Friday 11th November 2016 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

T H I S D AY â&#x20AC;¢ FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2016

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Ondo: Appeal Court Grants Jegede’s Application to Challenge Ibrahim’s Nomination Jegede raises the alarm over destruction of campaign materials

Tobi SoniyiinAbuja andJames SowoleinAkure The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal yesterday granted the application by Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) challenging the judgment of the Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove his name and replace it with that of Jimoh Ibrahim. Jegede emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ondo State governorship election from the faction of the SenatorAhmed Makarfi, while Jimoh Ibrahim emerged from the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff faction. The Makarfi faction was the first to submit the name of its candidate to the INEC. After the submission, the Sheriff faction approached the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to challenge the submission of Jegede’s name. In his ruling, Justice Abang ordered INEC to remove Jegede’s name and replace it with that of Ibrahim. Though not a party at the lower court, Jegede had, through his counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, approached the Appeal Court for leave to appeal as interested party. But Biyi Poroye, who is the Chairman of the PDP in the state for the Sheriff faction opposed the application. His lawyer, Beluolisa Nwofor (SAN), asked the court not to grant the application. Ruling on the application, a full panel of the court in a unanimous decision upheld the submission of Olanipekun and granted the application as prayed. Reading the lead judgment, Justice Ibrahim Salauwa held that Jegede had been able to prove to the court that he was affected by

the judgment of the lower court. The court also held that the notice of appeal filed by the applicant should be deemed as properly filed and that the applicant should file and serve all his processes on the respondents within 24 hours. The court then gave the respondents three days for file their reply. Earlier, the court had dismissed an application filed by the Sheriff faction asking that the panel set up by the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, to hear all the appeals relating to the governorship disputes in the state be disbanded. The court held that no litigant had the power to challenge the administrative power of the court’s president to set up a panel to hear a matter and as such, she did not need to consult the litigants before setting up a fresh panel. The court then dismissed the application for lacking in merit. The Sheriff faction had written a petition alleging that the first panel led by Justice Hannatu Sankey collected bribes of N350 million from the state Governor Olusegun Mimiko. The justices denied the allegation but chose to disqualify themselves from further participation in the appeals. After the panel recused itself, the case file was returned to the PCA, who in turn set up a fresh panel to hear the matter. The Eyitayo Jegede Campaign Organisation yesterday condemned in strong term the destruction of the campaign posters and billboards of Jegede, the replaced PDP candidate for the election. The complaints of the organisation was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Media of Jegede Campaign Organisation, Mr Kayode

Fasua. Fasua said it was disturbing that supporters and hoodlums loyal to All Progressives Congress APC candidate leveraged on the visit of party chieftains to destroy Jegede’s campaign materials, describing the event as saddening. He said it was disappointing that the destruction came at the time when the United States of America just concluded presidential election in which everything was done decently. Fasua said the APC had since the wee hours of yesterday directed the destructive tendencies to everything that represented the PDP and Jegede.

“Starting from the wee hours of the day up till this morning, APC thugs, under the supervision of the party chieftains, had hit the streets in Akure, the state capital, pulling down the billboards of Jegede and tearing his posters, in a desperate attempt to hoodwink President Muhammadu Buhari into believing that the party is popular in Ondo State. “The vandalism reached a crescendo at about 7a.m. today (yesterday )when the APC thugs mounted the pedestrian bridge at Oja-Oba, in Akure, and pulled down the banners of Jegede and his running mate, Mr. John Ola Mafo.

“While it is true that Jegede is at the Court of Appeal, trying to reclaim his mandate from Ibrahim, one wonders the law relied upon by the APC chieftains and their thugs to pull down his billboards and banners and also tear his posters, simply because Buhari was being expected,” he said. Fasua said Jegede was at the Appeal Court because he does not want to concede the substitution of his name as the PDP governorship candidate to Ibrahim. “While the security agents are aware of this fact and know that Jegede’s posters and other insignias of electioneering are still permitted

pending the final discharge of all suits relating to the contest, one wonders when the APC chieftains and thugs became law enforcement agents to destroy Jegede’s emblems,” he said. Fasua said the APC has by this act told the people of Ondo State to expect a riotous and oppressive leadership that is intolerable of any form of opposition, once it is voted into power. Reacting to the allegation, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Ondo State Command, Mr. Femi Joseph, said the command had not received report of vandalism of campaign materials.

HISTORY MADE

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle), flanked by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (left); and the new acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, after the swearing -in of the CJN at the State House in Abuja ...yesterday State House

Trump Meets Obama, Says He is a Good Man Thousands protest against president-elect’s emergence

Zacheaus Somorin inWashingtonDC with agency report United States President-elect, Donald Trump, has called President Barack Obama a very fine and good man as the two, long-time antagonists, met in the Oval Office in a ritual epitomising the peaceful transfer of power. The historical event which was monitored on CNN, Obama told journalists that if Trump succeeds, America succeeds at a White House meeting that encapsulated the stunning political events of the last few days since the president-elect’s remarkable election victory. Trump said he would seek Obama’s counsel as president and Obama promised his full cooperation in the transition period. The president-elect1s first visit to Washington as the presidentelect began around 10:30a.m. when the plane emblazoned with his last name landed at Reagan National Airport, marking a new beginning for America. Trump is also scheduled to meet with House Speaker Paul Ryan, and Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, while in town. He is

travelling with Vice President-elect, Mike Pence, who will meet Vice President Joe Biden. The Trump-Obama meeting was unexpected just days ago. The core of Trump’s campaign was his claim that Obama was incompetent. Obama, meanwhile, had mocked Trump on the campaign trail. But in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday’s results, Trump and Obama have both sought to set politics aside ahead of the transition. Trump struck a magnanimous tone first, praising rival Hillary Clinton who he had said on the campaign trail he would imprison - during his election night speech. “We owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country,” Trump said, complimenting her long history of public service. He also reached out to those who hadn’t voted for him. “I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all of Americans, and this is so important to me. For those who have chosen not to support me in the past, of which there were a few people, I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so that we can work together and unify our

great country,” Trump said. On Wednesday, Obama also recognized Trump’s victory, and said he plans to ensure a peaceful transition of power. “We are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country,” Obama said. “The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of our democracy. And over the next few months, we are going to show that to the world.” Throughout Obama’s presidency, Trump persistently sought to undermine the legitimacy of the nation’s first African-American presidency by questioning his citizenship and his Christian faith. “He doesn’t have a birth certificate. He may have one, but there’s something on that, maybe religion, maybe it says he is a Muslim,” Trump told Fox News in 2011. “I don’t know. Maybe he doesn’t want that.” When Obama - attempting to put a stop to the falsehood - released his “long-form” birth certificate from Hawaii in April 2011, Trump continued to claim it was somehow faked. It took until September 2016 -- two months before a presidential

election in which he was already the Republican Party’s nominee -- for Trump to admit the reality that Obama was, indeed, born in the United States. And when he did so, it was only in a brief statement with no explanation of why he’d changed his long-held belief, aside from saying in interviews later that he wanted to get the question off the table in the heat of the campaign. Obama has directed his own barbs at Trump, too. At the 2011 White House Correspondents Dinner, with Trump in the audience, Obama mocked Trump’s birtherism -- joking that “no one is happier” Obama had released his long form birth certificate. “He can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter -- like, did we fake the moon landing? What really happened in Roswell? And where are Biggie and Tupac?” Obama said of Trump. He also cast Trump as incompetent and unhinged on the campaign trail, citing a New York Times report that Trump’s staff had taken his Twitter account away from him after a 3 a.m. rant about former Miss Universe Alicia Machado. “They had so little confidence

in his self-control, they said, ‘We are just going to take away your Twitter.’ Now, if somebody can’t handle a Twitter account, they can’t handle the nuclear codes,” Obama said at a Sunday rally for Clinton in Florida. However, demonstrations and vigils (protest) against the election of Trump spread across the country late Wednesday and early yesterday, as thousands of people rallied against the president-elect in cities from coast to coast. Condemning Trump’s litany of crude comments about women and his attacks on immigrants, demonstrators marched along city streets, blocked intersections, burned effigies and, in some places, gathered outside buildings bearing Trump’s name. “Not my president,” chanted some of the protesters, while others waved signs with the same message. At least 100 people were arrested at some of the protests. According to police officials, most of them at one in New York. While most of the demonstrations remained peaceful, police in Oakland, Califonia said a rally there turned violent when some

in the massive crowd injured three police officers by throwing rocks and fireworks at them. The unrest underscored the fractures in a country that awoke Wednesday to learn that Trump had pulled off an unexpected victory over Clinton, his Democratic opponent. Protests erupted in the biggest cities — New York, Los Angeles and Chicago — and flared in places from Portland and Seattle to Philadelphia and Richmond, along with cities in red states such as Atlanta, Dallas, Omaha and Kansas City, Mo. Most of the major demonstrations took place in urban centers in blue states Clinton won Tuesday, highlighting the demographic divide that shaped the election results. Clinton’s apparent narrow victory in the popular vote, coupled with her loss in the electoral tally, spurred demonstrators in New York to chant, “She got more votes!” as thousands massed in front of Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan. The crowd stretched several blocks down Fifth Avenue.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Sagay: Why Amaechi Should Not Step Down Says Amaechi, Banire cases are different Shola Oyeyipo A law professor and Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption, Prof Itse Sagay, yesterday condemned calls for the resignation of Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi. A section of Nigerians, particularly members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has persistently called on the President Muhammadu Buhariled government to sack Amaechi over allegations by Supreme Court justices, Sylvester Ngwuta and John Inyang Okoro, that he (Amaechi) attempted to induce them to favour

the APC in election petitions. But joining the calls on President Buhari to disregard the antics of those behind the allegations, in his personal capacity and not as the anti-corruption advisory committee chairman, Sagay said it was a diversionary anti-Amaechi narrative aimed at weakening the government. Therefore, according to him, “The call for Amaechi to step down is malicious and vindictive. It should be ignored with complete ignominy.” Sagay, a distinguished legal scholar and human right activist who took this stance at his

DHQ Denies Considering S/ African Mercenaries Recruitment Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied any consideration for recruitment of security contractors and mercenaries from South Africa to help Nigerian military in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North-east region. The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, in a statement issued yesterday expressed concern that the story making the round that it plans to invite mercenaries who once assisted the military operations is totally misleading. Abubakar was emphatic that the DHQ neither considered, approved

nor in the know of any plan for such move. He said that DHQ is disturbed by the report claiming “that foreign mercenaries are to be used henceforth to fight Boko Haram terrorists in the North East. “This story is not only mischievous and unfounded, but lacks iota of truth as the military has the capability and impetus to clear the remnants of the terrorists as it has been doing on daily basis.” He insisted that Nigeria does not “need any foreign elements because is unnecessary going by our unprecedented successes against the ungodly group,” urging members of the public to ignore the story.

residence in Lagos, noted that while there are evidence against the judges being investigated, there is no fact to back up allegations against the minister, arguing that the judges should answer to their cases. “It is demeaning for them to abandon their legitimate defence in order to smear a high official of the Buhari government which they probably consider to be the source of their predicaments (Amaechi). Mere allegations cannot have enough weight to affect the position of such high official as Amaechi, otherwise, knowing the disposition of Nigerians for putting people down, no office holder will be safe in this country. “It is therefore improper and ridiculous to compare the position of the Justices in whose houses millions of naira and hundreds of thousands of dollars were

recovered to that of Amaechi against whom there is only the mere ipse dixit of the judges (an unproven statement). ”This outburst by the two justices is surprising, considering that it is totally unrelated to be raids of their premises, their arrest and subsequent charges before our courts. Men of that status should not indulge in such diversionary activities in the midst of grave and ominous charges facing them. “I would have thought that they would use the time at their disposal to prepare their defence against the serious charges they are facing. In any case, given their statuses as Supreme Court Justices, even in the middle of the adversity confronting them, they should not have engaged in a distraction totally incompatible with the dignity and respect that their high offices attract,”

he stated. While the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) had attributed the allegation against Amaechi as handiwork of former Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Senator Godwin Akpabia, and Governor Neysome Wike of Rivers State, Sagay pointed fingers at some unnamed political forces in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom States. He said: “This sudden antiAmaechi narrative is consistent with the objectives and interests of the chief promoters and financiers of judicial corruption during election petitions. “These powerful opposition politicians are well known. To be more specific, they are from Rivers and Akwa-Ibom States. They are the ones who financed judicial corruptions and brought that great institution, the judiciary, to its knees, after the 2015 elections. “These allegations are intended

to undermine and weaken the Buhari federal government by depriving it of the service, input, ideas and productivity of some of its brightest stars. This is intended to set the stage for charging the government with ineffectiveness and cluelessness. In other words, it is an attempt to reduce the image and perception of this federal government to the low level of their own late and unlamented government,” he stated. When asked to juxtapose his position with recent issue of the National Legal Adviser of the APC, Dr. Muiz Banire, who honourably stepped down from his position in the party to pave the way for the law to take his course, he said since in the case of Banire-transferring money from a lawyer to a judgehad been established, it is not similar to Amaechi’s matter where nothing has been established to connect him with the allegation.

House Denies Contentious Sharia Bill Damilola Oyedele inAbuja The House of Representatives has said there is no bill before it seeking to establish Sharia law in Nigeria through an amendment to the constitution. The House said the clarafication was in reaction to reports that a Sharia bill had passed through second reading on October 27, 2016 with allegations that no member raised an objection to it. The spokesperson of the House, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas, while briefing journalists yesterday, said there was a proposal seeking to

amend the provisions of Sharia law in the constitution. He said the amendment seeks to expand the powers of the Sharia courts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to hear criminal cases. It was referred to the constitutional review committee in May this year. Namdas said the committee would refer the proposal back to the House if it is found worthy after its details are considered. “The committee looks at all proposals sent to it, and the ones that survive are sent to the House for debate and deliberations,” he added.

False Bomb Alarm Causes Pandemonium at Abuja Shopping Mall Olawale Ajimotokan inAbuja The discovery of parcel suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the upscale Jabi area of Abuja yesterday morning caused pandemonium and disrupted vehicular and human movements. The said parcel was found under the Jabi Bridge that runs over the Sani Abacha Road by the police anti- bomb unit sent by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, Mustapha Mohammed, after the police was notified of the presence of an unusual parcel under the bridge, suspected to be a bomb. The road underneath the bridge connects the popular Jabi Mall Shopping Complex (Shoprite) which

is frequented by western and super rich shoppers. The multi-billion naira mall was commissioned in November last year. While the police bomb detectors scanned the object, a large crowd of onlookers, were filming the development with their phones, gathered at the scene of the incident. There was suspicion that the device was planted under the bridge by the terrorist group Boko Haram, which was in the past blamed for the series of fatal blasts in Abuja. However, the police after the exercise assured the public, as it found out that the alarm was a mere rumour. It was gathered that the said parcel was an accessory placed by officers of the FCT Water Board two day ago.

CELEBRATING DIVIDEND OF DEMOCRACY

R-L: Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Governor Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State; and Adamawa Deputy Governor, Mr. Martins Babale, at the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of Gire-Pariya Road, Adamawa State...yesterday

Funds in TSA Rise to N 4.3tn The Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, yesterday said the Treasury Single Account (TSA) is a cash planning and management tool that has helped the country to reduce inflation rate, saying cash inflow into the account has hit N4.36 trillion. Idris who revealed this at a workshop with the Theme,” Operation, Implementation and Challenges of Treasury Single Accounts” organised by Institute of Chartered Accounts of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos said the country lost a whooping sum of N70 billion to failed banks in 2011 when the country was not operating TSA system. According to him, the N4.3 trillion cash went into 2,568 TSAs, saying in the past ministries department and agencies (MDAs) ran more than 10,000 accounts that were mostly dormant with balances of tax payers money not utilised for the development of the country.

Idris represented by the Deputy Director TSA Collection Funds Department Mr. Sylva Okolieaboh, added that TSA is not about revenue collection but rather a cash planning tools for the government to enhance cash planning. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he said: “Even if we detached, accountability transparency and anti- corruption from TSA it is still very important. That is not the reason why government started TSA. It is an anti corruption tool, no doubt but it is more than that . We are doing TSA because some times in 2011 and 2012 before that time the government of Nigeria working with International Monetary Fund (IMF) during Chief Olusegun Obasanjo first tenure, they carried out a broad financial reform looking at the country financial system and one of the things they asked us to do was to do a census of bank accounts, even though restricted to

mainline government ministries we found out that among the ministries that were based in Abuja then there were more than 10,000 bank accounts for about 30 ministries. “It was not only the number that was the problem, the practice was that when new head of ministry, agencies come on board they will go and open new bank account based on personal interest , forgetting the previous accounts. When they open these new accounts and change signatories whatever balances in the previous accounts remain there. Even Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was coming to us to draw our attention to the accounts, telling us to come and close them. Idris said the huge sums of money that was being paid as interest on money borrowed from banks ad since been stopped. Also speaking the President of Institute of Chartered Accounts of Nigeria (ICAN) Mr. Titus Soetan, said the TSA which is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria

is a bold and highly commendable move directed at the mainstay of corruption in the polity. Soetan said: “The implementation of the scheme would enable all government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to remit all their revenue collections into a single account through commercial banks acting as agents. At the close of the day’s transactions, the banks are required to remit all the moneys collected to TSA at the CBN. This is a departure from the past, where government revenues are collected through several segmented channels given rise to leakages in the revenue collection chain. “About 400 days since the commencement of the scheme, ICAN as an Institute whose interest is not limited to its members, but also to the public believes that now is the time to assess the working of the scheme so far to advise where appropriate areas of improvement in order to maximize its benefits.”

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Fashola: FG Won’t Cancel Power Sector Privatisation Says Nigerians should hold service providers responsible for power failure, not FG Obinna Chima The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday assured power sector investors that the federal government will not reverse the privatisation exercise. The minister gave the assurance, while speaking during a panel session at the fifth EU-Nigeria Business Forum titled: ‘Harnessing Nigeria’s Potential for Economic Growth,’ in Lagos. Although the former Lagos State governor who did not mention the

name of the person that made the call for reversal of the privatisation exercise that was done by the previous administration, he was apparently referring to a recent call by the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on the federal government to reverse the exercise. But Fashola stressed that the federal government would abide by the terms and agreement of the privatisation exercise. “I have heard discussions about revisiting the privatisation of power assets. But honestly, I don’t

One Killed,Three Injured as PDP Primaries TurnViolent At least one person was killed in violence that marred a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) event. The Abia State Police Command said one person was killed during the violence at Wednesday’s chairmanship primaries of the PDP in the state. The command’s spokesman, Ogbonnaya Nta, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the deceased, identified as Onyemaechi, was a member of staff of Isialangwa North Local Government Area venue of the election. He died in a fire at the chairman’s office, the spokesperson said. The deceased died when the office was allegedly set on fire by aggrieved delegates. At least three other persons were injured in the fire. The spokesperson said the police arrested four persons in connection with the mayhem. A witness said trouble broke out when some delegates who came for the poll at the council headquarters in Okpuala-Ngwa, rejected the list presented by the party officials that came to conduct the exercise. It was learnt that the group, which threatened to disrupt the exercise, alleged that the list was “doctored” to favour a particular aspirant. The agitation was said to have caused confusion and tension at the venue. The witness

said that in the midst of the crisis that ensued, “somebody sneaked into the chairman’s office with a jerry can of petrol and set the place ablaze.” “The intention was to burn the disputed list,” the source said, adding that the fire escalated, killing one person on the spot. Nta said that three other occupants of the office sustained serious burns and were rushed to hospital for treatment. He said that the command had commenced investigation into the matter. The primaries, which were organised to elect the party’s flag bearers for the December 17 local government election in the state, was stalemated in most of the 17 council areas due to violence. There were also allegations of attempts by some powerful politicians to impose their “anointed’’ candidates. The Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Abia, Don Ubani, denied the allegations of violence in a telephone interview, but admitted that there were “minor skirmishes during the exercise in some local government areas.” Ubani said that the party’s leadership was still reviewing the reports of the election committees.

Review Death Sentences Passed on Ken Saro-Wiwa, Others, MOSOP Urges FG Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt As the people of Ogoni mark the anniversary of the killing of renowned playwright and environmentalists, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight of his kinsmen on November 10, 1995 following their conviction by a military tribunal, the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP ) has called on the federal government to quash the sentences. The other persons hanged alongside Saro-Wiwa included Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine. A statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke, in Port Harcourt yesterday said: “Today keeps in our memory, the sacrifices of our heroes, it ignites the realities

of their innocence, their unfair trial and the pains of how they were hurriedly and brutally killed by the Nigerian government on November 10, 1995. “The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) calls on the Nigerian government to review the sentences passed on Ogoni leaders 21 years ago by a military tribunal in Port Harcourt. “A review of the sentences will demonstrate that the present government would not have acted in the way of the military authorities in 1995 and that today’s Nigeria is truly commited to right the wrongs of the past and to set Nigeria on the path of a just society committed to civilised values.” THISDAY gathered that a memorial service would hold today at the family house of Saro-Wiwa in honour of all “Ogoni Martyrs”, including Ken Saro-Wiwa Jnr who died recently in a London hospital.

know what it means. I like those who make such argument to be specific. Let them come out let’s have a discussion. Does revisiting mean canceling it? If it does, I don’t support it. “Investors who took the risk must have the assurance that the contract will not fail. And contracts that fail have so many consequences. I recall, shortly after I became governor, we privatised some refineries and a government came and cancelled it. So, we should stop this back and forth! That is my personal position and as minister that would be the position that I would canvass. “I don’t believe in revoking contracts. Let me be clear, the investment community is a very small community. They talk to each other every day, just like politicians meet at night. So, once they hear that you have cancelled one person’s contract, they are going to call others to pack their bags and leave. So, this government will respect and uphold the contracts that it had committed to and if

there are any disputes about those contracts, the umpire is the judiciary. “But if those that talked about revisiting meant improving the governance, yes, I am for that. There must be stronger governance and controls and those are laws that we must enforce. And we have started that process,” Fashola explained. Furthermore, Fashola pointed out that as a result of the privatisation exercise, households and firms that consume electricity should always hold the Discos in their respective locations responsible for blackouts they experience in their areas. According to him, the major role of his ministry presently is in policy formulation. “For the avoidance of any doubt, the power sector has been privatised. Let us all understand that and that decision has its consequences. One of the consequences was that it changed the role of the ministry of power. So, as a ministry today, we don’t buy meters any more, we don’t supply transformers anymore. There are some old projects that

we are trying to complete, so any procurement that we make, are to complete those projects that were started before the privatisation was completed. “So, if you don’t have power, it is your service provider you should hold responsible. The 11 Discos are the ones that should respond to that, not the ministry. So, people must understand this. It is the same way that we call our service providers when our telephones are not functioning, we don’t call the Minister of Communication. I understand that this transition is just three years, but there must be that culture change. We must also understand that things take some time to manifest results. We have retained the transmission end of the business, so generation and production of power is not private. “So, people must begin to understand what has changed because we are no longer directly responsible. So, for the purpose of clarity and understanding, the role of government through the Ministry of Power, Works and

Housing, is policy making. What kind of energy is safe? What kind of energy is clean? Should we have more gas and less coal? That is our responsibility. Even regulation is not done through the ministry, it is done through NERC. The NERC is like a referee who can issue a yellow card to any player who tackles from behind. So, we (the ministry) are like FIFA,” he added. To this end, he urged contractors to stop bombarding his office with proposals, but to always channel such to the Discos and Gencos, saying there is a limit to what his ministry can do. While urging the investors present at the meeting to stake their funds in Nigeria’s power sector as well as in infrastructural development, Fashola noted that investing in schools, bridges, highways, road, transport, etc, is the sure path to drive economic growth. Specifically, he urged the investors to consider investing in the country’s rural electrification programme.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SANDS TIME

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (second right), his Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole (second left); Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun (right); and Mrs. Lara Oshiomhole, during the official inauguration of 10.5-kilometer Second East Circular dual lane road in Benin Cit.y...yesterday

Buhari to Inaugurate National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan in December Ndubuisi Francis inAbuja President Muhammadu Buhari will next month inaugurate the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. The plan is aimed at giving further impetus to the government’s efforts to reposition the country for sustainable growth. The National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan is being packaged as a detailed document incorporating various economic blueprints put together by the economic management team of the present administration. The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, made the disclosure in Abuja yesterday at a national economic retreat.

The retreat, he said, was designed for stakeholders from the various sectors of the economy, to consult and share views on the medium term economic plan for the country. The retreat attracted eggheads from various ministries, department and agencies (MDAs), including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; Minister of State for Budget and National, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, and the Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Sarah Alade, among others. “After preliminary consultations within the Economic Management Team and with partners from the private sector and the academia, we are proposing that work in this retreat should take place across five thematic areas,” he said.

He listed them as macroeconomic stability, which he described as the foundation of “our economic success.” The minister noted that on macroeconomic stability, the focus would be on fiscal and monetary condition, low inflation, stable exchange rate and strong economic growth. Other thematic areas he listed were economic diversification, building competitiveness in the private sector job creation and social inclusion as well as governance. “We are emphasising jobs and social inclusion because of the need for direct interventions to create jobs while tackling poverty and inequality,’’ he stated. According to Udoma, the

economic recovery plan is being designed as a detailed document encompassing various plans put together by the economic management team. Such plans, he stated, include the Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) from which the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) were developed, as well as the Medium Term Sector Strategy (MTSS). As soon as consultations with stakeholders are done, the minister said the economic team would get input from the National Assembly. Other development partners are also to be consulted before the inauguration of the final document by the President in December.

T H I S D AY â&#x20AC;¢ FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2016

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

COMMENT

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

IS THAT ALL?

Peter Ishaka pays tribute to his elder brother, Samuel Ishaka, who died at age 68

t was 6.45am, Saturday, September 3, when the telephone rang. Even though he had been in and out of the hospital, particularly in the last one year, it was not the kind of news I expected. Less than two weeks earlier, the wife, Anna, had called to inform me that I should not bother to send money for his drugs because the husband had little money. Four years after retirement, the Delta State Government has refused to pay his gratuity and other entitlements.

But even more heartwarming for me was the news that he was getting better and could walk all over the place and he may not even need the routine insulin injection. I advised that they confirm from the doctor. My elder brother, Samuel Onomrobarakpo Ishaka, had been battling diabetes in the past few years – an ailment that has sapped his energy and reduced him to shadow of his former vibrant and restless self. So when they took him to the hospital the previous day, I thought it was just one of those many trips. But I was wrong. He did not make it back. The call from the son, Anthony, was to inform me that he had passed on. I was numb. Is that all to the struggle? Is that all? Here was a bright young man with a bright future beckoning. He had recorded an outstanding result at St Paul’s Secondary Modern School, Okpara Inland, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State where he finished as one of the best graduating students in 1965. He got admission into St Joseph’s Teaching Training College, Ozoro, now the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. Sadly, on the eve of leaving for school, he took ill, an ailment that dramatically changed the course of his life. The odds were overwhelming. But he did not give in to this monumental health challenge. He was determined to live. He fought the ailment with all his resources, but above all, faith in God. When he was eventually well enough, he picked up the pieces and moved on. He needed no pity or compassion. He worked hard. For him there was hardly an idle moment. He was an honest worker who did not believe in short cut to riches. He did any genuine thing to earn money. For him, there is dignity in labour. In 1971, he travelled to Sokoto in Sokoto State and was hired as a storekeeper by Nigerian Roads and General Works Ltd, a road construction company. A year later, he was moved to the Nigerian Roads Plant Yard at Gwadabawa also in

AT 68, HE DID NOT LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO JOIN THE OLD PEOPLE’S CLUB. BUT HE DID LEAVE US A LESSON: DON’T EVER GIVE UP, NO MATTER THE ODDS

Sokoto, where he used to write letters to me, describing the settlements and their way of life. But he eventually returned home, mainly because of the harsh weather, to continue his business. Fortunately, he was still determined to go back to school. His life was that of persistent striving. Thus, more than a decade after the initial setback, and after seeing me out of school, he returned to St Joseph’s College, renamed Eluaga Teacher Training College where he earned his Grade Two certificate in1979. He did some other certificate courses culminating in the award of an NCE certificate in 1994. Throughout his working career –from a class teacher to a headmaster, he did his work of imparting knowledge to the youths and moulding their character with undivided attention. He retired in 2012. Married to Anna in 1980, the marriage was blessed with children. Samuel was a social recorder of history. His photo albums were a journey into the history of the immediate community and beyond. Dated and neatly arranged, the pictures included the military burial of one of the foremost soldiers of Okpara Inland, Captain Smart Otite, killed during the civil war and was buried on October 13, 1968; picture of four armed robbers first to be publicly executed in Warri in 1971, to the ordaination of Rev. Isaac A. Aganbi by Rev. L. Nwazeapu, former Bishop of Warri at Sacred Heart Catheral, on March 24, 1979. He was a committed and a devout Catholic. He was baptised by Rev. Father E. Casey on December 24, 1963 at All Saints, Okpara Inland and took his first Holy Communion on Christmas Day, 1963. He got his confirmation on March 17, 1964. He served God with his whole heart. He loved his neighbours until his last breath. He did no evil and spoke ill of no one. He lived a simple life, a life of prayers and service. At 68, he did not live long enough to join the old people’s club. But he did leave us a lesson: Don’t ever give up, no matter the odds. As he is committed to mother earth today, November 11, 2016, I remember with thoughtfulness his middle name – Onomrobarakpo- Urhobo for “who sees the end of the world?” He did not see it. But he did his best. Good night, Onomrobarakpo.

MMA2 DEVELOPMENT: CLOGS IN THE WHEEL Jack Odubena writes that it is time to right the wrongs regarding the concession agreement with Bi-Courtney

t started with a fire incident, on May 10, 2000. The local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport was completely razed at a time when government could barely raise the funds needed for infrastructural development. The federal government decided to explore a Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) scheme. On August 7, 2000, the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) advertised for investors in the scheme. At the end of a competitive bidding process, the concession was granted to Sanderton Ventures. Twelve months later, Sanderton was unable to commence construction. And as provided for in the guidelines, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) was invited on board as the reserved bidder. The firm thus executed the concession agreement with the federal government and FAAN in April 2003. One part of the agreement, which has remained unresolved till date, is the ownership of the General Aviation Terminal (GAT). Despite the fact that FAAN issued a letter handing it over to Bi-Courtney, the agency held on to GAT, something the courts have frowned upon. In his judgement, Justice Olotu stated that: “It is most unfortunate that the government entrenched and installed by democratic principles and the rule of law should blatantly and persistently be violating and desecrating the principles

of the rule of law. I believe that it is long overdue that the federal government and its agents/agencies retraced their steps or are made to retrace their steps.” The GAT matter remains a knotty issue, just as some other aspects of the concession agreement, such as the original design’s provision for hotel and conferencing facilities, a mono rail, fuel hydrant and power plant. BASL says these were stifled by FAAN. All these shortcomings led the court to award N132bn against FAAN as damages payable to BASL up till 2012. FAAN is yet to pay the money, and interest continues to accrue. Despite these challenges, the MMA2 terminal remains, as former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka attested, “the best terminal in Nigeria”. The then minister had hailed the terminal for its world class facilities, noting that: “MMA2 has offered the template about how government should go about the issue of the operation of airports in the country.” He said further: “We want to believe that the improvement in passenger’s experience in MMA2, the continuous quest for improvement, the continuous quest for excellence is sustained. This continuous improvement is something I would like other managers of airports in Nigeria to begin to mimic. If they cannot truly capture it – all they need to do is just ‘copy and paste’ since the template is already there.” The evidence is there for all to see. At MMA2, which BASL has operated for over eight years, passengers are offered the Common User Passenger Processing

System (CUPPS) and other technology innovations which provide the best of travel experience. It is the only airport terminal in Nigeria to “have solely installed the latest version of a computer system that gives passengers and terminal users a fast, secure, safe and customer-friendly way to board a flight”. Neither the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, nor the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, has these services. Facilities such as e-check in, automatic e-gates and a full Baggage Reconciliation System, which Nigerians only enjoyed abroad, have been domesticated at MMA2. To achieve this, the airport had to change all the check-in counters and scales. It also increased their number from 31 to 45. The design and manufacturing was done by the same company servicing Amsterdam Schiphol and many other major international airports. The computers at the check-in desks were also changed and each computer is connected to a brand new boarding pass printer and a new baggage tag printer. To accelerate the check-in process, each airline operating from MMA2 has a ticket barcode scanner to call up tickets without any keyboard input. For passengers travelling without luggage, BASL installed four self-check-in kiosks. It also increased security features at MMA2 by installing e-gates before the security screening point, making it virtually impossible for an unauthorised person to enter the boarding zone. Each gate is

equipped with a boarding pass scanner and brand new manifest printers. A technology known as PAXTRACK has also been installed. With this, the airport can, among other things, analyse the peak periods and is thus better placed to plan. This facility also makes it easy to locate a passenger within the terminal and enable the boarding agent to have a better on-time performance. One major benefit of concession in the aviation sector is technology transfer. For the new facilities to be installed and operated successfully, BASL workers were sent abroad for training. The manufacturers also came to Lagos to train about 300 staffers of airlines, BASL and ground handlers. About 200 of the airport’s security staff have obtained ICAO Certificate in Aviation Security. Observers believe that the MMA2 story would have turned out even better had government complied with contractual agreements and court judgements, thus allowing MMA2 to continue its development and commence regional flights for which there is already approval. “We have an agreement on this issue and have spent a fortune in complying with the requirements,” said BASL. Now that the government is keen on concessioning four of its airports, the time to right the wrongs regarding the concession agreement with Bi-Courtney is certainly now. Doing otherwise would scare away those same investors government hopes to attract. Odubena wrote from Lagos

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

EDITORIAL AGBAHIME AND THE OUTRAGEOUS ACQUITTAL

The authorities should reopen investigations into the case and bring the murderers to book

sense of outrage has greeted the acquittal, by a Kano Magistrates Court, of five suspected killers of a Christian Igbo woman, Bridget Agbahime, who was lynched to death by fanatical Moslem youths at Kofar Wambai Market on June 2, 2016. Accused of blasphemy, the 74-year-old trader was subjected to jungle justice by fanatics who obviously felt justified to mete out instant punishment to someone considered to be an infidel. The Police uncharacteristically announced some arrests, and days later, charged Dauda Ahmed, Abdulmumeen Mustafa, Zubairu Abubakar, Abdullahi Abubakar and Musa Abdullahi with a four-count of alleged incitement, disturbance, culpable homicide, joint act and mischief. Last Friday, Ibrahim Muhammad, the presiding magistrate, acquitted them because the Kano State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice said he was unable to find evidence to ground a conviction. “We received the case diary from the police on June 8 and having gone through the case diary, the attorneygeneral of the state IT IS A NATIONAL SHAME evaluated the facts THAT THE POLICE COULD in accordance with NOT BUILD A CASE sections 130 and 150 of AGAINST CRIMINAL the criminal procedure code,” Mr Rabiu SUSPECTS WHO WERE Yusuf, the state counsel, CAUGHT IN THE ACT OF THE MURDER OF AN OLD who represented the WOMAN, A CRIMINAL ACT attorney-general of the THAT OCCURRED IN BROAD state, told the court. “The legal advice DAY LIGHT presented to the court, dated June 24, states that there is no case to answer as the suspects are all innocent, and orders the court to discharge all the suspects.” As relations of the suspects who gathered at the court premises rolled out the drums, celebrating their wards’ release, an angry Christian community raged with anger, condemning the turn of events as provocative and subversive of years of efforts to restrain adherents of their faith from retaliating serial fatal attacks.

Letters to the Editor

“The Christian Association of Nigeria is deeply saddened by the news of the release without trial of the five suspects accused of killing a 74-year -old Christian woman in Kano, Mrs Bridget Agbahime, who was murdered sometime in June, 2016. This is a highly provocative and insultive act on our collective sensitivities as a democratic nation,” it said. The outrage of CAN is understandable having regards not only to the gruesome nature of the murder, which is now going unpunished, but also the insensitivity of the Attorney General of Kano State, whose obvious tolerance of the sloppy police investigation mocks the efforts Christian of leaders to restrain their followers from recourse to retributive justice.

I T H I S DAY

EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITORS BOlAJI ADEBIYI, JOsEph UshIGIAlE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOlA BEllO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOlAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OlUsEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOsA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

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

t is a national shame that the police could not build a case against criminal suspects who were caught in the act of the murder of an old woman, a criminal act that occurred in broad day light! This lack of diligence on the part of the investigating and prosecuting authorities of state, without a doubt, threatens the foundation of peaceful cohabitation of faiths in a multi-faith society like Nigeria. There appears to be a growing trend of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s seeming lackadaisical attitude towards the sanctity of lives of Nigerians who get killed daily by criminal gangs, including herdsmen, violent sectarian agitators and kidnappers. In most cases, arrests were never made, no matter how gruesome and brazen the killings were. And in few cases of arrest, as in this instance, investigations were too sloppy to secure conviction. This newspaper has warned repeatedly that the failure of the state to dispense justice, particularly over sectarian violence that dot the states of the federation, is an open invitation to anarchy as aggrieved Nigerians increasingly feel justified to turn to self-help in defence of their lives and property. To assuage this legitimate feeling of helplessness in the face of relentless assault on their liberty, government must as a matter of urgency turn a new leaf and reposition its law enforcement apparatus to rise up to the demands of their responsibilities. In the instant case of the murder of Agbahime, we urge the Attorney-General of Kano State to immediately direct the police to reopen investigations into the case, fish out the murders and bring them to book. Justice for the murdered demands nothing less.

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.

NOW THAT TRUMP HAS TRIUMPHED

ast year, it was hurricane Buhari in the Nigerian national elections. This time around it is hurricane Trump in the United States. Against all odds, Mr. Donald Trump has bulldozed his way to the White House, thus becoming the 45th President of the United States. This is the first time in the history of the United States’ political structure that a contestant considered an ‘outsider’ would be elected president. Trump is not your typical everyday politician. His own political party was not actually in his support. Major media houses in the country were against him. But all that matters no more. In a uniquely dramatic and historic poll, Trump won in key swing states of Florida, North Carolina and Ohio, as he marched towards the White House. However, unlike Mr. Trump who had earlier stated that he wouldn’t concede defeat if he lost the election, Mrs. Clinton called to congratulate the president-elect even while awaiting a few outstanding poll results. While addressing a group of his supporters at his campaign headquarters in New York, Mr Trump pledged that he would be “president for all Americans”. He promised to connect with a lot of the people who had not supported him with a view to uniting a seriously divided country. In a largely uninspiring and dull speech, Mr. Trump said: “Now it’s time to bind the wounds of division. I say to Democrats and Republicans, it is time to come together as one united people. I pledge to be president for all Americans”, adding: “The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer.” Offering a hint as to how he was able to walk his way to the White House against all odds, Mr. Trump revealed that it was not really a

campaign but a movement that had given him victory. In sharp departure from his characteristic brutal tough talking tone, Trump’s speech was unusually subdued and patronising. He caught a picture of one who is humbled in victory as he commended Mrs. Clinton and her team for a hard fought poll. Could this be the sign of things to come? Now that Trump has triumphed, could it be that the world might be seeing a more urbane and sober character? Well, time will tell. But then, the outcome of the United States Presidential election still leaves so many questions unanswered. For instance, how did a political rookie like Mr. Trump record such unbelievable feat of upstaging an established politician of Mrs. Clinton pedigree? How did a man who primes himself as being smart, having cleverly (or mischievously) evaded tax for 18 years, find his way into the White House? Why did Americans prefer a candidate who pledged to shut the doors of the country on other nations? How did a supposedly woman abuser warm his way into the electorate hearts? How did a man who publicly called a fellow contestant “a nasty woman” triumph at the poll? These are some of the questions that political commentators, analysts and experts might be attempting to proffer answers to in the coming days. In the meantime, one could see the similitude of the Buhari change mantra antic at play in the just concluded American election. In the Nigerian experience, the electorate massively voted out the previous administration based on their disappointment over the economy, recurrent fuel crisis, perceived corrupt tendencies, security challenges and infrastructure decay, among others. Though most electorate were not really certain about the competence and preparedness of President Buhari to handle the top job, they, nevertheless, expressed their

frustration with the past administration by massively voting it out of office. A case of when we get to the bridge, we will cross it? In same manner, it is plausible that the American electorate merely used this election to express their frustration at the inability of the American political system, over the years, to really turn things around for the people. When current American President, Barrack Obama, began his campaign for the presidency, his slogan, “Yes we can”, was about hope and change. Like Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King and Bill Clinton, Obama dazzled Americans with his messages of hope and new beginnings. He spoke glowingly on how he would create jobs, improve the economy, regulate taxes, reduce deficits, improve energy and education in addition to promoting world peace. The magic paid off! Swayed by these promises, Americans overwhelmingly elected Obama president, thereby making him the first African –American to hold sway at the White House. However, with millions of Americans out of work, and many others underemployed, Obama lost the momentum. Suddenly, his ‘Hope and Change’ slogan was being sarcastically derided by Americans with: “We hope he changes.” As he comes close to the eighth anniversary of his presidency, things are no longer at ease in the country. A recent survey indicates that more Americans see him as ‘incompetent’ or ‘lame duck’. His foreign and domestic policies are being fiercely criticized. According to a recent ABC polls, 65% of his countrymen are of the views that America is on the “wrong track.” Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

Okorocha’s Crumbling Rescue Mission Governor Rochas Okorocha’s rescue mission in Imo State is fast crumbling, writes Amby Uneze

he continuous nose-diving of government activities under the rescue mission agenda of the present administration in Imo State is no longer condonable as the people of the state are now seeking ways to come out of the quagmire. For a long time now, the endurance level of the people of the state has reached a crescendo such that the only option is to seek the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari in their plight. They had likened the governance in the State to that of the era of Louis XIV of France, who used to say “Le etatc et moi” meaning “The State is Me”, after he assumed absolute control of the French Republic and all the organs of state power. The Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Bureaucracy, etc, were under the absolute control of Louis XIV, which reached its zenith under his grandson, Louis XVI, who eventually ended up by the Guillotine when the French people could no longer tolerate the absolute denial of freedom which the era entailed. Stakeholders contend that the case of Imo State is not different from that of the French under the fascism of Louis XIV and his progenitors, insisting that there was no doubt that the Imo people could liberate themselves from the unimaginable tyranny of the state governor as the French did. According to them, the difference is that Imo people cannot do this without the intervention of the authorities at the centre – the Presidency, National Assembly, Judiciary and the Security Forces. Seeking FG’s Intervention In an effort to draw the attention of President Buhari to what it described as “state governor’s tyrannical method of governance”, a professional body under the aegis of the Concerned Imo Citizens’ Group had threatened to lead a mass revolution against the Imo State Government unless the president urgently intervenes. The group, in a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by representatives of the three senatorial districts of the state, Maxwell Onyeukwu (Owerri zone), Prof. Obioma Iheduru (Okigwe zone), Ikechukwu Ikeji (Orlu zone) and Sylvester Amadi-Obi (Owerri zone) respectively, informed the president of the “readiness of Imo citizens to revolt and stop Governor Okorocha from continuing his method of governance”. The group, in the petition, however stated that they were saving the rainy day because of the regard they have for the office of the president. The petition read in part: “We are aware that the hands of the federal government are full in trying to deal with various security flashpoints in the country. To add mass insurrection in Imo State to it, when it could be avoided, by the timely political intervention of Mr. President would be ignoring the imperatives of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. The Many Allegations The group alleged amongst others that “there is a destruction of the Constitutional order in the state, whereby the Imo State House of Assembly had been rendered weak and impotent by the Governor as it had ceded her oversight powers to the Governor”, adding further that, “Imo citizens are living in a state of unimaginable terror and tyranny imposed by the government of Okorocha”. According to them, “In 2011 and 2015, the Imo House of Assembly passed what

Obiano...a long walk to second term

is called a ‘rolling budget’ (covering four years) approving a block sum of money and empowering the governor to operate the finances of the state without any further reference to the State House of Assembly. Thus, the statutory annual budget in Imo state no longer exists. “The introduction of a fourth-tier government christened Community Government

Stakeholders contend that the case of Imo State is not different from that of the French under the fascism of Louis XIV and his progenitors, insisting that there was no doubt that the Imo people could liberate themselves from the unimaginable tyranny of the state governor as the French did. According to them, the difference is that Imo people cannot do this without the intervention of the authorities at the centre – the Presidency, National Assembly, Judiciary and the Security Forces

Council (CGC) in the state is alien and has contributed to the destruction of the hitherto town unions system in the state and this is a taboo in Igboland. This has tremendously retarded community development, including the community security watch, and increased crime and poverty in the state. The traditional stool in the state has been destroyed by the Governor,” the group said. They further stated that legal and administrative structures and organs of the state have been rendered moribund. The judiciary and civil service in the state, they argued, are now impotent and comatose, as a result of non-payment of salaries and wicked policies, observing further a new wave of lawlessness, which reigns freely in the state as there is no effective justice system in the state. Abuse of office Accusing the governor of abuse of office and public trust, the group listed issues like land grabbing which the governor forcefully confiscate individual and community lands without due process and compensation. It was quoted and on record too that “the governor has continually seized several plots of people’s land and built/and or still building sprawling private places, some of them have been adjudged to be grandiose than the residence of the president in Aso Rock”. His wasteful style of governance, which includes alleged renting of a private jet owned by his company for state use even though the jet is owned by his company but the state pays for its use. The governor was also accused of having his fingers in the execution of all contracts in the state, even when the contracts are usually not properly executed as well as having most of the sensitive positions and

appointments in government exclusively reserved for family members and blood relations. A Plea to Buhari The group therefore pleaded with President Buhari to prevail on the Okorocha to “stop the demolition of structures and the peoples’ sources of livelihood in the name of urban beautification, to use the resources of the state prudently and judiciously for the good of the people and not for personal aggrandizement and family development. To accept due process, rule of law, financial regulations, and the demands of the Procurement Act in the award of contracts and other financial activities of government”. They also demanded that the president should call Okorocha to order to exhibit transparency and accountability in the running of the state, as well as allow the state House of Assembly to perform its statutory roles of lawmaking and oversight instead of turning them into tax collectors and agents of the executives. How Ihedioha Captured It In his effort to capture the situation in Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, the PDP governorship candidate in the 2015 elections in the state expressed deep concern by the state of affairs in the state. “Today, our government seems to proudly and publicly detest and castigate the rule of law by disobeying court judgments. The younger ones of today, may never understand that our constitution stipulates a three tier governance structure since the local governments have practically ceased to exist in our own state. A fourth tier of government CONT’D ON NEXT PAGE

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

POLITICS

PERSPECTIVE

Kogi’s Penchant for Satanic Rumour The recent death hoax about the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello was satanic, writes Abdullahi Yunusa

t is not completely wrong to affirm that Kogi and its people are never tired of grabbing the news headlines for the very wrong reasons. We fancy foibles and promote them as though we are cursed to perpetually remain in the dungeon of backwardness. We are the greatest enemies of ourselves. Lamentably, we engage in these retrogressive practices with smelly arrogance and braggadocio. Why are we the way we are? It does appear that the most lucrative and thriving industry in the whole of Kogi State is the rumour industry. The industry was strangely silent for a long while, but came alive recently when some deranged, never-mean-well and vindictive characters clinically fabricated an ungodly story that Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello had passed on! The characters behind the story are manifestly elements that are still pained that a ‘nobody’, a ‘political underdog’ and a ‘small boy’ denied them the opportunity of feathering their political nests. It is indeed a product of sheer vendetta aimed at distracting the governor and his team from fulfilling his electoral promises. This is politics taken too far. Everything is completely wrong with such move. Why plot evil against your fellow human being, who hasn’t offended you in any way? Why begrudge him for accepting to align with the decision of the leadership of his party? His action is in sync with what is expected of any human being. So, what could possibly be his offence? You expected him to chicken out and retreat into his cocoon? Gerrara here joor! Undoubtedly, death is one of the phases of our earthly sojourn. All living beings are indebted to it. As stated in all Holy books, all living beings shall taste death. What no one can tell is the time, day, month and year. The how and when of death remain the exclusive preserve of our Supreme Maker. We truly have no say with regards to how long or short we will live here. So, it is unthinkable for any depraved mind to arrogate God’s power to himself by deciding the fate of his fellow being. God’s ways are never our ways. He does things in ways and manners that please Him. Read this: my late Mum, who answered Allah’s call in June this year, was hale and hearty throughout the very day she breathed her last. No one had thought that she would die in 50 years to come. Her aged mother who has been bed-ridden for years and praying for death is still very much alive. The question on even my grandmother’s lips is: why did death spare her to snatch her dear daughter? But that was God in action. He does things in ways that best

Without doubt, Governor Bello, in his quest to right the wrongs in Kogi state has stepped on so-called big toes, touched the untouchables and ended the reign of political merchants, whose stock in trade is to mindlessly feed fat on the system. These moves are enough to incur the angst of these evil merchants. But they just cannot succeed. It is all an exercise in futility. Kogi must work

Bello...a needless distraction

fit into His plans for our lives. It is sheer wickedness to pray for another man’s downfall. It is even more sickening when you engage in such satanic act for personal aggrandizement or in pursuit of very narrow considerations. Sadly, your pain is that you were denied the opportunity of feeding on the juicy lucre political hangers-on like you survive on. If you ask me, personal interest and desperation for power are at the heart of this maliciously crafted rumour. But must someone die before you actualize your goals and aspirations? Governor Yahaya Bello, like any other human being aspires

for the best. No one wants to be perpetually confined to a particular position in life. His resolve to take a break from his private life to venture into partisan politics is still to offer himself for service. Without doubt, Governor Bello, in his quest to right the wrongs in Kogi state has stepped on so-called big toes, touched the untouchables and ended the reign of political merchants, whose stock in trade is to mindlessly feed fat on the system. These moves are enough to incur the angst of these evil merchants. But they just cannot succeed. It is all an exercise in futility. Kogi must work. His dear wife, Hajia Hafiza Yahaya

Bello summed it this way on her Facebook Timeline, “A society where we daily plot the down fall of each other will never record any meaningful development. Where is the place of love in all we do when we constantly don’t wish our neighbours well? Why pray for misfortune to befall your fellow human being who hasn’t offended you in any way? Is your success in life tied to someone’s misfortune? “Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello is doing just fine. Let’s desist from fabricating and spreading falsehood about people. No man can decide the fate of his fellow man. Sincerely, I bear no grudge against those behind my husband’s rumoured death. May Allah forgive them and cause them to have a change of heart”. ehood about people. No man can decide the fate of his fellow man. Sincerely, I bear no grudge against those behind my husband’s rumoured death. May Allah forgive them and cause them to have a change of heart. Alhamdullilah ehood about people. No man can decide the fate of his fellow man. Sincerely, I bear no grudge against those behind my husband’s rumoured death. May Allah forgive them and cause them to have a change of heart. Alhamdullilah.Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s emergence as Governor of Kogi State defies human comprehension. The event has the trappings of divinity. So, attempting to interrogate the entire scenario is tantamount to faulting God’s supremacy. Power comes from God. He has willed it to Yahaya Bello. Case closed. -Yunusa wrote in from Abuja

O K O R O C H A’ S C R U M B L I N G R E S C U E M I S S I O N which is alien to the Nigerian Constitution has been added in Imo and this is, at best, curious and worrisome”. Ihedioha, who is the immediate past deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, in a keynote address delivered during the just concluded 2016 Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Isi Mbano of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, stated that having the privilege to traverse the executive and legislative arms of government at the centre between 1992 and 2015, he was compelled to conclude that Imo is denied the benefit of qualitative democratic practice essentially in the sense that apart from the virtual non-existence of the local government as the third tier of government, the legislative arm at the state level is hampered from the

discharge of its responsibility by executive high-handedness. Governor Okorocha has also been accused of attracting persons of no visible means of livelihood into the state as no attention is being paid to these set of human beings, whose identities are not known by government. In a declaration in his presidential charge for the second session of the eight synod of the Diocese of Isi-Mbano, Anglican Communion, Bishop Godson Ukanwa revealed that some persons who look like nationals of North African Islamic states have taken over the state in the pretence of shoe-mending and hole-digging jobs. The bishop advised the government to take a registered census of all foreigners in the state with a view to knowing who they are and what they are

doing for a living, as well as their movements. The Government Reacts… But the state government has described the allegations as “unfounded and an act of desperation by a negligible few, who are obviously members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, it challenged the group to produce evidence of any act of tyranny perpetrated by the governor as alleged. According to the statement, “during the PDP regime in this state, they never showed any iota of respect for the rights of the people of the state, they were flogging and beating innocent Imolites but this administration

has never harassed any Imo indigene or any other person for that matter. When all manner of atrocities were going on under the PDP, why didn’t they lead a revolution? “All the actions of this government are in the overall interest of the state and that is why all men and women of goodwill are backing the governor. They are only fighting the governor because of his insistence on using the state government’s funds to work for the people of the state instead of sharing it among the career politicians. But our advice is that they should look for something else to do and allow the state some peace”, he said. The group, in the petition, however stated that they were saving the rainy day because of the regard they have for the office of the president.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD CARGO MOVEMENT: NPA URGES FG TO DETERMINE PERCENTAGES ACROSS ROUTES address the situation. “I have witnessed the fact that our dockyards are not functional; there are some aspects of NPA operations that should be done or led by the private sector. We are looking at having a PPP model on operations of our dockyards. I have inspected our Port Harcourt dockyard and I saw the state it was in and I believe the way to revive that would be through private sector participation,” she stated. PRESIDENCY PICKS HOLES IN AIRPORT CONCESSION PLAN government. There is on-going remodeling programme, which government is also paying for. So we want to know what the Ministry wants to concession and the modalities of the concession. It is the responsibility of government to effectively manage the runway and the airfield services, which are very critical in terms of safety and security and that is why government is in the custody of these facilities,” the source said. THISDAY also learnt that the Presidency criticised the decision by the Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, to make himself the Chairman of the Concession Committee, noting that such position should have been given to a technical professional that would be in charge of the details of the negotiation. Sirika at the inception of work as the Minister of State, Aviation announced that government would concession four major airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt, and later other airports would follow. The source said it is expected that by now the Minister should have been established the legal and administrative framework that would guide the concession programme, adding that if the Minister wanted to concession the whole airport then for security reasons they must not be given out to outsiders. “Airports are national

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

NEWS

Lagos Unveils Measures to Cushion Effects of Recession Gboyega Akinsanmi The Lagos State Government has rolled out some measures to cushion the effects of economic recession, noting that the schemes were designed to engage at least 100,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state. The state government also disclosed that it would free part of the N25 billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode initiated to create a new army of employers and tax payers. The Executive Secretary of the Fund, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode disclosed this at a news conference on Wednesday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa where he said the state government would deploy the fund to support 100,000 MSMEs and fight economic recession. He addressed the media alongside the Commissioner for Wealth Creation & Employment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Chairman of the House Committee on Wealth Creation & Employment, Hon. Sola Giwa and Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Abdul-Ahmed Mustapha among others. According to him, the state government “has set a target to utilise the N25 billion Employment Trust Fund to provide financial support to over 100,000 MSMEs within the next three years.” He explained that the fund was in line with Ambode’s vision to create employment opportunities, open up fresh entrepreneurship vistas and fight economic recession crippling the country’s domestic economy. He said the board set up to

manage the funds had spent the last few months perfecting strategies and addressing grey areas ahead of the commencement of the disbursement of the funds later this year. The executive secretary explained that the board embarked on several strategy sessions “to define the mission, vision, core values and strategic framework to guide the Fund’s activities.” “After the completion of the research exercise, the Board working with its appointed consultants developed a strategic framework articulating its goals, the key interventions designed to enhance job creation, and the supporting infrastructure needed to deliver the set goals.

“This exercise has now been concluded and approved by the Lagos State Executive Council. The fund would provide loans to MSMEs at a single digit interest rates per annum, while training and capacity building and technical support would be provided to drive growth and job creation.” The executive secretary gave some requirements for the businesses, which he said, included their capacity “to repay our loans; be owned by Lagos residents duly registered by the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA); show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos Inland Revenue Service (LIRS); and have valid Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs).”

Aside financing at least 100,000 MSMEs across the state, Oyebode noted that the state government would equally train unemployed residents “to either take up identified jobs or run their businesses. Oyebode added that in adherence with Section 6 of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Law of 2016, the board has forwarded the Operating Guidelines outlining the proposed interventions and eligibility criteria for approval by the Lagos State House of Assembly. Oyebode said the fund would have multiplier effect with the capacity “to create 300,000 direct and 600,000 indirect jobs while about

200,000 new tax payers would be added to the State’s tax net.” Also at the conference, Durosinmi-Etti said the Ambode administration was committed to ensuring the fund impacts on the lives of Lagos residents, especially at this time of national crisis.” The commissioner commended the board of the fund for setting up offices in 20 Local Governments in the State, noting that it would go a long way to ensuring that no area is marginalised. “It is important that this process has taken considerable time, we need to make it work and also ensure that it is to the benefit of all Lagosians,” Durosinmi-Etti said.

FOR EFFECTIVE AIRSPACE COMMUNICATION

L-R: Director of Transport, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Abdullahi Sidi; Director-General, Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Dr. Athony Anuforom; the acting Managing Director, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Emma Anasi and Military Airport Commandant, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Wing Commander Imoke Emeng Imoke at the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) Automation forum, NAMA headquarters, Lagos… recently

NIMASA, Navy Arrest 16 Stowaways on US Bound Vessel Eromosele Abiodun Search and Rescue personnel of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in conjunction with officers and men of the Nigerian Navy apprehended 16 stowaways on a United States (US) bound vessel, MV Colombia River. The arrest, which was ef-

fected recently at the Lagos fairway buoy, was sequel to a distress signal sent to the Regional Search and Rescue Coordination Centre based in NIMASA which in turn alerted the Nigerian Navy. The Navy immediately sent its vessel NNS Karaduwa to the location of MV Colombia River where 16 stowaways were apprehended and one of

them sustained an injury on the shoulder while attempting to escape arrest. The injured stowaway was immediately taken away by the NIMASA Search and Rescue team on its vessel NIMASA Benue to the agency’s Search and Rescue Base Clinic for treatment while the others were taken away by the Navy for profiling and subsequent hand over to the Security Agencies

for further investigation. The crew of the Hong Kong flagged vessel had originally thought that they were under attack by armed pirates but preliminary investigation show that the persons on board the vessel were only intruders who hid in the vessel to leave the shores of Nigeria in search of greener pastures in the US. The stowaways, who in-

cluded one Liberian national, are in custody and will be handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for further action. Piracy and related activities have drastically reduced in Nigerian waters as a result the combined efforts of the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA and other stakeholders with Lagos accounting for zero incident in the last six months.

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)

FG Grants Approval for Bakassi Deep Seaport Eromosele Abiodun The Bakassi Deep Seaport project embarked upon by the Cross River State Government has received a major boost following the approval by the federal government through the Ministry of Transport for the procurement of a transaction adviser. Governor Ben Ayade dropped the hint during a retreat organised by the state government for political appointees at Obudu

Ranch Resort. Ayade, who could not hide his excitement while breaking the news, also disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has equally given the state clearance for the direct berthing of vessels at the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. The development, he stated, is aimed at restoring the status of the facility as a Free Trade Zone Enterprise (FTZE). According to the governor, “The journey towards setting up

a deep seaport in the ears and eyes of ordinary person from our perspective, it is impossible because it requires multi-billion dollars for the project to be executed. Today, I am so excited to announce to you that the federal government of Nigeria under the instrumentality of the Federal Ministry of Transport has granted us approval for the procurement of a Transaction Adviser for our Bakassi Deep Seaport.” While recalling the setback

that has befallen Tinapa, which has rendered the facility near atrophy, considering the huge investment by the state, Ayade stated: “Remember also that we had problems with Tinapa, it was supposed to be a tax haven to improve businesses and increase investment profile and of course encourage traffic into the state, a great conception as it were.” Continuing, he said: “But for sometimes now, we been having difficulties in bringing in vessels

but after my fruitful engagement with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Ahmed Ali, he gave a marching order and approval granted that vessels can now come straight to Tinapa unhindered.” Ayade enjoined political office holders, whom, he noted, are key drivers of government programmes and policies to reinvent themselves and see the current economic reality as an opportunity to create new vista for job and wealth creation.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Poor Policy Implementation and Growth of African Airlines Chinedu Eze writes that most African airlines are financially weak and cannot play in the big league of international carriers owing to poor policy implementation by governments One of the things people took away from this year’s Akwaaba African travel market was the exposition and insight given about African airlines and why it lags behind other regions in the world. Both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) agreed that Africa is a potential market in air transport; that with the burgeoning economy and the tendency to become the fastest growing economy in the world, Africa needs more development in air transport. However, they agreed that presently less than half of the continent’s countries are interconnected to boost trade, social and economic interaction and tourism. At the Second Akwaaba African Market Travel and Tourism Conference, which took place at recently, the former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Richard Aisuebeogun in his presentation at the conference, noted that poor policy implementation among other factors are the major reasons why the continent is behind in airline business. Being the second largest continent in the world, aviation experts believe that interconnectivity would boost the region’s economy through trade, encourage manufacturing, as it would be easier to move manufactured goods among the countries in the continent than to import from Asia, Europe and the Americas. It would also boost tourism. Policy Failure The former Managing Director of FAAN said the inability of states to implement policies that would encourage and enhance airline growth in many countries in Africa has led to the failure of many airlines in the continent both state and privately carriers. Aisuebeogun said that many of these failed airlines litter many airports in Africa and identified these airlines to include, Air Gabon, Sierra National Airline, Air Afrique, Nigerian Airways Limited, Cameroon Airlines, Chanchagi, ADC Airlines, Bellview Airlines, Air Zimbabwe and others. “A report of survey carried out in May, 2016 says over the past 12 years nearly 37 airlines were launched in Africa, and almost all of them had failed – 25 of which are from Nigeria. Today only about 12 Africa Airlines have inter-continental operations. The more we realise that airlines are not a luxury but a necessity in our remote villages and hub cities, the more we can change our thinking and make sustained efforts to ensure that airlines are supported and developed for the accelerated development of our economies and improvement of our livelihoods,” Aisuebeogun said. He noted that the potential of aviation in Africa is underutilised, which means that there are huge opportunities for the sustainable airlines to thrive, but for the region to realise these latent possibilities, aviation – particularly, commercial air transport – must be prioritised by government. He disclosed that today, air transport is recognised as an important element in the achievement of the United Nation’s Vision 2030 Sustainable Development Goals which seeks to improve individual livelihoods in all corners of the globe, adding that air transport is also vital to achieving the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, which seeks to transform Africa’s economy from its current largely underdeveloped state to hugely develop economies. According to him, Africa has the potential to be a significant force in aviation on the back of robust economic growth forecasts, with Africa having among the fastest growing economies worldwide, but African airlines carry only l.3 percent of global air cargo. “These small proportions contributed by Africa to global air cargo indicate that Africa

has a huge potential to grow,” he said. He also observed that the performance of the African aviation industry is lagging behind those of the rest of the world at less than 3 percent of global revenue passenger miles (RPKs). “The growth is heavily constrained by the high industry costs, inadequate infrastructure at several airports, slow implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision (liberalization of Africa’s airspace), lack of a single traffic rights negotiating body with respect to third parties like the EU. Nonetheless, demand for air transport has increased steadily over the past years with passenger numbers and freight traffic growing significantly,” Aisuebeogun said. Costs and Operating Environment Aisuebeogun said cost of operation in Africa’s environment is among the greatest challenges to African airlines and these include relatively high taxes, charges and fees. IATA has also pointed out that these high charges are part of the reasons why airlines have short life span in Africa. So Aisuebeogun called for the diversification of local economies to create economic empowerment for the indigenes, and economic attraction for foreign business people and traders flying in for business, etc. He said that governments should ensure this is achieved to support African airlines and suggested the creation of understanding through proper education of ministries of interior, trade and investment, to stimulate real sector to drive production to feed cargo airlines. He said there should be political will to support airlines in times of meeting their needs through bailouts, waivers, but there should be efforts to ensure that waivers are implemented and not only on paper. “Till today in Nigeria, airlines have to lobby and call high powers to free their engines and aircraft spares from the 10 percent duties and tax slammed on these imports. i.e. 5 percent duty and 5 percent vat. Governments should not see airlines as cash cows, but rather as vital economic catalysts to be supported to drive the larger economy,” he said. High Cost of Jet A1 Aisuebeogun quoted IATA, which said that in 2012 on average, fuel accounted for 33 percent of total airline operating costs, although higher in some regions. In Africa for instance, fuel accounted for between 45-55 percent of operating costs, placing sustained pressure on the airline industry profit margin. So IATA urged African governments to tackle the excessive surcharges on fuel, which can make fuel purchases on the continent up to 20 percent more expensive than the global average. It noted that airlines operating to Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana and Kenya are particularly affected by above market fuel costs.

“These surcharges increase airlines’ cost burden when they are already operating in a challenging environment. They also hinder growth in an industry that delivers extensive socio-economic benefits,” IATA said. Improved Airport Infrastructure Aisuebeogun reacted to the current agitation in Nigeria that by the nation’s population and high passenger traffic, the country should naturally be a hub in the West Africa sub-region, noting that population and geography only do not make a country a hub, if not Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal would have been mega hubs. “Your facilities and operating environment including economy, policies etc. give you a hub. Consider Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc. without large populations, but with air traffic many times more than their entire populations. Singapore has 5.6 million population, but Changi Airport processed 50 million passengers in 2015,” Aisuebeogun said. He therefore called for smarter regulation and political will to support airlines in times of need, adding that regulation of the airlines industry in Africa must be African friendly and align with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. “While AFRAA, IATA and airlines groups continue to call for improved regulations, African Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) must attune their regulation not to stifle African airlines growth and sustainability. They should create clearer understanding through continual education of ministries of interior, trade and investment, to improve aviation policies, stimulate real sector to drive production to feed cargo airlines,” he said. Unfair Competition Aisuebeogun remarked that competition and liberalisation are excellent but airlines must be equipped to compete, noting that with adverse economy, low currency, charges, taxes and fees airlines in Africa already lose a lot and disadvantaged before they go into competition. That is why even with the best aircraft among African airlines’ fleets, they can hardly compete but pull out of lucrative routes. “Despite dozens of Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) signed by African states their airlines can hardly exploit these BASA routes so the states depend on controversial royalties levied on foreign airlines, which fly unrequited without reciprocity. Air Cargo the Future With the encouragement to go into agriculture and the recent development of investment in cash crops, which has increased perishable goods exported by Nigeria to Europe and North America, Aisuebeogun said cargo export is the future for African airlines. According to him, with concerted effort to bolster economies and expected political

support to improve the economies in Africa, especially under the AU Agenda 2063, the cycles of economic rebounds in various African States would produce vibrant economies with strong demand for air cargo. “This is evident in Southern Africa already where cooperation within the South Africa Development Commission (SADC) region gives hope to airlines. CEO of Air Botswana, a fast-rising regional carrier is looking to adding cargo services as the airline anticipates increased cargo demand in the region. AU Passport The AU common passport and trend of dismantling of travel barriers exemplified by Rwanda, Ghana, etc. would open the floodgates of economic activities intra-Africa, hence driving air travels in the continent,” he said. State of African Airports Aisuebeogun said airports in Africa are going through a period of transition and even as a commercial and or private entity, African airport are going to be well positioned to play a significant role in supporting the aviation sector as a whole to develop new and improved facilities for passengers and airlines experience. He however noted that there are certain facilities that must be in place in these airports to ensure safety and to keep with the standards. One of these criteria is perimeter fence. He noted that many of the secondary African airport have either only operational or perimeter fences. Another requirement is power supply. He said inadequate dedicated power supply to airports has led to epileptic power outage and this has become a major challenge facing the airports in the continent. “Therefore it has become imperative that the government tackles the challenge and also ensure that airports built do not compromise on civil aviation standards. According to him, African airports have evolved overtime from the use of old archaic state of infrastructure to a much more modern state of the art buildings and structures. “African Airports should extend its portfolio by building an Airport Services Business (ASB) that will operate across several airports in the region. New automated system can also be developed, for example, self-service kiosk should be available to passengers travelling. A management information system (MIS) to monitor passenger queues at the airport security check-points which will convey waiting time information to Flight Information Display System (FIDS),” he said. The failure of governments in Africa to implement, most often, ideal policies has given rise to failure of airlines in the continent and the dominance of foreign international carriers in the region.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

The NIMASA Banana Peel

Eromosele Abiodun writes that the recent revelations of alleged financial misdeeds by past leadership of theNigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and the current debt recovery contract controversy have thrown up the imperativeness of the needs review the laws setting up the agency

Like most federal government agencies, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the apex regulatory and promotional maritime agency has recorded some measure of achievements. The agency was created from the merger of National Maritime Authority and Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council (former parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Transport) on August 1, 2006. The responsibility of regulating the maritime industry in Nigeria rests on the agency through the relevant instruments such as: Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007, Merchant Shipping Act 2007 and the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003. The agency was established primarily for the administration of maritime safety seafarers standards and security, maritime labour, shipping regulation, promotion of commercial shipping and cobatage activities, pollution prevention and control in the marine environment. The agency also implements domesticated International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions. Its core functions are to pursue the development of shipping and regulatory matters relating to merchant shipping and seafarers, administration and regulation of shipping licenses and administration, regulation and certification of seafarers. Other core functions of the agency include: establishment of maritime training and safety standards, regulation of safety of shipping as regards the construction of ships and navigation provision of maritime search and rescue services, provide direction and ensure compliance with vessels security measures, carry out air and coastal surveillance. The agency also has the power to control and prevent maritime pollution, develop and implement policies and programs, which will facilitate the growth of local capacity in ownership, manning and construction of ships and other maritime infrastructure, establish the procedure for the implementation of conventions of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and other international conventions to which the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a party on Maritime Safety and Security, Maritime Labour, Commercial Shipping, and for the implementation of codes, resolutions and circulars arising there from. Turning point While it is hard to say how many of the above listed functions have been faithfully carried out by the several past heads of NIMASA, one thing is clear though, the agency has been enmeshed in one corruption scandal after another.

Its core functions are to pursue the development of shipping and regulatory matters relating to merchant shipping and seafarers, administration and regulation of shipping licenses and administration, regulation and certification of seafarers

At the last count, at least three of its immediate past director generals, are facing corruption charges leveled against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). As if those were not enough, the current leadership of the agency is battling the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration on the issues of the award of debt recovery contract. Before the new management of NIMASA settled in this year, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of a Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos sentenced former Director General of NIMASA, Raymond Omatseye to a five-year jail term over N1.5 billion contract scam. The former NIMASA DG was taken to court by the EFCC on a 27-counts charge of rigging and contract splitting. Delivering her judgment, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia found Omatseye guilty in 24 out of the 27 counts preferred against him but discharged and acquitted him in three counts bordering on bid rigging. The Judge found Omatseye guilty of the offence of awarding contracts above stipulated threshold. In her judgement, the Judge held that, “In the instant charge, the defendant testified in his evidence in chief that he was released on administrative bail and asked to come back the following day and in his statement, he responded that his threshold for supply was N2.5 million. “Furthermore, his statement was corroborated by Pw2 and Pw3; Pw2 stated in his testimony that in line with the Public Procurement Act, the Chief Executive officer had a threshold of N2.5 million for goods and N5 million for works. “From the foregoing, I find that the exhibit PD 16 A-Y are all above the threshold and approved limit of the DG; that means, they are all above N2.5 million. “The testimony of Pw2 and Pw3 that the approved threshold of the defendant on goods and services was N2.5million does not only corroborate the statement of the defendant, but totally lends credence to the threshold limit applicable on the defendant as DG of NIMASA. “I find that the threshold as contained in exhibit PD 16 Z is applicable to the defendant, setting his limit as N2.5 million for procurement

of goods, and N5 million for procurement of services. “A calm perusal of exhibit PD 16 series reveals that they are repetitive awards of contract for the supply of goods approved by the defendant in his position as DG of NIMASA,” the judge said.’ Persecution Claims Before the judgment, Omatseye, had alleged that he was being “persecuted.” He told the trial judge that he believed the former Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Mohammed Adoke, was persecuting him. Led in evidence by his counsel, E.D. Onyeke, Omatseye alleged that his trial came shortly after he declined a request by Adoke to discontinue a case that NIMASA filed against the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG). Omatseye started his testimony by first craving the indulgence of the judge to allow him to go into the background of his claim which would aid the court to appreciate his evidence. Omatseye said: “In December of 2010, I was approached by a gentleman, who at that time was the Executive Director of the Cabotage Service of NIMASA, in the name of Ibrahim Zailani. Zailani told me that he had been in a meeting with the AGF and that the AGF had directed him to tell me to withdraw a case between NIMASA and NLNG. I told him I could not do so because that was the decision of the board. Exactly on November 14, 2010, between noon and 1.00p.m., in my office, I received a call from a gentleman called Tunde Ayeni. “He said hello, hold on for your caller and then handed the phone over to a man who said he was Adoke. The man said: ‘I sent Zailani to you to withdraw the NLNG case and you have refused’. Mr. President had called me twice on this matter to instruct you to withdraw this case. I responded to him, My AGF sir, either you please send me a memo to that effect or please send a message through my minister to direct me accordingly. I am not in a position to unilaterally withdraw the case.” He added the AGF said: “ I am the chief

law officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’ and I replied, Sir, please help me to do as I have requested. He asked if I was aware that there was a directive from his office that no government institution can sue another government institution without his permission. I told him that the NLNG is majority-owned by foreigners and, therefore, cannot be considered as a government parastatal or agency. At that point, he said to me, I have given an instruction and you have refused to obey.” Omatseye told the judge that 10 days after the phone conversation with Adoke, three operatives from the EFCC came to pick him up for interrogation. He said he was taken to the EFCC office in Ikoyi with the Director of Procurement and the Director of Finance of NIMASA. He said the then Minister of Transportation, Yusuf Suleiman was contacted about what was going on, while on their way to the EFCC office in Ikoyi. He added that they were flown to the EFCC office in Abuja the following day where he was confronted with a petition written against him by the Minister of Transportation. He said the petition was what formed the basis of his trial. Omatseye said the contract approval threshold for NIMASA was N2.5 million for supply and N5 million for goods and services. He stated that the thresholds were not yet stipulated as of the time he approved the contracts over which he was being prosecuted. According to him, while the charges captured contracts awarded between December 2009 and February 2010, the contract award threshold for NIMASA was only put in place by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in November 2011. Same Old Story One month after Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia delivered her judgment in the Omatseye case, the EFCC arraigned a former acting Director General of NIMASA, Haruna Baba Jauro, his brother in-law, Dauda Bistrus Bawa, on a 19-count charge of stealing and money laundering.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

MARItIME

The NIMASA Banana Peel Jauro was arraigned alongside his company, Thlumbau Enterprises Limited, before Justice C.M.A Olantoregun of the Federal High Court Lagos. Jauro was arrested by the EFCC based on its findings during the investigation of his predecessor, Patrick Akpobolokemi. In the course of investigation, EFCC alleged that the former acting DG while being the Executive Director, Finance, of the agency, received N156,477,500 as gratification from Akpobolokemi to allow the former DG and his cohorts embezzle large sums of monies from the agency. The EFCC alleged that monies were traced to Jauro’s company account, Thlumbau Enterprises Limited, which his brother in-law, the second accused person oversees. Jauro was said to have refunded N35, 000,000, being part of the money he collected from Akpobolokemi to the federal government. One of the charge read: “ That you Haruna Baba Jauro, Dr. Dauda Bistrus Bawa and Thlumbau Enterprises Limited on or about the 6th day of January 2014, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this honorable court did conspire among yourselves to commit an offense to wit: conversion of the sum of N156,477,500 (One Hundred and Fifty Six Million, Four Hundred Seventy Seven Thousand, Five Hundred Naira Only) property of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, knowing that the said sum were proceeds of stealing and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act.” The accused persons pleaded not guilty after listening to the charge. Rotimi Oyedepo, the prosecution counsel did not oppose the bail application filed by the counsel representing the accused persons. Consequently, the accused persons were granted bail in the sum of N5, 000,000 and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court and must present tax clearance for the last three years. In a related development, the EFCC also arraigned Alu Dismas, personal assistant to Patrick Akpobolokemi , Calistus Nwabueze, Executive Director, NIMASA and two companies: Grand Pact Limited and Global Seal Investment Limited, on eight count charge of stealing and Money Laundering before Justice Olantoregun. Calistus as Executive Director, was said to have received the total sum of N136,105,000 from Akpobolokemi. The second accused person, Alu Dismas who was personal assistant to Akpobolokemi also received various sums of money. One of the charge against them reads: “that you Calistus Nwabueze and Dismas Alu on or about 5th day of August 2014 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this honorable court did conspire among yourselves to commit an offense to wit: conversion of the sum of N111,000,000 property of the NIMASA knowing that the said sum were proceeds of stealing and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 18(a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 2012 and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.” The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge. And were admitted to bail in the sum of N5,000,000 and two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to May 16 for trial. A Step Higher Just last week, the EFCC brought before a Federal High Court in Lagos the receipt of a bulletproof car allegedly bought by Akpobolokemi. Also brought to court by the anti-graft agency was a document issued by an estate surveyor showing how Akpobolokemi allegedly paid for his rented apartment situated on Ondo Street, Banana Island, Lagos. The EFCC brought the documents to court in furtherance of its claim that Akpobolokemi and five others defrauded NIMASA to the

At the last count, at least three of its immediate past director general are facing corruption charges leveled against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) $4 billion to $5 billion which has necessitated an urgent need to recover them in order to develop requisite infrastructure for the maritime industry. “Debts owed NIMASA by various operators in the maritime industry had grown exponentially over the last five years even necessitating an investigation and convocation of a Public Hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration in June this year. “This contract is expected to recover these debts and channel the funds into developing critical infrastructure as well as knowledgeable manpower for the industry.”

tune of N2.6 bilion while Akpobolokemi was the DG. Charged with Akpobolokemi were Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz and Stonz Limited., and Al-Kenzo Logistics Limited. They were arraigned last December before Justice Ibrahim Buba, but pleaded not guilty. At the resumed trial last week, the EFCC’s 12th and last witness, Orji Chukwuma, continued his testimony against the accused. Led in evidence by the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, Chukwuma said: “The first defendant (Akpobolokemi) brought a document to us in relation to how he paid for his rented apartment on Ondo Street, Banana Island, Lagos. He also attached a document from an estate surveyor on payments of his house rent. The first defendant also submitted to the Commission a receipt for the purchase of a bulletproofed car.” However, attempt by the prosecutor to tender the documents in evidence against the accused was resisted by Akpobolokemi’s lawyer, M.M. Ajuwa, who argued that he had yet to be served with a copy of the document. Ajuwa contended that before the court could admit the documents in evidence and mark them as exhibits against his client, the documents must first be front-loaded in compliance with Section 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. The EFCC prosecutor admitted that he had yet to serve the defence counsel with the documents. In a short ruling, Justice Buba upheld Ajuwa’s objection to the admissibility of the documents. “It is sacrosanct that every accused person shall be given the opportunity to defend himself and must be served with necessary documents, including documents he (accused) submitted to the EFCC,” the judge ruled. EFCC alleged that Akpobolokemi and others converted to their private use various sums belonging to NIMASA, which amounted to N2.6 billion. In one instance, the prosecution alleged that sometime in February 2014 in Lagos, the accused persons conspired among themselves to convert the sum of N437,726,666.60 belonging to NIMASA to their own use. They were further alleged to have on January 9, 2014 converted to their private use the sum of N66,800, 000 property of NIMASA. The accused were further alleged to have, between April and August 2014, converted to their own use the sum of N21,802,000 and additional N53,749,000 respectively. The EFCC told the court that they acted

contrary to and thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 15 (3) and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012. The Beat Goes On While Nigerians were celebrating the effort of the EFCC to clear NIMASA of rot, news broke that the new management of the agency has awarded the debt recovery and surveillance contract to the Global West Vessel Specialists Nigeria Limited (GWVSNL) owned by former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpomupolo, popularly known as Tompolo by NIMASA under the Goodluck Jonathan administration and cancelled by Buhari has been awarded to a Snecou Nigeria Limited. According to NIMASA, it was awarded to Snecou Financial Services Company Limited to assist in revenue generation. The agency explained that the move was in a bid to shore up its revenue amidst the nation’s dwindling economy. The huge debt, according to sources in NIMASA is in the region of $5 billion while players in the maritime sector believe several operators owe the agency about $15 billion. The agency said the contract, which also has the company serving as a recovery agent for debts, is for a period of two years in the first instance with an option for renewal. It added that the approval for this contract was recently granted by the Tenders Board (PTB) of the agency at its 55thsession which held in the agency’s head office in Lagos. “Given the urgent need to recover the agency’s debts which is in billions of naira, the agency sought and obtained approval for a “Certificate of No Objection” from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in line with the Public Procurement Act (PPA), “it stated. “According to the contractual agreement already endorsed by both parties, the contract is based on a success rate of 13 per cent using a benchmark of $19,753,012.36 and N239,607,155.52 monthly revenue while a maximum cap of 15 percent success rate is payable on any new revenue head discovered by the consultants within the contract period. “In other words, Snecou Financial Services Company Limited will be paid 13 per cent of only the revenue that is above the threshold of the approved benchmark in the course of the contracting period. Similarly, Snecou will also be entitled to a maximum of 15 per cent of new revenue streams discovered during the period, “it stated. NIMASA also noted that its debts is around

Commitee Chairman, DG Disagree he debt recovery contract controversy assumed a different dimension last week when the Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Hon. Umar Bago, and the NIMASA, Dakuku Peterside openly disagreed over the amount of debt owed to the agency. While Peterside put the debt profile at $420.5 million from 2004 to date, Bago insisted the amount is a lot higher than that. The disagreement was borne from an argument between both men on the recent controversial award of a debt recovery contract to Snecou Financial Services, for which the committee said it has received several petitions. The committee also noted that it would conduct a public hearing into the processes, which the petitions put at debt profile of $5 billion. Snecou under the terms of the contract would receive 13 per cent of recovered debt. Peterside, however, said the debt profile was nowhere near $5 billion. “I have never said NIMASA was owed $5 billion. The entire volume of shipping trade in Nigeria in the past four years is not up to $10billion. For record purposes, the total of NIMASA debt profile from 2004-2016 starting from our precursor agency Nigeria Maritime Authority, is $420,557,427,” he said. He was interrupted by the committee chairman. “No, no, I can tell you NIMASA is being owed more than that. The NNPC and the PPMC have not made remittances to NIMASA in a long time,” he said. Speaking further, the DG disclosed that the agency has a debt recovery unit which recovered $3.9 million in 2014, $16 million in 2015 and $51 million in 2016. He also noted that the award to Snecou complied with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, adding that the Bureau for Public Procurement issued the agency a certificate of no objection for the award. “We were able to prove the urgency to the BPP,…if we go the whole hog, it will take at least four months. We cannot meet our obligations, fund budget or pay salaries...and we negotiated for percentages, not figure,” he added. The committee members, however, queried why the agency needs to award a contract for debt recovery when it has a unit saddled with the responsibility. Bago recalled that at a meeting with the Senate Committee in March, the Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi had said the agency should be scrapped if it needed to award a contract to recover debts. Bago raised eyebrow at records indicating that Snecou was just registered in April 2016, even though it is part of a consortium of three firms.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Economic Diversification: ICT, Failed Promises and the New Horizon Innocent Ekejiuba reckons that for the federal government economic diversification to succeed, it must place emphasis on ICT by designating the sector as a catalyst for national economic prosperity For so long, successive Nigerian governments have made tons upon tons of promises of how they would turn around the fortunes of the nation by exploiting the opportunities that lie untapped in non-oil sectors of the economy. But after many attempts (if any at all), they often ended in mere huffs and puffs and a litany of excuses of how “they tried” but did not succeed because it was too big a task to be accomplished during their tenure. This was the status quo when President Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the commanderin-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was a period of palpable doubt about the capability of any Nigerian government to truly diversify the nation’s economy. But here was a man that consistently offered hope that his administration would be committed to achieving this seemingly impossible feat – he had the trust of many, but needed to sustain it with an outstanding performance. So, we held onto the last straw of life – hope: that, finally, this new man we gave our hearts and mandate at the polls would not fail us like the others. But more than a year into his administration, we are still hoping for the fulfilment of his promises. Certainly, this administration got more than it bargained for. (Governance is different from merely being the voice of the opposition). So, it hasn’t been a jolly ride so far, especially with the crash in prices of oil, from which successive governments at the centre fed for so long. But surely, the times have thrown up more challenges, and government must arise and look elsewhere if indeed it desires to take the nation out of the woods. Already, one is glad that government seems to be putting mechanisms in place to ensure it achieves this. However, there arise questions about whether we are prioritising aright. At the inception of this government, two officials of this current federal government grabbed the attention of the media for their attempts at diversifying the economy. These two are the Ministers of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh. Fayemi had early in 2016 raised the hopes of many Nigerians when he announced that his ministry was making concerted efforts to harness Nigeria’s natural resources; only for him to return days later to shock us all with the news that his ministry may be unable to come out with any substantial results for at least a year because they would be spending a year researching on how best to revitalise Nigeria’s potential in solid mineral exploration. Certainly, research is important, but Nigerians are expecting swifter actions. Worse yet, after putting in “so much work”, it would be unfortunate if nothing worthy of note comes out of the “research.” Audu Ogbeh’s ministry also has been active – at least going by what we hear and read. Ogbeh has continued to court the media and has remained in the news for one reason or the other. Today, he is talking about establishing grazing reserves all around the country and exporting mear; tomorrow, he is talking about how Nigerians eat poison; day after tomorrow, he is with the president launching a project. But Nigerians still await concrete results from all the ministry’s activities. Or are we just too much of an impatient lot? It is time we did things differently. A major reason we have failed, time and time again, to achieve all our goals of diversifying our economy is because we have not acknowledged, let alone putting in a place of primacy, our human capital and their capabilities over resources hidden in the ground. Instead of first “tilling” our human resources, we have tilled our natural resource till they become almost useless to us – ala, oil. While other nations of the world, being aware of the global knowledge economy, are flourishing by optimising Information and Communications Technology (ICT); Nigeria has remained stuck

Shittu

in the agrarian economy which lost its relevance decades ago. Indeed, it is time we did things differently. It was therefore consoling to recently read in the news that the current administration is finally committing to promote indigenous technology by showcasing Nigeria’s leading technology solution providers and startups at the annual information technology exhibition, GITEX, holding in Dubai in October 2016. GITEX is the 3rd largest technology event on the planet. This is undeniably a step in the right direction! Nigerians have always expected more from National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) – the agency whose recently replaced Director General, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, made the statement on behalf

Government, through such agencies as NITDA, should partner with stakeholders in Nigeria’s ICT sector, including the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), to reengage the National Assembly, to facilitate the refinement of our laws towards encouraging increased participation and patronage of indigenous technological solutions

of the federal government. We are however glad that the agency seems to finally be waking up to its responsibility. “If we get our ICT right, it would be more difficult for people to be corrupt, and where they are corrupt, it becomes a lot easier to track them down,” said John Obaro, Managing Director of SystemSpecs, developers of Remita, one of the IT solutions NITDA would be showcasing at GiTeX 2016. “The only reason the wealthiest people in the world are ICT professionals is because of the potentials inherent in the sector”, Obaro added. Nonetheless, showcasing Made-in-Nigeria technological solutions on the international scene should only be the beginning. It is important for government to prioritise the ICT sector, by equipping professionals in the industry. The talents who are already doing exploits without government support are there; all that is left is substantial backing from government. There is only as far individuals can go. These Nigerians, many of them youths, are daily inventing technological solutions capable of placing Nigeria on the global map and transforming us from the scorn of the world to the world’s envy, but lack the needed support. Studies shown that the top economies in the world have successful ICT sectors upon which other sectors ride to attain greater heights. These economies are successful not only because individuals are gifted but because there is substantial government backing, especially through investments and incentives. For instance, a country like the United States that understands the relevance of ICT tripled investments in accelerators and incubator programmes in 2015 while the United Kingdom made direct investment of 1.1 Billion Pounds in Cyber Security. These are only two examples. Hong Kong, Singapore and Luxembourg are others. These nations did not become technological giants overnight, they started by taking little steps. It is time Nigeria took her little steps, capable of transforming our nation. Government, through such agencies as NITDA, should partner with stakeholders in Nigeria’s ICT

sector, including the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), to reengage the National Assembly, to facilitate the refinement of our laws towards encouraging increased participation and patronage of indigenous technological solutions. The technology industry anticipates the fast-tracking of the National ICT Policy which would help to position the industry among the best in the world. Already, local players have demonstrated impeccable competence and should be patronised by government agencies and local Nigeria businesses. For us to command a pride of place on the international scene, Nigerians must first patronise and grow what is ours. Prioritising ICT in Nigeria means we need to discourage practices where foreign trade delegations are composed without the compliment of Nigerian technological products to be promoted. Similarly, Nigeria should also no longer receive foreign technological solutions for challenges which our local competencies can resolve. Also, tech start-ups should cease to be burdened with high take-off costs and killer interest rates that they currently suffer from. Nigeria’s ICT sector should benefit from government incentives like the kind extended to the telecoms sectors where the first entrants got pioneer status which led to an unprecedented boom in the sector. If this is done, the impact would surely be felt, especially in the areas of mass employment and wealth creation across all sectors. For this government to succeed in its aim for economic diversification – and not fail like previous administrations, it must place emphasis on ICT by designating the sector as a catalyst for national economic prosperity. And this has to be about action, and not mere words. President Buhari’s government must entrust key national responsibilities to Nigerian technological firms and also champion the course of deploying indigenous ICT for national development. This way, Nigeria would again regain its pride of place on the globe. The ICT path is open before us today, and the best time to take the leap is now!

29/XTRA

11.11.2016

Lady Atinuke Oyindamola Memorial Home Advocates for the Mentally Challenged Mary Ekah As part of activities to create awareness and advocate for people living with mental disabilities in the society, the Lady Atinuke Oyindamola Memorial Home, Badagry, Lagos, on Wednesday kicked started activities to mark its awareness week. The event, which will round off on Sunday, November 13, will afford the Home the opportunity to focus its efforts more on advocacy, fundraising, and celebrating the uniqueness of people living with mental challenges. Speaking during a press briefing to announce the commencement of activities for the week, the Founder, Lady Atinuke Oyindamola Memorial Home, Mrs. Elsie Akerele, said the theme for the event is, ‘I Can’, noting that the weeklong event will provide and create the requisite awareness about mental disability generally and in the Nigerian society in particular. Akerele

noted further that the thrust of the awareness will be on early intervention programme which helps to ameliorate the deplorable plight of people with mental illness. Series of activities have been mapped out for this awareness event, which also marks the 9th year of existence of the home. These include taking members of the Home out for recreational visits, seminars, charity walk and fundraising drive. Kick starting the activities, yesterday, Thursday, November 10, was an educational and advocacy seminar that discussed educational, medical and socio-economic issues of people with mental disabilities in Nigeria, which held at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Home in Badagry. Following the seminar was a visit to Whispering Palms Beach along Iworo-Ajido Badagry Expressway with an aim to have a recreational moment with the children as part of integration process into the society.

The charity walk for this year, which aims at walking to keep fit whilst raising awareness, will take place on Saturday, November 12 around Morogbo and it’s environs while a thanksgiving service at the Methodist Cathedral Church, Jegba Quarters, Badagry on Sunday November 13 will round off the events. Akerele who said the week promises to be exciting, eventful, informative and entertaining, called on Nigerians to use the opportunity afforded by these weeklong activities to show love to people with mental disabilities as well as be their advocators. The Home established on September 20, 2007 with an objective of catering for people with physical and mental disabilities in Nigeria, also have a vision to bridge the gab between people with mental challenges and the rest of the society through family and societal support system with an aim to integrate people with mental disabilities into the community and society.

Lady Atinuke Oyindamola Memorial Home Founder, Mrs. Elsie Akerele with her mentally challenged son, David

Exceptional Strides of an Academia Godless Eduviere In recognition of work in Environmental Sustainability, the HOD, Department of Architecture, University of Lagos, Professor Michael Adeloye Adebamowo, was awarded by the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM) in its sixth International Conference and Fellows Award Conferment held on October 19, 2016, at the University of Lagos. Apart from being a Senior pastor at Grace and Glory Chapel, he is a spiritual father to many, Prof. Adebamowo holds a B.Sc (Hons) and M.Sc, Architecture Degrees from the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, M.Arch with Distinction at the University of Lagos and Ph.D in Geography and planning at Lagos State University, specialising in Urban and Building Climatology and after which he proceeded with his work in the area of Environmental Sustainability where he made some notable contributions to the body of knowledge in the field. As a student he was a recipient of the prestigious National Merit Award, University of Ife Scholarship award and O.A.U Post Graduate Fellowship amongst others. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, NIA; Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, ARCON; Association of Architectural Educators of Nigeria, AARCHES; Network of Comfort and Energy Use in

Exodus Begins Tomorrow at Signatue Art Gallery Godbless Eduviere Exodus, an exhibition of paintings, mixed media and installation by Nyemike Onwuka will be held tomorrow Saturday, November 12 at the Signatue Art Gallery, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, and Lagos. The exhibition, which kicks off by 2:00pm prompt will be showing 26 works, of drawings, paintings, mixed media and installations in a one-man show with a free and open reception to kick off the events. Considering the fact that Onwuka and his style have evolved through the years of practice and showing in exhibitions in major cities around the world including Europe, Middle East, UK and America, it doesn’t come as a surprise that his paintings can be found in private collections of prominent citizens worldwide. Exodus is synonymous with Onwuka’s artistic evolution; from his experimental/figurative platform he sprouted the distinctively unique style of elegant urban decay. Once again we see today a style driven on progressive transitional journey using text and patterns ingeniously to project his thoughts onto canvas and also to embellish. The evolution of art is a result of experimentalists of the art world, a mind class of artists, which Onwuka over the years has proven to belong to.

Buildings in United Kingdom, NCEUB; and America Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, ASHRAE. As a consulting Architect to AMA Designs Ltd, he has designed and supervised several building projects with positive impact on the environment covering various building types which includes residential, commercial, industrial, religious

and institutional buildings notable among these are the Gold Park Estate, Lekki; Mind Builders School, Ikeja; Martinos Event Centre; R&A City Hotel, Ikeja; The Summit Hall, Alausa and the Citadel for the Latter Rain Assembly. He is a consultant to UNILAG Consult and some of his iconic works here includes the design of a High Rise Iconic Building for the Faculty of

Law, design and supervision of the on-going Scholar’s Hostel Project and Remodelling of the Faculty of Arts Building. Prof. Adebamowo has a wealth of experience in academia, Building Industry and on Environmental matters. He is a member of the University Environment and Beautification Committee, Member of Committee on Redesign and Operations of Biological Garden, Master Plan Review and Building Committee and led the design team of design and construction of Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe Memorial park. Prof. Adebamowo is credited with numerous academic publications in national and international journals with research interest in Thermal Comfort and Energy Use in Buildings and Architectural Sustainability. He is a reviewer and editorial member to some notable journals and currently supervises six Ph.D candidates in Architecture and has successfully co-supervised three Ph.D candidates in the field of Urban Design and Landscape Architecture contributing significantly to environmental sustainability and it’s upon recognition of his humble contributions that he was nominated for the SETPOM Award. Recently in a short interview with THISDAY, the newly conferred Fellow of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation, Prof. Adebamowo stated that he was humbled and gratified to know that there are other professionals and colleagues who have interest in what one is doing.

Miss Umu Anioma Beauty Pageant Takes Place in December As the date for the 2016/2017 ‘Miss Umu Anioma Beauty Pageant’ draws closer, the organisers of the event have called on the public to enter for the competition before it is too late. The event slated for December 2016 at Orchids Hotels in Asaba, Delta State with a Grand Finale, is part of events for the 2016 Umu Anioma World Convention, Asaba 2016. Contestants will be drilled in four major areas including: traditional outfit, platform competition (catwalk), photogenic, evening gown and interview session. The Chief Executive Officer of the Pageant, Mr. Emmanuel Ohai, explained that the competitive and interactive exercise is to bring out the best in the participants. Emphasising that the competition is not just another jamboree but a combination of brain and beauty exercise, Ohai said the application forms sold for N5, 000 are available on the Umu Anioma website where they can fill out the forms and in order to submit application, applicants must have the bank teller number for payment of the N5, 000 application fee into the Umu Anioma Account. On the basic requirements, Ohai said, “contestants must be at least 18 years on or before Grand Finale date. Contestants must never have been married or given birth to a child and they must be born female from

Convener of the pageant, Mr Emmanuel Ohai

Anioma, Delta, North Senatorial District, Igbanke, Edo State, Onitsha, Anambra State, Ndoni and Rivers State. The first prize attracts N100, 000; second prize N50, 000 and third prize N25, 000. Other fringe benefits include: scholarships plus opportunity to attend the Asaba Film

Academy where they could become the face of Nollywood in just six months. The CEO who warned that prospective participants should hurry up and make their entry informed that deadline for application is November 30, 2016.Assuring the public of the credibility of the Pageant, Ohai said “The Miss Umu Anioma contest is more than a beauty pageant as women aspiring to be Miss Umu Anioma must be professional, intelligent, outgoing, poised, able to meet the public, confidently beautiful and have the ability to understand community and civic responsibility. In addition to being a role model for other youth and a woman who is proud of Anioma Nation and is eager to promote her Anioma heritage as something to live and die for.” On the side attractions, Ohai noted that VIPs from Anioma area of Delta State will grace the occasion which has the theme, ‘Discussion On The Determinants of Prosperity’. While Prof Pat Utomi, a Professor of Political Economy, Lagos Business School will be the Keynote Speaker, Chief Ben Elue, former Deputy Governor; Delta State will chair the convention. It is hoped that the 2016/2017 edition of the pageant would be a springboard to a bigger picture of what the organisers have in mind, as future pageants will be garnished with seminars, workshops and symposia.

31/LIVING

11.11.2016

BIC Farms Reveal How Hydroponics Can Address Herdsmen's Challenge An Agribusiness/value chain expert, Debo Onafowora, has come up with what promises to be a permanent solution to the clashes between herdsmen and farmers, disclosing that his company, BIC Farms, has the technology that can grow grasses for cattle within nine days all year round, adding that the feed is far more richer than the ones which the Federal Government intends to import from Brazil. Speaking with journalists on the sideline of a mega hydroponics training organised in Abuja, he explained that BIC Farms-produced folders are 20 per cent rich in protein and are richer than what cows get in the open field because they are grown from grains like maize and sorghum, millets, wheat. He pointed out that with this solution, herdsmen do not need to expose their herds to danger or fight with landowners. According to Onafowora (deboonafowora@bicfarmsconcept s.com), “We just finish a centre in Benin. We are going to grow 3500kg; 3.5tons of grasses in a space of eight metres by 12metres. In open field you will need at least 200 hectres of land to do that, yet we are doing that in a eight by 12 metres space in a greenhouse under nine days. These are things we can do for Nigeria. “So the government needs to be more creative.

BIC Farm

Make the environment conducive. We have the technology and are willing to deploy it. By doing this a lot of jobs will be created. The grass they are importing from Brazil is not as rich as the ones we are producing in our Green Houses. “And these grasses they are bringing in still need water and large expanse of land to grow. What BIC Farms is offering does not need large

expanse of land. It grows within six to nine days while the ones to be imported still needs months to grow. And the cost; we are still talking of how to save foreign exchange. The folder we are growing can be pelleted. You dry it and bag it and cattle will still enjoy them. “It will give them more within a short period of time saving so much of space, water and

Life Continental Beer Continues Support for Entrepreneurship Life Continental Beer has rewarded another set of 30 young entrepreneurs with a total of N7.5 million on the platform of its Progress Booster Show in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The presentation of prizes took place on Friday 28 October 2016, at Hotel De Tycoon, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Life Progress Booster, initiated by Life Continental Lager Beer, from the stable L-r, Leonard Ona, Judge, Life Progress Booster Show_ Chukwuma Anuwanuke of Nigerian Breweries, is and Okpara Ogechi, Winners from the Progress Booster Show_ Akinola Josiah. an entrepreneurial talent hunt and mentoring radio programme, which stir up the creativity level and resourcefulness is targeted at helping talented innovative business- among them and also grow the economy of this men and women in the Southeast. The project region.” Previous winners of the show spoke extensively is a reinforcement of the heritage embedded in the Life Continental Lager Beer, its essence and on how the money they received gave them a head connection with the South-east consumers and in start in their various businesses; they also urged 2016, over 100 entrepreneurs from Nnewi, Enugu, the new winners to maximise the opportunity. Owerri and Aba have so far been rewarded with Guests were given the opportunity to win exciting gifts through a raffle draw competition. Aspiring N30 million. Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony, entrepreneurs aged 18 years and above can submit Igwe Mishack Ikenna, Areas Sales Manager, their business proposal on www.life-nigeria.com. Nsukka, NB Plc, who represented Obiora Okolo, They must be native or resident in the Southeast. Life Continental Lager Beer is the fine quality Regional Business Manager, Enugu, NB Plc, said that the Progress Booster is aimed at empowering lager beer from the stables of Nigerian Breweries entrepreneurs who have bright ideas but need a Plc made from the choicest grains, hops and the purest of waters. It is expertly brewed to give platform to bring these ideas to life. “The show is designed to reinforce the entre- that rich, crisp distinctive taste and well-rounded preneurship spirit of the people of the South-east, aroma in true quality fashion of the master brewers.

ending the farmers’ herdsmen crisis. These will create so much of jobs. We have so many young men now who are working for use as fabricators. We use local technology; all the materials are locally sourced 100 percent and they are world-class standards.” Participants at the training received practical lessons on how to produce food in a controlled environment and were given the liquid nutrients they need to set up their hydroponics systems and grow it without having to import any item. They were also exposed to one of the most useful plants on earth which is the Azolla plant, with which they can produce livestock feeds that is about 35 per cent rich in protein, make foods for humans, you control malaria. Speaking about the next training scheduled for 10am on November 19 at Rams House, Okajaguon, along Dr. Peter Odili Road, next to Marina Guest House in Port Harcourt, the BIC Farms CEO promised that his team will be teaching the people of Niger Delta how to propagate a plant that grows on water which is very rich in protein, adding that they will be taught how to make use of the very useful plant to turn their environmental challenge into possibilities; take care of their environment; produce food for both human and animals and create jobs along the line.

Arise Cares for Women

L-r, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun and Convener, Arise Women's Conference, Pastor Mrs Siju Iluyomade

First ladies converged at the annual Arise Women’s Conference hosted by Pastor Siju Iluyomade of the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s City of David Parish. The Arise Women Conference 2016 themed ‘Grace to Grace’ is an organisation committed to accelerating nation building through the empowerment of women. Guest ministers are Pastor Mrs. Grace Okorede and Pastor. (Rd.) Becky Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Church. At the conference, there was free medical treatment, cervical cancer screening, skin care consultation, free eye tests and glasses, free checks on blood sugar level and blood pressure. Arise Women is a faith-based non-governmental organisation committed to accelerating nation building through the empowerment of women in the society and has impacted, inspired and encouraged over 15,000 women to achieve their

God-given potentials, by the words and teachings of carefully chosen and proven speakers. In the last seven years, Arise has established three mobile clinics to bring primary health care to neglected communities, medical needs for over 15,000 women in different areas. Through partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, ARISE has been able to train many women in various skills like fashion designing, hat making, soap making, hair dressing and so on. With their school health initiative, ARISE will be de-worming five thousand pupils in Lagos State-owned schools, 30 free Dialysis Sessions in partnership with Healing Stripes Hospital and Arise free Women’s Clinic twice every month. ARISE through its conference has hosted speakers from across the world such as Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, Mama Trice Shombusho, from Tanzania and Reverend Mrs Obii Pax-Harry from the UK.

Ladies Helpline Initiative Conveys ‘Young Women Summit 2016’ A community–based developmental initiative, Ladies Helpline Initiative, recently organised an annual programme “Young Women Summit 2016” for adolescent girls in secondary schools,at Redeemer’s High School, Redemption Camp, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State in commemoration of the International Day Of The Girl Child. The theme of the programme was tagged – Young Women Leading the Change. The summit focused on the challenges and gender related issues faced by the girl-child in Nigeria and around the world. Schools in attendance were Redeemer’s High School, Redemption Camp, Deeper Life High School, and Jextoban Secondary School. Teachers and other invited guest were available to grace the occasion. The convener of the Summit Mrs. Hannah Agunkejoye, the founder, and director of Ladies Helpline Initiative, said young girls are in need of role models who would guide them into making wise decisions. Keynote speakers at the event included Mrs. Olubukola Rosanwo, a counseling psychologist, who charged the young girls on minding your influence. Mrs.Timilehin Oyebode, CEO ADI,

Students of Deeper Life High School with facilitators of the programme

talked about how young girls can be courageous to face the future like Queen Esther in the Bible and Mrs. Hannah Agunkejoye communicated ten nuggets on how to be a confident teenage girl in the 21st century. The theme of the summit Young Women Leading the Change arises as a clarion call to enhance and imbibe leadership skills in our

young females irrespective of where they are. Young women may face unique challenges in asserting and developing a leadership style. Some struggle with managing others while maintaining a “good girl” image. They don’t want to be ignored, but they don’t want to be seen as too pushy, either. It’s a delicate balance to find a style that’s effective and feels like a good fit.

One major problem is a shortage of female role models. People often learn leadership styles by observing others, but there are often few female to observe. Hence, the vision of Ladies Helpline Initiative is to reduce the impact of moral decadence to raise a generation of creative women leaders and role models towards the attainment of higher levels of development for a better society has come to stay. The speakers in their speeches recognised the unique challenges girls faced around the world and concluded that girls have the potential to change the world, also noting that the power of adolescent girls is fundamental to breaking the intergenerational transmission of poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination and to achieving equitable and sustainable development outcomes. "The mission of this initiative is to promote sustainable development to young females through advocacy, guidance and counseling, productive mentoring, mobilization of resources and provision of qualitative capacity building programs through dynamic leadership and professionalism.

33/ XTRA

11.11.2016

Orji

Orji at 66: Making Laws, Touching Lives Positively Emmanuel Ugwu When he became a federal lawmaker last year after serving as Abia governor for two consecutive terms of eight years, the opponents of Senator Theodore Orji thought he would end up warming his seat at the Senate, like some of the governors who had been there before him. But he was quick to disappoint his critics. He took a different trajectory to give the people of Abia Central senatorial district quality representation. Not even his ardent critics would divest from him the passion he has exhibited not just in making laws but laws that really touch the lives of the people. For those watching the man fondly called Ochendo it would appear an arduous task for him to connect with the people. But those who knew him right from the time he served his state as Chief of Staff before ascending to the seat of governance would readily testify that the people connection has always been there. Senator Orji’s humility in regarding any position of trust as an opportunity to serve the public has over the years endeared him to so many people. After he left Umuahia to take his seat at the National Assembly, he did not break the cord that ties him to his people. In fact, he has strengthened the tensility of the umbilical cord that connects him to his people. Barely six months after he was inaugurated along with other distinguished senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Orji hit home to present his report card to his people. By then he had already presented seven bills for consideration and passage into law. Not one to keep the people in the dark over his activities at the Senate he toured all the six component local governments that make up Abia Central senatorial district. These include Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma. As he had explained the aim was to keep his constituents abreast of what he had been doing as well as the

general activities of the Senate and how they would impact on the people. While he interacted with his constituents he did not lose sight of their yearnings for the other side of democracy dividends, which the effervescence governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose described as “stomach infrastructure”. Senator Orji made it a point of duty to ensure that his constituents celebrated his first Christmas at the Senate with joy and happiness. It was also during the constituency tour that he introduced his empowerment programmes to the people and the modalities of their implementation. He started first with the undergraduate scholarship scheme which is a testimony of his love for education and its ultimate empowerment potential. According to him, the underpinning philosophy is that “whoever you give education you’ve given the person a most important thing.” The programme was kick started on January 12, 2016 with a total of 60 beneficiaries comprising 10 from each of the component local governments of his constituency. It was all inclusive as in each council area five beneficiaries were selected based on their intelligence as evidenced by the grade point average (GPA) while the other five won the scholarship based on indigence. The scholarship scheme was followed by empowerment programme for farmers and youths who had acquired vocational skills and needed assistance to start their own businesses. Farm inputs including organic fertiliser, which was a novelty in this clime, were distributed to over 100 farmers while other empowerment items were also distributed to beneficiaries drawn from the six local governments that make up Abia Central senatorial district. The empowerment items included 20 units of 2.9Kva generators, 21 grinding machines, 20 sewing machines, 14 motor cycles, 8 tricycles, 2 buses and 15 wheel chairs for the physically challenged. Senator Orji has stepped up his interaction

with the people that gave him mandate to represent them at the Senate. At every opportunity he comes home during public holidays or recess by the national legislators he confers with stakeholders of his constituency to feel the pulse of the people on any national issue and the position he should take as their representative. For instance, when the issue of grazing reserves for herdsmen and their cattle became a topical national issue Orji knew where his constituents stood on the matter and did not deviate from that. The Abia Central senator has a knack for empathising with people and most of his political judgments and decisions have been suffused with his ability to understand the feelings of others and then find a way to assuage such feelings. When Abia stakeholders decided that power should go to Abia South, Senator Orji then as governor supported the idea. After winning his second tenure to stay at Government House for another four years, Orji began to listen to the yearnings of the Ukwa/Ngwa to produce his successor. He knew they were not merely shedding crocodile tears. It was a deep seated resentment of perceived exclusion in Abia politics. Orji made a promise to right the wrong more so as the demand of the Ukwa/Ngwa people was in line with the Abia Charter of Equity, which was produced by the founding fathers of God’s own state to stipulate how power should be rotated to make room for justice, equity and fair play. It was by no means an easy task for Ochendo to keep his promise of power shift to Abia South as they were many strong political forces in Abia North and Central who did not want that to happen. But the then governor stood his ground and courageously worked with people of like minds in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ensure that an Ukwa/Ngwa person not only democratically emerged as the governorship candidate but went ahead to win the governorship poll. That an Ukwa’Ngwa man in the person

of Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has eventually become the governor of Abia State was a product of Ochendo’s empathetic consideration of issues. This singular action has earned Ochendo enormous good will among the people of Ukwa/Ngwa. It was their time to reciprocate when Orji dropped his hat in the ring to vie for the senatorial seat of Abia Central. They didn’t disappoint as the three Ngwa components of the six local governments that make up the senatorial district provided the tipping point for his triumph at the senatorial election. Today in Abia appreciative people of goodwill variously refer to Senator Orji as ‘man of equity’, pillar of democracy’ ‘hero of our time’ ‘father of democracy, among other sobriquets. He has never regretted that action he took in supporting the power shift policy with Abia South as the beneficiary. Even with the turbulence and cloud of uncertainty that have dogged Ikpeazu as a result of long drawn pre-election and post-election litigations his predecessor has remained resolute and supportive of him. His stance is fitting having left a legacy of equity, justice and fairness in power sharing in Abia State. Born 66 years ago into an aristocratic family of a warrant chief in Umuahia Ibeku, Orji grew up as home boy, which he attributed to the easiness with which he grasps the problem of his people. After he got his B.A. degree from the University of Ibadan, the young graduate made a career in civil service. His progression took him through the ranks and to the peak of his career when he was made a permanent secretary. His journey into the murky waters of Nigerian politics when he became the administrative secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (NEC), Chief of Staff and went ahead to become governor in 2007. Ochendo left office in 2015 at the expiration of his renewed mandate. He has set a record in Abia politics of becoming the first governor to make it to the Senate after serving at the executive arm of government.

35/ENTREPRENEUR

11.11.2016

‘Inclusive Business has the Potential to be a Driving Force for Sustainability’ The convener of the 6th edition of the annual continent-wide Africa CEO Roundtable & Conference, Ini Onuk-Abimbola in this interview with Mary Ekah, says why this year’s edition of the 2016 AR-CSR™ is special and the main reason behind the theme picked for this year multiply and scale impact through investments as well as ways that we all can foster SME growth through inclusive business.

Why still operating locally after the AR-CSR™ has held many years? We decided to organise a special event rather than the first regional forum that was to hold in Accra. Our peculiar situation as an economy with so much potential informed this year’s theme, ‘Building Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses’. The AR-CSR™ has held for five years in Nigeria. In 2011, the first edition examined ‘The Business Case for CSR and its impact on African Economies’; the second edition in 2012 considered the theme ‘Sustainable Development: Expanding Economic Opportunities for Public-Private Synergy’. 2013 discussed ‘Driving Innovation through Transformational Leadership and Sustainability’, 2014 ‘The Intersection: Financial Inclusion, Economic Sustainability and Social Benefit’ and in 2015, conversations moved ‘From Corporate Governance to Sustainable Governance’. What makes this particularly edition special? This edition is particularly significant because it is the first that will parade all Nigerian speakers discussing issues specific to the Nigerian context. Also, this edition is closed and an invite-only event. We discuss Inclusive Businesses this year because the dearth of inclusion has become a recurrent trend and an issue businesses need to pay attention to in order to remain sustainable. Why the theme ‘Building Inclusive and Sustainable Businesses? Demand is shifting to emerging markets particularly in Africa. With their growing middle class, these new markets represent the single biggest growth opportunity in the portfolio of many companies around the world. Although the concept of inclusive business has not dominated our business environment fully as of yet, its profile has significantly risen in the last five years. Multinationals like Cadbury, Coca-Cola, and

Ini Onuk

Unilever have implemented inclusive business models. Whatever the motive for implementing inclusive business models, there is no denying that by developing inclusive business models, these companies will ultimately be benefiting their bottom lines and building strong foundations in emerging markets. Moreover, inclusive business has the potential to be a driving force for inclusion and sustainability; contributing to the effective implementation of the SDGs. What are the highlights of discussions? The 2016 AR-CSR™ will discuss the need for more inclusive businesses through sessions focused on global leadership to drive inclusive growth and businesses, explore existing and alternative startup and ecosystem models for inclusive businesses, critically review how to

What role exactly does a platform or initiative like the AR-CSR™ plays in today’s business environment? Platforms such as this promote thought leadership, demonstrate best practices and assist professionals to engage and explore innovative solutions to everyday challenges. We have received unique testimonials, seen the development of initiatives from the event and best practices over the years. This is why the Africa CEO Roundtable and Conference on Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (AR-CSR™) remains a platform, which brings business leaders, governments, experts and practitioners together to engage on issues of sustainability, social responsibility and sustainable development in Africa. As a foremost industry flagship event, it continues to attract the crème of Africa’s leading figures and decision makers in order to commence and sustain best practices on sustainable development in Africa. Who are the AR-CSR™ conveners? That’s another proud achievement for us because for five years, the AR-CSR™ successfully held under ThistlePraxis Consulting. In the fourth year of the AR-CSR™ however, ThistlePraxis Consulting committed to set up a parent organisation so the platform can evolve into a stand-alone organisation in order to attract better funding, support and independence from ThistlePraxis. Last year, at the fifth edition, ARCSR™ was finally restructured as the flagship initiative of the Foundation for Sustainability and Responsibility in Africa (FSRA), standing as an independent programme yet, with the same objective of promoting the advancement of sustainability across the African continent.

Who are the expected speakers at this year’s edition? Leading the impressive panel of discussants to deliver the keynote addresses for the event is Onyeche Tifase, first Nigerian and female CEO of Siemens Nigeria, and Chief Keith Richards, Chairman of Promasidor Nigeria Limited. Other confirmed speakers include: Bunmi Lawson, MD/CEO of Accion Microfinance Bank; Adenike Adeyemi, Executive Director of Fate Foundation; Bolaji Finnih, CEO of Techpreneur Africa; Chidinma Lawanson, CEO of EFInA; Engr. Kola Masha, Managing Director of Babban Gona; Mezuo Nwuneli, Managing Director of Sahel Capital/Co-Founder, AACE Foods; Joycee Awosika, Founder/CEO of Oriki Group; Shola Ladoja, Founder of Simply Green; Yemisi Iranloye, Managing Director, Psaltry International Limited; Adenike Kuti, Associate Director, Leapfrog Investments amongst many others. Who are the target audience of the AR-CSR™? Due to the multiple events that take place, we cater to various organisations and cadres of professionals from C-Suite officials, Chief Executives and Board Chairmen to professionals in the space – sustainability, CSR, Corporate social investment – to corporate affairs, public relations, external relations and government affairs etc. We also enjoy active participation of the academia and government agencies as well. This is not leaving out nonprofit organisations. After this edition, what next is expected? Under the new body FSRA, AR-CSR™ will begin a series of regional fora across the continent. We are consulting widely for mutually beneficial partnerships and opportunities across board. This means future editions of the AR-CSR™ as well as other impactful initiatives for private, public and non-profit organisations.

Why We Gave Aregbesola Double Awards In August 2016, the Hall of Grace Awards had its 6th edition where distinguished Nigerians where honoured for excellence in various walks of life. Rupert Ojenuwa, the Managing Custodians who is also the MD of Alphagrace Media Resources speaks with Mary Ekah on the reasons Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola received double honour among others youth empowerment is a priority for him. All you need to do is to go to Osun State and you won’t agree less. When we saw that, we immediately knew he was only a victim of campaign of calumny and we decided as a board to honour him. You can argue all you like but you can’t argue against proof and the man has got it.

The Hall of Grace recently honoured several distinguished Nigerians. How were you able to pull this through especially as it was your 6th edition? Well, we give all the glory to God for sustaining us till the 6th year of having this annual event. I think that one major reason will be because of what we set out to achieve from the very beginning. The several aspects of our national life that was decaying motivated us and we thought within ourselves that we should put together a platform for which the very few people who are doing well are celebrated. Your outfit honoured Governor Aregbesola with Governor of the Year as well as Man of the Year and you have been criticised for that. Why was that decision reached and how do you feel? Any good initiative will be criticised. The criticisms help us know we are hitting the point. Governor Aregbesola was honoured simply because he deserved it. Frankly, we didn’t think that he deserved any honour because we relied massively on what the media had reported about him. But because before we award any governor, we got to his

Ojenuwa wih Governor Aregbesola

Distinguished Nigerians have always graced your occasion. How do you manage to get the high and mighty to come personally? This is one place where anybody will be tempted to take the glory especially if he is a CEO or MD of such an organisation but truth be told. I can ascribe every thing to the favour of God. God just granted us favour. We worked hard also and you know when highly placed Nigerians see credibility and the fact that you are trying to achieve a better Nigeria by celebrating worthy and deserving people, they want to be part of it.

state to ascertain facts and I was opportune to have led a team to Oshogbo and we were amazed at how much this man had done. From infrastructure to education and health,

Speaking of Nigeria, how do you feel knowing that we are in recession? I think that this recession thing is underreported. Government officials only need to

mingle with the masses to understand that this recession is even a greater threat than the Boko Haram insurgency. I think that going forward; the President and the government of the day should put their houses in order and stop looking backwards for someone to put the blame on. No one makes significant progress looking back. They need to declare a state of emergency on the economy and bring in people who can help save the day. When it comes to national threat, consultations should be made across the board and everyone should be involved. Party leanings should become secondary because if there is no Nigeria, there won’t be political party. I believe every problem has its own solution. The managers of the economy should retreat to think out a strategy because it appears as though we are ‘guessing’ what the solution may be. I believe that our economic team can do better than they are doing presently. What do we expect in 2017? Fingers crossed but frankly we are already looking up at a few governors and other people who are blazing trail. It will be our 7th edition and I can promise that it will be ground breaking.

37/THISLIFE

11.11.2016

Ogbaga

Ogbaga: ‘King of Peace’ Turns 60 Benjamin Nworie writes that the 60th birthday of the former Minister of State for Power and Steel, Chief Godwin Ogbaga was a day to reckon with. Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital was agog on October 23, as stakeholders, political associates and people from all walks of lifegathered at the prestigious Dr. Akanu Ibiam International ConferenceCentre in the state gathered to rejoice and celebrate with thepolitical Icon and elder statesman, Chief Godwin Oyibe Ogbaga as he celebrated his 60th birthday. It was a celebration of life accomplishments and desires. Culturaltroupes were at their best. They rolled out their drums to honour and trill the enthusiastic gathering with traditional and acrobaticdances. He will be remembered in Ebonyi State for many reasons. He was the first Ebonyian to grace the Federal Executive council as aFederal Minister, where he performed optimally for the growth and development of the state. Ogbaga will also be remembered for his love and care for the downtrodden. The celebration was preceded by a thanksgiving Church serviceofficiated by His Lordship, the Bishop of Catholic Diocese, Abakaliki, Most. Rev. Michael Okoro at St Theresa Catholic Church and other ministers of God. The Bishop prayed God to protect Ogbaga and his family while the Senior Special Adviser to Governor on Religious and Welfare Matters and Catholic Judicial Vicar, Very Rev.Fr. Abraham Nwali cautioned politicians and Christians against pride and stressed the need for them to be righteous and fervent in prayers to attract God’s blessings. The venue was filled to the brim. Friends and well-wishers thronged out en mass to honour the celebrant, who also enjoys public commendation and respect for his humility and spirit of cooperation and accommodation. Ogbaga, according to observers freely associates

with all and sundry, which off course has earned him many sobriquets and chieftaincy titles, such as Ezeudo (king of peace). The celebration was not to test his popularity and familiarity with his people and friends but he remains a politician of high repute and standard. Attendance cut across all political divides. As a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Ogbaga can be remembered for his selfless services and loyalty. As a crusader of equity and justice, Ogbaga’s sacrifice in the last general election was exemplary, as he discontinued his senatorial ambition in favour of the former governor, Dr Sam Egwu against the wishes of his populous Izzi clan. In the North zone with four council areas, it’s only Ebonyi Local Government where Ogbaga hails from has not smelled the senatorial seat since the creation of the state. It was against this backdrop that the former minister opted to vie for the seat to enthrone equity but was not favoured by the permutation that shaped the last general election in the state. But, if Ogbaga had still wanted to vie, he may still have won Egwu, with the numerical strength of his clan, as Egwu has only one “turbulent” council area. Observers noted that Ogbaga’s “supreme” sacrifice also raised the fortunes of the PDP against the Labour Party, whose candidate hails from the clan. Because of his steadfastness and support, the PDP defeated the LP to a standstill, just to ensure the overwhelming victory of David Umahi. With his teeming supporters, Ogbaga backed down to ensure the victory of Engr. David Umahi, as the governor of the state

and other PDP candidates against all odds. He said that the celebration was to thank God for keeping him and his family alive and for numerous accomplishments. He pledged to continue to contribute towards the development of the state and the nation. Special and uncommon encomiums were poured on him by stakeholders and representatives of eminent Nigerians who attended his birthday. The state governor, Engr. David Umahi extolled Ogbaga’s contributions, as former Minister of State for Power and Steel to the development of the state and the country. At that time, testimonies abound that Ogbaga empowered and employed teeming youths across the state. The governor noted that posterity would continue to remember Ogbaga’s footprints, which he described as legendary. Represented by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Augustine Nwankwegu, the governor asserted that the former minister had used his various positions to impact positively on the society and humanity. Ogbaga’s wife, Elizabeth described her husband as a caring father and prayed God to bless and grant him many more fruitful years. Mrs. Ogbaga was the former Member of the Federal House of Representatives and incumbent Commissioner for Culture and Tourism. The chairman of the occasion, Justice Paul Elechi noted that he knew Ogbaga as his school mate at the prestigious University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Osun State, describing him as humble and hardworking. At 60 years, Justice Elechi said

that Ogbaga made laudable contributions towards nation-building. Former Minister of State for Health and Director-General of Divine Mandate Campaign, Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo, urged the celebrant to sustain the spirit of his selfless services to the society and urged other individuals to emulate him. Though Ogbaga was born into a royal family, he achieved greatness through dint of hard work. Because of his exceptional brilliance and strong desire for education, Ogbaga got his first degree in Agricultural Economics in 1979 and thereafter obtained L.L.B (Hons) degree in Law in 1995 at the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus and attended the Nigeria Law School, Lagos. He was called to the Bar in March 1996 and enrolled at the Supreme Court as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. As a civil servant, he served as an Administrative Officer for many years since 1981 in various Ministries and Departments in the old Anambra and Enugu states and later rose to the apex of the service as Permanent Secretary. As a founding father for Ebonyi State creation, Ogbaga served as the pioneer Liaison Officer of the state till 1998; Permanent secretary, in Ebonyi State in different ministries and extra-ministerial Departments, including Ministry of Health; Cabinet Office,Administration; Economic Affairs; Political and Special Services and Ministry of Finance and Economic Development. His distinctive service to humanity has not gone unnoticed and rewarded, as he has bagged unsolicited recognitions and traditional titles and blessed with many children.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

‘FG Committed to Repositioning the Maritime Sector’ Eromosele Abiodun The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has assured stakeholders of the federal government’s resolve to reposition the maritime sector for greater efficiency and competitiveness. The minister stated this dur-

ing the celebration of the 2016 World Maritime Day with the theme “Shipping, Indispensable to the World” held in Lagos. He acknowledged the fact that the maritime industry in Nigeria is faced with myriad of challenges bothering on; noncompetitiveness, low level of investment, absence of requisite

funding, low implementation and enforcement of existing laws amongst others. However, he assured that the government is bringing up a robust strategy that will address the challenges that may hinder the growth of the sector. “As part of a comprehensive

action to address these challenges and ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness of the shipping industry, a number of measures are being put in place, including the privatisation of the nation’s ports, while various regulatory Agencies are being repositioned for effective service delivery, ”

the minister said. Amaechi also said that the Transport Sector Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly are receiving legislative consideration and it is hoped that the expeditious passage of the bills would give effect to the proposed reform aimed at strengthening the

relevant maritime Agencies for effective performance. The minister informed the gathering that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a robust maritime security plan and assured stakeholders that this will bring to an end all forms of illegalities on the nation’s waterways.

Lagos Justifies Prohibition of LAGBUS Vehicles on BRT Corridor Gboyega Akinsanmi After a 24-hour protest that left thousands of commuters stranded on Monday, the Lagos State government has justified its decision to prohibit high occupancy vehicles operating on the bus rapid transit (BRT) along Ikorodu road. The state government explained the prohibition of the vehicles under its franchise, which it said, became imperative in order “to create intelligent traffic system along the BRT corridor and that all other franchises apart from the BRT (blue buses) had to relocate from the corridor.” The Managing Director of LAGBUS Asset Management Limited, Mr. Idowu Oguntona said this at a news conference in Lagos, after all operators of LAGBUS shut down operations. The state government had, at the weekend, banned LAGBUS (red buses) from plying the Ikorodu Road corridor, which all 18 operators/franchisees of LAGBUS Asset Management Limited rejected. Consequently, the bus captains, conductors, drivers and operators among others protested the prohibition of red vehicles from the BRT corridor on Monday, which left thousands of commuters stranded along the

corridor and caused disruption of transport services in the state. During the protest, over 15 passengers sustained varying degrees of injury while about 10 BRT buses were vandalised after all operators of LAGBUS withdrew their services on Ikorodu road Monday and Tuesday. But Oguntona explained that the management of LAGBUS Asset Management and stakeholders “have brokered truce and resolved the crisis ignited in the state by the prohibition of LAGBUS operation.” He acknowledged different engagement sessions held with all operators, though the bus captains eventually reacted “to the directive on the restriction of movement of LAGBUS branded buses on Ikorodu corridor. They boycotted work due security concerns including potential the wrath of passengers and road side miscreants.” However, Oguntona explained that having put in place measures to address the concerns raised, normal operations “have since resumed. We apologise for any inconveniences that may have been caused to our esteemed customers and wish to reaffirm our commitment to providing quality service to Lagos residents.”

Niger Delta: Human Rights Advocate condemns Aso Rock Visitor’s Demand Amby Uneze in Owerri A human rights and humanitarian law advocate, Dr. Anyakwee Nsirimovu has condemned the recent visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock by Niger Delta leaders describing such visit as one targeted at feathering their individual nets. This position was declared during a lecture titled: “Niger Delta Crisis: Oil, Human Rights and the Environment” he delivered at the opening ceremony of a three-day Joint International Seminar on Human Rights, Environmental Law and Children’s Rights holding at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). \Nsirimovu, who is the Executive Director of Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL), Port Harcourt as well as member of the Governing Council of the UNEP and Federal Government of Nigeria Ogoni Clean Up, expressed surprise about the demands made by the group, wondering why the major issues

bedeviling the region was not addressed.According to him, Nobody talked about environment, gas flaring, degradation, and sufferings of the people in the region rather they demanded oil blocks and relocation of oil companies headquarters just for their personal gains. “On the leaders that visited President Buhari, who sent them, where did they meet to ask the people what their problems are before the visit? They only talked about themselves. We don’t agree with what happened at Aso Rock. The problem is that people at the top don’t understand what is happening but they are doing things in a wrong way just to entice Nigerians that they upto something”, he said. Declaring open the seminar, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba noted that human rights are fundamental in human spheres hence the UN Charter and other numerous international instruments reaffirmed faith in fundamental rights.

BUSINESS COLLABORATION

L-R: Head of Operations RIA,Robert Kotei; Transformation Director, Union Bank, Joe Mbulu; Managing Director, RIA, Africa, Malick Seck and Head, Alternate Channels, Union Bank, Folorunsho Orimoloye at the press conference to announce Union Bank’s partnership with RIA Money Transfer .n Lagos ...recently

OPEC Deal Becomes More Urgent, Harder to Reach on Trump Win The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was already struggling to finalise a deal on production cuts this month. And then Donald Trump was elected President of the U.S. The OPEC faces increasing urgency to take measures that will support oil prices as Trump’s surprise victory threatens to deepen a market sell-off, said UBS Group AG. Yet the uncertainty arising from the President-Elect’s policies -- from climate change to the U.S. shale industry and sanctions on Iran -- will make resolving differences between producers even harder. “The pressure on OPEC to come up with a deal only increases in the wake of Trump’s victory,” said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS in Zurich. “Even though the oil market is rebalancing, the political uncertainty in the short term leaves oil prices vulnerable to downside, that makes it more urgent for OPEC to act.” Oil prices had already retreated about 15 percent since October on growing doubts that OPEC could finalize the Algiers accord at its Nov. 30 meeting amid a refusal to cut output from almost a third of its members. U.S. crude initially slumped to near $43 a barrel

in New York on Wednesday after Trump, a real-estate mogul and reality-television star, was elected, but later erased losses as a global selloff of risky assets abated. Bearish Policies Trump’s various policy positions could either support or weaken oil prices, making it more complicated for OPEC to conclude a deal, said David Hufton, chief executive officer of brokers PVM Group Ltd. in London. “There’s a bit of fog coming down -- it just adds a bit more uncertainty, for OPEC and everybody else,” Hufton said. The result could be “bearish for the emerging markets, which drive oil-demand growth” because Trump has vowed to scrap international trade agreements in Latin America and Asia, according to consultant FGE. His surprise win could also weaken prices by aiding a revival in U.S. shale oil production. Harold Hamm, the chief executive officer of Continental Resources Inc. who has advised Trump on energy policy, is “solidly pro-domestic oil and gas development,” FGE said. “Trump means more U.S. domestic energy production,” said Adam Ritchie, founder of consultant AR Oil Consulting. “Plus a more inward-looking and

protectionist U.S. is bad for economic growth globally, so less oil demand.” Bullish Moves On the other hand, the next U.S. president is likely to treat climate change agreements “skeptically” and moves towards limiting carbon dioxide output are “likely to slow or reverse,” potentially boosting demand for fossil fuels, according to FGE. “Global climate treaties are clearly at risk,” said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB AB bank in Oslo. “Removing restrictions on emissions actually means removing restrictions on the consumption of fossil fuels. This means more gas guzzling cars and more oil demand.” Trump has also said he would undo last year’s nuclear accord with Iran, potentially reversing increases in the Islamic Republic’s oil exports, said RBC Capital Markets. Equally, Trump’s election may have little impact on either the market or OPEC’s negotiations, said Harry Tchilinguirian, head of commodity markets strategy at BNP Paribas SA in London. The new president won’t take office until January, and any new policies will first need to be approved by Congress, he said.

Black Box “The pressure to reach a deal was there ahead of the U.S. presidential election,” Tchilinguirian said. “The outcome of the race doesn’t change that.” OPEC aims to finalise how much each member should reduce output after agreeing in principle to a joint cut to between 32.5 million and 33 million barrels a day in September. The accord already faced a number of hurdles, with key producers including Iran and Iraq arguing they should be exempt because of their production losses in recent years from war and sanctions. Both have disputed the output estimates OPEC intends to use as the basis for any accord. Given all the ways a Trump administration could complicate OPEC’s policy, the organisation needs to “act decisively and urgently,” said Dewardic McNeal, managing director at consultant Longview Global LLC in Washington. “The Trump Administration is a huge black box for many analysts on every subject area,” said McNeal. “One would suggest that OPEC not delay tough decisions for some future date.” - Culled from Bloomberg

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

CITYSTRINGS Building Gender Equality through Rural Devt

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

In line with its support for gender equality as a veritable tool for mobilising men and women, the Education Co-operation Society has been able to carry out a number of community development projects across rural communities in Nigeria, reports Peter Uzoho

L-R: General Manager, ECS, Mr. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Gbenga Ogunsola representing Ogun State SUBEB Chairman; and Mr. Soboma Ajumogobia, cutting the tape during the inauguration of a block of 4 classrooms at St. Aloysius Catholic Primary School Iloti/Itamapako, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State…recently

ill date, the issue of gender equality is yet to receive a perfect resolution and application. This is because in spite of the discussions and agreements reached on the issue at different national and international fora, there still exists such conflicts arising from misconception of such resolution by either the men or the women folks. From culture to religion, politics to economy, down to social and marital lives, men and women are on daily basis faced with each other in what may be regarded as war of supremacy and dominance. This no doubt has not helped in engendering the needed development that can make life meaningful for the people, particularly the rural communities. However, Education Co-operation Society, a non-governmental organisation, understands gender equality as when men and women see each other as partners for stimulating development for the improvement of lives. It believes that a joint participation by men and women in initiating and implementing rural development plans would reduce the rate of under-development and poverty among rural people. With its long experience working with rural communities in Nigeria, the Society has found out that gender equality aside being a subject of controversy, is a veritable tool of realising government plans. It argues that, women, just like men, are influential enough in driving development if only they can be

properly incorporated by the government, into developmental activities. Consequently, with proper understanding and deployment of the philosophy of gender equality to community development, the Education Co-operation Society was able to mobilise men and women across communities in Nigeria to jointly initiate plans and execute them for the benefits of their people. Just recently, the Society inaugurated and donated a block of 4 classrooms to St. Aloysius Catholic Primary School Iloti/Itamapako community, in Ijebu-Ode

With proper understanding and deployment of the philosophy of gender equality to community development, the Education Co-operation Society was able to mobilise men and women across communities in Nigeria to jointly initiate plans and execute them for the benefits of their people

Local Government Area of Ogun State- a project initiated by the women of the community and jointly executed by the men and women for their children. Speaking at the inauguration and handover ceremony, the Chairman of Education Cooperation Society, Mr. Charles Osezua, said the project was aimed at strengthening civil society in rural areas of Nigeria by means of promoting rural processes that foster gender equality in communities, noting that gender equality is considered a viable strategy for social development and poverty reduction. Osezua explained that when men and women are involved in development of the community, all hands are on deck for a common purpose, saying to acknowledge equality of persons is to observe the rule of civility and to set a good foundation for equitable development. Osezua who was represented at the occasion by Mr. Soboma Ajumogobia, stated that the project was focused on equality of gender that is based on the principle that human persons are born equal. “Consequently, the project had been geared to help rural communities identify with this philosophy of equality of gender, through practical approaches and the result is what is witnessed here today. “Women planned for their community and made a five-year development plan which they

brought to the attention of their community leaders for adoption and execution. Organised community women and men worked jointly to come up with social initiatives such as the Community Development Forum (CDF) and agreed to supervise the reconstruction of this new block of classrooms for their children. Women have taken steps in economic empowerment to augment their family resources. A curriculum has been developed to enshrine gender studies at primary levels in public and primary school in Ijebu-Ode.” He urged the state and local governments concerned to encourage the rural initiatives of the Iloti/Itamapako community by supporting their development plans and spread the teaching of gender studies in their schools. “I know that the plans by the women include the improvement of access roads to their community. We look forward to a cordial partnership between the community and the LGA that can facilitate the rehabilitation of one of the rural roads that lead to the IrotoCommunity Rural Development Centre, which serves these cluster of communities.” Hinting on the sources of funds for their projects, Osezua added “ECS partnered with the Association Zabalketa and the Itamapako community. Most of the funding was received from the Diputacion Foral de Bizkaia which is like a local government authority in Spain.” Giving further insight on the development,

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

CITYSTRINGS the General Manager,Education Co-operation Society, Dr. Emmanuel Iheanacho said the project was to develop the people by allowing them to take active part in developing their communities, noting that their participatory activities yielded the result. “So what we’ve done is to prepare the people especially women to get them make plans, work with their men, prioritise their plans and themoney was available for them to start implementing, and what you seehere is the result of the implementation to develop the educationalinfrastructure for their children. They’ve got the government to come and see and use the opportunity to let thegovernment to come and play their own part.” Commenting on the seemingly special interest ECS as a body has for theIloti community, Iheanacho explained “It’s because we’ve known them earlier in the 80s when we’re looking for a place to put a ruralproject. Some of their sons approached us and they have land; they’re ready to cooperate; we saw them and we saw other communities,eventually we chose here, and since we put the rural women development and conference centre and the rural clinic here, the presence here has made us discover more needs. And this project we’re inaugurating here today is just a thought of the women. We had implemented similar projects in Adiba, Elekan, Badore and Idado, all clustered together in Ibeju Local Development Area. And then this is part of our commitment to do this type of project in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area.” Speaking on the expansive nature of their projects, he said “Our projects extend to other states as well. In Igbora in Igbarapa Local Government Area of Oyo State, we’ve worked in 2001/2003. Igbora is one of the rural areas in the world where there is still high infestation of guinea worm. In Igbora there is no water- water is their major problem. So we managed to put water in their schools and in their public places. We even brought in other NGOs to come and put their own there. In Nsukka, Enugu State, the water they have now in Obukwa, we provided it- it’s in one borehole that the radius is about 4kms. Wehave equally done school refurbishment in Nzeagu, Idu area. “We have a rural clinic that is very functional and a rural development centre as we have here in Iwolo which is also in Idu Local Development Area in Enugu State. We’re in Oyo; we’re in Benin in Edo State. So it depends on the need and the readiness of the people; because you must have a community that is ready to receive and ready to protect and implement that. The toilet that this community has is the only pit toilet there and it was put in place by ECS and it’s still there.” Correcting the impression that only the government has the responsibility of developing and improving education in the country, Iheanacho said “What we’re trying to teach the people is that it is they more than government that is supposed to do it. Because government has taken over people now sit back and the schools have gone down. We are teaching them that these things are for their children. So they should take initiative and decide what has to be here. We are also teaching them how to approach the Local Government. So instead of quarreling, they are able to attract those things. And when there are funds to help they should try to help themselves and start doing it and government will come and help. Like as we’ve done this now, it’s obvious that the government has agreed to come to do a road that leads to their clinic and to come and renovate other infrastructure here. So the main project is on the people which the government is not doing-to make participation from grassroots to them. “It’s not infrastructure that we’re after, it is the people. So we inform the women and the men to realise that there is equality between men and women in community service participation. If you have 50 per cent of Nigerian women and you don’t use them and you use only men you’re just undoing yourself. So government should incorporate and make use of both males and females for effective participation. Appreciating the Society for the gesture, the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Kehinde Afusat Oguniyi, said “I’m highly delighted because I’m posted to this school when good things are happening. This surely, is a sign of many good things to come during my tenure

Pupils of the school sitting on one of the desks provided by the Education Co-operation Society

The block of 4 classrooms reconstructed by the Education Co-operation Society

here. I thank Education Cooperation Society for giving us a conducive learning environment through this project. I pray God to grant them success in their future endeavours.

It’s not infrastructure that we’re after, it is the people. So we inform the women and the men to realise that there is equality between men and women in community service participation. If you have 50 per cent of Nigerian women and you don’t use them and you use only men you’re just undoing yourself. So government should incorporate and make use of both males and females for effective participation

Similarly, the immediate past Head Teacher, Mrs. Mercy Onadeko said “Education Cooperation Society has done a remarkable thing in this community. They renovated the classrooms; they gave us seminar on civil education and even provided us with the textbooks; they don’t want us (women) to be jobless and suffer in poverty. They gave us free cassava stems for our cultivation. They love our children so much and want to give everything to them to make life meaningful to them. In fact, they are like parents to us and I pray that God will reward them abundantly.” A nine-year-old primary six pupil of the school, Miss Adesoya Busannya in her closing remarks thanked ECS for coming to their aid. “I thank them for building these classrooms for us. May God bless them abundantly.” For Mrs. Felicia Adeleye, a teacher in the school said that ECS has been their ultimate helper. “Since they came here the face of this community has changed. Any project we tell them we need they will come in immediately to see that it is actualised. They have been our ultimate helper in this community and in this school. So I thank them so much and I pray that God will bless them in return.” The Baale of Iloti community, High Chief Omonitoju Fesobi, represented by Mr. Felix Ayinkola started by thanking Education Cooperation Society for coming to their need. “We really appreciate their labour, money, counseling, mentorship and all resources they put in here for the benefit of our community. This community has not benefitted from any government project. All the projects in this

community were built by ECS and other non-governmental organizations.” Also speaking, the Chairman, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Abdul Jeleel Olatunde Okewole, represented by Mr. Gbenga Ogunsola praised Education Cooperation Society for the refurbished block of four classrooms. “Indeed, your gesture at renovating this block of four classrooms is worthy of praise and in line with the present administration’s determination at improving physical structures by building a befitting edifice for our pupils. “From all available facts, Education Cooperation Society has had a lot of influence in developing many schools in this area since 2003. I’m also aware that this non-governmental organisation had supplied 21 chairs and desks for pupils of this school. It has also provided 40 plastic chairs and tables as well as 10 plastic tables for the Early Child Development Classes (ECDC). Information reaching me also had it that the philanthropic non-governmental organisation made available a water distiller for the use of the pupils, teaching and non-teaching staff of the school. “Accordingly, permit me to use the opportunity of this occasion to appeal to other well-meaning corporate organisations as well as the well-to-do in our society to emulate the laudable philanthropic gesture of this non-governmental organisation in supporting government in the provision of necessary infrastructural facilities for aconducive learning environment and making education free and affordable to the good people of the state,” he said.

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Islamic Schools: The Panacea? I Tariq Ramadan

n order to win the struggle for a comprehensive education, many Muslims think that the only solution is the creation of private “Islamic schools,” subsidized by the state almost totally, partially, or not at all, depending on the systems in force in the United States and the various countries of Europe. For people who are dissatisfied with the educational methods and curricula, and deeply mistrustful of the atmosphere in public schools, which they consider to be lacking in morality, the answer seems to be to consider a parallel system that would integrate the fundamentals of Islamic education and its moral standards with the compulsory traditional and secular subjects from the national curricula. Schools of this type have been in existence for more than twenty years in Britain, the United States, Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands, as well as in smaller numbers in other countries. How can we assess these experiments, whose achievements in terms of methods and curricula have undergone considerable evolution in recent years? It is the intention here not to oppose Islamic schools in principle but to note what has been attained by these institutions and what they lack. It goes without saying that offering children a body of teaching in which they have a sense of their Islamic identity through living their education in accordance with the rhythm of the daily prayers and the events of the Muslim calendar (e.g., the Ramadan fast, the feasts), while immersing them in a school program in which their religious education—learning the Qur’an, tradition, and Arabic—is integrated has an extremely positive effect. In an Islamic school, children understand the essentials of their Muslim identity and the priorities of their upbringing through their relationships with their teachers and fellow-pupils and also acquire the tools that will help them to succeed in the other

disciplines. To judge from performance indicators, most Islamic schools produce excellent statistics and are often at the top of regional and national school tables. However, this is not the complete picture. The first comment to be made is that, taking the Muslim communities living in the West as a whole, these schools take in only a very small percentage of children, and so in this sense they can hardly be regarded as “the solution” for Islamic education in the West. Other approaches have to be found for the other children. It must also be pointed out that in most cases (those in which the schools are not heavily subsidized by the state,—that is, up to 75 percent, depending on the country), only the children of affluent parents are able to enroll because fees are high, often above the very limited scholarships. And beyond these measurable realities, we should study the motivations that have often been behind the creation of these schools. In most cases, the purpose has been to protect the children from the bad influence of society, to distance them from an unhealthy environment, and make them live “among Muslims.” These motivations often make themselves felt in the way in which these schools are run, with their programs and educational activities all run internally. The result is that “artificially Islamic” closed spaces are created in the West that are almost completely cut off from the surrounding society. We comfort ourselves by asserting that the programs are in line with national requirements, but what is no less a reality is that these young people live in a society surrounded by adolescents who do not share their faith and whom they never meet. The school puts forward a way of life, a space, and a parallel reality that has practically no link with the society around it. Some Islamic schools are in the West but, apart from the compulsory disciplines, live in another dimension: while being not completely “here,” neither are they completely from “there,” and one would like

the child to know who he is . . . Moreover, teaching staff are often not well educated, and many teachers have no pedagogical background; practice in some disciplines leaves much to be desired. The Arabic language, for example, is taught by women and men who know the language but are not always adequately trained. With regard to Islamic teaching properly so called, there are some questions worth asking. By adding “Islamic” disciplines (e.g., learning the Qur’an and the traditions) and teaching them in the classical manner (that is to say, usually as it is done “there”), do we really give the pupils the tools they need to live here, pious, self-fulfilled, and aware of their responsibilities? After more than twenty years of experiment, it is well worth asking the question. A scattering of Islamic teachings, verses learned by heart, and values idealistically passed on do not necessarily forge a personality whose faith is deep, whose consciousness is alert, and whose mind is active and critical. It is no argument to quote school performance indicators in self-satisfaction: the “success” of an Islamic school cannot be measured by success on examinations. If that were the measure, there would be no place for putting so much effort into these projects: it would be enough to look to the “good” public schools. The legitimacy of an Islamic school should be evaluated by its ability to respond to the comprehensive objectives we have spoken of in the previous section and to provide syllabuses coherent with them. In most cases, we are still far from having achieved even a small part of these aims, and some schools continue to serve up an education that pushes children toward the development of two contradictory personalities—one within a school that tries to provide a happy environment and where Islamic teaching and behavior have been inculcated, and the other outside school, where they end up getting lost without knowing

how to use ethical references to establish their own ethical guideposts because they have not really been prepared to face life in society and to interact with others in it. Having been given a solid education in an artificial environment, the students are deeply fragile in real life: how many young people live torn between the two, how many feel “bad” or “guilty” because, having received so much knowledge at school, they feel unworthy because of not knowing how to live an integrated everyday life? Whose fault is it? They have often been instructed in the ideal, but they feel so ill educated and ill equipped in the real world. Even if we have not yet found an “Islamic” alternative to the crisis of educational systems in the West, we must still refer to some interesting developments and initiatives: a few Islamic schools (a small minority), particularly in Britain, Sweden, and the United States, have been founded in a totally new spirit. They are open to qualified teachers of any origin and are thought of as inner-city schools, so it is not enough for them to pass on ossified Islamic teachings in a protected, artificial environment. They are in touch with the outside and, through a variety of activities, make it possible for their pupils to get a better grasp of their surroundings and to interact with children of the same age and with their fellow-citizens and to put their ethical teaching into practice through visible acts of solidarity grounded in the society in which they live. Their programs have gone through a considerable evolution and allow for more contextualized teaching in step with society and with a culture that is Western and not imported from the East. These developments are extremely interesting and permit us to think that Islamic schools will be able to provide part of the solution to the problem of Islamic education in the West, if they avoid the mistakes we have mentioned and rise to the criteria of openness, contextualization, and interaction with the surrounding society.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Nigerian Women Lament Discrimination against Marriage to Younger Men Some women in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja yesterday decried discrimination in Nigeria against women marrying younger men, while seeing nothing wrong in men having much younger wives. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, some of the women alleged that they had been discriminated, judged and labelled “sugar mummy” for their marriage to men they were older than. Esther David, a businesswoman, said she was five years older than her husband, who is also into the same provision business with her. David said her decision to marry her husband was borne out of love, admiration and respect she had for him, and not because she was desperate to get married as alleged by some persons. “Our society tends to judge women negatively for marrying younger men, even if that relationship was borne out of

love and respect for each other. “But the same society sees nothing wrong if a man marries someone that he is old enough to even be her grandfather,’’ she lamented. According to her, she faced a lot of challenges from her inlaws due to the age difference before she was fully accepted as his wife, despite performing the traditional, Christian and even the court wedding. Similarly, Bose Ade, a mother of two, said even though she was eight years older than her husband, whom she has been married to for over a decade, her being older had not affected the love, affection and respect they have for each other. “At first, it was very difficult for me to accept his marriage proposal because I was far older than him with over eight years. “But I was later convinced by his persistence and support

from his family that he was not dissuaded by our age differences,” Mrs. Ade said. However, she added that even though she was accepted by her in-laws, she still faces discrimination from some of his relatives and the neighbourhood they reside in. According to her, she ignores all the subtle attacks on her person, urging other women that are facing similar challenges to ignore gossip and concentrate on building their homes. “I don’t have problem with my in-laws, it is just some distant relatives of his and people in our area who still gossip and call me names like old woman, and all sorts because he looks younger

than I do. “I choose to ignore them and make sure I exhibit love and affection for my husband just to spite them,” she said. However, Fatima Musa, an unemployed graduate said she cannot marry a younger man because the society would see her as “desperate’’ and she may not get the respect she deserves from him. “Women naturally look older than men. So if you marry someone younger in age, one might end up looking like his mother or elder sister than his wife, especially when one starts bearing children,” Ms. Musa said. On his part, Idris Samaila said there was nothing wrong in a

woman marrying a man she is older than, as long as mutual trust, respect and love exists between them. “Age is just a figure that people put so much emphasis on. It does not matter if a woman is older than her husband or the husband is older than the wife as it is commonly practiced in our society,” Mr. Samaila posited. “The main issue we should be concerned about is how to build our homes within the tenets of our religious beliefs, as well as sharing love and understanding.’’ Mr. Samaila said the fear of marrying a younger man by some women who feel the age

difference might bring disrespect between them was uncalled for, as respect was earned. “The claim that marrying a younger man would make him disrespectful to one in the future is a flimsy excuse, because I have seen instances where a matured man marries a woman like his daughter’s age mate and she still does not have respect for him.’’ He therefore appealed to the society to shun any form of discrimination against men or women who marry much younger men. He said Nigerians should encourage the sanctity of marriage within the religious or traditional belief so as to reduce the rate of illegitimate children in the society.

Atiku Counsels Friends, Associates over 70th Birthday Celebration Following media enquiries about his 70th birthday celebrations, former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, has counselled his family, friends and associates to deploy resources earlier earmarked for signed congratulatory adverts to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other charitable causes. In a statement issued by his media office in Abuja yesterday, the former vice president said he wanted his friends and associates to celebrate him in the service of humanity instead of devoting money to adulatory and selfglorifying advert messages. The Turakin Adamawa explained that God has been “wonderfully kind to him for sustaining his life and keeping him in good health

to witness yet another birthday event.” According to him, giving back to humanity has been his passion and that his friends and associates can honour him better if they spend their resources on charitable causes to celebrate his special day. “My special day, and indeed the season is one of reflection, of thanksgiving and prayers; of inestimable gratitude to God for attaining this milestone.” He said touching lives of others is the best expression of gratitude to God for His boundless favours and blessings. “I will forever cherish your prayers for more years in good health to enable me undertake whatever assignment God and humanity have set for me.”

ONSA, NCAA, Other Stakeholders to Meet on Use of Drones Chinedu Eze The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that it is collaborating with the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other industry stakeholders to hold a one-day stakeholders’ meeting to articulate the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/ Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in Nigeria’s airspace. According to a statement from NCAA, the meeting is scheduled to take place on November 21, 2016 at the Galaxy Hall of the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja and it is a mandatory exercise for all stakeholders in the interest of safer skies. “There has been lots of interest shown for the civil use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/ Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) otherwise known as drones in the country, though, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is yet to publish Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as far as its certification and operations are concerned. “However the NCAA has put in place the Regulations/

Advisory Circular for certification and operation for the use of civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)/ Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in the Nigerian Airspace, through (Nig CARs Part 8.8.1.33) and implementing Standards,” the statement signed by the agency’s spokesman, Sam Adurogboye, said. NCAA said due to the importance attached to this meeting, participants would be drawn from the military, Federal Ministry of Aviation and its parastatals/agencies, flying clubs, tour operators, media practitioners (Aviation Press Corps), neighbouring African countries, the film making industry (Nollywood), National Assembly (Aviation Committees) and sports organisations. “Discussions will be centred around safety implications, risk assessment, oversight, regulations and certification. Since the civil operation of RPA/UAV will require approval/permit from the NCAA and the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA), the need for the stakeholders meeting has become very necessary,” the statement added.

EMBATTLED

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode (left), arriving the Federal High Court in Abuja to be arraigned in Abuja....yesterday Kingsley Adeboye

Trade: Dangote, Utomi, Others Urge Africans to Look Inwards Sunday Okobi Eminent Nigerians yesterday urged Africans to look inward in terms of trade and its finances. The business gurus and captains of industries stated this at a book launch which took place in Lagos yesterday. At the unveiling of the book, ‘Foundations of Structured Trade Finance’ written by Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah, President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, stated that Africa as a continent can do greatly in terms of trade if it looks inward. He lamented that the problem in Africa lies in the defective intra-trade activities, adding that some African countries prefer to do business with China irrespective of the proximity of the product to them. “Africa can do well in terms of trading; it’s just for us to look inwards. Our problem is the intra trade, and we are the ones making things difficult for ourselves because some countries prefer to do business with China even though it’s unfavourable than fellow African (Republic of Benin for examples),” he stated, adding that it is costly to export goods abroad than to import. Also, Pat Utomi, stated that until yesterday (referring to the election

of President-Elect of the United States, Donald Trump), the world was flat, “but it is now oval,” and that African people need to learn how to play in the new situation by believing in their capacity to survive. He noted that Africa has been entrapped in petrodollar, and has been struggling to survive in other area, adding that “so we should work towards trading first within the continent. As one of the discussants, former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke, said: “We ought to trade with one another first,” adding that currency is a barrier which must be tackled. The former governor who said Africa is a continent of incredible opportunities, decried that “today, African relate well with the outside world than ourselves. We must also have a free trade zones in order to facilitate successful trading activities within the continent. “We need to also develop our infrastructure in order to have free flow trade in theWest African region, and work out the mechanism to accept our currency in the region. Africans must also use structures like ECOWAS, Africa Union etc to facilitate trade on the countinent because accepting one another’s currency is critical,” Duke

said. Meanwhile, the book authored by the African Export-import Bank (Afreximbank) President, Oramah, which was launched marks the first major attempt at simplifying the complex subject of structured trade finance for easy understanding by trade finance professionals, academics and the business community in Africa and beyond. Oramah, in his book, introduced readers to the fundamentals of the structured trade finance instrument which has found particular application in Africa because of its unique attribute of allowing the financing of trade in difficult environments by using trade flows as collateral for trade finance facilities. According to him, “Structured trade finance has proven itself as an effective instrument for attracting trade finance to regions like Africa which receive limited trade finance and which lag behind in trade and economic performance,” noting that it was a ‘a highly specialised area of trade finance that has evolved directly from practice’. “This book addresses the urgent need for detailed guidance on the subject as it grows and becomes more complex in an increasingly

risk-based regulatory environment. “The book reviews the philosophical foundations and a risk associated with structured trade finance and provides step-by-step guidance on how deals can be structured before outlining the scope of coverage of structured trade finance outsides the confines of commodities. It also looks at case studies to draw out the lessons contained therein. The launch, which took place at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island ,was accompanied by a keynote address by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, and panel discussion on:’Finance,Trade and Economic Dominance-The knowledge of power and the power of knowledge’. Enelamah who was represented by his Special Assistant on Trade, Mr. Femi Edu, said the author is a special product from Nigeria; a world class quality from the country, has played an important role in the evolution of structured trade finance, having been the chief architect in its design and implementation at Afreximbank where it is used as the core operating model enabling the bank to lend to African entities by transferring payment risks to those better able to bear them.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2016 • T H I S D AY

REACTIONS TO TRUMP’S VICTORY...

CAN: God Has Positioned Trump to Fight against US Downward Slide, Immorality The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday said the victory of Republican candidate, Mr. Donald J. Trump in the United States presidential election, was God’s design for Trump to fight against the US downward slide and immorality. CAN President, Rev Samson Ayokunle, stated this at the 29th General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) yesterday at the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja. He charged Americans to watch very closely as the new administration “would not tolerate the issue of immorality in the country. It is about what God laid on Americans to do. What we can do is to pray for him. “God has now positioned him to fight the downward slide in the American society, about morality; the nation that was once known as God’s own country is fastly becoming Sodom and Gomorrah. All the ethical values that the nation was built upon, when the fathers were building the nation, the children are tearing apart. “There is an extent to which a nation will emphasise circular and individual liberty to the neglect of God’s absolute reign to the affairs of men,” Ayokunle observed. On Boko Haram, the CAN president tasked Nigerians to be on guard at all times as Boko Haram has not been fully defeated following the recent killing of Lt. Col. Abu Ali, a top army officer. According to CAN president, “it is not over yet until it is over; the fact that a top army officer was killed is a signal to the fact that we have not defeated them. “It was also an attestation to the commitment of the Federal Government to fight this demon called Boko Haram. So everybody should be more committed so that the souls of those who died might not be in vain.’’ Speaking on corruption, he stressed that “corruption appears to be endemic in the Nigerian society and it has caused to the fabric of our national lives; there is hardly any sector that can be exempted.

Kanu Writes Trump from Prison The incarcerated leader of of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has written the US President-elect, Donald Trump congratulating him on his victory and pledging to work with his government upon the actualisation of Biafra Republic. Kanu THISDAY gathered from a reliable source smuggled out a handwritten letter through his friend, convey his happiness over Trump’s victory, during the lawyer’s visit early yesterday. The handwritten letter the source said was submitted to the media and publicity department of the IPOB yesterday’s morning. The letter which was typed and circulated among journalists, read: “It is with great joy that I, Nnamdi Kanu received the news of your election victory as the 45th President of the US. “Mr. President-elect, the American people have given you their mandate and trust, not only to make ‘America Great Again,’ but also to bring positive changes in the affairs of humanity. “Your victory has placed a historic and moral burden upon you to liberate enslaved nations in Africa, trapped in artificially created boundaries designed to reinforce colonial domination and subjugation. Kanu told Trump that self-determination is a sacred right of all people as demonstrated by the good people of United Kingdom when they opted out of the European Union. He said it was imperative to draw historical parallels between his victory and that of the great Dwight Eisenhower a fellow Republican, who was instrumental in the dismantling of European colonialism in Africa. Kanu called on Trump to follow in Eisenhower’s footsteps by bringing to a deserved end neo-colonial enslavement, currently championed by puppet dictatorial and tyrannical regimes. He said: “The IPOB have every confidence that as the leader of the free world, you have both the capacity and the will to confront the challenges ahead and meet the expectations of the American people in particular and the oppressed people of the world in general.

Resource Control: Militants Urge Trump to Prevail on Buhari Militants under the Ultimate Warriors of Niger Delta, UWND, yesterday urged the President-elect of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump, to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to grant their demand for resource ownership.

believe in equitability in the global affairs will work with you for a fairer world and more so, those of us in Nigeria. “While congratulating you once again, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration,” the former president said in the letter.

Abe Congratulates Trump, Tells Rivers Electorate to Learn from Americans Trump While congratulating Trump on his electoral victory, the group said the politician emerged victorious despite “orchestrated negative media, and against the projections of the American political establishment” They urged Trump to immediately after his swearing-in in January put pressure on the Nigerian president to allow the Niger Delta self-determination and control over their resources. “We of the Ultimate Warriors of Niger Delta, a group of agitators, mainly from the Southern part of Nigeria view your victory as divinely ordained and urge you on your swearing on January 20, 2017 to actualise our aim. “Our objective is resource control, ownership and the self determination of our people. We are imploring you to use your good offices to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria to respect our right to self determination. “These rights are protected in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which guarantee the rights of indigenous peoples to self determination,” the group said. It added, “We also want to let you know that successive governments in Nigeria have over the years denied us of this right, instead they maimed and killed our people. “ The federal government in connivance with the International Oil Companies (IOCs) steal our oil, pollute our environment, deprive us of ownership to the natural resources bestowed on us by Divine arrangement through obnoxious Land Use Act and treat the Niger Delta region as a conquered territory,” the warlords alleged.

Tambuwal: Victory Evidence of Democratic Dynamism in the US Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday said the election of Donald Trump was a clear evidence of democratic dynamism in the United States of America. Speaking at a two-day national conference on the dynamics of democratic practice in Nigeria: 19992015, held at the Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Bayero University, Kano, Tambuwal said the outcome of the election shocked many people in the world. According to him, the US presidential election has shown that the democratic system is dynamic. “What we thought would be the outcome of America’s presidential election wasn’t what we woke up to hear. “This has clearly shown to all the level of dynamism inherent in democratic system of government,” he said. Tambuwal stated that each nation practices democracy according to its historical and cultural peculiarities. He posited that the people of the country must be constantly carried along, consulted and their views incorporated. The Governor stressed that power belongs to the people and that elected political office holders are mere caretakers of the estate whose true owners are the people.

Africa will Work with Him, Says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has congratulated the president-elect of United States of America, Donald Trump, assuring him of support in the African continent. In a three paragraph congratulatory letter made available to journalistsyestday, the former president also felicitated with the Republican candidate’s campaign team for winning Tuesday’s presidential election. Obasanjo stated that those who believe in equitability in global affairs would work with Trump for a fairer world. “I felicitate with you, your family and everybody in your camp and your campaign for winning the Presidential elections to become the 45th President of the United States of America. “Let me assure you that most of us in Africa who

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Rivers South East senatorial district in the legislative re-run elections, Magnus Ngei Abe, has implored Rivers electorate to emulate the American voters who voted for their candidates based on the dictate of their conscience devoid of intimidation and manipulation. In a congratulatory message issued in Port Harcourt and signed by his spokesperson, Mr. Parry Saroh Benson, Abe urged Rivers voters particularly in Rivers South East senatorial district to stand firm and vote for a candidate of their choice in the forthcoming re-run elections not minding threats in some quarters to deny them developmental projects. He said Americans demonstrated that it is their right and responsibility to choose their leader despite world opinion. Abe congratulated the President-elect of the United States of America, Mr. Donald Trump, particularly the American people for their choice, pointing out that they have set an example for the rest of the world about the true meaning of democracy. “I congratulate the President elect of the United States of America, Donald Trump and I congratulate the people of America for once again setting an example for the rest of the world as to the true meaning of democracy.” He explained that the Americans respect the outcome of their elections and the process with which their leaders emerge and enjoined Nigerians and Rivers people to do that in order to deepen democracy in Rivers State. Abe urged the Rivers South East Senatorial District

to elect a Senator of their own choice that would do their own biddings.

Afe Babalola Commends His Doggedness

A senior lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has commented on the outcome of the US presidential poll, saying: “When the news filtered in early yesterday morning that Donald Trump of the Republican Party won over Hilary Clinton of Democratic Party, I was not surprised, rather, I was happy while many others felt disappointed. “I was happy because not a single person in my household or any of my friends gave him a chance. The Nigerian media and many Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, who threatened to tear his green card if Trump won, did not give him a chance. “The 18-month campaign this time around was very much unlike any other in the history of elections in America. What had just happened in the United States of America could be likened to the Referendum in the United Kingdom last year where the British had to decide whether they wanted to remain in the European Union (EU) or not. “In spite of the fact that David Cameron, the British Prime Minister and his government wanted Britain to remain in EU, the fire of nationalism and patriotism burning in the generality of Britons made them to vote against continued stay in the EU. The thrust of Trump’s campaign was to make America great again that he disagrees with the nuclear treaty signed by United Nations (UN) on Syria that he will change America’s immigration policy to ensure that only those who have genuine business in America are allowed into America, which angered most non-whites. “That he would address the situation whereby America funds the UN so heavily and yet has become a toothless bull dog, a voiceless entity because some people enjoy the power of Veto. That he would raise the living standard of workers.”

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Onaiyekan, Sultan Warn Religious Leaders against Unguided Utterances Paul Obi in Abuja The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Metropolitan See, John Cardinal

Onaiyekan and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday called on religious leaders in Africa and Nigeria especially, to be mindful

Senate Expresses Dissatisfaction with Minister for Dumping Security Equipment at Airports Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Mr. Adamu Aliero, yesterday expressed dissatisfaction with the Minister of State for Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, over safety and security equipment purchased by government, but dumped at the nation’s airports. In an oversight function at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the committee while expressing readiness to assist the ministry in moving the sector forward, said the committee is aware that tax payers money have been used to purchase the security equipment but dumped at the airports. He said: “We appreciate and support your safety and security plans for the airports. We will give you the support to secure our airports. “We are aware that a number of equipment have been purchased, some of them have been dumped without being put into use.

“We don’t know why and certainly we intend to go and investigate the equipment that were purchased with tax payers money and that have not been installed meant for security.” Aliero said the committee was impressed with the attainment of 65 percent overall performance of its 2016 budget performance, adding that the grand total releases stood at 43 per cent while the total average performance was 65 percent. A breakdown of the ministry’s 2016 budget showed a total appropriation of N19,858,571,749.00, total released was N8, 457,010,646.86. So far, N4, 290, 948, 284.23, had been spent, leaving a balance of N4,166, 062,362.63. However, there is an outstanding balance of N11,401,561,102.14 balance on the appropriation. The committee members also expressed support for the establishment of the proposed national carrier to be run on PPP initiative.

of their utterances to their followers, as development cannot be attained in an atmosphere of conflicts. The Sultan also called on Muslims and Christians who constitute about 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population to constructively engage those in authorities to be just and fair to all Nigerians no matter their faith and religion. The Sultan who was represented by the Wazirin Kastina, Alhaji Sani Lugga, at a two-day African Union Interfaith Forum with the theme: ‘leap of faith: religious leaders advance justice peace, security, inclusiveness dialogue and development in Africa,’ stated that “religious leaders in the continent have prominent roles to play in achieving the needed peace.” Onaiyekan, who was also

represented by Rev. Sister Agatha Ogochukwu Chikelu, said all hands must be on deck to rid the world of conflicts and wars, “especially as they claim some religious motivation or excuse, and work towards peace and harmony in our modern world.” He appealed to the “member countries of the AU to support the interreligious councils in their respective nations. Such support will not only put them in the position to play their constructive roles in promoting religious peace and harmony in their nations, but also enable them to contribute effectively to the work of the ACRL on the continental level. “Despite the poverty of many of our nations, let everyone know that this is surely one good way to spend scares national resources,”

Onaiyekan stated. The Secretary General of KAICIID, Faisal Bin Muaammar, revealed that most young people in Nigeria join the dreaded group, Boko Haram, because they are misled, stating that “because they seek social, political or economic gain” according to research conducted with partners. “The religious leaders tell us that those who manipulate religion to incite violence are motivated by greed, or by political or by personal motives. They do not speak in the name of any religion. “In fact, a study we recently conducted with partners, found that young people join Boko Haram in Nigeria because these young people are misled or because they seek social, political or economic gain.”

Myanmar said: “Thesituation of religions in Africa is currently at a delicate position. The continent is facing a lot of challenges due to the mobilisation and politicisation of religion leading to the rise of fundamentalist groups who breed and encourage violence as they claim to act in the name of religion. “This violent image of religion generated by such groups is a leading cause of intolerance, sectarian violence and the destabilising of societies in the region and elsewhere in the world.” Head of Civil Society Division (CIDO) of AU, Ambassador Jalel Chelba, explained that the primary objective of the forum is to oversee the establishment of a permanent steering committee, which will link policy makers with religious leaders.

CIBN, Sun Trust Bank Harp on Human Capacity Devt forVirile Financial Sector Crusoe Osagie The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and Sun Trust Bank have emphasised the need for banks to invest massively in human capacity development to achieve a strong, sound and safe financial industry in Nigeria. The president and chairman of council, CIBN, Professor Segun Ajibola, explained that banks must put in every ingredient in its service mandate to build capacity in the nation’s financial sector, maintaining that competency framework must be improved upon to achieve a strong and virile financial sector. Ajibola during a courtesy visit to Sun Trust Bank to hint the new commercial bank of the institute’s vision to ensure a sustainable financial industry in Nigeria, said the institute has collaborated with international institutions and over 40 universities and polytechnics in Nigeria to drive professionalism in curriculum, pointing out this would strengthen bank’s role in ethics and professionalism. He added that plans are underway to introduce radio, TV programmes to explain banking terminologies to the grass root in order to bridge the gap between the banking industry and the populace. He said the institute would host its 22nd world conference of banking institutes tagged “Rethinking the future of banking and finance and life long learning in April 24 to 28, 2017, where

professionals from financial service industry and other stakeholders from around the world would converge to brainstorm the way forward for the industry. He solicited the full participation of Sun Trust Bank at the conference, saying the medium will be used to present Nigeria in its full colour to the world to attract investors from across the globe. In his response, the Managing Director, Sun Trust Bank, Mr. Muhammad Jibrin, commended the institute for its unrelenting efforts aimed at ensuring and bringing standards to the industry. He said despite the economic head wind currently being faced by the country, Sun Trust Bank will continue to dream big to provide world class financial services in the country. He said capacity building is key in achieving a sound and effective financial industry, calling on the need to improve and deploy only quality personnel who have the capacity to boost operations in the sector. “CIBN is the one institution that can provide all the support needed by the sector. We will continue to participate in your activities and take advantage of the various windows of certification for trainings, capacity building and seminars. You have our commitment working with you all the way,” he said.

DELTA ONTHE MOVE

L-R: Delta State Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa , Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon. Monday Igbuya, shortly after the presentationofthe2017AppropriationBilltothestateassemblyinAsaba...yesterday

NCC: Telecom Active Users Stands at 153.2m in September The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said active users of telecommunications services in the country stands at 153.2 million in September. The telecommunications industry regulator made this known in its Monthly Subscriber/Operator Data, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. It said the active telecommunications service customers increased by 495,426 in September as against the figure in August which stood at 152,776,155. According to the data, 152,836,997 of the 153,271,581 active numbers subscribed to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network services. The GSM operators’ active customers increased by 551,677 from 152,285,320 subscribers recorded in August. The reports stated that of the GSM operators, MTN had 60,558,569 users in September, which was the same figure recorded in August.

Globacom figure increased in September by 215,700, giving a total of 36,967,712 customers as against 36,752,012 in August. Airtel had 32,775,916 subscribers in the month under review, adding 400,847 users to the August record of 32,375,069. Etisalat, however, recorded a reduction in customers by 64,870, giving a customer base of 22,534,800 as against 22,599,670 users in August. The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators had 276,304 active users in September, showing a decrease of 52,789 from 329,093 customers they had in August. Between the two surviving CDMA service providers, Visafone’s customers reduced to 271,844, as it lost 52,789 users in August to record 324,633, while Multi-Links maintained 4,460 customers in August. The monthly subscriber/operator data showed that the Fixed Wireless network’s (landline) consumers

decreased to 30,716 in September, as they lost 4,072 customers from their record of 34,788 in August. Also, between the two Fixed Wireless operators, Visafone had 30,288 subscribers in September, losing 4,072 users from the August record of 34,360; while Multi-Links maintained its August record of 428 customers. It also revealed that the Fixed Wired operators (landline) increased their subscriber base by 610, giving a total of 127,564 users in September, as against 126,954 recorded in August. In the Fixed Wired arena, MTN Fixed moved from 8,586 in August to 8,591 in September, thereby adding five users, Glo Fixed had 12,503 users in September, adding 677 to the August record of 11,826. IpNX network moved from 2,665 subscriber base in August to 2,587, reducing its customers by 78 in September. It said that the 21st Century network had 103,887 customers in September, recording an increase

of 10 users to its August record of 103,877. The regulatory body said in accordance with Section 89 Subsection 3(c) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 mandated it to monitor and report the state of telecommunications industry. “The commission is mandated to provide statistical analyses and identify industry trends with regard to services, tariffs, operators, technology, subscribers, issues of competition and dominance. “This is with a view to identifying areas where regulatory intervention will be needed. “The commission regularly conducts studies, surveys and produces reports on the telecommunications industry. “Therefore, telecommunications operators are obligated, under the terms of the licenses, to provide NCC with such data on a regular basis for analytical review and publishing,” it said. (NAN)

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2016 • T H I S D AY

CRIME&PUNISHMENT

Recession: Father of Two Nabbed for Stealing Pot of Soup in Bayelsa Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa A father of two, Mr. Kaduna Enatimi, was yesterday caught with a stolen pot of soup and over a dozen wraps of fufu, a cassava delicacy, at Igbogene community, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Enatimi, 35, who confessed to the crime, was apprehended by a local vigilance group, who were on a patrol in the area in the early hours of yesterday. He allegedly stole the pot of soup and the fufu from a food

seller, who had locked the items in her store the previous night. Head of the Igbogene Vigilante group, Chief MoneySweet Asomo, who confirmed the arrest, disclosed that the accused was apprehended at about 2a.m. yesterday while consuming the food. According to Asomo, the accused, who is married and an indigene of Akassa Community of Brass Local Government Area of the state, claimed that hunger and economic hardship led him to steal the pot of soup and the food stuffs to be able to feed his family.

“We were on patrol at about 2a.m. yesterday and when we got to the Timida School area, we saw a man at a local food joint eating. The food kiosk is owned by an Akwa Ibom indigene known as Mrs. Blessing. “We questioned the culprit and he confessed to have stolen a pot of soup, some wraps of fufu and

half a basin of garri. He claimed it was the economic hardship that led him to the act.” The paramount ruler of the area, the Obenibe 11 of Epie Kingdom, Hope Green Adike, who intervened, however asked the youths to parade him round the community with the stolen items. He said the punishment would

serve as a warning to others before releasing him, noting that it wasn’t necessary to hand him over to the security agencies. “The paramount ruler considered the man’s defence about hunger and hardship under the present administration of President Buhari and released him,” he said.

“The culprit was also made to eat from the stolen item in the presence of the indigenes of Igbogene and was allowed to go away with the rest of the items,” the vigilante leader added. The shop owner was also said to have given him the permission to go away, claiming she didn’t have the funds to pursue a police case.

Ministry, Council to Partner on Security at Abuja-Kaduna Rail Terminal Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday expressed optimism that partnering with Bwari Area Council will provide the much needed security at the major terminals of the Abuja-Kaduna railway lines. The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sabiu Zakari, stated this when the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. Musa Dikko, led a delegation of executive members of the Area Council on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja. In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Yetunde Shonaike, noted, that the ministry is presently working with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to secure the terminal, adding that a Police Commissioner had been posted to the area and

is currently working with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of that location in Kubwa. He said: “The authority has put in place adequate security measures to forestall any security lapses. However, despite the security measures put in place at the Kubwa Station, the ministry is ready to partner Bwari area council and other security agencies to ensure the safety of passengers and properties.” On provision of employment for Indigenes of Bwari Area Council, in the operation of the terminal, the minister informed the team that it is the policy of government to employ indigenes in places where infrastructure are cited across the country. Speaking earlier, Chairman, Bwari Area Council, commended government for the construction of the rail line from Abuja to Kaduna which terminal is cited in the council.

N1.6bn Corruption Trial of Jonathan’s Aide Stalled Again A Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday fixed November 21 for continuation of the trial of Warampo Dudafa, a former special assistant to former President Goodluck Jonathan. Dudafa, alongside one Joseph Iwejuo, is facing 23-counts of conspiracy and concealment of crime proceeds, brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They had both pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Justice Mohammed Idris yesterday adjourned the case for continuation on November 21 and December 2, following the absence of counsel to Dudafa, Gboyega Oyewole, who was said to be ill. The prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, had confirmed knowledge of the situation to the court before the adjournment. When the case came up earlier on November 8, the trial had also been stalled following the absence of the prosecutor, who was said to be before the appellate court in Lagos. In the charge, the accused were alleged to have on June 11, 2013, conspired to conceal proceeds of crime amounting to over N1.6

billion. It was alleged that they concealed the sum through a company, Seagate Property Development and Investment Ltd. They were alleged to have also used Avalon Global Property Development Company Ltd to launder over N399 million. Other companies allegedly used in perpetrating the crime include Pluto Property and Investment Company Ltd, Rotato Inter Link Services Ltd, and De Jakes Fast Food and Restaurant Nigerian Ltd. Dudafa was alleged to have, between June 1 and June 4, 2015, contracted Iwejuo and Ebiwise Resources Ltd, to conceal N150 million, being alleged proceeds of crime. The EFCC also alleged that on April 27, Dudafa failed to furnish any information in relation to over N616 million held on his behalf by Seagate Property’s account. The prosecution said he also failed to disclose the sum of N560 million held for him by De Jakes Fast Food Ltd, as well as the sum of N10 million held for him by Ibejige Services Ltd. The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of Section 27 (3) (c) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Kaduna Enatimi caught with a stolen pot of soup and over a dozen wraps of fufu, a cassava delicacy, at Igbogene community, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State....yesterday

Synagogue Collapse: Fire Fighters Were Delayed from Carrying out Rescue Operation, Says Witness Akinwale Akintunde A former Chief Operational Officer with the Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Musiliu Adebayo, yesterday narrated how the fire fighting team led by him were initially prevented from carrying out their statutory duty at the scene of building collapse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). The witness said though his team got to the scene early enough after a call was put through to the station by one Eze at about 1.17p.m., they were prevented alongside other agencies from joining the rescue operation by the church members, who were doing the rescue with passion until the next day after the intervention of then Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

Adebayo, who is the third prosecution witness in the trial made this revelation before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo while being led in evidence by Mrs. Idowu Alakija, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the ongoing trial of Trustees of SCOAN and the two engineers involved in the construction of the collapsed guest house, which led to the death of 116 persons, mostly South Africans on September 12, 2014. The SCOAN Trustees, the two engineers, Messrs Oladele Ogundeji and Akinbela Fatiregun and their companies, Hardrock Construction and Engineering Company and Jandy Trust Limited were last month arraigned before Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo on 111-count charge for their involvement in the

collapsed building. The 111-count charge preferred against the defendants by the Lagos State Government borders on criminal negligence, manslaughter and failure to obtain building permit. Adebayo, who said he retired in September last year after 35 years in service also told the court that he had to mix with the crowds in order to get to the site of the collapse in order to assess the emergency situation but his team was stationed at a distance to enable them count the victims. The witness said when he finally sneaked in, he observed that there was no flame, no fire and he did not perceive any corrosive odour and with that he could ascertain that the environment his safe for

his men and other rescue workers on ground. He also told the court that while being barred from joining the rescue operation, his team were able to observe that 113 persons were rescued alive while 80 victims were suspected dead. “I observed there was no flame, no fire, I did not perceive any corrosive odour, the slabs, that is, the floors fell on each other like a pack of cards.” “None of the victims according to my study there sustained burns. I did not see any dismembered or scattered bodies around.” Adebayo added that he observed that the victims had injuries associated with collapsed building such as broken chest bones, limbs and other parts of the body.

Court Orders Arrest of Bisi Akande’s Brother for Fraud,Threat to Life Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo An Osogbo Chief Magistrate Court has issued an arrest warrant against the Chairman of governing board of Osun State College of Education, Ila Orangun, Mr. Niyi Akande. However, police are yet to pick up Akande, but security sources informed THISDAY that operatives are already seeking relevant information that could lead to his arrest. The arrest warrant, THISDAY learnt, followed a petition written by Oluseyi Oke through his counsel,

K.B Odejide, to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone VI, accusing Akande and one Surveyor Debo Adedeji of threat to life, forgery and fraudulent conversion. Consequently, in the petition written to the police by Messrs Oluseyi Oke and Associates, it was learnt that the petitioner was recommended and duly appointed by Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, Osun State, through the Surveyor-General of the state to do the perimeter survey of the college.

The petition noted that “the perimeter survey our client did in Osun State College of Education, IlaOrangun is approximately 1402.956 hectares of land, and our client requested for 215 beacon numbers from the Surveyor-General of the state and this was approved by the Surveyor-General of the state and was used for the project. It further said: “Our client know that as a matter of fact and law that when beacon numbers have been approved for a particular project for one surveyor by the only lawful approving authority

for public survey projects in the state, which is the Surveyor-General of the state, same can never be approved for another professional colleague as enshrined in the state body of laws. “Also, on November, 27, 2013, when the project was already at the 70 per cent completion stage, our client received a letter from the state College of Education, terminating the appointment of our client unlawfully without recourse to the Surveyor-General of the state, who has the sole prerogative to do so.”

T H I S D AY •FRIDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

C O U N T D O W N A G A I N S T A LG E R I A

Rohr Salutes Mikel Obi’s Sacrifice for S’Eagles Femi Solaja Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr yesterday commended the patriotism level of his team captain, John Mikel Obi and insisted that the current travail of the midfielder with Chelsea FC is due to the participation at the last Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil. Mikel, is yet to make any appearance even as a substitute for Chelsea in all competitions this season despite featuring fleetingly for the Stamford Bridge club in pre-season. The situation has allowed local pundits to question the coach’s judgement of making the player relevant in the national team inspite of array of young talents at his disposal. At the pre-match media chart ahead of the big match against Algeria tomorrow in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Rohr explained that Mikel has failed to play competitively for Chelsea so far this season because the club’s manager, Antonio Conte “is punishing him” for representing Nigeria at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Mikel was Team Nigeria’s captain at the 2016 Olympics, impressing as the “Dream Team” won the country’s only medal – a Bronze - at the Games. “I spoke about this with Mikel and the club’s technical director (Michael Emenalo). Mikel is training very well and he plays games in training with the big players at Chelsea. “There is a reason why Mikel is not playing for Chelsea right now and that reason is because he played for Nigeria at the

(2016) Olympics. “I cannot punish a player who loves his country and shows that he loves the Green jersey,” Rohr remarked. The coach confirmed that his captain will definitely start the match and his level of fitness will determine if he will play all through the 90 minutes. “He (Mikel) is here with us and he is fit and I hope he can play for 90 minutes against Algeria but if it is not possible, we shall see. “He is an influential player and I expect him to motivate others from the openning minute but what I cannot tell you is if he has the strenght to play full time. “If he is substituted, we have other players who can come in for us so it is not really a problem for us. “He played a lot of games at the beginning of the season at the Olympics and has also played two games with us (Super Eagles) against Zambia and Tanzania. “I have big confidence in him and if he says ‘it is okay’, then it is okay but when he says ‘it is not okay’ then it is not and I will listen to him,” Rohr explained. In another development, the Algerian that arrived yesterday are insisting on taking a chance on Napoli defender Faouzi How They Stand in Group B

Team Nigeria Algeria Cameroun Zambia

P 1 1 1 1

W 1 0 0 0

D 0 1 1 0

Ghoulam, who is nursing a groin injury, to play against Nigeria. Left back Ghoulam has been treated by ultrasound and MRI and the Algeria medical staff led by Ali Yekdah now say he has shown remarkable improvement. According to africanfootball. com, Algeria are now even more positive about the defender after he trained with the rest of the squad yesterday morning before they departed for Nigeria yesterday. The FC Napoli defender is very crucial to the plans of coach Georges Leekens, who knows that the fast Nigeria attack led by the likes of Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon and Victor Moses could exploit his team’s fullback positions and so the need to line up an experienced player like Ghoulam. Algerians came in chartered flight landed at the Uyo airport late evening and were received by top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The Desert Foxes were led by long-serving FAF president Mohamed Raouraoua. They are also booked into the Le Meridian, same abode of Super Eagles and will have a first feel of the pitch at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium by 5pm today. L 0 0 0 1

GF 0 0 0 0

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Mikel Obi celebrating the bronze medal feat of Team Nigeria at the Rio Olympic Games

FIFA Rejects Wales Request to U S A E L E C T I O N Wear Poppies against Serbia Trump’s Victory ‘Adds Layer’ to USA/Mexico W’Cup Duel FIFA has rejected a request from Wales to wear poppies on their shirts or on armbands in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia. Wales will wear black armbands instead, while fans at Cardiff City Stadium will form a poppy mosaic before kick-off. Football’s world governing body FIFA prohibits any political, religious or commercial messages on shirts. But England and Scotland will defy FIFA’s ban on players wearing poppies in their match tonight. Both football associations will let players wear black armbands with poppy emblems and are willing

to accept any punishment. Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Jonathan Ford: said “The FAW naturally wishes to respect and honour those who fought and lost their lives fighting for their country. “We felt unable to take the risk of a financial penalty or point deduction. However, as we always have done at this time of year, we will be paying our respects in other ways.” Members of the Flanders Welsh War Memorial at Langemark will be in attendance at the match as invited guests of the FAW. A delegation of Welsh management and players will also visit a war memorial on Remembrance Sunday.

Ogbein Fawole is Dead Ex- Shooting Stars, Ogbein Fawole is dead. The former defender of Ibadan based club died at the age of 58. His brother immediate brother Harry Ogbein disclosed that Fawole died on Monday afternoon at his Lagos residence of sudden cardiac arrest and his corpse now at the morgue

in a hospital in Lagos. He is survived by a wife, four kids and siblings! Ogbein Fawole was the captain of I.IC C. Shooting Stars during the ill fated final of the African Champions Cup in 1984 when Zamalek won in Lagos.

Donald Trump’s victory in the United States presidential election has given an “added layer” to today’s World Cup qualifier against Mexico, accourding to USA captain Michael Bradley. Trump has described Mexicans as “criminals” and said he wants to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. The match will be played in Ohio, a key ‘swing’ state won by Trump. Bradley said fans at the game

must be respected, be they “American, Mexican, neutral, men, women, children”. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has previously accused Trump of damaging US-Mexico relations, after the president-elect called undocumented Mexican migrants to the US “criminals” and “rapists”. He also said Mexico would foot the bill for his planned wall along the southern border of the US - a claim denied

by the Mexican government. “Given the way everything has gone the last few months, I think there is an added layer to this game,” said Bradley. “I would hope that our fans do what they always do, which is support our team in the best, most passionate way possible.” US goalkeeper Tim Howard said he hoped the game in Ohio’s capital, Columbus, did not become overshadowed. “That’s politics, and this

is football,” said the former Manchester United and Everton player. “Mexico is going to try to kick our asses and we’re going to try to kick theirs. It’s got nothing to do with politics.” Friday marks the start of the final stage of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, with six teams - the US, Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Honduras and Panama - vying for three automatic spots at Russia 2018.

300 Athletes Set for Korean Ambassador Championship More than 300 athletes drawn from across the country will feature at the 7th Korean Ambassador Taekwondo Championship holding from December 7-10, 2016 at the Sir. Molade Okoya Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, Lagos as powered by the Korean Embassy in Nigeria with the support of LG Electronics, Samsung and KEPCO Electronics as sanctioned by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation. President of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation

and Vice president of the commonwealth Taekwondo Federation, George Ashiru who is also the chairman of the organising committee said the championship will feature all the eight weight categories for men and women as approved by the world Taekwondo Federation as well as the men and women poomsae events. Adding that the tournament is not only unique but timely as it will help the NTF to know the current champions in various

weight categories following the surprise results and upsets that were recorded at the last George Ashiru invitational Taekwondo championship held at the indoor Sports hall of the University of Lagos. “Besides, the KATC will also help to keep the athletes busy and up to date since organizers are reverting to the open individual weights format that creates opportunities for both the elite and the emerging talents to show case their skills and vie for National status “,

Ashiru noted. States wishing to be part of the exercise have been advised to forward their entries to the secretariat of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, National Stadium, Surulere Lagos before the close of registration with evidence of an approved Dan and NTF license. States are to cater for the feeding and the transportation of their athletes to and fro Lagos as well as other logistics even as payment of affiliation fee is also one of the criteria for participation.