I salute Aero Contractors for their doggedness. I salute my friends in Arik. I attended a National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) event and they gave us an aircraft and I have my own in my office. I have British Airways, I have Arik, I have Iberia and few others.

Somebody came and said you have Arik aircraft in your office and I said, why not; have I stopped being a Nigerian? I am a Nigerian. Even when I retire, I will probably have it in my house. Competition does not and should not get to the point that we should not tell the truth. Aviation is aviation, no matter whom you are working for. I used to work for Nigeria Airways many years ago.

threats by the heads of the agencies of FAAN, NAMA and NCAA, to evict them.

The petition signed on behalf of the retirees

by Catherine Ahuruchi said the move to evict them was in total disregard of a pending suit and court injunction in the Federal Industrial Court, Lagos.

The petition dated June 30, 2016 partly read: “Commissioner, you may recall our earlier letters and discussions with you as legal sitting tenants at FAAN quarters. We have filed a suit against the agencies which is pending in the Federal Industrial Court, Lagos over the refusal of some of the agencies to implement monetisation policy of government in residential quarters.

“You may also wish to note that Justice of the Federal Industrial Court has since issued court injunction restraining the agencies and their agents from evicting or disturbing us in any form until substantive suit is determined.

You will remember that FAAN, NAMA and NCAA had been in the habit of issuing quit notices and harassing our retired officers with threats of seizure of their retirement benefits until

the then Commissioner of Police intervened.”

When contacted the management of NAMA said it was not disposed to discuss the issue, but confirmed the incident. One of the officials told THISDAY that NAMA and FAAN are of the view that as retired personnel and despite the monetisation policy, which legally cedes the apartments to them as last residents when the policy was implemented, they ought to have left three months after their retirement.

Informed source from NAMA told THISDAY that if the agency gives out the apartments to retired personnel, which ones would the current top officials who live in the city take over? The source noted that it is the view of the agencies that they should fight the monetisation policy and insisted that the retired workers must leave the FAAN quarters.

What is happening to the retired workers of these agencies will obviously impact on those who are in service now when they retire. In taking a cue from these experiences, they may decide to pad their nests now with public fund, knowing they would be left in the lurch by the agencies when they leave active service.

Olayinka

Cooperation This lack of cooperation explains why our airlines are very small; small in their own little right. Even airlines that are big are finding it difficult to survive. That is why people come to ask, what are you doing with Iberia? We know what we are doing with Iberia. What are you doing with American Airlines? We are competitors but we are together. So the airline world has become smaller through merger, but if you chose to remain alone and you are small, you will die small. Let me go to even more dangerous one, code-share. There

AVIATION INDUSTRY RETIREES FACE DOOM AND GLOOM valuables.

From my assessment, the thugs stole from my house, 2,500 Euros and $1,600 and N250, 000 cash as well as my wife’s jewelry. The also stole some yet to be ascertained foreign currency belonging to my son, who is an instructor at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

He said he insisted on buying the apartment in accordance to the monetisation policy, adding that the Presidential Implementation Committee had also slated him to buy the apartment.

“The PIC never support what NAMA management is doing. Many years ago, the PIC issued forms for expression of interest to some residents. They sent their officials and captured us, inspected the houses and we are only waiting for the letter of award. So for NAMA management to throw up charges against us and the police colluding with them is unacceptable,” Eze alleged.

On his part, the retired former General Manager, Administration, Alhaji Moshood Kolawole Jimoh, who left NAMA on February

6, 1025 has faulted the action of NAMA and described it as illegal. According to him, when he saw the way NAMA official led thugs to forcefully access Eze’s apartment by breaking a wall, he ordered his household to open all the doors for them to enter; yet, that did not safe his belonging which they vandalised as they threw them out of the house.

Jimoh said he left the service not because he had reached the age to retire or because he had put in 35 years, “but I left in recognition of the new policy, which states that if you have occupied this position I was for eight years you will have to leave. But recently they have upturned that policy, and I have already left the service; yet NAMA is forcing me out of the apartment that by right belongs to me.”

Petition In a petition to the Commissioner of Police, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, the retired civil servants of Aviation Parastatals in FAAN quarters otherwise known as Strabag Estate complained about

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Amiwero: Nigerian Ports Were Concessioned Without Regulation Lucky Amiwero is the National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents. He explained to Eromosele Abiodun on why the port concession policy needs to be backed by a legal and regulatory framework, why shipping companies are deserting Nigerian ports for neighbouring ports, and the impact of the foreign exchange crisis on the maritime sector. Excerpts: The economy in the last one year since the administration of Mohammed Buhari commenced has been very poor, how has this affected the maritime sector?

Our sector has been seriously affected. Before I continue, I like to let you know that I have served in 167 government committees and nine of them is presidential committees, one happens to be Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) reform committee. So, I am not talking from the position of ignorance. The last committee I served was a committee was inaugurated by the budget office on the activities of the economy, to look at import clearance procedure and fiscal policy measures implementation. We did not conclude our assignment and our committee just left without concluding the assignment.

This government has been faced with serious economic issues since its commencement. You would understand that Nigerian has an import dependent economy. We are involved in export but not much because we have not encouraged it. Export can come in when you encourage them; we have to look at it. The problem of our industry is that we are import independent. The foreign exchange crisis and the 41 items excluded from access to foreign exchange by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has not helped matters.

They have not come out with a policy that is directed at fixing the problem, they seem to be confused as to what should be imported or not.

That is what happens all-over the world, there must be policy direction. Policy direction is what we need so that people will know what to do.

The government seems to be busy with ghost workers, spending by the last administration, all these are just accounting principle. Economic management is different, this has to do with how you generate employment, how we use what we have to create wealth and stabilize the system.

Amidst the economic crisis the government just appointed a new managing director for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). What message do you have for the new MD? The NPA is limited to the ports and they are just service providers. When you talk about Nigerian ports, they were involved in three components, regulation, port operations and port landlord. When the government concessioned the port, it was done on the basis of the landlord port-model, even though the port was conscessioned without a law. So we are running a port that has no legal structure in terms of what we supposed to have done.

With the concession, the port operation was given to the terminal operators and the port regulation was given to the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) and the landlord port which is the marine sector was given to the NPA. That is how it is designed. And for now, the Nigerian port is supposed to be a service provider by looking at dredging, channels, providing access to the ports and making the port beneficial by promoting the port so that it can be preferred properties within the sub-region. Nigerian ports have been docile for almost closed to 12 years.

The Nigerian ports was just seen as a docile port where people go there to sit, go out and come back. Now, you have a young woman who doesn’t understand port system much.

Yes, she has worked with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), but the port now is not an operational port. It is a port that is supposed to perform service, the port is supposed to perform the services that will attract bigger ships into this country because we are losing out in terms of that. Countries like Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin Republic have taken over our cargo. So, the Nigerian port should have

Amiwere

been more concerned about how dowe retrieve our cargo. Many of these cargo that are going there, are going there because we don’t have the kind of vessel that will come in to this country and coming in effectively and berth. Today, you have vessels of 20, 000 TEOs, (Twenty feeter equivalent). You have 14, 000 to 20, 000 TEOs and you have them in all these multinational, joint venture career companies. So you notice that when it comes to transit, we have lost it.

We lost it to Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. When it comes to transshipment we are losing it to Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana because most of these things are coming in and they reside there on the basis of the port facility and the process and procedure which is efficient. So Nigeria ports, for instance, are no more involved in cargo, so they must know that. They are now not the port regulator, so they must know that.

The Nigeria port for instance is involved in marine concern, that’s for dredging, channeling and to make sure they have good access routes to the port in line with Section 32a of the Ports Act of 1999.

It’s been 10 years since the ports concession, what have been the gains of the port concession policy?

I cannot tell you about the gains because when the port was concession there were two elements and I was involved in one of the committees.

Destination inspection was actually what was mooted and the port reform was there too. So, there were two reforms that were going on and this two reforms actually came together. So you find out that the port itself, things like the electronic system to midwife the port system, was part of the reforms because what we have those days was that every consignment must be positioned for customs examination and all what we are doing in the port was manual. So, there were two programmes that was matched together in 2006 by the Destination Inspection

Committee and the Port reform. And most of them actually came in simultaneously which actually brought the port to this level. So, what is really pushing the port to this level is the electronic process. So we have a port where we do not have a port regulator. The port regulator is supposed to have midwifed the port. In port process, regulation is key in the concession because it’s one thing you must do before you regulate the port. But Nigeria did not do that, we concession the port without regulation. So we cannot tell you what we have benefitted. What we have today is a Nigeria port under Section 7c of the Port Act of 1999.

It said this port is for Nigerians and it’s for Nigerians to be involved, have involvement in all the facets of the port activities. A lot of people were dropped and concessions were actually carried out without port regulation.

When you don’t act on the regulation, you cannot have a better monitoring organisation that can be able to tell you what is happening today in the port because you will be having port increase of charges. We have one of the highest charges within the sub-region, and those are the things the port regulator is supposed to have intervened.

Are you saying there has been no gain at all in the policy?

I cannot say. Like I said, there are two ports reforms. One is to concession the port and one is to make sure the process and procedure of the port is automated, which is was done. What we had before was about 3.7 but when the port was concession we had about 3.0. Then you have the DTI, the scanners which actually have to go through selective principle of examination, which remove some of the process, pressure which if he would want to bring those system to the port today, the port will collapse. When NPA was there, they were doing manual, 100 per cent examination, using all their plants and it

actually killed all their plants. I was in involved in the plans to bring about the changes and the changes actually brought 3.1 and singular 3.0, the DTI, scanners, and then brought in risk assessment whereby the examinations were done on selective principles. So you find out that the action of the port, the tale of Cargo becomes reduce drastically because you have four kind of examination. You have the ones that go to scanners, you have four principles of examination, you have the green lane, you can release before your examination; you have blue lane, which sent to the importer’s warehouse; the yellow lane, which goes to scanner, and then you have the red lane, which goes to 100 per cent. So, all these lanes were going to 100 per cent before. They are selected on that basis and released and these releases make the port more efficient. I can say on that because that is what has happened that brought about efficiency in the port system. There might have been one or two from my own end. Actually no agency is monitoring it. It is only the agent that monitors it that can see it. We, as a people who are called stakeholders, I was involved in the Destination Inspection Committee and we introduced those system that brought about the changes. Ten years down the line it has been not too rosy and we expect it because four elements actually were concede to the port operators. They were infrastructure, tariff, the traffic and labour because almost 10,000 NPA labour were sacked. We expect a turnaround in the whole system because the essence of concessioning the port is to reduced cost. So we have to look at “have we reduced cost over the 10 years?.” To do so you have to compare happenings within the sub-region within that time, the post-concession and the pre-concession period. This can be analysed and we can see how these things are.

Continued on page 26

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AMIWERO: NIGERIAN PORTS WERE CONCESSIONED WITHOUT REGULATION

There are issues of post concession crisis, can you highlight some of the crisis and how the government or the new NPA management can resolve the crisis?

Well, it is not just about the NPA coming into the port concession crisis, we have a lot of confusion there. We have too many agencies that are involved in regulation. Some of them are paper regulation, some are legal regulation, some of them are regulations that government must sit back and try to see how they can restructure the whole thing. One, we have the NSC that has been given port regulator; two, we have the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) that is saddled with the responsibility of looking at the condition of the concession, taking the concession and looking at it and see how they comply with it. So the infrastructure regulatory commission actually looks at the concession. Then you have the BPE who actually midwifes the process of the concession, and then you have transport and then you have NPA. All these agencies must come together and streamline the activities for effect administration, because for now, you cannot identify who is in charge of the whole thing. So, there is a crisis in who takes care, who regulate and who is in charge.

These are some of the things that are critical.

Even though you are going to have your national commission bill, you still have the concession infrastructure regulatory commission which is in charge of concession. We don’t know what those people are doing because after the initial 10 years some of these agencies or concessionaires agreement will expired. I think it’s not the Nigerian port that has the power to extend that, it is the concession intercession regulatory commission that have the powers to extend by looking at it, or maybe calling for stake holders inputs and see what they have done and look at the condition, according to their law because the law is very clear. The Infrastructure Regulatory Commission of 2005 is very clear. So, I think these things must be looked into critically. NPA are the people who own the ports but unfortunately, there are legal issues that must be addressed to bring about harmony in terms of who controls what and who regulate what because we are having almost five of them that are there. We have the transport ministry, ICRC, NSC, BPE and NPA. You have five of these agencies and most of them are looking at the concession.

So, we believe that government must look at it, come back and see how they can streamline it and locate these responsibilities to one of the agencies, either by law or by principles. There are crisis, in the sense that the NSC and some of the terminal operators are still in court over the issue of increase of charges in the port. And there has been another increase, you know, it’s a legal issue. Well, we have a problem here and this problem is how to talk about the shipping line, actually that is not having the same design like the concessionaires. The concessionaires have bills to pay in terms of forklift, rent, and labour and all that. The shipping lines have nothing to do more than bring their containers. And they are charging almost the same thing the concessionaires are charging. We have a very serious issue here and we pray that government will look into it. There’s no body regulating the shipping company. The shipping company is just on their own without government agency regulating them. They have a kind of interface with the NSC but most of the time they don’t respect those MOUs. I was one of the signatories of the MOUs. The shipping lines are just here, they are doing business and when there is an increase from the terminal operators, they increase their own. Most of the terminal are owns by the shipping line, so we have a lot of complex situation, crisis of the post concession era, which have not been addressed. The former NPA management could not resolve these issues.

The managing director was not doing anything at all. That man just sat there and was doing nothing. He left, nobody can tell you what he has done over the years and we don’t know whether we still have the same person in the NPA managing director. We pray that it will not be that way. She is a young lady and I believe that she will be able to come out with policies that will bring us out of the difficulties we are facing in the ports today.

How would the Port Harbours Bill before the National Assembly transforms the maritime sector?

monopoly and that is what is happening in the country today. We have monopoly and it must be looked into critically. So these are the elements.

We have the component and the elements. In some other countries in the world, they join the marine side and the port operations. But one of the clear examples we have is South Africa, they have an independent port regulator. The port operator of South Africa regulates the national port and the privatised organisations.

What Nigeria is trying to look at from the draft bill they have sent to the assembly, is a multisectorial bill, which actually accommodate the National Transport Commission. They have the railways, port authority, the port and harbor bills and the island waterways. These three agencies are supposed to be regulated by the National Transport Commission bill, but what is happening is like they are pushing their bills individually. And once bill is passed individually with the regulatory component, it will be very difficult for the national transport commission to regulate these agencies.

Amiwere

It has nothing to do with our sector much.

It cannot transform the marine time sector. We have so many bills before the National Assembly from the sector. Our sector is more related to finance. The port and harbour is just a bill that is supposed to bring about new port act by repealing old one, look at what we are doing and try to see how we can work according to international best practice. But I have been in the Assembly, we have seen the Port and Harbour Bill. We believe that if the bill is to be passed and the National Transport Commission Bill is to be passed there is need for harmony within the Port and Harbour Bill, the Railway Bill and National Transport Commission Bill and the Inland Water ways Bill. This is because it’s a multi-sectoral regulatory arm. But if it is not done and the Port and Harbour Bill is passed it will be very difficult for you to pass the National Transport Commission Bill. And if the Transport Commission Bill is passed on its own that means the other bills will be passed with some elements of regulatory process in the bills in the laws which will be very difficult for the National Transport Commission to regulate those agencies. Like what is happening now, it looks like a railway bill is going on its own and if a railway bill is passed on its own, that means it’s no more being controlled by the National Transport Commission Bill. And if the Port and Harbour Bill goes on its own, that means it is off and will not be acceptable. If it is multi-soctoral bill there will need for us to look at it holistically and see how these bills can be pass for the benefit of the country. These bills cannot be a political bill whereby I am passing it because I am the MD today. They are bills that are going to midwife and reshape the maritime industry for the betterment of the economy. Because we are losing out, we control almost 80 per cent of the cargoes within the sub region and we have lost up to 60 per cent of the cargoes to our neighboring countries. We have lost all our freight components to our neighboring countries and you found out that Nigerians are moving out to all these neighboring countries. They are the one doing the business there. What is the population of Cote d ‘Ivoire, they are not more than 40 million but their tonnage is higher than Nigeria and who is the owner of those goods there are Nigerians goods. Togo, what is their population strength they are not more than Lagos and look at their tonnage. Go round and see what we are talking about, it not just that some civil servants sitting down in Lagos and start to tell you one thing or the other. Nigeria is losing out in a very serious way and this is very serious issues because the freight components which create employment are being diverted to other countries. Once a ship diverts, it goes with the freight components and you come back with the cargoes. The freight components are those

charges that are supposed to be for Nigerians.

For instance, if a cargo which is supposed to be for Lagos is diverted to Togo, the charges the shipping company is supposed to charge, the service the terminal operators is supposed to charge and the charges the licensed custom agent is supposed to charge and the transporters are now going to be charged there. And when these goods come in, they come in just like that and only pay import duty. So, those components are what we call freight components because we paid you for it. So, Nigerians are entitled to their freight payment. That’s why in all over the world, freights are teamed with struggle because that freight is what generate employment. In our case, our freights are left alone for diversion and more than 60 per cent are out of this country.

And these goods are still coming into this country perfectly. That is why you find out that our unemployment level is terribly high. You cannot continue to run a team without experts. Most of the people who are managing these areas are not experts. Most of them go to government and give them wrong information. Most of the information are not correct. Because when you go, you have to look at what is happening in Ghana, Togo, and Cameron and others. These are our competitors and for every increase you make here, they deduce their charges for them to attract our cargoes. So it is a very serious issue. It is not an issue of one just sitting down and someone who doesn’t understand just take over and that is the end of the whole thing.

I remember that in our last conversation, you talked about the four components and the three elements of post concession era, I want you to explain this to our readers.

The three components are regulation, port operation, and the landlord port model. Landlord take care of the marine, port operation is handled by the NPA, who are the landlord. The marine side includes the dredging, channels, brick waters and others are what the landlord port handles.

The other one is cargoor port operations which is being handled by terminal operators that is why it is called port concession. We also have the port regulation which has been assigned lately to the NSC. The elements are labour-that means you concede labour, concede traffic, concede tariff, and you concede infrastructure. When you concede these things to the people who have taken over, they are able to bring in their own labour or look at the labour pole and see how to design their own. They build infrastructures. So these four elements are conceded to the port operators.

Then the port regulator is the one that regulate the economics interest in the port. Things like charges and all the rest, the dominant power of the port operators, the extreme dominant power and regulating the whole power to make sure that you don’t actually create another private

You talked about Ghana, Togo taking away our transshipment and cargo, I want you to highlight some of the problems that make them prefer these countries to Nigeria aside the cost you talked about.

They go to Ghana for three reasons. One, if your drought and your port is not efficient, nobody will come and keep his ship here for three or five days. The take time of ship, which is now in line with the FAO Convention is clearly stated.

The FAO convention talks about the maritime traffic and Nigeria is a signatory of the FAO convention. The FAO convention existed since 2008 and I was a member of the FAO Committee.

Unfortunately it ceased to exist in 2008. Nigeria actually acceded to it. International Maritime Organisation (IMO) actually introduced the FAO to facilitate the stay of ship and the stay of cargo.

It is just there in the ministry of transport. And they don’t have experts it is not a question of bringing in the committees. You have to bring experts who understand international procedures.

For now, we have a lot of civil servants, who don’t understand what they are doing in the port industry, people who always tell government lies and make government do the wrong things.

We have these problem because our procedures are not in line with international best practice, every agencies in the port wants to go back to the port. The former Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala removed these agencies from the port. Some of these agencies are trying to come back to the port and their interest of coming is just to come and collect money in the port, not that they want to do their job.

And one of the ministers was even campaigning always for them for come back to the port. And I asked them, where in this world do you see agencies loitering the port the way you do in this country? The problem is, in everywhere in the world what you have there is a platform you use as an interface to talk to yourselves. And if you want anything, you can know what to do from that platform. We don’t need the physical presence of these agencies in the port. Today, we have a minister in this time talking about agencies in the port. Our country procedures are backward, our drought level is nothing to write home about. Why is Togo taking over our Cargo? It is because of efficiency. What is happening in the Nigerian port, what is our draft level? They shouldn’t be political or rely on civil servant who will give you the information they want you want to hear. Rely on expert who can give you information, go around and see what our competitors are doing. Number three is that our system is expensive, our cost is expensive. When you bring goods into this country, it stays more and it’s more expensive.

When you bring it to a place like Ghana, you pay little, just the transshipment fee. So you find out that it is cheaper to get things out than to take them to the port. Many people will want to use other ports and maybe pay transport cost and come into the country and do their duties and that is all. Instead of coming down here and pay shipping company that is expensive, pay terminal charges that is also expensive and go through your procedures that you have to go through SON, NAFDAC and all the agencies that are coming here. You have a country where a minister is bringing all government agencies to the ports. Is that what is happening all over the world?

28/COVER

19.08.2016

An Amalgamation of Culture, Style and Commerce The much talked about first ever festival of Indian Lagos, held last Saturday at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, Lagos, was not just an amalgamation of Nigerian and Indian cultures but was also an occasion for exchange of trade, enriched by the participation of renowned international and contemporary stars, dancers, dramatic artists, distinguished scholars and top government officials from India and Nigeria.

Writes Mary Ekah

A cross section of Indian partcipants at the event

The Festival of Indian Lagos, according to the Chief Executive Officer, Gaurapad Charities and Chairman organising committee, Mr. Bolaji Rosiji, aims to "celebrate cultural unity and diversity for national and global peace. He had said earlier before the event kicked off that the festival with the Ratha Yatra (chariot) as its central spectacle has an inestimable impact on the minds and hearts of literally countless casual visitors and active participants in major cities worldwide. The festival originated in the holy city of Puri, India. According to Rosiji, the festival has been celebrated for thousands of years and it’s “a grand culmination of a series of celebrations spread over the summer and the monsoon month and is the most splendid of them all.”

Organised in collaboration with International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the India Diaspora in Lagos, the Festival of Indian Lagos, is designed to bridge the cultural gap between India and Nigeria.

Highlights of the festival were a procession display of various Indian costumes, dressing and dance groups representing different states in India parading across the major roads in Lagos mainland. Igbokiti from Western Nigeria slugged it out with the Kerala Samaj – an ethnic group from Southern India. While the Durbar Horsemen raced with their Punjabi counterparts from Northern India – heavily bearded, Powerbiking, turbaned and screaming Punjabis who added spice to the blend.

The dances ranged from traditional to classical and were typical of Indian dances.

The main dance motifs were the hand gestures in their various manipulations that ended with the fingers seeming to weave invisible threads in the air; there were also the waist twists, the hand-clapping, the back and forth circular dances, the back and forth leg thrusts and heads nodding in particular directions.

But there was really little or no variation from one region to another in the dances as would be expected from such a large country, and as one would experience among the various Nigerian regions. Dances that range from, say, Atilogwu, Nmanwu, Opiri, Bata,

Head, High Commission of India with children at the event

Durbar Horsemen at the Festival

Owhigiri, Swange, etc, from Igbo, Ndokwa, Isoko, Yoruba, Ijaw, Tiv and many more. There was a sort of certain uniformity in the Indian dances that almost erase any hint of diversity in that vast sub-continent.

Earlier in the day, a procession of three carnival of chariots had walked all the way from CMS to Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), venue of the event; it had thousands of people in tow. The parade was a total showstopper, as three gigantic hands pulled chariots from the ancient city of Orissa towered high into the Lagos skyline.

And when the festival started late in the afternoon, Indian performers, mostly children and women, took to the stage and entertained the audience with the various musical and performance styles of the different regions of the largest democracy in the world.

The Igbokiti cultural group won first prize in the Parade category, while the Oriya Samaj won first prize in the Chariot Design category.There was also Indo-Nigerian Expo and then the concert. The festival afforded an

opportunity for an international Expo with up to 115 corporate bodies, ethnic exhibitors and retailers taking stalls at the TBS, Lagos, Rosiji revealed further that his organisation had collaborated with Lagos State, through its Ministry of Culture and Inter-Governmental Affairs, for a successful festival. Consequently, the Lagos Ministry of Commerce was conspicuously visible all through the duration of the festival as it accompanied 15 SMEs to the venue to help showcase their works in the international arena. Food vendor also occupied a section while another section advertised fashion and jewelries while all other stalls of the Festival of India Lagos were beautifully decorated.

The festival, which featured internationally renowned traditional and contemporary musicians, dancers and dramatic artistes from India and Nigeria, witnessed fantastic concert that began its performances with colourful display by children from the various Indian Samajas and cultural shows from all over India.

Up-and-coming acts like Aditi (Nigeria) and Pandey (India) were also given opportunity.

Pandey surprised and thrilled the Nigerian audience with his rendition of Emergency from Dbanj and other Nigerian songs in Nigerian languages.

Top Bollywood star, Yuvika and Anup Jalota, as well as Nigeria’s Sammy Okposo, Tee Mac, Ara and Pasuma also thrilled the audience.

To the shock of every one present at the event, Yamuna, an Eastern Nigerian dancer who had studied in India, took the lead in the Indian classical dance category. Yamuna was brisk and controlled, with intricate finger gestures, characteristic of the complex Kathak style. Even the Indian audience was held spellbound by her footwork. Yamuna had chosen a particularly difficult repertoire.

Festival of Indian Lagos was indeed enriched by the participation of other renowned international and contemporary stars, dancers, dramatic artists, distinguished scholars and top government officials from India and Nigeria.

It afforded Nigerians and the international audience a rich exposition of the Indian musical tradition.

Rosiji further described the festival as a collaborative project for the revival of SMEs in Lagos State, adding, “We need to come out of this unprecedented economic crisis by building Nigeria from the bottom up. The largest economy in Africa (Nigeria) and the second largest SME network in the world, India, will partner for mutual benefit.”

Indeed, the maiden edition of the Festival of Indian Lagos, made possible by Mr. Bolaji Rosiji-inspired Gaurapad Charities and other supporting brands that have Indian imprint, was a success. It showcased the large gathering of Indian community in the country in one colourful event.

It was indeed, a great outing for the first Festival of Indian Lagos that also served as a mini-fair display for Indian commercial success in Nigeria. No doubt, Indians in Nigeria now have a moment in the cultural calendar to look forward to when they would celebrate themselves in Nigeria as they have been celebrating in London, New York, Durban and South Africa.

29/XTRA

19.08.2016

First African Fashion and Art Festival Holds in Lagos Mary Ekah The First African Fashion and Art Festival (AFAF), described by organisers as, “the greatest African cultural show on earth in the 21st Century, will be held in Lagos soon. AFAF ’16, described, as “an extraordinary demonstration of the richness, diversity, and vitality of black art- both contemporary and traditional- throughout the world” will have the most talented art and fashion designers in Nigeria and other African countries participating in the festival.

The history of AFAF can be traced back to the 1940s when the President of Senegal, Leopold Sedar Senghor, Aime Casaire and some others, developed some ideas on Pan-Africanism and Negritude. The idea behind it was to celebrate the beauty of Africa and to romanticise the values of her culture.

This maiden edition of Africa Fashion and Art Festival in this millennium is established to achieve a great deal by celebrating fashion and art of Africa all over the world. This will be done through the promotion of culture and style in a great deal of novel trends in fashion and art of new age of generation.

In promoting African fashion and art designers all over the world, the event will serve as a model for the possible upcoming ones on the continent and beyond. This will reverberate the uniqueness of Africa as once preached in Senghorean Negritude. The crux of the African tenet is built on value of the Black art and that it should be valued respected and patronised like the most international designers. Being

AFAF team

preoccupied with these, the organisers intend to sponsor the production of some locally made arts. This will enable the production in mass for a larger distribution across the continent, for the world at large to have a feel of our fashion and style in their wardrobes.

This festival is brimming with African culture, from fashion and music, to films and art festivals,

such as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Festival and the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, FESTAC ’77, which teach people about the struggles and triumphs of African Americans.

The exhibition and the encouragement of the mass production of the locally made art will generate mass employment and our youths will

discover the great talent within their culture and style. African leaders such as Nelson Mandela fought for peace, unity, value and freedom for the black nations in South Africa. His courage and aspiration has changed the perception of the white man. Black continent has now been valued much with.

“His Excellency President Barrack Obama has made us understand how far we can achieve our goals, if we set our hearts straight to make our great continent a place to be reckoned with and believe in the future if we stand in unity. This Festival will not only celebrate the progress that has been made, but also serve as a reminder of progress that still needs to be made.”

Following a series of development projects, the organisers of the AFAF and its sponsors both locally and internationally assigned Glamour West Africa to take charge of the preparation of the planning of the programme scheduled to come up in Lagos cosmopolitan city, especially for the provision of accommodation for the visitors during the events.

Glamour West Africa, organisers said would be in charge both of supervising the construction of the infrastructure installations and of coordinating the development operations and activities of the numerous agencies involved.

The Fashion festival and Art is prepared to showcase and celebrate the cultures and traditions of Africa and also to present African culture in fashion, artworks and music to the universe.

Organisers therefore have urged companies, corporate bodies, brands, businesses, advertising agencies, media houses and government to support the ongoing project.

Maltina Dance All Begins Season 9

Maltina, the premium non-alcoholic malt drink has announced the return of its number one Nigerian family dance show, Maltina Dance All Season 9. The announcement was made at a media parley held recently at the company’s office in Lagos.

With Season 9 themed ‘Happiness Amplified’, Maltina, famous for sharing happiness and promoting family values, promised that the activities and dance routines lined up for this season will heighten the excitement and happiness shared by competing families and viewers of the dance show.

The Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Franco Maria Maggi said, “Maltina Dance All provides a platform for sharing happiness, promoting family values and bonding. The lives of various families have been positively affected through this platform.”

Maggi stated that the previous editions utilised the regional auditions format and that the brand received feedback that several families were unable to participate in those auditions

L-R: Corporate Affairs Adviser, NB Plc, Kufre Ekanem; Judge, Chukwuma Onye; Marketing Director, NB Plc, Franco Maria Maggi; Judge, Muyiwa Osinaike; Portfolio Manager Non Alcoholic Brands, NB Plc, Yinka Bakare during a briefing in Lagos

due to travel constraints. This year the brand chose the online auditions format to make the

dance show more accessible and give families the opportunity to submit entries for the 2016

Maltina Dance All from the comfort of their homes by making a short dance video and simply uploading the video on the website.

The show's innovative format this season will allow interested families to participate in by submitting their dance videos from all across Nigeria on the Maltina Dance All website.

“Maltina Dance All is one of the platforms through which the brand connects with and allow consumers heighten their interactions to share happiness,” said Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc. “The show through its creative and diverse dance routines brings incredible energy, excitement, and fun for competing families and fans. We can't wait to see what Season 9 will bring."

At the end of Season 9, the winning family will be rewarded with a grand prize of N10 million, while the first and second runners up will receive N3 million and N1 million respectively.

The video submission entries for online audition is ongoing and will end today, on August 19 while the show airs on TV in September 2016.

Health Minister Lauds Fidson on New Factory The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has commended Fidson Healthcare Plc for its newly constructed multi-billion naira state-of-theart manufacturing facility and reaffirmed federal government’s support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing, saying with the new facility, the company deserves the support and patronage from government and other stakeholders.

The Minister who spoke to journalists during his familiarisation visit to the factory located in Sango Ota, Ogun State, described the facility as a ‘Wonder’, noting that he is “impressed with its enormous production capacity” and promised Government’s support.

“What Fidson has built here is extraordinary.

We must encourage and support this project in terms of patronage and tax relief in order to ensure that the company is able to coordinate production in a sustainable manner”, Adewole said.

The Minister further remarked that part of the support will also be in the area of importation of raw materials while he also promised a review of the policy on importation tariff on raw materials, particularly as it affects local manufacturing of medicines in Nigeria. “We have discussed with the Minister of Trade and Investment asking for a reversal of the policy on the high tariff on imported raw materials.

My visit to this new factory is another reminder in that regard”, he said.

Chairman, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Felix Ohiwerei; Honourable Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae; President, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN) Mr. Okey Akpa and Emeritus Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe during the Minister’s familiarisation visit to Fidson's new facility in Sango Ota, Ogun State

Adewole also stressed that the guiding principle of the present administration is focused on creating the market for local manufacturers through patronage, protection and payment. “As far as patronage is concerned, the government will patronise local pharmaceutical manufacturers.

We will also offer protection while ensuring that we clear outstanding payments and will only place orders when there are funds for immediate payment”.

The new manufacturing facility is one of the five facilities shortlisted for World Health Organisation (WHO) certification in Nigeria.

It is an ultra-modern facility with high-tech machinery for manufacturing pharmaceutical products, in compliance with global standards and WHO certification. The plant, which boasts of an unprecedented capacity for drug production, is equipped with six production lines – tablets, Capsules, Liquids, Cream and Ointments, Dry

Powder and Intravenous fluids to meet the needs of the Nigerian and West African markets.

Speaking on the Minister’s familiarisation visit to the factory, the Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr Fidelis Ayebae expressed optimism that with government’s support, the new plant would not only boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, it will also transform the country’s pharmaceutical industry and the economy at large. Ayebae said the present position of the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing business requires such transformational investment as the new Fidson plant, to meet future healthcare demands of Nigerians. He noted that with the completion of the plant, Nigerian pharma industry stands a chance of being launched into global reckoning and attract foreign investors. He highlighted the several benefits of the factory to include high quality and affordable healthcare products, worldclass pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity, employment generation, increased local content, generation of stronger partnerships, as well as strategic brand and market positioning. He said the plant would manufacture large scale pharmaceutical products that would take care of the healthcare needs of Nigerians, thereby further strengthening the company’s leadership position in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry and also place the company on the global pharmaceutical reckoning.

31/LIVING

19.08.2016

Mobile Payment Solutions in a Corporate World: Our Transition to a Cashless Society Omotade Odunowo Nigeria’s modern globalised landscape dictates that all aspects of the business transaction process must be seamless and effective, which is a certain advantage of mobile payments and transfers over conventional banking methods.

Mobile payments are convenient for users because they take advantage of technology that is always with them: their mobile phones. Today’s world sees customers discarding credit cards in favour of mobile phones. Mobile payments are also convenient for sellers: set-up is quick and simple and mobility allows sellers to accept payments away from their primary business locations.

Rather than financing through cheques, which would have been physically deposited at a local branch of their bank, fetswallet combats these cumbersome barriers by providing a digital solution.

Accessibility and real time control of your finances is an integral aspect of the mobile banking’s appeal and with 46.1 per cent of Nigeria’s population currently with access to the Internet and smartphone penetration reaching 30 per cent, the ability of individuals to remotely access their finances is growing at an ever-increasing rate. This has been compounded by the smartphone market reaching maturity and thus driving down the prices of smartphones, which has in turn enabled a greater population to reap the benefits of this exciting technology.

Despite the cheaper smart phone options available and the presence of an internet connection becoming the norm, there are still a vast number of individuals who are not able to enjoy these benefits. Although this is less likely to be an issue within the large scale corporate environment, it is important that all stakeholders are accounted for. In an industry such as agriculture, where

Mobile money platforms like the fetswallet are convenient, reliable and affordable payment solutions

the sourcing of raw materials is a vital aspect of the value chain, there is a greater emphasis on distributors being able to function within a rural setting. This is where fets truly comes into its own in comparison to other e-payment and mobile banking solutions In Nigeria, mobile payment has become a very acceptable payment medium because of the nature of the economy. As consumers become more comfortable with the technology, analysts expect more money to flow into mobile payment solutions. Mobile payments will provide entrepreneurs with many payment options and give businesses the customised, flexible solutions they need to make payment processing simple. The greatest benefits for vendors will come from how seamlessly the mobile transaction element is integrated into the overall shopping experience.

Transitioning to a cashless society in Nigeria will promote financial intermediation, financial

inclusion, minimise revenue leakages and thus increase internally generated revenue (IGR) and reduce incidences of robbery. It will also reduce the amount of cash payment while encouraging electronic payments.

Bank transfers are a method of payments for distributors in FMCG environments and are widely used throughout a number of organisations. However, this raises an issue when it comes to the efficiency and security of the payment process. In Nigeria alone, it is estimated that there are currently 59 million adult Nigerians and 70 per cent of rural Nigeria that do not have access to banking or a formal financial institution.

Mobile payment services are able to vastly reduce the impact of an individual’s lack of access to a financial institution and fets is able provide this benefit and also takes this one step further. As opposed to other e-payment services requiring the individual to possess

a bank account from a banking institution, fets offers the unique advantage of branchless banking. In an environment where access to financial services bodies can be limited to some, fets has been able to provide an innovative financial solution that appeal to people of all backgrounds.

It is not in doubt that statistics have shown that majority of Nigerians even the literates are unbanked, with mobile payment the number of the unbanked will reduce drastically. Mobile payment optimisation isn't just something to consider any more - it's a necessity for companies that want to thrive in a fast-paced, digital marketplace. Mobile payments can deliver substantial customer engagement and loyalty benefits when implemented effectively.

Ultimately, we are seeing a transition occurring as we are moving our focus from a cash oriented society to a ‘cashless Nigeria’. This is evident with the profusion of mobile payment service providers becoming available within Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Naturally, as services become increasingly digitised there is an increased prominence placed upon security.

Due to the dynamic and fast paced nature of today’s corporate environment, it is imperative that businesses have access to fast, efficient and secure payment methods that enable them to capitalise upon business opportunities. fets encapsulates these needs perfectly and as a result, was recently awarded with the honour of being the most trusted mobile payment company in Africa. With major clients operating in the banking sector and telecommunications as well as service providers and distributors, it is clear to see why fets is a leading player in Africa’s fintech revolution.

Odunowo, is Managing Director of Funds and Electronic Transfer Solutions Limited (fets)

Search for ‘The Next Titan’ Season 3 Begins After the success of the two previous editions of The Next Titan, Nigeria’s Entrepreneurial Reality TV Show, the organisers, and Heritage Bank as the major sponsor, have appeared putting efforts in place for the new season with an official press conference scheduled for August 30, which will officially launch the commencement of the Season 3 of the innovative show. The previous seasons recorded amazing success with several thousands of entries received from young aspiring entrepreneurs across Nigeria and diaspora, before being auditioned in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Lagos.

The Next Titan, a 10-week reality TV show sees entrepreneurs going head to head to battle it out in an aim to win the prize of a substantial N5 million for their business idea, another way of developing the Nigerian buddy entrepreneurs.

According to the executive producer, Mide Kunle-Akinlaja, “the importance of The Next Titan to the Nigerian economy lies in igniting entrepreneurial spirit of young people, and showcasing the possibility of entrepreneurship in transforming lives and our societies with just an idea that can be scaled to greatness.”

He added that, by scouting for young talented people who have entrepreneurial acumens, grooming them through a rigorous task and boardroom process and eventually funding a winner’s idea, leading to an opportunity to create

The Next Titan

jobs for themselves and others, is indeed a big contributor to the socio-economic development of the society. And what is more compelling is that a broader audience, that is millions of TV viewers are able to watch the 10 week TV Reality show directly on their TV sets, therefore getting their entrepreneurial spirit inspired to take their destinies in their hands. The multiplied effect of this is that the young graduates whose their mentalities have been earlier conditioned to seeking for jobs after schools, would now

have a change of mind sets of creating jobs for themselves and others.

The formats of the show specifies that the participants must be university or polytechnic graduates, and this is actually noticeable in the profiles of the past two winners of the show. The winner of the Season one is Iroghama Ogbeifun from Port Harcourt. She is a graduate of University of Massachusetts, Boston, and with Masters in Public Health fromBrunnel University, London.

The Next Titan has brought out the best and

potentials in her. She is today an employer of labour with more than 15 graduates working with her company, HAIRVEN LTD, the only synthetic hair care product line in Nigeria.

Iroghama Ogbeifun as the founder of HAIRVEN LTD is living her dreams, and has equally been able to create jobs for other graduates. And the winner of Season Two is Davies Okeowo from Lagos, who holds Bsc in Accounting from Lagos University. He is the founder/CEO, of Enterprise HiLLS, a business consulting firm located in Lagos which provides business development services and support to Micro, Small, and Medium scale Enterprises (MSMEs). Enterprise Hills provides accounting services to businesses within the MSME business category by leveraging on the power of modern technology to create diverse solutions to suit the needs of its market thereby making them more structured, minimising their chances of business failure, and maximizing their chances of business growth and sustainability.

The Search for the ambitious entrepreneurs for the Season three has already started, and young entrepreneurs with innovative, viable and scalable business ideas are advised to send their entries via www.thenexttitan.com.

The show’s new season is made possible by its usual headline sponsor, Heritage Bank, and with supports from Lagos State Government, and other reputable companies.

Itsekiri APC Leaders Visit Emerhor, Pledge Support for NDDC Nominees Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APD) from Itsekiri extraction have commended President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising Delta State in his recent appointment.

They also applauded the efforts of Olorogun Otega Emerhor, in building the APC in Delta State.

In a solidarity visit earlier in the week, the leaders pledged their support for Engr. Samuel Ajenakevwe Adjogbe and Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, the two nominees for Executive Director Projects and State Representative from Delta State appointed into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The leaders

also discussed ways to further strengthen the party in the state.

The stakeholders who were led by the Delta South Senatorial APC Chairman, Senior Apostle Yemi Omaghomi, had in attendance, Barr.

Justin Rewane, Barr. Omasan Agbajoh, Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje, Dr. Omawumi Urhobo, Comrade Tunde Okorodudu, Barr. Wesley Bawo Edema, Piero Young Omatseye, Bawo Oteri, Barr. Solo Igbiaye, Toju Omadeli, Ethel Ayemotse and Prince Valentine Egbe, Warri South LGA chairman.

Otega, who used the occasion to thank them for the solidarity visit noted that he is aware

of the disenchantment of a few about the recent appointments and commended them for standing by the party. He urged them to remain committed noting that there is reward for hardwork. He maintained that he will continue to call for peace pointing out that the party is reaching out to aggrieved members with a view to having a united house..

Responding on behalf of the leaders, Snr. Apostle Omaghomi commended Emerhor for his participatory leadership style while pledging to mobilise the Delta South Senatorial zone to continue to support the decisions of the leadership of the party.

Emerho

33/ TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

19.08.2016

Lagos Now Conerstone for Driving African Arts, Culture, Says Ambode Accepts hosting right of 2016 AFRIMA

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has said that the winning of the hosting right of the 2016 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) by the State has further confirmed the fact that Lagos is now the cornerstone for driving African arts and culture, just as he expressed his administration's commitment to continue to support the talents in the industry and promote cultural heritage of the continent.

Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja, when he received AFRIMA delegation led by Head of Culture of African Union Commission, Ms Angela Martins and AFRIMA President, Mr. Mike Dada, expressed excitement at the development and accepted the hosting right, saying that it was in sync with his passion of using tourism, hospitality, entertainment, arts and sports to promote excellence.

"I want to thank the African Union and the organisers of the All Africa Music Awards for finding it worthy to once again pick Lagos as the host city. We are very glad that Lagos has become more or less the cornerstone for driving the African arts and culture. I must say that even though this is the third time that Lagos is hosting it, but this is the very first time that the Lagos State Government will be practically involved and that goes to show that there is a convergence of vision between what the African Union stands for and what this particular administration stands for also.

"We are big promoters of our culture; we believe so much in heritage; we believe also that the creative part of the African identity is yet to be tapped and obviously, we need to intervene in some of the things that are being done individually to be able to put things together so that we can together drive the African identity and that is why it is a no brainier for us as a government to actually say that we are going to participate in this," Ambode said.

The Governor said he believes that talents abound in Africa, which, according to him, informed why his administration had been working hard to promote the African artists, adding that talents must be supported and assisted not to die, so that they can use their talents to push Africa to her rightful place.

He said: "One of our vision is actually

Ambode (right), presenting a certificate of appreciation to international music act, Innocent Idibia a.ka. 2Baba (left), during a courtesy visit by officials of AU, International Committee of AFRIMA Executives and its 2014 & 2015 Award Winners at the Lagos House, Ikeja. With them is the Head of Culture Division, Department of Social Affairs, African Union, Ms. Angela Martins (middle)…recently

to promote our heritage and one of our programmes in the course of the electioneering was "Project THESE. We believe strongly that we can use Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Arts and Sports to actually promote excellence. We believe we are the next face of Africa and we think that the hub of entertainment should actually reside in Lagos and so we will do everything to promote our artists, to promote our producers and even those that are upcoming."

Besides, Ambode urged those in the creative industry to key into the N25 billion Employment Trust Fund set up by his administration.

Earlier, Martins commended Governor Ambode for his passion in developing and

promoting arts and culture in the continent.

She recalled that out of the states in Nigeria that received letters from the leadership of the African Union through the Commissioner for Social Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Lagos won the rights to once again host the 2016 edition of AFRIMA, adding that the development was a great achievement for both the Union and the state.

"We want to thank you for always being on the side of artists and on the side of the African continent in the development of the culture and creative industries of the continent," Martins said.

In his opening remarks, the state's Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the hosting right of

AFRIMA further attests to the commitment of Governor Ambode to promote culture, arts and tourism.

Ayorinde, who reeled out many achievements of the present administration in the sector such as the expansion of the One Lagos Fiesta, the hosting of the International Jazz Festival at the Lagos House, and the upcoming celebration of Lagos at the Toronto International Festival in September, said the Ambode administration has indeed continue to use the sector to achieve excellence.

Some of the notable names in the creative industry who were part of the delegation include Innocent Idibia, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Seyi Shay, Praise, Simi, Olisa Adibua, Tee Mac, among others.

Ethiopian Airlines Launches A350 on London Heathrow Route Takes delivery of its second Airbus A350 XWB Africa's first and most technologically advanced aircraft Airbus A350 XWB has been launched on the London Heathrow route. Passengers on Ethiopian daily non-stop services between Heathrow to Addis Ababa with convenient onward connections to 51 destinations on the African continent were able to enjoy the amazing cabin interior features with the latest high-definition touch screen personal monitors with a higher selection of movies, television series and audio channels.

They also enjoyed the wider seats and wide windows, the lowest twin engine noise level, advanced air conditioning technology and full LED mood lighting, which enhance comfort and reduce jetlag after a long flight. The Business class cabin, 'Cloud 9', is outfitted with 30 state-of-the-art diamond seats which fully lie-flat bed in a 2x2x2 configuration, offering superior comfort and privacy for its premium travelers. Economy class will also have 313 seats in a 3X3X3 configuration offering comfortable seat pitch to passengers.

The A350 XWB is one of the most comfortable, technologically innovative and fuel-efficient aircraft in the market today, providing exceptional levels of luxury and reliability combined with the latest technology for a totally unique passenger experience.

The A350 XWB's innovative technology

Ethopian

also improves performance in operation. Its revolutionary airframe and simplified systems

have optimised fuel burn, maintenance costs and reliability, and its engines have the lowest

carbon dioxide CO2 emissions of any in the wide body category. Ethiopian has ordered 14 Airbus A350 aircraft and will receive the second one in mid August, bringing increased comfort levels to its customers.

Similarly, Ethiopian Airlines has taken another leap forward by receiving its second Airbus A350 XWB, which arrived at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on Tuesday, August 16, 2016. Since June 30, 2016, Africa’s First Ethiopian A350 dubbed “Simien Mountains”, has been flying to various African destinations, the Middle East, and recently to London, adding a new level of comfort to its valued customers. Passengers can now enjoy the ultimate travel experience on-board the Ethiopian second A350 XWB; amazing cabin interior features with the latest high-definition touchscreen personal monitors with a higher selection of movies, television series and audio channels. They will also enjoy the wider seats and wide windows, the lowest twin engine noise level, advanced air conditioning technology and full LED mood lighting , which enhance comfort and reduce jet-lag after a long flight. Ethiopian has 12 remaining orders of the A350, which are expected to be delivered within this fiscal year. The latest addition of A350, increases Ethiopian fleet to 80.

35/ENTREPRENEUR

19.08.2016

Etisalat’s Big Boost for Entrepreneurs in the Communities

The potential of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises as a driver of Nigeria’s socioeconomic growth has received another big boost, courtesy of the Etisalat Community Skills Set Programme. Peter Uzoho writes The high rate of rural-urban migration is one of the worrisome demography issues in Nigeria in particular among the youth segment of the population. Almost every young person desires to live in the city centres especially on the premise of searching for jobs that are increasingly becoming more difficult to find.

But, back home in the rural communities are huge untapped self employment opportunities that can stimulate wealth creation and poverty alleviation.

The development of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises has been identified as one of the critical platforms through which countries including Nigeria can achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN- SDGs) on economic empowerment. This argument is more compelling given the status of Nigeria as a fledging economy with youth unemployment being a serious issue of concern.

According to a recent World Bank statistics, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate is around 38 per cent. However, there are arguments that the figure realistically is close to 80 per cent with secondary leavers mostly found among unemployed rural population accounting for about half of this figure while university and polytechnic graduates make up the population.

Given the scenario, it is stating the obvious that the prospect of achieving the SDGs on economic empowerment for the productive stratum of the population would be a tall order – despite its attainability – if proactive steps are not taken to address the challenge.

In light of this reality, government at all levels certainly require the full support of all stakeholders including private sector players to turn things around.

Aligned to its commitment to creating innovative solutions that help society solve everyday problems, Etisalat Nigeria in partnership with O.A. Bella Resources, recently empowered a total of 100 Nigerians with basic life skills and start-up equipment that could make them self dependent. The beneficiaries were selected from six communities across four states in the Southeast and South-south regions of the country.

They included Oromeruezimgbu, Rumuokuta and Awalama communities in Rivers State; Yenizuegene community in Bayelsa State; Usogun community in Auchi, Edo State and Uburu community in Ebonyi State.

The initiative which came on the platform of the company’s CSR-backed Community Support Programme, saw the beneficiaries undergo comprehensive training in such cottage business enterprises as soap and floor cleaner production, laundry and dry cleaning, hair dressing and air freshener and disinfectant production, and was aimed at helping the beneficiaries maximise their potentials through the establishment of start up businesses. On a broader scale, it was also aimed at contributing to the development of the economy through growing the SME sub-sector.

The Etisalat Community Skills Set Programme is a critical intervention that has further raised awareness of the need to harness the huge benefits in the cottage industry and the entrepreneurship of Nigerians for maximum socio-economic impact.

Speaking during the presentation of certificates and start-up kits to beneficiaries, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education, Prof. John U. Ekeh, commended the initiative as timely.

“This initiative by Etisalat to create employment through skill acquisition in the rural communities is quite commendable. They have shown that this is the need of the community.

They have reduced unemployment for us. The state government recently rolled out some empowerment programmes, but Etisalat is navigating the waters ahead,” he said.

Also speaking also in the same light, Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko, said the company’s goal is to create entrepreneurs

L-R: Onwukwe Odi, a beneficiary of the Etisalat Community Skills Set Programme receiving starter packs from HRH Eze Uche Onu, Okenze 11 of Etiti Uburu; Mohammed Suleh-Yusuf, Head, Government and Community Relations, Etisalat Nigeria and Francis Wokoma, President, A.O.Bella Resources, at Uburu, Ebonyi State… recently

L-R: Blessing Achinike, a beneficiary of the Etisalat Community Skills Set Programme receiving starter packs from Akani Achinike, President, Awalama Youth Forum; Mohammed Suleh-Yusuf, Head, Government and Community Relations, Etisalat Nigeria and Francis Wokoma, President, E.O.Bella Resources at Awalama Community, Port Harcourt… recently

and set up community-based enterprises in the beneficiary states. This, he believes, would guarantee sustainability of the impacts in the long run.

“Etisalat believes in building sustainable

Etisalat believes in building sustainable societies and giving back to our host communities which is what we are doing with the CSSP. We are complementing the vision of the respective states to empower the youths to become selfreliant and socially responsible indigenes through creating entrepreneurs and setting up community-based enterprises

societies and giving back to our host communities which is what we are doing with the CSSP. We are complementing the vision of the respective states to empower the youths to become self-reliant and socially responsible indigenes through creating entrepreneurs and setting up community-based enterprises,” he said.

Dikko added that the skill acquisition programme is proving to be a melting pot for dreams, aspirations, ambitions and opportunities and more importantly a developing gateway for a fully blossomed entrepreneurial spirit of the various classes of beneficiaries among whom are students, school leavers, applicants and housewives with a promise of amplified effects on the communities.

One of the beneficiaries from Rumuokuta community in Rivers State, Mrs. Amaka Amadi, commended the programme as a well-researched medication for the economic ills befalling the nation especially rural unemployment. Her words, “I believe in doing something with my hands and not carrying my certificates about looking for whom to employ me. Of course, you can see where we are; there is no job anywhere, but I tell you, if you are skilful, you will make a difference. The training is an eye-opener. I don’t know how other people see opportunity, but if you give me one, I see it in different forms. The training is making me

to think wide and I am contemplating going into research on soap and cream making. The tips from the training have been helpful.”

Another beneficiary, Oyakpa Jacob Azu, a 400-Level student of History and Diplomacy, Niger Delta University expressed joy that the empowerment programme would make them become economically independent of government and employers of labour. He said, “It was indeed a great experience because as a person, you don’t depend on government alone; you need also to be self-dependent to some extent. We are in a very difficult situation now in the nation, and as such being dependent on yourself will help a long way, and for a start, I think Etisalat has impacted in me to the extent that I can be a boss on my own; I can be an employer of labour, I can be an entrepreneur that can help humanity.”

The direct impact circle of the Community Support Programme may have been 100, but its spiralling effects promise a boost in the economic fortunes of the beneficiary communities.

The paramount ruler of Enugwu Autonomous Community in Uburu, Ebonyi State, HRH Eze Godwin Akpando Okoro, Omeze 11, was unequivocal on how his community plans to maximise and sustain the gains of the programme. “I will supervise them to ensure the knowledge acquired is not being kept in the cooler, but being put into use on daily basis so that as the days go by, they will start to train others who will in turn train other people. We are going to sustain it by constant encouragement in whatever way we can,” he assured.

Head of Government and Community Relations, Etisalat Nigeria, Mohammed Suley-Yusuf, affirmed the telco’s continued support for SMEs and community development in Nigeria, line with its vision of being a network that enables people and institutions. His words,”Let them take this as an opportunity to grow, to build businesses, enterprise, to innovate and see how they can create employment for others. We don’t want to create employment for 25, 30, or 100 people. We want to create employment for 100 people that will also create for 2000 more.

We want to sow the seed that will germinate and create more employment in the society.”

The Community Support Programme is one of the various CSR-platforms employed

by Etisalat to cater to the needs of its host communities, especially in the three cardinal areas of health, education and environment.

It also supports governments in their efforts to improve the living standard of citizens.

37/THISLIFE

19.08.2016

Anenih

Tony Anenih: ‘Mr. Fix It’ Clocks 83 Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih celebrated his 83rd birthday on August 4, 2016, few months after he was rumoured to have died in a London hospital. Peter Uzoho examines the life of this elder statesman whose immense contribution to the growth of the country cannot be forgotten in a hurry Man is always the adversary of another.

But unfortunately, Mother Nature, most times, does not concur with the wishes of men for or against another, thus leaving them to flounder in indignation and disappointment.

Recently, Nigerians woke up one morning, after their sound sleep and were greeted with news from the social media that Chief Tony Anenih died in a London hospital. The news which filtered in on May 4, 2016, few months before his 83rd birthday, had it that the elder statesman slumped during breakfast in his private house at Durban Broadway, London and was rushed to hospital where he was rumoured to have died.

However, to silence and shame his enemies; relieve his fans of the shock, and douse the tension generated by the unfounded rumour, the widely-admired Anenih popularly called ‘Mr. Fix It’ by his admirers, whose life and death lie in no man’s hand but God, strongly refuted the report as he bounces in good health.

“If I am dead, will I be talking to you?

I am in London; I am alive and enjoying myself”, Anenih said from London. “I am not going to issue any press release to debunk the rumour. God will punish them, and I believe that they will die before me,” he added.

But while death is inevitable and the road to all mortals, why would people preoccupy themselves in wishing another dead before their appointed time?

However, being a man with high sense of understanding and maturity, Anenih has refused to be ruffled with such evil rumour on his life. As a wise gentle man, he has

obviously resolved to let nature take its cause on the matter.

As a member of the Nigeria’s political echelon, Anenih remains fearless and courageous. He is steadfast and strong-willed, and does not hesitate to air his views with all sense of candour, on any national issue.

Anenih means many things to many people. In some quarters, he is regarded as an inimitable leader and compassionate giver. Others describe him as a consummate politician, master tactician and strategist.

Born on August 4, 1933 at Uzenema-Arua, Uromi, Edo State, Anthony Akhakon Anenih joined the Nigeria Police Force in Benin City in the year 1951. After obtaining his secondary school qualification, he attended the Police College in Ikeja, Lagos State, and was among the lucky individuals selected for further training in the Bram Shill Police College, Basingstoke, England in 1966 and the International Police Academy, Washington DC in 1970 He was the police orderly to the first indigenous Governor-General of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. He also worked as an instructor in various Nigeria’s police colleges, and in the year 1975, he was assigned to the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), in Lagos.

Anenih retired from the Nigerian Police after holding office as a Commissioner of Police (CO). After his retirement from the police, Anenih joined politics, and became the State Chairman of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) between 1981 and 1983. It was under his watch as the State Chairman

that Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia was elected as a civilian Governor of Bendel State, though the administration was short-lived due the military takeover by General Muhammadu Buhari in December, 1983.

Having been instrumental in the formation of a new political party at the time, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Tony Aninih became its National Chairman from 1992 to 1993.

It under his chairmanship, that late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was coasting home to victory in the Presidential election. The election was nullified by then military dictator, General Ibrahim Bagangida.

He was appointed a member of the Constitutional Conference in 1994, a conference saddled with the task of discussing a way forward for Nigeria. He was a member of Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) until early 2002.

Anenih joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in April 2002, and was one of the brains behind the April 26, 2002 declaration of President Olusegun Obasanjo at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. He served as the Deputy National Coordinator of Olusegun Obasanjo’s Campaign Organisation in the years 1999 and 2003 national elections.

In 1999, Aninih was appointed Minister of Works and Housing by President Olusegun Obasanjo. He later became the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Since Anenih’s entry into the politics of Nigeria till date, he has been moving from one sensitive position to another. This no doubt, is because of his wealth of experience and knowledge in matters of the nation.

Even as Edo, his own state, being controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), his relevance in Edo politics has never been threatened or undermined, as he is being consulted by his people whenever the need arises.

Anenih occupies a pride of place in Nigeria.

He is one of the voices that are sought to be heard in times of emergency. He is one of the God-fathers of the PDP, whose core values, beliefs, principles, goals and aspirations drive the actions of all members of the party. His selfless service to both the party and the nation is never forgotten as well-meaning Nigerians team up every year to join in wishing him well during his birthday celebrations.

On August 4, 2016, Anenih, hale and hearty, celebrated his 83rd birthday; an occasion which served his enemies right as they buried their faces in shame. Accompanying the ceremony were wishes from eminent Nigerians, among whom, the immediate past President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

Jonathan, while congratulating Anenih during his 83rd birthday, described the elder statesman as “a great asset to the country”.

In a one-paged congratulatory message, Jonathan commended him for his “wisdom, patriotism and time-honoured commitment to the strengthening of democracy and national growth.

“I join your family and numerous admirers around the country to wish you more productive years in your determination to see our great country progress in peace and prosperity,” Jonathan said.

Anenih is happily married with children.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Journey Towards Payment System Vision 2020 Nume Ekeghe assesses efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria on the attainment of the Payment System Vision 2020

In 2007, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) launched the Payment Systems Vision (PSV) 2020 whose objectives among other things include modernising the country’s payment system and ensuring that the use of electronic payment channels in the country becomes dominant. The PSV identified series of recommendations aimed at increasing the resilience of the payments system infrastructure.

With four to go, the CBN in a recent workshop in Lagos highlighted its journey towards the PSV 2020.

PSV 2020 The objectives are to facilitate economic activities by providing safe and efficient mechanisms for making and receiving payments with minimum risks to the central bank, payment service providers and end users extending the availability and usage to all sectors and geographies, banked and unbanked and conforming to internationally accepted regulatory, technical and operational standards.

The Deputy Director, Banking and Payment System Department, CBN, Mr. Musa Jimoh who spoke at the event, remarked: “Payment system is any arrangement that facilitates the transfer of monetary value among transacting parties. The most important thing is that there is exchange of value. When this process of exchanging and transferring value is automated using technology, it becomes a payment system it requires economic growth, whereby transactions are allowed to flow.

“The economy would not be completed and commerce would not be completed if you cannot exchange value. For an economy to grow there must be a formidable payment system. It also allows financial stability and trust and it promotes the monetary policy.

Speaking further on the role the central bank plays in the payment system, Jimoh said: “One of the mandates of the central bank is to promote sound financial system. On the basis of that, we have primitive role to promote payment system because payment system actually stabilises the financial system.”

He noted that CBN also develop the payment

system by initiating, collaborating with stakeholders as well as promoting sound effective financial system.

Jimoh added: “We would continue as a regulator to work with stakeholders to promote financial stability in payment system and to also place Nigeria on the global map on payment system. Our payment mantra at the CBN is to have a system that is domestically utilised and internationally recognised.

“As CBN, in our own responsibility, we play several roles. As the regulator, we manage the medium of all the participants. We ensure that every institution participating in the payment system behave in a certain manner. We do that through regulations and framework guidelines that we issue. We are also an operator. We run a structure that we consider as systematically important and we don’t leave it to the hands of private sector.”

Journey towards PSV 2020 As part of efforts to achieve the PSV 2020, the CBN last year inaugurated the payment system strategy board, the payment scheme boards, the initiatives working groups and the special interest working groups.

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who inaugurated members of the respective groups, had described the feat as another giant leap in realising the vision of facilitating economic activities.

He said it was expected to provide safe and efficient mechanisms for making and receiving payments with minimum risks to the central bank, payment service providers and end users.

Emefiele explained that members of the groups were selected to serve in any of the new initiative working groups, such that one member from each industry vertical, comprising of the user community, banks and other service providers.

“The groups will work on the principle of identifying quick wins for an initial period of two years, with an option to extend for another two-year term, subject to the level of achievements.

“These groups have laid the foundation for moving to the next level of scheme governance,

which is a significant shift of responsibility from CBN to the participants in the Nigerian payments system. This no doubt will enhance self-regulation and engender the efficiency of the payments system,” he had said.

He pointed out that the having put in place the aforementioned initiatives working groups and the governance scheme boards, best practice recommends that, there should be a senior and superior body that oversees all payment systems activities. “It is in this respect, and to provide strategic direction for the National Payments System, that the Payment Systems Strategy Board (PSSB) is being put in place.

“This body will replace the National Payment Systems Council (NPSC), and will be the pinnacle organisation for the governance, management and operation of the Nigerian Payment Systems,” he added. The terms of reference included to provide strategic direction and drive the overall National Payments System Strategy, to provide cross-scheme priorities and resource allocation, among others.

The Board, which shall be chaired by the Governor of the CBN would have the Minister of Communication Technology; the Accountant General of the Federation; the four Deputy Governors of the CBN; the Chairmen of the four Payment Scheme Boards; independent Directors from the end-user community represented by the director generals, NACCIMA and Consumers Protection Council; the Director Generals of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Others include the chairmen of two subcommittees of the Bankers’ Committee (Payments Infrastructures and Financial Literacy subcommittees); the Executive Chairmen of the Nigerian Communication Commission and Federal Inland Revenue Service; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice.

The Head/Project Manager, PSV 2020, Mr. Sam Okojere, who also spoke at the recent workshop, stressed that the cash-less policy is the future of payments in Nigeria. He also noted that the PSV 2020 initiatives are aimed instituting a robust

national payment system that is nationally utilised and internationally recognised.

Experts argued that Nigeria has witnessed an impressive growth of electronic payments and a shift from dominance of cash as a means of payment. Furthermore, they listed the deployment of the real time gross settlement systems where transfer of money or securities takes place from one bank to another on a real time, the adoption of mobile money as a major channel, the implementation of the Treasury Single Account; and migration of all payment cards from magnetic stripe technology to Chip-and-PIN, otherwise known as EMV, as some of the steps towards achieving PSV 2020.

Technology Evolution Technological advancement has no doubt played a role in aiding the payment system. Jimoh also pointed out that smartphones being used today have evolved.

“With the rapidity and changes in technology, there is no way one would still be using a phone they used four years ago because there are services social media and banks provide and if you don’t upgrade, you cannot move. Technology changes and at the CBN, we also have to move alongside with changes in technology with several initiatives.

In 2007, nobody was talking about mobile money.”

“Things have changed which is why our payment system PSV 2020 which was crafted in 2007 has consistently changed alongside changes in technology. In 2013, we did a major revision because there were certain things that had happen between 2007 till 2013. One of the major changes was our commitment in Mexico on financial inclusion.” Also, the acting Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Isaac Okorafor stressed that the national vision is to be one of the 20 largest economies in the world by the year 2020, adding that as a result of that, the country must not be found lagging in any area. “The security systems on our cards are one of the best in the world. Our Monetary policy committee is the most transparent in the world; we publish the notes of all members,” he added.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

CITYSTRINGS Wike Tackles Infrastructure Decay in Rivers

Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Editors who converged on Port Harcourt penultimate week for the 12th edition of the All Nigeria Editors’ Conference, after touring several projects, came up with an impressive verdict on Governor Nyesom Wike. Davidson Iriekpen writes

Wke (middle)explaining to the visiting Editors, how he is tackling infrastructure decay in Rivers

G

overnor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State penultimate week received commendations for the level of security and infrastructural development in the state from the Nigerian editors who gathered in Port Harcourt for four days for the12th All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) 2016.

For the over 300 frontline editors from all mainstream and online media organisations across Nigeria, they could not believe that despite the series of attacks on the state government, massive developments were going on in the state and people were at peace with themselves.

The editors’ stay in Port Harcourt, their tours of projects and the expressions of the faces of everyone they came across in some parts of the state they visited left them with one impression: Rivers is safe contrary to the impression by members of the opposition political party.

The four-day conference afforded the ultimate gate-keepers the opportunity to see the reality of the creation of a new state.

They saw for themselves the unfolding development of an amazing state where

the resources of the people work for them.

“Based on careful observation of the state of affairs in Rivers State, the Guild commended the government and people of the state for the level of security and infrastructural development as well as for the steps being taken to promote agriculture

Based on careful observation of the state of affairs in Rivers State, the Guild commended the government and people of the state for the level of security and infrastructural development as well as for the steps being taken to promote agriculture in the state

in the state,” the editors stated as part of the communiqué they issued at the end of their stay in the Garden City.

Wike used the opportunity to showcase all that he had done in the last 14 months for which other eminent Nigerians such as the outgoing President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Augustine Alegeh (SAN), former Senate President David Mark, PDP National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, he had previously received commended him on.

The governor’s tour of projects with the editors was basically aimed erasing the negative impression sold to a majority of them that nothing was happening in the state and that it was a no-go-area and put in them a perception of the development process in the state. After the tour, the editors were pleasantly surprised at the level of projects delivery in the state and the quality of work done so far by the state government in the last 14 months.

The editors were happy with the governor for his impressive performance which most of them declared must be sustained to further advance the living condition of the people

of the state.

The tour of projects led the editors to 24 project sites spread across seven local government areas of the state namely Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Eleme, Khana, Gokana and Etche Local Government Areas. And to achieve maximum exposure of the selected projects, the tour was divided into two teams; Wike led a team, while the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Emma Okah led the second team. The list of the projects visited include: Law Centre, Civic Centre, Federal High Court being constructed by the Rivers State Government, Garrison-AkpajoEast West Road, Second Nkpogu Bridge, Dr. Peter Odili Road, Abuluoma-Woji Road, Woji-Akpajo Road, Elelenwo-Akpajo Road, Sakpenwa-Bori Road, Rumukwurusi-Eneka Road, Igwuruta-Okehi Road, Rukpokwu-Eneka and Oroigwe Road.

Other projects visited are: Industry Road, Njamanze Road (Diobu), Eagle Island Bridge –Agip, Rumuepirikom-Rumuolumeni Road, Rumuolumeni-Elioparanwo-OgbogoroOzuoba Road, Ozuoba-Rumoosi Road, Alakahia-Rumualogu Road, NkpoluRumuigbo-Rumuaholu-Obiri Ikwere Road and Aluu-Rukpokwu Road.

41

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

Wike (middle) expaining something to the visiting Editors...recently

The editors who visited six local government areas in the state to inspect projects alongside the governor and top government officials, were appreciative of the governor’s efforts. They never minced words as they celebrated the governor’s development efforts. For instance, Egbemode praised the governor for working to revive the state through the execution of high quality projects

The editors equally experienced in reality Wike’s street credibility. Everywhere the governor and his entourage went to inspect projects, the people trooped out in their large numbers to sing his praises. His popularity and acceptance among the people played out before the editors. They understood the political strength of the governor and why it would be impossible for the APC to win any election in the state.

From the Civic Centre to the Law Centre, through to Elelenwo-Akpajo road down to Igwuruta-Okehi road, the people in one accord through their loud voices passed a vote-of confidence on the governor.

Flowing from the street credibility the governor exhibited during the tour of projects with the editors is the issue of security and safety of Rivers State.

The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mrs. Funke Egbemode and other members of her group were in the state for days without security details and saw for themselves the security architecture being funded and organised by the state government for the people of the state.

For the four days that the over 300 frontline editors from all mainstream and online media organisations across Nigeria stayed in several hostels in Port Harcourt there was no report of insecurity or attack on anyone as being circulated by the opposition that the state is unsafe. The editors enjoyed the revived night-life in Port Harcourt, the warmth of the people, the friendship and humanity of Rivers people, the beauty of the Garden

The Woji-Akpajo Bridge, one of the projects Wike showed the visiting Editors

Wike (2nd right), acknowledging cheers from Port Harcourt residents, during an inspection of projects in the state with leaders of the Nigerian Guild of Editors...recently

City and the serenity of the ‘Treasure Base of the Nation.’

Throughout their stay, there was no untoward incident as the editors had the privilege of appreciating the security that

oil companies, schools, expatriate staff and other professionals enjoy in the state that make them to want to return to the state at every opportunity.

Through critical security initiatives, Wike

was able to resolve the security challenges that affected a few local government areas far away from Port Harcourt, restored the confidence of the people and set the entire state for greater development.

The editors who visited six local government areas in the state to inspect projects alongside the governor and top government officials, were appreciative of the governor’s efforts. They never minced words as they celebrated the governor’s development efforts.

For instance, Egbemode praised the governor for working to revive the state through the execution of high quality projects. Other leading editors like Mr. Lawal Ado, Editor-in-Chief of News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Steve Nwosu, Deputy Managing Director of Sun Newspapers and Juliet Njiohwor, Director of Publication of Tide Newspapers, commended Wike for his judicious application of resources to promote development in the state.

If there was any major impression the tour of projects by the editors achieved, it was that contrary to the views being circulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the state APC, the state remains safe for the conclusion of the rerun elections in constituencies cancelled by the commission.

FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2016 • T H I S D AY

47

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Car Bomb Kills 3, Injures 100 in Eastern Turkey At least three police officers were killed and about 100 people wounded by a car bomb at a police station in the eastern Turkish city of Elazig yesterday, security sources said, hours after a similar bombing killed three people elsewhere in the region.

Footage on the CNN Turk channel showed offices inside the police station in ruins and filled with

smoke after the bomb exploded just outside the complex at 9:20 a.m.

(0620 GMT), when officers had already begun arriving for work.

No one immediately claimed responsibility, but Defence Minister Fikri Isik told the state-run Anadolu Agency that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), deemed a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union,

was behind the attack.

“The people see the real face of the PKK,” Isik said. The PKK has carried out dozens of attacks on police and military posts in the largely Kurdish southeast since 2015. But Elazig, a conservative province that votes in large numbers for the ruling AK Party, had been spared violence until now.

Video footage showed a plume of black smoke rising above the city after the blast, which uprooted trees and gouged a large crater outside the police complex, located on a busy thoroughfare in the city of 420,000 people.

In Van province, further east, two police officers and one civilian were killed and 73 people were wounded late on Wednesday when

a car bomb exploded near a police station, the local governor’s office said in a statement.

There were also no claims for the attack in Van, a largely Kurdish province on the Iranian border.

The Van governor’s office said the PKK was responsible. The southeast has been scorched by violence since a 2-1/2-year ceasefire with the PKK collapsed in July last

year. Thousands of militants and hundreds of soldiers and police officers have been killed, according to official figures. Rights groups say about 400 civilians have also been killed.

The PKK wants greater autonomy for Turkey’s 15 million Kurds. More than 40,000 people have been killed in violence since it first took up arms in 1984.

The Aftermath of the Coup in Turkey Fethullah Gülen On the night of July 15, Turkey went through the most catastrophic tragedy in its recent history as a result of the attempted military coup.

The events of that night could be called a serious terror coup.

Turkish people from all walks of life who thought the era of military coups was over showed solidarity against the coup and on the side of democracy. While the coup attempt was in progress, I condemned it in the strongest terms.

Twenty minutes after the military coup attempt surfaced, before the real actors were known, President Erdogan hastily blamed me.

It is troubling that an accusation was issued without waiting for the event’s details and the perpetrators’ motives to emerge.

As someone who has suffered through four coups in the last 50 years, it is especially insulting to be associated with a coup attempt. I categorically reject such accusations. I have been living a reclusive life in self-exile in a small town in the United States for the last 17 years.

The assertion that I convinced the eighth largest army in the world – from 6,000 miles away – to act against its own government is not only baseless, it is false, and has not resonated throughout the world. If there are any officers among the coup plotters who consider themselves as a sympathizer of Hizmet movement, in my opinion those people committed treason against the unity of their country by taking part in an event where their own citizens lost their lives.

They also violated the values that I have cherished throughout my life, and caused hundreds of thousands of innocent people to suffer under the government’s oppressive treatment. If there are those who acted under the influence of an interventionist culture that persists among some of the military officers and have put these interventionist reflexes before Hizmet values, which I believe is unlikely, then an entire movement cannot be blamed for the wrongdoings of those individuals.

I leave them to God’s judgment.

No one is above the rule of law, myself included. I would like for those who are responsible for this coup attempt, regardless of their identities, to receive the punishment they deserve if found guilty in a fair trial. The Turkish judiciary has been politicized and controlled by the government since 2014 and, consequently, the possibility of a fair trial is very small. For this reason, I have advocated several times for the establishment of an international commission to investigate the coup attempt and I have expressed my commitment to abide by the findings of such a commission.

Hizmet movement participants have not been involved in one single violent incident throughout its 50-year history. They haven’t even taken to the streets to confront Turkish security forces while they have been suffering under the government’s “witch hunt,” to use Mr. Erdoan’s own words, for the last three years.

Despite being subjected to a smear campaign and suffering under state oppression for the last three years in the hands of a politically controlled law enforcement and the judiciary, Hizmet movement participants have complied with the law, opposed injustices through legitimate means and only defended their rights within the legal framework.

Turkey’s legal and law enforcement agencies have been mobilized for the last three years to investigate and reveal an alleged “parallel state” that they claim that I run.

The administration called the 2013 public corruption probe an organized attempt by Hizmet sympathizers within the bureaucracy to bring down the government. Despite detaining 4,000 people, purging tens of thousands of government employees and unlawfully seizing hundreds of NGOs and private businesses, authorities were unable to find a single piece of credible evidence to prove their claims.

Turkey’s prime minister called for an opportunity to meet with me “heaven-sent” in May 2013; however, after the public corruption probe emerged in December 2013, he began using hate language such as “assassins” and “blood sucking vampires” when referring to Hizmet movement participants.

After the treasonous coup attempt of July 15, the attacks have become unbearable. Turkish government officials also began referring to me and people sympathetic to my views as a “virus” and “cancer cells that need to be wiped out.”

Hundreds of thousands of people that have supported institutions and organisations affiliated with the Hizmet movement have been dehumanised in one way or the other. Their private properties have been confiscated, bank accounts taken over and their passports cancelled, restricting their freedom of travel. Hundreds of thousands of families are living through a humanitarian tragedy due to this ongoing witch hunt.

News reports have shown that nearly 90,000 individuals have been purged from their jobs and 21,000 teachers’ teaching licenses have been revoked. Is the Turkish government forcing these families to starve to death by preventing them from working and prohibiting them from

Erdogan leaving the country? What is the difference between this treatment and the pre-genocide practices throughout European history?.

I’ve witnessed every single military coup in Turkey and, like many other Turkish citizens, have suffered during and after each one. I was imprisoned by the order of the junta administration after the March 12, 1971 coup. After the coup of September 12, 1980, a detention warrant was issued against me and I lived as a fugitive for six years. Right after the February 28, 1997, post-modern military coup, a lawsuit asking for capital punishment was filed against me with the charge of “an unarmed terrorist organization consisting of one person.”

During all of these oppressive, military-dominated administrations, three cases accusing me of “leading a terror organization” were opened and, in each case, I was cleared of the charges. I was targeted by the authoritarian military administrations back then, and now, I face the very same accusations projected in an even more unlawful manner by a civilian autocratic regime.

I had friendly relations with leaders from various political parties, such as Mr. Turgut Ozal, Mr. Suleyman Demirel and Mr. Bulent Ecevit, and genuinely supported their policies that I found to be beneficial to the larger community. They treated me with respect, especially when recognising Hizmet activities that contribute to social peace and education.

Even though I distanced myself from the idea of political Islam, I praised the democratic reforms undertaken by Mr. Erdogan and AKP leaders during their first term in power. But throughout my life, I have stood against military coups and intervention in domestic politics. When I declared 20 years ago that “there is no turning back from democracy and secularism of the state,” I was accused and insulted by the same political Islamists who are close to the current administration. I still stand behind my words. More than 70 books based on my articles and sermons spanning 40 years are publicly available.

Not only is there not a single expression that legitimises the idea of a coup in these works, but, on the contrary, they discuss universal human values that are the foundation of democracy. Emancipating Turkey from the vicious cycle of authoritarianism is possible only through the adoption of a democratic culture and a merit-based administration.

Neither a military coup nor a civilian autocracy is a solution. Unfortunately, in a country where independent media outlets are shut down or taken under government custody, a significant portion of Turkish citizens were made to believe – through relentless pro-government propaganda – that I am the actor behind the July 15 coup. However, world opinion, which is shaped by objective information, clearly sees that what is going on is a power grab by the administration under the guise of a witch-hunt.

Of course, what matters is not majority opinion but the truths that will emerge through the process of a fair trial. Tens of thousands of people, including myself, who have been the target of such gross accusations, would like to clear our names through a fair judicial process.

We do not want to live with this suspicion that was cast on us.

Unfortunately, the government has exerted political control over the judiciary since 2014, thereby destroying the opportunity for Hizmet sympathizers to clear their names of these accusations.

I openly call on the Turkish government to allow for an international commission to investigate the coup attempt, and promise my full cooperation in this matter. If the commission finds one-tenth of the accusations against me to be justified, I am ready to return to Turkey and receive the harshest punishment.

Participants in the Hizmet movement have been overseen by hundreds of governments, intelligence agencies, researchers or independent civil society organisations for 25 years and have never been found to be involved in illegal activity. For this reason, many countries do not take seriously the accusations of the Turkish government.

The most important characteristic of the Hizmet movement is to not to seek political power, but instead to seek long-term solutions for the problems threatening the future of their societies. At a time when Muslim-majority societies are featured in the news for terror, bloodshed and underdevelopment, Hizmet participants have been focusing on raising educated generations who are open to dialogue and actively contributing to their societies.

Since I have always believed that the biggest problems facing these societies are ignorance, intolerance-driven conflicts and poverty, I have always encouraged those who would listen to build schools instead of mosques or Quran tutoring centers.

Hizmet participants are active in education, health care and humanitarian aid not only in Turkey, but also in more than 160 countries around the world. The most significant characteristic of these activities is that they serve people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds – not just Muslims.

Hizmet movement participants opened schools for girls in the most difficult areas of Pakistan and continued to provide education in the Central African Republic during the country’s civil war.

While Boko Haram took young girls hostage in Nigeria, Hizmet participants opened schools that educated girls and women. In France and the French-speaking world, I have encouraged people who share my ideas and values to fight against groups that embrace radical Islamic ideologies and to support the authorities in this struggle. In these countries, I strived for Muslims to be recognized as free and contributing members of society, and have urged them to become part of the solution rather than be associated with the problems.

Despite receiving threats, I categorically condemned numerous times terrorist groups such as Al Qaida and ISIS who taint the bright face of Islam. However, the Turkish government is trying to convince governments around the world to act against schools that have been opened by individuals who did not take part in the July 15 coup attempt, and who have always categorically rejected violence.

My appeal to governments around the world is that they ignore the Turkish government’s claims and reject its irrational demands.

Indeed, the Turkish government’s political decision to designate the Hizmet movement as a terrorist organization resulted in the closure of institutions such as schools, hospitals and relief organizations. Those who have been jailed are teachers, entrepreneurs, doctors, academics and journalists. The government did not produce any evidence to show that the hundreds of thousands targeted in the government’s witch hunt supported the coup or that they were associated with any violence.

It is impossible to justify actions such as burning down a cultural center in Paris, detaining or holding hostage family members of wanted individuals, denying detained journalists access to medical care, shutting down 35 hospitals and the humanitarian relief organization Kimse Yok Mu, or forcing 1,500 university deans to resign as part of a post-coup investigation. It appears that, by presenting the recent purges as efforts that target only Hizmet participants, the Turkish government is in fact removing anyone from the bureaucracy who is not loyal to the ruling party, while also intimidating civil society organizations. It is dreadful to see human rights violations occurring in Turkey, including the torture detailed in recent reports by Amnesty International. This is truly a human tragedy.

The fact that the July 15 coup attempt – which was an anti-democratic intervention against an elected government – was foiled with Turkish citizens’ support is historically significant. However, the coup’s failure does not mean a victory for democracy. Neither the domination by a minority nor the domination of a majority that results in the oppression of a minority nor the rule of an elected autocrat is a true democracy.

One cannot speak of democracy in the absence of the rule of law, separation of powers and essential human rights and freedoms, especially the freedom of expression. True victory for democracy in Turkey is only possible by reviving these core values.

•Gülen is a Turkish intellectual, preacher and a social advocate

FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2016 • T H I S D AY

48

INTERNATIONAL

Australian State Leader Offers to House Stranded Asylum Seekers The premier of Western Australia state, a member of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s Liberal Party, has offered to accept refugees from Australian-funded detention centres amid growing concern about conditions for the 1,350 people held in the camps.

Under Australian law, anyone

CHANGE OF NAME

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PRINCE ADESIYAN,

I, formerly known as

OYELEKAN now

wish

to

be

known

as

PRINCE OYELEKAN JOEL OLUSANYA. All former

documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

I, formerly known as SODEEQ SHAKIRAT ABIKE, now wish to be known as SODEEQ SHAKIRAT AFOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid.

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intercepted trying to reach the country by boat is sent for processing to asylum seeker camps on the tiny Pacific island of Nauru or to Manus Island off Papua New Guinea. They are never eligible to be resettled in Australia.

Australia and Papua New Guinea said on Wednesday that they would close the Manus Island facility, but gave no timeline, and did not say where the people held there would be sent.

“We would certainly accommodate a number of them in Western Australia and we’d

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The general public please take note.

certainly support them as a state government,” Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett told the Australian Broadcasting Corp on Wednesday night.

Barnett has taken a similar position in the past, and his stand demonstrated a rare public split in the conservative Liberal Party over the government’s controversial detention policy. A spokeswoman for New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Thursday said that an offer made in 2013 to accept 150 refugees, which Canberra has rebuffed, still stood.

Harsh conditions and reports of rampant abuse at the camps have drawn wide criticism at home and abroad. Australia says its hardline policy is needed to stop deaths at sea during the dangerous boat journey from Indonesia to Australia.

Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton on Thursday stood by the government’s policy ruling out settling the detainees in a third country, casting doubt over the fate of the remaining 850 refugees on Manus and 500 in Nauru.

“It’s never been about tearing down the fences, it’s about what to do with the people trapped behind them,” Daniel Webb, director of legal advocacy at the Human Rights Law Center, told Reuters.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Hajj: Walking the Walk -1 Ibrahim N. Abusharif/ IslamiCity

Pilgrim’s Progress

I

t is a Muslim’s sacred duty to live for a few days as a pilgrim, a reasonable requirement for a lifetime.

The Pilgrimage or the Hajj is a composite of rites that are essentially reenactments of events of the distant past and, at one point, a grand dress rehearsal for what is to come. Adam, Abraham, Hagar, Ishmael, and Muhammad are the human names most closely associated with this rite, and what’s asked of the pilgrim is simply to emulate them, for the reason that their deeds, however ordinary they may appear, were connected to a higher realm. The response to this call remains a marvel, especially in an era in which there is enormous pressure to be devotees of the material world and to succumb to the spiritual sloth this engenders. Despite this, each year millions of people drop everything in order to make the Pilgrimage, which has difficulty and expenses. All are partners in a ritual that remarkably still matters. One of life’s principal struggles is to pierce the outer form of things and to imbibe the interior meanings. But the struggle is magnified when living in a context in which unexamined information is constantly available and when personal quiet and retreat are becoming odd things to pursue. What follows are brief personal reflections and vignettes loosely connected by the Hajj thread, especially as they pertain to the interior.

Vacation To call the Hajj experience a “vacation” would put off a lot of Muslims, who would consider the label a slight. But what I wanted out of Hajj was precisely a vacation, but in the original sense of vacating my mind of the assumptions we absorb as passive consumers of modernity, and vacating the ephemeral identities we attach importance to. One of the graces of the Pilgrimage to Makkah and its surroundings pertains to a kind of anonymity that strips us down to our indelible identity as creatures of a great Creator. For a number of days, millions of people of all races and status converge for a single purpose. The Pilgrim, by choice, is one face among millions of faces of all hues and textures. In the crowd, I can bump into a CEO, a leader, an academic, or a beggar; there’s no way to really tell the difference. Rank and pomp are divorced of status. Ego is dispossessed of platform.

In this condition, the Hajj does its work.

The “Art of Waiting” The movements of the Hajj rites are not very time consuming. Surprisingly, what takes up most of the time are the long stretches within and between the rites that can be easily mistaken as times to “wait”. It’s possible to miss the point of the Pilgrimage if we are not adept in the “art of waiting,” as a sage once said.

In fact, what a Pilgrim does during the “wait” will largely inform the success of the journey. Pilgrims do what this place silently expects of them: supplicate to the unseen God, remember Him in the holy precincts. And so they ask for: a good life, another chance, forgiveness and mercy for themselves and those they left behind (for the living and the dead), knowledge, success, succor, or for unaffected glimpses of Reality - sifting out the real from the fake. The movements of the Pilgrims are not as choreographed as one would think, even though everyone pretty much goes to the same stations and performs similar acts. What goes on in the mind and in the heart, the inner motions, range. The dress, the motion, the crowds, the “meanwhile,” and the heightened sense of purpose and of the imminence of our ultimate return draw out from the Pilgrim levels of resolve.

For a precious few days one almost becomes a Seer.

Suddenly, no sham paradigm is safe. We wish it can last. The rites are capped off with farewell circuits around the Ka’ba back in Makkah, where it began days before. The Pilgrims then get around to board the buses, and slowly the former identities begin to emerge as we prepare our papers and “ID’s” to board a plane.

It’s the daunting challenge of the Pilgrim to give honest reflection to the questions provoked by the ritual, especially when he or she is back home driving a car, mowing the lawn, waving at a neighbor, or simply reading a newspaper.

The Effects of Reenactments We make seven circular walks around the tall cube-shaped Ka’ba, the first man-made building put into the service of reminding people of their servitude to God. Later we walk seven times between two hillocks, the course that Abraham’s wife, Hagar, took in her desperate search for water, only to be guided to the very spot of the great well of Zamzam, which to this day offers drink to thirsty travelers from all corners of the earth. The walk between the two hillocks is called sa’, which means striving, and it is an essential rite of the Hajj. But as we walk Hagar’s path, we ourselves are not desperate, nor are we out of water. If we tire, we can stop for rest, sip some water, and then resume without the peril that Hagar faced. It’s not like revealed religion to waste people’s time. There must be important value in reenacting Hagar’s walk, however symbolic it may be. We may fairly conclude that the materials and strict rationality of the dunya (the world) are poor ushers in the sacred climb. Instead, we are advised that the invisible realm of sincerity, intention, and symbolism are required accoutrements for the piercing of the materialistic veil.

So we make circuits around the Ancient House, walk a path between two hills, and, in Mina (a few kilometers away), toss seven pebbles at three pillars that mark the spots where Satan tried to tempt Abraham away from God’s obedience. These are rites of worship filled with symbolism meant to quicken our spiritual selves.

Mt. Mercy The heart of the Hajj, its proving ground and day, is at Mt. Arafat. On its plains, slopes, and peak, millions of people (can’t help but repeat that number) gather from dawn to sunset for supplication and remembrance. The scene is almost supernatural. The importance of the Hereafter is stressed nearly on every page of the Quran and countless statements of the Prophet. Firm belief in the Hereafter is expected of us in the here and now.

Yet nothing in our normal everyday lives compares to the spectacle of all of humanity standing before God for ultimate judgment.

The Arafat experience offers something for our imaginations, a glimpse of the inevitable. It helps us to map additional meaning to the words we read in the Quran - helps us to tease out greater sense from the descriptions the Book reveals.

There is a glow and ease associated with Arafat, which abruptly alters at sunset when the throngs of humanity board buses, SUV’s, and sandals and head for Muzdalifa, an extensive plain that looks like a large parking lot of gravel and stones. There we wait until dawn before we head to Mina, Tent City, where the population (comparable to Chicago) will cram together in an area the size of a large mall. As citizens of Mina for a few days, we are shown the full range of human character and fallibilities. Each day of our stay at Mina, we take small stones and toss them at large pillars that represent Satan’s guile - small stones doing mighty work.

To Be Continued

FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2016 • T H I S D AY

49

NEWSEXTRA

No Alternative to Post-UTME, ASUU, ASUP, Obaji Others Insist ASUP resumes strike next week Funmi Ogundare in Lagos and Amby Uneze in Owerri Stakeholders in the education sector, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji; Prof.

Peter Okebukola and the ViceChancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof, Rahamon Bello, yesterday kicked against the suspension of the postUnified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), opting for regulation instead of outright cancellation.

The submission was taken at a summit organised by the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), a body of journalists from the print, electronic and online platforms, covering the nation’s education sector.

With the theme: ‘Integrity of Public Examinations and Admission in Nigeria’, the summit held at the University of Lagos, was chaired by the Secretary of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), Prof.

Michael Faborode.

Okebukola, who was

the keynote speaker at the programme, traced the foundation of the post-UTME to the degeneracy in the quality of admission seekers to higher institutions in the past, and suggested that the most important thing is to restructure the post-UTME rather than scrap it.

Similarly, the National President of ASUU, Prof.

Biodun Ogunyemi, reiterated the union’s stance that it is the primary responsibility of the Senate of each university to admit and graduate students for the institutions, adding that ASUU would continue to fight against the suspension of the post-UTME and that the fees charged by the institutions should be regulated.

In her presentation, Obaji expressed concern that the initiative she introduced then as a response to the loss of integrity in the public examinations, including the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, (UTME) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) among others, has been rubbished by the institutions while jettisoning the original idea behind the initiative.

Meanwhile, the communiqué

issued at the end of the summit, stated that the federal government should rescind the decision on the suspension of post-UTME, restructure the entrance examinations by the institutions and called for the implementation of the 2002 national summit on higher education.

The summit also appealed to the federal government to re-introduce the Higher School Certificate (HSC) programme as parts of efforts to bring back the integrity of public examinations.

They challenged the new Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, to consult stakeholders within the system before taking positions on key policies.

Meanwhile, ASUP has concluded plans to resume indefinite strike by the expiration of the one month ultimatum it gave to both the federal and state governments if they fail to resolve its 13 point demands that made it to embark on a nine-month strike between October 2013 and July 2014.

The union whose one-month ultimatum expires by August 21, 2016, wants the relevant authorities to remedy the rots afflicting the polytechnic/ monotechnic sector, warning that failure to comply with this would compel it to return to trenches.

Addressing journalists in Owerri shortly after its emergency zonal meeting, the Zone D Coordinator of the union which comprises polytechnics, Colleges of Technology and monotechnics in the South-south and South-east, Chika Ogonwa, of the Delta State Polytechnic Ugwuashi-Ukwu listed the issues in dispute as contained in the letter of ultimatum already issued to both the federal and state governments.

According to him, the items include the non implementation of the NEEDS Assessment report of 2014, non-payment of salaries in many state-owned institutions, shortfall in personnel allocations to polytechnics as well as unpaid allowances in federal polytechnics since

January 2016, victimisation of union officials, non release of check off dues and interference in union activities.

Others according to him are: non-release of arrears in many public polytechnics with some dating back to 2012 as well as non-implementation of CONTISS 15 migration salary scale in many polytechnics, delay in the review of the polytechnic act in addition to non release of visitation panel reports of federal polytechnics since 2011.

Ogonwa disclosed that while some members of the union are owned salaries ranging from 2 to 10 months, some polytechnics have earned an unwholesome reputation for breaching the boundaries of autonomy of the union even as some officials of the union are being suspended, sacked and hounded by some heads of these Institutions.

The ASUP boss therefore called on all well meaning Nigerians to prevail on the government at both the federal and state levels to comprehensively

address these challenges for the betterment of the rising and future generations.

He warned that the union might have no option than to mobilise its members to embark on an industrial strike at the expiration of August 2016.

Ogonwa also stated that ASUP was equally worried by the refusal by government to implement the agreement it entered with the union after nine months strike which ASUP embarked between the year 2013 and 2014.

He said ASUP might be forced to resume another strike at the expiration of one month notice given to government on August 22, if government fails to look into the issues raised by the union.

According to him, “the issues in dispute include: non implementation of the NEEDS Assessment report of 2014, the conduct of needs assessment survey for public polytechnics and monotechnics and the review of Polytechnics Acts.

APC Rival Supporters Clash over Alleged Endorsement of Aspirant in Ondo James Sowole in Akure Confusion yesterday ensued at the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure, Ondo State yesterday as supporters of the Chairman of the party, Isaacs Kekemeke and supporters of those who wanted to install a new chairman clashed.

The incident was the third in a week on the forthcoming gubernatorial primary of the party fixed for August 27.

A group insisted that Kekemeke must quit the over an allegation that he was instrumental to the endorsement of an aspirant by the National Leader of the party, Senator Ahmed Tinubu and which had been causing crisis within the party.

Determined to remove Kekemeke, aggrieved supporters of the self-acclaimed new chairman, Saka Yussuf Ogunleye armed with various dangerous weapons stormed the party secretariat in order to take over the place.

However, the pro- Kekemeke group, who were also armed with their own weapons, repelled the invasion leading to exchange of weapons including gunshots.

While the anti-Kekemeke group was led by one Mr. Adebo popularly called Idajo, the pro-Kekemeke group was led by Alhaji Amoda Bello.

The acts displayed by the rival teams paralysed social and commercial activities on the popular Oyemekun- Adesida Road for several hours abandoned their wares and ran for dare lives.

The intervention of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Operations, Mr. Edward Ajogun and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Charge of Akure Command, Mr. Olatoye Durosimi saved the situation from degeneration.

Addressing journalists after he gained access to the secretariat, Kekemeke said the aggrieved members have right to gather at the party secretariat and express their grievances against his leadership style.

The chairman, who frowned at the situation, said the aggrieved people constituted an embarrassment to the party and the executive.

Kekemeke said the grievances of some members are not justified as he does not have the power to conduct the party primaries or manipulate the delegate list as alleged by his enemies.

“I am to assure aspirants, members of the party and delegates to the primary election that the list of delegates will be as produced by Femi Pedro Congress Committee and as amended by the Chief Aro Lambo Congress Appeal Committee, both committees of the National Executive Council.

“As for the endorsement, it should be clear to all by now that endorsement is not synonymous with imposition. My view is that since all the delegates are known by all, being officials of the party at various levels, let endorsement contend with endorsement.”

Kekemeke said the August 27 fixed for the primary is sacrosanct and there would be free, fair and credible primary.

ON-THE-SPOT INSPECTION

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi (middle); state Controller of Prisons, Adaobi Oputa (left); and Army Commander. P. Kulawe , when the governor visited the prisons after a jailbreak in the state...yesterday

Buhari’s Campaign Staff Allege Neglect Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Several staff of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) have complained of ill-treatment by the party and the presidency.

The staff, numbering over 100, yesterday lamented that all the promises made to them by the PCC have been jettisoned.

According to some of them who spoke with journalists, they were posted to the PCC office from the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) as volunteers, while others stated that they were employed as protocol staff for campaign officers.

A lady who gave her name as Joy Ebere Umeh, stated that her appointment letter was signed by the Director General of the APC

PCC who is now the Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi.

She also said she served as a protocol officer for the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Presidential Campaign Office in 2011 and her appointment letter then was signed by President Muhammad Buhari then.

According to her, they were told to work for the PCC with the promise that they would follow the president to the Presidential Villa should the APC win the election.

She however stated that since the party won and the president moved into the Villa, they were abandoned by the PCC. “l am Joy Ebere Umeh, Protocol Officer of the APC campaign council.

We were at the PCC on appointment as we were given letters in Febuary

2015. From the day we resumed office, there was no salary, and there was no allowance.

“They did not state any amount on the appointment letter, all they said verbally was that if the election was won, we will move into the President Villa with the president and that is when they would place us on salary.

“So, we now worked with all our hearts without salaries or any other form of remuneration.

We served the presidential candidate and the campaign office, and after winning the election and inauguration, that was the end of the story. We were chased out of Lobito Crescent office and were sent to the campaign office to go and remain there since May last year.

“From that May till date, it is almost 17 months that we have been in campaign office without any money. We have been subjected to poverty, s we end up begging on the streets. Most of us cannot pay for our children’s school fees anymore,” she said.

Umeh said they have brought their complaints to the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who said his hands were tied and could not help them on the issue.

Two other persons who also spoke, Badiru Olabiyi Balogun and Usman Justice Sambo, said they were volunteers that were deployed from the Head Office of the BSO at Lobito Crescent, Wuse 11 to the APC PCC office as security men.

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Buhari Says Government will Restore Confidence of IDPs Tobi Soniyi in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja said his administration would restore confidence of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the

government by fast-tracking their voluntary return, rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the president spoke on the fate of the IDPs while

Orubebe’s Trial Stalled Tobi Soniyi in Abuja Failure of the prosecution to serve a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe and three others charged before an Abuja High Court for alleged diversion of N2 billion stalled the arraignment of the suspects yesterday.

Orubebe, Oludare Lawrence Alaba, Ephraim Tewolde Zeri (Director of Contracts) and Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Limited were accused, in a fivecount charge, of alleged complicity in the diversion of about N2 billion meant for the dualisation of Section IV of the East-West Road.

The charge marked: CR/265/2016 was filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The charge borders on alleged corruption, diversion of funds and perjury.

Orubebe was accused of circumventing a Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for the dualisation of the Eket-Oron Road, part of the East-West Road which runs from Edo to Bayelsa States, by allegedly instructing the contractor, Gitto Construction, to rehabilitate it instead.

Orubebe and others are also charged with conferring undue advantage on the construction firm when they caused the money meant for compensating residents whose properties were marked

for demolition to be paid to Gitto.

The ICPC alleged that N2,320,686,826 approved as compensation for owners of properties that were to be demolished to make way for the dualisation of the road was paid to the contractor instead of the beneficiaries.

The ex-minister is also accused of making false statements to the ICPC claiming that the decision to rehabilitate the road rather than dualise it was taken after he had left office as the Minister of Niger Delta.

When the case was called yesterday before Justice Olukayode Adeniyi, prosecution lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told the court that the ICPC was yet to effect service of the charge on the defendants.

He sought adjournment to enable the prosecution serve the defendants with the charge, a request the judge granted and adjourned to August 30 for arraignment.

The former minister had denied any wrong doing. He said the contract was not awarded during his tenure as minister.

Orubebe is currently being tried before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on a one-count charge of non-declaration of a property he allegedly acquired in Abuja while serving as a minister.

Trial had been concluded in the case before the CCT and judgment reserved.

Kogi Govt’s Response to Fraud Allegations Laughable, Says Group The civil society organisation which dragged Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and others before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies for an alleged fraud of about N11 billion, Egalitarian Mission Africa (EMA), yesterday said the defence put up by the state government denying the allegations was laughable.

In a statement, the head of the group, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, said the defence put up by the government was laughable.

“First of all, we wish to make it abundantly clear that we stand by our report. Before we went to the anti-corruption agencies we had visited Kogi State for an on the spot assessment of the allegations and we found them to be true. Are they saying for instance that the over inflated renovation contract of N1.7 billion was not awarded or that N1.2 billion was not paid to the contractor within two days? Or are they saying that a mere renovation of a three-bedroom bungalow for almost N100 million does not deserve scrutiny? What about the award of the contract without advertisement or tender?

Or are they saying that there is any work going on at the moment on Agasa -Ukpogoro road for which over N1.4 billion has been paid?

What about the billions of naira withdrawn allegedly to buy fanciful cars which cannot be found on the streets of Lokoja? We challenge the state government to show contrary proof. We have our facts backed by authentic documents and we are ready to go the distance with the state governor and his cohorts on this.”

Ajulo lamented the unprecedented orgy of financial sleaze in the state where workers and pensioners are being owed not less than seven months salaries.

“There are no good roads in Kogi. There is no portable water. The citizenry daily cry for good governance. Yet the government of the day turns a blind eye and goes on a voyage of unprecedented wastage and pillaging of the commonwealth of the state.

What a shame!”

According to him, the anti -corruption agencies should swing into action by promptly preventing further pillaging of the state’s resources.

receiving the outgoing Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Asharaf Abdelkader Salama, at the State House.

Buhari commended Egypt for identifying with challenges confronting the country, especially the plight of IDPs, which he said, remained a top most priority for the Nigerian government.

“The displaced persons want to go back to their homes. They want to resume their normal lives.

They want to go back to the land, which they have not cultivated for over three years now.

“We will work to restore their

confidence, and also work on infrastructure, so that they can quickly resettle,” Buhari said.

The president noted that the bond of friendship between Nigeria and Egypt was very strong as demonstrated in their growing cooperation on regional and international issues.

In his remarks, Salama, who spent four years in Nigeria, said he was the first foreign diplomat to travel by road from Maiduguri to Yobe State, North-eastern Nigeria, last month.

He told the president that he was proud to have made the journey

through an area once considered a stronghold of Boko Haram terrorists, following the successes recorded by the Nigerian military fighting insurgents in the region.

He described the people of Nigeria as “friendly and generous,” saying he hoped to be back in the country again.

Also yesterday, Buhari received the outgoing ambassadors of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and Tanzania.

During the audience with Ambassador Oubi Bachir of SADR, Buhari reiterated Nigeria’s support for Sahrawi people’s self-

determination and independence.

Bachir’s duty tour to Nigeria spanned eight years during which he served as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

On Tanzania, Buhari told the High Commissioner, Daniel Ole Njoolay, that the East African country was fortunate to have a leader who cared so much for the less-privileged in the society.

The president said Tanzania is blessed with good land and gas, which could be used for the good people of the country.

Njoolay spent two years and eight months in the country.

RECEIVING BUSINESS TUTORIAL

Corporate Sales Manager, British Airways Nigeria, Adetutu Otuyalo; Deputy Chair of Commonwealth Investment Council and Privy to Queen of UK, Hon. Mark Simmonds; CEO, TEXEM, UK, Dr. Alim Abubakre; Visiting Professor, Harvard, Insead and IESE, Prof. Rodria Laline, at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence during TEXEM’s Executive Master class in Lagos...recently

FG Unveils New National Policy on Labour Migration EU commends Nigeria’s foreign remittance Paul Obi in Abuja

of utmost concern to the present administration of President The federal government yesterday Muhammadu Buhari as no unveiled a new national policy on responsible government will sit labour migration in order to give back and watch the depletion of Nigerians comparative advantage its human resources which is the most critical factor of production in the labour market.

The move is geared towards and national development.’’

Ngige explained that the risk boosting decent job opportunities aimed at surmounting the associated with irregular migration challenges of countless Nigerian and its impact on Nigeria’s human illegal immigrants, some of whom resources and development die trying to cross the Sahara and necessitated the development of the labour migration policy. the Mediterranean Sea. The minister contended that The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, “the risks associated with irregular unveiled the National Policy migration and its impact on the on Labour Migration and also country’s human resources and inaugurated two committees: national development necessitated Technical Working Committee and the development of this coherent Social Partner Advisory Committee policy on labour migration which for implementation of the policy. aims at promoting decent work and The ceremony had in attendance, respectability of migrant workers.”

He noted that the objective of the the Chief of Mission of the International Organisation for policy was to promote the good Migration (IOM), Enira Krdzalic, governance of labour migration, Deputy Head of Delegation of the protect immigrant workers as well European Union (EU), Richard as their welfare and optimise the Young, the Country Director of the benefits of labour migration on International Labour Organisation development.

The minister further remarked (ILO), Dennis Zulu, Labour Migration representatives from that the policy conferred Regular the Ministries of Finance, Justice, Immigrant Status on persons in Women Affairs, National Agency their countries of destination, saying for the Prohibition of Trafficking that the policy was developed with in Persons (NAPTIP) and other technical and financial support from the International Organisation for relevant government agencies.

According to Ngige, “This is Migration and the International

Labour Organisation.

He added that the framework for achieving the implementation of the policy included “the establishment of job centres for the placement of job seekers into genuine vacancies, notified by employers from across the country and abroad.”

“Towards this end, the Ministry of Labour and Employment with technical and financial support from ILO, and IOM and funding from the European Development Fund equipped six functional job centres in Bauchi, Kaduna, Delta, Anambra and Abuja. The job centres provide the platform for matching demand and supply in the labour market.”

The minister gave the internet web address of the National Electronic Exchange (NELEX) as www.nelexnigeria.com, adding that, Migrants Resource Centres(MRCs) for the provision of migration related information has also been provided at two of the Job Centres in Lagos and Abuja.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration, Ms. Enira Krdzalic, said the policy was the product of the 10th European Union Development Fund project entitled, “Promoting Better Management of Migration in Nigeria,” revealing that the policy “commenced way back in 2008 with technical support

of IOM and the ILO through the participatory process, involving national stakeholders.”

She said IOM has been supporting the Nigerian government in the development of initiatives for effective migration management and further described the inauguaration as a landmark.

Krdzalic urged the Ministry to ensure wide dissemination of the policy and build synergy with relevant stakeholders.

Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union, Richard Young, said Nigeria was one of the top five countries of the world with the highest global remittances; about $21 billion by 2012 estimate, noting that Nigeria would benefit immensely from a robust implementation of the labour migration policy.

Young maintained that with over 5 million Nigerians living abroad, foreign remittance will continue to impact on the country’s economy, as well as shape business across continents.

Similarly, the ILO Country Director, Dennis Zulu restated the commitment of the ILO to the success of the policy in Nigeria and re-emphasized the importance of labour migration policy as universally acceptable labour best practices.

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FG Asks N’Delta Avengers to Embrace Dialogue Gboyega Akinsanmi The federal government yesterday asked the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to embrace dialogue rather than inflict socio-economic pains on the country and her people.

Also, the federal government lamented the spate of attacks on strategic oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta, which it said, had put the Nigerian economy in dire situation.

Chairman of the Forum of Federal and State Security Administrators, Mr. Aminu Nebagu, stated this at the third quarter meeting of the forum held in Lagos yesterday.

The forum, which comprises all states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is coordinated by the office the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) to analyse security situation and share intelligence quarterly.

The forum’s third-quarter meeting was attended by the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello and Solicitor-General of the Federation; Mr. Taiwo Abidogun among others.

Nebagu, who is the Permanent Secretary of Special Services in the Office of the SGF, warned against attacks on oil facilities in the Niger

Delta, lamenting the grave impact of such attacks on the country’s oil earnings and power generation.

He said the federal government “is working hard to put an end to this trend. I, therefore, call on those involved to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue for government to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development in the country.”

He said the recent phase of bombing oil facilities in the Niger Delta “has put Nigerian economy in a dire situation. It is a fact that crude oil accounts for 70 per cent of total revenue and 90 per cent of foreign exchange. As a result of the attacks, oil production has dropped to 1.4 million barrels per day against 2.5 million barrels per day.”

He added that another critical area affected by pipeline vandalism “is shortfall in power supply. Currently, power generation is about 2,800 megawatts against 5,074 megawatts in February 2016.

“As a result, small and medium businesses are facing tough time, even many of them are closing down their operation and disengaging their employees, compounding unemployment situation in the country. This is not good for security situation.”

In his remark, Ambode emphasised the need for collaboration, effective intelligence

FG Releases 2016/2017 Admission List into Unity Schools Paul Obi in Abuja The federal government yesterday in Abuja released the admission list for the 2016 and 2017 academic session into Unity Schools.

The release came amid denials by the federal government of increment in the school fees.

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, approved the release of the admission list of successful candidates into the Federal UnityColleges(FUCs)forthe2016/2017 academic year.

Announcing a statement yesterday, Adamu said the list which is available in all the colleges, has also been posted online via www.fmeinterviewtest.com and that candidates who took part in the National Common Entrance Examination should check their names on that site, using their

registration numbers.

An analysis of the results indicate that a total of 89,231 candidates took part in the examination, out of which 46,869 met the cut off mark.

Based on the carrying capacity of each college and approved cut off mark, 24,422 candidates have been admitted, with Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Bwari, Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Owerri and Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu topping the list with a total of 400 students each, while Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Otukpo and Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Tambuwal had the least number of 120 candidates each.

The resumption date for all Unity Schools is slated for September 19, 2016.

BBOG Group Plans Protest March on Presidential Villa Next Week Following the recent release of a proof of life video by the Boko Haram terrorist group, the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) advocacy movement has announced its plan to commence a series of marches on the Presidential Villa to compel President Muhammadu Buhari to act fast in rescuing the abducted Chibok girls.

The BBOG indicated its desire to embark on a series of strategic engagements to compel the federal government to “decide and act now” after watching footage of the video.

The group, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said it would also focus on issues regarding the humanitarian crisis in the North-east, corruption in the disbursement of relief materials to IDPs, and the arms deal saga.

In a brief statement released yesterday in Abuja and jointly signed by its leaders, Oby

Ezekwesili and Aisha Yesufu, the #BBOG announced her “decision to embark on a series of activities to compel decisive action from our government and the global community.”

According to the movement, “activities will commence on August 22, 2016. They will include several marches to the presidency, media interactions, and engagements with critical stakeholders such as governments, international organisations, statesmen and influencers.

“Critical areas to be covered during this period of engagement are our #ChibokGirls, the humanitarian crisis in the Northeast, corruption in the disbursement of relief materials to IDPs, and the arms deal saga. “We call on all citizens, within Nigeria and across the world, to join us on these engagements.”

gathering and information sharing among security agencies in the country.

He called on various security agencies in the country “to strengthen their intelligence gathering technique, collaborate and share relevant security information among themselves to make them more effective in combating crime.”

Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, said effective collaboration among

security operatives and strategic intelligence gathering technique “is crucial to achieving success in combating security challenges facing the country.”

He urged the security agencies to work together in unity and share security information “to help them provide security environment that would make our country safe and attract foreign investors. Various security challenges in the country will soon be a forgotten issue with

effective collaboration.”

He noted that security administrators across the country “have major role to play in translating government policies on security to impact on the lives of the people as well as enhance the economic viability of the country to attract foreign investment.”

Also speaking at the forum, Bello explained the essence of the meeting, which he said, was to reaffirm government’s commitment

to the issue of security of lives and property as amplified in section 14 (2b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bello said various security challenges in the country called for a concerted efforts and collaboration among various security agencies across the country for effective operation, disclosing that the Lagos State Government had initiated some security policies which he said helped to reduce crime in the state despite its huge population.

HEALTH MATTERS

L-R: Founder, Independent Podiatry Practice, Wits Donal Gordion Medical Centre, South Africa, Mr. Adrew Clarke; Project Coordinator, Diabetes Podiatry Intiative, Nigeria, Mrs. Afokogbene Rita Isiavwe; and former Professor Endocrinology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Thomas Johnson, at a three-day Podiatry and Diabetes Foot Care workshop by Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre and the World Diabets Foundation and Podiatry Institute, USA in Lagos...yesterday Yomi Akinyele

More Trouble for Obiano as Supporters Exit APGA David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

As 2017 draws nearer, the quest by the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, to return for a second term is being threatened by the exit of some of his supporters.

This is following the announcement of the exit of one of the major financier of the party from Idemili axis and a former aspirant to the Idemili North and South Federal constituency seat in the 2015 general election, Theodore Okonkwo, who is leaving APGA with his supporters.

Okonkwo, a former staunch member of the party, was the pillar behind the victory of the APGA in 2013 governorship election in Idemili area, which is known to control the highest number of registered voters in the state.

The former APGA stalwart who ensured victory for Governor Obiano against Dr. Chris Ngige who hails from Idemili axis had during the election been the pillar behind the party’s success in the election that saw Obiano coasting home to victory.

Okonkwo in a press chat to announce his exit from the party during the week said, “It is all about what my people want, and I do not and cannot stand alone, I have a base. I have a structure within Idemili North and South. The voices and choices of these people have been muffled and near servitude.

“We need to re-engineer and reposition. It is a democratic choice.

In summary, disenchantment is the core reason for my exiting from the party. There is a feeling of disappointment about the party which I previously respected

and admired. There is growing disillusionment with the leadership.

It is the disenchantment of a first love gone sour,” he said.

Asked where he is headed, the philanthropist and grassroots politician stated that he is not in a hurry to rush into any other political party, and as such, he wants to take his time to consult and also seek the consent of his people.

“My present focus is on the welfare of my people. In the coming weeks we shall kick-start activities of Dr. Theodore Okonkwo Foundation, a non-political, nonreligious organisation. We shall touch lives all over. I will dedicate my time and resources to this.

“Furthermore, I will make my next political platform clear at the appropriate time. Meanwhile I am holding consultations within and outside the state. I have to

be circumspect on which political platform I will move to.”

He however added that once the choice is made his people will definitely fare better than from where I was coming from.

A copy of Okonkwo’s letter to the National Chairman of the APGA, Chief Victor Oye, to announce his exit, which was made available to THISDAY stated: “I have finally and irrevocably resolved to leave APGA and pitch my camp elsewhere.”

“As the governorship election in Anambra State approaches, it becomes necessary to reposition my political career and vision. God has been so good to me in all respects.

“This is a painful decision but I have prayerfully weighed the options and I am convinced that this is the right thing for me to do,” Okonkwo said.

INEC to Conclude Rivers Election in October The National Commissioner in charge of election operations at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Amina Zakari, has assured of the commission’s readiness to conclude suspended elections in Rivers in October.

Zakari according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gave the assurance yesterday in Port Harcourt at a stakeholders meeting with political parties, candidates and security agencies.

She said the commission convened the meeting to resolve factors which led to inconclusive elections in the past, and to

conclude the process.

“It is unfortunate that the March 19 re-run elections due to unfortunate incident of irregularities and insecurity was pronounced inconclusive.

“INEC has no stake in any election, but is poised to provide a neutral atmosphere for all parties concerned to exercise their political right,” she said.

The commissioner promised that the commission would explore all avenues to ensure that Rivers people had equal political representation through a free and fair electoral process.

In his remarks, the All

Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Rivers South-East district, Senator Magnus Abe, thanked INEC for organising the meeting.

He urged the commission to publish the units and wards were repeat elections would be held.

On his part, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the senatorial district, Senator George Sekibo, tasked INEC to be neutral in the conduct of the election.

He said the fire that engulfed the INEC office in Bori was not enough to postpone the July 30

election in the state.

He urged INEC to adopt more stringent approach to tackle election irregularities and security challenges during elections. The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, said he had nothing against the reactions from political parties regarding his role in the suspended elections.

He explained that the decision of INEC to suspend the March 19 election was based on field report gathered by the commission from electoral officers and the security agencies.

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NIRSAL Unveils Scheme to Transport Cattle

by Rail James Emejo and Chukwuemeka Maduagwuna in Abuja In a landmark initiative, the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria IncentiveBased Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Mr. Aliyu Abdulhameed, yesterday announced the commencement of an innovative scheme which would allow for the movement of cattle from the northern parts of the country to markets in the southern region by rail.

This is expected to douse the

frequent tension among herdsmen and farmers who clash on regular basis over destruction of farmlands by the herds, a situation that has led to wanton destruction of lives and property across the country.

It is further projected to reduce the cost of transporting agricultural produce from the North to the South by over 20 per cent, minimise wastage and spoilage of goods in transit by over 40 per cent in order to preserve value so that farmers get good price for their produce at the destination markets.

Iduoriyekemwen Should Ask for Forgiveness, Says Edo PDP Youths The Edo Youths PDP Vanguard, a group of young people in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged Mr. Mathew Iduoriyekemwen to ask for forgiveness over his ‘’political prostitution’’ as his political activities in the past few years are fast depicting him as a traitor and double agent that can do any dirty political job for monetary reward.

In a statement issued in BeninCity, the Edo State capital and signed by its Chairman, Eghosa Osazuwa, the group said its advice became indispensable in view of his current ungodly partnership with the Governor Adams Oshiomhole-led APC to slow-down the expected victory of the PDP in the September 10 governorship election.

Although the group said

its teeming members and indeed, the Edo PDP are not threatened and surprised by the suspicious political activities of Iduoriyekmwen, it advised him, as part of its generation, to consider his future political career rather than the short moment of glory, occasioned by any alleged pecuniary offer to him.

According to the statement, “For how long will Iduoriyekmwen continue with this political prostitution? We recollect that in 2011, he picked the PDP governorship nomination form. ‘’And when he lost out in the primary, the PDP leaders were forced to cough out something before he could agree to work with General Charles Airahevere, the winner of the ticket.”

The ‘Market to Farm’ initiative is expected to boost job creation and reduce the cost of some food staples in the market. The movement by rail is expected to begin this week.

The scheme which is being operated under a partnership arrangement with Connect Rail Services, a bulk freight and logistics service provider, will also aid the transportation of tomatoes, vegetables and other perishable food items by rail within the next few months.

Speaking at the a media briefing in Abuja, he said:”The launch of the ‘Farm to Market’ scheme is a tribute to the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari who made agriculture a central component of the federal government’s economic response to the steep and long standing fall in the global price of oil. NIRSAL’s mandate can best be understood within the context of the policy shift and clear commitment of the presidency to agriculture.”

According to him, the scheme will reduce pressure on foreign exchange and the depreciation of the country’s road network due to concentration of haulage activities on the road.

He said the scheme is line with NIRSAL’s mandate to fix the agricultural value chains and create links between primary producers and the market as well as leverage private sector financing towards the provision of necessary state of the art equipment, storage and agric produce preservation facilities to ensure safe and efficient movement of agric produce from farms in the North to markets in the South.

About three weeks ago, as part of a test run of the historic initiative, cows were transported from Jebba to Lagos by rail within two days in a journey that usually took several days by road. The arrival of the cattle in much better condition than herded cattle generated excitement at

Oko-Oba, Lagos.

The formal launch of the scheme is expected to take place in Gusau, Sokoto, with the movement of cattle to Lagos.

Abdulhameed also praised the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and the active support of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Audu Ogbeh, for the success.

He cautioned however, that NIRSAL only guarantees serious The managing director projects which are bankable in terms of proven business viability, of strategic economic relevance to the country and promotes inclusive growth and equitable distribution of value so that farmers and other players get better rewards for their efforts.

He said:“We take our mandate very seriously indeed and NIRSAL does not guarantee financing for unserious or poorly thought out projects. We ensure that every kobo committed to every project we

undertake counts for the economy and the people of this country.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive, Connect Rail Services, Mr. Edeme Kelikume, said: ”We are proud to be partners with NIRSAL on this historic scheme that will take advantage of the low cost rail transport system to move agricultural produce.

As the leading indigenous bulk freight and logistics solutions provider we will commit our expertise and experience to ensuring that this scheme is a success”.

Connect Rail is the technical partner to NIRSAL on the project.

The movement of cattle is only the first component of NIRSAL’s “Farm to Market” flagship programme designed to boost value and efficiencies across the agricultural value chain to marketfocused food production and achieve greater equity so that farmers and other agricultural producers get more reward for their efforts.

Airtel Partners Lagos to Empower Youths at International Workshop Airtel Nigeria has partnered the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development to commemorate the 2016 InternationalYouth Day in line with its commitment to empower youths and create platforms to help them achieve their dreams.

With the theme: ‘The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production’, the annual International Youth Day is a day designated by the United Nations to enable governments all over the world draw attention to issues surrounding youths.

As its supports to the state

government, the Airtel facilitated a one-day leadership training workshop held at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) building in Ikeja, Lagos yesterday.

Flagging off the workshop, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR of Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah, noted that the company is passionate about creating opportunities to empower Nigerian youths and committed to partnering relevant governmental agencies in order to help the young Nigerians actualise their goals and fulfill their professional and business endeavours.

Rotary Club Organises Training, Membership Survey Rotary Club of Ewutuntun, the gateway Club in District 9110 Lagos, will organise training for select organisations, among the public and private firms within local and international airports on August 20, from 11a.m to 2p.m at Ibis Royale Hotel, 41 Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Lagos. According to Membership Development and Extension Committee Chairman, Fuad Ajakaye, the corporate training is part of efforts to improve manpower and human capital development for our society growth, “The Special Adviser on Food Security to

Lagos State Governor, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Okanlawon Sanni, will deliver the Keynote address on; Food Security – exploring Nigeria’s Agro Value Chain for Human Capital Development.

The Managing Director, Soul Sight Nigeria Limited, Mr. Joko Okupe, will speak on; Branding as Catalyst for Company Survival in the Turbulent Economy Recession.

From the health perspective, the Medical Director, High Rock Hospital, Dr. Femi Oloyede, will deliver an address on: Health, Safety and Environment of workplace: Causes and Prevention of Hepatitis B.

REACHING OUT FOR PEACE

Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris (left), and the incumbent governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, at the third day Fidau prayer for the late Ejeh of Ankpa, Alhaji Amodu Yakubu in the state ....yesterday

UNDEDSS: Buhari Knows How to End N’Delta Crisis Chiemelie Ezeobi The United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS) yesterday said President Muhammadu Buhari knows exactly what to do to end the Niger Delta militancy crisis.

UNDEDSS Secretary, Mr. Tony Uranta, who made the disclosure, said they had drawn up proposals that captured the interests of all the parties involved in the agitation in the Niger Delta.

In a statement made available to THISDAY, the coalition said “President Buhari knows exactly what he needs to do to end the crisis today, if he so desires.

“He probably has not, because he has allowed his administration to be beset with too many petty rivalries, too many individuals

jockeying for putative relevance, and too many party chieftains of Niger Delta origin who don’t have the interests of the region at heart.”

He said this is the position of UNDEDSS and other well meaning Niger Delta indigenes, who interface with patriotic members of the president’s inner cabinet and intelligence chieftains, have drawn up a proposal that should be ‘win-win’ for all parties concerned.

He further said: “This dynamically-tweaked proposal is before the president, the armed agitators in the creeks, the international community (including the UK and the USA) and other relevantly interested Nigerians like Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

“The proposal is hinged on four vital prerequisites, viz., the

affirmation by the president that there is no change in policy regarding the need to commence matriculation of students this year in the National Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State; the rebirth of the Niger Delta Council (with its five relevant sub-committees!) of President Yaradua’s 2009 template.

“And the guarantee of safe passage for delegates to any dialogue locations, after all armed parties publicly agree to a 60-day Armistice to be proposed by the federal government and, the attendance of Foreign observers (including Diplomats from the EU, UK and USA), to be invited by the federal government to any such dialogue.

“This proposal has been presented to President Buhari over four weeks ago, after

many meetings between the government (represented at different points by the chief of staff to the president, the DG DSS, the EFCC chairman, the DG NIA, the minister of state for petroleum...etc.) on the one hand, and credible Niger Deltans (including past special advisers to Nigerian Presidents on the Niger Delta, United Nations consultants and former apex ‘Creeks Generals’ of the three zones of the Niger Delta) as well as prominent members of the 2009 Aaron Team that negotiated with President Yaradua in 2009.

“Ultimately, UNDEDSS calls on President Buhari to exhibit the patriotic and objective decisiveness necessary to end the ongoing crisis in the Niger Delta, by announcing his adoption of the said proposal now.”

FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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CRIME&PUNISHMENT Police Interrogate Suspected Kidnappers In Brief of House Member Kano Police Ban Kwankwaso from Organising Mass Wedding

Gangsters admit collecting N10m ransom Dele Ogbodo in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) yesterday interrogated Haruna Adamu, Shaibu Adamu and Abubakar Saidu, alleged to be behind the kidnapping of Hon. Sani Bello, a serving member of the House of Representatives from Mashi/Dutsi constituency.

Bello was kidnapped on August 2 in his farm at Gobirawa village at Birrin Gwari area along KadunaAbuja road in Kaduna State. He was said to have been released after paying N10 million as ransom.

The Force Public Relations

Officers, D Donald Awunah, while parading three of the suspects on behalf of the acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, at a press briefing in Abuja, said the notorious gang were rounded up at Ungwan Kawu village in Dan Dumi Local Government Area, Katsina State.

While the suspects admitted collecting N10 million as ransoms from the lawmaker, only N250,000 was recovered from one of them.

Also one Gione phone, used for negotiation was recovered from the gang, as exhibit.

The N250,000, according to Idris,

was buried in the ground in the bush in one of the suspects village.

The other members of the gang are still at large with their loot and they are being trailed The Police boss said: “These dare devil gangsters were responsible for the kidnap of Hon. Sani Bello, a current member of the House of Representatives, on 2nd August 2016 in his farm along Kaduna-Abuja road.

Shaibu Adamu, the IG said, led operatives to Kawu village, where his share of N250,000.00 being the

ransom, was buried in a polythene bag was recovered and marked as exhibit.

While suspects are said to be helping the Police to apprehend fleeing members, Idris said the suspects will soon be arraigned in court for justice to take its course.

The IGP and his team who expressed concern on the incidences of crime and disorder across the country, urged the public to see law enforcement as a collective public responsibility of all, adding that credible information and assistance should be made available to the police at all times.

The Kano State Police Command has banned the planned mass wedding organised a group loyal to the former governor of the state, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The mass wedding which also coincided with the state government’s planned empowerment programmes slated for the weekend in the state. The police made the announcement yesterday in a statement signed by its spokesman in the state, Magaji Musa Majia and made available to THISDAY. According to him, the police have indefinitely banned the two ceremonies. The statement said: “Security intelligence available at our disposal revealed that some disgruntle elements are preparing to use the occasions to wreak havoc in the state.” He warned that the command and other sister agencies would not fold their arms to watch some people cause the breach of the peace in the state. The statement revealed that the Commissioner of Police would invite the organisers of the two events for a meeting with a view to proffering solution.

NAFDACThreatens Manufacturers of Counterfeit Drugs

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned manufacturers of counterfeit drugs seize forthwith or face the wrath of the law. Acting Director General of the agency, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, handed down the warning in Jos, Plateau State in a closing remark after a two-day re-orientation training programme held in Jos for staff of the agency in the North-central zone. Represented by Director of Ports Inspection of the agency, Mrs. Maureen Eigbibeyi, the acting DG said NAFDAC would go to every nook and cranny of the country to mop up fake drugs and deal decisively with their manufacturers, dealers by prosecuting them. She lamented the high rate of influx of the fake drugs into the Nigerian market, describing it as worrisome, and pledging to ensure that perpetrators do not go scot-free. While pledging that her agency would be decisive, firm, bold, accountable and transparent in its activities, Oni lamented that over the years, the agency had battled with the devastating effects of corruption and lackadaisical attitude of staff in discharging their duties, but warned that it was no longer business as usual, insisting that the training was to prepare the staff to restore the lost glory of the agency.

Army Embarks on Aggressive Clearance of Criminals in Bauchi

END OF THE ROAD

Suspected kidnappers of a serving member of the House of Representatives, being paraded at the Force Headquarters in Abuja....yesterday

Ambode: Intelligence Sharing Critical in Tackling Kidnapping, Other Crimes Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday harped on the need for all security agencies in the country to scale up intelligence gathering and information sharing to ensure effective protection of lives and property.

Ambode also called for synergy in analysing opportunities and threats to national security, as well as the most effective methods to nip security breaches before they happen.

Speaking while formally declaring open the 2016 third quarterly meeting of Federal and State Security Administrators’ Forum held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, the governor said there was the need for security agencies to re-invigorate their intelligence gathering mechanisms for effectiveness.

Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said the call became imperative since perpetrators of criminal acts are not invisible as they operate around and among the various communities.

The governor, who said security administrators have a great role to play in translating government policies to positively impact on the people and enhance economic viability of the country

for prospective investors, added that security chiefs need to raise the bar in making the society safer and better secured for the people and investors taking into perspective the challenging global realities.

“It is our duty on behalf of the people to ensure the territorial integrity of our country; this is the reason why we have the mandate of the people to serve as leaders and keepers of public trust.

“As we approach the ‘ember’ months, let us review our security surveillance and intelligence gathering frameworks to ensure peace and serenity across the land.

Notwithstanding the glaring economic challenges, there is still a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” he Ambode said.

The governor, who recalled the massive investment of his administration in purchase of security equipment such as saloon and pickup cars, powerbikes, Armoured Personnel Carriers, gunboats, helicopters among others, assured of continuous commitment of the state government to offer required support to security agencies.

He said: “We are aware of the changing dynamics of crime across our country, ranging from

attacks by marauding herdsmen who have killed many people, the rash of kidnappings which is rapidly becoming the norm and the disturbing sabotage of government economic infrastructure

which has resulted in huge financial haemorrhage that has impacted negatively on revenue generation with the attendant implications on our economy in the face of a global recession.”

Navy Rescues BritishVessel from Pirates The Nigerian Navy Ship, NWAMBA, has rescued a merchant tanker vessel with call sign MT Vectis Osprey from pirates who attacked her 20 nautical miles offshore of Bonny.

A statement by the Director of Information, Nigerian Navy, Commodore Christian Odogwu Ezekobe, said the rescue operation was in response to a timely alert by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) to the Naval Regional Maritime Awareness Centre (RMAC).

He said the war ship was promptly deployed to track down and rescue the vessel.

The British-flagged MT Vectis Osprey departed Bonny offshore terminal and came under pirate attack. Ezekobe said NWAMBA engaged the attackers on

approaching the vessel which made them to abandon their mission due to superior fire power.

He added that naval special forces onboard the war ship embarked and rescued the crew who locked up themselves in a citadel in the merchant tanker.

“The crew and cargo of MT Vectis Osprey are safe while investigation has also commenced in order to unravel the circumstances of the attempted hijack, especially with regard to the current trend of involvement of crew members in attacks on their own vessels.

“Additionally, ship owners are hereby advised to profile their crew before embarking them onboard to avoid situations in which some disgruntled crew members stage-manage attacks on their own vessels.”

The 33 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Bauchi has embarked on an aggressive clearance and search of forests to flush out suspected criminal elements in the state. The Commander of the brigade, BrigadierGeneral Abraham Luka Dusu, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Lame forest yesterday, saying the clearance of forest was in line with Chief of Army Staff’s directive to get rid of all criminals elements in the surrounding forests in the state. According to him, “following the information we received that people carrying guns had been sighted in the forest or migrated to the state from Sambisa forest by the ongoing operations, we are going to enter all the forest in the state with adequate troops. There are reports of bandits ,kidnappers and cattle rustlers too in the forest. Dusu said the operations would be conducted in various forests in the state including Lame, Yankari, Balmore and Burra, by the troops of the brigade. He charged the locals and the local vigilante groups to remain vigilant and report any suspected case or movement of criminal elements to the authorities.

Military Grants Bail to Wanted Persons

The Nigerian military has granted administrative bail to Ahmed U. Bolori and Aisha Wakil, the persons who made themselves available to the military authority after being declared wanted. PRNigeria learnt that the bail was granted after they met some conditions, including submission of their international passport. sA top military officer, who plead anonymity also disclosed that the investigation is still ongoing while expecting the return of the third wanted person, Ahmed Salkida who resides in Dubai United Arab Emirates (UAE). The three Nigerians were declared wanted after the recent release of video by Boko Haram terrorists group purporting to show some of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls.

EFCC Arrests ‘Doctor’for N6.7m Love Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested one Chike Nnaemeka, alias Dr. Justified Isioma Nnaemeka Emerald, for conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of about N6.7million. Nnaemeka, who claimed to be a gynaecologist, allegedly collected money under different requests, from his victim, Ani Nkechi Joy, an employee of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) after she was introduced to him by one of her classmates at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.

Following their meeting, the suspect, who also claimed to be an orphan and a lone Prince of Ihekpe Kingdom in Ogwuashi-Uku, Delta State, was joined in a traditional wedding with the victim on June 6, 2015. In her petition, the complainant said: ‘‘During the wedding preparation, Justified brought up so many stories bordering on cultural issues that I or anyone from my family is not supposed to visit his home town until after my marriage. He also said that the tradition of his place as a lone Prince demands that I sponsor every financial aspect of the traditional marriage, but that he would refund me to the last one Naira I spent.”

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FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Okagbare Leads Nigeria’s 4x100m Relay Team into Final

Double Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor, yesterday led Team Nigeria’s 4x100m women’s relay to the final of the event in 42.55secs.

It is perhaps, her last chance of redemption for a medal here after failing in both 100m and 200m, She opted out of the long jump because it clashed with the longer sprint.

The quartet made up of Okagbare, Gloria Asumnu, Jennifer Madu and Agnes Osazuwa trailed Germany that won the heat with 42.18 secs to the finish line in the second place.

USA’s women’s 4×100 relay team, who ran in the same heat as Team Nigeria but dramatically lost out of the final due to an obstruction from a Brazilian runner, was reinstated to the medal rush.

IAAF ruled that the team runs alone later yesterday in a make-up race.

Television pictures appeared to a show a collision

between Brazil and the USA moments before the second exchange. Allyson Felix and her teammate, English Gardener lost hold of the baton and stood in amazement before Gardener picked it up and USA finished out of the qualification places.

In the other heat, Veronica Campbell-Brown and dethroned 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce led Jamaica to the final in 41.93secs.

New sprint queen, Elaine Thompson did not take part in the heat but is expected to lead the Jamaican push for the 4x100m gold in the final race.

Ortom Commends Under-23 Team, Despite Loss to Germany

Siasia: Nigeria Didn’t Deserve to Play in Final

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja Inspite of Nigeria’s 2-0 loss to Germany at the ongoing Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil on Wednesday, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom yesterday in Abuja commended the teamfor reaching the semi finals of the football event.

Ortom who spoke to State House Correspondents after a private meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday stated that with more technical skills, the team would improve.

He said: “It is unfortunate that we lost that match but I can say that for Benue state, we are doing a programme to catch them young.

“All the local governments are going to be mobilized to ensure that we bring out the youths from their youthful age.

“We will groom them up to where they can be of benefit to Benue state and Nigeria. I believe that we have the talent. We saw how they played yesterday. With little, additional technical skills, I think they will do better.

“I think we are on path, we are on track and for coming to semifinal, it was a thing of joy to some of us and I think we will do better next time.”

Jubilant quartet led by Blessing Okagbare after the race yesterday in Rio

Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria’s Under-23 team Coach, Samson Siasia was filled with bile on Wednesday night shortly after the team failed to reach the final of the Rio2016 Olympic Games’ men’s football final with the 2-0 defeat it suffered against Germany at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paolo. He was emphatic that Nigeria didn’t deserve to be in the final considering how his wards fared against the Germans.

“We (Nigeria) didn’t deserve to play in the final with the way my boys played against Germany. You don’t play like that and expect miracle to move you into the final,” stressed a very angry Siasia at the post match on Wednesday night.

He was piqued by the sloppy manner majority of the Nigerian Under-23 players prosecuted

the match. “Were they expected me to join the field and help them to play? I did my part before the match and told them what to do against the German but instead played as if the game didn’t mean anything to them.

Siasia who was looking forward to improve on the silver he won at Beijing 2008, picked Stanley Amuzie as the worst culprit of the evening with the manner he kicked the dead ball that would have brought back the Dream Team back to reckoning midway into the second half.

“He is the best in taking such responsibility and that was why the lot fell on him to execute the free kick. If only he had converted it, perhaps, the story would have been different,” concludes the ex international who had hoped to boost his coaching career with another

Olympic medal.

Is Siasia looking forward to the third-place game? “After winning the silver for Nigeria in Beijing my next target is to step up to the gold and not the bronze. I feel disappointed.”

Captain of the Nigerian Olympic team, John Mikel Obi, shared the sentiments of his coach on the team not deserving to play at the final.

“We didn’t play well. We don’t deserve to be in the final,” he said in support of Siasia’s position.

However, the Chelsea FC stalwart who missed the silver medal in Beijing because he refused to join the team during their pre-tournament preparation is looking forward to returning to England with the consolatory bronze medal in the clash with Honduras in Belo Horizonte this evening.

“We are professional players

Nigeria’s Dream of Getting Medals in Wrestling Fades Duro Ikhazuagbe in Rio Team Nigeria’s dream of winning medals in the wrestling events of the ongoing 2016 Olympic Games here in Rio de Janeiro has continued to varnish as two of the country’s prospects, Blessing Oborodudu and Oduanyo Adekuoroye crashed out of their respective categories yesterday afternoon in the quarter-final matches at Carioca Arena.

Oborududu who is the captain of the Nigerian wrestling team lost 3-1 to Mongolia’s Battsetseg Soronzonbold in the 63 kg

class while Adekuoroye on the other hand got beaten 5-0 flat

by Mattsson Sofia Magdalena of Sweden in the 53kg class.

Earlier, on Wednesday afternoon, three other Nigerian wrestlers - Mercy Genesis, Hannah Reuben and Aminat Adeniyi – were all eliminated from the preliminary rounds of the women’s wrestling events.

Genesis fell 5-0 to Poland’s Iwona Matkowska in women’s freestyle 48kg, Reuben lost 4-1 to Canadian wrestler, Dorothy Yeats in the women’s freestyle 69kg, while Adeniyi also lost 3-1 to Finland’s Petra Olli in the women’s freestyle 58kg.

All the five wrestlers were among the six medal hopefuls in the squad led by former Olympic gold medalist, Daniel Igali.

Until last week, these wrestlers had no sparring partners to train with as those earlier listed to accompany them here were dropped as cost saving measure by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports officials.

Igali who doubles as both president of the federation and technical director had to resort to helping to do sparring rounds with the wrestlers until competition started.

and hopefully we can win a medal,” concludes Mikel with enthusiasm The Americans lost 7-1 scandalously to host Brazil at the Maracana Stadium in Rio on Wednesday afternoon.

Lukas Klostermann scored an early goal and Nils Petersen added a late second as Germany secured their place in the men’s football final.

The Germans will face hosts Brazil at the Maracana Stadium on Saturday. The match will bring back still-raw memories for the hosts of the 7-1 semifinal victory for Germany over them in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Germany are now just one step away from becoming world and Olympic champions, a feat which has not been achieved since 1936 when Italy (1934 FIFA World Cup winners) claimed the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Berlin.

Nigeria went into the semifinal having finished top of group B and beaten Denmark 2-0 in quarterfinal.

But it took Germany just nine minutes to find the net as Maximilian Meyer linked up well with defender Klostermann who slotted home.

Nigeria could have equalised three minutes later through Sadiq Umar but German goalkeeper Timo Horn recovered from his own mistake to save Sadiq’s shot.

Dream Team’s attempts to get back in the game were thwarted by wayward shooting from Sadiq and Amuzie, with only two shots on target from 12 attempts, and a strong German back-line.

Despite late pressure, Siasia’s wards could not break through their stubborn opponents and Germany sealed the win with Petersen’s 88th-minute goal.

16th Lagos Governor’s CupTennis Gets Date The 16th edition of the Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship has been scheduled to hold between 8 and 22 October, 2016.

This was confirmed by the Secretary General of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Gloria Ekwempu, who said the International Tennis Federation, ITF, has listed the annual tournament on its website.

According to her, preparation to hold the tournament which comprises of two legs ; Futures 3 and Futures 4 has since commenced as the NTF and the Local Organising Committee, LOC, headed

by Chief Pius Akinyelure

will leave nothing to chance to ensure that the event is organised to meet up with international standards.

Tournament Director of the championship, Prince Wale Oladunjoye, corroborated NTF scribe, saying new packages will be added to this year’s competition. This he said, will be unfolded as the tournament draws closer.

The Governor’s Cup is an ITF Pro Circuit competition, which is being staged to celebrate the sitting Governor of Lagos State since the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This year’s edition will be the second since Governor Akinwunmi Ambode assumed office.

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Brazilian Judge Orders Seizure of USA Swimmers’ Passports

United States swimmers Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger have been prevented from boarding a flight by Brazilian authorities as an investigation continues into four team members allegedly involved in a robbery.

It comes after a Brazilian judge ordered the seizure of the passports of the two others involved - Ryan Lochte and James Feigen - after they supposedly provided conflicting reports regarding their claims they were robbed at gunpoint by muggers during the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Six-time Olympic champion Lochte was returning to the Olympic Village in a taxi from a post competition night-out at the French Hospitality House on Sunday a, alongside team-mates Bentz, Conger and Feigen.

Their taxi was allegedly stopped by individuals dressed as policeman close to Ipanema.

One pointed a gun at the swimmers, it is claimed, before taking their money and belongings.

It has now been claimed that little evidence has emerged to support the swimmers’ story, with a judge determining that Lochte and Feigen’s versions of events differ.

“Judge Keyla Blanc De Cnop ordered US swimmers Ryan Lochte and James Feigen’s passports to be seized,” a statement from the Rio de Janeiro Court said.

“Therefore they are not allowed to leave the country.

“Decision was based on a requirement from the General Attorney of Rio. “According to the judge, there were contradictions in the swimmers’ reports.

“Lochte said to the police they were approached by a mugger who demanded them to give all the money.

“Feigen told they were approached by more than one criminal, but only one had a gun.

“Judge De Cnop also highlighted the competitor’s attitude when they got to the Olympic Village as shown in the surveillance cameras.”

All four had won gold medals as part of US relay teams.

Lochte, Bentz and Conger were all part of the 4x200 metres freestyle squad and Feigen participated in the 4x100m freestyle event.

Lochte has reportedly already left Brazil and headed back to the United States, while Feigen’s whereabouts has currently not been confirmed.

It is thought that he remains in Brazil, however.

“Local police arrived at the Olympic Village yesterday morning and asked to meet with Ryan Lochte and James Feigen and collect their passports in order to

secure further testimony from the athletes,” said United States Olympic Committee Spokesman, Patrick Sandusky, regarding the ongoing investigation.

“The swim team moved out of the Village after their

competition ended, so we were not able to make the athletes available.

“Additionally, as part of our standard security protocol, we do not make athlete travel plans public and therefore cannot confirm the athletes’

American swimmers, Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger been led from the airport by Brazilian police... yesterday

China Dominates Table Paralympics Organisers Reveal Tennis again But Japan’s Massive Funding Deficit Stars are Rising China has now claim 28 of the 32 gold medals awarded at Olympic Games since table tennis was introduced in 1988, having completed a clean sweep of the four titles at Rio 2016 with victories in the men’s and women’s team events and in the men’s and women’s singles, won by Ma Long and Ding Ning respectively. Remember it was Long who ended Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri’s fairy-tale run in the quarter final stage of the men’s singles?

China might dominate the past and present, but for the future a new challenger is rising in the shape of Japanese 15-years-old Mima Ito, who became the youngest table tennis Olympic Games medallist as part of her country’s bronze-medal winning women’s team.

Things are promising too for Japan’s male players with 27-year-old Jun Mizutani and 23-years-olds Koki Niwa and

Maharu Yoshimura all set to be in their prime during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where backed by a home crowd they can push to improve on the men’s team silver and Mizutani singles bronze won in Rio. Germany too had strong Games, securing silver in the women’s team event and bronze in the men’s.

Unlike Japan, however, this was likely the swansong of a golden era rather than the beginning of a new one. The German contingent included a pair of 35-year-old men in Timo Boll and Bastian Steger and 33-year-old female players in Han Ying and Shan Xiaona.

One of the most unlikely successes was the women’s singles bronze medallist Kim Song 1 (PRK), who with her world ranking of No.50 and unfashionable defensive style, defied expectations all the way to the podium.

Artykov Stripped of W’lifting Bronze Kyrgyzstan weightlifter Izzat Artykov has become the first Rio medallist to test positive for a banned substance and has been stripped of his bronze.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said the 22-year-old’s “medal is forfeited” and “he is excluded from the Games” after testing positive for

strychnine.

The reallocation of the bronze medal is the responsibility of the weightlifting federation and the IOC. Colombian Luis Javier Mosquera Lozano would be the weightlifter to move into the bronze medal position, having finished fourth.

current location.

“We will continue to cooperate with Brazilian authorities.”

USOC confirmed last night that Bentz and Conger had been barred from boarding a plane.

Paralympic Games preparations have been hit by low ticket sales and organizers revealed that could create a deficit in their budget.

Rio 2016 organizers have suggested they are facing a huge financial shortfall for the Paralympic Games after disappointing ticket sales.

Only 12 percent of 2.3 million tickets available have been purchased so far, a worryingly low figure with the opening ceremony only 20 days away.

Initial estimations had suggested more than 20 percent had been sold, but communications director Mario Andrada confirmed the lower figure at a media conference on Wednesday. Andrada hopes interest will slowly start to increase after encouraging sales in recent days, but he acknowledges the

organizers may need more government funding to help run the Games.

“It [the level of government funding] depends on how we move forward in terms of ticket sales, which we are now much more optimistic than we were before,” Andrada said at a news conference Thursday.

“Yesterday [Wednesday] we sold more than 9,000 tickets, which for the Paralympics is a change. Depending on the amount of tickets and sponsorship that we sell, the amount of money that we will get from the government will vary.

“If the decision was to be taken today, we would need around 200 million reais ($61 million) to fulfil the obligations at the level of service that we have agreed with the International Paralympic Committee.”

When quizzed over the low uptake, Andrada blamed the recalculation on purchasing rules which prohibit the Rio mayor from buying any tickets — which had initially been the plan.

“The sales of tickets and the sponsorship has been below our expectations,” he added. “From 2.3 million, we sold roughly 300,000, so it’s around 12 percent.

I say roughly because the same thing happens with the Olympics.

“As we all know, the mayor had committed to buy a number of tickets and that purchase was included in the data that we provided in the meeting in Lausanne.

However, electoral justice prevented him from buying those tickets, so the tickets were returned to the pot and the number [of sold tickets] has decreased.”

MEDAL TABLE COUNTRIES USA Britain China Germany Russia Japan France Italy Netherlands Australia S’Korea Hungary Spain N’Zealand Kenya Croatia Jamaica Brazil Kazakhstan Canada

G 31 21 19 13 12 11 8 8 8 7 7 7 5 4 4 4 4 3 3 3

S 32 21 15 8 14 5 11 9 4 10 3 3 1 7 4 2 0 5 3 2

B 31 13 21 11 16 18 13 6 3 10 7 4 2 2 0 0 2 5 6 9

(As at midnight August 18

Serbian Women See off USA in V’ball Serbia’s women’s volleyball team eliminated the world’s top-ranked team, the United States, yesterday in a shock upset after the undefeated Americans lost their top player to a knee injury.

Serbia, playing in their first Olympic semi-final, were riding high after sending Russia home two

days earlier and defeated the United States 20-25 25-17 25-21 16-25 15-13.

The U.S. team won the first set but Serbia, driven on by their formidable spiker Brankica Mihajlovic, took control after America’s top-scoring middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo went off with a left knee injury

sustained in the opening set.

The U.S. had beaten Serbia 3-1 in preliminary games and were favorites to take their first gold medal in women’s volleyball. They won the World Championship in 2014 and took silver in the last two Olympics where they lost both finals to the Brazilians, their traditional

rivals who were beaten by China on Tuesday.

The Americans had the crowd in Rio’s rowdy Maracanazinho stadium rooting against them. Mainly Brazilian spectators booed the U.S. servers and cheered when the Serbian players scored, chanting “Ole ole ola, Serbia, Serbia.”