Leadership epaper 5th april 2018

05.04.18

FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

No. 3,037

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Again, MPC Retains Interest Rate At 14% Urges restraint on domestic borrowing

BY MARK ITSIBOR, Abuja And BUKOLA IDOWU, KEHINDE SALLAH, Lagos

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday retained the interest rate at 14% even as it

urges restraint on local borrowing.

MPC said the nation’s economic indications are looking positive, with the recovery of the economy strengthening in view of the return

to growth of the Services Sector.

The reconstituted MPC made gave the hint yesterday at its 260th meeting held against the backdrop of strengthening global growth

and improving domestic economic condition.

The committee based its forecast on the recent data by the National Bureau of Statistics that indicated,

INEC Issues Election Notice For Ekiti Governorship Poll ➔Pg. 40

among other things, that real Gross Domestic Product grew by 1.92 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017 from 1.4 percent and 0.7 percent in the third and second quarters respectively. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

2 APC Govs Set To Call Illegal NEC Meeting 6 PMB Approves $1bn For Arms Purchase To Fight Insecurity

BY JONATHAN NDA-ISAIAH

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday approved the sum of $1 billion for the procurement of security equipment to fight insecurity in the country.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, after a meeting between the president and security chiefs at the presidential villa.

The country has been facing security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast, herders/farmers clashes in the North Central, militancy in the Niger Delta and cattle rustling in the Northwest.

Disturbed by the growing spate of insecurity, the National Economic Council (NEC) had approved federal government’s request to withdraw the $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to combat insecurity in the country. ➔ CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Chairman, Capital Equipment Ltd, Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim (left) and head, Africa Region of Minsk Tractor Works, Mr Kiril A. Vasilenko, (right), during the signing of an MoU to build a BELARUS Tractor Assembly Plant in Nigeria, yesterday. With them are Nigeria’s ambassador to Russia with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Belarus, Prof. Steve Ugbah (left) and chairman of Belarus Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Vladimir Ulakhovich.

My Pikin: Supreme Court 8 US, UK Envoys Visit Otedola, Sen Mustapha Bukar Jails 2 Over Poisonous Drug Hold Talks On Economy 36 Dies At 63 4

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our stand

LEADERSHIP Thursday, April 5, 2018

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NERC’s New Metering Regulation

arring any hitches, the newly introduced Meter Asset Provider, MAP, would substitute the Credited Advance Payment for Metering Implementation, CAPMI regime beginning from April 3. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, as the regulatory body, had to come up with the MAP framework due to the manifest failure of the six-year-old CAPMI regime in bridging the metering gap in Nigeria’s power distribution.

By a new rule that flows from the MAP regime, all Distribution Companies, DisCos, are obligated to discard the CAPMI regime and embrace MAP within a 120 day grace period, starting from April 3 roll out date. Whereas the CAPMI regime failed woefully in metering power consumers, the succeeding MAP regime is billed to effectively close the metering gap in the Nigerian electricity distribution within three years of take-off and eliminate the obnoxious estimated billing by DisCos. It is heart-warming that the electricity regulator has deemed it necessary to bin the dishonest CAPMI regime, which afforded DisCos all the excuses and loose ends they needed to bilk their customers through estimated billing. The irregularities that fraught the implementation of CAPMI ensured that less than four million customers of the 11 DisCos in the country were migrated to pre-paid digital meters since 2012.

The percentage of metered power consumers is put at about 50 by NERC, leaving the other half under the huge weight of the DisCos’ fraudulent estimated billing in their franchise areas. For instance, in Abuja and elsewhere in the country, while occupants of a two-bedroom flat spend an average of N4000 monthly on power subscription with pre-paid digital meters, their counterparts on estimated bills are constantly traumatised with as much as

N22000 monthly electricity bill from DisCos. This is the fraud and mindless profiteering that estimate billing is.

While Dis Cos cite cost as a major inhibitor in their responsibility to meter their customers under the dysfunctional CAPMI regime, which provides that the customer finances his meter acquisition, with the cost amortised over a period from the customer’s energy charge at a 12

per cent interest rate per annum, the tragedy for power consumers is that millions of them pay for meters they would not get for months on end while being subjected in the same breath to the cut-throat estimated billing over the waiting period.

Good news is that the MAP regime eliminates advanced payment for meters. Customers will have meters installed for them while the provider gets

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Dele Fanimo

POLITICAL DIRECTOR/ STATE HOUSE Jonathan Nda-Isaiah EDITOR Muazu Elazeh

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Christian Ochiama

DEPUTY EDITOR Raliat Ahmed-Yusuf

ASS. MANAGING EDITOR George Agba COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD Suleiman Abdullahi

GENERAL EDITOR Silas Ezeugwu

GROUP LTD CHAIRMAN Sam Nda-Isaiah GMD, LEADERSHIP GROUP Abdul Gombe GMD, LEADERSHIP HOLDINGS David Chinda GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS Dele Fanimo Felicia Ogbonlaiye Geoffrey Essien HR DIRECTOR Solomon Nda-Isaiah CHIEF PROCUREMENT & ASSETS OFFICER Mrs Zipporah Tanko DIRECTOR, HAUSA PUBLICATIONS Mubarak Umar GENERAL MANAGERS Ibrahim Halilu Femi Adekunle Ebriku John

LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically embedded in the nation’s capital.

We shall stand up for good governance. We shall defend the interest of Nigerian people even against their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times in defence of what is right. These are the values by which we intend to be assessed.

We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble reason of our coming into being:

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return for investment through payment of metering service tariff, which DisCos shall work out within their franchise areas in agreement with NERC. Also with the new MAP regime, the responsibility of metering electricity users has been taken off DisCos and vested in the hands of local firms whom it shall be their core responsibility to provide and install meters to customers as well as repair, yet DisCos will still be held responsible and rightly so for closing the metering gap in the franchise areas on the account of how vigorous or otherwise they engage the MAP regime.

With the MAP framework, defective meters shall be repaired or replaced free-of-charge within two working days of being notified, unless the damage was caused by customer.

Where there is delay in repair or replacement of a faulty meter within the billing period, an average cost of the last three months’ vending shall be applied for the purpose of determining the customer’s energy consumption.

Where a customer relocates within the franchise area of a DisCo, the customer shall apply for transfer of services including his or her energy credit, if any. With the MAP regime, customers who elect to pay the meter service tariff in full upfront shall have their meter installed within 10 working days from payment date.

While we note that nearly every electricity consumer was metered in the analogue meter regime, metering gap became the nagging problem it is today with the migration to digital infrastructure due entirely to default of DisCos in making digital meters available.

Besides relieving DisCos to face squarely their core responsibility of power distribution, the new MAP regime will bring about increased local content, job creation and participation of more players in the electric power distribution value chain.

In our opinion, with CAPMI as a sad commentary, the Ministry of Power and NERC need not be reminded that Nigerian electricity consumers expect the new MAP regulation to have been fashioned in a manner that leaves no loose ends DisCos would exploit yet again to continue the profiteering and impunity with estimated billing.

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Group News Editor: Ekele Peter Agbo PDP Calls For Full Disclosure On President Buhari’s Trip

BY CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja

Imam Safiyanu leading the funeral prayer for the remains of Senator Mustapha Bukar (Madawakin Daura). Behind him from right are: deputy governor of Katsina State, Mannir Yakubu; Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako; Senate Leader Ahmed Lawam; Governor Aminu Bello Masari and other dignitaries, in Daura, yesterday. PHOTO BY KATSINA GOVT HOUSE

Sen Mustapha Bukar Dies At 63

BY JONATHAN NDA - ISAIAH, Abuja

Senator Mustapha Bukar, representing Katsina North senatorial district, President Muhammadu Buhari’s constituency, is dead. He was aged 63.

Alhaji Kanta Bukar, the elder brother of the deceased, confirmed the death and said that Bukar died in the early hours of yesterday at the Nizamiye Hospital, Abuja.

He said the deceased is survived by two wives and 12 children, including Dr Ibrahim

Bukar of the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Bukar described the death of his elder brother as an irreplaceable loss to the family, the state and the nation in general, stressing he was a bridge builder.

Malam Ahmed Abdullahi, the Personal Assistant to the late senator, described him as a hard working lawmaker, who represented his people diligently.

Abdullahi said the district would remember Bukar as one of the few lawmakers who represented the zone

with commitment and dedication.

Bukar (APC) returned to Nigeria in March after spending one month in the UK on a medical mission.

Senator Bukar was the second senator to die in weeks, after Senator Ali Wakili, 58, who represented Bauchi south in the senate.

According to a biographical sketch published by National Assembly, Bukar was born in Daura in December 1953. He finished his primary education in Daura in 1968, and thereafter went to Gov-

ernment Secondary School, Katsina. He graduated in 1973.

He also attended School of Basic Studies in Zaria(1975), from where he gained admission to read Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University.

He graduated with a Bachelors in 1978.

After the National Youth Service, he worked as project manager for the Kaduna State Water Board and later as general manager.

He retired in 2008 as director of Katsina State Water Board.

... PMB, Saraki, Dogara Mourn

BY JONATHAN NDA-ISAIAH, AYADO SOLOMON AND ADEBIYI ADEDAPO

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Katsina State and the National Assembly on the passing away of Senator Mustapha Bukar, who represented Katsina North constituency.

The President in a statement by his senior special assistant media, Garba Shehu described his death as a “great loss to Nigeria’s democracy and the engineering profession.’’

Meanwhile, Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday said he

was saddened over the death of the Senator representing Katsina North, Mustapha Bukar, describing it as one death too many.

Saraki said though a first timer in the Senate, the late Bukar was a vibrant and progressive minded lawmaker. This was contained in a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu.

“I am saddened to learn about the passing of another friend and colleague, Sen. Mustapha Bukar. When I and some of my colleagues visited Sen. Bukar in the hospital after Jummat prayers last Friday, we prayed with him and

we were filled with hope that he would soon recuperate and resume his normal life and legislative activities.

“As a first-time lawmaker, Sen. Bukar stood out for the quality of his contributions on the floor, his pragmatism and his work to strengthen the institution of the legislature. We shall surely miss his vibrancy and progressive mindset.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has also described the sudden death of the Senator from Katsina North Senatorial District, Mustapha Bukar as a rude shock.

According to a statement

signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, Dogara said he received message of the Senators death with sadness and shock.

The Speaker described late Senator Bukar as a fine gentleman who exhibited high moral disposition and earned respect from his colleagues and associates while representing Daura Zone in the Senate.

“This is a great loss and painful one for that matter, especially coming at a time when we are still mourning the passing away of two of our colleagues, and distinguished lawmakers.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded that the Presidency immediately make public all issues relating to the socalled private visit of President Muhammadu Buhari’s to the United Kingdom.

The party, which queried the Presidency for always shrouding issues around the President in secrecy, pointedly demanded a full disclosure on the scope, purpose, direct destination, duration as well as the cost and source of the funding for this undisclosed tourism.

The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said President Buhari is not a private citizen and cannot embark on private trips, wrapped in secrecy, since his upkeep draws directly from national resources and taxpayers’ money.

“While the PDP has nothing against Mr. President embarking on any trip, we insist that as the President of the Federal Republic, there must be full disclosures to Nigerians because the citizens deserve to know the purpose of the visit and the cost on the nation.

Count PMB’s Blessing, Presidency Tells Nigerians

BY JONATHAN NDA- ISAIAH, Abuja

The Presidency wants Nigerians to count the blessings that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has brought to the country’s economy, irrespective of the other areas where the government is still working hard to ensure that every citizen can feel the change for which they massively voted in 2015.

This was disclosed in a statement by the senior special assistant media to the president, Garba Shehu.

Last year, Shehu noted that the World Bank ranked Nigeria among the top 10 reforming economies in the world. This was clearly in recognition of the thorough and rigorous growth and development-oriented economic policies of the Buhari Administration.

According to him , investors and business men and women from around the world can arrive in Nigeria and get their visas right at the airport without any hassle. This is just one of the many reasons why Nigeria has advanced 24 steps in the global ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rankings of the World Bank.

He said “The government is spending more on infrastructure than previous administrations, despite earning barely half of what the country earned from oil between 2011 and 2014 when the product was selling for an average of $110 per barrel.

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2 APC Govs Set To Call Illegal NEC Meeting

BY JONATHAN NDA- ISAIAH And ANDREW ESSIEN, Abuja

In a move that may likely create confusion for the ruling All Progressives Congress, two governors on the party’s platform have concluded plans to convene an illegal National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the governors, one from the North and the other from one of the Southern states, are bent on convening the meeting so as to force the idea of congresses at all levels – local, state and national, on party members.

The APC constitution provides for a minimum of two weeks notice or seven days in the event of an emergency, before a NEC meeting could be convened.

However, a competent source told our correspondent that “a letter of invitation for the meeting scheduled to hold Monday, 9th April has been backdated to accommodate the minimum mandatory 7 days notice stipulated by the law”.

Our source, who cautioned against holding the illegal NEC meeting, expressed the fear that should the governors have their way, there will be more confusion as some members are likely to contest such illegality in the court of competent jurisdiction.

Another competent source told our correspondent that the two governors who have been championing the move to do away with the John Odigie-Oyegun led executive of the party have created the impression that constituting a caretaker committee for the party was illegal.

“In actual fact, it is not illegal to have a caretaker committee arrangement. States like Osun, Ondo, Edo, Ekiti and many others currently have caretaker committees” our source who is a chieftain of the APC said.

Continuing, our source said: “The governors are rooting for congresses and once congress take place, considering the fact that we are few

Oyegun

months away from the general election, it will create more confusion.”

He urged relevant party stakeholders to do all that is possible in preventing the illegal NEC meeting from taking place.

Meanwhile, governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress

(APC) indicated yesterday that they are on the same page with President Muhammadu Buhari on the idea of tenure extension for the John Odigie-Oyegun-led leadership of the party.

The party is insisting that it is the NEC that has the statutory powers to make decisions that are binding on the APC, as all other views

Osinbajo Advocates Compulsory Health Insurance Scheme For Citizens The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday advocated compulsory health insurance scheme for citizens to enable all to access quality and affordable health care services.

He advocated this at the “Civic Innovation Lab: Launch-pad for social innovators’’ in Abuja.

Osinbajo noted that the present National Health Insurance Scheme although useful, was unable to pull resources together to cater for the health needs of others not yet enrolled.

He said that government was investing in education and health care and had supported states with N1.91 trillion.

He, however, added that while such sector funding lay in the states only a functional and all-embracing national health insurance scheme could provide adequate health care for citizens.

The Vice President also advocated that

undergraduates should be exposed to internships in government administration to enable them to acquire the experience for future leadership roles.

He also said it was difficult to find role models in governance but said there was the need for the nation to agree on a set of values which could direct the course of governance.

He said that one thing the nation needed to get right was integrity as with integrity more than 50 per cent of the nation’s problems would have gone.

According to him, the nation is endowed with enormous resources and creativity which could be harnessed for the country’s good with leadership that had integrity.

The Vice President noted that people went into politics with the notion to use it to make money by stealing adding that by and large such objective affected everything, including political

judgment.

He stated that most of the problems in the country centered on corruption due to lack of integrity and called for change of attitude.

“If 70 per cent of our resources went into where they were supposed we would not be where we are today,’’ he stated adding that no society could survive on the greed and theft of others.

He said “integrity pays and is the only thing that works for progress’’.

He stated that those who could be trusted were more easily open to having business deals with others adding that integrity was a business issue rather than a moral issue.

“I think that many people understands that Nigerians are one of the most creative people in the world; many people know that we have one of the best minds but people are worried when it comes to integrity issues ,’’ he said.

PMB Approves $1bn For Arms Purchase To Fight Insecurity FROM COVER

Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, disclosed NEC’s approval after the Council meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on December 14, 2017.

Also, the Senate had on November 7, 2017 resolved that the ECA, which was created by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004, was illegal and should be abolished.

The Defence minister told State House correspondents after the meeting with

the president that Buhari eventually gave approval for the purchase of more equipment for the military worth $1 billion.

Dan-Ali said, “This is a normal meeting of security agencies in the country. As usual, we discussed the current activities that affected most of the states in the federation like Taraba, Zamfara and other states.”

On what to expect after the deployment in Zamfara, he said, “Well, as usual we have operationalised a division in Sokoto. There

will be a Brigade in Katsina and another Brigade in Zamfara that will take care of security situation in that area.”

On how that will resolve the issue, the minister said, “Of course, the strength of security personnel has increased, including the Air Force and additional quick response group. They have added enough manpower in that area.”

Fielding question on Leah Sharibu’s release, Dan-Ali said, “We are making all available efforts to see that the girl is returned safely”.

hitherto expressed were personal views.

Giving reasons why another NEC meeting had become necessary, the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, told journalists after a closed door meeting between the APC governors and the NWC, which lasted about two hours at the national secretariat, that it was to avail the recently inaugurated technical committee the opportunity to present its report for a decision to be taken.

He said, “Today, the governors and the National Working Committee of the party decided to sit and look at the issues that are seemingly dividing us. I want to say to you with absolute satisfaction and pride that all the issues you have been commenting about in the last two days have been completely and totally resolved.

“We are back in business as one united and happy family. I want to say also that yesterday we set up a technical committee as ordered by NEC. From the very first minute that we called them to session, they have worked nonstop because I emphasised when I was inaugurating them that their report was time sensitive.

“I am glad to say that the chairman of the technical committee has reported that his report will be ready this evening or tomorrow morning.

“This report will be placed before NEC and appropriate decision will be taken. Thereafter, we will announce to you the further steps that we are going to take resulting from NEC’s consideration of the recommendations when we receive them.

“The bottom line is that the APC leadership is back as one happy united and focused party strongly behind our president and strongly behind our governors in all the states.”

Also speaking, APC national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said, “It is left for the NEC to decide and if the committee recommends that the position of NEC should be maintained then there would be no need for an elective convention and then the president and those who are concerned that the decision we have taken is correct or not will have more confidence in the position of the party.

“But if the committee recommends that congresses should be held then NEC will consider the report and at the same time decide whether to reverse itself. However, as I speak with you, there is no evidence whether the Committee will recommend this way or the other way”.

The governors who were at the meeting with NWC include Abdulaziz Abdullaziz Yari (Zamfara), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Simon Lalong (Plateau) and deputy governor of Niger State, Mohammad Ahmed Ketso.

HOW DO FRUIT AND VEGETABLES KEEP YOU YOUNG? These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that keep the body healthy. They also contain chemicals called antioxidants, such as carotene, which are thought to protect against damaging chemicals (‘free radicals) that get into the body. Regular consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables will keep your bones, teeth and organs healthy and will improve the look of your skin. Basically, this is how they contribute to keeping you looking and feeling young, although the exact way in which they prevent disease is not fully understood.

– Culled from 100 Best Ways To Stay Young

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Again, MPC Retains Interest Rate At 14% FROM COVER

The economy grew overall by 0.83 percent in 2017, it was learnt.

Aside that, the MPC chairman and CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, announced that there was also a continuous improvement in the level of external reserves, which stood at $46.699 billion as at March 29, 2018.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 8.5 per cent from 38,243.19 on December 29, 2017, to 41,504.51 on March 29, 2018. Market capitalisation (MC) improved by 10.2 per cent from N13.61 trillion on December 29, 2017, to N14.99 trillion during the same period.

This was as the Committee said it decided, by a vote of all the nine members present at the meeting, to retain the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 14.0 per cent alongside all other policy parameters.

Consequently, the MPC voted unanimously to retain the MPR at 14.0 per cent; CRR at 22.5 per cent; Liquidity Ratio at 30.0 per cent, and asymmetric corridor at +200 and -500 basis points around the MPR. There had been missed opinion on whether the apex bank should either tighten or loosen the interest rate along other parameters.

But Mr. Emefiele said while the Committee was of the view that further tightening would strengthen the impact of monetary policy on inflation with complementary positive effects on capital flows and exchange rate stability, it also felt that loosening would strengthen the outlook for growth by stimulating domestic aggregate demand through reduced cost of borrowing.

“This may, however, lead to a rise in consumer prices, generating exchange rate pressures on the currency in the process. The Committee also believes that loosening could worsen the current account balance through increased importation.

On the argument to retain the rates, the Committee noted that key macroeconomic variables had continued to evolve in a positive direction in line with the current stance of macroeconomic policy and should be allowed more time to fully manifest, the CBN said while addressing journalists at the end of the two-day meeting yesterday.

In reaching its decision, the Committee appraised potential policy options in terms of the balance of risks.

The Committee also took note of the gains made so far as a result of its earlier decisions, including the stability of the

foreign exchange market, the moderation in inflation rate as well as the restoration of economic growth.

Some of the indications include the fact that non-oil GDP grew by 1.4 percent in the Q4 of 2017 compared with a contraction of 0.16 percent in Q3 of 2017, “indicating that the economy is gradually returning to a part of sustainable positive growth,” Emefiele said.

The committee also noticed the continued positive outlook based on the manufacturing and non-manufacturing purchasing managers’ index which stood at 56.7 and 57.2 index points respectively in March 2018, indicating expansion for the 12th and 11th consecutive months.

Inflationary pressure of the economy continued to moderate with headline inflation year-on-year receding for the 13th time.

According the committee, the effective implementation of the federal government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and quick passage of the 2018 budget will continue to enhance aggregate demand and confidence in the economy.

The committee strongly urged the federal government to show restraint on domestic borrowing in order to lower the cost of credit to the private sector. In the same vein, the committee urged quick passage of the 2018 Appropriation Bill by the National Assembly, so as to keep fiscal policy on track and deliver the urgently needed reliefs in terms of employment and growth for the citizenry.

The body acknowledged that the continued low level of lending by banks remained a constraint to growth of the real sector of the economy and advised the management of the CBN to continue to provide the required policy impetus to engender improved credit delivery by the Deposit Money Banks to the Nigerian economy. ...Analysts Foresee Rate Cut At Subsequent Meetings As the CBN left the benchmark interest rate unchanged amidst calls for a cut by the real sector, analysts say they expect the rate cut promised by the CBN governor to come on stream in subsequent meetings.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN, at the end of its first meeting of the year where half of its members are newly appointed, left the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), which is the benchmark interest rate, unchanged at 14 per cent.

Head of Research and

Emefiele

Advisory at Sterling Capital, Sewa Wusu, noted that despite the declining inflation, the MPC “considered the current anchor rate as tight enough to combat the pressures emanating from prices, particularly as election spending cycle draws nearer.”

According to him, the decision to hold rate was “just in line with expectations.”

Inflation rate had been on a steady decline since January last year, dropping to 14.33 per cent although it is still beyond the nine per cent target set by the CBN. On his part, the managing director and chief executive of Cowry Assets Management, Mr Johnson Chukwu, expressed the hope that the MPC would adjust rates at its next meeting which is expected to hold in June.

“I believe that at subsequent meetings, if the macroeconomic indices subsist, that the MPC will see the need to adjust downward and adopt a more accommodative stance so as to improve rate of economic growth.”

He explained that if the MPC did not adjust the benchmark interest rate downwards before liquidity for pre-elections spending begin to hit the system, they would have no tool to curtail rising liquidity when election spending starts.

But the chief executive of CFG Advisory, Tilewa Adebajo, does not think that the MPC needs to consider the effects of the coming elections.

“Elections come and go and the responsibility of the policy committee is to be able to maintain financial stability which, despite the election, you must maintain and control,” he said.

The benchmark interest rate had been left at 14 per cent, a rate manufacturers say makes borrowing too expensive for them.

After its meeting yesterday, the MPC had advised the federal government to exercise restraint on domestic borrowing in order to lower the cost of credit to the private sector.

He also noted that the continued low level of lending by banks remains a constraint to growth of the real sector of the economy, as the committee called on the CBN to continue to provide the required policy impetus to engender improved credit delivery by the deposit money banks to the economy.

Last week, CBN director of Other Financial Institutions Department (OFID), Mrs Tokunbo Martins, had said that while the CBN planned to cut benchmark interest rate, the cut will have to be gradual.

Noting that there is a concerted effort by the CBN and the government to increase lending to the private sector, she cautioned that a lowering of rates would be a gradual process.

“Now the inflation rates have come down for fourteen executive months. It is currently at 14.33 percent so I am sure those interest rates would come down gradually. I cannot promise it would come

down immediately like we all want.

“The federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria are doing everything possible to bring down interest rates. For instance, if you look at the yield for the 20-year federal government bond, it has come down from almost 20 percent to 13 percent.

“Even the yields on treasury bills is coming down and the reason it is coming down is because the federal government is making a deliberate effort to reduce borrowing internally and increase borrowing internationally for two reasons: because they don’t want to crowd out borrowers here, and because it is cheaper to borrow abroad.

“Crowding out borrowing here means the interest rates will be so much higher for borrowers locally. So I think that is one step in the right direction,” Mrs Martins said.

Non-passage Of 2018 Budget Fuels MPR Retention At 14% — Experts Some financial experts have attributed the retention of the Monetary Policy Ratio (MPR) at 14 per cent by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to nonpassage of the 2018 budget.

The experts, who spoke in Lagos, yesterday, noted that the absence of a fiscal policy direction in the economy made it inevitable for the CBN to decide otherwise.

The MPC rose from its first meeting in 2018, retaining the benchmark interest rate at 14 per cent, the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 22.5 per cent and the liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.

Also, the Asymmetric window was left at +200 and -500 basis points around the MPR. Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella, a Senior Economist at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun said holding the MPR at 14 per cent

was in the right direction, considering the non-passage of the 2018 budget.

Tella said that the build up to the general elections demands huge spending by politicians, adding that the CBN was careful not to allow excess liquidity in the economy to erode the gains of controlling inflation.

According to him, the apex bank need to watch the political behaviour and spending of politicians between now and June before contemplating any easing on the MPR as the nation’s fiscal policy is still shrouded in uncertainties.

The financial expert argued that the CBN had not foreclosed the notion of easing the MPR, adding that with an early passage of the budget and improved key fundamentals of the economy, a rate cut should be considered.

The don, however, explained that the economy was yearning for a rate cut to stimulate its productive sector, and allow for the expansion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Similarly, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, the President, Association of Bureaux Des Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), said that rate retention was a momentary response to the political and security challenges in the nation’s political economy.

Gwadabe said that the apex bank was very cautious in its decision, considering the uncertainties in the nations’ fiscal policy arising from the non-passage of the 2018 budget.

The ABCON chief, however, noted that a rate cut would bring the needed stimulus in the economy in order to revive the fortunes of the manufacturing sector.

The financial expert urged the CBN to urgently tackle the challenges of prevailing exchange rates in the market in order to sustain the gains recorded at the foreign exchange market.

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My Pikin: Supreme Court Jails 2 Over Poisonous Drug

BY AHURAKA ISAH, Abuja

The Supreme Court has sentenced two staff of Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Limited to seven years in prison over the deaths of at least 80 children as a result of an adulterated teething medicine in 2008.

Justice Paul Adamu Galinje, who delivered lead judgement, upheld concurrent judgments of a Lagos High Court and the Court of Appeal which sentenced the two persons, Adeyemo Abiodun and Ebele Eromosele, to seven years imprisonment each for producing and selling the contaminated teething formula known as My Pikin.

The convicts were employees of the Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., Lagos. They were prosecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. Both the High Court and the Court of Appeal found the duo that made My Pikin syrup guilty of conspiracy and sale of the adulterated teething mixture, which caused the death of more than 80 children in Nigeria.

After children started dying in 2008, the mixture was found to contain engine coolant. The paracetamol-based syrup, used for treating sore gums, was found to have been contaminated with diethylene glycol, used as an engine coolant. It caused the babies’ kidneys to fail.

In unanimous judgement of Justices Olukayode Ariwoola, Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs, Amina Adamu Augie and Ejembi Eko of the Supreme Court delivered on February 2, 2018, the court ordered that the Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Limited be wound up and its assets forfeited to the Federal Government.

Justice Galinje who read the lead judgement stated, ‘’The law is

settled that where the decision of a trial court is substantially based on the exercise of discretion, an appellate court will not interfere with the discretion unless the trial court failed to exercise discretion judiciously and judicially. ‘’In the instant case, the exercise of the trial court’s discretion with regard to the sentence it passed was neither frivolous nor arbitrary. Since the discretion is always unfettered, this court cannot take steps to fetter such discretion, except for good and substantial reasons. ‘’The appeal herein is against the concurrent findings of the trial court and court of appeal with respect to the 4th count of the charge upon which the appellant was tried and convicted. It is therefore not in the character of this court to interfere with such findings. ‘’ For reasons I have alluded to herein, I decline to interfere with the sentence imposed on the appellant. ‘’Having resolved the vital issues against the appellant, this appeal shall be and it is hereby dismissed. The judgement of the trial court with respect to the 4th count of the charge, as affirmed by the court of appeal is further affirmed by me. Appeal dismissed; Justice Galinje held.

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, on May 31, 2016 upheld the judgment of a high court, which sentenced the two employees to seven years imprisonment each for selling a killer teething syrup- “My Pikin”.

Justice Okechukwu Okeke of a Federal High Court in Lagos had sentenced Adeyemo Abiodun and Ebele Eromosele on May 17, 2013 for selling the syrup known as “My Pikin’’.

The convicts were employees of the Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., Lagos. They were pros-

ecuted by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC. Mr. Okeke found the duo guilty of conspiracy and sale of the adulterated teething mixture, which caused the death of more than 80 children in Nigeria.

Mr. Okeke had ordered that the company should wind up and its asset forfeited to the federal government.

Delivering the lead judgment in an appeal against Mr. Okeke’s judgment, Justice Dauda Bage affirmed the seven years sentence, but reversed the order for winding up and forfeiture.

The judge held that the prosecution sufficiently proved that the men committed the offences.

He said that the prosecution provided a certificate of scientific evaluation from its laboratory, which clearly showed that the recovered products contained a toxic substance.

“I am satisfied that the issue formulated by the respondents in their brief is all-encompassing, and sufficiently satisfies the issues raised in the appellants’ brief.

“The respondents stated that the appellants supplied batch 02008 of the teething syrup to Roka Pharmacy, which after recovery and scientific evaluation, contained a contaminant called dyethyleneglycol.

“The appellants, upon discovery of the harm caused by the product, wrote a letter to Roka Pharmacy to stop sale and withdraw same from customers.

“At this time, about three and half cartons, 34 bottles of the products were left.

“I cannot find any iota of denial from the appellants that they were not present when the recovered samples were being packaged at the respondent’s office.

“They have also not challenged the accuracy or capacity of NAF-

DAC to carry out the scientific evaluation.

“The requirement of the law, in a matter of this nature, is the provision of a certificate of scientific evaluation, and this court is satisfied that the NAFDAC certificate, constitute sufficient scientific requirement to secure the conviction of the appellants.

“It is in this regard, that the seven years sentence on the convicts by the trial court, is hereby affirmed,” he held.

On the issue of winding up, the judge held that the order of the trial court which directed all asset of the company be forfeited to the Federal Government, was outside the provisions of the law.

“The Federal High Court may make orders for forfeitures, but such orders by the provision of the law, refers to finished goods.

“The appropriate order the court would have made is for batch 02008 of the product to be forfeited to the Federal Government and not the entire asset of the company.

“This appeal therefore succeeds in part; the order of forfeiture made by the trial court is hereby reversed.

“It is hereby ordered that batch 02008 of the product be forfeited to the Federal Government,” Justice Bage said.

The judgment of the appellate court was assented to by Justices Tijani Abubakar and Shagbaor Ikyegh.

The convicts were re-arraigned before the lower court on January 7, and had pleaded not guilty.

In the trial, NAFDAC called a total of seven witnesses, while the appellants testified for themselves.

The counsel to the appellants, Osaro Eghobamien, had appealed against the lower court’s judgment on June 26, saying that it lacked merit.

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari; minister of Defence , Mohammed Dan Ali; Chief of Defence Staff; General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Yusufu Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff; Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar and IGP Ibrahim Kpotun-Idris during the security meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY REMI AKUNLEYAN.

2019: APC Suffering Death Throes, Preelection Trauma – PDP BYCHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alluded that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is experiencing death throes and pre-election trauma, stressing that it’s leaders are now in a frenzy over its unpopular presidential candidate, ahead of the 2019 general election.

The PDP further claimed that there is confusion, backstabbing and vicious scheming within the APC, which is a tragic testimony that the ruling party has become politically decapitated by the evident dishonesty, greed, selfishness and lust for power by its leaders.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement, said it is now clear that the APC is an ideologically empty movement and a special purpose vehicle put together by egoistic strange bedfellows just for the purpose of winning political power and not for the good of Nigerians.

The statement added “the APC is stewing in its own venomous broth. The nation can now see why, even with a sitting President, the party is still finding it difficult to agree on simple issues, but always attempt to circumvent and violate the laws to push desperate agenda of their selfish leaders.

“We call on Nigerians not to be deceived by the sudden law-abiding stance of the APC, as it is merely cosmetic and meant to cloak their hidden but soon to be manifested plots to manipulate the laws to push a self-succession plan of their incompetent candidate.

“It is evident that APC has never had anything to offer Nigerians other than confusion, disagreements, economic recession, bad national image and painful bloodletting.

“Nigerians must therefore remain alert and very wary of all activities of power mongers in the APC, who are so mortally afraid of elections that they are ready to destroy our democratic institution to achieve their selfish agenda of perpetuating themselves in power to the peril of our dear nation,” the opposition party said.

PDP however said it has repositioned itself and “remains open with a level playing ground for all Nigerians to aspire for any position, without hindrances or manipulations, while ensuring strict observance to internal democracy at all level of our process.”

NEWS NORTH-EAST, NORTH-WEST 9

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Katsina Police Set To Mop Up Illegal Fire Arms

BY ANDY ASEMOTA, Katsina

Katsina State Police Command has set up the task force aimed at mopping up and recovery of illegal firearms to enable the police deal decisively with herders/farmers clashes, kidnapping, cattle rustling and armed banditry.

Commissioner of Police in Katsina, Mohammed Wakili, who disclosed this in a statement by the command spokesman, Gambo Isah, said the task force had been mandated to embark on raids, cordon and search, seizure from any premises where illegal or prohibited firearms are kept.

“To this end, members of the public, individuals

or groups such as vigilantes, neighbourhood watch group, night watch men, hunters or any group or association under any guise other than statutory security agencies recognized and gazetted by the federal government of Nigeria to bear firearms of specified category, who are currently in possession and having prohibited/illegal fire arms such as pump action and the likes for whatever purpose, are hereby warned to surrender same to the task force,” said Wakili.

He added that the directive became necessary as part of the Inspector general of Police (IGP’s) efforts aimed at stemming violent crimes in parts of the country.

NNDC Signs Strategic Alliance Agreement With Haske & Williams Ltd

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

The New Nigeria Development Company limited (NNDC) has signed a Strategic Alliance Agreement with Haske and Williams limited specifically to jointly identify, develop and implement opportunities pertaining to the agricultural sector in the northern part of Nigeria.

Haske & Williams limited,an agribusiness development company focused on identifying and developing opportunities in the agricultural space is a company registered under the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria, having its principal place of business in Lagos and other offices across the country.

Speaking while signing the agreement at the company’s headquarters in Kaduna, NNDC Chairman, Al-

haji Waziri Dalhatu said they are practicalising the expression of interest of the “companies that answered the call for reinvestment in agric sector and reinforcement of efforts in massive production of agric produce to hold the provision of massive employment, good and domestic efforts and needs.

“After lots of discussions with many companies that have indicated interest, we have finally selected Haske and Williams Limited to be our partner after various meetings and visitations.

“We have seen their efforts; the company has a large rice integrated farm in Adamawa state, and integrated cassava production project in Kaima, Kwara state, they are also in Taraba state, we believe they are the correct partners of NNDC to embark on this journey.”

$350m Loan: Ooni Of Ife Wants Kaduna Senators To Support el-Rufai

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, Kaduna

Against the backdrop of the rejection of the $350 million world bank loan being sought by Kaduna State government, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has appealed to Kaduna state senators to forget their political differences and support the governor in the interest of development of the state.

The Ooni who made the appeal in his goodwill message in Kaduna at the open-

ing ceremony of the KADINVEST 3.0 with the theme: Partnership for Development, said Kaduna is a peculiar state with huge potentials and one of the most blessed states in the entire black race.

He called on the Senators to support the governor by joining hands with him as a formidable force to make things work in the state.

“Let us look for the betterment of people we govern irrespective of political differences, don’t let your political differences affect

the good thing that should happen in Kaduna State. “ I want to appeal to leaders to put their political differences aside in the interest of developing your state and the people who elected you.

“On the loan, I call on the Senators from Kaduna State to join hands with their governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai and look at the future, they should not allow their political differences to allow the state loose the opportunity on ground. “ Kaduna is the conver-

gent State for the entire northern region, and the need to convert the huge potentials into reality is imperative.

“We should all look inwards and come together as one big family in terms of our comparative advantages”.

On the summit, the royal father said, “ there is the need in partnering for a better Nigeria, let us join hands to make sure that the summit will continue to yield results and not a talk show jamboree”.

Bagudu To Business Owners: Form Cooperative Groups To Access Loans

BY YAHYA SARKI ,Kebbi

Kebbi state governor , Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has advised small business owners to form cooperative societies in order to benefit from government’s financial assistance to boost their businesses.

Bagudu gave the advice while fielding questions from newsmen in Birnin Kebbi shortly after inter-

acting with small business owners in Nasarawa area, Birnin Kebbi.

He said Kebbi state government had made available millions of naira under the Real Sector Fund to support small scale business owners in the state.

According to the governor, all they need to do was for them to come together and set up a cooperative society or group and

go through the relavant government ministries or even their traditional leaders who will send such request to government.

“We are willing to help small business owners like those frying Akara, butchers, sugarcane sellers, fish sellers, Kuli -Kuli sellers (local beans cake ) and many others if they can form cooperative societies so that they can take advantage

of the money we set aside under the real sector fund to assist them . ‘’Through the emir of Gwandu,we gave out loans to butchers group, others came through the Emir of Argungu and the Emirs of Yauri and Zuru have all requested for such assistance for their people to boost their business,”he said.

Kebbi LG Chair Resigns Amid Controversy

BY YAHYA SARKI,BIRNIN, Kebbi

The Chairman of Koko-Besse local government area of Kebbi State, Alhaji Shu’aibu Ibrahim has resigned from office amidst controversy and speculation.

Although no reason was officially given for his resignation by ministry for local government and chieftaincy affairs and the leadership of APC in the state, LEADERSHIP gathered that the council chairman handed over his resignation letter on Tuesday to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and copied the Officer in charge of the State Security Services (OC SSS) in charge of Koko-Besse local govern-

ment area of the state.

His resignation has continued to generate speculations within the council and Head of Policy Development, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), S. L Wali (right) presenting a copy of policy other areas of the state. document on competitiveness on raw materials and products development to Kaduna State Governor, Mal. Nasir el-Rufai at Kaduna One of his associates State Investment Summit. Looking with keen interest is former Tanzanian President, Mr. Jakata Kirkwete (left). who didn’t want to be mentioned said he resigned from office over financial allocation to the local government.

“When it became clear

BY ANDY ASEMOTA, Katsina Kusada, who made the merous achievements so tude to the Emir of Katsina he couldn’t reconcile the appeal at a dinner in his far recorded by his admin- for honouring him with the financial issue with the The Speaker of the Katsi- honour at the presiden- istration. traditional title, the speakstate government he rena State House of Assem- tial banquet hall of GovThe new Garkuwan Kat- er also enjoined politicians signed on principle,” his asbly, Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya ernment House, Katsi- sina expressed satisfaction and other well meaning sociate said.

Kusada, has urged all pa- na over his turnbaning as with successes recorded by people to support governor The supervising Comtriotic Nigerians to ensure Garkuwan Katsina by the the APC administration in Masari and others elected missioner, ministry for the overwhelming victory of Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Ab- its fight against corruption, on the platform of the APC local governments, Alhaji President Muhammadu Bu- dulmumini Kabir Usman, insurgency and the restora- that had been contributing Muhammed Garba Danhari and the ruling All Pro- opined that Buhari de- tion programmes in differ- immensely to uplift the diga could not be reached gressives Congress (APC) in served a second term in ent sectors of the economy. well-being of the people. for comments on the chair2019 general elections. office considering the nuWhile expressing gratiman’s resignation.

2019: Continuity Is What Nigeria Needs –Katsina Speaker

10 NORTH CENTRAL

Kwara Assembly Gives Ahmed Nod To Obtain N4bn Loan

BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin

Kwara State House of Assembly has granted the request of the state governor, Alh Abdulfatah Ahmed to obtain a N4 billion loan to offset the backlog of salaries owed workers and pensioners in the 16 local government councils in the state.

Local government workers and pensioners are being owed N7.7billion in accumulated salary arrears and pensions, prompting the state government to opt for the loan.

The governor in his message to the House noted that local government councils were grappling with the challenges of paying salaries, pensions and gratuities.

The House, however rejected Ahmed’s request seeking to access another N1 billion agriculture loan from Sterling Bank for disbursement to poultry and fish farmers in the state.

It equally set aside the governor’s request seeking approval for a loan of N400million to settle the subventions of the stateowned tertiary institutions.

The House took the decisions in its resolutions after deliberating on the governor’s request letter read by the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad.

Measles Outbreak Kills 15 In Benue IDPs Camp

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Sen David Umaru Kicks Against Withdrawal Of Troops From Niger East

BY ABU NMODU, Minna

Senator David Umaru and leaders of communities across the five local government areas of Niger state have kicked against withdrawal of military personnel who were deployed to tackle cattle rustling and kidnapping in their communities.

The military men were deployed to the communities in Shiroro, Munya, Paikoro, Gurara, Raffin and Chachanga areas made up mainly of Niger east senatorial district last January following the upsurge in the criminal activities in the areas.

The representatives of the communities while addressing journalists yesterday in Minna

Benue Assembly Passes N190bn 2018 Budget

BY HEMBADOON ORSAR, Makurdi

Benue State House of Assembly yesterday passed the state’s Appropriation Bill of N190.030bn for the 2018 fiscal year.

The passage followed clause by clause consideration of the report of its Standing Committee on Appropriation on the 2018 Appropriation Bill, in the Committee of Supply, Chaired by the Speaker, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange.

The Bill as passed represents an increment of over N11.5bn over the N178.3bn that was presented to the Assembly by Governor Samuel Ortom last December.

Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Appropriation, Barr.

Adam Okloho, while leading debate on his Committee’s report earlier, explained that the over N11bn is as

a result of non-inclusion of some ongoing projects by the Ministry of Finance and additional request

by Pubic Sector Entities (PSEs) for inclusion of some critical projects among others which were omitted from the initial estimates.

Main features of the 2018 Appropriation Bill as passed include N81.9billion for Recurrent Expenditure, N108billion for Capital Expenditure while Deficit Financing stands at N35.1billion.

Announcing the passage of the bill after its third reading, Speaker, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange said a proviso has been introduced in the bill to compel the ministry of finance to stop releasing monies to public sector entities on items that are not captured in the budget, saying such practice contravenes the Appropriation Law.

noted that more than forty people were killed across the affected areas by the bandits within a space of three months before the deployment of the military.

Consequently, an elder from Zazzanga one of the communities Malam Imam Abdulaziz Usman, said that five people were killed in the community alone within the

period with more than 18 persons kidnapped and ransom paid before their release but respite came with the military deployment.

Usman recalled that before the deployment, the incessant attacks made some of the residents of the affected communities to flee the area abandoning their farms and ancestral homes.

LG Poll: Nasarawa APC Set For Primaries

BY DANJUMA JOSEPH, Lafia

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, has fixed Saturday this weekand Monday next week for primaries to elect candidates for the May local government elections in the state.

The state publicity secretary of the party, Yekpowudu Yamba, made this known to our correspondent yesterday in Lafia.

He disclosed that a total of the 526 aspirants vying for elective positions in the forthcoming local council polls purchased forms for chairmanship and councilorship seat.

According to him, out of the number, 72 chairmanship aspirants for the 13 local gov-

ernment areas in the state were screened, 3 were not cleared, while 426 councillorship aspirants were screened, 74 were not cleared.

On what prompted the party to shift the primary from Monday and Tuesday to Saturday andMonday next week, the publicity secretary said the report of the screening committee which was submitted yesterday, forced the party to shift the date.

He said the appeal committee of the party is sitting today Thursday, to treat all petitions and complaints.

He commended governor Al-Makura for the bold step taken so far to conduct local government elections in the state.

BY HEMBADOON ORSAR, Makurdi

Over 15 children have lost their lives following the outbreak of measles at Abagena camp in Makurdi local government area of Benue state while 30 are still in critical condition.

Our correspondent who spoke to a 30 year old father of 6, Tyowua Orshior whose 2 children were affected by the disease disclosed that his children Aondowase and Mimidoo Tyowua have been suffering from the disease for almost two weeks. “ Although we have taken these children to the hospital for treatment, before we came back it is not easy as you can see, even though the government is trying it is not easy for us, my children got this measles because of the congestion in this camp as it is a communicable disease that can transmit fast and here the place is over populated, and so many children are infected in the camp.I am appealing to the government to beef up security in our villages to allow us go back to our homes that is the only thing that will bring succour to us”.

Another measles patient, Sarah Tyoher, a pregnant woman in her 9th month, narrating her ordeal said, she got the measles through her neighbour’s children who they share the same apartment.

L–R: Governors Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos), during a meeting with APC national working committee members at the party secretariat in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

Violent Clash In Kwara Community Over Ownership Of Farmland

BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin

Pandemonium broke out in Offa, Kwara State during the Easter holidays over a disputed farmland in Ijehu, a suburb of Offa town.

It was gathered that the pandemonium stemmed from the violent clash between the land owners and some alleged agents of Olofa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II.

Many people reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries during the mêlée.

The spokesman of the Kwara state police command, ASP Ajayi Okasanmi, who confirmed the development, said that about five people had been arrested over the clash.

Addressing newsmen in Ilorin, the state capital yesterday during a peaceful protest to the State House

of Assembly , the Baale of Ijehu community, Moshood Adeogun, alleged that the monarch used thugs to drive them away from their land.

Adeogun, who said that about seven hectares of cashew plantation planted over 40 years ago among other cash crops, were a destroyed by the alleged agents of Olofa, added that their people, who sustained varying degrees of injury were in

hospital.

In his reaction, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, explained that the piece of land belongs to his Esuwoye family, saying that grand parents of the Ijehu people only took care of the land on behalf of his family, adding that they had been informed several times on the need to retrieve the land from them.

11

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BRINGING THE SOUTH-WEST TO YOU

SMARTNEWS 2019: Youths Storm MMIA In Support Of Sowore

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR and AZEEZAT HUSSEIN, Lagos

Youths numbering over 500 yesterday stormed the arrival terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos to throw their weight behind the presidential ambition of publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore.

Addressing the youths on arrival from New York, publisher of Sahara Reporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore said that, he returned to the country to undertake a series of rallies, town hall meetings and consultations across Nigeria.

Sowore who arrived the country aboard Delta Airline at about 2:30 pm said he came to lead a movement to change power in the country.

The activist said, “I am here to undertake a series of rallies, town hall meetings and consultations across Nigeria. It is over for the old people. It is over for the cabal and the mafia that have been running Nigeria down. That is what I am here to do. This is going to go on till 2019. There is no going back.”

On why he decided to take a shot at the presidency, Sowore noted that he has been doing activism for over 30 years.

He also added that, before now, he has never done something less than the national politics.

“So there is no less position.

The position that is most important to Nigerians is the position of president and I am more than qualified. I told you many times I can run Nigeria better that President Buhari, even in my sleep.

So there is no need going to become a Local Government Councilor or senator when I can run the country as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. What else do you want me to tell you?”

Sowore said.

Before Sowore’s arrival security agencies had a difficult time trying to control the youths who were peacefully displaying placards at the airport entrance.

Sowore, after about 15 minutes, later left the airport in a white Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) leading a convoy of his supporters.

L–R: Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; Chairman, Uzor Kalu Foundation, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu; Wife of Olubadan, Olori Rasheedat and Executive Secretary, Uzor Kalu Foundation, Mrs Jemaimah Kalu during a visit of the Foundation to Olubadan, yesterday.

Tinubu's Vision Led To Creation Of Modern Lagos – Obasa LASU VC Warns

BY FIDELIS UGBOMEH, Lagos

The Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa yesterday said the vision of former Governor of the state and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu led to the creation of present modern Lagos mega city

and a role model for others to emulate.

Obasa who made this remark in the floor of the House before commencement of plenary said if not for the pioneering efforts at raising the standard of governance for the state by Tinubu , Lagos would not have risen to the greater height it is presently.

"Asiwaju combines

his vision, ideas and leadership qualities and laid a solid foundation for subsequent administrations after him to build on and the result is what we have today - a modern Lagos that is moving rapidly from a mega city to a smart city; the fourth biggest economy in Africa".

According to him, it is a credit to Asiwaju's

leadership quality and his ingenuity that gave him the courage that those who came after him will continue to build solid structure and the foundation he had laid.

Also commenting, Hon Tunde Ibraimoh described Asiwaju as the architect of modern Lagos who brought his leadership experience to bear in the state.

Lagos Convenes Summit To Tackle Arms Proliferation, Terrorism

Good Governance: Group Hails PMB, Ambode

BY GEORGE OKOJIE, Lagos

BY ISMAILA OGUNTADE, Lagos

Lagos State Government yesterday said plans have been concluded to convene a security summit to tackle the security challenges confronting the state such as cultism, drug abuse, genderbased crimes, arms proliferation among other confronting the state.

Executive Secretary of the State’s Security Trust Fund, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, who said this at a press briefing held in Lagos on the forthcoming summit scheduled to hold on April 9, 2018 in Lagos said other critical topics including terrorism, transnational crimes, intelligence and community policing

would also be examined at the summit.

He said the idea of the summit followed a pledge by the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode at the annual Town Hall Meeting on security held last year, to convene a larger platform for a more robust deliberation on current security issues, and to proffer actionable solutions which can be implemented by the State Government.

“The summit would have four panel sessions on various aspects of security from cultism, drug abuse and genderbased crimes to arms proliferation, terrorism and transnational crimes including intelligence and community policing, among others,” Balogun said.

A group operating under the aegis of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vangraud has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his two-day official visit to Lagos State, saying the president and Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode have redefined good governance in the country.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the state coordinator of the group Mr. Seyi Bamigbade said the ultra-modern Ikeja Bus Terminal designed to redefine public transportation in line with the Bus Reform Initiative of the Lagos State Government unveiled by the president during his visit is evidence of good governance in the country.

According to him, the initiative of the ultra-modern Ikeja Bus Terminal is to cater for movement of the growing population of the state and making modern buses available to the people, adding that it is only proactive government that will conceive and complete such project.

He also commended Governor Ambode for his developmental strides in the last three years, saying the just commissioned 21 network of roads and two bridges totalling 27.4 kilometre in Alimosho Local Government.

Seyi added that the governor’s pledge to further develop other communities within the axis has further reposed people’s confidence in the ability of the governor to deliver on promises.

Against Cultism

BY ADUNOLA ADENIYI, Lagos

The Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. Lanre Fagbohun, has called on the students and lecturers of the university to shun cultism.

The VC who lead other members of the University Management to all faculties of the University in the Main Campus on Sensitization Against Cultism in LASU said cultism will no longer be tolerated in the ivory tower.

The VC said cultism ranked among the highest destroyers of the lives of youths presently “In LASU, the University Administration is determined that never again would cultists move unchecked Like kings on our campuses and call the shots like emperors,’’ he said.

The VC said intelligence reports suggests that the cultists are beginning to regroup around the Campus and as such, the University is making a bold and strong move to nip the problem in the bud with the support of all faculties.

“We have seen that the cultists want to start again, there is no more hiding space for cultists in LASU and we say in LASU, no to cultism. We won't allow cultists to take over our University,” he said.

12 NATIONAL NEWS

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Ganduje Eulogises The Late Rimi At Memorial Lecture Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje yesterday said the first civilian Governor of the state, late Abubakar Rimi, contributed immensely to the freedom of the downtrodden.

Ganduje said this at the 8th Abubakar Rimi Memorial Lecture in Kano.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji, the governor described late Rimi as “astute administrator, prudent manager of resources and a leader with foresight.

“Late Rimi was a selfless, modest, intellectual and courageous leader, a democrat, a revolutionary leader with foresight and sincere to a purpose.”

The governor said Rimi was an ideological yet practical politician who came to limelight when he contested and won the Kano State governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in 1979, saying PRP could be seen as replica of the present All Progressives Congress (APC).

He pointed out that PRP had its coinage and ideology aid by Rimi, Lateef Jakande and Late Bola Ige in the 1980s.

Ganduje said Abubakar Rimi was a pioneering legend who would remain relevant in the footprints of Nigeria’s political history.

He recalled that the late governor introduced adult and mass literacy programme through Agency for Mass Education, Science and Technical Schools Board and Primary Education Board.

Others were Rural Electrification Board and City Television now Abubakar Rimi Television and Truimph Publishing company.

He urged leaders in the country to emulate the selfless and exemplary leadership style of the late elder statesman.

He also called on Nigerians, especially politicians, to imbibe Rimi’s enduring virtues as one of the most outstanding and memorable legends of Nigerian politics.

Former Governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido, described the late politician as selfless and exemplary leader.

He said Rimi was a patriotic Nigerian who contributed greatly toward the political development of the country.

He added that the late politician fought for the freedom of the common man.

The Emir of Gumel, Malam Ahmed Sani, prayed for the soul of the deceased politician and urged Nigerians to emulate him.

Born in 1940 in Sumaila, Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi was a politician who became Governor of Kano State during the Second Republic.

Ondo Lawmakers Demand Financial Autonomy

BY TOPE FAYEHUN, Akure

Members of Ondo State House of Assembly, yesterday called on the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to urgently grant financial autonomy to the Assembly, saying this would go a long way to alleviating their hardship.

The lawmakers who said they are financially handicapped, urged the governor to also pay attention to the deteriorating condition of the hallowed chambers.

The members made the call during a plenary that saw all the members using papers to fan themselves as a result of enormous heat experienced at the sitting.

They noted that they could not spend without the consent of the Executive arm of government.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Iroju Ogundeji, who raised a point of importance, appealed to the governor to release fund for the house so as

to embark on Constituency projects which they never had the opportunity in the last three years.

Raising a point of importance, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Iroju Ogundeji appealed to the governor Akeredolu to release fund for the house so as to embark on Constituency projects which they never had the opportunity in the last three years.

Also, the Minority leader, Hon. Sola Ebi-

wonjumi debunked reports that the state government had procured utility vehicles and gave the lawmakers constituency allowances.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun informed that the little contributions of the lawmakers to their constituents were from personal efforts through loans.

Oleyelogun urged Akeredolu to attend to their needs in the interest of the true democratic values.

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NATIONAL NEWS 15

Nasarawa Won’t Enact Anti-grazing Law –Almakura

BY DANJUMA JOSEPH, Lafia

Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Almakura, has disclosed that the state has no plans to implement anti grazing laws , but would intensify efforts towards ensuring a safe , conducive environment for all and sundry.

The governor, also reiterated his commitment to ensuring the protection of lives and properties of the people of the state Al-Makura, stated this when he hosted the officers of the Advanced Defence Intelligence of the Nigeria Defence Intelligence College on a study tour of the State.

He said the theme of the tour “Anti-Grazing laws as panacea for incessant herdsmen attacks in Nigeria” is appropriate and therefore called for a synergy with all security and intelligence agencies in the country to find a permanent solution to the inces-

sant killings of innocent Nigerians occasioned by the crisis between farmers and herdsmen.

A statement signed by Musa Elayo, Chief Press Secretary, quoted the governor as saying the state government has done a lot to resolving the crises that have engulfed the state through a comprehensive initiative by establishing a community based conflict resolution mechanism.

The mechanism according to the Governor comprises of all the stakeholders in the area and security agencies to nip in the bud any unforeseen eventualities.

Speaking earlier the team leader and Commandant of the Defense Intelligence College Commodore E. O Jaiyeola, said they were in the state to get a first hand information on the crisis associated with Anti grazing Law and see how to arrive and long term solutions towards the herder / farmer clashes.

16 SOUTH SOUTH

DPR Seals Over 35 Fuel Stations In A/Ibom

BY BERNARD TOLANI Dada Uyo

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Eket Field Office said it has sealed off over 35 petrol stations in Akwa Ibom State over various offences last week.

Its operations controller, Mr Tamunoiminabo Kingsley-Sundaye, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen yesterday in Eket.

He said that the petrol stations were sealed for selling fuel above the government approved pump price of N145 per litre, violating DPR seal order and operating illegal petrol stations.

He said the petrol stations sealed are located in Eket, Abak, Uyo, Etinan, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Ukanafun local government areas of the state.

“We sealed some petrol stations for selling fuel between N180 and N190 per litre. What pained me most was that some stations were also selling fuel with DPR seals placed on them.

“Others did not have DPR documentations or licences and were operating illegally in the state,” Kingsley-Sundaye said.

The operations controller said severe punishment would be meted out to the marketers who violated DPR seal order, adding that such offenders would be taken to court.

“Violation of DPR seal order attracts a penalty of N1million,” he said.

He said also that those that operated illegal filling stations would be handed over to the law enforcement agency for prosecution.

Pastor, Church Members Assault Journalists In Court

BY OSA OKHOMINA, Yenagoa

The arraignment of the founder of God is Able Mega Fire Ministry, Opolo community in, Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa State, Apostle Kingsley Abiekunogho was yesterday turned into theater of violence by members of his church who descended on journalists for covering his trial.

Apostle Kingsley Abiekunogho was arraigned by the Bayelsa State Police Command for allegedly obtaining an SUV from his member, Seiyefa Sayou by fraudulent means.

The arraignment, which took place at Magistrate Court 3, turned violent when the accused pastor was being led out after the proceeding.

The pastor, who directed his members to cover him up from the prying lens of cameras when coming out of the court room into his car, got infuriated when he realised that journalists still managed to get shots of him.

Some loyal members of the church, who noticed that their pastor was no longer comfortable with the manner journalists managed to get a shot of him, descended on journalists.

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Obaseki Shakes Up Edo Civil Service

BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City

In a major shakeup of the Edo State civil service, Governor Godwin Obaseki has redeployed top civil servants across Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs).

The redeployments affected permanent secretaries, who were reshuffled across MDAs, even as six newly swornin top officials were assigned offices.

Obaseki yesterday swore-in the six newly appointed permanent secretaries.

The new permanent secretaries are Mrs. Oboh Usiriedo, posted to the Min-

istry of Water and Energy Resources; Mrs. Stella-Marice Imasuen, who now holds fort at the Ministry of Women Affairs; and Ms. Debra Enakhimion who is now at the Directorate of Establishments.

Others are Mr. Bernard Oigboke posted to the Board for Technical and Vocational Education; Mr. Enabulele Ferguson, who is to resume at Ministry of Infrastructure; and Mr. Roland Ogbebor, who is posted to the Ministry of Finance, as Accountant-General.

The governor also approved the redeployment of permanent secretaries across the state’s MDAs, with Mrs. Oba-

hiagbon R.E. of the Ministry of Environment, now in the Ministry of Education; Emoedume B.I, from Government House and Protocol Unit to the Ministry of Environment; S. O. Oko-Ose, from the Directorate of Cabinet and Special Services to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Others are Wasa L. A. from the Oil and Gas Commission to the Ministry of Communication and Orientation; Mrs. Aziegbmhin P. E., from the Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment to the Office of the Head of Service; while Mrs. Obayuwana I.J, was redeployed from the Ministry of Arts

and Culture to the Ministry of Minerals, Oil and Gas. In addition, Omozeghian M.O. was redeployed from the Bureau of Lands to the Ministry of Wealth Creation; Dania D.I., from the Ministry of Physical Planning to the Ministry of Science and Technology; Omoruyi A.I. from the Ministry of Minerals, Oil and Gas to the Ministry of Local Government; Ms. Idugboe H. A., from the Directorate of Establishments to the Oil and Gas Commission; Abode C.O., from the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources to the Office of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDGIS).

L-R: Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; his deputy, Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie; Head of Service (HoS); Mrs. Gladys Idahor, and some of the newly appointed permanent secretaries after their swearing-in at the Government House in Benin City, yesterday.

‘Gov Emmanuel Committed To Ibaka Deep Sea Port Project’

BY BERNARD TOLANI DADA Uyo

The Ibom Deep Seaport project has reached a very critical stage leading up to actual construction, the Akwa Ibom State government has said.

The commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr Akan Okon, who gave the indication while addressing newsmen in Uyo said that design on the Deep Seaport project, has reached 75 per

cent and that the project is expected to be ready soon.

He said that the current administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel is working consciously to ensure the seaport comes to fruition during its lifespan especially in view of the immense economic benefits to the people of the state and the country in general.

The Ibom Deep Seaport Development Project, he maintained, was a very technical project which

was different from other projects and therefore had to follow due process to ensure an excellent port that will be appreciated by all.

Furthermore, he stressed that the port was not just an Akwa Ibom project but a national and African project which will earn revenue for the federal government, employ Nigerians and provide huge economic benefits for other neighbouring African countries due to its proximity.

He said the project had reached advanced stage as over 100 investors have expressed serious interest in the project.

Okon said: “This project is not only for the Akwa Ibom State government but also a project between the federal government and state.

“As you know, anywhere in the world where you have ports, it’s capable of changing the narrative of such country.

Only Tax Payers Can Hold Govt Accountable - Bayelsa Deputy Gov

BY OSA OKHOMINA, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State deputy governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), has declared that those who pay tax have constitutional right to hold government accountable.

According to him, although the present administration of Governor Seriake Dickson strongly believes in ac-

countability and good governance, those involved in the public assessment of the activities of government should endeavour to pay their taxes as at when due and only then can they hold government accountable.

Jonah, who made this known in Yenagoa when he was paid a courtesy call by the president of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nige-

ria, Chief Cyril Ikemefuna Ede, who flagged off an executive training programme in the state, said the present administration of Governor Seriake Dickson, in answer to the constitutional rights of tax payers, introduced the policy of ‘Transparency Briefing’ where the state government publicly declares its revenue and expenditure profile on a month-

ly basis.

He further said that internally generated revenue (IGR) was a mere N50million when the current administration came on board in 2012 but there is now tremendous improvement in the IGR, stressing that the ultimate goal of the state government is to ensure that its IGR takes care of its monthly salary bill.

rity Programme, Prince Joe Okogie, the state government said the plant, which is run in partnership with WACOT Limited, is currently selling NPK fertiliser to farmers in the state and called on farmers to patronise its products.

According to Okogie, “We are delighted to announce to farmers in the state that the Edo Fertiliser Plant in Auchi is not just up and running, but that its storehouse is filled

with fertiliser ready for sale. So, we are calling on farmers, who are in need of fertiliser to head to the plant in Auchi to make purchases.”

Okojie said that, aside selling to farmers, the plant will also supply fertiliser to the various agricultural initiatives being championed by the administration in its quest to ensure food security and boost employment generation.

“We have maintained a steady

narrative on our quest to drive socio-economic growth through agricultural development. This is to ensure that we tap from the inherent job creating opportunities in agriculture to engage youths and attain food security. So, for the Fertiliser Plant in Auchi, some farmers are already visiting the facility to make purchases and we are glad the revamp of that plant has been a success story till date,” he said.

Edo Fertiliser Plant Ready For Business - Govt

BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City

Edo State government has said that the Edo State Fertiliser and Chemical Company Limited (ESFCCL) Auchi, has produced enough fertiliser to serve farmers within the state and neighbouring states for the 2018 planting season.

In a statement by the special adviser to the governor on Agriculture, Forestry and Food Secu-

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AN APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE 11-year-old Jamila Needs N5m For Stem Cell Transplant

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t the tender age of 11, pretty Jamila Umar Mohammed is battling with sickle cell anaemia and more than ever before needs the assistance of kind hearted members of the public.

Born with sickle cell anemia and her parents getting to know about it when she was about six months old, Jamila suffers severe body pains and organs disorder anytime the ailment begins.

This entails that she has to be admitted to the hospital a couple of times in a year to be treated for hand-foot syndrome occasioned by swollen hands and feet.

Miss Jamila who is currently undergoing treatment at Celltek Healtcare Limited in Benin City, needs N5 million as hospital bills for transplantation and one year drugs post transplantation.

According to her father, Umar Mohammed, while Jamila needs N10 million to be treated, he has been able to raise the sum of N5 million through the benevolence of some members of the public, with which she has successfully undergone stem cell transplant at Celltek Healtcare Limited in Benin City while the results are awaited from Basel University, technical partners to Celltek Healthcare.

“We are seeking the help of public spirited individuals to help us raise the balance of N5 million to cover for the cost of transplantation and one year drugs post transplantation”, Mohammed noted in a letter he sent to LEADERSHIP. He further noted that the family has expended all its funds; hence, the appeal to the public to further assist.

He said willing donors could support by contributing their widow’s mite.

Donations could be sent to the following bank account: Account name: Umar Mohammed.

Bank: Zenith Account number: 1003926359 For further enquiries, please contact Mohammed on: 08035888894

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education

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F E AT U R E S N E W S R E P O R T S I N T E R V I E W

Education@leadership.ng, 08116706845

Tackling Low Girl-child Enrolment In Katsina Schools

It is no longer question of dealing with either ‘Out Of School Children’ syndrome or women participation in education management. It’s all one big reality; fighting low girl child enrolment in schools and low women participation in education, ANDY ASEMOTA writes.

Increasing girl child access to basic education or increasing women participation in education management has been a topical issue among policymakers in several states in northern Nigeria. Not long ago, well-meaning people were divided on which was the more urgent challenge: fighting the low enrolment facing majority of youths in the North or halting low women participation in education decision making positions which threatened the opportunities and career of women that account for about 60 per cent of the population.

If that choice was ever a dilemma, it is about to be made history in more and more states in the North. As the campaign for increased access of children to basic education successfully takes centre stage, well meaning people have come to see them as the same campaign.

A major impetus was added recently to the campaign of UNICEF Nigeria in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Education

A major impetus was added recently to the campaign of UNICEF Nigeria in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Education with financial support

with financial support from DFID towards implementing Girls Education Project (GEP) Phase 111.

GEP supports the move to improve access, retention and learning for girls in five states, namely Katsina, Niger, Bauchi, Sokoto and Zamfara in Northern Nigeria through the drafting and adoption of the bill for a law which makes it mandatory for a minimum of 35 per cent women participation in education governance or management in Katsina.

Interestingly, while the members of Katsina State House of Assembly and representations from the apex body of Islamic leaders under the auspices of the State Council of Ulamas among other key stakeholders were developing the bill at a forum organised from March 21 – 23, 2018, by the Katsina State chapter of High Level Women Advocates (HILWA) in collaboration with UNICEF, their counterparts in Zamfara and Kebbi States have similar bills at different stages of enactment into law already.

The bill makes it mandatory for at least certain percentage that would be approved for women to be reserved for their appointments as commissioners, permanent secretaries, rectors, provosts, chairpersons of boards and agencies in the education sectors as well as principals, head teachers and teachers.

While there have been several initiatives before it, the collaboration of HILWA and UNICEF to secure women participation in education with legislation could arguably be the turning point in the efforts towards improving the enrolment of girls in schools and women in education.

The idea of setting 35 per cent aside for women participation in education decision making positions in Katsina was first formally discussed at a round table conference organised by HILWA late December last year.

At the event, the representatives of traditional institution, religious leaders, the state ministry of education and its justice counterpart,

the Katsina Legislature and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) among others committed to the process of drafting and adopting the bill on the affirmative action for women.

At the just concluded forum held in Kano, all the key stakeholders in the relevant sectors and the Katsina State Lawmakers in attendance were keen to see that the 35 per cent affirmative action comes to light after it had been thrashed that women contribute more to education development of children, especially girls, thus the sector should not be left in the hands of only men.

Analysing the figures provided by at the conference, education specialist, UNICEF Nigeria, Azuka Menkiti, emphasised that while female teachers accounted for 30 per cent in primary schools across the state, 26 per cent in junior secondary schools and 19 per cent in senior secondary schools, that only four per cent of females ➔ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

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EDUCATION/NEWS 19

Tackling Low Girl-child Enrolment In Katsina Schools ➔ FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE

were offered appointments as head teachers in primary schools, 12 per cent as principals of secondary schools and none at all as education secretary in the 34 local government areas of the state remained a cause for grave concern.

She identified the low participation of women as a major key issue militating against poverty eradication, high incidences of Out of School Children syndrome and capacity building for women to complement men in boosting education and economy.

Welcoming the participants, the chairperson of Katsina HILWA, Hon. Mariya Abdulahi, pledged the commitment of the UNICEF assisted group to sustainable actions that will improve children participation in education, capacity building and support women already in leadership positions or those aspiring.

Abdullahi, a former member of the House of Representatives, expressed concern over the low participation of children, especially girls, in education not only in the state but in Northern Nigeria.

On the advocacy for a minimum 35 per cent women participation in education management in the state, she said the benefits of the legislation could hardly be equalled by any other strategy.

In order to tackle the fall in the number of students, especially girls in the state, Abdullahi who was also a former special adviser to then governor Umaru Musa Yar’adua of the state, implored all well meaning people to support the need for a law to be passed that would encourage all

children of school age to access equitable quality education, especially in the aspects of retention, transition, completion and enactment of the law that will promote 35 per cent space for increased participation of women in leadership positions in the education sectors.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abubakar Yahaya Kusada, underscored the strong commitment of the legislature to HILWA and UNICEF’s spear headed quest to see real change in women participation in education as a proactive step in safe guarding the rights and interest of children and women in the state and beyond.

Kusada, who hailed the well thought out goals of the group and development partners to mitigate the discrimination against women, said given women more opportunities than their current fight for 35 per cent were not farfetched.

His words: “Already, we can hear the sound of the jingles beating. Let me also reassure you that the Katsina State House of Assembly solidly supports your quest to see a real change in women participation in education and politics over time. The Assembly will support you in whatever percentage you are vying for, provided that women are ready to take advantage of the percentage when you have it.”

The presidency also gave the stakeholders its blessing in their effort to adopt a holistic approach to shake off the shackles of girl child and women under development and poor representation.

Vice President Yomi Osinbanjo’s technical assistant on Sustainable Development,

Hadiz Aminu, in a goodwill message she delivered on behalf of the presidency, confirmed that the presidency sent its utmost regards and support to the Katsina legislators and stakeholders.

The technical assistant to women and children told LEADERSHIP that if the Annual School Census (ASC) conducted by the Katsina State Ministry of Education in collaboration with SUBEB and other major players in the sector was anything to go by, women were poorly represented in management, leadership and teaching in schools in the state.

“So far, the percentage is not anywhere near what we are looking for. We want to see that about 30 per cent of employees within the education sector should be women. The Katsina State House of Assembly is very keen to see this come to light because I think it has been trashed that women contribute so much to education and we can’t just leave our education in the hands of only men,” she said.

She regretted that in some local government councils of the state, women accounted for barely two per cent to five per cent of the total teachers in the areas.

She told our reporter that the 35 per cent affirmative action bill could hold the key to the North riding out of discrimination against women in positions of influence within the education sector.

Speaking at the forum, the representative of the State Council of Ulamas, Sani Faruk, who is also the organising secretary of Munazzamatu Fityanil Islam, Katsina State branch, told participants that, “We are in support of giving women more than

35 per cent of decision making positions in education sector. Islam protects vulnerable people and supports the quest of both male and female to acquire education.”

He said the religion of Islam does not discriminate between male or female education because it authorises to get education wherever possible.

“In addition, we pray to Allah to help us execute this (35 per cent women participation in education) programme successfully and achieve the desired goals,” he affirmed in his presentation that was quite critical to the deliberations at the meeting.

His assertion was echoed by Dr. Halima Yelwa Adamu, the first female Northern medical doctor, saying “the contributions of all the stakeholders have been excellent and we are expecting that we will have no problem when it comes to public hearing”.

On the expected impact of the bill, Adamu said, “More female children going to school and more female children completing their basic education. So, it will improve the quality of future female leaders, future mothers among others.”

The on-going life line being injected into the fight for increased women participation in education is an indication of genuine commitment of the present crop of Northern leaders to tackle the bottlenecks in transforming education and economy of the zone.

One of the participants at the just concluded conference, Kabir Ahmad, speaking on his take-away from the forum, said the meeting exposed the misinterpretations and practices denying women and girls available opportunities in the North.

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PCNI Trains 372 Primary School Teachers In Yobe

BY NAN

The Presidential Committee for North-East Initiative (PCNI) and Yobe Government yesterday commenced a five-day training of 372 primary school teachers in Damaturu.

The PCNI Programme Officer, Mrs Faith Anifowoshe, said that the committee was in Yobe to build the capacity of primary school teachers following the aftermath of in-

surgency in the state.

“We are actually in Yobe State to commence a capacity building of 372 primary school teachers who were disintegrated by insurgency in the North-East.

“This will enable children in this part of the country to get the required knowledge after lots of them were forced to abandon their educa “At the end of this programme, we hope the teachers will be better equipped to

handle the challenging situation at hand.

“This is because education in the North-East, even before the crisis, is a bit backward compared to other parts of the country, which is made worse by the insurgent activities,” Anifowoshe said.

One of the facilitators, Dr Ali Ibrahim of Yobe State University, said that the major aim was to improve the teaching and learning capacity of teachers and students in

the state.

“This is designed to be achieved through various modules developed by the university, categorised into three: Psychosocial Support (PSS), Conflicts and Disaster Risk Management (CDRM) and Pedagogy of Teaching,” Ibrahim said.

He expressed happiness on the turnout of the participants, saying, “the turnout is excellent. The classrooms are filled. I have seen the enthu-

siasm, the courage and resilience in the participants”.

Some of the participants expressed appreciation and promised to utilise the skills acquire in the training.

One of the participants, Ibrahim Balami, said, “The training will really improve our methods of teaching.

“We will go back to our respective schools to share the skills with our colleagues who do not have the opportunity to attend.”

UNILORIN Gets New Registrar

BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin

L-R: The minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and the minister of Youth and Sport,Barr. Solomon Dalung during the Commonwealth Day celebration recently.

Funding, Manpower, Key Challenges Of Public Libraries

BY HENRY TYOHEMBA, Abuja The National Library of Nigeria has described lack of adequate funding and shortage of staff as the major factors militating against the success of public libraries in the country.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the conference of directors and chairmen of states public library boards recently, the National Librar-

ian, Prof Lanrie Aina called on state governments to release budgeted funds annually for the development of infrastructure in the state public libraries and give over-head cost for running of public libraries.

The conference observed that, “the government should ensure the automatic and internet connectivity of the public libraries and operate hybrid libraries while also urging

the state libraries to liaise with the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) to ensure that only certified and charted libraries are employed to work and head the state libraries.”

It further enjoined all state public library boards to key into the NLN Readership Campaign by also annually organising readership promotion campaigns in their states.

The participants from 22 states and FCT that attended the conference also noted multifarious problems confronting public library development to include; lack of public library policy in Nigeria, non-appropriation of funds for acquisition of information resources for several years, unqualified staffing and deplorable infrastructure, and outdated information resources among others.

Kwara: Rector Urges SUG Executive To Be Law Abiding

BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin The rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Mas’ud Elelu, has tasked the newly sworn-in executive members of the Students Union Government (SUG) to be law abiding in order to ensure a smooth academic session.

Elelu who was represented by the Deputy Rector, Mrs. Olubunmi Ajibade gave the advice during the swearing-in ceremony of the SUG for the 2017/2018 academic session.

He urged them to adhere to the institution’s laid down rules and regu-

lations in the discharge of their duties, stressing that dialogue must be their watch word at all times.

The rector explained that the management of the polytechnic has been cooperating with past executives, assuring that theirs would not be an exemption.

He advised them not to be distracted by unionism; rather they should pay adequate attention to their academic pursuit, which is their primary aim of being in the school.

Earlier in his address, the Director, directorate of students’ services, Mr. Adewoye Adegboyega, lauded the management for introducing the e-voting system, which he said, has now been accepted nationwide by tertiary institutions.

He disclosed that Federal Polytechnic Offa, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and Federal Polytechnic, Ede adopted the system among others.

Adewoye who disclosed that the election was hitch free devoid

of malpractice, added that all other elections in the polytechnic have now been put under online platform.

Responding on behalf of the SUG executives, the President, Akinfolarin Michael thanked the students for choosing them as their representatives, promising not to disappoint them.

He promised to work harmoniously with the management of the institution to achieve the aims and objectives of the polytechnic’s founding fathers.

The Governing Council of the University of Ilorin has approved the appointment of Dr Folaranmi Olowoleni as the new registrar of the university.

A statement by the university’s deputy director, corporate affairs, Kunle Akogun, disclosed that Dr. Olowoleni, who is currently a Deputy Registrar, will take over from the incumbent registrar, Mr Emmanuel Obafemi, whose five-year tenure expires on April 28, 2018.

The Registrar-designate joined the services of the University of Ilorin on January 20, 1992.

She is a 1982 graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

She obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Ilorin in 1993, MSc. in Management Science and PhD in Business Administration in 2015.

Born in Lokoja, Kogi State on April 19, 1961, Dr Olowoleni is a native of Takete-Isao, YagbaEast Local Government Area of Kogi State. She had her early education at St. Louis Private Primary School, Bompai, Kano, between 1971 and 1972; St. Louis Secondary School, Kano,19731977 before proceeding to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (19781982).

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politics today Thursday, April 5 , 2018

REPORTS ANALYSES REVIEWS INTERVIEWS

GROUP POLITICS EDITOR: MUYIWA OYINLOLA 08054701492 (SMS ONLY )

Issues As Atiku Abubakar Takes 4th Shot At Presidency

Former Vice-president Atiku Abubakar has consistently aspired to become president since 2007. He again joined the race for 2019 presidency against all odds, ADEBIYI ADEDAPO writes.

I

In this wise, the former vicepresident, is not a greenhorn in Nigeria’s politics. He has been around for too long and he understands the dynamics of Nigeria’s political terrain

n the past weeks, the frenzy of ‘Atiku Naton’ rented the political space, as former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar indicate interest to run for presidency in 2019.

Penultimate week, Atiku, as fondly called, declared his intention to run for president in 2019 on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).

He announced his intention to aspire for the PDP ticket when he visited the Rivers state Governor, Nyeson Wike in Port Harcourt.

The former Vice President said his decision to make the announcement in Rivers State was because he believe that Wike represents what he represented in 1998/99 as the live wire of the PDP. Atiku was accompanied to Rivers by political bigwigs including former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, Senator Abdul Ningi and others.

Rivers state Governor, Wike in his reaction, described the former VP as a presidential candidate feared by the APC. Although, the governor played down his own position in the PDP, as he insisted that all genuine members of the party are its live wire.

Wike boasted that the PDP was not just interested to getting power in 2019, but said the party was prepared and ready to rescue Nigeria from what he described as a period of maladministration.

Wike however encouraged all those aspiring for the PDP’s presidential ticket to advance their interest without allowing nothing to jeopardise its chances in the 2019 general elections.

In this wise, the former vicepresident, is not a greenhorn in Nigeria’s politics. He has been around for too long and he understands the dynamics of Nigeria’s political terrain.

His contribution to political alliances in the two political parties that has ruled the country since 1999 speaks a volume.

Atiku Abubakar has in the past aspired to become President three times, but only stood for presidential election once, in 2007.

In the wake of the 4th republic, Atiku was elected as gover-

et with the incumbent, he, alongside seven governors eventual-

Atiku

nor of his home state, Adamawa, in 1999 on platform of the PDP. Before he could be sworn in as governor, he was picked as running mate by Olusegun Obasanjo who secured the PDP presidential ticket. The ticket proceeded to win the presidency, with Atiku becoming Vice President from May 29, 1999 and for a second term in 2003.

But before the end of their second term in office, disgruntled Atiku left the PDP for the first time in 2006 and joined the defunct Action Congress (AC) after years of internal battle with Mr. Obasanjo. He picked the AC ticket to run for president in the 2007 election, but lost to late President Umaru Yar’adua.

Atiku was in AC from 2006 to 2009 when he returned to the PDP, following rumour of disagreements with one of the leaders of the AC and former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu.

In 2010, he ran for the PDP presidential ticket prior to the 2011 election and lost to the then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

Atiku ceaseless ambition would soon lead him out of the PDP, as it was obvious he could not wrestle the presidential tick-

ly staged a walk out of a PDP national convention in August 2013, accusing the leadership of the party and then President Jonathan of impunity and formed a faction of he party called the ‘new PDP’.

He led five of the governors alongside their supporters announced in November 2013 defected to the APC, where he ran for APC presidential ticket and lost to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sequel to his inconsistencies with political party affiliation, some political analysts fear that his biggest political achievement may count as a disadvantage for his 2019 ambition, as he is perceived to be a serial defector who uses and dump political parties at will.

However, supporters of the former vice-president were quick to dismiss the fear, as they assured that his experience with political parties in Nigeria would not limit his chances in 2019.

His supporters are of the opinion that President Muhammadu Buhari also contested on the platform of three different political parties until his ambition was realised in 2015.

Meanwhile, Atiku seems to

be undeterred by his inconsistent political learnings, as he has been going around to make commitments on how to improve governance in the country.

The former vice-president has also dangle very big carrots before electorates of different interest across the six geopolitical zones.

For instance, the 72 years old Atiku, recently pledged to earmark 40 per cent of appointments in his cabinet to youths if he wins the 2019 presidential election.

He made the pledge at the inauguration of the national and state executives of a pro Atiku group, Intellectual Think-Tank for Atiku (ITTA) in Abuja.

He was represented at the inauguration by the Chairman of All Atiku Support Group (AASUG) Mr Oladimeji Fabiyi.

“Having identified the critical role of youths in the emergence of any leader, I pledge to give youths 40 per cent of appointments in my cabinet if elected as the president of Nigeria in 2019.

“As a youth friendly leader who thinks and understands the feelings of youth, I urge them to give me the chance to make their dreams possible,’’ Atiku said.

Apparently to win confidence of pro-restructuring advocates, Abubakar has been a consistent voice in the struggle.

The presidential hopeful reiterated his commitment to restructuring, while speaking at the “Mega Rally on Restructuring” organised by leaders from South South, South West and the Middle belt in Yenegua, the Bayelsa State capital.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, foremost Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae and governors from the south south states were among political leaders in attendance.

In his address, the Waziri Adamawa opined that calling for Nigeria to be restructured is not to the disadvantage of any region but it is an exercise that will benefit both north and south on the ➔ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

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Issues As Atiku Abubakar Takes 4th Shot At Presidency ➔ FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

long run.

According to his presentation, titled; “A Restructured Nigeria is Good for the North and the south,” He aid those who support the calls for restructuring our federation are united in their desire to live in a society that works better and works for its people, and are also united by their love for their country, their patriotism.

“Those who do not love their country would just want it to break up; they would not be interested in making Nigeria work better. And I want to believe that those who oppose restructuring, preferring instead the retention of our current structure, with all its challenges, are also driven by their love of the country. I just happen to think that they are wrong; they are mistaken in their views,” he said.

Abubakar dismissed fears that restructuring was not a southern project, as he insisted that a new

Atiku

order would work for every region in the country.

“The first misconception is that restructuring is a South-

ern project designed to put the North at an economic and political disadvantage. The fact is different segments of this coun-

try have clamoured for restructuring at different times in our history. Besides, even if the current clamour originated in the South it does not diminish the importance of restructuring for the survival and development of our country and the mutual coexistence our peoples.”

“Obviously if it were against the interests of the North I would not be advocating for or supporting it. I am from the North, and I believe that I have, over the years, demonstrated through my deeds that I care about the North, and I care about Nigeria,” he stated.

He also argued that the North region was not opposed to restructuring because it threatens its access to oil money from the South.

“The fact is the North, like any other group is rightly concerned about its future place in the federation, especially because of the rhetoric of some advocates of restructuring, who present it as designed to punish the North.

In any case, while it is true that the bulk of the current opposition to restructuring comes from the North, there are also highly placed individuals from the South who oppose restructuring and diminish its importance. Besides, it is our responsibility as advocates of restructuring to reassure all sections of the country that their share of revenues from the Federation Account is not going to be reduced as a result of restructuring.”

He however denied that his support for the restructuring debate was aimed at securing votes in future elections.

“The third misconception is that those of us from the North who advocate for restructuring are pandering to the South for votes. The fact is there are more bloc votes in the North and therefore it would be politically easier for a Northern politician to oppose restructuring. But doing what is politically easy isn’t the same as doing what is right for the North and for Nigeria.”

My Senatorial Aspiration Is For The Good Of Bauchi State – Dr. Safiya Dr. Safiya Ilyasu Muhammed spent greater part of her working life in the federal civil service until she retired. The burning desire to contribute positively to the development of Bauchi State was the factor that pushed her to partisan politics. She is presently aspiring to represent Bauchi South in the 8th Senate as a distinguished Senator. HOSEA YUSUF met her.

Why are you in partisan politics?

It was out of the burning desire in me to serve with passion. After many years inretirement from the federal civil service as a permanent secretary,I decided to answer the call of my people who have been urging me to venture into partisan politics since my retirement, toenable me avail my wealth of experience toward moving my senatorial district, state, zone and the entire nation forward in a positive direction. I never made up my mind until after a thoroughstudy of the entire political system. I joined the ruling party APC, not because it is the ruling party, but because it is the embodiment of credibility, with highly respectable Nigerians at the helm of its affairs and genuinely working to serve the Nigerian people.My venturing into politicstherefore, is for service to my people and not for personal comfort. I retired as a federal permanent secretary and I know what it takes to move a state that is yearning for aggressive development forward to an appreciable level. I know the peculiar problems bedeviling my senatorial district comprising of Alkaleri, Bauchi, Bogoro, Dass, Kirfi, Tafawa Balewa and ToroLocal Government Areas. I have garnered the required experience over the years in public service, I have the exposure and experience and I am willing to learn the ropes politically when in the senate to address the problems threatening the welfare of my people.I may be a novice in partisan politics but not in service delivery.

How do you intend to win the primary election?

When I made my aspiration public on the platform of APC in December 2017, there may have been other aspirants who had also made their aspirations public to contest for the Bauchi South Senatorial Seat come 2019.

Nobody knew then that our dear brother, the late Distinguished Senator Ali Wakili, was going to leave us so soon. Definitely, I know that there will be a primary election as provided for by the Constitution, as such I am hopeful that this election will be credible, free and fair.

What are your chances of

capacity to the educational developmentof Bauchi state from UNESCO, in the senate, I expect to do better, by touching the lives of more people in our state and promoting greater latitude for UNESCO’s collaboration in the North East and the entire country.

winning?

Laughter! Oh! I am very optimistic, believing that it is God Almighty that gives power to who so ever He wills, at the time that He so wills. If I am destined to occupy this position, by the will of God, so will it be. I rely on my credentials and the general acceptance I enjoy from the people of the Bauchi South Senatorial District. I have built a very good reputation over the years and my late husband, Prof. Ilyasu Muhammad guided me through my adolescent years, on the path of righteousness. He was a pillar and the backbone of all my struggles in life. I enjoy a very good relationship with the people and I have the confidence of defeating the other aspirants in a free and fair contest.

What is a threat to you?

The only threat that baffles me is the ongoing campaign of calumny launched against my person by those that are either afraid of my public acceptance or the strength of my credentials and exposure. Those making spurious allegations against my person are not threats to my aspiration but adding value to my struggles. I have no axe to grind with anyone and those that choose to blackmail me or under rate my contributions to the development of Bauchi statewhile in the civil service are free to continue beating about the bush. I have no time to join issues with them.

I have a large heart to accommodate any rubbish. It is rather unfortunate that some people out of selfish interest redefined civilization to suit their selfish interest because they have lost bearing and have nothing to offer in the race than sponsored blackmail, threat to my life and possibility of rigging. These are developments that can disturb a mind but cannot discourage me.

What is your relationship with Governor M.A Abubakar?

I have the highest respect for the Governor as the leader of my party and the Governor of my state. Our relationship is very cordial and I expect his support to my aspirationbecause of the strength of my credentials, my antecedents, my loyalty to constituted authoritiesand support to his administration

Is the Governor in your support?

The Governor is the father of all of us in the state, so he is not expected to stand out and support any one of us to the disadvantage of the other contestants. I believe however that like a true father, the Governor will encourage all the contestants and ensure that there will be a credible, free and fair contest.I expect his support to break the jinx and allow a qualified female gender to exercise her rights as a citizen of the state, to contest on equal footing as her male counterpart without any stress.It is expected however, that after the primaries, the successful candidate should enjoy the full support of the Governor against other parties gunning for the same position.

Safiya

right from its inception.

What are you doing presently?

As an Educationist, I have been working with a United Nations Agency, UNESCO. But why are you quitting UNESCO? I am not quitting UNESCO; I am hopefully, if successful, strengthening the potential of collaboration between UNESCO and our respective Governments at all levels to benefit from the enormous expertise of this Agency for our people. I have a special interest in the development of my state through effective representation in the political system. In UNESCO, I have limitations and I am only rendering professional service, which is not enough to change the developmental landscape of my country beyond educational advancement.UNESCO is a global organization of the United Nations. It has its modes of operations and operating systems. Although I have been contributing silently in my small

What is your relationship with Dogara?

The Right Honorable Yakubu Dogara is my brother, who has creditably represented our people in the House of Representatives since 2007 and this; I cannot deny, for any reason. We are from the same Constituency and we respect each other very highly.However, I have not been privileged to meet Dogara one on one to discuss as a brother and sister. But we are very proud of his performance as the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria.

Are all those aspiring indigenes of Bauchi state?

I have no business digging from where any aspirant hails from. What I know is that I have other fellow aspirants for the senatorial contest. Where they come from has nothing to do with me. I cannot deny any person the right to his origin simply because we are aspiring together. It is left for the right people to sort things out not me. After all, I cannot say how many of us are aspiring in APC not to talk of those in other parties.

Thursday, April 5, 2018

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THE NATION’S

N E W S A R O U N D T H E C A P I TA L C I T Y

Count On Our Support, Ohaneze Tells AMAC Vice Chairman

Foundation Screens 2,550 People On 5 Killer Diseases In FCT

BY NAN The Moole Charity Foundation says it has screened 2,550 people on five killer diseases in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The diseases are hepatitis B and C, hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, malaria and HIV. Dr Ogungbemi Olalekan, the founder of the organisation, made this known on the sideline of the project “silent killer’’ in Abuja on Tuesday.

Olalekun, a public health physician, said that the foundation had expanded its public health campaign to cover more states with health challenges.

“We have been funding our programmes in-house; now that we are growing and expanding we need more fund to enable us to reach out to more states.

“Therefore, we call on international organisations such as WHO, UNICEF, UNAIDs and other well meaning individuals both in Nigeria and around the world to partner with us to fight these killer diseases,” he said.

Olalekan said the screening and testing was the only way to prevent the spread and complications of these killer diseases.

He said that in the time past, the foundation only conduct free screening and testing for hundreds of people to enable them know their health status.

“You know that prevention is better than cure, the only way we can prevent these diseases is by testing and screening.

“People can only be aware of their health status when they get tested and screened,” he said.

Olalekan said he was happy with large turnout of people the organisation recorded during the exercise.

He added that volunteer members were so happy with the huge success of the programme.

According to him, the foundation is determined to touch as many people with public health challenges as possible to ensure that people live a better and healthier life in the society.

“We are executing different projects such as health and education in different states in Nigeria in multiple locations.

“We are doing this to ensure that people live a better and healthier life,” he said.

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI

R-L: Jigawa State governor, Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar; Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and NASS member, Peter Apkatason during the APC NEC meeting in Abuja, recently.

PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

FCTA Urges Residents To Use Culture For Peaceful Coexistence

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has called on resident of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to use culture to promote peaceful coexistence among different socio-cultural groups in the territory.

Speaking during the Gwandara Cultural Festival, held in Idu-Abuja, FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, noted that cultural festivals had helped residents of the FCT to have a better understanding of one another.

Represented by the secretary, FCT Area Council Services Secretariat, (FCT-ACSS), Alhaji Adamu Bappah, the minister maintained that cultural interaction and advocacy remain a very good medium to enhance harmony, peaceful coexistence and stability in the society.

Also speaking, chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, noted that the cultural festival affords the Gwandara people the opportunity to demonstrate their culture.

Candido explained that the

cultural festival was meant to showcase that FCT has as many as nine indigenous languages, which Gwandara is one of them, adding that the cultural day celebration would now be an annual festival. “in the past, we have been celebrating Gwandara Cultural Day in a low key, but this time around we decided to make it elaborate, and it’s going to remain a regular event.”

LEADERSHIP gathered that the cultural festival attracted various cultural displays and over 15 masquerades, drawn from FCT, Niger and Nasarawa states.

Inclusive Education: Stakeholders Harp On Teachers Training

BY DAVID ADUGE-ANI

Stakeholders in education sector at the just concluded Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Draft Policy on Inclusive Education, held in Abuja have recommended that a mechanism should be put in for training and retraining special needs teachers.

A communiqué issued at end of their meeting said that schools selected

as pilot centres should be properly equipped to make inclusive education a success, while there should be a policy to make special needs education reach its optimal goal.

The communiqué signed by the chairperson, inclusive education drafting committee, Mrs. Jean Onyekwelu, also recommended an enlightenment campaign for communities to

complement government efforts by ensuring that children with disabilities around them are sent to school.

Onyekwelu, who is also a deputy director, in charge of special needs education, in the FCT Education Secretariat, said individuals and corporate bodies should be made to join hands with government to support inclusive education

by making funds and equipment available to enhance the furtherance of the programme.

The stakeholders also maintained that efforts should be intensified at making tertiary institutions to create departments of special needs education, or expand existing ones to train more teachers to meet the challenge of dearth of special needs teachers.

Revival Movement Set To Hold 2018 Women Conference

BY TARKAA DAVID Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide said it has concluded arrangements for the 2018 annual women conference, scheduled to hold in KwaliAbuja this month.

The international director of the movement, Pastor Paul Rika, told

newsmen that the conference, with the theme, “Diligent Holy Living for Heaven Bound Christian Women,” would feature salient issues such as diligent pursuit for personal salvation in Christ, holiness in Christian dressing, holiness among brethren in church and holiness in

Christian ministry.

Other features, according to Rika also include holiness in societal living and workplace, holiness in marriage and family life and diligent holiness in expectations of Christ’s return.

He noted that the adoption of Dapchi Christian girl, was meant to

glorify God, adding, “God allowed what happened, because it will give him the glory. The lady showed that Jesus Christ is superior to any person existing in the universe and her voice is resounding in all the earth, that there is a child who so much loves God that even death could not separate her from Him.”

The Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has reassured its continued support to the vice chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Lawrence Onuchukwu.

Addressing newsmen, the president of the chapter, Mazi Odozi Nwodozi, observed that the vice chairman has proven to be different from his predecessors, because he had used his office to mend hitherto broken fences amongst Ndigbo in the FCT. According to him “His style has been so uncommon when compared with his predecessors who preferred to distance themselves from Ndigbo once they assumed office. We give him a pass mark.”

Nwodozi frowned at the actions of some unscrupulous elements among Ndigbo for disrupting a well organised Igbo structure in Abuja as well as trying to float an unknown platform.

He however urged Nigerians and all the relevant authorities to ignore such people and continue to rely on the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo as the mouth piece of Ndigbo in FCT. Nwodozi used the opportunity to distance the body from the purported suspension of Eze Nwosu Ibe as the Eze Igbo 1 of Abuja by the executive members of Conference of Igbo Community Assembly.

“We are of the stand that though the Eze Igbo has acted in various ways against the constitution, guiding us, due process must be followed and necessary consultations made, before embarking on suspension.”

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Thursday, April 5, 2018

health

14

Over 14,000 cervical cancer cases recorded in Nigeria annually

F E AT U R E S N E W S T I P S I N T E R V I E W

40

40 percent of cancer cases is treatable

health@leadership.ng, 08116706845

Reversing The Alarming Statistics Of Neonatal Deaths

Maternal and neonatal mortality rate in Nigeria is still high in spite of concerted efforts at eradicating the menace. In this report, ODIRI UCHENUNU-IBEH presents graphic report of the situation in Southwest states of Ondo, Osun, Oyo and Ekiti.

A report obtained by LEADERSHIP has revealed that neonatal mortality, which is the probability of a child dying within 28 days, constitute more than half of the under five deaths in south-west states in Nigeria.

According to the new report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), neonatal mortality rate in Osun, Ekiti and Oyo states are higher than the national average.

The breakdown of the report with the title ‘Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey’ (MICS), revealed that in Nigeria, the probability of a child dying within 28 days is 39 percent, within one year is 31 per cent and within five years is 50 percent, meanwhile in South-West Nigeria, the probability of a child dying within 28 days is 36 per cent, within

one year is 16 percent and within five years is 15 percent.

The report also stated that neonatal mortality rate in Osun, Ekiti and Oyo states are higher than the national average and child mortality, which is the probability of a child dying between the first and the fifth birthday is higher in Ondo and Osun states with 30/1,000 live births and 23/1,000 live births respectively.

In Osun state for instance, the report stated that the probability of a child dying within 28 days is 56 per cent, within one year is 22 percent and within five years is 23 percent.

In Ekiti state, the probability of a child dying within 28 days is 46 per cent, within one year is 23 percent and within five years is 17 percent.

In Oyo state, the probability of a child dying within 28 days is 42 per cent, within one year is 17 percent

and within five years is 14 percent.

In Ondo state, the probability of a child dying within 28 days is 30 per cent, within one year is seven percent and within five years is 30 percent. In Ogun state, the probability of a child dying within 28 days is 28 per cent, within one year is 20 percent and within five years is 18 percent while in Lagos state, the probability of a child dying within 28 days is 29 per cent, within one year is 17 percent and within five years is five percent.

The report indicated that the rate of maternal and neonatal mortality in the northern part of the country is also as alarming as it is mind boggling hence the need for stakeholders to step-up action in addressing the trend.

Stakeholders who spoke with LEADERSHIP however attributed early childhood mortality to lack

of storage equipment in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and quackery in the health sector.

Professor Ayo Ojebode from the University of Ibadan, said a lot of factors are responsible for the prevalence of neonatal deaths in south west Nigeria. In the case of Oyo state, Prof said the state of the clinics and hospitals is something that is worth considering.

Ojebode said many of the hospitals in the local area are not equipped with storage facilities. He said, “Even when vaccines are supplied, there is no place to store them and in a case where there is fridge, there might not be electricity to power it.

“So a lot of resources goes into procuring the vaccines, the clinics are ready to administer the vaccines ➊ CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE

FIRST 7 SYMPTOMS OF MONKEYPOX ➊ Fever ➊ Headache

➊ Muscle aches ➊ Backache ➊ Swollen lymph nodest ➊ Chills ➊ Exhaustion

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26 HEALTH/NEWS

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Health Insurance Firm Pledges Affordable Coverage For Nigerians

BY ODIRI UCHENUNU-IBEH, Lagos

In a bid to make health insurance more accessible to a wider variety of people, Reliance HMO, a fully indigenous Health Management Organization, has announced its repertoire of affordable healthcare plans for individuals, families and companies.

The CEO, Reliance HMO, Funlola Jide-Aribaloye, while speaking to journalists in Lagos said the company has rec-

ognized the public need for health insurance that really work, payment structures that don’t burn a hole in people’s pockets and customer service that addresses their most pressing concern.

“And that is why at Reliance HMO, we have built tailormade insurance plans that ensure that individuals, families and organizations can stay healthy. For as little as N3500 monthly, individuals can sign up to a health insurance plan that gives them an awesome

cover with really incredible benefits.

“Furthermore, we are the first and only health insurer in Nigeria that gives enrolees the benefit and convenience of monthly payments. With a good number of partner hospitals and more being signed up every day, we are committed to preserving the wellbeing and health of individuals, and the society as a whole.”

Co-founder, Reliance HMO, Dr. Femi Kuti said technology forms a crucial part of the com-

pany’s business and operations.

He said, “We are a Health Insurance company that acts like a technology company.

“We are using software, data science and telemedicine to make health insurance more affordable, easier to access and more of a delightful experience for our existing and prospective customers. Integrating technology into our operations also means that our entire customer experience support is top-notch and always available 24/7 via various channels.”

L-R: Executive director National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaibu; Chairman, Expert Review Committee (ERC), Prof Oyewale Tomori and a member of ERC, Mr Steve Cochi, during the 35th of the Expert Review Committee for polio Eradication and routine immunization in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO BY OYEDELE OMOKAGBO

Reversing The Alarming Statistics Of Nigeria’s Neonatal Deaths ➔ FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE

and the mothers are also ready to get their children vaccinated, but to get to the clinic where the vaccines are stored is very far from their homes. Some mothers may have to travel very long distance.”

So the way out, according to Ojebode is for government to begin to put things in order.

He said, “They should ensure that the PHCs in all the local governments have means to preserve the vaccines. This will help to preserve the lives of babies in the state and reduce early childhood mortality.”

The Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folashade Oludara, said one of the reasons for maternal

and child mortality is that 90 percent of the people living in Lagos has poor health seeking behavior.

Oludara said, “A lot of them go to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), they prefer, for reasons best known to them, quacks, unqualified health care within the society. So how do we change the perception of those people? We need the media to assist us in that area.

“There are communities we go to in Lagos State that vehemently refuse immunization and lifesaving commodities, saying it is government’s ploy to kill their children or make them infertile and family planning is not left out.”

She however called on the media to change the perception of the people so that the lives

of mothers and their children would be saved.

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Primary Health Care, Dr Olufemi Onanuga said the state government will continue with the implementation of activities and strategies geared towards the reduction of maternal and child deaths in the state through its Maternal and Child Mortality Reduction Programme.

Onanuga said the state government will not relent on its oars at ensuring that preventive measures against maternal and child deaths are embraced and adequate care for maternal and child health are available.

According to him, maternal, peri-natal and child (under 5 year) health indices have emerged as the most important

health indices that determine global and national wellbeing adding that the 2013 National Demographic Survey, which is our national indices for neonatal, infant, under- 5 children and mothers are far from cheering.

The Special Adviser added that the 2013 national Maternal Mortality Rates of 576/100,000 live births compared with the 2010 data of 545/100,000 live births is an indication that everyone has to up our antic concerning maternal and child health interventions.

“It is for this reason that I fully lend my voice and support to the Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Strategy adopted in Nigeria as a panacea to frontally tackle the twin issue of maternal and child mortality”, Onanuga said.

Surgeon’s Turf DR BIODUN OGUNGBO MBBS, FRCS, FRCSEd, MSc. Consultant Neurosurgeon

08122221616 (SMS only)

The day in the life of a neurosurgeon An unforgettable day This is an old story but it remains indelible in my mind, stuck in my brain and branded into my heart forever. Only one single action shaped my day for ever on this fateful day.

One single action that taught me an unforgettable lesson.

The day started well and I was actually excited to be at work. Not unusual since I am always happy to see clients with neurological problems. Finding solutions to back pain, neck pain, headaches, seizures and neurological deficits from brain or spine issues intrigues me. Each day is different and challenging. Especially in Nigeria!

Baby with Hydrocephalus Anyway, a little child had presented to me a week earlier with history of vomiting, irritability, fever, persistent crying and of course, development of a big head. The child was only 2 months old. The brain scan confirmed hydrocephalus. This means too much water on the brain. So, we offered the baby an operation which was performed successfully. We inserted a piece of plastic tubing with a valve, called a ventriculoperitoneal shunt into the baby. This device removes the water from the baby’s brain and in a controlled fashion, deposits it into the stomach (peritoneal cavity).

The operation required a small cut on the head to bury the device under the skin. We used stitches to close the skin. The baby was therefore brought back to the clinic a week later for removal of the stitches. That was where my troubles began on that day.

The mother gave me the baby and we set about removing the stitches. The baby was crying so much that I decided to numb the skin. I got a small amount of local anesthetic and injected it in the wound. It worked and the baby stopped crying. We were able to remove the stitches and I returned the baby to the mother.

What happened to him?

Immediately, the mother asked me, ‘Doctor, what happened to him’? I asked her, ‘What do you mean’? She said, ‘He is not moving’. I said, ‘Here, let me see him.’ Lo and behold, the baby was indeed limp and not moving a muscle. He was not breathing; the heart had stopped working and the baby had died!

The baby that died I immediately started mouth to mouth resuscitation (kiss of life) and cardiac massage for the baby. The nurse called the anesthetist and we took control of the situation. The resuscitation took an hour before the heart started working again and the baby subsequently came back to life. He stayed in hospital overnight and was discharged home safely the next day. He came to see me recently, all grown up. Oblivious of course, as to how close he had come to death.

Oh boy! A simple act of injecting local anesthetic into the wound to quieten the baby had nearly killed him. The local anesthetic was too much for the baby’s heart and stopped it cold. Luckily, the mother raised alarm and we reacted quickly with continued resuscitation, till the drug wore off the heart.

I would have stayed all day!

Naturally, the rest of the day went by in a blur and everything else I did was completely overshadowed by the baby. In fact, I cannot even remember doing anything else worthwhile on that memorable day.

Never forget A life-long hard lesson and two important points came from the situation. The first was that no amount of local anesthetist was good for a baby. Any amount is too much for a little baby and much better to let them cry and restrained for simple procedures like this. The second of course, was not to apply stitches that need to be removed in the first place. Our stitches can certainly be absorbable stitches or buried inside the skin.

In fact, a friendly neurosurgeon, Claire Nicholson, always preached against using skin stitches and skin staples in our wounds. Especially in babies. She would say, ‘Only a lazy neurosurgeon uses skin staples’.

This was a lesson learnt for all time and never to be forgotten. Of course, if the little man keeps coming to see me, I’d surely never forget how I nearly killed him.

A day, never to be forgotten!

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Thursday, April 5, 2018

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Thursday, April 5, 2018

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head judiciary desk: Ahuraka Isah

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Justice Commands Guilty Be Punished, Innocent Set Free

T

he Appellant herein along with one other accused person and Barewa Pharmaceutical Limited were arraigned before the Federal High Court, Lagos on a six counts amended charge for various offences under Counterfeit and Fake Drugs And Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Cap C 34 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and Miscellaneous Offence Act Cap M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The Appellant and his co-accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. In order to prove its cease the prosecution called seven witnesses and tendered several documents that were admitted in evidence.

The Appellant who was the 2nd accused person at the trial court was the only witness called by the defence and testified as DW1. At the end of the trial, and in a reserved and considered judgement, delivered on the 17th May, 2013, Okeke J found the Appellant and the two other accused persons guilty of the offence under counts 3 and 4 of the amended charge and they were all convicted accordingly. Appellant and the 2nd convict were sentenced to seven (7) years imprisonment on each of the two counts, and the sentences were ordered to run concurrently. The 3rd convict being a company was sentenced as charged and it was ordered to be wound up and its assets forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. They were however acquitted and charged from the remaining counts.

Being aggrieved with the decision of the trial court, the Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Appeal was heard and in a reserved and considered judgement delivered on the 31st of May 2016, the conviction and sentence of the appellant on count 3 was set aside while the conviction and sentence on count 4 was affirmed.

Once again the Appellant was dissatisfied with the affirmation of the conviction and sentence on count 4. Being aggrieved, he has brought this appeal. His notice at page 815 to 826 dated 20th June, 2016 and filed on the 21st of June, 2016 contains 17 grounds of appeal.

Parties filed and exchanged briefs of argument. The Appellant’s amended brief of argument settled by OGHENERO E.L.IDEH ESQ of counsel to the Appellant is dated and filed on the 16th January, 2017, but deemed filed on the 9th of February, 2017. Learned Appellant’s

counsel submitted six issues for determination of this appeal, and they read as follows:(1) Whether the reliance of the lower court on grounds other than those contained within the judgement of the trial court in affirming the conviction of the Appellant for the sale of dangerous drugs amounts to a denial of the Appellants’ right of fair hearing.

(2) Whether the lower court relied on unproven assumption and consequently misdirected itself in reaching the conclusion that any of the products in circulation in Nigeria with the brand name ‘’My Pikin’’ are the ones manufactured by the 3rd accused; thereby occasioning a miscarriage of justice.

(3) Whether the lower court was right in affirming the trial at its exercise of discretion, imposing in excessive prison sentence on the Appellant, in the absence of any reason or basis for the discretion.

(4) Whether the lower court failed to consider the issues properly canvassed before them, Hon. Paul Adamu Galinje, JSC and thereby occasioned a miscarriage of justice.

(5) Whether the lower court In The Supreme Court of Nigeria erred in arriving at the conclusion that the unsworn statement Holden at Abuja on Friday, The 2nd Day Of March, 2018 of DWI amounted to an admission of guilt.

(6) Whether the lower court Before Their Lordships erred in finding the Appellant liable for sale of dangerous drugs Olukayode Ariwoola despites reversing the decision of the trial court which found the Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs Appellant guilty of conspiracy to sell dangerous drug.

Amina Adamu Augie The lower court was entitled to look into any documents in Ejembi Eko its record and make use of it in order to arrive at a just decision.

Paul Adamu Galinje When a document is in the record of the court, it cannot be Justices, Supreme Court a new issue on which a judge SC.529/2016 is precluded from looking at.

This court has in a number of Between decided cases held that a court Egbele Austin Eromosele--------------------------Appellant of law is entitled to look into its record and make use of any And document it considers relevant in determining issues before it.

Federal Republic of Nigeria-------------Respondent See Fumodoh vs Aboro (1991) 9 NWLR (Pt. 214) 2010 at 229; Judgement Delivered By Hon. Justice Paul Adamu Galinje Aqbareh & Anor vs Mimra & 2 Ors (2008) 2 NWLR (Pt. 1011) 378 at 411-412; Badejo vs Minister of Education (1996) 9-10 SCNJ 51.

The pagination of the record of appeal is so disjointed. The testimony of PW1 is found at ........the general rule is that sentencing is pages 134-151. It is therefore part of the record pf appeal and a matter completely at the discretion of the lower court only made use the trial court provided the discretion is of it to support the fact of the case. The first issue is accordexercises judicially and judiciously within ingly resolved against the appelthe law. lant. The 1st, 2nd 3rd and 16th

“

grounds of appeal upon which the issue is formulated are hereby dismissed.

The 2nd issue is whether the lower court relied on unproven assumptions and consequently misdirected itself in reaching the conclusion that any of the products in circulation in Nigeria with the brand name “MY PIKIN” are the ones manufactured by the 3rd accused, thereby occasioning a miscarriage of justice. In arguing this issue, learned counsel for the appellant made reference to several extracts from the judgement of the lower court and concluded as follows:1. That the lower court acted as a trial court. 2.That the lower court misdirected itself with respect to exhibit m, which was a letter written by Barewa Pharmaceuticals LTD in which it instructed Roca Pharmacy to stop the sale of my pikin baby teething mixture. 3. That the lower courts finding that the Appellant did not deny manufacturing and sale of the drugs runs contrary to the record of appeal, where the trial court never considered the evidence of DW1.

4.

That the lower court had erred first of all in speculating and affirming the integrity of the products retrieved from wholesalers around in the absence of any pronouncements or finding to that effect by the learned trial judge. 5.That there was mistaken identity of “my pikin” 6.

That the holding of the court that the accused persons did not present their own set of drug sample to contradict or disapprove the authenticity and accuracy of Exhibit R is contrary to the records before it.

Finally, on this issue, learned counsel submitted that the learned justices of the court of appeal failed to avert their minds to the facts that they are bound by the records of appeal, and where an issue was not in context between the parties at the lower court, the appellate court cannot open a new issue in its judgement, particularly where the parties were not given an opportunity to address the court on such issue.

The passages quoted by learned counsel for the appellant have to do with the analysis of PW4, where the lower court made the following observations at pages 789- 790 of the records as follows:“Five cartons of batch 02008 were amongst the drugs retrieved by PW4 from wholesalers around to whom they had supplied the drug. It is obviously unlikely that PW4 will col-

lect what he did not supply, and equally unlikely that the wholesalers would release to PW4, goods not purchased from him.

There is no reason for a trader to offer up to PW4 drugs not purchased from PW4…… the company alone manufactures products bearing that brand name. …the identities of the wholesalers and individual sampling of what was retrieved from them are consequently irrelevant under the circumstances.”

These are the passages which learned counsel for the appellant accused the lower courts of acting as a trial court and delved into needless speculation. I do not agree with the learned counsel that the lower court went beyond the scope of its jurisdiction. By Section 16 of the Court of Appeal Act, the lower courts have full jurisdiction over the whole proceedings in this matter as if the proceedings have been instituted before it as a court of first instance and by doing so, a conclusion arrived at on the strength of the evidence before the trial court cannot be said to be a new case. In the course of evaluation of evidence, a court of law is entitled to make deductions from the evidence before the court which deduction may result in conclusions based on the proper appraisal of that evidence. Where deductions are based on the evidence before the trial court by the lower court, this court has no reasons to interfere with such deductions. See Cypiacus Nnadozie & Ors Vs Nze Ogbunelu Mbagwu (2008) 3 NWLR (Pt.1074) 363 at 387. The deduction by the lower court that PW4 could only collect what he had supplied to the distributors accord with common sense and was based on the evidence before the court. I am therefore of the firm view that the lower court was right in its pronouncement as highlighted at pages 788-789 of the record On EXHIBIT M, the fact that Barewa pharmaceutical limited had given instruction through EXHIBIT M, for the withdrawal of the drug “my pikin” is a clear admission that there was something wrong with the drug. The inference by the lower court to that effect was well founded as the letter EXHIBIT M was written and dispatched before the instruction from PW2.

The contradiction highlighted in the testimony of PW7 and the actual drug that was presented for analysis is human. In absence of any discrepancies in the testimonies of witnesses it will

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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Judiciary Budget Back To Status Quo

BY AHURAKA YUSUF ISAH

After several entreaties and cries by many stakeholders, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari increased the budget for the judiciary from N70 billion in 2016 to N100 billion for the 2017 fiscal year.

From all indications, the Federal Government handed over a budget envelope of N100 billion to the Judiciary for the 2018 fiscal year.

While maintaining budgetary status quo for this Third Arm of Government, the Federal Government expect it to deliver on its mandate, adjudicates on plethora of pre-election, election petition and post-election cases; as well as fast tracking the trial of over 2000 anti-corruption cases involving tons of trillion of naira.

When the Executive Secretary of the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr Ahmed Gambo Saleh led the Chief Registrars of superior courts, representatives of the departments and agencies in the judiciary to defend this figure before the senate on February 14, 2018, they

left nobody in doubt that the budget envelop was grossly inadequate.

According to officials of the courts, departments and agencies in the judiciary, the preparation of their 2018 budget proposals were based on the Budget Call Circular Guidelines issued by the NJC to guide them on amount they can propose as a result of the N100 billion budget envelope allocated for the entire judiciary for the 2018 fiscal year. The Call Circular directed also that Capital and Recurrent expenditure is reduced by 20% by all and sundry in the judiciary.

Previous Appropriation Acts before 2017 have shown that funding from the Federal Government has witnessed a steady decline since 2010, from N95 billion in that year to N85 billion in 2011, then N75 billion in 2012 and again in the 2013 budget to N67 billion. In 2014 and 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan, through his administration’s window budgeting principle threw N68 billion and N73 billion respectively to the Judiciary.

A cursory glance again at budg-

et figures in the reference period shows that while the country’s budget witnessed a geometric incremental pattern annually, the third arm of government saw a slow but steady paralysis, brought about by a downward trend in its yearly allocation. This is exactly the case this year where national budget is expected to increase from N7.441 trillion appropriated for 2017 to N8.612 trillion proposed by the executive for the nation for the 2018 fiscal year.

In line with President Buhari’s anti-corruption war, the National Judicial Council chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen inaugurated Corruption and Financial Crimes Cases Trials Monitoring Committee (CONTRIMCO) last year to give verve to the criminal justice system. The committee has identified 2,306 existing corruption related cases across the country for prosecution.

Curiously, only N581, 300,000 is available or budgeted for this alltime important project of the administration of President Buhari.

This will amount to clapping with

one hand.

While the capital budget for the Federal Judiciary was N31.3 billion in 2017, this reduces to N26.9 billion for 2018 fiscal year. Recurrent for the Federal judiciary increases from N50.I billion (2017) TO N53.2 billion in 2018. Just as the recurrent budget for the states court increases from N11.0 billion in 2017 to N11.3 billion in 2018.

This is because more judges are to be recruited especially in preparation for the arduous task of the election petition exercises. But there is less provision for their office and residential accommodations In line with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s released Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 general elections, party primaries for the Presidential, Governorship, Federal and State Elections would begin on August 18 to end on October 7, 2018. From August 2018 till February 2019 when general elections will begin and thereafter, flurry of pre-election and election petitions will flood the courts all over the country.

Because it is election year, the FCT High Court, Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal have proposed to appoint 15, 7 and 14 justices respectively. Two justices of the Supreme Court that will be retiring after attaining retirement age of 70 years old will also be replaced accordingly. These expanding mechanisms are now to go with reductions in the budgets of the courts which is not healthy for the nation’s polity.

The Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) on December 15, 2017, put the total number of inmates in prisons in the country at 72,384 with 48,527 (67.04%) of these awaiting trial inmates, meaning only 23,857 have actually been convicted by the courts. The prisons are also congested because official capacity of prison system is 50 153; in other words our prisons are over-congested or having occupancy level of 125.9%. The Federal Government also expects the judiciary to reform criminal justice system in order to decongest the prisons in the country. For much is expected, much has to be given.

Justice Commands Guilty Be Punished, Innocent Set Free CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 be presumed that the witnesses are tutored to give such evidence.

For such contradiction to affect the credibility of a case, it must be shown that it is weighty and same has occasioned a miscarriage of justice. The overwhelming evidence has clearly shown that the drug that was packaged and sent for analysis was “My Pikin Teething Mixture.” Learned counsel in presentation of the appellant’s case seem to rely on pieces of extracts from the decision of the lower court. I am of the firm view that the procedure adopted by the learned counsel cannot help his client. The case before the trial court that has rolled up to this court is that the Appellant sold drug that was dangerous to the public. No amount of hiding under legal technicality, by finding fault with the discrepancies in the procedure before the lower court can change the course of this case. The dictates of justice command that the guilty be punished and the innocent be set free after a fair hearing under procedural regularity which does not permit the acquittal of an otherwise guilty person upon fanciful errors contained in the proceedings. The law always aims at substantial justice. The court is more interested in substance than in form. Justice can only be done if the substance of the matter is examined. Reliance on technicalities leads to injustice. See Ogbomor Vs State (1985) 1 NWLR (Pt. 2) 223; State Vs Gonto (1983) 1 SCNLR 142; Bature Vs State (1994) 1 NWLR (pt. 320) 267; State Vs Salawu (2011) 1 NWLR (pt. 1279).

Finally on this issue, the overwhelming evidence before the trial court showed that the drug “my pikin Teething Mixture” is a product manufactured

by Barewa Pharmaceutical Ltd, which “had sole ownership of the name.

The responsibility to establish that other companies or individuals can share in the brand name of the drug rested with the appellant and his co-accused. Appellant’s failure to do so had removed any unwarranted speculation that the drug received at NAFDAC laboratory was a counterfeited version of the 3rd Respondent’s Product. I am also

of the view that the lower court never made a case for the parties. The 2nd issue is therefore resolved against the Appellant and in favor of the Respondent.

The next issue I wish to consider is the 6th issue for determination of this appeal. Learned counsel for the appellant submitted that the appellant and the other persons that were charged along with him had no intention to sell dangerous drug to the public. According to the learned counsel for an accused to be found liable under Section 1(18) (a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act it must be shown that he intended to commit the offences enumerated under that section.

In reply, learned senior counsel for the Respondent enumerated the ingredients of the offence for which the appellant was charged, tried and convicted and submitted that intention to sell the drug, subject matter of this case is not an ingredient of the substantive offence for which the Appellant was convicted.

The three ingredients as enumerated by learned counsel area; 1. Proof that the drug was contaminated. 2. Proof that the Appellant sold the adulterated drug. 3. Proof that the product is not of the quality expected of the producer or is not of the quality, substance, nature or efficacy which the seller represents it to be, or has in any way been rendered or has become noxious, dangerous or unfit.

It is learned senior counsel’s contention that the prosecution has proved all the ingredients of the offence and the lower court was right when it affirmed the decision of the trial court with respect to the charge of selling dangerous drug-to the public. Learned senior counsel urged this court to dismiss the appeal.

The evidence before the trial court clearly shows that Barewa Pharmaceutical Company Ltd did sell the drug “MY Pikin Teething Mixture” to ROCA Pharmacy for consumption by the public, Laboratory analysis shows that the drug contained Diethylene Glycol which according to expert is dangerous.

Laboratory analysis were carried out

by PW6 and PW7 who gave their qualifications and their Pieces of evidence were believed by the trial Judge and such belief was confirmed by the Court

of Appeal. PW6 and PW7 were called as expert witnesses. An expert is a person who is specially skilled in the field which he is giving evidence, and whether or not a witness can be regarded as an expert is a question of law for the judge to decide. Expert opinions only necessary where the expert can furnish the court with scientific or other information of a technical nature that is likely to be outside the experience of and knowledge of the judge. The drug “My Pikin Teething Mixture is dangerous.

In selling the drug to Roca Pharmacy, was the Appellant under any duty of care at all to observe the quality of the product it was selling. If he was under a duty of care, did he observe the standard required in the circumstances of the case. Was there evidence of trial of the drug before releasing same to the public for consumption? In the instant case the Appellant’s failure to state the kind of precautions it took to avoid selling contaminated drug to Roca Pharmacy amount to a breach of duty. The appellant has failed to show that he had no intention to sell adulterated drug for public consumption.

Learned counsel for the Appellant cited Section 1(18)(b)(i) 0f the Miscellaneous Offences Act and Submitted that there was no proof that the Appellant had any intention to sell adulterated drugs to the public. Section i(18){b)(i) of the Act provides as follows: “whenever any person is charged under the preceding paragraph (a) (II), it shall be a defence if he can establish that he did not know or had no reason to know or believe that the petroleum, petroleum product, food, drink, drug, medical preparation, or processed product has been adulterated or otherwise rendered noxious dangerous or unfit”.

Intention is defined by the Black’s Law Dictionary 6th Edition as a determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing. A state of mind in which a person seeks to accomplish a given result through a course of action. Intention therefore is a mental attitude which can seldom be proved by direct evidence but can be proved by circumstances from which it may be inferred. Section 1(18) (b)(i) of the Act places the burden of proof of lack of intention on the person that is charged with the offence. The

Appellant throughout has failed to show that he had no intention to sell adulterated drug to Roca Pharmacy for public consumption. The lower court in my view rightly upheld the decision of the trial court on the grounds that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. This issue is resolved in favour of the Respondent and against the Appellant.

On issue three, learned counsel for the Appellant’s quarrel is that the sentence imposed on the Appellants is excessive. ”According to the learned counsel, the facts on record clearly show: 1. There were no wholly exceptional circumstances demanding the imposition of an almost maximum sentence prescribed by the applicable statute.

2. There were substantial mitigating circumstances which ought to but which appeared not to have been taken into consideration in the exercise of the courts discretion.

Learned counsel insists that the discharge of the Appellant by the trial court and the Court of Appeal from more serious charges of manufacturing the drug MY PIKIN and causing death is enough mitigating factor that would be brought about reduction in the number of years of imprisonment the appellant is sentenced to. In Omokunwajo vs FRN (2013) LPELR 20184 which cited and relied upon by the learned counsel for the respondent, thus court said: ........the general rule is that sentencing is a matter completely at the discretion of the trial court provided the discretion is exercises judicially and judiciously within the law.

An appellate court consequently will not interfere with the exercise of discretion by the lower court unless the sentence imposed is manifestly excessive in the circumstance or wrong in principle” The charge for which the appellant was convicted carries a sentence of not more than 10 years. The trial court imposes sentence that is less than 10 years imprisonment. This sentence is within the law that the lower court upheld same in the following words:“Learned counsel for the appellant has raised no valid point as to why we should interfere with the lower courts discretion in imposing a sentence of Seven years on count 4. The fact that the appellant is

a first offender may be one of the reasons taken into consideration by the lower court in the exercise of discretion to impose the sentence of seven years instead of the maximum ten years. I find no reasons whatsoever to interfere with the lower courts exercise of discretion in imposing a sentence of seven years with respect to count 4.”

The law is settled that where the decision of a trial court is substantially based on the exercise of discretion, an appellate court will not interfere with the discretion unless the trial court failed to exercise discretion judiciously and judicially.

In the instant case, the exercise of the trial court’s discretion with regard to the sentence it passed was neither frivolous nor arbitrary. Since the discretion is always unfettered, this court cannot take steps to fetter such discretion, except for good and substantial reasons.

See ACME Builders Ltd vs K.S.W.B (1999) 2 NWLR (Pt 590) 288; Chigbu vs Tonimas (Nig) Ltd (1999) 3 NWLR (Pt. 593) 115; University of Lagos vs Olaniyan (No.1) (1985) 1 NWLR (Pt.1) 156; Hamza vs Kure (2010) 10 NWLR (PT.1203) 630. For reasons I have alluded to herein, I decline to interfere with the sentence imposed on the appellant.

The appeal herein is against the concurrent findings of the trial court and court of appeal with respect to the 4th count of the charge upon which the appellant was tried and convicted. It is therefore not in the character of this court to interfere with such findings. Issues 4 and 5 have been subsumed into my consideration of other issues and I do not need to repeat myself.

Having resolved the vital issues against the appellant, this appeal shall be and it is hereby dismissed. The judgement of the trial court with respect to the 4th count of the charge, as affirmed by the court of appeal is further affirmed by me. Appeal dismissed.

Representation Mr Oghenero E.L Ideh for the Appellant.

Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN with Godwin Iyinbor Esq. Kasiemobi Oramigo Esq; Harrison Obi Esq and Miss Uche Oluchi Vivian for the Respondent.

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LAW & SOCIETY 31

The Cost Of Conflicting Judgements To INEC, Candidates (Part 2)

BY AHURAKA YUSUF ISAH

O

gembe Salau Ahmed & Anor. V. Senator Mohammed Abdusalami Ohiare & 2 Ors. (CA/A/EPT/617/2015 & CA/A/EPT/617A/2015): in this case, the Court of Appeal was asked to consider whether the Tribunal at first instance, was right in affirming the election of the 1st Respondent, despite a finding that he was not qualified to stand. Justice James Shehu Aribiyi of the Court of Appeal who read the lead judgment, in allowing the appeal, held that, “I agree entirely with learned Senior Counsel for the Appellants that the Tribunal, having found that the 1st Respondent was not qualified to contest the election, it was a contradiction in terms for the Tribunal to affirm his election and return. If the Tribunal or the court determines that a candidate who was returned as elected was not validly elected on any ground, the Tribunal or Court shall nullify the election. See Section 140 (1) of the Electoral Act. The Tribunal in my view ought to have nullified the election as required by law…it would have had no reason to dismiss the petition. . . the order of the Tribunal dismissing the petition and ordering a return of the 2nd Respondent in the Kogi Central District are hereby set aside. The Election and Return of the 1st Respondent is hereby nullified. INEC is hereby ordered to conduct fresh election for the Kogi Central Senatorial District within 90 days from today”. In this instance, the Court made no consequential order as to the status of the 1st Respondent or whether the 2nd Respondent was permitted to substitute its candidate.

Abdulrahman Abubakar & APC Vs Senator Atai Aidoko Ali Usman & ORS. (CA/A/ EPT/609/2015 & CA/A/EPT/609A/2015); the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja which heard this appeal from Kogi state National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal that nullified the election of the Appellant to the Kogi East Senatorial seat due to his disqualification from the contest. The Tribunal had further returned the candidate with the next highest votes to office as duly elected.

Justice James Shehu Abiriyi that read the lead judgement held that “in my view the above finding of the Tribunal cannot be faulted. I too have gone through the said exhibit 135. I cannot see how it is evidence of primary election. Since it was not established that the 2nd Appellant did hold primary election, it is not surprising that the Tribunal held that a political party that did not validly submit a candidate for any elective position would not be in a position to legitimately substitute him for any other person… this in my view sufficiently disposes of Issue 4 which I resolve in favour of the Respondents…

Justice Abiriyi further held that “having found that (the) circumstances of this case did not warrant the order of the Tribunal declaring the 1st Appellant (or Respondent) duly elected and ordering that the 3rd Respondent to issue a Certificate of Return to him as winner of the election held on 28th March 2015 in the Kogi East Senatorial District in the Senate, the said orders are hereby set aside by me. The Court then directed that fresh elections be held at Kogi East Senatorial District, without making a consequential order excluding the disqualified candidate from contesting or stating whether or not the Party was disqualified from fielding a candidate as ordered by the Tribunal. It merely held that the Tribunal was right to bar the political party from substituting.

APC Vs. Abdul Ogwu Alhassan, PDP, INEC & Hassan Abdullahi (CA/A/EPT/779/2015 & CA/A/EPT/779B/2015), where the Court was asked to consider whether the Tribunal at first instance, was right in nullifying the Elections at Okura State Constituency of Kogi State, on the ground that the Appellant did not duly nominate the 4th Respondent as its candidate, consequent to which, it disqualified the 4th respondent from participating in the said re-run elections. Justice James Shehu Abiriyi of the Court of Appeal who read the lead judgment and upheld the appeal, stated that “ in my view the tribunal rightly nullified the election having found that the 4th Respondent was not qualified to contest having not been elected through a primary election conducted by the Appellant. The consequence of nullification in my view was the order for fresh elec-

Onnoghen

tion”. However, the same Court further held that “the order excluding the 4th respondent from the fresh election in my view was unnecessary”, contrary to the ratio in Alwa’u & Ors. V. Yakubu & Ors. (CA/K/EP/SHA/30/2003), without reason or rationale.

Dr. Ali Friday Adoyi & Anor. V. Comrade Salifu Isah Idachaba, APC & INEC (CA/A/ EPT/739/2015); the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which heard an Appeal from a decision of the Kogi National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal affirmed the election of the 1st Respondent. The Appellants sought to question the validity of the Election of the 1st respondent, on the ground that no valid Primaries had been held by the 2nd Respondent from which the 1st Respondent could have emerged as its candidate.

Justice James Shehu Abiriyi, held that “the 1st and 2nd Respondents on their part said primary election was conducted and that they will prove this by the constitution of the 2nd Respondent and guidelines for the conduct of elections. They however tendered purported primary election result-Exhibit R5, which does not show that INEC was represented. It does not show where the purported election was held. It was not sent to INEC. Exhibit R5 for the foregoing reasons especially since it was not pleaded cannot be evidence of primary election. Rather, on the pleadings and Exhibit P2, the Appellants have established that the 2nd Respondent (APC) did not hold any primary election to sponsor a candidate at the election… as the Appellants have established that the 2nd Respondent held no primary election to elect the 1st Respondent to contest the election, the election is hereby nullified”. The Court then directed that fresh elections be held at Ofu State Constituency of Kogi State, without excluding the disqualified candidate or his party from contesting, especially, given their failure to hold primaries that would have validly given them a candidate to contest.

Chief Victor Umeh & Ors. V INEC & ORS. (CA/E/EPT/28/2015) where the Court of Appeal, Enugu, was faced with an appeal that sought to determine, inter alia, whether the 11th respondent, who was returned as having won the said election, had been qualified to stand at the time of the elections. The Petitioner/ Appellants had argued that valid Primaries had not been held by the Respondent’s Party because the Party had not had a State Executive to conduct the Primaries in the State prior to elections.

The Tribunal at first instance declined jurisdiction, holding that the question of whether a candidate had been properly nominated via Party primaries was a pre-election matter. However, Justice Abubakar Datti Yahaya of the Court

Yakubu

of Appeal held that: “the 11th respondent was (therefore) not the product of a valid primary and was therefore not duly and legitimately nominated. That has disqualified her from contesting the election into the Anambra Central Senatorial District”. But Justice Yahaya further held that “consequently, the perverse decision which held that the 11th respondent had been properly and legitimately sponsored by the 12th respondent must and is hereby set aside”. Once again, in disqualifying the candidate and nullifying an election, the Court called for INEC to hold an election within 90 days, without excluding the disqualified candidate from contesting.

This resulted in confusion as to the status of the disqualified person and his Party.

Comrade Murtala Badaru Adamu V. Hon. Shuaibu M. Lamaiya & ORS. (CA/A/ EPT/621/2015 & CA/A/EPT/621A/2015) where the Court of Appeal, Abuja was faced with an Appeal from a Judgment of the Niger State National Assembly and Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal, Minna. The Appellants sought to overturn the decision of the Tribunal in the first instance which nullified the election of the Appellant and disqualified him from standing in the subsequent re-run elections. Justice Mojeed Adekunle Owoade of the Court of Appeal ruled that the Appeal lacked merit and proceeded to direct that fresh elections be held at Suleja State Constituency of Niger State, without excluding the disqualified candidate from contesting, as per the decision of the Tribunal at first instance. This arguably led to uncertainty as to the status of the disqualified candidate.

Vincent Venman Bulus V. Jackson Ponzhi Danladi & Ors. (CA/J/EP/SHA/9/2015), here, the Court of Appeal sitting in Jos, heard an Appeal from the decision of the National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, and voided or nullified the election of the Appellant to the Plateau State House of Assembly. Justice Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh however held that. “the Judgment of the Tribunal to the effect that the Appellant’s conviction and sentence for the offence of cheating by (im)personation contrary to Section 324 of the Penal Code, an offence involving dishonesty, disqualified the Appellant from contesting the election under Section 107(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, (supra) cannot be faulted”. Yet, when the Court consequently directed that fresh elections be held, it did this without excluding the disqualified candidate from contesting in the fresh election as had been done in established earlier authorities, thus creating the potential for confusion as to the status of the Appellant.

PDP & Hon. Ismaila Muazu Hassan V. Hon. Barambu Umaru Kawuwa & ORS. (CA/YL/ EPT/GMB/HR/2015); the Court of Appeal in Yola that sat and heard this appeal from the decision of the Gombe State National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, dismissed the Petition of the Appellant pertaining to the return of the 1st Respondent as winner of the election to the Akko Federal Constituency. The Appellant argued that the 1st Respondent was not duly qualified to contest the election because he was still a member of the PDP and not the 2nd Respondent Party, having failed to formally resign his membership of the party. They further contended that he also lacked the educational qualification as prescribed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), by not having valid primary school and secondary school certificates respectively. Consequently, Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill, declared the elections invalid and the candidate unqualified to contest, saying that “in my finding therefore, the Appellant having proved their case in line with their pleadings ought to have been granted their reliefs one (invalidation of the election) and two (disqualification of the 1st Respondent) by the Lower Tribunal, to which they are rightfully and legally entitled. I therefore grant reliefs 1 and 2 as claimed by the Appellants against the Respondents…I shall make an order for the conduct of fresh election by the 3rd Respondent, INEC, in which only duly qualified candidates shall participate within 90 days from the date of this Judgment”. Although the Panel rightly directed that fresh elections be held at Akko Federal Constituency of Gombe State, without the disqualified candidate, the question left open was whether the Party could hold Primaries and substitute its candidate or whether they were also barred from fielding a candidate for the rerun election.

The failure of the Court of Appeal to make consequential orders and to give direction to INEC on the status of the party whose candidate has been disqualified ridiculously caused suits to be filed before the Federal High Court to interpret the decision of some Court of Appeal panels.

In this category includes the case of Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo & APC Vs INEC (FHC/ABJ/CS/29/2016) in which the Court was asked to determine on the validity of the renomination of another candidate by the APC as a result of the disqualification of its previously nominated candidate by the Court of Appeal in the PDP & Hon. Ismaila Muazu Hassan V. Hon. Barambu Umaru Kawuwa & Ors. (CA/YL/EPT/GMB/HR/2015). Instead to follow the established authorities in Labour Party V. INEC (2008) All FWLR (Part 498) at Pages 332-333 (Paras. D-F), just as in the case of Labour Party V. INEC (2009) 6 NWLR (PT. 1137) 315 S.C, Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court in Abuja averred that, “going by the dictionaries definitions of the adjective “fresh”, the Judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/YL/EPT/GMB/HR/76/2015 and Section 140 (2) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended contemplates a “new election”, adding further that the election ordered by the Court of Appeal was a fresh election between duly qualified candidates including the 1st Plaintiff, despite the clear opinion of established Authorities cited above, which posit that the disqualified candidate, and by extension his party, were disqualified from participating in subsequent election.

After all, the status of the disqualification was to return parties to status quo.

In the same vain, in the cases of Comrade Salifu Isah Idachaba & APC Vs INEC (FHC/ ABJ/CS/84/2016); Senator Mohammed Abdusalami Ohiare & 2 Ors Vs Ogembe Salau Ahmed & Anor and Senator Abdulrahman Abubakar & APC Vs INEC & Ors., the Federal High Court was also requested for the interpretation of the Court of Appeal judgement, yet, Justice Chikere declined jurisdiction at this point to sit upon and determine the meaning of a Judgment of a higher Court. This is in stark contrast with its earlier decision in the cases of Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo & APC Vs INEC (FHC/ABJ/CS/29/2016) and PDP Vs INEC (FHC/ABJ/CS/97/2016), based on similar facts.

32 ISSUES

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Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Blurry List Of Looters

BY ISRAEL A. EBIJE

The second list of looters has been released. The names are pretty much the same with what every Nigerian knows since 2015. In fact, the names of virtually everybody in the list are in court. The federal government verdict on persons on the lists as guilty before court declare its judgment is not the problem, but names of missing usual suspects have rubbished the purpose of the release. It is difficult to convince people the intention of the release is not another scheme for APC to take the lead in 2019 elections. The absence of many former PDP politicians now in the ruling party who are complicit in looting spree has made the list empty of substance. Those trying to politically prepare President Muhammadu Buhari for 2019 with shallow hollow publicity stunts are indeed his enemies. The recent Martin Luther King “award” and Naomi Campbell “accidental” meeting in Lagos only complicate things for the president.

The so called list of looters is indeed another distasteful episode in the unending drama where “lovers” of Buhari are seen trying

hard to score points for him ahead of 2019 election. The list is skewed, featuring only opposition members who fed fat from the previous administration looting fiesta. Also missing in the lists so far released are APC members who were caught hands deep in fraud since 2015 in the ”Change” administration. Once again, the ruling party has put its neck through the hangman’s noose as Nigerians wait to see those who would feature in subsequent lists.

They are wielding names of ex-PDP alleged looters who are presently occupying top government positions in this administration and want them included in the next batch.

Nigerians will not forget how the grass cutter scandal and many others were almost swept under the carpet. Those who love Buhari are indeed making 2019 more difficult for the president with the drivel they throw to the public. The Buhari-led government underestimates rational, analytical thinking capacity of Nigerians – that is where they get it horribly wrong. What is the use of war on corruption when the government stinks of corrupt officials?

Loyalists of the president have failed to realize that propaganda,

blackmail can work for a political party in opposition, but not for a ruling party. Government is expected to show their worth in fulfilling campaign promises and not to stage-manage part of a story to represent everything – which they have failed to achieve with the release of lists of looters.

The Joseph Goebbels of this administration have practiced the art of propaganda so badly, they cannot draw the lines to limits of what they dish to the public.

They didn’t realize that Nigerians are aware of documents indicting APC politicians or “repentant” PDP politicians now in the ruling party.

Why is it so difficult to investigate them? Once Nigerians attempt to probe into matters involving FG, those who love Buhari more than Nigeria will react aggressively.

One of Buhari’s aides called Nigerians “animals”, the other who is a minister proposed the deregistration of PDP. They have forgotten how they freely made Jonathan suffer physical insults when they were in opposition – at least people are respectful to Buhari despite. In fairness to Nigerians, critical opinions expressed in this administration are based on glaring wrong turns. Sadly Mr. President is

Still On The NIA Matter BY: MUHAMMAD ADO-FILI

Like most Nigerians who value the place of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, in the scheme of our national affairs, I have been worried with the dimension the crisis occasioned by the leadership change at the agency seems to be assuming. I have known the former Acting Director General of the NIA, Ambassador Muhhamed Dauda for the past twenty-three years. Besides my personal encounters with him, I know him as a very brilliant and highly reliable officer. Until his rather unceremonious exit recently, I also know as a matter of fact that, Dauda has a service career devoid of any blemish, and is the most senior director in the service. As carrier ambassador he has distinguished himself as a capable hand, qualified to hold any public office.

I must also confess that I know the incumbent Director General, Abubakar Ahmed Rufai as a gentleman. He may not have been as outstanding as Dauda, given his rather checkered carrier in the NIA, leading to his stunted progress and eventual exit. That he could not come out so clean as Dauda from his tour of duty at the African Union Intervention Force Headquarters, later United Nations in Darfuir has been a carefully guarded secret amongst staffers. It was therefore obvious for those of us who know him that something may have gone wrong somewhere, to replace Ambassador Muhammed Dauda with Abubakar Rufai Ahmed. We also know that his antecedents do not qualify him for such a weighty responsibility.

Events later reveal that, there were a lot of intrigues employed in

removing Dauda and replacing him with Rufai, besides the obvious fact that a lot of moral questions hang over it. All the same, I had hoped that, in spite of the seeming world of differences in their capabilities, they are both aware of their duties to the nation and to the NIA in particular, and would have resolved matters in the best tradition of the agency. When in obvious moves for vendetta, Ambassador Dauda was “dismissed”, by Rufai, relying upon a purported recommendations of a committee, I was no longer in doubt that the NIA is in serious trouble.

When the world was still celebrating Dauda’s rare show of statesmanship by his revelations about a planned scam, and saving the country $44 million dollars from some light fingered Presidential aides and soul mates, it is rather ironical that those who attempted to steal the money are being pampered by a government that claims to be fighting corruption. In fact the expose about Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Abba Kyari and Abubakar Rufai Ahmed has been effectively swept under the carpet, while Ambassador Dauda has become a virtual pariah.

I restrained myself from saying anything because I feel the NIA, is the custodian of Nigeria’s international dossier and should be insulated from open media exposures and public ridicule.I have decided to open up so that Nigerians are not carried away by the pretentions of the Government that Ambassador Dauda is a villain and the others statesmen. The NIA has gone out of its way to hire a media strategist at a whooping cost of N20 million. I understand, one Mustapha Shehu, a publisher and

self acclaimed strategist has been briefed to do the job, and I can see he has started, albeit on the wrong footing.

Nigerians need to know that the Government is merely playing the ostrich with the changes at the NIA. It is an open secret that, such issues as the cover up over the discovery of the initial $43 million at Osborne towers, the battle to steal another $44 million, the imbroglio following the unceremonious sack of Ambassadors Ayo Oke and Muhaamed Dauada and the subsequent exposures by Dauda may further damage the already bad international image of the President Buhari administration, as the litany of corruption involving people very close to him may shock the world. The prelude to the expose could be found in the lingering question as to why Muhammed Dauda is being persecuted, while Ayo Oke who was caught with his hands virtually in the till is being glorified and allowed to enjoy the spoils of his inglorious era.

Somebody else will address the real issues, but I have a duty to raise some posers which may eventually serve as the clue that will expose the whole rot that bedeviled the NIA from the time of Oke, through Dauda and the current DG. I do not have to say that, the constitution of another committee to review what the vice president, a professor of Law did with his committee was a mere smokescreen to the actual dismantling of the NIA by the cabal.

If one may ask: is the appointment of the DG of the NIA supposed to be based on laid down procedures, and were those

usually not aware of the harm they are causing him. He has become a prisoner to his loyalists who are fragmented, uncoordinated and desperate to profess their love in the race towards making Nigerians accept him again for 2019.

The recent Martin Luther King hoax, which was followed by Naomi Campbell scam reflects the level of competition among Buhari’s lieutenants. It also expresses the level of desperation on account of waning goodwill. While those on social media talk or write tirelessly, fighting and cursing, those who are in government with access to public funds are working tirelessly in finding and paying the next ‘mascot’ to tacitly endorse Buhari for a second term. For the love of Buhari, unrepentant loyalists fail to understand that Nigerians will not buy staged endorsements by individuals who know nothing of our political clime. The most valid endorsement, which would have gone a long way in laundering the waning image of the president, has become irretrievably lost. His military peers and some prominent socio-cultural groups in the north have lost confidence in him.

Buharists spent so much time criticizing and blackmailing the

immediate past government instead of working the mills to steer Nigeria back from the fringes.

Bringing heavily bribed individuals to endorse Buhari is like using heavy make up on an old woman, she can only last as bride until the make up come off her face.

What many or most lovers of Buhari political appointees lack in capacity, they gain in being conning. It does not come as a surprise to see so much desperation, when most prominent positions were doled out to family and cronies in flagrant disregard to our rich and powerful human capita diversity. In this administration, capacity is not regarded. The international embarrassment Nigeria is going through on daily bases could have been avoided if the right people were engaged to work with Buhari. The likes of IBB, OBJ, Yar’Adua, GEJ worked with seasoned technocrats. They may have their weaknesses, but achievements were recorded. After three years in power the Buhari-led administration is still striving in a game of blackmail and swimming in self induced scandals.

procedures adhered to in the case of Abubakar Rufai Ahmed?

Mustapha Shehu claimed that the President confirmed to him that he did the appointment solely based on his own conviction, without any input from anywhere.

Assuming it is true, does it violate the provisions of the law which prescribes that the appointment of the DG shall be based on the recommendations of the NSA? I am privy to the fact that the NSA was effectively shut out of the whole process by the cabal.

Why was the 32 years’ tradition of the NIA in the appointment of DGs, which has always been from amongst serving directors, and always the most senior director being violated just to accommodate a retired deputy director? Nigerians should be interested to know why the vetting process in respect of Rufai was incomplete, as nobody went to Chad or Darfur, nor contacted those who grew up or schooled or even worked with him. Nigerians should equally demand proofs that Rufai Ahmed passed exams and the circumstances surrounding his double job at the United Nations and the NIA. It is pertinent to know, why he set aside the recommendations made to him by the Babagana Kingibe committee in paragraph 4 (1) that the DG of NIA should be appointed from among the core of serving Directors? These issues Nigerians will like to see, in order to put this matter straight and not to resort to mundane insinuations of threats to nationals.

The well-respected activist and politician, Mrs. Najatu Mohammed’s accusations against the duo of Mr. Babagana Kingibe and the Director-

General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, of bribing one Mustapha Shehu, to launder their images will tend to corroborate my earlier submissions to the effect that the entire deal is becoming too apparent to ignore.

From the setting up of the panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to investigate the scandal that arose from the infamous Ikoyi apartment cash scandal; the report of which has been swept under the carpet, to the panel headed by Kingibe, set up to review Osinbajo’s work , which had, Mr. Abubakar, who everybody knows to be the personal Assistant to Ambassador Kingibe as its secretary, were all engineered towards converting the NIA to a cash cow.

The Kingibe–headed panel recommended that for an officer to qualify as NIA DG, he has to be a serving officer not below the rank of a director, implying that Abubakar Ahmed Rufai was ineligible to head the agency. It also implies that those above him in the agency must be retired. As it is, there are five directors who must be retired from service, following the appointment of Mr. Abubakar, who retired five years ago as a deputy director. All these, including others I may not be able to immediately recall amount to very serious issues Nigerians ought to be interested in than the cocktail of lies and halftruths, Mustapha Shehu wanted us to believe. In any case, the Mustapha Shehu I know could be mischievously crafty as exhibited, but certainly not intellectually robust enough to offer any professional image laundering service to anybody. I leave the other issues for another day. God bless Nigeria.

– Ebije wrote in from Abuja.

–Ado-Fili, a retired officer of the NIA wrote in from Malali, Kaduna.

business

Thursday, April 5, 2018

NEWS

MONEY

CAPITAL MARKET

INSURANCE

INFLATION RATE (%) 2016

OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

18.3 18.48 18.55

INTERVIEW

2017

15.91 15.9 15.37

ANALYSIS

Leadership Newspapers

INTER BANK LENDING RATE (AS AT APRIL 3) RATE CHANGE (%)

O/N 1M 3M 6M

5.2500 14.5466 15.4598 17.2360

-2.35 -0.31 -0.55 -0.56

Oil Prices Lose Steam As Brent Crude Slips To $67.94pb

Group Business Editor Bayo Amodu 08118672002 Business Editor (Lagos) Chima Akwaja Assistant Business Editors Kingsley Alu Tony Awunor Correspondent Chika Izuora Reporters Festus Okoromadu Mark Itsibor Mbakaan Kwen Bukola Idowu Olushola Bello Abah Adah Chika Okeke

Business 101 with MBAKAAN KWEN

How To Drive Sales Performance

BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

Oil prices slipped yesterday on expectations for a build-up in US crude inventories, but Russian government comments on prospects for stepping up cooperation with members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to coordinate output cuts braked steeper declines.

US WTI crude futures were at $63.36 a barrel, down 15 cents, or 0.24 per cent, from their previous settlement while Brent crude futures dipped to $67.94 per barrel, down 18 cents, or 0.26 per cent, after it rose 0.7 per cent on Tuesday.

US crude inventories likely saw a build for the second straight week, while refined product stockpiles were forecast to have declined last week, an expanded Reuters poll showed on Tuesday. Industry group the American Petroleum Institute, however, said on Tuesday US crude stocks have unexpectedly fallen last week as refineries boosted output.

“With total combined stocks of crude oil and refined products coming in around unchanged on the week, I would call it a neutral data point,” said Dominic Chirichella, senior partner at the Energy Management Institute in New York.

“The EIA data has not (always) been in sync with the API data so we could see a different set of data points Wednesday morning,” Chirichella said.

@leadershipNGA

L.R: Chairman, Forte Oil Plc, Mr Femi Otedola and British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Paul Arkwright at a breakfast meeting held at Otedola’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, recently.

Air Incidents: NCAA Tightens Surveillance On Domestic Airlines

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR And AZEEZAT HUSSEIN, Lagos

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) hinted that it has intensified surveillance on the operating airlines in the country following recent incidents that occurred in the nation’s aviation industry in recent months.

The regulatory agency said that its inspectors now monitor the activities of the airlines more especially at the ramp areas, stressing that it would continue to sustain and improve on the current safety level in the industry.

The director-general of NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, disclosed this yesterday in an interview with aviation journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

He also said that the regulatory agency was learning from the recent major and minor incidences that occurred in the country’s aviation industry within the year, stressing that lessons learnt from the incidents would be put to use to prevent major calamities from happening in the industry.

Usman pointed out that the year 2018 had been turbulent in the global aviation industry generally with incidences and accidents, but assured that the regulatory agency would sustain and improve on

the safety level in the past years while the safety recommendations of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) would be followed to the letter in order to improve safety in the system.

Usman pointed out that NCAA would continue to adhere strictly to the eight critical elements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in order to prevent an accident from happening in the system, adding NCAA had consistently carried out safety oversight functions of operating airlines in the country.

He insisted that no matter the current safety level, NCAA would not rest on its oars, but would continue to beam its searchlight on all operators in order to prevent disaster.

He said: “We take note of those incidences that have happened, we are going to learn from those incidences to ensure that we don’t have any unforeseen accident. So, we are intensifying our surveillance especially the ramping aspect of it; checking, rechecking, training, retraining, inspections as much as possible to ensure that whatever happens is in the past.

“Let me say that the year 2018 started with so many incidences and even accidents worldwide.

Unfortunately, even though we

have some incidences here, none has resorted into any fatality or any serious injury. Of course, when you have occurrences, incidences, they are to give you an early warning probably of something more to come if you don’t do anything.

“Of course, we are all humans with our own inadequacies and that is why accidents or incidences happen, but our job here in NCAA is to prevent those accidents or incidences from happening and that we do through the safety oversight systems as defined by ICAO.” On the recent incursion of Consumer Protection Council (CPC) into aviation activities, Usman advised the agency to focus much of its attention in other areas with less regulation. He explained that aviation industry is one of the most regulated sectors in the world with international annexes and documents.

He however pointed out that both government agencies were working towards a common goal of consumer satisfaction, adding that it would try as much as possible to work with the agency to ensure improvement in the system.

“Aviation industry is one of the most regulated industries in the world, we operate under the standards and recommended practices set up by ICAO,” he said.

The sales profession moves faster than ever today. In the blink of an eye, new competitors emerge, products similar to yours are released, and before you know it, it’s a race to the bottom. JOHN H. Dean highlights some major points to help drive sales thus; •CLARIFY YOUR MISSION: Begin by understanding your business niche. What do you do best?

Who needs what you do? How do you best approach these prospects?

How much are they willing to pay?

If these questions are not answered easily, campaign at the top for clarity and vision.

•BREAK THE MISSION INTO SPECIFIC GOALS: Write down the activity goals (calls per day, proposals per month, referrals per call, etc.) that you can control.

Set results goals (sales per month, amount per sale, profit per sale, etc.) to measure your progress, and track them closely. Increase your activity and measure the results. Goals focus your attention and energize your action.

•SELL TO CUSTOMER NEEDS: Always assume your prospects will buy only what they need. How can you convince them of that need? Emphasize the features of your product or service that reduce costs and solve problems for the customer. Sometimes you can reposition your wares. For example, you sold wool uniforms for their look and feel; now stress wool’s durability and lasting value.

QUOTE OF THE DAY We are all humans with our own inadequacies and that is why accidents or incidences happen, but our job here in NCAA is to prevent those accidents or incidences from happening.’’

Director-general of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman.

Usman

34 NEWS/BUSINESS www.leadership.ng

Leadership Newspapers

STOCK INDEX (AS AT APRIL 4) Gainers

Symbols Lasaco Fidelitybk Access Maybaker Afrinsure

CP 0.36 2.57 11.80 2.79 0.23

% change 5.88 5.76 4.89 4.89 4.55

Losers

Symbols Dangflour Multiverse Sovrenins Wapic Eterna

CP 13.75 0.20 0.20 0.53 6.01

% change -9.54 -9.09 -9.09 -7.02 -4.91

STOCK INDEX (AS AT APRIL 4) ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

(Points) (Numbers) (Numbers million) (Nbillion) (Ntrn)

40,749.86 5,370 401.41 6.77 N14.720

Stock Market Declines By 0.26% As MPC Maintains Status Quo

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

The Nigerian stocks market yesterday depreciated further by 0.26 per cent as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting outcome remained unchanged.

At the end of its two-day policy meeting, all members of the MPC in attendance voted to leave key monetary policy rates unchanged.

The committee decided to retain Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 14.0 per cent, maintaining the asymmetric corridor around the MPR at +200/-500bpbs, hold Cash Reserves Ratio (CRR) at 22.5 per cent and keep liquidity ratio at 30 per cent.

In summary, the All Share Index (ASI) shed 105.78 absolute points, representing a decline of 0.26 per cent to close at 40,749.86 points. Similarly, the market capitalisation shed N39 billion, to close at N14.720

trillion.

The downturn was impacted by losses recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Mobil Nigeria, Dangote Flour, ETI, Flourmill Nigeria and Nascon and Allied Industries.

Similarly, market breadth closed negative, recording 18 gainers against 26 losers.

Lasaco Assurance led the gainers table by 5.88 per cent to close at 36 kobo per share, while Fidelity Bank followed with a gain of 5.76 per cent to close at N2.57 per share. Access Bank and May and Baker went up by 4.89 per cent each to close at N11.80 and N2.79 per share, respectively, while African Alliance Insurance appreciated by 4.55 per cent to close at 23 kobo per share.

On the other hand, Dangote Flour led the laggards’ table by 9.54 per cent to close at N13.75 per share, while Multiverse Mining and Exploration and

Sovereign Trust Insurance trailed with a loss of 9.09 per cent each to both close at 20 kobo per share.

Wapic Insurance dipped by 7.02 per cent each to close at 53 kobo, while Eterna went down by 4.91 per cent, to close at N6.01 per share.

Meanwhile, total volume traded rose by 9.76 per cent to 401.41 million shares, valued at N6.77 billion, and exchanged in 5,370 deals. Transactions in the shares of FBN Holdings topped the activity chart with 70.76 million shares valued at N863.58 million. Zenith Bank traded 61.23 million shares worth N1.67 billion and Fidelity Bank transacted 28.92 million shares valued at N332.44 million.

Access Bank followed with 43.7 million shares worth N109.84 million, while Guaranty Trust Bank traded 22.9 million shares valued at N992.35 million.

Dangote Flour Grows Pre-Tax Profit By 90% …Pays N1bn dividend

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Dangote Flour Mills Plc has disclosed that its pre-tax profit for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased 90 percent to N22.44 billion from N11.82 billion posted in 2016.

Also, the management of the company proposed a total dividend of N1 billion, represent 20 kobo dividend per share from the N2.91 Earnings Per Share (EPS) to re-launch its re-entry into the list of dividends paying companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

According to the result released on the NSE, Dangote Flour Mills recorded a turnover of N125.44 billion, up from N105.77 billion in 2016; with sale of flour recording N108.1 billion, up from N81.69 billion; followed by N16.61 billion from spaghetti, macaroni and other pasta products, up from N15.67 billion; while revenue from noodles dropped to N1.02 billion, from the N8.40 billion reported in 2016. Profit after tax rose from N10.57 billion to N15.13 billion.

Cost of sales rose faster at 25.6 per cent from N76.42 billion to N96.01 billion, resulting in a gross profit of N29.43 billion, as against the previous N29.35 billion. Other income dropped to N1.15 billion from N1.38 billion, distribution and administrative expense however climbed to N12.06 billion from N11.80 billion This led to operating profit before impairment and foreign exchange loss of N18.53 billion, as against the N18.93 billion of prior year.

Recently, the executive director, sales and marketing, Halima Dangote attributed success recorded by Dangote Flour Mills to change in leadership and product innovation. She highlighted strategic and bold moves by the company to grow its market equity in Africa by relaunching a new and improved pasta product, ‘Ecccellente’ with a great taste and in new pack.

She said, “The new improved and affordable pasta, is expected to reduce the dependency on rice consumption by Nigerians.”

Also, chairman, Dangote Flour Mills, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, said the latest earnings report underscored that DFM is stronger, better sophisticated and more focused.

According to him, since the takeover, the new board and management have taken several steps to reposition the company through expansion to drive growth while continuously focused on increasing shareholders value and offerings to customers. He reiterated the commitments of the group to further invest in the growth of its businesses within and outside Nigeria noting that the Dangote Group believes in job and wealth creation.

Analysing the sector, the chief operating officer of DataInvest Limited, Mr. Ambrose Omordion added that “the key success factor for players in the industry is the ability to gain market share and this can be achieved by increased capacity and aggressive marketing of products in addition to good distribution network, which Dangote Flour has.”

@leadershipNGA

Thursday, April, 2018

Stock Market: Foreign, Domestic Investors’ Participation Down By 46% In February

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, LAGOS

Total transactions at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) dropped by 46.24 per cent in February, 2018.

According to the NSE Domestic and FPI Report for February, the total transaction comprises of Foreign and domestic investors decreased from N394.44 billion recorded in January 2018 to N212.05 billion in February 2018.

The report said that domestic investors outperformed foreign investors by 21.50 per cent.

However, total domestic transactions decreased by 43.51 per cent from N228.05 billion in January to N128.83 billion in February 2018.

Foreign transactions also decreased by 49.98 per cent from N166.39 billion to N83.22 billion within the same period.

There was a 51.07 per cent decrease in foreign inflows from N91.75 billion in January 2018 to N44.89 billion in February 2018.

However, foreign outflows also decreased by 48.65 per cent from N74.64 billion to N38.33 billion within the same period.

Highlighting on the domestic composition, the NSE said, “The institutional composition of the domestic market decreased by 37.44 per cent from N121.56 billion recorded in January

to N76.08 billion in February 2018. The retail composition also decreased by 50.46 per cent from N106.49 billion to N52.75 billion within the same period. The NSE said that this indicates a higher participation by institutional investors over their retail counterparts.

LEADERSHIP recall that the Nigerian equities market in February recorded a loss, after an impressive start to the year. The ASI dipped by 2.28 per cent to 43,330.54 points.

Analysts attributed the decline in the month to investors booking profit on previously accumulated gains, and US markets rout which sparked selloffs in global markets and dampened appetite in Nigeria.

L-R: Chief executive officer, Lagos Free Trade Zone Company, Dinesh Rathi; managing director/chief executive officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Subsidiaries, Adesola Adeduntan; founder and chief consultant, B. Adedipe Associates Limited and guest speaker, Biodun Adedipe and group executive, Treasury and Financial Institutions, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Ini Ebong, at the FirstBank Breakfast Session on the Nigerian Economy held in Lagos, yesterday.

PENGASSAN Lauds Baru On 2018 NewsDirect Man Of The Year Award

BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has felicitated with the group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, on his recent conferment of award 2018 NewsDirect Man of the Year.

In a congratulatory message signed by Comrades Francis Johnson and Lumumba Okugbawa, President and General Secretary, respectively of PENGASSAN, the association described the award as another landmark on Dr.

Baru’s much decorated cap.

“It is a sterling acknowledgement of your unmatchable industry and experience, impeccable character and capacity as an astute manager of men and resources to achieve set goals and objectives,’’ the statement read in part.

The association also commended the NNPC GMD for dedicating the award to the tireless and ever indefatigable staff of NNPC, noting that the leadership of the union was elated to share in the moment of exemplary recognition and distinction the award accorded Dr. Baru.

PENGASSAN said it aligned itself with ongoing strategic discussions between the NNPC management and various consortia on the best possible funding option for the overhaul of the nation’s refineries. ‘‘We are also aware that under your management and leadership, the NNPC has made remarkable progress in resuscitating other critical downstream infrastructure by making it a key component of your corporate vision of the 12 Business Focus Areas, (BUFA) geared towards ensuring uninterrupted supply of petroleum products nationwide,’’ PENGASSAN said.

RGI Report Identifies Licencing As Nigeria’s Weakest Link

BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

The 2017 Resource Governance Index (RGI), has identified licensing, as weakest link in Nigeria’s value realisation component, with a score of 17 of 100, placing it 77th among 89 country-licensing assessments.

The latest report scored Nigeria 42 out of 100 points and ranks 55 among 89 assessments.

RGI said that value is lost particularly in licencing and in the sales of government oil by

the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as well as when revenues from oil and gas are shared and saved. It said that history of scandals involving top officials and the NNPC has plagued the sector and drawn public attention to corruption and asset recovery.

RGI explained that this score and ranking reflect high levels of opacity in key areas of decisionmaking, including qualification of companies, process rules and disclosure of terms. It disclosed

that despite some progress in transparency of revenue collection over the past five years, tracking payments from oil and gas companies remains challenging.

“In terms of revenue sharing, Nigeria ranks 11th, alongside the United States (Gulf of Mexico) and Ecuador. The public lacks access to audited information on revenue flows to lower levels of government, and this contributes to the gap between the quality of the legal framework and actual implementation.

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NEWS/BUSINESS 35

LADOL MD Joins Okonjo-Iweala, Others On B Team Africa

BY YUSUF BABALOLA, Lagos

Director, Communications, Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Living, Unilever Africa, Dougie Brew; Robert Karanja, Nadia Khamis, all of B Team; director, Corporate Affairs, Safaricom, Stephen Chege; chief executive officer, Unilever, Paul Polman; group chief executive officer, KCB Group, Samuel Makoma; managing director, LADOL, Amy Jadesimi, and executive director, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Nathalie Delapalme at the just concluded Africa CEO Forum, held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, recently.

PHOTO COURTESY: AFRICA CEO.

Nigeria, Others To Spend $811bn On 615 Oil Fields

BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

Nigeria and other countries across the world would spend about $811 billion on 615 upcoming oil and gas fields in the next eight years, a research conducted by data and analytics firm, Global data has revealed.

The money, specifically, would be expended on capital items, especially conventional oil, heavy oil, oil sands, and unconventional oil projects, the report said.

Nigeria, Mozambique, Australia, Canada, Norway, Indonesia, and UK, together have a total of $298 billion, averaging about 37 per cent of the total spending on the projects globally.

Federal government had earlier said the country would increase investments in the oil and gas sector to add over $100 billion in the next five years.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, had said that recent investments in the sector was about $40billion, but stated at a forum recently that the country would be able to boost investment in the nation’s oil and gas sector to record $100 billion in the next five years.

“The investment will be targeted at gas, gas infrastructure, replacement of existing dilapidated pipelines, which will be carried out by private sector investments,” he added.

Collectively, the oil and gas industry across the world would spend $352 billion on conventional oil, heavy oil is expected to stand at $44 billion, while oil sands takes about $43.4 billion, and unconventional oil takes $30 billion over the eight-year period.

The report noted that conventional gas projects would cost about $363.2 billion, while the investments into coal bed methane and unconventional gas projects would cost a total of $3.7 billion and upstream expenditure was expected at $1.6 billion. Brazil alone accounts for $76.7 billion, an average of 9.5 per cent of total spending, while the projects include 49 announced and planned fields.

FG Reaffirms Commitment On Ease Of Doing Business The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring Ease of Doing Business in the country.

Senior special assistant to the president on industry, trade and investment‎, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, stated this during a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop in Kano.

The presidential aide, who is also the coordinator of the Enabling Business Environment Secretariat, said government was taking measures to reduce the duration of doing business.

She said that the secretariat had made tremendous progress in that

regard.

According to her, the main focus of the federal government was on small and medium -scale businesses, as they are the major drivers of the gross domestic product (GDP).

O ‎ duwole said that the secretariat had been able to achieve many things within a short period.

“We have been able to achieve some things on starting a business, things such as uploading of forms and just simplifying the process.

“We are basically trying to ensure that Nigeria is a progressively easier place to do business and w ‎ e are also trying to save on cost and time and

amount of documentation.

“When it is easier to start a business, easier to access credit and easier to pay your taxes, then we know that the reforms are working,’’ Oduwole said.

S‎ he said that the federal government had extended Ease of Doing Business from the two pilot states of Lagos and Kano to FCT, Kaduna, Gombe, Ogun and Abia States respectively.

Earlier, Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, said that the state government had keyed into the federal government’s initiatives on Ease of Doing Business.

AIB Inaugurates 10-man Safety Recommendations Committee

BY AZEEZAT HUSSEIN, Lagos

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) yesterday inaugurated a 10-man safety recommendation committee to complement its efforts and enhance the aviation industry’s capacity to improve safety.

Members of the committee were drawn from AIB, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Ministry of Transportation and the industry include: Commissioner of AIB, Akin Olateru; Director of Operations of AIB; Charles Irikefe, Sadik Abubakar and Roland Nwaohiri, all of AIB. Others are Iteke Ifeanyi, J. O Vincent, S. Aminu, J. Adegboye and

Taiwo Olugbenga, all of NCAA. Awogbami Clement from ministry of transportation is also a member of the committee.

The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, also approved the appointment of experienced industry experts, Capt Kiddie Dare and Engr.

Gbolahan Abatan, as consultants to the committee.

Speaking at a media briefing on the inauguration of the committee held at AIB Safety House, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, commissioner/CEO Of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Engr.

Akin Olateru, said that the reason for the inauguration was to consolidate the remarkable efforts being made by

this management since assumption of office to extend the frontiers of aviation safety, not only in Nigeria but globally.

Olateru noted that AIB inherited 27 outstanding accident reports out of which they have published 10 as at the end of 2017, adding that the reports generated 35 safety recommendations.

Emphasising that the responsibility for enforcing safety recommendations lies with NCAA, Olateru hinted that the committee would engage the affected stakeholders on the effectiveness of the safety recommendations addressed to them and submit their report to AIB management, which would work on it for the benefit of the industry.

The managing director, Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL), Dr. Amy Jadesimi, has been selected to join the B Team Africa newly- formed last January.

The LADOL MD joined the chief executive officer of Unilever, Mr. Paul Polman, at a press conference held at the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on March 26, 2018 to announce the B Team Africa’s agenda.

Speaking at the forum, Jadesimi discussed her vision for sustainable infrastructure development in West Africa and her goals in working alongside the B Team Africa leadership members - Bob Collymore, CEO of Safaricom; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, chair of GAVI; Dr. Mo Ibrahim, founder and chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation; Jochen Zeitz, co-founder and executive chair of The B Team and former CEO of PUMA and Jesse Moore, CEO and co-founder of M-KOPA Solar.

Others are Rita Kavashe, managing director of Isuzu East Africa and Joshua Oigara, Group CEO and managing director of KCB Group, Jadesimi is expected to join other B Team Global Leaders to drive positive change in Nigeria and the African continent.

Jadesimi said, “I’m honoured and excited to be part of the B Team Africa, working alongside a team of passionate business leaders to support and drive sustainable business models and new opportunities for job creation and investment in Africa. For the world to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Africa will have to become an engine of growth and

prosperity.

“Fortunately, as Africans, we have the human capital and resources to do this ourselves and working with Jesse, Rita and Joshua on the B Team, we can actively help create an environment where real private sector companies (large and small) can build new economy businesses generating millions of jobs across the continent.”

The B Team Africa is a PanAfrican platform to enable committed business and civil society leaders to work collectively in driving progress and addressing critical issues across the continent.

The B Team Africa leaders are united in influencing and convening the private and public sector to drive long-term, inclusive, sustainable economic growth and social development for a prosperous Africa.

To achieve these goals, leaders are committed to working together and through current B Team initiatives.

The B Team Africa’s ambitious work agenda includes, but is not limited to, open contracting, supply chain transparency, responsible tax practice, renewable and clean energy, environmental preservation, unlocking capital for value-addition, green businesses and social enterprises, job creation, civic rights, gender equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

An international non-profit organisation, The B Team, cofounded by Richard Branson and Jochen Zeitz in 2012, established The B Team Africa in 2017 and continues to recruit Africa-based leaders to accelerate the shift toward a just and sustainable future for the continent and the world.

Ukraine To Expand Trade Relationship With Nigeria

BY MBAKAAN KWEN, ABUJA

The Ukrainian deputy minister of economic development and trade, Mrs. Nataliia Mykolska , would be leading an expansive delegation of businessmen and investors to Nigeria to open up more areas of economic cooperation between the two friendly nations.

According to the president, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Prince Kayode Adetokumbo, the major areas of interest that have formed the fulcrum of the business forum include international trade, agrarian and food industry, automotive and aviation, engineering and information and communication technology (ICT), chemical and pharmaceutical production.

“A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation between ACCI and its Ukrainian counterpart will be signed in the course of the events,” he said.

He also stated that the business forum will provide another opportunity to activate contacts

between Nigerian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs who are to be brought together to work on ways of doing sustainable business among themselves.

While calling on Nigerian businessmen and investors to use the avenue to trade among the two countries, Prince Kayode also enjoined them to make fruitful contacts among themselves and ensure that perspectives of bilateral economic, trade, investment cooperation between Ukraine and Nigeria are deepened.”

It could be recalled that, the Ukrainian Embassy in Nigeria entered into a partnership with the ACCI with a view to jointly embark on trade and other business - related activities as well as deepen economic partnership between both countries.

The Chamber has mobilised her members, the stakeholders, concerned authorities and resources to ensure that the trade mission by Ukrainian investors and business community as well as other commercial activities of the embassy are of huge success.

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Local Content Act Implementation Key To Job Creation – Wabote

BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos

L-R: Managing director/chief executive officer, Quest Advisory Services Limited, Mr. Bayo Rotimi; acting director, programmes and coordination, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Mr. Charles Anyanwu ; senior associate counsel, Anu Eso & Co. Legal, Febuk Uya; vice president, CardinalStone Capital Advisers, Mrs. Shirley Somuah; managing director/chief executive officer, NASD Plc, Mr. Bola Ajomale, and co-founder, The Rising Tide, Yemi Keri, at the Investment Readiness Series organised by Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Lagos, recently. PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU.

US, UK Envoys Visit Otedola, Hold Talks On Economy

BY BUKOLA IDOWU, Lagos

United States ambassador to Nigeria , Stuart Symington, and his UK counterpart , Ambassador Paul Arkwright , have paid separate visits to the chairman of Forte Oil Plc , Mr. Femi Otedola, during which the parties held discussions on the Nigerian economy and the role of businesses in the country in exploring partnerships with international businesses to create more job opportunities for Nigerian youths.

At a breakfast meeting with Otedola at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence, the U.S. ambassador commended the Nigerian energy magnate for his continuing investments in the country and for being a role model for other indigenous entrepreneurs.

The American envoy drew Otedola’s attention to Nigeria’s growing population, noting that the private sector has a critical role to play in creating opportunities for youths to be gainfully employed and in nation building.

This, Symington added, would help to address poverty in the country and rising insecurity due to the high rate of unemployment.

He encouraged Otedola to explore partnerships with U.S. companies interested in investing in solar power projects and exports.

Responding, Otedola, who in addition to being the majority shareholder in Forte Oil, is also an investor in the Geregu Power Plant in Ajaokuta, Kogi State and is expanding into solar power, thanked the U.S. ambassador for the visit and expressed his commitment to working with international businesses to expand his footprint in the country.

“Nigerians are very entrepreneurial and would latch on to any opportunity to start and grow a business. The problem, however, has been access to cheap and long-term capital which remains an impediment.

“That is where we would like the U.S. to come in by encouraging private equity firms, venture capitalists and using U.S. export guarantees, among others, to support Nigerian businesses to become competitive and make good returns on their investments,” he said.

He reminded Symington that despite the political and economic risks in the country, Nigeria remains one of the few countries in the world where the returns on investment was still high due to the infrastructure and technological gaps, making foreign investment a worthwhile venture.

Also, Otedola hosted the British ambassador, Arkwright to dinner at his residence recently, where talks centred on the economy.

Like his U.S. counterpart,

Arkwright congratulated Otedola for his investment drive in the country, saying businesses such as Forte Oil had become beacons for others to follow.

He assured Otedola that given the strong historic ties between Britain and Nigeria, the country remained an investment magnet for UK companies seeking to do business on the African continent.

He charged Otedola to collaborate with other Nigerian entrepreneurs and businesses to encourage the federal government on creating a conducive environment for foreign and local businesses to thrive.

Otedola, in his response, assured the British envoy that the Nigeria government has a policy in place and a council co-led by the private sector on the ease of doing business.

“As you know, Nigeria recently improved its ranking on the World Bank’s ease of doing business index by moving up 24 places. But the federal government is not resting on its oars because it wants to improve on the current ranking.

“We in the private sector continue to meet with government ministries and agencies and collaborate with them in areas where more improvement is needed so that we can attract more foreign direct investment into the country,” he said.

Port Congestion Looms Over Planned Closure Of Wharf Road – STOAN

BY YUSUF BABALOLA, Lagos

The Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) have said that the planned closure of the Marine Bridge and Wharf Road in Apapa, Lagos concurrently from next week will spell doom for the nation’s seaports.

LEADERSHIP recalls that Dangote A.S. recently announced plans to close both sides of the Wharf Road inward and outward Apapa while the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing also announced plans to shut the Marine Bridge in Apapa for permanent repairs.

The federal controller of works, Lagos, Adedamola Kuti, while speaking in Lagos on Sunday said Julius Berger Plc., the contractor handling the bridge repair was ready to move to site.

But speaking in Lagos yesterday, the STOAN said the simultaneous closure of the Wharf Road and

the Marine Bridge would lead to a buildup of cargo inside the port and lead to port congestion.

“While we commend the efforts of the Federal Government to address the issue of bad roads and the poor state of the bridge, the closure of both roads at about the same time will cause serious problem to the ports especially the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port.

“The bridge and the Wharf Road are the two major entry points into Apapa and shutting both down will mean cargoes will be trapped inside the port.

“The implication of this is that there will be build up of cargoes at the various terminals and port congestion will inevitably set in.

“In no time, vessel queues will return and Nigerian ports run the risk of returning to the point where they were prior to port concession.

“Once vessel queues return, shipping lines congestion surcharge,

which could amount to as much as $100 million per month could be slammed on Nigerian ports and this cost will ultimately be borne by the market,” STOAN said in a statement signed by its spokesman, Bolaji Akinola.

Akinola said the repairs should be done one after the other and alternative routes should be opened up by Dangote A.S. and Julius Berger before any of the routes was shut.

“The road remains the major route by which cargoes are evacuated from the port. Failure to create alternative routes before the major repair works are embarked upon will create major crisis in the port,” the statement further said.

STOAN said that already, the poor state of the roads, especially the ApapaOshodi Expressway and ongoing repair works on a section of the Wharf Road has created major challenges for port operation leading to gridlock, which has led to a near paralysis of movement into and out of Apapa.

The adoption and implementation local content policies in key sectors of the Nigerian economy will address the high unemployment rate in Nigeria, the executive secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engineer Simbi Wabote has said.

He said this last week in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at an event organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD), Nigeria, where he made a presentation as the guest speaker.

In his presentation titled: “Addressing Unemployment: Local Content Option,” Wabote regretted that for many years, until lately, Nigeria had regarded crude oil as a commodity, instead of a resource - a situation which resulted in the loss of all in-country value adding activities and opportunity to capture the full benefits of the derivatives of crude oil.

He noted that the enactment of Local Content Law in the oil and gas industry and its implementation has become a game changer, helping Nigeria to claw back work, services and spend which used to leave the country to other parts of the world. He reiterated that the essence of local content policy was “domiciliation and domestication.

Stating that the oil and gas sector was not a huge employer of labour, compared to agriculture, the executive secretary commended the current emphasis on agriculture and diversification by the federal government of President Muhammad Buhari.

He also lauded the federal government’s reinforcement of

the Local Content Policy through the issuance of Executive Order 5, designed to boost local content practice in other critical sectors of the economy.

He argued that with the huge unemployment figure of about 16 million from the Bureau of Statistics (NBS), a staggering number equal to the total population of three West African countries of Sierra Leone, Togo and Liberia, Nigeria needs to extend local content practice to other critical sectors like agriculture, ICT, construction, power and manufacturing in order to tackle the scourge of unemployment in the country.

Wabote also argued that for Nigeria to derive full benefits from agriculture, it must look at the various derivatives across agricultural supply chain as to create jobs and boost the economy.

He cautioned, “We must not repeat the mistake of ‘commodity trading’ with agriculture.”

Speaking further, he enjoined the directors to be circumspect about agreements with foreign development partners and financiers and ensure that their companies do not pen contracts which would lead to loss of jobs for Nigerians.

Earlier in his opening remark, the director-general and CEO of IoD, Nigeria, Mr. Dele Alimi , indicated that the Institute exists to promote good corporate governance.

Similarly, the chairman, Port Harcourt Zone of IoD, Sir Innocent Harry, in his welcome address stated that the Institute was interested in finding solutions to the problem of youth unemployment hence the decision to invite the guest speaker.

Financial Inclusion: Firm To Fast-track CBN’s 80% Rural Banking Target

BY CHIMA AKWAJA, Lagos

Oradian, a financial inclusion company, is set to build its community of visionary microfinance institutions, microfinance banks and cooperative societies in Nigeria with the deployment of cloud technology for digital rural banking to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 80 per cent financial inclusion target by 2020.

Through Oradian’s toolset, which includes its cloud-based core banking system (CBS) Instafin, financial institutions are enabled to grow and reach more clients with digital financial services. The company’s mission is to boost financial inclusion by delivering the tools financial institutions need to reach more clients in rural communities.

According to Oradian co-founder and head of implementation, Onyeka Adibeli, “Oradian’s cloud-based CBS enables financial institutions to go digital. Paired with guidance and support from our in-market teams, we are enabling the successful digital transformation and implementation of global best practice for our community of financial institutions.”

To accelerate financial inclusion in Nigeria and to share best practice for

going digital with cloud technology, Oradian will host a dinner event in Lagos as part of the African Banking and Finance Conference on April 10 2018, designed to bring leaders of financial institutions, regulatory groups, financial inclusion experts, the Central Bank and fintech providers together to build strategic partnerships that will boost financial inclusion in Nigeria and West Africa at large.

Antonio Separovic, the chief executive officer and co-founder of Oradian said the event would connect the private sector, public sector and financial services regulators.

“Strategic partnerships within the digital ecosystem are proving to be the most effective way to enable our customers to provide better service to their end-clients,” he said.

Oradian is demonstrating the value of strategic public-private partnerships in Southeast Asia with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Cantilan Bank, one of the top rural banks in the Philippines. Backed by a $150,000 ADB grant, Cantilan Bank will use Oradian’s toolset to demonstrate how cloud technology can unlock financial opportunities by providing access to financial services for hard-to-reach individuals in rural areas.

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BUSINESS NEWS 37

353 Companies Get PenCom Clearance To Bid For FG’s Contracts

Money Laundering: FG To Begin Profiling Of NGOs

Thursday, April 5, 2018

BY ZAKA KHALIQ, Lagos

About 353 companies have been cleared by the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to bid for federal government’s contracts this year.

The companies have been issued compliance certificate as at March 23, 2018, for complying with the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014.

The firms include: Reynolds Construction Company Limited, which has 3, 643 employees and contributed N726.43 million into the pension funds; Leadway Assurance Company Limited with 283 employees, contributed N133.02 million into the fund; Ghazi Shipping and Trading Company Limited has five employees and contributed N3.13 million; while AIICO Insurance Plc has 264 employees and contributed N135.11 million into the pension assets.

Moreover, Cornerstone Insurance Plc with 204 employees, contributed N132.20 million, Linkage Assurance Plc with 231 employees paid N65.50 million; NSIA Insurance Limited who has 99 employees, contributed N27.95 million; Solid Trust Insurance Brokers Limited with nine staff equally paid

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N5.03 million into the pension assets; Risk Analyst Insurance Brokers Limited has nine employees and contributed N2.42 million; even as Prorisk Insurance Brokers Limited, with nine staff, paid N2.42 million and Image Brokers Limited with 16 employees, contributed N1.51 million into the pension fund.

Lasaco Assurance Plc with 175 employees, contributed N65.63 million; Wib Insurance Brokers Limited has three staff, but contributed N855,499.58 into pension fund; and Denos Insurance Brokers Limited with seven staff, contributed N660,240.12.

Also, Geo-Chem West Africa Limited having 19 employees paid N3.86 million pension of its workers in the outgone year.

Setraco Nigeria Limited with 2839 employees, contributed N455.05 million pension; North South Power Company Limited with 331 employees paid N114.65 million pension; Oriental Energy Resources Limited who has 43 employees paid the pension of its workers to the tune of N41.59 million, among others.

PenCom, therefore, appealed to

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government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to support the initiative of issuing certificate of compliance to deserving companies, adding that MDAs often times accept spurious evidence of compliance from contractors and being reluctant in ensuring that companies bidding for works fulfilled their obligations relating to pensions as enunciated in the Public Procurement Act 2007.

PenCom noted that with effect from January 2012, private sector employers that complied with the provisions of the PRA 2014 were issued annual Certificates of Compliance, and that to be issued with the certificate, employers are required to submit evidence of remitting contributions to the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) of their employees as well as show evidence of valid group life insurance policy.

“All MDAs are required to demand for the Compliance Certificate as a requirement for transacting any business with a private sector organisations.

Appropriate circulars have been issued to all MDAs in that regard,” it pointed out.

BY MBAKAAN KWEN, Abuja

The Federal Government is to begin the profiling of some non-profit organisations (NGOs) in the country, in order to ensure compliance with regulations against money laundering and terrorist financing.

The director, Nigerian Financial intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mr Francis Usani, disclosed this at a regional workshop on money laundering organised by the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), on Wednesday, in

Abuja. Usani who is also the National Correspondent of GIABA, said that the profiling would address some “deficient NGOs” in the country.

According to him, “Recently, the budget office is doing something to address some deficient NGOs and also engaging the NFIU to profile some NGOs in the country.

“This is going to be a continuous exercise to profile and see the NGOs that are actually committed to their main cause and those not committed to any cause; these will probably be delisted and maybe their registrations be removed.

Dangote To Boost Investments In Kaduna

Government over the past three years especially the President of the Dangote veritable improvements in the Group, Aliko Dangote has Ease of Doing Business and said that his conglomerate was investment climate, and will exploring more investment in addition to our proposed opportunities in Kaduna State. joint venture in the automotive Dangote who spoke at subsector also explore other the Kaduna Economic and opportunities in the state Investment Summit, yesterday especially in the agribusiness said the move to scale up its and solid minerals sectors.” investments in the state was The summit is which is informed by the ‘great strides’ organised by the Kaduna State being made by the state Investment Promotion Agency government on the Ease of (KADIPA) while the Nigerian Doing Business.

Investment Promotion Council Dangote who was (NIPC) and the Nigerian represented the group Economic Summit Group executive director of the (NESG) are co-hosts of the company, Engr. Ahmed summit with the theme, Mansur said. “we have which is the third edition, is noted the great strides being ‘Promoting Economic Growth made by the Kaduna State through Partnership’.

BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos

Dana Air Boss Bags Excellent Leadership, Best CEO Of The Year Awards

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR, Lagos

L-R: Former Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mrs. Omobola Johnson; chief enterprise business officer (CEBO) MTN Enterprise Business Unit, Mrs. Lynda Saint-Nwafor; general manager, Marketing, Enterprise Business Unit, MTN, Mrs. Onyinye IkennaEmeka and CEO, Terragon Group, Elochukwu Umeh at a stakeholders gathering for the enhanced version of MTN Mobile advertising in Lagos.

PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU.

Nigeria’s Tourism Industry To Grow By 4% To N7.5bn Annually travels. The above figures according to Travelstart, a technology driven travel An economic impact assessment of and tourism firm, is highlighting the travel and tourism by the World Travel burgeoning opportunities in Nigeria’s & Tourism Council has revealed that travel and tourism industry. the total contribution of the travel and The company which is making its six tourism industry to Nigeria’s gross years of operations in the country, said domestic product (GDP) was ₦5,124.3 that its operations in Nigeria surpasses billion (4.7 per cent of GDP) in 2016. its other established markets such as The report also forecast a rise in the Namibia and Kenya, highlighting the contribution of the industry to the GDP huge demand for a tech-based solution by 4.0 per cent per annum to ₦7,507.7 for travelers in the country. According billion. It states that the travel industry’s to Travelstart, since inception, it has total contribution to employment in catered to more than half a million Nigeria, including jobs indirectly Nigerians and significantly grown its supported by the industry, was 4.5 per extensive affiliate network. cent. This is expected to rise 3.6 per cent Commenting on their operations, the per annum to 2,598,000 jobs (4.2 per country manager of Travelstart Nigeria, cent of total) in 2027.

Philip Åkesson said “the company is It states that the expected rise per committed to making travel easier and annum can be attributed to the fact that more affordable for Travelers across the Nigerians now spend more on domestic continent and we are strongly focused

BY AZEEZAT HUSSEIN, Lagos

on meeting our customers’ needs within the aspects of price, payment choices, trust and customer service.”

Akesson said that Travelstart maintains a consistent focus on simplifying the ticket purchasing process and offering customers the chance to book their flights themselves online. Speaking further, he said that in Nigeria alone, the company additionally offers a walk-in service which allows customers build a human connection with the company.

“We recognize the importance of omni-channels and that is why we offer our customers’ platform flexibility depending on their comfort with technology and Our walk-in customer service further improves the trust for the brand as our agents work with customers to make their booking.” Åkesson added.

The managing director/chief executive officer of Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani, has been conferred with the Platinum Excellence Leadership Award by the Association of Northern Nigerian Students (ANNS), in Lagos.

The Meritorious Leadership Award is coming less than a week after the Dana Air boss won his 3rd Best CEO of the year award, at a colorful event organized by industry watchdog, Nigerian Aviation Awards (NIGAV).

The award According to the association is in recognition of Hathiramani’s exceptional track record of performance, exemplary leadership style, creative contribution to the development of the aviation industry, promotion of youth welfare and avowed nationalistic humanitarian service and Corporate Social Responsibility of his Conglomerate.

In his response, Hathiramani thanked the association for the honour bestowed on him and reiterated his commitment

Hathiramani

towards working with relevant agencies and stakeholders on programs that will improve the aviation industry and that of the travelling public. He also pledged to continue promoting the welfare of the youth as the leaders of today and his service to humanity.

Jacky Hathiramani is a Nigerian born in Jos, Plateau State. He had his formative education at Onireke in Ibadan, before proceeding to the United Kingdom, where he bagged a degree in Business Administration from the European Business School of London.

Jacky’s drive and passion for quality service led to the establishment of Dana Air in 2008.

38 COMMERCE/BUSINESS

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How Poor Infrastructure Is Affecting Businesses In Nigeria

BY TAIWO OMILANI, Lagos

As part of President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s mediumterm Economic Recovery Plan (EGRP) to build a global competitive economy, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) kicked off in 2017 to further reduce the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing credit facilities.

However, major stakeholders in the industry explained why the federal government must put adequate infrastructure in place to aid the condition of doing business in the country.

They said that while the government was doing everything possible to remove critical bottlenecks and bureaucratic constraints to doing business in Nigeria, it must ensure stable power supply, fix roads and rail system, insisting that it would go a long way to boosting the economy amongst others.

In his reaction, the president of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Frank Jacob, said that Nigeria cannot compete favourably globally in the area of infrastructure, saying that the government must fix roads, rail and ensure stable electricity.

In his contribution, the managing director of Coleman Cables and Wires, Mr. George Onafowokan, lamented how much the company spends on

Enelamah

generating power.

According to him, the cost of generating power was high, and that power was one of the major reasons industries have not grown the way they should because the nation depends on power for cable factory.

“We are one of the countries in the world that run drawing machine on generator; this machine is heavy on power. One single machine requires 500KV to work not to talk of the rest factories “This is against what obtains in some other parts of the world, where electricity is readily available.

“This makes it heavy on investment. So our business is so heavy on power. If you look at it today, in Coleman, in terms of diesel power, we

are generating electricity worth 10MGW and eight megawatt in gas; so these are two separate ways of investment in power plant.

“As good as what you have might be, investment in power itself can build a competitive cable industry.

Our expenditure on the rest of infrastructure it is low, but power accounts for almost 30-40 per cent overhead cost in our capital expenditures,” he added.

Recently, the vicepresident of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo , said that the development of the country’s manufacturing sector was critical to the present administration’s industrialisation agenda.

Osinbajo, in his message at the opening ceremony of 2018 edition of the Nigeria Manufacturing Equipment

(NME) Expo and Manufacturing Partnership for African Development (MPAD) said that the industrial sector was key to the actualisation of the administration’s Economic Recovery Plan, adding that the private sector was an integral part of actualising this objective.

He added that if Nigeria planned to join the comity of industrialised economies, then manufacturing must be prioritised in all ramifications.

However, observers are saying that with the commitment of the federal government to easing conditions of doing business and its interest in manufacturing sector, power which is the life wire of the economy must be fixed as soon as possible.

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Nigeria Targets $200bn From Lekki Seaport

BY KINGSLEY ALU, Abuja

The federal government has expressed confidence that operations at the Lekki Deep seaport in Lagos State when completed would rake in over $200 billion.

An optimistic President Muhammadu Buhari dropped this hint while speaking at the official commencement of the construction of the Lekki Deep seaport in Lagos.

President Buhari said the project was in tandem with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) initiative of his administration.

Represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President Buhari, who said Lekki Deep seaport when completed would become one of the largest deep water ports in the region and serve as a hub for port operations in West Africa, disclosed that the project was estimated to generate up to 170,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“The promoters of this project are targeting about 1.5 million 20-foot equivalent units container capacity annually, which we expect to grow to about 2.7 million and 4.7 million TEUs when the project operations commence.

“The promoters also planned to dredge the port channel to about 16 metres draft, which is not currently obtainable in any port in the country. This is an indication that ships of larger capacity, Panamax, Post Panamax ships and very large crude carriers will now be able to visit the port, and greater efficiency and economies of scale will generate significant revenue for Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

He however disclosed that the federal government had in the past two budgets provided an aggregate of N90 billion

for the development of special economic zones, saying that the deep seaport project exemplified such economic zones.

Also speaking, managing director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman, stated that the NPA was committed to port development in the country.

“Funding for the Lekki Deep Sea Port project is structured at equity and debt ratio of 20:80 respectively.

And in line with the commitment of the federal government to promote private sector investment, the NPA has a fully paid five per cent minimal investment, which is enough to give it a stake; to give the investors comfort and enable it perform its oversight technical regulatory functions without being unduly hindered by commercial considerations.

“The other 95 per cent interest is owned in 18: 8 ratio by the Lagos State Government and the Tolaram Group respectively. Of the 75 per cent owned by the Tolaram Group, however, the federal government holds a further 15 per cent shareholding to the value of $107.78 million converted into shares from a pre-2002 government grant to promoters of Tolaram Group toward financing the Viva Methanol Project.

“As we work toward revamping the decaying port infrastructure we inherited and encouraging new investments in the sector, we are confident that projects such as this foretell the renewal possible in our port infrastructure, the resurgence of our economy through the gateways that our ports are and the creation of a modern, agile, technically competent and competitive workforce that will make our country proud,” she said.

KADInvest: PMB, Ooni Of Ife, Tanzania Ex-President, Encourage More Investments In Kaduna

BY AZA MSUE, Kaduna

President Muhammadu Buhari, former Tanzania President, Dr.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, have commended the Kaduna State government for attracting significant foreign direct investments worth billions into the state.

In a goodwill message personally signed by President Buhari in honour of the third Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit (KADInvest 3.0), the President said the foresight of the Kaduna State government to initiate summit and ensure that it is more than a talk shop was commendable.

According to the President, the federal government is encouraging similar initiatives across the sub-national level to create jobs and prosperity for the people, stressing that the implementation of the economic recovery and growth plan requires significant investments by the government and the private sector to build infrastructure and diversify the economy.

Buhari noted further that as the nation prepares regulatory and inspectorate agencies for the new demands. He said the federal government is actively supporting the states to transform the sub-national sector into a part of the national economic plan.

“I wish to congratulate the government and people of Kaduna State on the occasion of the third Kaduna economic and investment Summit, KADInvest 3.0. It thas been a great pleasure to witness the concrete and productive outcomes arising from KADInvest since the first edition in 2016.

“It was a proud moment for me to commission the Olam Hatchery and feed mill project in September 2017, the ground breaking ceremony of which was performed a day after the first KADInvest in 2016.

The successful take-off and delivery of that project in record time demonstrated the potential of our state governments to attract significant foreign direct

investment. ‘‘Consistent with this goal, the federal government is pushing forward an aggressive plan to make it easier to do business in Nigeria. Key agencies are committed to milestones and measure to reduce waiting times for government approvals and remove as many impediments to business as we can safely and prudently do. Initiatives like KADInvest demonstrate that our state governments are responding actively with creative investment drives.”

Also speaking at the summit, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, urged investors to invest in Kaduna State for socioeconomic development of

the state and the northern part of the country.

He described Kaduna as the most blessed state in the entire black race.

According to him, Kaduna has the largest land mass in the country. ‘‘We have very energetic and vibrant youths in Kaduna State. There is something about Kaduna every youth of northern Nigeria look to Kaduna for greener pasture,” the Ooni of Ife said.

Also, former President of Tanzania,Jakaya Kikwete, who shared his investment experience as Minister of Finance, Foreign Affairs and President of Tanzania for a period of 10 years, said investors like to come to a place where the laws governing business

engagement are favorable.

The former Tanzania President said there is no development without electricity, good roads.

“The biggest incentive to investment is infrastructure.

I encourage the Governor Nasir El-Rufai to continue with the good work but also take interest in Business Reports to keep tap with the good work. There is no progress without investment,” he said.

On his part, governor Nasir El-rufai, said the state government conceived KADInvest as a platform to demonstrate the commitment to attracting investments as the most sustainable avenue for job creation, enhance internal revenue generation and accelerate development.

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NEWS/BUSINESS 39

Baru Tasks National Assembly Consultants On PIB

BY FESTUS OKOROMADU, Abuja

The group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru yesterday challenged the consultant to the National Assembly on Petroleum Industry Reform Bill to take a comprehensive look at the issues in the oil and gas sector and make bold recommendations that could engender enduring reforms.

Baru gave the charge at a consultative meeting with the consultants led by the lead consultant and former director of the Department of Petroleum

Resources (DPR), Mr. Osteen Olorunsola.

According to a statement issued by the Corporation’s spokesperson, Ndu Ughamadu, Baru noted that with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill which deals with the governance structure of the industry by the National Assembly, the remaining two segments of fiscal terms and host communities would require extensive consultation to aggregate views and opinions of industry stakeholders in order to strike a balance that could attract investments while ensuring a decent government-take in

terms of oil and gas revenue.

Speaking specifically on the fiscal terms, Dr. Baru said the major complaint by operators in the industry was that of multiple taxation which include statutory contributions to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) as well as sundry expenses on security.

“We have to be able to design a system that works. If the 3%, 13% or any other statutory allocation for development is not working, then you should not be afraid to recommend a percentage that could work to replace the present system

Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (left)and managing director/chief executive officer, SecureID Limited, Mrs. Kofo Akinkugbe (right) during a visit by the governor to SecureID Limited’s Smartcard Manufacturing Plant in Lagos.

NITDA Begins Nationwide ICT Training For Women

BY NKECHI ISAAC, Abuja

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has flagged off ICT training for women in the six geopolitical zones of the nation as part of its activities to support the present administration’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

The training which started yesterday at the North West region of the country targets 100 women and aims to create 300 hundred direct jobs and over 1000 indirect jobs.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the ERGP has three broad objectives - restoring growth, investing in the Nigerian people, and building a globally competitive economy. It is clear from these that for any

meaningful growth to take place, consideration must be given to the citizens the nation’s priceless assets - through increased social inclusion, creating jobs and improving the human capital base of the economy.

A statement by the agency’s director-general, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, listed the key objectives of the programme to include boosting digital literacy, creating digital jobs, bridging the digital divide, promoting digital inclusion, and using technology to address gender imbalance in economic opportunities.

“Statistics have shown that women’s participation in ICT is less than 24 per cent and NITDA is determined to bridge the gap through special training programmes for

women in addition to the usual ICT capacity development activities of which both men and women are given equal opportunities.

“The four weeks training programme focuses on key ICT skill areas including entrepreneurship development, business management, ICT and communication. In line with Mr President’s commitment to sustainable human capital development, the programme is fully funded and participants will be provided with first class accommodation, feeding and healthcare services for the duration of the training. In addition, each participant will also receive customised laptop computer system, stipend and other tools to aid their future pursuits,” it added.

where operators pay multiple taxes and yet have to pay much more extra to secure their investments,” he said.

He said NNPC was interested in the segment of the PIB relating to the fiscal terms and was ready to spend considerable

time and efforts to ensure that the National Assembly got it right in the interest of the nation.

He said NNPC would work very closely with the consultants to arrive at models that can respond to future challenges in the industry.

On his part, the lead consultant, Mr. Osteen Olorunsola, thanked the GMD for the opportunity to rob minds on the critical issues surrounding the remaining segments of the Petroleum Industry Bill.

FBN Holdings Highlights Reason For Delay In Filing Audited Statements FBN Holdings Plc on Wednesday attributed delay in filing of its Audited Financial Statements (AFS) for the year ended Dec. 31, 2017 on March 31 to peculiarity of the company’s holding structure.

The organisation said in a statement issued by Seye Kosoko, the Company Secretary to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), obtained by journalists in Lagos.

Kosoko said that the reason for the delay was purely due to the peculiarity of FBNH’s Group structure.

“FBN Holdings wishes to inform its stakeholders that the company was not able to file its AFS for the year ended Dec. 31, 2017 on March 31, 2018 as required under the rules of

the Nigeria Stock Exchange.’’

Kosoko said that FBNH had subsidiary companies operating in the banking and insurance sectors as well as the capital market, all with a common financial year end of Dec. 31, alongside the holding company.

“Each of these subsidiaries needs to audit its financial statements and obtain the approval of its respective regulator prior to submission to FBNH for consolidation.

Thereafter, FBNH is also required to obtain the approval of its primary regulator before submission and filing with the exchange,’’ he added.

Quoted companies are required to file their quarterly and annual accounts within 30

days and 90 days respectively after the end of the quarter and end of year respectively in accordance with the listing rules of the NSE. According to the NSE, any late submission of accounts shall attract a fine of N100, 000 per week from the due date until the date of submission.

The exchange said that a listed company that contravenes any of the provisions of the Listing Rules and General Undertaking and fails to pay the penalty imposed on it for such contravention on or before the due date shall be liable to a further fine of N300,000.

This is in addition to N25,000 per day for the period the violation continues.

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INEC Issues Election Notice For Ekiti Guber Poll

BY ALO ABIOLA, Ado Ekiti

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday issued the Notice of Election for the July 14 governorship poll in Ekiti State, with the warning to stakeholders to abide by the schedule of the poll.

Speaking with journalists about the development, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Abdul Ganiyu Raji,

said the notice was in accordance with the section 30 of the 2010 Electoral Act as amended.

Raji who noted that the notice came about 90 days to the election, urged the people of the state who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) to do so.

He disclosed that over 513,000 PVCs have been collected as at March, 2018, while about 221, 000 PVCs were yet to be claimed

by their owners.

According to him, the figure includes the unclaimed PVC after the last general elections held in 2015.

The INEC boss said the electioneering campaign by the political parties for the election would start in the state April 15, 2018 while the governorship election would be held on July 14, 2018.

He further stated that training

of INEC and ad-hoc staffs including the members of the NYSC for the purpose of the election will commence in two weeks.

He called on the political parties to submit the lists of their party agents at the stipulated date, saying any political party that fails to do so would not have party agent for the election.

According to him, security agencies would continue to monitor

Killings: Ajimobi Inaugurates Taskforce On Herdsmen/ Farmers Clashes

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

The Oyo State government has set up a taskforce to look into the spate of killings, kidnappings and crisis between herdsmen and farmers in the Oke-Ogun area.

The state commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun who disclosed this yesterday in Ibadan, explained that the task force was set up by

Governor Abiola Ajimobi after the various meetings held with farmers, herdsmen, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders.

According to him, the taskforce has visited the zone to ascertain the present situation of things in the area.

Arulogun said that the government has mandated security agencies in the state to beef up security around the state

and improve on their intelligence gathering, stating that these efforts have been yielding positive results with the arrest of some suspected kidnappers by the security agencies.

He said that the increase in surveillance by the security agencies had doused the tension in the area, assuring that the state government will continue to provide adequate measures to ensure that lives and properties are secured in the state.

“The security situation in the state is not as bad as being portrayed by some mischievous individuals. The breach was more from external than internal persons.

Our administration is known for peace, safety and security.

“This is evident in the 4-Star rating as a Well Qualified State to help foreign and domestic investors given by the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

Minister Extends Registration For Common Entrance Exams

BY CHIKA MEFOR, Abuja

The minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu has ordered the extension of registration for national common entrance till April 13, 2018 to enable more eligible candidates register.

The minister in a press release signed by the ministry’s director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs Priscilla Ihuoma, directed that the registration portal of NECO should remain open to allow for more candidates to register for the examination.

“Ahead of the 2018 National Common Entrance Examination for admission of candidates into the 104 Federal Government Colleges on Saturday, April 14, 2018, Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu has expressed worry over low registration for the examination so far.

“Consequently, he has directed that registration portal provided by the National Examination Council (NECO) should remain open till April 13, 2018 to enable more eligible candidates register,” it said.

NYSC Boss Bemoans Dilapidated Facilities At Orientation Camps

BY ADEBAYO WAHEED, Ibadan

L-R: Jigawa State governor, Badaru Abubakar; Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu; Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun; Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari and National Chairman APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, during a meeting at the APC party Secretariat in Abuja, yesterday.

Poor Quality Education, Worst Form of Corruption - UBEC

BY CHRISTIANA NWAOGU, Abuja

Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, yesterday, identified poor quality education as the worst form of corruption affecting the education sector, stressing that its effects were extensive and damaging because it endangers a country’s social, economic and political future.

He stated this during the opening ceremony of a national workshop on Transparency and Accountability for States Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB) Southern zone, organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), with

the theme: “Transparency and Accountability, A Veritable Tool For Effective and Corruption Free Basic Education in Nigeria,” held in Abuja.

While lamenting that corruption denies Nigerian children access to quality education, UBEC boss said, combating corruption in basic education is the responsibility of both UBEC and SUBEBs, having realised the ugly effect of corruption.

The UBEC boss who insisted that stakeholders cannot afford to fail in discharging their duties, said where personal effort and merit do not count and success comes through manipulation, favouritism and bribery, then the very foundations

of society are shaken.

According to him, corruption in education affects more people than corruption in other sectors because schools are the breeding grounds for future generations.

Bobboyi who explained that the commission is mandated by UBE Act 2004 to receive block grant of not less than 2 per cent of federal government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) and allocate same to states, local governments and other agencies implementing basic education in the country, disclosed that to ensure value for money, his commission initiated measures to track the utilisation of allocated

funds.

He expressed optimism that SUBEBs will at the end of the workshop imbibe the culture of prudence, transparency and accountability in running basic education in their states.

The acting chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Usman Abubakar, said ICPC had in its quest to entrench integrity in the basic education system conducted a system study of UBEC and SUBEBs nationwide, where it made several fraudulent discoveries, a development which gave rise to the quarterly workshop.

The director-general, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, has expressed concern over what he called the dilapidated state of facilities in many orientation camps across the country.

Speaking at the opening of the 2018 Batch ‘A’ Preorientation Workshop, held in Ibadan, yesterday, he said that facilities in many of the orientation camps were nothing to write home about.

He, however, commended the Oyo State government for its continued support for the NYSC through the provision of standard orientation camp, located in Iseyin, and its routine maintenance.

Kazaure also said that the provision of an enabling environment for the operations of the scheme in the state was commendable.

He said that the law establishing the NYSC scheme placed the responsibility of provision and maintenance of orientation camps on state governments.

Thursday, April 5, 2018

8 Countries Advocate Agroecology In Africa

BY RUTH TENE NATSA, Abuja

Delegates from eight African countries are to meet at a high level UN meeting in Rome, to drum support for Agroecology in Africa.

The countries are Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, South Africa, Cote’Divore and Ghana.

The delegates who will meet from 3-5 April at the United Nations headquarters, will represent the concerns and interests of small-scale food producers, pastoralists, indigenous peoples, faith-based organisations, youth and women groups, and consumer networks at the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) International Symposium on Agroecology.

In a statement to LEADERSHIP yesterday, signed by the coordinator, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) Dr. Mil-

lion Belay, it stated that “Industrial agriculture is a dead end. Noting that it claims to have raised yields in places but has done so at great cost, with extensive soil damage, huge biodiversity loss and negative impacts on nutrition, cultural values, food sovereignty and natural resources.”

The statement alleged that “Industrial agriculture has locked farmers into a path where external inputs are a must and undermined their resilience, particularly to climate change.”

AFSA chairperson, Mariann Bassey-Orovwuje said at the high-level event, AFSA would launch a new policy report titled: “A Study of Policies, Frameworks and Mechanisms Related to Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems in Africa.”

She said, “The report

We Can’t Have Arms In Wrong Hands – CP

BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto

Sokoto State commissioner of Police, (CP) Murtala Usman Mani has said that it is not possible to have arms in the wrong hands and expect a peaceful society.

The CP who added that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris’ directive that all arms in wrong hands must be recovered was targeted at ensuring a peaceful society.

Speaking while displaying cache of arms and ammunition recovered from people in Sokoto State courtesy of the IGP Arms Recovery Programme, the CP assured that effort towards having a crime free society would continue.

He stated that while some voluntarily surrendered their arms, others were retrieved from criminals by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the command.

“Following the IGP’s directive that all illegally owned arms be recovered in the mop-up programme, the Sokoto State Police Command has so for recovered no fewer than 61 riffles, 906 AK 47 ammunition, 42 double and single barrels and 1200 cartridges from the public.

“Some of the weapons were recovered in the course of exchange of gun fire with our SARS while others were voluntarily surrendered courtesy of the arm amnesty programme offered by the IGP. “We cannot have arms in the wrong hands and expect a peaceful society. Therefore, for us in Sokoto Police Command, the arms and ammunition recovery programme is a continuous exercise”, he said.

The CP further declared that Sokoto under his watch would continue to remain a no-go-area for criminally minded people.

NANS Hails Dana Airlines Over 20% Discount For

BY HENRY TYOHEMBA, Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the management of Dana Airline for offering Nigerian students and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members 20 per cent discount in all their route once you have NAIJA GREEN CARD. This according to them is a commendable effort that will ease the movement of students and corp members

from one place to another, especially students on research mission and corp members that are travelling to states very far from their states national service.

The leadership of the union under Comrade Aruna Kadiri also appreciated Dana Airline for its corporate social responsibility, passion and commitment to health and wellbeing of Nigerians saying it is a worthy cause that every corporate organisation should emulate.

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FG Urged To Stop Rice Smuggling From Neighbouring Countries

BY JULIANA AGBO, Abuja

As stakeholders prepare for the 2018 High Level Rice Conference in Abuja, participants from the rice value chain have called on the federal government to be firm in addressing the consistent rice smuggling into the country.

At a press conference in

Abuja, yesterday, convener of the conference and CEO of AgroNigeria, Mr Richard Mbaram said there must be clear measures from the federal government to tackle smuggling of rice into Nigeria that is hurting local producers.

He said the conference scheduled to hold 10-11 April, is to chronicle Nige-

ria’s march towards self-sufficiency in rice production.

“Agro Nigeria pulled the firms together because we are committed to agricultural production. The private sector needs to be galvanised to participate because we are looking at research market infrastructure in expanding production.

“Rice is attractive because we need to demonstrate the value chain in all sector to see clear measures from government in tackling smuggling,” he said.

He added, “We want to know what government wants to do on rice smuggling and the security of companies in rice production.”

Insecurity Hindering Polio Eradication – NPHDA

BY PATIENCE IHEJIRIKA and FAITH EKEH, Abuja

The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) has blamed the security situation in the North East for the setback in the country’s polio eradication programme.

Director general, NPHDA, Faisal Shuaib, who stated this at the 35th Meeting of the Expert Review Com-

mittee (ERC) on Polio and Routine Immunisation in Nigeria, held in Abuja, stated that the only reason Nigeria is still categorised as a polio endemic country is due to lack of access to some local government areas (LGAs) of Borno State as a result of insurgency in the region.

He expressed worry that over 160,000 children under five years, are yet to be reached with lifesaving vac-

cines and drugs. Adding that all efforts would be in vain if the country fails to reach all the children as it would be difficult for it to be declared polio free.

“Let’s recall that Nigeria went from 2014 to 2016 without a single case of wild polio virus. We were almost rolling out to say that Nigeria is now free from polio, then we had an outbreak in 2016.

“The only reason why Ni-

geria is still categorised as a polio endemic country is because we do not have access to some LGAs areas of Borno State due to insurgency. We still have access problems in LGAs like Bama, Damboa, Ngala, Jere, and Monguno.

“These LGAs have larger proportion of over 160,000 children under five years that we are trying to reach with lifesaving vaccines and drugs.

L-R: Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; Prof. Suleiman Abdulkareem and Prof. Mikhail Buhari during the Inaugural meeting of the Board of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), recently.

Man To Die For Stealing 2 Nokia Phones, 6 Bottles Of Beer

BY ALO ABIOLA, Ado Ekiti

One Raji Babatunde has been sentenced to death by hanging after he was found guilty of armed robbery by an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti.

Among the items he robbed from his victims include two Nokia Phones and six bottles of beer and a packet of Rothmas cigarette.

Babatunde, according to the charge sheet was a member of a four-man robbery gang that terrorised and robbed a house at 15, Odundun Street, Okesa and 5C, Dallimore Street both in Ado-Ekiti , the state capital on June 30, 2014.

The offence contravened Section 1(2)(a)of the Rob-

bery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R11 Vol 14 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Delivering his judgment yesterday, Justice Cornelius Akintayo held that the prosecution has proved the case against Babatunde beyond reasonable doubt.

The second accused person, Adegboye Sunday, was discharged and acquitted owing to lack of sufficient evidence against him.

Evidence given by witnesses called in the case did not link Sunday to the crime leaving the court with no option than to set him free.

They robbed one Alhaji Mudsahiru Bello of two Nokia phones, one Tecno phone while armed with of-

fensive weapons such as axe and cutlass.

The accused persons also allegedly robbed one Oladele Femi of one bottle of Star lager beer, six bottles of trophy lager beer and one packet of Rothmans cigarette, while armed with axe and cutlass.

They first appeared before the High Court on February 1, 2016 when the charges were read to them.

They, however, pleaded not guilty.

In the course of the robbery, some policemen on patrol arrived the scene.

Three members of the gang escaped while Babatunde was arrested while trying to escape with the proceeds of the crime.

Babatunde while making a statement to the Police mentioned the name of the second accused person, Sunday, which led to his arrest but he was saved by the testimony of the witnesses which did not link him with the crime.

The prosecution called four witnesses while exhibits include voluntary confessional statement, four machetes, one knife, one bottle of Trophy beer, broken bottle of Star beer, one radio set.

The only witness called by Babatunde was his mother who testified that she and her son were coming from a church vigil, saying she was surprised to hear that he was arrested for robbery.

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NEWS

Facebook’s Zuckerberg To Testify Before US C’ttee

Facebook’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg is to testify before the US House Commerce Committee regarding the firm’s use and protection of user data.

Facebook has faced criticism after it emerged it had known for years that Cambridge Analytica had harvested data from about 50 million of its users.

He will testify before the committee on Wednesday, 11 April.

Committee chairman Greg Walden and member Frank Pallone, Jr, welcomed the decision by Mr Zuckerberg.

“This hearing will be an important opportunity to shed light on critical consumer data privacy issues and help all Americans better understand what happens to their personal information online,” the pair said.

Cambridge Analytica is a political consulting firm that worked for US

President Donald Trump’s campaign.

Facebook, which has two billion users. is now one of the main ways politicians connect with voters. It has been looking to repair its public image and restore users’ trust since the Cambridge Analytica story emerged.

Facebook said last month that it had hired forensic auditors to examine if Cambridge Analytica still had the data.

Mr Zuckerberg has apologised for a “breach of trust”, and taken out fullpage advertisements in several UK and US Sunday newspapers.

He has also said he welcomes more regulation.

The US Senate commerce and judiciary committees also have requested that Mr Zuckerberg appear in front of them.

And the US Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Facebook engaged in unfair acts that caused substantial injury to consumers.

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China Retaliates Against US Tariff Plan Motorcycles made in China are among the imports that would be hit with a tax Trade tensions between China and the US have been ramped up after Beijing responded to US plans for putting new taxes on hundreds of Chinese imports.

China said it would place 25% trade tariffs on 106 US goods, including soybeans, cars and orange juice.

The tit-for-tat action comes hours after Washington detailed about 1,300 Chinese products it intended to hit with tariffs - also set at 25%.

But President Trump tweeted the US was not in a trade war with China.

This is the second wave of tariffs imposed by the US. Earlier this year, Mr Trump announced import

taxes on aluminium and steel.

Chinese items targeted by the US in this latest round of tariffs include televisions and motorcycles.

The White House said its proposals were a response to unfair Chinese intellectual property practices.

Stock markets in Europe fell, with investors taken aback by the speed of China’s response. In New York, the Dow Jones is expected to open about 550 points lower.

Earlier, Beijing said it “strongly condemns and firmly opposes” the proposed US tariffs, calling them “unilateralistic and protectionist”, and vowing to retaliate.

The products targeted by the Chinese tariffs were worth $50bn (£35.5bn) in 2017, according to the Chinese commerce ministry.

US chemicals, some types of aircraft and corn products are

among the goods facing the taxes, the finance ministry said.

Extra tariffs will also be placed on whiskey, cigars and tobacco, some types of beef, lubricants, and propane and other plastic products.

US orange juice, certain sorghum products, cotton and some types of wheat, as well as trucks, some SUVs and certain electric vehicles, will also be subject to the new duties, the ministry added.

Economists had previously warned the Trump administration’s move to penalise China with the tariffs could prompt Beijing to retaliate and lead to higher prices for US consumers.

The planned US tariffs are the result of an investigation ordered

by US President Donald Trump into China’s intellectual property practices.

Cameroon Security Forces Free 18 Hostages Held In Anglophone Region Cameroon security forces have freed 18 hostages, including seven Swiss and five Italian nationals, who were kidnapped by English-speaking separatists in the restive southwest region, the government spokesman said.

Issa Bakary said in a statement that the 18 hostages had been freed on Monday and also included six Cameroonian.

The circumstances of the kidnapping and the identities of the hostages were not immediately clear.

Bakary said they had been kidnapped by “secessionist terrorists”, a term used by the government to refer to the Englishspeaking separatists who want to carve out a new state called Ambazonia from mainly Frenchspeaking Cameroon.

The Ambazonian Defence Force, the main Anglophone separatist group battling state security forces,

denied any involvement in the kidnappings.

“ADF does not take hostages. ADF arrest enablers and collaborators and does not arrest foreign nationals,” Cho Ayaba, a leader of the Ambazonian Governing Council, to which the ADF is loosely affiliated, told Reuters.

The ADF has been responsible for most of the shootings that have killed more than 20 state security agents in a year-long uprising against President Paul Biya’s Francophone government that they say has marginalized the Englishspeaking minority.

However, a number of smaller armed groups have emerged in recent months in reaction to a government crackdown that has included razing villages in rural Anglophone Cameroon near the Nigerian border.

France, US Set To Wipe Out Islamic State France and the United States are committed to stamping out Islamic State, Emmanuel Macron’s office said yesterday after the French president spoke with his US counterpart Donald Trump.

“France and the United States are determined to pursue their actions within the international

coalition to fight to the end this terrorist organization,” the Elysee Palace said in a statement “Nothing should distract us from the objective of preventing Islamic State’s resurgence in the region and allowing an inclusive political process in Syria,” it added.

Jinping

Trump

Swiss Authorities Block Bank Accounts Linked To Malabu Oil Scam

The government of Switzerland has blocked several bank accounts in the country linked to the planned bribery trial of Eni and Shell executives in Milan, Italy, as it relates to the infamous Malabu oil scam.

On Monday, the office of the Swiss Attorney-General confirmed that at the request of public prosecutors from Milan, it has confiscated, assets and shared information with Italian authorities.

The trial of the executives, including former Eni’s Claudio Descalzi, and his predecessor, Paolo Scaroni, was originally slated for March but was moved to May after it was transferred to Milan.

Nigerian and Italian investigators accuse officials of both Eni and Shell of shady financial deals to secure a licence for the lucrative OPL 245.

Three separate bank accounts in Lugano, Basel and Geneva were blocked, according to media reports

confirmed by prosecutors but they declined to reveal the value fo the seized assets.

In all, apart from Messrs Descalzi and Scaroni, 11 other people including two former top Shell managers, former Nigerian oil minister, Dan Etete and a series of middlemen and advisers are being probed.

Eni and Shell were also listed as corporate defendants in the

case. Both oil companies have denied wrongdoing and expressed confidence that the trial would exonerate both the companies and individuals.

Apart from Mr Etete, a former Attorney-General, Bello Adoke, are amongst several Nigerians indicted in the deal, which was approved by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who also denies wrongdoing.

Pope Francis To Visit Algeria The Vatican has announced that the pope is likely to visit to Algeria for the reburial ceremony of some monks killed during war.

19 monks were killed between 1994 and 1996 during the civil war in the North African country. Pope Francis The ceremony will take place in Oran Cathedral.

The Bishop of Oran, John Paul Vissou, said in January that the Algerian authorities had given the go-ahead for the reburial. The go ahead came after the Vatican issued a decree that gave the title of “martyr” to the monks.

The date of the ceremony has not yet been determined, but is expected to be revealed soon.

Sierra Leone Ruling Party Holds Slim Lead Over Opposition Leader The presidential candidate of Sierra Leone’s ruling party holds a slim lead over the opposition leader based on certified tallies from nine of the 16 voting districts, though many opposition strongholds have not yet reported.

The largely peaceful election process has come as a relief for the country of 7 million people, who endured a civil war in the 1990s and whose economy was dragged down by

an Ebola epidemic in 2014-15 and a global slump in commodity prices in 2015.

However, a small number of protesters gathered at the High Court demanding the electoral commission (NEC) release official results to help speed up the formation of a new government.

Samura Kamara of the All People’s Congress (APC) secured 50.80 percent of the nearly 1.94 million votes certified so

far from Saturday’s election - a lead of about 30,000 votes over Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the district tallies seen by Reuters showed.

In the remaining seven districts, Bio claimed over 100,000 more votes than Kamara in last month’s first round, in which the two finished neck-and-neck.

Kamara, a former foreign affairs

minister, and Bio, who briefly ruled the West African nation as head of a military junta in 1996, are vying to replace outgoing President Ernest Bai Koroma, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits.

But tensions have risen since the election with each side saying it is on track to win.

The streets in Freetown were quiet and many schools were closed on Wednesday as residents waited for the NEC to announce

official results.

It was unclear when an announcement would take place.

“Everything is (at a) standstill, the economy is going down,” said Martins Jonalisa, a businessman and one of a handful of protesters gathered outside the High Court. “We thought it fit ... to prevail on the judiciary to prevail on NEC so they can release the result for us.”

46 FOREIGN ANALYSIS

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Thursday, April 5, 2018

Sudan: A Country Of Untapped Resources In The Palm Of Investors

BY MAHMOUD ALI

T

he Republic of Sudan sits magically within the precincts of the Nile River, which it shares with Egypt, Ethiopia and others. Sudan is the third largest country in Africa and sixteenth largest in the world, bordering Egypt, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Libya, and South Sudan.

Stabilization of the Political and Security Situation The conclusion of national and social dialogue which attracted wide participation and led to ending of conflicts and dissemination and enhancement of the culture of peace and improvement of the Sudanese foreign relations put the country in the right springboard.

The modern Sudan has gone through a very challenging trajectory but has since redefined, reordered and reshaped its destiny especially when it made a spectacular achievement in the resolution of its internal contradictions, which brought about the agreement that brought a United Nations supervised independence for the Southern parts, which is today known as South Sudan.

After a series of ambitious policies introduced by the Government of Sudan led by Omar Al- Bashir, the focus has been to unleash the hidden treasures of Sudan in a more creative and innovative ways as all the variables required for the success of investments are widely open to investors of all hue.

Widely regarded as a country of untapped resources the Sudanese government has opened access to diverse markets and sectors, making it a central access point to markets of neighboring countries and COMESA member states.

Sudan’s available skilled and trained workforce makes it foreign investmentfriendly. Its unique location in the heart of the continent makes it strategic. Because it is bordered by seven African countries it forms a crossing point for landlocked nations via the Red Sea. Comparative Advantage The country has a comparative advantage in production of the followings: Oil Seeds, Cotton, Sesame, Sun Flower, Gum Arabic, all types of Sorghum, Maize (Agricultural practices show that the Egyptian and South Africa varieties became leading in the country). Rice, Algwar Gum. This level of productivity is made possible by the diverse climate regions ranging from the desert in the far north to the rich Savanna in the South with 200 Million Fedans of Arable, fertile, plain land and forest that covers 11.6 % of the total area of the country. There are also abundant quantities of gold, chrome, silver, zinc, iron and tin in addition to huge reserve of oil and natural gas.

Major exports Sudan’s major exports include livestock and its products cotton, solid mineral ( gold, chrome etc) Gum Arabic, sorghum, glucose, oil seeds sugar, vegetable and fruits.

Major imports Sudan also imports means of transportation, wheat, agricultural equipment, wheat, agriculture equipment, production Inputs, electronics pharmaceuticals electoral equipment, building materials and others.

Major Investment Opportunities Agriculture Agricultural projects enjoy full exemptions on profit tax as well as custom duties on project imports machinery and equipment and capital preparations.

Omar Al-Bashir

The diverse climate provides opportunity for cultivation of various types of fruits and vegetable such as : oil palm, dates, mango, banana, guava and others

Industrial projects enjoy 90% exemption of tax and 100% exemption of custom duties on capital imports.

There are irrigated projects for the production of fruits and vegetables, irrigations services and drilling of ground wells, manufacturing of water cartridges and coating of wells. Others include manufacturing of yeast, meat processing, fertilizers and pesticides plants, tanneries and leather industries, pharmaceutical industry and assembling of agriculture machinery.

Organic Horticulture Production The diverse climate provides opportunity for cultivation of various types of fruits and vegetable such as : oil palm, dates, mango, banana, guava and others.

Vegetables such as : Tomato, potato, onion, watermelon, cucumber, radish and others. These crops are produced in winter season, which coincides with the period of the rise of the demand in European markets.

Animal Production/Livestock export (35,000) MT of beef (75,000) MT sheep meat (10,000) MT goat meat (15,000) MT camel Industrial sector The strategy of the sector focuses on support of industries with forward linkages with agricultural production for the optimal use of the abundant agricultural products such as; the sugar cane industries, canning of vegetables and fruits, manufacture of edible oil, production of glucose and starch, processing of gum Arabic, furniture and compressed wood industry, beverages and juice of crispy hibiscus and balm.

Solid minerals There are abundant quantities of gold, chrome, silver, zinc, iron and tin in addition

to huge reserve of oil and natural gas.

There are more than 90 companies working in the field of mining in addition to local mining operators.

Service Sector Projects enjoys 85% exemption profit tax and 100% exemption of custom duties on capital imports.

There also waiver of value added tax for capital equipment and production subject to submission of a list certified

by Ministry of Investment.

Banking sector The Central Bank of Sudan strives to simplify and facilitate issues for foreign investors and the financial transactions are carried out through the Banking system within its foreign currency regulations issued annually.

The Central Bank was established with supervisory powers over the banking system in

1960.

Foreign banks in Sudan There are (17) joint and foreign Banks in Sudan, representing (46%) of the total banks in the country. Number of foreign and joints bank branches is (71), representing (11%) of the total banks branches in the country.

The aim of the policies of the Central Bank of Sudan is to create internal and external balance and realization of economic stability for sustainable growth and balanced development through the followings: Stabilization of the general Price Level; stabilization of exchange rate; reduction of current account deficit to safe international levels; adopt appropriate monetary measures capable of realization of monetary stability; expansion of the base of financial inclusion and activation of its mechanism and improve its performance indicators and maximization of the benefits of Information and communication.

Others areas include; to assist in the development of stock exchange markets for attraction of foreign and domestic capital, support and expansion of programmes of financing Small and Medium Scale Enterprise as well as enhancement of financial safety and promotion of banking services.

Foreign Financial Capital must be registered with the Central Bank as a rule and there is also provision for transfer of profits abroad. The policies allow importation of project capital inputs and freedom of export of the products of investment projects.

The strategy of the sector focuses on support of industries with forward linkages with agricultural production for the optimal use of the abundant agricultural products.

MINING SECTOR INVESMENT STRATEGY Due to the importance of this sector, The government created ministry of Mineral in 2010 to plot a five-point strategy, which include; regulation of traditional mining and creation of the department of traditional mining; Establishment of a department for supervision of the operations of the companies; preparation of a comprehensive feasibility study on integrated processors carried out by specialized center in Sudan; provision of Mining services and development of the infrastructure ( development of data base for the Sector).

The government has signed several explorations and mining agreements with a number of national and international companies, 8 of these companies reached the stage of production and others are expected to start mining operation very soon. Some others are at the stage of detailed exploration and assessment while some are at the stage of exploration. Based on these developments the contribution of the sector to GDP is expected to increase.

Tourism Sector The government of Sudan has established coastal tourist villages for diving and water sports and established world class hotels, provided boats, yachts and diving equipment and has modernized and equipped the development of the archaeological sites.

Investment opportunities in The Energy Sector Energy is the major mover. Energy in its various types and sources, considered as the launching pad for the take -off of Industry. The Government has invested billions of dollars to power the country and that has led to an appreciable level Megawatts of electricity for domestic and industrial development. The wind and solar energy also received boost in massive investments. The oil and gas sector which has also been boosted and opened it up for more investment.

Infrastructure development The Government of Sudan has invested substantially in the provision of electricity and construction of roads, airports and sea ports. A new Labor Act, the most current and up to date act in the region, has been enacted, integrated and updated to treat private and public companies equally.

Approval of the Companies Act 2015 Responsive to the new developments in Labour market encourages investors in all fields–the draft act is currently subject to debate within the private sector before its ratification.

There was the establishment of the national commission for prevention of corruption. Coordination with the States through the Federal Governance and Bureau regarding regulation of granting and revoking of land for investment General features of investment law Provision of incentives for investment projects indicates that there is no discrimination among sectors, no discrimination between foreign and local investors and no discriminating among similar projects regarding privileges. There is also freedom of transfer of profits of capitals and savings of employees Investment Guarantees. There is no nationalization or confiscation of projects and no confiscation of investors’ capital.

Sudan is loaded at all fronts to attract domestic and foreign investors and plans are on the way to evaluate the processes and ensure that the standards are kept and the systems improved to achieve maximum advantage for all stakeholders.

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Arsenal Will Embrace Europa Pressure – Wenger

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal have “taken the time to grieve” after their League Cup pummelling by Manchester City and are ready to face the pressure of a Europa League quarterfinal against CSKA Moscow.

The Gunners are sixth in the Premier League, a huge 13 points off fourth-placed arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Only the top four sides in the Premier League qualify for the Champions League, which means Arsenal’s only realistic route back into European club football’s elite competition is by winning the second-string Europa League. It is also the only trophy they can lift this season.

Today sees the north London giants host CSKA in the first leg of their lasteight clash.

Veteran Arsenal manager Wenger, speaking to reporters at the club’s London Colney training ground, is well aware of what is at stake.

“There is some extra pressure on us to do extremely well in this competition,” he said. “That’s part of being where we are. I must say we have to see it in a way that it’s an opportunity we want to take.”

Arsenal have won their past four games since the disappointment of two 3-0 defeats by English championselect Manchester City in the League Cup final and the league followed by a shock 2-1 league loss to Brighton.

“We were very disappointed with our results against City,” said Wenger.

“It takes time to grieve and to recover.

But because the mentality in the team is very good, strong and healthy we’re recovered.

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3-0!

Rampant Liverpool Overrun Man City

Manchester City’s treble hopes are hanging by a thread after they suffered a 3-0 firstleg defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Mohamed Salah inspired a first-half blitz as Liverpool seized control of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Manchester City with a stunning 3-0 win at Anfield.

As expected, the first leg of the all-English tie provided plenty of goals, albeit few predicted Jurgen Klopp’s side would score

three without reply against the Premier League champions-elect.

Salah broke the deadlock in the 12th minute, grabbing his 38th goal of a prolific season after Roberto Firmino had capitalised on Kyle Walker’s failure to clear the danger.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doubled Liverpool’s advantage with a blistering drive from distance, while a third arrived just after the half-hour when Sadio Mane headed home Salah’s delivery from the right flank.

Tiger Woods Starts Masters With Leishman, Fleetwood

Tiger Woods will begin his first Masters in three years on Thursday at 10:42 a.m.

ET along with Australia’s Marc Leishman and England’s Tommy Fleetwood.

Defending champion Sergio Garcia will be in the group at 10:53 a.m., joined

by Justin Thomas, who won

Thursday April 5, 2018

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the PGA Championship, and U.S. Amateur champion Doc Redman.

“The feel that you get and the receptions that you get coming to Augusta as a Masters champion is different,” Garcia said Tuesday. “... It’s just a different feeling, it’s a different sensation, and it’s unbelievable. It’s great. I’m enjoying ev-

ery minute of it and just hoping that I can go out there and play great again and have a chance of defending a green jacket.”

The 82nd Masters Tournament will begin with ceremonial tee shots by former Masters champions Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player at 8:15 a.m. The first tee time is at 8:30 a.m. and features Austin Cook, Ted Potter and Wesley Bryan.

“I think that this year it feels like you probably have, I don’t know, eight or 10 guys that are in good form, with really good, solid chance of winning,” Garcia said.

Sensational in the first half, the home side rather retreated after the interval, their cause not helped by Salah’s departure with an apparent groin injury.

The fitness of the club’s leading scorer will be a concern for Klopp ahead of the second leg next Tuesday – as will be the suspension of Jordan Henderson - yet a seventh win over Pep Guardiola in 13 meetings puts Liverpool in command and leaves City’s treble hopes hanging by a thread.

IAAF Ratifies American Sprinter’s World Record

The IAAF has ratified the world record set by American sprinter Christian Coleman in the 60-meter dash.

The 22-year-old Coleman broke Maurice Greene’s 20-year-old indoor world record by running 6.34 seconds in Albuquerque on Feb. 18. Greene set the previous mark of 6.39 seconds in 1998, and equaled it in 2001.

Coleman, who won the 60 meters at the world indoors this month, had already ran faster than Greene in January, but his time of 6.37 was not recognized because electronic blocks were not used.

World silver medallist Christian Coleman stunned the athletics world on Friday when he sped to a 6.37 world record* over 60m at the Clemson Invitational in South Carolina.

Making his first competitive appearance of the year, Coleman had hinted that something special was on the cards when he won his heat in 6.47.

One hour and 40 minutes later, Coleman – who finished one place ahead of Usain Bolt in the 100m at the IAAF World Championships London 2017 – was back on track for the final, which he went on to win in 6.37.

The 21-year-old set his previous best of 6.45 when winning the NCAA indoor 60m title last year. Outdoors, he went on to clock a 100m PB of 9.82 before earning silver medals in the 100m and 4x100m at the World Championships in London.

There were several other record-breaking performances at the Clemson Invitational.

Olympic fourth-place finisher Keturah Orji broke her own North American indoor triple jump record with 14.53m.

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No. 3,037

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Mr President, Please Don’t Contest Again

Abba Mahmood

n the build up to the 2011 general elections, I was humbled and honoured as a columnist when I got a letter personally signed

by General Muhammadu Buhari soliciting for my support. I did not reply since I knew what to do. Personally, I have enormous respect for General Buhari for so many reasons foremost among which is his personal integrity and great patriotism. I was still in secondary school when he became military Head of State and I still remember with nostalgia the excitement of all of us when we saw him on television with his then no-nonsense deputy, General Idiagbon. In fact, but for my mother’s opposition, I would have joined the military on completion of my secondary school.

No Nigerian leader, dead or alive, has ever come to office with the enormous goodwill that Buhari enjoyed in 2015.

Not only here in Nigeria but across Africa and around the world everyone was excited with Buhari and happy for Nigeria. Invitations were coming from all the established and emerging global powers for Buhari to visit them or for them

THURSDAY

08052407030 (SMS only) abba@leadership.ng to visit him here in Nigeria. On President Buhari’s first visit to the United States of America (USA) as elected President in July 2015, Rex Tillerson as CEO of Exxon Mobil sat next to him during the dinner hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington; less than two years later, Tillerson as US Secretary of State during his last official function was to visit Buhari in Abuja.

From across Nigeria and around the world, almost everyone was identifying with Buhari and giving him pieces of advice on how to move the country forward. It appeared he was paralyzed by too many recommendations, for it took Buhari almost 100 days to appoint his key aides, which has never happened before.

It took Buhari six months to appoint his cabinet losing precious time in the process.

The seventh Senate under Senator David Mark approved 15 advisers for him. He is yet to appoint even five of these three years on.

After wasting so much precious time, apparently studying the situation, as if for over a decade of contesting for the presidency he had never known what to do or who to

Buhari

help him do it, Buhari came up with one of the worst cabinets in the history of Nigeria. It was mostly square pegs in round holes. The few who could perform were overwhelmed.

In the parastatals and agencies for almost three years there were no boards appointed to give policy direction. In fact, at a key agency like the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) no substantive head has been appointed yet for almost three years now. Soon after taking over, there was economic recession, but the President in his wisdom is yet to appoint his chief economic adviser and there is no single economist in his cabinet! Consequently, the economy as everyone knows, is in a shambles.

It is a political era but Buhari has not appointed any political adviser in his office.

No wonder he was not able to take control of key institutions that are vital to the success of his presidency. The ruling party is not under his control and is embroiled in crisis. The National Assembly is not on the same page with him such that despite his party having the majority, the Deputy Senate President ridiculously comes from the opposition. To mock the President, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on

EFCC is from the opposition, utterly discredited Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Buhari did not see the irony!

From the leadership down to the membership, almost half of the National Assembly members, especially the Senate, have corruption cases. The most corrupt elements seize control of that important institution and are holding the country to ransom. They said they have passed “resolution” for Buhari to sack Ibrahim Magu as EFCC Acting Chairman or they will never screen any nominee from the President.

No one came out to tell them that a resolution has no force of law since it is not law. They unilaterally fix humongous salaries and bogus allowances for themselves but the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) which is constitutionally empowered to fix the salaries of political office holders said it is illegal. They have no immunity but no one is holding them accountable for all their excesses all these years.

There are killings everywhere such that the law enforcement and security agencies appear to be overwhelmed. The level of kidnappings across the country is unprecedented. In fact, the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Yassine

Gaba, said that recent weeks have seen a steady continuation of attacks on civilians in the northeast. At least 120 civilians have been killed and over 210 seriously injured in more than 22 attacks this year alone by insurgents according to the UN official. If you see such escalation it means there is diminishing return in terms of performances of security and service chiefs. The recent kidnap of Dapchi school girls was a most auspicious time to change the seemingly indispensable service chiefs who keep getting extensions of tenure, to make example of them. But that decision is becoming too difficult for this government.

President Buhari promised to expand his cabinet since last October. But, despite abundant talents in every local government across Nigeria, he is yet to do so. There were many reputed cases of incompetence, under-performance and even occasional cases of corruption against his appointees. He is finding it difficult to hold anyone responsible or to bring necessary changes by sacking those found wanting and injecting fresh blood with fresh ideas into the government. If these are the ones to continue, and there is no reason to doubt that they are, then there is no need for any continuity for this government beyond 2019.

There is no doubt it is his constitutional right to seek for a second term. He may even win given the characters parading themselves as potential aspirants now. But the country will be battered and Buhari’s image of selfless patriot will be bruised. Is it worth it?

For a substantial part of last year, Buhari was busy attending to his health challenges. We all wish him good health. No one needs any doctor to tell that Buhari requires good rest to fully recover. His voice is still faint and he is barely forcing himself to attend to critical state functions. At 75, age is not on

his side anymore and there is no medicine for old age. With France, a major power having a President that is just 40 this year; with Ethiopia the second most populous and one of the fastest growing economies in Africa just recently electing its new Prime Minister Abiy who is 41 years it is time for Buhari and his generation to give way to the younger ones and give guidance to the next generation of leadership while they are still around. Nigeria is simply tired of any 70 year old again.

President Buhari has done his best; he has paid his dues.

If he loves Nigeria as we think he does; if he loves the north that is now devastated, as it appears he does; and if he loves himself as any human being does; it is time for him to take a bow and raise the hands of his successor. He will then be our Mandela especially as he has an intellectual Mbeki in his loyal VP; he has many loyalists in the Senate or among the governors and across Nigeria who are competent from which to choose and support.

That is the path of honour and Buhari is honourable. This is an honest advice from a longtime admirer. It is also the general consensus of all those millions who love this country and love Buhari too. History is on the side of the oppressed.

GHANA MUST GO PDP asks INEC to proscribe APC — News

Very funny!

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