Monday 29th May 2017 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Oil Marketers Groan as Matured LCs, Unpaid Subsidy Claims Hit $2Bn Ejiofor Alike The capacity of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) to import petroleum products has continued to weaken as unpaid subsidy claims and matured Letters of Credit (LCs)

arising from the old subsidy regime hit $2 billion, THISDAY has learnt. THISDAY gathered that the huge debts, which grew as a result of rising cost of forex and the interest charges by banks that funded the

importation of the cargoes, have since forced foreign banks such as the Citi Bank of New York, BNP Paribas and others, which provided the LCs for the importation, to stop opening lines of credits for the fuel marketers.

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, attested to the weakening capacity of the private marketers to import products when he said in Lagos recently that the country had returned to the era of the first and

second quarters of 2016 when the NNPC became the sole importer of products. According to him, the marketers resumed importation after the federal government partially liberalised the downstream sector in May

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2016, eliminating the subsidy regime and adjusting the pump price of petrol from N86.50 to N145 per litre. However, the full participation of the marketers in importation could not be sustained following the rising cost of forex and the accumulation of unpaid Continued on page 89

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No Alternative to Democracy, Say Saraki, Dogara, Tinubu, Others Osinbajo addresses the nation today Omololu Ogunmade, Damilola Oyedele, James Emejo and Senator Iroegbu in Abuja In spite of the biting economic hardship, political leaders yesterday appealed to Nigerians to persevere some more, saying there was light at the end of the tunnel and that there was no alternative to democratic rule in the country.

The appeal comes as Acting President Yemi Osinbajo addresses the nation this morning on the midterm scorecard of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, told THISDAY in a Continued on page 12

...Akpabio: Why APC Failed

Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja

The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal federal government failed to deliver on the basic needs of Nigerians in the last two years because it lacked the experience and technical-knowhow to administer the country.

The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who stated this in an exclusive interview with THISDAY in Abuja, said that rather than focus on how to fulfil its campaign promises to the Nigerian people, the ruling party spent two years blaming PDP for its failure to perform. Continued on page 89

IT'S CELEBRATION TIME… Lagos Court Bars LGs from Acting President Yemi Osinbajo flanked (L-R) by Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Governor Akinwunmi former governors, Brig-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson (rtd.), Senator Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; and Mrs Abimbola Issuing Marriage Certificate... Page 12 Ambode; Jakande at the Lagos @50 gala night in Lagos… Saturday

T H I S D AY MONDAY MAY 29, 2017

˾ MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MARKET NEWS

STACO Insurance Pays N1.99 Billion Claims in 2016 Goddy Egene STACO Insurance Plc said it paid claims worth N1.99 billion in 2016 and ended the year with a profit of N1.8 billion. The company also disclosed at the weekend that its shareholders’ funds stood at N3.8, up from N3.8 billion in 2015. The company explained that despite the short comings resulting from the high exchange rate, its management was committed to improving its performance, continuously delivering value

and positively affecting the lives of its stakeholders by conducting its business in a way that is friendly and ethical with best practices. STACO Insurance said it intends to embark on strategic expansion aimed at exploring and capturing new frontiers, pursuing and driving the micro insurance concept for a better share of the market and increased market value. The company had paid N1.445 billion claims to its various clients between

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return. An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

January and September 2016. A breakdown of nine months figure showed that N596.55 million was paid on fire business as against N436.38 million paid in 2015, this was the class of business with the highest claims paid. Next to fire insurance in the quantum of claims paid was General Accident class of business where the sum of N389.96 million was paid on claims, while total claims of N197.32 million and N119.83 million were paid on marine

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 25-May-2017, unless otherwise stated.

and bond respectively, while the sum of N82.70 million and N46.10 million were paid on oil and gas business and motor business respectively amongst other claims. According to the company, its strength lies in its passion for high standards and prompt settlement of claims, noting that it was committed to providing exceptional services to her numerous customers. STACO Insurance’s quality services has fetched it numerous awards in the past. The latest

award was the insurance Personality Leadership Award for year 2016 conferred on the Group Managing Director / Chief Executive of the company, Sakiru Oyefeso by African Prize for Leadership Excellence. Oyefeso was in 2015 awarded a fellowship of the West African Insurance Institute (WAII), was established by the government of the five English speaking countries in West Africa (Cameroon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone) with the support

of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). STACO Insurance Plc emerged in July 1994 as a result of discreet acquisition and restructuring carried out on Alpha Insurance Plc. It was incorporated in Nigeria 1991 and subsequently licensed to transact all classes of Insurance business. The company’s capital base is in excess of N6.0 billion and the company was recently rated BBB+ by the Global Rating Co.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors. Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return. NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 147.90 148.83 16.59% Nigeria International Debt Fund 219.03 220.32 3.31% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.73 0.74 4.97% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.16% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 13.74 14.16 11.31% ARM Discovery Fund 313.92 323.39 9.31% ARM Ethical Fund 23.12 23.82 3.50% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 16.06% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 120.20 121.04 14.28% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 17.58% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.00% Paramount Equity Fund 10.52 10.79 12.39% Women's Investment Fund 90.64 92.96 7.14% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.56% FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,074.30 1,075.42 6.30% FBN Heritage Fund 123.44 124.32 10.65% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.79% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $108.91 $109.39 5.68% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $108.32 $108.70 5.79% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 126.93 128.67 12.69% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.09 1.11 17.02% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.73 2.73 6.23% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,398.86 2,429.88 8.65% Coral Income Fund 2,253.94 2,253.94 7.11% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.43% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.58% Vantage Balanced Fund 1.87 1.89 11.13% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 17.72%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.04 1.06 5.39% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,025.83 1,025.83 4.26% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.03 11.12 14.12% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 17.13% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.11 1.13 12.21% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.56 10.63 1.64% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 16.79% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 117.71 118.24 15.40% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.30 1.30 4.43% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 1,950.88 1,961.24 6.52% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 158.59 158.59 3.01% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.83 0.84 8.44% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 198.33 198.33 6.12% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 138.69 140.61 6.87% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.46% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 8,031.49 8,120.97 5.88% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.22 1.23 10.79% United Capital Bond Fund 1.31 1.31 15.55% United Capital Equity Fund 0.73 0.74 2.86% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.16 1.16 11.20% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 11.18 11.37 15.59% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.86 11.98 8.53% Zenith Income Fund 17.86 17.86 8.04%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 126.87

1.01% 2.34%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.79 84.22

8.89 85.78

0.11% 11.13%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.39 7.14 13.58 16.70 129.58

3.43 7.22 13.68 16.90 131.58

22.86% 1.56% 12.95% 4.67% -0.23%

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

T H I S D AY MONDAY MAY 29, 2017

MONDAY, ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍż Ëž T H I S D AY

PAGE TWELVE

Despite Weak Economic Indicators in Two Years, Experts Foresee Recovery Obinna Chima Although major economic indicators have remained weak in the last 24 months with President Muhammadu Buhari in the saddle of governance, financial market experts have predicted positive growth in the remaining two years of the administration. The Nigerian economy slipped into recession last year as its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate fell by 2.06 per cent in the second quarter of 2016. A former bank Executive Director, Mr. Abdulrahman Yinusa, who spoke in a chat with THISDAY yesterday, expressed optimism that recent reforms in the economy will help stimulate economic activities. "In economics, there is always the lag effects of policy change. Let's assume that the first two years have been dedicated to changes in policy and reforms and so the lag effects should be over and we expect the positive effects

to be felt. "Remember that our recession was an oil price induced recession because of the reduction in oil revenue. Now that we are back to the $50 per barrel region and with the level of transparency we have seen in this government, we should have more money to embark on capital project," he added. On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, anticipated a "slow, painful, but also consistent" economic recovery in the next two years. He explained: "The recovery process has started. But the time between when it starts and when you feel the impact would be long. So, let's not expect any miracle. It needs a lot of hardwork. Don't forget the average rate of growth in the past five years before the slowdown was 5.3 per cent. "At best, even in 2019, you will be lucky to get 2.5 per cent growth and that means you will still be halfway to

where you were before. So, it's going to be a slow but painful recovery." Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Cowry Asset Management Limited, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, expressed optimism that there would be reversal in the decline of economic indicators in the second half of the current administration. "The expected reversal would be policy-induced and also as a result of exogenous factors. The policy-induced segment would come from the government's decision to come up with an economic plan. Previously, if you recall, for the first half of this administration, there was no defined economic plan. It took the government several months to set up a cabinet. "Most of the critical economic agencies and parastatals are just having boards. So, we expect more effectiveness in the discharge of the duties of those agencies and parastatals with now fully constituted boards," he added. According to Chukwu, the

new approach to addressing the Niger Delta issues would ensure sustained improvement in the country's oil revenue. The Chief Executive Officer, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, believes that the aggressive intervention by the central bank would help stimulate the economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Personally, I support the approach of the CBN. At one point the argument was whether they should devalue or not. But people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look back to see what has happened in the past. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is happening now is because the price of crude oil is stabilising and so we have more dollars to intervene in the market. For any investor that has long-term view about the Nigerian economy, this is the best time to invest in Nigeria,â&#x20AC;? he added. The positive economic projections were largely based on improved economic activities in the country following enhanced dollar supply in the economy,

reforms around the Ease of Doing Business as well as the launch of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. While some of the factors responsible for the weakness in the economy in the past two years were as a result of delayed response by the Buhari administration to the structural adjustments needed to avert the GDP slump, others were due to external factors. For instance, the benchmark Brent crude oil which was at $57.09 per barrel as at May 2015, when this administration took office, has remained soft and currently at $51.32 per barrel as at last Friday. In addition, inflation rate in the country has worsened, rising by 91 per cent to 17.24 per cent as at April this year, compared with the nine per cent it was as at May 2015. The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external reserves has also improved slightly in the past two years, from $29.1 billion when the president was sworn-in two years ago, to $30.50 billion as at May 25, 2017.

Also, Nigeria's perennial exchange rate crisis worsened in the past two years such that the naira fell to an all-time low of N525 to the dollar on the parallel market early this year, before the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) developed a strategy to halt its slide. The naira exchange rate against the dollar which was at N218/$ on the parallel market when this government took over, now trades at N380 to the dollar. On the other hand, the official exchange rate has been adjusted to N305 to the dollar, from N197 to the dollar when Buhari took over. Similarly, monetary policy has remained tight in the past two years as the benchmark Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) which was 13 per cent two years ago, is currently at 14 per cent. The Nigerian stock market has also been struggling as findings show that at N10.048 trillion as at Friday, the market capitalisation is N1.611 trillion below the N11.659 trillion it was when the president took over.

social, economic and human development, adding that in those other areas where the nation was lacking, the system made it possible for the problems to be brought to the public arena for discussion and settlement, in democratic institutions like the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. On his part, Dickson insisted that the current form of government had come to stay, challenging those he described as anti-democratic forces who had been working to truncate democracy to rethink because democracy is here to stay. Non-democratic rule, said Dickson in a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, was no longer fashionable; stating that democracy remained the best system of government. He charged critical stakeholders like members of the National Assembly, civil society organizations and the media not to abdicate their roles to defend and promote the noble ideals of democracy even in the face of constant threats and intimidation. Also opposed to any attempt to truncate democratic rule was an APC chieftain, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, who warned Nigerians against military interference. He, however, said the recent alleged plot by some politicians and top military hierarchy to take over the government was uncalled for and charged Nigerians to protect the current democratic dispensation. Baraje spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, while speaking with journalists on the state of the nation. He cautioned against religious bigotry, ethnicity and acts that could truncate the peace and unity of the country. He called for prayers for quick recovery of the president. The NLC in a statement by

its president, Wabba, called on the Chief of Army Staff, Buratai, and the Nigerian Army authorities not only to investigate but to prosecute anybody found culpable in the alleged coup plot. Wabba warned that the organised labour union would not tolerate military takeover of the government. Wabba said that NLC decided to break from its norm of not issuing a statement to mark May 29, because of the sensitivity of the issue raised by the Army and the current socio-economic realities in the country. According to him: "This year, we have decided to break from the tradition and address an issue, which came to light recently. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Burutai, recently told Nigerians that he had gotten "information that individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons. "This thinly veiled statement has been decoded in plain language to mean that some politicians and non-military persons have been approaching military officers to organize a military coup to truncate the current democratic dispensation. "The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to state in the strongest possible tone that it is categorically opposed to any further military adventurism in the body politics of our nation. The damage military incursion into Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political arena did over the decades it imposed itself on the people is largely responsible for the underdevelopment of our political culture almost six decades after attaining political independence." Wabba said the military did not only do incalculable damage to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political culture but also deepened and virtually institutionalized corruption in all segments of national life.

"We call on the Chief of Army Staff to go beyond just informing Nigerians and cautioning those trying to derail our democracy to desist from it. Rather, the armed forces should at the appropriate time after concluding its investigation, identify the individuals involved, prosecute them in the relevant courts, and if found guilty given the appropriate punishments as deterrent to potentially ambitious adventurers," he said. He called on elected public office holders at all levels of government to rededicate themselves and work to make democracy impact the people positively. Wabba also cautioned the federal government on the pending demand for the review of the National Minimum Wage, warning that labourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patience was waning and urged the federal government to use the occasion of the Democracy Day to announce the composition of the tripartite negotiation committee so discussions on the demand could start.

NO ALTERNATIVE TO DEMOCRACY, SAY SARAKI, DOGARA, TINUBU, OTHERS text message yesterday that the Acting President would address the nation but did not give details of the focus of the speech. However, President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu; National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu; and former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, have urged Nigerians not to allow their current economic predicaments predispose them to dictatorship, saying it was better to support and strengthen the institutions of democracy to assure a better future. Others who also urged support for democracy included Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Ayuba Waba. Since the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, warned officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to shun alleged entreaties from politicians to subvert constituted authority a couple of weeks ago, the nation has been on edge, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged security breach and prosecution of culprits. The celebration of Democracy Day and the midterm of President Muhammadu Buhari today has offered political leaders another opportunity to espouse the virtues of democracy and warn dictatorship adherent to stay off the polity. Saraki in his Democracy Day message saluted Nigerians for their perseverance in the face of the prevailing hardships, assuring them that there were better days ahead. "Let us celebrate with hope that the present economic challenges will soon give way to a prosperous country that we can all be proud of. Our

democratic institutions need to be strengthened to perform their duties in the service of all Nigerians irrespective of the government in power," Saraki said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu. He called for concerted efforts to build a strong national economy, as a way to ensure the sustenance of democracy in the country, adding that the biggest challenge to democracy in the last 18 years, had been the need to better the living standards of citizens, and ensure even development across Nigeria. Dogara in his message spoke in similar vein: "I thank and appreciate our country men and women for the dedication, patience, hope and resilience that they have shown, that in spite of the biting economic recession, we have held on to our hope for a better nation and we have not given up.â&#x20AC;? He noted that despite the challenges, democracy remained the best form of government, adding that the government of the day was committed to strengthening its institutions and fighting corruption. According to him: "I know there are challenges but these challenges are not peculiar to us. So many countries have had to face these kind of challenges in their developmental strides. "Thank God we have a president who is determined and who has an uncompromising stance against corruption, and we are building strong institutions that will deal with the hydra headed monster." Ekweremadu on his part harped on the need to uphold constitutionalism and the rule of law to sustain democracy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The greatest blessings of democracy are constitutionalism, rule of law, respect for human rights, courts, separation of powers, and the ballot box,â&#x20AC;? he said, contending that democracy was not just about good roads,

hospitals, electricity, and other socio-economic infrastructure, which are not only grossly inadequate now but could also be provided by a dictator. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unless we apply the breaks and uphold the rule of law and democratic conventions and practices in all ramifications, our greatest losses, moving forward, will not be economic recession, lack of critical infrastructure, among others, but an irredeemably deteriorated civilian rule where the decisions of the courts, letters and spirit of the law, resolutions of the legislature, electoral choices of Nigerians as expressed through the ballot no longer count,â&#x20AC;? Ekweremadu said. He urged Nigerians to defend democracy with all lawful and legitimate means, for posterity sake. In Lagos, Tinubu asked Nigerians to keep and nurture democracy, not for the sake of democracy but for the sake of the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must remember that should we fall asleep, there are those who would like nothing better than to take it from us,â&#x20AC;? he said in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Tunde Rahman, telling Nigerians to be vigilant and ensure a better future and better Nigeria. Atiku said Nigerians should not contemplate having the military back to power, asking anyone toying with such an idea to perish with such thoughts as the worst form of democratic rule had been adjudged far better than the best form of military dictatorship. "Nigerians should be proud of themselves for doing away with military governments in 1999, in favour of democracy, which the World over, gives voice and a sense of belonging to more people in the society," he said in a statement by his Media Office in Abuja. He said since the return of democracy in 1999, the nation had accomplished a lot in

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T H I S D AY MONDAY MAY 29, 2017

COMMENT

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

THE APC GOVERNMENT: A MID-TERM ASSESSMENT

The government needs to do more to leave an impressive legacy, argues Ikeogu Oke

he bitterly fought 2015 presidential election left many negative outcomes in its aftermath. The most glaring was a deeply divided country whose populace focused the allegiance they hardly held to a nation they scarcely believed in its authenticity on the political parties they supported, their presidential candidates, and the candidates’ religious and other affiliations. The next, and related to this negative form of allegiance, was the division of Nigerians who engaged in public discourse into “Jonathanians” and “Buharideens”, the first being a derogatory term for fanatical supporters of former President Goodluck Jonathan who lost the election and the latter for their counterparts who rooted for President Buhari, the winner. Also, to be identified with either group made you a partisan, uncompromising supporter of the related candidates’ political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the All Progressives Congress (APC). And the rival side regarded you as so jaundiced in your opinion as not to be trusted to be objective in criticising its presidential candidate, his party, or praising yours or his party. I doubt that the flagon of Nigerian public discourse has ever been laced with a more potent poison of prejudice. But there were a few who refused to drink from that deadly cup, who strove to remain objective in their contribution to national discourse. However, even the brashness of those entrenched partisans has been tempered by the hard lessons of governance with the APC at the centre under Buhari on the one hand, and the various corruption-related revelations involving chieftains of the PDP who served under Jonathan on the other hand. On both sides are muted “wailers” and disillusioned “hailers”, to adopt that memorable, sarcastic description of partisan critics of the APC government by Femi Adesina, President Buhari’s media aide, and the corresponding characterisation of equally partisan supporters of the APC government by no less partisan fans of the past PDP federal government. Ironically, some of the manifestations under this climate of mutual antagonism between leaders, the two political parties and their supporters provide some basis for assessing the success or failure of the APC government in delivering on its major campaign promises. Take fighting corruption, for instance. If, as we have seen with several PDP chieftains like Olisa Metuh, one is found to have stashed away funds in some bank account or private vault like the Ikoyi flat where over S43 million dollars was reportedly discovered by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and cannot explain the source, and ends up forfeiting it to the authorities, one, even as a “wailer”, would have to acknowledge it as a sign that the APC government is taking steps to combat corruption. Such discoveries should be treated as the incontrovertible facts they are. And there are more of them like the hoard of cash allegedly linked to Dr. Andrew Yakubu, former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), reportedly discovered on February 3, 2017, also by EFCC operatives, in a building in

THE APC GOVERNMENT ALSO PROMISED TO SOLVE THE PERENNIAL PROBLEM OF POWER AS IF WITH A MAGIC WAND. BUT WE HAVE CONTINUED TO WITNESS A DINGDONG STRUGGLE BETWEEN IMPROVEMENT AND DECLINE OF SERVICE IN THE POWER SECTOR

Kaduna belonging him. The amount reportedly exceeded $9,772,800. The essential fact of such discoveries should lend credence to the APC government’s claim of fighting corruption. However, their lending that credence does not obviate the genuineness of the concerns of critics of the APC government’s anti-corruption fight for its alleged lopsidedness that makes it seem like a witch-hunt of the opposition. They try to justify this claim by pointing out that few, if any, members of the ruling party have been caught in its anti-corruption dragnet compared to the opposition party, and that those members of the ruling party accused of corruption, like Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers State and now Minister of Transport, seem to have been largely ignored by the relevant authorities. These two scenarios portray the APC government’s fight against corruption as a partial success that need to be strengthened. And this strengthening, which we hope brings better results during the remaining years of its tenure, may not only manifest as action that eliminates this impression of its lopsidedness. It may also manifest as the rigorous prosecution of those arraigned for corruption by the EFCC, so they are not perceived as having been acquitted due to the incompetence of the agency. Also, the introduction of the whistle-blower programme by the APC government seems to have imbued its anti-corruption fight with more seriousness. The programme is meant to reward a whistleblower with between 2.5 and five per cent of any amount of stolen funds recovered through their involvement. And the hunger it has triggered in some people to get rich at the expense of the despoilers of our public treasury is credited with some recent successes of the EFCC in tracking and uncovering stockpiles of stolen public funds. But the programme could be crippled by fear if, in fighting back as Nuhu Ribadu the former EFCC Chairman said it must, corruption were to identify any of the whistle-blowers and move predictably against them. And so the APC government may further strengthen its fight against corruption by improving efforts to ensure the security and anonymity of the whistle-blowers in a country where those they confide in may also be agents or beneficiaries of corruption. And while the “hailers” would tend to ignore the murderous and widespread bloodletting around the country attributed to Fulani herdsmen under the APC government, the “wailers” would rather overlook the progress in its fight against terror as reflected in the decline of the menace of the Boko Haram insurgents. Some “wailers” would even scoff that the terror group, or a franchise of it, was set up by some vested political interests to destabilise the country in order to frustrate the re-election of the last PDP presidential candidate. However, like the discovery of funds of inexplicable acquisition, this “conspiracy theory” does not negate the fact that the activities of the terror group have abated under the APC government, leading to an improvement in national security and giving cause to credit the government for having somewhat kept its campaign promise to improve security. Oke, poet and public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja

WHY GOWON CREATED STATES

n Saturday, May 27, the drums rolled out in Lagos, Kano, Ilorin, Port Harcourt and in some other states capitals, to mark the 50 years anniversary of their creation by General Yakubu Gowon. It is interesting that Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike of Rivers State was not yet born when Rivers State was created in 1967, while Governors Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and Abdudulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State were both four when their states were created. Governor Abdulahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State was 18 at that time. It is sad that Rasheed Abiodun Gbadamosi (1943-2016) Co-chairman of Lagos State at 50 was not around to celebrate on Saturday. He joined the saints on November 17 last year. Luckily, General Gowon, who ruled Nigeria for nine years (1966-1975) is still alive, to witness the celebrations. Coincidentally Lagos, Kano and Rivers States are the richest states in the country today with Lagos State becoming the fifth largest economy in Africa and aiming to be the third largest economy in Africa in 2025. But 50 years ago, the idea of creating states, just like the National Youth Service Scheme, was not a popular decision. In fact the 12 states were created by General Gowon in the midst of major national crisis. The 12 states have now become 36 states in addition to the Federal Capital, Abuja. The good thing is that the states have survived and they will continue to survive no matter our position about regionalism and restructuring. Let’s go back to the broadcast made by General Gowon on May 27 1967. It was in the same broadcast where he ordered the state of emergency in the country: “The main obstacle to future stability in this country is the present structural imbalance in the Nigerian Federation. Even Decree No.8 or

Eric Teniola writes that the states, good or bad, have come to stay

Confederation or ‘loose association’ will never survive if any one section of the country is in a position to hold the others to ransom. “This is why the first item in the political and administrative programme adopted by the Supreme Military Council last month is the creation of states for stability. This must be done first so as to remove the fear of domination. Representatives drawn from the new states will be able to work out the future constitution for this country which can contain provisions to protect the powers of the states to the fullest extent desired by the Nigerian people. As soon as these are established, a new revenue allocation commission consisting of international experts will be appointed to recommend an equitable formula for revenue allocation taking into account the desire of the states. I propose to act faithfully within the political and administrative programme adopted by the Supreme Military Council and published last month. The world will recognise in these proposals our desire for justice and fair play for all sections of this country and to accommodate all genuine aspirations of the diverse people of this great country. I have ordered the re-imposition of the economic measures designed to safeguard federal interests until such time as the Eastern Military Governor abrogates his illegal edicts on revenue collection and the administration of the Federal Statutory corporations based in the East. “The country has a long history of well-articulated demands for states. The fears of minorities were explained in great detail and set out in the report of the Willink Commission appointed by the British in 1958. More recently, there have been extensive discussions in Regional Consultative Committees and leaders-of-thought conferences. Resolutions have been adopted demanding the creation of states in the North and in Lagos.

Petitions from minority areas in the East which have been subjected to violent intimidation by the Eastern Military Government have been publicised. While the present circumstances regrettably do not allow for consultations through plebiscites, I am satisfied that the creation of new states as the only possible basis for stability and equality is the overwhelming desire of the vast majority of Nigerians. To ensure justice, these states are being created simultaneously. To this end, therefore, I am promulgating a decree which will divide the Federal Republic into 12 states. The 12 states will be six in the present Northern Region, three in the present Eastern Region, the Mid-Western will remain as it is, the Colony Province of the Western Region and Lagos will form a new Lagos State and the Western Region will otherwise remain as it is. I must emphasise at once that the decree will provide for a state delimitation commission which will ensure that any divisions or towns not satisfied with the states in which they are initially grouped will obtain redress. But in this moment of serious national emergency, the co-operation of all concerned is absolutely essential in order to avoid any unpleasant consequences. I wish also to emphasise that an Administrative Council will be established at the capitals of the existing regions which will be available to the new states to ensure the smoothest possible administrative transition in the establishment of the new states. The states will be free to adopt any particular names they choose in the future. The immediate administrative arrangements for the new states have been planned and the names of the Military Governors already announced. “The allocation of federally collected revenue to the new states on an interim basis for the first few months has also been planned. The successor states in each former region will share the revenue of that

region in the equitable basis of their population until a more permanent formula is recommended by the new Revenue Allocation Commission. Suitable arrangements have been made to minimise any disruption in the normal functioning of services in the area of the new states. It is my fervent hope that the existing regional authorities will co-operate fully to ensure the smoothest possible establishment of the new states. It is also my hope that the need to use force to support any states will not arise. I am, however, ready to protect any citizen of this country who are subject to intimidation or violence in the course of establishment of these new states. My dear countrymen, the struggle ahead is for the well-being of the present and future generations of Nigerians. If it were possible for us to avoid chaos and civil war merely by drifting apart as some people claim, that easy choice may have been taken. But we know that to take such a course will quickly lead to the disintegration of the existing regions in condition of chaos and to disastrous foreign interference. We now have to adopt the courageous course of facing the fundamental problem that has plagued this country since the early fifties. There should be no recrimination. We must all resolve to work together. It is my hope that those who disagreed in the past with the federal government through genuine misunderstanding and mistrust will now be convinced of our purpose and be willing to come back and let us plan and work together for the realisation of the political and administrative programme of the Supreme Military Council and for the early restoration of full civilian rule in circumstances which would enhance just and honest and patriotic government. Teniola a former director at the Presidency, wrote from Lagos

T H I S D AY Ëž Í°ÍˇË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

EDITORIAL THE MESSAGE OF RAMADAN

The holy month offers another opportunity to all to be fair and just

e are again in that holy season when Muslims, all over the world, observe Ramadan, in an annual spiritual battle against the flesh and the pleasures of unchecked consumption and mindless gratification. As one of the five pillars of Islam, the month-long fasting, which commenced on Saturday, brings an opportunity for adherents of the faith to re-evaluate how they could be better in their stewardship to man and their creator. There is indeed a lot to be said for a religious practice which has at its heart a period of fasting and praying aimed at bringing about healing, repentance and renewal. And we believe that the essence of such exercise in self-denial should not be limited to Muslims alone, especially in this season. All Nigerians recognise the fact that there are many things that are not right in our country today. We should therefore, as a people, use the opportunity of this Ramadan to examine our hearts, take individual responsibilWE SHOULD USE THE ity for our failings and OPPORTUNITY TO misdeeds, and pray EXAMINE OUR HEARTS, for the courage and TAKE RESPONSIBILITY determination to do FOR OUR FAILINGS AND better and change our PRAY FOR THE COURAGE ways for the collective good of all Nigerians. TO CHANGE OUR WAYS It is instructive that FOR THE COLLECTIVE GOOD OF ALL NIGERIANS Ramadan this year coincided with the second year anniversary of the Muhammadu Buhari administration and the 18th year of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria. With ethnic uprisings and sectarian violence threatening to tear the country apart and a mindless crave for materialism, whereby a privileged few monopolises the wealth of the nation, there can be no better time for reflection. These are infractions frowned at by Almighty God and vehemently discour-

Letters to the Editor

aged by Ramadan fasting, the essence of which is to expose the faithful to their spiritual roots while teaching them that true humanity does not equate mere material possessions, passions or physical cravings. This, we believe, is the real meaning of sharing with, and caring for, the needy and the less privileged that is common during this season. It is especially important at a period our country is going through an economic recession which has made life difficult for the greater majority of our people. If this spiritual essence of Ramadan is imbibed, it could lead to a positive change in our perspective on life: there would be no room for senseless materialism, greed and primitive accumulation of wealth. Rather, there would be greater concern for the poor.

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amadan fasting is a leveller of sorts as both the rich and poor are exposed to hunger and thirst at the same time. Thus, after such selfdenial, expectations are that the wealthy should become more empathetic to the plight of millions of their less fortunate compatriots and those in positions of authority should make policies that would alleviate the sufferings of the people. The Ramadan fast, like the other four pillars of Islam, is aimed at promoting both the spiritual and material wellbeing of man. When he is able to rein in the impulse for self-gratification and greedy accumulation of wealth, man is more liable to make his society a better place to live in, not only for himself but also for his neighbour. The nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political leaders have much to take from the lessons of Ramadan. If they can curtail their materialistic tendencies and pay more attention to the yearnings of the people, the country will certainly become a much happier place. There is much greed in our polity and it has all but ruined the nation. We hope our leaders would avail themselves of the lessons of this season. We also hope that the outcome of this annual spiritual exercise will be of immense benefit to the nation. Ramadan Kareem to all our Muslim brothers and sisters.

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.

NIGERIA: A COUNTRY AT A CROSSROADS

s Nigeria not in a pit of national underdevelopment? Based on indices and benchmark for assessing countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; level of development, Nigeria is a backward country, technologically, industrially, and economically. But why Nigeria is called the giant of Africa confounds not only me but also millions of other patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians. That Nigeria is the giant of Africa is a hyperbolic expression. The truth is, Nigeria is a potentially great country. Are crude oil deposits, gold, bauxite, tin ore, coal, and limestone not found beneath our soil? And Nigeria has a very large land mass and humongous population. More so, millions of Nigerians with specialised skills, expertise and knowledge are living in the Diaspora. And, they contribute meaningfully to the development of their host countries. The waters of Nigeria scattered across our geographical landscape like seas, lakes, ponds, and rivers are great incentives for the practice of agriculture in the country, both subsistence agriculture and mechanised one. And our climatic condition is mild and equable, too. Seldom do such acts of God as cyclone, earthquake, tsunami, and others, which devastate some other countries, occur here. But why has Nigeria not joined the league of developed nations? The answer is not far-fetched. It is located in the issue of inept and corrupt political leadership. Since Nigeria attained self- rule in 1960, bad political leadership interspersed with dictatorial and ruthless military regimes had been our lot and fate until the fourth republic dawned on our political polity in 1999. Those governments pillaged our economy and stalled our democratic and technological growth. Now, we have enjoyed 18 years of unbroken civilian administration. And one political party has handed political power to another without the country descending into a fratricidal civil war. But the smooth

transfer of political power from one political regime to another seems to be the only tangible gain that has accrued to us since the fourth republic berthed here. Are most of our roads not rutted and dilapidated? And millions of Nigerians are unemployed. Our economy, which is solely dependent on crude oil revenue, has slipped into recession, with the concomitant effect of some statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the federation suffering severe financial handicap. But there is a nexus between a countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level of development and its national leaders. Since Nigeria became an independent country, it has not been led by its best politicians, who possess probity and leadership qualities. This is attributable to the factors of political godfatherism, our money-based variant of politics, ethnicity, and religion, which are the determinants that influence our choice of leaders. The recruitment process for our leaders is skewed and structured in such a way that politicians with leadership qualities and probity seldom get elected into exalted political posts in our democratic architecture. It is an incontrovertible fact that our past national leaders got into the presidential loft either fortuitously or they are helped to power. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan became our leader through divine providence. But his political administration was characterised by tardiness, indecisiveness, the regimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incapacity to tame the monster of Boko Haram insurgency, and his condoning of the perpetration of acts of graft by his acolytes. His lackluster performance contributed to his abysmal loss of the last presidential election. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a proof that Nigerians were disaffected with him and his colourless and ineffective leadership style. His successor in office is President Muhammadu Buhari. Owing to his ascetic nature, Spartan lifestyle, and great dislike of corruption, President Buhari, is believed to be the messiah that would right the

wrongs in our political polity, grow and revive our prostrate economy, and fix our infrastructural rot and deficit. Today, however, President Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temporary abode is a hospital in the United Kingdom. And his occupation of the highest political office in Nigeria has led to his demystification. It took him a considerable length of time to form an executive cabinet that is filled with tired, recycled, and unpatriotic politicians. They are just square pegs in round holes. Little wonder, he hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t achieved much as our president. He ought to re-jig his cabinet and inject new blood into it. Nigeria urgently needs skilled and knowledgeable ministers, who can turn around our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s misfortunes and economic woes, and rescue it from the morass of backwardness. If President Buhari is incapable of piloting the affairs of Nigeria owing to his persistent ill-health, he should throw in the towel and hand in his resignation forthwith. Is the survival and progress of Nigeria not more important than his selfish desires and ambitions? Now, Nigeria is pirouetting dangerously, with millions of Nigerians becoming suicidal. In the recent past, some Nigerians took their lives owing to the biting economic hardship, which buffeted them. Our mono-economy, which went into recession when the global oil prices slumped, hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t recovered. Many states in the federation, which are financially distressed, cannot meet their obligations to their workers. And, in this season of economic recession, the value of our naira has depreciated considerably and lost its purchasing power. Consequently, civil servants, who are always hard-up for cash, scrounge for food. Their act of mendacity has robbed them of their dignity. So itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time this political administration implemented palliative measures to cushion the effects of the distressed economy on the hapless masses.

Chiedu Uche Okoye, Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State

T H I S D AY MONDAY MAY 29, 2017

A M I D T E R M R E P O RT

STREET LIGHTS STREET VIEWS STREET LIGHT INDICATOR Clear vision, promising start Good vision, slow start Work in progress, no clear results Non-starter, go back to drawing board

Fiscal Crises Define Governorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Midterm Report

Reports by our correspondents from 36 states, where governors were sworn-in two years ago, show that despite revenue sources comprising FAAC allocations, internally generated revenue, and extra-statutory disbursements (federal government bailouts), the economic recession, rising unemployment and crime, mounting debts, and unmet wage and pension obligations characterised governance in most of the states. Graphics provided by BudgIT

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MIDTERM REPORT

ABIA STATE

OKEZIE IKPEAZU: FINDING HIS FEET AFTER COURT DEBACLES Buffeted by several legal tussles, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, is just settling into his job with the affirmation of his mandate by the Supreme Court a few weeks ago. He ascended to power, promising to renew the commercial city of Aba by rehabilitating its collapsed infrastructure for its huge concentration of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Getting it right in Aba, for Ikpeazu, translates to getting it right in the state as he hopes to use the internally generated revenue from it to build the rest of the state. He has been focused on that with his massive rehabilitation of roads in the commercial city. He has added to that, the promotion of madein-Aba products, including investors from China on a proposed investment of $1.5 billion in shoes. The governor also made some in-roads in agriculture as the state has focused on laying the foundation of becoming a major source of palm produce in a few years time by planting more than two million oil palm seedlings.

Despite Ikpeazuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best efforts to diversify his stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy, Abia Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internally generated revenue dropped by almost N700 million between 2015 and 2016, reflecting a state whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s human and natural resources remained largely untapped. The governor is also yet to fulfil his promise to pay workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; salary on the 24th of every month because of revenue constraints. It is also hamstrung by pension liabilities running into billions of naira, as such, the state has an unpaid wage bill running into several months. Like several states in the country, Ikpeazu also had to contend with rising crime in the form of kidnappings and armed robberies, especially in the southern part of the state. This was not helped by mounting protests by proBiafra agitators in Abia, being the home state of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra. Most of these protests, sometimes violent, resulted in clashes with security forces and the death, arrest and detention of scores of people in Abia.

ABIA IN FIGURES

Ëž Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍłË&#x203A;ÍŻÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ëž Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍąÍąË&#x203A;ÍąÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ëž Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍŻÍąË&#x203A;ÍąÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ëž Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍŻÍ°Ë&#x203A;Í´ÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Total Debt Stock as at Dec 31, 2016 N66.12bn

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă¤Ă&#x; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Í°Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă?Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

ADAMAWA STATE

MOHAMMED BINDOW: THE STATE NEEDS MORE THAN A COMMON TOUCH Senator Mohammed Bindow has made some progress in Adamawa State during his two years in the saddle as governor. Dusting off the debilitating effects of the Boko Haram insurgency, he has focused on urban renewal projects, addressing the humanitarian crisis in the state, and rehabilitation of towns and cities impacted by the insurgency. This has led to the construction of several roads and streets lights, making life in the state capital, Yola, and Mubi, the second largest town in the state, more bearable for their residents. He has also been at work, constructing roads in the rural areas that add economic value to the state. Shelleng, WoruJebba, Yolde-Pete and township roads in Numan, Ganye, among others are

nearing completion. Bindow has trained more than 500 youths in various skills acquisition even as education, health and agriculture, especially rice production, have also received his attention. But a lot still needs to be done in the areas of health care delivery, education and job creation, if he must develop the human capital in a state that remains largely backward. The governor is equally challenged by herdsmen attacks and the backlog of salaries of teachers, local government staff, health workers and pensioners, largely piled up by the previous administration. Adamawaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total debt relative to its revenue also portrayed a state with severe fiscal constraints under the Bindow administration.

ADAMAWA IN FIGURES

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

FAAC Allocation (June 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2016) FAAC Allocation (June 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 2017) IGR in 2015 IGR in 2016 Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´

N34.06bn N32.11bn N4.45bn N5.79bn ÍśÍľË&#x203A;ÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Has received attention, especially rice production Ě&#x2039; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Skills acquisition programmes for youths â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Accomplishment in health facilities limited Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Emphasis laid on rehabilitating the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infrastructure destroyed by Boko Haram â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? The insurgency has made Adamawa an unattractive investment destination â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Menace of herdsmen and Boko Haram terrorists Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

AKWA IBOM STATE

UDOM EMMANUEL: CONSOLIDATING INFRASTRUCTURE Governor Udom Emmanuel came into office with a fivepoint agenda focusing on wealth creation; economic and political inclusion; poverty alleviation; infrastructure consolidation; and expansion and job creation. Udomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best efforts, however, have been targeted at infrastructure development. He has completed over 250km of roads, while progress is being made on over 500km of roads and 17 bridges across the three senatorial districts of the state. Similarly, more than 400 rural development projects across the 31 local government areas of the state are also being executed. Udom has also focused on rural electrification. His other signature projects include the proposed automobile assembly plant in Itu, the LED industry in Itam, a metering factory in Onna, the coconut plantation and refinery in the Mkpat-Enin, Ikot Abasi and eastern Obolo axis, a petrochemical/jetty project in Ibeno, and the second runway at the Ibom airport. He has also secured 450 hectares of land in 15 local government areas for agriculture,

supplying improved oil palm and cocoa seedlings to farmers as well as promoting cassava plantations. He is developing the capacity of the people with 450 youths already trained in cocoa processing, 1,000 in Oracle database management and 100 in mechanised agriculture in Israel. Yet, for a state that is the largest oil producer in the country and received the most from FAAC allocations and bailout funds in the last two years, its pace of development belies the revenue that has accrued to the state. Nonetheless, mention must be made of Emmanuelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort to almost double internally generated revenue from N14.79 billion in 2015 to N23.27 billion in 2016. Prior to 2016, Akwa Ibomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IGR relative to other big oil producing states such as Rivers and Delta was disappointingly negligible as a percentage of total revenue. But the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising debt stock needs to be watched. Although Akwa Ibom gets considerable revenue from the centre, alarm bells are beginning to go off, raising doubts about the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s march towards self-sustainability.

AKWA IBOM IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍŻÍąÍąË&#x203A;ÍśÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍŻÍŻÍľË&#x203A;Í´ÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍŻÍ˛Ë&#x203A;ÍľÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í°ÍąË&#x203A;Í°ÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ĚŠ Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ě&#x2039; Í&#x153;ÍŻÍŻÍłĂ&#x2014; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ë&#x17E; ÍŻÍłÍłË&#x203A;Í˛ÍąĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ * Figure denominated in dollars is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external debt stock

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;riculture: Ă?ĘľĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; - Good Ëž Ă&#x17D;ucation: Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x203A;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Health Care: Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; ĂŁĂ&#x2122; Good Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ę¨Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2014; Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

CLEAR VISION, PROMISING START:

˾ MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

ANAMBRA STATE

WILLIAM OBIANO: IMPROVING THE BUSINESS CLIMATE, BUT… Although William Obiano will be ending his first term in office this year and is seeking re-election in November, the governor has placed emphasis on urban renewal projects, especially with the three flyovers in Awka. Onitsha, the state’s commercial nerve centre, and Nnewi are equally being revamped to attract investors. He has also invested heavily in rural roads in the state, clearing of drainages and waterways. Obiano has added new units to the Onitsha General Hospital and has built a helipad for air ambulances for emergency cases. He has also built several blocks of houses that will serve as Isolation Units in cases of epidemics. The complex has been designated as the Centre for Tropical Disease Control. In education, however, Obiano has been lagging. Anambra, which used to come first in SSCE examinations under the Peter Obi administration, now ranks seventh to ninth position under

the Obiano administration. There is little or any known agriculture policy started by his administration that has worked. In fact, some projects like the Coscharis Farms projects and some others started in partnership with some private firms, have collapsed or are on the verge of collapse. Obiano, however, has done relatively well in trying to change Anambra’s notoriety for being the theatre of crime and criminality in the South-east. He launched an all-out war against kidnappers, armed robbers, drug-dealers and child-traffickers. He has also invested in and donated cars and a helicopter to assist the police keep criminality in check, while a gunboat was provided to the Nigerian Navy. Anambra under Obiano has managed to keep its debt profile low, however, more work needs to be done to improve internal revenue, given its low allocations from the Federation Account.

ANAMBRA IN FIGURES

˾ ˾ ˾ ˾ ˾

FAAC Allocation (June 2015 – May 2016) FAAC Allocation (June 2016 – April 2017) IGR in 2015 IGR in 2016 Total Debt Stock as at Dec 31, 2016

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

N36.00bn N33.84bn N14.79bn NA N23.17bn

˾ Agriculture: Little attention has been paid to agriculture - Poor ˾ ÎßÍËÞÓÙØ˝ Standards have fallen under Obiano – Below Average ˾ ÏËÖÞÒ ËÜÏ˝ Health care has been a priority – Above Average ˾ ØÐÜËÝÞÜßÍÞßÜÏ˝ Considerable investment in roads, bridges and rural electrification and development – ÙÙÎ ˾ ËÝÏ ÙÐ ÙÓØÑ ßÝÓØÏÝÝ˝ With emphasis on revamping Onitsha and Nnewi, the goal is to attract more businesses to the state – Above Average ˾ ÏÍßÜÓÞã˝ Relative peace in the state ̋ ÙÙÎ

GOOD VISION, SLOW START:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

BAUCHI STATE

MOHAMMED ABUBAKAR: ALL MOTION, NO MOVEMENT Despite disagreements with federal legislators from his state, Mohammed Abubakar, the Bauchi governor, has been struggling to deal with some infrastructure challenges left behind by his predecessor, especially in the education sector. Confronted by the rot in the educational sector, Abubakar increased the sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s share of the state budget to 20 per cent, and appointed his deputy, Mr. Nuhu Gidado, to oversee the affairs of the Ministry of Education. The governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stay in office has also been marked by improvement in water supply to which he also dedicated a huge chunk of the state budget. Today, an estimated 700,000 people have improved access to safe drinking water through the construction of 1,652 hand pump boreholes and 34 motorised

powered schemes, while about 30,000 school children have access to safe drinking water and effective sanitation in 42 schools. Similarly, about 1.7 million people from over 2,000 Open Defecation Free certified communities have increased access to sanitation and improved hygiene practices. But Abubakarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration is challenged by paucity of funds, forcing him to tackle its bloated wage bill. This has come at a cost, as workers groan under the yoke of persistent verification exercises that seem unending. His is also one of several states contending with a backlog of unpaid wages and bloated pension liabilities. Even more alarming is the debt overhang Abubakar has had to contend with, making Bauchi an unviable sub-national unit of the federation.

BAUCHI IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍśË&#x203A;Í´ÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍąÍ´Ë&#x203A;ÍąÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍłË&#x203A;ÍąÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍśË&#x203A;Í´ÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍˇÍˇË&#x203A;Í´ÍąĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Í°ÍŽĎą Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ě&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă&#x2DC;Ę¨Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

NON-STARTER, GO BACK TO DRAWING BOARD:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

BAYELSA STATE

SERIAKE DICKSON: IMPROVED HEALTHCARE, CHALLENGING SECURITY ENVIRONMENT Continuing from where he left off after his first term, Seriake Dickson in the last 17 months has expended resources in repositioning education in Bayelsa State. With his policy on free and compulsory education at the primary and secondary school levels, the governor has devoted resources building model schools across the state. Bayelsa under his watch continues to pick the bills for students registering for WAEC, NECO, and JAMB examinations, and has provided scholarships to enable Bayelsans and other Ijaw-speaking peoples study for graduate and post-graduate degrees in universities in Nigeria and overseas. Dickson has also tackled teacher education, which had been neglected for many years due to inconsistent government policies. In the same vein, the governor has focused on infrastructure projects such as roads in the state capital, Yenagoa, to ease the gridlock in the city, while roads to open up communities outside the capital have also received attention. Water transportation

for communities in the creeks has equally been upgraded to reduce accidents in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waterways. Dickson, however, has struggled to pay the salaries of his workers and pensioners, while the menace of militancy, kidnappings and cultism have risen appreciably in the last one year in the state. The governor is now trying to tackle the crime wave in his state through skills empowerment programmes and has embraced the federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modular refinery projects for the Niger Delta to create jobs for his people. Of the four major oil producing states in the country, Bayelsa continues to remain the laggard in all spheres of development, and this has been evident in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IGR, which dropped to N7.9 billion in 2016. The stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s FAAC allocations also dropped significantly in 2016 due to a combination of low oil prices and militant attacks on oil and gas infrastructure, while its debt to foreign and local creditors grew.

BAYELSA IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍľÍŽË&#x203A;ÍąÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍˇÍŽË&#x203A;ÍśÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍśË&#x203A;ÍľÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍľË&#x203A;ÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍŻÍłÍ°Ë&#x203A;ÍŻÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĚ&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ě&#x2039; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;ĂŁ Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă?ĘĽĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

BENUE STATE

SAMUEL ORTOM: DESPITE BAILOUT, STILL OWING SALARIES FOR OVER 12 MONTHS For Samuel Ortom, the last two years have been quite disappointing, fighting off incessant attacks by Hausa-Fulani herdsmen at a time he needed to urgently fulfil his inaugural promise to develop infrastructure and improve on social amenities in the state. Also on his plate was the challenge of nonpayment of pensioners and workers, as well as the need to bring down the high rate of crime in the state. Mid-way into his tenure, his stay in office has been characterised by crises that have been almost overwhelming and deterred him from tapping into the potential of Benue State as the food basket of the nation. Indeed, Ortom has been forced to admit that inadequate resources

have impeded his capacity to deliver on his mandate. With monthly allocations from Abuja hovering around N2.5 billion a month, against a monthly wage bill of N3.7 billion, it is little wonder that Makurdi has remained a bundle of disappointment, earning the governor the recent unenviable sobriquet of â&#x20AC;&#x153;wheel barrow governorâ&#x20AC;?. Although insecurity and unpaid salaries remain the bane of his government, he has tried to make some headway in universal basic education. There also appears to be a silver lining in the horizon, as the enactment of the Anti-Open Grazing Bill may serve as a deterrent to marauding herdsmen that have threatened to completely displace farmers in the state.

BENUE IN FIGURES

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

N35.30bn N35.32 N7.36bn N9.56bn ÍľÍłË&#x203A;ÍŻÍ°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT Ëž

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Limited impact in a state that should be food basket of Nigeria Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Basic education has been given priority â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Limited impact due to paucity of funds Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Limited impact due to paucity of funds. Seeking Chinese loan to build cargo airport â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Herdsmen menace, communal clashes and kidnapping remain unchecked Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

NON-STARTER, GO BACK TO DRAWING BOARD:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

BORNO STATE

KASHIM SHETTIMA: BLIGHTED BY BOKO HARAM CRISIS, LIMITED GOVERNANCE Kashim Shettima, an agricultural economist, former lecturer and banker, is perhaps the best brain to govern Borno State. He came into office six years ago looking prepared with a master plan for the state. But the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east has been a pain in the neck for him as the terrorists have made development of his state near impossible. This has been compounded by the humanitarian crisis and over 2 million displaced persons that have put a major strain on the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances. With the insurgency now abating, Shettima is settling down to the work, focusing on reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement. Already, quite a bit has been achieved by his government, working in over 20 different sites. Many devastated communities have been rehabilitated to meet certain standards: schools, district heads, palaces, central mosques, primary healthcare centres, and water supply boreholes destroyed by the insurgents have been re-built. Equally rebuilt are housing

estates, police quarters, general hospitals and dispensaries, local government secretariats, police stations and barracks, and other public buildings that were destroyed by Boko Haram. Still, Borno remains a shadow of its former self and is a long way off from where it should be. Shettima continues to be faced with periodic bombings and an asymmetrical warfare waged by remnants of the insurgents, rendering his state an unattractive investment destination for businesses that could pool desperately needed resources and create jobs for the masses. The food and humanitarian crisis in the state is of major concern that has attracted global calls for serious interventions to cater to the over three million displaced persons in the state. The only way out for Borno, which has been at the epicenter of the insurgency, is massive aid from internal and external donors. But for this to happen, greater transparency in the way monies pouring in for the reconstruction of the state is utilised must be guaranteed.

BORNO IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

N42.65bn N39.33bn N3.53bn N2.68bn ÍąÍľË&#x203A;Í´Í´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Limited impact for now Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Education is being given priority â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Average Ëž Health Care: Health care is being given priority Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Reconstruction and rehabilitation is ongoing Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Suicide bombings serve as a deterrent for businesses Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Boko Haram still not completely checked; Shettima remains reliant on the Armed Forces to wipeout remnants of the insurgency Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

CROSS RIVER STATE

BEN AYADE: MORE TALK, LITTLE ACTION With the economic downturn, Ben Ayade of Cross River State set for himself the task of wealth creation through aggressive industrialisation and the provision of infrastructure. Under him, he has set about taking on rather ambitious projects, some which include the 260km super highway, 148km Nfum-OgojaObudu Ranch Road, Eastern Boki-Western Boki Link Road, Bakassi Deep Seaport, Cross River Garment Factory; Calabar Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Company, Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), Calabar Rice City, and the Calabar Monorail. He is also building a

32MW power plant in the state capital, Calabar, which is almost complete and promises to give the capital 24 hours uninterrupted power supply. In addition, his administration has secured a $30 million Indian loan for another 26MW as well as the installation of 4MW power turbines in Obudu Local Government Area. Yet, anyone who has encountered Ayade will admit that he is a big talker and has limited resources to deliver on several of these projects. The debt profile of the state, much of which was handed by Ayadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s predecessors, shows that debt service as a percentage of revenue is unsustainable.

CROSS RIVERS IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

FAAC Allocation (June 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2016) N27.80bn FAAC Allocation (June 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 2017) N27.56bn IGR in 2015 N13.57bn IGR in 2016 N14.78bn Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍŻÍ´ÍąË&#x203A;Í°Í°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Limited impact for nowĚ&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Education has been given priority â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Health care facilities have been improved Ě&#x2039; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Has laid blueprint for ambitious projects, but is yet to deliver on them Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Though there is peace, Ayade needs policies that attract investment Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Peace has prevailed in Cross River but kidnapping is on the rise Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

DELTA STATE

IFEANYI OKOWA: CALM, PRUDENT AND DETERMINED Ifeanyi Okowa has made progress with his SMART Agenda standing for: Strategic wealth creation projects and provision of jobs; Meaningful peace building platforms aimed at political and social harmony; Agricultural reforms and accelerated industrialisation; Relevant health and education policies; and Transformed environment through urban renewal. Under SMART, the Delta State governor has upgraded over 1,000 primary schools, 475 secondary schools and three technical colleges. Two of the three campuses of the state-owned Delta State University, Abraka and Oleh, have also been given a face-lift. With 65 hospitals and over 200 functional health centres, the health sector has also received significant attention, while the inauguration of the upgraded Abavo and Patani hospitals in 2016 was a significant milestone in the health sector. In two years, the governor has pumped over N35 billion into the construction of roads across the three senatorial zones of the state, particularly in Delta North and Central districts, with

over 130km of roads constructed or rehabilitated. In Asaba, the state capital, urban renewal is apace with several roads under rehabilitation. Appreciable progress has also been made on the construction of the Asaba drainage system project. However, insecurity remained a drawback in the state with the herdsmen menace, particularly in Delta North and Central zones. Okowa also faced the onerous task of resurgent militant attacks on oil and gas infrastructure much of last year, which impacted negatively on the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances, as reduced crude oil production from Delta State translated into lower derivation from the Federation Account. Although peace appears to have been restored, Delta remains the most volatile oil producing state in the Niger Delta. The stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debt profile was also a cause for concern in the two years Okowa has been in the saddle. With the volatility in the oil markets and attendant lower FAAC allocations, this means that the governor has to expand his internal revenue base through diverse sources other than PAYE for the state to remain viable.

DELTA IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍŻÍŽÍŻË&#x203A;ÍľÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍśÍ´Ë&#x203A;Í°ÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Í˛ÍŽË&#x203A;ÍśÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í˛Í˛Ë&#x203A;ÍŽÍ´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í°ÍłÍ˛Ë&#x203A;ÍŻÍ˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĚ&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ&#x2039; Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;ĂŁ Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă?ĘĽĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂŁ Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x152;ĂŁ Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? ĂŁĂ?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x152;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D; â&#x20AC;&#x201C;BĂ?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

CLEAR VISION, PROMISING START:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

EBONYI STATE

DAVID UMAHI: THE RICE MERCHANT OF THE EAST David Umahi has focused on infrastructure development in his state. With three new flyovers in Abakaliki and road construction in other parts of the state, his people appear to be happy with his stewardship halfway into his tenure. He is also empowering youths in his state, taking over 4,000 unemployed youths and hawkers off the streets through the N250, 000 empowerment scheme. Umahiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus on agriculture has also catapulted his state into one worth watching. Abakaliki rice, which for many years disappeared as a food staple on many peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tables in the South-east, has witnessed a major resurgence under the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stewardship and has helped to push the down the price of this important food staple in the region. Increasing from 120 metric tonnes of rice processed daily, output today stands at 180 metric tonnes, with room to process more because of increased patronage. However, Umahi has to place more emphasis on this area of comparative advantage by attracting more investors into his state to set up state-of-art rice processing mills and incentivising paddy rice farmers, so that output can increase from the current 260,000 metric tonnes per annum. Although Umahi has targeted 350,000 metric tonnes of rice by the end of the year, he should set his sights on 1-2 million metric tonnes before the end of his tenure. That would give his state a first moverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advantage in terms of cornering market share in a country with an estimated rice consumption of 6 million metric tonnes per annum.

His is also a handful of states that has made his workers happy, because in spite of the economic downturn, their salaries are paid as and when due. The governor has equally focused on projects in the urban and rural areas of his state by building roads, making pipe borne water more readily accessible, and in beautification projects in Abakiliki, the state capital. But by stopping the contributory pension scheme, workers in his state are certain to face an uncertain fate upon retirement, effectively increasing poverty and putting pressure on health, housing and other social amenities in the state. Furthermore, a lot is left to be desired in the provision of improved health care facilities and education in Ebonyi. Equally disconcerting is the rising crime wave and herdsmen who have infiltrated his state. In the area of internal revenue generation, Umahi has also taken his finger off the pulse as data provided by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that IGR has dropped precipitously under his watch from N2.3 billion in 2011, rising to N8.2 billion in 2012, rising again to N10.4 billion in 2013, improving to N11 billion in 2015, holding steady at N11 billion in 2015, then crashing inexplicably to N2.34 billion in 2016. Could the sharp decline have been as a result of the recession, or are there gapping leakages in Ebonyi that Umahi must block? For a state that gets FAAC allocations that average about N2.5 billion a month, revenue drive from diverse sources is an area that must be improved upon.

EBONYI IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍŻÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í°Ë&#x203A;ÍąÍ˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í˛Í°Ë&#x203A;Í°ÍŽĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ě&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă¤Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x;ĘľĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x152;ĂŁ Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

GOOD VISION, SLOW START:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

EDO STATE

GODWIN OBASEKI: OFF TO A FLYING START Although Godwin Obaseki has been in the saddle for less than one year, he place special emphasis on the enforcement of Edo Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s town planning laws in order to rollout projects that can transform the state. Since assumption of office, he completed roads and drainages across all the senatorial districts. He has commenced work on Luck Way in Benin City, while Textile Mill Road in Egor Local Government Area, Benin, has been earmarked for reconstruction; the contract for the first central bus terminal in Edo State has also been awarded, while the state secretariat has undergone rehabilitation. Benin City, especially the city centre, under the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watch is also been revamped through a cleanup and beautification programme, while education is receiving major priority. In the area of agriculture, Obaseki is keen on resuscitating

the rubber and palm plantations in conjunction with the private sector, in order to increase the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GDP, while the state government has rolled out a plan to leverage on the University of Beninâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power plant to drive the development of an industrial park within Benin Technical College. The goal is to create a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Silicon Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to boost technology in the state. Obaseki has equally placed a premium on developing Edoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism potential through arts and crafts and leveraging on the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich cultural heritage. Though Obaseki inherited a state where workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s salaries were up to date and its internal revenue generation improved in 2016, the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign debt stock put at $183.64 million as at December 31, 2016, was worrisome. With the devaluation of the naira, Obaseki would have to triple revenue in the state to sustain debt service in the years to come.

EDO IN FIGURES

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

N37.20bn N31.68bn N19.12bn N23.04bn ÍŻÍŽÍŻË&#x203A;ÍŻÍŽĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Plan in place to increase rubber and palm produce Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Impact in education is being felt especially in technical education Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Impact in health is being felt Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Urban and rural projects have been emphasized to disperse development in the state â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Obaseki is putting the right policies in place to attract investments in his state Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Rising attacks by herdsmen and kidnappings need to be checked Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

GOOD VISION, FLYING START:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

EKITI STATE

AYODELE FAYOSE: MR. CONTROVERSIES Carrulous Ayodele Fayose has since assuming office in 2014 continued with his policy on â&#x20AC;&#x153;stomach infrastructureâ&#x20AC;?, hence the priority given by his administration to youth and small business empowerment programmes through direct cash injections. Communitybased projects with grassroots impact have also been pursued by the governor with vigour. These include water projects, rural electrification, equipping primary health care centres and rural roads. Though this has endeared him to the people at the grassroots, workers in the public sector in Ekiti continue to cry out over unpaid wages, while pensioners wallow in poverty. On a larger scale, he has taken on some legacy infrastructure projects such as the flyover in AdoEkiti, the state capital and dualisation of the AdoIkere Road. Others include

dualisation of the Ijero Township Road and Ilawe Road, among others. In the area of agriculture, Fayose has unfolded a plan to boost cocoa farming and processing by private sector companies to create jobs in the state. He has also taken on marauding cattle headers in his state though the enactment of an AntiOpen Grazing Bill. The aim is to protect farmlands in Ekiti and improve agriculture output from the state, while at the same time curbing kidnappings and other vices associated with herdsmen. Fayoseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state is, however, one of the poorest in the country as evidenced by its allocations from the Federation Account and IGR. Coupled with its debt profile, Ekiti is one of the unviable sub-national units of the federation.

EKITI IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´

Í°ÍľË&#x203A;ÍŽÍ°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Í°Í´Ë&#x203A;Í°ÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍąË&#x203A;Í°ÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Í°Ë&#x203A;ÍˇÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍŻÍŽÍ°Ë&#x203A;Í˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ë&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E; Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă¤Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? ĘľĂ&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x152;ĂŁ Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

ENUGU STATE

IFEANYI UGWUANYI: CALM AND MEASURED Ifeanyi Ugwuanyiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements cut across different sectors, especially in road construction, construction of classroom blocks, job creation, and health care delivery. Workers in his state also sleep easy as salaries are guaranteed at the end of every month. Perhaps, the biggest challenge for Ugwuanyiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration remains the recession, which impacted significantly on his ability to deliver on his projects. Despite the challenge, the governor has been widely acclaimed as the best performing governor among his peers in the South-east. Ugwuanyi also held the maiden Enugu Investment Summit, during which his government showcased the economic potentials of the state and wooed investors to take up 14 moribund state-owned industries under the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercialisation and privatisation programme. But it remains to be seen if the summit has had the desired effect. Another area of focus has been the empowerment scheme for traders with N60 million annually to be won by 1,200 traders. This includes approved funds for the

active participation of the state in the implementation of a N2 billion Staple Crops Processing Zone (SCPZ) agricultural programme of the federal government and African Development Bank. After the Ukabi Nimbo community in Enugu State was attacked by suspected herdsmen in 2016, leading to several deaths, Ugwuanyi worked with security forces to curb further incursions into farmlands and prevent reprisals against Hausa-Fulani residents in his state. He also met with the Miyetti Allah to entrench peace and designated the routes to be used by genuine cattle herders. Like his counterpart in Ebonyi, Ugwuanyi must improve internal revenue generation, which dropped from a peak of N20.2 billion in 2013 to N14.24 billion in 2016, reflecting the debilitating impact of the recession. In addition, for a state that boasts the capital of the defunct East Central State, much more is expected in terms internal revenue generation from Ugwuanyi. It is not enough to be acclaimed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;best performing governor in the South-eastâ&#x20AC;?, if his stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances are under strain.

ENUGU IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍłË&#x203A;Í°ÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍąÍ°Ë&#x203A;Í´ÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍŻÍśË&#x203A;ÍŽÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍŻÍ˛Ë&#x203A;Í°Í˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍľÍŽË&#x203A;ÍśÍ´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT Ëž

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ę°Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2018;ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;ĂŁĂ&#x201C; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? ĘĽĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă¤Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? ĘľĂ&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x152;ĂŁ Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x17D; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

CLEAR VISION, PROMISING START:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

GOMBE STATE

IBRAHIM DANKWAMBO: THE STATE NEEDS MORE THAN INFRASTRUCTURE AMIDST POVERTY Though he has covered many grounds, education has unarguably been Ibrahim Dankwamboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priority in the last two years, constructing and renovating over 502 classrooms in both primary and secondary schools. He also built about 51 laboratories and purchased over 4,000 (three in one) desks for secondary schools. He recruited over 1,000 university graduates and 1,000 NCE graduates to close the gap in shortage of teachers in both primary and secondary schools across the state. This improved the mathematics ratio from 1.2590 in 2010 to 1.146 in 2013, while English changed from 1.727 to 1.149. To improve teaching quality, he created an Assurance Quality Department and trained over 3,918 teachers, consisting of 888 for junior secondary and

3,030 for primary school. The results have been noteworthy with the enrolment of 2,000 students for remedial programmes in collaboration with the University of Maiduguri in which 55 per cent have gained admission in to the university. He also sent 20 students overseas for maritime degree programmes. Notwithstanding the inroads Dankwambo might have made in education, Gombe remains one of the most backward states in the country. Being in the North-east, Gombe had its fair share of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents, resulting in a refugee (IDP) crisis that it must contend with. As it stands, its revenue, be it from FAAC or internal sources, is nothing to write home about, making it one of the unviable sub-national units of the federation.

GOMBE IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; Í°ÍśË&#x203A;ÍłÍ˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; Í°ÍśË&#x203A;ÍśÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Í˛Ë&#x203A;ÍľÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í°Ë&#x203A;ÍˇÍ˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í˛ÍˇË&#x203A;ÍśÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2022;ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;ĂŁ Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x152;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

NON-STARTER, GO BACK TO DRAWING BOARD:

˾ MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

IMO STATE

ROCHAS OKOROCHA: HIGH EXPECTATIONS, NO RESULT Rochas Okorocha’s stewardship in the last two years has been a mixed bag for many Imo residents, as they worry about the quality of infrastructure that the governor has provided. For many, the infrastructure is considered sub-standard. This is understandable given the fact that rehabilitation and construction works are largely handled by second-rate contractors that are appointed without due process or open competitive tenders. Many of the jobs, therefore, go bad shortly after inauguration. Okorocha has also spent the last 12 months battling with labour unions and pensioners over his proposal that the latter should forfeit 60 per cent of their outstanding arrears. The petitioners have since sued him. The backlog of unpaid salaries in Imo State is another area that has led to confrontations with labour. Also agitating the minds of the people is the ineffectiveness of the State House of Assembly that has been unable to check the excesses of the garrulous governor. With only four

opposition PDP members out of 27, the legislature has become a mere appendage of the executive. Meanwhile, the impact of his effort to get public sector workers in his state to spend a certain number of days in the week in farmlands is yet to be seen. Security of lives and property has, however, been given top priority by Okorocha’s administration, leading to a reduction in kidnapping and armed robberies. Education has also been pursued by the Okorocha government, especially at primary and secondary school levels, with the remodelling of several schools in the state. Imo under Okorocha is also contending with a serious fiscal crisis. With the drop in oil prices, the state’s FAAC allocations dropped significantly while internal revenue generation has also taken a hit, falling from a peak of N8.1 billion in 2014 to N5.8 billion in 2016. Given its debt stock, it is apparent that Imo State’s debt service as a percentage of total revenue is unsustainable.

IMO IN FIGURES ˾ ˾ ˾ ˾ ˾

FAAC Allocation (June 2015 – May 2016) FAAC Allocation (June 2016 – April 2017) IGR in 2015 IGR in 2016 Total Debt Stock as Dec 31, 2016

N35.78bn N34.43bn N5.47bn N5.87bn N111.63bn

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT ˾

˾ ˾ ˾ ˾ ˾

Agriculture: Impact of back-farm-order to workers is yet to be felt – Below Average ÎßÍËÞÓÙn: Education has been given priority under Okorocha – Average ÏËÖÞÒ ËÜÏ˝ There is no clarity on health care delivery in Imo – Poor

ØÐÜËÝÞÜßÍÞßÜÏ˝ Governor accused of delivering substandard projects – Poor ËÝÏ ÙÐ ÙÓØÑ ßÝÓØÏÝÝ˝ No clarity on investment drive in Imo – Poor ÏÍßÜÓÞã˝ Kidnappings and robberies have been curtailed – Above average

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

JIGAWA STATE

MUHAMMAD ABUBAKAR: REVIVING AGRICULTURE AMIDST POVERTY Being a cardinal programme of his administration, Muhammad Abubakar has pursed agriculture with a single-minded devotion, establishing the interconnection between it and food security, poverty reduction, and the human and economic development of the state. Under his agriculture support programme, apart from providing funding support for irrigation, the governor has also provided farmers with farming inputs, including improved

seedling and fertilizer. This, he ensured, was extended to all the 27 local governments of the state. He also set aside funds for the containment of highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) and distributed free goats to women to encourage animal husbandry. However, Badaru has little on his midterm report card in the area of infrastructure development, as he persistently complained of paucity of funds to deliver projects for his people. This was evident in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dwindling IGR in 2016.

JIGAWA IN FIGURES

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

FAAC Allocation (June 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2016) N39.63bn FAAC Allocation (June 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 2017) N37.27bn IGR in 2015 N5.08bn IGR in 2016 N3.54bn *Debt Stock - N19bn as at March 2016; $32.42m as at Dec 2016 * Figure denominated in dollars is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external debt stock

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Considerable emphasis laid on agriculture Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Paucity of funds to deliver in education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Paucity of funds to deliver in health care Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Paucity of funds to deliver on infrastructure Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? No clarity on investment drive in Jigawa Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Peace has prevailed in the state Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

˾ MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT ()&8 783'/

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***Ogun State’s figures are as at December 2015

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Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

KADUNA STATE

NASIR EL-RUFAI: GOOD GOVERNANCE, BLIGHTED BY INSECURITY Nasir el-Rufai came to office with a resolve to make Kaduna great again, promising to revamp education, boost healthcare, ensure security, provide basic infrastructure, and institute good governance and a responsive public service with zero tolerance for corruption. He set off by seeking to reduce the cost of governance and rationalised the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 24 ministries to 13, following up with a series of workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; verification exercises that led to the flushing out of ghost workers and reduction of the wage bill by about N500 million monthly. He introduced free basic education and free feeding in primary schools. The feeding programme, which gulped N1.1 billion monthly has, however, been suspended because of paucity of funds. He recruited over 2,200 secondary school teachers and spent N5 billion on school modernisation and renovation. Another N80 million was expended on the training of teachers. El-Rufai is rejuvenating the health care system through a partnership with General Electric for the upgrade and equipping of 255 primary health centres and 23 secondary health centres across the state. He has equally wooed investors to set up agro-allied businesses in his state such as tomato processing

factories and rice mills so that farmers in his states can have ready markets for their produce. The governor also did not rest on his oars when the Kaduna airport was made the alternative to the Abuja airport, when the latter was closed for six weeks. He worked with the security forces to provide adequate security in the city and on all the routes exiting Kaduna. Owing to the rehabilitation of the Kaduna airport, he is wooing Ethiopian Airways to make the airport its hub in North-west Nigeria. A major sore point for him, however, has been the violent clashes in Southern Kaduna between indigenes and HausaFulani herdsmen, which has claimed thousands of lives, with the former accusing the governor of bias. Another cause for sleepless nights is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external debt stock put at $222.9 billion, making it the second highest after Lagos State. With the devaluation of the naira, el-Rufai faces the onerous task of servicing external loans that could bankrupt the state. Despite the significant improvement in internal revenue generation between 2015 and 2016, predominantly from PAYE, the governor would still need to sweat the assets in his state to more than triple his current IGR of N17 billion per annum for sustainability.

KADUNA IN FIGURES

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

FAAC Allocation (June 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2016) FAAC Allocation (June 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 2017) IGR in 2015 IGR in 2016 Total Debt Stock as Dec 31, 2016

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT Ëž

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

N45.57bn N42.70bn N11.54bn N17.05bn N131.26bn

Agriculture: Considerable emphasis on agro-allied factories â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Considerable investment in education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Considerable investment in health care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good

Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Roll out of urban renewal projects in the state capital and other towns in the state â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Restructured public sector for eďŹ&#x192;ciency and hosted investment and economic summits to attract businesses to the state - Good Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Cattle rustling, the Southern Kaduna killings and kidnappings are a blemish on el-Rufaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Poor

CLEAR VISION, PROMISING START:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

KANO STATE

ABDULLAHI GANDUJE: SLOW AND STEADY Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje came to office with a 12-point blueprint to consolidate on his predecessorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infrastructure milestones. But he found that money would be a challenge to the attainment of his objectives. With dwindling proceeds from the Federation Account, the governor had to reform the state Board of Internal Revenue for improved revenue generation. He then turned his attention to expanding the infrastructure of the state, constructing and rehabilitating roads and bridges he felt would facilitate economic growth. They include the underpass at Bukavu Barracks Junction, Katsina Road-Kofar Ruwa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kabuga Road, Aminu Kano WayKatsina, and Sheik Jafar RoadPanshekara by the Madobi junction underpass. He also given attention to education and placed emphasis on completion of capital projects at the Kano University of Science and Technology, among others. Ganduje further impacted on health care delivery with his focus on

the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, polio and malaria. He has also trained 1,936 traditional health attendants on effective maternal health care service. However, Kano, the commercial capital of Northern Nigeria, remains a shadow of its former self. Several of the industries in the Sharada Industrial Layout remain closed, robbing the state of job opportunities for its teeming population. Although Ganduje has embarked on investment roadshows to attract investments to the state, this has been slow in coming, making the state over-reliant on handouts from the centre. Ganduje, nonetheless, must be given credit for revamping the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Internal Revenue, as this has seen his stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IGR jump from N13.61 billion to N31 billion. But with a population of 11.36 million (2014 estimates) and lower FAAC allocations, the Ganduje administration must improve its revenue drive to provide the infrastructure and amenities for the rising demographic of the state.

KANO IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

ÍłÍľË&#x203A;ÍŻÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍłÍ˛Ë&#x203A;ÍąÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍŻÍąË&#x203A;Í´ÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍąÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍŻÍŻÍŻË&#x203A;ÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ ĂŁĂ?Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă?ĂŁ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂŁ ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

GOOD VISION, SLOW START:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

KATSINA STATE

BELLO MASARI: CALM AND STABLE Perhaps because of his background as a water engineer, Bello Masari has pumped a lot of funds into the provision of water both for domestic consumption and irrigation for farming. Available records show that he earmarked N12.3 billion for the completion and rehabilitation of dams to boost water supply and irrigation. He also set aside N1.3 billion for the drilling of boreholes in all the wards across the 34 local government areas of the state. Masari has also paid attention to education, renovating over 1,800 dilapidated primary schools across the state, even as he procured tables, chairs and teaching and learning aids for schools

in President Muhammadu Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home state. In addition, he has made sure that teachers are routinely recruited to augment the alarming dearth of teachers across primary and post-primary schools in Katsina. He has also embarked on infrastructure upgrades needed for the accreditation of courses at the tertiary institutions. But a lot more needs to be done in the quiet, rustic state that has produced two presidents under the current democratic dispensation. Agriculture is one area with considerable potential that Masari is focusing on, but this has not quite impacted on its revenue base.

KATSINA IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; Í˛ÍąË&#x203A;ÍąÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; Í˛ÍŽË&#x203A;ÍąÍąĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍłË&#x203A;ÍľÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍłË&#x203A;ÍłÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ĚŠ Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ě&#x17D; Í°ÍŻË&#x203A;Í˛ÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ë&#x17E; Í&#x153;Í´ÍśË&#x203A;ÍŻĂ&#x2014; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ * Figure denominated in dollars is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external debt stock

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT Ëž

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Agriculture: Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good

Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Poor Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Good

CLEAR VISION, PROMISING START:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

KEBBI STATE

ATIKU BAGUDU: PROMISING PERFORMANCE Since his emergence as Kebbi State governor in 2015, Atiku Baguduâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profile has risen through improved governance by ensuring a decentralised bureaucracy that works efficiently to meet his development goals. Agriculture, being the main focus of his administration, has received huge funds and considerable attention for farmers across the state. By accessing the Anchor Borrowersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Programme, Bagudu was able to engage many youths and over 70,000 rice and wheat farmers across the state. Today, Kebbi has created a growing breed of middle class rice and wheat farmers that are lifting their families out of poverty. Kebbiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s joint venture rice project with the Lagos State Government is also worthy of mention, and has paved the path for collaborative ventures by discerning state governments. His laudable efforts in agriculture have not gone unnoticed. Kebbi today is attracting investors seeking

to set up rice processing mills to meet domestic demand for the food staple, with an eye on exports to neighbouring countries in the foreseeable future. In the area of infrastructure, the Bagudu administration has constructed several roads in the state capital and rural areas, opening up communities, which were once inaccessible. His goal is to ease the transportation of farm produce from the state to other states of the federation. Bagudu has also deployed resources to make health service delivery affordable, even as education and job creation get priority attention from his administration. Although Kebbi has a relatively low debt profile, the drop in revenue from the Federation Account and internal sources need to be addressed. With the emergence of a viable agriculture and food processing industry, Bagudu needs to reform and reinvigorate the revenue drive in his state.

KEBBI IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍ´Ë&#x203A;ÍąÍŽĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍąÍąË&#x203A;ÍśÍ˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍąË&#x203A;ÍłÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍąË&#x203A;ÍŻÍąĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Total Debt Stock as Dec 31, 2016 N34.71bn

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;ĂŁË&#x153; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄ Ă&#x152;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Excellent Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

CLEAR VISION, PROMISING START:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

KOGI STATE

YAHAYA BELLO: CONFUSED AND YET TO GRAPPLE WITH GOVERNANCE Despite the verification exercise of civil servants embarked upon by Yahaya Bello on assumption of office 17 months ago, which save Kogi State an estimated N1.5 billion monthly, the governor has not been able to pay his workers for several months. By his own admission, the state has a backlog running to 12 months. Last year, the governor kicked off a road construction programme to cost N10 billion in the three senatorial districts in the state. In Kogi Central District, the roads to be constructed include the 18.3 kilometre-long Agassa-Ahache-Upogoro road, Ogaminana-Ebogogo road, ItapeEika-Kuroko road and ObehiraIhima-Obangede road awarded at the cost of N3.819 billion. Also to receive attention are the Iyamoye-Jege-Ife-OlukotunPonyan-Ejuku-Ijowa Isanlu roads and Ekirin-Ade-OhunIfeolukotun roads all in Kogi West district, awarded at the cost of N4 billion. While in Kogi East district,

work is to commence on the Anyigba-Umomi-AkpagidigboUgwolawo-Ajaka road, Ankpa township road, Ibana-Okpo road and Ikeje-Ogugu-Ette road, awarded at the cost of 2.84 billion. Given the paucity of funds in the state, it is uncertain how many of these states he has delivered to the people in the senatorial zones. His idea on providing food security is to declare an emergency in the agriculture. But no investments have been made by the state government or investors in the sector since Bello assumed office. He has vowed to reposition education in the state, but no investment has been made by the state government in this regard. Kidnappings and armed robberies remain a problem in Kogi under Belloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watch, while the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation for harbouring Boko Haram sympathisers or members is problem that has not been addressed.

KOGI IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

N36.72bn N34.89bn N6.78bn N9.75bn ÍśÍŻË&#x203A;ÍŻÍ°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Belloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agriculture programme is unclear Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? No clarity on investment in education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? No clarity on investment in health care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Roll out of road projects state â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? No clarity on ease of doing business in Kogi Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Kidnapping and robberies remain a security concern in Kogi Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

NON-STARTER, GO BACK TO DRAWING BOARD:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

KWARA STATE

ABDULFATAH AHMED: STEADY AND STABLE Abdulfatah Ahmedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s midterm report shows an appreciable impact on the lives of the people of Kwara State, particularly in education, health, infrastructure projects and employment generation. His task was made easier by his banking background, which equipped him with the capacity to financially reengineer the state and restructure the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal revenue service. Among his ongoing projects are the underpass at Geri-Alimi roundabout, dualisation of the Ganmo-Olunlade junction, dualisation of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital-Sango area, and Operation Light-up Kwara. His administration has also rehabilitated five general hospitals in Ilorin, Share, Kaima, Offa and OmuAran with modern equipment. Ahmed has commenced the building of the campuses of the state-owned university at IleshaBaruba and Osi as part of efforts to bring education to the doorsteps of the people of the state. The Ajase-Ipo International Vocation and Skills Acquisition Center has also taken off to reduce unemployment among the unemployed youths in the state. Ahmed has also sustained

the agriculture policies of his predecessor, which wooed farmers from Zimbabwe to set up Shonga farms. Today, the farms provide poultry, milk, processed cassava, soya bean, maize and rice and ginger to WAMCO, Kentucky Fried Chicken in Lagos, and food produce to Shoprite. Through the farms up to 3,0004,000 are employed during the harvesting season. Residents in the neighboring villages enjoy power supply, water and access to healthcare facilities. Several investors like WAMCO and Olam are currently operating in Kwara, creating employment opportunities for its residents, while several others are showing interest in investing in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agricultural sector. Through the farms, Ahmed is now targeting the export market. However, the non-completion of the Ilorin water project has remained a major setback in the efforts of the administration to make pipe borne water available in the state capital, Ilorin. Ahmed must be credited with significantly improving IGR in his state in one year, but more needs to done to meet its obligations to creditors and its workers.

KWARA IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; Ě&#x2039;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍľË&#x203A;Í°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍŻÍľË&#x203A;Í°ÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍłÍąË&#x203A;ÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x152;ĂŁ Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039; Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17E; Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

GOOD VISION, SLOW START:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

LAGOS STATE

AKINWUNMI AMBODE: A PAIR OF SAFE AND STEADY HANDS Despite governing the fifth largest economy on the African continent, Akinwunmi Ambode assumed office amid diverse challenges. Aside the recession that held down most states of the federation, Ambode was confronted with the heinous traffic congestion, which according to the security agencies, fostered a reign of traffic robbers across the state. Although this remains a nightmare in Lagos, his continuous funding of the Nigeria Police and introduction of a neighbourhood security outfit may lead to reduction in crime in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial nerve centre, as kidnapping and robberies remain a challenge in several suburbs in the state. Ambode has also focused on the challenges in the public service in Lagos by implementing public sector reforms under which the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ministries, department and agencies (MDAs) were realigned for optimal performance. Subsequently, all MDAs, which were operating from rented premises, were relocated to government buildings and facilities. The reform saved the government about N3 billion. Next, Ambode expanded the tax net and revenue sources in Lagos, generating over N25 billion monthly in 2016 with a projection of N30 billion for this year. With more resources, he has inaugurated 114 roads across the state, which his administration constructed in partnership with 20 local government areas (LGAs) and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs). Besides, he unveiled the AbesanAboru Link Bridge and seven other roads, including the two flyovers at Abule-Egba and Ajah, which eliminated the traffic gridlock around the areas. Despite the laudable efforts by Ambode, the general thinking is that he may be stretching himself thin. With a

population of 12 million (2014 estimates), over-stretched facilities and rising unemployment, Lagosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; revenue profile is realistically too low to catapult the state into a modern city-state of Western or Asian standards. The attempt to kickoff the Fourth Mainland Bridge just got canned, while the state continues to struggle to complete just one line of its monorail project. Instructively, the devaluation of the naira has impacted on the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to deliver on some of these multi-billion naira projects and has seen its GDP drop to $91 billion. But the state still possesses considerable potential that remains untapped. Like the federal government, Lagos must pursue and implement the ease of doing business policy in the state, as the state currently ranks as one of the most difficult places to do business and live in among megacities worldwide. The state must also streamline and lower taxes to attract investments and create new jobs that will increase its revenue base. Several parts of the state such as Apapa are blighted and suffering from absolute neglect, effectively robbing Lagos of additional revenue. Another area of concern is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental problem. Keeping the state and its waterways clean and free of solid waste has remained a challenge for successive administrations. Ambode has not fared better than his colleagues in this department and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an area he needs to address. A cursory glance at the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debt service as a percentage of revenue shows that the state can meet its obligations to local and external creditors. However, the devaluation of the naira has meant more strain on its finances in terms of servicing its foreign debt.

LAGOS IN FIGURES

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

FAAC Allocation (June 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2016) N92.54bn FAAC Allocation (June 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 2017) N93.40bn IGR in 2015 N268.22bn IGR in 2016 N302.43bn Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍľÍąÍ°Ë&#x203A;ÍśÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Lagos has entered into a joint venture with the Kebbi State Government for rice production; it is working on similar joint projects with other states Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Considerable investment in education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Considerable investment in health care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Roll out of urban renewal projects across the state Ě&#x17D; Ă˘Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Multiplicity of taxes, traďŹ&#x192;c gridlocks, over-stretched makes Lagos a challenge to do business in Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ambode has kept the state relatively safe, but kidnappings persist Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă?

CLEAR VISION, PROMISING START:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

NASARAWA STATE

TANKO AL-MAKURA: PULLING BELOW HIS WEIGHT Re-elected two years ago, Tanko Al-Makuraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second term reflects the seeming complacency that followed his first term, as he lurched from one controversy to the other to the detriment of the state. Al-Makuraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second stint has been mired in frequent clashes with labour unions over unpaid salaries, among other issues. From the onset of his second term, he was greeted with a protracted industrial crisis by the academic union at the Nasarawa State University in Keffi, leading to the closure of the institution for about nine months. The Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), National Union of Teachers and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) have all also taken turns to embark on industrial actions. Notwithstanding the turbulent industrial relations environment, he started some new projects, including the controversial

cargo airport in Lafia and the construction of township roads across the state. When THISDAY visited the site of the Cargo Airport last week, which was flagged off with much fanfare recently, nothing of note had been achieved. Despite its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Al-Makura has failed to leverage on this comparative advantage for his state. He has failed to ensure that PAYE taxes of hundreds of thousands of workers who work in Abuja but live in satellite towns in Nasarawa, are paid to the of his stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coffer. The absence of adequate infrastructure and industrial hubs in Nasarawa has made the state an unattractive investment destination for businesses that can service Abuja. With Al-Makuraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inability to catapult the state to its full potential, it is little wonder that Nasarawa is fast becoming one of the unviable sub-national units of the federation.

NASARAWA IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍŻË&#x203A;Í˛Í°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; Í°ÍˇË&#x203A;Í´ÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Í˛Ë&#x203A;Í°ÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍąË&#x203A;Í˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍľÍ´Ë&#x203A;ÍŻÍ°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;ĂĄĂ&#x2039; Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

NON-STARTER, GO BACK TO DRAWING BOARD:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

NIGER STATE

SANI BELLO: THE JURY IS STILL OUT Sani Bello has made slow but steady progress in Niger State, his major focus being road construction, especially in the state capital and other major towns. Roads which were hitherto impassable have been made motorable while new ones have been constructed. Water supply, which had become an intractable problem has also received attention, as high and low lift pumps were procured for the Chinchaga Water Works in Minna, the state capital. Utility standby generators have also been purchased and installed to power the pumps. With this,

water supply to parts of the state capital has improved a little. Security has, however, remained a serious challenge, as several lives and property have been lost to cattle rustlers and armed robbers who invaded several local government areas especially in the Niger East Senatorial District. In all, the home state of two military heads of state and Zungeru, once the capital of the British protectorate of Northern Nigeria, has little to show for its rich heritage. Bello will have to redouble efforts to drive revenue generation from the rich resources in his state.

NIGER IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´

ÍąÍľË&#x203A;Í˛Í°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍąÍľË&#x203A;ÍłÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍłË&#x203A;ÍˇÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍłË&#x203A;ÍśÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Í˛ÍłË&#x203A;ÍśÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x17E;ĂĄĂ?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x17E; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

OGUN STATE

IBIKUNLE AMOSUN: STRONG AND ABLE LEADERSHIP Ibikunle Amosunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strides have been mainly in roads construction that cut across the three senatorial districts of the state. The governor constructed and delivered the first ever overhead bridge in Abeokuta and fixed some other roads in the metropolis. This was embraced with mixed feelings because of the demolition of several properties to pave the way for road expansion. But some the road expansion projects turned out to be white elephants, as they were abandoned more than a year ago. However, the governor has inaugurated some of the projects, including the Ijebu Ode flyover, Iyana Mortuary flyover and road, Sapon and Itoku shopping

malls, a spare parts mall, and Omida market complex. But the rural areas have hardly been touched by his administration, even as most of his electoral promises are yet to be met. Amosunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government, however, has sustained its investment drive that attracted some 100 industries to the state in the last 24 months. This was reflected in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IGR, which more than doubled from N34.6 billion in 2015 to N73 billion in 2016. The stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debt, nonetheless, is something Amosun must watch. With the naira devaluation and an external debt overhang of $103.4m, servicing the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign obligations is bound to dent a hole in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coffers.

OGUN IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍŽË&#x203A;ÍśÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; Í°ÍľË&#x203A;ÍśÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍąÍ˛Ë&#x203A;Í´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍľÍąĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ĚŠ Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ě&#x2039; Í&#x153;ÍŻÍŽÍąË&#x203A;Í˛Í°Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ë&#x17E; ÍľÍłË&#x203A;ÍˇÍ°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł * Figure denominated in dollars is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external debt stock

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Agriculture: Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? - Poor Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă?ĂĄĂ?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă˘Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă˘Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

CLEAR VISION, PROMISING START:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

ONDO STATE

ROTIMI AKEREDOLU: THE JURY IS STILL OUT At his inaugural speech two months ago, Rotimi Akeredolu anchored his blueprint on five cardinal programmes, which he termed Platforms for Change. These are: job creation through agriculture, entrepreneurship and industrialisation; massive infrastructure development and maintenance; provision of functional education and technological growth; provision of accessible and qualitative health care and social service delivery; and rural development and community extension services. According to the governor, his Platform for Change is erected on strong pillars, which consist of the core sectors

of government activities that his blueprint lays emphasis on. These are finance and management of state resources, health and social services, infrastructure and public utilities, agriculture and natural resources, commerce and Industrial development, education and technology, land, housing and environment, women affairs and social development, youth and sports development, culture and tourism as well as information, civic orientation and mobilisation among others. However, Akeredolu has taken over a state that has a backlog of unpaid salaries and pensions. His blueprint also touches on every sector, which the limited resources of the state can hardly meet.

ONDO IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; Í˛ÍŽË&#x203A;ÍąÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; Í˛ÍłË&#x203A;ÍąÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍŻÍŽË&#x203A;ÍŽÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍśË&#x203A;Í´ÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í´ÍśË&#x203A;Í°ÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2022;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

OSUN STATE

RAUF AREGBESOLA: PUNCHING BELOW HIS WEIGHT, HIGH EXPECTATIONS NOT SO HIGH RESULTS Rauf Aregbesola has managed to rule his state without a cabinet for close to three years, as a cost saving measure. That should come as no surprise, as Osun has continued to fall behind on its payments to workers despite all the bailouts and handouts from the federal government. That the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finances are in a mess is an understatement. Its statutory allocations from the Federation Account are the lowest in the country due to loan massive deductions from source. Indeed, it is a miracle that the governor has been able to deliver on projects ranging from roads, schools and health facilities in his state. Aregbesola has commissioned model schools in places like Osogbo, Iyoye Ijesa and Ede. In roads construction, he has built the 30km Gbongan-Akoda Road,

Adebisi Akande Trumpet Interchange Bridge, and rehabilitated the 30.20km Gbongan-Iwo-Oyo Road, Aregbesolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration has also committed to investment more in cocoa and other agriculture produce to improve internal revenue generation in the state. In this regard, 60 million â&#x20AC;&#x153;activeâ&#x20AC;? cocoa trees were identified for the production of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cocoa Omoluabi in the state and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, to boost its cocoa production. Aregbesola, nonetheless, governs a state that is in a financial mess. It remains to be see how the governor, with barely a left to his tenure can make a difference.

OSUN IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´

Í°ÍŻË&#x203A;ÍľÍŻĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŻË&#x203A;ÍˇÍ´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍśË&#x203A;ÍŽÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍśË&#x203A;ÍśÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ÍŻÍ´ÍśË&#x203A;Í´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

OYO STATE

ABIOLA AJIMOBI: CALM AND STEADY By his own assessment, the greatest achievement of Abiola Ajimobi is the peace that has pervaded the state since he came to office six years ago. As his second term hits the half way mark, he could give himself a pat on the back in this department. Some of his midterm accomplishments include the ongoing expansion and rehabilitation of Beere, Orita-Merin, Agbeni-Ogunpa Road, dualisation of Idi-ApeAkobo-Odogbo Barracks Road, Agodi-Gate-Old Ife-Adegbayi Road, a with spur to AlakiaIbadan Airport, as well as the dualisation of Saki township roads in the Oke Ogun area of the state. His government

has also approved the reconstruction of 10-km Eleyele-Akufo Road, rehabilitation of Akufo Junction-Eruwa Road, and expansion of the Oke-Adu-Agodi-GateIdi-Ape- Iwo Road interchange. Workers, however, do unhappy with the governor because their salaries are several months in arrears, even as poor funding remains the bane of tertiary institutions in Oyo. But while Ajimobi may be satisfied with the peace in his state, the slow transformation of Ibadan, the state capital and old capital of the defunct Western Region, leaves much to be desired.

OYO IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍˇË&#x203A;ÍłÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍąÍśË&#x203A;ÍŻÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍŻÍłË&#x203A;Í´Í´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍŻÍśË&#x203A;ÍśÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍŻÍąÍľË&#x203A;ÍśÍ°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

PLATEAU STATE

SOLOMON LALONG: PUNCHING BELOW HIS WEIGHT For Simon Lalong, the restoration of peace in the hitherto restive state is the highpoint of his midterm scorecard. He had on assumption of office spoken with and appealed to all warring factions to make peace with one another, giving appointments to many Hausa-Fulani settlers. Many citizens have also given kudos to Lalong for enhancing the accreditation of the courses run by the Plateau State University, Bokkos, which received little or no attention from the previous administration. The university, which had graduated about two sets of students, could not send them for the mandatory NYSC because

its courses had not been accredited. However, not much has been achieved by his government in primary and secondary education. Generally praised for being up to date with workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; salaries, not a few persons have expressed misgivings about his failure to conduct local government elections as mandated by the 1999 Constitution. However, for a state rich in mineral and agricultural resources and huge tourism potential, Lalong could be considered to be underperforming. The stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revenue drive is nothing to write home about, with its viability as a sub-national unit currently under threat.

PLATEAU IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍŻË&#x203A;ÍŽÍ˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍąÍŽË&#x203A;Í°ÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Í´Ë&#x203A;ÍˇÍ˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍˇË&#x203A;ÍŻÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍŻÍŻÍˇË&#x203A;Í°ÍąĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

RIVERS STATE

NYESOM WIKE: DISTRACTED BY NEEDLESS CONTROVERSIES, COULD DO MUCH BETTER By Nigerian standards, the number of projects on display in River State belie the drawn out court battles, political shenanigans and election reruns that have characterised governance since Nyesom Wike assumed office two years ago. From the minute he was sworn in, he set out to make a point and prove the naysayers wrong. As a result, it is difficult for a week pass by without the governor either laying the foundation of a project or inaugurating one. This has earned him the appellation, Mr. Project, given to him by acting President Yemi Osinbajo. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, while inaugurating the second Nkogu Bridge a little less than two weeks ago, described the state as a big construction site with projects in all parts of the state. The projects have not been limited to state projects, as the governor has included federal institutions like the Federal High Court and National Industrial Court, among others on his list. The state under his watch has also witnessed relative peace, except during electioneering, and good industrial relations

as workers get paid as and when due, while retirees get their pensions. The amnesty programme he initiated and the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logistic support to security agencies has helped reduce the incidence of cult war, kidnappings and crime in the state. Irrespective of Wikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts, Rivers State, with the highest population in the Southsouth zone, has too many restive youths that are prone to militancy and taking to the creeks. This means that the governor must redouble efforts to train, empower and create jobs for these youths to take them off the streets. The stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over-reliance on oil revenue has also stunted its internal revenue drive. Several sectors in the state, ranging from its water economy and aquaculture, to agriculture and tourism, remain untapped. Like Lagos, the state also has environmental challenges that Wike has failed to address, while Port Harcourt, the capital city, remains nothing more than a glorified township, devoid of state-of-the art infrastructure and a skyline that reflect the oil wealth of the state.

RIVERS IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍśÍľË&#x203A;Í´Í°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍŻÍŽÍ´Ë&#x203A;ÍąÍ´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł ÍśÍ°Ë&#x203A;ÍŻÍŽĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍśÍłË&#x203A;Í°ÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; ĚŠ Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ě&#x17D; Í˛ÍśË&#x203A;Í°ÍłĂ&#x2014; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă?Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ë&#x17E; ÍŻÍ˛Í°Ë&#x203A;Í˛Í°Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ * Figure denominated in dollars is the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external debt stock

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2022;Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă˘Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

CLEAR VISION, PROMISING START:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

SOKOTO STATE

AMINU TAMBUWAL: STABLE AND PROMISING Aminu Tambuwal has given priority to education by allocating 28 per cent of his budget to the sector. The government under his watch is rehabilitating 235 primary schools across the state with over N3.6 billion. New ones are also being constructed. Tambuwal is applying a scientific approach to agriculture with the State Technical Committee on Resuscitation of Agriculture active in capturing the data of all farmers across the state and ensuring intervention in the critical agricultural areas considered urgent to yield the desired result. Government has also provided fertilizer to farmers at 75 per cent subsidy and distributed water pumps, seedlings and other farm inputs worth several billions of naira to grow its agro-economy. At least 27,166 jobs have been created through various

interventions in sustainable agriculture and rural enterprise development in the last two years. Tambuwal has, in addition, fostered a good relationship with the House of Assembly and the judiciary. As such, there has been no acrimony among the legislators, who have been supportive of the executive. Yet, Sokoto, the seat of the Caliphate, could do better under Tambuwal. The once serene state has lost a lot of its charm, which the governor has to regain. Despite the scotching heat, the state, being the home of the Caliphate, has the capacity to attract tourists and Islamic scholars from far and wide coming to pay homage to the Sultanate. But investment, in conjunction with the private sector, must be made to make the capital attractive to investors and tourists alike.

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

SOKOTO IN FIGURES

N38.30bn N35.82bn N6.22bn N4.55bn ÍąÍ˛Ë&#x203A;ÍłÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Renewed focus on agriculture for extra revenue Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Emphasis on investment in education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Emphasis on investment in health care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Roll out of urban renewal projects across the state Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? No clarity on ease of doing business Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Relative peace in Sokoto Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

CLEAR VISION, PROMISING START:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

TARABA STATE

DARIUS ISHAKU: CALM AND STABLE To successfully prosecute his Taraba Rescue Agenda, Ishaku had to tackle the challenge of the docility of the public sector and the plague of ghost workers that had eaten deep into the finances of the state by a whopping 80 per cent. That effort yielded monthly savings of N500m. Next, he resuscitated moribund state-owned industries, including the Mambilla Beverages Company, Taraba Sugar Company, Baisa Timber Company, and Taraba Cassava Processing Company. His administration

has also obtained licenses for smallscale mining for the Taraba Solid Minerals Development Company and acquired 14 lease EPLs to commence joint venture exploitation in partnership with other companies. His N2 billion Green House project, which has a daily production of 5 tonnes of cucumber, pepper, lettuce and tomatoes, is expected to generate employment and facilitate technology transfer to the state university and College of Agriculture both in Jalingo.

TARABA IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍ°Ë&#x203A;ÍľÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; Í°ÍˇË&#x203A;ÍśÍłĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Í˛Ë&#x203A;ÍŻÍ´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍłË&#x203A;ÍśÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í˛ÍłË&#x203A;ÍłÍ´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă?

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ëž MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

MIDTERM REPORT

YOBE STATE

IBRAHIM GAIDAM: PUNCHING BELOW HIS WEIGHT Buffeted by the Boko Haram insurgency and biting recession, Ibrahim Gaidamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands were virtually tied as he struggled to come to terms with the daunting task of rescuing the state from the grip of insecurity and poverty. Relief came last year with the downgrading of the insurgents by the military, giving him some breathing space to do some work. His first port of call was the public sector that was a drain on the resources of the state. Streamlining the ministries and flushing out hundreds of ghost

workers, he saved N20 billion. With the savings, he could pay salaries and began to rebuild and rehabilitate infrastructure destroyed by the insurgents. He has introduced a comprehensive assistance plan for people displaced by Boko Haram to return to their homes. He has also made moderate efforts at road construction, education, water, and health and youth empowerment. But like his counterpart in Borno, Gaidam needs all the help he can get to rebuild his state.

YOBE IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍ˛Ë&#x203A;ÍłÍˇĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; ÍąÍ°Ë&#x203A;ÍąÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Í°Ë&#x203A;ÍłÍ´Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ ÍąË&#x203A;Í°Í˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í°Í°Ë&#x203A;ÍąĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT

Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄ Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ě&#x17D; Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

Ë&#x153; ÍşÎ Ë&#x153; ÍşÍ¸ÍšÍľ Ëž T H I S D AY

MIDTERM REPORT

ZAMFARA STATE

ABDULAZIZ YARI: DISTRACTED BY ABUJA POLITICS According education priority, Abdulaziz Yari has invested heavily in the sector, emphasising girl-child education. Subsequently, he has built and rehabilitated many schools for girls in Gusau, Talata Mafara and other local government areas in Zamfara State. There have been instant results, as the enrolment of girls improved significantly, while the number of them completing their education up to secondary school certificate level has increased tremendously. The governor has also given priority to water supply. He personally supervised the speedy completion of the N636 million Kaura-Namoda water treatment plant as well as another one in Gusau, the state capital. The completion of these projects has abated water scarcity in Gusau and Kaura-Namoda Local Government Areas. The security situation in the state has, however, left much to be desired. In spite of the efforts of the military, cattle rustlers and bandits have continued to perpetrate their nefarious activities, especially in Anka, Maradun, Zurmi, Maru and

Talata Mafara Local Government Areas, leading to the loss of lives and property. Yari has picked fights with the legislature, leading to frosty relations, over the alleged misappropriation of the N11 billion bailout funds, a N1 billion agricultural loan released to the state by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and pension funds. His state is one of the poorest in Nigeria and Yari has failed to take a cue from his neighbour in Kebbi who has opened up his economy to farming and agribusinesses. Yariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance, or lack thereof, has not been helped by the fact that he perambulates all over the country, especially in Abuja, by virtue of his position as Chairman of the Nigerian Governorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Forum. This is a distraction he can really do without in order to focus seriously on the challenges in his state. His statement on the meningitis outbreak in his state, which he said was Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s punishment for peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sins, also drew derision from the public and exposed the absence of depth in his approach to governance.

ZAMFARA IN FIGURES Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž Ëž

Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2039;ĂŁ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´Ě&#x161; ÍąÍŽË&#x203A;Í˛ÍŽĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x2122; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľĚ&#x161; Í°ÍˇË&#x203A;ÍłÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍł Í°Ë&#x203A;ÍľÍ˛Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í˛Ë&#x203A;ÍľÍśĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x2022; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă? ÍąÍŻË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍŻÍ´ Í´ÍśË&#x203A;ÍłÍľĂ&#x152;Ă&#x2DC;

SECTORAL ASSESSMENT Ëž Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2013;Ě&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17D; Ëž Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă?ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă? Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă? Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă? Ëž Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ë? Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ëž Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁË? Ă&#x2039;ĘľĂ&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013; Ě&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;

WORK IN PROGRESS, NO CLEAR RESULTS:

T H I S D AY MONDAY MAY 29, 2017

MONDAY MAY29, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Merkel: Europe ‘Can No Longer Rely on Allies’ After Trump and Brexit Europe can no longer “completely depend” on the US and UK

following the election of President Trump and Brexit, German

New Arrest in ‘Full Tilt Manchester Attack Investigation British police made another arrest and stormed another house Sunday as they hunted for suspects in the Manchester bombing, while a government minister said members of attacker Salman Abedi’s network may still be at large. Greater Manchester Police said a 25-year-old man was arrested in the city on suspicion of terrorist offenses. Eleven other men between the ages of 18 and 44 also are in custody. Armed officers and police dogs took part in the raid on a house in Moss Side, a working-class area of south Manchester. Most of the searches and arrests since Monday night’s bombing have been in multi-ethnic south Manchester, where Abedi — the son of Libyan parents — was born and raised. Police say that 1,000 people are working on the investigation, trying to track down Abedi’s accomplices and piece together his movements in the days before he detonated a bomb at an Ariana Grande concert. The explosion killed 22

people — including seven children under 18 — and injured more than 100. Abedi died in the blast. Investigators say they have dismantled a large part of his network, but expect to make more arrests. “The operation is still at full tilt,” Home Secretary Amber Rudd said, adding that some suspects could remain at large. “Until the operation is complete, we can’t be entirely sure that it is closed,” she said. British police now have 12 suspects in custody — including Abedi’s elder brother Ismail — and have searched properties across the northwest England city. Another brother and Abedi’s father have been detained in Libya. Police have released surveillancecamera images of Abedi on the night of the attack that show him dressed in sneakers, jeans, a dark jacket and a baseball cap. The straps of a backpack are visible on his shoulders.

Chancellor Angela Merkel says. Mrs Merkel said she wanted friendly relations with both countries as well as Russia but Europe now had to “fight for its own destiny”. It follows the G7’s failure

to commit to the 2015 Paris climate deal, talks Mrs Merkel said were “very difficult”. President Trump has said he will make a decision in the coming week. “The times in which we

could completely depend on others are on the way out. I’ve experienced that in the last few days,” Mrs Merkel told a crowd at an election rally in Munich, southern Germany. The BBC’s Damien McGuinness,

in Berlin, says the comments are a sign of growing assertiveness within the EU. The relationship between Berlin and new French President Emmanuel Macron had to be a priority, Mrs Merkel said.

BA Says Most Flights Running; Angry Passengers Face Delays British Airways said “many” of its IT systems were back up and running Sunday, but travelers still faced cancellations and delays after a global computer failure grounded hundreds of flights. BA chief executive Alex Cruz said the airline was running a “near-full operation” at London’s Gatwick Airport and planned to operate all scheduled long-haul services from Heathrow. But he said there will still be delays, as well as some canceled short-haul flights. BA canceled all flights from Heathrow and Gatwick Saturday after the IT outage, which it blamed on a power-supply problem. The glitch threw the plans of thousands of travelers into disarray, on what is a holiday weekend in Britain. BA operates hundreds of flights

from Heathrow and Gatwick on a typical day — and both are major hubs for worldwide travel. Cruz apologized in a video statement, saying “I know this has been a horrible time for customers.” Passengers faced hours-long lines to check in, reclaim lost luggage or rebook flights at Terminal 5, BA’s hub at Heathrow. Cruz said that to reduce overcrowding travelers will only be let into the terminal 90 minutes before their flights. Passengers — some of whom had spent the night at the airport — faced frustrating waits to learn if and when they could fly out. “Everyone is upset. There’s people in tears,” said Melanie Ware, who flew in from Los Angeles and was trying to get to Venice on her honeymoon. “We rebooked for Venice for

tonight, which they also have canceled now,” she told Sky News. “So we have no way of getting out of Heathrow and they haven’t compensated us for anything, and we’re stuck and this is the worst honeymoon ever. “British Airways has ruined our honeymoon.” Tonda Sallee, who was trying to fly to Frankfurt, said she been in line for five hours, “and we have no idea how long we’ll be in line. The rest of the day I’m sure, and we probably won’t fly out today either.” Many passengers complained about a lack of information from the airline. “Some 80-year-old lady was standing around waiting for announcements, et cetera, and she fell over,” said Londoner Terry Page, who managed to get on one

of the last flights from Heathrow to Dallas-Fort Worth on Saturday. He and other passengers arrived, but their luggage did not. “We helped her up and she said ’I’m just so tired,’” Page said. “It’s been a terrible, terrible day.” While not that frequent, when airline outages do happen, the effects are widespread, high-profile and can hit travelers across the globe. BA passengers were hit with severe delays in July and September 2016 because of problems with the airline’s online check-in systems. In August 2016, Delta planes around the world were grounded when an electrical component failed and led to a shutdown of the transformer that provides power to the airline’s data center. Delta said it lost $100 million in revenue as a result of the outage.

T H I S D AY MONDAY MAY 29, 2017

T H36 I S D AY MONDAY MAY 29, 2017

MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017 • T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

FG, States Urged to Reform Tax Administration to Attract Investors Eromosele Abiodun The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, Mrs. Hamda Ambah has called on the federal and state governments to immediately reform tax administration in the country in order to encourage local and foreign investors to invest in the country. Ambah, who described the current process as burdensome, said the federal and state government must reform tax auditing and inspections in a way that does not encourage corruption. According to her, “Taxation in Nigeria is really unbearable; I am not suggesting that people should not be paying tax. I am suggesting that the systems should be streamlined and it must be done in a way that it does not actively encourage corruption. Financial institutions are more burdened by the tax system in Nigeria because of the number of tax inspections that we have to go through. I also appreciate the need for government to ensure that things can be done properly.” She added: “If people have to do the right thing concerning taxes there has to be boundaries,

what do I mean by that? they send people to go and do tax audit that dates back sometimes to 10 years. Nobody is saying they should not do that but when you have done that, there should be an end to that. Just like the acting President said in the executive orders on ease of doing business, there has to be a time limit to everything. Similarly if you come and do an audit, there has to be an end, so that when you have do one you cannot come back and do another one.” Furthermore, she said: “We have a situation where they come this year they do a 10 years audit, they come next year they do 11 years audit, which means we are back to where we were before. Sometimes I wonder how corporates cope with having to devote a certain number of staff to constantly work with tax authorities all the time. Some companies are fortunate to have adequate staff but all can afford that. “Can you imagine an SME employing just 10 people having to engage a tax consultant every time? And they are different agencies in the state and federal government demanding for multiple taxes. We have to understand the effect it has on the ease of doing business and

how it pissed off some other people who wants to invest in the country. When government calls on its nationals not to stash money abroad but invest in the country, efforts should be put in place to encourage people to do so. This is investors are cautious of risks that erode capital and the risk in Nigeria cannot be quantified. Because of the difficulties in doing business here, leaving money in the bank sometimes becomes very attractive.” She also praised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the bold steps it has taken to stabilise the economy. “There is a somewhat fragile recovery underway; we applaud the many decisions that have been taken by the federal government, especially the CBN, to improve the environment. The recovery will take a little bit more time; we should all collectively exercise patience. We are on the right path but nobody should think that the economy will automatically right itself. Our progress as a nation is a long term journey, we have made some mistakes in the past and we should not expect that those mistakes will be corrected overnight. The focus should be that we are on the right path, “she stressed.

Take Retirement Plan Serious, Sigma Pensions Tells Workers Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Nigerians have been advised against treating with levity, the issue of retirement as their future happiness and that of their family could depend on careful or wise plan towards life in retirement. The representative of Sigma Pensions Limited, Mr. Chukwuma Amaonwu, gave the advice while addressing participants at the Warri Zonal Delegates Conference of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), held in Asaba, the Delta State capital at the weekend. Addressing the delegates and invited guests including the representative of Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Amaonwu harped on the immense value of pension schemes as a safeguard against daunting future challenges.

He noted that Sigma Pensions, as one of the country’s leading licenced pension funds administrators, has for over 10 years, been preoccupied with undertaking the business fund administration in Nigeria. Retirement Savings Account (RSA) Fund Management, which is part of the products and services offered by Sigma Pensions, is flexible in application and affords users prompt and regular updates of client accounts, Amaonwu said. He informed the PENGASSAN delegates that Sigma Pensions as a pension management company undertakes efficient pension payroll management on behalf of states, local governments and corporate organisations’ under an institutional pension fund management arrangement such as NEXIM Pension. He further advised individuals and organisations wishing to bid for or solicit contracts from the federal government to know that ‘compliance certificates’ are only

issued by the National Pension Commission in order to avoid being defrauded. While stressing that the passion and commitment of the company reflect in the fact customers of Sigma Pensions “always retire happy”, he said that the company took the extra step of engaging the services of a consultant to undertake an independent customer service survey with regular motivation of customers. In his remarks, the Special Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Labour and Servicom, Comrade Mike Okeme, said that the state government was working in concert with stakeholders to end “casualisation” particularly in the oil and gas industry. In his address, President of PENGASSAN, Francis Olabode, attributed the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the industry, to the adoption by the association of “dialogue and constructive engagements” in its labour relations.

FirstBank Re-elected into Payment Card Security Standard Council Board FirstBank of Nigeria Limited said it has been re-elected into the Board of Advisors of the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC), for the third consecutive time. PCI SSC is an open, global forum for the development of payment card security standards. The PCI Security Standards Council, works with organisations around the world to protect businesses and consumers against data theft by continuously developing new payment security standards, cyber security training courses, and certification programmes. According to a statement, the Head of Information Security

Operations at FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Lara Nwokedi, has been representing the bank on the Board of PCI SSC in the fight against payment fraud and data breaches globally. Nwokedi, a payment card industry professional, security lead auditor and implementer, has many years’ of experience in information security and has led several initiatives in the bank. FirstBank has been the only African Bank elected to the PCI SSC Board since its inception. It stated that its re-election into the Board underpinned its commitment to the protection of customer assets and information.

According to the MD/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Subsidiaries, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, “FirstBank has continued to maintain a safe and secure environment for customer transactions despite the challenges posed by rapid changes in technology and the operating environment. In recognition of the Bank’s interventions in abating card data theft, the PCI Security Standards Council through an open and well contested electoral process re-elected FirstBank on its Board of Advisors, a feat which no African Bank has achieved in the long history of the PCI SSC”.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

DECEMBER 2016 23,840,392.42

Broad Money (M2) -- Narrow Money (M1)

11,520,166.67

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,820,415.90

---- Demand Deposits

9,699,750.76

-- Quasi Money

12,320,225.75

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,353,504.03

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,486,888.39

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,970,297.97

---- Credit to Government (Net)

4,595,579.89

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

7,436,917.79

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA) ---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-2,841,337.90 22,374,718.08

--Other Assets Net

-12,483,409.58

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,837,322.41

--Currency in Circulation

2,179,174.28

--Banks Reserves

3,318,344.71 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Month

December 2016

Inter-Bank Call Rate

10.39

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.96

Savings Deposit Rate

4.18

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.53

3 Months Deposit Rate

8.80

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.23

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.76

Prime Lending rate

17.09

Maximum Lending Rate

28.55 • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 25 MAY 2017 The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $51.24 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $51.96 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

T H I S D AY MONDAY MAY 29, 2017

˾ MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017

NEWS

Lagos Court Bars LGs from Issuing Marriage Certificate Bolaji Adebiyi in Abuja A Lagos High Court has barred local government areas from issuing forthwith, marriage certificate, saying it is unlawful and unconstitutional. Justice I.O. Harrison said in her judgement delivered on May 15, 2017, a certified true copy of which THISDAY obtained at the weekend, that the issuance of modified or customised marriage certificate by local government areas contravened Section 24 of the Marriage Act and Item 6, Part 1, 2nd Schedule of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which lists marriage on the Exclusive Legislative List. She further ruled that marriage being an Exclusive List item, was under the purview of the federal government, which is regulated by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs. The judge, however, declined to nullify all marriages conducted so far by local government areas, directing that such certificates be surrendered and be replaced by fresh ones that would be issued in compliance with

the law. A Lagos lawyer, Olumide Babalola, had on September 29, 2016 filed a class action against Ikeja Local Government Area and Registered Trustees of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), challenging the power of the local government areas to issue modified and/ or customised marriage certificates different from the one provided in Form E under Section 24 of the Marriage Act LFN 1990. He sought four reliefs: “A declaration that the 1st and 2nd defendants do not have power to issue modified and/ or customised marriage certificates different from the one provided in Form E under Section 24 of the Marriage Act LFN 1990; “A declaration that the 2nd defendant’s Local Government Unified Marriage Certificate is unknown to our law, unconstitutional, null and void; “A perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, officers, employees and representatives from further issuing modified and/ or altered marriage certificates apart from the form as

provided under Form E (1st Schedule) and Section 24 of the Marriage Act, LFN 1990; and “A perpetual injunction restraining the 2nd defendant, their agents, officers, employees and representatives from further issuing ‘Local Government Unified Marriage Certificates.” Babalola supported

his application with a 29 paragraph affidavit, three exhibits and a written address. In spite of service of summons, the defendants neither filed any process nor appeared in court to defend the suit. The court was, therefore, moved on March 24, 2017 with the claimant appearing in person and arguing his case.

He argued that marriage was on the Exclusive Legislative List and that the Marriage Act enjoined that all marriage certificates were to be in Form E of the 1st Schedule of the Marriage Act LFN, 1990. He claimed that the 2nd defendant and its branches now issue their own form known as the Local Government Unified Marriage Certificate, which was also issued to him. Babalola prayed the court to declare the local government areas’ action illegal, unconstitutional, null and void and grant all the reliefs he sought. Harrison agreed with Babalola and granted the four reliefs, effectively shutting out local government areas from further issuance of the unified marriage certificates and restricted them to only registration of marriages. “It should be noted that while registration of marriages is regulated by local government being under the Concurrent List, formation of marriage is under the Exclusive Legislative List within the domain of the

the previous administration because, it’s almost like saying the PDP came into office in 1999 and kept blaming the entire years of the military rule, and kept saying because of the military we cannot do anything.’’ He advised the federal government to place little emphasis about what happened in the past, turn things around and stop blaming the past administrations, saying there was no need for blame games. ‘’We must accept that we have not been able to get the policies right. It is one thing to have the policies and it’s another to implement them well’’, he added. ‘’The summary is that many things have not stopped till today, a lot of unnecessary waivers are still being given by the federal government; importation of so many things is still going on. We cannot be producing rice in Sapele and importing rice from Thailand and expect the rice factory in Sapele to continue to work.’’ On the part of PDP, Senator Akpabio said that the party is more interested in the country rather than the politics, saying that what PDP members at the National Assembly as a whole, have done is to support almost all economic thrust of the administration to see how they could get

the country out of recession. He added, ‘’If we say we are an alternative government or an alternative political party---waiting to take over the country, we would like to take over a country that is a whole. We have decided to support the government in the interest of Nigerians. ‘’They said they want Eurobond; and we say okay, we support Eurobond. They said they want so, so billion dollars from china, we supported it. We will continue to support the government and bring more ideas. I think they need to do more consultations.’’ The PDP chieftain advised the ruling party to look beyond APC for the solutions to Nigeria’s problem, saying there is nothing like experience. ‘’I think one of the things they have not done right, is the fact that, they are wasting human resources. We have so many reservoirs of experienced people who could have assisted the government’’, he further stated. ‘’When a government comes in place like in the United Stated of America, the government (President) goes beyond party lines. He picks some Republicans, and yet, he is Democratic President. The Republican President

picks some Democrats and fixes them. What they think first is the country. ‘’But, here; it’s not the same thing. People say, oh! It’s the winner takes all. A winner takes all in the sense that what they want to do is to spend their energy on how to kill the opposition.’’ Senator Akpabio accused APC of not running an inclusive government and by extension not been able to follow strictly the issue of federal character to ensure that they tap the brains of all sections of the country. Meanwhile, the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the party has said that there is no tangible achievement for the APC to celebrate about. In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesman of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the opposition party accused the APC of squandering all the chances it has to leverage of the achievements it met on assumption of office through its intolerance and highhandedness to any form of opposition, as well as crass ineptitude in governance. It said: "We make bold to state that our deepest concern as a party to grow democracy in Nigeria engendered the solid foundation we put in place and guaranteed

the agreeable atmosphere that enabled oppositions to thrive and consequently won elections. "Unfortunately, this same party, the APC that benefited from free access to political space has left no stone unturned in suppressing the PDP and denying it to provide credible opposition in the country. It is Ironic!” It dismissed the Buhari administration’s fight against corruption as nothing but grandstanding and harassment of the opposition politicians. The PDP said the APC had run the nation’s economy aground. According to the party: "Record show that Nigeria became the favoured investors’ destination in Africa with the highest investment of $8.4 billion USD; and it attracted $20 billion USD worth of foreign investments in 3 years. "But two years into the APC’s governance, as a result of incompetence and President Buhari’s de-marketing of Nigeria while globetrotting; investors (both local & foreign) have withdrawn their monies from the System thereby creating economic inactivity and consequent depression that we are being faced with alarming rate of suicide.”

initially insisted that we must bring additional money to shore up the Naira before they will pay the forex. What that meant was that after paying N197 per dollar; we were asked to pay the Naira difference to reflect N285 per dollar. Now, the exchange rate is over N320 and the $950 million has grown to about $2 billion because of the huge interest charges. During the last reconciliation in 2016, it was $1.5 billion,” one of the marketers explained. The Chairman of DAPPMA, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, said in addition to paying the

marketers’ outstanding $2 billion claims, the permanent solution was to remove the cap on the pump price of petrol and fully liberalise the downstream sector. Abiodun, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Heyden Petroleum Limited, said it was not by choice that the marketers allowed NNPC to currently import 95 per cent of products. According to him, between July and October 2016, there was enough forex and the marketers imported in large volumes.

“But around November 2016, the equation changed because the pump price was based on certain exchange rate – N285. We thought that the price would be modulated every quarter. But the price has remained at N145 even when the exchange rate and the price of crude oil have increased. We are not happy about this because our facilities are under-utilised. The only way to go is to remove the lid on N145. NNPC is today warehousing subsidy that is not in the budget,” Abiodun explained.

Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade

federal government regulated by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs – item 6 of 2nd Schedule of 1999 Constitution,” she said, explaining that: “A marriage had been declared invalid by the Supreme Court on the ground that the marriage certificate was not in line with Form E as provided by the Marriage Act.” Harrison said following the Supreme Court decision in Anyaegbunam Vs Anyaegbunam, 1973 3 ECSLR 243, it was trite that the local and state governments could not make separate arrangements outside that provided for in the Marriage Act Form E. Reacting to the judgement, the Director of Press, Ministry of Interior, Mr. Willie Bassey, said it was a welcome development, urging local government areas to comply forthwith. “The judgement is in conformity with the law and the Constitution and we expect the local government areas to comply with it immediately,” he said, adding that the ministry would soon role out an enforcement strategy.

…AKPABIO: WHY APC FAILED Apparently mocking APC leaders, the two-term governor of Akwa Ibom State said, ‘’If it is not Panadol, it can’t be the same as Panadol. I believed that if it were PDP--between 2015 and 2017, we would have made more significant progress. ‘’A lot of plans have been outlined but, not much has actually been seen in terms of progress and delivering of campaign promises; most of the campaign promises have actually not been met. ‘’But from a politician's point of views, I am just imagining that probably, we could have handled the recession better, if it were PDP and that is how I looked at it.’’ Explaining why the ruling party failed to fulfil its campaign promises, the PDP chieftain accused the government of lacking focus and experience; and it kept blaming the so-called mess created and left behind by the PDP for its inability to perform. ‘’But they can’t say that; before you go into government you must do a critical analysis of what you intend to do. You can’t go and promise free education when you are not sure of whether you are ready’’, Senator Akpabio added. ‘’Before you make promises to the people you

must have done not just the detailed analysis of the economic situation of the government, but a review of the economic policies of the government. So, if they say they underestimated the mess created or left behind by the PDP that means they, on their own part, were not prepared for governance.’’ Drawing an analogy from former American President Barack Obama, he said that Obama met America in almost comatose situation, saying for instance, with the General Motors---one of the biggest auto industries in US, about folding up and with a lot of industries in America having the same challenges, the US President never blamed his predecessor but came up with economic stimulus by injecting money into the private sector. The Senator Minority Leader added, ‘’President Obama was concerned about how to fix the economic problems when he came into office; the government was out to save the jobs of the average Americans; to make sure that those companies survived, and by the third year, general motors started making profits. ‘’I don’t think Obama spent almost two years talking about the previous administration; we should stop passing the buck, we should stop blaming

OIL MARKETERS GROAN AS MATURED LCS, UNPAID SUBSIDY CLAIMS HIT $2BN subsidy claims, which put pressure on their finances. Documents obtained by THISDAY showed that when the debts owed the marketers by the federal government was last reconciled in 2016, the outstanding balance was $1,522,111, 841.10. The documents also showed that MOMAN and DAPPMA members were originally indebted to 18 Nigerian banks to the tune of $1,184,621,931.17 before interest charges and exchange rate differentials pushed the outstanding claims to $2 billion, according

to marketers, who spoke off the record. The detailed data on the marketers’ original indebtedness to the 18 banks revealed that 16 banks initially had $911,336,510.11 as outstanding unliquidated LCs with DAPPMA members, while nine banks had $273,285,421.06 as outstanding unliquidated LCs with MOMAN members. According to the marketers, no reconciliation of unpaid subsidy claims has taken place between the marketers and the federal government since the beginning of 2017.

“Most of these LCs were opened four years ago with the involvement of the federal government because of the then prevailing subsidy regime. The LCs were opened at the exchange rate of N197 per dollar and government was supposed to provide the foreign exchange equivalent. The government did not provide the forex and allowed the debts to linger until the exchange rate increased to N285. During the first reconciliation with the present government, the total matured obligation was $950 million. The government

T H I S D AY MONDAY MAY 29, 2017

MONDAY MAY 29, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Osinbajo: I Never Met Tinubu Before He Appointed Me AG Says Lagos will be a leader in the world Vision for our future clearer, says Ambode

Gboyega Akinsanmi The acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, at the weekend explained how he emerged as Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice during the administration of Senator Bola Tinubu, noting that he never met the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) personally before he was appointed. Osinbajo also reeled out facts and figures about the potential of Lagos, concluding that the state would be a leader not just in the comity of black countries, but specifically among the great nations across the world. The state Governor, Mr.Akinwunmi Ambode, said the vision for the future of the state was clearer, noting that he could foresee a smart city much more in line with the other great cities of the world, where clean and decent living, seamless and efficient transportation would be a norm rather than an exception. The duo expressed the views at the gala night of the Lagos State Government organised last Saturday to mark the state’s 50th anniversary at Lagos House,Alausa, where the former said the strategic contribution of the state to Nigeria’s domestic economy could not be overemphasised. Aside the state first civilian Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and Tinubu, the gala night was attended by former military Governors of the state namely Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson; Brig.-Gen. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa and Rear-Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu. The serving state governors in attendance included Abiola Ajimobi

of Oyo State, Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki Edo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha of Imo State andAlhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State graced the grand finale of the anniversary. Apart from the serving governors, former Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George; the PDP governorship candidate in 2015, Mr. Jimi Agbaje; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and CEO of Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, also attended the event. Beyond the make-up of dignitaries that cut across all political divides, business interests and socio-cultural groups, the acting president gave insight into how he served in the Tinubu’s administration, which he said, epitomised the diversity of Lagos. He explained that Tinubu, who served as the state governor between 1999 and 2007, obviously looked at the socio-political make-up of Lagos megacity before he eventually formed his cabinet. He, therefore, commended Tinubu’s leadership virtues, who he said transcended all forms of parochialism and equally accommodated diverse talents irrespective of political ideology, race and religion. Specifically, Osinbajo said: “I did not and I had never met Tinubu before I was appointed the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State. That says a lot about the kind of individual that he is. “This is the kind of thinking that makes nations great. That is the kind of thinking that would make Nigeria great. Asiwaju thrives on a kind of thinking that considers

MTN Gets N221m Waiver on Telecoms Permit Fee in Kano Emma Okonji MTN Nigeria has got a whopping N221 million waiver on telecoms permit fee in Kano following the timely intervention of the telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), THISDAY has learnt. Sources close to NCC told THISDAY that the timely intervention by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, secured a permit fee waiver of a N221 million for MTN Nigeria in Kano State. One of the sources said a similar intervention by the NCC boss in Ogun State last year resulted in unsealing of 47 base stations under lock and key, while the state Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, also reduced ground rent fee owed by IHS Towers from N370 million to N120 million. THISDAY gathered that some staff of Huwawei, working on telecommunication infrastructure expansion in Kano State on behalf of MTN Nigeria, were arrested by the officials of government agency, Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KANUPDA), a development which put a final stop to the project. The situation could have adverse effects on service quality experience among millions of

service subscribers in the state and beyond before it was swiftly nipped in the bud. It was further gathered that Danbatta made an unscheduled visit to the state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the government magnanimously waived the permit fee of N221 million for deployment of fibre infrastructure in that state. Danbatta, was said to have convinced the governor about the economic advantages that the state stands to gain from deployment of more telecommunications infrastructure as well the potential quality of service concern that millions of service subscribers would face if the work was further delayed. In a letter signed by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Mudi Adamu, and addressed to MTN, the agency, however, said the waiver of permit fees was granted in respect of two federal roads, Zaria road and Maiduguri road in the state. Strategic collaboration and partnership with other relevant agencies and stakeholders is a key component of the eightpoint agenda that the NCC boss unveiled last year, and this may have necessitated the intervention of NCC in the matter affecting MTN Nigeria.

all of our diverse talents; a kind of thinking that does not allow parochialism; a kind of thinking that does not allow us to say anywhere belongs to only a set of people. That is when our country would be truly great.” Although he was sympathetic to the course of those craving for a Lagos for only its indigene, Osinbajo said it was now evident that the momentum of history could no longer hold down the elemental force of the state. On this ground, the acting president said Lagos “is going to

be a leader; it would be a leader in expressing the world’s view that the black man is capable of governing not just himself, but the world.” He referred to a recent statistics, which the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) released, attesting that Lagos alone accounted for 912 out of 914 individual businessmen who pay self-assessed tax of over N10 million. Aside, Osinbajo dissected Ambode’s mid-term administration, noting that the governor had successfully opened

new vistas in the state, which according to him, were capable of making Nigeria great. He saidAmbode “is making Lagos great.Everydaythatwewatch television, we see the new vistas that he is opening up. It is evident of the fact that surely in this state lies the seed of the great Nigeria of our dreams.” Also at the gala night,Ambode said his administration was fully committed to take on the huge responsibility to make the next 50 years even more productive and memorable, worthy of bigger celebrations by the next generation.

He, thus, said the vision for the future “is clear. We foresee a smart city much more in line with the other great cities of the world, where clean and decent living, seamless and efficient transportation as well as sustainable environmental practices are the norm rather than the exception.” He described the anniversary as historic and significant, thereby recognising the inputs of all founding fathers of Lagos and 13 former governors, saying their selfless service had placed the State on a pedestal of greatness.

THANKING GOD FOR NIGERIA

R-L: Wife of Acting President, Dolapo Osinbajo; Acting President Yemi Osinbajo; Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakuku Dogara; and others, during the 2017 Democracy Day interdenominational church service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja....yesterday Godwin Omoigui

Violence Erupts at APC Primary Election in Lagos, Ex-senator Manhandled Aggrieved leaders call for fresh election Sunday Okobi with agency report Violence erupted midway into the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to elect chairmanship candidates for the July 22 council polls in Lagos State at the weekend, ending the event abruptly. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that some aggrieved party supporters engaged one another in a free-for-all midway into the election, smashing ballot boxes over allegations of imposition of candidates at the election. Scores of delegates and others present at the Teslim Balogun Stadium venue fled in different directions as a result of the fracas, even as some were injured. The chairman of the Elections Committee, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, a former senator, was also attacked, and partially stripped by angry supporters who accused him of impartiality as he scampered to safety. Security officials later forced him out of the grip of the angry youths and whisked him away. Trouble was believed to have started when some party members in Surulere and Lagos Mainland openly protested

against the names of candidates being read out by Afikuyomi for endorsement as consensus candidates. They alleged that the party leadership was foisting candidates on them and said the decision of the leadership to approve consensus candidates in 18 councils was wrong. The aggrieved members initially vented their anger through protests, but it later degenerated into fracas between supporters of selected candidates and those who opposed them. A party faithful, Wale Tokunbo, said shortly before the violence broke out that the substitution of Tajudeen Ajide for the Surulere Local Government Area chairmanship for another candidate was unjust. “The removal of Ajide’s name for the name of somebody we don’t know is not acceptable to us. “If we talk about democracy, we should be able to practise it. This primary is a sham; we would resist it,” he said. Another party faithful in Mainland Local Government who pleaded anonymity said party members were surprised at the mention of Yaba Local Government as one of the areas with a consensus candidate at the

primary. He said there were aspirants contesting for the post in the area and that nobody knew of the consensus candidate until they got to the venue. “What consensus candidates are they talking about? We are just knowing that Yaba is one of them now. This is wrong,” he said. It was gathered that the names of Toba Oke (Ifako Ijaiye) and Kamal Bashua (Lagos Island East) were among the few candidates out of the 57 endorsed at the primary before violence broke out. Meanwhile, chieftains and members of the party have called on the state leadership of the party to organise another credible and conclusive primary elections. They said the so-called election primary was not just an imposition of candidates which is antithetical to the party’s philosophy and constitution, that the election did not hold in the state as it was disrupted by crisis. At the APC stakeholders’ meeting yesterday at Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, the local government area party Chairman, Alhaji Wahid Adewuni, who spoke on behalf of other party chieftainn, told journalists that the “imposition” of chairmanship

candidates by the state Electoral Committee, has brought disarray to the party, therefore, “the members of the party have taken their position that another primaries be held.” According to Adewuni, “The primary we intended doing yesterday was inconclusive. Our leaders fixed the date for local government area chairmanship primary election; we prepared and went to the stadium for the election but after screening all of us, passing through the huddles and waiting for the time to cast our vote, Afikuyomi allegedly came with a list and started calling out the names of the council areas that protested which we all know are peaceful, against what we were there for, so we gathered our members and left the venue. “So in respect for our party ideology, we want the party to follow the directive they gave us. We want conclusive primaries it couldn’t hold yesterday because of the crisis from various local government areas. “This is imposition, and we have all disagreed with that. We don’t want imposition, and our leadership doesn’t impose candidates on the party member. So we want things done according to the rules and regulations of the party, and our demands must be met.”

MONDAY MAY 29, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Again, Ekweremadu, Umahi Ask Pro-Biafra Agitators to Shelve Call to Sit-at-home Adegboruwa condemns arrest of activists

Jonathan Eze The Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, and Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. David Umahi, have again appealed to Biafra agitators calling for a sit-at-home compliance on Tuesday to allow people to go about their normal businesses. Ekweremadu and Umahi made the appeal during an interdenominational church service organised by the Ebonyi State Government to mark this year’s Democracy Day in Abakaliki. They noted that bad approach to genuine struggle was not good, as they encouraged the Igbos to work in unity in order to achieve their aim irrespective of how long it takes. Ekweremadu said: “On the issue of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and stay-at-home order, I just have one advice. You cannot have two governments in a state. If anybody says you should stay at home, if you are a trader you can choose to stay at home or go out. But if you are a civil or public servant, you are under obligation to go to work. “I addressed the World Igbo Congress in Enugu and I told them that we all condemn the marginalisation of our people. We can never support it and we will continue to fight against it wherever we find ourselves. It is our life but I advise that no one or group should engage in any arm struggle no matter the level of provocation. The idea of trying to force people to do

your will, I don’t think it’s right. “Those who want to stay at home should please stay at home but those who want to work should be allowed to go out. I believe that if we have a struggle which I believe we have, it may take us a long time to get there but surely, no matter how long the darkness is, the day will eventually break.” In a statement, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, quoted the Deputy Senate President as commending Umahi for his infrastructural development and the mature way he has piloted the affairs of Ebonyi State, adding that the state has changed for good. In his remarks, Umahi said he had directed that markets should be opened on Tuesday and that residents should feel free to go about their lawful business. He condemned the idea of asking people to stay at home but urged them to embrace dialogue rather than pursuing their genuine struggle the wrong way. Umahi maintained that the leaders of South-east were handling the concerns of IPOB, promising that efforts to solve the problem would soon materialise. “Let me say it; I have all the lists of their agitations and most of what they are saying are correct but the way they are saying it may not be correct. I met with the market people yesterday (Friday) and I said our market will remain open on May 30. “The governors of South-east

States are not noise makers behind the scene, we are tackling our problem with National Assembly members and our other leaders and I’m very sure that the modest effort we are making is fast yielding result. We believe that we can win this war not through violence but through persuasion and dialogue and understanding,” he said. The governor appreciated the state executive members, the legislators and the judiciary for their commitments to service delivery. In his sermon, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion and Welfare Matters and the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi State chapter, Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, eulogised the governor for his achievements

within two years in office. Dignitaries who attended the church service included former Governor of the state, Senator Sam Egwu; Senator Obinna Ogba, state Chief Judge, Justice Aloy Nwankwo, and heads of security agencies in the state. Meanwhile, human rights activist and a Lagos-based lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has described the crackdown and arrest of some Biafran supporters mobilising for a sit-at-home protest as a sign of full blown fascism. In a statement yesterday made available to THISDAY, he argued that the right to self-determination is guaranteed under Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. He urged the acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to as a

matter of urgency direct the release of the arrested activists. The statement reads in parts: “For daring to declare and mobilise for a sit-at-home protest, pro-Biafra activists have fallen victims of the Buhari/Osinbajo administration. True to its threat, the police have arrested many Biafra activists and it is threatening to arrest many more, ahead of the May 30 sit-at-home protest. “The right to selfdetermination is guaranteed under Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Nigeria is a signatory. It is also recognised by the United Nations. “Consequently, no race, people or tribe can be conquered or be forced to dwell in any entity against their wish. “The vice-president, as a teacher

and practitioner of law, knows this very well and it is totally disheartening that free born citizens of Nigeria are being silenced, intimidated, harassed and railroaded into unlawful custody under his watch. “I therefore urge the acting president to direct the release of all pro-Biafra activists, who have been arrested on account of a protest that is yet to even happen. How can anyone be arrested for freely expressing his views and opinions in a democracy? “And this is coming barely a day to May 29, for which the same government has declared a public holiday to celebrate democracy, in a country where citizens cannot enjoy their basic rights. Enough of civilian dictatorship please.”

BA Resumes Flights to Nigeria after Computer Glitch Chinedu Eze with agency report After the cancelation of its flights worldwide due to computer glitch at the weekend, British Airways yesterday resumed flights to Nigeria and other destinations, as flight BA075 departed London Heathrow Airport at 12:09p.m. Nigerian time to Lagos. BA website indicated that the flight departed from the Terminal 5 after one hour delay just as the British mega carrier announced that it would be willing to refund passengers who may want to terminate its scheduled flight with the airline. Reports also indicated that the Nigeria’s Country Manager to British Airways, Kola Olayinka, confirmed the departure of the flight from Heathrow, saying the main focus of the airline was to make its Nigerian passengers comfortable as much as possible given the circumstances. “It is true that our flight to Lagos is expected to arrive soon. All what we are trying to do from Nigeria here is to be sure our customers are fine. We are in touch with our passengers to feed them on the development as it unfolds. The situation is gradually returning to normal,” said Olayinka. According to the airline’s website, following a worldwide British Airways’ IT system collapse last Saturday delays

and cancellations of the airline’s flights were expected as it would take few days for the situation to come back to normal. BA site advised that all British Airways passengers who were due to fly yesterday should check the status of their flights, via Heathrow.com, BA.com and British Airways’ Twitter account, prior to travelling to the airport. Heathrow Airport also said all passengers whose flights were cancelled last Saturday should not travel to the airport Sunday unless they had already rebooked onto another flight. THISDAY learnt that Heathrow Airport has continued to provide additional customer service in the terminals to assist passengers affected in addition to providing passengers free water and snacks. The airline said there was no evidence that its system was hacked while airline union leaders said obsolete parts and the airline’s cost cutting measures might have caused the glitch. The airline said it was doing everything possible to restore flights but there would be obvious delays and cancellation. Initially, when the incident happened last Saturday, it tried manual booking but this was very difficult considering the number of passengers that would be attended to. It is also hoped that in few days the situation would return to normal as the airline seeks for permanent

RECIPE FOR YOUTH RESTIVENESS

L-R: Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; and former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka; and Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, at a youth governance and development summit organised by the Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.....yesterday

Multinationals, Private Entities to Compulsorily Fund Climate Change Account House c’ttee urges action as bill proceeds to third reading James Emejo in Abuja As the climate change bill before the National Assembly heads for its third reading in the House of Representatives and the possibility of being passed into law, multinational companies and other relevant private entities are to compulsorily fund the National Climate Change Contributory Fund which is envisaged by the bill, THISDAY has learnt. The fund will consequently be assessed by both the public and private sectors in a ratio of 40 per cent and 60 per cent respectively to encourage creative initiatives on how to better solve climate change related challenges in the country. It is not however, surprising that multinationals are being compelled to pool resources towards addressing environmental challenges as major oil companies are partly accused of destroying the environment by their operations. One of the cardinal objectives of

the proposed bill is to provide a legal framework for mainstreaming of climate change responses and actions into government policy formulation and implementation. In an exclusive interview with THISDAY, sponsor of the bill, Hon. Sam Onuigbo (PDP, Abia), said it intended to deepen and broaden the country’s participation in addressing the problem and ensure “we do not continue to pay lip service to this critical issue.” When passed, the bill will also establish the National Climate Change Council and the National Climate Change Agency among others. Onuigbo, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change, said though there had been different policies on climate change by previous administrations, they could not achieve meaningful impact because “policies are not laws.” According to him, “On our part as legislators, we’ve realised that

unless far reaching legislative actions were taken in the form of enacting law on climate change, it would again amount to different national policies on climate change that had been in operation before we reached here.” Onuigbo, who expressed optimism that the leadership of both the upper and lower chambers would ensure that a law on climate change is passed expeditiously. Speaking on the utilisation of the proposed climate change fund by both the public and private sectors, the lawmaker said it is meant to “encourage investors and people who have ideas on how to solve these problems to encourage them to come up with their initiatives.” He said: “It’s a robust bill that’s all encompassing and I know by the grace of God, the leadership of the National Assembly is poised to ensure that a law on this matter is passed expeditiously.

“The bill basically is intended to create an interface among the crosscutting departments and agencies that are climate change impacted. “What this bill intends to do is to ensure that Nigeria’s target that we’ve set for ourselves in our nationally determined contributions are met.” The lawmaker further warned that climate change must not be be taken with levity as the harsh impact is already biting hard on Nigerians across the divide. He said:”And that problems of desertification, drying up of Lake Chad, herdsmen and farmers clashes, gully erosion- that we are able to take far reaching decisions collectively to checkmate these dangers that have now led to serious national security challenges.” Onuigbo argued that the issue of climate change had nevertheless received a lot of attention from current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

MONDAY MAY29, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Rivers Govt Honours 127, Set to Amend Awards Law Says Amaechi was indicted Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The Rivers State Golden Jubilee celebrations came to a climax at the when the state government honoured 127 distinguished Nigerians who served the state meritoriously in different fields

of human endeavour. It also announced its resolve to ensure that no indicted governor received any automatic honour, learning from the issue concerning the immediate past Governor of the state, Chibuike Amaechi, who was allegedly indicted by a judicial commission

ANN to Get Technocrats Involved in Political Process A new political group, Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) has promised to rally professional, technocrats and corporate players together in order to get them more involved in the political process with the aim of “retiring and replacing the old order.” A statement issued by the group quoted the National Coordinator of the group and Harvard University scholar, Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, saying it was high time young and upwardly mobile Nigerians who have made their marks in their different private endeavours became more interested in the political process and play a role in determining who governs the country. The group said for long, professionals and technocrats hardly participate in the political process of the country. “Rather, what they do is to complain and lament about the state of affairs of the country. We have complained enough,” Samuels said. “We cannot continue to go on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp groups and be lamenting about how the country is drifting. Enough of that. It is time to get involved and try to change things in the country by being part of the political process. And there is no better platform to do this than through the Alliance for New Nigeria, ANN. We are out to serve as the rallying point for technocrats and professionals to come out of the shells and become part of the political process.”

The Edo State-born medical doctor added that the group is made up of those he called ‘Technoticians’; a hybrid of technocrats and politicians. He explained, however, that in their own case, the 80-20 rule applies as they are more of technocrats than politicians. “For us to be involved in politics, we have to be known as politicians. But we are first and foremost technocrats only getting involved in the political process. Samuels lamented that for long, the nation has left its political destiny in the hands of few career politicians who only think of the next election and nothing more. The medical practitioner said these professional politicians are the ones that decide what goes on in the country and who and who gets what. He said it was time Nigerians take their destiny into their own hands by legitimately interrogating these forces. “If you notice, only thirty percent of the populace gets involved in the political process in the country; either through active participation or via voting. Those who hold public offices are less than 20,000, including those at the state level. What we are doing is to talk to the remaining seventy percent and get them to be part of the process. This is what ANN is all about.” The group said in the statement that the process of INEC registration is at an advanced stage and very soon, this, hopefully would be concluded.

Obasanjo Warns againstYouth Explosion Sheriﬀ Balogun in Abeokuta Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday raised concern over youth explosion in the country, saying “my greatest worry for Africa and Nigeria is the anger and frustration of the youths that will lead to explosion.” He said if the youths in the country are not properly managed, it would lead to explosion. Obasanjo who spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during a Youth Governance Dialogue programme, said during his time, there were opportunities but limited facilities unlike today where there are facilities but limited opportunities. He said: “It will know no bound. If you talk about Boko Haram, it’s limited to North-east, MASSOB is limited to the east, militants to the Niger Delta and OPC is around the corner here.” However, Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, while presenting his opening speech with the topic, ‘Preparing Successor Generation for Effective Participation

in Governance’, said anyone who does not see the intrinsic value of the youth has simply never enjoyed the opportunity of working with the youth. He said: “We cannot keep calling them the leaders of tomorrow without ensuring that we put in place deliberate measures that will aid their quest for public service.” He therefore, said one cannot under-estimate the place of experience in the leadership of a country, adding that “sometimes candour and youthful excitement can cause as much harm as the most venal form of corruption.” Meanwhile, the lead speaker, former Minister of Aviation and FRSC Corps Marshall, Mr. Osita Chidoka, while speaking on the theme ‘Towards a Guiding Political Philosophy for a Democratic Nigeria’ said many argued that the trouble with Nigeria was leadership. He said for the country to grow, Nigerians must build a society that harnesses human resources, provides equal opportunities and develops capacity for innovation.

of inquiry over the sale of valued assets of the state during the twilight of his administration. Presenting the awards at the remodelled Multi-Purpose Hall of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt, the state Governor, Nyesom Wike, said his administration would amend the law to ensure that criminals, no matter their previous positions, do not get honoured by the state. He pointed out that the immediate past governor was indicted by a judicial commission of inquiry into the sale of the assets of the state, hence he did not merit the award, but was merely included in the list because he was a former governor. He said: “You will agree with me that any person with such antecedents and formal indictments is not and cannot be a fit and proper person to be bestowed with state honours. Wike, who spoke against the backdrop of the rejection of the proposed by Amaechi, said:

“Permit me to also address the purported rejection of the award by former Governor and current Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi. We are not unaware that there is a subsisting indictment from a Judicial Commission of Inquiry and attendant White Paper in relation to corrupt practices that trailed the hurried sale and management of proceeds of state valued assets in the dying days of his administration. “Three weeks ago, the Court of Appeal affirmed the validity of that inquiry. You will agree with me that any person that is indicted by a commission of inquiry cannot be a fit and proper person to be bestowed with a state honours. “Accordingly we queried the nomination of Rotimi Amaechi on that premise but conceded, albeit, reluctantly when we were told that his nomination was fait accompli under the State Honours Law by virtue of his position as a former governor of the state. Now that our unusual

magnanimity in the spirit of the Jubilee is unappreciated, we think it is proper to amend the law and safeguard its credibility from being eroded or undermined.” He said while the awards would hold annually, especially during his administration, only deserving persons who have contributed to the development of the state and its people would be beneficiaries. The state’s law on honours and awards, Wike said, was enacted under the administration of Dr. Peter Odili, but has not been implemented by past governors. Some of the awardees were honoured posthumously for their outstanding contributions to the growth of Rivers State at different times. Wike, who personally presented the awards to the awardees or their representatives, presented three categories of awards to the distinguished personalities. They include: Grand Service Star of Rivers

State (GSSRS), Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) and Governor’s Medal of Honour (GMH). All civilian and military former governors of the state accepted the award except the immediate past governor of the state, Amaechi, who declined to receive the awards citing personal differences with Wike. Prominent among the awardees were: Former President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Mrs. Patience Jonathan; First Rivers Military Governor, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili; Former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rufus Ada George; Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche; and Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara. The late Governor Melford Okilo, late Ken Saro-Wiwa, late Senator Obi Wali and late Edward Kobani were among those honoured posthumously.

DISTINGUISHED HIGH TABLE

L-R: Former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili; his wife, Justice Mary; Governor Nyesom Wike, his wife, Eberechi; Wife of the former President, Mrs. Patience Jonathan; and former President Goodluck Jonathan, during the Rivers State Excellent Achievers’ Golden Jubilee in Port Harcourt...weekend

Emmanuel Insists on Running LGs with Caretaker Committees, Says State Lacks Funds for Polls Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has said he will continue to use caretaker committee members to run affairs of local government administrations in the state as free and fair elections would only be conducted after the recession was over. The governor, who gave the clarifications last Saturday night during a media chat to mark the 2017 Democracy Day and his two years in office, argued that lack of democratically elected people into the 31 councils in the state doesn’t mean the system is not functioning. He called on political parties and politicians to bear with him as the conduct of local government elections was capital intensive and he would not borrow money to finance the election instead of investing in projects that benefits the common man. Emmanuel who equally noted

that it was not only in Akwa Ibom State that local government elections were not conducted stressed that “in this period of recession you only put money in productive sectors. “Because of the prevailing economic situation-recession we cannot hold election now, but once the economy improves, we will conduct elections, as government will not borrow money with high interest rate to conduct local government elections. “What of if you set up local government council and you don’t have money to run the council? In recession, you carefully direct where money should go; when the economy improves all that will be done.”. The governor debunked the claim that people in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were defecting to the All Progressive Congress (APC) because of nonempowerment.

According to him, since his coming on board, all the interministerial jobs were handled by the indigenes, while thousands of people have been trained on various skills and trades. “I used 80 per cent of the local contractors to do work, so what other means of empowerment are you talking about?” Emmanuel argued that his idea of empowerment was very different from what people had thought, saying he believes in empowering people to create wealth or money for themselves instead of cash empowerment. Speaking on his industrialisation efforts, the governor said those insinuating that he was playing politics with his industrialisation policy were not fair in their comments and observations as his programmes cut across the three senatorial districts of the state. Critics of the state administration had noted that industries so far establish by Emmanuel’s

administration were being developed in his local government area, Onna, in particularly, and his Eket senatorial district in general. The governor posited that criticising the activities, programmes and projects of government negatively was not a solution to provide service to the people, urging the people of the state to join him in building the state not doubting efforts in developing the state. Government, he said, cannot do everything alone hence the need for private sector collaboration, stressing that for any investor to come to the state, key infrastructure like roads, air and water must be on ground. He advised the citizens to refrain from the belief that “it cannot work” when a project is to be done, saying the time is now for change of attitude and belief towards project and infrastructure execution in the state.

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY MAY 29, 2017

MONDAYSPORTS West Ham Tables £24m Bid for Iheanacho

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

Duro Ikhazuagbe

After helping the Super Eagles achieve a prized oneall draw against Corsica last Friday in an international friendly, Kelechi Iheanacho flew into Manchester on Saturday to sort out his future even as West Ham is believed to have made a bid of £24million for the Nigerian international. Iheanacho scored from the penalty spot after Jean-Jacques Mandrichi had given Corsica a French

region, the lead also from the spot. That face-saving goal from the boots of the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup winner, ensured that the Nigerian senior national team remains unbeaten in all the eight games played under Gernot Rohr’s watch. According to weekend reports from England, Iheanacho also has interests from Leicester, Everton, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion plus clubs in the Bundesliga.

Ettah Promises Continuity as UAC Trophy Race Returns to Lagos Yacht Club The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mr Larry Ettah, reiterated his company’s commitment to the development of sailing as a sport in Nigeria as their flagship event UAC Trophy Race, sponsored by MDS Logistics, returned for it’s fifth season with fun and fanfare at the Lagos Yacht Club, Victoria Island last Saturday. The sailing championship had gone on break after the last edition in 2013, but UAC of Nigeria Plc in partnership with MDS Logistics ensured the event made a comeback much to the delight of sailing fans who came out in their numbers to witness participants fight for honours on the Atlantic. Speaking to newsmen after the event, the GMD/ CEO of UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mr Ettah, hailed the quality of the competition which saw over 22 boats and 60 sailors battle it out in three categories, Hobie class, Lightning class and Mixed Monohull in very punishing conditions, while he assured fans that the UAC Trophy has come to stay. He said: “When you have a successful event like this you get encouraged and we believe there are reasons to continue. Our aim is to encourage Nigerians to make use of the water, we have water all around us and

with the recession, Nigerians should learn to to explore. We can’t just focus only on the competitions on land.” “From what we have seen today, we are happy and those who came on board to sponsor this event like MDS Logistics we believe are happy as well.” On hand to present awards to winners, who went home with trophies and attractive prizes, were; Mr Solomon Aigbavboa (Managing Director, MDS Logistics), Mr Bhushan Akshikar (Managing Director, GSK Pharma), Mr Taiwo Ajibola (GM Operations MDS Logistics), Mr David Kruyt (Commodore of Lagos Yacht Club) and a host of others. While the winners after up to three hours of race were; Hobie: 1st position - Phat Bouy II, 2nd position - Cavin & Hobbes, 3rd position Down Under. Lightning: 1st position - Orieoda, 2nd position - Gac Spirit, 3rd position - Zeus. Mixed Monohulls: 1st position - Tamanko, 2nd position - Flying Dutchman, 3rd position - Rule the Waves. The UAC Trophy Race has evolved into a foremost recreational sailing championship in the country and this year’s editions did not disappoint as the creme of both the sailing and business world converged to witness a successful season five of the competition.

Finalists Emerge in GTBank/ Lagos Principal’s Cup Finalists for the Season 8 of the GTBank/Lagos State Principal’s Cup have emerged at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos Island. Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Grammar School defeated Odogunyan Senior Grammar School, Ikorodu 2-0, while Muslim Senior College, Oworonshoki and Ikotun Senior High School, Ikotun needed penalty shootouts to separate each other as both sides failed to score in regulation time. In the female category, Government Senior College, Agege defeated Sanya Senior Grammar School, Surulere, 5-3 via penalties while Isale Eko Grammar

School, Lagos Island beat Ikorodu Senior High School, Ikorodu 2-1. Commenting on the competition, the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Segun Agbaje, said; “Sport plays a major role in the development of life skills and this competition paves the way for youths to cultivate their sporting talents and aptitudes, while fostering and building a healthier lifestyle at a critical stage in their lives.” The final slated for the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, on May 30 is expected to be part of the Lagos @ 50 celebrations.

Manchester City is believed to want to insert a buy-back option into any transfer deal reached on the 20-year-old forward. It is not yet certain how long Iheanacho is going to remain in Manchester over the transfer talks as handlers of the Super Eagles are expecting him back in camp before Nigeria’s next friendly against Togo in the French capital on June 10. The team is expected to return home to play South Africa in a 2019 Africa Cup

of Nations qualifier in Uyo later in June. After a season where many expected Iheanacho to kick on after an impressive breakthrough under ex-manager Manuel Pellegrini the striker has found playing time hard to come by. Pep Guardiola entrusted Iheanacho with just five league starts with the youngster finding himself behind Sergio Aguero and mid-season arrival Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order.

Despite that limited opportunity Iheanacho still managed seven goals and three assists, with those strikes coming at an average rate of one every 128 minutes. With value for money goalscorers a commodity always cherished by Premier League clubs it is hardly a surprise such a promising forward is in such high demand. Despite all the talk of a possible transfer, Iheanacho recently dismissed his

impending Etihad exit, insisting: “I’m not very aware of that. I just keep working with the team and I’m still at Manchester City so I’ll meet up with the boys and kick off the season with Manchester City. “I’m happy to stay at Manchester City and keep fighting to help them achieve what they want to achieve. Manchester City is a big team and we need to go far as a squad, so we need everybody,” concludes the Nigerian international.

NPFL…NPFL…NPFL…

Plateau Maintains Top Spot as Home Teams Win Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) leaders, Plateau United, maintained its stronghold on the topflight with a 1-0 defeat of bottomplaced Remo Stars in a Match-day 21 clash in Jos yesterday. Hamzat Owolabi was the hero of the day as his lone strike in the 43rd ensured that Plateau stays top of the table. That win takes Plateau United’s point haul to 39 from 21 games. Elsewhere, El-Kanemi Warriors kept the pressure on the Jos team moving to the second spot on 36 points with a 2-1 victory over visiting Rivers United in Maiduguri. The Port Harcourt team was hoping to build on the success it recorded over FUS of Morocco in the CAF Confederation Cup. Samuel Mathias who Warriors leading scorer added to his goals when he converted a 10th minute penalty to give El-Kanemi a 1-0 lead. The goal was Mathias’ 11th of the season, just three short of NPFL top scorer MFM’s Stephen Odey who has 14 goals but is away in Eagles camp in France. Bala Yahuza made it 2-0 in favour for El-Kanemi in the 81st minute before Rivers United made it a nervy conclusion to the game as Onoriode Odah scored in the 92nd minute. El-Kanemi leapfrogged MFM into second place In Minna, MFM’s struggle since the commencement of the second round of the league continued as they lost 3-0 to Niger Tornadoes. The Lagos club had been held to a 0-0 draw last week by Akwa United. Wilfred Ammeh and Wikili Abdullahi (brace) scored Tornadoes’ goals in the

MATCH-DAY 21 RESULTS Plateau Utd 1- 0 Remo Stars Tornadoes 3-0 MFM El Kanemi 2-1 Rivers Utd Sunshine 1-0 Enyimba Abia Warriors 4-0 Rangers IfeanyiUbah 2-0 Pillars Lobi Stars 3-0 3SC Akwa Utd 3-0 ABS Nasarawa 2-0 Wikki Gombe Utd 1-0 Katsina Utd

37th, 45th and 51st minutes respectively. MFM were without star duo Odey and Sikiru Olatunbosun who are currently in France with the Super Eagles. In the Oriental derby, Sunday Adetunji scored his 10th and 11th goals of the season as Abia Warriors took full advantage of playing at home by battering champions Rangers 4-0. Adetunji opened the scoring in the sixth minute before

Anthony Okemmiri added a second in the 15th minute. In the 63rd minute, Adetunji grabbed his second goal to make it 3-0 before Obi Samson completed the rout by scoring on 86 minutes. In Nnewi, a brace from Godwin Obaje secured a 2-0 win for IfeanyiUbah against Kano Pillars. Obaje gave IfeanyiUbah the lead in the 13th minute before doubling the lead on 47 minutes from the penalty

spot. IfeanyiUbah have now gone eight games unbeaten in the NPFL, the longest by any team this season. In Makurdi, Shooting Stars suffered their second straight defeat with a 3-0 loss to Lobi in Makurdi. Two goals from Kingsley Eduwo in the 11th and 40th minutes, and an 89th minute goal by Sunday Akleche gave Lobi Stars the convincing win.

Monday May 29, 2017

UT H

& RE A S O

Price: N250

MISSILE Ngige to Ndigbo

“It is too late to cry when the head is off. Politics is business in a way, you invest in business and you reap profit.Yes, that is what it is. But all I want to tell you is that we played bad politics; we made a bad investment because they invested in the Jonathan presidency. They invested in Jonathan more than the South-south, where he hails from” – Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige defending the Buhari’s administration and justifying why Ndigbo have no reason to complain of marginalization.

ALEXOTTI OUTSIDE THE BOX

alex.otti@thisdaylive.com

Budget 2017, Between The Rock And a Very Hard Surface

his intervention is not about the fact that it took about six months for the National Assembly to pass the 2017 budget which was sent to it by the Presidency on December 14, 2016. After all, the National Assembly needed to do a thorough job and look at it with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that there are no incidents of “padding” in the budget. Besides, there are other competing assignments and bills to be attended to, in the midst of oversight functions and constituency projects supervision. We are also not concerned that what came back from the National Assembly as the approved budget had transmogrified from N7.298t to N7.44t, since no one expected that the role of the National Assembly was that of a “rubber stamp”. The legislators must not only make inputs where necessary, but they must be seen to have made such inputs. It is our contention that there are a few issues we must pay attention to if the budget termed “budget of growth and recovery” would realise its purpose. On the face of it, the budget looks large. For the first time we crossed the N7trillion mark. However, interrogating the numbers would immediately show that it is not as big as it looks. At the originally submitted figure of N7.298t it was supposed to be 20.4% higher than the 2016 budget. However, if we factor in inflation which averaged 18% in the last one year, it would be clear that in reality, this budget is almost at the same level with the 2016 budget. This is a real concern because this is the first year of the implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the government. The N7.44t approved by the National Assembly makes the case look a little better as it would now be 22.8% larger than last year’s budget in nominal terms. In reality, however, significant growth may not be delivered by the budget. Of course I am quick to concede that growth may not happen just because numbers have increased as reallocation of priorities may have a significant impact on the economy. Greater efficiency in resource allocation and utilisation is also bound to produce better results. When we convert the numbers from Naira to dollars, the situation becomes more alarming. The 2016 budget was based on an exchange rate benchmark of N197 per dollar. In dollar terms, therefore, the size of the N6.06t 2016 budget was slightly less than $31b. Compare this with the current budget with a benchmark of N305 per dollar. The size of the 2017 budget would be just above $24b. Should you use the parallel market rate of N380/$ to convert, the budget size would drop to $19.6b. So when you adjust for inflation or for exchange rates, you are bound to have a budget size that would be in conflict with the promises of government. The more fundamental point is that we are still battling with recession or better still, stagflation. We had argued in the past and the government had also confirmed that the chosen route to get the country out of the economic challenge is by issuing stimulus packages and increased spending particularly in the area of infrastructure. This would have required a massive expansionary budget. Given the above analysis, the budget that has just been approved is anything but expansionary. Again, the infrastructure spend of about N2.174t is just about 29% of the budget. Recurrent expenditure

Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma still occupies its pride of place at about 71% of the budget. Out of the total revenue of N5.08t, over 46% or N2.35t is going to be borrowed. This means that our budgeted revenue cannot even fund our recurrent expenditure of N5.27t as the latter is higher than the former by over N500b. The major constraint to the kind of budget that would massively impact growth is our capacity to generate revenue. The amount of money that a government and in fact any entity can spend depends on how much that government can generate in revenue. In the event that the government intends to spend over and above its revenue, it must borrow the difference. From the analyses made earlier, it is clear our expenditure far outstrips our revenues, leaving us with the debt option. Our situation is such that our revenue is less than our recurrent expenditure, so, we are technically borrowing to pay salaries. But, we cannot continue to borrow ad infinitum. This is because, there is a cost to borrowing. Recently, the Central Bank of Nigeria cried out over the level of government borrowing. After the Monetary Policy Meeting of May 23, 2017, the CBN is quoted to have expressed concern over the borrowing activities of the federal government arguing that the government’s borrowing has exceeded the target for the 2017 fiscal year. According to the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, “the Net Domestic Credit, NDC grew by 1.40% in April 2017, annualised to 4.21% which is significantly below the 17.93% provisional growth benchmark for 2017. However, net credit to government grew by 24.08% over end of December 2016, representing an annualised growth of 72%”. The Monetary Policy Committee was, therefore, concerned that credit to government continued to outpace the programmed target of 33.12% for fiscal 2017, while credit to the private sector declined considerably far below the programmed target of 14.88%. So, if the full implementation of the budget is yet to kick off and the pace of government borrowing has already exceeded target, we need to worry. Other than the argument of crowding out of the private sector, there is also the issue of cost of borrowing which is bound to continue to go up. This would put further pressure on the budget as debt servicing whose budget

is put at N1.66t or about 23% of budget or 32% of recurrent expenditure is sure to go up. Meanwhile, maturing bonds of over N170b which will be due for repayment within the year may attract higher coupons, should the government decide to reissue them. Commenting on the vulnerabilities of the country’s debt profile, PWC notes that the debt service to revenue ratio has risen from 9.5% in 2009 to 30.9% in 2015, above the country specific threshold of 28%. In 2016, it rose to an all-time high of 50% of revenues which was largely due to unfavourable financing terms and weak revenue growth. PWC estimates that average interest rates on domestic debts, went up from 10.8% in 2015 to 13.2% last year. There is this misleading argument made by “experts” about Nigeria’s debt sustainability. The argument goes this way: “Nigeria has a lot of room to borrow more and more to the extent that our debt to GDP ratio is lower than the average of 42% for developing countries and 56% benchmark as per the IMF/World Bank Debt Sustainability framework”. The problem with this argument is that it does not take into account the revenue earning potential of the country. It also doesn’t account for the low tax to GDP ratios of the country. While Nigeria’s tax to GDP ratio is a meagre 6%, the global average is about 15%, leaving the country with oil as the major financier of the budget. Given the heavy drop in oil prices, the ability of the country to generate revenue is therefore impaired. In the quoted report, the Federal Government is said to have ramped up its debt “at a compounded annual growth rate of 16.2% over the last 5years to about USD42.1b (N13.8t) in 2016. Going by the borrowing plans for 2017, the debt stock could increase by as much as 20% year on year to USD54.4b (N16.6t) with debt to GDP rising to 17% from 15% in 2015”. You cannot isolate the issue of debt to GDP ratio from debt service capacity. If at 15% debt to GDP ratio, we are using up to 50% of revenues to service debt, it follows that doubling the debt would still leave us below the debt to GDP ratio threshold while we may use all our revenue to service debt annually. This does not work and is the problem with argument of the experts. The dilemma therefore, is that since the economy is in recession, the government must continue to reduce wasteful expenditure while at the same time increasing productive expenditure to stimulate the economy and consumption, generate employment, improve capacity utilisation and ensure positive economic growth. To do this, government must make use of its revenue or borrow. Since government revenue is not inelastic, the only option left is to borrow. From our analysis, it is clear that there is a limit to how much it can borrow. Government is already receiving warnings from regulatory authorities and multilateral financial institutions about its borrowing activities. Besides, the debt service obligations are already strangulating and choking it. This is where the challenge is and must be recognised by the implementers of the budget to be able to do something about it. Readers who had followed this column would recall that we had drawn attention to this dilemma last year when we advised against the proposed $30b borrowing. In that column, we attempted to estimate mathematically, the

optimum level of debts we could manage given some of these realities that have now become apparent. Somehow, we were misunderstood by the DMO which took out one paged advert in several newspapers to accuse us of “dangerous misinformation”. We would have loved to be wrong and the dilemma, averted. So, faced with this situation, what does the government do, should be the question that every patriot should ask? The easiest option is to do nothing. The outcome of this option is that all the lofty goals set by government, particularly, in terms of exiting recession and institutionalising growth will not be achieved. In fact, the modest gains achieved so far in the area of slowing the decline in GDP growth can easily be reversed. Nobody wants that. We must therefore put on our thinking caps to work out solutions. One sure approach is to begin to work seriously on shoring up government revenue. In doing this, we must de-emphasise mono-product revenue source and push the tax option frontier. Increasing tax rates may look like the way to go, but it is not. The most sustainable option is to expand the tax base and bring more people into the tax net. Of course, it is only those who are empowered that can pay tax. We must, therefore, do all to positively engage as many people as possible, in economic activities. The other option is to look at the private sector to fill the gap. Strictly speaking, the private sector is a bit shallow in Nigeria. Most of what you have today as private sector is dependent on the public sector. The public sector had over the years assumed a larger than life image dominating every facet of the economy. That has created a private sector that is filled with government contractors and vendors. In some cases, where big money is required for investment, such monies seem to be non-existent in the country. Even the banks which should ordinarily support the private sector seem to be more interested in lending to the public sector given the high risk-free interest rate regime in the country in the last couple of years. That is exactly the major reason for the ‘crowding out’ argument advanced by the CBN above. It is therefore incumbent upon us to ensure that the private sector is not only strengthened, but encouraged to play its role in the economy. Closely related to this is foreign investment. Statistics show that in the last couple of months, we had lost a lot of foreign investment owing to our economic challenges which were not helped by our foreign exchange policies. I believe that this may be a good time for us to look at unifying the exchange rates, sequel to the gains made by ensuring that the foreign exchange market remains liquid. This new policy had the positive effect of bringing down the parallel market rate from over N530 per dollar to the current rate of about N380 per dollar. If per chance oil prices go up beyond the benchmark used for the budget, we would be able to build up additional funds in the excess crude account which would help in funding the deficit. Recovery of more stolen funds than anticipated by the budget would also help in resolving the challenge. If none of these happens and we are unable to see any traction in the area of private sector involvement and improvement in tax collections, then we should be prepared for a partial implementation of the 2017 budget.

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