The Nation April 23, 2014

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VOL. 9, NO. 2827 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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Officials plan response to massive waivers allegation

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HERE is unease in government circles over the allegation that Nigeria will lose billions of naira to waivers granted some businessmen to import 290 luxury vehicles for next month’s World Economic Forum taking place in Abuja.

A source told The Nation in Abuja that some government officials planned to

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

respond to this allegation today.

An official conversant with the waiver said the government was working on a response to the petition written to President Goodluck Jonathan by members of the Nigerian Auto Manufacturers Association (NAMA).

The official also said that

“some members of the association had also applied for the waiver but because they were not prequalified they may have become angry”.

Nineteen NAMA members last week urged the Federal Government to cancel the import duty waivers granted to an unnamed businessmen to import cars into the country, claiming that “the import waivers would sabotage the

EKITI 2014

new automotive policy launched by the government and cause a loss of billions of naira in revenue”.

The local vehicle manufacturers said: “We made a representation to the Nigerian Economic Summit team handling the preparation for the World Economic Forum, to be hosted in Nigeria in May 2014. We undertook to supContinued on page 4

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•PDP ‘unleashes terror on APC members in Egbe’ •Fayemi challenges Fayose to debate over comment •AND MORE ON •What’s on the electorate’s minds?

PAGES 11 & 32

•Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, classrooms destroyed by suspected Boko Haram in Borno gunmen.

PHOTO: NAN

WHERE ARE THE 234 GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 AT THE GOVT SECONDARY SCHOOL, CHIBOK, BORNO STATE?

Anger over Boko Haram’s abduction of 234 girls Aregbesola, Fashola, NBA seek action Protest in Ilorin

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•Dr. Jonathan

T was meant to be a ceremony for the presentation of a book. But yesterday’s event was not just that: it was an avenue to express feelings on the state of the nation, particularly the April 15 kidnapping of 234 school girls.

Osun State Governor Rauf Areg-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

besola urged Nigerians to protest the abduction of the girls from their hostels at Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

In Ilorin, women Muslims marched on the Governor’s Office to demand

action on the fate of the girls.

Christians in the Northeast began a three-day fast and prayers for the safe return of the girls.

In Lagos, lawyers urged the Presidency to do its all in finding the girls.

Aregbesola spoke at the presentaContinued on page 4

•Analyses •Editorial •Buhari •News

— Pages 2&3 — Page 19 — Pages 4&64 — Pages 8&59

•APC LEADERS SHOT DEAD IN BORNO P4 •ONDO SPEAKER’S FUNERAL BEGINS P8

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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NEWS BORNO SCHOOL GIRLS’ ABDUCTION.... ONE WEEK AFTER

Northeast as a military c NEWS ANALYSIS

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By Adekunle Ade-Adeleye

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will today be meeting with security chiefs and state governors in what is billed to be momentous and far-reaching discussions on the direction Nigeria is travelling and the intractable insurgency it is combating. If they have the courage and the common sense to deliberate on the right issues and make the right choices, there will be plenty of reasons to hope for a bright future. But if they don’t, as it seems more likely, this year and especially the next will be so fraught with cataclysmic events that the unity of the country could be seriously endangered. The meeting itself is a spinoff from an earlier meeting in which the president unadvisedly met with his party’s governors and the nation’s security chiefs, with all sorts of convoluted explanations as to why that shocking misstep was taken. The opposition governors will hope that they will not be presented with a fait accompli flowing from last week’s restricted and partisan meeting.

The context of the meeting is indeed long and complex. Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State baited presidential and military anger a few months ago when he warned that the military campaign against Boko Haram insurgency was flagging because of lack of political will and the Nigerian Army’s use of lower calibre weapons. The insurgents, he said, were better armed and, more importantly, better motivated. Both the presidency and the military excoriated him with a virulence that even discomfited the country’s normally unshakable newspaper editors. It was clear to everyone but the presidency and the military that the governor was pained by the immeasurable suffering of his people, the horrendous scale of material destruction, the continuing and rapid immiseration of the Northeast in general, and what he suspected could be the fatal consequence of a badly managed and spiralling war.

But unsure that the point had been made sufficiently to Governor Shettima and others in the Northeast who thought irreverently like him, the president himself weighed in by making caustic and sarcastic remarks about the Northeast governors’ logic.

If he withdrew his troops, threatened the president, as if that was an option either in a democratic polity or even a totalitarian regime, the insurgents would overrun the region almost immediately. His empathy, which the governor and the people demanded with anguished but incoherent pleas, was lost in the cobweb of the president’s biting sarcasm and detachment. The president in fact argued that the Northeast governors had been complicit in the origins of the insurgency by their careless and reckless attitude to developmental issues, particularly education. Mercifully, however, the president did not yield to his own sarcasm; he wisely revved up the war against the insurgents, even ordering his top army chiefs to relocate to the epicentre of the revolt.

But the counterinsurgency operations have yet to turn the tide of war.

Instead, the insurgents have ramped up their operations, even acting with such impunity and persistence that leave the country and its military stupefied. This was what probably led Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, himself a former naval general, to make the inflammable

•Vehicles burning as a result of the Nyanya bombings.

•Hip hop star D’Banj and a a victim of the Nyanya blast at the National Hospital, Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTOS: NAN

and far-fetched insinuation in a letter to his fellow northern governors that the federal government was, by its incompetence in fighting the war and probable connivance at the insurgency, engaged in deliberate genocide against the North. Like his fellow Northeast governors under the declaration of emergency, he had wondered whether the insurgents and their sponsors were ghosts, and why in spite of the declaration of emergency, the insurgents sometimes operated for four, five, six hours unchallenged. These observations and arguments doubtless grated on the nerves of presidency officials who then took refuge in scurrilous responses.

It was amidst this ding-dong that Boko Haram operatives bombed the Nyanya motor park near Abuja killing over 75 people. A day after, the insurgents abducted about 270 schoolgirls from the Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State. The outrage that followed and the misery and anguish the two gory events elicited have led to paranoid reactions from every part of the nation. While some resort to historical analysis, blaming the northern elite for having connived at the sect’s operations in its early years, others suggest that more drastic measures, including full emergency rule, should be declared in the Northeast.

Yet others blame President Goodluck Jonathan and his military chiefs for their incompetent response to the campaign of terror. Today’s expanded security meeting between the president, the nation’s security chiefs and governors is expected to deliberate chiefly on the waning counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast and adopt options to remedy the dangerous

lurch towards apocalypse. It will not attempt to understand or systematise the sect’s objectives from its chaotic modus operandi, especially its undiscriminating killing spree, though this is also necessary to win the war.

Nor does it require a soothsayer to enunciate the four or so options the meeting might be considering today.

They are: full emergency declaration involving the suspension of democratic structures in the Northeast; extension of declaration of emergency with the retention of democratic structures for another six months; ending emergency declaration; and reshuffling military chiefs, like US President Abraham Lincoln did during the American Civil War, until the right commanders are found to wage a more scientific war against Boko Haram.

The declaration of full emergency rule is, however, beset by almost insurmountable difficulties. The argument that retention of democratic structures inhibits military operations is unsustainable. The government is at liberty to change commanders as it pleases, increase deployment of troops and weapons, formulate tactics, shut down telecommunication facilities and impose curfew, among other measures. Does the government hope to get a free hand in such a fashion that no one would question rights abuses? In the light of experiences in other hot spots in the world, including Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, would that not exacerbate the conflict and give added fillip to the sect’s recruitment drive? Does the Nigerian military not recognise the help it began to receive from the local populace, including

•Dr. Jonathan and Shekarau at the rally.

Jonathan: Dancing amid calamities

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DAY after the Nyanya bomb blast in which the government said 75 people died, President Goodluck Jonathan attended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally in Kano to receive the former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau to the party. There was nothing solemn about the assembly.

Loud music blared from gigantic speakers and the president displayed his dance steps. He also chose that occasion to accuse Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of fraud. His countenance and those of other PDP leaders did not reflect the mood of the country.

He flew from Kano to Ibadan to attend the birthday of the Olubadan of Ibadanland. The day after, he presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday. That was also the day insurgents abducted school girls in Borno. It emerged two days ago that over 200 girls are being held.

Last Thursday, President Jonathan by 11.00 a.m. presided over the National Security Council meeting at the Presidential Villa. It was attended by Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen Aliyu Gusau, the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki

(rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Services and the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency. The President and the National Security Council met immediately with some state governors at the First Lady Conference room for about two hours on the same day. Governors of the opposition parties were left out as though they have no idea about how to address the security challenges in the country.

By 9.00 a.m., the President on Friday observed his Good Friday church service at the Aso Villa Chapel with his mother, Eunice and other top government officials.

On Easter Sunday, the President started the day with a church service at the Aso Villa Chapel by 9.00a.m before receiving Christian faithful in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) led by the FCT Minister Bala Mohammed at his residence by 1.00 p.m.

The planned visit of the Pakistani President to the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday was however cancelled.

the so-called civilian JTF, after it humanised its operations and recognised the need to win the hearts of the local populace?

Even if the northern elite had connived at the insurgency in its early moments, the revulsion against it in the North is now almost total. With ef-

fective military tactics, better motivation, adequate weaponry and inspiring political leadership, it should be possible to take the fight to Boko Haram, notwithstanding its alarming propensity to morph and its apparently better adaptability to changing war terrains and opposing military

By Olukorede Yishau

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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BORNO SCHOOL GIRLS’ ABDUCTION.... ONE WEEK AFTER

cum political conundrum Lessons from America

By Olukorede Yishau

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It has been one week since the abduction of the school girls and going by the president’s itinerary in the last one week, nothing of value has been done to get them out

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Significantly, it has been one week since the abduction of the school girls and going by the president’s itinerary in the last one week, nothing of value has been done to get them out. What would have become a major development was the announcement by the Army, whose Commander-in-Chief is Jonathan, that the bulk of the girls had been rescued. Sadly, it turned out it was a big lie for which the Army is still ashamed of itself. tactics. The option of full emergency rule is in many respects merely a cover for the poor handling of counterinsurgency operations at both the political and military levels.

The Northeast is still sustained today by its democratic structures. These structures, as incompetent as they

RAGEDY. That seven-letter word knows no boundary. It strikes anywhere. And everywhere. In this age of suicide bombing, stopping tragedy outright seems impossible. What matters is how leaders handle it.

President Barack Obama can dance. He has shown on a number of occasions that he knows how to move his body to good music. But he knows the right time to dance. You will not likely find him dancing at a political rally a day after a major tragedy.

Like Nigeria, the United States has had its fair share of tragedies.

The one that easily comes to mind is the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in 2001. The twin attacks are now known as the 9/11 attacks because it happened on September 11.

The magnitude of the attacks was such that the whole world was shocked. But America rose above the shock and ensured almost everyone who died in the attacks were accounted for. Not only that, adequate arrangements were made for their dependants. Also, Osama bin Laden, who masterminded it, was fished out and killed. For years, America went after bin Laden. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) determined the location of bin Laden in a large compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, a suburban area near Islamabad. First the CIA planned to bomb the compound,but Obama rejected this and authorised a “surgical raid” to be conducted by United States Navy SEALs. The operation took place on May 1, 2011, and bin Laden became history. There were spontaneous celebrations around the country. People gathered outside the White House, the Ground Zero and Times Square.

Up till now, America has not closed the books on the disaster, as it is still looking out for those who played one role or the other in it.

From time to time, there are shootings in American schools. One of such was the one on January 16, last year at the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. That incident alone made President Obama sign 23 executive orders and outline a series of sweeping proposals regarding gun control. A month after the incident, Obama urged the Congress to reintroduce an expired ban on military-style assault weapons, such as those used in several recent mass shootings. He also urged them to impose limits on ammunition magazines to 10 rounds, introduce background checks on all gun sales, pass a ban on possession and sale of armour-piercing bullets, and introduce harsher penalties for gun-traffickers.

The Boston Marathon’s bombing, whose first anniversary, was marked some days ago, is another example of excellent disaster management and resolution. In less than a week or so, America was able to fish out those behind it and they have answered for their crime against humanity.

Here almost every crime goes undetected. Leaders also go about their normal activities, including attending parties, at times of tragedies. Not American leaders, who will rather engage in one strategy session or the other to resolve the puzzle around the disaster and also bring the perpetrators to book.

were in the past to address developmental needs, give the region a sense of belonging, an atmosphere of enduring civilised living, and hope for a quick end to their anguish. The erasure of democratic structures, temporary or otherwise, is bound to make the perspicacious worry that an incompetent presidency with a predilection for dictatorial methods could use the pretext of emergency rule to precipitate a whole cocktail of repressive measures that will probably spread far beyond the troubled region. After all, apart from the Southwest, there is hardly any political zone that is not facing one emergency or the other.

Two events illustrate the presidency’s and military’s unacceptable counterinsurgency measures.

One, the president has not deemed it fit, perhaps on account of security fears, to visit the families of the abducted schoolgirls, about 20 of whom were taken away by insurgents from Konduga in Borno State in February, and about 270 snatched from Chibok in Borno this April. An apologetic Governor Shettima has paid a belated visit to Chibok, as he put it, against security advice. The president, who should be the repository of the country’s mores, traditions and values such as courage, probably heeded security advice and has been unable to visit the region since he last travelled there some years ago and lambasted its elite for colluding with the insurgents. Second, the Chibok abductions and rescue efforts are a reflection of the military’s tactical inadequacy. Not only did the insurgents disguise as soldiers to abduct the schoolgirls, according to furious parents who went in search of their children in the notorious Sambisa for-

the judiciary to the media, and from the religious to the family. The presidency is in a bad shape, with the president quite unable to appreciate the whole gamut of his responsibilities, and his aides either too distracted by material considerations or too ignorant to offer the scientific advice required to help the president make the right choices.

It is not always that a president is up to the onerous task of lifting his country from self-made entanglements. In that situation the other sections of the society must have the discipline, courage and knowledge to compel the executive to make the right choices. Sadly, Nigeria is a bad example. Here, for instance, the judiciary and the law enforcement agencies have contributed immensely to the promotion of jungle justice and self-help because of a corrupt justice system perverted by ignorance and executive subversion. The legislature is even worse. Its leading functionaries sometimes see themselves not in the mould of great parliamentarians, but as cowardly and colluding appendages and errand boys of the executive.

On a large scale, therefore, Nigeria is being laid prostrate by the abject failure of its leaders and peoples, not by the challenges they face, whether Boko Haram or not. The country must hope that today’s security meeting at the presidency will not embark on the futile road to nowhere. It is not clear to what extent the PDP governors have undermined the polity, but the country must hope that it can find among them and among the opposition governors those who will tell the president that emergency rule will not

est and the schoolgirls who escaped from their captors, they found no evidence for miles and miles of the presence of soldiers said to be in hot pursuit of the insurgents.

There are a few things fishy about what is going on. The political class, civil society groups and the media must reengage their curiosity to get to the bottom of the dispiriting national story of violence and recriminations.

The task should not be left in the hands of the fierce-talking but obviously emotive governors of the Northeast.

Questions must be asked, and notwithstanding the intimidatory tactics of the presidency and the military, who both seem prepared to embark on even more egregious blunders in fighting the insurgency, these groups must boldly demand answers. If the country should succumb to pressure to allow the government declare total emergency in the Northeast, questions about government methods and military tactics would be foreclosed without any assurance that the insurgency would be quelled in the short or long run. Nigeria’s ethnic pastiche, it must be remembered with calmness and restraint, is unlike any other.

The Boko Haram insurgency has festered so badly partly because of leadership incompetence. No nation can determine whether they will encounter problems or not, or whether the problems will be of one shape or the other. But they have the liberty and they must show the mental competence to tackle the problems when they arise. That is the stuff leadership is made of. What is clear from the Boko Haram narrative is the appalling collapse of leadership at all levels, from the executive to the legislature, from

•Obama hugging Stephanie Davies, who helped keep her friend, Allie Young (left) alive after she was shot during the shooting that occurred on 20 July, 2012 in Aurora, Colorado.

redress the abject leadership failures that have caused everyone so much grief and fear of the future. They must tell the president that what is required is a determined and forceful president with the right heart to empathise with his people and carry them along, not in the combative and judgemental fashion he is accustomed to; a president who can find the commanders with the tactical brilliance to take on the insurgents and the skill to motivate the fighting troops; and a president who will give his commanders an ultimatum to rescue the abducted schoolgirls whose plight mock our manhood and national essence.

The governors must compel the president to appoint, in spite of himself, better and more knowledgeable advisers who can give him courageous and brilliant options, and if need be, provide him a solid spine in case it is true he lacks one. The terrorism war can be fought without precluding democratic structures, as other nations have shown, and without precluding vigorous opposition to the government’s style and methods, again as other nations have copiously demonstrated. It is hoped that for once Nigerian leaders will use their brains rather than their emotions to produce the right mix of choices upon which the country can be rebuild anew. The general mood may be deeply pessimistic, and a large and influential part of the population even angry, but the disaster that has taken decades in coalescing can still be dissipated if by a celestial sleight of hand the president and his team can find the wisdom, vision and patriotism to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

NEWS NBA fumes over abduction

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AWYERS joined yesterday the tonguelashing of the government over the girls’ abduction.

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch Chairman Monday Ubani berated the government’s handling of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Ubani told reporters that it was least expected of the President to accord priority attention to political rallies at a time the nation was mourning the victims of insurgency.

He urged governors invited to a security meeting by the Presidency to put their differences aside and ensure that a lasting solution is

•NASFAT Women Leader Hajia Abdulrahman (second right) and her colleagues waiting to present the letter of protest to Kwara State Governor Ahmed (second left) and government officials...yesterday

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Kwara women protest abduction of girls

USLIM women protested yesterday in Ilorin the abduction of over 234 school girls in Chibok, Borno State.

Christians also yesterday began a three-day fast and prayers for the release of the girls from the abductors’ den in the Sambisa forest.

The Women wing of the Nasrul-lahi of Nigeria (NASFAT) staged a peaceful protest in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, over the abduction and other acts of violence by insurgents in parts of the country. Our hearts bleed, they cried.

The women, led by Hajia Ummuani Abdulrahaman, said the activities of insurgents, particularly the bomb blast at Nyanya, Abuja, and the abduction of the girls called for concern by all Nigerians, irrespective of religious and political differences.

Hajia AbdulRahaman presented a letter of protest to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed for transmission to President Goodluck Jonathan. She said: “Our hearts are bleeding. We are mothers. We know what it takes to lose a pregnancy, let alone a child. We want these children to be recovered because they are our future. They are what we depend on as mothers.”

The women said they felt the

agony of the mothers of the abducted girls, noting that the activities of the insurgents had gone beyond religious affiliations, adding that people of all faiths must unite to tackle insurgency, especially violence against women in various forms.

Governor Ahmed praised the women for being part of the vanguard against the activities of insurgents.

He described the insurgents’ activities as a test of Nigerians’ faith in the country, adding that everybody must be security conscious.

“The success of the current pursuit of peace by security agencies will require every hand to be on deck. Information is very important. We must see ourselves as each others’ keepers to live in peace,” the governor said.

He promised to deliver the message to the President with an expectation that the Presidency would give Nigerians confidence that the prevailing security challenges would be brought under control.

The Muslim Media Watch Group also called on clerics to commence special prayers for the release of the abducted school girls..

It made the call in a statement

in Ilorin by its National Coordinator Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi.

The group, which said the development had become more worrisome given the number of the girls still being held by their abductors, added that divine intervention was imperative.

“This situation has put the whole nation in serious agony, fear and sorrow as nobody knows what has happened to the innocent girls.

“Apart from the missing Malaysian plane over a month ago, the abduction of the girls appears to be the worst crime perpetrated in Nigeria in particular and the world at large,” the statement said.

It restated its call on the dominant political parties in the country to suspend all political activities “so that we can all dedicate ourselves to spiritual devotion for the innocent children to be freed unharmed.’’

“Security agents should redouble their efforts to locate the whereabouts of the helpless and innocent children without further delay,’’ it added.

The group appealed to those responsible for the abduction of the girls to free them and come to the negotiating table with the Federal Government.

“God that created us does not

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our expense and indicated our preparedness to pay duty as may be agreed by government for the vehicles. We submitted the letters to the World Economic Summit Group in January 2014. There was no constructive engagement or response to the offer.”

However, they later learnt that the government had issued a letter of duty waiver, valid for one year-from February 2014to certain auto importers, to import 290 luxury vehicles for the World Economic Summit taking place in May 2014.

This decision, they said, is ret-

Continued from page 1

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Continued on page 59

rogressive and scandalous as their members, “who have taken a risk of investing in the production in Nigeria, are facing the greatest fear that well placed vested interests in the auto import trade will work to undermine this policy. A duty waiver valid for one year for a one week event taking place in May 2014 is open border to flood our markets with imported vehicles and destroy the domestic market for locally produced vehicles”.

The car manufacturers recalled that the association pleaded with the government to demonstrate its commitment to the National Automotive PoliContinued on page 59

APC leaders shot dead in Borno

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WO leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State were yesterday shot dead by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

Slain were Kala/Balge Local Government chairman of the party, Alhaji Modu Janga; and their Youths Leader Alhaji Abba. They were shot on the Maiduguri-Dikwa road.

They were reportedly traveling from Maiduguri after attending political meetings when their vehicle was ambushed by the gunmen near Maffa town along the Maid-

Anger over Boko Haram’s abduction of 234 girls

tion of a book “Giant of History (The making of our world)”, authored by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lateef Ibirogba, at the Civic Centre Lagos.

The governor, who was the keynote speaker, lamented that seven days after the abduction saga, it was frightening that there had been no lead as to the girls’ whereabouts.

“I’m so depressed about what is happening in the country and I do not know how to put it. I cannot understand the rationale behind the kidnapping of school girls.

Girls who left their homes with the sole ambition of acquiring knowledge only to end up as companions to criminals. It is frightening,” he said.

In the governor’s view, Nigerians are gradually accepting kidnapping as a normal occurrence. The time has come for all to rise up and kick against the situation, he said, adding:

found to the crisis.

The NBA chairman counselled President Goodluck Jonathan to lead by action and example, saying it is morally wrong for the President to visit Kano for a political rally while the nation was mourning the victims of the bomb blast at Nyanya in Abuja.

He also lamented the conflicting figures given by the military of the girls abducted by the terrorists.

He urged the authorities to ensure the prompt release of the girls.

Ubani said: “I think the handling of the insurgency

Officials plan response to allegation ply vehicles to the summit at

support evil deeds, even if it is done to avenge any perceived wrong doings earlier done to them.

“He is capable of avenging correctly any wrongdoing if those affected truly believes in Him,” it said.

Christians began yesterday a three-day fast and prayers for God to touch the hearts of the girls’ abductors.

“We know no religion (that) prescribes abduction or infliction of pain as a way of devotion,” said the Rev. Titus Pona, an official with the Christian Association of Nigeria. “We are calling on them to sheathe their arms and pursue their case in dialogue with the government.”

“This violence continues because the militants have support from powerful people in Nigerian society,” said the Rev. John Bakeni, a Roman Catholic priest in Borno.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has also been strident in his condemnation of the abduction.

“We sympathiswith the victims and their teachers and families,” he said in a statement. “We call on the authorities to put all the needed efforts to free these innocent girls and get them continue with their studies.”

By Adebisi Onanuga

uguiri-Dikwa road.

“The attackers opened fire on them and they died thereafter,” a party source said yesterday.

“The party chairman along with other passengers in the ambushed vehicle, were first stopped as the gunmen ordered the driver to identify himself. The gunmen opened fire on the party leaders after dispossessing them of their money,” the party source added.

The Kala/Balge Local Government Chairman Alifa Rann, confirmed the killing at the Government House, Maiduguri.

Buhari urges Nigerians to rise up against sect

FORMER Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday said Boko Haram will fail in its war mis-

sion.

He urged Nigerians to rise against the sect and prevent terrible acts from diverting their attention.

He, however, asked President Goodluck Jonathan to redefine the country’s security strategy - in line with the insurgency challenges facing it.

He also recommended a drastic improvement in intelligence gathering to address the problems at hand.

But he insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has no link with Boko Haram insurgency.

He said although the APC might engage in tight political competition against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it shall not play politics with security, which is vital to national survival Gen. Buhari, who made his position known in a statement, called for “immediate and long-term strategies for mass em-

“I don’t even know what to say than to urge everybody to do anything humanly possible, collectively and individually, to put an end to this sad development. The Federal Government must rise up to

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ployment” to dissuade the youth from joining sects.

The statement was against the backdrop of the killing of 75 in last Monday’s bomb blast in Nyanya, near Abuja and the abduction of 234 students of the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State.

He said Nigeria needs peace and not bomb as being promoted by Boko Haram and other merchants of death.

He said: “We may have our differences, but the vast majority of Nigerians stand united against the appalling violence committed in Nyanya and other places.

“We seek an improved fate for our children and hope to leave them a better life.

We want to work and live in dignity and respect.

“We want a life of peace and harmony with our neighbors, regardless of religion, ethnicity or background. We seek prosperity not poverty. We seek brotherly understanding not strife. We seek peace, not

this. Everyone in authority must act now. It is not only degrading us as a people, it is defaming us.

“As horrible as Afghanistan is, we never read of human beings abducted. We talk of

bombs.

“These acts have no place in Nigeria.

Those who commit them have no place in our country. The perpetrators may look like human beings. They may have limbs and faces like the rest of us but they are not like us. In killing innocent people, they have become inhuman. They live outside the scope of humanity. Their mother is carnage and their father is cruelty.

“They have declared war against the people of Nigeria. They have shown that they do not want to liberate the people. They want to kill them. Yet, with all the energy of their evil and ignorant hatred, they shall fail. The good people of Nigeria shall triumph.

Such a wicked mission shall not succeed.”

The ex-Head of State pleaded with Nigerians not to allow insurgents to cause disunity nationwide.

He said: “We have gone too far in our journey to nationhood and endured too

no man’s land of West Afghanistan; such does not happen. Nigeria is heading to the level that does not recognise us as civilised people and human beings anymore and it is a shame.

Continued on page 59

“I should not have said this here, considering my position in the polity but what is my choice? When school children are being abducted in schools and we carry on as if it is mere statistics. It is not. We must

•Gen. Buhari

protest on the streets to tell all of us that enough is enough.”

Aregbesola queried the relevance of titles political office holders’ bear, saying “Your Excellency” is unconstitutional.

“For Public office holders who got their mandate on Continued on page 59

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY APRIL 23, 2014

NEWS

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second left), his Lagos counterpart, Babatunde Fashola, Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Pascal Dozie (right), Edo State Commissioner for Information Louis Odion (left), Oyo State Commissioner for Information Gbade Lana and Lagos State Commissioner for Information Lateef Ibirogba during the launch of Giants of History, a book by Ibirogba in Lagos...yesterday.

•Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello speaking at the book launch...yesterday.

•Book reviewer Tade Ipadeola speaking at the book launch...yesterday.

PHOTOS:OMOSEHIN MOSES

Resource Control splits National LAUTECH to instal Tinubu chancellor T Conference delegates T

HERE were fireworks yesterday at the Committee on Devolution of Power as northern delegates and their counterparts from the Southsouth refused to back down on their demands on resource control.

The Nation gathered that trouble started when a member from the Southsouth said the host communities should have control of natural resources found within their areas.

Another members, who is an expert in international law, took his time to explain the implications of littoral states and the resources found within.

The Northern delegates would, however, have none of it. A member countered the submission stating that littoral states can not have total control of resources found in the waters around them.

It was a heated argument, according to a source who pleaded anonymity.

“The firework has started already as the federalists expect the status quo to remain while the other side felt that if justice and equity that everybody has been preaching must come to play, then it should be extended to the resources found in any area.

“So far, the Southwest delegates are calming frayed nerves

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

and have not yet made their positions on the subject known.

“We have just started. We expect to see maturity come to play as we progress in this assignment,” he said.

The argument continued outside the meeting room as the two delegates were seen exchanged words.

The northern delegate said he would have been a Professor if he had wanted to while his southern colleague sarcastically responded that he (the northern delegate) doesn’t need it.

An elder statesman eventually intervened and calmed the southern delegate.

The Chairman of Committee on Devolution of Power, former Governor Victor Obong Attah said his Committee would seek direction from past historical documents, such as the 1914 Amalgamation document, the 1967 broadcast

by Gen. Yakubu Gowon as well as Gen Ibrahim Babangida’s political bureau.

He also hoped that the committee would be able to reach consensus on most of its delib-

erations.

The Co-Chairman, Ibrahim Coomassie, former Inspector General of Police (IGP), reminded members who would want to agitate for the control of resources that the purpose of governance was the welfare and security of the people.

He said, without resources, government can not carry out its responsibilities to the people while ethnic, religious or resource agitation would be impossible.

The Committee on Politics and Governance is set out to concentrate on how governance can transform the lives of Nigerians, the Chairman, Prof. Jerry Gana said.

He said the committee would not be interested in theories. Gana said members of the committee would focus on human development anchored on equity, justice, fairness and good governance that would promote rule of law and quality service to the people.

He said a leader is as effective as the quality of his inner circle team. The former Minister of Information said the Committee would be working towards transparency, accountability, efficiency in public administration as well as devel-

opment-oriented budgeting.

He, however, stressed the need to enshrine the promotion of the rule of law in the polity as fundamental to the achievement of the goals of the conference.

The Committee also said it would work towards the removal of influence of money from politics in the country.

Co-Chairman of the Committee, Chief Olu Falae, blamed the near absence of good governance in the country on money politics.

He said: “What has emerged from our discussion so far is that good governance really depends on the quality of leadership. We have the laws; we have the constitution and we know the procedures.

But is the leadership ready to take action?

“The way the political parties are organised is also a problem. They don’t have internal democracy. Governors have emerged as virtual dictators because they control the resources of the state.

“It is money that speaks and until we reduce the role of money in our politics, we will not have good leadership. As it is today, any position can be bought and not earned or merited.”

We didn’t endorse Wike for governor, say Ijaw elders

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LDERS of Ijaws in Rivers State have said they have nothing to do with the endorsement of the Supervising Minister of Education Nyesom Wike for governor in 2015.

The elders, in an advertorial in this newspaper on their behalf by the AndoniOpobo-Nkoro Leaders of Thought, said it is the turn of the riverine area to lead the state.

The statement by Prof Dagogo Fubara, Alabo Biekpo Jack, Amaopusenibo Diri, Dr Francis Minimah, Capt Paul Akins, Sunday Paul, Chief John Egongh, Mr Ubokineme Owor and Gilbert Mkparo, said Wike “caused a few self-serving politicians in the two local government areas, ostensibly, to induce the endorsement of his governorship ambition, and cause same to be published and carried in both print and electronic media”.

The statement added:

By Olukorede Yishau

“This, it was revealed, will be the first of an orchestrated plan by lovers of underdevelopment to plunge the peace loving areas into series of sustaining political upheaval, with the active connivance of outsiders. We shall resist any such attempts at turning the two Local Government Areas into a theatre of war. Andoni, Opobo and Nkoro people are too sophisticated to mortgage their tomorrow for a pot of porridge today. No amount of money can make us sell our right to the Brick House, come 2015.

“Any political aspirant who feels he or she is worth the salt should come forward through the appropriate and legitimate means, rather than going through the back door to induce lesser minds for endorsement. Need we point to the unarguably fact that endorsement, either way it is

obtained,, does not translate to automatic electoral victory?

“While we do not begrudge any person or group in Andoni, Opobo and Nkoro communities from taking anyu political position, it is our unequivocal stand that such a position should, and must not have the colouration of the majority of the peoplee. The quest for pecuniary benefit by a few selfish polliticians in the area leaves a sour taste in our mouth. Such elements are willing tools in the campaign for the promotion of divisive tendencies. Andoni, Opobo and Nkoro communities had gone through very painful moments of political reclusion, and we do not intend to go back there.

“In so far as the people of Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas are concerned, we have either considered, nor approved any Governorship candidate

for Rivers State. We therefore call on all discerning, nor approved any Governorship candidate for Rivers State.

We therefore call on all discerning minds to discountenance the induced, misleading and deceitful planned endorsement of Chief Nyesom Wike for the exalted office of the Governor of River State.

“It is instructive here, to state that the people of Andoni and Opobo/Nkoro Local Governments Areas believe in the principle of fairness and politics of inclusion.

We believe that having shown and given untainted support and solidarity to other areas and senatorial zones in their period of governance, equity demands that 2015 is the turn of the Riverine Ijaws to take a shot at the governorship of Rivers State.

Any act, therefore, that tends to say otherwise, does not represent the true spirit, zeal and drive of the riverine Ijaw Project 2015.”

HE Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) will today invest the National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as its chancellor.

The former Lagos State governor will also be awarded honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in Management Sciences by the institution.

The event will take place in the university’s SIFAX Lecture Theatre in Ogbomoso, beginning from 11am. It will be the university’s 11th special convocation ceremony.

A convocation lecture will be delivered by President Emeritus of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, USA Dr. Robert Michael Franklin.

He will speak on the topic: “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education for Nigeria, Africa and the Diaspora.”

Forceful adoption : Nigerian in Norway demands child’s custody

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From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Nigerian in Norway, Ms. Queen Agho, has demanded the custody of her one year old son allegedly given to a Norwegian lady for adoption for not being emotionally compatible.

Ms Agho’s relative, Mr. Kelvin Izekor, said the Nigerian Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden is investigating the matter in Norway.

Izekor, who narrated his niece’s ordeal in Norway to our reporter, said Queen’s ordeal started when she was delivered of a baby boy in Leirfjord, Norway on the April 12, last year.

He said barely two weeks after the delivery, the baby was taken from her on the ground that she was mentally incapable of fending for the child by the Child Welfare Authorities.

According to him, Queen was forcefully taken to a psychiatric home by the police and child welfare officials for the purpose of generating evidence to substantiate their claims, a move he said failed as the doctor confirmed her to be mentally fit.

The Nigeria Embassy in Sweden requested for the intervention of the Swedish government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rotal Kingdom of Norway.

A report by the embassy reads: “The embassy wishes to register it’s utmost displeasure with the manner in which a nursing mother Ms Agho was treated. For such treatment to be meted out to a defenceless woman who had just put to bed with her first child is most inhuman and certainly is in breach of all human rights practices.

The Chairman, House of Represnetative Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the House was addressing the issue.

Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa, who spoke to our reporter on phone, said: “ We have met with the Norwagian Ambassador to Nigeria and we would have met with the Child Support people from Norway two weeks ago.

“The meeting has to be rescheduled because of the strike by Lufthania staff in Germany. Their flight was cancelled. We are looking towards another date for the meeting. But I can tell you we are on it.”

‘Nigeria not conducive for learning’

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From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Professor of Education, Bayo Okunade, has said the country is not conducive for learning.

Okunade, who doubles as the Director of Distance Learning Centre, University of Ibadan (UI), said the education system has been very unfair to students.

He spoke at the third joint matriculation ceremony of Foreign Links Campus, Moro, Ife North, Osun State.

Okunade said: “Education is a global commodity. There can’t be local standard.”

Commenting on the mass failure of students in the last Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, the director said students were not exposed to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) early enough, thereby making some of them to have failed the examination even before they started.

He said: “If our politicians were more humane and public oriented, with the aim to serve, Nigeria would have been a better nation for us all, as every kobo misappropriated translates to denial of certain necessary basic amenity.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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NEWS APC governors ‘didn't boycott Security Council meeting’

By Joseph Jibueze

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OVERNORS of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the aegis of the Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF), have said they did not boycott last Thursday's National Security Council meeting in Abuja.

They warned those peddling the rumour to stop against national security.

In a statement by its chairman and Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, the forum said APC governors were invited to the meeting but were later told it had been postponed.

The forum said the governors' non-attendance was based on the information they got.

The statement reads: "The Progressive Governors' Forum is concerned about the attempt to insinuate that APC governors boycotted last Thursday's meeting of the National Security Council.

"For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that all APC governors received invitations to the meeting, but were later informed, on Tuesday night by the Presidency, that the meeting had been postponed.

"It is unfortunate that a meeting as important as that of the National Security Council at this trying moment is reduced to a partisan status.

"As at (last week) Tuesday night, 14 APC governors were in Abuja and, on Wednesday morning, actually visited victims of the Nyanya bomb blast in Asokoro and the National Hospitals, where we announced our intention to set up a trust fund to support victims of terror.

"As a matter of fact, after the visit we stated categorically: 'This is a time that we must all close hands to ensure the safety of lives and property.

This is not a time to talk about politics with people's lives'.

"It is, therefore, shocking and in bad faith that we are being accused of boycotting a meeting we were duly notified that had been called off...”

Nda-Isaiah condemns Nyanya bombing

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N All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, has condemned the Nyanya, Abuja bomb blast.

Over 70 people died and more than 100 others were injured in the blast on April 14.

In a statement in Abuja, the publisher of Leadership newspaper titles called for an immediate review of the country’s security apparatus.

Nda-Isaiah noted that if something is not urgently done to fix the nation’s security system, the country might be considered to have failed.

The politician said individuals’ lives and property were no longer being protected by the government, which has the sole responsibility to do so.

“Or, how can you explain this bloodletting every day? There is no single day in this country without a report of killings here and there. Yet, the government is not doing enough to stem the tide,” he said.

Nda-Isaiah said the efforts by the Jonathan administration to curb incessant killings had been poor.

CAN accuses Kutigi of executing Islamic agenda

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HE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) accused yesterday the National Conference Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd), of executing an Islamic agenda that will undermine Christians.

The Christians’ apex body expressed reservations on the composition of the National Conference Committee on Religion.

CAN alleged that Justice Kutigi, who hails from Niger State, tactically chose Alhaji Nuruddeen Lemu, also from Niger State, as the Chairman of Committee on Religion to allegedly control the committee through the back door.

It wondered why Justice Kutigi made Bishop Felix Femi Ajakaiye the co-chairman of the committee when

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

he (Ajakaiye) does not represent CAN at the confab.

While Lemu is representing “Muslim Leaders”, Ajakaiye is representing Ekiti State at the conference.

Labour and civil society groups, two week ago, accused the leadership of the conference of upturning the resolution of the conference to choose committee chairmen.

The group said committees should be allowed to choose their chairmen, adding that it would not be in the interest of delegates to entrust the selection of chairmen to the leadership.

The statement, titled: Justice Idris Kutigi’s Islamic Agenda and Confab Committee on Reli-

gion, by Mr. Sunny Oibe, the Director (National Issues) of CAN, reads: “We hereby express our reservations on the composition of the members of the National Conference Committee on Religion and without fear or contradiction state that the Chairman of the Conference, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, has done his wish to ensure that the leadership of the committees favours Muslims in Nigeria.

“He is from Niger State and the Committee on Religion should be a sensitive committee. The chairman has decided to scatter the Christians in the confab and now brought Nurudeen Lemu, the son of Sheikh Lemu, who is also from Niger State, to chair the committee and did not pick any delegate representing the

CAN. “The supposed Christian in the committee, Dr. Jonathan Obaje, representing the Diaspora in the confab, has been given express permission by Justice Kutigi to travel back overseas for holiday; he is not even in Nigeria at present and does not represent CAN. “The delegate is not around and Christians will be affected during voting.

Bishop Felix Ajakaiye, who was named co-Chairman in the committee, is representing Ekiti State and not CAN. In that case, we have already lost and the ratio will now be 12 members for Muslims and six for Christians.

“To us in CAN, Justice Kutigi is working out a script to undermine the interest of •Minister Of Health, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu (middle) cutting a cake to mark his 52nd birthday in Abuja...yesterday.

With him are, from left: Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Ado Muhammad; Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Health, Mr Linus Awute; the minister's wife, Mrs Osinachi Buchi-Chukwu (second right) and Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Femi Thomas.

PHOTO:NAN

Allegation against Tinubu unfounded, says group

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group of Lagos politicians, the New Justice Forum (NJF), has condemned the allegation by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State that the party’s chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was planning to impose the governorship candidate ahead of the 2015 election.

In a joint statement by Taiwo Ayedun and Folami Olatunji, the NJF noted that it was not unusual to hear such false allegations and insinuations during political seasons and election years.

The statement said: “Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu is a true democrat and visionary leader. The decision for zoning of governorship candidate to Lagos East was agreed upon by all stakeholders in the party. We challenge those alleging that Asiwaju Tinubu is planning to impose a governorship candidate to provide the proof. He who alleges must prove.

“What Asiwaju Tinubu said repeatedly is that development is not about religion. He added that governing Lagos

By Oziegbe Okoeki

State is about merit, competence and the ability of the candidate. Just like he governed Lagos and laid a solid foundation, upon which Governor Babatunde Fashola - another competent governor - built upon, the next governor of Lagos must also be competent and qualified.

“Asiwaju Tinubu has also said on several occasions that the people of Lagos and the voters will decide who they want as governor when they go out to vote.”

Ayedun said.

The group warned those planning to destabilise the party’s steady progress in Lagos to desist.

It stressed that nothing good would come out of such political ‘gangsterism’.

“Lagosians and true party members will decide what is right for Lagos, not a group like this one will decide for them,” the statement said.

The NJF hailed Asiwaju Tinubu for taking the lead to ensure that every competent person has a shot at elective posi-

tions in the party.

It added: “Though the governorship (ticket) has been zoned, based on the internal arrangement of the party, all competent persons from the zone have a change to contest.

“We want to recongnise the tireless effort of Asiwaju Tinubu in continuing to lead the party in Lagos and nationwide. His clarity of mind and singleness of purpose in this effort is commendable.

“Asiwaju is currently pre-occupied with national assignments on the change agenda of the party and it will not be fair of any party member or group to embark on activities that are capable of distracting him from his heroic efforts for the nation.

“We are also not unconscious of external infiltrations from the ruling party by sponsoring mischief makers to cause ripples in our party, a move that will be resisted by every power within our means.”

Govt, opposition playing politics with insurgency, says Shehu Sani

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CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State and rights activist, Mallam Shehu Sani, has accused the nation’s leaders of playing politics with the kidnap of school girls in Borno State and the rising insecurity in the country.

Sani spoke yesterday in Kaduna as the Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima and a senator from the state, Ali Ndume, disagreed over government’s attitude to the rescue of the students.

In a statement yesterday in Kaduna, Sani said it was unfortunate that the govern-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

ment and the nation’s political elites had not found the wisdom to stand up against the national emergency but rather chose to play politics with it.

He said: “The government and the opposition are clearly playing politics with terrorism. Every moment of carnage is followed by idle condemnation, politics of blame game and nothingness.

“After every bomb blast, the government finds excuses and the opposition finds a capital, politicising re-

sponse to the insecurity. The insurgency has denied our leaders the wisdom to confront and combat the reality that should be faced us as a nation. Nigeria’s political class is in the soulless game of splashing each other with the spilled blood of the innocent victims of the raging violence.

“The ongoing insurgency and violence in the North and Abuja stand unambiguously condemned. The abduction of innocent school girls and the regime of fear and mayhem unleashed are most abhorrent and intolerable. The unceasing violence

is the most challenging threats to our freedom, our democracy and our corporate existence as a nation.

“It’s most unfortunate and regrettable that the Federal Government and Nigeria’s political elite have not found the wisdom to stand up to this national emergency but rather chose to play politics with bloodletting.

“The allegation that the Federal Government or the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is behind the insurgents and the insurgency is a political offensive by the opposition is outright false.”

the Christians in the confab.

Ordinarily, the Christians who have been at the receiving end from members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect in the North should be a cochairman in the Committee on Religion.

“But what Justice Kutigi did was to pick a Muslim from the North as chairman and a Christian from the Southwest (Ajakaiye), who has little or no knowledge of what is happening in the North, as co-chairman.

“The interest of Christians, in this case, will not be adequately protected. Already, the confab is a stage-managed conference. President Goodluck Jonathan has a good intention, but there is a problem in allowing Justice Kutigi to be chairman...”

PDP flays Nyako’s memo to North’s governors From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako over his memorandum to northern states’ governors on the insecurity in the Northeast.

Nyako, in the memo, accused the Goodluck Jonathan administration of complicity in the spate of terrorist attacks and mindless killings by the Boko Haram insurgents.

The governor also accused the Federal Government of committing genocide.

He said the Federal Government was aiding the Boko Haram sect in the killing of innocent citizens in the North.

But in a statement yesterday by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party condemned what it called Nyako’s tendentious letter to northern governors.

The PDP said it was shocking that such a letter came from an elected person, adding that Nyako should learn from other All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders “who have started guiding their utterances”.

The statement said: “Governor Nyako must desist from such and learn from other APC leaders who are now comporting themselves better as a response to PDP statements which succeeded in exposing the link between their unguarded utterances and escalation of violence and insurgency in our nation.”

The PDP urged politicians to guide against making statements that can ignite violence.

It urged President Goodluck Jonathan and the 36 governors to come up with a strong resolution to stop the trend.

The party also urged Nigerians, especially respectable politicians, to unite against terrorism and other tendencies that promote violence and divide rather than unite the nation.

“Our resolve is to join hands with responsible, respectable and patriotic Nigerians to highlight and promote our desire to live together in a strong, peaceful and united Nigeria.

“Our enemies are at the gate, but together we will keep them out as we continually watch our comments and utterances,” the statement added.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Suspected serial fraudster in police net

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FARMER, Godwin Diavel, who allegedly withdraws money from accounts of bank customers, has been arrested by the police in Lagos.

Operatives attached to the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) arrested the suspect, following a tip-off.

It was gathered that Diavel, 54, attempted to withdraw N500,000 from a new generation bank’s branch at Ogba on March 20 from the account of Saheed Ademola Adegbola, with a forged signature on the withdrawal slip.

The suspect confessed that he was at the Warehouse Road branch of the bank three weeks ago, where he got an instrument belonging to the customer and took it to the Ogba Branch where he was caught.

Police spokesperson at the SFU Ngozi Isintume-Agu said: “Investigation conducted by the bank before the suspect was handed over to SFU detectives revealed several other fraudulent successful withdrawals and attempted ones by the fraudster using various pseudo names.

By Jude Isiguzo

“Sometime in February, the suspect was arrested at Ejigbo branch of the bank where he identified himself as Peter Okoro, while attempting to seek information on another customer’s account. He was subsequently held and handed over to the Police.”

“Also on October 4, 2013,” Isintume-Agu added: “he was caught at Opebi branch where he identified himself as Samson Omobo and fraudulently impersonated another customer and attempted to withdraw N300,000.00 from the customer’s account.

“Similarly, on January 29, the suspect was at Ilupeju branch of the bank and impersonated a customer, Sunday Onwuabaizo and successfully withdrew of N470,000.00 from his account. Again, on November 19, 2013, he was at the Abule Egba branch of the same bank where he impersonated Chinedu E. Onwutaly and fraudulently withdrew N220,000.00. Also, sometime in 2013, he was at Abraka branch of the bank where he succeeded in withdrawing N470,000.00 from the account

‘It is strongly believed that the suspect belongs to a syndicate that specialises in forging documents and defrauding unsuspecting people and financial institutions’ of Kabiru Mohammed Baday.”

Diavel, who hails from Oghare in Ethiope West Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, said that he goes to the various bank’ branches, picking up used withdrawal slips by customers.

He said he would take the slips home and study the signatures on them before forging them for presentation. He confessed that it was the cashier at Ogba branch of the bank that discovered that his picture

• The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Mustafa Pulat, speaking with Seriki Musulumi of Lagos, Alhaji Nurudeen A. Shitta-Bey during a visit by the Barbaros Turkish Maritime Task Group to Lagos port on a military exercise

did not tally with the one on the mandate card. He added that he was unable to answer correctly some of the cashier’s questions.

The suspect allegedly stated that he had succeeded on several occasions in withdrawing from customers’ accounts in Delta State, adding that he was arrested at Opebi while attempting to withdraw N300,000.00 and was • IGP Mohammed Abubakar handed over to Police. according to the police. It is The case was charged to strongly believed that the suscourt, but was struck out bepect belongs to a syndicate that cause the bank did not appear specialises in forging docuto give evidence. He also ments and defrauding unsusstated that he has no account pecting people and financial with the said new generation institutions. bank.

Isintume-Agu said efforts Investigation is on-going, had been stepped up to arrest other members of the syndicate, adding that suspect would soon be charged to court.

She said the Commissioner of Police (SFU), Umar Farouk Idris has assured account holders of the continued cooperation of the police with banks to secure their deposits against suspected fraudsters like Diavel.

He enjoined other banks to be on the alert and promptly report suspected persons to the police.

Farouk also advised account holders to protect their personal information and always destroy used deposit/withdrawal slips before leaving the bank.

FOMWAN gets new leaders

By Amidu Arije

THE Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Lagos State chapter, has elected new executives to steer the affairs of the association for the next four years.

The election produced Dr Sariyu Ashiru as its Amirah (President); Alhaja Rahmata Olaniyan as Naibah Amirah (Deputy President) and Alhaja Rihanat Yusuph as General Secretary. Others are: Treasurer, Alhaja Sekinat Qasim; Financial Secretary, Fausiat Balogun; Public Relations Officer (PRO), Alhaja Rashidat Oyesoro and Dawah Officer, Alhaja Falilat Alawa.

In her acceptance speech, the new Amirah called on members to see FOMWAN as service to humanity and rededicate themselves to the ideals and objectives of the association.

“We all have to brace up and perform well; the uncompleted projects must be completed. Because we are dealing with women, we have to take care of their reproductive health and will also have to take care of the female youth; on education we will create awareness on the need to educate our children so that they can be better citizens in the future,” she said.

The outgoing Amirah, Alhaja Fatima Gawat, thanked Allah and all members for their support during her administration and promised to give her support to the new administration.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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Man ‘hides’ cocaine in shoes, voltage regulator

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has discovered 2.460 kilogrammes of cocaine inside women’s shoes and voltage regulators at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

A suspect, Nyeaka Chidiebere Anslem, who is married with five children, is being held in connection with the shipment.

The seizures were made in a consignment of women’s shoes from Brazil on board an Ethiopian Airline flight and a shipment of voltage regulators meant for export to Gabon on a DHL cargo flight.

The NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, who said the shipment was abandoned, explained: “We found an abandoned luggage containing ladies’ shoes that originated from Brazil.

During examination, 1.860 kilogrammes of cocaine was found inside the shoes’ soles.

Our men at the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) section of the airport also detected 600 grammes of cocaine hidden in a voltage regulator. A freight forwarder has been arrested in connection with the cocaine shipment to Gabon.”

Anslem, 37, who hails from Imo State, said he was given

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

the consignment by a client. He explained: “I am a freight forwarder with over five-year experience. A client gave me a bag containing three voltage regulators and hair attachment to send to Gabon. The NDLEA at SAHCOL, while searching the luggage, dismantled the voltage regulators and found

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five parcels of substances that tested positive for cocaine in one of the regulators.”

The Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said the agency would continue to keep a close watch over Nigeria-Brazil route, while other African routes are being re-classified in line with current risk levels.

“The NDLEA will continue

to keep a close watch over Nigeria-Brazil route because of the high number of arrests and seizures made on the route.

Recent drug seizures on some African routes have equally placed them on a high risk platform. We must continue to adopt effective strategies to prevent the sub-region from being used as a drug hub,” Giade said.

governor’s love for humanity informed his involvement in the merger of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and others to form the largest party in Nigeria, which is sure of making a change in

the country’s governance.

Uduebor advised those still in school to study well and ignore distractions, adding that they should make sure they pass their exams with flying colours to get good jobs.

Youth leader hails Tinubu

YOUTH leader in Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Mr. Ehizode Kayode Uduebor, has hailed the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a leader par excellence.

Speaking during a youth programme in Sabo, Yaba, he said Tinubu is a model to coming generations and the youth in general.

According to him, what Lagos State is experiencing in terms of development was made possible by the APC leader, who he said, raised the state’s internally- generated revenue from a paltry N600 million monthly in 1999 to a whopping N8.5 billion in 2007.

He said the former

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NURTW dissolves branch exco

HE Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, has dissolved the leadership of its units and branches under Alimosho Branch ‘F’ under Tolani Adedayo.

The development followed the breakdown of law and order in the area, leading to destruction vehicles.

A free-for-all broke out when some members of the branch’s executive engaged some residents in supremacy battle. Policemen, Agbede said, had been drafted to restore peace and order.

The NURTW boss said he was disappointed that the Branch ‘F’ executive members could flout his directive on maintenance of peace and order at motor parks.

“I have been warning my members on the need to be lawabiding. I’m really disappointed that despite my warning, the branch chairman and his boys engaged in violent activities. A seven-man committee headed by Micheal Odugunle to restore peace in the area has been appointed,” Agbede said.

EDEN CREATION CARE INITIATIVE This is to notify the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under the provisions of part "C" of the companies and Allied matters Act, Cap C. 20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

THE FOLLOWING ARE ITS TRUSTEES:1.

Prof. Daniel Davou Dabi 2.

Rev. Dr. Obed G.K. Dashan, mni 3.

Mr. Andrew Gwaivangmin 4.

Grace Alheri pam 5.

Mr. Musa K. Chantu

- Chairman - Member - Member - Member - Secretary

THE AIM OF THE ASSOCIATION IS: To reach local communities in Nigeria and the nation at large with a christian faith-based approach to conserving biodiversity based on Biblical Principles on creation care.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to: The Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Cresent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, Within 28 days of this Publication.

Henry G. Bok, Solicitors to EDEN CREATION CARE INITIATIVE. (08035890602).

THE NATION WEDNESDAY APRIL 23, 2014

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NEWS Group mourns National Mirror’s man From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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HE Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) has commiserated with the National Mirror on the death of its Bayelsa State correspondent, Mr. Emma Gbemudu.

Gbemudu, a former correspondent of the Daily Independent, died at the weekend after a brief illness.

IPDI National Coordinator Austin Ozobo said he was shocked by the news of Gbemudu’s death.

Describing the late Gbemudu as a bridge builder, erudite and astute reporter, Ozobo said: “He was a good friend. I never thought he would leave us so soon. His death is painful. He was an open-minded person and a detribalised reporter. He was a reporter with a difference.”

Commiserating with the late Gbemudu’s family and journalists, he said: “His death is a national loss and his legacies in journalism will forever be remembered.”

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Police arraign 17 suspects for malicious damage

HE police in Ogun State arraigned yesterday 17 suspects, who were allegedly part of the mob that attacked the home of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police at Ijaye in Abeokuta on Monday.

A mob threw stones at the windows of the retired police officer’s home and vandalised some of his belongings on suspicions that he was trading in human parts.

The mob threatened to burn down the building if its suspicions were confirmed.

But when men and officers of the police, Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Vigilante Service of Ogun State (VSO), accompanied by the Balogun of Ijaiye, Alhaji Ganiyu Alimo, and representatives of the people, searched the three-storey

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utterances and actions.

They might have been referring to the war of words between the Presidency and Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako.

The joint statement was signed by by SecretaryGeneral of ACF Col. John Ubah and Acting Publicity Secretary of (NEF) Mr.

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.

They appealed to Jonathan to lead the vital process of calming nerves by showing personal example, with a note of caution to him that he shoulr restrain his aides from making inflammatory comments.

“The President needs to be reminded of his oath to lead

without fear or favour and protect all Nigerians.

“Governors who have grievances against the person or administration of Jonathan have a duty to prove the basis of such grievances in context which do not compound fears and insecurity.”. The statement added.

Abeokuta

building, nothing suspicious was found.

The suspects were charged to Magistrate Court 1, Isabo in Abeokuta for malicious damage, conspiracy and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The suspects were granted bail and the case adjourned to June 25.

Police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi said the suspects attacked policemen, community leaders and other security agents on the scene after the house was searched.

Commissioner for Police Ikemefuna Okoye condemned attacks on innocent persons over unconfirmed allegations and warned against jungle justice.

He said suspicions should be reported to the police for investigation.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Adesina died on February 25 at a private hospital in Lagos State after a protracted illness.

The ailment kept him away from the Assembly for over six months before his death.

The deceased was the first Speaker in the Assembly to remain in office for three years without being impeached. He was also the first lawmaker to represent his constituency for three consecutive terms.

Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Orientation Oyebo Aladetan said the House was determined to give the late Speaker a befitting burial.

Fulani honour Akande

A

WO key north’s groups - The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) yesterday cautioned the Presidency and governors against heating up the polity as the country battles insurgency and general insecurity.

The groups urged President Goodluck Jonathan and governors to exercise restraint in their

From Ernest Nwokolo,

Burial for Ondo Speaker

HE funeral rites for Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker Samuel Adesina begin today with a Service of Songs at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Akure, the state capital.

The late Adesina would be laid-in-state tomorrow at the Assembly Complex. This would be followed by a valedictory session in his honour.

On the same day, the late Adesina’s remains would be taken in a motorcade to his Oniparaga home town in Odigbo Local Government Area for a Christian Wake.

His remains would be interred in the town on Friday after a funeral service.

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ACF, NEF seek truce between Presidency, governors

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

LL Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande has been made the Babasale (Grand Patron) of the Fulani in the Southwest.

The title was bestowed on him by the leadership of the apex Fulani organisation in the region, the Jamat Flube.

The Fulani leaders, led by Sheik Toyin Sulaiman, broke the news during a visit to Akande at his Ila-Orangun country home in Osun State.

They said the honour was in recognition of Akande’s contributions to development in the Southwest and Nigeria in general.

They urged him to facilitate the integration of the Fulani into the socio-political system of the Southwest.

The Fulani leaders requested Akande’s assistance in the registration of the association; facilitation of a meeting with the governor and his intervention in the establishment of Karaal (cattle) markets across the state and establishment of a secretariat in Osogbo, the state capital.

Akande expressed happiness that the Fulani in the Southwest deemed it fit to be integrated into the Yoruba societal system and operate under a registered umbrella.

Urging them to ensure that the organisation is registered, he said this would aid communication with the government.

Akande urged them to join the APC and ensure its victory in the August 9 governorship election in Osun and the 2015 general elections.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (right); his predecessor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and his wife, Omolola, when the governor visited Oyinlola at his Okuku, Osun State home to celebrate Easter with him...on Monday.

Alaafin urges govt to step up anti-terrorism fight

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HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, has urged the Federal Government to step up the fight against terrorism.

In his condolence letter to President Goodluck Jonathan on the Nyanya bomb blast in Abuja, Oba Adeyemi urged the President to seek the help of the international community, especially neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Niger Republic and Chad Republic, to combat the Boko Haram sect.

Describing the Boko-

O

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

Haram menace as an embarrassment to the nation, he said: “Your Excellency, Islam, of which I am a strong adherent, is a religion of peace, which forbids and abhors the killing of any human. In other words, the Boko-Haram sect is not fighting the cause of Islam. It is a political tool in the hands of those who do not wish you and your government well; therefore, there is urgent need for the enhancement of intelligence,

logistics, holistic and political intervention to uproot this menace, which has become an international embarrassment.

“Sometimes in May and November, 2013, when the American Consular-General, Ambassador Jeffrey Hawkins, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, Ambassador Peter Carter, visited me in my palace, I reiterated the need for international support to clamp down on the Boko-Haram sect, including logistic support.

“It is my fervent prayer that the blessings of the Almighty Allah will never forsake you and that the Almighty Allah will continue to give you the wherewithal to pilot the affairs of this country.

“On behalf of the good people of Oyo town, the Oyomesi, the good people of Oyo State and the entire Yoruba Nation in Nigeria and in the Diaspora. I wish Your Excellency further successes in your endeavours.”

Coalition honours governor, business woman

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Mrs. Rita LoriOgbebor, a business woman and women leader, were honoured yesterday by a panYoruba group, the O’Odua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), for their efforts to emancipate the down trodden.

At an event, titled” “Yoruba Political Living Legends of the Centenary Award”, held at the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Lagos, Aregbesola got the “Political Living Legend of the Century Award” and Mrs. LoriOgbebor was honoured for consistently fighting for the emancipation of minority groups in the Niger Delta and women.

ONAC Leader Comrade Adeoye Adewale said the award was in recognition of Aregbesola’s efforts to provide meaningful leadership for Osun people, adding that leadership is better appreciated when heroes are honoured in their life time.

He described the governor

By Uyoatta Eshiet

as a down-to-earth figure, who portrays himself as an ordinary man on an extraordinary seat, unlike his colleagues.

Adewale said: He is an honest and principled person, who has dedicated his life to truth and the service of humanity. He is the first to be presented with the Living Legend Award in Yoruba land

in the last 100 years.”

Aregbesola said the award would steer him to do more for his people.

Mrs. Lori-Ogbebor said she was surprised that her efforts were noticed and pledged to do more.

The Guest Speaker and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Leeds City University, Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Olukotun, spoke on “Peoples’ power, Democracy, Liveli-

hood”.

He said owing to the quality of leadership in Osun, the state has become a model for transformation, urging Southwest governors to work on regional integration.

Olukotun urged delegates to the National Conference to come up with a constitution that guarantees fiscal federalism, stressing that it was the only way regions could develop.

PDP members urge court to nullify committee

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EVENTEEN members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have urged the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos to nullify appointment of some persons as members of the party’s Southwest Caretaker Committee.

The plaintiffs said they are the valid Caretaker Committee members by virtue of a court order, adding that the PDP cannot appoint any other persons to replace them.

Justice Okon Abang fixed May 16 for judgment.

The plaintiffs are Ishola Filani (Ekiti State); Chief Pegba Otemolu (Ogun State), Adedeji Doherty (Lagos State), Rasak Adekola Akanni (Oyo State), Bolaji Jeje (Lagos State), Orimolade Olanrewaju (Ondo State), Olawunmi Oshinmoluke Yuba (Ogun State) and Banji

By Joseph Jibueze

Obasanmi (Ekiti State).

Others are Shola Oludipe (Ondo State), Lawal Waheed Olatunde (Oyo State), Emmanuel Oladejo (Oyo State), Olalekan Abubakar (Lagos State), Seun Adesanya (Ogun State), Semiu Babatunde (Ogun State), Prince Tope Ademiluyi (Ekiti State), Tunde Olowofoyeku (Osun State) and Prince Omoniyi Alo (Ondo State).

They said they were appointed members of the PDP’s Southwest Caretaker Committee pending the conduct of a zonal congress to elect new officers, adding that the party is not at liberty to dissolve the committee until new officers have been elected.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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NEWS Prelate assures Nigerians of new dawn

By Sina Fadare

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HE prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Kanu Uche has assured Nigerians that despite the security challenges the country is facing, there is a new dawn that will herald a new Nigeria with a new hope.

Uche who disclosed this in Lagos argued that no matter the level of security challenges the country is facing, Nigerians should pray to God to intervene and arrest the situation so that the country will experience peace that has eluded her in the recent time.

He challenged the leaders to retrace their steps and to renounce from sins, seek and find out God’s dictates for a better, secured and improved economy that will launch the country to her land of promise where everything will be in abundant.

While reminding Nigerians of the outcome of the moribund and expired Maitasine, sharia Laws threats among others, he therefore assured Nigerians that with the sole trust and faith in God, the nation will surmount the present unfortunate challenges threatening her existence.

Woman delivers conjoined twins in Abia From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

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T was a bizarre sight at Ebem in Ohafia, Abia State, when a 40-year-old woman gave birth to strange conjoined twins at Mben Cottage Hospital, Asaga road, Ebem Ohafia.

The mother is said to be in a stable condition.

Speaking with reporters, the Medical Director, Dr Bernard Orji described the delivery as strange.

Dr Orji said the woman did not register with the hospital and that she underwent a two-hour caesarean operation.

The doctor said the woman might have had the conjoined twins because of her inability to attend prenatal clinic.

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•The Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona second right), Chairman, Planning Committee for the monarch’s 80th birthday celebration, Biodun Shobanjo (second left), Vice Chairman, Chief Fassy Adetokunboh Yusuf (right) and a member of the committee Otunba Ayodeji Osibodu at the news conference on the ceremony at Awujale’s palace...yesterday.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

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My life in danger, says Igwe Ekwueme

RADITIONAL ruler of Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Laz Ekwueme, has said his life is in danger.

Igwe Ekwueme, who appeared for the first time yesterday after the April 19 crisis, met with his council of chiefs.

The council called on Governor Wilie Obiano to probe the mayhem in Oko, which led to the torching of three vehicles belonging to Igwe Laz Ekwueme.

The ruler alleged that the crisis was fuelled by the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic in Oko, Prof Godwin Onu. B u t t h e r e c t o r h a s always denied being a party to the crisis in the coimmunity.

The ruler speaking for the first time since the incident, said his life was in serious danger and appealed to the Governor Obiano to provide him with security.

Igwe Ekwueme alleged that some leaders were beaten up by the army, allegedly hired by youths suspected to have been sponsored to un-

•Oko panel submits report in one week

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I am not fighting Ekwueme, says indigene

ECRETARY General of Oko Progressive Union in Orumba North, Anambra State, Onyeagba Justus, said yesterday he has no hand in any alleged plot to discredit Second Republic Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, in the Oko crisis.

Onyeagba was ostracised with 13 others for allegedly giving out information on the community’s plans to remove the Rector, Prof Godwin Onu. He was reacting to an advertorial in a national newspaper that he was among the 10 signatories that allegedly attacked the Ekwueme family and implicated the family in the crisis in Oko. Justus, a lecturer in the polytechnic, said: “I will never engage in any media war or public insinuations against the Ekwueme dynasty.”

He lamented the decision by Igwe Ekwueme to ostracise some citizens perceived to be his enemies, saying he would never sabotag his community.

The committee inaugurated by Orumba North Chairman Chief Okey Enekwe to look into the Oko crisis was yesterday given one week to submit its report.

Enekwe urged the committee to be fair and assured it of its support in getting all the parties inFrom Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

leash violence on the town.

He said things went awry when 13 indigenes insisted on flouting a resolution banning masquerades at the Afia Olu

celebration.

Igwe Ekwueme said ‘’when the outlaws overwhelmed the police, soldiers were brought in and one of then was injured when they dared the soldiers and attacked his palace.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

volved.

He urged the committee to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the crisis; the truth of what transpired and recommend how best to achieve peace in Oko. Enekwe said at the panel’s inauguration: ‘’Let there be peace in Oko and Orumba. We don’t want crisis, I must thank the Nigeria Police and the State Security Service (SSS) for their roles in preventing a further breach of the law. ‘’We have to ensure that this never happens again. We’ll invite all presidents general for a meeting to ensure that they are capable of controlling their communities or we remove them.

‘Governor Willie Obiano is not taking communal crisis lightly. Efforts must be put in place to ensure security of life and property.’’

Responding, a member of the committee and former special assistant to ex-Governor Peter Obi on Works, Chief Bundus Oguejioffor, pledged the support of members in achieving peace in Oko. He said they would visit the scenes and unravel the causes of the crisis and proffer solutions to avoid a recurrence. ‘’From then, hell was let loose, as they destroyed properties of persons they suspect to be on the side of the monarch.

It was learnt that protesting youths stormed the Government House in Awka to protest

against the monarch.

Governor Obiano was not avaialble, but the protesters were addressed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Media, James Eze. Eze urged the youths to return tomorrow.

Why we need better funding, by Naval chief

HE only way to rid the nation’s maritime domain of rampant cases of piracy and oil theft is for the force to maintain regular presence at sea, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade has said. He however, noted that without the right mix of platforms and money to keep them across the country’s water, the Navy cannot do much.

In an interview onboard NNS THUNDER at the Gulf of Guinea during the multinational sea-exercise Obangame Express, Alade said the Navy has over the years suffered gross underfunding, just as he praised the current administration for approving the purchase and building of some vessels to stem the tide.

Reiterating the navy’s commitment to its constitutionally

By Precious Igbonwelundu, Staff Correspondent

assigned roles of securing the nation’s maritime space and keeping economic saboteurs at bay, Alade said illegal bunkering has reduced drastically around the command’s operational area.

On the importance of the exercise, Alade said it was essentially to practise maritime interdiction of nations including boarding, simulation, search and rescue. ‘‘As you are aware, cases of piracy is rampant these days in the Gulf of Guinea and this exercise is one of those aimed at curbing the vice. When piracy is reported, the essential thing we do is to board such vessel, search and arrest the pirates.

“Apart from the training, our being out at sea is deterrence to would-be criminals,’’ he said.

‘‘It is common knowledge that the Nigerian Navy is grossly underfunded. We have been talking about it (funding) for so many years now and today, it is not different. The Nigerian Navy requires adequate funding to enable us acquire the right mix of platforms to do our job. You can see what is happening here, without adequate platforms, we cannot do it. ‘‘Thank God we have NNS THUNDER and a couple of ships out there, but we need more. We also commend the effort of government at addressing these problems because as I speak to you, we are expecting some ships –two brand new OPVs from China and one sister ship to NNS THUNDER from USA. Director, Navy at the Ministry of Defence, Akanmi Ola said the problem of funding was not peculiar to the Navy, adding that other military forces had simi-

lar challenges.

He said the problem of attracting funds for the military to tackle insecurity has lingered within government quarters, just as he disclosed that plans were underway by the current government to boost budget for the military.

He said: “Funding the Armed Forces, particularly the navy is not only a problem peculiar to Nigeria, when I came to Lagos, there was a dinner on board the Turkish Ship and I asked the Turkish people how they are able to maintain their ship, which is of same size as NNS THUNDER and the man sighed and exclaimed that it is a challenge, as the money to maintain this ship is always a problem.

“That is to tell you that funding for the maintenance of a vessel like NNS THUNDER is not a problem peculiar to Nigeria alone, it is a general problem and

I think funding will be taken seriously at the top level of government so that appropriate funding can be attracted for the services because security is very important in a nation like ours.”

Ola stressed the need for domestication of ship building but noted that all hands must be on deck to achieve it. ‘‘All tiers of government must be involved in the process. You just cannot transfer technology without inviting people to come and do it.

One of the reasons I represented my Permanent Secretary and Minister onboard the Turkish vessel was to find out the possibility of transferring technology. ‘‘Germany designed the Turkish ship but it was built in Turkey. So, we can have America or any other nation design for us and come to our country to build, which will generate jobs for our people and our navy will be good for it. We just

should not be buying without considering the possibility of acquiring the technology for ship building in Nigeria. ‘‘But you cannot domesticate technology for ship building without a functioning steel industry. We have to start from making our steel industry produce up to capacity such that we can produce the quantity we need. ‘‘It is part of the policy of this current government for technology to be transferred. Nigeria has built a warship, NNS ANDONI, which is evidence we have the technology. What we should be talking about now is funding-money to continue to put available platforms to sea.’’

On what the ministry was doing to ensure Nigeria’s flagship, NNS ARADU an other grounded vessels were sea-worthy, Ola disclosed that some experts were currently working on ARADU.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY APRIL 23, 2014

NEWS

EKITI 2014

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USPECTED Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs on Monday attacked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Egbe-Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government of Ekiti State.

The attack was during a campaign by the PDP governorship candidate Ayo Fayose.

The people scamped for safety. Streets were deserted and markets hurriedly closed, as sound of gunshots rent the air.

A house belonging to a chieftain of the APC, Chief Dapo Awojolu, was the worst hit .

According to eyewitnesses, expended bullet catridges were seen on the ground at the scene of the attack. The thugs, who reportedly came in a truck, were armed with guns, cutlasses and axes.

An occupant of the attacked house, Adeyeye Gbenga, whose car parked in the compound was damaged, narrated his ordeal: “When they got here, they parked and started shouting the name of Chief Awojolu. They accused him of not allowing PDP to thrive in this town. They threatened to destroy him. They brought out guns and started shooting at the house. You can see the damaged louvres and the bullet holes in the wall. My car, which I parked in the compound, was shot at several times. We just thanked God that no one was hurt as we all took cover.”

Another occupant of the house and a younger sister of Chief Awojolu, Mrs. Grace Ogundana, said: “It was God who saved those of us in the house at the time. We had to lie

PDP ‘unleashes’ terror on APC members in Egbe-Ekiti

•The house showing its fence pulled down by the suspected political thugs

•Expended bullet shells From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

face down as gunshots flew about. We had to escape through the back door and ran into the bush where we spent the night in a farmstead out of fear and returned to the house the following morning. One of the thugs, who was dressed in red, led the attack. The same thing happened last Thursday when Labour Party people came for their own rally. They demol-

ished a section of our fence.

Please, help us appeal to the police to protect us from PDP and Labour Party.”

A resident of the town, Segun Fadunmiye, said though he was not at the scene of the attack, he was hearing the gunshots from where he was.

The spokesperson of the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Dimeji Daniels, said the attack was a re-enactment of the orgy of violence in the state

Fayemi challenges Fayose to debate over comment on education Ekiti has produced good results consistently.

I don’t deal with opinions. I deal with facts because facts are sacred; opinions are free •Dr Fayemi

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HE All Progressives C o n g r e s s (APC)governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Governor Kayode Fayemi, yesterday challenged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the June 21 governorship election, Ayodele Fayose, to a debate on the state’s standard of education.

The governor, who spoke in Okeoro-Ekiti in Ijero Local Government, was responding to a claim by Fayose that “the state now ranked 35th in public examinations in the country as opposed to 6th during my time”.

Fayemi said: “Go to West African Examinations Council and check the trajectory. Go and see the records we have achieved in the last three years. Ekiti has produced good results consistently. I don’t deal with opinions. I deal with facts because facts are sacred, opinions are free. Anybody can say what they like.

“I challenge my good brother, Mr Ayo Fayose, to a debate on the academic records when he was the governor and what obtains now

•A car with damaged rear windshield

•The house showing the broken louvres

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

that I am governor. You can check out the entire parameters; teachers when he was governor were earning N7,500 minimum wage.

“Then, there was no rural teachers’ allowance; no core subjects allowance; no capacity building programme for teachers. There was nothing teachers could write home about during his time; though, he (Fayose) might be distributing N500 at the time.

“You can go beyond that and to the tertiary institutions.

Then, it was Fayose that cancelled the College of Medicine in Ekiti State University; go there now and compare the quality of education in the state university. Today, the College of Medicine he cancelled is back and ranks among the best in the country. Aside this, we (the state university) have moved from the position of 217 on Webometric ranking during his time to 17 in the entire country.

“I came from an academic background. I studied hard, defended my thesis before I

became a PhD holder. I did not pick it on the streets. So, there is a difference between what I can tell about education and what someone who doesn’t know the essence of education will tell you.”

The APC candidate said he would increase the number of beneficiaries of the N5000 monthly social security scheme, adding that the electorate has a task to ensure that the June 21 election is won by a party (APC) which has favoured them.

Fayemi said: “We have seen that those contributing hard to the progress of the education standards, the teachers, also deserve to be compensated and we have said we will do everything to make conditions better for them”.

In Oke Oro-Ekiti, the governor said his administration had done the town hall, adding the road to Oke-Oro, Ikukun and Ipoti Ekiti was under construction.

Said he: “We will increase the number of social security beneficiaries. Some said they started Owo Arugbo (social security payments to elders).

Those who don’t care and lack respect for elders will equally lie on them. Lying is the crown on their head.”

“But all these we are doing are preparations for June 21, which is the actual day of work. Let us go out and vote and urge our people to vote.

We are ready to protect our people all the time, especially during election.

We must go out to promote the good work of this government and ensure we protect our votes on the election day,” Fayemi said.

between 2003 and 2006.

Said he: “The PDP should know that guns will not win this election. Only records of excellent performance will and Dr. Kayode Fayemi has that in abundance. Having seen his giant strides, our people have made up their minds on re-electing him. That is a red card to the PDP and its co-traveller, Labour Party. They can amuse themselves for as long as they want. The truth is that Ekiti

people have red-carded them!”

Awojolu said the attack was unprovoked. He added that he has reported the incident to the police.

He said:“Ayo Fayose’s strategy is an exception to the rule. His only strategy is to intimidate the people. When he got to the town on Monday, few people welcomed him. I think that annoyed him.”

He also accused Labour Party members of attacking the same

house on 17 April, 2014 during their campaign rally in the community.

“I never knew Opeyemi Bamidele to be violent. When he was with us, I thought he was a gentleman. He arrogated too much importance to himself. My advice is that he retraces his steps by leaving the political cocoon that he is now,” Awojolu said.

PDP officials declined comments yesterday, saying they were busy campaigning.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

AFRIMA: Stakeholders brainstorm at one-day conference

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OR music enthusiasts, Tuesday, April 15, will go down as most memorable, as the organisers of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held a one-day Nigeria stakeholders’ conference with the theme: “Harnessing Our Music Potential for Africa’s Development” at Four Points, Victoria , Lagos.

The event was part of the activities to herald a music awards ceremony slated for October 25.

In his address, AFRIMA coproducer/regional director, East Africa, Mr. Mike Strano, said AFRIMA is a narrative of African music, culture and heritage on the global stage. “It is fashioned as a medium to enhance African music industry’s bottom line and communicate harmony in Africa with the mandate of producing an international platform to celebrate our cultural heritage and values. It is designed to reward up and coming as well as established talents, while celebrating sustainable growth of the African music industry as a contributor to national and continental economies.”

The Special Guest of Honour, the Director, Entertainment and Creative Services,

•Gekpe

By Babatunde Sulaiman

Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mrs. Grace Gekpe, reaffirmed the support of the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation for the AFRIMA project, adding that she was delighted to be involved in the project.

“The Ministry is enthusiastic about AFRIMA because of what the project has set out to accomplish. We are aware that it intends to celebrate and honour the creative industry talents in Africa and enhance the business aspect of the industry, thereby increasing the GDP of not just Nigeria but other countries in Africa,” she stated.

The keynote speaker, Mr. Dayo Adeneye, aka D1, who spoke on the theme: “Harness-

ing Our Music Potential for Africa’s Development”, praised the AFRMA team for its courage to embark on the continental project which, according to him, is not only positioned to reward talents in music, but export Africa’s music culture and creative economy potential to the rest of the world.

Anchored by Olumuyiwa Osinuga, popularly known as Nomoreloss, there was a panel discussion and a questionand-answer session, where members of the International Committee of AFRIMA fielded questions from the guests.

When veteran reggae artiste, Blackky, asked how AFRIMA intended to deal with integrity issues and voting, AFRIMA Executive Producer, Mike Dada, explained that the 525 members of the Academy of AFRIMA, who will conduct the adjudication process, would be selected from among renowned music scholars, journalists/critics, disc jockeys, Vee Jays and record label owners in Africa.

HE also gave insight into the format of entry submission and voting process, adding that the call for entry would be announced at a later date.

Joke Silva, Tosyn Bucknor, others for God’s Children’s Got Talent

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RGANISERS of the God’s Children’s Got Talent, the pioneer Christian children’s talent hunt programme initiated by the City of David parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Province 4), have revealed that this year’s edition will be a complete departure from the previous ones.

Now in its quarter final stage, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Head of Apapa family, said this year’s edition was designed to provide a credible platform for the celebration of talents in God’s children. “God’s Children’s Got Talent was borne out of the need to help identify and nurture the diverse talents available in children across the Province,” he said.

He further revealed that the scope of this year’s contest would include a variety of musical instruments, arts,

•One of the contestants

By Adetutu Audu

singing and dancing, among others.

Marketing consultant and chairman, Advertising Practitioners Council, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, who gave the opening remarks at an earlier event, said: ‘GCGT tells a powerful story by both stimulating and harnessing children’s talents and bringing their dreams to fruition. In my view, this is another tool for social development and I encourage many brands to participate.

”Two of the major differentiators for this year’s edition are the scope of coverage, as season four of GCGT had other UK and US-based RCCG Apapa parishes participating.

Winners in this year’s competition would get up to N22m prizes, comprising cash prizes, talent development packages and musical equipments.”

Some of the judges include foremost music and media personalities such as Joke Silva, Sir Nwokedi of Muson Centre and Tosyn Bucknor, among others.

NET to honour Onyeka Onwenu, Daddy Showkey, Jide Kosoko, others

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IGERIAN Entertainment Today, the organisers of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference, has announced the list of recipients of the 2014 NET Honour awards.

At the inaugural edition last year, 19 distinguished practitioners were honoured for their contributions to the development of the Nigerian entertainment industry.

This year’s recipients, according to the organisers, include some of Nigeria’s most notable entertainment practitioners like veteran actress and singer, Onyeka Onwenu; Nollywood icons, Jide Kosoko, Adebayo Salami and Sunday Omobolanle; street music pioneer, Daddy Showkey; Gospel legend, Ebenezer Obey; OAP/

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

compere, JAJ; media moguls, Amin Mousalli, Ayo Animashaun and Tajuddeen Adepetu.

Others are distinguished moviemaker, Zeb Ejiro; Storm 360’s boss, Obi Asika; ace music producers, Laolu Akins and OJB Jezreel and seasoned journalist, Jahman Anikulapo.

Post-humous awards will also be given to Christy EssienIgbokwe and Sunny Okosuns.

The Chairman of the Editorial Board, NET, Chris Ihidero, said: “The idea of the NET honours is that we’ll keep recognizing people who have contributed positively to the Nigerian entertainment industry. It’s not bound by age, time or gender.

It’s an ongoing process. We

•Kosoko

hope, we can honour everyone who has imparted the industry immensely.” Speakers at this year’s edition of the conference, which comes up on Wednesday, April 29, at the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotel and Suites, include Prof. Pat Utomi, BasketMouth, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, 2face Idibia, Jason Njoku, Uche Jombo, Tony Okoroji, Ope Awoyemi, Olisa Adibua and IK Osakioduwa, among others.

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Inexcusable folly •The attitudes of the president, his team and the military to the abduction of 234 girls expose incompetence and insensitivity

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EARS are flowing in Borno State. This is in spite of his ever ready denial Tears of fathers and mothers. that he has set in motion his campaign Tears from the absence of daugh- for reelection as president of Nigeria. ters abducted by militants who pass themWas it that the president did not underselves off as the messengers of God. The stand the gravity of the kidnap of the girls, nation at large is caught in this emotional or was it that he did not grasp the agony pain and outpouring. of the bereaved from the Nyanya tragHours after bombs detonated at the edy? The news of the girls’ kidnap was popular Nyanya bus terminal in Abuja, fresh while he gallivanted to Kano and the daredevil bigots drove trucks into a danced to songs of politics while a diplosecondary school, the Government Sec- mat was donating his blood to the vicondary School, Chibok in Borno State. tims. Yet the president ought to have emInitial reports had it that the young men pathised with the girls, he also being a whisked away 100 girls. Later the father and having given a daughter away number moved up to 129. Newspapers in marriage recently. reported on Tuesday that the number sufTo trivialise the event, the president fered from steep undercount. The real figure, adding 105 arts students, leapt to 234. This number came from the testimonies of the parents who are still at a loss why their wards sent to school under the bower of a government protection should be removed into a place they cannot imagine, subjected to treatment they cannot conceive and they could be wondering, in the absence of any clue, whether their girls are dead or alive.

The parents, in acts of bravery, combed the now infamous Sambisa Forest, for about 12 hours in search of the victims. Their effort evokes heroics of parentage with the risk that all or any number of about 200 of them may have fallen victim to the familiar pattern of savagery of these dedicated hood- • President Jonathan lums. Yet their story unveils a cruel underside of this society. spoke about how he spent money to inThey found no evidence of our military duce politicians to vote for him. He said force in the forest. A state of emergency he passed the money through Kano State is in force in the state as it is in other states Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. It in the northeast. Yet, vulnerable civilians could not have been more absurd, more walked in the lair of the bandits without out of sync with the high ideals of decency on a day hundreds of parents were the succour of government sympathy.

The whole drama of the girls’ abduc- grieving over the disappearance of their tion exposes the lack of seriousness in kids and families mourning the deaths the war against terror. In the first place, of loved ones.

Again, the president travelled across the the president and commander-in-chief of th the armed forces, Goodluck Ebele country to Ibadan to mark the 100 birthJonathan, spent a day in tearful empathy day of the Olubadan of Ibadan. Jollificawith the victims in Abuja, his words bear- tion and mirth amidst loss, deaths and ing the imprint of condolence. The next tragedy amount to a lack of understandday, as though a different person, he flew ing of the integrity and dignity of presito Kano on a political campaign. From a dential office.

But it did not show in the president sense of sobriety in the front of camera klieg lights in the nation’s capital, he alone. Mediocrity in the fight against terturned to the feisty exuberance of a poli- ror showed in the response of the Nigetician eager for the votes of the people. rian army. The Defence Headquarters re-

‘This is the time for the president to show sobriety and roll out strategies against the bandits who work in the name of religion. It is not the time for frivolous politics and epicurean pastimes. Lives are being lost, students are not going to school, and businesses are impaired. The more the bandits succeed, the more our way of life is imperilled’

ported, with evident glee, that it had recovered 86 of the 100 girls. It turned out that the army had emitted a tissue of lies.

They had not rescued any girl, and the about 39 girls freed at the time of this article liberated themselves from the clutches of their tormentors. They did not need the help of their so-called protectors.

This raises a big question as to what are the other miscues, blunders and dangerous games of corruption going on in the presidency and the military under the guise of a war on terror. We cannot continue to fight a war on terror as though lives are not important. A news report that N76 billion dollars was spent on monitoring technologies in Abuja with the whole equipment now broken and paralysed had not been denied by the F e d e r a l Government at the time of writing this editorial. This is a case where incompetence meets insensitivity.

The president’s party moved a notch up in its absurd game when its spokesman, Olisa Metuh, said the opposition All Progressives Congress was responsible for the blast in Abuja. Neither the president nor the hierarchy of the party has cautioned Metuh. Neither has the statement been withdrawn.

The point must be made that no party should take advantage of the tragedy from Boko Haram for political advantage.

Decency and civility should guide the statements of all parties. The victims of the tragedies bear no faith or political fealty or tribe.

This is the time for the president to show sobriety and roll out strategies against the bandits who work in the name of religion.

It is not the time for frivolous politics and epicurean pastimes. Lives are being lost, students are not going to school, and businesses are impaired. The more the bandits succeed, the more our way of life is imperilled.

We have noted on this page that surveillance must be mounted in all critical areas of the state. Every school in session is a critical area, and it goes without saying.

If a state of emergency is in force, how come students writing an examination are not targeted for protection? We wonder what vision guides the prosecution of a state of emergency where obvious targets lie prostrate.

We cannot continue like a nation of impotence when we can use military force backed by intelligence to monitor doings and movements of such savage cruelty.

What we need now is not resources, but the will. The president must take the lead in attitude, example and vision.

International aid can’t arrive soon enough for the Central African Republic

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HE UNANIMITY with which the United Nations Security Council approved a peacekeeping force for the Central African Republic early this month attested to the dire situation in that impoverished country. More than 630,000 people in a nation of 4.5 million have fled their homes, and tens of thousands are living in miserable and dangerous conditions at the airport in Bangui, the capital, or in other improvised camps. Just 6,000 African and 2,000 French troops provide what passes for protection and order in a country where the state has collapsed. The U.N. force, which will consist of 10,000 troops and 2,000 police, is not due to deploy until September.

The first challenge this dismal situation presents is how to protect the refugees until the U.N. force arrives. Most endangered are the country’s Muslims, who became the target of a vicious outbreak of sectarian attacks by members of the Christian majority after a Muslim-led government — itself guilty of mass brutality — collapsed in January. Of the 100,000 Muslims who formerly lived in Bangui, fewer than 1,000 remain, and some 80,000 Muslims have fled to neighboring countries.

Unless the tide can be reversed, the destruction of their communities may be irreversible.

To be sure, not only Muslims are at risk. On March 29 Chadian troops killed about 30 people and injured more than 300 at a Christian market in Bangui. Chad, a majority-Muslim country, later agreed to withdraw its 850 peacekeepers, which were not part of the African Union force. But Muslim militias and mercenaries remain a threat.

A government has been established under an interim president, Catherine SambaPanza, who is not connected to the militants of either side. But her administration, packed with her relatives and associates, is proving ineffective; U.N. Secretary General Ban Kimoon, who recently visited the country, fairly described it on the opposite page on April 14 as “at ground zero of governance.” It needs funding and technical help if it is to get police, courts and prisons running again.

Encouragingly, the European Union has agreed to send 1,000 reinforcements to back the French — whose intervention in the country followed successful but simpler operations to rescue Mali and the Ivory Coast from anarchy. Also promising is the relatively broad mandate granted the peacekeeping force by the Security Council. It will have authority not only to protect civilians and humanitarian aid deliveries, but also to monitor human rights abuses and help national authorities arrest those responsible for atrocities.

Much more aid, however, is needed. A U.N. appeal for $547 million had attracted only about a fifth of that amount by the beginning of this month. The Obama administration has provided or pledged $67 million in humanitarian assistance as well as $100 million for the training, equipment and transport of the African Union mission and $7.5 million for human rights and other programs. That’s generous support, but the needs of the Central African Republic are virtually bottomless.

- Washington Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

• Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina

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

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) •Press Manager Yomi Odunuga Udensi Chikaodi •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Legal Counsel John Unachukwu •Group Business Editor Simeon Ebulu • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye •Group Sports Editor Ade Ojeikere •Acting Manager (sales) •Editorial Page Editor Olaribigbe Bello Sanya Oni

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: About 50 years ago, when Segun Awolowo, the scion and a most precious jewel of the Awolowo family died, the pang of that tragic occurrence was such that devastated the mind as one death too many.

As a Cambridge educated lawyer, Segun with a naturally endowed intellect, and a striking physical similitude of his illustrious father, was every inch, a chip off the old block.

While Papa, enamoured in the manly steel of philosophical equanimity, was wont to take things in their stride,– it was not so for the mother – whose emotional defences could not but succumb to an unfettered cascade of invading tears.

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SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Oluwole Akanni Awolowo: One year after But Mama’s Niravana of peace, was to suffer a severe set back when eight years ago, his only surviving son, Chief Oluwole Awolowo was involved in a ghastly motor accident. So terrible was the accident, that those who had the first hand opportunity of beholding it; couldn’t have given him any chance of survival. That Wole survived the accident at all,

was a qualification that all hopes were not lost for Wole to spend not only more days, but even much on earth.

Mama had every cause to hope.

Not only that. She had cause to hope even against hope. Now come to think of it, no mother on earth no matter how unkind would gladly have suffered her dear children to die before her – more-so a

child who was so special as Wole was to Mama.

Moreover, Wole was the only male child, whom you could describe as the Arole or Dawodu or Aremo – which translate in literal sense to the scion or heir apparent of the Awolowo family.

It is against this background, and the fact that Mama saw in Wole being the only surviving son – the

obsolete approach to medical education, lack of general and human management approaches, inter and intra professional squabbles, this initiative would have done a lot to assuage some of these ailments.

Unfortunately, as is typical for brilliant, well intentioned and novel ideas which go against well entrenched vested interests, the initiative came dead on arrival!

A cabal that eschews public scrutiny and accountability presided over the death of the initiative.

A few of us continue to aver that too much power, is vested in the post graduate Medical Colleges which remains both the judge and prosecutor in her own cases! It determines the standards of graduate medical education, determines the standards for residency programmes, determines the standards and formats for the examinations, administers these examinations and determines individuals it deems fit to qualify as specialists!

She will also adjudicate in any appeals against it – an exercise in futility.

The colleges are a law unto themselves with no external checks and balances. They are not accountable to the public. They carry on as though

not answerable to anyone.

The federal government which underwrites the salaries of these resource persons has never demanded results. No one has ever challenged their methods. They resist oversight from the National Universities Commission in a battle of egos and continue to inflict unimaginable pain on multitudes of wannabe specialists through their non evidence based methods. The tragedy is that no one is asking questions!

Indeed, the thrust of the recommendations by the Royal College was precisely in the areas of planning, resource allocation, objectivity, standardization, transparency, accountability and international best practices. These recommendations were roundly dismissed by some of the faculties (Psychiatry) and selectively adopted by others.

The developed countries adopt a process which matches supply of specialists with demand, which ensure outcomes for resource allocation and which lends little opportunity for manipulations, ensuring accountability from top to bottom.

Transparency and accountability is often achieved by a process of quality assurance which articulates what the definitions, standards or measures of

quality are, what needs to be done to achieve this quality and spells out the steps to achieve this end- in a dispassionate manner.

Quality assurance in graduate medical education should begin with the separation of the bodies responsible for setting and upholding the standards for graduate medical education and the body that implements these standards. As in other spheres of the Nigerian existence, the tendency to resist change remains significant in the healthcare sector. The sector is arguably the most troubled, partly because of the conspiracy of its elites, its highly professional nature which renders it impervious to public scrutiny, failure of her utilisers to demand change and a government lacking in will to place demands.

The sector will remain in its current sorry state unless the conceptual underpinnings of healthcare delivery is revisited, new mechanisms and processes engaged, accountability and transparency to the public made its cornerstone, and a more appropriate model for its delivery employed.

Why Nigerian physicians can’t heal themselves

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IR: About three or four years ago, the British Royal College of Physicians was involved in a peer review process with one of her Nigerian counterparts, the West Africa College of Physicians. The objective was to assess areas of collaboration in medical education, evaluation and practice. The intent was also to evolve a new paradigm and approach to the training of doctors generally, bringing things to par with international best practices.

The success of that mission would have meant that physicians trained and accredited here as specialists could simply pack their belongings and move to the United kingdom, Australia, Singapore or Ireland for practice and vice versa. It would have meant our qualifications are unquestioned and at par with other ones out there. It would have facilitated practice across borders, greater international recognition and acceptance, a fluidity of processes and perhaps a restoration of confidence in a sector since relegated to the fringes.

It would have been an elixir of life in a sector bedeviled by all manner of ills, a lack of leadership (conceptual, managerial and innovative), loss of confidence by the populace, an

• Timi Babatunde MD Lagos

image and symbolic representation of her departed beloved husband, that she (Mama), will be ready to give all it takes for her beloved and only surviving male son, to not only live, but outlive her.

It was this traumatizing suspense of Wole’s fate, that Mama was contending with, when the sardonic messenger of death, announced like a thunder bolt from a most unlikely quarters, to claim a most precious jewel of the Awolowo biological family, in the person of Mrs Ayo Soyode.

If before now, Mama had managed with bathed breadth equanimity, over Wole’s fate, one required no pre-science or extra sensory clairvoyance to comprehend the paranoia of heightened anxiety assailing Mama’s spirit over Wole – immediately following the death four years ago, of Mrs. Soyode.

And today four years after, the rest is history. Mama’s worst fears is confirmed. I join the millions of Awo’s larger ideological family all over the world, to admonish Mama and members of the Awo biological family, to weep no more.

There is certainly no doubt that Wole has in his own right, registered an indelible footprint in the sand of time. His religious piety, which was a theme of popular public knowledge – was also such that equally staggered the imagination.

There is no doubt that Wole lived an exemplarily inspiring life. He gave his all materially, financially and spiritually, to humanity on whom he impacted, even through his illuminating discourse on the path to good living – and in particular to his maker, to whom he devoted himself in unalloyed love and service.

It’s a thing of celebration, that Wole did not disappoint the family and the teeming number of Awo’s ideological family scattered all over the world. There is no doubt that his legendary father, the immortal Awo, would be proud of him.

•Kola Johnson, Lagos

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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COMMENTS

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Happy Easter?; Oil price increase; Do LGAs have a future?; ‘ONLY 129 girls’

HE murder of security personnel and the kidnap of 129 students with 49 found and the Nyanya, Abuja bombing claiming 75 lives with hundreds injured terrorise Tony us all just as political vioMarinho lence terrorises us. The ‘heat signal’ generated by vehicles carrying maybe 3-400 people must show on foreign satellites. When will that convergence of information from international satellites on the Sambisa Forest lead to recovery of the terrorised girls? If you were not a distraught parent, you should have shared their pain with prayers and donations. Just perhaps you had a ‘Happy Easter’ even without electricity and you spent four or 10 hours longer on the road.

Nigerian political authorities have traditionally misspent/ stolen the budget before elections. This 2014 budget should not be diverted to political war chests for 2015. With the budget passed, government must give Nigerians 130,000+Mw, the East-West Road, the Second Niger Bridge and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, start the Solar Revolution and fund textbooks and novels in all school. These ‘Matters Of Urgent National Importance’ do not need Economic Summits. They are not nuclear physics, but political ABCs, achievable by a forceful visionary leadership with a sense of history. Power is not the power of corruption bank accounts but the power to participate for positive change and persuade others likewise.

Nigerians need to use information better. The price of oil is $104. The budget oil benchmark is $77 or so. This nearly $30 difference and unbudgeted gain for 2.5million barrels day, 22% in billions of extra naira earned. We must prevent that 22% disappearing into the Excess Crude Account or follow the missing $20billion or the First and Second Gulf Oil windfalls. The money must accelerate development.

Nigeria has job opportunities that should have been created long ago. But now, even education leads to unemployment. The government in the past and present has misused

T

HE dust raised by last week’s early morning bombing of the bustling Nyayan motor park located on the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital city and seat of government, is yet to settle down. Surprisingly, as if to really demonstrate that they are actually in charge, after the blast in Abuja, the terrorist moved to Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State and swooped on the students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE. There, they abducted about 129 girls. According to reports, the operation lasted for more than six hours - from 9pm till about 3am without any challenge coming from the security agencies. The whereabouts of majority of the girls is still shrouded in mystery.

With the recent developments, it is pertinent to reappraise the whole campaign against terror in Nigeria. The Boko Haram episode may have escalated in 2009 but the truth is that the whole thing was planned by Nigerians for a long time before the bloody skirmishes that eventually unfolded in 2009.

Many of the foot soldiers and their commanders had received extensive training in some West African countries as well as some Middle East countries before that bloody encounter.

Some years ago, the Chief of Defence Staff of Niger Republic had intimated the Defence Headquaters in Nigeria that they arrested about 600 Nigerians who were in their custody in Niger Republic. They were allegedly sniffed out of their training camps in Niger Republic.

Regrettably, the Nigerian authorities did not follow up this piece of information, and when Niamey could no longer cope, she merely

Local Government Areas (LGAs) which should have had a ‘stay and work at home’ development policy. But no one created the developmental and conducive environment at LGA level. Most LGAs are rundown by gangster governments. Who wants to work in an LGA without good without good facilities and staff?

In any other country, the terrors of our time would require a cross party solution since politics and the poor decisions of the political class are causes of LGA, state and federal problems and the solutions. But here ‘we blame passing strangers for our body odour and dirty underwear’ fulfilling the well-worn African proverb of ‘pointing one accusing finger at others while four fingers point back at us’. The calculated destruction or non-construction of the LGA level is caused by local, state and federal machinations. Most LGAs were never developmental, but just another level of corruption, political financing with voter manipulation and punishment-orreward for foe or friend, with no serious service. Initially LGA councils notoriously meet only monthly on allocation day to share funds among the traditional rulers, bigwigs and hangers-on. Indeed it was this coupled with theft of salaries for teachers that helped ruin education. This corruption forced the transfer of LGA budgets to the states to guarantee salaries and LGAs were run by the occupying state political party. Even indigenes refused to spend allocated funds on schools, education and health preferring to steal everything. Only few states are genuinely interested in the citizens or want to protect their political flank. Many LGA staff have questionable credentials and motives with no ‘service to others before self’ attitude and often leave LGAs worse off.

The value of LGAs versus their cost and consequences needs reassessment. The power of the LGAs is too absolute with thugs as enforcers. LGAs must have non-political citizens in LGA Council Committees. ICPC and EFCC should be preventive ‘Early warning’ at LGA council meetings to help stop corruption, stupid LGA taxation, levies and political mayhem. Our Non-Sovereign National Conference should ask why there were 77 in old Kano before Jigawa was split off and now 44 LGAs in Kano and only 20 in Lagos. Is the discriminatory fiat of maximum military might and ethnic arrogance not correctable by this NSNC? Perhaps we should

cancel LGAs funding from federal entirely and have states do so as most of them already manage to corner the LGA budgets through one subterfuge or the other –from co-signatories to accounts to stalled LGA election schedules. The questions are –would states run better under the governor?

Of course Governor ‘He or she’ may deprive LGAs which did not vote for ‘him or her’ but that is the political game worldwide. Politics must be played fairly with justice to all. If LGAs had carried their weight even with the funds available to them over the last 50 years, there is no reason why any citizen would need to travel for greener pastures. Can the failed LGA system be fixed, rendered accountable and of ‘Service with a Smile’? We are all in an LGA. Has an LGA Chairman or official ever once written or sent a message to congratulate anyone you know or their parents for ‘Exemplary Service to the LGA’? Of course not! Only demand notices!

Whenever there is a dispute over tragedy numbers, even ‘one’ victim should never be addressed as ‘only one’. Government agencies must never use ‘ONLY’ for the number of dead. For the families that ‘only one’ death is 100% loss.

‘Politics must be played fairly with justice to all. If LGAs had carried their weight even with the funds available to them over the last 50 years, there is no reason why any citizen would need to travel for greener pastures.

Can the failed LGA system be fixed, rendered accountable and of ‘Service with a Smile’?’

Romancing terrorism (1)

allowed the people to go their own way. At about the same time, in the wake of the overthrow of Muamar Gaddafi, the Chief of Defence Staff of Mali also inundated the Defence Headquarters in Nigeria that a whole brigade of Libyan fighters had taken over Northern Mali and cried out for help from Nigeria to confront them and chase them away. Again, the Nigerian authorities, as usual, turned a deaf ear.

It was at this point that the French government was contacted and subsequently, French troops stepped in and rained bombs on them in the hills of northern Mali. By the time they were dislodged from Mali, they left Mali and settled in Sambissa Forest, from where they recruited a good number of fighters in the northeast of the country to wage war on Nigeria. Though they are using Nigerians as foot soldiers, most of their commanders are not Nigerians. Majority of them are Libyans, which account for the speculation in military circles that some of the dead bodies found at Sambissa forest after each military encounter, were more like bodies of people of Arab descent and other non-Nigerians. Besides, the Libyans and others of Arab descent now pillaging the country, many Nigerians have also visited such countries as Iran, South Yemen, Iraq and others for terrorists’ training.

They usually go there under the pretence that they were going to study.

Unfortunately, our intelligence network in this country is at best comatose. The Department of State Security that has statutory responsibility of carrying out internal sur-

‘The Boko Haram episode may have escalated in 2009 but the truth is that the whole thing was planned by Nigerians for a long time before the bloody skirmishes that eventually unfolded in 2009’

veillance and intelligence gathering seems not to be doing much.

Instead, its lean manpower resources are being dissipated as VIP escorts for politicians rather than concentrating on their primary duties. It is sad to note that up till date, no single person has been fingered as one of the sponsors of these terrorists’ acts in the country. You only see the security agencies running after the inconsequential foot soldiers while the big guns are moving freely. I believe that the reason for this lackadaisical attitude is that somebody or some people somewhere don’t want to offend anybody and, therefore, are more inclined to cover up rather than expose those behind these devilish perpetrations.

The other day during the Anambra State election, I saw SSS operatives with buses marked DSS and uniforms. I challenged anybody to tell me that he or she has ever seen any bus or operatives of the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, going about in buses marked CIA or in uniform with CIA boldly written on the shirt or T-shirt. Today in Nigeria, every Tom, Dick and Harry, particularly politicians and even fraudsters have SSS escorts assigned to them. At the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, NIA, the story is worse. That agency is as dead as dodo.

At the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency, the SSS members who were sent to spy on the sect members soon became more Boko Haram than the sect members they were detailed to spy on. Today, you have virtually all members of the security agencies - Military, Police, SSS, Customs, Immigration, Prison officers and others - who are active members of Boko Haram. That is why the ongoing war may be difficult to win. At present, the army is seriously overstretched in maintaining internal security. It has less than 88,000 men, the navy 12,000, the Air force about 11,000 while the po-

lice has 350,000 men or thereabout in its nominal roll. Since the incumbent Inspector General of Police withdrew policemen from checkpoints, what have they been doing to fight crime and criminality?

The only way out of the present quagmire is to go back to the drawing board and like this column has always advocated, let us close our borders with Niger, Chad and Cameroun. These terrorists are domiciled in Northern Cameroun, which is far from Douala, the capital. That is why the Camerounian authorities are less perturbed. All these countries mentioned have fallen to the intimidation of these terrorists who may have simply told them: “If you don’t allow us to operate in your territory, we would turn our guns against you.” That is why all these countries that share boarders with us are not raising a finger against the terrorists. They are comfortable as far as the heat is not on them.

I believe the best way to regain total control of Nigeria’s territory is for the military to embark on a grand assault of the hills and forests in the North-east. They could do what the United States did to Osama Bin Laden at Tora Bora in Afghanistan. They should engage in indiscriminate bombing of the hills and forests even if it means dropping napalm bombs ceaselessly for about a week. That was what the US did in Afghanistan and Bin Laden was forced to take to his heels when the caves where he had taken cover came crashing under the crushing weight of the devastating bombs.

He fled to neighbouring Pakistan and finally pitched his tent at Abbotabad where the US Marines finally dealt him a deadly blow. So, the Nigeria Air Force must take up that role. If the terrorists are hiding inside the caves in the hills, they will collapse in the face of intense carpet bombing.

Above all, there must be a joint information room for all the serv-

Dele Agekameh ices so as to be able to properly coordinate this anti-terror campaign.

The situation where the security agencies do not share information is bad enough. Even where, may be, the military gives information to the SSS, the service goes and takes the credit. As for the police, they are not known for sharing information with any sister agency no matter what.

The other day, Alex Badeh, the new Chief of Defence Staff, said the role of the military is to confront the terrorists while the civilian authorities will do the politicallyneedful. He is right. Now, what is the role of emirs, politicians and elders in this fight? A closer look at the tactics of these Boko Haram terrorists shows clearly that they rely more on people drawn from the lowest cadre of the social ladder to fight their war. These are shoe shiners, mairuwa (water vendors), and other artisans. Remember that they used a firewood truck in the bombing in Maiduguri sometimes ago.

The fact remains that the security agencies have as much information as possible at their disposal, what is left is the ability to piece them together and do the needful. May God help us; help Nigeria!

• To be continued Send reactions to: 08058354382 (SMS only)

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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COMMENTS ‘Each time l hear people say that the country is boiling because some people threatened to make it ungovernable for Jonathan, l just laugh. Can a father, whose enemies threatened to wipe out his entire household, sit with arms folded, allowing them to have their way so that he could attribute his doom, arising from his docility to those who want him eliminated?’

• Obahiagbon

For Dare Olatunj At least, we have someone who can represent Nigeria, indeed, Africa in grammar competition. He is fun to be with anyday, anytime. Hon Patrick, keep up the good work. From Sada, Port-Harcourt.

Thanks for waking up the Igodomigodo at last. We miss his explosive comments.

From Kehinde Akinlade, Abeokuta Prof., tell your adopted brother, Patrick, to beware of platitudinous ponderosity in public discourse because it could be a concocted congency without momentum bombast (due apology to Candido). From Lanre Tunwon Your last article was the best that I had read since we started celebrating our 100 years of existence. May your pen never suffer any hiatus. From Anonymous Good day, Prof. All they did was debase our international image. They made us a laughing stock. Why? 2015! When we recently took over the routine chair of the United Nations Security Council which even Chad and Cape Verde had once occupied, it was wild celebrations in Abuja. They called it victory for President Jonathan’s foreign policy. I think they may soon rebase our power generating capacity so that run away industries can come back. From Olu. Re-Insights from a rebased economy. Perhaps our policy makers are rewriting the economics of the world where the index for underdevelopment will lead to economic leadership by Nigeria, then we would need to consult Adam Smith, Todaro, Keynes and others. I am not buying the rebased figure. From Lanre Oseni.

Dare, it is an irony that The Nation, in which Asiwaju Tinubu has interest, was the first to fowl his call on journalists to apply “investigative knack” which he assessed “is gone”; courtesy Daily Sun of April 11, 2014, page 3.

If you applied the knack in “Insights from a rebased economy” you would have been proactive in your derisive analysis of the “rebased economy”. All your areas of contention have no valid bases to disprove Okonjo-Iweala’s claims on the principle, which in general terms means infusion of new sources of revenue to improve the GDP. On the issue of dud power generation, most of the age-long manufacturing companies have found alternative sources to supplement the unsteady power supply. The railway is not completely down and there are alternative means for its services. The new agricultural programmes contributed N350m to the GDP. So, what was your negative hype all about? From Lai Ashadele.

That your grammar in The Nation of 15-0414 was very titanic. You have to simplify it for better understanding. From Mba Hon Obahiagbon, why is it that when you speak or write, it is always full of ambiguous words. To understand your view without the use of a dictionary is a problem.From Abiodun Moses, Port Harcourt Re-from himself the Igodomigodo; Patrick Obahiagbon is a rare gift to Nigeria; but, unfortunately, very few realised this. I am a northerner but my admiration for the ‘OGA of grammar’ never ceases. He makes my day any time. Please, how can I get his books ? If he has not written any, let him start now for he is a model to Nigerian youths and a challenge to them as well. From Pastor Adams, Lokoja.

I will not like to call the piece, Insights

from a debased economy, uneducated and too theoretical. But the fact remains that the author of this piece failed to take reality into consideration. An economic growth in the face of growing poverty is simply another Nigerian manipulation. We live by what we see which is increasing poverty and worsening infrastructure. Whatever else the economists say is just theory and fallacy.

From Chris, Calabar For Segun Gbadegesin Sir, your paper is awash with goodwill for the APC. I’ve sent mine, and will be grateful if published. But it’s not as simple as people are writing. The only northerner we trust now is Buhari.At the same time, the only southerner who has grabbed the larger picture and has proven himself fully capable is Tinubu. Without any of them, very many will prefer to stick with the status quo and let the heavens fall. From Anonymous.

My take in all this Boko Haram issue is that the blood of innocent Igbos slaughered

by Kanuris in the 60s is now being answered by high heavens.The solution is apologise, seek restitution and collaborate with other parts of the nation to always bring the best hand in leadership, so that the illitrate masses of the North can be liberated.From Patrick I read your article on Still a question of structure. Your suggestions (regionalism & resource control) are potent enough to end corruption and insurgency in the country.

Well done. Anonymous Segun, happy to read your article of April 18, 2014.Your last paragraph captured the Nigerian question in its fullness. Regionalism and six-zonal structures (now more often applied but absent in the Constitution).

We have some level of autonomy to start real transformation of Nigeria even the often-misconstrued resource control will take a cue from regional and zonal autonomy.

Every part of this lucky-but-mis-governed country has numerous resourses to tap. It’s not only oil. Most states in the North have more mineral and land resourses untapped.

Those, like the Southeast, with less minerals, can tap their human resourses, like Israel, Switzerland, Japan, Britain and others.

Please, use your medium to preach the good gospel, for peace and development. From Concerned Senior Citizen Harcourt Your comment and debate on structure.

Your article was okay by all standards. As a Nigerian, my view on the matter is in support of true federalism. With this , everything will fall in place.

For Gbenga Omotoso It’s really pitiable that our so-called leaders don’t know what to do at any time. GEJ should concentrate and stop politicking when the nation is in mourning. He is even bold to say he used money to buy the ticket.

Well, non of them is worth leading us, because they nothing to offer. From Obiora, Abuja.

Kwankwaso is no match to Mr President.

When they were arming and teaching them wrong perception about life, didnt they know that it would hit back at them soonest.

Governance cannot stop because of what some dubious people planted years back.

Governance is for the living. From Dave, Abuja For God sake, unity not by force divide this country and let everybody be, but I assure you that judgement and vengeance must speak because of the innocent blood.Those sponsoring them the anger of the Almighty will never depart from their generation unborn. From Acceptance Akwa Ibom.

Kwankwaso should respect the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Chris. O It is a political disaster to read the claim

by Mr. President that he gave cash to Kano delegates during the primaries Re: A commentator’s nightmare is vintage you, sir. But I don’t see any big deal in this rebasing of a thing because I don’t see how it will bring food to the table of impoverished Nigerians. People who cannot afford three meals or the teeming unemployed youths will not make any meaning of the rebasing as it does not impact positively on their lives. The Federal Government should tackle the serious security challenges and other social vices in the land. To me the rebasing is a sham and a mere distraction.

Nigerians need the good things of life and a better living condition. Period! From Ojo A Ayodele Emure Ekiti Jonathan has nothing to offer again. He has failed Nigerians now that he has many shoes. He should just resigh and go. From Chris Apapa.

Gbenga, sane governance will take off when we have a sane opposition. Your pay masters in their bid for power are prepared to bring down the roof over our heads not minding the means. From Fabian, Enugu.

I support Kwankwaso. Most of the political challenges in Nigeria are fueled by the toxic reports & view points of some journalists. From John Mgbe, Owerri.

Indeed, only a good follower who is humble enough to honour his superiors can make a good leader. How arrogant and presumptive for Kwankwaso to confront his Oga publicly.

May God expose the secret behind Boko Haram. Amen! From Alex, Igando, Lagos.

What a shame! A president’s open admission of ‘giving’ cash to delegates at a party primary election. It is a violation of electoral law. It’s a pity, our president admitted that he paid delegates to give him votes.

Which word best describes the above.

BRIBERy? or CORRUPTION? From Philip Akever-Kano It’s become obvious today that Mr Jonathan Goodluck is a politician and not a leader.

With all due respect, our president does not seem to know what leadership is all about. I did not believe that he went to Kano for a political rally when the people were still weeping over the attack at Nyanya motor park. Each time l hear people say that the country is boiling because some people threatened to make it ungovernable for Jonathan, l just laugh. Can a father, whose enemies threatened to wipe out his entire household, sit with arms folded, allowing them to have their way so that he could attribute his doom, arising from his docility to those who want him eliminated? Can’t he put up a resistance to save his family if he is truly man? One day, Nigerians will know those who are the brain behind this insecurity that has become our brand of politics.

From Ifeanyi O. Ifeanyichukwu, Abuja.

It seems certain that there is a concerted, deliberate effort to debase Jonathan’s presidency by Fulani/Hausa leadership.

Kwankwaso’s effontery in his disrespecful disposition toward the president of Nigeria would not have be tolerated if it has been the other way round. ‘What goes round comes around’ as they say; nemesis is the recoil of nature and some body will ultimately be the loser, definitely not Jonathan Gbenga, that is the million dollar question. When will politics give way for some governance? In your commentator’s nightmare. Just keep the fire in ur pen burning.

Rev Okonkwo Robinson, Rumuagholu, P.H. Do you know that Jonathan is intelligent.

He purposely doesn’t want to stop Boko Haram if not he would have called Americans into the matter. But he wants to leave them because 2015 election is close. He doesn’t want anybody in the North to come out and vote because of fear of Boko Haram.

He thinks that in the Southeast and West he

•Kwankwaso

has people who will vote for him. And as for Kwankwaso, he should not even think of running for presidency because I have not seen what he has done for Kano. From Kassy Olisakwe Gbenga, please read the Federal Government’t reply to your last sentence on page 4 of same newspaper (THE NATION) and do a rejoinder. Thanks For Tunji Adegboyega Re: After the marathon fasting. That expectation from the church leaders against our ‘misrulers’ would not be achieved as long as the church/mosque leaders see the political rulers as august and special visitors, special worshippers. Do you know the politicians ‘ financial and material donations to those worshipping coffers? Inability to say it as it is in all ramifications, remains part of the reasons for Nigeria’s underdevelopment. Aluta continua. From Lanre Oseni.

Tunji, compliments. No, I did not fast for Jonathan, nor his maladministration. In fact, I fasted that God will (?) him. I don’t know of my G.O. But we, also fasted 100 days in 1996, when there was no Jonathan or PDP. I hope 2015 will come quickly and Jonathan’s presidency will become history for the sake of our kids. Anonymous.

Some of the so-called leaders in the churches today are the most fraudulent in terms of leadership. Imagine, some of them are flying jets, manage universities, still they cannot come together and look for a way forward. Instead, they have become the Federal Government spokespersons. Politicians will steal money and they will pray for them and collect their money. From Hamza Ozi Momoh, Apapa, Lagos.

When you hear church leaders asking their members to participate in politics, you had better scrutinise the motive. They are only saying that because that is how they can get on that gravy train of corruption that is euphemistically called ‘national cake’. How many of them can ask their church to pray that if their member will not rule with the fear of God, he or she should not get there?

In fact, this may shock you; having a political office holder as a member is fast becoming a status symbol among some pastors.

Corruption has eaten deep into the church; only God can save us. From Simon Oladapo, Ogbomoso.

In spite of fasting and praying that our men of God keep organizing daily to avert constant killings of innocent citizens, instead of the killings abating, they continue.

Has God deserted us because of our sins?

Father forgive us and restore normalcy in Nigeria. What is happening now and then over insecurity lapses has become an embarrassment and made us a laughing stock in the comity of nations. From Gordon Chika Nnorom.

T.J., can only continue to admire and appreciate you for essays every Sunday. ‘After the marathon fasting …’ hit the nail on the head. Anonymous.

Thanks so much for sharing my view on the unpleasant attitudinal disposition and indictment of some ungrateful Nigerians over female ministers in President Jonathan’s cabinet. The reasons can be traced to envy, jealousy, complex and wickedness.

Also because their wives are not as beautiful as the ministers. From Destiny.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net Stories by Taofik Salako

Forecasts Niger Insurance Gross Premium - N2.73b Profit after tax - N212.95m Mutual Benefits Gross Premium - N2b Profit - N885.633m Regency Alliance Gross Premium – N812.596m Profit after tax – N256.437m Learn Africa Turnover - N1.06b Profit after tax - N58.336m Total Nigeria Turnover - N46.676 b Profit after tax - N942.1m MRS Oil Nigeria Turnover - N51.20b Profit after tax - N712 m Eterna Turnover - N27.64b Profit after tax - N563.834m Okomu Oil Palm Turnover - N2.667b Profit after tax - N1.044b Stanbic/IBTC Bank Net operating income N16.805b Profit after tax - N2.737b ASL Turnover - N1.084b Profit after tax - N101.355m GT Assurance Gross Premium - N3.892b Profit after tax - N710.62m Cornerstone Insurance Gross Premium - N1.223b Profit after tax - N80.01m Oasis Insurance Gross Premium N562.500m Profit after tax - N79.868m African Alliance INS Gross Premium - N1.215b Profit after tax - N107.213m Berger Paints Turnover - N976.303m Profit after tax - N88.258m SCOA Nigeria Turnover - N835.0m Profit after tax - N18.200m Dangote Sugar Refinery Turnover - N38.251b Profit after tax - N3.49b Studio Press Nig. Turnover - N3.375b Profit after tax - N20.422m Julius Berger Nig. Turnover - N80.125b Profit after tax - N2.55b Intercontinental Wapic Ins Gross Premium - N1.41b Profit after tax - N250.450m Equity Assurance Gross Premium - N2.45b Profit after tax - N287.283m Standard Alliance Insurance Gross Premium - N2.142b Profit after tax - N475.964m Continental Reinsurance Gross Premium - N6.917b Profit after tax - N805m PRESCO Turnover - N2.60b Profit after tax - N800.9m RT Briscoe Turnover - N4.553b

25 NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

NAIC issues N80b agric policies in 27 years N O less than 500 insurance policies worth about N80 billion have been issued to farmers since the inception of the Nigerian Agricultural tural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) over two decades ago, its Managing Director, Bode Opadokun, has said.

The NAIC scheme has achieved one of its main objectives: lending to agriculture, he added.

Opadokun spoke at a sensitisation programme on Financial Oportunities for Small Scale Farmers & Micro Small & Medium Enterprises with the theme “The Nigerian Farmers, MSMEs: Prospects and challenges” in Lagos.

According to him, the scheme has encouraged lending institutions to lend more to the agricultural sector, es-

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

pecially to the small and medium scale farmers, stressing that the claims settlement by NAIC has also significantly aided the credit recovery drive of the lending documents before accenting to them.

He said: “Most times, they impatiently wave away all suggestions for them to scrutinise the policy documents. As a result of this inability to be conversant with the policy conditions, he said when claim arises and it is repudiated on the ground of sound insurance principles which in any case are enshrined in the policy document but impatiently waved away by the client, the insurance industry receives the blame.”

He said to qualify for indemnity under the scheme,

the farmer must pay an appropriate premium before the occurrence of the loss.

He continued: “The insurance cover must be obtained before the damage or loss occurred; the insurance cover must still be in force at the time of damage or loss, the farmer must have followed laid down practice for crops and livestock production, the notification of the damage or loss must be made within the stipulated time among other conditions spelt out in the policy documents.

“NAIC is poised to remain a major player in the provision of risk management services to all investors in the agricultural value chain in Nigeria. We intend to create a mass awareness of the benefit of insurance to all agricultural producers and investors and continue to provide ad-

equate insurance cover across the entire value chain for virtually all known risk exposures.

“Our provision of insurance coverage will be for the right risks, using both new and existing products in order to ensure a high level of insurance acceptability by agricultural investors.”

Opadokun advised agricultural investors to take advantage of their products and services to ensure that their investments remain adequately protected from unforeseen risks.”

Managing Director, Green Focus, Adeola Adessy, said the workshop connected small scale farmers, corporate farmers, small and medium enterprises, small scales industries, banks, commercial banks insurance firms, government agencies, profession-

als, and other major stakeholders from diverse backgrounds w to engage, proffer solutions to problems and empower the sectors for more efficient and productive culture.

He added that NAIC is committed to providing a perspective for educating and empowering the small scale farmers and small and medium enterprises in Nigeria.

“It is our expectation that this workshop will create awareness on how to access profitable loans or funding from commercial banks, Federal Government Banks, insurance firms and any other platform through which funds can be accessed. We believe that the banks have a major role to play in the growth and success of small scale farmers and SMEs in Nigeria,” he said.

Utomi urges executives on ethics

By Gbenga Aderanti

A

• From left: Head, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Sales and Operation, Oando Marketing Plc, Mr. Olabiyi Babafemi; Acting Matron of Lagos Cheshire Home, Mrs. Fejuola Oforomeh; Caregiver of the Home, Mrs. Ogundare Basirat; an inmate, Toyin Olowoporoku; and Sales, Business Development and Marketing Manager of the firm, Mrs. Taiwo Gaji, during the presentation of some 3kg O-gas cylinders to the Home in Lagos.

Sealink initiative’ll transform economy, says NEXIM chief N IGERIA will be a major beneficiary of the sealink initiative by the time it is fully on ground, Managing Director, Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr Robert Orya, has said.

He told The Nation that Nigerian products are in African countries, adding that the coming of the sealink is expected to facilitate and promote Nigerian products within and outside the continent.

According to the NEXIM Bank chief, the Return on Investment (RoI) in the country is between 30 and 35 per cent, adding that it is the highest in the world.

Orya said the Sealink Project is a major step in deepening trade within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region and a significant step in enhanc-

CBN’s pegs subsidiaries’ directors in Holdcos’ boards at 30%

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By Toba Agboola

ing the trade flows of the ECOWAS member-states to create jobs.

Other benefits, according to him, are to promote increased trade flows and opportunities for the people, considering the huge capital flight from the region through the absence of sea trade infrastructure.

Orya explained that by the time the project is fully completed, it will encourage and enhance Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs) businesses because there will be market for their products outside the country.

Orya said the funding requirement for the regional project which is $60 million, will soon be met as more in-

vestors have shown interest.

He said the project is in line with the Transformation Agenda of the government, which projects investments in roads, railways, inland waterways, ports and airports development in collaboration with various stakeholders to evolve a multimodal, integrated sustainable transport system. Emphasis will be on rail and waterways, through an effective Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, he added.

Orya lamented that it is more expensive to move goods from Lagos to Accra or Douala, Cameroon, than to move the same goods from China to Nigeria.

He said: “It is less expensive to carry a container from China

SEC, NSE to block major shareholders, directors from voting - P 36 at EGM, AGM

to Lagos. It costs about $3,500 to move products from Lagos to Douala while it costs about $2,500 to move the same products from China to Lagos. If you want to take goods to Tema ports from Nigeria by road, it takes six days with a lot of hassles but if you want to move it by sea, it takes 60 days because you will use European vessels to take the goods to Europe first and then bring it back to Ghana.

However, with Sealink, it will take between one and two days.

“So, a quick-win solution for us is to set up a maritime shipping company since most ECOWAS and central African countries are coastal countries.

That way will liberate our countries and our businessmen and help them to keep the margins of their businesses instead of paying it to European shipping companies.”

POLITICAL economy and management expert, Prof. Pat Utomi, said for leaders to command the respect of the international community, they must imbibe the ethical principles governing global relations.

He spoke at a seminar by Poise Nigeria at Oriental Hotel, Lagos He said Nigerian leaders should exhibit the values of integrity and good judgment, in addition to expertise in their various fields.

Defining a global leader, the Human Resources Executive, MTN, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, noted that “competence in a job is only an infinitesimal part of the needed criteria”.

She said a global executive must possess what she described as a corporate citizenship, which implies a high degree of “versatility and agile-mindedness”.

She added that leaders needed to be highly intelligent emotionally, socially and intellectually, in order to create, shape and transform the world.

In his paper, the Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Seni Adetu, said a leader must be global-minded to succeed in today’s world.

Adetu, who was represented by Mr. Michael Onuoha, Head of Public Sector, Guinness Nig. Plc, further said only solutions that had been provided by a collaborative and multicultural approach would transcend time.

My story, by young entrepreneur

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS MONEY

e-mail: money@thenationonlineng.net

CBN pegs subsidiaries’ directors in T HoldCos’ boards at 30% HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has listed fresh conditions for holding companies (HoldCos) and their subsidiaries.

According to CBN, the directors and top management of the subsidiaries, should, henceforth, not constitute more than 30 per cent of the HoldCos’ boards.

FirstBank of Nigeria, Stanbic IBTC Bank and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) operate the HoldCo structure.

CBN repealed the universal banking guidelines and introduced a new model in 2010 as part of efforts to reposition the industry. The new model allowed banks to retain noncore banking businesses by evolving into a non-operating HoldCo structure.

Under the new rule, a HoldCo is expected to hold equity investment in banks and non-core banking businesses in a subsidiary arrangement.

This arrangement seeks to ring-fence depositors’ funds from risks inherent in non-core banking businesses.

The CBN said the appointment of such individuals into the board of HoldCos must also be approved by it, adding that where such an appoint-

Stories by Collins Nweze

ment is approved, the aggregate number of directors from the subsidiaries and associates at any point, shall not exceed 30 per cent of the membership of the board of the HoldCo. This position was contained in the CBN guidelines for licensing and regulation of financial HoldCo. Also, a financial HoldCo must have a minimum paid-up capital, which should exceed the sum of the minimum paid up capital of all its subsidiaries, as may be prescribed by the various sector-regulators from time to time.

The HoldCos were also directed not to pay dividends on their shares, except all its preliminary expenses; organisational expenses; share selling commission; brokerage; losses incurred and other capitalised expenses not represented by tangible assets (excluding goodwill) have been completely written off.

Also, adequate provisions would have been made to the satisfaction of

the CBN for actual and contingent losses.

“A financial HoldCo must ensure that its subsidiaries comply with the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) prescribed by their respective sector regulators. A director or an insider-related individual shall not borrow more than 0.1 per cent of the financial HoldCo’s shareholders’ funds from the subsidiaries within the group, except with the prior approval of the CBN. The maximum loan to all insiders shall not exceed one per cent of the financial HoldCo’s shareholders’ funds,” the guidelines indicated.

The guidelines also said a financial HoldCo shall be a source of financial and managerial strength to the subsidiaries. “In serving as a financial and managerial strength to its subsidiaries, a financial HoldCo shall maintain financial flexibility and capitalraising capabilities for supporting its subsidiaries.

“It shall also stand ready to use available resources to augment capi-

tal funds of its subsidiaries in periods of financial stress or adversity,” it said.

This guidelines, issued in exercise of the powers conferred on the CBN under the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007(CBN Act) and the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, Cap B3, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004(BOFIA), complements CBN Regulation on the Scope of Banking Activities and Ancillary Matters, No 3, 2010 and is intended to facilitate understanding of the requirements for the adoption and operations of a financial HoldCo in the country.

It said a financial HoldCo may acquire any permissible financial institution, subject to prior approval of the CBN. Where the target company is outside the supervisory purview of CBN, the prior approval of the relevant regulator will also be required.

Also, a financial (HoldCo) that elects to change to mono-line commercial or merchant banking shall seek the prior approval of the CBN.

“The promoters of financial HoldCo shall be required to submit a formal application for the grant of a financial HoldCo licence addressed to the CBN Governor,” it said.

The CBN also said no financial HoldCo shall engage in any transaction or maintain any business relationship with any of its subsidiaries, except such transaction is conducted at arms-length; borrow from the Nigerian banking system for the purpose of capitalising itself or any of its subsidiaries; obtain a loan based on the guarantee of its banking subsidiary/associate, except where the loan is secured by dividend income or Service Level Agreements by the financial HoldCo for services to its banking subsidiaries.

Besides, credit by a banking subsidiary to its HoldCo would be regarded as a return of capital and deducted from the capital of the bank in computing the bank’s capital adequacy ratio; Any bank lending to subsidiaries within its financial HoldCo group would attract 100 per cent risk weight (if it is fully secured) otherwise it would be removed from the capital of the bank when computing capital adequacy ratio.

Finance Houses’ reforms await CBN governor

O

PERATORS of finance houses are awaiting the resumption of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor designate, Godwin Emefiele, for the conclusion of the subsector’s stalled reforms.

Sources said the suspended CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, sent a draft guideline to operators for review. The document, the source said, had been returned to the CBN and was awaiting Sanusi’s consent, before he was suspended.

A source said the deployment of Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, to operations, also contributed to the delay.

The source said the appointment of Adebayo Adelabu as Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, will speed up the reform process.

Part of the guidelines obtained

by The Nation showed that the apex bank had given the operators 18 months to shore up their capitals to N100 million from N20 million.

The minimum capital base for the subsector has been under debate between the CBN and operators.

The sources said there are variousl investors who have carried out due diligence on the strengths and weaknesses of some of the finance houses but could not move in funds because the regulation in the sub-sector remains unclear.

F

He said the issue on a new capital base for the subsector remains a critical factor that investors want to be acquainted with before staking their funds. This, he said, would ensure that only seriously minded operators are allowed to carry on the businesses of finance houses in the country.

The ongoing reform in the subsector is expected to look at regulatory framework that will govern finance lease practice; institutionalise a funding pool to stimulate lending activities; structured programme to address the reputation and poor visibility challenges among other issues.

The CBN in March 2012 gave a 30-day notice to 47 finance houses closed or inactive to submit evidence of their existence and/or operations, or lose their operating licences. The order had expired on Tuesday, April 18, 2012 and the banking watchdog is yet to conclude decision on the matter. The CBN said the affected finance companies had closed shop, ceased to operate, or abandoned finance company business.

Some of the affected finance houses include Asset Management Group, Cal Finance Investment Limited, Capri Martins Finance Limited, Corporate Finance Group , Equator Capital Assets Management Limited, Eston Funds Limited, First Bond Finance Limited, First Spring Finance and Investment Limited, among others.

•From right: Chairman, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Ikeja District Society, Tunde Fagbulu; representative, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) Transfer Pricing Division, Mrs Banke Akanni; immediate past chairman of the district, Agbeluyi Samuel and Director, Special Duties, Lagos Inland Revenue Service (LIRS), Tunde Oseni, during Fagbulu’s investiture as chairman, in Lagos.

Group grows sub-Saharan Africa Fund by $698m

G

LOBAL assess managers The Carlyle Group raised $698 million for its new subSaharan Africa Fund, exceeding its initial target by 40 per cent.

The group is a global asset management firm, specialising in private equity. The firm views Ghana, Tanzania, Botswana and Benin as attractive places to allocate capital, in addition to its initial investment anchor countries of South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. It forecasts that the new Fund’s portfolio at exit will

be a mix of buyout and growth capital investments, in 15 countries across the region.

The bank was a cornerstone investor and played a crucial role by investing $50 million at an early stage in the fundraising. “Private sector investment is one of the key ingredients in this continent taking charge of, funding and managing its own development destiny.

This success shows another route through which the world can invest in Africa, a new global growth

pole,” said Donald Kaberuka, AfDB President said.

Managing Director and co-head of the Sub-Saharan Africa advisory team at the Carlyle Group, said Marlon Chigwende said the firm is one of the first global alternative asset managers to launch a dedicated Sub-Saharan African fund and we are grateful for the support of our fund investors, who share our belief that Sub-Saharan Africa offers many investment opportunities.

Fidelity Bank’s foreign currency exposure hits 27per cent

IDELITY Bank’s exposure to foreign currency lending rose to 27 per cent last year, from one per cent in 2012, a report by Renaissance Capital (RenCap), an investment and research firm, has shown.

The firm said Fidelity achieved the growth after deploying its foreign currency liabilities as the pressure on funding costs persisted.

The bank’s 2013 result showed that it reported the lowest Net Interest

Margin (NIM) in Nigerian banking universe, reaching a 10-year low of four per cent. It said Fidelity’s NIM squeeze started in 2011, when the lender increasingly focused on corporate lending and was subsequently faced with a tightening monetary policy environment.

RenCap said Fidelity’s management acknowledges the current challenges and its initial focus will be on reducing the funding costs by continuous downward re-pricing of

costly term deposits, which is under way and increasing the proportion of staff in market-facing roles while also rewarding them appropriately.

It also plans to increase branch footprint (e-branches mainly) to increase market reach.

“Overall, there will be significantly more focus on driving e-banking products for customer mobilisation and service and an merger and acquisition deal could happen for the right target and price,” it said.

On the asset side, Fidelity is positioning itself to be a Small and Medium Enterprise-focused bank, and, coupled with its payroll lending retail book, management expects combined exposure to rise to 50 per cent over the medium term (2017), from 28 per cent in 2013.

RenCap said management has also been re-pricing the existing loan book and plans to periodically review all concessions and lending rates.

The research form advises the

lender to improve the quality of reporting and investor communication. “We have made slight changes to our forecasts, largely along the lines of modestly higher NIMs and loan growth, the impact of which was offset by higher cost of risk over the forecast period. We expect the stronger growth in SME lending to keep Fidelity’s cost of risk elevated, at two per cent, against our previous forecast of one per cent over the next few years,” it said.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

27

MONEY Ahead of the July 1 nationwide implementation of the cash-less policy, banks and the Nigeria InterbankSettlement System (NIBSS) have been enlightening customers on the benefits of using the e-payment platform. COLLINS NWEZE examines the challenges.

As cash-less banking goes nationwide

O

LADIPO Abiodun, a 32year-old entrepreneur, spends part of his business time in banking halls sending money to his suppliers. On one of such visits to a bank in Central Lagos, a cashier who has been monitoring him for months, told him about electronic payment.

“You don’t need to be present here to pay your suppliers. You can do it at home or even in your shops or even through your mobile phone,” the cashier told Abiodun.

The use of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, web payment, online transfers and even mobile money is just getting popular in Nigeria after years of relying on cash payment for goods and services. Although e-payment saves costs and time, just about four per cent of transactions in the country are carried out through this platform.

The figure was less than one per cent until January 2012 when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) launched the cash-less banking initiative in Lagos. The ‘Cash-less Lagos’, as it was called, was later replicated in six other states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) last January. The policy will be implemented across the country from July 1.

CBN’s position CBN Head, Shared Services, Chidi Umeano, said the cashless policy which runs in six states and Abuja would be implemented nationwide on July 1.

He said: “A decision was reached today that the cash-less initiative would now be deployed nationwide. As you are all aware, the pilot phase was done in Lagos about two years ago and last year we implemented in six other states namely Abia, Anambra, Ogun, Kano, Rivers and FCT.” Continuing, he said from the success recorded in those states, the CBN decided to move to other states. “By July 1, we are going live in all the states of the federation. As you well know, this is a critical part of the payment system modernisation and the success registered so far has been very impressive,” he said.

Incentives for customers To get more people interested in using the e-payment platforms, the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS) is encouraging the use of cards to pay for goods and services via PoS terminal. The agency, in collaboration with banks, is working out modalities to ensure that bank customers using e-payment cards to pay for goods and services on PoS terminals and web platforms will be rewarded with cash back of 50 kobo for every N100 spent.

Chairman, Committee of EBanking Industry Heads (CEBIH), Mr. Chuks Iku, said

the committee and memberbanks have partnered with NIBSS for the incentive scheme for members of the public. The scheme, he said, will allow cash back rewards to card holders for using their cards to make payments on alternate channels.

“The objective is to encourage usage of cards on PoS and the Web,” he said.

As electronic payments gain ground, the number of connected card readers has increased to about 158,000 from 5,000 before 2012, according to the CBN statistics. The value of transactions rose 26 per cent to N1.4 trillion ($8.5 billion) in the first half of last year from the position, a year ago.

CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, Kingsley Moghalu, told Bloomberg, an online news medium, that the bank was targeting 375,000 readers by the end of 2015. For him, improved epayment would make the policy more efficient because of the ease of monitoring cash movement.

The rise of online-shopping websites, such as Jumia and Konga.com, has also spurred Nigerians to consider electronic payments. The value of online retail transactions, estimated at N62 billion in 2011, may rise to N150 billion this year, said Euromonitor International, a London-based researcher.

Some customers have expressed displeasure over services at PoS and web payments.

Monday Adeoye, a civil servant, in Lagos, who was at the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), now Ikeja Distribution Company, Ogba unit to pay his bill, said it took him more than two days to pay because the PoS was not working.

He said the challenge, which is becoming a daily occurrence, made users to abandon the device and reverted to cash payment.

This, he said, led to long queues.

“We have a long queue because there is only one person that is attending to us; besides the PoS is not working. There is need to get more people involved in bill collection, and also get the PoS working too. I have been here several times today and was told that the server is down,” he told The Nation.

ATMs gain ground ATMs withdrawals accounted for 93 per cent of electronic payments by volume in the first half of last year, according to CBN data. Mobile money also hasn’t taken off in Nigeria, with phone payments accounting for a mere

•PoS machine

3.7 per cent of all electronic transactions. The mobile money which allows mobile phones to be used to send and receive money, buy recharge cards, pay subscription fees for DStv, pay electricity bills, use of PoS terminals to pay for goods and services among others is under threat.

The telecoms firms and banks, which are expected to drive the process, are not doing so. Both sectors want to drive the mobile money business and have found it extremely difficult to work together.

General Manager, IBM Africa, Taiwo Otiti, said strategy being adopted by the key stakeholders is stifling the success of mobile money operation in the country.

He said: “The approach we have taken in mobile money is the challenge. We have over 30 million unbanked, compared with over 100 million mobile phone users, the people who are unbanked, may have mobile phones, but how would you get them into the financial system?

“You must be able to get into his lifestyle for you to be able to get him subscribe to mobile money scheme. But many of the stakeholders are not doing that.”

Otiti said getting the mobile money scheme running requires both the payment and supply chain properly defined and implemented by the stakeholders. He said there is need for a paradigm shift that sees all the stakeholders working together. “The telcos can’t also do without the banks, so also are the banks. It is only by collaboration, will the mobile money project begin to deliver

the needed results,” he said.

So far, the CBN has licensed 21 mobile money operators, but the challenge remains how to link mobile money to the PoS, among other issues.

“That is a challenge that we are also working on. If mobile phones can serve as a touch point, our transactions would go up rapidly. So, these are some of the things we are looking at, hoping that by next year, as we roll out more PoS machines, we have to see how we integrate the mobile phones into the network because in the h i n te rl a n d s, th e c h a l l e n ge s would be more. We hope to rollout to all the state capitals by the second quarter of this year,” the CBN said.

It explained that the second anniversary is an opportunity for operators and regulators to come together and talk about how to continue to transform the payment system in the country.

“Of course we have ratcheted up transactions around electronic payment. We haven’t done badly at all, but there are still a lot to be covered and we have made significant progress in the area of infrastructure provision, particularly led by the cashless programme of the CBN. We believe that if we continue to drive this, then we will make the payment system a lot more efficient,” it said.

Also, the CBN said an efficient payment system is good for the transmission of monetary policy adding that it underscores its importance to the apex bank. “It is also good for financial stability because a

‘To get more people interested in using the e-payment platform, the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS) is encouraging the use of cards to pay for goods and services via PoS terminal. The agency, in collaboration with banks, is working out modalities to ensure that bank customers using cards to pay for goods and services on PoS terminals and web platforms will be rewarded’

stable financial system is seen through how efficient the payment system is,” the CBN added.

While mobile payments increased more than threefold in recent years, only N6 million was transacted using mobile money, compared with N57.2 billion ($352.5million) on ATMs, and PoS. The CBN bank wants commercial lenders to drive growth rather than phone operators because they regulate the banks and not the telecoms firms, Moghalu said.

Even among Nigerians with ATM cards, cash still dominates daily business as connection and network difficulties and delays in transaction times get worse.There have been cases where consumers are debited twice for the same purchase.

Between 40 and 50 per cent of card-reader transactions also crash because of patchy radio and phone networks, Moghalu said. The CBN is trying to reduce failure to below 10 per cent over time, he said.

Partner and Head, Management Consulting at KPMG Advisory Services, Bisi Lamikanra, said fixing botched transactions causes “quite a bit of frustration” because they can take months to resolve, said adding that with these hitches, consumers typically rather withdraw cash from the ATM, even if they’re withdrawing it outside the shop. The start of chip-andpin-card technology in 2010 helped lower incidents of ATM fraud by more than 90 per cent.

Analysts said critical success factors for mobile payment in the country are the integrity and security of the endto-end transition during a payment transaction process. They insist that the chain of transaction must be secured from initiation to authentication.

Therefore, confidentiality and integrity of the data transition are critical factors in mobile payment.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

THE NATION INVESTORS

SEC, NSE to block major shareholders, directors from voting at EGM, AGM

N

IGERIAN capital market regulators appear set on removing the voting powers of directors, major shareholders and other primary parties to any major corporate decisions from voting on such decisions at any meeting convened for such.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria’s apex capital market regulator, is considering rules that will remove the voting powers of primary parties to corporate decisions, in what may give effect to earlier similar draft by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The Nation earlier reported exclusively on a draft rule by the NSE, which may not allow major shareholders, directors and their related persons and institutions to vote at specially-convened meeting for significant public interest transaction that requires approval of shareholders.

A new document on proposed new rules

by SEC obtained by The Nation showed similar meanings to the NSE’s draft, although SEC’s wordings were loose.

According to SEC’s new proposed rules on the conduct of an annual general meeting (AGM), extraordinary general meeting (EGM) and court-ordered meeting (COM), “a person-beneficiary or shareholder, in an AGM, EGM or court ordered meeting who stands to gain on a transaction to be voted at the meeting shall not be entitled to vote on the issue in which he stands to benefit,” SEC describes a “beneficiary” as “a person or group of persons who directly or indirectly, stand to receive benefits, profit or gain advantage in a transaction about to be voted on in an AGM, EGM or court ordered meeting”.

The draft rules also shift the costs of convening an AGM, EGM or COM purposely for such resolutions to the beneficiary.

“The cost and expenses incurred in convening such AGM, EGM or a court ordered meeting shall be borne by the beneficiary to the resolution passed at the meeting,” the draft stated.

The board of directors is also required to at all times ensure that transactions relating to beneficiaries are consummated at arm’s length. Arm’s length transaction is described as a transaction made by parties freely and independently of each other, without any special relationship including members of a family or holding-subsidiary relationship having another transaction on the side or one party has complete control of the other.

This may effectively block a holding company from voting on a major corporate decision involving any of its members while such subsidiaries may not be able to vote

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

on a major decision involving their holding company.

Earlier, a draft rules on “meeting convened to obtain securities holders approval” by the NSE had excluded all related and interested parties, entities, associates and proxies from exercising their voting rights, even where they hold fullypaid shares. NSE’s rules are subject to approval of SEC. The new draft rules by capital market regulators represent major paradigm shift from the current practice where such excluded persons and entities are allowed to exercise their voting rights and runs contrary to the general principle of one share or unit, one vote.

In normal corporate practice, the majority core investors usually play the determining role in the constitution of board of directors and the overall direction of the company, especially in the areas of such crucial issues such as mergers, acquisitions, consolidation, dissolution and winding up and capital issues among others.

If such majority-shareholder, majorparties barring rule is adopted, it means that foreign and Nigerian majority shareholders such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who owns majority equity stakes in Dangote Cement and Dangote Sugar Refinery; and Nestle SA, which owns controlling equity stake in Nestle Nigeria Plc will not be able to vote on some major corporate decisions affecting their companies.

With the exception of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, which hold less than majority shareholdings, all other foreign investors hold more than 50 per cent controlling majority equity stakes. The foreign investors are spread across dominant sectors of the economy with large concentration in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs) sector. These major multinationals include Unilever Plc, GlaxoSmithKline, United Kingdom (GSK UK) Plc, PZ Cussons, Nestle SA, Lafarge SA, Heineken NV, Mondelçz International, Berger Bilfinger, BOC Holdings, Standard Bank Group, Leventis, Total SA, Mobil Oil Corporation, Siat NV, Affelka SA, Greif International Holdings B.V., United States’ Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation and SAB Miller.

Other Nigerian individual and institutional investors that may be affected included UAC of Nigeria, Vitafoam Nigeria, Dr. Oba Otudeko, Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr and Mr. Femi Otedola among others.

According to the NSE’s draft, where a

transaction requires the approval of investors, such approval shall be obtained either prior to the company entering into the transaction or, if completion of the transaction is expressed to be conditional on obtaining such approval, prior to the completion of the transaction.

At the meeting, none of each related party, entity or its associate or proxy and each interested person or entity or and its associates or proxy “shall exercise any voting rights in respect of the transaction nor accept appointments as proxies” even though they are holders of fully-paid shares or unit of investment.

Where such persons or entities are representing other unrelated or uninterested persons and entities which are qualified to vote at the meeting, their representations will only be valid if they have specific instructions as to voting, according to the new rules.

“The notice convening the meeting shall state that related parties or interested persons shall abstain from exercising any voting rights at the meeting,” the rules stated.

Meanwhile, all other rules relating to regulatory approval, notification, publication, documentation, venue, time, period, conduct, rights and privileges and procedures amongst others in respect of general meetings will also apply to EGMs. The exclusion of “each related party, entity or its associate or proxy and each interested person or entity or and its associates or proxy” from voting for their holdings appears to imply that such significant corporate decisions would be determined by the minority or non-management investors.

In other words, only shareholders of public float shares will be allowed to vote and determine such significant corporate decisions.

The revised listing rules of the NSE stipulates that the public shall hold a minimum of 20 per cent of each class of equity securities of a company quoted on the main board, 15 per cent of each class of equity securities of a company quoted on the Alternative Securities Market (ASeM) and 10 per cent of each class of equity securities of a dual-listed company. This rule is known in capital market parlance as public float.

Public float is technically a synonym of public shareholder and it generally refers to the shares of a quoted company held by ordinary shareholders other than those directly or indirectly held by its parent, subsidiary or associate companies or any subsidiaries or associates of its parent

•D-G, SEC, Ms Arunma Oteh

company; its directors who are holding office as directors of the entity and their close family members and any single individual or institutional shareholder holding a statutorily significant stake, which is 5.0 per cent and above in Nigeria.

Thus, public shareholders and public float do not include shareholders or shares held directly or indirectly by any executive, director, controlling shareholder or other concentrated, affiliated or family holdings.

Unless where specifically outlined, “close family members” in capital market regulatory parlance globally mean spouse, parents, grandparents, biological and adopted children, step-child, brothers, sisters, spouses of biological and adopted children, step-child, brothers and sisters; grandchildren; and any such person who is financially dependent on such directors or major shareholders, who are excluded for the delineation of public float.

Such idea of exclusion of persons and institutions with significant holdings and directorial and vested interests in a company from voting for their holdings may pitch the securities regulators against several stakeholders in the capital market.

The Nation, in earlier report, had reported opinions of major stakeholders against such exclusion with warning that such rule will have serious unintended consequences on the growth and development of the Nigerian capital market.

Stakeholders warn against withdrawal of N285b Police pension from PFAs

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From left: Managing Director, Evolve Integrated Services Limited, Mr. Tunde Renner, in a handshake with President, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), Mr.Chido Nwakama, during the presentation of induction certificate to Evolve Integrated Services at a general meeting of the body in Ikeja, Lagos. With them is Managing Director, CMC Connect, Mr. Yomi Badejo Okusanya.

TAKEHOLDERS in the capital market and pension industry have called for a rethink of the move to withdraw pension assets of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) estimated at more than N285 billion from independent pension fund administrators (PFAs) to a sole pension administrator under the Police authority.

Industry analysts said the withdrawal may have unintended negative influence on the capital market where the large chunk of the funds are invested while the lack of independence and competition could thwart the laudable objectives of pension management.

Independent PFAs manage Police pension funds, which are meant to settle men and officers of the NPF upon retirement in line with the Pension Reform Act (PRA) of 2004. However, the Federal Government has initiated plans to transfer the N285 billion of the pension funds to a new PFA to be known as NPF PFA. The NPF PFA will be managed by the Nigeria Police.

The Police has however successfully ran a microfinance bank, NPF Microfinance Bank Plc, which is quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Stakeholders were worried that the potential for mismanagement and embezzlement of pension assets would be quite high under a sole PFA administrator.

According to analysts and stakeholders, given the recent happenings relating to the embezzlement of Police pensions outside the PFAs, taking away the funds in the custody of existing professional PFAs to Police may spell doom for

their future.

Stakeholders, who spoke under conditions of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the decision to arm-twist policemen into a sole PFA runs contrary to the principles of choice and competition embedded in the Pension Reform Act (PRA).

“We have heard and seen how pension funds outside the management of the PFAs but belonging to the Police have been embezzled.

Those embezzled funds are gone and nothing is being done to recover them. Now, the funds under the management of the PFAs are being targeted in the form of setting up a new NPF PFA to manage the funds. This will amount to entrusting the future of Nigeria policemen to the hands of few individuals. It is not only risky but it will also dampen the moral of officers and men of the NPF,” a top management executive in the pension industry stated.

According to analysts, the setting up of NPF PFA and transferring of police pension from the PFAs violate the provision of PRA 2004, which section 11(1&2) allows individuals to choose their PFA. Stakeholders said the negative spillovers may also affect the Nigerian capital market as PFAs would have to adjust their portfolios to meet the exigencies of transfers.

They urged the government to reconsider the idea and allow independent PFAs to continue to manage Police pension assets while the NPF concentrates on its core duty of protecting the citizenry.

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHWEST STATES

INSIDE

The making of new Osun What’s on the minds of Ekiti voters?

•PAGE 32

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

PAGE 29

After nearly four years of the Rauf Aregbesola administration, things are beginning to look up in Osun State and the people are happy. OGOCHUKWU IKEJE reports on what the government has done to •Continued from Page 30 give the state a new lease of life.

How fear of “Boko Haram’ scuttled Akure youth carnival •PAGE 35

Foundation treats widows, orphans to Easter party •PAGE 36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

30

SOUTHWEST REPORT

The making of new Osun •One of the standard schools

T

HE story of reinventing Osun State may well have started from poor and unflattering circumstances. Back in 2003, four years before he ran for governor of the state and seven before he was declared winner and sworn in, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola travelled round several communities in the state.

What he saw did not lift his spirits. Old people, in most cases women in their late 60s and mid 70s, were surrounded by malnourished children.

This was a grim picture. Who were these kids? Most probably grandchildren left behind by their mothers in search of jobs and survival elsewhere.

It was at this point that the vision of a new Osun began to take shape. Something needed to be done to lift the people from the depths of poverty and despair. It would be a comprehensive approach. New jobs would be created, but more than that, the people needed to rediscover themselves and their worth. They also needed to be happy citizens of Osun once again. Collapsed infrastructure would be revived, nonexistent ones put in place.

The uninspiring school system needed a new lease of life and parents must be encouraged to begin to send their children to school. The school infrastructure, nothing to write home about at that time, must be upgraded to make it as inspiring to both teachers and pupils as possible.

There was a plan for developing local technology, a clear vision for boosting the state economy and getting Osun citizens to give their best to the state and be happy working for the collective.

Aregbesola is said to have got to work, mobilising partners who would help work out a development plan for the state. One striking thing that came out of that plan was the Osun Green Book, which rallied the people to the awareness of their liberty and freedom to determine their own affairs.

Four years on, the picture of the new Osun has appeared and the people seem to like what they see.

Considerable order has become part of the state. You can tell from the landscaping of the road as soon as you cross into the state

end of the border, and also from the trees planted on both sides of the road.

“The landscaping makes for more pleasurable driving,” said Mr Adelowo Adewumi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Regional Planning and Special Duties.

That same pleasure and ease informed the policy of at least 10km of roads in each of the state’s 30 local government areas, in addition to one Area Office, added the permanent secretary. The road plan has helped to open up the rural areas, making it easier for farmers not just to access their farms but also to transport their produce to any market in the state. Residents of rustic, Ori-Oke prayer mountain community of Ikoyi also benefitted from the policy.

The focus on education is perhaps even more striking. In several towns, eye-catching schools with modern learning tools have replaced the dilapidated and offputting facilities that used to exist in those places. Elementary schools enjoy this attention as much as do the middle and high schools. And Governor Aregbesola and his team are quick to

point out that the postcard-perfect schools are not model facilities. They are the standard Osun schools, they say, adding that in time every school in the state will not only be a beauty to behold but will offer state-of-the-art learning and teaching aids.

“We went to Osun purpose-

fully,” Aregbesola likes to say, adding, “The state was on the journey to perdition if the trend wasn’t stopped.”

That slide has been halted not only in schools where enrolment is perhaps the highest in the country, but also on the streets of towns and cities as well as vil-

‘

The focus on education is perhaps even more striking. In several towns, eye-catching schools with modern learning tools have replaced the dilapidated and off-putting facilities that used to exist in those places. Elementary schools enjoy this attention as much as do the middle and high schools

‘

lages in the state. Like every other state, unemployment was a big concern. Jobless young people fled the state in droves in search of jobs in such places as Lagos State. Those who stayed behind could only swallow hard and grind their teeth; in some cases, they were a problem to everybody.

The OYES, a youth jobs scheme, has considerably thinned down the mass of the unemployed in the state, helping to curb crime in tow. Tens of thousands of youths have been trained in skills and put to work, either directly employed by the state government or privately engaged. So many young people in the state across both sexes have been trained to control traffic or keep the streets tidy. Some women drive heavy-duty refuse trucks and are happy doing so. Some have been trained to make durable burnt bricks, some to raise fish, a good number to make garments.

The Omoluabi Garments Factory puts the fabric-making plan in great relief. There, hands and minds are at work on an array of sewing machines. The movement of workers from one point

A brand new identity

By Ogochukwu Ikeje

•Ogbeni Aregbesola

A

N identity is much more than a name or card tucked into a pocket or worn round the neck. Osun State has demonstrated that your

identity is your total being, your core values, your worldview, your sense of self-worth, your standards. In the past four years, Governor Rauf Aregbesola has championed the rebranding of the state. Osun a dara rallies the people to a collective duty to keep the state from failing. Omoluabi stresses the virtues of the exemplary citizen.

“The state of Osun” may have drawn some criticism especially from outside the state, and, of course, the critics were entitled to their rights, while the state savoured its preferences, to say nothing of its own liberties. Still, there is more to renaming the state. Aregbesola speaks of ethical and philosophical revolution, and getting Osun citizens to recognise their rights and liberties to determine their own fate.

This captures the new identity

of the new Osun and its citizens.

You find it on the streets of Osogbo, the state capital, and beyond. Four years on, gloom is giving way to enthusiasm. A sense of dignity of labour has replaced the melancholy of yesteryear.

Young people are happy to be part of the state’s collective aspirations. They control traffic, clean street, mould bricks, rear animals and women drive thrash trucks.

Their pay may not be a fortune but they seem happy not just to work for themselves but also contribute to the growth of their state.

Young shoemakers talked proudly of their work. At a garment factory, Osun youths relished their skills.

At Ilesha, a sprawling, hilly and serene ancient town, history is made. Youths trained in the state’s jobs scheme, OYES, assemble and repair GSM phones and tablets at Rlg, a telecoms firm located there. The firm’s head-

quarters is in Ghana, but it is partnering with OYES, providing jobs for the state’s youths and much-needed technology for the state. It is said that nowhere else in the country is there any such firm as Rlg. Off Ilesha Road, the federal government’s old and abandoned industrial centre has come to life. With huge resources poured in by the Aregbesola administration, new machines and other equipment have been acquired to drive technology in the state.

Gradually, the image and identity envisioned by the Aregbesola administration has appeared.

Osun citizens are happy to take their fate in their own hands.

They seek to produce what they need and generate their own funds. They no longer want to flee their state to overstretch the resources of such places as Lagos State.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

31

SOUTHWEST REPORT

•Garment makers at Omoluabi Garment Factory

to another is constant.

Mr Oyedeji Abayomi, branch manager of the facility, said 3,500 garments are produced everyday at the factory. This is impressive.

Every month, the state makes N200m, Aregbesola said. His administration’s revenue policy should take the credit for that, especially the plan to source 60 per cent of every project locally, and to give 80 per cent of the work to locals. This prevents capital flight and boosts the local economy. Three different uniforms are used in Osun public schools. All the uniforms are sewn by Osun residents. This creates jobs for the locals and helps to retain revenue in the state.

You also find this approach at work at the Ayegbaju International Market, a sprawling facility boasting a bank, hospital, hotel, police and fire stations, and warehouses, among others, including a secondhand clothing section.

“2,500 people work at the market every day,” Dr Wale Bolorunduro, Commissioner of Finance, Economic Planning and Budget said as work at the market was rounded off preparatory

P

RESIDENT John F. Kennedy did not live to witness the final fulfillment of the most ambitious of his goals: the landing of man on the moon by the United States as he predicted. The Soviet Union had had a head start many times over, starting with the Sputnik in 1957, and the United States saw it as a competition between “tyranny” (Moscow) and “freedom” (Washington).

Since the Soviets had not landed man on the moon, Kennedy saw such a feat as being the achievement to settle the matter once and for all.

So, on May 25, 1961, the American leader went to the Congress and threw the challenge that had since changed the face of space exploration.

He told the lawmakers: “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal before the decade (the 60s) is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind or more important for the long range exploration of space and none could be so difficult or expensive to accomplish… I believe we should go to the moon.”

That historic goal was fulfilled on

to its inauguration.

Bolorunduro is happy that the market project, which is directly under his ministry, has kept to plan, and that the Aregbesola administration is delivering on its promises.

Just as happy is Mr Ajibola Basiru, Commissioner of Regional Integration and Special Duties, whose alma mater, one of the state’s primary schools, was given a new life in Aregbesola’s education plan. Basiru believes that the governor has done what he said he will do, and that Osun people are happy with him.

The state is touted as Nigeria’s seventh largest economy. In a few years, quality hotels are springing up in Osogbo, the capital. But one firm that is helping in growing the state economy is Rlg, a telecoms firm in Ilesha, specialising in repair and assembly of GSM phones and tablets.

The firm, whose headquarters is in Ghana is in partnership with OYES, and has provided jobs to scores of Osun citizens.

Four years on, a new Osun is visible. Grandmas in the rural settings may heave a sigh of relief.

•Fish farmers trained by OYES

•OYES burnt bricks makers

Working for the future

By Kunle Oyatomi

July 20, 1969, before the decade was out. But alas, Kennedy, who broached the vision had been assassinated on November 22, 1963.

He was gone: but he had worked for history. He had seen beyond his day and prepared for the future and history he had peeped into.

That is how most observers view the pace of developments in the state of Osun under Governor Rauf Aregbesola. His policies suggest that he has one foot in today and the other in tomorrow. The criticism leveled against him has to do not only with a gross misunderstanding and ignorance of his long sightedness and mission; but more importantly also with the critics’ refusal to look past the present. We are too burdened with anxieties of the day; we do not want to brace for an encounter with history and the future. That is not the way of Aregbesola.

We seem to be thinking that the

future generation would take care of their own headache when the time comes. Really? No! Not so! The leader is only a good leader if while addressing today’s challenges, he is able also to do today what the future would benefit from, without compromising today and the future. That is the stuff of great men.

Ghana is a stable polity today on account of the institutional philosophy of governance and probity its founding leader, Osagyefo. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah worked out in the 50s and 60s while he was at the helm. The Southwest is still a leader in a number of spheres in Nigeria today because of the developments pioneered by its first premier Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Ditto for the role played by the United States’ founding presidents, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, among others together with the civil war hero President Abraham Lincoln.

None of these rooted themselves in the present. They all spent precious time looking into history.

They asked what they could do to make a difference in leadership, in governance and in the lives of the people. History and society have always honoured them.

In my candid opinion, that is exactly what Governor Rauf Aregbesola is doing in Osun State.

His deep thrust of intervention in education will have irreversible impact on the citizen who will emerge as the leader of tomorrow by virtue of the fact that he is getting exposed to the technology and skills that would make him fit into the future.

His uncanny policy of employing 20,000 youths at a go in his first 100 days in office in 2010, has succored a depressed economy to push the young ones for a say in the affairs of history. The figure has gone up to 40,000 now. How about agriculture? Aregbesola has introduced a strategy to capture part of the thriving multi-billion naira market in Lagos for the farmers of Osun. Not only that, the Osun farmers have already been empowered. Many

were given loans for poultry and fish farming. And they are doing very well. He has established a meeting point at Dagbolu on the outskirts of Osogbo, where the farmers can get their crops transported by rail to the old federal capital for sale, for prosperous business.

In tourism, the Aregbesola administration is targeting N15 billion as revenue in 2015. He met an Internally Generated Revenue of about N300m and today, the government is raking in N1.6 billion monthly without subjecting anyone to extra taxation. In the strategic health sector, the government is undertaking radical changes in the primary, secondary and tertiary stages of health delivery.

Like John Kennedy, it is obvious that Rauf Aregbesola is thinking beyond today. That is the key to solving society’s fundamental problems. The serious problem with leadership in Nigeria is that our helmsmen are too stuck in today.

Let us have an eye on history. Let us do what the present and tomorrow will hail us for.

Oyatomi is the Director of Publicity, Research & Strategy. All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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ITH the lifting of the ban on political campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State, residents across the 16 local governments are being made aware that politics has not just come but that they must participate. The partisan groups stump the communities, reeling out promises to bolster their chances at the poll.

With slogans and sloganeering, veiled name callings and downright lampoons, politicians are again at their schemes to outdo one another to clinch the highest political seat in a state where politics and politicking have apparently been elevated to an art.

From Ado-Ekiti, the capital, to communities in Ikere, Ise, Aramoko, Igede, Ikole, Omuo, the residents seem already gripped by the politics fever as spread mainly by the three major parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).

For the parties, the campaigns come in forms of singing and dancing round major streets before settling at designated spots where carnival - like processions drum support for the favoured candidates whose pictures would have been pasted on surrounding walls, hung on poles, or held by a legion of votaries while the action lasts.

Given the latest ratification of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, by the state chapter of the APC at an event attended by national officers of the party, it is clear, barring both conventional and unconventional accidents that the race will be run principally by the trio of Fayemi, PDP’s Ayo Fayose and LP’s Opeyemi Bamidele.

The Accord (party), which Kole Ajayi leads as governorship candidate and the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP’s) Alhaji Musa Ayeni, have both also launched their campaigns after successful primaries held in AdoEkiti. But the influence and reach of their (the latter’s) campaigns, compared with those of the earlier three has indeed been much less.

From the larger than life sizes of banners of the contestants mounted on massive frames high up the ground here and there in Ado-Ekiti as in other towns, to their often well designed and attention catching posters pasted on streets, houses and on wooden/iron kiosks, as well as branded vests and fez caps worn by faithful of the parties in open places, the period of hushed intents by willing contestants and muted discussions among supporters seems definitely over.

The Okeyinmi newspapers distribution point in the capital has since assumed its elements as the unofficial political capital of the state, given the usual gatherings in the mornings of people who feast over the dailies as they emerge in their crisp freshness for the latest development across the world.

“Please let me have that paper when you are through” is a familiar request among the free beneficiaries, they call them readers, of products of nocturnal investments of some eggheads in far flung capitals. Soon, the inquisition pales into discussions and debates regarding the winning chances of rival candidates or what someone else have said or would/ would not say regarding their chances of winning an election which is commonly believed in some quartres as a make or break for many a political career.

But the perfervid vehemence of some of the free readers in urging or forcing acceptance of their arguments can often win admiration if not condemnation. An interesting argument witnessed by this reporter once came up among some of the readers: “Were you at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium yesterday for the declaration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi?

It was great. I love the man personally. He is an orator. I believe he will win this election, whatever the opposition may say or do because I be-

33

SOUTHWEST REPORT lieve he has indeed tried. Is it true he is giving N5,000 to 25,000 elderly people?”

“You said you believe he will win, you are entitled to freedom of opinion”, the other had replied, adding “While I cannot ascertain how many people he is giving the N5,000 to, I think those saying he would not win also have their point. They contend there is too much scarcity of money during his time unlike the time of a former governor whose tenure many people enjoyed because there was always money and merriment. Although, what they call infrastructural development was scanty at the time, but theirs was always money and people enjoyed”.

“Fayose sees this election as the last chance for him to assert his relevance in Ekiti politics and he is ready to give it everything,” yet another reader noted.

“But I don’t believe he can win – given the calculations I have made,” a reply came promptly.

“What nonsense calculations are you making? Were you not in this state the day he (Fayose) entered through Akure?”

“We don’t have to be emotional about this discussion. I was there and saw the many people who came out.

But, given my calculations, it will be difficult for Fayose to defeat Fayemi.”

“Say your calculations and don’t waste our time”. “Do you believe there are at least 70,000 definite and certain votes for Fayemi from some sections of the populace, whether he campaigns or he does not?”

“From what sections will those free votes come?”. “From the 25,000 elderly individuals receiving N5,000 social security monthly, the 20,000 able-bodied adults receiving N10,000 monthly, the Youths in Commercial Agricultural Development (YCAD) beneficiaries and those benefitting from the beneficiaries now.”

“I cannot see how these add up to 70,000 free votes”.

“OK. Please also consider the 25,000 women earning N5,000 monthly under the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme. These ones will soon be settled in various businesses with a sum of N100,000. Again, add another 10,000 who have so far been engaged across other vocations through the Ekiti Enterprise Development Agency initiatives.

“All you are telling are lies”. “Lies?

May God forbid me from telling a lie on my own people and on my own conscience. Are you not in this state at all? So, you actually don’t know all these goings on or what?”

“I know but I don’t...”

“You don’t seem to know and that these beneficiaries would mount their own separate campaigns to ensure their benefactor retains office. If I want to even do a more scientific analysis, I would put the figure at a hundred thousand and I still would have been right”.

“I see now. But Fayose himself has not been watching. He has started campaigns and his campaigns have shown he is still relevant.

“Definitly, but all of them, including Opeyemi Bamidele and even Kole Ajayi have begun their campaigns. They are on the field already.

Fayose has been to Ekiti North, Aramoko in Ekiti West and some parts of Ekiti South west. But Fayemi himself has done more regarding campaigns. He has been to all the local governments and he is going round again.

“Despite all you claim Fayemi has done, people still complain about scarcity in town. Many people still lack access to basic living”.

Fayemi’s faceless supporter drew the argument further: “What is the essence of governance, my brother?

“Is a political leader expected by the constitution to give money out freely or execute projects which would aid better living for people and facilitate for them profit yielding engagements?”

“How right you are,” the opponent quipped, “But how many of such do we have in the state now that you

As Fayemi, Bamidele, Fayose, others prepare for June 21 polls

What’s on the minds of Ekiti voters?

As the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State draws near, the full essence of politics seems to have dawned on an average resident of the state as the contestants have been stumping the communities and homesteads to bolster their winning chances writes SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN

•Accord Party secretariat

•Fayose campaign office

•Fayemi's campaign office can point to?”

“Good question! Today, Fayemi has completed all the roads within Ado-Ekiti township and those linking the town and other towns in the state. Our commercial vehicle and motorcycle operators are the immediate beneficiaries of this. Do you know how it feels having to travel on smooth, tarred roads all the time wherever you are going? To say the fact, I feel the problem regarding poverty and want among the people is caused by factors for which I don’t think Governor Fayemi is/ can be held responsible, including the ever absent electricity, inflation and other factors. While the roads in the state are good and motor-able, can you say the same regarding other roads in the country and on which people travel every day? The blame cannot therefore, most sincerely, be heaped on one state governor as it is a national problem. What Fayemi has done so far are just interventionist programmes, most of which other

•Opeyemi Bamidele's campaign office states are now copying”.

In the opinion of another speaker, Fayemi has done far more than could be considered enough to earn him just a second term or possibly even a third or fourth term, considering his achievements. He said: “I want to look at things this way and I am saying this not because I know Fayemi or his wife or because I want contract from them. I am an Okada man and I am doing well, feeding my family and attending to my degree course at the state university on weekends.

I have been doing Okada (commercial motorcycle business) since January 1999. Then, I would repair my machine at least once in a week. For the past two and a half years now after the completion of the roads by governor Fayemi, that has stopped.

I have not even been to the mechanic for whole six months now. I have bought two additional Okada and they give me at least N1,000 every day. That is not all, my mother stays in Igbemo and has been collecting

N5000 every month from this same Fayemi in the last three years. Now, if I have money, I send it to her and if I don’t have, I know she has money.

For me, the governor has done very well. Three months ago, my wife gave birth to our first child at the state hospital. I don’t think I spent anything more than the personal things we bought for my child. Every other thing was free. To me, Fayemi has tried and God will continue to bless him”.

According to yet another speaker, the issues should centre round not whether Fayemi has done enough to qualify for a second term but how to sustain his legacies in the state, whether or not he wins the June 21 election.

He spoke: “Do you people realise that many governors have been here before Fayemi and none of them thought of social security benefits for the elderly, renovation of entire 183 secondary schools and nearly 20 General Hospitals across the state, distri-

bution of well over 40,000 laptop computers free for secondary school students and to their teachers at a subsidised rate. We are not talking of the initiates in agriculture and many others. For me, I care not about who will win but who will ensure that free health continues for the elderly individuals and for all infants still below age five, for pregnant women and for the indigent and physically challenged lot. I believe our concern should be about the governor whose wife will be ready to embark on quite bewildering better life programmes for our women under any guise as we do have it today with Erelu Bisi Fayemi”, he ended.

Arguments and counter-arguments among the readers could go on hours at the end of which the contestants would simply retire, often to resume the next morning. But such scenes are not limited to open spaces in Okeyinmi. They are now quite familiar at newsstands from Old Garrage to Ijigbo in Ajilosun back to

Adebayo areas of the capital, with individuals willingly and freely offering opinions, straight or warped, informed or jaundiced, often about the winning chances of this or that contestant.

The cars and buses on inter and intra-township transportation businesses have equally become avenues to catch the gist regarding political developments and how the candidates are fairing with the electorate.

Once a journey begins, one thing would always lead to another and an argument would ensue about the candidates’ chances of winning.

“Is it true that Fayemi and Fayose supporters fought yesterday at Adebayo area? Oh, this politicians.

Why will anyone fight because of election? You say you want to help the people, must you fight over opportunities to assist the people. I cannot understand”, someone said on a bus to Adebayo from Old Garage.

Even, the campaign offices of the three major contestants including

APC’s Fayemi, PDP’s Fayose and LP’s Bamidele, in their enchanting colours, now play major part in the whole process of politics. You cannot pass by their offices or attend their campaign outings and not be amused some way with their slogans. At campaigns, the mention by any speaker of ‘APC’, attracts ‘Change in Abuja, Continuity in Ekiti, while that of Fayemi, is ‘Ko duro soke’, meaning ‘He (Fayemi) should remain at the top). For the PDP, the catch phrase is ‘PDP, Power’. For LP, it is ‘Forward ever, backward never’, while a mention of MOB at gatherings of LP attracts instant ‘The ark of God or the promise keeper’.

The location of the campaign offices in a way seemed decided to avoid contacts and perhaps confrontation. While the campaign office of Fayemi is located in Ajilosun area on Ikere road, Fayose’s is on Adebayo road while Bamidele’s is at Basiri area. These are locations separated by a minimum of five

kilometres. How they came to be so separate must have been a consequence of willful strategy, given the volatility of situations in which activities might coincidentally have to go on all about the same time across the offices the same day.

Although the campaign office of Dr. Fayemi looks the most attractive in terms of architecture and other physical fixtures, those of Fayose and Opeyemi are equally radiant and enchanting with their larger than life picture banners mounted at various spots around their offices.

How far about the campaigns across parties The All progressives Congress (APC), seems to be in the lead in respect of promptness and reach of campaigns. After the launch of the campaigns at a Mega Rally at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in AdoEkiti, the capital, many others have followed which had attracted what has been routinely dubbed ‘a mammoth crowd’.

Fayemi, the APC flag bearer, has concluded the first phase of the campaigns and on the second train across the state, promising to ensure increased comfort for the people through massive industrialisation and employment generation. The governor himself had said at the mega rally “no one can deny the achievements I have made in the three and a half years of this administration”, adding that “This election is not about me but about consolidating the achievements of my administration and ensuring that the state does not go back to the dark days of one week, one trouble, one violence and looting of public funds.”

The APC governorship candidate had urged the electorate not to be deceived by the ‘wrong’ propaganda of the opposition politicians that he would ban commercial motorcycle riders, sack teachers and sell the much valued Ise Forests if re-elected.

Said he: “They know we are the state of teachers. They are trying to poison the minds of teachers. Fayemi will not sack teachers. Fayemi will keep employing more and more teachers. Fayemi will remunerate teachers. We are the only state that pays 20 percent rural teachers allowance in Nigeria.

“We are also the only state that pays 20 percent core subjects allowance in Nigeria. If you are a core subject teacher including English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, you are also receiving 20 per cent of your monthly basic salary on top of your normal salary. There is nothing that is independently verifiable that they can use against us with teachers and the teachers know better.”

Fayemi spoke further: “There are people who will come and promise heaven and earth. There are people who will tell you what they want to do. The advantage that I have as your son, as your brother, as your leader, is that I can tell you what I have done on education. I can tell you how I have made the lives of our elderly people better in Ekiti and how I have banished poverty in the lives of our elderly.

“I can tell you what I have done in the area of infrastructure. I can tell you what I have done in the health sector. I can tell you what our women have benefitted by having a gendersensitive leader. I can tell you what is happening in tourism in Ikogosi. I can tell you what we have done in reviving industries. I can tell you how we have made lives better by creating jobs and empowering our people.

Labour Party and the campaigns The campaigns of the candidate of the LP, which were flagged off same day as the APC’s candidate’s at an equally well-attended event in IdoEkiti by the party’s candidate, Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), have been based on industrialisation and agriculture which he recognised as “the mainstay of our economy”.

Speaking in Oye and Ikole-Ekiti,

Bamidele had promised to encourage the people into mechanised farming, saying “This is the only way for us to have enough for local consumption and export.

At Iyemero-Ekiti in lkole Local Government Area of the State during Bamidele said, he would initiate programmes that would bring about agricultural revolution in the state which would attract the youth to live in the remote areas.

The LP candidate had also lamented what he described as “the neglect of rural communities by the successive administrations in the state,” promising to make the welfare of rural dwellers his priority if given the mandate to serve the people in the June 21 governorship election.

Bamidele pledged that his administration would revamp the State Farm Settlements and build more in remote areas across the three senatorial districts of the state to generate employments for the youth and launch the state to a recognisable height in food security.

Other towns which the LP candidate had visited included Isaba, Itapaji, Odo-Oro and other Ebira communities, where he promised to use the land expanse available in the area and the state for mechanised farming and economic transformation.

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) campaigns Former governor Ayodele Fayose, candidate of the PDP, had had challenges regarding the legitimacy of the primaries which produced him as the flag-bearer of the party, but the situation has since won some calmness as other aggrieved aspirants have accepted to work with him.

While his campaigns started by unannounced visits to homes of identified supporters, Fayose has lately also taken to open air campaigns, promising mass employment especially for the youth, noting ”the problem about youth unemployment has been alarming. We have to do something fast and real.”

Fayose had said: “I urge our people to vote for me in the coming election. PDP, as we all know, is the party of the masses, the artisans and the students. We will not overlook anyone. Everybody is relevant to us and we will take care of all.

“I won’t be distracted by whatever they (APC members) say about me. I am committed to this course. It is like running a race, so I won’t look sideways, but where I am going”.

Commending the 13 aggrieved aspirants (in the party) for what he called “rare show of understanding and sportsmanship”, pledging to offer leadership to all members of the party, irrespective of initial affiliation of members, or their political beliefs.

Accord and campaigns According to the flag bearer of Accord Party, Barrister Kole Ajayi, priority would be on agriculture around which industries would be established across communities based on the principle of comparative advantage.

Ajayi condemned what he described as plans by the APC-led administration to keep education away from the common people, saying “Ekiti must pioneer genuine education for all policy if it must regain its status as the knowledge zone of the country.

Said he: “My plan will be to industrialise Ekiti State through the establishment of agro-allied industry in each local government. Industries will be established across the zones and districts of the state based on the prevailing agricultural products in such areas. Anywhere fruits are prevalent, we establish a juice making industry and where you have tomatoes and other vegetables, there will be an industry to absorb such.

The SDP has so far not mounted any form of campaign anywhere in Ekiti.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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SOUTHWEST REPORT

Omu Resort: Redefining recreation and tourism

The face of tourism could be about to change in Lagos as a N270m resort is about to open for business along the Atlantic Ocean in Nigeria’s commercial capital. WALE AJETUNMOBI reports.

A

PART from the scattered buildings and a throbbing market that dot its landscape, Omu community is a sleepy settlement in Bogije, a town in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.

With a single-straight road from Lekki-Epe Expressway through which the community can be accessed, Omu perhaps comes across as a community in doldrums. However, it is rich in rain forest, which serves as natural habitat for many wild animals and organisms. There is also a river that stretches from the community to the Atlantic Ocean.

The atmosphere of lifelessness in the community may, however,

soon disappear with a recreational centre being developed in the town. Sited in the heart of the community, Omu Resort is a recreational and tourism business centre established by Woodfields Farm and Theme Park.

Two artificial giraffes welcomed visitors to the resort recently when spokesman of the company, Mr Olabisi Falase, conducted journalists round the facility, which sits on 22.4 Hectres of land. A few metres away from the main gate is an expansive receptionist office. Three classes of live snakes, including a young python, were on display at the reception.

To the west of the office is a welldesigned miniature golf course and

quad biking track for relaxation.

There is also a trail for Karting. On the other side is a multi-purpose hall and sea-world museum.

Visitors are welcomed into the museum, which is yet to be completed, by statutes of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) with their trademark attires and attributes. The museum is fitted with a U-shape tunnel that showcases more than 40 different fish species peculiar to the Nigerian water.

Falase said there were about 380 fish species that could be found in Nigerian waters. “When the museum is completed, we will show-

•The entrance

T

•The ostriches on display in the zoo case all the species for Nigerians to see,” he said.

The fishes are placed into sizeable aquaria, which simulated their natural habitats. To make the excursion in the museum educative, facts about the fishes are inscribed beside the glass corrals. “Tourists don’t have to come and see alone, we also want to educate them about life and behaviour of all organisms on display here,” Falase said.

By the Omu River bank is a large zoo that distinctively houses animals such as lions, terrestrial and water crocodiles, baboons, tortoise, jackals, hyenas, monitor lizards, ostriches and geese, among others.

On what informed the choice of investment, Falase said the aim of the company was to educate the estimated 250,000 pupils that will be visiting the zoo annually about living organisms. He added that the resort also wanted to help in the conservation of endangered animals.

He said: “What we want to achieve with this resort is not only to be a recreational centre but also an educational centre. We discovered that a bamboo tree has about 57 uses; how many people know

that we can get a towel from a bamboo? I also don’t know whether people know that there are 37 different types of oranges. You can imagine such little things about life and our existence. This is why we are going extra length to educate visitors to the resort.”

How much does the project cost?

Falase said more than N270 million had been invested in the recreational project, saying the facility was “phase one” of the entire project. Sand filling of the site alone, he said, gulped N98 million, excluding the cost of land and construction work on the site. The company, Falase said, has concluded plan to extend the structure on the water front to make visitors’ experience worthwhile.

He said: “This project would change people’s thought, particularly Lagosians, about relaxation.

Some of them go to pepper soup joints to unwind and leave their children at home. No value is added. But if they visit the Omu Resort to learn new things about animals and non-living things, some knowledge would have been impacted in addition to the relaxation they have come to do.”

barrassment the incident has brought to our nation. The automatic employment promised for the families of the victims is inadequate. From Islamic perspective, government should pay the blood money equivalent to N36 million for each victim,” he said.

The second speaker, Sheik AbdulGaniy Adenle, who spoke on ‘Islamic values and culture: a mercy to mankind,’ said all what Islam brought is full of mercy to mankind, noting that even the philosophy of punishment is tantamount to be kindness to both the offender and the society at large.

Sheik Adenle said: “Islamic culture and morals are stemmed from the root of mercy. The promulgation of Islamic law is a mercy from Allah: Hijab, the Muslim women mode of

dressing, is to protect their honour and dignity; marriage in Islam has come to protect waywardness and children that will constitute nuisance in the society.

“Equally inheritance distribution according to Islam is to avoid rancour and enmity that arise in property distribution to deceased children.

“Even some prohibitions like intoxicants and fornication are served as security of life and health. So this is how we find in Islamic Shari’a justice, mercy and good life as enjoined

by Allah.”

He added that the non-Muslims should understand that Islam with its values and culture cannot be a cause of backwardness and restriction to human freedom.

How to achieve peace, harmony, by scholars

HE rapidly deteriorating security situation in the country with increasing cases of avoidable loss of lives and properties is causing serious concern among stakeholders who are worried at the little responses coming from the security agencies.

Of particular concern are the activities of various insurgents, kidnappers, ritualists and rapists across regions that have become more daring, forcing many to doubt the ability of the security agencies to contain the situation and nip these heinous crimes in the bud.

Against this background, a group of Islamic scholars under the aegis of the Conference of Islamic Organis-ation (CIO), met in Lagos recently to address the situation during the 5th Conference of Imams and Scholars.

The event, with the theme “Islam: Mercy to Mankind” held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) main auditorium, Akoka and had in attendance Islamic scholars from different parts of Lagos state.

The scholars proffered that to achieve peace and harmony in the country, the government must be on her toes at all times.

CIO Secretary General, Ustadh Luqman Yusuf enjoined security agencies to step up their intelligence gathering efforts stressing that the activities of the insurgents could be curbed if proper intelligence were conducted.

“Those who are carryings out killings, kidnappings, ritual murder among other illicit acts are not super human and do not possess the kind of training our security agencies have, so they (security agen-

By Wasiu Adeyemi

cies) need to justify the confidence the society repose in them”.

Failure to quickly curb the menace, he said, portends danger for the polity.

Aside security issue, Ustadh Yusuf, said the forum was to remind the world that Islam stands for human progress, love and peace.

In a lecture entitled: ‘Connection between correct understanding of Islam and peaceful nation’, CIO’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i said, it is very imperative to practise pristine Islam to avoid conflicts being experienced everywhere.

The revered scholar said there is perfect correlation between correct understanding of Islam and peaceful co-existence in the society.

He urged Muslim youth to study and understand Islam very well before engaging in any activity.

“A nation close to correct understand of Islam will experience peaceful life,” Shafi’i said.

“Lack of correct understanding of religion will breed vices. In fact, scholars have opined that there should be proper mentoring of the youths in their practice of Islam. The problem in the society is because of wrong understanding of Islamic tenets. Those who are astray constitute nuisance to the nation,” he stated.

The Islamic scholar also stated some things that he said must be upheld to achieve a peaceful society.

He said: “There should be correct knowledge and conviction of Islam; practising with wisdom and friend-

ship and tolerance towards others in the society.”

In order to bring about genuine peace and just society, he said, government must provide security in all facets of life.

Shafi’i said: “There are six things the Islamic Sharia’ has come to protect which should be the focus of all governments: security of life, religion, intellect, wealth and property, human dignity, and unborn babies.”

He decried government dilly-dally on how best to resolve the botched recruitment examination into the Immigration Service.

“The National Immigration Service jobs death still remains a national disaster. In fact, the government ought to resign because of the em-

11 schools get Rotary’s boreholes

N

O fewer than 11 schools in Ogun and Lagos States have been given motorised boreholes and prototype modern toilets

by Rotary International, the global club of philanthropists’ renowned for its humanitarian activities.

The donation a collaborative effort between Rotary Club Districts 9110 Nigeria and 5360 Canada together with some sub-districts was made to seven Secondary Schools in Lagos State and four in Ogun State.

The flagship of the project in Lagos was commissioned at Ajara Grammar School Badagry and donated by Ajara Rotary Club where Otunba Yomi Olomofe holds sway as the club’s first class president. The Ogun State flagship was at the Male Comprehensive High School Igbesa near Gateway Polytechnic and donated by

By Podo Sunday

Rotary Club of Agbara where Prince Joseph Odogbo is the club president.

The commissioning ceremony was performed by Rotary International Nigeria 9110 District Governor, Mr. Gbemiga Olowu and Prof (Dr.) Jan Leentvaar, a visiting District Governor of Rotary International (RI) 1590 Netherlands, who was on tour of the Nigerian District on needs assessment and evaluation. His visit coincided with the weeklong commissioning of Rotary empowerment programme.

At both venues in Badagry and Igbesa, the students, members of staff and school management including notable community chiefs and indigenes could not hide their joy for the

timely gesture, pouring encomium on Rotary International for its humanitarian activities globally.

District Governor Gbemisa Olowu said at both events that considering the population of the schools involved Rotary sees the project as a tip of the and will continue to do more in its service delivery pursuits, globally.

Mr. Somo Omoniyi, past district governor 9110 said as the project manager, the concept of the water and toilet project was conceived to improve the sanitary conditions in our crowded schools. He said each unit of the project costs N2million, emphasizing that the monies are direct donations from members of the various Rotary Clubs within the project catchment areas.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

35

SOUTHWEST REPORT

T

HOUGH it happened hundreds of kilometers away, the April 14 terror attack at Nyanya Motor Park, in Abuja by the terrorist group, Boko Haram is causing trouble in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The twin bomb blast at the popular bus station in the Federal Capital Territory, which claimed no fewer than 75 lives and left many more injured has driven fear into the Ondo State government which hurriedly cancelled the permit for a youth carnival planned for Thursday last week (three days after the Abuja blast) in the ancient town, citing security concerns.

The carnival, which had been long in planning and on which no less than N18 million had been expended was scheduled to hold at Akure City Hall, but was cancelled at the eleventh hour by the government which sent security operatives to cordon off the venue to the chagrin of the organisers of the event and the youths.

The much-publicised event which would have been the first ever in Akure was organised as a forum for the indigenes to deliberate on how the ancient town would progress and attract good things rather than unpalatable occurrences as has been the case of recent particularly the sudden death of its monarch, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, the Deji of Akure, who reigned for only three years.

However, after much preparations and even the arrival of the popular Fuji musician, Saheed Osupa, billed to entertain the invited guests from within and outside the country, the state government allegedly issued a directive which abruptly scuttled the big event on the excuse that Boko Haram insurgents were in town.

This development led to uneasy calm in Akure as aggrieved youths went on rampage to protest the refusal of the state government to allow them hold the carnival.

The irate youths stalled commercial activities, barricaded the popular Oba Adesida road and vandalised many valuables in the capital city.

It took the intervention of armed policemen from the anti riot squad to disperse the angry youths who made bon fires to show their grievances against the state government.

They moved to the government offices at Alagbaka in an attempt to ‘deal’ with top government officials in protest against the development, but the officials had fled before the aggrieved youths stormed the area.

The President, Akure Youth Coalition (AYC), Comrade Adekanbi Oluwatuyi, expressed his disappointment over the refusal of the govern-

How fear of ‘Boko Haram’ scuttled Akure youth carnival From Damisi Ojo, Akure

ment to allow the carnival to hold and the heavy presence of the security men at the City Hall, venue of the event.

Oluwatuyi, who described the development as a slap on the face of Akure and its people, however said they would not resort to violence to show their grievances, a promise already negated by action of the irate youth.

It was learnt that the carnival had been on the card for over two months.

Scores of Akure indigenes at home and in the Diaspora had dressed in uniform ‘Ankara fabric’ before the carnival was stalled.

While narrating his ordeal, the AYC President, Oluwatuyi, who wept profusely over the disappointment said, the event was initially scheduled to hold last year, but shifted to last Thurday following the death of Oba Adesida.

He said a letter had been written to the state government alongside security agents intimating them of the event and also to formally request

for the use of Democracy Park. A letter approving the use of the Park for the carnival, he said was sent to him on April 1.

He said despite the fact that letters requesting security coverage had been sent to the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo State command, the Department of Security Service (DSS) and other security agencies in the state, the event was cancelled at the last minute.

Oluwatuyi said, three days to the event, he was called that a letter was awaiting him at the Ministry of Transport.

The letter was to terminate the approval of the Democracy Park for the carnival on the ground that the place was under construction.

Oluwatuyi said, “a rational mind would know that, that place is not under construction, the government and other bodies have been using that place for over two years.

“We went to the Regent, Princess Adetutu Adesida and in my presence she called concerned authorities, including the Commissioner for Transport, Nicholas Tofowo-mo, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), but to my utmost surprise they did

not pick Kabiyesi’s call.

“After many steps had been taken, the Regent concluded that we should make use of the Akure City Hall, since it was built by Akure Community.

“We were surprised when we were told again by the state government through the DSS that we cannot hold the carnival because rival cult groups were coming to strike, I told them we are no cultists but Akure indigenes that want progress for our town. We explained to them that we are planning to give post humous awards to our dead heroes and bring Akure people together.”

Oluwatuyi said, they were at the Akure City Hall, throughout the night before the planned event to prepare the stage for the musician.

“We were surprised when we came here (Akure City Hall) and saw heavily armed security agents barricading the venue of the event.”

Oluwatuyi said, adding that it was shocking when the security agents said there was a standing order that the event could no longer hold because Boko Haram members were in town.

Oluwatuyi said, the Police Area

T

HE need for residents in Lagos State to rise up and speak against impunity in the society took centre stage at the forum organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Community Life Project (CLP), in collaboration with Stop Impunity Nigeria Campaign Group.

The event held at the Isolo Community Centre, with the theme “Impunity and the Rule of Law”, featured various stakeholders including representatives of civil society groups, students, artisans and market men and women.

CLP Project Coordinator, Mr. Lanre Arileola, said the trend of impunity has gradually eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigeria’s nationhood, adding that people now flout rules and regulations and are not made to answer questions or face the music.

“High level of corruption and indiscipline is another barrier to development. The Nigerian state is corrupt, managed by corrupt leaders, who have made the state an instrument of capital accumulation, rather than using it to project the interest of the citizenry. A very good plan supervised by a thoroughly corrupt state can hardly do a thoroughly good job.

“It is pertinent to note that leaders and individuals will continue in corruption because impunity ensures

•A participant making contribution at the community forum on Impunity and Rule of Law

Lagos residents urged to fight impunity

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

they do not get punished”.

Arileola noted that citizens can aid impunity through their actions or inactions, urging them not to join the bandwagon but do things which

were morally right and take responsibility for their actions.

Also speaking on Rule of Law, he said a society which claims to have

the system in place should witness checks and balances in government, minimal level of corruption, an open government, enforcement of funda-

Commander personally told him that members of Boko Haram were in Akure and the event had to be subsequently cancelled.

Enraged by the development, the youths went to “Omolaree” House, a revered traditional haven by the people of Akure, to rain curses on whoever was behind the cancellation of the carnival.

The youth leader explained that N18m had been expended on the carnival including payment to the popular musician, who was already in town for the event and checked into a hotel.

Meanwhile, the state police command has washed its hands off the cancellation saying it had not only approved the carnival to hold but had also prepared to provide adequate security. The Command, however, explained that after all arrangements had been made, the state government made an observation and cancelled the event.

The state Commissioner of Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, in his reaction said the state government cancelled the carnival because of the security challenge in the country. He did not elaborate. mental rights, enforcement of order and security, among others.

But Arileola lamented the level of abuse of the Rule of Law in Nigeria, saying that extra judicial killing, escalation of violence, insecurity of life and property, lack of access to justice, corrupt police force, ineffective law enforcement and bad governance have become the order of the day.

Another speaker at the event, Mr. Sunday Solanke implored the people to develop cordial relationship with law enforcement agencies, urging them not to hesitate to use the available citizens’ complaints mechanisms whenever their rights were trampled upon.

He stressed that cases of social deviance should also be reported within the available legal framework.

Some of the participants who shared their experience at the forum were unanimous in their submissions against impunity which they described as a clog in the wheel of development.

They, however, highlighted the challenge of the safety of whistleblowers, noting that some residents have become victims for daring to question public office holders or law enforcement agencies when they go against the law.

One of the community leaders in the area, Mr. Yemi Sogunle, commended the effort of the NGO for bringing the issue of impunity to the grassroots.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

36

SOUTHWEST REPORT It was Easter with a difference for some widows and orphans in Ogun State as they were treated to a fun-filled party on Easter Sunday in Abeokuta, the state capital. ERNEST NWOKOLO was there.

F

OR the orphans and some widows in Ogun State, the recently celebrated Easter was one they would remember for a long time and for good reasons too.

On Easter Sunday, they were showered with a rare show of love, affection and care and of course food and entertainment with lots of gifts at the Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home at Ibara, Abeok-uta, the state capital by a non-governmental organisation; Labake Illuminant Foundation.

Thanks to the NGO, hundreds of them drawn from different orphanage homes and similar centres across the state were assembled at the Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home for a fun filled Easter party. Pregnant teenagers who were rescued recently by the Police from baby factories in the state were also catered for.

Aside the dancing, treat of good food and choreography that lifted their spirit and also gave them a sense of belonging to the larger society, they had, as well as supply of beddings, clothes, food items, toiletries, cash gifts among others from the Foundation.

The beneficiaries included inmates of the Gideon Children School, Otta, Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home, Abeokuta, Ijamide Children Home, Otta, Juvenile Centre, Asero and two others.

At least six indigent students on the helpline of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Ijoko-Otta, also got cash gifts from the NGO. Widows were not left out as some got cash gift to start petty trading or re-jig existing ones.

One of the guests at the occasion, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Bola Asiru-Balogun, who presented gift items and a cheque to one of the beneficiary homes, on behalf of the Foundation said the gesture served to rekindle hope in Nigeria and also a call on others to uplift the weak and poor members of the society.

Asiru-Balogun, who represented the Agege State constituency at the Lagos Assembly, noted that though harsh fate brought some of the children into orphanage centres, he expressed the hope that some would in future grow up to become captains of industries, governors and legislators in Nigeria.

He said: “This outpouring of love and care goes to show that we still have hope in Nigeria, this will inspire us to reach out to others children. Some of you would be leaders and ministers in Nigeria. Just be focused.”

Also, the Matron of Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home, Mrs Fadairo Bolanle, lauded the efforts of the Foundation, praying that providence would enrich its pocket.

Mrs Fadairo said: “You have not done this for man but for God, God will enlarge your coast, you will not lack, God will replenish your purse.”

Even nine-year-old Ruth, of the Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home, could not hide her joy and wished that there should be such event yearly.

The Primary Three pupil who had started nursing a dream of becoming a medical doctor in future, said she enjoyed the music provided by the Foundation, while the party

•Adenike Coker (carrying a baby) with the beneficiaries at the event

Foundation treats widows, orphans to Easter party

•I wish this happens every year, says nine-year-old orphan lasted and wish to care for others when she becomes an adult and responsible member of the society.

Ruth said: “I won’t allow the circumstances I find myself to come between me and my future. I want to be a medical doctor when I grow old, I want to attend to the health challenge of people, I will study hard to become a doctor. That is one area I want to care for my fellow human beings.

“I feel happy today for the show of love and care bestowed upon us by the Foundation. I enjoyed the music, the food given to us and other items.

I would like this to be happening often, I will say a big thanks to Aunty Adenike Coker for her care and may God reward her richly.”

Labake Coker Illuminant Foundation was established in memory of the late Mrs. Labake Coker, who died on May 5, 2012. The foundation caters for the needs of widows, orphanage homes, as well as centres for the rehabilitation of the physically and mentally challenged persons across the country.

The late Mrs. Labake Coker hailed from Ago-Owu, Abeokuta, and married to Coker from the Osun State but she lived all her life in Alagbole, an Ogun border community near Lagos State.

While alive, she used her little resources and money given to her by her children as upkeep allowance to feed and clothe the less-fortunate members of Alagbole community.

Her daughter, Adenike Coker, who initiated the NGO, told the beneficiaries that the foundation is not out to run an orphanage home or lessprivileged centre, but to support existing ones in meeting the needs of children in their care.

The United Kingdom-trained finance expert, who had worked for Her Majesty, Customs and Excise (England) and Middlesex University (England), said the project took off last year at Erin-Oke in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, the home town of her father, and the foundation decided to mark this year’s Easter with inmates of orphanage homes in the Gateway state because, her mother, late Labake Coker,

hailed from the state.

According her, there is no boundary when it comes to reaching out to the less-fortunate and neglected members of the society as the next beneficiaries could be orphanage centres in Port Harcourt (Rivers State) or those in the South East states.

Adenike said: “The foundation is meant to be supportive. We are not creating our orphanage homes or whatever. We are just there to help other orphanage homes provide things they need. It is specifically for widows, orphans and children with disability. Our aim is to provide for people like the widows.

“I realise that it takes only little for them to be able to start petty businesses. We don’t intend to baby-feed them. We just want to give them something that would enhance their ability to feed themselves; N20,000 to look after themselves and children.

According to the mother of three, who runs a Creche and Nursery School in England, she is also desirous of using the Foundation to draw the attention of kind-hearted individuals, institutions and government to the needs and challenges of some needy orphanage homes and rehabilitation centres for possible support.

She explained that the inspiration to care for the needy came from her

late mother, but never knew it would start this early, stressing that educational and enlightenment programmes would be carried out on career path, sex education, HIV and AIDS and teenage pregnancy for Nigerian youths to steer them away from grave risk.

Adenike said: “It is getting bigger and better because this time around, I was fortunate to have friends and family support unlike last time when we did it ourselves. So, we have about five homes present including the recently rescued pregnant girls (from baby factories), they were catered for too.

“If I’m around again, I will be celebrating with them often because I’m getting passionate about the ones we have visited. The agenda of the Foundation is to go round and visit different homes in order to know what to do.

“Last year, we were in Osun, my mother is from Ogun State, that is why I’m doing this one in Ogun State.

“The next thing we will try to do as well is probably to arrange something and start going to schools and talk to the girls about safe sex, not even about teenage pregnancy alone but also in terms of diseases, HIV/ AIDs and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI).

‘

The Foundation is meant to be supportive. We are not creating our orphanage homes or whatever. We are just there to help other orphanage homes provide things they need. It is specifically for widows, orphans and children with disability. Our aim is to provide for people like the widows

‘

“Hopefully, we should be going to school to help the teenage children, to educate them on what not to do because if they were well informed and enlightened on this matter, they won’t found themselves in the situation they are. We will teach them how to say no to what that can mar their future or derail it so that they won’t get into a mess.”

Recalling the experience of the girls rescued in baby factories in the state and other parts of the country, she rued the society and lifestyle that is turning the nation’s youth particularly teenage girls into abandoning schools to serve as baby makers for unscrupulous persons ostensibly for commercial purposes, saying pervasive poverty is the precursor.

Adenike urged government and policy makers to have the youths at heart in what they do as the decisions they make have potentials to hurt them adversely.

She said: “It touches my heart because I watched the news on NTA international in England, it really touches my heart and it is so funny and ironic that the ladies were around when we came, we brought clothes, shoes and a token cash donation to enable them buy basic things they might need.

“If you look at the society, it breeds everything. I think it is because of poverty, from the account of the girls, it was by accident they ran into the mess, they lured them to where they went. It was not by choice. If they were not poverty stricken, they would not have gotten into it. But educating the children not to get into a mess is the major thing.

“Our leaders, the rich people in the country should bear them in mind when they are taking decisions, because every decision they are making are affecting people they don’t know about.

“If people know what we are doing, they will do something. I’m not going out there begging for money.

I want the Foundation to speak for itself. If people see what we are doing and become touched by what the Foundation does, let them partner with it. There is little we can do. The vision will not die.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

37

THE NATION INVESTORS

I have been able to stabilise and grow Skye Bank, says Durosinmi-Etti

R

ETIRING group managing director of Skye Bank Plc, Mr Kehinde DurosinmiEtti, took over the mantle of leadership at Skye Bank at a crucial phase in the history of the bank and the banking industry- the period of bubble assets and bad loans that had built up through the financial crises of 2008 and 2009.

Most banks were bogged down by bad loan assets and many banks which became technically distressed were taken over by the financial services authorities. With previous experiences as managing director in two separate banks, Durosinmi-Etti launched a comprehensive business renewal strategy that not only enabled Skye Bank to wade through the murky terrain, but to also continuously improve on its performance year-on-year.

From the onset, Durosinmi-Etti knew what he needed to do and the period required for this to be done. While the banking industry rules and corporate governance practice at Skye Bank allow him to serve two terms of four years each, he had, upon assumption of office, told directors and top management staff of the bank that he would only serve a single term of four years. As he completes his fouryear tenure, Durosinmi-Etti says he has kept faith with the bank, shareholders, other stakeholders and particularly himself.

“I took over at the point of global financial crisis; we had our national crisis as well then.

Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) came after that, so the industry was going through crisis. All the banks had a lot of toxic assets, so at that time banks were making losses, we too were barely scraping to make profits. So, if you look at our ratios, they look terrible. But we have been able to stabilise and grow consistently over the past three and half years. One has grown the balance sheet of the bank by about 80 percent and a lot of other indices have improved tremendously. Capital adequacy was quite low at the time, today it is about 20 per cent, more than the regulatory requirement of 15 per cent,” Durosinmi-Etti recalled.

According to him, the major highlight of the success of the strategy he championed when he took over was the reduction of the number of loss-making branches from over 100 to an average of 12 to 13 within the first two years of his management.

“We reinforced our management, we establish an enterprise risk management system framework which is very strong and I believe it is one of the best-in-class in the industry. We engaged a lot of policies around everything we want to do and with the right people, training and information technology (IT), we were able to build a system that has continued to surpass expectations. We invested in people and resources, we are experimenting with another upgrade of our IT infrastructure right now, a very significant upgrade, that is what has been the backbone of Skye Bank,” Durosinmi-Etti noted about the early years.

According to him, his tenure will be remembered by staff, shareholders, customers and other stakeholders for its openness, strong frameworks, human capacity development and fair and equitable system for all.

He pointed out that management principles during the period were centred on the best practices. “We worked to ensure that the bank has an open-access system, open management system with the whole framework; whether it is corporate governance, risk managementour credit process is very strong today, and we ensured that the people were well motivated. We ensured good compensation and

By Taofik Salako

Capital Market Editor

welfare for the employees. So all that ensured a fair and enjoyable environment that enabled us to work hard and work well to meet up on our corporate goals,” Durosinmi-Etti noted.

As he retires, Durosinmi-Etti thinks Skye Bank has gathered a strong momentum that can only lead to future growth and better returns to all stakeholders. He therefore urged staff and shareholders to support his successor.

According to him, his successor, Timothy Oguntayo, is a dependable multi-skilled financier that has what it takes to build on the successes of the previous years. “Timothy Oguntayo, right from 2006, has worked very closely with me, I have been his direct supervisor for most of the last eight to nine years and he has got all round competence both in commercial banking and merchant banking.

He started his career in United Bank for Africa (UBA) so he has strong commercial background. He had worked Prudent Bank. He has the thinking of an investment banker and the skills of a commercial banker and nothing can be better than that. He has sound judgement which is key for decision making, he is experienced, he’s a people’s person, he gets on well with people, he has good leadership skills, he has the attribute to lead so he can ensure that continuity and move the bank forward, I have no doubt that he can move the bank in the right direction,” Durosinmi-Etti said.

For him, he is a fulfilled person: I have been in banking since 1987. I went in as head of accounts and computers in Nigerian American Merchant Bank which was a middle management position. I moved to Midas Merchant Bank in 1990, I rose to become chief executive officer of Midas Bank in 1995 and I left in 1997, after almost two years. I left on my own volition. I came back into banking in 2002 as the chief executive officer of Eko International Bank, and I voluntarily stepped down after successful consolidation. I thereafter became the deputy management director of the emergent Skye Bank Plc following the consolidation exercise.

Though many will view his decision not to seek another term as uncommon, DurosinmiEtti says his life goals and ambitions have been the guiding compass of his timeline. “I set goals for myself that by the time I was 49, I would stop working for anybody and I am 52 this year. I feel that I should get time to do things for myself because by the time one gets to 60 years, it becomes pretty more difficult.

From day one, I told the chairman at that time and some of my board members and colleagues that I would only do four years. So, that’s why I am going, I am sorry to go, it’s

sad, I have enjoyed the time I have spent but that’s what I have set my mind on. I know it’s not common but I have done it few times so it is common with me. I don’t hold on to anything in terms of power, position and all the things that go with such an office, they mean very little to me. What’s most important to me is, I have been given the opportunity to serve and I have done that creditably and honourably.”

Audited reports and accounts of Skye Bank lent credence to the indelible impact of Durosinmi-Etti on the bank. Skye Bank grew net profit by about 27 per cent to N16 billion in 2013 as the bank optimized constrained topline to deliver better returns to shareholders.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of the bank for the year ended December 31, 2013 showed that net profit rose from N12.64 billion in 2012 to N16.02 billion in 2013. The bank would be paying N3.97 billion to shareholders, representing a dividend per share of 30 kobo. Earnings per share had risen to N1.21 in 2013 as against N1.01 in 2012. At the bank’s current market consideration at the stock market, the dividend represents above-average yield of some eight per cent.

In a year that banks generally came under pressures from cost headwinds that resulted from several regulatory changes, Skye Bank recorded a profit before tax of N17.136 billion in 2013, a modest increase on N16.510 billion recorded in 2012. Other highlights of the result include growth in total assets from N1.073 trillion to N1.116 trillion, while deposit liabilities also increased from N966 billion to N996 billion. Gross earnings stood at N127.3billion in 2013 compared with N127.73 billion in 2012.

The bank’s total equity grew during the review period from 106.8 billion in 2012 to N120 billion in 2013, indicating the bank’s financial stability. Loans and receivables also rose to N549.8 billion from N540.3 billion. As a measure of its growing good loan portfolio, the bank’s net interest income shot up to N61.69 billion from N44.5 billion in 2012, an increase of 38 per cent.

In the previous audited report for the year ended December 31, 2012, the bank had recorded three-digit growth rates, the bank had witnessed strong growth in profitability as the bank rode on the back of expansive business base and increasingly efficient cost management to deliver impressive returns to shareholders.

The report showed that profit after tax leapt to N12.64 billion in 2012, representing a remarkable increase of 872.6 per cent on N1.30 billion recorded in 2011. Profit before tax had leapt by 480.9 per cent from N2.84 billion in 2011 to N16.51 billion in 2012. The bank also recorded significant improvement in the topline as gross earnings rose by about 25 per

‘I took over at the point of global financial crisis; we had our national crisis as well then. Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) came after that, so the industry was going through crisis. All the banks had a lot of toxic assets, so at that time, banks were making losses, we, too, were barely scraping to make profits. So, if you look at our ratios, they look terrible. But we have been able to stabilise and grow consistently over the past three and half years. One has grown the balance sheet of the bank by about 80 per cent and a lot of other indices have improved tremendously’

,

•Durosinmi-Etti

cent from N102.36 billion to N127.73 billion.

The bank’s balance sheet also showed impressive performance as the bank’s focus on quality growth brought down the relative level of non-performing loans to its lowest level. The bank’s assets quality improved considerably as non-performing loan/gross loans ratio surpassed industry’s target of 5.0 per cent at 4.95 per cent in 2012 as against 6.39 per cent.

Deposit base expanded by 22.4 per cent at N790.09 billion in 2012 compared with N645.45 billion in 2011, reflecting the strong profile of the bank in the intensely competitive banking industry. Total assets crossed the N1 trillion mark to N1.07 trillion in 2012 as against N914.27 billion in 2011. Equity funds firmed up to N106.89 billion in 2012 as against N100.11 billion in 2011.

Before his exit, Durosinmi-Etti had laid the foundation for the next growth phase of the bank. In 2013, the bank outlined a three-year short-term plan that is expected to double its balance sheet and customer deposits by the end of the plan in 2015. The bank is also expected to significantly improve its profitability in tandem with the targets for total assets and customer deposit.

A new strategy framework that emanated from a long-drawn brainstorming retreat between the board and management of the bank and top-flight professional advisers had indicated that the bank needed to consolidate its size and expand both organically and inorganically.

The bank retooled its growth model into a more assertive and forward-looking option that sought to consolidate its historical value-based organic growth strategy with expansionary and competitive verve with a view to leapfrog and sustain the bank into a top tier bank within the medium to long term. Focused on internallydriven value creation, Skye Bank had raised comparatively lower capital and did not make any acquisition in the rush for large capital and acquisitions by several banks. The new growth model will combine this historic growth model with a stronger competitive strides aimed at exploring all available opportunities for growth.

The bank is expected to drive growth largely internally through increased capitalisation and market-facing initiatives but it would also seek to acquire value-adding commercial banking assets that could leverage its balance sheet, spread and customer base.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

38

THE NATION

BUSINESS PENSION Employees ,who retired in Lagos State, have continued to receive their pension as at when due following the state’s commencement of the new Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in April 2007. Last week, 437 retirees from the State’s Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the local government areas, received over N1.7 billion Retirement Bond Certificate. Some of the retirees recount their experiences to OMOBOLA TOLU-KUSIMO.

Lagos SUBEB, local govt retirees receive N1.7b pension

F

OUR hundred and thirtyseven Lagos State retirees, many of whom are drawn from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the local government areas, smiled home last week after recieving over N1.7 billion pension from the state.

The amount is an accumulation of their accrued rights for past service to the state prior to the commencement of the new pension scheme, the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in April 2007.

Their pension was, however, presented in bond certificates which they will present to the various Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), who will in turn credit their bank accounts.

Before now, the state government paid a total accrued right of N22.7 billion to 4,199 retirees from inception of the CPS. Besides, the National Pension commission (PenCom) has continued to use state as an example, as it is the only state in the country that has fully complied with the Pension Reform Act 2004, followed by Niger State.

Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) Mr. Rotimi Hussain, who spoke at the first tranche of the 11th Retirement Bond Certificate Presentation to retirees of the state Public Service, said apart from presenting bond certificates, the event was set aside to celebrate the commitment of workers in the state during their service years.

He said this was a follow-up to the 10th batch held in February this year, adding that it is a confirmation of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola’s commitment (SAN) to make life worthy and remarkable for all its employees in retirement.

He said: “Of great importance is the fact that the N17.2 billion has already been domiciled in the respective Retirement Savings Account (RSA) of each of the 437 retirees in addition to their 7.5 per cent monthly contributions and another 7.5 per cent counterpart contribution by the government.

“It is a thing of joy to confirm that with the presentation ceremony we are witnessing today, Lagos State has tremendously grown its stake in the administration of the CPS in Nigeria having so far paid N24.4 to 4,636 retirees from the public service from inception of the Scheme till date”.

He urged the retirees to be cautious and careful about the type of business they embark upon after retirement.

He told them to be sure they are conversant and have a fair knowledge of the business they want to embark upon, so as to avoid falling into the hands of fraudsters.

He said LASPEC has put the retirees through all they needed to know about the workings of the scheme during the pre-retirement seminars, and it is their fervent belief that they are now in the best position to put the knowledge acquired to use in all their future endeavours.

•Mrs Okonkwo

•Durojaiye

‘I am happy to retire today and my advice to workers is that they should prepare ahead for retirement. They should know that it is just like death that would come one day. You just have to prepare a little bit ahead and that’s what I have done. This will help you to be prepared for retirement and you will not be afraid’ He said they are however at liberty to meet their (PFAs) and Insurance firms for further guidance on the procedures and processes of accessing their retirement benefits immediately after the ceremony.

Retirees’ report The pensioners however gave an account of their service years and retirement under the new scheme as well as how they intend to spend their pension.

Mrs Bisi Oluomu, who retired as a teacher from District C, Oshodi Isolo in 2012 after 32 years of service, said she is excited that she is alive to receive her pension although it came in this year.

She said: “I had to go through all the process required of a retiree under the CPS. I also want to appreciate my husband and my relation for their support since I left service.

“I am happy to retire today and my advice to workers is that they should prepare ahead for retirement. They should know that it is just like death that would come one day. You just have to prepare a little bit ahead and that’s what I have done. This will help you to

•Mrs. Florence Olatunji

‘I am grateful to God for a day like this. After retirement we need to sit back and enjoy the fruit of our labour. Some of us have not handled large sums of money before, so we need to handle it very well so we don’t go bankrupt’

be prepared for retirement without fear.”

When asked if she would choose Programme Withdrawal or Life Annuity for pension payment, she said she believes the Progamme Withdrawal is better, noting that she will consult professionals for advice before she finally makes her choice.

On the CPS, she said: “I am just collecting the money now and we just received a lecture.

“I like the new pension system because it does not require the stressful process of the old scheme where you are made to queue under the sun and rain with some people collapsing in the queue.

Under this new Scheme, I know where to go and queue. Your PFA would make sure your money is paid in the bank. In Lagos state they even gave us names of PFA and insurance companies that they trust to choose from.”

Mrs. Julie Aigbe said she joined the Lagos State public service as a teacher in 1979 and retired as the principal of Lafiaji High School in 2012 after serving for 31 years.

She said: “I am grateful to God for a day like this. After retirement we need to sit back and enjoy the

fruit of our labour. Some of us have not handled large sums of money before, so we need to handle it very well so we don’t go bankrupt.

“I retired two years ago at 50 and as a human being, you will be afraid of what your life will be like after retirement. It is not easy for you to earn salary for 31 years and all of a sudden, it just ended. You will be happy that God saw you through, but the other feeling that you will have is to face the reality. But I am particularly happy because I am sure that under the new pension arrangement, my pension will be paid to me monthly.”

Mr. Bola Durojaiye, who retired from Surulere Local Government in 2102 after serving for 16 years, believes the new pension scheme is a departure from the past agreement which is what makes it easier and better.

“We thank whoever is behind this arrangement and we believe they will still develop it to become better so all we are doing is to pray for the governor and for everyone that has made an impact in the Scheme.

“I am very happy today because I retired in October 2012 and we are in April, today, in less than two

years, he added.

Mrs. Jesse Okonkwo, who served in Banjo Primary School, Ebute Metta, said she worked for Lagos State for 25 years and Anambra for six years before retiring.

She said Lagos paid her pension for 25 years and asked her to return to Anambra to receive the balance.

“They paid me for 25 years and asked me to go to Anambra to collect my remaining pension and that has been stressful for me. I am not happy that my own state is not doing much. Lagos is really trying for us and I just wish I finished my service here in Lagos.

Earlier, the Acting DirectorGeneral of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, had said the Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria, comprising Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Osun states, are leading other political zones in the country when it comes to complying with provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2004 and the CPS. She said all the states in the zone have enacted their own versions of the pension reform law to enable them establish a contributory pension scheme for civil servants at both states and local governments.

She said some states in the zone have started deducting pension contributions from their workers’ salaries monthly and remitting same into their RSA domiciled with their preferred PFA. She said: “Lagos State has remained special in this regard, being the first state to embrace contributory pension. The state enacted a law that enabled it to start implementing the scheme in 2007, prompting PenCom to locate its zonal office within the state.

“Indeed, Lagos State by our record, is one of the pioneers in the implementation of the CPS, having enacted its law in 2007. Lagos State is fully compliant with its employees’ registered and pension contributions’ remittance paid regularly. It also issued retirement benefit bonds to its retirees and these bonds have been fully redeemed and proceeds paid into the RSAs.” Mrs. Anohu-Amazu said Anambra State only recently enacted its pension enabling law. It is expected that the state would soon set up the administrative structure, appoint PFAs and register its employees under the Scheme, she said.

She explained that the Pension Reform Act 2004 is meant to address old age, poverty and the sufferings of retirees while accessing their pension.

The law sought to ensure that every person who has worked in either the public, or private sector gets their pension as and when due; establish a uniform set of rules and regulations for the administration and payment of retirement benefits in both the public and private sectors, among other things, she added.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

39

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP Sanmi Akindipe started out as a hawker. Now he owns a chain of businesses, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

My story, by young entrepreneur

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HEN he started business, no one gave him a chance.But today, he is a ‘collosus’ and a pride to the youth.

For over 10 years, Sanmi Akindipe has been at the heart of investment forecasting and financial advisory business. This culminated in the birth of his firm, Set Group, a finance company which help people to manage wealth.

He said starting a new business is second nature to him. The completion of one project comes with the thought of kicking off another.

Akindipe started young - from his school days, he sold gala at Ojota, Lagos, because he “liked selling”.

“It was fun. I love doing what I was doing then,” the young entrepreneur said.

But he knew he needed to upgrade himself to join the emerging entrepreneurs who apply scientific methods to businesses.

He received a degree in Accounting from the University of AdoEkiti, Ekiti State and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA)

from the University of Lagos.

After graduation, he started with a share forecasting business.

Akindipe was among those who applied scientific methods to predict stocks and shares in the capital market in the early 2000.

Then, he said the economy was recording a boom. Forecasters found a ready market. He built a business around his weekly forecasts—one that included his newsletters, syndicated columns, and a radio programme.The growth was driven by client wins nationwide, notably in Lagos and the Southwest.

As he analysed stocks, he had a few business ideas in mind. After he made his first N1.5 million during the stock boom, Akindipe ploughed it into real estate.

He mulled real estate as a potential big opportunity and set up a subsidiary to handle sestates in Lagos and Ogun states.

One of his estates is in Ikorodu, Lagos.

He has since extended his tentacles to imports, real estate and ag-

riculture.

He has also raised capital for all his ventures and given returns to investors.

Akindipe said the idea for his various ventures stems from his experience of identifying the challenges and opportunities in each sector.

Most of his entrepreneurial ventures have all been Greenfield ventures. This is obviously not the only way to start a business, but his preference has always been to look at areas where there are no large players.

His used the strategy to create profit. His strategy is: start with passion and excitement. But more importantly, build a business from an objective. Without that, it would be difficult to make it, he said.

His second-hand cars business is also thriving, thanks to his passion and a ready market.

Akindipe has new discovery: getting more Nigerians involved in set up internet radio.

He said there are a lot of oppor-

tunities for Nigerians to make money because people listen to radio at work, on the internet and at home.

According to him, it is easy to set an internet radio with a little capital. Not up to N20, 000 a month. So, by being on the internet, blogging, my space, and through other public relations techniques, one gets many listeners.

The way to make money is to have commercials on a radio show and talking about products to thousands of listeners on internet radio. That is where more money comes in for one. One can sell advertising time for a few naira, he said.

With over a decade in business, he has become more matured, tolerant and patient. He believes there are people who are good at running a business from scratch.

His belief is that one should have a strong passion for an idea and a conviction that the idea will work, adding that this is what makes him a winning entrepreneur.

His motivation and drive to go

A

•Managing Director,Demmackno Nigeria, Joseph Adenle (2nd left), handing an item to a beneficiary,Damilare Mudasiru. With them are President, Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun, Mrs Fasuyi, and Pastor Fasuyi, at the event.

PHOTO: BIODUN WILLIAMS

F

15 get entrepreneurship training IFTEEN youths have received a three-month entrepreneurship training at the Joseph

Ayo Babalola University (JABU)in Ikeji Arakeji, Ondo State.

They were sponsored by the Vice-Chairman, District Coordinating Council of Christ Apostolic Church, Agege, Lagos, Pastor Caxton Fasuyi and his wife,Titilola.

Fasuyi said their non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Destiny Focus Care Initiative (DFCI) besides assisting youths, also helps widows, widowers, and orphans to get empowerment.

He and his wife established the group to equip young men with skills, he said.

The programme involves skills training in hair cutting, fashion designing, block making, and computing.

He explained that the schoolbased entrepreneurship is three months, adding that beneficiaries would be exposed to various entrepreneurship skills at JABU. The programme, he added, would help young men to set up a business and earn an income.

Pastor Fasuyi said they are supporting the participants with a one year rent and equipment to takeoff. The beneficiaries got items, such as hair saloon driers, clippers, sewing machines and block making equipment.

According to him, the project is their little contribution to train the skilled and entrepreneurial workforce that the country needs to create wealth and emerge out of poverty.

He envisaged that the project would become the flagship avenue

for the church to develop sustainable entrepreneurs poised to address needs.

Mrs Fasuyi said the project, which started in 2010 with their personal funds, focuses on entrepreneurship as well as working with unemployed in the informal sector to access the requisite tools and finance to successfully run their businesses.

Beyond starting and running effective businesses, beneficiaries learn how to integrate their faith with their business and create a business which curriculum focuses on integrating business and faith in a meaningful way.

She said the church’s partnership with DFCI is to aid unemployed graduates and other young people in the church and in the community to start profitable ventures.

Foundation to train 4000 youths in Nasarawa

A

GROUP, Al-Makura Collective Prosperity Foundation, in Nasarawa State, has pledged to train 4, 000 young men and women in various skills to become self-reliant.

The Coordinator of the group,MrIdris Umar, gave the pledge while donating skills acquisition materials to some youths in Amba community of Kokona Local Government.

He said that the foundation found it necessary to empower the youths as part of its contributions to national development.

“There is high rate of unemployment, youth restiveness and poverty in the country today.

“People should not continue to wait for white collar jobs; there is need for them to engage in one thing or the other for self reli-

ance.

“It is better for one to teach you how to catch fish than to give you fish to eat. That is why our foundation embarks on youth empowerment programmes in this area and the state at large.”

He added: “We have trained youths in Bagaji, Keffi area of the state in different skills, such as dyeing, fashion design, welding and fabrication work.”

•Akindipe

through the teething problems is also key to success.

Akindipe advises entrepreneurs to monitor their finances and have good relationships with stakeholders, such as banks, insurance companies and other service providers.

Group empowers 40

NON-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Wazobia Widows Foundation of Nigeria, has donated cash and equipment to 40 widows in Ajegunle-Apapa, Lagos as part of activities marking its 11th anniversary.

Its President, Pastor Benjamin Igoh, said he felt for the women, many of whom could not fend for themselves after the death of their husbands. He praised those who donated to the group, urging that they continue.

Four women received N100,000 each. They were Mrs Linda Okpoto, Mrs M. Lawal, Mrs Evelyn Aakra and Mrs Janet Okeke. Others got new refrigerators, grinding machines and drinks , and rice, among others to boost their trade and enjoy the Easter.

Wife of the Ifelodun Local Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State Alhaja Faliat Ajidagba, commended the group for the gesture.

“I congratulate the foundation and wish you many more of this type of gathering. This gathering shows that God is with you (widows). It is only God that will help the widows.” She donated N10,00 and pledged N50,000 on behalf of her husband, Hon Fatai Ajidagba.

The Secretary, Hair Dressers Association, Ajegunle, Mrs Patricia Funke Zuokeme, who canvassed assistance for widows, promised to train the children of members of the group, who are interested in her occupation, free.

By Joseph Eshanokpe

The guest speaker Rev Macaulay Ejoh said it was better to teach or give materials to beneficiaries who would use them for their good, rather them offering them tokens.

He added: “The highest honour in life is to empower the less privileged, adding that Jesus, who watched the feet of his disciples, was demonstrating the principle of servant-leadership. Any position God puts you, know it is a responsibility to be a servant,” adding that it should be used to empower and serve others.

Some members of the group praised Pastor Igoh for his assistance. Mrs Afusatu Kareem, a muslim, said the group not only help her son to gain admission to the University of Benin but also raised a sponsor Micura Services Nigeria for him in the five-year course. Mrs Victoria Edoh said the leader of the group was God sent.

“It is easy to empower widows.

Igoh knows how to approach people to get assistance,” she said.

At the event were Majority Leader Ifelodun LCDA Lamidi Kareem, who chaired the ceremony; an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Friday Egbiyon, and Managing Director Global Ventures Limited Rasheed Bola Adekunle and Managing Director Mindset Media Limited Godday Odidi.

Expert seeks support for job creation

T

HERE is need for more jobs to be created in the country, a lecturer, Dr Foluso Adeyinka, has said.

Adeyinka, who is of the Economic Policy Research Department, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, said social problems, such as robbery, drug and child trafficking, Boko Haram menace, among others, could be attributed in part to unemployment.

“There is an attendant high level of insecurity occasioned by these problems.

“It continues to have a negative spillover effect on the development of the country and the attraction of foreign investors into the economy,” he added.

He continued: “The problem also leads to the migration of intellectual capital in search of greener pastures.

“To this extent, job creation must be viewed as a primary economic development goal that must continue to receive attention of all levels of government in collaboration with the private sector.’’

She emphasised that the creation of employment opportunities was essential for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable economic and social development.

“It becomes crucial to provide decent jobs that secure both income and empowerment for the poor, especially women and younger people,’’ he added.

According to her, job creation is a proactive reaction to unemployment and in part a poverty reduction strategy.

“For peace to reign and Nigeria to move forward like other countries, the issue of unemployment must be put to serious consideration, he added.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

40

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

GOKE ILESANMI

T

HINKING is very critical to ability to achieve success in life. It is not just any thinking, but right thinking. Your thinking is a reflection of whom you are.

That is why I want us to examine the book titled: Think and Grow Rich this week.

It is written by Napoleon Hill, who was born in 1883 in a one-room log cabin in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. As a teenager, Hill worked as a newspaper reporter to finance his way through Georgetown University Law School.

As a result of his excellent display of (journalistic) excellence while working as a reporter, he attracted the attention of Robert L.Taylor, Governor of Tennessee and owner of Bob Taylor’s magazine who employed him at the age of 25 to write a series of success stories of great and famous men, among whom was Andrew Carnegie.

Carnegie was so impressed with Hill’s articles that he commissioned him to interview 504 of America’s most successful men and find through their experiences a success strategy that would work for the average man. The result of the various interviews Hill had with these great and famous men is this book.

How to think and grow rich Hill reveals how to surmount obstacles on the road to success and accomplish your goals in life. He also stresses why one man marches forward all his life accomplishing, earning and multiplying his wealth and happiness while another man is languishing in poverty.

Hill discloses what gives one man great personal power and why another man is effectual. According to him, when you know the success principles that govern the entire universe, what they mean to your life and how to deploy them for maximum results, you will definitely achieve success and its accompaniments such as good health, happiness, wealth, etc. He says you will never fall victim of negative influences that dampen enthusiasm, eliminate love and prohibit you from experiencing the riches of fulfilment that can easily be yours, only if you are able to deploy these success principles well.

Structurally, the book is segmented into 16 chapters. Chapter one is christened The power of thought. According to Hill here, truly, thoughts are powerful things when they are mixed with definiteness of purpose, persistence and a burning desire for their translation into riches or other material objects.

He adds that the power that signals success is the power of your mind, adding that it is how to make life say Yes instead of No to your plans and ambition. “One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat.

Every person is guilty of this mistake at one time or another,” says

Author: Napoleon Hill Publisher: Gospel Press Reviewer: Goke Ilesanmi Hill.

According to him, when defeat overtakes a man, the easiest thing to do is to quit. Hill says failure is a trickster with a keen sense of irony and cunning. He adds that failure takes delight in tripping one when success is almost within reach.

In chapter two tagged Desire: The starting point of all achievement, Hill identifies desire as the first step to riches. According to him, dreams come true when desire transforms them into action. Hill says the method by which desire for riches can be transformed into its financial equivalent consists of six steps. These are that you should fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire; determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire; establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money desired; create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once to put the plan into action; write out a clear, concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire; and read your written statement aloud twice daily.

In chapters three to eight, Hill identifies faith, auto-suggestion, specialised knowledge, imagination, organised planning and decision as steps two to seven when we are talking about strategic rungs of attaining riches.

In chapter nine, persistence is identified as the eighth step towards attaining riches.

According to Hill here, persistence is an essential factor in the procedure of transmuting desire into its monetary equivalent. He says the basis of persistence is the power of will.

Hill stresses that when the will power and desire are properly combined, they become an irresistible pair. He adds that men who accumulate great fortunes are generally known to be cold-blooded, and sometimes ruthless.

Hill says when you recognise and sweep aside certain weaknesses which stand between you and your goals, your persistence develops into a respected, proved, progressive power. This author submits that persistence is a state of mind and it can be cultivated.

In chapters 10 to 14, the author identifies power of the master mind; the mystery of sex transmutation; the subconscious mind; the brain; and the sixth sense as the ninth to 13th steps towards attaining riches.

In his words, “The 13th principle is known as the sixth sense, through which Infinite Intelligence may and will communicate voluntarily, without any effort from, or demands by, the individual.”

Hill submits that this principle is the apex of the philosophy, and it can be assimilated, understood, and applied only by “first mastering the other twelve principles”.

Chapter 15 is labelled How to outwit the six ghosts of fear. Here, Hill says before you can put any portion of the success philosophy into fruitful use, your mind must be prepared

‘Hill says before you can put any portion of the success philosophy into fruitful use, your mind must be prepared to receive it. He submits that the preparation begins with the study, analysis and understanding of the three enemies that you will have to clear out. These enemies he calls indecision, doubt and fear. According to Hill, six basic fears are poverty, criticism, ill-health, lost love, old age and death. He says fears are nothing more than states of mind’

to receive it. He submits that the preparation begins with the study, analysis and understanding of the three enemies that you will have to clear out. These enemies he calls indecision, doubt and fear. According to Hill, six basic fears are poverty, criticism, ill-health, lost love, old age and death. He says fears are nothing more than states of mind.

Chapter 16 is tagged The Devil’s workshop. Here, Hill says another evil by which people suffer is the susceptibility to negative influences.

By conceptual X-ray, the depth and efficacy of various wealth-creation strategies offered by Hill in this book deserve commendation. The language is simple while the ideas are well integrated. By predicating the ideas on the experiences of real people, Hill is able to convince and motivate readers. To boost understanding, he states the major points at the end of every chapter.

But the title of the book should have been better tagged Think Right and Grow Rich.

If you are prepared to deploy your thinking properly and get rich, then you need to get a copy of this book.

WORKPLACE MATTERS

Mastering reported speech for effective report writing (2)

I

N the last segment.we said reported speech is the opposite of direct speech. We stressed that reported speech does not necessarily mean past-tense version of direct speech, as it is possible to have present- as well as past-tense reported speech.

We expatiated that what determines the tense of the reported speech is the tense of the reporting or introducing verb. We also examined different forms of structural transformation that take place in the course of changing direct speech into reported speech. We examined some flexibility that manifests, especially regarding adverbs of place and time. Let us continue from where we stopped.

Statements and questions combined Here we are going to consider a situation in which we have a statement followed by a question and vice versa. (a)A statement followed by a question: “I am satisfied. Do you need more?” (direct speech) becomes “He said (that) he was satisfied and asked if/whether his listener/friend needed more” in the reported case. (b) A question followed by a statement: “Do you need more? I am satisfied” (direct speech) becomes “He asked if/whether his listener/ friend needed more and added that he himself was satisfied”.

By Goke Ilesanmi

Breaking the tense-sequence rule (a)Universal permanent truth: The rule of sequence of tenses stipulating tense agreement between the main clause(represented by “He says/said”, etc.) and the subordinate clause is acceptably broken in (academic) English when we are talking about universal and permanent truth. So, He said, “The sun rises in the east and sets in the west”(direct speech) becomes “He said (that) the sun rises in the east and sets in the west” in the reported form.

Naturally, the verbs should have been in the past form. But because the idea expressed here is universal and permanent, the present tense is preserved. (b) Non-universal permanent truth: As said earlier, expressions of universal truth are the only grammatical situation in which the rule of sequence of tenses is permissibly broken in academic English.

However, extreme observance of this rule may lead to a dilemma in some situations because one may be psychologically torn between trying to maintain a permanent idea, and abiding by the rule of grammar. For example, let us assume that a friend of yours has come to introduce his sister to you by say-

ing “Meet Bola my younger sister”, if you want to tell another friend about this, would you say “Gbenga said (that) Bola was his younger sister”? If you prefer to utter it this way, you are just trying to observe the rule of sequence of tenses, and this is purely academic English. But the implication of your utterance is that you are saying the kinship tie between Gbenga and Bola no longer exists.

Extension However, if you say “Gbenga said (that) Bola is his younger sister”, it amounts to breaking the rule of tense-sequence, but the information portrays their kinship tie as being intact. This situation represents that of a non-universal permanent truth. That is, while it is globally known that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, it is not globally known that Gbenga and Bola are brother and sister, though the truth is permanent. So this is the difference between a universal permanent truth and a non-universal permanent truth.

Note: some flexibility is, however, allowed in permanent truths that are not universal, like the kinship tie between Gbenga and Bola.

That is, the rule of sequence of tenses can be broken if one is more interested in the present fact than in the past statement or observance of academic grammar. This is especially so in spoken English, or written discourse not based on English-language examination.

Reported speech news-reporting

and

In news-reporting, for example, some journalism scholars say that present tense should take precedence over past, if information will still hold even after an incident has been reported. The point made to buttress this assertion is that the purpose of news stories is to achieve immediacy and this is why newspaper headlines are written in present tense.

One of such scholars, a professor of journalism and author of Grammar for Journalists, a book that has two professors of English, S. Leonard Rubinstein and Robert G. Weaver as contributors, says in the book: “A major problem between present and past tenses results when the unthinking journalist puts too much stress on past tense at the expense of logic. Clearly, when you are quoting someone who spoke at a meeting, the speech or attribution tag (usually said) is in the past tense.

After all, the speaker said it – past tense, once and done. But what if the speaker was talking about an on-going project?”

Addition He adds: “‘I don’t like the way the bypass is coming,’ Williams said.

‘It looks as if it will ruin our environment.’ Would you change the direct quotation to the past tense?

Of course, not. You know Williams is speaking of his position on the bypass; his position is unlikely to

change unless the bypass changes.

The problem arises when the journalist paraphrases a speaker.… By changing the tense, you have changed the meaning…. Using past tense where logic calls for present tense could confuse the reader.”

Final note In changing from direct to reported speech, the rule of tense-sequence needs to be observed. However, this rule is permissibly broken in universal truths even when it is academic English. Even in habitual actions or non-universal permanent truths, flexibility is allowed if one is more interested in the present fact than in the past statement, especially when it is not written discourse concerned with English language examination.

PS: For those making inquiries about our Public Speaking, Business Presentation and Professional Writing Skills programme, please visit the website indicated on this page for details. Till we meet on Monday.

•GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Certified Public Speaker/MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach. He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant.

Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

POLITICS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

45

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The security challenge in the country has been on the front-burner, following the Boko Haram insurgency. In this report, Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the viability of state and neighbourhood police in combating crime.

Who is afraid of state police?

I

N Nigeria, the fear of the Boko Haram sect is the begining of wisdom. In the Northeast, economic and social activities are paralysed.

Schools are not safe. Traditional rulers have no rest of mind. Non-indigenes are relocating to their states of origin.

However, other geo-political zones are not insulated from terror. In the South, cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual killings are rampant. In the Northewest and Central, attacks on local farmers by Fulani herdsmen have persisted.

Governors have cried out that they are helpless, although they are chief security officers of their respective states. All these have fuelled the agitations for state police to combat crime.

The impression being created by the Federal Government, despite these criminal activities, is that the situation is under control. But, critics have pointed out that the police and other security agencies highly centralised security agencies lack the capacity to stem the menace.

Before the escalation of crisis in the North, there were calls for police reforms, in line with what obtains in countries that operate the federal system of government. This issue is likely to take the centre stage when the National Conference starts the debate on the restructuring and devolution of powers.

In the past, attempts have been made to develop a formidable police. But, these efforts have failed to produce the desired results.

The proponents of decentralised policing system have argued that the method would foster a kind of partnership between the government and grassroots people in the area of crime prevention. In their view, state or community police will enable the governors to become more pro-active and make security agents more responsive to the security challenge.

Already, there are unofficial security outfits that perform functions similar to that of the envisaged state police. What is required, critics argue, is to grant them the legal backing that would enable them carry arms and perform functions reserved exclusively for the police. For instance, the Lagos State government introduced the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to enforce environmental sanitation law.

Similarly, the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) was set up by former Governor Bola Tinubu to enforce traffic rules.

At the height of violent crimes in the Southeast, the Anambra and Abia state governments established vigilante groups known as Bakassi Boys to maintain security. Also,

• Mark

• Dr Jonathan

former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau established Hisbah, a para-military outfit, to enforce Islamic legal code (Sharia) to stem social vices.

A retired Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, who served in one of the police reform panels, said that state police would perform better than the current centralised police structure. Noting that security cannot be considered in isolation, he said that it should be viewed as part of the overall framework of governance. Many issues, Tsav added, must be considered to foster security. These, in his view, include the economy, religion, labour and politics. The expolice officer said the ball is in the court of lawmakers to introduce reforms that would enhance the security of lives and property in the country.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu apparently shared this view. He called for the amendment of Sections 214 and 215 of the constitution to pave the way for the establishment of state police. He noted that the two sections give exclusive control of the police force to the Federal Government.

Ekweremadu said the police should be transfered from Item 45 of Part

• Abubakar (IGP)

1 of the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution to the Concurrent List to allow states to operate a policing system under approved guidelines. He urged the National Assembly to provide the framework for the establishment, structure and powers for the state police.

For the system to work, Ekweremadu proposed the establishment of the State Police Service Commission in the 36 states. He suggested that the commission should be made up of the representative of the governor, a representative of the Federal Government to be appointed by the Police Service Commission, two experts in security matters to be appointed by the governor, subject to the confirmation of the House of Assembly, and representatives of other stakeholders.

A lawyer, Mr. Tayo Ogungbade, agreed with Ekweremadu’view.

He said the establishment of state police has become imperative, based on the principles of equity, justice and fairness. He noted that every state has the power to give judgment through state High Courts and Magistrate Courts and make law through the House of Assembly. The legislators, according

to the lawyer, should have concomitant powers to enforce its laws and police the state.

Ogungbade said: “This is an extension of the principle of federalism to which Nigeria’s federal and state courts exist as stipulated in Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution.

Federalism is not complete without the existence of state police. In more advanced federating societies, there are federal and state police”.

The lawyer pointed out that, in the United States, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) exists as a federal police structure while states and councils also have seperate police establishments. He added: “Big institutions like universities and parks have their own police outfits. A critical analysis of the constitution reveals that each of the states constituting Nigeria is supposed to be a complete government on its own, with powers to make laws, enforce them and punish offenders through the judicial arm.

“Yet, under the Nigeria legal system, the only institution saddled with the responsibility of enforcing laws is the Nigeria Police Force, a federal agency. Section 215(4) of the constitution is unequivocal that a state Commissioner of Police shall be at liberty to refer a directive given by a governor to the President before acting on it. In Nigeria, where most government decisions are influenced by politics, a governor’s directive to commissioner of Police is bound to be misinterpreted and vetoed by federal authorities” Ogungbade cited an example of how the Presidency has undermined the state in the case involving former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin in 2011. He recalled that, without waiting for any legal advice, the police, acting the script of the Federal Government, withdrew the charge against Folarin.

The lawyer, who supported the decentralisation police, said: “The choices before us are clear. One is to continue doing things the old way and continue to get the old and same result. The other is to embrace change by facing the realities on ground and by borrowing a leaf from other vast and pluralistic federal states that have nevertheless, secured their territories.

“While the choice is ours, let us never forget that the choice we make today would shape our future.”

But, there are those who think that, although the current system has not produced the desired result, it could be reformed to perform better. One of their major arguments against the state police is that it could be misused by governors.

The antagonists argued that a state police could become a tool of political oppression.

However, human rights activist Alfred Okagbue disagreed. He said the Federal Government is also guilty of the abuse of the police against the opposition. He cited the example of the demolition of property of perceived political opponents on trumped up charges in Yenogoa, the Bayelsa State capital,

‘The existence of state police in Borno State before the advent of Boko Haram would have nipped the excesses of the sect in the bud before it escalated into a national problem’

Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) by the Federal Government.

Okagbue recalled that the former Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr.Joseph Mbu, acted the Federal Government’s script to make life uncomfortable for Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

He said fears over the misuse of state police could be addressed by the constitution, adding that a strong justice system would cutrtail any abuse. He emphasied that the victims of the abuse are likely to be elite who have resources to seek redress in court.

The antagonists of state police have also pointed out that the state government may find it difficult to fund the police outfits, in view of the especially with dwindling allocation from the Federation Account.

But, Okagbue dismissed the argument. He said that, under the new system, the state government will re-order its priorities.

He added: “No matter the paucity of funds, it is a known fact that the security vote of governors still runs into billions of naira. This could be used to fund the state police.

“So, the security vote remains a yearly take-off fund for the state police where it will be operational.

That means the security vote has to be judiciously utilised. It is commendable that some governors have often used this to procure operational vans, bullet proof vests, arms and ammunition for the federal police operating in their domain. Funds for the state police could also accrue from development partners who need such an institutional framework to provide support for the state government as the need arises.

Ogungbade maintained that state police has a lot of advantages that are often overlooked. He said that it would ensure the security of lives and property in the community because the security agents understand local environment. It could also complement the work of the “federal policemen”, who do not know the terrain and people and engage in extra-judicial killings. State police will therefore boost the security of lives and property.

Ogungbade added: “If there is a state police in Borno State before the advent of Boko Haram, the situation would have been different. The state police would have nipped the excesses of the sect in the bud before it escalated. Although this does not mean that countries with long established state police do not have incidence of local terrorism and extremism. But, the efficiency of detecting, tracking and smashing crime syndicates locally is there for all to see”.

A retired Commissioner of Police, Chief Young Arabame, said the state police would attract a lot of goodwill from the community. He said there will be more commitment on the part of policemen because they are also members of the community.

Arabame said that state police would reduce the ratio of a policeman to the citizenry. He also said the country has one of the highest ratios of policemen to the people in the world, adding that this partly explains why the crime wave is high.

He added: “If state police is introduced, the ratio would reduce and crime would potentially decline, thereby making policing effective.

Nigeria is too large and heterogeneous for its security matter to be centralised.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

POLITICS In this piece, Rotimi Opeoluwa enjoins the people of Ekiti State to vote for a candidate with an antecedent of service and record of honour and integrity during the governorship election scheduled for June 21.

‘Ekiti should vote wisely on June 21’

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HE speculation had been rife for some time that Abuja, nay the ruling People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), had long concluded plans to “capture” the Southwest at all cost, including the use of “janjaweed tactics” in 2015. Some say, it is fait accompli, given the re-emergence of Ayodele Fayose in Ekiti and Senator Iyiola Omisore in the State of Osun.

Some newspapers say Fayose has “regained his groove”, but some commentators say it is not yet uhuru for him, citing Anambra and Ondo polls as examples. Those who hold this view say Fayose’s emergence is diversionary, adding that the grand objective is to ensure that Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB) of the Labour Party, who they say, has a presidential endorsement to sail through.

Arguably, whatever anxieties some have about Fayose are not misplaced, given that he was governor between 2003 and 2006 when he be strode the state like an emperor. His rule was iron-fisted. He never tolerated dissent. For Fayose, it is either you are for him or against him. With him, there was no luxury of a middle ground. He outlawed it. He was simply a tornado, leaving in its trail wailings and gnashing of teeth. During Fayose’s Administration, people were serially killed in broad daylight. Five protesting students from the College of Education Ikere were killed. It happened on March, 16, 2004. We recall the killing of Dr. Ayo Daramola. Tunde Omojola was brutally murdered in Ifaki-Ekiti.

He simply went berserk. He bore his fangs everywhere. He and his ragtag supporters played god. Traditional rulers were routinely harassed and insulted. He savagely dealt with politicians, especially those who do not share his understanding of politics both within and beyond his party. To differ with him was to court trouble. The university community was not spared his venom. Inferiority complex drove him mad. He engineered the removal of Professor Akin Oyebode, a world acclaimed International Law expert, on flimsy grounds as Vice Chancellor of the University of AdoEkiti. Oddity, which was his style, was elevated as an instrument of state policy. He relished brute force and ensured that intimidation of perceived opponents went unabated.

The fiasco that characterised his reign between 2003 and 2006, before his impeachment leaves a sour taste in the mouth. “Paradise was lost” under his supervision and the tragedy is that he makes light these infractions. Some of his supporters chant

• Fayose

that he has changed, but he is still visibly gabby. He exhibited that much in the build-up to the PDP primaries and has flaunted it as a virtue ever since.

He is yet to come clean on why he was impeached on October 16, 2006 by 22 out of 24 members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

He maintains that he has changed.

I ask, “change from what to what”?

It is a known fact that the leopard never changes his spot. Fayose represents a grave danger to the sanity and good neighbourliness, which currently pervades the state.

Some say there is no indictment against him. True, what about justice denied? That Fayose walks free today does not obviate his conviction in the court of public opinion.

With Fayose’s emergence, it happily gives room for a measure of comparism between him and the incumbent, John Kayode Fayemi.

What a world of difference! The former was a huge deficit; the current, an asset. The current is studious and highly methodological, the former is lousy. JKF is a promise still at dawn. One dispenses violence as a currency of his political engagement; the other restored peace and amity. Fayose is incorrigible. JKF is civil, amenable, intellectually stimulating and very articulate. You can disagree with JKF, argue with him and still have your head unbowed.

But the former governor does not have the temperament for good conduct. JKF explains, but the former governor is dismissive and rude. In JKF, it is safe to say here is a gentleman in whom there is no guile. That cannot be said of Fayose. He is a divisive character JKF is a unifier.

Fayose is toxic style. Things have changed since he returned. The PDP secretariat was torched. Some JKF campaign banners across the state were shredded. Given Fayose’s style, it is right to assume that Armageddon is around the corner.

Fayose is already sure of victory, but he must be reminded of how he lost woefully in his last electoral contest. The then Action Congress senatorial candidate, now Senator Babafemi Ojudu, trounced him silly.

The polity is heated up not because of his oratory prowess, not for this promise to drive the state to higher ground but because of his notoriety and appetite for anarchy. This is no time for indifference. No, the moment calls for vigilance. The dog is poised to return to its vomit. Hs deficiencies will make him resort to untoward tactics. It is simply not his fault.

We dare not ask about his dubious performance as governor, we are only told that he has “experience”.

He trumpets that much too. Certainly, his experience includes impunity, looting and debasing our common heritage as highly ethical people. More of his experience includes masking his credibility challenge to the undiscerning. Can anybody say he has a demonstrable ability to govern, let alone inspire the confidence of Ekiti people? Remember his impeachment from office was greeted with spontaneous joy across the land.

His re-appearance was greeted by a cocktail of violence. But, typical of the PDP, the family affair mechanism has been applied. Fayose has recommended some for ministerial slots and there is now the peace of the graveyard, since the PDP remains, “the chop-chop party”. Peace is a cherished commodity in Ekiti. We beseech the enfant terrible to maintain some decorum in his delusional race to the government house. This appeal become imperative, given that only yesterday the governor’s convey was allegedly attacked by thugs that poured out of the Fayose Campaign Office.

Democracy no doubt is intriguing.

Imagine its puzzling twist and turns and how such a character well known for abnormality will seek the people’s mandate, yet again after dehumanising them. It is simply ironic. Good enough the electorate know both JKF and Fayose and have seen both in the saddle. In the coming election, Fayose shall be retired for the good and sanity of all.

Opeyeoluwa, is a legislative aide to Senator Babafemi Ojudu and South West Co-ordinator for Young Patriots.

•Chairman of Ward H, Lagos Mainland Council, Bolawaji Emmanuel (third left), Hon. Eniolorunte Tajudeen (fourth left), Ola’kari Ago-Egba CDA (right), Sharafa Olotunbosun (second right) Great Abbey Discoveries Abiodun Oluwashina, President of Ifesowapo Progressive Group Florence Omotosho, at the Lagos Mainland after the All Progressives Congress (APC) registration in Lagos.

‘Goje, Dankwambo rift bad for Gombe’

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

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HE Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdullahi Jalo, has said that the rift between Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje and his successor, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, is not in the interest of Gombe State.

Speaking with reporters in Lagos, Jalo urged the federal lawmaker to concentrate on law making in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territary (FCT).

He said it is wishful thinking for anyone, including Senator Goje, to think of aborting the second term ambition of the governor.

He described Dankwambo as “an action governor, who is out to serve the interest of the common man.”

Jalo said: “Goje has been going about threatening to unseat the incumbent governor in 2015. It is wishful thinking because the man has gained more popularity in Gombe.”

He described Dankwambo as God-sent, adding that the achievements of the governor, who retired as the Accountant General of the Federation, have surpassed the feats of his predecessors.

Jalo, said: “Dankwambo is there to serve the people and Gombe has changed in the last three years.”

Jalo also said that Dankambo has touched more lives, adding that the governor is a workaholic, who deserves the support of the people for a second term.

He said: “Nobody in Gombe, except political jobbers, need any change as no one could perform better than Dankwambo in the state.”

Jalo said that Dankwambo has constructed 46 major roads, including 11 roads in the Gombe metropolis.

“None of the local government areas in the state has less than eight roads contracted and delivered by the Dankwambo Administration. Goje should come and tell us categorically if he gave that kind of support to any local government throughout his tenure in Gombe and the yardstick used in awarding them.”

Dankwambo built over 300 primary and secondary schools, and gave fertiliser freely to farmers.

The PDP national officer said there is no truth in the accusations that Dankwambo engaged in capital flight in the state, adding that the governor has merely expanded the scope of contract awards in the state, which he added were being done without the collection of kickbacks.

Jalo who threw his weight behind the second term bid of the incumbent said Goje should stop the war of envy against his successor and admit, like a good sportsman and politician, that Dankwambo is performing and should be supported.

This is a man whose transformation agenda could be felt in all sectors, including housing, transportation, education, agriculture, and even more.

• Dankwambo

• Jalo

Ikorodu indigenes jostle for governorship

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By Musa Odoshimokhe

N association, the “Group of Eminent Persons,” has said that Ikorodu sub-zone should produce the next governor of Lagos State.

At a meeting held at the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, organised by the Ikorodu Human Resources Development Board, the leader of the group, Prof. Kunle Wahab, said the slot has eluded the division almost two decades.

He said: “Lagos was created in 1967, our leaders gave us the impression that the manpower requirement of government and indeed the provision of welfare services and infrastructural development would be spread evenly over the five divisions in the state.”

He added that while other divisions have taken a shot at the governorship, Ikorodu has been left in the cold.

Wahab said that the political class has tampered with the original structure based on the five divisions of Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos, and Epe, noting that Ikorodu is no longer recognised as a division. He added: “It is only part of Lagos East Senatorial District. As part of Lagos East Senatorial District, it is struggling with others in the districts for a position believed to have been zoned to the district.”

He said Lagos Central and Lagos West have produced the governors.

“Lagos East is now to search for an acceptable candidate who is capable of raising the political and economic bar of the state to a higher level.

“This is the task ahead of us all and it is a task that must be accomplished.

Let us search for an eminently qualified candidate for presentation to the powers that be in the politics of Lagos State.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG), Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo, said that power shift can be achieved, if there is unity in Ikorodu.

He maintained that the interest of the larger society was paramount in the quest to get the governorship. He said: “There are enduring incidents of lack of equity in regard to both political appointments and placement in the civil service structure in Lagos State to the detriment of indigenes of Ikorodu division.”

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SOUTHERN TARABA FORUM FOR A JUST SOCIETY PRESS RELEASE/OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

GARBA UMAR IS TO BE BLAMED FOR THE WUKARI, TAKUM, IBI AND DONGA CRISES DUE TO HIS FAILURE TO CONTINUE WITH GOVERNOR DANBABA SUNTAI’S ROAD-MAP TO PEACE IN TARABA STATE, DESPITE JERKING UP SECURITY VOTES SINCE ASSUMING THE POSITION OF ACTING GOVERNOR

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e the undersigned are a group of concerned individuals from the Southern senatorial zone of Taraba state who have watched in studied dismay the way and manner peace has continued to elude the once peaceful state and the resurgence of old hates and intolerance. We are especially miffed and stupefied by the latest onslaught on the peoples of our zone in Wukari, Takum, Donga and Ibi local government areas. Clearly, the ongoing mayhem is a well worked out blueprint to destabilise the zone and institute a reign of terror, especially now that it is clear the zone is ready to produce the next Governor in the 2015 General Elections. The march for power shift to the zone is on, and some people, led by the Deputy Governor Alhaji Garba Umar, want to scuttle it with these crises to distract the region.

Right now, the administration in Jalingo is not bothered about what happens to the zone. In fact, Garba Umar, who calls himself Acting Governor, has said he doesn’t care if the entire zone burns to ashes.

That explains why either he or any of his lieutenants have bothered to visit anywhere in the troubled zone since the immediate past crises in Ibi and Wukari before the latest one that happened in Wukari. It took a recent outrage by Senator Joel Ikenya over his failure to visit those areas before he quickly breezed into Wukari and Ibi to shed crocodile tears. It is even as if he is punishing the zone for demonstrating to him that they won’t support his shenanigans. Right now, there is suffering and anguish in the zone but Umar is looking away unconcerned. He is at war with both the ruling PDP and the zone as he secretly works for the opposition in his bid to rob the zone its manifest destiny in 2015. We are aware of his infernal plans to continuously enmesh the zone in constant crisis through smokescreens of Fulani herdsmen attacks and Boko Haram invasions. There may well be pockets of these but the truth is that politics, especially the 2015 politics is at play here. Umar is against the zone and he is also bitter with the PDP -a party that has made it abundantly clear that it supports the power shift aspiration of the zone. Umar is now fully working with the opposition to destabilise the region with sponsored crises.

Without mincing words let’s reiterate that we believe Garba Umar is responsible for the current skirmishes! The buck stops on his table as the one currently in charge. Apart from a nebulous comment by his media spin doctors, no concrete effort has been made to arrest the breakdown of law and order in places like Wukari and Kashimbilla where many innocent people have been killed. Besides, Umar has increased the security vote from 80 million naira to a whopping N200 million, yet he has no substantial peace to show for all his spending; that is if he is actually spending the money on security. Truth is that Umar wastes all the security votes in prosecuting his governorship campaigns and fighting the southern zone. Or what else can we say he is doing with the stupendous fund? But beyond the waste of money, Umar has also generally caused these crises because of his failure to continue with Governor Danbaba Suntai’s excellent road map to peace in the state. For the avoidance of doubt, let us remind all and sundry that Suntai was known for his effective restoration of peace to a once troubled state.

Suntai achieved the feat by encouraging harmony amongst the people and by being fair and just with the entire groups, irrespective of religion or ethnicity. Suntai was also the grandmaster of swift response to any skirmishes. Normally, Suntai would not even allow a situation to get out of hand before reacting. He was adept at getting to the root cause of any crisis through intense dialogue and consultation, thus nipping them in the bud. And by enlisting the assistance of groups and community leaders, he achieved a lot in promoting peace. A Christian, Suntai was even closer to Muslims and made them feel at home in a state that belonged to all. Above all, by providing evenly spread development in the state, Suntai calmed many nerves. Workers were never owed any salaries and

the state’s economy never hit the bottom like it has done now. The cumulative effect of all of these policies is that Taraba became one of the most peaceful states in the country. In fact, at a point, we even thought we could export peace were it a physical commodity.

The security agencies under Suntai were well provided for from the security votes. And compared to Umar’s, Suntai’s security vote was a paltry sum. Still with that amount, and because it was judiciously used, Suntai achieved sustainable, effective and robust peace. Suntai even got effective laws that banned thuggery. He kept all sorts of trouble makers and bad people at bay so that law abiding citizens could sleep well at nights.

But all these changed with the coming of Garba Umar and his crowd of LEARNER advisers. Thanks to them, today Taraba has been plunged into crisis in the absence of discernible and perceptible leadership. Umar, referred to by his allies as UTC, through his ineptitude and inexperience, is the one who has accentuated the latent differences in our people by his utterances and actions and his loose talks. He has encouraged the religious differences by introducing religion in politics. As far as he is concerned, the southern part of the state could burn as long as the zone doesn’t support his 2015 ambition. And he is doing this by fanning the embers of differences amongst the people. Religion is his biggest tool. UTC, even in the beginning, saw himself as the emancipator of Muslims in what he told everyone was the historical injustice done to his people in the state. He was complaining to everyone that Muslims were marginalised and that he would correct that.

His position was however far from the truth as the state, before Umar’s coming lived in peace. Christians and Muslims dwelled in harmony as they found themselves living together in the same families, towns and even in villages across the state. Of course there were always tough issues of balance in appointments and the distribution of scarce resources. Suntai, through maturity handled those issues wisely and was accepted by all the faiths. He never discriminates. Umar however has shown that he cannot rise above the fray and be a leader: he clearly prefers his religion especially those belonging to the Izala sect. He has not been able to divest himself of the robe of partisanship. And by expressly showing that he is not a leader for all people in the state, he has unwittingly set a segment against the other. Even the appointments into key offices in government show that UTC is patently one sided, unlike his boss Suntai who strives for a balance in a potentially volatile state.

We therefore urge President Goodluck Jonathan to call UTC to order by directing him to dust up the master-plan of Governor Suntai in providing Taraba State with peace. After all, before UTC came, the Hausa, Tiv, Jukun and all the other ethnic groups in southern Taraba had lived together in peace. It is not as if the basis for hostilities was not there, but, as pointed out above, Suntai managed the differences in an effective way. UTC failed in doing this. Currently, UTC is even allowing the people to fight each other with the hope that this would weaken their political base and their aspiration for power shift. We are watching to see how his tactic would work. If UTC hopes to see a divided people that would facilitate his selfish/ governorship ambition, we have three words for him: HE WILL FAIL! Manu Benjamin Caleb (Coordinator) Hajiya Asmau Sansani Daniel Danabu Atoshi Samuelson Hajiya Nana Danladi Greg Terlumun Tor Ezekiel Yusuf, ESQ Abubakar Dan-Atiku Irimiya Edward Rimande

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BUSINESS EXTRA

Govt withdraws criminal charge against NAICOM’s boss

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• Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr Samuel Ortom (left); and Rector, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt. Samuel Caulcrick at the inspection of Kaduna International Airport Control Tower in Kaduna...yesterday.

1.3m cassava industry jobs coming, says Adesina

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TOTAL of 1.3 million jobs will be created in the cassava industry in the next few years, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina has said.

Addressing the launching of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Cassava: Adding Value to Africa phase 11 project in Lagos yesterday,the minister who was represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Mrs Toyin Adetunji said a lot of investments has to be made in the industry to bring cassava up to global competitive level.

To achieve this, he said the government established cassava development fund in July 2012.

According to him , the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to manage the N4.3 billion cassava bread fund that would support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), master bakers and large industrial cassava

By Daniel Essiet

flour mills.

Adesina said: “The fund support for upgrade of equipment of small and medium enterprises producing 50 per cent grant 50 per cent loan.”

He said the cassava transformation project seeks to create a new generation of cassava farmers, oriented towards commercial production and farming as a business. The y will also be linked up to reliable demand, either from processors or a guaranteed minimum price scheme of the government.

The strategy of the cassava transformation is to turn the cassava sector in the country into a major player in local and international starch, sweeteners, ethanol, and dried chips industries by adopting improved production and processing technologies, and organising producers and processors into efficient value-added chains.

He said one of the major value chain in the cassava transformation

• Adesina

agenda is the high quality cassava flour which is aimed at promoting cassava. He said Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has provided a grant of $650,000 in support of development and promotion of cassava bread in 2012.He said the fund was disbursed through the BMGF CAVA Nigeria project.

The fund ,he said was used for training of master bakers, technical support for the production of high quality cassava flour(HQCF) and research and development .He said the launching of CAVA is a significant milestone in the development of the cassava industry.

Vice-Chancellor, Federal

Govt’s policy on rice, fish affects terminals, Customs’ revenue T

HE Chairman, Seaport Termi nal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup has said the Federal Government’s policy on rice and fish importation is affecting their revenue and the revenue accruing to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

She also blamed the shortfall in the first quarter revenue of the NCS on the government policies that increased the duty payable on rice to 110 per cent and banned the importation of frozen fish.

Haastrup who spoke with The Nation in Lagos said the policy should have made provision for gradual implementation, while encouraging local content development.

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By Oluwakemi Dauda

She said: “The Customs revenue that dropped from N191 billion in the first quarter of 2013 to N77 billion is because of the sudden government policy on rice.

“Government needs to really look at the implication of these policies because policies cannot just be changed anyhow.

“We support local content, we are not against it. Local content will create jobs for our youths. But it is something that has to be gradual.

“What is the level of local rice production today? Local production is only 30 per cent of rice consump-

tion in Nigeria. Rice is the only staple food in the county, if you ban it now, how do you expect the people to live and the attendant result is what we are getting in the customs revenue.”

It would be recalled that the NCS revenue profile had dropped in the first quarter as it collected a mere N77.9 billion as against N400 billion it was expected to collect in the first three months of the year.

The amount collected represents 19.5 per cent of its projected revenue for the first quarter of the year.

The amount is also less than half of the N191.3 billion collected by the Service in the first quarter of 2013.

Bayelsa SMEs’ fund gets N15b donation

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has said the state’s Small and Medium Scale Enterprise Trust Fund (SMSETF) has recorded N15billion donation from senior corporate citizens.

Dickson in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said he set up the fund with an initial donation of N250million.

He said: “We have already attracted responsible senior corporate citizens to donate about N15 billion into the SME development fund. This is not free cash for anybody and it will not even be in the hands of government. First Bank

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Plc has already pledged N10 billion and other banks will follow and they will make about N20 billion available.”

He, however, regretted that indigenes of the state lacked knowledge of business.

He said their business ventures thrive when they are holding government positions and end when government patronage is withdrawn.

Dickson identified lack of business initiatives, indolence and irresponsible behavour as factors contributing to unemployment and poverty in the state.

He lamented a situation where peo-

ple fail to take responsibility for their lives, but blamed government for any misfortune that befalls them.

The governor said the measures taken so far by his government were to discourage “this emerging dangerous trend of begging, which is alien to the Ijaw culture”.

He said though some of the reforms had been misconstrued and were being implemented at great political cost, he would not be deterred in realising the objective of building a better Bayelsa.

As part of the reforms, he said his administration released about N10billion take-off grant to the Bayelsa Development and Investment Corporation (BDIC).

HE Federal Government, through the Attorney-Gen eral of the Federation Mohammed Adoke (SAN) has withdrawn a criminal charge filed against a Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr Fola Daniel.

Daniel was charged before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged misrepresentation of facts involving insurance companies.

Justice Abang struck out the charge following an application for withdrawal of the case filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation on behalf of Adoke.

Daniel was charged with a six counts pf criminal misrepresentation of facts and deliberate falsehood.

A private prosecutor, Chijioke Ndubuisi had brought the charges and subsequently sought the Federal Government’s fiat to prosecute the case.

However, Adoke was said to have declined granting the fiat but instead chose to prosecution the case.

It was alleged that Daniel deliberately made a number of misleading and malicious misrepresentations against an insurance company, Alliance and General Insurance Limited to a number of public officers and agencies with the intention of damaging the firm’s repu-

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By Joseph Jibueze

tation.

It was further alleged that Daniel committed the same offences against Fidelity Bond Group, by representing that the group had infracted the Insurance Act of 1997.

A part of the six-count charge against Daniel stated that he “did present information to honourable Minister of Aviation that there is no subsisting court order against the commissioner prohibiting the commission from enforcing its regulatory functions, which information you (Daniel) knew to be false in any material particulars and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 89 (1) and (2) of the Insurance Act, 2003.”

One of the charges read: “That you Fola Daniel on or about 7th August 2012, whilst being in the employment of the National Insurance Commission knowingly informed the chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) that Fidelity Bond Group and A&G Insurance Plc had been prohibited from doing business, the information which you know to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 89 (1) and (2) of the Insurance Act and punishable under section 89 (2).”

Credit for 46,000 rural farmers

HE Rural Finance Institution Building (RUFIN) pro gramme has facilitated loans for 46,000 rural farmers to boost rural agriculture and small businesses.

The Country Programme Manager of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Ms Toda Atsuko disclosed this during an interview with reporters in Abuja.

She identified counterpart funding and low commitment level of government as the major challenges militating against the programme’s progress.

The programme manager however said IFAD was doing everything to make sure that RUFIN have access to funds and continue to make progress.

She stressed the need to make people in the rural areas under-

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

stand that banking and saving were important to develop agro and commercial businesses.

“The programme has formed over 5,500 groups, about 46,000 borrowers even more savers. RUFIN’s successes is in the outreach, making sure that more people are financially included,” Atsuko said.

Atsuko said Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) and financial non governmental organisations (NGOs) should understand that rural lending is profitable, adding that it is a business they could make money from.

She urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to over regulate the MFBs, noting that the apex bank should ensure they grow by creating the enabling environment for their survival.

Flights resume at Kaduna Airport

F

LIGHT operations into Kaduna airport have been restored following successful deployment of air traffic facilities at the airport.

Fire had razed the control tower of the airport last Sunday .

This resumption of flights into the airport comes, just as the Supervising Minster of Aviation, Dr. Samuel Ortom ruled out sabotage as the likely cause of the fire incident.

Dr. Ortom made this disclosure after undertaking an inspection tour of the airport and the debris of the control tower.

He explained that preliminary investigations revealed the unlikelihood of sabotage as the cause of the fire in view of the tight security at the airport.

However, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and other relevant agencies have commenced investigations to identify the remote and immediate cause of the accident.

The airport has commenced operations following the deployment of a mobile emergency control tower from Abuja.

Earlier, its Managing Director, Ibrahim Abdulsalam assured the minister that all hands were on deck to return the situation to normalcy.

The Minister who was accompanied by directors from the ministry and heads of parastatals also inspected on-going remodelling

• Minister rules out sabotage

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

projects.

The Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma while conducting the minister round the terminal building said a new terminal is being rebuilt to serve the ever growing economy of the vibrant state.

The Minister directed speedy completion of the project because of the strategic location of Kaduna as a former regional capital.

The minister was also accompanied on the inspection by Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Benedict Adeyileka, and Rector of Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Capt Sam Caulcrick, Spokesman of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr Supo Atobatele, said the engineering personnel of the agency worked round the clock to ensure that normal flights resumeat the airport with the deployment of the Air Traffic Control Mobile Tower.

He said : “ Earlier today, Aero Contractor was able to operate in and out of theairport without any hitch and several other flights have followed the Aero Contractor operations.

54

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 22-4-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 22-4-14

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

55

EQUITIES

Sterling Bank records N3.5b profit in three months

S

TERLING Bank Plc started this year on a strong note with considerable growths in gross earnings and profitability.

First-quarter report and accounts of the bank for the three-month ended March 31, 2014 showed that gross earnings rose by 24.1 per cent while profit before tax increased by 17.2 per cent.

Sterling Bank’s first quarter report is a positive contrarian to the general banking industry trend, with most results in the industry either showing a decline in the top-line or the bottom-line.

The report, released yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), showed that Sterling Bank grew gross earnings by 24.1 per cent to N24.6 billion in first quarter 2014 as against N19.84 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2013. Profit before tax rose from N3.02 billion to N3.54 billion while profit after tax increased from N2.72 billion to N3.14 billion.

Net interest income rose by 58 per cent due to 31 per cent growth in interest income relative to a modest increase of eight per cent in interest expense. This resulted

T

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

in a 35 per cent growth in operating income to N16.2 billion. The annualized return on average equity was 20 per cent in line with the bank’s medium term strategic objectives.

Managing director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola, said the first quarter was a reflection of the bank’s improving efficiency and robust credit risk management.

According to him, in spite of a marginal decline in deposit to N540 billion, the bank recorded a 30 basis points reduction in cost of funds to 5.6 per cent; reflecting management’s focus on balance sheet efficiency.

He noted that loans and advances grew to N337 billion, while asset quality remained strong with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.8 per cent.

“Over the next few quarters, we will continue the upgrade of our physical infrastructure and rollout of conventional and alternative channels in order to deepen market penetration of our products and grow retail deposit mar-

ket share. Loan growth will remain steady and disciplined with the overall target for the year set at 25 per cent,” Adeola said.

The first quarter report comes on the heels of the announcement of gross dividend of N5.4 billion for the 2013 business year.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Sterling Bank for the year ended December 31, 2013 had shown similar positive trajectory with considerable growths in gross earnings and profitability while the bank’s balance sheet was stronger.

The report indicated that gross earnings rose by 33.1 per cent while pre and post tax profits grew by 24.1 per cent and 19 per cent. Basic earnings per share rose by 18.2 per cent from 52 kobo t0 44 kobo.

A breakdown of the dividend recommendation indicates that shareholders would receive a dividend per share of 25 kobo, 25 per cent above 20 kobo distributed in the previous year.

Gross earnings rode on the back of a 24 per cent and 31 per cent growth in non-interest income and interest income respectively

NSE confirms Lafarge Wapco as high-priced stock

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday added Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc to the special pricing model for the highly capitalised stocks.

With this, investors with 10,000 shares of Lafarge Wapco can move the price of the stock as against the 50,000 shares generally required for other stocks.

The announcement yesterday came on the heels of a news report on the move by the NSE to institutionalize a dual pricing model that categorises and prices stocks according to their initial or subsisting share prices.

The NSE is grouping stocks into “Group A” and “Group B” stocks.

As a “Group B” security, a trade of 10,000 shares will lead to a change in the published price of the stock.

The NSE is seeking amendment to the Article 100 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Dealing Members to include a clause on categorization of a new listing that is

priced above N100 as a “Group B” stock.

According to the proposed amendment, for purposes of calculating price movements and price limits, equity securities traded on the Exchange shall be classified as follows: “Group A” shall consist of equities with a primary market maker that are not classified in Group B; and “Group B” shall consist of equities with a primary market maker, that are priced above N100 per share for at least four of the last six months; or new security listings that are priced above N100 at the time of listing on the Exchange.

Lafarge Wapco has been trading above N100 in recent period.

Lafarge Wapco’s share price rose by 1.80 per cent or N1.98 to close at N111.99 per share.

Justifying the inclusion of Lafarge Wapco, head, market surveillance, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Abimbola Babalola said a review

of trading activities of the company in the last six months showed that the company met the criteria set by the Exchange.

According to him, the Exchange commenced the pilot programme for the “Group B” stocks with nine stocks including Dangote Cement, Guinness Plc, Nestle Plc, Nigerian Breweries, SIM Capital Fund, Skye Shelter Fund, Nigerian Energy Sector Fund (NESF) and Total Plc. “The Programme became permanent in 2013 and the nine initial pilot stocks remained. Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc will become the 10th stock on the programme. We have observed that the prices of these high priced stocks have been rather stable with none falling below the N100 mark which is currently the benchmark,” Babalola said.

Stockbrokers would be able to move the prices of Lafarge Wapco and other high priced stocks, with 10,000 shares with effect from April 22, 2014.

to N91.6 billion in 2013 as against 68.86 billion in 2012. Non-interest income, which rose to N21.7 billion as against N15.3 billion in 2012 was largely due to a 139 per cent increase in trading income in addition to a 46 per cent increase in fees and commission; while Interest income rose to N70.0billion compared with N53.5 billion in 2012, driven by a 39 per cent increase in gross loans and advances to N328.7 billion.

Profit before tax rose from N7.50 billion in 2012 to N9.31 billion in 2013 while profit after tax increased from N6.95 billion to N8.27 billion. As a demonstration of confidence in the bank, customer deposits rose 23 per cent to N570.5 billion as against N466.8

billion. This, according to the Bank, also reflects progress in the execution of its retail strategy Sterling Bank’s total assets including contingent liabilities increased by 28 per cent to N909.4 billion compared with N708.2 billion in 2012, while Shareholders’ funds grew by 36.1 per cent to N63.5 billion as against N46.6billion due to profit accretion and net proceeds of N12.1 billion from the rights Issue.

The report also showed improvement in the asset quality of the bank as the proportion of gross loans to non-performing loan dropped to 2.1per cent in 2013 as against 3.8 per cent in 2012, notwithstanding a 40 per cent growth in loans and advances.

Stockbrokers honour Balogun

T

HE stockbroking industry has honoured Otunba Olasubomi Balogun with the industry’s highest award in recognition of Balogun’s outstanding contributions to the stockbroking and financial services sectors.

Balogun, widely regarded as the grandmaster and doyen of the investment banking industry, is the founder of FCMB Group.

Stockbrokers, under the auspices of the industry self regulatory body-Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), awarded Balogun the Lifetime Achievement Award of the CIS. The conferment ceremony took place at the 2014 Annual Dinner and Awards Night of the institute held in Lagos recently.

Balogun, who was the first Vice President of CIS upon its inception in 1990, is widely referred as the doyen of the Nigerian financial sector due to his pioneering role in the emergence of indigenous and entrepreneurial banking in the country.

In 1977, he Founded City Securities Limited, which was the first institution in Nigeria to combine issuing house and stockbroking businesses under one portfolio.

Following his outstanding performances in the Nigerian capital and money markets, Balogun went on to single-handedly set up the first wholly Nigerian owned merchant bank, known as First City Merchant Bank Limited, which has progressed in the last

30 years to what is now First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited.

In a citation for the Lifetime Achievement Award, the institute described Balogun as, “an icon in the financial services industry’’, adding that, ‘’his contributions to the growth of the Nigeria capital market and the CIS are outstanding and will always be cherished”.

Apart from his known contributions to the financial sector, he has over the years impacted on people and society through various philanthropic programmes under his Otunba Tunwase Foundation. One of such is the Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Centre in Ogun state, which he constructed and remains the largest dedicated children’s hospital in Nigeria.

•Balogun

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

56

MONEYLINK

Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, others raise $8.1b bonds N

ORTH and sub-Saharan Africa countries raised $8.1 billion bonds in the last one year, the largest ever amount of hard currency from international capital markets.

A report by Financial Times (FT) said the bond issuance record set in 2010 has been broken by the last year’s feat.

Egypt and South Africa have issued the largest share of US dollar bonds so far in Africa, with smaller contributions from Ghana, Nigeria and Rwanda.

Moody’s, the credit rating agency, said the raised fund is above the previous record of $7.2 billion set in 2010 for the whole year and far above the $1.2 billion they raised from bonds a decade ago.

It said though the issuance has increased substantially, the size of

Stories by Collins Nweze

the international bond market in Africa remains small. Moody’s put the total stock of government and corporate debt in hard currency at 3.7 per cent of the size of the African economy, compared to 11.3 per cent in Latin America and 5.1 per cent in Asia.

The record issuance comes as the World Bank on warned that Africa’s economic outlook could suffer due to the impact of higher global interest rates arising from the “inevitable” tightening of monetary policy in developed countries.

“The search for yields among investors has supported strong capital flows to developing countries

Visa, Pulse agree on common debit solution

for the region will be sustained given the strong macroeconomic growth outlook for Africa, which we estimate to average 5-6 per cent over the next five years”.

The JPMorgan Nexgem Africa index, which tracks the bond market in the region, is yielding 6.8 per cent, down from a peak this year of 7.9 per cent in late June when fears about the direction of Fed policy drove rates higher. But the index is up from a low-point in January of 5.3 per cent. Yields move inversely to prices.

Moody’s anticipates that six new African countries will debut in the international capital markets with hard currency bonds within the next few years: Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique.

in recent years, including sub-Saharan African countries,” the Washington-based body said in its semiannual report on the continent, adding that a “disorderly increase in interest rates” represented an economic risk.

African officials and some investors are worried that an increase in interest rates in countries such as the US would reduce the significant portfolio inflows that nations including Kenya and Nigeria have seen in their local securities markets.

But Aurelien Mali, a senior analyst at Moody’s, told FT that the African region had shown considerable resilience to financial shocks.

“We expect that investors’ interest

V

ISA and PULSE, a Discover Financial Services company, announced an agreement to enable financial institutions that issue Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV) debit cards on both firms’ networks to use Visa’s common debit solution.

In a statement on Visa’s website, the firms said Visa’s common application identifier (AID) supports United States debit regulations requiring the ability to route transactions over multiple, unaffiliated networks.

It said a common debit solution shared among all participants will help to accelerate EMV chip adoption in the United States and provide a uniform platform that will enable network innovation.

“It’s important for the industry to work together, especially when it comes to the adoption of EMV chip,” said Bill Sheedy, executive vice president of Corporate Strategy and Government Relations, Visa Inc. “Our common solution is an asset we are making available to the industry free of charge to provide issuers and merchants greater choice among debit networks and enable a streamlined implementation for all parties. The addition of PULSE in Visa’s EMV common debit solution, which now has been adopted by four of the top five debit networks, provides a level of clarity that we hope will jump start mainstream adoption of EMV technology for debit in the US,” Vice President/Managing Director, Consulting Services at Mercator Advisory Group, Patricia Hewitt, said.

Wema Bank records N590m first quarter profit

•MD, Wema Bank, Segun Oloketuyi

W

EMA Bank has announced a profit before tax of N590.7 million in first quarter ended March 31, 2014 from a loss before tax of N853.4 million during the same period

of last year.

The bank’s operating income rose by 48 per cent to N5.9 billion, from N4 billion in March last year while its net interest income stood at N4.26 billion, up 60 per cent from N2.66 billion. The bank also recorded non-interest revenue of N1.9 billion, up 33 per cent from N1.4 billion while net impairment charge was at N189.9 million from N57.7 million.

The lender said the improvement in earnings reinforces its growth potential and the efficacy of its medium-term strategic transformation plan, Project LEAP, which saw the bank return to full profitability in December, 2013 and gain further market share.

Speaking in Lagos, the bank’s

cent, we are maintaining the course of sustainable growth.

Mabawonku said the bank’s strategic transformation plan, Project LEAP, aims to transform its position from a regional banking industry player to a prominent retail bank with national authorisation.

He said the bank would expand organically and establish its presence in areas that have significant growth potential. “Project Leap is expected to run until December 2015 and covers all areas of the Bank’s operations, with particular focus on improving efficiency, growing market share, improving our footprint, increasing the capital position, re-engineering our workforce and repositioning the Wema Bank brand,” he said.

Chief Financial Officer, Tunde Mabawonku said “Backed by a resurgent franchise, our loyal stakeholders and a commitment to strong corporate governance and risk management frameworks, we have continued to maintain our steady growth drive with focus on growing our top line income and commitment to cost reduction.

This has resulted in a profit of N590 million in the period under review, having previously recorded a loss in the first quarter of 2013.

He said the bank’s income position is also improving with both interest and non-interest income jumping 60 per cent and 33 per cent year on year. With a cost of funds at 5.3 per cent and a growing net interest margin of 7.7 per

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

NIDF

OBB Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

RTBRISCOE PZ ETERNA ACCESS OKOMUOIL STANBIC EVANSMED SKYEBANK GUARANTY UPL

O/PRICE 1.20 33.45 3.61 8.26 36.02 21.36 2.12 3.47 27.20 4.05

C/PRICE 1.29 35.12 3.79 8.67 37.80 22.39 2.20 3.59 28.00 4.15

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 22-4-14

SYMBOL

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

CHANGE 0.09 1.67 0.18 0.41 1.78 1.03 0.08 0.12 0.80 0.10

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00%

LOSERS AS AT 22-4-14

SYMBOL NEIMETH UBCAP STERLNBANK SEPLAT IKEJAHOTEL TRANSEXPR INTENEGINS AGLEVENT TOTAL UBA

O/PRICE 1.26 2.60 2.40 666.79 0.61 2.24 0.62 1.58 171.50 7.05

C/PRICE 1.14 2.40 2.28 633.46 0.58 2.13 0.59 1.51 164.00 6.75

CHANGE -0.12 -0.20 -0.12 -33.33 -0.03 -0.11 -0.03 -0.07 -7.50 -0.30

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96%

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

Date 2-5-14 2-3-14 1-29-14

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name Offer Price AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 154.22 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.09 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.71 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,634.20 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,061.91 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,063.29 FBN HERITAGE FUND 114.62 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.39 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 1,087.30 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 KAKAWA GUARANTE ED INCOME FUND 143.11 LEGACY FUND 2.50 NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND 1,910.24 NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND

Bid Price 153.47 9.08 1.07 1.17 0.72 1.33 1,631.63 1,061.01 1,063.01 115.44 114.59 1,087.00 1.62 1.03 142.62 0.76 2.44 1,903.64

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

1.2524 1.2952 0.9090 1.1574

Movement

1.2636 1.2952 0.9261 1.1574

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

8.5000

Movement

THE NATION WEDNESDAY APRIL 23, 2014

57

NEWS

Two die in gun fight in Delta

‘Kwara PDP, a jester’

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

T

WO people-the Chairman of the vigilance group at Igbudu market, Kpufman Migagan, and an assailant -were killed yesterday during a gunfight at Otokutu Junction in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Sources said some gunmen ambushed the car, conveying Migagan and his friends to Warri.

They said: “It was like a movie scene. The gunmen shot at the vehicle and the occupants responded. “ In the end, there were two casualties, Migagan and one of the gunmen, who died on the spot.

Police spokesperson Celestina Kalu said she had been briefed. The bodies have been deposited at a mortuary in Udu.

Edo School of Nursing shut From Osagie Otabor, Benin

S

TUDENTS of the Edo State School of Nursing and Midwifery in Benin City continued yesterday their protest over the appointment of a principal.

They refused to open the gate for academic activities.

The students began the protest last Thursday when an Acting Principal, Mrs. Osazuwa, resumed work.

They chased out their teachers and other workers and prevented Mrs. Osazuwa from resuming.

Their grievances were that the school was yet to be accredited and that Mrs. Osazuwa was a tutor in the School of Midwifery.

The students took to their protest to the Government House to demand Mrs. Osazuwa’s removal.

Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Idehenre advised them to write to the governor .

‘Be religious tolerant’

From Jeremiah Oke, Abeokuta

O

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the Awujale of Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Adetona, have advised Nigerians to be religious tolerant.

They described religious tolerance as the solution to several challenges facing Nigeria.

The duo spoke at the installation of the Chief Imam of Ijebu, Imam Abdur-Rasaq Ishola Salaudeen.

Amosun said the people have been enjoying peace and that was why Christians were present at the ceremony.

He urged Salaudeen to use his office to harmonise the people, regardless of religion or ethnic affiliation.

T

•Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan (middle), Uduaghan’s Chief Press Secretary Sunny Ogefere (left); Pastor Toss Powel (second left); initiator, Umeh Needs Road campaign, Duncan Afahokor (right) and others during the governor’s unscheduled inspection of the Umeh road project in Isoko South Local Government Area.

Why Abacha sacked me, by ex-IG

A

FORMER Inspector General of Police,Mohammed Gambo-Jimeta, said yesterday that he was given the boot by the late Head of State, Gen Sani Abacha, because he advised him to release some high profile political detainees.

Gambo-Jimeta, who is the National Conference Chairman Committee on National Security, spoke at the inaugural meeting of the committee at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

The former IG said he advised Abacha in the interest of the country due to the tension raised by the detention.

He noted that Abacha did not take kindly to his advice, hence he was booted out unceremoniously.

The country is sick; otherwise how can you explain why people organise themselves and kill pupils? How can people gather together to rob?

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

The former police boss said his removal and the witchhunt that followed forced him to go on exile for nine months, leaving his family behind.

He said: “As the IG then, I advised Gen Sani Abacha to release political detainees such as Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Musa Yar’Adua and four others but the former Head of

‘Don’t incite northerners against Jonathan’

F

ORMER Kaduna State Military Governor Col Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd) has warned Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako not to incite northerners against President Goodluck Jonathan.

Nyako had said the President‘s action was responsible for the “genocide” in the North.

Umar said such pronouncement from a former military officer and a gov-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

ernor was inciting and indirectly asking northerners to rise against the Federal Government.

He said as a retired senior military officer, Nyako should be aware of the weighty nature of his statement.

His words: “Nyako’s statement is shocking and worrisome and I hope people like him do not set the nation on fire. He should de-

sist from making wild allegations.

“What is his aim? Does he want northerners to pick up arms against the Federal Government or what? These are comments that should not come from leaders who want the nation to progress.

“How can he prove the allegation he made against President Goodluck Jonathan? Doesn’t he realise the implication of this kind of statement?”

Umar urged Northeast

‘Unstable’ man arrested with human parts, N4m

A

MAN, who allegedly has mental issues, has been arrested in Benin, Edo State, with some human parts, N4million and a gun.

Residents said the man lived in a makeshift tent for two years, pretending to be mentally unstable.

One of the landlords in the

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia , Benin

area, Pa. Onaiwu, said sometimes the man behaved funny, especially at night.

“This man sometimes behaves funny. In the afternoons, you see him bathing naked, behaving like a mad man.

Two die in tanker explosion

WO suspected oil thieves were yesterday burnt to death in a tanker explosion at IvueUromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Two others were rescued and they are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

It was gathered that the in-

State refused to do so and instead removed me.

“Never again shall we put another yoke on our neck and end up with another dictatorship. Never! Sani Abacha sacked me.

“I went on exile simply because I told him it was wrong that the country was being turned into Uganda.”

Gambo-Jimeta said there was nothing wrong with the country’s constitution.

He said what was required was amendments of relevant sections to adequately address the security challenges in the country.

The former IG said: “I decided to take up this appointment to change the situation and to help salvage the country.

“The country is sick; otherwise how can you explain why people organise themselves and kill pupils? How can people gather together to rob?

How can people gather and vandalise pipelines? It means the central system is sick.

He assured that his committee would bring to bear the expertise and experiences earned over the years by members to proffer solution to the myriads of security problems confronting the country.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

cident occurred at 1:30am when the tanker driver, who was apparently trying to escape from soldiers, lost control and crashed into an electricity pole.

Witnesses said high tension cable reportedly collapsed on the truck, which caused it to burst into flames.

Spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Uromi Augustine Apili said soldiers were trailing the tanker before it had the accident.

He said the accident could have been caused by reckless driving.

Apili said the NSCDC would arrest the survivors.

“What really disturbed us was the influx of dead bodies in the area. And the horrible things about the bodies are the missing heads and private parts.

“The last person he ‘killed’ was a woman. He removed her head and private part. Nobody will ever believe that the man is not mad with the way he behaves.

“I believe someone saw him dumping the body on the road and informed security operatives. God is not sleeping and this man should pay for his sin.”

Police spokesman Moses Eguavoen said he has not been briefed.

He said: “I believe it is being handled by the Department for State Security (DSS).”

governors to channel all grievances on the insecurity in their domains through the appropriate channels rather than embark on anything that would worsen the problem.

“I expect Nyako to attend the next council of state meeting. He should raise those issues at the meeting.

“What I think should happen now is for all northern governors to work with President Jonathan to handle the security challenges.

“We cannot win the war against counter insurgency by making wild allegation.

“Murtala Nyako should understand the implication of his statement.”

THE Kwara State government has faulted the claim by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed is operating on a stolen mandate.

In a statement by Ahmed’s Special Assistant on Information Deji Oni, the government called on the people to be vigilant as the PDP was out to provoke and incite them.

Oni advised the PDP to put its house in order by addressing tons of protest letters from aggrieved members of the party, arising from its controversial marathon state congress held in the night.

“On our part, we assure the people that the few but noisy political jobbers in the PDP will not succeed in distracting the government from fulfilling its electoral promises to the people.

“Our human capital development and youth empowerment, massive infrastructure development and economic growth are on course. We are definitely fulfilling our mandate,” Oni said.

Church holds convention CHRIST World Gospel Ministry will hold its annual convention with from today till Sunday at 13/15, Ayoade Adele Street, off Mufutau Adeyemi Street, Orelope Bus-Stop, Egbeda, Lagos.

The theme is “Let God Arise” Ps. 68:1.

The host, Prophet Bankole Olanrewaju, said the convention will draw the hand of God, adding that participants will experience spiritual uplift.

Guest ministers are Prophet Sam Ojo, Apostle Akindele George, Apostle Folorunsho Macaulay, Evag. Bola Aare, Lady Evag.

Bukola Akinade, Dare Justified, Aduke Gold, among others.

PUBLIC NOTICE OYEFESO

I formerly known and address as Miss Oyefeso Idayat Iyabo Now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Farayola Idayat Iyabo. All former documents remains valid, general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE OLUWAJANA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Oluwajana Taiwo Olawole, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obi Taiwo Olawole. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE The General Public is hereby informed that Mrs. Florence Gbadura (Nee Ogunsemi) of Afao Ikere – Ekiti, whose picture is shown here has been missing since the 9th of April 2014, at the Deeper Life Camp Ground, opposite University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State during a convention.

The woman, aged 68, is mentally uncoordinated. She finds it difficult to walk due to chronic rheumatism. She was taken to the Convention/Retreat for divine healing when the incident happened.

Anybody with any useful information about her whereabouts should contact nearest police station or family members on the following phone numbers:

08034708799 08037419811

08033933459 08037327807

Mrs. Florence Gbadura (Nee Ogunsemi)

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY APRIL 23, 2014

NEWS

Troops deployed in Taraba

A

CTING Taraba State Governor Garba Umar has said 50 more soldiers have been deployed in Wukari from Adamawa State.

Communal clashes have engulfed Wukari since April 15, leading to the death of 24 people.

Umar, who spoke at a briefing in Jalingo yesterday, said the soldiers would complement the existing ones.

He directed that the Takum General Hospital, which was closed down for security reasons, be opened so that victims could receive treatment.

The acting governor sympathised with four women, who gave birth at the Mutum- Biyu refugee camp and promised that the government would treat every victim free.

Umar announced that the 24-hour curfew imposed in the area had been relaxed and would be in force from noon to 6am.

He said 29 trailers loaded with relief materials had been sent to Takum, Wukari, Gassol and Ibi. The acting governor reiterated that his administration had taken proactive measures to deal with the security challenges, saying that security issues were too sensitive to be politicised.

“We remain committed to the security and well being of the public. Unfortunately, some people are using this security challenge to secure political gains. The security of our dear state is too sensitive to play politics with,” he said.

Indigenes of Taraba South Senatorial District living in Abuja have petitioned the House of Assembly to removing the acting governor.

The G20 Club Abuja alleged that Umar’s action and inactions show that he does

T

I

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

NSURGENTS yesterday attacked Ndo-Yaku village in Wukari and Tor-Tse settlement in Takum Local Government Area. Many residents were killed while their homes were torched.

The ‘presence’ of security operatives from neighbouring Adamawa and Gombe states did not deter the attackers.

Ex-President, Jukun Youth of Vision, Luka Agbu told reporters that the onslaught was targeted at Jukun and Tiv indigenes.

“We don’t know what Jukun and Tiv people have done to warrant these killings,” he said.

Agbu said the attackers were militias hired to reduce or annihilate the Jukun and Tiv people.

“The militias were armed; they invaded more villages, including those that were previously attacked with “General Multipurpose Machine Gun (GPMG). They overpowered security operatives in all the areas.”

He said the attackers were dressed in military uniform and opened fire on Ndo-Yaku village -some few kilometers away from the administrative headquarters of Wukari.

Agbu accused Acting Governor Garba Umar of allowing insurgents to come to Wukari and fight for his 2015 governorship ambition.

But Umar denied knowledge of any attack yesterday.

He told curious reporters in Jalingo that “I am not aware, because no one has briefed me”.

Police spokesman Joseph Kwaji said he was yet to be briefed by the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).

“In fact, I am still waiting to hear from the DPOs,” Kwaji said.

•’Remove Umar now’ •Groups write Jonathan not care about the happenings in Taraba South.

In a statement by Edward Jeremiah, the group said: “We are not unaware of the desperation and scheming by the acting governor to succeed Governor Danbaba Suntai and he has jettisoned his primary responsibilities of piloting the affairs of the state.

“Reports show that Umar is at war with inhabitants of Taraba South, who are insisting that it is their turn to produce the next governor.

“We demand that the

House of Assembly begin the process of removing him.”

In a related development, the Southern Taraba Forum for a Just Society (STFJS) and the Taraba Christian Youth Assembly (TCYA) yesterday said Umar should be blamed for all the violence.

In an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, signed by Caleb Manu (Coordinator) and others, the forum said the mayhem was a blueprint to destabilise Taraba South and institute a reign of terror

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

IFAPP are distressed and alarmed by the attack in Nyanya bus park, killing 74 people.

“This latest act of mass murder clearly shows that the Federal Government is not doing enough to protect public places.

“We call on the Federal Government and its security agencies to investigate the incident and arrest the perpetrators.

“We commiserate with the victims and their families. Our prayers are with them . May God heal, console and comfort them all.”

On the abduction of the

234 pupils, IFAPP asked the Federal Government to rise up to its responsibility of protecting the citizenry.

“These brazen attacks on the girl child and enslavement of our daughters must be stopped.

“We find it inexplicable that Nigerians can be under such frequent attacks.

“The Federal Government must protect all Nigerians as is its fundamental responsibility.”

IFAPP also queried why security forces are deployed to protect few members of the political and business class to the detriment of majority of Nigerians.

Aliyu: pressure on me to go to Senate

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IGER State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu said yesterday that there was pressure on him to go to the Senate in 2015.

He said he had not endorsed any member of the executive council to succeed him.

Aliyu spoke yesterday when he hosted Turban Communities Chiefs in Minna Emirate Council, led by Eze Ndigbo of Minna, Eze Pampers Ngozi Waiwe.

The visitors had asked him

F

Insurgents attack two villages

IFAPP faults govt’s stance on security

HE Inter-Faith Activity and Partnership for Peace (IFAPP) said yesterday that the bombing in Nyanya and abduction of 234 girls showed that the Federal Government is not doing enough to protect citizens.

It asked the government to stop incessant bombings and killings before ordinary citizens begin to take matters in their hands.

IFAPP made its position known in a statement in Abuja by its conveners, Mallam Nuruddeen Lemu and Rev. George Ehusani.

The statement said: “The conveners and members of

Students paraded for alleged robbery

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

for his next line of action in 2015 and he said: “I have been consulted by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders to go to the Senate but I have not given them a word.”

Though his body language suggested that he may be gunning for the upper chamber , Aliyu, however, said he prayed that 2015 will be greater for him than 2007 and 2011.

Aliyu applauded the loyal-

ty of Deputy Governor Musa Ibeto but said he has no power to elevate him or any member of the executive.

“I have been praying that my successor should come from the exco. I confirm that my deputy is loyal.”

“I have also not endorsed anybody as my successor. I am only praying that the next governor will be an insider so that he can continue where we stopped. All we have to do now is to pray for the state,” Aliyu said.

•Umar

The Forum said: “Without mincing words, Umar is responsible for the current skirmishes.

“Apart from nebulous comments by his media aides, no concrete effort has been made to stop the attacks in Wukari and Kashimbilla.

“Umar has increased the security vote from N80 million to N200 million, yet there is no peace to show for all his spending.”

The groups urged Jonathan to call the acting governor to order by directing him to dust up Suntai’s master-plan of providing peace in Taraba.

“Before Umar came onboard, the Hausa, Tiv, Jukun and all other ethnic groups in southern Taraba had lived together in peace. “ It is not as if the basis for hostilities was not there, but Suntai managed the differences in an effective way that sustained peace.”

•Police warn against lynching

OUR students of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Offa, have been paraded for alleged robbery.

Police Commissioner Ambrose Aisabor said one of the suspects was the victim’s neighbour.

He added that the students “confessed” to be members of Eiye Confraternity cult.

Aisabor said: “On April 18, at about 0015hrs at Atari area, the suspects were arrested after robbing Adeolu Emmanuel of his laptops, four phones, one sound system and N30,000.

“The suspects confessed to be members of Eiye Cult and also confessed to have been responsible for robberies around Offa and its environs in recent times.”

The commissioner said two AK 47 rifles were recovered.

The command, which saved a madman from being lynched, has warned residents to desist from lynching suspected kidnappers, saying, “Madness is not synonymous with criminality.”

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

The police boss warned that the command would not tolerate any mob action on suspected criminals.

He said policemen would be justified to use firearms on mob wherever they try to set suspects on fire.

“I will no longer tolerate this.

I have instructed my men that they can use their firearms. We have situations under which a policeman is justified to use his firearm.

“If you want to take another person’s life, a policeman is justified to stop you.

“So I have directed my men to ensure that any person or group of persons they see setting another person ablaze they should open fire immediately on that crowd.

“Whether they are 20 or 100 it is not our business. Because we don’t want a situation whereby people will begin to handpick their enemies and set them ablaze. We are in a lawful society not a lawless one.”

Teacher held for’ impregnating’ pupil

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HE police in Plateau State have arrested a teacher, Chukwudi Boniface for allegedly putting a 12-year-old pupil in the family way.

Boniface, who works at the Bright Kids Academy, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, was alleged to have raped the primary three pupil several times.

The victim, who is four months pregnant, told her

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

parents that her teacher was responsible for the pregnancy.

Police spokesman Felicia Anselm said Boniface would be charged to court.

The victim said: “Mr. Boniface tricked me into his room and he forced me. He warned me not to tell anyone, saying he will kill me if I did.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

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FOREIGN NEWS

Ukraine crisis: Biden says Russia must 'start acting'

U

NITED STATES VicePresident Joe Biden has said Russia must "stop talking and start acting" to defuse the Ukraine crisis.

He was speaking after meeting interim PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk in Kiev.

Mr Biden warned Russia that further "provocative behaviour" would lead to "greater isolation" and urged Moscow to end its alleged support for pro-Russian militants in eastern Ukraine.

Separately, a Ukrainian military plane was hit by small arms fire over eastern Ukraine, the defence ministry says.

The aircraft suffered minor damage over Sloviansk, which is held by pro-Russian militants, when it was targeted by automatic gunfire, according to the

R

ministry. No-one was hurt and the plane returned safely to Kiev.

"Thanks to professional actions, military pilots managed to land the plane at the airfield without consequences," the ministry's statement said.

The Antonov An-30 aerial survey plane was carrying out surveillance at the time.

The funerals have meanwhile taken place of three men shot on Sunday during a raid on a checkpoint manned by pro-Russian separatists near Sloviansk.

The local separatists said the attack was carried out by ultranationalist Right Sector militants but Kiev called it a "provocation" staged by Russian special forces.

The bodies of those killed lay in open coffins at the funeral ceremony at the Church of the

Holy Spirit in the centre of Sloviansk.

Earlier in remarks to Ukrainian MPs, Mr Biden said the US stood with Ukraine's new leaders against "humiliating threats" - an apparent reference to Russia.

The vice-president called on Moscow to urge the pro-Russian separatists to leave the buildings they are occupying in eastern Ukraine, and to abandon checkpoints.

Mr Biden also stressed the need for the new authorities to tackle corruption, adding: "The opportunity to generate a united Ukraine, getting it right is within your grasp."

The US is to provide an additional $50m for political and economic reforms in Ukraine,

Cyclone hits hunt for missing plane

A •Biden

including $11m to help run the presidential election due on 25 May. An further $8m is being provided for non-lethal military assistance, such as bomb disposal equipment and radios.

After meeting Mr Biden, interim PM Yatsenyuk accused Russia of behaving "as gangsters in the modern century".

South Sudan rebels in ‘multiple attacks’

EBELS in South Sudan are involved in fierce fighting with the army in several areas of the country, the military spokesman has told the BBC. There is ongoing fighting in the north-east of Upper Nile State and the east of Jonglei State, Philip Aguer said.

Earlier, the rebels denied a UN report that they killed hundreds of civilians after taking control last week of the oil hub, Bentiu, in Unity State.

A ceasefire deal in January has failed to halt the violence.

More than a million people

NEWS

have been forced from their homes since fighting broke out in December 2013.

The conflict pits President Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, against his former Vice-President, Riek Machar, from the Nuer community.

Mr Aguer said that the army had also been forced to withdraw from Mayom in Unity State in order to reorganise its forces following the loss of Bentiu.

"The victory that's been achieved by the rebels is temporary, it's just a matter of time [before] they will be out of Ben-

tiu," he told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme.

But he said there were several other fronts on which the rebels were active.

For the last week, the town of Renk in the north-east of Upper Nile State had come under attack from Mr Machar's forces.

"That should be condemned internationally; there is no war where you bombard residential areas indiscriminately at night… [it has] caused havoc and fear."

"I have never seen a movement that have a desire in killing many people as possible as Riek Machar's force."

Yesterday morning, there had also been "heavy fighting" in several places in Duk county in Jonglei which came under rebel attack, the army spokesman said.

But he said the army had repulsed them and was pursing the rebels.

Correspondents say last week's killings in Bentiu are among the most shocking since the conflict began.

The UN said that civilians were killed along ethnic lines at a mosque, a church and a hospital.

Buhari urges Nigerians to rise against sect

Continued on page 4

much to allow these terrible acts to divert us.

“Not only have these agents of death killed innocent people, they also abducted over 100 young women from their school.

Why abduct school girls? Whatever they plan, they should be ready to face the wrath of Nigerian people. They should release these young girls unharmed.

Anything else would be an abominable crime.

“We all must take close heed at this moment and recognise the severity of what is upon us. A small minority seeks to bring the nation to its knees through terror.

“Thus, we must stand tall and united. We can ill afford to allow their crimes to go unpunished.

On Nyanya blast, Gen. Buhari said: “Those who committed this act have declared war on all that is decent and good.

“They have declared war not against the state or even the government. They have declared

war on Nigeria and all Nigerians because this murder took men and women, old and young, Christian and Muslim alike. In trying to scare, frighten and divide us, the evildoers committed injury to their own cause. For they have shown us that we all suffer inhumanity in the same way.

“No matter our religion or place of birth, we all bleed and are wounded the same way by injustice. Decency runs through the teachings of each religion and ethnic group that comprise the people of Nigeria.

The former Head of State had a word for the Goodluck Jonathan administration: it should redefine its security strategy.

Drawing from his experience, he specifically recommended improvement in intelligence gathering.

His words: “I call on the government to improve and redefine its strategy in the light of this expanding menace. Clearly, its

intelligence gathering needs to be improved so that it can break terrorist plots before they hatch.

“Moreover, it needs to enact greater social and economic reform in the blighted areas of the nation to win the hearts and minds of the people. Give the youth a viable alternative and they will not be duped by the lure of extremist dogma. A major initiative with immediate and long-term strategies for mass employment should be introduced right away.

“Nigeria must and will overcome this scourge but it cannot do so merely by wishful thinking. We need wise and decisive strategy.”

Buhari reiterated that the APC has no link with Boko Haram insurgency.

He said irrespective of APC’s political competition with the ruling PDP, the party would not play politics with national security. He said: “As for me and my party, we deplore and condemn these and all such attacks. Those

who commit them must know that the nation stands four squares against them.

“While we are engaged in tight political competition against the ruling party, we shall not play politics on this issue so vital to our national survival and wellbeing.

“We pledge ourselves to the unity and safety of this nation and shall do nothing to undermine national security. We seek no political advantage from this calamity and wish the present administration success in fighting it.

“We stand ready to help in any meaningful and productive way to fight this battle against evil. We extend our hand and earnest offer of cooperation in this regard.

Nigeria and Nigerians have suffered enough.

“Those who now lead the nation and those who would lead her must overlook political differences to find whatever ways we can cooperate to make this a safer, more secure nation for all.”

batunde Fashola, the situation in the country raises the question of leadership challenge.

Fashola said the nation was suffering from “leadership vacuum”, stressing the need for Nigeria to harness its wealth of human resources to the places where it needed it most.

He also referred to the television commercial hailing the achievements of the Jonathan administration in terms of security and infrastructure, saying it is almost tantamount to “blasphemy”.

“If those people think everything is all right, then it must be two things; it is perhaps

that they are watching the news on black and white television or they are reading the newspapers upside down.

“It is not you who will tell us that you are a great man; it is the people and we as governors who will tell you because we wear the shoes.

When the rich and poor are crying out against insecurity,” Fashola said.

Fashola also praised the author for finding time to write the book, urging other public office holders to document their experience in service to fill the dearth of literature on public service.

All Progressive Congress

(APC) National Leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the book presents leaders who provide inspiration for all.

Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, stressed that it was important to record the achievements of these leaders and the role they played in the actualisation of their various objectives.

He said the time has come for Nigeria to identify her local leaders and honor them.

“We should recall the things they have done and record it for future generation. This book identifies leaders that

TROPICAL cyclone halted the aerial search for a missing Malaysia Airlines plane yesterday, officials said.

Up to 10 military planes had been due to scour the surface of the Indian Ocean for evidence of flight MH370.

But officials in Australia said Tropical Cyclone Jack had made the prospect of an air search "potentially hazardous".

The plane was carrying 239 people from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when it disappeared in March.

"Planned air search activities have been suspended for today due to poor weather conditions in the search area as a result of

Tropical Cyclone Jack," the Joint Agency Coordination Centre (JACC) said.

"It has been determined that the current weather conditions are resulting in heavy seas and poor visibility, and would make any air search activities ineffective and potentially hazardous."

JACC said the 10 ships also involved in the search, about 1,600 kms (990 miles) north-west of the Australian city of Perth, would continue their work.

The setback occurred as the Bluefin submarine, searching an area where underwater signals were detected earlier this month, was on the verge of completing its initial operation.

South Korea ferry: Body count now 113

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HE confirmed death toll from the South Korean ferry that capsized last week has reached 113, as divers recovered more bodies from the sunken hull.

Rescuers searching for bodies have been able to take advantage of better weather yester-

day, officials say, with more than 190 passengers still missing or presumed trapped inside the vessel.

The ferry tipped over and sank within two hours, but it is not yet clear why. The crew have been criticised for allegedly failing to save passengers.

Yemen identifying dead 'militants'

Y

EMENI officials are working to identify some of the dozens of suspected militants killed in a series of air strikes in recent days.

DNA tests are being carried out to establish whether two senior figures in al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula - its leader Nasser al-Wuhayshi and bombmaker Ibrahim al-Asiri are among them.

However, US officials say neither man was an intended tar-

get of the strikes.

Training camps in remote, mountainous areas and several vehicles were hit.

The last strike reportedly destroyed a 4x4 carrying at least three men that was travelling through the province of Shabwa.

Witnesses said that soldiers in an unmarked helicopter arrived at the scene soon afterwards to retrieve their bodies, suggesting one or more of them might have been a senior militant.

NBA fumes over abduction Continued on page 4

crisis by the federal government has not been effective.

It has not been effective especially given the fact that there was the abduction of more than 200 school girls by Boko Haram and the bomb blasts where many souls were lost and the president went ahead to attend a rally for his second term bid where he was seen dancing when Nigerians were mourning the dead.

“That wasn’t a proper way to handle the issue or mourn the victims.

“Now the military came out and gave conflicting information on the number of those abducted. Up till now, the girls are still in the custody of their abductors”.

“So, the President’s handling of the security issue is ineffective and I think the all - inclusive meeting of the security forces that involves all the governors should do their utmost to find a lasting solution to this madness.

“There must be a practical solution to it. Mr President should also strive to lead by example.”

Officials plan response to allegation Continued on page 4

cy, released six months ago, by patronising automotive assembly companies, which demonstrated faith in this economy, by investing in manufacturing fa-

cilities in Nigeria.

NAMA said it regretted that certain elements in the society, “in pursuit of personal wealth, are prepared to stop at nothing to scuttle our aspirations to develop as a nation”.

Anger over Boko Haram’s abduction of 234 girls

Continued on page 4

popular electoral mandate, it is totally paradoxical to refer to them as ‘Your Excellency’.

Where? This makes no sense but people just carry on and on. In Republican America, it is abnormal to refer to the president as ‘Your Excellency’. He is called ‘Mr. President’,” he said.

Aregbesola praised the author, saying youths and children will find the book more impactful as they can draw inspiration from the lives of great men who affected their generation in their time.

To Lagos State Governor Ba-

have been recorded in history, but we must begin to recognise our own leaders and draw inspiration from them particularly in the Southwest region,” Tinubu said.

Chairman, MTN Nigeria Pascal Dozie, who was chairman, urged leaders to do their best in the service of the people rather than primitively accumulating wealth.

Dozie said great leaders were not remembered by their acquisitions but by how much impact they made on the lives of their people.

He urged leaders to preoccupy themselves with ideas and strategies that would

bring about development in their societies.

Bok reviewer Tade Ipadeola said the publication chronicled how the ideas of some 150 great men shaped the world.

He urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the book and begin to think about development like Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandela and other great men featured in the publication.

Also present were Mr Gbenga Adefaye, immediate past president, Nigerian Guild of Editors and Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye of the University of Lagos.

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63

NEWS

Moyes gets the boot

Ancelotti won't risk Ronaldo against Bayern

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•Giggs takes over

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ANCHESTER United soccer club abruptly fired its manager, David Moyes, 10 months after he replaced the team's most winning coach ever, Sir Alex Ferguson, in one of the most closely watched managerial successions in global soccer.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks for the hard work, honesty and integrity he (Moyes) brought to the role," Manchester United said in a brief statement on Tuesday morning. The dismissal followed a meeting with Ed Woodward, the club's executive vice chairman, at the side's training ground outside Manchester.

Veteran player-coach Ryan Giggs was named interim manager until the end of the season or until a permanent replacement has been found, Manchester United said.

The club, one of the biggest and most high profile global sports fran-

D

•David Moyes

•Ryan Giggs

chises, previously refused to be drawn into commenting on reports in the British press that Moyes, 50, would be forced out before the end of the Premier League season.

Manchester United is currently in seventh place after having won the league last season and for the first time in 19 years, has failed to qualify for next year's Champions League competition. The club was named by Forbes as the world's second-most valuable sports team at $3.2 billion behind only Spanish team Real Madrid.

The team's current stars include England's Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie of the Netherlands.

David Beckham, perhaps the world's

most famous soccer star of recent times, made his name playing for Manchester United.

Fellow Scot Ferguson retired from the club last year after spending 26 years in charge, during which he won 40 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles. As a manager Ferguson was known as a strict disciplinarian firmly in control of the locker room.

Moyes was handpicked by Ferguson to be his replacement after the former spent 11 years at Everton soccer club, where he was praised for fostering an attacking style of play and where he brought success to the club despite a relative lack of funds to attract top players.

Moyes's failure in numbers

AVID Moyes lasted as Manchester United's manager for only 10 months but in that time he broke a host of unenviable records.

Here is the Scotsman's ill-fated time as Alex Ferguson's successor in numbers: - Manchester United's 57 points is their lowest total after 34 league fixtures since 1990-1991 (56).

- Moyes's seventh-placed side won only one league game against the Premier League's top six teams in 12 matches this season, a 1-0 home win against Arsenal in November.

- United, champions last season with 89 points, took just six

points from a possible 36 against the top six teams.

- Their six home defeats in the league this season are more than the previous three seasons combined.

- This is the first time United will have finished outside the Premier League's top four; it is also the first in 18 seasons that they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

- The 11 league defeats that David Moyes oversaw this season is their most in a season since 1989-90, when they lost 16 and Liverpool last won the title.

- Moyes's team suffered 10 defeats in 22 matches in all competitions since the start of the year.

- It is the first season in which Liverpool and Everton have won home and away against United.Swansea City won at Old Trafford for the first time in their history.

- Should United finish the season in seventh place, that will be the lowest finish for defending champions since Blackburn Rovers finished in the same place in 1996.

- Having averaged 1.68 points this season in the league and scored just 1.64 goals per game, United are on course to suffer their most disappointing Premier League season. (The Premier League came into existence in 1992.)

ARLO Ancelotti will make a late decision on the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo but has faith in Gareth Bale is Real Madrid’s iconic No.7 is not fit to start against Bayern Munich tomorrow.

Ronaldo trained with his teammates on Tuesday in Madrid after recovering from a slight knee injury and will have a test on the day of the game to determine exactly what part he will play in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against the holders.

'Gareth is quite happy,' said Ancelotti. 'He is motivated with a lot of confidence after a goal like the goal he scored against Barcelona in the final. I don’t think the goal will scare Bayern but a goal like this will always bring more confidence.

Bale’s progress may have lessened Real’s attacking reliance upon Ronaldo, but the Spanish capital is still obsessed with the physical condition of the Portuguese winner of the Ballon D’Or. 'Cristiano has trained normally,' said Ancelotti. 'We will have another test for him to be sure and

after that we will make a decision.

He is motivated to play in the semifinal.

'It is something that’s very important for any player. He will play if there are no problems for sure. If there’s a risk, he will not play, that’s clear. This is an important match but the decisive match is next week.'

•Cristiano Ronaldo

Silva ruled out for three weeks

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AVID Silva will miss virtually all of the remainder of the season after being ruled out for up to three weeks.

It is a major blow to Manchester City's Premier League title hopes as they look to claw back lost ground on favourites Liverpool.

The Manchester City striker will have a scan today on his injured ankle and the initial prognosis is that

he will be out for between two and three weeks.

But City still hope he could figure in the run-in - with boss Manuel Pellegrini eyeing the final game of the season at home to West Ham - or even the Aston Villa fixture four days earlier.

It is believed the Spaniard has not done serious damage to his ankle ligaments and so will be fit for the World Cup Finals.

Moyes set for massive £10m pay-off

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AVID Moyes could pocket up to £10million despite being sacked as Manchester United manager after less than a year in charge.

The Scot was relieved of his duties by chief executive Ed Woodward at an early morning meeting at the club's Carrington training ground on Tuesday.

Moyes has overseen the club's worst ever Premier League season, but he is still in line for a huge payoff from the Premier League cham-

pions.

The former Everton boss, who was given a six-year contract at Old Trafford last summer, earns £5million a year including bonuses.

Although he has more than five years to run on his deal, it is believed the club inserted a clause to avoid paying out his contract in full should he be sacked.

Despite that clause, Moyes' payout could still be as high as £10million - the equivalent of his wages until the end of the 2015-16 season.

OPEN FORUM

Nyanya bomb blast and fight against terrorism in Nigeria •Continued from back page These people lived anonymously and died the same way.

We do not yet know their names.

But, in a fundamental sense, we know who they were. They were part of us. They shared the same aspirations we all do. We seek an improved fate for our children and hope to leave them a better life.

We want to work and live in dignity and respect. We want a life of peace and harmony with our neighbours, regardless of religion, ethnicity or background. We seek prosperity, not poverty. We seek brotherly understanding, not strife. We seek peace, not bombs.

It was not just 72 people who were taken in this depraved assault. Each of us lost something that day. Yet, despite the loss and suffering, we must not cower in fear and let the purveyors of death believe they have scored a victory over us.

Those who committed this act have declared war on all that is decent and good. They have de-

clared war, not against the state or even the government. They have declared war on Nigeria and all Nigerians because this murder took men and women, old and young, Christian and Muslim alike. In trying to frighten and divide us, the evildoers committed injury to their own cause. For they have shown us that we all suffer inhumanity in the same way.

No matter our religion or place of birth, we all bleed and are wounded in the same way by injustice. Decency runs through the teachings of every religion and ethnic group that comprise the people of Nigeria.

We may have our differences, but the vast majority of Nigerians stand united against the appalling violence committed in Nyanya and other places.

These acts have no place in Nigeria. Those who commit them have no place in our country. The perpetrators may look like human beings. They may have limbs and faces like the rest of us, but they are not like us. In killing innocent

people, they have become inhuman. They live outside the scope of humanity. Their mother is carnage and their father is cruelty.

They have declared war against the people of Nigeria. They have shown that they do not want to liberate the people. They want to kill them. Yet, with all the energy of their evil and ignorant hatred, they shall fail. The good people of Nigeria shall triumph.

Such a wicked mission shall not succeed. We have gone too far in our journey to nationhood and endured too much to allow these terrible acts to divert us.

Not only have these agents of death killed innocent people, they also abducted over 100 young girls from their school. Why abduct school girls? Whatever they plan, they should be ready to face the wrath of Nigerians. They should release these young girls unharmed. Anything else would be an abominable crime.

We all must take close heed at this moment and recognise the severity of what is upon us. A small

minority seeks to bring the nation to its knees through terror. Thus, we must stand tall and united. We cannot afford to allow their crimes to go unpunished.

I call on the government to improve and redefine its strategy in the light of this expanding menace. Clearly, its intelligence gathering needs to be improved so that it can break terrorist plots before they hatch. Moreover, it needs to enact greater social and economic reform in the blighted areas of the nation to win the hearts and minds of the people. Give the youth a viable alternative and they will not be duped by the lure of extremist dogma. A major initiative with immediate and long-term strategies for mass employment should be introduced right away.

Nigeria must and will overcome this scourge but it cannot do so merely by wishful thinking. We need wise and decisive strategies.

As for me and my party, we deplore and condemn these and all such attacks. Those who commit

them must know that the nation stands four square against them.

While we are engaged in tight political competition against the ruling party, we shall not play politics on this issue, which is vital to our national survival and wellbeing.

We pledge ourselves to the unity and safety of this nation and shall do nothing to undermine national security. We seek no political advantage from this calamity and wish the present administration success in fighting it.

We stand ready to help in any meaningful and productive way to fight this battle against evil. We extend our hand and earnest offer of cooperation in this regard.

Nigeria and Nigerians have suffered enough. Those who now lead the nation and those who would lead it must overlook political differences to find whatever ways we can cooperate to make this a safer, more secure nation for all.

Thank you and May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

W

HEN Chief Festus Odimegwu (sorry, I misspelt his surname as Odumegwu last week), the Chairman of the Nigerian Population Commission sacked last October, denounced all the country’s headcounts since the very first one in the Lagos Colony in 1863, not a few of his compatriots from southern Nigeria would have hailed him for having the courage as the country’s first chief census officer to speak “truth” about our censuses – i.e. that it has always been rigged to favour the predominantly Muslim North – to power.

“No census,” he said shortly after assuming office, “has been credible in Nigeria since 1863.

Even the one conducted in 2006 is not credible.” He then proceeded to predict that the next one in 2016 will be dead on arrival unless our census law is amended.

He did not say what was wrong with the law and how it should be amended, but one could hazard a guess that the man was probably in total agreement with the vociferous advocates of including religion and ethnicity in the census questionnaire, if only to settle the contentious issue of the religious and ethnic composition of the country once and for all.

The man may have been sacked mainly because he was insufferably at loggerheads with virtually all his commissioners during his short tenure over policy and budget implementation and administrative procedures, but it must in part have also been because he spoke his mind about the credibility of all our headcounts.

When he said all our past headcounts were rigged in favour of one section of the country – he later modified this view by accusing all sections of the country of also rigging – he merely echoed what to many a southerner must have been the most conclusive evidence to date that all our headcounts so far lack credibility. This evidence was the say-so of one obscure colonial labour officer by the name of Harold Smith.

Smith’s say-so was first carried as a 13-page cover story of the March 7, 2005 edition of Tell under the sensational headline, “How Britain Rigged Elections, Census for the North Former Colonial Officer.”

Ayodele Akinkuotu, the news magazine’s executive editor, prefaced the story with the title “The Evils The British Did”.

Two weeks later, the magazine followed with a 10-page sequel on March 21, 2005, in which the transcript of the colonial officer‘s live interview through the internet was published under the banner headline “Exclusive Interview: The British Expected Nigeria to Break Up - Harold Smith, Former Colonial Officer”. This time Dele Omotunde, the magazine’s deputy editor-in-chief, wrote a threepage introduction in which he praised Smith as “A Bureaucrat (who was) an Idealist.”

“The massive power of the North,” Smith said in his interview, “rested on the census figures produced by the British officials in the early 1950s. All attempts to confirm those census figures since have proved a failure and this has become the most bitterly contested issue in Nigerian politics.”

According to the colonial officer, despite the North’s vast land with no humans but cattle, the 1952/53 census still gave the region 55

S

INISTER terror and hatred have again reached from the shadows to steal the lives of innocent Nigerians. In Nyanya, seventy-two people were killed by a car bomb. Hundreds more were injured in the devastation. Their killings served no purpose, except for those who exalt in evil. The bomb blast quickly came and went like the deadly thief it was; but we shall be left to endure the pain and loss from this terrible act for a long time to come.

What the nation lost is irreplaceable. The number 72 seems like just another grim tally among the death statistics that have become all too common. But what occurred is much more than that. We must really stop and take notice of where evil is attempting to drive us to. The abduction of over one hundred school girls is unacceptable, condemnable and saddens me greatly.

VOL.9 NO.2,820

‘The Boko Haram episode may have escalated in 2009 but the truth is that the whole thing was planned by Nigerians for a long time before the bloody skirmishes that eventually unfolded in 2009’

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

People and Politics By

MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Nigerian censuses and their discontents (II)

•Chief Obasanjo

million people instead of 32. The man also claimed that he was instructed by Sir James Robertson, then Governor-General, to rig the 1956 general elections in favour of Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, the NCNC candidate, because the colonialists disliked Chief Obafemi Awolowo as opposition leader.

If the editors at Tell had only bothered to scratch Smith’s claim beneath the surface, they would have realised that the man was talking nonsense. First, the entire population of the country by the 1952/53 headcount was 32 million.

Obviously, his 55 million allocation to the North by the colonial authorities was a figment of his apparently fertile imagination.

Second, and even more importantly, he was not even in Nigeria in 1953 when the census ended. By his own account in his biography, he first saw an advertisement for a labour office job in Nigeria in 1954, applied, got the job and travelled to Nigeria in 1955 – a clear two years after the last headcount before Independence in 1960.

As for his other claim that he was instructed by the colonial authorities to rig the 1956 elections in favour of the NCNC in Warri, it’s hard to find a more definitive and accurate rebuttal than a 5,957-word rejoinder to the two Tell cover stories by Dr Alkassum Abba, formally of Ahmadu Bello University’s Department of History and now the Vice-Chancellor of Adamawa State University, in Daily Trust of April 22, 2005, among other media.

As Alkassum said, if, as Smith claimed, he

was asked to rig the 1956 election in favour of Chief Okotie-Eboh and he rejected the instruction, how come it took four years - in between which he ended his first tour as a labour officer in 1957, went to the UK on a six-month leave and had his contract renewed thereafter - for the Governor-General to threaten him with a reprisal if he revealed his boss’s instructions?

More importantly, as Alkassum said, how come he never published any documentary proof of his weighty allegation in his biography or his website?

A summary of Alkassum’s lengthy piece, “The Rigging of Nigeria’s History,” based on his visit to Smith’s website, interviews with a number of colonial officers and materials on colonial history he had gathered during a year’s (1989-1990) research in the United Kingdom will not do justice to the piece. Anyone interested in finding out the truth about Smith’s claim will need to read the whole article.

One piece of document does, however, speak volumes about Smith’s credibility and I think it bears reproducing as a whole. This was the evidence that clearly shows that far from the colonialists acting in favour of NCNC, they indeed tried to conspire against it because of the way the party under Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was able to mobilize Nigerians across regions and religions against colonial rule in the early years of the struggle for independence.

“The evidence for this conspiracy, which had the AG and the NPC, working closely with the British, against the nationalist forces in the NCNC,” Alkassum says in his piece, “comes from a top-secret report No. G.221/ 97, now available in the Public Records Office in London. The Chief Secretary to the Nigerian Colonial Government in Lagos, Mr. Ralph Grey, sent this report to Mr. T. B. Williamson of the Colonial Office on 31st December 1954.

The Chief Secretary reported that: “Abubakar (Tafawa Balewa) dropped in again this morning to report further on the ‘situation.’ He showed me a paper, which recorded the results of his talks with Mr. Akintola and Mr. Rosoji on 16th December.

(These followed an earlier meeting on 15th December at which the Sardauna and someone else from the Action Group, possibly Mr. Awolowo, were present).

OPEN FORUM By

MUHAMMADU BUHARI Nyanya bomb blast and fight against terrorism in Nigeria We cannot allow these merchants of death to make us numb to the tragedy they manufacture. Those who were killed were not merely numbers on a page. They were human beings, made of flesh and blood,

body and soul, like all the rest of us. They were someone’s father or mother, brother or sister. They had parents; they were people’s child. They were husbands or wives, neighbouring friends and col-

DELE AGEKAMEH

“I glanced through the paper very quickly and wished that I had a better photographic memory. The main thing was to form a United Front Party - consisting of the NPC, AG, UNIP and KNC – under NPC leadership. All members of those parties elected to the House of Representatives would sign a declaration of adherence to the new party…

“An undertaking was taken by the Action Group that they would cease to press for the Regions to be broken up into States or for an alteration in the North/West boundary, “ (PRO, CO554/1178).

Smith clearly emerges from Alkassum’s well researched article as an inveterate liar. He lied when he said the colonialists fixed Nigeria’s headcounts in favour of the predominantly Muslim North. He also lied when he said the colonial authorities favoured the NCNC and the NPC against the Action Group.

The widespread belief in the South than the North cannot be more populous than the South is based on the theory that coastal regions the world over are always more populous than their hinterlands. This theory is a fallacy that exposes the geographical and statistical illiteracy of those who espouse it. Arability of land and availability of potable water mainly determine population size. Anyone familiar with the geography of the North knows it has plenty of both, contrary to the popular geographical illiteracy about the 730,885 square meters of the North being mostly desert, compared to the 192, 883 square meters of the South more than half of which is Savannah like most of the North.

As for the statistical illiteracy of the theory, it is only someone who does not know his statistics that will equate the higher population density of the South with a smaller population in the North.

If any evidence was needed that the ratio of the country’s roughly 55%:45% population in favour of the North has been fairly accurate, it finally came in the national identity card registration exercise of 2003 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

How that exercise - along with other demographic factors - provides evidence that our headcounts since 1863 – with the probable exception of the controversial 1963 and 1973 censuses - have been fairly accurate will be the subject of this column in a not too distant future, God willing.

Corrections Last week I said General Yakubu Gowon’s government was overthrown in July 1976 and General Murtala Mohammed who took over from him promptly cancelled the controversial 1973 headcount. General Mohammed took over in July 1975 and, as we all know, was assassinated in a failed coup attempt on February 13, 1976. However, this was not before he had cancelled the headcount.

Also in my piece of March 19, I said LtGen Azubuike Ihejirika’s predecessor as army chief was Lt-General Lawal Dambazau.

Dambazau’s first name is Abdulrahman not Lawal.

The errors are regretted.

•For comments, send SMS to 08059100107 leagues. They had dreams and hopes. They were loved and loved others in return.

Now, life has been taken away from them and those who cared for them must bear a grief no person should be asked to carry.

These people committed no wrong.

Their only crime was to be ordinary working class people seeking to eke out a livelihood and fend for themselves and their families. For this, they were killed.

They represent the backbone of the working people. Not many of them lived an easy life. Most worked hard and long for modest wages. They lifted themselves up every morning to earn their daily bread. They faced the many social and economic challenges and obstacles our society poses, yet they worked not to destroy but to make this a better place by bettering the lives of their families and loved ones.

•Continued on page 63

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