July 11, 2014 by The Nation

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Ekiti election was rigged, alleges Oni

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•Fayemi’s wife: poll ‘rigged from source’ •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2904 FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

Senate upholds report on $49.8b oil cash •Lawmakers reject subsidy removal •www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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•APC accuses Omisore of unveiling plan for troops AND MORE •Criminals warned to steer clear of state •ON PAGE 8 •LP to open campaign tomorrow•Jonathan petitioned

Uproar at Conference over revenue sharing, others Deliberations stalled as Kutigi summons elders

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

ELEGATES lost their temper yesterday at the National Conference, screaming, shouting and swearing. The trouble was over the derivation principle. Northern delegates, led by former Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Coomasie, vehemently opposed the recommendations of a select group of elders to peg the derivation principle for oil producing states at 18 per cent. The proposal sought to increase the derivation principle from 13 per cent to 18 per cent for oil bearing states. Another thorny issue for the conferees was the percentage of revenue sharing formula between the Federal and state governments. The stalemate on the issues forced Conference Chairman Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd) to summon a meeting of “50 wise men” (a group of zonal elders) to seek a way forward for the conference. Signs of trouble started early in the morning before the proceedings. Deputy Conference Chairman Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi invited Prof. Anwalu Yadudu for a “private discussion”. The convener of the Consensus Bridge Building Group, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, accused Yadudu of working in concert with others to break up the conference. Akinyemi was said to have urged Yadudu to assist the conference in finding a common ground on some contentious issues. At the beginning of proceedings, Akinyemi told delegates that on Wednesday, Ambassador Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, gave a verbal report of the consensus committee on derivation formula. He added that Gambari had submitted a writ-

WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15? •Lawan

Continued on page 4

•Delegates in a hot argument during the debate on the controversial revenue sharing formula…yesterday .

The Yoruba delegates...reject the report...it gave a wrong impression of what the intervention fund was set to achieve. The fund should be aimed to serve the collective interest of the country and not a sectional interest —Olajide

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

We failed to reach any comprise on the issue. Therefore any report submitted to the secretariat on the issue does not have the backing of the northern delegates. We reject such a report —Coomasie

Scores killed as military, Boko Haram battles rage in Borno

STORY ON PAGE 4

Ammunition seized 18 soldiers face court martial for alleged mutiny

•SOCIETY P13 •SPORTS P23 •BRAND P26 •AGRIC P38 •POLITICS P47 •FOREIGN P60

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NEWS •Manager, Communication and Public Affairs, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, Mr Tony Okonedo (left) presenting the 2014 Facts and Figures on NLNG to the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Developemnt Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ernest Nwapa in Abuja.

Unending ‘n For one month, peace has taken flight from the Edo State House of Assembly. There seems to be no end in sight to the crisis, which has been described as a “naked dance”, writes OSAGIE OTABOR

•From left: Head, Relationship Management, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Mrs. Anita Dele-Dickson; Principal Partner, StarBright Consulting Ltd, Mr. Emmanuel Olu-Ayeni; Medical Director, Tabita Medical Centre, Abuja, Dr Chito Nwana; and Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Dr. Demola Sogunle, at a pre-retirement seminar organized by Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited in Port Harcourt...yesterday.

•From left: Fayrouz finale judge, Mai Atafo, another finale judge, Kunbi Oyelese, Senior Brand Manager, Fayrouz, Nnenna Ifebigh-Hemeson and on-air personality, Ik Osakioduwa at the L'Original Finale in Lagos. PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

• Vice-President, Retail Business, Schneider Electric, Tonye Briggs (left) and Country President, Schneider Electric, Marcel Hochet (second left) receiving the Merit Award plaque from the National President, Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), Otunba Dele Akintola during LECAN’s award dinner in Abuja. With them is National Vice-Ppresident, LECAN, Abdullahi Edochie.

T is difficult to predict how the crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly will end. Residents are confused and scared about who the crisis will eventually consume. Workers of the Assembly are caught in the supremacy battle between Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers and their All Progressive Congress (APC) counterparts. The workers have been locked out of their workplace since the crisis began on June 9. The outcome of the APC wards congresses set the stage for the Assembly crisis. Lawmakers loyal to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu defected to the PDP but what was not clear to APC leaders was how many of the lawmakers would leave the party. Those known to be aggrieved are Hon Abdulrasaq Momoh representing Estako West 1, Patrick Osayimwen (Oredo East) Jude Ise-Idehen (IkpobaOkha) and Friday Ogieriakhi (Orhionmwon South). Momoh had a grudge with the party leadership under the defunct ACN when he was arrested for alleged gun running during the conduct of the April 20 local government elections. He is facing trial at an Edo State High Court. Momoh said he was disowned by the ACN leadership, adding that he expected that the APC would stand by him. He also claimed that his constituency has not had any government attention. Friday Ogieriakhi's new motto is “Final Push”. His trouble with the then ACN began when he was allegedly not allowed to nominate a councillor during the local government election. He dropped his loyalty to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Odudu and switched camp to Pastor IzeIyamu. Ogieriakhi now wants to push Odubu out of the leadership of Orhionmwon Local Government. Tension was high during sittings before the lawmakers embarked on recess as Speaker Uyi Igbe refused to read letters tendered by four lawmakers who planned to leave the APC. Apparently to seek protection of the law to avoid losing their seats, three lawmakers, Ise-Idehen, Osayimwen, and Ogieriakhi on May 9 approached a Federal High Court in Benin. Among the reliefs sought was an order restraining the Speaker from declaring their seats vacant as well as another one to stop the Speaker from suspending them, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice. The court presided over by Justice A. M Limam granted the lawmakers' request by granting an injunction restraining the Speaker and the House from declaring their seats vacant but refused the prayer for an injunction restraining the Speaker and the House from suspending them. On May 19, the three lawmakers defected to the PDP but Deputy Speaker Festus Ebea remained in the APC. At a sitting that lasted less than 30 minutes, APC lawmakers on June 9 suspended Ogieriakhi, Ise-Idehen, Ebea and Osayimwen. The four were

•Oshiomhole

•Ize-Iyamu

at their offices when the suspension was carried out. Before they rushed to plenary alongside other PDP lawmakers, the House had adjourned plenary. Paul Ohonbamu, who moved the motion for the suspension of the members under Section 38 of the House rules, said the actions of the lawmakers constituted misconduct. Explaining further on the reasons for the suspension, Hon Adjoto said it was not because they defected to the PDP but that the lawmakers became 'marketers' for the PDP. He said: "The Deputy Speaker has become so arrogant and dictatorial that he no longer sees the party and Mr. Speaker as one. He has created parallel leadership and that leadership is aimed at destabilising the House of Assembly which is to impeach Mr. Speaker and the Comrade Governor. " They have approached us to sell our mandate to the PDP. They have measured heavy amount ranging from N50m to N70m. "They have approached us daily. What they do is to dangle carrot before us and that is not what we were elected to do here. Their activities constitute misconduct. We decided to suspend them until they deem it fit to do what is right. It is the tradition and rule that if any member takes the House to court, that member is to be suspended until the matter is resolved by the court." The next day, Ebea and other PDP lawmakers stormed the Assembly complex and broke into the chamber where they sat without a mace and,

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

ng ‘naked dance’ in Edo House

•Odubu

• Igbe

•Ojezua

Igbe was seen on the assembly walls directing that plenary has been relocated to the old assembly chamber inside the Edo State Government House because of ongoing renovation work occasioned by the destruction of the assembly properties during the fracas. It was a move many described as a sucker punch on the opposition lawmakers. At the plenary attended by 15 APC lawmakers, the suspended Deputy Speaker was impeached for alleged misconduct and misdemeanor and a new Deputy Speaker, Victor Eporor, was elected. An impeachment notice made available to reporters showed that 16 lawmakers, including Hon Abdularasaq, a member of the PDP, signed the impeachment notice. Abdulrasaq later threatened to institute legal action against the APC lawmakers for forging his signature. The PDP described the impeachment as a joke, null and void. Chief Orbih said 14 members could not have removed the deputy speaker. Edo State APC Chairman Anslem Ojezua countered Orbih, saying the lawmakers required 13 members to impeach the deputy speaker since four members were already on suspension. He said: "The notice of impeachment of Hon. Festus Ebea was signed by 16 members of the House. This clearly was more than the 13 signatures required to impeach him. It must be borne in mind that with the suspension of 4 members, only 20 members are, for now, legitimately entitled to attend and participate in any legislative business of the House of Assembly."

Assembly premises as police territory

•Ebea

•Momoh

thereafter, announced the suspension of eight lawmakers, including the Speaker. A free-for-all ensued when Igbe led other lawmakers to the chamber but the police fired tear gas to disperse them and thugs that were at the Assembly premises. N June 11, PDP lawmakers came into the chamber at about 6am and began sitting with a mace that was later said to have been stolen in 2011. News of their sitting got to APC lawmakers who rushed to the chamber and engaged the PDP lawmakers physically. Police Commissioner Foluso Adebanjo brokered peace between the warring lawmakers. Adebanjo locked the lawmakers inside the chamber for over 13 hours to enable them settle their differences. The lawmakers ate, slept and talked for over 10 hours without a solution. The PDP lawmakers requested for a return to status quo but the APC lawmakers insisted that the four suspended members would not be allowed to sit with them. The APC lawmakers obtained a court order, which restrained the four suspended lawmakers from entering the Assembly and the legislative quarters. Also restrained from interfering with the functions of the Assembly, pending the determination of a motion on Notice before the court were the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5, Benin City and the Commissioner of Police, Edo State. Justice V. O Eboreime ordered sub-

•Orbih

stituted service of the origination summons on the suspended legislators by advertisement in a national newspaper and a local newspaper within 48 hours. The applicants were represented in Court by Gabriel Oladejo. Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) represented the suspended lawmakers. Indication that the lawmakers would defy the court orders emerged at a news conference held at the PDP secretariat when Minority Leader Emmanuel Okoduwa described the two reliefs granted the APC as "strange and unworkable". His words: "We said the order that they cannot enter the legislative quarters is strange because as lawmakers we pay monthly rent to live in the quarters. There is no order that will say that you cannot stay in an apartment where you pay N27, 000 monthly. "The second relief which says the purported suspended members should not disturb the business of the House is simply asking someone, who was elected to represent his people not to do so. As a matter of fact, legislative business can never be complete without such person. So, the orders are not enforceable if they were granted in the first place." PDP chairman Chief Dan Orbih said the court order showed that administration of justice was putting the state on the precipice of political anarchy. He said: "The judiciary should not be used by the APC government against elected members of the House and the Edo people are concerned about what is going on in the state. Our members went to court to seek protec-

tion and they got it. You cannot suddenly turn around to get what a competent court ordered you not to do. When they came out that they had suspended our members, there was no reference to any existing rule of the House." For two weeks, the lawmakers were subjected to thorough searching before they were allowed into the Assembly premises but they never held plenary. ON Ehigiamusoe Kingsley of the PDP said it was laughable that the APC lawmakers were still relying on the court order restraining the four lawmakers from gaining access into the assembly premises. He told reporters that the restraining order has elapsed according to order 37 rule 5(6) of the Edo State High Court but the APC lawmakers insisted that they could not sit with 'strangers' in their midst.

Two adjournments, one House The stage for a fresh crisis was set on June 27 when both the PDP and APC lawmakers adjourned sitting to different days. While the APC adjourned sitting to July 2, the PDP adjourned its plenary to June 30. Both adjournments were made after the lawmakers waited outside the assembly gate for five hours. On June 30, the PDP lawmakers were denied entry by the police and after waiting for four hours, they left and adjourned to Monday, July 7. On Wednesday, a notice signed by

The police took over the assembly premises last Friday . ASP Joseph Florence stormed the premises and stopped the renovation. Part of the Assembly’s roof has already been removed while armoured doors were placed on doors leading to the legislative chambers. The assembly workers were driven out and the workmen on the roof were forced to come down and some of them were beaten. Efforts by the policemen to force the lawmakers, including Speaker Igbe, to leave the assembly premises failed. ASP Florence shouted at the Speaker saying: "Why are you carrying out renovation work? I am doing my job here and all of you must leave." She sprayed a substance believed to be tear gas on Igbe and other lawmakers and also snatched a camera of a local television station. Another policeman cocked his gun on the speaker but the lawmakers refused to leave.

Sacked workers as emergency clerk, sergeant-at-arms On Monday, the PDP lawmakers broke into the Assembly at about 6:30am and held plenary at the entrance of the hallowed chamber. A former member of staff of the Assembly, Okoh Godwin, who was sacked in 2011 for certificate forgery, was the clerk. Another former worker, who was also sacked for certificate forgery in 2010, Omoregbe Osagie, was the Sergeant-at-arms. The Chairman of the Assembly commission, Emmanuel Oronsaye, said Omoregbe and Godwin were dismissed through letters with reference number P.C 944/78 and P.C 373/83 . Offices of Assembly workers have remained locked. Only the lawmakers and their personal aides were at the premises for the two days they attended plenary. The chamber was unkempt. Ebea, who described the removal of the roof as executive brigandage of the APC, said no budgetary provision was

made for the renovation at the complex.

Contempt of court

Contempt proceedings have been started against the four suspended lawmakers. Contents of the contempt proceeding titled Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Order of Court, reads "Take Notice that unless you obey direction contained in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison." When the bailiff brought the notice, they 'refused' to collect it and he threw it at them and walked away. Ebea, who is among those suspended, refused to accept the court proceedings. E said: "You want to serve me papers here. You are mad. Leave my sight. This idiot came and said he wants to serve me papers. That is how you go about to procure cheap and fake papers." "I am only a bailiff sir," the bailiff replied. "Go to hell with it,"' Ebea shouted.

PDP lawmakers denied inducement One issue that has consistently come up in this crisis concerns financial inducement. Both parties have used this weapon. The former APC lawmakers have continued to deny collecting money to defect to the PDP. Osayimwen has promised to swear by any shrine at the Oba's Palace to prove his innocence. Ebea said he was offered money by the APC but that he refused because the issues he had with the APC were not resolved. "When money was shared to remaining APC legislators, they did not consider the rest. They offered me money because I had not crossed but I refused. Mine was even tripled but I still refused because the issues I have with them are clearly stated and till tomorrow, I will not back down on those issues; it is not about me. So, God, the judge of all knows if I had collected money, whether from PDP or the Federal government or from any other human being to do what I am doing. It is a pity because if you do not toe the line of some people who feel they are powerful, they believe that you are against them and then you become a target. That is the issue." On the way forward, Ebea said: "The level of impunity must be brought down. There must be tolerance from both sides. Like I said, people have been moving from party A to B and heaven did not fall. Why can party B not move to part A?"

Police and Benin monarch At the beginning of the crisis, Adebanjo was praised for acting professionally and ensuring that no lives and properties were lost. Some political leaders hailed the police boss for not bowing to pressure from supposed Abuja-based politicians. Before plenary was taken to the old chamber, Adebanjo had warned the lawmakers against resorting to selfhelp in resolving the crisis. He said: "Everybody is getting tired. You people are dancing naked and you should stop it." The Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba Erediauwa, at a meeting with political leaders, warned them not to plunge the state into crisis. He urged them to sheathe their swords. His statement said: "I am appealing to you not to engage in the destruction of lives and properties for whatever reasons. I also appeal to you as you leave here to have the interest of Edo State at heart and amicably resolve whatever political disagreement you may have, which I am sure, you are well capable of resolving for peace and security to reign." So far, the monarch’s voice remains unheard, as the fight has continued long after his intervention.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

Security agencies want to set us up, say BringBackOurGirls campaigners

From left: Presidents Boni Yayi (Benin Republic), Goodluck Jonathan (Nigeria), Alasane Outarra (Cote D’ivoire) and Ibrahim Keita (Mali) at the 45th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Accra, Ghana…yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Senate upholds report on $49.8b oil cash

ENATE President David Mark yesterday faulted the National Assembly for not carrying out its oversight duties diligently before former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, raised the alarm. Sanusi accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) of failing to remit $49.8billion oil revenue to the Federation Account. Mark spoke during the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance that investigated the allegation. The report which has generated controversy, was submitted by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Ahmed Makarfi on May 28. Mark commended the committee for presenting a courageous report based on the facts that were presented to it. He said the committee was forthright by paying attention to details in the course of investigation. He lamented that the NNPC did not follow due process by disbursing unappropriated funds for subsidy payments. He vowed that no matter before the 7th Senate would be swept under the carpet. Mark said: “At the inception of the 7th Senate, I did say emphatically that there is no issue

in this country that we cannot discuss as respected and Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “If we have the courage to set up a committee, nothing will stop us from taking the report of that committee and nothing will be swept under the carpet in this red chamber. “I think what is glaringly from this report is that we are all guilty. If the committees expected to carry out oversight functions on the NNPC were doing their job very well, we wouldn’t have needed the Governor of Central Bank to ring an alarm bell before reacting. “Whether the alarm is genuine or not, is another matter. The Executive may have good reasons but the legislature obviously do not have reasons not to find out. Let me appeal to the various committees to endeavour to do their work. “Facts are different from rumours and what we have before us are the facts based on the interview conducted by the committee on public hearing and on all the documents that they could put together. “One thing is very obvious, due process has not been followed and they have stated so very clearly.”

There was however drama when Senator Sadiq Yar’ Adua moved that the report be stepped down to another legislative day to enable lawmakers study it. He said the report contained impeachable offences committed by President Goodluck Jonathan. Yar’Adua said: “The report was given to us (Senators) a while ago and I think it is too short a time for us to dissect this report which is 73 pages and which is also containing issues about alleged missing $49.8billion. “I think it is important for us to go and read the report because actually if you look at the report, I can smell some impeachable offences committed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.” Yar’Adua was overruled by Mark. Mark said: “For you to just say a report has been presented and it contains impeachable offences is totally unnecessary. That is not the issue here.” On persistent compliants that most resolutions of the National Assembly were not being implemented by the Executive, Mark said the legislature is to blame. He said: “We would have to

known to the procedure rules of the conference. Osuoka asked delegates to ignore the group as “it is self-appointed illegal assemblage of delegates.” Justice Kutigi overruled him and insisted that delegates were free to form themselves into groups. Dr. Haruna Yerima from Borno State said the conference should do away with voice vote. He warned that any decision arrived at on the Committee of Devolution of Power report through voice vote would not be acceptable to the northern delegates. Senator Musa Adede warned that the conference was drifting. “This conference is deviating and drifting from how we started. Those attempting to intimidate the chairman must retrace their steps in the interest of this conference and the country. Nobody must be allowed to intimidate the chairman.” As tension continued to rise, Justice Kutigi said the conference would skip derivation and go ahead to consider other recommendations of the Devolution of Power committee. On revenue sharing formula, the committee recommended that the ratio should be 42.5%, 32% and 22.5% for federal, state and local councils to replace the subsisting 52.28%, 26.72% and 20.02%.

Some delegates proposed that the sharing formula should be 60% in favour of states and 40% for the federal government, bearing in mind that the conference had adopted the proposal that local council matters should be transferred to the states. There was uproar as most northern delegates insisted that provision must be made for local government councils. Senator Mohammed Saidu Dansadau from Zamfara State said: “The constitution states clearly that the revenue sharing formula shall be between federal, state and local government. Therefore any revenue sharing formula the conference want propose must be between the federal, state and local government. Nothing less of than that.” Those behind the agitation to scrap local government councils shouted him down and reminded him that the conference had already adopted a proposal to make local government matters state affair. Akinyemi reminded delegates that they voted to transfer local government councils to the state. He said the voting had its consequences. Proceedings were halted for over 45 minutes. The unfolding scenario compelled Akinyemi to warn that the leadership would no longer permit point of order or point of information. Delegates were not deterred as they continued to discuss loud-

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

be supported by 2/3 majority. If we have to do so, we have to enact a law that would make our resolutions binding, it is not something that could be done by voice vote.” He warned the lawmakers not to politicise or jump to conclusions on the alleged missing funds when reconciliations were still ongoing. He said: “Whether it is funds yet to be remitted, funds yet to be reconciled or funds yet unaccounted for or missing, I think we should not play politics with it. Because if we described it as missing or unaccounted for, the issue is that there is a reconciliation going on. “When you say outright it is missing, then you have concluded. The point I am trying to make is that we should not conclude when the process of reconciliation is still ongoing.” The Senate President warned that it would be fool hardy to remove fuel subsidy without first sensitising the people on the matter. He said any attempt to do so now would pitch the people against the National Assembly. He said: I want to appeal that we should not pitch ourselves against the public opinion. If subsidy has to be removed, there must be public enlightenment

HE BringBackOurGirls campaigners yesterday alleged that security agencies, who accused them of being on “franchise”, planned to set them up. They said the “plot” might be the climax of incessant harassment and intimidation of the group in the last two months. They however said in spite of threats from security agencies, they would not give up the agitation for the rescue of the 219 Chibok girls, who were snatched off their dormitory on April 15. The group, in a statement in Abuja by two of its coordinators, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and Mrs. Hadiza Bala Usman, asked the military and security agencies to take action against terrorists who have abducted the girls instead of hounding its members. The statement said: “For over two months, security agencies have harassed and sought to intimidate our movement incessantly. The latest was the statement yesterday accredited to the Deputy Director of Department of State Security, Mrs. Marilyn Ogar, who described the #BringBackOurGirls campaign as a franchise. “She made the comment in Abuja while responding to ques-

ten copy of the report to the conference secretariat. Hardly had Akinyemi concluded his speech when Alhaji Basir Dalhatu, a northern delegate, moved a point of order. When he was recognised, Dalhatu said he was a member of the consensus negotiation team but did not sign Gambari’s report. Dalhatu also told the House that most of the signatories were not original members of the team. The conferee said that he asked Dokpesi, who produced the report, to meet with him for reconciliation of certain portions of the document. He vowed not to accept the report unless certain sections of it were reconciled. When Dokpesi walked into the chamber, Akinyemi told him that the document he served the House had been challenged on the floor. Akinyemi said he had agreed with Kutigi to give Dokpesi and Dalhatu one hour to reconcile gray areas of the report. One hour later turned into hours as other members of the negotiation team joined Dokpesi and Dalhatu. As delegates waited endlessly for the consensus- building team to return, Mr. Isaac Osuoka, a member of the civil society, said the consensus group was un-

tions from journalists at the press briefing of the National Information Centre (NIC). “This is a dangerous and unprecedented attack because as is well known in security circles, the term ‘franchise’ is used to refer to inter-related terrorist cells. She is reported to have said that if indeed our movement was a protest group, it would not need to force members to register and wear tags. “Mrs. Ogar also affirmed security forces know about all the activities of the group. We know that they have a bank account,” she said. “We know that they visit prominent individuals to solicit funds; we know that they have split themselves into groups; we know that they want to simulate a protest march in Abuja to make it look like they went to Chibok.” “There is a clear attempt to smear our work with a link of our work with Chibok and Sambisa forest. It is clear from these comments that the security agencies are setting up the movement for a crackdown based on trumped up accusations. Continued on page 59

Scores killed as military, Boko Haram battle rages in Borno

Continued on page 59

HE Defence Headquarters said yesterday that scores of insurgents died when troops broke through an ambush in Delwa, Borno State. It also confirmed that three soldiers were killed and seven others injured in clashes with Boko Haram insurgents. The report of the fierce battle came on a day the Army raised a seven-man General Court Martial (GCM) to try 18 soldiers. The GCM, constituted by Commander, Army Headquarter Garrison, Maj.-Gen. B.T Ndiomu, is headed by Brig-Gen. C.C Okonkwo. The DHQ broke the news in a statement on its twitter handle. The statement said: “Troops on patrol around Delwa and neighbouring communities on Wednesday successfully broke through insurgents’ ambush

ly in groups. Akinyemi reeled out further proposals sought by delegates as the revenue sharing formula to include: 35% for federal and 65% for states; 42.5% for federal and 57.5% for states. Akinyemi said the issue should be stood down for necessary consultations. The acrimony between northern and southern delegates widened as the consensus building group walked into the chamber. Akinyemi asked “High Chief Dokpesi where is the document?” Northern delegates shouted “no document, no document, no document, no wuruwuru here”. Akinyemi objected to the use of the derogatory word wuruwuru (deceit) as confusion continued in the chamber. He asked that the microphone be handed over to Alhaji Coomasie, leader of the northern delegates. Coomasie said: “I am the leader of northern delegates to this conference and a member of elders who have met for three days to arrive at some comprise on the issue of derivation. “We failed to reach any comprise on the issue. Therefore any report submitted to the secretariat on the issue, do not have the backing of the northern delegates. We reject such report.” Coomasie’s speech made delegates to cluster in groups while the shout of “no, yes, no, yes”

reigned in the house. Akinyemi said since consensus had failed, the conference must move forward. He listed 18%, 21%, 21.5%, 25%,, 30%, 40%, 50% as the percentages of derivation delegates proposed to vote on. He also read the proposal which sought the scrapping of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Amnesty Programme, and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs while their function should be transferred to the states. Akinyemi read another proposal which wanted an interim bridging arrangement of 50% derivation which will be phased within 10 years and eventually increased to 100% over the years. Justice Kutigi said the problem of the secretariat was that the ballot paper for voting has only the provision of “yes or no”. “Our problem is how to group the proposals into two to record the voting pattern,” he said. There was more confusion in the House as delegates began to shout on top of their voices. Chief Olu Falae, leader of Yoruba delegates and a member of the consensus group elected to read the conclusions of the team, noted that Nigeria’s problems would come and go while the country would remain. Falae said he is a member of the consensus - seeking committee that had been meeting for three days.

Uproar at Conference over revenue sharing, others Continued from page 1

From Yusuf Alli and Grace Obike, Abuja

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

35kilometres to Maiduguri as they advanced to dislodge insurgents who were massing up in the area. “The fierce fire fight that ensued as the troops waded through the ambush left scores of insurgents dead, while three soldiers died in action. “Seven soldiers, who incurred various degrees of injuries have been evacuated for treatment while the troops have continued with their mission.” A top military source said troops were trailing some of the fleeing insurgents, who were injured in the encounters. “The insurgents have resorted to ambush tactics but we are up to their antics. That was how they killed a Lieutenant Colonel despite the fact that he was from

Continued on page 59

•Justice Kutigi

He asked for decorum to enable him read the committee’s conclusions. The shout of “yes and no” interjected him. Falae persisted to read the conclusion amid loud shouts of “no document!, no document!.” The document read: “Proposed amendments to the report of the Committee on Devolution of Power. “Amend recommendation (a) on page 39 of the report of the committee by substituting with the following:Continued on page 59

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THE NATION FRIDAY JULY 11, 2014

NEWS

Jonathan approves boards for FAAN, NAPTIP, others

•President, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Dr. Nelson Uwaga (left); Deputy President, Prof. Munzali Jibril and former President, Dr Sally AdukwuBolujoko, during the 2014 Centenary Management Lecture in Abuja... yesterday

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Pensioners storm National Assembly over 53% increment T HOUSANDS of pensioners yesterday protested at the National Assembly over non-implementation of 53.4 per cent pension increment by the Federal Government. The retirees, under the aegis of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), condemned the government for not increasing pensions alongside salary increment. They said the government’s action breached constitutional provisions. Security agents barricaded the outer gate to the National Assembly to prevent the protesters from entering. The pensioners formed a human shield around the gate, thereby disrupting human and vehicular traffic.

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions. They urged the government to alleviate their plight. NUP’s Deputy National President, Dr. Musa Ayuba, in a protest letter addressed to the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions, accused the government of breaching constitutional provisions for failing to increase pensions when workers’ salaries were increased. Ayuba said: “There is an unambiguous, constitutional stipulation that pensions should be reviewed every five

years or anytime workers’ wages are reviewed, whichever is earlier. “To our utter dismay and to disadvantage, this provision of the constitution, which gives solace to the suffering Nigerian civilian pensioners, has never been adhered to by the Federal and state governments at the appropriate time.” He regretted that the “highpowered committee” set up by President Goodluck Jonathan, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has failed to resolve the grievances of the civilian pensioners.

The union leader said the union’s meeting with the Minister of Labour and Productivity also yielded no fruit. He said: “When we heard that the military pensioners got 33 per cent increase, it was our genuine expectation that it would be our turn. Our expectation has, so far, been futile. “Now, the military pensioners are legitimately asking for the full 53.4 per cent increase due to them and, by extension, also due to us civilian pensioners.” Last night, no fewer than 10 members of the union were meeting with relevant committees of the National Assembly to find solution to the face-off.

APC allegations against Jonathan untrue, says PDP

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday faulted the APC for accusing President Goodluck Jonathan of impunity and failure. A statement in Abuja by PDP National Publicity Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh said no administration in the recent history of the country achieved in its first three years what Jonathan had achieved, despite security challenges. The ruling party described the opposition’s claims as falsehood, deceit, blackmail and propaganda. It insisted that the administration had tackled infrastructure development. The statement said: “In the past three years, the Jonathan administration has squarely tackled massive infrastructural development with thousands of kilometres of federal roads and bridges either con-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

structed, reconstructed or rehabilitated, while the long forgotten rail system is now steaming back to life with modern coaches, even as expansion of network is ongoing. “Various measures for air safety also took the centre stage with the vast expansion and rehabilitation of facilities at all federal airports in a gale of efforts that changed the face of the nation’s Aviation industry in less than three years. “Transformation also touched critical infrastructure in agriculture and transformation projects, where over six million farmers have been empowered. Same in housing, where the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance is anchoring a new dimension in mass affordable

shelter.” “In industry and investment, an investment-friendly environment has been created, effective wealth creation mechanism ensured and competent indigenous entrepreneurs are now reaping the benefits and taking centre stage in the global market competition. The course of inflowing investments has also spurred indigenous manufacturing, even in automobiles, hitherto thought impossible. “The Almajiri education system in the North is a creation of the Jonathan administration, just like the YouWin and SURE-P projects whose excels in the improvement of the Nigerian living standard are obvious. “The unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is simultaneously going on with accompanying investment

drive to ensure stability in generation and supply while the nation has also been witnessing stability in supply and pricing of petroleum products. The same goes for the expansion of the inland waterways. “Alas, the votes now count. A nation formerly a butt of international criticism for flawed elections has, since 2011, been receiving worldwide accolades for credible conduct of elections. One man, one vote, which ensured the triumph of the will of the people first in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, all won by the opposition political parties, also ensured a credible Ekiti governorship poll, where Governor Kayode Fayemi did not only accept his defeat as a clear verdict of Ekiti people but (also) congratulated the victorious PDP candidate...”

Duke, Falana, others endorse Adesina for NBA president S OME eminent lawyers have endorsed Mr Dele Adesina (SAN) for Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president. Cross River State Governor Donald Duke; Lagos lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN); former President of the International Federation of Women lawyers (FIDA) and former GovernorGeneral of the Eastern Bar Forum, Prof Ernest Ojukwu and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN). The association’s annual general conferenceis taking

place in Abuja on Monday. The election will hold on July 15. Adesina was Secretary under Olanipekun. Besides Adesina, others in the race are: Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN), Mr Austin Alegeh (SAN) and Adeniyi Akintola (SAN). Fifteen of NBA’s 23 branches in the Southwest have endorsed Adesina. The lawyer is also said to enjoy the confidence of the branches of the Eastern Bar Fo-

rum. The Arewa Forum, the umbrella association of Northern lawyers, is expected to decide this weekend on who it will vote for. But many prominent lawyers are supporting Adesina. Falana, in a video cast, said: “I have known Dele Adesina since our youthful days. He is a committed Bar activist and has served the NBA in various capacities in the last 30 years. He is the man needed at this

hour to bring about change to the Bar. He is passionately committed to good governance and the rule of law. “His credentials in all the offices he has held stand him out. I will urge lawyers to vote for him.” Duke said: “The NBA, like most Nigerian institutions, requires able and tested leadership, particularly in these times that various Nigerian institutions are threatened for want of good leadership. This is not the time to try new ones. This is because the NBA plays a very critical role in our democracy and rule of law.”

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the composition and appointment of the chairmen and members of the Governing Boards of five Federal Government institutions, corporations and Agencies. A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, said the agencies include the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other related matters (NAPTIP). Others are: Federal College of Chemical and Leather Technology, Zaria; the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria and the National Library of Nigeria. The dates for the inauguration of the boards, Anyim said, would be announced in due course. The statement said Dr. Daniel Kure is the Chairman of FAAN’s board. Its members are: Onuora Chinwe Leticia, Alhaji Ibrahim Bamalli, Ngozi Lavender E., Capt. Shafii Salisu Baba, Alhaji Habu Muazu and Mr. Phillip Aivoji. NAPTIP’s Chairman is Tai-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

wo Adeife and its members are: Mrs. Evelyn Hosa Okunbo, Amb. Godson Echegie, Gambo Gujungu, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, Hajiya Rabi Muntari Muhammed and Adi Elekwachi. The Federal College of Chemical and Leather Technology, Zaria, has Dr. Godwin Ajakpo as Chairman. Its members are: Kemi Iyatum, Alhaji Nuhu Sani Ibrahim, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed and Alhaji Ahmed Abbas Isa. Edward Akangbou is the Chairman for the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria, while its members are: Alhaji Umar Dange, Engr. Baba Gana Tijjani Dikwa, Chief Dom Uzonwuru and Barr. Effiong Oqoung. The National Library of Nigeria is chaired by Alhaji Abdullahi Haruna Ningi. Its members are: Inye Marshall Harry Jnr., Mr. Kalabari Odimiri, Madaki Hussaini Abdullahi, Obafemi Oye, Salisu Suleiman, Hon. Tijjani Kumalia, Usman Idris Mawogi, Hon. (Mrs.) Atinuke Akinwale, Chief Innocent Anoliefo, Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Etim and Mr. Obi Michael.

Prosecution closes case in Fani-Kayode’s trial

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) closed yesterday its case in the trial of a former Aviation Minister, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, for alleged money laundering. On June 24, prosecution counsel, Festus Keyamo, said he had one more witness, Mark Ndifreke, who was said to have paid some money into Fani-Kayode’s account. The lawyer said Ndifereke had been evading service of the court summons to testify. He prayed for a bench warrant to be issued against the witness. Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia had adjourned till yesterday and directed Keyamo to file a further affidavit within seven days on why Ndifreke should be arrested. But Mr Vitalis Ahaotu, who stood in for Keyamo, told the court about a letter from his principal, on the prosecution’s intention to close its case. Defence counsel Mr Wale Akoni (SAN) did not raise any objection. He said Fani-Kayode intended to make a “no-case” submission rather than call another witness in his defence. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia directed the defence to file its submission within 21 days, while the prosecution should respond within seven days afterwards. Fani-Kayode is standing trial on amended 40-count charges of money launderring. The former minister was said to have laundered about N100,219,500 by paying them into his personal account through an associate. The EFCC, for instance, said on or about November 22, 2006, Fani-Kayode made a financial transaction exceeding N500,000, which was not done through a financial institution. The commission said he accepted a cash payment of N10 million, which was carried in cash at First Inland Bank Plc,

By Joseph Jibueze

Apapa branch (now First City Monument Bank Plc), through Ndifreke, said to be at large. The money, EFCC alleged, was paid into Fani-Kayode’s investment account for 90 days, an offence that contradicts Section 15(1)(d) and is punishable under Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004.” Other counts state that the former minister carried out some of the transactions exceeding N500,000 while also serving as Minister of Culture and Tourism. Ndifreke was also said to have paid the money on Fani-Kayode’s behalf into his personal account. The former minister allegedly committed the offences between August 2006 and May 2007. One of the counts states that on December 5, 2006, when he was Aviation Minister, FaniKayode accepted a cash payment of N2.1 million, which was paid into his personal account with First Inland Bank Plc (now First City Monument Bank Plc). Fani-Kayode pleaded not guilty to all the counts. EFCC opened its case on March 10 after calling five witnesses. The former minister was first arraigned in December 2008 before Justice Ramat Mohammed on 47-count charges. He was re-arraigned before Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako, following the transfer of Justice Mohammed. The accused was re-arraigned before Justice OfiliAjumogobia on February 11, last year, after Justice Murtala-Nyako was also transferred. Following an amendment to the charges from 47 to 40, Fani-Kayode took a fresh plea before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia on March 6. The judge adjourned till October 28 for the adoption of the final written addresses.

THE NATION FRIDAY JULY 11, 2014

NEWS BAMIDELE ATURU (1964-2014)

He supported my political struggle, says Obi

Lawyer’s client pays tribute

HOMEINI Bukhari, a former client of the late Bamidele Aturu, yesterday reminisced on his relationship with the activist. In a statement he sent to The Nation from his United Kingdom (UK) base, Bukhari said: “My dearest personal person has passed on and I know he is in heaven right now. I have known him since 2012. I first knew him as I consulted him for a legal matter but as time went on and very quickly, we became family. Sir, was a special man; anything he spoke about was what he believed. He was not a human rights lawyer and activist on the face of it. “Something else indoors: he was exactly what he portrayed himself to be. He was humble, caring, loving, down-to-earth, God-fearing and a real family man. Watching him and being with him taught me a lot. He wasn’t into fame and fortune. He was all about doing the right thing. “In fact, he used to shy away from the media as much as he could. His main aim was to do the right thing and get the job done in the right way. He never did things to be noticed but to simply defend the innocent and that was one of his ways of serving God. He lived for God and for the people of Nigeria. He wasn’t looking for contracts or big money. All he cared about was his integrity and dignity and doing the right thing. “Writing this article, I am doing so from knowing him personally. I feel highly blessed to have known him personally. I am writing this as I want Nigerians who have never known him to know that when a man like him passes away, it means one more general in the army of Nigerians progress has gone. He was no ordinary general; he was what I call a Field Marshall, and I’m sure God feels the same way. “I was so close to him that we used to speak every few days. I used to call him or send text message to him or by BBM, checking if he was OK and prayed for him and his family. He used to pray for me too. Our communication increased when I read about some dangerous incidents, such as the latest one in Wuse 2 in Abuja. The last time I saw ‘Sir’ was when he invited me to Nigeria. I stayed with him for 12 days in June. While I was in Lagos, he took care of me as one would do to his own child. He

always worried about me. I left the house very happy, like when I was in my home, knowing I was safe. ‘Sir’ took me everywhere with him. Everywhere we went, after he finished what he had to do, he told me that we must go home as he misses his wife and children. We also went to Redeemed Church vigil at the Redeemed Camp on June 6. Then, as soon as we got back to Lagos, we went to $BringBackOurGirls campaign together in Marina, Lagos, on June 7. “Regarding ‘Sir’ being unwell, he told me about this in March. All that while, I took it lightly, not knowing how serious it was. I thought it was a flu, and it will fade away as flus have their cycles and some people get them more than others. Never did I think it would lead to his death.”

•Information Minister, Mr Labaran Maku (left), condoling with Aturu’s widow, Bimpe, during his condolence visit to the family in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO:ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

Lawyers, friends mourn activist G

OVERNORS, lawyers, activists and friends have been mourning the late lawyer and activist, Mr Bamidele Aturu, who died on Wednesday in Lagos. Aturu died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, where he was rushed to when he complained of fatigue and stress. Dr. Abiodun Layonu (SAN) described the late Aturu as a brilliant lawyer and human right crusader.

By Our Reporters

He prayed God to give him internal rest and be with the family he left behind. Popular lawyer Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN) said: “It is a sad, monumental and great loss to Nigeria, to the Bar and the body of Christ. It’s a great loss indeed.” Another friend of the late activist, Richard Oma Ahaonaruogho said: “Aturu died after a brief illness. What a loss to the nation.

May his good soul find eternal rest in the Lord.” An activist, Richard Akinola said: “Today is a very sad day for me. I am devastated.” The Executive Chairman of International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade said Aturu’s death was a sad and terrible loss. He said: “It is a terrible loss for someone who identified with the revolutionary causes at the level of students’ and working class movements. It is a great

loss to the working class movement.” Environmental activist and founder of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) Nnimmo Bassey composed a poem for the late activist. Bassey said: “You moved, you moved too fast on this exit path, Comrade. To the brink all mortals must reach, the earth echoes your steps on the canvas of memories. Awake comrades, this is no time to weep. No more Comrade Bamidele.”

Aturu’s death unbelievable, says Falana

AGOS lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN) has said the death of frontline lawyer Bamidele Aturu is “shocking and unbelievable”. In a statement in Lagos, Falana described Aturu “as a revolutionary lawyer of extraordinary courage and uncommon humility who was genuinely committed to the socialist transformation of Nigeria”. The statement added: “I have enjoyed working with him in the court room where I led him in a number of public interest litigation cases. I

Jonathan nominates Chidoka, Abubakar as ministers

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday nominated the Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, and a Political Science lecturer from the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Dr. Sulaiman Olanrewaju Abubakar, for screening and confirmation by the Senate as for ministers. Chidoka and Abubakar are expected to fill the ministerial slots of Anambra and Kwara states in the Federal Executive Council (FEC.) Jonathan urged the Senate to confirm the Acting DirectorGeneral of the Nigeria Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, as the substantive DirectorGeneral of the agency. He also nominated Mr. Ebenezer Foby as a Federal Commissioner in PENCOM to represent Southsouth. Screening and confirmation of the nominees may hold next Wednesday before the Senate goes on its annual long recess. Chidoka may likely be assigned the Ministry of Aviation, which was vacated by Princess Stella Oduah and Dr. Abubakar may be assigned the National Planning Commission.

By Adebisi Onanuga

was also his lawyer in some of the cases in which the system attempted to frustrate his resolve to challenge the status quo. “Convinced that the struggle in the courtroom was limited in scope, we were together on the streets with other comrades on many occasions in defence of the collective interests of our oppressed people. “When Chief Gani Fawe-

hinmi (SAN), Dr. Beko Ramsome-Kuti and I were illegally incarcerated at Kuje Prison (FCT) in 1993 for leading Nigerians to protest the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election result, Aturu, with Chima Ubani and other comrades, continued to mobilise Nigerians to struggle for the restoration of democracy in the country. “Comrade Aturu was a leading human rights and labour lawyer. Apart from

Nyako swears in 36 area administrators

DAMAWA State Governor Murtala Nyako yesterday swore in 36 Development Area Administrators. He also inaugurated four Permanent Secretaries and a Special Adviser. The former state Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. P. Elisha, whose nomination was earlier rejected by the lawmakers as a commissioner, was sworn in as Senior Special Assistant on Government Affairs. The governor urged the appointees, especially the development area administrators, to remain focused on providing dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots. Nyako called for mass mobilisation to sustain the peaceful coexistence among the diverse people in the state. The action of the governor is

believed to be part of the deals agreed with the lawmakers to stop the impeachment process initiated against him. The governor’s refusal to endorse the list of the development area administrators was part of the issues that led to the impeachment move. Nyako, who last week relocated to Abuja, is believed to have met with some of the lawmakers, including Speaker Umaru Fintiri. It is not clear whether the governor will appear before the panel set up by the House of Assembly to probe the allegations of misconduct against him and his deputy Bala Ngilari. He is due to appear today. Also yesterday, some of the lawmakers, who are part of the impeachment move against the governor, are facing the wrath of their constituency members.

representing many trade unions and their members in the Industrial Arbitration Panel and the National Industrial Court, he also wrote books on Labour Law. “His robust interventions in national affairs, through occasional publications in Law reports and newspapers, added value to national discourse. In his recent contribution to the debate on legal practice, Mr. Aturu took Nigerian lawyers to task for refusing to stop wearing the wig and gown in a hot climate. “As a civil rights attorney, he handled many cases involving the infringement on the fundamental rights of the poor on pro bono publico basis.”

FORMER Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has said the death of Bamidele Aturu is a big loss not just to the human rights community and the legal profession but also to the nation. Obi said it was one of the deaths that Nigerians wished was not true. The former governor described the late Aturu as a friend, adding that he was consistent in his support for his legal battles to regain his mandate, to come back from his illegal impeachment and for the interpretation of his tenure. “At each point during those dark times, Aturu was one person who kept calling me intermittently to encourage me not to relent in my search for justice through the courts,” Obi said. He condoled with the Bar for the loss of its illustrious member. Obi urged lawyers to make people like Aturu role models. “Aturu believed in law as an instrument of justice. I urge lawyers, especially the younger ones, to emulate Aturu in his belief that law should serve the interest of justice and not the contrary,” he said. He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen those affected by the lawyer’s death.

His death shocking, says minister

HE Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has said the death of Aturu is shocking and devastating. He said: “It never for once occurred to me that we would lose Bamidele this soon. He will be sorely missed as a great lawyer and rights activist, who contributed immensely to the pro-democracy struggle in Nigeria. “The death of Aturu is no doubt a sad loss to Nigerians, especially the human rights community. We can only continue to pray, trusting that God, in His infinite mercies, will grant his soul eternal rest. “Aturu will be remembered for devoting much of his legal practice to representing marginalised or oppressed individuals and groups. “His death has no doubt created a huge void in the legal profession and the human rights community. He will be sorely missed.”

Akeredolu: His death tragic in many ways

FORMER Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) said Aturu’s death is tragic in several aspects. In a statement yesterday on the activist’s death, Akeredolu said: “The news, yet again, of the sudden passing of one of the few genuine voices in the fight for the emancipation of the downtrodden, Mr Bamidele Francis Aturu, sometime yesterday after a brief illness, is tragic in many respects. “The fact that this uncompromising advocate of the masses died at a time when his seminal and forthright intervention is badly needed in the face of benumbing socio-economic problems which threaten to tear the country apart at present marks his departure as a colossal loss. “We are consoled by the knowledge that his short lifespan was eventful. We send our heart-felt condolences to his family. We pray that the Almighty grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NEWS

APC to challenge Ekiti election in court, says Oni A

LL Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (South), Mr Segun Oni. Has said the party would challenge the result of the Ekiti State governorship election in court. Speaking with reporters at the end of a meeting of APC leaders in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Oni said the leaders agreed that what happened in Ekiti State must not be allowed in the Osun State governorship election. He said: “The result of the election in Ekiti State did not reflect the wish of the people of the state and we are going to court to challenge this in due course. What happened in Ekiti State was a new dimension to election rigging in Nigeria. We are, therefore, ready to challenge the Ekiti election result in court.” Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, his Rivers and Lagos counterparts, Rotimi Amaechi and Babatunde Fashola , were at the meeting. Senators Chris Ngige, Femi Ojudu and the National Publicity Secretary Lai Mohammed also attended the meeting.

Nobel Laureate joins Covenant varsity

•Poll manipulated from source, says Fayemi’s wife From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Also yesterday, Ekiti State Governor’s wife Erelu Bisi Fayemi, criticised claims that her husband lost the June 21 governorship election because he lost touch with the masses. She said the full story of how the elections were allegedly manipulated against Dr. Kayode Fayemi would be revealed. Mrs Fayemi spoke while delivering a keynote address at the 50th anniversary public lecture and award ceremony of the Ekiti State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). The theme of her address was “Women yesterday, today and tomorrow – the Ekiti experience.” At the occasion, Fayemi, a lawyer, Mrs. Funmi Falana and immediate past state President of the National Council of Women’s Societies, Mrs. Nike Obatayo, were

given awards for their exemplary contributions to women rights and empowerment. Mrs Fayemi said: “I would like to state that we have not heard the last about the election. Two weeks after the immediate confusion and hysteria of the June 21 elections, a picture has begun to emerge. “This will, hopefully, reframe the debates emanating from and about Ekiti and the choices they allegedly made on that day. “In due course, the full and real story of how the Ekiti elections of June 21 were manipulated from source will be revealed. There are many implications of Ekiti people having voted the way they supposedly did. “It will be very hard for any informed analyst writing about Ekiti to accuse Governor Fayemi of not working to improve the economy of Ekiti State. “It, of course, serves the interest

•Oni

of some to hastily attempt to rewrite the history of Governor Fayemi as one who was disconnected from his people. “The same people he built roads for, provided electricity and water for, provided healthcare for, developed education for and introduced social security payment for? “The same people he visited in their 132 communities every year, without fail, to listen to their priorities for the next budget? The same people whose children he employed in the thousands through the Youth in Commercial Agriculture Development, Peace Corps and other youth-focused initiatives?”

Ekiti Assembly directs SIEC to conduct referendum KITI State House of AssemThe people of Ikun and Erinon LCDAs’ creation bly has directed the State Inmope last week opposed the loca-

dependent Electoral Com-

mission (SIEC) to conduct a referendum on the creation of 18 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). At its plenary in Ado-Ekiti, it also sent the bill on the creation of the councils to its ad-hoc committee for further legislative action. The motion was moved by the House Majority Leader Churchill Adedipe and seconded by Ogundele Folorunso. Adedipe said the move to subject the LCDAs’ creation to a referendum was to be fair to all sides. Ajibola Samuel, the only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member in

•Igogo community defends hqtrs

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

the House representing Ekiti East Constituency II, raised an objection to further discussion on the Councils’ creation because the matter was before the courts, citing Order 54 section 5 of the House Standing Order. Deputy Speaker Orisalade Adetunji and Hon Ayodeji Odu said the House was unaware of any court case on the issue. The Speaker, Dr Adewale Omirin, agreed with the submissions of the two lawmakers and the motion was unanimously

approved by members of the House. The people of Igogo-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State were at the Assembly yesterday to oppose campaigns to move the headquarters of the proposed Ero Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from the town. The delegation led by the monarch of the town, Oba Sunday Adewumi, met with the Speaker. According to the community, the government committee on LCDAs’ creation led by Justice Akin Ajakaye was right for choosing the town as the Ero headquarters.

tion of the headquartres in Igogo, saying the town did not request for the creation of Ero Local Government. With Onigogo at the parley were the Obasaoye of Isaoye, Oba Moses Bamisaye and Alaaye of Aaye Oja, Oba Samuel Olatoye, who also supported the choice of Igogo as the headquarters of the proposed LCDA. Oba Adewumi said the position of Oba James Aina, the Obaleo of Erinmope, that his town was the better choice being traditionally superior to Igogo and that the town had a first class traditional ruler was not a part of the conditions for the LCDAs’ creation Committee.

Police parade ‘OPC members’ for robbery in Ibadan

HE Oyo State Police Command paraded members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) for alleged armed robbery yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital. The two suspects, who claimed to be members of the OPC, allegedly attempted to rob a commercial motorcyclist. The suspects, Rasheed Adedokun and Ridwan Suleimon, were said to have committed the offence on June 29 at about 11pm. The Oyo police also announced that it recovered six stolen vehicles from armed robbers in Kano State.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

The recovered vehicles include Toyota Matrix, Toyota Camry, Toyota Highlander, Honda Odyssey and a Honda Civic. Commissioner of Police Mohammed Indabawa said on October 1, last year, Mr Alaka Ayoade of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo reported that his Toyota Camry with registration number ABC 761 AE, was snatched at gunpoint by four armed men. He said: “Sequel to this information, all efforts made by SARS

operatives to recover the said vehicles and arrest the culprits proved abortive. But on the April 17, Akinwumi Olatide and Uwatse Samson were arrested in another armed robbery operation and confessed to be members of armed robbery syndicate that have been terrorising Oyo town, Ogbomoso and Ibadan metropolis by snatching of expensive cars at gunpoint. “They confessed that their leaders are: Oluwole and Oyelade Olamilekan, aka Alex, who had relocated to Kano State on discovering that police were on their trail.

“They stated further that their major receivers are based in Kano and Kaduna states. This information shed more light on previous robbery operations in Oyo town and this made the SARS operatives to move to Kano State where the six vehicles were recovered from the armed robbers, major receivers and some of their owners have since been identified.” The major receivers of the stolen vehicles, according to Indabawa, are Moruf Bello (35), Mohammed Mustapha (35), Mohammed Issah (37), Yussuf Ibrahim (45) and Azeez Adamu(43).

Osun launches N4bn empowerment scheme

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has launched a N4billion micro-credit scheme for the operators of small scale businesses. The governor also distributed 40 mini-buses to transporters at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park

in Osogbo at the inauguration of the Osun-Micro Credit Agency. The governor of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Fashola who attended the occasion, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a party of the masses and would not consider anti-people policy.

Aregbesola said: “It is on the other hand a chance for our people to reap the benefits of their trust and support for our government. Our own way of serving our people and showing our gratitude to them is not by sharing money which they will spend within a very

short time. Rather, what we do is give them the means and capacity to be able to make money by themselves and for themselves. In other words, we empower our people to be economically productive and financially independent.

Oyo to empower 5000 entrepreneurs Ekiti police dismiss two for misconduct

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Oyo State government and the Bank of Industry (BOI) will disburse N1 billion to empower entrepreneurs. Speaking at an interactive forum on the scheme held at State House of Assembly complex in Ibadan, the state capital, the Special Adviser to Governor on Trade and Investment, Mrs. Olakemi Akinleye, said the project would empower about 5000 entrepreneurs to boost their Small and Medium Scale (SMEs) enterprises. She said Governor Abiola Ajimobi flagged off the scheme to promote employment generation. Secretary, Bureau of Trade and Investment, Mr. Yinka Fatoki, said the scheme would make members of the public employers of labour and reduce unemployment. He said the BoI has started issuing forms for sale to interested people. Fatoki said 262 applicants have been screened and 54 applicants have been considered. He added that 30 applicants have accessed N192 million.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

KITI State Police has dismissed two of its rank and file for alleged misconduct. They are Police Constables Famiwole Tolulope and Olotu

Tope. The Command, in a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital said the offences were “contrary to Paragraph ‘C’ and contrary ‘E’ (I) & (II) CAP 359 of the First Schedule of Police Act and Regulations 370 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990". It said the dismissal of the two constables, who had earlier been tried and found guilty in an orderly room trial, was in accordance with Regulation 371 of the stated Act. The statement said: “While Command will continue to commend the dedication, commitment, forthrightness and gallantry and its officers and men as a form of motivation, the recalcitrant and black sheep will equally to be shown the way out to serve as deterrent to others.”

NOBEL Laureate in Economics and Professor of Economic Sciences from the Harvard University, Prof Eric Maskin, has joined Covenant University’s faculty as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Economics, College of Development Studies. The Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University, Prof Charles Ayo, who announced the appointment, said the coming onboard of Maskin “is an impetus to the university’s quest to be one of the top ten universities in the world within the next ten years”. According to the Vice-Chancellor, Maskin who visited the university in May as a presenter at the university’s 1st International Conference on African Development Issues (CU-ICADI), will offer a course as well as interact and advise the university and the Department of Economics on curriculum design. Maskin won the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2007 for his work on the theory of mechanism design. He has made contributions to many other areas of economics as well, including game theory, the study of intellectual property rights, and political economy. He also received Eric Kempe Award 2007 and Harvard University Centennial Medal 2010.

Ajimobi lays foundation for 1,004 housing units

HE Oyo State government laid the foundation of two housing estates yesterday. It comprises of 1,004 housing units to be completed in one

year. The estates, with 754 units of detached and semi-detached houses, are on 20 hectares at Idi-Ishin. The two projects are to be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement with HCP Architecture and Engineering Nigeria Limited. Speaking at the turning of the sod, Governor Abiola Ajimobi said the projects were another milestone in the life of his administration. He said: “We had earlier commenced a similar project on a PPP basis with UPDC, a property developing arm of UAC. I am glad to inform you that works have reached a commendable level on the construction of those housing units which will bring smiles on the faces of our people,” he said. The Managing Director of HCP Architecture and Engineering Nigeria Limited, Mr. Joseph Olawale Demola, said the projects would be financed with bank loans and funds from sales, adding that his organisation would introduce flexible and friendly payment system.

PUBLIC NOTICE MOM EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. David Modupeola Agbeke (Mrs) -Chairman 2. Ogunfidodo Florence Adebola-Member 3. Adetoba Christiana Olutoyin (Mrs) -Treasurer 4. Okunawo Micheal Taiwo -Secretary 5. Alhaji Azeez A Amusat -Member 6. Folorunso Olu Joseph Esq -Member THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To enhance educational development among schools in District 1 of. Lagos State. 2. To promote healthy competition among students in the District. 3. To provide financial assistance/scholarship to indigent but intelligent. Students in the District. 4. To organise lectures, symposia, seminars or workshop aimed at enhancing development of qualitative education among students in the District . Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: Folorunso Olu Joseph Esq Legal Practitioner.

THE NATION FRIDAY JULY 11, 2014

NEWS OSUN 2014

Jonathan petitioned over ‘plan to arrest Aregbesola’s supporters’

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN (right), his Osun State counterpart, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left) acknowledging cheers from residents and other stakeholders during the commissioning of Osun MicroCredit Agency at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Oshogbo...on Tuesday.

N Osun State-based Islamic group, the Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen Society of Nigeria, has petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan over alleged plan by the state’s opposition party to effect the unlawful arrest and detention of key supporters of Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola ahead of August 9 poll. It also condemned the alleged threat to the life of its National President, Sheikh Daood Imran Molasan, saying that the political assassination, violence and thuggery in the nation’s electioneering process ahead of 2015 general elections were barbaric, evil, uncivilised and anti-democratic. The group’s national president also copied the petition, titled: “Letter to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Osun Guber Poll and State of the Nation,” to the leadership of the two Chambers of the National Assembly, the United Nations (UN) and United States (U.S.) Embassy. The letter was also sent to United Kingdom Embassy, Inspector General of Police, Director General of the Department of State Security Service (DSSS) and others. A copy was made available to reporters in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, yesterday. The group maintained that the alleged plan, which includes intimidation of the APC members and supporters of Aregbesola before and during the election as experienced in the Ekiti governorship poll by security agents, was “an aberration of highest order in a democratic setting.” But the Islamic organisation called on Federal authorities and “international community to assist Nigeria in eliminating political thuggery facing the nation’s electoral process through political re-orientation, political activism, legal/legislative mechanism, sincere and people-oriented e m p o w e r m e n t programmes.”

LP to open campaign

From Adesoji Adeniyi,

Osogbo

SUN State Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate

Alhaji Fatai Akinbade will tomorrow formally flag off his campaign for the August 9 poll. According to a statement by his spokesperson, Mr. Kayode Oladeji, the ceremony will hold in Osogbo, the state capital. The Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the Labour Party National Chairman, Dan Nwayanwu, the party’s National Working Committee members and other national leaders will attend the programme. “Equally, representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), student bodies and leaders of labour related bodies are expected to grace the event,” the statement added.

Governor warns criminals to stay away

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has warned criminals and agents of violence to steer clear of the state or face the law, as the governorship election approaches. Aregbesola spoke during the launch and handover of 20 Amoured Personnel Carriers (APC) that cost N1.3 billion to the State Police Command in Osogbo, the state capital. This was in fulfillment of his administration’s promise to equip the command with the APCs. The governor expressed pains at what he called the Federal Government’s penchant for playing politics with crucial security matters. Aregbesola urged President Goodluck Jonathan to separate politics from the issue of security by granting the state a short code for its emergency centre. The governor noted that when government fails to guarantee safety of lives and property, it has no business being in power.

•Police get 20 armoured personnel carriers Aregbesola said security, safety and the welfare of the people are the primary responsibilities of any government as enshrined in the nation’s constitution. He affirmed that since his first day in Office, he warned his party members and the people that there will be no room for infraction of law and that people should refrain from using their previous experience to persecute their political opponents. “Politics should not be mingled with security, because security does not know religion, party affiliation or ethnicity. “The Federal Government just refused to give us short code to make our emergency centre work. It has been ready for the past 13 to 18 months ago. If that centre had been activated, our helicopter will get to the farthest place of this state in 15 minutes to attend to emer-

‘Criminals no longer have a hiding place in Osun, as we make everywhere secured’ gency issues. “It won’t cost the Federal Government a dime, but to just direct the NCC to allow us to use their 122 line. I wrote to the President, he did not even acknowledge the letter, let alone giving us approval,” the governor stressed. The Assistant Inspector General of Police, David Omojola, who represented the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, praised the courage of the governor in fighting crime. He pointed out that the IGP has directed that the equip-

ment should be moved to the state Police headquarters for immediate use in fighting crime and criminal activities. “We are very grateful for your effort at lifting our spirit by providing the Armoured Personnel Carrier. This is the first in the history of the country when a government will be providing such numbers of equipment for the police in one fell swoop. “The presentation of the APC is the climax of your practical demonstration and support for security in the state, and our effort to fight crime has received a huge boost. “Criminals no longer have a hiding place in Osun, as we make everywhere secured,” he Inspector General of Police pointed out. Speaking earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Osun Command, Ibrahim Maishanu, described the government’s gesture as the first in the state’s history.

Group urges security agents to stop harassing members By Adekunle Yusuf

SOCIO-political organisation, De Raufs Volunteer group, has warned security agents in Osun State to desist from subtle witch-hunting of its members anytime the group embarks on campaigns for Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s re-election. The warning to this effect was contained in a statement by the group’s director-general, Comrade Amitolu Shittu. According to Shittu, the pro-Aregbesola group detests the clampdown on its members through invitation for interrogation by security agencies. It added that the “unconstitutional invitation” of its “members for interrogation will not be tolerated.” “It is a known fact that De Raufs Volunteer group home and abroad are law-abiding group of people with track records in human rights, business and academics.

‘PDP planning to flood Osun with soldiers’

SUN State All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Federal Government controlled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of alleged plans to flood Osun State with soldiers one week before the August 9 election. The APC, in a statement by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy Kunle Oyatomi, alleged that the PDP governorship aspirant, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, was recorded on tape threatening to deal with the state’s ruling party’s leaders in a bid to paralyse the party’s operatives and take control of the electoral process. The party also added that “to divert public attention from its evil plot, the PDP rushed to press shortly after

•Omisore denies allegation Omisore’s outrageous revelation at a rally in Ifetedo, Ife South Local Government to accuse the APC of being behind terrorism and violence in the state in the run-up to the election. “Besides, the PDP has added the allegation of gun-running against APC fingering the political support group named ‘state boys,’ as those causing mayhem in Osun at a press parley in Osogbo yesterday. “APC will like to make it abundantly clear to the PDP that Osun cannot be taken by violence. The consequences will be too devastating to contemplate.” The APC has called on the international community to

take “very keen interest” in the campaign process leading to the August 9 election. The campaigns, according to Oyatomi, would be a reflection of what to expect at the election. The APC, in a statement by Oyatomi, said while the party and Governor Aregbesola “are hyper-active on the campaign train” with tumultuous crowds daily, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is lacklustre with scanty crowds.” It accused “PDP propaganda machine” of telling Nigerians that plans had been concluded to remove APC and its governor from office, against the popular will of the people.

It said with the desperation of the PDP to retain the presidency at all costs as well as the party’s experience in Ekiti State, “the world and all stakeholders should be on the alert to forestall any undemocratic method the PDP may have the intension of using to cause another mysterious upset that could go terribly wrong.” But Omisore, through his spokesperson, Prince Diran Odeyemi, denied the statement credited to him by the APC. Odeyemi, in a telephone interview, said Omisore never said any such thing at any point in time and would never say it. He said: “What I said was that people of Osun State should not be afraid of Aregbesola’s ‘state boys’ and

that the Federal Government would provide adequate security for them through soldiers and police, just as it was during the last Ekiti State governorship election. Since Aregbesola always threateningly refers to ‘state boys,’ his thugs, as those to cause trouble in the state, I said the soldiers would be on hand to help the innocent people. “He (Aregbesola) keeps inciting the people against the security agents. He said they should arm themselves with charms during the election. But we have nothing to fear since there would be security for the people just as the Federal Government provided for the people of Ekiti State in the last election. I never said the soldiers would terrorise anyone or the APC leaders.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

CITYBEATS ‘I was dragged through hell’ A PASTOR, who was arrested for alleged ritual following the confession of a woman who kidnapped a six-yearold boy in Ikorodu, Lagos State last month, has denied ever meeting the suspect. The woman, Rosemary Chukwu, had told a mob who caught her with a travelling box containing the boy, Emmanuel Emeka, that Pastor Ernest Chukwuemeka Nwankwo (49), paid her N4million to steal him. The pastor who was recently released from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID),

•Pastor accused of kidnapping boy defends his integrity By Jude Isiguzo

Panti, Yaba on Lagos Mainland, where he is undergoing interrogation, denied knowing the woman. The pastor of Holy Family, Happy Family Ministry on 319, Lagos Road, Majidun in Ikorodu, said: “I don’t know how this allegation against me started. My ministry has existed for 17 years and we

have never been associated with any bad thing. We have been doing God’s work well. We organise yearly celebrations for over 30,000 children all over our branches. We have a rehabilitation centre where lunatics are healed under the care of their relations. We heal and feed them free of charge.” Recalling how he was arrested on June 15,

‘My husband has ruined me’

37-year-old thrift collector and credit business woman is seeking divorce with her “drunkard” husband, Edwin Mba, before the Customary Court at Alakuko, a Lagos suburb. The woman, Helen Mba, told the court that she had traded off her collections as loans to her husband who, she claimed, is now “heavily indebted” to the detriment of her customers who are now on her neck for their money. She said her 10-year marriage to her man which produced three children, had got entangled in troubles, adding that she wanted an end to it.

By Basirat Braimah

“I have been in this business for over eight years and it has been my source of living. I could not stand seeing my jobless husband suffer. So, I lent him some money I collected from customers in the belief that it would be returned at the end of the year. My husband went into second-hand clothing business where I often collect thrift. At the end of the year, my husband could not refund it as promised. He gave flimsy excuses. “As a wife who wanted her husband’s success, I continually gave him. Now, I am at a loss, I cannot afford to pay my customers. The edu-

cation of my children has stopped. We now eat from hand to mouth. I can’t walk freely because I owe people; I am now a wanted person. It is unfortunate that my husband has ruined my life.” She told the court that Edwin had never contributed to the upbringing of their children. Obviously babbling, Edwin said: “My wife has been a pain in my neck. We built the house we live in. I only take two bottles of alcoholic drink daily.” The Court President, Chief Godwin Awosola, advised Edwin to stop going to Helen’s house. He adjourned the matter till July 31.

Nwankwo said he was dragged through “hell”. His words: “Around 7.30am, a group of people, armed with dangerous weapons invaded our ministry, breaking down everything. They descended on our members during morning worship. They were over 300 and were ferociously destroying and manhandling everybody. It was like hell was let loose on us. They were armed to the teeth. They not only subjected our members to serious assaults, they took their bags and stripped all the women and children naked. They invaded the place, broke into my office and descended on me. We were all seriously wounded and our bodies covered with blood.” But that was not all for the pastor. He went on: “Surprisingly, four of the hoodlums took pity on me and rescued me from their clutches as they were hitting my head with cutlasses and dangerous weapons. They took me to Owutu Police Station to make a statement. When they asked me how it started, I simply told them that some hoodlums invaded our ministry for no just cause. It was while we were there that the people that rescued me told us that a woman claimed I sent her to kid-

nap somebody’s child. It was like a fairy tale to me. The police hastily concluded that it was for ritual purposes. After I recovered from the shock, the policemen advised that I should go and treat myself because “I was bleeding profusely from both my ears, head and other parts of my body as a result of the beating the irate crowd subjected me to. I then proceeded to the hospital for treatment only to start reading in the papers the following day a lot of other damaging stories and that I was on the run. I personally reported to the police at Owutu in Ikorodu after treating myself and also at Panti the following day”. The cleric said that when he was interrogated with the woman at the SCID, he could not remember ever seeing her, adding: “I told the policemen this fact. I can’t even remember ever receiving her call on my telephone line despite the fact that it is open to the public. She claimed that the Holy Spirit told her that I should give her N2.5 million, following which I told her to go and bring a child to me as the only condition. She could not provide any evidence to show that she ever visited my ministry. She kept on contradicting herself as if she was either insane or under a spell. I

•Nwankwo

want the police to get to the root of this case because I have suffered so much over what I know nothing about.” To Nwankwo, the story seems like a dream. He said it had given him untold emotional trauma, adding that his accuser might have been sent by somebody to run him down. “All I know is that she cannot be doing this alone. Her sponsors should be fished out. So far, the police have been professional in their interrogation and they made us understand that investigations will take time and that the truth must surely surface,” Nwankwo said.

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

17-year old floats fashion, music reality show

OR Bukola Smart, a 17year-old Nigerian student at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, a viable project is a product of good thinking, strategic planning and mutual buyin, irrespective of the age of the initiator. Cashing in on the flourishing Nigerian entertainment industry, the student of Accounting & Finance is following her passion, through an artistic blend of fashion and music showcase tagged Fashion and Music Entertainment (FAME) Awards. The crux of the project, according to Smart, during a Skype media parley, “is discovering, nurturing and harnessing new talents in these two spheres of entertainment, thereby showcasing the abundant talents and human resources in the country and more importantly to keep the industry growing.” Not only are her parents bowed by her creative ingenuity, her father’s place of work, Sovereign Trust Insurance, has bought into the project on merit. As a platinum sponsor of the FAME, the company, according to Segun Bankole, AGM Corporate Communications and Branding, seeks a platform for the ever-willing financial institution to prove that they are supportive of creative ideas. “We are a part of this event because it is in tandem with our corporate values of innovation, integrity, professionalism and team spirit. Bukkie Smart represents an innovative youth and we are proud

•Stages rare mix of fashion, music By Victor Akande

to be associated with her,” Bankole said. According to Smart, FAME competition serves as a platform of career opportunities and reality of dreams, which will open to applicants who desire a chance in music or fashion or both from July 14. Smart said all submitted applications will be thoroughly scrutinised and successful applicants will be shortlisted for training / audition which will be the utmost pre-condition for qualification into the finals of the event scheduled to take place on December 17, at Oriental Hotel, Lagos. “There will be two outings per contestant per category,” Smart said, adding that, “for the fashion category, contestants will come out in day time costume and evening costume. For the music category, contestants will sing one acapella, with the other genre of choice being the entry song to show versatility. Duration of outing per contestant per category will be well regulated by event compeer or as prestipulated.” She said the instructors/ producers would select the best five in each of the categories to be showcased at the grand finale from where a winner will emerge and take the star prize of N1 million. Unlike some winner-takesall reality shows, Smart said all

other participants in FAME would receive consolation gifts. Speaking on what differentiates FAME from other reality shows, Smart said: “Fashion and music are always a great blend, as we have seen in many different concerts, but the difference FAME brings is its exclusivity, style and class to the elite of the fashion and music industry through an entertaining show. It gives the participants not only chances to show what they do best, but gives them the opportunity to be scouted or recruited to kick-off a bright career. Therefore, FAME serves as a platform of

career opportunities and brings about the reality of dreams.” Borne out of a childhood passion, Bukkie, as she is fondly called, revealed that fashion designing was her first love. “Dressing up was always a favorite thing to do growing up and what better way to “feel yourself” than to have your own private runway show with music!” she said. This hidden dream was stored away but never forgotten, as she became more connected with her “business” side. But after a few months into her first year, she decided to re-ignite the fire of her

•Smart

dreams into the fashion world. Not stopping there, she hopes to someday become a fashion stylist/consultant and start her line of clothing tak-

ing inspiration from style crushes “Blair Waldorf” from the hit series “Gossip girl” and “Olivia Pope” from another hit series, “Scandal”.

Stephanie Okereke to feature in Hollywood movie

NE of the exciting gists from Nollywood is the report that star actress Stephanie Okereke-Linus has been cast for a role in a Hollywood flick entitled Boonville Redemption. Fans, most of whom have been congratulating her via the various social media, described this feat as a giant stride for the actress’ career. Stephanie, who made history as the first Nollywood producer to screen her movie, Through the Glass, at Silverbird cinemas, shared the good news via Instagram page. “Hey fab people, yours truly will be featuring in an

•Okereke By Mercy Michael

American western epic movie “Boonville Redemption” .I

will keep you all posted,” she stated. Speaking to The Nation on how she got the role, the actress, who is presently in the United States, said: “My agent got me the role. He asked me if I was interested and he sent me the script. After seeing the script, I said yes, I’m game for it. What I find fascinating about the script, apart from the fact that it’s a Western Hollywood flick, is that the role is different from what I’ve done in the past.” The film tells the story of a 13-year-old Melinda, who is angry about the hand life has dealt her. Being born out of

wedlock and scorned by many, she struggles to find out who she is in this world. Melinda desperately wants to know what happened to her real father. Determined to do all within her power to find her father, Melinda’s bravery compels some of the townspeople to reveal the dark secrets that they have kept to themselves for years. Her example gives them strength to bring the truth to light and ultimately to find forgiveness and redemption. Along with Boonville’s residents, Melinda learns that when you look for the truth, that’s where you’ll find grace.

NEWS

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

Ijaw youths to delegates: return home

NGRY Ijaw youths expressed their dissatisfaction at the performance of the Ijaw and Niger Delta delegates to the National Conference in Abuja. The youths, after assessing their delegates yesterday, described them as “running out of steam to resist the arrogance of their northern counterparts”. Accusing them of displaying a second-class mentality, the youths advised them to return home. The aggrieved youngsters under the aegis of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, disowned the delegates and said the Niger Delta was not part of resolutions facilitated by them. The latest outburst came on the heels of the proposal by the Consensus Group of the National Conference to increase the 13 per cent derivation by five per cent and also allocate five per cent to the North as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency.

But the youths in a statement by their spokesperson, Eric Omare, frowned on the resolution, describing it as provocative, disgusting and an invitation to war. According to them, it is an insult to the Niger Delta people for the conference group to recommend only five per cent increase to the derivation percentage from resources produced in the region. They said it became more vexatious that such increase was given on the condition that five per cent of the nation’s revenue should be allocated to the North to mitigate Boko Haram activities. The youths said the conference was encouraging the activities of the insurgents by such resolution. “Where would the Boko Haram five per cent revenue

come from? Is it from the oil and gas revenue of the Niger Delta and taxes mainly collected from the South or five per cent of revenue generated from the Boko Haram sponsored states?” They added: “It has become obvious that Ijaw and Niger Delta delegates to the National Conference have run out of steam to resist the arrogance of their northern counterparts and the IYC call on them to return home honourably. “They have failed to achieve anything for the Niger Delta and have further endangered the people of the region. To increase derivation by five per cent and allocate five per cent to fund Boko Haram to kill more innocent children, women and Nigerians is the worst decision that any person on earth would be party to.” The youths reiterated that the Niger-Delta delegates had a mandate to demand 100 per cent derivation and to concede to nothing less than 50 per cent.

Three die in Bayelsa auto crash

HREE persons have died in an accident on the Bayelsa State section of the East-West Road. It was gathered that eight others were injured in the Wednesday night accident. Sources said the accident occurred near the Odi Junction in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area. The two vehicles involved were identified as a Bayelsa Transport Company truck and a commercial pas-

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

senger bus belonging to Agofure Motors. Though the cause of the accident could not be ascertained, some persons attributed it to over-speeding and poor visibility. It was gathered that the commercial passenger bus, which was coming from Warri in Delta State and heading for Port Harcourt in Rivers State, collided with the

truck. Eyewitnesses said the accident may have been caused by over speeding and poor visibility. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Patani General Hospital morgue. The state Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Vincent Jack, confirmed the accident but declined further comments.

Four to die by hanging in Kwara

KWARA State High Court in Ilorin has sentenced four men to death by hanging. The quartet were convicted of conspiracy and armed robbery. Ibrahim Olayiwola, AbdulWaheed Aliyu, Tunde Kareem and Omotayo Isah broke down in tears shortly after the judgment was read. They were charged for robbing the attendants of Rockfield Petroleum Filling Station, Odota, Ilorin in February 2011. Justice S.T Umar said he

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

agreed with the lead prosecution counsel, MA Akande, that the prosecution proved its case against the accused. The court further held that “there is sufficient evidence to establish that the four convicts conspired among themselves and did rob the attendants of Rockfield Petroleum Filling Station on February 18, 2011 while armed with guns”. The judge said he relied on the confessional statements made at the police station by the accused to deliver his

judgment. Counsel to the first accused Raphael Ashaolu argued that Olayiwola was not on the scene of the incident but was arrested as one of the suspects. However, counsel to the second, third and fourth accused K Abdulhameed, Abdul Gegele and Kamaldeen Gambri said their clients had alibis. But the court rejected it on the grounds that while at the police station alibi was not among the pleas.

‘I mistakenly impregnated my sister’

25-YEAR-OLD man, Shamsu Isa, has told a Kano Senior Magistrate’s Court 25 sitting in Nomans-Land, that he “mistakenly” impregnated his 27year-old sister. According to the first information report, on July 4, the ward head of Takalmawa quarters reported to the police that Shamsu Isa was having an incestuous relationship with his elder sister.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

The prosecution told the court that Naima Isa was pregnant, adding that she had a feeble mind. The accused told the court that the allegation was true, adding that “all that has been read against me is true; it was a mistake. I mistakenly impregnated her; she is my elder sister”. The prosecutor, Corporal

Missing documents

FILE jacket containing the original documents belonging to Mrs Ogunmodede Oluwatoyin Ayodele has been lost in transit. •Primary School Leaving Certificate • Letters of promotion • Confirmation of appointment Letter • Combine Letter • GCE Certificate • Conversion Letter • B.Sc Degree Certificate (Lagos State University,

Ojo, Lagos) 8) Publication page of Change of Name Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Ikosi-Isheri LCDA and the general public should note. If found the documents should be returned to the Registry, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Oba Akinjobi Road, GRA, Ikeja or Call Mrs Ogunmodede Oluwatoyin Ayodele (Nee Idowu) on 08023826083 or 08054516117

Ibrahim Abdulrazak, applied that the matter be adjourned to enable the police conclude their investigation. Senior Magistrate Ummi Sani Kurawa ordered that Isa be remanded in prison custody and adjourned till August 4.

APC to EFCC: probe Kogi councils

HE Kogi State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Haddy Ametuo, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to probe the 21 local governments’ inability to pay staff salaries for more than 10 months. Ametuo said the call became necessary to rescue council workers from the non-payment of salaries. The APC Chairman said 50 per cent of allocation to the councils were being deducted and channelled to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NEWS

Appeal Court to Edo lawmakers: obey our orders

HE Court of Appeal in Benin City has dismissed the application for a stay of execution brought before it by the four suspended lawmakers of the Edo State House of Assembly. It said the appeal by the lawmakers was “undue haste and jumping the gun”. The court said the lawmakers must obey court orders. The lawmakers sought a stay of execution on an order of a Benin High Court, which restrained them and the police from entering the Assembly and the legislative quarters. In a unanimous judgment read by Justice H.M Ogunwumuji, the court held that the applicants were hasty in filing the appeal, instead of allowing the motion on notice to be heard by the lower court. It held that it was a court that decides the nullity and validity of its decision and not the parties involved. The court said the appeal was premature. Taking a swipe at Festus Ebea, Patrick Osayimwen, Jude Ise-Idehen and Friday Ogieriakhi, Justice Ogunwunmiju ruled that a party, who was in contempt of a court order, cannot be allowed to seek or obtain any relief from the court while the

Monarchs vow to resolve crisis

ONARCHS in Edo State, under the auspices of Council of Traditional Rulers, have resolved to raise a committee to resolve the crisis rocking the House of Assembly. The monarchs made the decision at the end of their meeting at the palace of the Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa. The Otaru of Auchi, Aliru Momoh, said the traditional rulers resolved to wade into the crisis was because the state was in turmoil. He said: “As traditional rulers, we want to resolve it totally. We felt that that we should make a statement about the situation here. From Osagie Otabor, Benin

contempt persists. She held that a party, who believes that an order against him was made without jurisdiction, is still bound to obey same, until it is set aside. Justice Ogunwumiju said the parties could not be in contempt of a lower court and be seeking a higher court orders. She dismissed the appeal and awarded no cost. The four lawmakers approached a Federal High Court in Benin City and obtained an interim order to restrain the Speaker from declaring their seats vacant, in line with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution. They also prayed that both the Speaker and the House should be restrained from

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

“The Oba has agreed we raised a committee and called our subjects and resolved the matter. We have no connection to any parties. We are concerned about what is happening. The situation has to be brought to amicably solution. “The Oba has asked us to go ahead. We must come to justice. We must come to the truth. “We want to go into the nitty gritty aspect of the issues. The people who voted them are not happy so we want to resolve it.”

suspending them. The Federal High Court ordered Speaker Uyi Igbe not to declare their seats vacant, pending the determination of the suit. It, however, refused the prayer for an injunction restraining the applicants from being suspended from the House. Justice A.M Liman ruled: “The disciplinary power of the House is not subject to the judicial review of the court. “Accordingly, the application to restrain the second respondent from suspending the applicants from the House is hereby refused.” On June 9, the four lawmakers were suspended from plenary by the Assembly for “gross misconduct”, in accordance with the rules of the House.

Igbe and the House approached the State High Court to restrain the four suspended members from forcing themselves into the chambers, pending the determination of the case the House instituted against them. The State High Court granted an interim order restraining the four suspended members from forcing themselves into the chambers. In flagrant disobedience of the court order, the four lawmakers have continued to sit in the chambers. A court bailiff, Oarhe Sule, who was at the House of Assembly to serve contempt notices on the four suspended lawmakers was insulted and sent away by Ebea. Ebea said: “You want to serve me papers here. You are

mad. Leave my sight. “This idiot said he wants to serve me papers. That is how you go about to procure cheap and fake papers. Go to hell with it.” Counsel to the lawmakers Ferdinand Orbih said they would study the ruling and react appropriately. The respondent counsel, Ken Mozia, said the contempt committal was kept in abeyance because of the appeal. He said: “Now the court has said they have a duty to obey the orders of the court restraining them from going into the premises and you cannot be in disobedience and come to court because you thought the order was not made validly. The decision belongs to the court. “The order restraining them has been reemphasised and there is no further bar on the committal proceeding as long as they remain in contempt by refusing the order of the court restraining them from going to the House.” He said they were waiting on what the commissioner of Police would do because the court has told them they have to obey court orders. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers who were in court wore long faces after the ruling. Their supporters, who accompanied them, left the court premises sad.

DSS parades ‘abductors’ of Jonathan’s uncle

HE Department of State Security (DSS) yesterday paraded yesterday six suspects who allegedly kidnapped Chief Nitabai Inengite, President Goodluck Jonathan’s uncle in February. Inengite was kidnapped from his Otuoke home on February 23 and was held by his abductors for 17 days. The suspects are Eldred Magnus Jonah (30); Raphael Inengesi (32); Ibeabuchi Inya (29); Oreva Abridi (29); Tammy Tamarapreye Agbai (29) and a native doctor, Felix Onuoha (48). DSS’ spokesperson Ms. Marilyn Ogar narrated how they took the victim away in a car and later transferred him into a speed boat and headed to the creeks. The Service described Jonah, a 400-Level student of the University of Jos as the mastermind, adding that he provided the initial N40, 000 for members of his gang for arms procurement and logis-

‘Onuoha confessed that one other member of the gang and three unknown persons visited him for the purpose of preparing medicine for their fortification and success in the plan to kidnap “a rich man, who resides in Bayelsa’ From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

tics. Ms. Ogar said Onuoha confessed that one other member of the gang and three unknown persons visited him for the purpose of preparing medicine for their fortification and success in the plan to kidnap “a rich man, who resides in Bayelsa’’.

“That he (herbalist) played along with them to save himself and family,’’ she said. She also said he confessed that they reached an agreement that 10 per cent of the ransom would be given to him. Also paraded were 10 suspects arrested for the abduction of two sisters aged 15 and 17 years at Life Camp, in the Federal Capital Territory. The sisters were abducted from their parents’ home on June 8 and were held by the suspects for nine days. They were released on June 17, after the gang collected N10 million from the family. The Service gave the names of the suspects as: Oyemire Asagba (29); Sunday Attah (30); Zacheus Salami (30); Victor Bassey (32); Sani Mohammed (23); and Aragba Ademo (33). Others are: Ojo Idris Gambo (22); Haruna Asama (38); Dikko Iko (22); and

From left: Jonah, Inengesi, Inya, Abridi, Agbai and Onuoha in Abuja...yesterday

Mohammed Adamu (20). Describing Asagba as the leader of the gang, the DSS said he recruited other members from various locations. The suspects confessed that Iko, who worked as a guard at the girls’ home, provided information on the movements of the family. He also arranged for the gang to rob his employer while the girls were being abducted. The gang also confessed to have snatched cars at gunpoint, robbed filling stations within Abuja and its environs. A number of arms and ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, pistols and double barrel guns, were recovered from them. Ms. Ogar advised the public to be security conscious and urged employers to carry out background checks before they employ any worker, including domestic staff.

PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

Book presentation holds today A Port Harcourt Non Government Organisation, Development and Leadership Institute (DLI), will today present two books to the public. DLI Board Chairman Prof Ebere Onwudiwe said it was one of the resolutions of its 23rd Board. Onwudiwe said the books are “African women can lead” and “Niger Delta Environmental Roundtable”. He said “African Women can lead” is a collection of essays from presentations made at DLI’s flagship programme known as Women in politics and leadership Summit. The second book, “The Niger Delta Environmental Roundtable”, is a collection of proceedings of another programme aimed at connecting the communities in the Niger Delta, governments, oil and gas companies and civil society organisations working on environmental issues. Prof Onwudiwe said: "DLI builds the capacity of women in recognition of the special role the play in democracy and development . “We focus on grooming future generation of leaders who can champion change in the various communities."

•Danjuma on his bed

NGO rescues ‘dustbin man’

N O N GOVERNMENTAL organisation, the Face to Face Empowerment Initiative, has rescued a 25-year-old man,Danjuma, from the refuse heap. Danjuma was dumped on the refuse heap in Benin City, the Edo State capital, by his uncle. He has spent over 30 days there before being rescued yesterday evening. His uncle was said to have been watching them from a distance as Danjuma was being pulled out of the refuse dump. The group’s national coordinator, Curtis Ugbo Eghosa, said he was taken aback when he heard a voice from the refuse heap, saying, “I am here”. “He was dying when we saw him. He talked faintly and I felt we should take him immediately. “I was called that somebody was on a refuse heap. I was really surprised to see man’s inhumanity to man. I felt we could not leave the man there. ‘The wheel chair was destroyed. We took him to Central hospital but doctors were on strike. I took him to another

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

hospital and there was no space; so we brought him here.” Eghosa said they would report Danjuma’s uncle to the police. A 14-year-old girl, who was feeding Danjuma on the refuse heap, was at the hospital by his bedside. Sarah told reporters that Danjuma’s uncle used to beat her but her mother told her not to give up. Danjuma’s first words after his rescue was: “My uncle throw me inside dustbin.” He said he felt better and confirmed that his sister, Queensly, had contacted him. “If I show you my back, it is peeled. My mother’s sister at Ugbiyoko beat me and kept me in the cold.” Doctors said he would be treated for urinary tract infection, malaria, cholera and sepsis. They said Danjuma needed to be rehydrated. Eghosa also bought a wheel chair for Danjuma.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NEWS Reps flay Fed Govt’s refusal to release NDDC’s N550b

Shekarau begs ASUP to end strike From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

HE Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, met the striking lecturers of the polytechnics yesterday and begged them to return to classes. The teachers, under the auspices of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, (ASUP), have been on strike since last October over unmet demands from government. Welcoming the Minister, ASUP President, Dr. Chibuzor Asomugha, expressed regret over the state of the nation’s public polytechnics and expressed hope that the Minister, a former lecturer, is expected to proffer solutions to the impasse. According to him, all but one of the union’s demands were expected to strengthen the polytechnics, while only demand for payment of the lecturers’ backlog of arrears was the only benefit directly benefiting the teachers financially. He assured the minister that ASUP was ready to return to classrooms if government showed concern to challenges facing the polytechnics. The Minister said he would offer his best to see the crisis resolved; but requested for more time to study the issues on ground. Shekarau appealed to ASUP to end the strike while negotiations will be going on. He said: “I want to commend your commitment to the cause of education in general and in particular, the wellbeing of our polytechnics which I always refer to as the engine room of our technological growth and development. We cannot afford to ignore the polytechnics…we cannot grow without the manpower being produced by the polytechnics. “I am happy you noted that I am just coming in; and I will need a little more time to study the issues on ground and see how much we can get out of all the issues you raised. The issues you have raised as far as I am concerned are not totally insurmountable. They are issues that will lead to dialogue, understanding with the spirit of give and take.”

Firm introduces roof restoration options By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

LUS Word Roofing, a firm engaged in the restoration and management of roofs, has proposed better options of restoring roofs, at a minimum cost. Creating awareness while training youths about the nitty-gritty of the product and its usage, the Managing Director of Plus World Roofing, Mr. John Igbaifua, said he was motivated to go into the project due to the roof construction he was handling that developed problems. He said his quest to find a solution to the roof problem led him to roof restoration projects, adding that he discovered that a lot of roof problems could be resolved than just pulling down the whole building. Igbaifua said at present, his company in collaboration with a foreign partner is offering special services in roof repair, waterproofing and painting. From experience, he said the problems with roof have to do with dirt, leakages, deterioration and damages, including truss, while homeowners spend millions of naira to correct the anomalies.

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

•From left: Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission, John Kennedy Okpara; Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan, Brig.-Gen. Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa (rtd) and Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio during their visit to Uyo... on Wednesday.

Gunmen shoot Abia commissioner

UNMEN on Wednesday night shot Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Ken Nwosu. He was shot on his way to his country home. The police command said the incident occurred around Umuajata/Amakamma Road near Stella Inter-Communication in Umuahia South Local Government, on the outskirts of Umuahia. Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna said the commis-

From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

sioner was driving home about 8:05pm when he was shot. He said the victim was overtaken by a Toyota Camry car believed to be occupied by gunmen, who shot him on the lonely road. Ogbonna said: "The bullet hit him, touching his intestines. They shot continuously, thinking they had killed him. "It was obvious that they

•Govt: allegation baseless From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

ing that APGA cannot field a candidate who will abandon it after winning election. “Okorocha has been secretly approaching APGA for a return. I advise him not to waste his time because the party has shut its door against him. We don’t want to repeat the mistake we made before,” he alleged.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, described the allegation as unfounded and baseless. He said Okorocha could never return to the party he had dumped. His words: “If the governor wants to beg to return to APGA, he will not do so at the state level. He will go to Abuja. Why would he even beg the party? APGA will rather beg him to come back. The allegation is false and laughable.”

Army releases 13 suspects after mosques raid

HIRTEEN of the 15 suspects arrested during a military raid on mosques on Monday in Aba, Abia State have been released. A source said the Islamic leaders were released on the same day after hours of interrogation at the Asa Army Base. The source said Abdulraham Sani and Abdulmajid

treatment. I want Nigerians to pray for his recovery. He is being closely monitored," Prof. Mbanaso added. The CMD, who said Governor Theodore Orji had visited the victim, added that surgery had also been carried out on a woman who was affected by stray bullets. Dr. Nwosu was kidnapped when he was the executive director of the National Root Crop Research Institute, Umudike.

APGA accuses Okorocha of plotting to return

HE Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday accused Governor Rochas Okorocha of plotting to return to the party. It alleged that he had been holding secret talks with the party for a return ahead of the 2015 governorship election. APGA’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tony Mgbeahurike, who briefed reporters at the secretariat, said the party’s door would be shut against the governor, add-

had a hidden agenda because they did not steal anything. Investigations will unravel their real motive." He said nobody had been arrested and urged the public to assist the police. The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Abia Specialist Hospital, Prof. Augustus Mbanaso, said the commissioner was injured. He said his condition was serious when he was brought to the hospital. "But he is responding to

•Director, head teacher still in custody From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

Abubakar, the director and head teacher of New Horizon Academy located on the premises of the Aba Central Mosque were still being detained by the soldiers. The Chief Imam of Aba Central Mosque, Alhaji Idris

Bashir, told reporters that the soldiers, after taking them to the 144 Battalion, Asa said they carried out the raid because of the suspicion that Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and weapons were kept in mosques. He said: “The soldiers, after

‘Abia tax regime ‘ll stop fraud’

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has said the new tax regime is targeted at stopping fraud. Speaking at the maiden Abia State Revenue Summit held in Umuahia, the state capital, Orji said it was regrettable that more than 80 per cent of the taxes, levies and revenues collected in the state ended up in private pockets, adding that the new regime would stop this.

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

The governor said what the revenue agents did was to get government’s approval to collect levies, taxes and revenues and adopt draconian methods to collect them; thereby bringing government into disrepute. Orji said their operations lacked human face, adding that the outcry it generated could no longer be ignored by the

government, “which is the reason behind the convening of the summit to look into the matter. He said although government had to raise funds for its operations, it must be done, taking into consideration the feelings of the people. He urged the participants to generate a tax blueprint that would be acceptable and workable.

asking us to join them in their vehicles, took us to the Ngwa Road Forward Operation Base (FOB) before moving us to the 144 Battalion at Asa where they interrogated us. They said they were looking for bombs and weapons which they alleged we were sharing. “We don’t keep or manufacture bombs and do not support or encourage any person to make or keep bombs. Mosque is a holy place where we pray.”We have been living in Aba peacefully with the indigenes and will not be part of any plan to cause trouble.” Bashir urged the soldiers to release Sani and Abubakar. The Nation learnt that about 4:15pm on Wednesday, 10 soldiers in two Hilux vans came to the Aba Central Mosque and photographed the place. They later invited the chief imam for questioning.

‘Senate resolution gang-up against me’

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha said yesterday that the Senate resolution on the purported registration of northerners living in the state was a gang-up against his presidential ambition. He added that it was masterminded by those afraid of his popularity in the North and other parts of the country. Okorocha said the senators’ position over a matter they never verified was a calculat-

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

ed attempt to discredit him and his administration. The governor, who spoke at the International Conference Centre in Owerri, noted that the “pull him down” syndrome in politics would not solve the country’s problems. He said the nation is experiencing insecurity and no one wants to take proactive measures to tackle it, “instead, our leaders are playing blame games.” His words: “They said I was

registering northerners. They don’t know that it was my “Operation Know Your Neighbour”, which averted an attempt to plant a bomb in that church. People must know how to solve insecurity. I have never asked for any registration. “What is happening in the country worries me. The Boko Haram insurgents, who are not up to 2,000, are terrorising about 160 million people, including the governors and the president.”

•Okorocha

FEDERAL Government’s decision to withhold over N550 billion for the implementation of various projects in the oil producing states, is a source of concern, the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said yesterday. The Nicholas Mutucommittee also urged oil producing companies to remit the estimated N77 billion outstanding of the annual remittances to the commission. Mutu, speaking during the 2014 budget defence session of the NDDC, said: “NDDC is owed a huge sum, a situation that impedes progress and rapid development of the region. “These debts are in clear violation of the NDDC establishment Act 2000, Section 14 (2) a,b and c which mandates the Federal Government, oil producing companies and the ecological funds respectively to contribute stipulated percentages to the NDDC fund”. Mutu also promised more collaboration with the NDDC to actualise the yearnings and aspirations of the region in providing good roads, electricity, portable water, health care services and other development projects embarked upon by the NDDC. NDDC Managing Director Bassey Dan-Abia, told the lawmakers that the commission has made a lot of progress in recent years. Members of the House of Representatives unanimously have urged the Federal Government to find an immediate resolution to all issues with Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) and Colleges of Education in order to end the year- old strike The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion by a member, Ibrahim Gusau.

Body canvasses for Jonathan AHEAD of President Goodluck Jonathan's visit to Osun State, a nongovernment organisation (NGO), J.O.N.A.T.H.A.G Vanguard, has concluded plans to launch its Osun State chapter. The group said it is determined to harness the country's greatness under the leadership of technocrats interested in the emancipation of the country. J.O.N.A.T.H.A.G Vanguard's Southwest coordinator, Mr. Akinkunle Caulcrick, said: "Legacy 2015 is premised on the legacy of governance in our nation. We urge the Southwest people to join our national aspiration to harness the country's greatness." The patron of the group is elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark and the national coordinator is E.S. Coffie, an engineer.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

PEOPLE THE NATION

A FIVE -PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

The Sixth Alhaji Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu Memorial Ramadan Lecture has been held at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV), Ikeja, ODEBIYI OLATUNDE reports.

•From left: Widow of the deceased Alhaja Bintu Tinubu; Governor Fashola; Mr Wale Tinubu; Hon Ahmed and Alhaji Kosoko

•Baba Adinni of Lagos Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou (left) and Justice Ibrahim Ishola Olorunnimbe

•Alh KAB Olowu (left) Dr Tajudeen Adebayo

Fond memories of a good man F

OR many years, especially those who are members of Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, it has become a yearly ritual. Every year, during the Islamic month of Ramadan, they gather in honour of the association’s one-time national President, the late Alhaji Kafaru Oluwole Tinubu. Last Sunday, in line with this tradition, they converged on Lagos Television (LTV) premises in Ikeja for the Sixth Kafaru Tinibu Memorial Ramadan Lecture. The guests arrived into the waiting hands of security officials who directed them to their seats. Itinerant traders made brisk business on the side, selling Islamic literatures, hijabs, tesbiu, caps and frames. Some traders took their wares to guests on their seats. Beggers also stormed the place for alms. The Blue Roof stage was decorated in the Lagos State colours of yellow, blue, red and green. White chairs were set in rows with male and female guests sitting opposite each other. Members of the Nigeria Aid Group (NIG), in their white uniform and green caps ensured that guests were comfortable. The late Tinubu was celebrated for his contri-

butions to hummanity and growth of Islam. He joined the police as a cadet in 1955. He became the Commissioner of Police for the former Western State and also served in that capacity in the defunct East Central State. The late Tinubu was former Federal Commissioner for Health. Kafayat Adeola of Radio Lagos and Alhaji Toyin Kawojue of LTV anchored the event. The Chief Missioner, Anwar-Ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, Alhaji A.B. Yusuf, said the opening prayer. House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who was represented by Hon Mukhtar Ahmed, said he felt honoured to chair an event of a legend loved for his generosity and compassion. He said the late Tinibu lived to serve others, adding that he believed that the mind and the spirit must be nurtured with equal favour. He praised the late Tinubu for his passion for law and the way he went about ensuring that many read law especially police officers who he believed would benefit more from it. “His service to our country will be remembered for a long time to come,” he said. Tambuwal said the late Tinubu’s life “makes

•From left: Mr Shola Tinubu; Mr Deji Tinubu and Dr Jide Idris

it easy for us to see where Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu got his work ethics, patriotism and generosity of spirit from.” He said the annual Ramadan lecture series should be a forum for people of all faith to be reminded of the essence of worship and their debt to humanity. Hafiz Abdul Malik Oladoja recited some portions of the Holy Quran in Arabic language which Alhaji Adekunle Ajanaku interpreted. The first lecturer, Dr Taofeek Abdul Azeez, who spoke on “Nigeria at 100 under the lens of Islam” recalled the colonial era, saying “Islam has been before Nigeria came into exist-

ence”, Islam, he said cannot be linked with corruption. Sheikh Munirudeen Salaudeen Ariyadhi, who took the second lecture spoke on “The dichotomy between Muslims and the front liners”. He urged the gathering to be true Muslims. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola urged Muslims to live in peace with one another. Fashola implored Nigerians to search their hearts, saying if the same blood runs through the veins of Muslims and Christians, then there should be peace in the land. •More pictures on page 14

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

SOCIETY

•ShiekhAriyadhi

SIX KAFARU TINUBU MEMORIAL LECTURE

•Dr Abdul Azeez

•From left: Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Alhaji Kayode Tinubu and Alhaji Lawon Oluwa

•Hon Yakub Balogun (left) and Hon Lanre Odubote

•Sheikh Mujitaba Giwa (right) and Sheikh Tijani Gbajabiamila

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

The remains of the late Pa Davies Kehinde Orundami have been interred after a funeral service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Idi-Oro, Lagos Mainland. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

‘A father in a million’

AMILY members and friends of the late Pa Davies Kehinde Orundami had every reason to be happy with the life he lived. The late Orundami died on March 21. He was 79. There was an outpouring of testimonies on his life penultimate Friday during a funeral service at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Idi-Oro, a popular Lagos suburb. People came from far and wide to accord him a befitting burial. They were not deterred by the rains. St. Paul’s parish members where the deceased worshipped for many years were full of praises for his life. His family occupied the first four central pews of the church. After the Bible reading from Thessalonians 4:13-18, the late Orundami’s favourite hymn, number 497 was sung. The congregation sang heartily, meditating on every word. All the while, the remains of the deceased lay in a brown casket before the church altar. In a sermon in Yoruba, the Vicar and Archdeacon of the church, Revd Adeyemo Soleye, urged all to die as Christians as the only way to salvation. The cleric observed that the deceased lived a good life with some enduring legacies, which he charged his children to keep. He noted that because religion does not save one from damnation, living a righteous life is key to eternal life. He prayed for prosperity and growth to continue in their father’s spirit. Thereafter, the immediate family members of the late Pa Orundami, decked in uniformed yellow attires, led the congregation in thanksgiving, singing and dancing for a life well spent.

• Mr Odele and his wife, Bosede

•Children of the deceased (from left) Pastor Orundami, Dr Orundami, and Pastor Lanre Orundami

• From left: Mrs Aramide Olasunkanmi; Mr Kayode Orundami and Miss Adenike Orundami

• Mr Funsho Onasanya and wife, Bidemi

Guests were lavishly entertained after the interment. The venue was an expansive ground hosting a structure with coloured facade and huge tent, erected with metallic pillars and decorated in yellow and red colours. The field wore a different look. It seemed a hall was built on it. One could mistake it for a wedding reception. Food and drinks vendors had their tents separately from the large one. Cars dotted around the tent. Chairs were well arranged in rows. Melodious praise songs

him strengthen the bond between him and his siblings. “He trained me to be selfless to mankind and how to share with others. Stepping into his shoes as father and big brother to my siblings was never a big problem having made me act it while he was still alive. “His words of advice and exemplary leadership style gave me the understanding that there is strength in unity.” Another son of the deceased, Dr Kolawole Orundami, described his father as one who maintained a gentle mien and personality worthy of emulation.

blared from the speakers before Yinka Ayefele and his band electrified the arena. The first son of the deceased, Pastor Babatunde Orundami, in a tribute, said there could not have been a better father, who instilled discipline in his children, making them who they are today. He said his father died on his birthday, March 21. Pastor Orundami, who is one of the ministers of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lagos province 17 said his father’s encouragement and training in the ways of the Lord helped

He said though his father was born without a silver spoon, he got himself a golden one. He also recalled his childhood when his father woke him and his siblings early one morning in October, 1974 to watch Mohammed Ali’s fight in Zaire; the Raleigh Chopper bicycle he got them in 1977 and the car driving lessons he gave them in 1982. “In one of our discussions while I was in secondary school in 1983, he told me he would like me to study Medicine, but he never insisted. I am happy I did.”

• Mrs Funke Orundami

• Mrs Adeola Orundami

PHOTOS: BIODUN ADEYEWA

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIAL

Omisore’s masked marksmen

•Call the Osun PDP candidate to order, if the path to the Osun August 9 election is not to be soaked with innocent blood

HE sight of hooded gunmen on campaign stumps is a sinister contradiction to the democratic ethos, which should alarm everybody. If elections are exercises in free and unfettered choices, then hooded gunmen on campaign grounds are ominous overhang on the electoral process. Yet, that is the unfortunate situation in Osun State, where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Iyiola Omisore, among other candidates, squares up against Governor Rauf Aregbesola on August 9. From media alarm raised by the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC), with a picture as proof, Mr. Omisore has provided himself the notoriety of hiring masked guards. Even the attempt by the Omisore camp to deny this charge was basically a hee-haw which carefully skirted the allegation on the hooded guards. That suggests there is no smoke without fire. But why would Mr. Omisore resort to hooded gunmen as guards? Every candidate on the stump has a measure of protection by the state in uniformed police personnel, plain-clothed police operatives, operatives of the Department of State Security and even members of the Civil Defence Corps. That much, the Omisore camp confirmed. So, why would Mr. Omisore prefer to supplement his state-provided security with hooded gunmen, even if, as other candidates would probably do, he needed to invest in private security people? If he is trailed by a battery of state security operatives, why has any of these not cautioned Mr. Omisore on his abnormal behaviour, or, better still report him to higher authorities? Or could it be a case of proper

report but over-ruling “from the top”, given the fact that Jelili Adesiyan, Minister of Police Affairs, is a close ally of Omisore? If that is the case, it is yet another example of brazen impunity. It is clearly illegal for anybody bearing legal arms to be masked. A masked gunman connotes nothing but a dangerous felon ready to commit a crime and vamoose, since his or her identity is hidden. Despite the failed effort by the Omisore camp to explain away the existence of the masked gunmen, perhaps Mr. Omisore should be given the benefit of the doubt? Maybe. But that would be difficult, given Mr. Omisore’s controversial image; and the careless way Minister Adesiyan has been talking of late, of his regret, because he is a minister, for not thrashing Isiaka Adeleke, a former Governor of Osun State. That is clearly a language of violence. If Mr. Omisore and Mr. Adesiyan are close allies, as they indeed are, it would be fair and reasonable projection to posit that Mr. Omisore has been emboldened to bring his hooded gunmen to town because he has assurances from the powers-that-be that his back is covered. It is a logical supposition. Still, it remains an allegation. That is why the Federal Government that controls the security forces must probe this allegation; and stop Mr. Omisore from this lawless path, if it finds the allegation true. But if it does nothing or acts dumb even after finding out the truth, it would have opened itself to grave allegation of rigging the processes leading to the Osun State election (in which Mr. Omisore is the candidate of the federal ruling party), and would be

fairly and legitimately accused of aiding and abetting brazen illegality, unbefitting a government set up by law. Osun APC is screaming that Mr. Omisore, with his hooded gunmen, is introducing political terrorism into Nigeria’s electioneering at a time Nigeria is reeling from the destructive effects of Boko Haram terrorism. This is no crying wolf, if the hooded gunmen are matched with Mr. Omisore’s hardly dovish image. It is an alarm at a sinister development that nobody should ignore. That is why the Federal Government must call Mr. Omisore to order right away. We will not have Mr. Omisore use lawless means to harass and intimidate voters. We will not have hooded gunmen roaming free in campaign stumps; and pretend hideous violence, claiming innocent lives, would not be the inevitable result.

‘This is no crying wolf, if the hooded gunmen are matched with Mr. Omisore’s hardly dovish image. It is an alarm at a sinister development that nobody should ignore. That is why the Federal Government must call Mr. Omisore to order right away. We will not have Mr. Omisore use lawless means to harass and intimidate voters’

No new states, please

•The confab’s recommendation of 19 additional states can only compound national problems

HE National Conference is getting to the end of its tenure and the knotty issues are now coming to the fore, with many failing the consensus test. One that has, however, been resolved in the wisdom of the members, is the huge demand for creation of more states. The conference has recommended the creation of 19 more, comprising three from each of the six geo-political zones, and one extra from the South East that currently has five. The agitators have argued that the creation could be justified on the need for equity, fair distribution of national resources, taking development to the grassroots, bringing government closer to the people and making public officers more accountable. They have also called attention to existing social and communal tension in parts of the country, and the need to douse such if there must be social, political and

‘It is our view that the pursuit of states creation is diversionary. What Nigerians want now is good governance. They want a country where their security and welfare are guaranteed. They want the governments, federal and states, to take steps to eradicate absolute poverty and reduce relative poverty. They want jobs for the young ones and life injected to the education system. These are basic needs that creation of states cannot address’

economic development. These are the same reasons that have been adduced over the years. When the departing colonial authorities set up the Henry Willink’s Commission to look into the fears of the minorities in Nigeria, these reasons were canvassed and the committee found them inadequate to accede to the demands for new regions, rather suggesting that leadership must be more open, fair and responsible to all. Despite the finding, one region was added to the existing three in 1963. Even then, the decision was more political than logical. The Mid-West was excised out of the West not because the request was more compelling than the agitation for a CalabarOgoja-Rivers State by the minorities of the Eastern Region, or the quest for establishment of a Middle Belt State by the ethnic and religious minorities of the North. The creation of the Mid-West Region opened the floodgate for the unending quest for new federating units in other parts of the country. Needing platforms for legitimacy, the Gowon military administration, in addition to bringing on board popular political figures, chose to alter the structure of the country by replacing the three-region structure with a 12-state arrangement. It was meant to draw support for the Federal Government in the face of the discontent in the Eastern Region. The Murtala Muhammed government followed the template when it created seven more states in February, 1975. Twice, under the Babangida regime, states were created - in 1987 when Akwa Ibom and Katsina came into being, and 1991 when nine more brought the total to 30. Yet, the avalanche of demands contin-

ued. General Sani Abacha brought the total number of states to 36 in 1996 when six more states were created. But, the elites have kept the mill working, in quest of career and political advancement. It is our view that the pursuit of states creation is diversionary. What Nigerians want now is good governance. They want a country where their security and welfare are guaranteed. They want the governments, federal and states, to take steps to eradicate absolute poverty and reduce relative poverty. They want jobs for the young ones and life injected to the education system. These are basic needs that creation of states cannot address. If the movement from three regions to 36 failed to improve the lot of Nigerians, how would creating additional 19, with the bloated bureaucracy, increased recurrent expenditure and the intended or unintended consequence of a strengthened central government achieve the purpose? Only two of the existing states - Lagos and Rivers - could conveniently cover their recurrent needs from Internally Generated Revenue. Indeed, in recent times, the states have been struggling to meet the simplest task of paying wages of those in the public service owing to a 20 per cent drop in allocations from the Federation Account. If the desire is to bring government closer to the people, we suggest that each state be empowered to create more local government areas which could then be adequately funded Creation of more states can only compound Nigeria’s problems, it is not a solution.

The dangers of another intifada

–Israelis and Palestinians need to show restraint

VER the past three weeks tensions between Israel and the Palestinians have erupted into violence in the West Bank and Gaza. It is too soon to say whether the clashes will spiral into the intifadas that erupted in the occupied territories after 1987 and 2000. But these tensions should prompt reflection on how to restore calm and, if possible, return both sides to talks on a two-state solution. The violence has been triggered by the murder last month of three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank. Although Israel has accused the militant group Hamas of the killings, it has not claimed responsibility. One week ago, a Palestinian teenager was found dead in a forest in East Jerusalem in what was widely judged a revenge attack. Six Jewish suspects have been arrested by Israeli police. The focus of the tension has since shifted to Gaza where Palestinian militants have launched rocket attacks into southern Israel. The Israeli military has responded by launching an air and sea offensive against rocket sites. The hope must be that Israeli and Palestinian leaders – and their communities – show restraint. The great risk in this crisis is that a single incident brings mass casualties, making it impossible for both sides to hold back any longer. But Israeli and Palestinian leaders must also begin talking to one another again after the collapse in April of talks on a two-state solution. The absence of dialogue makes it all the more likely that the current clashes will erupt into something more serious. Last year John Kerry, US secretary of state, began a fresh attempt to forge a two-state solution, setting a nine-month deadline to achieve a deal that had eluded negotiators for decades. At first Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, and Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian Authority president, looked like they might try to forge an agreement. But disillusionment soon spread. The Palestinians were angered by the relentless pace of Israeli settlement building in the occupied territories and by Mr Netanyahu’s insistence that a final agreement must see Israel retaining a long-term military presence in the Jordan valley. Mr Netanyahu, for his part, pulled the plug on the talks after Mr Abbas formed a unity government, joining his Fatah movement with Hamas, which Israel regards as a terrorist organisation. The breakdown of the negotiations has much to do with the total lack of trust between the two sides. Part of the blame lies with Mr Abbas. Israel and the US have objected to the way the Palestinians have attempted to gain recognition of statehood outside of the negotiations by going to the UN and applying to join international conventions. But Mr Netanyahu also needs to face up to his responsibilities. Israel’s determination to expand settlements in the West Bank was a humiliation for Mr Abbas and condemned as a land grab even as talks were continuing. Mr Netanyahu’s rejection of the Fatah-Hamas unity government was also a missed opportunity. Mr Abbas had pledged that the new government, despite the inclusion of Hamas, would follow his own commitment to non-violence and peaceful negotiation. The unity government was accepted by the US and EU, which recognised its enhanced legitimacy. Mr Netanyahu appears to believe that Israel’s powerful security grip on the West Bank can allow him to stall negotiations endlessly on a two-state solution. But this is not in Israel’s long-term interest. Israel declares itself to be a Jewish state and a democracy. But its founding principles will be imperilled the longer it remains in control of 2.5m Palestinian Arabs on the West Bank who have few civil rights and live under a system of military justice. Israel needs to recognise that the status quo is unsustainable. – Financial Times

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

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: It is no longer news that illegal land speculation is still very much rife in Abuja, despite efforts by the Federal Capital Territory administration to tackle this problem. The scourge is more pronounced in the areas of forging of land titles, fraudulent land deals, unauthorized allocation of land titles by council chairmen and other natives of the FCT among other irregularities. As it were, land agents would often hoard land titles in their briefcases with the hope of selling these papers when their values would have appreciated, thereby denying genuine real estate developers access to these land titles. Others in their desperate bid to get rich quick indulge in the faking of land papers to dupe unsuspecting. In all of these, the biggest losers were the thousands of other Nigerians, mostly FCT residents who fell victims to the nefarious activities of land speculators in Abuja, with scores of them losing precious properties worth millions of naira, and lives in extreme cases. Some others too have been made to pay exorbitant and very outrageous rents fees to Abuja landlords due to the scramble for the few available houses in

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Engaging Abuja land speculators developed districts. As was recently revealed by the chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Lamorde, corrupt politicians in collaboration with other agents are also said to be in the habit of laundering their ill-gotten wealth through acquisition of land in the city by tactically avoiding the use of financial instruments in payment for these land and properties This disturbing trend has continued, not due to lack of efforts on the part of the FCTA as successive administrations in the territory have made several attempts to put an end to this, all with little success. In fact, each time new policies are rolled, land speculators always appear to be a step ahead of the game. According to the incumbent FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, when he took over in 2011, land

APC, stop the noise; stop Jonathan!

IR: The All Progressives Congress (APC) should stop the lamentation over the loss of Ekiti to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In Nigeria, you use what you have to get what you want, on behalf of the hapless citizens. When President Goodluck Jonathan used Commissioner of Police Mbu Joseph Mbu to torment Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and make the state ungovernable, the APC directed its members in the National Assembly to block all Bills, including the budget, to checkmate him. He was humbled and stopped his unconstitutional acts in Rivers. President Jonathan used the armed forces and police to intimidate APC supporters in Ekiti thus securing a victory for his party by force of arms. While his ministers, Musiliu Obanikoro and Jelili Adesiyan are running away from Borno State because of Boko Haram, they have no shame in invading a peaceful Ekiti

State with thousands of soldiers and policemen to cow the APC. They arrested APC leaders on the eve of the election in their various homes. President Jonathan also used the military to prevent governors, who enjoy the same immunity with him, from visiting Ekiti to support their APC brother governor, who had earlier been assaulted by the Federal Government-controlled Mobile Police (MOPOL). Among others, these actions constitute gross misconduct. APC should now use its number to sanction the President; otherwise, he will be emboldened by the force-induced victory of the PDP in Ekiti to enact same in Osun State and in 2015. The APC federal legislators should muster the will to stop President Jonathan from misuse of the military and police and other unconstitutional acts that will destroy the current democracy. •Patrick James, Kaduna

speculators were seen as the real landlords of Abuja who were doing their illegal business with reckless abandon. It was a case of individuals or group of people claiming ownership of a piece of land that genuinely belong to someone else, perhaps with the collaboration of some insiders in land administration in the FCT to either forge a certificate of occupancy and other needed documents to sell the land or use it for personal gains. That was why the Minister tried to inject transparency and good governance into Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) by introducing the digitalization of Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) so that spatially related land data in selected

departments and agencies flow in a manner as build up a resource centre in the AGIS. The Minister also replaced obsolete equipment with modern and more sophisticated ones to guarantee system security and operational efficiency. Apart from this, collaboration between AGIS stakeholders and other SDAs were strengthened to improve rapid exchange of secure data between AGIS and these SDAS for faster service delivery and information sharing. This led to a reduction in the fees being charged for land application in the Area Councils from N100,000 to N50,000 to enable more Nigerians build and own their houses in the FCT. To make land available to real es-

tate developers without having to go through the vagaries and chicaneries of land speculators, the Minister also introduced the innovative land swap policy which entails the exchange of land for infrastructural development. By this, developers are allocated land in a Greenfield district for real property development and in exchange for the grant, the developer is to provide primary infrastructure in the agreed district without any financial, technical or demand risk on the part of the FCTA or the Federal Government. It is still early in the day to ascertain whether these efforts and innovations would eventually put paid to the menace of land speculation in the FCT and bring about desired development of the city in line with the master plan. What is clear is that efforts are actually being made by the FCT Administration to arrest the situation restore a modicum of decorum in land administration in the FCT.

????????????????? • Danladi Akilu Durumi II, District, Abuja

Ayobolu’s Further thoughts on Ekiti polls

IR: Segun Ayobolu’s piece in The Nation of July 5, can best be described as an attempt to justify the vilification of the good works of Dr. Kayode Fayemi as Governor of Ekiti State. It is possibly a part of the grand design to prepare grounds for his longstanding friend, Opeyemi Bamidele, who has become a lost sheep of sort, to return to the APC through the back door now that the chips are down. It is most surprising that Ayobolu could admit in one breath that he goofed for reacting in his column without proper appraisal of the empirical realities and went ahead to condemn what his instinct had told him was right using apparently orchestrated text messages from obscured readers, rumours and outright lies as the main premises of his write up. Ayobolu unwittingly exhibited his malicious intent when he said that he (a reputable journalist) did not visit Ekiti State in the last almost four years in spite of the fact that his friend, the governor

was reportedly making waves in the state. On what basis was he writing previously in celebration of Fayemi? His reference to the issue of the rumours about a university owned by Fayemi is lazy because severally the governor dismissed this as a non issue when it came up. It is unbelievable that a journalist could accuse a governor that utilized outcomes of village square meetings to plan his annual budgets as disconnected from the people. It is on record that Fayemi had absolute participatory governance and executed over 1,200 projects spread across the 132 communities in the state. Many of these projects which are dear to the hearts of the people include palaces, town-halls, health centres and rural roads some of which have been abandoned for over 25 years. How can anybody accuse a government that initiated and completed over 1,200 projects in the 132 communities in the state of being disconnected with the grassroots? The governor’s statement in his concessional speech that the new Sociology of Ekiti will attract the attention of scholars in future is pregnant with meanings for discerning minds

and the wise. Although some mistakes might have been made in these past three years, that would certainly not explain why a sitting governor will lose all the Local Governments and more so that he has been adjudged as having performed very well in office. One thing is clear though, posterity will judge the happenings of June 21, gubernatorial election in Ekiti. History scholars will surely have a field day trying to rationalize the victory of PDP over APC in spite of the monumental achievements of the incumbent APC governor. If indeed the election results reflect the yearnings of the Ekiti people, so let it be. One can only hope that the in-coming administration improves the lot of Ekiti, our land of honour because this state is greater than individuals, post mortem or not. It is when you marry another husband that you know the deference. •Tayo Ekundayo, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Ekiti State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014 16

COMMENTS

Because we have ideals (1) Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

HOSE who should make a difference will read this and understand me, I presume. “They can’t and they do not read,” some are probably interjecting this minute. “The Nigerian youth is not yet capable of such reasoning,” they would claim. I do not know whether to take such arrant cynicism as the truth. I write for the youth; although I would love to think that I write for everyone, my toilsome and often tiresome endeavor resonates in rousing cadences for the youth; I assume. By youth, I make no references to age; for a man at 21, wrought of defeatist reasoning could give up on life. On the flipside, a man at 70 could tirelessly evince ardour and indomitable vim characteristic of a 21-year-old. Crabbed age and inclination to dither, a graying yet towering sense of resignation forever beclouds the mind of the one to whom every fresh vestige of hope evokes inklings of an infernal eclipse. Shame, that we can look the sun in the face but cannot make our hay

under the heat of its smoldering rays. Shame, that everybody loves to seek a hero but nobody wants to be a hero. And so we give to principled spinelessness even as we perpetuate a base and savage insensitivity in pursuit of everything and anything gilded with riches and shorn of the humane. Murderous hate disintegrates our fatherland; humaneness and love depreciate for the love of heartwarming riches. Honesty dies a gruesome death and diligence gives to the lure of gratifying deceit; and within the haze of such grotesqueness and vile, we seek a true hero, a Nigerian hero. How can we dream of having a hero without the crutch of a virtuous and enabling world? We do not need a hero but a nation fit for heroes; and having created such nation, we would be in no dire need of sacrificial idealists and pragmatists we love to call heroes. Let everybody be a hero. Falcons hunt for their young; crickets make their own music, and the untended herd determines the course of its own

‘And then we have you and me; human integers continually forced by the most expedient of ideals to endure such ruling class as we have now. It is on the strength of ideals that we evolve into what quality of youth we are now. Shall we begin to nurture such ideals that would trigger our oft hackneyed ‘revolution?’I speak of unimpeachable values and character that dwarfs our several cosmetic enterprises like our bungled “Occupy Nigeria” protest’

QUINTESSENTIAL public servant, those who know him quite intimately, see him as an exemplar in accountable governance, selflessness and unalloyed uprightness whose only “weakness” is his implacable commitment to public good, no matter whose ox is gored! Oh, your surmise is damn right! The man I’m discussing here is the one who, today, many in the Lagos State public service environment fondly address as Mr Public Service – Akinwunmi Ambode. His name is synonymous with the pivotal aspect of a promising public administration. He hugged the limelight when he became the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance of Lagos State in January 2005; a year after, he rose to the position of Accountant-General of the state. The magic wand he brought into the service in good measure readily became an integral ingredient of the evergreen accomplishments of the then state government led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (now national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who has since earned himself the sobriquet: Architect of a modern Lagos State! Even Tinubu’s most virulent foes and Ambode’s (if there is any), would testify to the incontrovertible fact that the symbiosis between Tinubu’s administrative genius and the sublime professional expertise of Ambode and his ilk, oiled by the shared passion for public good, ensured the historic feat of the Tinubu-led bailout of the state from the hands of interlopers. Ambode’s Midas touch in the state’s public service under Tinubu, coupled with his achievements as Managing Consultant/CEO of Brandsmiths Consulting Limited, a public finance and management-consulting firm with vast knowledge of public sector administration, readily threw him up as a primary subject of public discourse since his interest in the 2015 governorship tussle in the state sneaked into public domain. “From recording the second best result in the entire West Africa in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1981 to graduating with honours in Accounting from the University of Lagos at 21 and a Masters’ degree in Accounting combined with being a Chartered Accountant all at 24, the stage was set for a brilliant career in Accounting. One could therefore re-write his biography with the title: Ambode and the Power of Focus.” These lines were contained in a writer’s recent thoughts about Ambode, who was born at Epe in Lagos on June 14, 1964, with an impressive educational voyage through St. Jude’s Primary School, Ebute Metta on Lagos Mainland, Federal Government College, Warri and the prestigious University of Lagos. Even the cynics of the deepest dye would find it hard to disagree with Tinubu when he described him at a forum as “an uncommon civil servant” in whom he discovered an

pasture; let you and I become our own heroes. Arrogance and contemptible naïveté makes our craven and insolent ruling class contend that we are incapable of such noble enterprise. Cowardliness and incurable servility goads us to uphold the ‘truth’ as they love to see it. Who would have thought that at this time and age, we would be caught in the tangled thickets of greed, self-centeredness, retrogression and deceit? Today’s youth like their forbears are given to bigotry…we perpetuate the worst kinds of ethnic chauvinism and idolatry you could ever think of. Driven by greed and inordinate lust for the good life, we seek the shortest possible bypass to riches. “Money talks, bullshit works,” becomes our hallowed creed; it leads us to revere criminals as our best of men even as it informs our tireless quest to circumvent the universe’s definite but slow, steady order. We are at war with ourselves and the future of our dreams thus in spite of our fervent and inexorable clamour for change and everlasting progress, our enthusiasm is borne of the perverse, and our advancements of exasperating duplicity; never had an entire generation being so treacherous and full of illwill against itself as we have now. Goaded by platitudes and ideals that do very little to improve our circumstances and worth, we engage in a maddening march for the future of our dreams even as we become the cogs in our wheels of change; every time we get to the crossroads of change we could believe in, impotent will emasculates our zeal. There is something wrong with the Nigerian ideal; makes it difficult to chart our way out of the bedlam of the past, turmoil of the present and barrenness of the future. Let no man, as Schiller says,

too querulously “measure by a scale of perfection the meagre product of reality” in this poor world of ours. Without doubt, Schiller envisioned the futility of such lofty expectations we have of ourselves even as we battle our inner demons. Any individual seeking such perfection shall in no way be deemed a wise man; he shall be deemed sickly, unrealistic and innately foolish. And yet, on the other hand, it is worth remembering that ideals do exist. Even the villainy perpetrated by our venal and dishonourable ruling class is perpetuated on the strength of ideals they hold very dear to their hearts. To every individual, his heartfelt ethic. There is no man without an ideal, however dormant or active it is, something drives an average man towards his choice of conduct as part of a human society. Truly, without the rampart of ideals, it would be impossible for our pioneer statesmen to fight for and attain the independence we so carelessly diminish today. Spurred by heartfelt ideals, officers of the Nigerian army staged the first military coup and subsequent ones. Incensed by ideals, the country plunged into a bloody civil war at the end of which over two million civilians and soldiers lay dead from starvation and “enemy” bullets. It was on the steep planes of ideals that the country was continually thrust through sporadic military and civilian experiments until 1993 when Nigeria’s last military head of state handed over to a civilian administration. And spurred by earnest ideals, the executive and legislative arms of government have led Nigeria from one sorry pass to another. Enter President Goodluck Jonathan, the man whom many amongst us deemed the “ideal” man for the job. Many thought because his name is

“Goodluck,” he must have good luck which would automatically rub off on us immediately he attains power. Goodluck Jonathan is in power and what manner of good luck he brings has been felt by all. Like you and I, Mr. President is a man of ideals; thus it was from the moral ground of ideals that he budgeted about N1billion for presidential meals, removed fuel subsidy and allows a very “interesting” security situation on his watch. Being a man of ideals, Mr. President has surrounded himself with great men and women of ideals thus we have within his team, Reuben Abati, a very brilliant journalist who from a moral ground of ideals chose to abandon his calling to serve Mr. President, my bad, Nigeria; lest I forget Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Allison-Madueke et al; men and women of presumed worth and intelligence who are currently ruling Nigeria because it is not yet idyllically expedient to serve Nigeria. And then we have you and me; human integers continually forced by the most expedient of ideals to endure such ruling class as we have now. It is on the strength of ideals that we evolve into what quality of youth we are now. Shall we begin to nurture such ideals that would trigger our oft hackneyed ‘revolution?’I speak of unimpeachable values and character that dwarfs our several cosmetic enterprises like our bungled “Occupy Nigeria” protest. There is little to cheer about such movement; the best we can do is to look back lustfully as shipwrecked mariners might at the disappearing shoreline while they are hurled and submerged beneath the fury of the surliest sea waves. • To be continued…

Ambode: Making Lagos work after Fashola By Tobi Adetola embodiment of the sterling attributes of a great accountant. Tinubu’s workaholic successor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a letter of commendation to the accounting icon, appreciated “the high sense of dedication, selflessness, loyalty and integrity” which he brought to bear during his glorious public servant days. The few who were hitherto in the dark about what Ambode stands for, perhaps knew better at a recent public presentation of his biography, The Art of Selfless Service, written by Marina Osoba. Thunderous ovation threatened the venue to its foundation. Even those who had known him intimately for the past five decades had their jaws pleasantly set apart. “This is indeed an illustrious son that Lagos and indeed, Nigeria must be proud of,” many presumably soliloquised. Much as I thought I knew the astute accountant, I was more enlightened when a fortnight ago, I found myself in the midst of those who, to me, knew him from Adam at a gathering in Lekki. On virtually everyone’s lips is the aspect of his upbringing which, in the discussants’ view, should be internalised and imbibed by the youth of today who see it as a waste of time working towards their life goals. Their discussion and eventual conclusion on the man, reminded me of the immortal words of the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who once admonished: “After rain comes sunshine; after darkness comes the glorious dawn. There is no joy without its alloy of sorrow; behind the ugly terrible mask of misfortune lies the beautiful soothing countenance of prosperity. So, tear the mask!” As a growing youth, he was said to have brave all odds and trudged on to put his life on a sound footing in the first 27 years of his exemplary life, especially after the death of his father when he was barely 18 - thus contributing to his uniqueness as a man. A further lesson for youths: Quite a negligible few in his shoes would rather spend eternity looking for plum jobs that would put them in the league of the Aliko Dangotes of this world overnight. But no; Ambode did not behave like his peers today would. He willingly embraced civil service which people see as acutely impoverishing – if only for its snail-speed opportunities for self fulfilment. But the consummate accountant was not idiotic after all. He was simply dancing to the irrepressible dictates of his destiny and his unique psychological disposition to the forces of his uncommon foundational familial impetus!

I feel compelled to believe without a scintilla of doubt that his sterling personality traits and abundant trainings, which combined to midwife his leadership capabilities, recently, prompted the respected Oba of Lagos, Rilwanu Okikiola, the Akiolu 1, to urge the state chapter of the APC, to prod Ambode into the ring for the next governorship election in the state. “Myself, other traditional rulers and some notable elders have met and decided that Ambode should be the next governor of Lagos,” the esteemed monarch declared, albeit to the discomfort of some who I guessed, knew Ambode not, especially in the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). There is no gainsaying that fact that the monarch and others like him, are armed with the belief that Ambode possesses enough mental and professional ammunition needed to sustain and improve on the world-acclaimed achievements of Governor Fashola in the state. “I have taken my time to study the goings-on in the political circles of this state for months now as we prepare for the 2015 polls. I have discovered that people want the sustenance of all the indices of the new Lagos that we are celebrating today and from all indications, the man called Ambode, from what I have gathered from many people, is the one with the character needed to keep the ball rolling in the best interest of Lagos residents,” a reader insisted at a newsstand recently. It was during a heated discussion of the fate of the state after Fashola at the popular Ojuelegba Under-bridge in Surulere. I think the man said it all! • Adetola lives in Lagos.

‘Quite a negligible few in his shoes would rather spend eternity looking for plum jobs that would put them in the league of the Aliko Dangotes of this world overnight. But no; Ambode did not behave like his peers today would. He willingly embraced civil service which people see as acutely impoverishing – if only for its snail-speed opportunities for self fulfilment’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

COMMENTS ‘To govern without reflecting is like eating without digesting’ - Edmund Burke

TOMACH infrastructure has become the most over-flogged phrase in the country today. Hitherto, we had, under the military rule, phrases such as ‘new breed’, ‘equal joiner, equal founder’, ‘no-go areas’, ‘ouster clauses’, ‘annulment’ and ‘interim injunction’, among others. The new phrase of stomach infrastructure is consequent upon the June 21 election in Ekiti State in which Ayodele Fayose won over incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi. This column is restating its earlier position in a recent piece that the election was free and fair. One salient fact that most antagonists of the concept have over-looked is that stomach infrastructure and physical infrastructure are all ingredients of good governance. They are mutually symbiotic. The state needs empirical infrastructure that will make it effectively function, while the people need basic things of life like food, clothing and shelter to sustain life in the wilderness of humanity. In better managed climes, food is essentially cheap and there are social safety nets to take care of the aged, children and the needy. This column doubts if the same is the case in any part of the country. It is bad policy prioritisation to embark on physical development solely without deeply considering the general wellbeing of the majority of the people as well, in a country where unemployment is astronomically high and poverty rampant. Edmund Burke, a British parliamentarian and thinker, once said: “Mere parsimony is not economy. Expense, and great expense, may be an essential part in true economy.” It is only through “empowering” of the people through provision of social safety nets, generation of jobs and others that public concurrence with generally beneficial public projects can be gotten. But most governors are not doing these forgetting that what will resolve the problems of the country is not misplaced and deceitful executive tight-fistedness. The reality is that what is killing the nation is corruption in high places through awards of

‘Let us all know that leadership in this country derive their powers from the people and such leadership must show good understanding of the political cultures/traditions of the societies and to make the people’s wellbeing its primary area of focus’

ITH appreciable growth in infrastrucre and an expanding economy, Bayelsa State is stepping up in its quest for industrialization. With a Gross State Product of N2.4 trillion ($18.5 billion), the state is desirous of attracting good investments locally and abroad. So from July 16-18, the state will play host to an international Investment and Economic Forum in Yenagoa, the state capital. The event, with the theme, “Unlocking Bayelsa economic potentials: Challenges and Opportunities” was put together as part of efforts to share the Bayelsa Dream: an incredible array of opportunities for strategic and forward looking investors in the various sectors of the state economy. Today, major institutional modalities – from legal to economic incentives – to attract the right kind of investors have been addressed and streamlined to cater for the next phase of development in the New Bayelsa State. The state government seeks to use the forum to look for serious investors ready to take advantage of the state’s vast untapped resources to invest in the state. The emphasis is on major partnership with the private sector, to influence the culture and character of the people to be more active in business and indeed the local economy through job creation and improved living conditions. The government is also seeking to leverage on the ensuing business environment to create alternative sources of income. With oil and gas being dominant enterprise in Bayelsa economy, the state government is pushing for a paradigm shift with premium on other sectors such as power generation, agriculture, hospitality and tourism and ecommerce. The power sector in particular, presents a very rewarding business opportunity considering the abundance of gas in the state. Against the mid-term objective of the state government to generate 3000 megawatts of electricity, the state government not only seeks investors to share in its vision, but also partners to boost electricity supply to the national grid. Interestingly, a number of companies have shown interest and even some have signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs)

08110000117

Hypocrisy against stomach infrastructure

• Ayo Fayose bogus contracts to cronies and which is making ordinary Nigerian folks green with envy. Like Burke argued, it is necessary to create an expense that he sees as being an essential part in a true economy. These were not done by the states and to compound the problems, civil servants are being owed arrears of salaries/allowances just because most of the states claim to be embarking on developmental projects. The projects are indeed necessary for societal improvement but with a caveat: What is the essence of building roads when public transportation is non-existent? Of what value are built hospitals and schools, in the name of physical infrastructure, when most parents and other inhabitants cannot send their wards to such schools and hospitals because of prohibitive fees and unaffordable medical bills? Most emerging governors lose their political goodwill amongst their people because they simply haughtily feel because they are embarking on building these visible projects, the people

should starve to death. They embark on illegality, under the guise of unconstitutional financial probity and projects implementation, by denying local governments their monthly allocations and in the process, not allowing the booty of governance to percolate down to the grassroots. Such shamefully unimpeded new attitude by so called democrats in the public affairs of the nation, is tantamount to saying that simply because the head of a family has saved enough to build a house and in the course of such project, the entire family must starve until the project is completed. That kind of policy can only engender serious dissent within any household and that is what is happening in most states across the federation, where most governors resort to frugality under the guise of embarking on developmental projects with money borrowed, through bonds in most cases, on behalf of the people. No wonder the people are rebelling against them now! No one, who has witnessed hunger at one point or the other during his or her life time, will agree that the people of Ekiti State erred by voting Fayose in as governor-elect. Nobody who has had difficulty with school fees will quarrel with any university student or the public that runs after a governorship candidate that is giving out bags of rice. Even if those bags of rice were doled out with the condition that voter’s card must be procured by the beneficiary, the fact that on the day of election votes will be secretly cast still gives voters latitude to use his discretion. There is the need for our leaders to play democracy that is ingrained in the cultures and traditions of the people. We need strong institutions and good governance but the government and the people at large must come together to achieve this laud-

Countdown to Bayelsa economic summit By Daniel Iworiso-Markson with the state government. There is certainly room for more given that the sector remains a goldmine for investors willing to pump in the needed massive investments. Thus the forum will be an apt avenue for strategic investors to rub minds with officials of the state government as part of its bid for economic diversification. Equally, for some time now, the economic diversification efforts have necessitated a shift to agriculture and tourism to create a new economy. The last two years have seen increased activities in the development of agriculture in the state, training of hundreds of youths at Songhai Farms in Port Novo, Benin, establishment of the Agricultural Training Institute and generally, in encouraging people to go into farming. Today, the cultivation of cassava and rice is increasingly seen as a viable business. In all, the emphasis is on modernization of farming, to encourage large scale farming to boost employment and hence farmers’ incomes. There is no doubt that the large scale cultivation of rice will be hugely successful because the local environmental conditions allow for continuous planting of rice throughout the year. Similar considerations apply to the cultivation of cassava and plantain and the growing business of aquaculture in Bayelsa State hence the need to showcase the possibilities for investors. Here, government is desirous to see many agro-allied businesses spring up in due course. The other arm of the economic diversification is tourism. This sector has received generous investment by the state government particularly in terms of the right infrastructure and enabling laws. Bayelsa State is adjudged as one of the safest states in the nation

today and this is good for tourism which explains why it attracted socio-cultural, arts and cultural events like AMAA, the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) Pageant, the International Day for Culture, the UNESCO First African Underwater Cultural Heritage Conference, top class musical events and other international functions drawing the cream of global celebrities in recent times. This is clearly an affirmation of Bayelsa as a worthy environment to do business; a place that is safe and secure. It is already documented that the state has the longest coastline of beautiful beaches in the world and an array of historical sites waiting for global visitors. That’s why the sector is being developed to the desired international standard by the restoration government led by Governor Seriake Dickson. He sees tourism as a major component of the future economy hence his determination to pour more resources into the sector while encouraging others to do same as a lucrative enterprise. From this perspective, it is a timely step by any serious investor to come into the tourism industry in the state to invest. The basic requirements of infrastructure are happening in terms of roads and bridges, urban renewal, electricity generation and general security of lives and property. From hotels to golf courses and the New Yenagoa City, something spectacular is evolving in the Glory of All Lands. These are not happenstances but deliberate and visionary. The future is appealing to the present with so much optimism that Bayelsa State can create its own Eldorado by sheer passion, vision and leadership. For those who would like to invest in hotels and real estate, the environment is now very liberal and indeed, the collection of certificate of occupancy has been computerized and made easier to acquire. In the last two years, the state government through the Bayelsa Development and Invest-

able objectives. The leader needs consent of people through their votes to get to office while the latter need someone to chart a course of action for them. This is why a good leader must give majority of his people a sincere sense of belonging; otherwise, such leader gets alienated from the people. No good leader must be perceived to be bidding at an auction of popularity that could lead to his failure, in the construction of the state, to be no longer required at election period. When such things happen, the leader becomes the instruments, not the guide, of the people and becomes irrelevant in the scheme of things. The issue of stomach infrastructure brings this column down to need to call on students/ scholars of political science to study leaders who, while in the saddle, have successfully combined execution of physical infrastructure with stomach infrastructure. One of such leaders is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State. He was, as helmsman of the Centre of Excellence, able to embark on solid road construction, building of hospitals and skill acquisition centres; pursuit of lofty transportation/traffic policies; development of the environment so as to make it safe for living among others. Yet, he still did well in providing stomach infrastructure for majority of Lagosians. It was on this crest of goodwill that he rode to install a successor in incumbent Governor Babatunde Fashola against the tyranny of the ruling federal People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that was hell-bent on winning the state in the 2007 and 2011 general elections. The same goodwill Asiwaju deployed in ensuring in the past four years that the southwest was regained by proponents of Awoism. Even that great sage, Papa Obafemi Awolowo realised the importance of stomach infrastructure as depicted by several of his party men and people that were empowered in diverse ways during his era as political leader of the southwest. It is sheer greed and senseless frugality that would make a governor not want to show humanity for his people under the guise of pursuit of projects. What is very clear is that there is the need to reflect while governing in order not to lose touch with economic and political realities. Let us all know that leadership in this country derive their powers from the people and such leadership must show good understanding of the political cultures/traditions of the societies and to make the people’s wellbeing its primary area of focus. Let it be known that stomach infrastructure will still recur in the coming 2015 general elections. Those governors that are hastily realising its importance should be better prepared. It is a new order that can’t be ignored! ment Corporation (BDIC) has actually done some good work in cementing vital business relationships with MoUs signed with some reputable oil companies to open vistas of economic progress in the state. More of this development initiative will be tabled for investors’ appreciation at the forum to see what gains are accruable to them in the oil and gas sector of the state economy. Of course, Governor Dickson has repeatedly stated of his desire to see Bayelsa as the new business and economic hub in the Niger Delta and so much is being done to realize this lofty objective. As explained by the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Barrister Kemela Okara, the Bayelsa Investment and Economic forum promises to be a harvest of golden business opportunities. With an airport of its own to make transportation easier to the state, an integrated railway linking the vital economic areas down to the Sea Port at Agge and a free trade zone, among other strategic initiatives to boost business, Bayelsa State is moving up the ladder of investment destination. In the long run, Bayelsans hope to see an emerging state economy with steady growth in the private sector and a preponderance of local entrepreneurs as core beneficiaries in the value chain; this would be really good for the local economy, the people would be happier for it. •Iworiso-Markson writes from Yenagoa

‘From hotels to golf courses and the New Yenagoa City, something spectacular is evolving in the Glory of All Lands. These are not happenstances but deliberate and visionary. The future is appealing to the present with so much optimism that Bayelsa State can create its own Eldorado by sheer passion, vision and leadership’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

BUSINESS THE NATION

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

‘Pipeline vandalism a challenge’ By Erekosima Lucy

HE Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Secretary Ejigbo Depot Alhaji Onifade Adesina has said oil pipeline vandalism is a major problem facing the group and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). He said sabotage at oil pipelines has brought serious shortage of petroleum products in the country, prompting rationalisation of supplies to customers. He said a truck carries 33,000 litres of petrol, but the shortage in supplies has made it to carry only 15,000 litres, with about 40 trucks sold daily. On steps taken by NUPENG to checkmate rising cases of pipeline vandalism, he said the body has engaged security operatives to guard pipelines from being vandalised. The exercise, he said, has yielded some results as the security men alert the group in cases where unauthorised persons encroach on pipelines. He said: “We have appointed security operatives to the pipelines to help watch over the environment and report any suspicious movements by strangers. “NUPENG is also collaborating with the security operatives to help watch over the environment and report any suspicious movement in the premises.” The NUPENG scribe said product scarcity has not stopped marketers from buying the product for sale.

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

Regulator mulls enforcement framework for governance code T HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering the enforcement framework for the reinvigorated Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies, which was recently upgraded from a moral-suasion based voluntary code to a mandatory code. A reliable source at SEC told The Nation that the approval of the compulsory code of corporate governance by the board of SEC cleared the way for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the code. According to the source, SEC is working out a framework that will allow for smooth but effective transition from the moral-suasion and voluntary regime to compulsory compliance regime. The source said SEC might consider a three-step framework that includes notification of all stakeholders about the new status of the code, enlightenment of the general investing public on the new status and the implementation timeline and enforcement of compliance.

By Taofik Salako

"SEC as a responsible and considerate regulator would engage the stakeholders in the market. The timeline between the notification and deployment of compliance machinery would be used for stakeholders' engagement," the source said. The source added that SEC would also write deficient companies to notify them of areas of deficiency and request for compliance plan. A new provision to the code of corporate governance stipulates that "compliance with the provisions of this code shall be mandatory" while another amendment states that companies will be liable to a fine of N500, 000 at the first instance of notification and subsequently additional fine of N5, 000 for every day that the violation persists. Besides, the stipulated fines, the new provision also give SEC unfettered power to apply "any other sanction" it "may deem fit in the circumstance".

"Any company/entity that violates the provisions of this Code shall be liable to a fine of N500, 000 at the first instance and a further sum of N5, 000 for every day the violation persists and or any other sanction as the Commission may deem fit in the circumstance," the amended code stated. The code, according to the amendments, will now be described as a framework that is expected to facilitate sound corporate practices and behavior and it should be seen as a dynamic document defining minimum standards of corporate governance expected particularly of public companies with listed securities. The application of sanctions and penalties would scale up the code to same level of statutory rules being made by SEC under the mandate of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007. Already, publicly quoted companies are required to include in their annual report and accounts a

compliance report on codes of corporate governance. The Code of Corporate Governance for Public Companies sets the minimum acceptable standards for quoted companies. Launched in 2003, the code of corporate governance was reviewed and re-launched in 2011, with several changes to reflect the globally acceptable practices. Some salient points in the code included board composition, remuneration, independent director, shareholding disclosure, insider knowledge, meeting and whistle blowing. Under board composition, the code stipulates that members of the board of directors should not be less than five and the board should comprise a mix of executive and non-executive directors, headed by a non-executive chairman. The majority of directors should be non-executive directors, at least one of whom should be independent director. The positions of chairman of the board and chief executive officer shall be separate

Cocoa production to rise

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL 40.472

FOREX

-0.2958 -206.9 -242.1 -156 -1.9179 -238 -

and held by different individuals. To safeguard the independence of the board, not more than two members of the same family should sit on the board of a public company at the same time. The code requires that the remuneration of the chief executive officer as well as other executive directors should comprise a component that is long-term performance related and may include stock options and bonuses which should however, be disclosed in the company's annual reports. Executive directors are not allowed to be involved in the determination of their remuneration. Executive directors should not receive the sitting allowances or director's fees paid to non-executive directors. Every public company is expected to have a minimum of one independent director on its board. An independent director is a non-executive director whose shareholding does not exceed 0.1 per cent of the company's paid up capital and is not a representative of a shareholder that has the ability to control or significantly influence management.

•Managing Director/CEO Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr Bismark Rewane, presenting the Most Innovative Bank ProductAward of the Year to the Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr Shina Atilola, at a ceremony organised by BusinessDay at the Civic Centre, Lagos. With them is the bank’s Group Head, Retail Product Mr. Gbenga Adegoke.

CBN sets 18-month timeline for finance houses to recapitalise

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set 18-month timeline for Finance Houses (FCs) to meet the new N100 million capital base for the subsector. CBN Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, Ahmad Abdullahi who spoke in Lagos, said operators that fail to meet the deadline will be barred, or asked to move into new business with lower capital base. He said the deadline for compliance with the provisions of the Revised Guidelines shall be September 30, next year, 18 months from last April. Abdullahi said the subsector also operates on a ratio of non-performing loans to total loans pegged

By Collins Nweze

at maximum of 10 per cent. He said FCs shall consult at least two licensed credit bureaux to obtain credit information on borrowers. The CBN director said the finance firms sub-sector was envisioned to operate at the middle tier of the financial system, largely to cater for the financial needs of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). They are also expected to leverage on the resources from the banking system among other sources of funding. He explained that the CBN had in a bid to sanitise the sub-sector, revoked the licences of 208 finance companies and cancelled the ap-

provals-in-principle of 462 others due to the distress in the sub-sector. By 2012, there were 116 FCs in the records of the CBN; 51 licences were revoked by the CBN in September, same year thus leaving a balance of 65 FCs with valid licences. "The idea is to have finance companies that are strong and virile to perform the functions they were set up to per form. The objective of shareholders in the operation of finance companies is to make profit, but for the CBN, it is to have stable and strong finance companies," he said. Abdullahi said the CBN will continue to sanction

finance companies that do not have the licences but are in operation as such would ensure that the subsector is run efficiently to the benefit of the economy. He advised finance companies to maintain a database of their customers and generate quarterly risk management reports to be submitted to the CBN. "Finance companies shall be permitted to participate in accessing and disbursing funds to SMEs via relevant vehicles/intervention funds set up by the CBN, the Federal/State Governments and other relevant bodies. The CBN shall continue to provide support towards capacity building in the Finance Company sub-sector," he added.

IGERIA’s cocoa midcrop is taking longer to complete and boosting prospects for production from the world’s fourth-largest grower of the beans. The smaller of two annual harvests is still progressing with few signs of damage from disease or bad weather, said Wale Owofemi of Olatunde International Ltd., a cocoa buying company based in Akure. The midcrop usually ends in June with the larger main crop starting in October. Nigeria’s production for 2013-14 will grow to 300,000 metric tons from 295,000 tons a year earlier, according to the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, which groups farmers, traders and processors. Cocoa exports in May jumped 38 percent to 4,461 tons from the previous month as favorable weather bolstered crop performance, according to the Federal Produce Inspective Service. The mid-crop will climb to 66,000 tons from 35,000 tons, the Akure-based Cocoa Development Intiative, a nongovernment organisation that provides advice to farmers. Rain is forecast for this month in cocoa growing areas in Nigeria followed by less moisture and sun next month that will benefit drying beans, Andrew Oniarah of the Meteorological Office in Lagos said in a phone interview. Ivory Coast is the biggest cocoa grower, followed by Ghana and Indonesia, according to the London-based International Cocoa Organisation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

‘Our plans for outdoor advertising in Cross River’ Many old billboards dot the streets of Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The government is determined to turn them into money spinners through tourism branding, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

HE Cross River State Government is eyeing outdoor advertising and signage to boost its economy. It plans to adopt the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA) model to attract stakeholders to partner with it in tourism branding. Officials of the Cross River State Signage and Advertisement Agency (CRSSA) have been to Lagos to rub minds with their LASAA counterparts in the matter. CRSSA Director-General Godwin Iyala said the agency has learnt few things from the Lagos experiment. He spoke in Lagos when he visited LASAA Managing Director Mr George Noah after an outdoor advertising conference organised by the agency. He said: “We have seen a lot of innovations here; we have seen collaborations; we have seen good ideas that we would like to bring into fruition in Cross River State. Above all, we are going to synergise with other stakeholders to ensure that we have a uniform landscape environment for outdoors and create an enabling environment for operators, investors and regulators to have a win-win situation.” He said he was banking on tourism branding to attract investors. Iyala said: “The face of outdoor advertising in Cross River is changing to synchronise with the tourism drive that we have. Don’t forget that Calabar, especially is noted for its cleanliness and we can’t but use outdoor to enhance the beauty of the environment, not just Calabar, but the entire state. “Don’t forget that we also have the biggest street party in Africa called the Carnival, which attracts over 800,000 visitors every year, and we have gradually transforming from a civil service state to an industrial and tourism hub.” W i t h its many v a c a n t b i l l b o a r d s i n Calabar, the state capital, Cross River which is regarded as “The Peoples Paradise”. It is also one of the fastest growing states in the country, with an improved investment climate and a rich historical and cultural heritage. Iyala pledged to change the face of outdoor by rallying the state’s tourism touch points to rub off on the “vacant billboard” markers and drive more brands to put their posters. “Since our arrival, we have put quite a lot of things in place. We are gradually eliminating the obsolete signage and billboards and we are gradually replacing them with LED displays; we are gradually replacing them with modern gantries; we are gradually replacing them with modern drapes and other forms of modern displays advertisement like portraits,” he said. According to him, the opportunity for

• Iyalla and Noah.

•Vacant obsolete billboards in Calabar, Cross River State.

small scale businesses, especially outdoor, is growing and the state is busy confronting the challenges. “The beauty of it all is that we arrive at the time the glut came in, and we are regulating from day one,” he said. Iyala said regulating the outdoor business is not all about generating revenue. “We regulate to add beauty to the environment, and then we regulate to generate revenue as well. Those are things you can’t do without generating revenue.

Sometimes you generate revenue and use it to create environment to enable the outdoor to thrive,” he said. On CRSSA’s participation at the LASAA conference, Iyalla said: “We have heard from the regulators and operators on what needs to be done and what have been done rightly or wrongly, and how we need to improve on it. We have seen quite a lot of innovation here, and when we go back to our state, we are going to implement them to move the outdoor regulations and

‘The face of outdoor advertising in Cross River is changing to synchronise with the tourism drive that we have. Don’t forget that Calabar, especially, is noted for its cleanliness and we can’t but use outdoor to enhance the beauty of the environment, not just Calabar, but the entire state’

practice forward.” Noah said though the industry has potential, the challenge of empirical data has continued to make advertisers think low about the business unlike other platforms of advertisement, such as television. He, however, admitted that despite challenges, the sector has witnessed huge transformation in the last decade following regulatory intervention. Noah said the sector accounts for over N50 billion turnovers while the state with a population of 22 million accounts for 60 per cent of Nigeria’s total advertising market. This, he said, was insignificant when what accrues to other sectors is considered since the cost of doing business is almost shrinking. Noah said outdoor media buying agencies generate about N8.6 billion, fabricators, rake in N1.5 billion; installers, N382 billion; and large format printers, N8.27 billion. Also, outdoor specialist agencies generate N21.9 billion, outdoor protection services, N370 million; adverts, N1.25 billion and others, N8 billion.

World Cup: Marketers subtitle Spanish adverts in English

O appeal to bilingual consumers, marketers are airing Spanish adverts with English-subtitles in the ongoing World Cup. Marketers have been tiptoeing into this space with Spanish phrases or slogans included in adverts, said David Wellisch, founder and managing partner of Latinum Network. But running an advert entirely in Spanish on an English network is novel. Mr. Wellisch said: “It’s very innovative. Companies are exploring and experimenting across the

By Adedeji Ademigbuji with Agency report

board. It’s all driven by the growing influence of this consumer segment.” J.C. Penney scooped up advert time for its Spanish-language spot, “Pulse,” on NBC, ABC and Fox, after the advert performed well on Univision. A promotional offer added to the spot will have an English voiceover. The spot is part of a push meant to position J.C. Penney as the department-store destination for Hispanics.

“Hearing the Spanish language with subtitles will be a compelling disruption that should cause the commercial to disrupt better than if it was translated. It’s also a great way to cast a wider net and capture the more acculturated, bilingual millennials that may be tuning into other networks outside of Univision during the World Cup.” Dish Network is embracing the approach with its campaign, El Juego Bonito, or “The Beautiful Game.” An ad featuring a scantily clad dancer promotes the ability to

watch multiple views of a soccer game with Dish’s Hopper set-top box — with multiple views of said dancer. The ad aired on late night shows, including “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Colbert Report.” Hyundai has also been airing a subtitled ad as part of its “Because Futbol” campaign that features a baby boom nine months after the World Cup. As recently as the Super Bowl, Coca-Cola was the subject of a consumer backlash for airing an ad that featured a variety of lan-

guages. As such, Mr. Wellisch said there’s certainly a possibility marketers airing Spanish-language ads on English networks could upset some consumers. But generally, he added, World Cup audiences are more “progressive, urban, and more culturally open and engaged.” “You have to place some bets and take some risks,” Mr. Wellisch said. “If you’re a Latina mom, watching in the office on an English network, and [J.C. Penney] is speaking to you, you will remember.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

Brandnews

Oil firm to partner host communities

ESPITE many firms poor showing in image branding, Seplat Petroleum Development Company achieved results in the first phase of its brand placement and capacity developement. Following its listing on the London and Lagos stock exchanges, the company has said it is ready to project its brand and establish itself as a global player through corporate social investments in its host communities. Its Chairman, Ambrosie Orjiako, at a briefing, said: “Seplat is a Nigerian brand and we are proud of our Nigerian heritage. We are a global brand and we are listed on the London stock Exchange. In terms of branding, we have distinguished ourself from others in terms of corporate governance, constitution of our board; we have best management team you can ever have in the world; it’s a worldclass team which gave us an edge

Stories by Adedeji Ademigbuji

against competition.” On the challenges facing the sector in image branding, Orjiako said the company is engaging its communities to enhance success as a socially responsible oil firm. He said: “The oil sector has never had it good when it comes to image branding. As a result, the way we engage our community is very strong. Our host community engagement has been at the foundation of our success from inception. We remain committed to full implementation of our ‘SEPLAT model’ of proactive community engagement in the Niger Delta and wherever we operate. An example of this is our Global Memorandum of Understanding with the host communities. We have created the platform for economic prosperity in the communities, a ‘win-win’ strategy. In addition, we are driving various other CSR pro-

grammes in our areas of operation to encourage capacity building and economic empowerment, especially among women and the youth. “To help empower and build strong relationships with the local communities, we have also employed various community contractors to provide oil and gas services. In all, we have strived to create a platform for economic prosperity in the communities.” Recently, the World Economic Forum named Seplat, a Global Growth Company. With this recognition, the firm joins a vibrant community of the world’s most dynamic, influential and highgrowth companies. Companies are judged on their compliance with set criteria: growth, global corporate citizenship, executive leadership and impact on the competitive landscape of their region or industry.

However, Orjiako declared Seplat will strive to maintain its leadership position in the market and remain focus in the face of competition. “The future of our company is very bright. We shall strive to maintain our leadership position in the indigenous E & P industry in Nigeria and our focus in follow-

ing our growth strategy to seek to ensure delivery of our commitment not only to capital growth but also to remain profitable and dividend paying. We shall seek to deliver tangible rewards to all stakeholders,” he noted. The company has already paid a dividend of N16.50 per share for the 2013 financial year.

Unilever rebrands Sure deodorant

NILEVER Nigeria has launched Rexona, a global Deodorant brand into themarket. The event held at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. With the launch of Rexona, Sure deodorant is changing its name in Nigeria to Rexona. The brand said the reason for launching Rexona and not Sure is that Sure is only sold in the United Kingdom and Unilever wanted to open the market for it. Rexona is the number one deodorant brand in the world because it has a better portfolio of variants that can better serve consumers. Unilever believes Rexona will be successful in Nigeria because

of the great mix they are launching, which involves three male and three female variants. The key format in the launch is the 25ml mini roll-on, which is a first in Nigeria. According to James Inglesby, Category Manager, Skin Care & Deodorants for Unilever Nig Plc, “The 50ml roll-on is priced at 250NGN and the 25ml roll-on at a great price of just 150NGN making antiperspirant deodorant affordable to more of the population”. Unilever will also be launching Rexona 200ml Aerosols, Axe body spray, Dove roll on and Dove body spray before the end of the year. He added: “Using Rexona makes you feel clean, dry and fresh every day.”

Mantrac cuts fork lift truck price

• From left: Regional Sales Manager Ade Adenuga; Marketing Manger, GOtv Dare Kafar; Promo winner, Samson Ayoola; GM, GOtv, Elizabeth Amkpa and MultiChoice Super Dealer Abdul Wahid Yusuf during presentation of prizes in Jos.

‘Ultimate Search is boosting Gulder’

HE Guilder Ultimate Search (GUS), which is on its 10th season, has enhanced the beer’s growth, the Marketing Manager, Gulder, Legend and Life Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc Emmanuel Agu has said. He said: “The Gulder brand is experiencing exponential growth year on year. Gulder Ultimate Search is still a platform for the Gulder Brand. The impact ofGUS continues to rise and the popularity continues to grow brand equity.” Despite the show’s success, the brand handlers said the reality TV programme remains a major platform for the brand to grow. Agu said: “Whenever you talk to any beer drinking person in Nigeria and ask if the person knows Gulder, even if the individual cannot remember any other thing about the brand, he will recall the Gulder Ultimate Search. Gulder Ultimate Search has helped grow Gulder’s brand awareness. I can tell you that if the return on investment were not positive, we would not be able to sustain the programme. Nigerian Breweries Plc commits a lot of resources to the production of Gulder Ultimate Search and this is only possible because the brand

is very profitable.” He said strong consumer yearning for the reality TV programme remains one of the critical success factors of Gulder Ultimate Search. He added: “We are hosting Gulder Ultimate Search this year because it is still relevant to the lives of our consumers. And that is why we will keep on producing the programme until we get the feedback from the consumers that Gulder Ultimate Search is no longer relevant to them.” Also, the Corporate Media and Brand PR Manager of Nigerian Breweries Plc. Edem Vindah, who represented the firm’s Corporate Affairs Adviser, Kufre Ekanem, said the deep Aguleri forest of Anambra State will play host to the 11th Season of Gulder Ultimate Search. Vindah said: “For 28 days starting October 3 to October 30, 2014, we will be entertained by an original Nigerian adventure programme produced to international standards. The daily highlights will be aired on national terrestrial and satellite TV stations.” While the Ultimate Winner will go home with N10 million and a brand new Sport Utility Vehicle

(SUV), the second, third and fourth placed winners will earn N3 million, N2.5 million and N1.5 million. When evicted, the remaining contestants will win various sums, ranging from N1.45 million to N1 million. On why the brand chose Aguleri forest instead of other locations in Anambra, Agu explained: “When we set out to explore possible locations for GUS in Anambra State, we had three places in mind: Ogbunike Cave, Owerre Ezukala waterfalls and Aguleri forest. There were several factors we took into consideration like looking for a terrain with a suitable ambience for the kind of GUS tasks; places that have natural habitats and also with the least human interference and so on. The Aguleri jungle satisfied these criteria.” However, the Senior Brand Manager, Gulder, Onyeka Okoli, said the 11th Season of GUS would be exciting. He said: “This year’s GUS would be innovative and suspense-filled. There are a lot of things that we are not revealing. We are keeping these secrets because we want you to really pay attention to this year’s edition. These secrets will be unravelled as the show progresses.”

ANTRAC Nigeria Ltd, the sole authorised dealer for Caterpillar products in Nigeria, has reduced the cost of Cat lift Trucks for heavy-duty applications, including stevedoring. According to the Strategic Planning and Marketing Manager, Mantrac Nigeria, James Agama, customers are assured of buying a product that is rugged and durable besides getting value on investment during this campaign. Agama said: ‘‘Caterpillar authorised dealer provides end users with exceptional endurance, power to handle heavy loads effortlessly and great return on investment.’’ He added that by purchasing fork lift trucks from Caterpillar authorised dealers, users will be buying a product that it is backed up by three-full level

of after-sales support are available locally (100 per cent after sales service). These include technical support for maintenance, 100 per cent service spare parts availability, Cat trained engineers to carry out both preventive and repairs maintenance. The campaign will benefit transporters, inland containers depots, industrial areas factories, and food processing factories, bottling companies, breweries, warehouses, the maritime industry, free trade zone construction, freight, metal and brickyards. It also demonstrates Mantrac’s unparalleled support for endusers of construction equipment. Mantrac has its head office in Lagos and branches in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and Warri.

GE unveils scanner

E has developed a technology that will simplify, automate and speed up the ultrasound transducer manufacturing. Additive manufacturing technology can eliminate traditional time-consuming and costly processes, such as lamination and cutting to enable more affordable and more accessible ultrasound systems for doctors and their patients. The firm made this known in Lagos at a forum organised by GE as part of activities for the three-week promotion of GE Nigeria manufacturing Garages. The General Manager of GE healthcare Mr. Alex CanforDumas said GE is committed to the use of advanced technology and innovation in patient care and management. He said the silent MR Scanner is one of the latest technologies by GE to address the horror of the load noise experienced by patients undergoing MRR scans. Canfor-Dumas said no longer

have to go through the ordeal of repeating MR examinations due to lack of cooperation from patients as the new technology has helped to humanise MR examinations. GE is the first to accomplish this great task in healthcare globally. Garages Nigeria will run till today at GE’s regional headquarters in Lagos. It will feature speakers sessions and workshops amid a fully equipped fab lab. At the event, participants will work with experts and use advanced hardware and software to bring their ideas to life, using equipment such as CNC mills, laser cutters, 3D printers, and electrical engineering kits to create new parts and prototypes. In partnership with the Dangote Foundation and other local partners, Garages Nigeria will expand into a programme dedicated to training skilled entrepreneurs, employable workers and creating employment opportunities among service suppliers within the growing Power Generation sector.

FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

Sms : 07035302326 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

Though on the upswing, with prospects for bountiful returns on investment, the retail services segment of the market, which parades mostly upscale shopping malls, is not an all-comer affair. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes that the landscape is littered with challenges only serious and discerning investors can surmount.

•Omisson Emporium shopping mall, Lekki-Lagos

HE fundamentals favour the growth of retail services in Nigeria. With a large population to support more shopping malls, a growing middle class with increasing purchasing power to contribute to retail growth, Nigeria’s retail services market is on the path of sustainable growth. It has been so in the last nine years when the boom in retail business set in with the emergence of Palms Shopping Mall in Lekki, one of the highbrow areas of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. Since then, a number of upscale shopping malls such as City Mall in Ikeja, Leisure Mall and Adeniran Ogunsanya Mall (both in Surulere), Omisson Emporium at Lekki, Bayero Mall in Kano, Kwara Kall in Ilorin, Jabi Lake Mall and Ceddi Plaza in Abuja, among others, have sprang up. There is also a South African retailer, Mr Price. On the surface, it would appear that the scramble by these retail chains, mostly foreignowed, for the soul of Nigeria’s booming retail business, is indicative of a sector that does not challenge the financial power and determination of investors. Far from that. The challenges in retail business in Nigeria are many and daunting, only the lion-hearted investor can navigate the landscape to remain in business. For the operators, the biggest challenge is getting access to the right land in the right location. Most of the existing shopping malls in Nigeria are located in choice areas of commercial cities where it costs a leg and an arm, literarily, to purchase a piece of land. For the operators, such choice locations are necessary since a substantial size of Nigeria’s growing middle class with the disposal income reside there. Apart from the high cost of acquiring virgin land, retail owners are also saddled with the huge cost of building modern shopping structures comparable to those in most city centres across the world. This often leads to rentals that many retailers cannot afford if they had to be tenants in those malls. With interest rate as high as 30 per cent, investors say capital is one of the major challenges facing the Nigerian retail market. The project cost of building shopping structures here is expensive and it is often with limited local expertise. Experts say that the cost of completing a project in Nigeria is almost three times that of South Africa. As former Broll Chief Executive Officer, Erejuwa Gbadebo, pointed out, retail in Nigeria is not for boys. “Mall rentals are high because of infrastructure and development costs, which in turn, demands high turnovers. Infrastructure is poor, red-tape is plenty and officials often interfere. The supply chain also takes far greater focus, with a host of potential obstacles to be navigated,” he told The Nation

Hurdles before retail business

Shopping. “It is true that doing business in Nigeria is a challenge,” says South African Sander Norman, who manages Ikeja City Mall. He however, noted that “Investors who offer middle class Nigerians the right price, product, service, quality and choice, have the sky as their limit. According to him, “operators are advised that foreign investors should be prepared to change their models for the Nigerian consumer. If they do so, they stand to gain a firm foothold in a marketplace and a country where consumers are brand loyal and value good service, which is still in short supply.” While stating that the Nigerian market is vastly different from South Africa’s and its neighbouring countries, Broll (a body which oversees all the malls in Nigeria) believes that research is essential to understand the unique set of consumer needs and norms in Nigeria before venturing into its exceptional territory. For instance, retailers need excellent warehousing to overcome shipping issues in Nigeria where goods don’t move as fast as they do in South Africa. Also, the choice of clearing agents is important and there is often a price attached to clearing goods. Gbadebo pointed out that though, Nigerians are interested in malls and shops because of convenience, there are things to be put in place. “A place where you can go in and get everything is more inviting than going to a market where everything is open, crowded and crazy. People always want to shop in a modern environment,’’ she said. She observed, for instance, that “in 2005, when The Palms opened, there were trade bans in place. But in 2011, when some of those trade bans were lifted, international tenants came on board and a different retail phenomenon in form of response from citizens now attracts more retail investors and trade has been booming. Today, investors keep focusing on how to improve the Nigerian shopping environment with tenants who have promised to expand their scope of business. For instance, South

African retailer, Mr Price keeps opening more stores and has created a website to enable it render better services. The store will be growing the Mr Price brand in Nigeria for many years to come not minding the challenges. But what is the driving forced for the proliferation of shopping malls in Nigeria despite daunting challenges? Experts say that the growing economy has led to a demand for quality housing and other related real estate infrastructure, including adequate shopping centers, which formed the basis for retail businesses to thrive. Retailers are critical economic agents who help to create demand because of their affinity with both the consumers and producers. Also, retail sales are an important economic indicator because consumer spending drives much of the economy. Besides, the 2003 ban on an array of imported goods that included clothes, shoes, and selected foodstuff by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which was intended to stimulate local production, saw some Nigerians flying to Dubai and other regional commercial centers to do their shopping. However, all that changed in favour of Nigerian-based retail shops that have gained in diversity and in sophistication, and have also benefited from increasing public affluence in the industry. Shoprite, widely renowned as Africa’s leading retailer, has also made significant inroads into the country thereby, causing a massive growth. Perhaps, more importantly, findings show that potential buying power of Nigerians has increased and is recognised by the outside world. Also, the country has become a market place whose economy is growing exponentially and will remain an enticing prospect for potential investors for years to come. That is why more foreign investors see the possibility of several projects in the country and despite the constraint they face they still want to do business here. “The market and spend needed for retail success is here and growing. Retailers wanting to enter this market need to customize their mod-

els to meet the unique consumer needs and aspirations as malls are gaining the support of more Nigerian shoppers,” Feyi Shoyinka of Leisure Mall said. Shoyinka is right. Nigerians enjoy a firstworld shopping environment that is pleasant, safe, cool, unrushed and offers a complete retail experience from shopping to relaxing at the food court. This perhaps, explains why Broll suggests that retailers planning to enter the Nigerian market should start with using a cash-based model initially, rather than counting on sales from accounts or cards. And that they shouldn’t be hindered by challenges here. Already, part of the challenges has been taken care of by the mobile phone boom in Nigeria. Also, with an increasingly tech-savvy population, digital and social media marketing have become effective tools for investors in this segment of the market. “For retailers who are prepared to develop a country-specific model and invest in research to support a supply chain, which are; the right stock, the best price and service, they should be assured that there’s a bright future in Nigeria,” Broll said. For Erejuwa, the regime of shopping malls development in Nigeria is a pointer and an icing on the cake to what the future holds for shopping and sight-seeing experience in the country regardless of the challenges. This, she said, was evident in all of the massive stateof-the-art shopping structures strategically positioned in the country, from Lagos to Ibadan, Kwara to Abuja, Kano to Enugu, Delta to Edo and so on. At the moment, Nigeria’s retail opportunities keep growing on the back of mass urbanization, emerging middle-class, rising retail awareness, and an increasing consumer culture. While the growth in the retail business could be attributed to rapid economic development and to an extent, favourable economic policies, experts advise that for the country to maintain or even surpass the rate of growth, solutions to the challenges facing the industry must be provided.

competition three times, trounced the host nation Brazil 7-1 in a semifinal in Belo Horizonte to secure a chance at lifting its first World Cup trophy since 1990. The rout ended a run of 63 competitive matches at home without a defeat for Brazil, going back to 1975. The victory “almost earns the designation historic,” Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters in Berlin today. The five-hour time difference between Rio de Janeiro and Munich means that all the games are broadcast in the evening in Germany, which has helped increase sales, Tobias said. “People go out because they want to have fun and have a party, even those who aren’t football fans,” he said. “That’s easier when the

game’s in the evening.” Paulaner, through investor Brau Holding International, is part-owned by the Schoerghuber Corporate Group and Heineken NV. It also owns the Hacker-Pschorr, Thurn & Taxis and Auerbraeu brands. Brau Holding’s 2,300 employees generated about 588 million euros ($800 million) of revenue last year. Brau Holding sold 5.5 million hectoliters of beer last year, 1.2 per cent more than in 2012, according to its website. Paulaner, its biggest brand, increased revenue by 1.5 per cent to a record high, it said. German chemical companies may also see a World Cup boon, said Karl-Ludwig Kley, the president of the VCI German chemical indus-

try group and CEO of Merck KGaA, when asked at a press conference in Frankfurt today if the world cup has any measurable effect on chemical production. While the effect on chemical production isn’t measurable, “there is an emotional effect, which prompts people to buy more so there is benefit to retail sales,” Kley said at the briefing. The CEO pointed out that chemical ingredients are used to make clothing, soccer shoes and the official match ball, the Brazuca, produced by Adidas AG. The polyurethane used to make the Brazuca balls is supplied by Bayer AG, which also owns Bayer 04 Leverkusen Football Club.

World cup lifts sales in Germany

N Germany, the World Cup is a success as fans cheering the national team drive beer sales to a record. Revenue in June trumped sales generated in the same month in 2006, when Germany hosted the World Cup, Chief Executive Officer Roland Tobias said in a Bloomberg Television interview. Paulaner sold nine per cent more beer in June compared with eight years ago, the company said, declining to provide exact volumes. “So far, the summer is really, really good for our business and we expect to continue,” Tobias told Bloomberg Television’s Guy Johnson. “If Germany wins, there will be an unbelievable party.” Germany, which has won soccer’s biggest

Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

CALAB AR CALABAR

BAYELSA

•PAGE 35

•Mrs King

•PAGE 32

PAGE 29

WARRI

Once upon a time, Calabar, the Cross River State capital, slept before 8pm. That changed some years back. Now, the tempo of nightlife in the capital city has attained another dimension and it seems nothing is going to stop it.

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment Kemela Okara believes that investors have plenty to reap if they put their cash in the state. Gas, power generation, agriculture and tourism are areas, he says, waiting to be tapped. •Okara

FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

Almost everybody agreed that Warri, the commercial nerve centre of Delta State, was dirty. But not everybody agrees on how the state government should clean it up. For the government, demolition is the way out and this is leaving behind pains and rubble. •Omare

•PAGE 31

Mother relives daughter’s rape in Warri’s popular college •How teacher bagged 14-year jail term for minor’s violation •College’s management vows to appeal judgment

PAGES 30 & 35

•The college where the court agreed a Fine Arts teacher raped a minor

‘

The entire circumstance of this case has been carefully considered in arriving at this decision so as to ensure that the innocent are not punished and the guilty set free. The accused is found guilty as charged. The accused is hereby sentence to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour.

We have instructed our lawyers to appeal. You can have interview with her (mother of the victim). Whatever porous allegations she made notwithstanding, I'm telling you that we were dumbfounded by the judgment and we have given instructions to our lawyers to appeal

––Justice Onajite-Kuejubola

––Delta Career College

‘

We were living in Warri (when she was raped). I moved and changed her school... Right now we have found ourselves in another town...I told my daughter, 'if it is the will of God that I sacrifice my life for you, I will do it'

‘

––Victim’s mother

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

Rape...A Fine Arts teacher’s road to Warri Prisons ‘

Six years after he committed the crime, a teacher at the Delta Career College, Warri is sentenced by an Effurun High Court to 14 years’ jail term for a minor’s rape, reports SHOLA O'NEIL

N Tuesday September 23, 2008, Grace Ese (not her complete names), a single mother, kissed her daughter goodbye as she left home for Delta Career College, Warri, Delta State, one of the pioneer private schools in the Southsouth. The school has a reputation built over three decades as a trailblazer in its field. The founder and principal of the school, a seasoned educationist, Mr Emmanuel Ukeredi, takes pride in the school, whose motto is "Purposeful Education is only the best". It was because of that status that Ms Ese sent her daughter to the school. The child is a bright and promising girl. Her steady progress in her education made her mother hopeful that by the time she clocks 15, she would graduate and probably go on to become one of Nigeria's youngest doctorate degree holder. It was a dream mother and daughter shared. Having being forced to abandon her own pursuit of higher education when she got pregnant with the child, Ms Ese was hoping to achieve, through her daughter, her quest for higher education and a better future. She confided in our reporter that she conceived the child after her man she thought was her 'Christian brother' took advantage of her and then abandoned her when she got pregnant. She said: "I was doing my higher education when I got pregnant and I had to stop school because of her. I couldn't take care of myself, the pregnancy and then the child. I had to stop because the father did not support me. When I went to my family, they did not support me because they felt the child's father should help me. I sold akara (bean cake) to cater for her and I begged on the streets to sustain my child." Ten years after her own ordeal - on September 23, 2008 - Ms Ese was forced to relive the horror all over again when a 35-year-old school teacher at the famous college, Mr Godwin Onoyiwai was accused of raping the child she loves and sacrifices so much for. Onoyiwai is a Fine Arts teacher of the school; he was employed to teach young children like the nine-year-old victim to appreciate and recreate the beauty of nature and everything around them. Instead he reportedly etched lines of pain, trauma and stigma that might have scarred the child and her mother for the rest of their lives. Reconstructing the event that took place in the school's premises six years ago, Ms Ese said the teacher lured her daughter into his office in a secluded part of the expansive school premises located on Airport Road in the Oil City and repeatedly violated her child until got released from his satanic urge. "He locked the door, asked her to open her legs. He said he wanted to show her something (in between her legs). She (the child) said, 'no, tell me; when I get home I will look at it.' He said 'No'. "Then he forced her, pulled her dress, her boxers - because being a girl I ensure she wears boxers in case she opens her legs - her pant. He put her on the floor and when she was screaming he held her mouth. She was telling him, 'My mummy said nobody should play this kind of play with me o. If my

mummy finds out she will beat me oo'. "He said, 'No, your mummy will not find out'. He forced himself on her, continuously until he released. "After he raped her, she was bleeding and there was blood on the floor. When he saw that she was bleeding, he asked her to put on her pant, clothes and gave her bucket to go and get water. He gave her mop (stick) and asked her to mop the floor and put the blood into the bucket. That she did. Her pant was already stained; she was wearing it like that. She went to another student, a boarding student, who gave her peg and soap to wash her pant and hang it to dry in the school," her eyes filled with tears as she replayed the scene from her daughter's account. The report of the indecent act shocked the city, not even the medical staff who examined the child could hold back the jolt. One of the two doctors, who examined the child at the Warri General Hospital, described the rapist as "a very wicked and heartless person." However, Mr Ukeredi and other members of staff of Delta Career College took the allegation with a pinch of salt and even strongly debunked it. Shortly after The Nation broke the news on September 29, 2008, the management of the school accused the mother of blackmail and attempt to extort money from the school. It was gathered that the authority of the college stormed the "A" Division Police Station, where the suspect was being held, claiming the he was a victim of the child's mothers ploy to extort money from the school. The school's proprietor stood by his employee, insisting that he is innocent. Police detective handling the investigation were also tainted by the brush of scandal. First, sources close to the suspect claimed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and some policemen at the station demanded for gratification to "kill" the case. Similarly, the child's mother told our reporter that a Commissioner of Police in the state was forced to transfer one of the investigating officers after he demanded N5,000 from her to facilitate the movement of the file to the state headquarters in Asaba. Independent investigations by Niger Delta Report revealed that prior to the unfortunate incident, the relationship between Ms Ese and the management of the private school had deteriorated. It was gathered that the latter was unhappy about what they perceived as the woman's meddlesomeness. "The woman was always complaining about one thing or the other, especially with the running of the school. At a point, some of us were already saying that she should take her daughter away if she was not satisfied with the way the school was being run and that was when this matter started," a staff of the college told this reporter on condition of anonymity. When Niger Delta Report asked Ms Ese about this dimension to the incident, she confirmed that she had been forced to demand better performance from some teachers and other staff of the school when she noticed perceived failing. "That is no reason why they should pay me back by raping my daughter," she said.

The defence put up by the accused is merely a shame defence; which is incapable of belief by any stretch of imagination in the face of cogent, credible evidence...The offence of rape, where the commission of the crime is proved beyond reasonable doubt, is no doubt a wicked, callous and dastardly act

‘

•Delta Career College

'My battle to get justice for my daughter'

Ms Grace Ese caused a stir in Warri when she accused the management of Delta Career College of attempting to cover up the alleged rape of her nine-year-old daughter . Six years after, the teacher has been found guilty and sentenced to 14 years in prison by an Effurun High Court. SHOLA O'NEIL met her.

IX years ago, a rape report that shook this city, but finally you have gotten justice or something close to it; how do you feel? These past years it is been hectic with the file vanishing twice. At the police station it vanished, I had to go to the Commissioner of When they invited us after five years that the case had been recalled, DPP said they still hadn't got the original file. It took some time with prayer and all before they found the file. I would say it is God that fought the battle. Did you find out why the files kept on missing? I feel that someone must have bribed them to take the files away. The OC Legal at 'A' Division, told me to my face that if I didn't give him N5,000 the file would not get to Asaba. I had no money because I was running from hospital to hospital taking care of my daughter. Where will I get the N5,000? Everybody withdrew from us because of the stigma associated with the case. I told them that I would get justice so that if anybody wants to attempt it (rape) it will be on record that someone who did it is in jail. I did it to protect her and to protect other children from men like that. Six years after, to the glory of God, the criminal has been convicted. The penalty is not as much as I would have liked. I am happy because nobody would have thought it would go to this extent. Everybody gave up on me; everybody was against me, some said the battle was too much and that I should just forget it. Where did you find the will to keep going? There are a few reasons: One, the girl is my only child, I pray to have others and for now I have not and I am not getting younger and I have to look after my child and get the best for her. I put in my best in whatever I have to do; I have done that for my daughter but now when I look at her each day, I do not get what I expected. Before the incident, she was the best child. Wherever we were, people look at her and say 'what a child!'. Every reasonable parent wanted to be her friend. They wanted the child to be their children's friend. After the incident, everything changed. I used to protect my child from evil children, but now I feel I need to protect people's children from

my child. She changed; her character and attitude changed. She has become withdrawn and all the things she used to like she no longer likes them. She became rebellious. Here was a child who read all the books of Psalms and came up with reasons why a child should be disciplined and obedient to parents. Sometimes she is so angry and broody; when you ask her to do anything, she would rather do the opposite of what you asked. The difference in my daughter after the incident is too much. That incident has scarred her, I hope not forever. One day I sat down and cried that these people have killed my child and killed me. For over two weeks, I walked on the streets crying nonstop when it happened. How did she tell you the rape happen? I couldn't bear to hear the story from her, because of my condition. It was at the court when they were reading her statement that I found out the whole story. Why are you so certain that it was the teacher and not one of the students? No student would have the heart to do that inside that school without being found out. When I went to look for her, the first thing the gateman told me was that she had not come to the school today. He said she entered but had not come to the gate. So, the students are ruled out completely. If you know where that office is you would believe what I am telling you. The office is at the extreme end. What was the reaction of the school's management? After everything we went to hear from the school authority and we met the PRO. He invited us to his office; he made a statement that annoyed me. He said if I hadn't gone to the police they would have given me money. I said, 'To hell with your millions. I am not after your blood money'. If the school had wanted to defend its integrity the best way to do that would have been to push the offender out and fight the crime and show that the school does not condone such. At the time of the incident a statement credited to the school accused you

of attempted blackmail and probably extortion… They also said it in the court. Whom did I ask for money? From the date the incident happened till date the proprietor, who is the principal of the school, has not spoken to me. Did I ask the teacher for money or was it the PRO that I asked for money? The teacher said the DPO asked for money and because they refused to give him that is why he took it up. So, who did I ask for money or was it the police I asked to tell them to give me money? Are you worried about the stigma? I am and that is why I have moved from many places. We were living in Warri, I moved and changed her school. It is like after sometime people would find out and I would be forced to change her school again. Right now we have found ourselves in another town. I have made all these sacrifices and I would continue to do it. I told •Ms Ese my daughter, 'if it is the will of God that I sacrifice my life for you, I will do it.' The school believed that the man is innocent and you insist that he did it; do you have doubt that an innocent man could be suffering? I am very sure that he did and the court says he did it. They had all the opportunity to prove his innocence; they had people, students and the woman that they could call to confirm or deny my daughter's story; they refused to do it.

As the case dragged on, the relationship between the parent and school degenerated further. Ms Ese accused the school of throwing everything at her in a desperate bid to force her to give up on her quest for justice. She disclosed that the case file got missing twice at the Police Headquarters in Asaba and the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP’s) office. "There was a time I was so afraid that the power of the school would supersede me - their power, money and influence. The man told me to my face that he has kept N20m to fight me. Can I produce one per cent of that N20m?" In court, the teacher denied the charge against him. He said he went outside the gate to eat with his colleague, Edafe. He claimed they had

mid last month ruled that the evidence before the court was overwhelming and proved the Fine Arts teacher was guilty of raping the nine-year old child. The teacher was senenced to 14 years in jail. Justice Onajite-Kuejubola said: "The defence put up by the accused is merely a shame defence; which is incapable of belief by any stretch of imagination in the face of cogent, credible evidence led by the PW1, the victim, supported by that of IPO, PW4, PW3, the medical doctor and PW2, the mother of the victim. "...The offence of rape, where the commission of the crime is proved beyond reasonable doubt, is no doubt a wicked, callous and dastardly act. Particularly in this case where a teacher like the accused person who is expected to be a guide, over a child like the victim

sentence. She expressed the hope that it would serve as deterrent to randy school teachers who plan to take advantage of young pupil and student in their care. 'We are shocked; we will appeal' The school's principal, did not want to speak about the ruling when our reporter called him. He said an official statement would be issued by the school. At the time of this report, the official statement he promised was yet to be released. He, however, gave a hint of the feeling of the management of the institution about the development. When he was informed that Ms Ese had made certain serious allegations that the school made attempts to sweep the matter under the carpet, Ukeredi said the allegations were unfounded, adding that the school's statement would

invigilated the GCE exams and he was heading towards the boys' hostel when he saw the girl in front of the boys' hostel. She was in the midst of other students playing, he said. He claimed they later saw her wandering around the boys' hotel. He said they called her to ask what she was looking for around the boys' hostel and she told them that she lost her bag. He said he was forced to confess committing the crime, adding that he told the DPO that he didn't commit the crime. He said he spent 16 days at the police station and was kept in the cell. He accused the child's mother of threatening to close the school if she was not paid N16 million. The judge did not believe him. The highly respected Justice P. O. OnajiteKuejubola of the Effurun High Court

herein, takes advantage of her. I want to condemn the act of the accused person very strongly and urge teachers whom parents look up to take care of their wards, who are sent to learn and by so doing repose some amount of confidence in such teachers, not to betray that trust and hope. "The entire circumstance of this case has been carefully considered in arriving at this decision so as to ensure that the innocent are not punished and the guilty set free. The accused is found guilty as charged. "The accused is hereby sentenced to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour." Ms Ese, who said she was not totally satisfied with the sentence, praised the DPP and Justice OnajiteKuejubola. She was expecting a life

say its side of the story. An interesting part of the story, however, is the fact that the school still maintains its stance on Onoyiwai's innocence. According to the principal, the judgment shocked the school and the management had instructed its counsel to file an appeal. "We have instructed our lawyers to appeal. You can have interview with her (mother of the victim). Whatever porous allegations she made notwithstanding, I'm telling you that we were dumbfounded by the judgment and we have given instructions to our lawyers to appeal. If you see our press release, you will see the school's own part of the story," Ukeredi said. The last certainly has not been heard of this matter.

NIGER DELTA REPORT INTERVIEW ‘ Why Bayelsa is holding Investment Forum’

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment Kemela Okara speaks on the state’s investment drive. WALE AJETUNMOBI met him The Bayelsa State Investment andEconomic Forum comes up later this month; what exactly are you looking at? The Bayelsa State Investment and Economic Forum has been put together to create a platform for investors within Bayelsa State, within the country and investors from outside the country to come to Bayelsa State and explore the various opportunities for business that the state presents. What is the target audience for the event? We are targeting five main areas and a major one is power, because as you know, power generation is perhaps one of the most vital components today in ensuring that the economy, not only in Bayelsa State, but also across Nigeria is really able to perform as desired. As you may know, Bayelsa State is not just only an oil rich state, but it is also rich in gas. In fact, we have more gas deposits than oil. As you know, gas is a major feedstock to generate power, so it is one major hope that we have from this conference and we have actually commenced discussions with a number of companies and some with whom we have signed MoUs, who would want to come and site power generation plants in Bayelsa State. We know that we have a mid term objective of being able to generate 3000 megawatts of power, so we are looking for investors, who would want to come and take advantage of the investment opportunities in power genertion and gas deposits here, to feed into the national grid to supply the entire country. Another major area is agriculture. Bayelsa has major potentials in rice farming, aquaculture and these areas also have a direct impact on the livelihood of everybody, from the small farmer to the big farmer. In the rice sector, for instance, we have investors we believe will come, if we set up rice mills here, working in partnership with the local farmers, we can increase the opportunities for business for local farmers and opportunities for employment, so that’s the second segment. The third area we are focusing on at the investment summit is in the area of hospitality and tourism. The fourth area is, of course, what we are already known for, which is oil and gas. We know that we can expand the value chain in the oil and gas sector, increase local content in oil and gas. So, this is also an area where we are seeking to attract investors through this economic and investment forum. The final one seeks to look a bit ahead. We know that e-commerce is the future and you may be aware that in Nigeria today, we have companies like Konga doing for the Nigerian market what companies like eBay and amazon do in foriegn markets. So, we want to also provide a platform where businessmen in Bayelsa State can take advantage of ecommerce to extend their goods and services beyond Bayelsa State to the entire country. Can you give us an idea of some of the big investors that are expected to be in Bayelsa for this forum? •Okara We have companies like GE; we have gotten responses from the UK trade and i n d u s t r y department, which represents the UK business interest. We have gotten from Italy, Belgium and Poland. These are some countries that have already indicated that their trade missions will ensure that the chambers of commerce in their respective countries send representatives. Also, I had meetings with the NigeriaCanada forum, which represents business interest in Canada, they have also indicated that they will be coming. There is also a U.S.-based interest in the power sector, that has indicated that, they would want to partner with us, they are taking a very strong role in this. So, we have a wide array of different interests from different countries, different trade missions and different chambers of commerce, who want to attend this event, so we are looking forward to a very good event. Sir, you said earlier that you had an interactive session with some of the interest groups back home. From your discussion with them do you think they are ready to welcome this investors, because one problem we have always had back home is that our local investors hardly go into big investments. So, how prepared are you to host the world? In terms of preparation, we are at advanced stages. Our preparation covers a wide range of activities in terms of giving the right information to those, who are arriving the country. They need the right information about visa, transport logistics arriving into the country and getting to Yenagoa, the hotels we have and the quality of the rooms. We also have to give information in terms of local security on ground which is important, so that people have a full sense of being safe and secure, when they are here. So, we have a checklist of all sorts of things that have to be done and we have a local organiSing committee, working to ensure that all these different things are done. I am just here perhaps as commissioner, the spokesman, talking to the public, but there are many people working in different aspects of what we have to do and all of that is going on very well. To the people of Bayelsa State, what would be your message to them, especially those on the streets? My message to them is very simple; the whole essence of growing an economy is to provide employment. At the end of the day, we want job security, we want to know that we can afford the basic necessities of life, we want to know that we can send our children to school, we want to know that we can give them a quality education and a good job and the options business offers. At the end of the day, what all of this is about is to increase the amount of money we have in our pockets, because if a business comes into an environment property prices will appreciate. People will have an incentive to take out loans from the banks to build houses, because they are sure of having tenants, because the business will employ people and people will be coming in. So, if we make Bayelsa State attractive for business, everybody benefits; it is as simple as that.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Warri...Pains, debris everywhere

Almost everybody agreed that Warri, the commercial nerve centre of Delta State, was dirty. But not everybody agrees on how the state government should clean it up, writes BOLAJI OGUNDELE

HE city was consumed and literally drowned in an ocean of dirt and endless lines of illegally erected structures. To the governor, Warri metropolis and its environs should not be left to drown in filth. Governor Emmanuel Udughan set up a 25-man special sanitation team, led by his deputy, Prof Amos Utuama, to supervise the cleaning up of Warri, Uvwie and Udu council areas of the state. Initially, it was meant to be a oneweek exercise. According to Utuama, the committee, which was the outcome of a special session of the state’s executive council meeting, was a necessity, borne out of the serious concerns over the increasing growth of unauthorised markets, motor parks, as well as the poor culture of hygiene in the city. “One of the steps we are going to take is to start going round to all welding places in the state, we will be arresting welders that are welding caravans. Any welder that is welding containers will be arrested and prosecuted by the Ministry of Justice,” the committee threatened at a news conference. The committee, especially from the point the Commissioner of Environment, Chief Frank Omare, took over its leadership on May 4, has become more aggressive, storming streets and alleys to demolish illegally sited properties, caravans and some residences. In each of the places it touched, it left both debris and pains behind. The rate at which the bulldozers were tearing down shops and residences has come under immense condemnation from different quarters, mostly those affected as well as the civil rights community. When you move round the city to observe the activities of the committee and listen to the man who has been the face of it, you will definitely want, not only to see reason with the government, but to also give support. Omare is wont to say that government would not just fold its arms and allow the system run into a halt by not correcting ills, he would say he was sympathetic to the

•The site of the nursery/primary school demolished on New Layout Road, off Jakpa Road.

plights of those affected, but that there was hunger in the land did not mean lawlessness should be condoned. When you see the space created where caravans and some structures were removed, you are likely to say the government could not have done better. When it comes to going round town to give the exercise a second look and listen to some of those who have lost one thing or the other; a business, a property or both to Omare’s armed security men-protected bulldozers, then you will definitely have to reassess your initial thought about the whole thing. Instances abound of petty retailers, whose little businesses were swept into the rubbles of demolition, landlords whose properties have either lost grounds or the main building ebbed by a bulldozer. Mrs. Betty Onoriode owned a caravan where she was selling retailed items on Third Marine Road, Uvwie Local Government Area. She said: “How I wan take feed now? All the market I

bought yesterday are in the house no, all of them are spoilt, now where I want take get money? If I no see, I no go chop. We agree that the place is dirty, but they could have told us to keep it clean instead of destroying structures. Now we have no other place to go, this is our source of livelihood. As you see this place, there just too many widows, they are the ones caring for their children, paying school fees. There’s this girl who just came from Port Harcourt to start a salon, no mother, no father, now they have destroyed her caravan. She said she’s returning to prostitution because what she had hoped to make a livelihood from has been destroyed by government. “Now the government is trying to empower the youths, like as we are talking now some girls are in the secretariat learning how to do hair, some beads making, some dress making, the question is where are they going to stay to practise? Uduaghan himself empowered some of them, bought machines, bought

hairdresser’s equipment and most of them have bought caravans to use, where do you want them to start from? He has destroyed their sources of livelihood. He went to Aboh Market to give them land. Must everybody go to that place? Can I go to that place to work?” Christy Onosode is a hairdresser, who had a caravan made out into a shop for her. She said: “This has affected me badly, it means I’ll be losing customers because when I leave this place I may not come back and there is no other place for now. So, we will just have to be like this for now till we find another place.” Mr. Paul Obuh’s land on New Layout Road, off Jakpa Road, also in Uvwie Local Government Area, was containing a number of shops made out of caravans, behind which was a nursery and primary school. The bulldozers destroyed the caravans, the school as well as everything in the school. Obuh said: “The pale loader was already out of this place when I came, it was in the next place. I went

•Omare

there and saw Boro because the information we got was that it was Boro who brought them because of this my land, claiming that there is a church here making noise to disturb him. “Before then though, he had approached me to sell the plot to him, which I refused. When he was building he said the back of his building was too tight. So, he needed me to sell part of my land to him, but I said no that I didn’t want to sell; but I gave him three feet by hundred and only told him to pull down the fence at the back there for me. People were telling me to collect money, but I said no that at least he is going to be my neighbour. After some time, he started approaching me to sell. “I believe he has an avenue now to raid the place and that is why he did this because if you check the whole Warri, I don’t think there’s a place they destroy like this; destroy hundred by hundred with the whole property, the blocks, the granite. After the caravan, he still went inside into the school, packed everything together and

smashed them. You can see for yourself that this is a deliberate act.” Also in a sad mood is an engineer, Oduh Edafe Unuezi who built a car wash on Refinery Road, investing over N6.5million. He said: “They want to plant flowers on the road when the people are hungry. I am a Mechanical Engineer and I set up this business to help myself and be an employer of labour, but we have not even commenced business and they are telling us to pull down our structures. It is painful for somebody to have invested so much money on a business and somebody will just wake up one morning to send people out of business. No notice was given to us before this destruction.” Oghenejabor Ikimi, the Executive Director of the Centre for the Vulnerable and Underprivileged (CENTREP), took the state government up on the demolition of sixty-five residential buildings in Ifiekporo, Warri South. The government said the people built illegally on a royal cemetery. He said: “We are not oblivious of the fact that over 200 families were rendered homeless in one swoop without notice or due process as a result of the action of government and we call on the state government to adequately compensate the victims without delay as information reaching us indicates that the demolished residential buildings were duly covered with approved building plans after the buildings were registered by their owners through the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.” The Commissioner of Environment insisted: “We will not because of hunger and poverty and hunger allow society run wild.” He also said there is no sacred cow as the wave of demolition has touched his property as well as that of the governor. He also noted that the demolition did not start suddenly, but that people had been notified long ago. Where next goes the bulldozer? That seems the question on lips in Warri.

Awards target promotion of film industry in Cross River

N a bid to encourage film making in Cross River State, producers, directors and screen writers will be honoured at the Cross River Movie Awards. The awards’ Executive Director, Eric Anderson, said the ceremoy was to increase movie making in Cross River State. The awards, which will be the second edition, will include honorary, life time achievement, special achievement, posthumous awards, performance and merit awards He said: “Cross River State Movie Awards is actually for movies produced in choice locations in Cross River. We intend to restrict it to that because we need to increase more production in Cross River State. “The industry in Cross River is over 15 years old. Whatever you do, apart from the positive rub-off of the Cross River State image, one thing we are trying to do is to promote talent, and empower talent. We are developing people and creating a sense belonging and the state would see an increase in

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

traffic, economically and so on. “Cross River State has been doing well as far as the entertainment industry is concerned. We have experienced some movies of international production such as Streets of Calabar and Half of a Yellow Sun. Also lots of parents are even encouraging their children to go into the entertainment industry because of how well it is doing. The entertainment industry in Cross River has improved a lot but there is still room for more improvement.” Sylva Bogbo, the event consultant, said: “Not just promoting people but also promoting culture. We are opening the ground. And Cross River is the hub of tourism in Nigeria. We are in entertainment tourism, we are trying to make Calabar the Hollywood of tourism in Nigeria. It is going to be some-

thing special. We are recognising our people and those who have come here to work. “The award basically is designed to see how we can award practitioners, felicitate with them. Over the years we have had people who have worked in this field of endeavour, that is, movie acting, producing and directing. “After last year, what we showcased took the government by storm. It was a success. Between when we had the first movie awards and now, 13 full movies have been shot in the state. We have had a lot of development of local talent. “Even people who came from outside have seen what we have to offer and are eager to work with the local people. This year’s edition will be excellent with the kind of preparation on ground coupled with the fact that we have endorsement from the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Calabar…Your night is alive and kicking

HERE was a time when Calabar, the Cross River State capital went to sleep when the sun went down. That was before the tourism drive of the Donald Duke-led administration, which is being sustained by the Liyel Imoke administration, changed face of the state. Cross River is more visible on the world map. The once sleepy capital city has become a hub, attracting visitors from all over the country and even beyond. Attendant on this development was a more intense social life. Coupled with the impression that the average Calabar person loves to live life to the fullest, the city has the necessary ingredients for frolicking and relaxation. The word ‘CALABAR’ has been described as Come and Live And Be At Rest. A good pointer to this is that the 32-day Calabar Festival, which is jam-packed with various programmes designed to make people have a good time, has never had a dull moment. If anything, many will prefer it continues. Night has, indeed, come to life in Calabar. The proliferation of hotels, drinking joints and clubs to in the past few years has stimulated an active nightlife to match the influx of people who seek a fun. It is now common sight in most part of town, especially the Marian Road axis to see such crawlers at night who are out to have a good time. Most of them, especially youths, patronise the drinking joints that litter the city. Night-clubs inject so much power into a bubbling night life that is blossoming in the city. The growth of night clubs has provided a fresh avenue for most residents and visitors to unwind, drink, dance and socialise. Some of the most prominent night clubs are Jaspers on Marian Road, Mayfair Lounge at the Channel View Hotels, Pinnacle Club at the Mirage Hotel and Base Bar at Diamond Hill. The government has also established merry-making spots, such as the Marina Resort and Tinapa Resort. Mr Essien Kooffreh owns and runs the most popular club in town. According to him, he had to return from Diaspora to establish the business, which, he said, has so much potential in the state in view of government's tourism thrust. "Running a club in Calabar is no different from running a club in any other city, but the only difference is that the people here are not hostile. Security wise, I think security in Calabar is very good compared to other places. So, that is why nightlife and clubs will thrive in Calabar because people can feel safe going out. "We have to give credit to our state government because it introduced tourism, encouraging people outside the state and in the Diaspora to come and build up the tourism sector. That is why I came back as well. We have taken it far because we now have a lot of modern bars and clubs," Kooffeh said. Calabar is a town regarded as a civil service city. As a result of this, most of the life injected into the city has been attributed to students of the two higher institutions in the city, the University of Calabar and the Cross River University of Technology. Whenever these schools are

•A popular outdoor joint at Atekong on Marian Road in Calabar at night

•The Beverly Heels complex which houses a night club

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People are coming from every other state and even outside the country to make the lifestyle better than before and if you ask me I would say it is at its best for now. •Revellers having fun at the Beverly Heels nightclub

closed for any reason, there seems to be a lull in social and economic activities in the city and by extension a drop in the verve of nightlife in Calabar. But Kooffreh disagrees, saying though students play an active role, their absence does not jeopardise patronage. According to Kooffreh, with the presence of private companies that are growing in the state, the future will always be bright. The tranquilly and serenity of the state, he said, has also helped the business to bloom. "The state provides most part of the country with chippings from Akampka. There are loads of foreign and indigenous investors who own quarries there. We have a cement factory here, UNICEM which is massive; we also have Niger Mills which is also massive; we have Dangote. So, it is not just the universities because if it was just that, I don't see how the hotels and clubs will be surviving. So, all of them add up. Constructions companies are coming in. They are employing locally, making a lot of indigenes have a good enough income to enjoy themselves. These are

people who work from morning to evening and then they want to unwind," he said. "We (Calabar) may not be really commercial. Ironically towns that are so commercial, you don't have this kind of business. You look at Aba. There is so much commerce, but the place is hostile and the environment does not permit this kind of business. "I see the future of nightlife in Calabar blossoming because for, instance, when I started this club some years ago, we only had a couple of clubs. There is market for this business if you are ready to put in energy and be ready to work hard and manage it properly. With so many projects the government is embarking on, when it kicks off, it will bring in more investments and more people and, of course, they will want to unwind. "With the focus of tourism in the state, activities have been a bit more. Most commercial cities cannot boast of what we have socially because of this tourism drive and also the enabling environment. There are no problems in Calabar. A lot of businessmen who travel a lot have relo-

cated to Calabar knowing it is a place they can leave their families and know they are okay while they go about their businesses. That has helped a lot. So, I believe there is a big future because of the serenity and safety of the town, because if a town is not safe, you cannot leave you house after 9 o'clock." Also the manager of another popular nightclub, who doesn't want to be named said, said the tourism drive of the state is really helping the business in the state. "People are always coming in and out of Calabar. It is a place where people come to have fun and we give them quality fun.” He also attributed the thriving business to the peaceful environment. "I can beat my chest and welcome anyone who wants to come to Calabar and say you are going to have a quality and wonderful time," said Mr Chinonso Nwanna, popularly known as Nomzy. He used to run a popular club in Calabar, The Mayfair Lounge. Mr David Ndukwe is from Abia State, but has lived in Calabar for over 15 years. He also loves to en-

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•Mrs King

joy himself. He says one of the things that makes the town appealing has been its healthy nightlife which provides the opportunity to have fun. Ndukwe said: "Yes, there's been so much improvement in the night life here and this could be attributed to improved security situation in the city as people go about any time without being molested. "The emergence of more hangout spots has given night riders options to be out till late, with some bars offer jazz day within the week, ladies' night and so on so there's always something every day for somebody." Renowned socialite, Mrs QueenNkoyo King, owner of the newest and most popular nightclub in Calabar, Beverly Heels, said of the nightlife in city: "It is better than yesterday because you see that in the state we have a lot of tourism. People are coming from every other state and even outside the country to make the lifestyle better than before and if you ask me I would say it is at its best for now. At Beverly Heels it is not just the life that you would get. Here we have a lot to

offer. It is a one stop shop that comprises of a club, a hotel and a restaurant that runs 24 hours and to me it is the best place to be. If anyone is coming from outside the state or the country and even within the state, it is the best." She said she ventured into the industry given it was a blossoming one and also that she was inclined towards show business. "Before now we actually had a Hurricane dance bar at Mekenge before I shut it down and started up this project. The future is going to be great and better. It is going to be bigger," Mrs King said. Nomzy said on a scale of one to ten, Calabar can be ranked six for its bubbling nightlife. He said before now, it could be ranked two on the same scale. According to him, it is a business that goes up and down. According to him, of the seven days of the week, most clubs are active only on an average of two days. He said joints and drinking spots were doing much better at night, but that nightlife in Calabar could get better. So, the best is yet to come for this city with rich history.

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE AS part of its effort to encourage partnerships that support development in Niger Delta communities, the Partnership Initiative for Niger Delta (PIND) in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute for Social and Economic Research and the Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) conducted a study on two development initiatives in Bayelsa and Rivers states, reports SHOLA O'NEIL

PIND, NISER present report on devt models

HE Akassa Development Foundation (ADF) and the Rivers Songhai Initiative are two development initiatives that have recorded some degree of successes in the Niger Delta. The latter was structured along the lines of the Songhai International in Port Novo, Republic of Benin and has created jobs; the former has catalysed development and improved living condition in the remote community of Bayelsa State. Last year, top researchers from PIND, NISER and the Washington DC-based AGI at the Brookings Institution undertook studies of the two initiatives in the first of its Models of Development and Experiential Learning (MODEL) to identify elements that made for their successes and how to transfer such to other initiatives. According to the PIND Foundation, a non-profit organisation funded by Chevron, "MODEL aims to identify, describe and document developmental models that have obtained a perceived success in the Niger Delta." The findings of the research were presented at an event held at PIND office in Port Harcourt last Thursday. They focussed on the Rivers Songhai Initiative and Akassa Development Foundation in Rivers and Bayelsa states. Executive Director of PIND, Mr Sam Daibo, said: "We believe that the replication of these development models will add innumerably to the success of socioeconomic projects in the Niger Delta." The first report was on the ADF, an instrument setup by Ijaw of Akassa community (comprising 19 towns and villages) to develop their areas. The finding revealed that prior to the establishment of the ADF in 1997, Akassa was isolated from other parts of the state by its inhospitable terrain and lacked development and governments presence. It was established in the aftermath of an environmental impact assessment of the region by StatOil/British Petroleum, which identified the area as the location that was most susceptible to the impact of oil spill and leakages from its operation. Over the years, the ADF became a model of successful community development intervention that has been successfully implemented its agenda to the satisfaction of the people, with over 90per cent approval rating. Mr Andew Onwuemele of NISER, while presenting the results of the studies titled 'AGI Working Paper 14 (ADF) and 15 (RSI), which he coauthored with Mwangi S Kimenyi, Temesgen T. Deressa, Jessica E. Pugliese and Micah Mendie, clarified that they are not impact studies. He stated that the partners were not evaluating the models, but merely identified "critical elements in the models that provide narratives to their successes." The ADF, he said, operates within the context of bottom-up approach, meaning that the choice of development project emanated from the people at the grassroots and not from somebody or group thinking on behalf of the foundation. Other principles in the foundation that aided its success were due process, transparency and accountability, all-inclusiveness, gender equality, community-driven and inter-generational equity in the running of the various organs.

"Every year, each community (there are 19) comes forward with priority projects’ list; the projects’ list is presented to the general assembly, which looks into it in terms of cost and then allocate money to it and then the technical committee will then come up with bill of quantity," he said. The list is then handed over to the implementation committee in charge of projects for implementation; the same committee also chooses site, appoints manager of the project and recruit a local contractor. Thereafter, meetings are held to discuss each milestone with accounts kept for internal auditor until the project's completion when the account is analysed and then taken for storage to wait annual auditing. The study revealed that running of the foundation in an open and transparent manner accounted for its acceptability and general feeling of satisfaction from beneficiaries and respondents with many saying their living conditions have improved as a result of the ADF. Consequently, it recommended that policy makers should place emphasis on the importance of collective choice arrangements and a participatory approach when deciding to utilise the ADF type of community development intervention. "In the case of Akassa, the most significant predictors of participants' satisfaction with project design are: being involved in the design and implementation of the project; being involved in setting goals, and discussing and approving the rules of the project. Further replications of the ADF model should consider how to retain these features from the original concept," the report suggested. The second report was on the Rivers Songhai Initiative (RSI), which was established to curb the perennial problem of youth unemployment by refocusing youths' attention from oil to the agric sector in 2008 by Governor Rotimi Amaechi. At the same time, RSI aimed to increase productivity in the sector and create opportunity for families to improve their livelihoods through increase income and opportunities. The RSI is morphed from the School-to-Land initiative of past administrations and it inherits its predecessor's assets in Tai and Etche local government areas. One of the stack differences from the ADF is that its approach was the up-bottom approach. It is managed by the state government through the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA). Although the RSI achieved some degree of success in increasing income and productivity of beneficiaries' farmland, the report noted that with an average age of 43 years of respondents, the initiative "does not appear to reach the younger age groups

•Amaechi (youths), which are its target population." The report also expressed concern about the low number of poor trainees in the programme, stressing that majority earned between $3.33 and $16.67, which is far above the international poverty line of $1.25 per day. "In a country where one-third of the population lives on less than a dollar per day, it is unclear if the initiative has successfully targeted the poor or not." Nevertheless, the finding showed that over 50 per cent of respondent beneficiaries are female, adding, "This is very important indication that the RSI is encouraging female members of the community to be entrepreneur in agriculture, which is rare in African communities where training opportunities for women are very low." The report also commended the use of community leaders to select beneficiaries for the training, but said the suitability of crops grown was a problem. "Respondents reported that the RSI often attempts to grow crops that are not suitable to the environment (do not grow well) or are not profitable (no local demand)". Rice and Chinese yam were some of the crops 'imposed' on trainees. The report, therefore, suggested that before scaling-up or replicating the RSI, "there needs to be a careful study on the agro-climatology of the

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Respondents reported that the RSI often attempts to grow crops that are not suitable to the environment (do not grow well) or are not profitable (no local demand)

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selected sites. Cultural preferences of crops and socio-political backgrounds of the beneficiary community should also be included when determining suitability and profitability of crops. "…These results suggest that the RSI may want to consider methods to integrate poorer farmers, less established farmers and less educated farmers into the programmes. "The results from in-depth interviews also demonstrate that it is advisable to adjust development programmes to local conditions rather than utilising cut-and-paste designs with no medications even if the programmes are of African origin." Guests and resources persons were also unanimous that to replicate successful development models, such as the ADF and RSI, it was pertinent to look at the context in which they were established. Prof John Mbaku, an AGI fellow, advised governments to build institutions that support developmental projects' sustainability and continuity when planning development of the Niger Delta region. The Economic Professor decried prevailing situation where projects and programme set up by past administrations are easily neglected or abandoned totally by their successors leading to dearth of funding. Mbaku remarked that only the building of strong institutions can divorce development programmes from their initiators, adding, "Sustainability is very important and has to do with institutions. One of the problems with sustainability is lack of institution and therefore projects are attached to individuals." He advised that institutions should be built on local values, stressing: "Local values are very important in what the people think about themselves." Besides, he maintained that good development models should be planned to evolve and not to solve a particular problem, adding: "The Niger Delta of 20 years ago is not the same with the Niger Delta of today. There was no internet then and the education level has changed."

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Trans-Amadi butchers elect officials, 14 years after

T was dream come true last Sunday, when members of Rivers State chapter of National Butchers’ Union of Nigeria (NBUN), TransAmadi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (OBALGA), elected leaders to run their affairs in the next four years. The election, which produced Alhaji Musa Baba Owere and Alhaji Haruna Abdu as Chairman and General Secretary respectively, came 14 years after a protracted battle to oust the last Ibrahim Maisumdu Beli-led exco. Others members of the Executive included, Ibrahim Lawal, Assistant Secretary, Sulaiman D-Sule financial secretary, Bashiru Dande, Assistant financial secretary and Emenike Ogu was elected Welfare officer. Also elected are Ibrahim Musa P R O (1), Murain A. Taofeeq Amobi P R O (2). Alhaji Isiaka Omofunde Treasurer, Shagari Musa Auditor(1), Lawal Abdulahi Auditor (2), Uba Rabina Chief Whip, Alhaji Ali Chikas Exco(1), Alhaji Amini Dangote Exco (2), and Kabiru Sani Yakubu emerged Organising Secretary. Beli was allegedly imposed by the immediate past Executive Chairman of OBALGA, Prince Timothy Nsirim as Caretaker Committee chairman for five years, because of his relationship with the former chairman. This was after he served out his two-term of four years each, thereby keeping him on the seat for 13 years. “The position made him very powerful and untouchable. The state of the market and slaughter house became deplorable with no funds to run it. Sanitation in the area crumbled to zero, the water supplying system (boreholes), broke down at a time with no money to fix it, the stench from the

•The exco members From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

place became unbearable, no platform to discuss the issues, because union meetings were never conveyed, efforts and correspondents to dialogue with Nsirim during the period met brick walls, members were helpless, efforts to conduct elections were quashed by the council chairman. “He went and obtained an interim order of court to stop us from conducting elections. Intervention by our national chairman was bluntly ignored by the chairman (Nsirim). “Tension rose in the area, breakdown of law and order was imminent, especially among our youths, our elders led by the current Union chairman, Alhj. Owere and our national President, Chief John Osamede Adun (Bob Izua), intervened by sending petition to the state governor and security agents in the state for their in-

tervention,” a member of the new Executive recalled. Trans-Amadi Slaughter is the biggest abattoir in the state and slaughters over three hundred cows every day, on the average levy of N1,000 on each cow slaughtered there. Beli was however removed by the court in 2013, to give way to a five-man transitional Committee led by Alhj. Salisu Umar Ubaningi. He and his members successfully conducted the elections after fixing the Union for 1year and one month. Speaking on the outcome of the election, Suleiman Danjuma Sule said: “We have waited for the election for a long time and the mandate of the people on who to lead them has been established and we are happy about it. “We are happy with Ubaningi-led CTC members for the way they organised this election. They tried and we are satisfied with the peaceful ex-

ercise.” Also in his reactions shortly after the swearing-in, the chairman expressed happiness on the success of the election and pledged to carry everybody along in the running of the Union. He called for the support of all members and appealed to everyone doing business at the slaughter market to be law abiding, noting that the Union would be revived in due time with all the incentives put in place. “I am very happy that the election has finally been conducted and happier because it was very peaceful. For a long time, the Union has been battling to see this day come through and God has made it possible today. “I thank my people (NBUN), members for the show of love to us (the new Executives), a mention must be made of the Rivers State government led by Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, the OBALGA council chairman, Dr.

Lawrence Chuku and his people, all the security agents in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin and my National Union(NBUN), who came and conducted the election. I appreciate their unalloyed supports and concerns that led to the success of the exercise.” The National Secretary of NBUN, and chairman election organising committee, Alhaji Umaru Shaibu speaking about the outcome of the election said: “We were in the state four days before the election. The reason being that we came to put things in place especially as regarding the advisement, sell of nomination forms for the various positions to interested candidates and to conduct the screening.” Alhaji Surajo Lawal Dabai, who lost to the new chairman, congratulated him and expressed the willingness to work with him for the good of the members. He noted that it was the will of God for his opponent to secure the seat and promised to try again in the next four years. He advised the winner to ensure he comes up with programmes and activities that would unite and bring about the desired progress to the members. Also Alhaji Ubaningi, union CTC Chairman, congratulated the chairman and his executives for being selected for the positions. He expressed satisfaction at the peaceful conduct of the election, describing it as free and fair. He advised Nigerians to borrow a leaf from Trans-Amadi butcher on the way to organise elections, especially as the next general elections draw close.

Uneme indigenes rally support for Oshiomhole

NEME people in the north of Edo State have thrown their weight behind the Governor Adams Oshiomhole in his efforts to improve socio-economic life and infrastructure. The National President of Uneme National Development Association (UNDA),Mr Earnest Adeji, said the people appreciated the leadership style of the governor, which brought all the ethnic groups in the state together. Adeji, a shipping magnate, said Uneme people benefitted immensely from the Oshiomhole’s administration, noting that apart from emancipating ethnic politically by inviting its people to join his administration, Adeji said all communities occupy by the Uneme ethnic group had benefitted from the infrastructure and education programmes of the state government. Adeji spoke while the executive members of the association

By Wale Ajetunmobi

met the traditional ruler of Uneme Anegbette, the head of all traditional title holders of Uneme clan, in Lagos at the weekend. He said: “We want to use this opportunity to thank the Edo State governor, Mr Adam Oshiomhole, for bringing his leadership quality to bear in leading the state. He has been able to build roads across most of Uneme villages both in Etsako and Akoko Edo.” He said the association would complement the government’s effort in education by ensuring that all schools built in Uneme communities were properly administered and scholarships given to dese0rving students. On the programmes of his executive, Adeji said the association would be organising Uneme Day, with the objective

to bring all the ethnic people under one umbrella and make it formidable ethnic nationality to be reckon with in the country. He said: “I am convinced that Uneme has numerical strength when compared with the likes of Isekiri and Urhobo in forming a virile Uneme nation. The starting point for us is Uneme Day.” Adeji added that the association was looking into unemployment among its youth, saying he had directed his Secretary, Mr Ralph Seriki, to establish an employment bureau where unemployed youths in all Uneme communities could submit their names for job assistance. He said members met with the traditional ruler to intimate him of the impending programmes, praising the monarch for his support for the association. Other members of the UNDA at the meeting include Vice-President, Simon Ogie, Publicity Secretary, Fidelis Femi-Agunnu, his assistant, Joseph Ajayi and Financial Secretary, Joseph Oboh, among others.

African Students Parliament honours ex-Tinapa boss

OR committing time and resources to the development of Africa, the former Managing Director of the Tinapa Resort in Calabar, Bassey Ndem, has been honoured with the Kwame-Nkrumah Leadership Award by the African Students Union Parliamant (ASUP) The Speaker of the Union, Culibaly Ahmed, from the Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, said the parliament is the umbrella body that covers all students within the 54 AU recognized African countries with core objectives of encouraging corporation and harmonious coexistence among member states’ student for the purpose of students exchange programme, objective analysis of issues that affect them, encouragement of individuals, stakeholders and public office holders for the much needed peace, development and economic stability continent . He said in doing this, the sought

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

role models and mentors in life as Ndem. Ahmed, who spoke in French said: “The parliament has taken her time to scrutinise leaders, public office holders, business moguls and individuals who have committed their time and money to serve the common good in the Pan-Africanism ideology. “At this point that the youths need to have exemplary leaders and role models, we are carefully selecting such leaders like your highly respected person and honouring them with the Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award. “Our recipient for today is a detribalized Nigerian, lover of students/youths and charismatic personality whose credible credentials of efficient serviced delivery, high administrative acumen and community service yet unsung

Wallaki (left) presenting the award to Ndem. With them is Culibay.

marks him an iconic patriot in our Nigerian society worthy of emulation.” His speech was translated by the

Majority Leader of the parliament, Comrade Allao Assao Chance Wallaki from Universiti du Sheikh Antar Diop, Dakar, Senegal.

Ndem said he was honoured to have been chosen for the award and promised to keep working hard for the betterment of the continent.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

RETURN to Edo today. But, this time around, it is with a heavy heart. Not because someone close died, but because I believe reform is being buried gradually. We are succumbing to the notion that reforms are not meant for our society. Things should just stay the way they are, even when totally bad. At least twice on this page, I wrote in support of the Edo State government’s decision to make teachers take competency test. My position has not changed. So, you can imagine my disappointment when the Edo State government last week reversed the planned competency test. It also recalled the 936 teachers whose names were deleted from the payroll for certificate discrepancies and age falsification. The government equally announced the immediate extension of the relativity to teachers in public schools. Lest I forget, there is nothing wrong with having a change of mind. It can show grace. It can also mean humility. For me, these two reversals, cancellation of the competency test and pardon of teachers with cases of records' falsification, send a wrong signal. To my ‘ungubernatorial’ mind, I do not see the humility or grace in this, as seen by an Edo monarch. What is humble about jettisoning reform-driven decisions? The about-turn followed a meeting Governor Adams Oshiomhole had with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Dear reader, please permit me to quote the governor copiously so that we can see how much sense he made. Said he: “On assumption of office, it was very clear to me and my colleagues that our future is defined by the level of investment in education and the quality of the basic education we provide for our children and that is why we have devoted resources to the rebuilding of our primary schools, junior and senior secondary schools. “For me, it was clear coming from my own background, I had obligation to restore dignity to the educational sector in the state. Basic education is like the foundation of a house. If the foundation is weak, the building will collapse but if the foundation be strong, it will withstand the test of time. It is easier to re-roof than to rebuild a complete house. “The need to ensure the future of the state is not compromised by compromising the future of the Edo child necessitated the action to redefine the educational system in the state. The state government's commitment to carry out competency test was informed by these broad facts having discovered that some of

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Moment of reversals The case‘in Edo is an

opportunity missed and it saddens me. Opprtunities lost may never be regained. If a reform-minded governor can change his mind on an issue like this, who then can lead the change?

•Oshiomhole

our teachers were not qualified or up to date with recent teaching methods. Our insistence on the fact that competency test must be seen in this light. “However, having listened to all suggestions and consultations with various groups, government has agreed to set aside the competency or assessment test in order to re assure Edo workers that government has no intention to sack anyone.” The governor said in place of the competency test, government would introduce training and re-training for teachers and all others civil servants in the state. He also said: "On the teachers with falsified

LAST WORD

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

‘

Over 200 families were rendered homeless in one swoop without notice or due process as a result of the action of government and we call on the state government to adequately compensate the victims delay as information reaching us indicates that the demolished residential buildings were duly covered with approved building plans

‘

Activist Oghenejabor Ikimi on demolition in Delta __

‘

age declaration with criminal intentions to cheat, government has resolved to pardon them and retire those whose records show that they are above 60 years while those below 60 years are to return to the classroom with their names returned to the payroll and will benefit from the training programme. “Following investigation, the alleged ghost workers in Ovia North East Local Government Area who have been found to have actually been on ground will have their two months pending salary paid. I will discuss with the local government chairman on how to effect their payments." Teachers were happy. For me, the decisions,

especially the aspect regarding the recall of people who falsified academic records, sound somehow. It is a virtue for government to listen to the people, but this particular issue borders on criminality. I sincerely believe there is no way training or re-training can make someone who, in the first place, is not qualified to be capable of imparting knowledge. You can't give what you don't have. The governor also said those who falsified their age would be pardoned and retired. What this means is that they will get their retirement benefits and life will still be good. Will this not encourage people to still falsify their ages? Age falsification seems to mean nothing much around here. Not long ago, a famed and respected judge died. His official record and his children's claims were at variance. His children said he was older that his official record. Yet, while alive he was a role model. If people at that level can falsify their ages, why can't teachers? This seems to be the message we are passing. I love the comrade governor. I have admired him for years. This action of his has saddened me though and I wonder if there is hope for reform. It has also got me thinking what must have informed the decision. I have also thought of what meetings took place before this concession was arrived at. Something tells me that this may not be unconnected with the need not to lose political grounds. Teachers are a sizeable portion of the population. If they all collectively decide to vote against the governor's party in the next election, it will have significant effect. Is this what the governor is avoiding? I can't say for sure. What I am sure of about our society is that people who set out to carry out reforms are never given a chance. Members of our society, perhaps because of the level of poverty, always frown at anything that will affect their purses. Whether it betters the lot of the generality and improve the society at large does not matter. My final take: I am not happy that Edo has decided to allow people who falsify their records to get their benefits. This borders on criminality and we need to set examples so that with time we can start the end of criminality. The case in Edo is an opportunity missed and it saddens me. Opprtunities lost may never be regained. If a reform-minded governor can change his mind on an issue like this, who then can lead the change? Something tells me that His Excellency was not happy with these decisions. His statement alluded to the fact that he had to listen to other voices. But, as the leader, he will forever be mentioned as the one who abandoned these laudable reforms.

•Last Word is Niger Delta Report’s verdict on Southsouth affairs

Charles Harry, Rivers politics and Ijaw governor

HOSE not conversant with Rivers State politics may not know him. His names are Charles Harry. His title is Alatubo. Hence he is known as Alatubo Charles Harry. He ran for the Presidency of the umbrella body of the Ijaw in Nigeria, the Ijaw National Congress (INC). He was the brain behind the Ijaw Republican Assembly (IRA). He is the man behind the Rivers Democratic Movement (RDM) and is now better known for a pressure group, Affirmative Bloc for Credible Democracy (ABCD). A commentator once described him thus: "He is known for his forthrightness, blunt outspokenness, and controversial irrepressibility...Alatubo Charles Harry is an enigma in Rivers politics and an avowed Ijaw irredentist." In August last year, he authored a piece titled 'Why Ogoni can't succeed Amaechi'. In the piece he made it clear that Ogoni is part of Upland Rivers, which has been ruling the state since 1999. It is now the turn of the riverine part of the state, he said clearly. He wrote: "Old Rivers State was created on the 27th of May 1967 from the then Eastern Region and further balkanised into Bayelsa and the present day Rivers State in 1996. Made up predominantly of Riverine Ijaw (Kalabari, Okrikan, Ibani, Andoni, etc) and the Upland (Ikwerre's, Ogoni's, Ekpeye, Etche, Oyigbo, Ogba's etc). From inception, harmony, brotherhood and cooperation has been sustained

through the efficacy and conscientious application and observation of the Upland/Riverine dichotomy principle in the allocation of socio-political and economic gains accruing to the State, as a balancing ideology to promote unity and discourage discord." He went on: "Some erstwhile leaders who had tried to repudiate the principle had failed spectacularly and the budding revisionism borne of the myopia of inordinate ambition of an unconscionable few today, would fare no better." The last riverine man to occupy the office, Chief Ada George is Riverine, lasted less than 2 years. After him, Dr Peter Odili and Governor Rotimi Amaechi have occupied the seat for close to 16 years. They are both from the upland. Harry believes the Ogoni should in good faith ought to concede the exalted position to their Riverine neighbours. Failure to do this, he said would amount to excluding the riverine component of the state from the power matrix for 24 years. Earlier this week, Harry wrote another treatise. His focus was to insist on the riverine's right to succeed Amaechi. He also advised the Supervising Minister for Education, Nyesom Wike, to forget about running for Rivers State governor. Harry said his ambition was against the public perception in the state. Said he: "Rivers Ijaws will not sit still and

watch idly our posterity and heritage consigned to hewers of wood and fetchers of water in the political matrix of our state." If Rivers’ people have a gentleman's agreement on the leadership of their state, this is no time to break it, as doing so may do more harm than good. The state has more than 30 ethnic groups and so talking about rotation of offices among 30 ethnic groups is not realistic. What is practicable is the two main geopolitical divide- upland and riverine or the three senatorial districts . It is not realistic to say after Dr Odili, an Ndoni man, it is the turn of an Egbema or Egi man from the same Local Government Area because they are of another ethnic stock. It is also not practicable to say after Amaechi from Ikwerre, let another Ikwerre man from a different Local Government Area or an Etche man take over the seat because it is another ethnic nationality or after an Ogoni, let an Eleme man become governor. Broadly, the upland part of the state is made up of different ethnic nationalities as the riverine too. What is fair is for the governorship to rotate among different ethnic groups when it comes to a particular geopolitical divide. So, when it is the upland's turn, let all the groups in the upland part of the state be considered and when it comes to the riverine's turn, let it rotate among the different groups there.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

SHOPPING

Palmchat takes social media by the storm • Opens group chat engine for 2014 Miss Nigeria contestants

ITH over 80,000 users worldwide signing up daily, Palmchat has joined millions of users around the world in sharing the fun of mobile social experience. Palmchat is an amazing innovative mobile social app that is compactable with all mobile operating system and downloadable from all mobile app stores: Java, Windows store, Apple store, Google play, Blackberry • Online platform world-among others. It has interactive and fun custom feathat special one just over your tures: Shake-Shake and Look shoulder. The Look-Around uses around with other functional caGPRS system to show how close or pabilities like the file share, instant far your online date is from you. messaging and voice recording. Happy-ever-after stories have Palmchat offers premium user been told by users who met online friendly online social and dating using the Look-Around custom feaexperience with functional feature to connect with each other on tures such as chat rooms, voice retheir first date. cording capabilities, photo and With over 80,000 new users signvideo sharing and chat by intering up daily from different mobile est. devices, Palmchat is fast becoming A unique feature of Palmchat is the choice social mobile platform Look-Around feature that gives for users around the world. the users the power to avoid all the It has become the user friendly queer chatties and connect with interface and custom features

Mimee noodles excites consumers in Ibadan

IMEE Noodles, produced by May & Baker Nig Plc was at the opening of Shoprite’s second outlet in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital , which is also the 10th and largest in Nigeria. Mimee made no pretence about its readiness to contribute to the wellbeing of the Nigerian child by sponsoring over 100 school children’s day activities and its presence at the opening of the mall is in continuation of its involvement in community developments across the country. Firstly, an intimate session on the offerings of Mimee was held in which participants were given products and promotional items. There was also the feeding of participants of the walk/race for life with hot sizzling plate of Mimee Noodles and the distribution of free samples of Mimee to all present for two days. There was also a eating and

usher in a new face of social interaction and bonding. Mrs. Bimpe Ajayi, a Human Resource Manager with a multinational company in Lagos, who met her hubby, Frederick on Palmchat said: “It was a very pleasant night; the first night of our honeymoon. Frederick is such a loveable person; he always has something amusing to say, quite an accommodating gentle man and slow to anger. Some people find it hard to believe me when I tell them that I met this amazing man on Palmchat. “I didn’t just bump unto him on

Palmchat-no. I wanted him, I dreamt of that special one but I just didn’t know how, where and when I will meet him until a friend introduced me to Palmchat.” Palmchat is giving an opportunity to Nigerian ladies to become Miss Nigeria in the 2014 beauty contest. With over 80,000 users worldwide signing up on daily basis, Palmchat is a new innovative mobile social app that is compactable with all mobile operating system and downloadable from all mobile app stores: Java, Windows store,

Apple store, Google play, Blackberry world, among others With Miss Nigeria beauty pageant around the corner, Nigeria’s to-be beauty icons are grabbing their chances to be shortlisted for the contest and show off what sublime endowment a cocktail of genes could conjure. Some contestants are really showing innovation, a really good criterion for selecting a Miss Nigeria. These beauties are filling out their registration form and sharing their Miss Nigeria story on Palmchat. The Palmchat Miss Nigeria group is a group open to contestants of the 2014 Miss Nigeria beauty pageantry. Contestants fill their registration online hassle free and share their stories and selfies on a cool, interactive platform. Nigerian ladies can join the world of hi-tech beauties on Palmchat; check out whose story is the most inspiring and whose selfie is making the buzz as Nigeria’s premiere beauty contest gets social. Palmchat offers premium user friendly online social and dating experience with functional features such as chat rooms, voice recording capabilities, photo and video sharing and chat by interest.

dancing competition and a free gift for every pack of Mimee noodles bought from Shoprite and free cartons of Mimee noodles for race winners. These activities were geared towards contributing and affecting the lives of people living in Ibadan and as well partnering with Shoprite in providing quality products in various capacities to the public. Mimee Noodles comes in four pack sizes of 70g, 120g, 40, 120g, 20g and 420g which is the family pack size called the Bumpa pack. Over the years, the brand has been able to position itself as a brand with world class taste, fine quality, and for a healthy living. Mimee comes in two major flavours which are chicken and Onion chicken flavours. Mimee Noodles added glamour and style to the week-long opening of Shoprite, Ibadan.

Retailers swallow online food cost to lock in shoppers

IG retailers are taking a calculated hit to margins to invest in online grocery operations, with the hope they can persuade consumers to add more profitable items like clothes and computers to their orders of fruit and vegetables. According to Reuters, food has been one of the last things to move online because complex logistics for fresh, chilled and frozen products make it an expensive business. Retailers are also reluctant to lose the potential for the lucrative impulse buys that occur in-store. However, retailers in Europe and North America are now ramping up their online food offer to compete with Amazon.com, which is expected to expand its sale of fresh produce beyond a few trial areas with the aim of complementing its nonfood sales - and eating other retailers’

lunch. “They are trying to hook customers up to brands for their grocery shop and hope they will spend on non-food which is lower headache and higher margin, which will drive profitability,” said Sophie Albizua of retail consultancy eNova Partnership. “It is notoriously difficult to make money selling groceries online. The reason why people do it and need to do it have nothing to do with profit and nothing to do with groceries.” Britain has led the way in selling groceries online, with e-commerce already accounting for some five per cent of food sales. Other countries like France are now catching up and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) predicts the global market will grow to $100 billion by 2018 from $36 billion last year.

•Lusada market

USADA market is a market mainly for Igbesa people in Ogun State but it’s now for all shoppers and traders from other villages as they meet to sell their goods, it is the central market of the people of Igbesa land who don’t really have a market as they spend their days in the farm. The Lusada market, held every five days, helps in bringing different shoppers all over the neighbouring towns to showcase their products, while traders from Badagry, Cotonou, Idiroko and as well as the northerners use this opportunity to sell their goods. Lusada market is one of those market where shoppers can get all what they need especially on the market day, which is five days interval. People from the borders also

Life in Lusada market By Morakinyo Abiodun

bring their goods such as rice, groundnut oil and turkey to sell to shoppers at a cheaper rate. The market which is not really a big market has all what it takes to be called a market according to a shopper Mrs. Shola Ayodele. She said the market has been in existence for long and has been meeting people’s needs. She said: “The way shoppers of different tribes patronise the market makes me to believe that we are one in Nigeria.” Mr. Mustafa Abubakar, a trader, who sells onions believe that Lusada market is the best place for

shoppers because all the goods to sell is at a cheap rate that is why it is usually once in a week, to enable shoppers have time for themselves and be ready for another week. Mrs Senayon Wheto a shopper from Cotonu said: “I love coming here to shop here, because most of their goods here are cheap, so when I come I buy and go back to sell at my village.” The market, which is usually held every five days, is as a result of other markets, such as Agbara and Owode markets so that shoppers can also patronise them to avoid clash and low sales, among other traders.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

AGRICBUSINESS

e-mail: agrobusiness@thenationonlineng.net

In the last two years, cassava has been the most talked about crop. Despite this, farmers are facing challenges of poor returns on their investment at the end of every farming season, reports DANIEL ESSIET.

Tackling cassava farming challenges

ADAM Dorcas Oduah (not real name) should be a happy woman. A broad smile spreads across her face when she looks over her two plots of farmland in her local community in Enugu State. She has a passion for planting cassava but she walks five kilometers to get to her farm everyday. Using the traditional hoe and cutlass as tools, she carefully tends her crops, weeding and straightening the tubers, while praying for rainfall which will be two weeks late. If rain fails to fall, she may not be able to harvest her cassava tubers which does not only support her family as food, but also serves as her source of income with which she trains her three kids in school. She will also use revenue earned from the sale of cassava to pick medical bills should any member of the family ‘break down’. Over the last few years, cassava has become the crop with the potential to wipe out poverty. For one, it is grown in areas where many poor people live. And for another, it is grown by small farmers, who constitute majority of the population. Globally, cassava production has expanded immensely to meet the rapidly rising demand from the livestock feed, starch, and bio fuel markets. In fact, market demand for cassava has become so strong that farmers who traditionally engaged only in subsistence farming, now also grow cassava as a cash crop. This has made cassava one of the most dynamic agricultural sectors, helping to drive industrial development while delivering higher incomes to smallholder farmers. Interestingly, the sector, has not recorded very significant growth. This is attributed to the snail speed of mechanisation which has not improved the capacity of small and medium enterprises, constituting the large number of investors. Most of the farmers carry out 70 per cent of the work manually; planting, weeding, harvesting, transporting cassava, peeling, soaking, bagging and selling while there are no specialised machines designed to undertake land preparation, harvesting, transporting and grating on a cassava farm. The only mechanisation involved along the chain might be the use of a mobile grater. This has resulted in poor returns at the end of the farming season. Farmers are often at the mercy of volatile market forces and the elements. Oduah and several farmers in her village could make more money from their efforts but in their community, farmers sell cassava individually to traders, and are therefore unable to negotiate a better price for selling in bulk. Though cassava has multiple uses and markets ranging from onfarm consumption as food or livestock feed to local wet or dry starch processing enterprises, the level of industrialisation has not led to large scale processing of cassava into higher value food and industrial products – from noodles, glucose, and maltose to textiles, pharmaceuticals, cardboard and glue. A Senior lecturer, School of Science, National Open University, Dr Grace Jokthan said cassava has not taken a pivotal position within the sector because it is produced primarily for food in the form of gari, lafun and fufu with little or no

• Women harvest cassava

use in the agribusiness sector as an industrial raw material. Added to this, is the absence of special machines to process cassava to several value-added products to prevent spoilage. She explained that cassava tubers consist of 60 to 70 per cent water and have a short shelf life. Once harvested, the tubers have to be processed or consumed immediately otherwise they will begin to deteriorate. For Oduah and other farmers, this is a major contraint. She said there is need for processing mills to prepare the crop for storage purposes, thereby guaranteeing higher prices for farmers in the future. As much as cassava require processing machines, the cost of acquiring the machines is prohibitive for poor farmers in the rural areas. Weekly, farmers transport fresh tubers from farm to processing sites. They spend a lot of money because the tubers have to move in time. Any delay would result in spoilage, loss of quality and overall production cost. As such transportation is a major cost component in cassava processing. In some villages, farmers cultivate cassava to produce fufu for weekly market days. As cheap as the process of getting it done may appear, a lot of man hour is spent peeling roots, washing, soaking, wet sieving and copiously adding water before pressing. Averagely, fufu processing requires no less than 14 steps. On sale day, time would be spent grating and bagging. As a newcomer to the large commercial food processing sector, Mrs Jokthan said there are concerns about cassava’s quality, not only as a household food item, but also as a raw material or additive in an industrial-based food handling enterprise.

• Ogunwale

• Dr Jokthan

For the expert and other stakeholders, the principal users of cassava are village-level garri processors that require limited quantities of fresh roots per day. Large processing plants who need larger quantities are faced with high transaction costs, of collecting small amounts of cassava over a large area with bad roads. The processing plants operate below capacity while a significant percentage of farmers are left with unsold harvest. Above all, majority of the farmers have not benefited from initiatives and programmes aimed at improving farming techniques, better farm equipment, seeds, fertiliser, post-harvest technology, agricultural financing and so on. Some of the farmers have been affected by adverse weather conditions – and worries that farmers won’t be able to purchase inputs for the next season. As a result, the

villagers feel they still need help. They also would like continued support and training, because they view this as a good source of income as well. The small-scale cassava wet starch processors are not pleased with some new varieties because though they gave better root yields and they don’t have higher starch concentration. In this regard, Mrs Jokthan said research institutes need to recognise the potential for farmers to boost their income by growing the improved varieties. The other issue is the shortages of yielding varieties, cassava roots which some farmers find it difficult to source. In most cases, farmers source them from far communities, thereby increasing transport costs, and cutting down profits. For her also, how much farmers benefit from cassava trade depends a lot on how well they are linked to

‘As cheap as the process of getting it done may appear, a lot of man hour is spent peeling roots, washing, soaking, wet sieving and copiously adding water before pressing. Averagely, fufu processing requires no less than 14 steps. On sale day, time would be spent grating and bagging’

markets. That is why, she appreciates several small-scale starch plants set everywhere, decentralising processing opportunities further. Some of the farmers have has been affected by adverse weather conditions – and worries that farmers won’t be able to purchase inputs for the next season. They also would like continued support and training, because they view this as a good source of income as well. Mrs Jokthan said there is a need to empower farmers to access to new cassava cultivars, product quality improvement and market expansion for sustainable enterprise. While the government is supporting cassava farmers to improve their farming techniques, most don’t have access to good roads to allow them reclaim precious farmlands. Consultant to the World Bank, Prof Abel Ogunwale said the government needs to build rural roads and irrigation systems to allow farmers to open hectares of new farmland. According to him, the impact would result to enormous returns for farmers. This is because there are times,the harvest is so big that the immediate market cannot absorb it all so they have to sell in other markets.The process is smooth where there are good connecting roads. According to him, many of the farmers use rudimentary agricultural techniques, use less quality cassava and fertilizers. As a result, productivity has been extremely low and soil fertility has gradually declined. This further worsens the farmers’ situation and keeps them in a cycle of extreme poverty The top priority,he noted is for the government to develop carefully tailored rural financial services, adding that credit in rural areas is hard to come by and businesses cannot grow without finance.He maintained that funding is a challenge for established and new rural enterprises supporting cassava production. According to him, financing cassava businesses is a particularly important way of generating economic growth. Another side of the story is that in many cases, banks drive such a hard bargain that small producers barely make any profit. As any farming activity, cassava agriculture requires the management of risks such as soil degradation and price volatility. Farmers employ several adaptive and risk reducing strategies, for instance by diversifying cropping patterns to cope with risks of harvest failures, price slums or loss of market access, and by establishing cooperatives or using agricultural commodity exchanges. Cassava demand will be increasing over the next decades. For watchers, the success of the cassava transformation depends on the government providing adequate inputs while strategies that ensure fair distribution of the resources be are implemented. Other challenges that have to be addressed include lack of enforcement of the 10 per cent inclusion of cassava flour in bread flour that had in the past left hundreds of small processors with unsold inventories and farmers with nowhere to sell their cassava harvest.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

AGRICBUSINESS

‘Food insecurity may persist in the North’

N industrialist Dr Hyke Ochia has warned that increased terrorism is capable of threatening food security. Speaking with The Nation, the former President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the prevailing insecurity could lead to collapse in the region’s food production. He said the insurgency has placed farmers where they struggle to be productive. Unless the government succeeds in checkmating the insurgency, Ochia said the prospects of addressing the situation are dim. He urged the government to avoid severe risks and increased damage that threaten human health, reduce labour productivity and strain electricity grids. As high price of food-grains continues to bother the common man, he urged the government to accord topmost priority to contain food inflation through tough measures quickly. This will require making an adequate contingency plan to save the farm sector in deficient rainfall situation in the North as it affect the supply side of food-grains. The industrialist urged the government to improve the supply side of various agro and agro-based products. He said focus should be on long pending irrigation projects ensuring optimal use of water resources to prevent the recurrence of floods and drought. Ochia implored the government to raise the level of their rice stocks to help stabilise prices and improve food security.

Stories by Daniel Essiet

According to him, one way to lower risks is to increase reserves. He explained that building larger reserves would help the region to use the stockpiles to cushion price shocks. He said residents need to have access to adequate food from the market is not expensive. Ochia called for the implementation of some innovative ideas which may not only increase farm production through use of technology but also by reclaiming ‘non-cultivable land’ in scientific manner under a national policy. This along with other measures will increase investment in agri-infrastructure — like setting up specialised agri-rail networks for perishable farm products. According to him, massive irrigation projects at village level at the North will help agricultural production. On the whole, he urged the government to see implementation of some innovative ideas which may not only increase farm production through use of technology but also by reclaiming ‘non-cultivable land’ in scientific manner under a national policy. Right now, there are reports of continued conflicts over land ownership in some areas, inadequate irrigation support, poor pricing, transport problems and climate change, he said. The consequences is grave given the fact that farmers have so far struggled to make ends meet. To survive as well as be productive under the trying economic conditions, farmers are experimenting with various options.

• From left: Secretary, Ondo State Cocoa Revolution Project Mr. Toba Adenowuro; Chairman, Dr. Jibayo Oyebade, and President, SPAGnVOLA Chocolatier, Maryland, United States, Mr. Eric Reid, inspecting premium cocoa beans at a drying platform in Akure.

Experts push for improved seeds to tackle food prices

MPROVED seeds produced commercially to attain higher yields hold the key to resolving an imminent food crisis, the Programme Coordinator,Farmers Development Union (FADU) Mr Victor Olowe has said. He said government efforts through the research institutes to bolster the development of improved seeds would ease pressure on rising food prices. Olowe said farmers need to be supported with adapted positive technologies that will improve the productivity, help crops to grow faster and produce higher yields. He said the government must take necessary steps to ensure that

Ministry partners institute on irrigation

HE Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, said the Federal Government would soon begin to harness flood water to improve irrigation farming. He made this known in Abuja at a workshop on Water Management Solutions for Flood-Recession and Dry Season Agriculture in Nigeria. He said the ministry and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Colombo, Sri Lanka, would use the flood water to grow agriculture. Adesina said dry season farming would go a long way to promote agriculture and enhance food security in the country. “This will turn our country’s agriculture sector around and make the country self sufficient in food production, because today, we spend 35 billion dollars a year in importing food. “It does not make sense because we can produce all these food items; we

should be an exporting country by now and not depending on others to feed us.’’ He said Africa could truly be free when it starts managing its disasters and turn them into opportunities. He added: “Africa can truly be free when we start feeding ourselves and we should do it with pride. “The solution to feeding the world is not in Asia or Latin America, but in Africa, because 65 per cent of arable land for feeding the world in 2050 is in Africa. “I am so glad that the Federal Government is in support of this project of managing flood tragedy into feeding millions of Nigerians because the flood experience in Nigeria goes beyond the Nigerian borders.” Adesina said Africa should look at value chain commodities as pioneered by the Transformation Agenda, which have increased Nigeria’s domestic food production since 2011. The Director-General of the insti-

tute, Mr Jeremy Bird, said the institute’s objective in Nigeria is to achieve sustainable use of water and land resources. “Our goal is to assist the government of Nigeria to increase agricultural production and food security and to enable small-scale farmers to engage in flood recession and dry season agriculture. “We are very honoured to play a role in assisting the government of Nigeria to reduce flood risks and increase food production. “This will enable small-scale farmers to engage in dry season farming in order to provide food for their families and to partake in agri-business,” he said. The institute intends to focus on the sustainable use of water and land resources in developing countries. Its objective includes working in partnership with governments, Civil Society Organisations and the private sector to develop scalable agricultural water management solutions.

1,805 farmers get input in Katsina

HE Katsina State Government has distributed farm input worth N700 million to 1,805 farmers in the state under its Special Animal Traction Loan Programme, Governor Ibrahim Shema has said. Launching the programme in Kaita town, Shema said the input included ox-cart, ridger, plough and two work bulls, all valued at N250,000 for each of the beneficiaries. Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Musa Adamu, the governor said

that the animals had an insurance cover, and that the loan was payable in four years. He said five farmers were selected to benefit from the package in each ward across the 34 local government areas of the state. Shema urged the committee to ensure that only genuine farmers benefited from the programme. He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the implements for the development of agriculture in the state.

The Chairman of the distribution committee, Alhaji Nasiru Abdul, said the implements were manufactured in the state as part of efforts to revive local industries that would provide jobs to the people. Abdul said the programme would assist in boosting agricultural productivity and food security in the state. One of the beneficiaries, Mallam Mani Dankaba, thanked the state government for the gesture, assuring that the input would be used judiciously.

food quality and safety considerations form an integral part of food security systems. He said the use of these technologies could help manage issues of food security, food safety and environment. According him, post-harvest technology, storage, drying, food processing, can help food security and safety. The Director-General,Kaduna Business School Dr Dahiru Sani said the government has retooled its policies to focus on agribusiness as a critical driver of future development. He said the foremost requirements is a substantive recovery

and growth of the agricultural sector. Such a development, according to him is essential for a meaningful recovery of the economy and a prerequisite to national wellbeing. After years of neglect, he said agriculture has seized the attention of government and that current efforts could have a major impact on food security, at both household and country levels. The Agricultural Transformation Agenda,according to him, is an incentive to produce more for the market, making more food available while also improving access to it, as poor farmers’ incomes increase.

Firm to hold workshop

N indigenous firm Cowrie Partners will hold a conference on September 25 in Lagos. It will focus on sustainable sources of agriculture funding and how to address the attendant risks. According to the firm, the conference will showcase in practical

terms how investors can navigate the regulatory environment and structure their investments while addressing the attendant risks. It said the conference would feature speeches and special presentations.

UNN’s Faculty of Agric needs N1b

HE Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) needs about N1billion to replace broken down equipment in the six departments which make up the faculty. Its Dean Prof. Simeon Ugwu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Nsukka, Enugu state. He said the dilapidated state of laboratory and field equipment being used to teach students constituted a serious challenge for the faculty. “I believe in practicals. It is good to also demonstrate the practical aspects when you teach your students. “That is why the faculty recently organised a homecoming for the alumni of the faculty, so as to interact with them and to see ways the ways they can assist the faculty. “The faculty needs about

N1billion to replace broken down equipment in the six departments which make up the faculty, as well as bring the faculty to standard. “With adequate funding, we will rebuild and replace our poultry, hatchery and feed mills and farm equipment which have worn out, because some of them have been there since 1980. “With enough funds, we will also be able to meet other needs of the faculty,’’ he said. Ugwu explained that arrangements had been concluded for the faculty to produce six million fingerlings and 10,000 egg-laying birds before the end of the year. According to him, the faculty now has 10 hectares of land planted with quality cassava which, when harvested, will boost the revenue base of the faculty.

‘How varsities can spearhead farm revolution’

THE National President, Cashew Association of Nigeria, Tola Faseru said universities have a huge stake in the success of the farm sector as well as welfare of the common man. Driving a sustainable green revolution, he noted would require high-level human capital, that will come functional, relevant and consistent tertiary education institutions. According to him, universities

have been neglected for decades and are now all too often nonfunctional institutions with dilapidated infrastructure, unmotivated staff and poor learning environments and this is not helping the growth of agriculture. To revamp the food production system, Faseru said the government must support the university research systems to produce new technologies.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

BUSINESS Nike ends Manchester United kit deal after 13 years

IKE is ending a 13-year deal to manufacture Manchester United’s football kit. In a statement, the American sportswear company said “the terms that were on offer for a renewed contract did not represent good value for Nike’s shareholders”. It is thought that either Germany’s Adidas or Warrior will replace them. Manchester United did not qualify for this season’s Champions League for the first time in 19 years. The club suffered its worst ever Premier League finish last season

after manager Sir Alex Ferguson left following 26 years in the job. His successor, David Moyes, lasted just 10 months and Dutch manager Louis van Gaal takes over following the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign. Nike first signed the deal with the club in 2002 and on Monday unveiled a new kit for the 2014-15 season. It will be the last one bearing the Nike logo. Nike said: “Manchester United is a great club with passionate fans.”

Vatican bank chief to step down amid restructure

HE president and four non-executive members of the governing board of the Vatican bank are to step down. French financier Jean-Baptiste de Franssu will take over as head of the bank from Ernst von Freyberg as part of a restructuring of the Catholic Church’s central government. Pope Francis has sought to stamp out corruption and other abuses at the bank, which handles the Church’s funds. The bank’s profits fell last year to 2.9m euros from 86.6m euros in 2012. Ernst von Freyberg was appointed by former Pope Benedict just before his retirement in February 2013 after allegations were made that the Vatican bank had been used by money launderers, However, attempts to create a more transparent banking system for the Catholic Church will continue under new management. “Our ambition is to become something of a model for financial management rather than cause for occasional scandal,” the former head of the Catholic Church in Australia, Cardinal George Pell, told reporters.

He will head a new economic affairs department at the Vatican, with oversight of all the Vatican’s financial dealings and will report directly to the Pope. The cardinal was called to Rome as a result of a year-long attempt to clean up the Vatican’s accounts. The Vatican’s precarious financial situation was revealed by the simultaneous publication in Rome of balance sheets for 2013 of the Holy See, of the Vatican City state, a separate entity, and of the Vatican bank, known officially as the Institute for Religious Works (IOR). The IOR moves money around the world to finance Catholic missions and provides banking services for the Pope, clergy and religious orders. Alongside the bank’s massive drop in profits, the Holy See, the administrative headquarters of the Church, ran up a deficit of 24.2milion euros (£19.2million) last year. However Vatican City state, the tiny sovereign enclave in the heart of Rome, which derives a large part of its income from tickets to the Vatican museums, reported a profit of 32.3million euros (£25.7milllion).

India expects faster economic growth

NDIA’S economy will improve this fiscal year, the government predicted on Wednesday, as a gradual increase in investment helps revive activity, although high inflation and political rumblings in other countries pose hurdles to a strong recovery. The South Asian economy is expected to grow closer to the lower end of a 5.4 per cent-to-5.9 per cent band forecast for the current year, according to a survey, which essentially is a review of the economy conducted by the finance ministry. It grew 4.7 per cent in the year ended March 31. The government said factors such as “institutional reforms to quicken implementation of large projects and a stronger-than-expected recovery in advanced economies would help the Indian economy clock a higher rate of growth.” However, inflation is expected to moderate only by the end of 2014, the government said, adding that India could also face economic pressures due to prospects of below-normal rainfall this year, which could hurt agricultural output and contribute to food-price inflation. The government didn’t provide inflation projections. Most recent data show consumer inflation was

at 8.28 per cent in May. That is well above the six per cent level that India’s central bank would like to hit by January 2016. The government also gave indications of better fiscal management, promising fresh regulations aimed at providing more transparent policies with the “teeth” to strictly enforce fiscal-deficit milestones set out for the government. India in the past enacted a law setting fiscal-deficit targets for the government. Those targets were abandoned by the previous government as it increased social-sector spending. After growing as much as nine per cent in 2011, India’s economy slowed sharply to less than fivre per cent growth in the past couple of years. High inflation sapped consumer demand, while both foreign and domestic corporate investment weakened. Earlier this year, the Bharatiya Janata Party won national elections in a landslide. The party’s leader and India’s new prime minister, Narendra Modi, have promised to make it easier for businesses to operate and open up more sectors of the economy to foreign investment. The government has already drawn up plans to allow greater

foreign ownership in local defense and insurance ventures. On Tuesday, it announced plans to seek foreign investment for developing the country’s railway network, following up on last month’s sharp increases in railway passenger fares and freight rates aimed at boosting revenue. Investors are now watching for the federal budget to be announced Thursday for fresh policy moves to encourage an ailing manufacturing sector, increase infrastructure investment and simplify tax policies. There is also the possibility that the new budget includes measures to reduce government subsidies. Such measures could prove to be politically unpopular, although the government report said: “Addressing the key fiscal risk of food, fertilizer and petroleum subsidies is critical for achieving better quality fiscal marksmanship.” “The survey presents a realistic assessment of the national economic situation,” said Sidharth Birla, president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. “We would look for specific proposals in the budget on further subsidy rationalisation.”

Wearable devices, not durable, says LG

HE concept behind wearables is rooted in simplicity. The fact that you can just “wear it” and not have to worry about dropping or losing the device – not to mention having it stolen – is simplifying it itself. Therefore, “Wear it and forget it” is the ultimate goal of wearable device designers but today’s devices still require maintenance, home electronics manufacturer, LG has said. The firm explained that the movement to make home appliances “smart” however, has not been without its challenges, adding that the goal of making man-machine interactions both seamless and efficient has proved trickier for many leading manufacturers than anticipated. In a statement, the firm explained that one product that does help bring great expectations into a simpler focus however is LG’s HomeChat interface which allows users to give commands to their machines via their smartphones, HomeChat also unlocks the ability to hold two-way conversations with appliances by using the popular LINE messaging app to receive recommendations and feedback

•A Smart Appliance with HomeChat 02

from devices as per their current status. The premise of home appliances have remained virtually unchanged since entering everyday lives decades ago: Make the home simpler. Previously this has seen a boom in the size, shape and overall selection of hardware items which are geared at easing convenience and saving time across a host of household tasks. With pick-up-and-go appliances ubiquitous, the latest innovation battleground has been to give these items a brain. The resulting trend of the ‘Internet of Things’ is to ‘digitally empower’ previously inanimate products such as fridges, ovens and dishwashers with the ability to be smart and interact with their owners. “The smart TV is one of the last devices that even tech-savvy consumers have trouble fully exploiting. While there are many Smart TVs on the market, LG’s built in webOS is designed to streamline the process and bring the full power of the Smart TV to the consumer. LG’s webOS allows for users to search the internet or their own personal media library to find exactly what they want to watch,” the firm said. The simplicity of webOS puts viewers firmly in control of their television screen. Enter webOS, LG’s newest Smart TV platform. that has been used to offer users an intuitive interface for an experience that is both seamless and refreshingly uncomplicated. In optimising the webOs system for LG Smart TV, many industry watchers have lauded the emergence of an interface which finally marries the superior picture quality of the latest generation of TV’s with an operating system that allows truly smart navigation around and connectivity with a rich ecosystem of online content. The ability of LG’s appliances to read and implement commands via text message marks a core simplification of human-machine interaction.

•From left: Secretary, Head, Joint Negotiating Council on Staff Welfare, Ministry Mr. Osade Uche; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Amb. Abdulkadir Musa; Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council Mr. Kudu AlHassan and Vice Chairman, Mr. Adewale Adekoya during the introduction of the newly elected officials of the Council at the Ministry's Headquarters in Abuja.

Reforms shake up Mexico Telecoms

EXICAN telecoms reforms are forcing the break-up of billionaire Carlos Slim’s America Movil empire, Latin America’s biggest telecoms company. Mr Slim, one of the world’s richest men, says he will bring America Movil’s market share below 50 per cent. Its Telmex fixed line subsidiary has 80 per cent of the Mexican market and its mobile Telcel operation 70 per cent. The reforms would make America Movil in its present form a dominant player, subject to strict new rules. They would include being forced to share infrastructure with rivals

such as Spain’s Telefonica. In a move aimed at avoiding this, it will present its restructuring to the country’s new telecoms watchdog, the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT). The much-delayed legislation reforming telecoms and broadcasting is expected to get final approval from Congress this week. It was introduced by President Enrique Pena Nieto, who took office 20 months ago promising to boost competition in the Mexican economy. The new rules will also affect Televisa, the world’s biggest provider of Spanish-language content, which has more than 60 per cent of the free-to-air TV market.

Although America Movil has not yet said what it would sell off in order to reduce its market share, it has said it will split its infrastructure business and cellphone towers away from Telcel into a separate business. Mexico’s Transport and Communications Ministry said in a statement: “This decision could transform competition in the telecommunications sector, with improved quality and better prices for services to end users.” If America Movil does cut its market share below 50 per cent, it will be allowed into other markets, such as the pay-TV sector, which it is barred from at the moment.

Emirates, Boeing finalise order for 150 777X aircraft

NITED States plane maker Boeing and Emirates Airline have finalised a deal for 150 new 777X mini-jumbo jets. The deal, worth $56billion (£33billion) at list prices, was agreed at the Dubai Airshow in November. The agreement includes a pro-

vision for Emirates to increase its order by a further 50 aircraft. Boeing plans to start producing 777X planes in 2017, and has set itself a target of 2020 to deliver the first aircraft. “With the order for 150 777Xs, Emirates now has 208 Boeing 777s pending delivery,

creating and securing jobs across the supply chain,” said Emirates president Sir Tim Clark. “The 777X will offer us operational flexibility in terms of range, more passenger capacity and fuel efficiency, and we look forward to inducting them into our fleet from 2010.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11 2014

COMMENTARY

T no time in the life of man can the true nature of human existence be more manifest than in Ramadan. It is in that sacred month that Muslims reflect mostly on the purpose of their existence on earth. Some people fasted actively last year but are no more today. Some put their feet at the door step of Ramadan this year but never entered it. Some fell by the way side along the line. Some fasted with absolute faith in Allah and confidence in making use of the lessons of Ramadan. Some joined the train with no idea of their destination in the month. At the beginning of the sacred month, an analysis was done in this column classifying the 30 or 29 days of Ramadan into three segments. The first segment was said to contain the first ten days of the month during which the blessings of Allah came to the faithful Muslims freely and in abundance. Except for meeting that segment with faith and good intention, there was no working for blessings. That segment ended on July 8, 2014 paving way for the second segment that began the following day. With the commencement of this middle 10 days period, most sincere fasting Muslims began to intensify worship (‘Ibadah) by spending their days and nights seeking Allah’s forgiveness and by chanting Istighfar while observing Tarawih and Tahajjud in addition to the normal five daily obligatory Salawat. Most of them also engage vehemently in Tilawah, Tafsir and attendance of public lectures for better understanding of Islam. However, forgiveness in this circumstance is neither automatic nor free. Usually, conditions are attached to it. One of such conditions is for all fasting Muslims to admit his/her misdeeds and repent on them. The second is for such Muslims to voluntarily and genuinely seek forgiveness. And the third condition is to resolve never to return to such misdeeds again. To seek Allah’s forgiveness during this segment, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was reported to have said that “if you want to speak with Allah, make your request on prostration. And if you want Allah to speak to you recite the Qur’an”. And that was what Muslims of understanding are now doing. No one who abides by the above conditions and follows it scrupulously will ever be disappointed. Allah is both a promising and a fulfilling God. He never reneges on His promise. He promises in Qur’an 2:186 thus: “…when my servants ask you (Prophet Muhammad) about me, tell them that I am very close to them. I answer the prayers of whoever seeks my favour if he prays to me (without any intermediary). So, let them expect my favourable response and trust in me so that they may be rightly guided”. Money or material possession which constitutes vanity is not an evidence of acceptance of prayer in Islam.

Second Segment

This second segment of ten days is not just to consolidate on the blessings of the first ten days it is also to prepare the fasting Muslims for the last ten days when all genuine Muslims are expectedly ready to be fully liberated from the evil machinations of any Satanic forces. The last ten days which constitute the last segment are the most heavily pregnant in terms of spiritual activities. In that segment are such activities like I‘tikaf, Laylatul Qadr and Zakatul Fitr to be found. Zakatul Fitr can be called the climax of Ramadan while ‘Idul Fitr is its anti-climax. Whoever passes through that segment therefore without any blemish is qualified to profit here on earth and in the hereafter. However, gaining spiritual achievement is not as important as maintaining such achievement. It will be foolish of anybody to go through such a rigour for a whole month only to turn back and throw away the gains there from. That will seem like returning to one’s own vomit. If some people passed through the same rigour last year and did not see this year’s Ramadan it would be expected of those who are alive to learn a lesson from that. There is no automation in fasting every year. Only the grace of Allah can ensure that for some. Human life is not measured by the length of life or time and manner of death. In Islam, death is neither the consequence of sin nor the repercussion of ignorance. There are instances when the sinless die and the sinful live. There are also instances when the learned one may die while the

FEMI ABBAS ON femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

Reappraising Ramadan

of their lives. Muslims, by their faith and orientation, should not, ordinarily, akin to WANTS. They should rather be more concerned about NEEDS than WANTS. The reason for this is not far-fetched. With NEEDS come contentment and satisfaction while WANTS are the cause of greed and avarice. Allah, the creator and Sustainer of the universe, had provided the needs of every living creature even before its creation. But then, He knew ab initio that of all those creatures man alone would go beyond NEEDS into the realm of WANTS. That was perhaps what caused the negative role which Satan assumed in the life of man shortly after the creation of Adam and Hawa’u. By introducing WANTS to man, what Satan did was to create a permanent job for himself in the life of man. Without WANTS the world would not have been what it is today. Blood would not have been shed. Money would not have been deified. Hatred would not have been known to man. And, man’s inhumanity to man would have been totally averted.

Renaissance

•The National Mosque, Abuja

ignorant one lives. The schedule of life and death is not in the custody of any human being. Death is a debt which every living being owes and must pay.

Jesus and Muhammad

Not even Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was spared of death or given a foreknowledge of it. Allah told him in the Qur’an: “Say I have not the power to benefit or to harm myself except what Allah pleases. Unto every nation is a fixed term. When their terms expire, they cannot delay it by an hour nor can they bring it forth before its time”. Q.10:49. And more than six hundred years before Prophet Muhammad (SAW), another Prophet, Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary) had made a similar statement thus: “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me”. See John 5:30 and he expressed the same statement in another way in John 20:28 thus: “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on my own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught me”. The statements by both Prophets though at different times, were made out of humility and exemplariness.

Between dream and fulfilment

Some people dream but never live to realize their dreams. Some look but never see. It is only in the imagination of man that age or accident or disease should be a cause of death. We shall all die at our scheduled time through the destined means. Therefore, whoever is privileged to pass through this year’s Ramadan successfully should endeavour to add spiritual value to his or her life and not diminish in faith after the sacred month. We shall all account for that value before Allah. Let men remember the role of their wives during the month and renew their love for those wives. Let women recall the intimacy which Ramadan rekindles between them and their husbands during the month and sustain such intimacy if only for the sake of the children. Let parents’ happiness be derived from the role of their children in the sacred month and further encourage such children to do good in order to curry the favour of Allah. Let everybody remember the tremendous improvement which the month of Ramadan has brought to our relationship during the month and strive to sustain such relationship irrespective of tribe, language or religion.

Relationship

We should also review our relationship

with our neighbours especially the nonMuslims among them in that month. In Islam, neighbours are as important as the next of kin. And, Islam attaches so much respect to them that Bukhari and Muslim quoted Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as saying three times that: “he does not believe in Allah whoever creates fear in his/her neighbours”. And in another Hadith also reported by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet was quoted as saying: “Whoever believes in Allah and the last day let him be nice to his neighbours and respect his guests” In the month of Ramadan a good Muslim is expected to wear a new toga of sobriety and repentance. He doubles his good deeds towards his neighbours by extending generosity to them and by cultivating a new atmosphere of friendliness and trust with them. He genuinely gives them as much impression of love and brotherhood as he does with his con-sanguine relatives. It does not matter whether such neighbours are Muslims or non-Muslims. Neither does it matter whether they are fellow tribesmen or non-natives. The Prophet did not discriminate in his Hadith when he was admonishing his disciples on what relationship with neighbours should be. And that is the inalienable position of Islam on neighbours. Therefore, whoever, had quarreled with his neighbours, therefore Ramadan, let him go and settle the quarrel during Ramadan. That is an additional value to fasting in the sacred month.

Needs and wants

Fasting in the month of Ramadan cannot be taken in half measure. It is an act of ‘Ibadah that stands as a whole pillar of Islam. Whoever wants to receive full rewards for his religious activities in Ramadan let him continue to abide by the foregoing after the sacred month. Ramadan is not made a pillar of Islam by accident. Its purpose is to return man to the original state of purity into which he was created. That Allah entrusts the world to man is also not by accident. Allah consulted wide and far before entrusting this great responsibility to man having volunteered to bear it. This much is revealed in Qur’an 33:71 thus: “We offered the trust (of the world) to the heavens; the earth and the mountains they all turned it down and were afraid of it. Man undertook to bear it but he has proved to be insincere and deceitful”. For man to re-examine himself, repent his misdeeds and be redeemed, therefore, Allah brought Ramadan as a means of rescue. It is in the month of Ramadan that Muslims reconfirm NEEDS rather than WANTS as the necessities required for the sustenance

It is however delightful to note in the sacred month that Nigerian Mosques are full of Muslim youths an indication that a silent Islamic renaissance is on course despite the satanic confusion in the land caused by manifest agents of Satan. With this development, two great possibilities are expected to see Islam through the coast of good hope in the 21st century. One is the return of the Mosque to its original objective without delving into violence as currently being done by some vandals claiming to be Muslims. The other is the inalienable continuation of Islamic intellectual dynamism in reshaping the destiny of mankind. The hope that these two possibilities are achievable in the hands of today’s teeming Muslim youths is in fulfilment of a fundamental prophesy about the signs of the last days. One of these signs is that ‘the sun will start rising where it used to set’. The reference here is not to the physical sun. The Prophet was referring to the spiritual photosynthesis of the souls of mankind for the ultimate metamorphosis of those souls from mortality to immortality. The photosynthesis in reference here is Islam. And the fulfilment of this prophesy is gradually being confirmed today not only by the rate at which the Westerners are embracing Islam in their thousands, despite the grand plan to blacklist that divine religion with implacable hatred, but also by technology and science.

Functions of mosque

When Prophet Muhammad (SAW) established the very first Mosque in Madinah (Masjid Al-Qubah) in 622 A.C, the purpose was more than just Salat. Thus, to the Muslims, the Mosque is not supposed to be just a house of worship. It should also be a school, a library, a hospital, a court, a media centre, a parliament and a place of work for some Muslims. Without the Mosque, the unity of the Muslims would have been impossible. Mosque is the meeting place for offering Salat five times a day. It is the centre of congregation for Jum’at prayer every Friday. It brings the Muslims together twice in a year for congregational observance of Eidul-Fitr and Eidul-Adha. Yet, the meeting place called ‘Arafah which is the climax of Hajj is a Mosque. The Mosques in Makkah, Madinah, and Quds (Jerusalem) serve the same purpose as those in Cairo, Jakarta, Islamabad and Sydney. And, in purpose and intent, there is no difference between the Mosque in Sokoto and the one in Vancouver. Generally, the Mosque plays a central role in fortifying the unity of the Muslims wherever they are. But unfortunately, for personal benefits, the Mosque has been relegated to just a place for Salat alone thereby becoming grossly underutilised. That is the real cause of the backwardness in which the Muslim Ummah is now wallowing. With the experience of the sacred month, every fasting Muslims has an opportunity to gain bounteously here on earth and in the hereafter. Such bounties must not be lost. This year’s month of Ramadan may be running fast to its end, its lessons will continue to live with us practically until they are renewed again next year with the return of this same month in sha’Allah. RAMADAN KARIM!

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NEWS

RAMADAN KAREEM

Ramadan 14, 1435AH

•From left: Governor Ahmed; Alhaji Mohammed and wife Alhaja Kudirat at the event.

PHOTO NIYI ADENIRAN

Ahmed cautions political class

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, has enjoined the political class, especially those in leadership positions, to always exercise their authority with humility and piety in recognition that power flows from God. He added that those in positions of authority must always remember that attainment of such positions was the will of God. Governor Ahmed said governments should embrace the concept of wealth distribution as a pragmatic way of tackling poverty and promoting harmony in the society. He spoke yesterday in Oro, Irepodun local government area of the state at this year’s Ramadan lecture organised by APC’s spokesperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. “Charity is very important and Zakat, a wealth distribution mechanism, which if embraced, will ensure that there is no poverty in the land. If mankind imbibes the spirit of Zakat, there will be no poverty in the land. So we must see how governments across the world imbibe it; it

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

is not about Islam, it is about a system of wealth distribution that ensures people can get the benefits of life,” he said. Ahmed also called for the understanding and cooperation of the populace, so that governments can deliver policies and programmes that will ensure the emergence of a polity where quality of life is enhanced. He drummed support for the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state. Governor Ahmed urged students and APC supporters in the state to participate actively in the forthcoming Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter registration exercise. He said active participation in the exercise, which comes up this month will ensure that they are not disenfranchised in the 2015 general elections. In his remark, Alhaji Mohammed said Nigerians must imbibe the spirit of brotherliness, even beyond the

month of Ramadan. The guest lecturer, who is the chief imam of Offa, Offa local government area, Sheikh Muideen Husseni enjoined APC supporters to rally round the Governor Ahmed administration to succeed. He admonished APC supporters, loyalists and sympathisers to eschew all pullhim-down tendencies, adding that “the reigning person in Kwara State today is Governor Ahmed.” Sheikh Husseni urged Nigerian leaders to spare a thought for the less privileged as hunger and poverty are everywhere in the country. He warned the governor to be wary of sycophants, adding that “you need the support of all for your administration to succeed. Be focus and carry all along in all that you do; don’t be distracted by side-talks and hearsays.” The leader of the APC in the state and Senator representing Kwara Central at the National Assembly, Dr Bukola Saraki was represented by the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Abdulkareem.

Cleric calls for Chibok girls’ release

OUNDER of Husseiniyya Islamic Foundation, Sheikh Hussein Muhammed, has called for concerted efforts from religious organisations, groups and individuals to secure the release of the over 200 girls abducted from Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State. The renowned cleric called for more prayers to ensure the safe return of the Chibok girls to their parents. While condemning in

By Remi Adelowo

strong terms the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents, Sheikh Muhammed deplored the killing of innocent people by the terrorist group, insisting that Islam is a religion of peace which abhors violence. Quoting relevant verses from the Holy Qur’an to back up his assertion, the cleric referred to Verse 151 of Chapter 6 of the Qur’an where Al-

lah said: “Take not life which Allah had made sacred, except by way of justice and the law.” The cleric urged Muslims to continue to pray with dedication and sincerity of purpose, as according to him, Allah is ready to grant such requests. He announced that prayer sessions will hold every Jumat service as part of efforts to assist the government in rescuing the abducted Chibok girls.

Boko Haram is criminal, says Lagos HAIRMAN, Lagos State Solicitor-General Secretariat Mosque and

Solicitor-General of Lagos, Alhaji Lawal Pedro has described Boko Haram as criminals that have nothing to do with Islam. The solicitor-general spoke at the maiden edition of the mosque’s annual Ramadan lecture in Lagos. “In the light of what is happening, some set of people who are not Muslims but by plainly iota of scandal are now bastardising the religion, we want to let people know that they are evils and have nothing to do with Islam,” he said. According to him, Islam abhors killing of self and other souls, saying those who per-

By Amidu Arije

petuate evil in the society are not true Muslims and should be excommunicated. “Everyone Muslim must go back to the Quran and teachings of the Prophet, it has stated clearly on what we should do and bearing in mind to recognise other religions and give them their respect and co-exist peacefully,” he said. Guest speaker, Chief Imam of Ogba Oluwole Central Mosque, Imam Sadullah Bello, urged Nigerians to be Godly, saying that is the only antidote to the nation’s crisis.

Bello urged Muslims to be conscious of their environment and live in harmony with their neighbours. “Nigeria will never be peaceful except we go back to the manual of life which is the Quran; it is the light and solution to the world’s problems,” he said. Given the insecurity in the country, Bello stated that poverty and lack of knowledge are major problems. “Knowledge is a vital key to reduce insecurity in the country, the government should also eradicate poverty and provide jobs for the people,” he said.

•Chief Imam of the Epe Central Mosque, Alhaji Saadallah Rahman greeting Mr Akinwunmi Ambode during the Epe Muslim Community Ramadan Tafsir in Epe. With them is the Noibul Imam of Epe Central Mosque, Lateef Oladapo.

Religion not factor for office holders

HIEF Imam, Lagos State House of Assembly Mosque, Alhaji Abdullateef Abdulhakeem, has enjoined Lagosians not to allow the faith of a candidate to determine who they will eventually elect to take over from Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola in 2015, but rather look for who will continue his good work in office. The cleric, who was speaking on the need for religious tolerance as preached by Islam, cautioned Nigerians not to allow religious issues divide them as some people were trying to do to achieve their diabolical agenda. He spoke at Seventh Annual Iftar Saim (Feeding the Fasting Muslims) organised by Deputy Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rotimi Abiru at the Igeyin Adun Primary School, Bariga. “The faith one belongs to should not be a determining factor in choosing who should take over from Fashola, but instead we should look for who will continue with the good work of Fashola. “So we should not allow such in our society, we should continue with the religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among us here,” he said. He enjoined religious leaders to lead the crusade

Ramadan lecture

HE maiden Ramadan lecture organised by old students Anwar-ul-Islam College Old Student Association (ACAOSA) hold tomorrow at the school premises on Oniwaya Road, Agege, a popular Lagos subsurb. Old and current students are expected at the event slated to begin at 10am. On Sunday at 77/78 set will converge on Plot 16 Esther Adeleke Street, off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1 home of Alhaji Tajudeen Adekoya for another Ramadan lecture and a meeting.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

to pick the best replacement for Fashola. Abiru has urged Nigerians, especially, Muslims, use the Ramadan period to pray fervently for the safe return of over 200 Chibok school girls abducted by members of the Boko Haram sect in Maiduguri. Abiru made this appeal at his Seventh Annual Iftar Saim (Feeding the Fasting Muslims) at the Igeyin Adun Primary School, Bariga. He said fervent prayers of believers would go a long way in bringing the girls back. The lawmaker, who is representing Shomolu 2 constituency explained that the month of Ramadan is usually a season of peace

and tranquillity in all parts of the society as the Muslims are expected to be kind, generous, and patient as possible. “In other words, we put ourselves in total restraint for about 29-30 days. This exercise is a great lesson for us all; we are expected to turn out as better Muslims in all ramifications by the end of the month and for the rest of our life. “People wake up nowadays and are not sure of whether they will be victims of abductors, bomb explosions, violence, ritual killers or armed robbers. We can no longer afford to sleep with the two eyes closed, as we are not sure of seeing tomorrow for lack of security, yet, there is hunger and poverty everywhere,” the lawmaker said.

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

Mating in Ramadan

NE of the most important aspects of marriage is mating. It is the means of procreation of children as legitimized by consummation of marriage. Across nations, tribes and cultures, legitimate mating serves as the lotion of love. It is also perceived as the natural balm with which to soothe the aching areas of the matrimonial conflicts. A matrimonial home without intercourse is like a desert without an oasis. Therefore, Ramadan should not be used as an excuse to abstain from the matrimonial bed. In Islam, sexual intercourse in the matrimonial home is so important that its constant denial by either party without any cogent reason is a sin. Mating in Islam is not just for procreation of children. It is also a reconfirmation of love and fulfilment of nature’s promise. With matrimonial intercourse, paradise is attainable. Without it, paradise is deniable. While elucidating on the gains of Sadaqat, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once told his disciples that mating is Sadaqat if it is legitimately done. And legitimacy here means doing it with ones legitimate spouse. The prophet’s position on this is confirmed by Qur’an 2: 223 thus: “Your wives are your fields, enter them as you please...”. Denial of matrimonial intercourse to a spouse without reason is a violation of a fundamental marital right. Even where both spouses have tested positive to HIV, intercourse should not be ruled out. And where only one of them is positive the couple should reach an understanding on how to go about it. In Ramadan, a couple can be as sexually active as outside Ramadan provided it is done between dusk and dawn. However, a serious Muslim couple must regulate sexual activities even during the nights of Ramadan to make room for observance of Nafilats (spiritual genuflexion), Tilawah (recitation of the Qur’an) and Du‘au (supplications). And, it is preferable to perform the Janabat bath before the observance of Salatus-Subh. But where necessity or circumstance makes the bath of Janabat impossible before the day break, there is no problem. All that needs to be done is to perform it as soon as such a circumstance is over. And that does not vitiate fasting. It is, however, assumed that no serious Muslim will ever want to indulge in any unwarranted circumstance to skip Salatus-Subh by not taking Janabat bath at the right time. Allah judges deeds by intention. Whoever claims to be a Muslim must embrace Islam totally.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

DISCOURSE

The Governance Predicament: Poverty, Terrorism and Democracy

Lecture delivered at Freedom House, Lagos, Nigeria by Larry Diamond June 30, 2014 •Continued from yesterday

T goes without saying that something is seriously wrong when the Governor of the Central Bank finds that during an 18-month period between January 2012 and July 2013 Nigeria failed to repatriate three-quarters of the roughly $65 billion it presumably earned from oil sales.[3] Add to this the findings of the Farouk Lawan Committee, which exposed a fuel subsidy scam costing Nigeria some $7 billion, the work of Nuhu Ribadu and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and so many other reports and revelations not just in recent years but over the tragic history of oil wealth in Nigeria, and it is hard to dismiss the assertion of former World Bank Vice President and former Minister Oby Ezekwesli that some $400 billion of the Nigeria’s oil revenue has been stolen or misspent since its independence.[4]As one of the most astute foreign scholars of Nigeria, Peter Lewis, recently observed to me, “In the last decade, the government has been hemorrhaging the resources from Nigeria’s second oil boom. Not even the electricity program that is supposed to be part of the government’s “transformation agenda” can move ahead.”[5] It is just not credible for defenders of the current order to dismiss all these allegations as partisan or “unproven”. They form a pattern of documentation of embezzlement, mismanagement and misappropriation of public funds that is shocking in scale, irrefutable in essence, and devastating in impact. ertainly Nigerians per ceive that corruption is out of control. In the recent Global Corruption Barometer, 78 percent of Nigerians— one of the largest proportions in the world—said corruption is a significant problem in the country. 72% felt it had increased substantially in the last two years. 75% said the government was doing little to combat it. 94% perceived political parties as corrupt or extremely corrupt (and about the same percentage the police as well).[6] These percentages are backed up by expert ratings, such as those done by the World Bank, which rank the quality of governance in Nigeria in the bottom quartile of all the world’s countries. This scale of corruption has serious consequences for development and human wellbeing. To understand this, let us look at one simple statistic—the percentage of children under five years old who die every year. And let us compare Nigeria and Ghana. Four decades ago, in the wake of the first oil boom, Nigeria was a much wealthier country than Ghana. Its per capita income was about 40 percent higher than Ghana’s.[7]Since the darkest days of military rule and partial state collapse in Ghana, that country has moved forward to develop democracy and lift up state capacity and performance. Nigeria has not. As a result, Ghana has significantly improved its rankings onthe quality of governance, while Nigeria’s have remained miserable. In control of corruption, Ghana is now in the 56th percentile worldwide, Nigeria is in the 11th percentile. On Rule of law, Ghana is in the 50th percentile. Nigeria is in the bottom 10 percent. Here are the other

percentile rankings, on a scale from 0 to 100: State effectiveness: Ghana 52, Nigeria 16. Voice and accountability: Ghana 60, Nigeria 27 Regulatory quality: Ghana 56, Nigeria 25. s a consequenceof all of this, Ghana ranks in the 50th percentile in terms of political stability, and Nigeria is in the third percentile, down in the neighborhood of Iraq, Afghanistan, and the DRC. And this was before Boko Haram abducted some 276schoolgirls in Chibok a few weeks ago as part of its latest and most ruthless rampage. Given these data, how surprised should we be that order is disintegrating in a part of Nigeria’s territory, with repeated bombings as well in and around the capital city? Now let us look at under age five mortality rates. Ghana has reduced this grim statistic since 1980 by 57%; Nigeria by only 42%. Today about 7.2% of Ghanaian children under age five die each year—a horrible statistic, but much better than the Nigerian rate, which is 12.4%. Nigeria has the ninth worst child death rate in the world, of the 196 countries for which UNICEF presents data. The difference between Nigeriaand Ghana is the difference between one out of 14 kids dying a year versus one of out eight. UNICEF estimates that 827,000 Nigerian children under age five died in 2012, about one of every eight such deaths in the entire world. Now imagine for a moment that Nigeria had Ghana’s under-five mortality rate of 7.2 percent. The number of Nigeria’s child deaths in 2012 would have been about 347,000 fewer. Multiply that figure, or some large portion of it, by however many years you wish to go back in time, and the number of children who have died because Nigeria’s child death rate is larger than Ghana’s runs well into the millions. In the last decade alone, it has surely been over two million, probably over three million Nigerian children. That is many more deaths than in the Nigerian civil war. It is more than three times as many deaths as in the Rwandan genocide, and comparable to the number of Cambodians murdered by the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. hese were children, who had their whole lives ahead of them. It is hard to see what can possibly account for the difference in child death rates between Nigeria and Ghana except the demonstrably worsegovernance in Nigeria. Allow me to quote again from your former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili: By conservative estimate, our country has earned more than $600billion in the last five decades and yet can only boast of a United Nations Human Development Index score of .4 out of 1,

proximate to that of Chad, and [a] maternal mortality rate similar to that of Afghanistan! Nothing reveals the depth of our failures [more] than such performance indicators, considering the vastly greater possibilities that we have been bestowed.[8] 53 years after independence, an estimated half of Nigerian adults are illiterate, 70 percent lack access to improved sanitation facilities, a quarter of all children are underweight, and over a third of them are not being immunized.[9] Who will be held accountable for these developmental failures, and for the roughlythree million children who would not have died if Nigeria’s Fourth Republic had managed to improve the quality of governance—not to the level of Sweden, just to the level of Ghana? When political leaders murder a million of their own people, we call it genocide. We do not have a term for the crime that is inflicted when egregious corruption and mismanagement cause the needless death of three million children over an extended period of time. hen more than 200 school children are abducted from their school dormitories by a terrorist organisation, outrage comes easily, and justifiably. We know the names and faces of those girls. Where are recorded the names and faces of the 347,000 children under five years old who died last year but would still be alive if Nigeria had—I repeat—merely decent governance? The current moment begs another question: If the Nigerian state, with all its natural wealth, cannot ensure that its children are given decent levels of social and economic security—education, immunization, and nutrition—how can it ensure that they have physical security? Why should anyone expect the army and police to show greater purpose, efficacy, and selflessness than other segments of the state and the body politic? Bad governance is like cancer; it is malignant—it spreads throughout the body. And cultural norms are set from the top, as people watch not what their leaders say, but what they do. This is why President Shehu Shagari’s declaration of an “ethical revolution” during the Second Republic was so unserious. What is the point of appealing to the public for better ethics when government and politics are riddled with pervasive, unchecked greed? One of the oldest aphorisms about governance, which many cultures claim to have originated, is this: The fish rots from the head down. As Chinua Achebe eloquently noted in his essay, The Trouble with Nigeria, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with

‘

the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else.” Leadership sets the tone. Some thirty years ago, when I was writing about the failure of the First Nigerian Republic, a phrase kept ringing in my ears. It was prompted by years of corruption and repression, and then the blatant rigging of the October 1965 Western Regional election, which plunged the region into violent rebellion against the government of Premier Samuel Akintola. I wrote about that period: Looters and highway robbers were aware that their behavior differed only in its openness from that of the politicians. Said one young man as he threatened to ignite a car he had stopped on the highway, “Akintola has had his share. Now we want ours.”[10] When most leaders of politics and government are seen as scoundrels and thieves, ordinary people tend to behave in kind, because they do not trust their fellow citizens to behave any differently, and they do not want to be the lone fool who obeys the formal rules. That is not the kind of social, legal and moral foundation on which a country can build democracy, development, or peace and stability. The link to terrorism and insecurity n the absence of very seri ous and far-reaching gover nance reform, the problem of Boko Haram’s murderous violence in the north is not any more amenable to termination than is the problem of piracy and criminality in the Niger Delta area. There is no purely security solution to either of these security challenges. Each emerges as a twisted response to a situation of pervasive corruption, injustice, distrust, moral decay, and state weakness. And each appears to be intertwined with struggles for pol i t i c a l pow er i n c om pl ex , opaque, and volatile ways. It is not merely social scientists that have stressed the significant social, economic, and political roots of terrorist violence, across a wide range of national situations, of which Nigeria is only one. In April 2012, the then National Security Advisor to the President, the late retired general Andrew Owoye Azaze, made a similar point in a public speech, stressing that the mobilization of force alone against Boko Haram could not work, and that Nigeria could not achieve security without broad-based development: …Even if all the leaders that we know in Boko Haram are arrested, I don’t think the problem would end, because there are tentacles. I don’t think that people would be satisfied, because the situations that created the problems are not just about the religion, poverty or the desire to rule Nigeria. I think it’s a combination of everything. Except you

The current moment begs another question: If the Nigerian state, with all its natural wealth, cannot ensure that its children are given decent levels of social and economic security—education, immunisation, and nutrition—how can it ensure that they have physical security? Why should anyone expect the army and police to show greater purpose, efficacy, and selflessness than other segments of the state and the body politic?

’

•Prof. Diamond

address all those things comprehensively, it would not work. …It is not enough for us to have a problem in 2009 and you send soldiers to stop the situation, then tomorrow you drive everybody underground. You must look at what structures you need to put in place to address the problem holistically. There are economic problems in the North, which are not the exclusive prerogative of the Northerners. We must solve our problems as a country.[11] It is also important to stress another lesson of comparative experience in countering insurgences: By further victimizing many innocent people, human rights violations by state security forces enlarge support for the insurgency. In and outside Nigeria, there is growing concern over the climate of impunity for state security forces who are responsible for, to quote the latest annual report of Human Rights Watch, “indiscriminate arrest, detention, torture, and extra-judicial killing of those suspected to be supporters or members” of Boko Haram.[12]

What is to be done

don’t think many Nigerians needed the suffering and shame that Boko Haram has inflicted on this country to see that the situation is desperate and is not amenable to platitudes and faint-hearted solutions. Intellectual honesty can only point in the direction of comprehensive and far-reaching policy responses. When corruption has brought a country down to the bottom three percent in the world in terms of political stability, it’s time to think outside the box. I want to suggest six reform responses. I don’t presume that these are the only ones, and I realize that some of these are definitely “outside the box.” Nigeria has to do multiple radical and unconventional things if it is going to climb out of the deep trough in which it has been stuck for half a century. The place to begin is with elections. Two key requirements for clean elections are effective and neutral administration, and comprehensive transparency. On the first, some progress has been made, but there are serious concerns about whether the country’s electoral administration is up to the coming challenge in 2015. There is at least on respect in which the recent Ekiti election does not inspire confidence. You cannot have the police and the military blocking the supporters (not to mention fellow governors) of one party from moving about a state and campaigning, and call that a fully free and fair election. Democratic elections require a level playing field. That must mean freedom to campaign. And it must mean strict neutrality of all the instruments of state security. •To be Continued

THE NATION FRIDAY JULY 11, 2014

POLITICS OSUN POLITICS Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola spoke with reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, on his administration, the Ekiti governorship election and preparations for the August 9 poll in the State of the Living Springs. Excerpts:

‘Osun ‘ll vote for continuity’

HE governorship election will hold in Osun State next month. How can the APC avert what happened during the Ekiti poll? A genuine democrat must be willing and ready to embrace defeat as he or she will embrace victory, provided the election is transparent, credible, free and fair. The real issue is not about you as a candidate, but the quality of the electoral process. Once the quality is good and high, whatever the people say is the final because they are the ultimate decider of who represents or govern them. Democratic choices is expected to be correct, good and right, but it is not always that the choice is good, correct and right. Long before I assumed this office, I prepared so well for the office in a way that, going by the normal run, I should not be working as hard as I am working now for re-election. I am one of the politicians that from day one began my campaign. From the day I entered this office, I started my campaign. How many governors walk the streets with their citizens? I have been doing that since the first month in office. How many governors creates interactive forum in Nigeria before me? There is none. I was the first governor that devoted close to 10 hours of continuous engagement on a quarterly basis with the citizens. The ‘Ogbeni Till Day Break’ is a worldwide engagement because we take feedbacks from • Aregbesola social media. Hardly is there any community in this state that I have not touched personally. In tions, not primodial sentiment. We didn’t do the terms of physical and social services, this is the selection anyway, Professor Ogunbameru of first government that will say that there is no OAU administered everything, gave us the list household, be it the PDP, be it the APC and othand the addresses. We have been giving them ers, that our programme has not reached, there N10,000 monthly since 2012.Your question is if is none. I feed 300,000 pupils every school day at am bothered about Ekiti, I don’t even think about the cost of N3.6 billion a year, I have been doing it. As a loyal APC member, I was disturbed. But, it since 2012 and I have spent N7.2 billion on as a head of a government that has worked so that. The students consume 15,000 whole chicken well with the people, I don’t even see the effect. I every week and it is served twice. They conlook at my engagement with the people, the prodsume 300,000 eggs every week, one egg a week. ucts of my government, which has not left any They consume 400 tons of fish every week. They home unaffected positively, and I said if election consume 35 herds of cattle every week. We gave is about acceptance, popularity and impact you close to N600 million to the poultry farmers and have made on the people, we are waiting for also the fish farmers. what the dictate of democracy would be. In a Also, 1000 new farmers who we raised to procredible, transparent, free and fair election, Rauf duce cocoyam are in this, close to 500 ‘O’Yes Aregbesola does not have any worry at all about cadets’ are equally empowered to outtake the what people will say about his administration. cocoyam and give to the vendors. Also, tens of Is your administration in good terms with four thousands are equally engaged providing difcritical sectors, namely teachers, civil servants, ferent items. From this alone, close to one milokada riders and students? lion people are directly impacted from just one Let us start with the students. When we came programme, ‘O’meal’. We have the second batch in, students were given a bursary of N3,000 and of O’Yes cadets, the first batch of 20,000 had gone, they won’t even get the bursary on time and it the 2nd batch of 20,000 is on and they are from was full of scam. They brought it to me to sign homes. They work two or three days a week and and I said why do I have to sign N3,000 for anythey have the entire days of week left for them body? We raised the bursary to N10,000 flat. For to see what they can do with their hands and medical and law students N20,000 while our inearn a living because they are taught entrepredigenes in the Law School get N100,000. I don’t neurial training but they earn N10,000 monthly see how such students will hate us. I can’t see it. as cadets. On this scheme alone, this administraWhoever now hates us has something else against tion has spent N9 billion. I tell people what this us not for the fact that we have not done the type of scheme means for national government. needful. The increase wasn’t solicited; we did it You can’t say I don’t have 18 friends who I can out of our own understanding of the reality of give half a billion naira contract to, whether they what the students are going through. There was do it or not, I would have still given it. But, the clamor for the reduction of fees. We reduced the maximum amount of that investment that will fees from a huge amount to something that is stay here will be less than 50 per cent, yes, you comparably affordable. Also, we have been inwill have the project here but there would still vesting in developing the institutions much more be capital flight because we are talking about than any administration has done in the history direct impact on the economy. O’Yes have of this state. changed the paradigm; 100 per cent of that N9 For okada riders, they have no problem with billion is in this economy. us. They may want us to do things for them as The programme has huge economic benefit to we have done to some other groups, but it not as the state. Every O ‘Yes cadet has a smart card and if they said, compared to others, these are the the issue of anyone handling or tampering with problems. The roads here are appreciated even their money does not arise. We are one of the by those who used legs. Has any government few government that develops a meaningful succeeded in constructing 200 kilometres of road programme for elderly citizens care. We are not in all the nooks and crannies of the state? There is into a blanket social welfare scheme for the eldno part of this state that we have not constructed erly, we have a package that did an extensive a new road and it is not just any road, but roads survey of citizens that are 65 years and above, with concrete drainage, with stone base and kick we have them in our database. We now identiasphaltic cover and above all, when I get to camfied those among them that are without any suppaign grounds, I say our roads have tribal marks. port, that is the first time any government will We now have special roads. When we complete so do in Nigeria. We engaged a consultant, who some of them, they will be tourism attraction is a professor of gerontology in OAU, Ile-Ife . He and centres on their own. The road we are builddeveloped the programme they used and withing in Gbogan, people will be coming to look at out sentiment or parochialism, they got elderly it, mark my words. That road you see, Gbongan/ citizens that lack support, we called them critiAkoda Road will be a tourism attraction because cally vulnerable people who are aged but have it is not an ordinary road because its a road that nobody to care for them. If we did not discover took me time to conceive and design and we are them, nobody will know such people exist in taking our time to develop it. We also want to Nigeria because they are waiting to die because tell the world that the black man is a human they lack everything. We identified 1,800 of such being. I have two major objectives on earth. One people state wide. is to help in the process of eliminating poverty The selection was purely based on their condibecause I hate poverty. I wasn’t born poor, but I

‘I have two major objectives on earth. One is to help in the process of eliminating poverty because I hate poverty. I wasn’t born poor, but I feel bad to see people in destitution. Two is that I don’t like how blacks are in the world today. As long as I live, I must be part of the process that will give the black man a good reckoning where they are because sadly, we are in the lowest part of civilisation’ feel bad to see people in destitution. Two is that I don’t like how blacks are in the world today. As long as I live, I must be part of the process that will give the black man a good reckoning where they are because sadly, we are in the lowest part of civilisation. I have been everywhere in the World, except the continent of Australia, and in everywhere in the world, the most depressing portion of it is inhabitated by blacks. These are the two issues that motivate me. What about civil servants? Before our advent, the civil servants never knew that salary could be paid before the end of the month. For seven and half year, salaries were never paid here before the end of the month. But, from when I assumed office, we changed that. Before the year ended when I assumed office, I paid 10 per cent of their basic as the 13th month salary and paid December salary before the end of the year. The civil servants were dazed. Since that day up until December 2013, I pay salary on or before the 25th of every month. But, as from January 2014, we ran into trouble which we explained to everybody six months before then. In July 2013, the Federal Government began a squeeze. They said 400,000 barrel of crude oil is being stolen everyday. We didn’t know the problem was coming. Instead of collecting N4.6 billion, they gave this government N2.6 billion, 40 per cent slashed. We thought it will be temporary because, after that month, they said the stolen crude has reduced to 200,000 barrel per day. When the oil being lost reduced, would you still expect a 40 per cent cut? From that July to now, the maximum allocation this state has ever received is N3.2 billion, which was in November 2013. I am not making up anything, simply saying the truth. Now ask me how was I able to pay up until December 2013? My people are called osomalo. They are very deft in the management of money and I took this from them. I had been saving through the ‘Omoluwabi Conservation Fund’ in which 10 per cent of all allocation must just go and rest. So, I had money in reserve, which was a build-up from my refusal to form cabinet for 10 months. I had the money. Whereas my income fell to N2.6billion at the lowest and N3.4billion at the highest for a month, my statutory expenditures, which are expenditures that I have no control on, once we have agreed on it, for instance salary, pension and they are N3.6 billion every month, I have no power over it. I can’t say no Iam not paying, Between July and December, I augmented my income with N5.4 billion. All in the hope that this thing will go, it didn’t go. It has not gone as we speak, it is even worse. Before, when you get your allocation, you will cash it by the 15th of every month, that is why they are paying salaries on the 15th of the month before we came in.To make up the deficit in what I received and what I must pay, I spent extra N5.4 billion. However, I told you earlier that I gave 10 per cent of basic salary for 13th month salary; the second year I gave 25 per cent; the third year I gave 50 per cent; the fourth year, I gave 100 per cent. So, December of 2013, I gave every worker in the employment of Osun 100

per cent of their basic salary as extra income, which I paid before the end of the year. Why should any worker say I am not friendly with them? Before, workers here were given their leave allowances enbloc at the end of the year, I told them this is unresonable because we don’t go on leave at the same time. So, choose when you want your leave allowance to be paid. Is it at your birthday or the anniversary of your employment into the service. So, whenever you summit your birthday, your leave allowance will be credited to you. I don’t know if any other government in Nigeria that does that. Two, go and visit the secretariat and see what we have made of their work enviroment. So, if these are things that should motivate workers, I stand tall and proud because I have done my best. As we speak, we have not collected June allocation. They might not give us June allocation until the end of August. But, we will pay our workers, already we have pay June. I am happy to tell you that majority of our civil servants see and appreciate what we are doing. You can to the secretariat and see what we are doing. We increased the car loan by 400 per cent; we increased housing loans by 100 per cent. For 36 out of 43 months we have been paying regularly, let’s even assume that there is a problem of delayed payments now, I cannot believe all the workers will be against us because I have done my best. If the demonstration of interest of workers in their remuneration and allowances counts and with what we have done, I don’t think they will be against us. I read the advert they published and I laughed because it indicted them. They wrote that my income was N2.8 billion and this is what I have to pay, N3.4billion and pegged it with state and local governments. There is no way I can touch the local government account because it is separate and distinct. I can only give policy statements on that. What about teachers? Our teachers in the state are now very well motivated such that you cannot distinguished between our them and bank workers. When you see a teacher in Osun before you know. They are so depressed, unmotivated and absence of facilities. Our teachers now appear corporate and wellmotivated. This is the first government that will say that you don’t need to buy textbooks for your children in the high school, Opon Imo and its targeted at 150,000 students. It is a high school a library of 53 textbooks. Are you prepared for a possible lockdown of the state, few days to the election? You see, I came here from the street and it is easy for me to go back to the street. My real home is on the street. Whoever will hold me on the street will try. I laugh when they talk about me because they don’t know I am from the street. What is your perception about the term stomach infrastructure? To those people who are the elite and are therefore separated from the people, this term may make a new meaning. I am a product of the popular forces, the people. I am part and parcel of them. I emanated from them. Iam a product of their struggles. What is now known as stomach infrastructure is what we know as interaction, engagement, living with the people and meeting their aspirations and needs. That is what we have been doing from the very beginning of this administration; I feed their children every day meal. My administration does not suffer alienation from the people. It is one and same with the people and that is the basis of our confidence in their ever ready support at all times. Is there any aspect of the state that you think you have not touched? There is no trade, commercial or social group in the state of Osun that we have not impacted. There is no aspect. Apart from Lagos, we are the only state government that has an emergency call center but has been made dysfunctional because the federal government just refused to give us short code to make it work. It has been ready for the past 13 to 18 months ago. If that centre had been activated, we acquired a helicopter that will get to the farthest place of this state in 15 minutes to attend to emergency issues. It won’t cost the federal government a dime but to just direct the NCC to allow us use their 122 line. I wrote to the president that emergency does not know political parties, what we don’t want is needless death because of absence of emergency services and the state of the art facilities is still lying down there fallow.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

SOCIETY

The Chair Centre Group has held a national discourse to celebrate its 25 years in business. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola led others to the event held at the Harbour Point on Victoria Island, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

25 years... and counting T

HE roads leading to Harbour Point, on Victoria Island in Lagos, throbbed with life penulltimate Tuesday when The Chair Centre Group (TCCG) celebrated its 25th anniversary. As guests stepped into the hall, beautiful women in blue Ankara dress took them to their seats. The air-conditioned hall had yellow and blue fabric designs. The chairs were covered in blue. Highlight of the programme was a discourse with the theme: “Built to last – The Nigerian experience”. The company’s founder Mrs Ibukun Awosika, was the cynosure of all eyes as she moved round welcoming guests. At the nick of time, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Yewande Zacchehus, mounted the podium to introduce guests. A documentary on the organisation followed. It centred on how the company started and its operations to date. Its workers spoke on what they do. Guests either clapped or nodded to some of what they heard. The special guest of honour, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State presented a book authored by Mrs Awosika, with the title: The girl entrepreneur. The governor bought 1000 copies, with an amount he disclosed to the author only. The discussion session was moderated by Dr Doyin Salami, of the Lagos Business School. The discussants were: Dr Nadu Denzoye from Telnet, Mrs Toks Abiru from FBN, Mrs Fola Laoye from Hygeia and Mr Oye Odukale from Leadyway. They spoke on the need for entrepreneurs to build their businesses to enlive them. Dr Salami said only a few companies were still standing 20 years after their founders’ death. He said there was the need for inter-generational transfer of success and its maintenance in every business. He said: “Eighty percent of businesses fail within 18 months of establishment, only 29 percent are still standing 10 years after and just 20 percent are still alive after 20 years”. Salami said there was the need for entrepreneurs to be concerned about the longetivity of their businesses, adding that it is only by so doing that they can contribute meaningfully to the society. He identified the environment as one major reason business fall, saying that failure was also a sign of incompetence. To be competent requires you to be innovative and understand what you are doing, he said. Mrs Laoye said there was the need for entrepreneurs to understand the market and the opportunities available at any given time. Mrs Abiru said it was normal for everything to have a beginning and an end but for any business to remain at an enviable height, it becomes a challenge and requires an extra effort. She said: “You must be motivated and have a right ambition for what you are doing; let people know you exist and let your company be with a difference”. Dr Denzoye said core values,

•Governor Fashola (second right) with (from left) his wife Abimbola; Mrs Awosika and her husband Mr Abiodun Awosika

•From left: Mr Remi Ogunmefun; Mr Val Ojumah and Mr Wale Arogundade

•Dr Doyin Salami and Mrs Zacchehus

•From left: Mrs Lolade Ososami; Mr Fela Durotoye and wife Tara

•Doyin Group of Companies chairman Chief Samuel Adedoyin and Oluwatoyin Adedoyin

leadership, service, strong risk management structure, confidence and facing challenges are some of what is required to have a business that will stay. Mr Odukale urged the entrepreneurs not to run their organisations like a one-man business, they should build in such a way that people will want to come and learn, he said. Mayowa Aderenle and her singers rendered songs on the ride to entertain guests. Mrs Awosika described the journey so far as good. She said; “it has been 25 years of a successful journey, adding she is always trying to get it right and challenge herself to move forward. “I started this business a week after my 26th birthday and I have spent the best part of my life on it. Some years back, I told myself that if I die, this business must not die with me, so I tried to get myself out of the company so that the company can move on and be relevant without me. I will only be relevant in that I started the company. “Today we are 25 years and I am glad that the company is relevant without me and we must also spend the next 25 years wisely. Many com-

panies do no longer exist after 25 years; this was why I decided to bring the issue to a national discourse. “We are talking of unemployment in Nigeria; for any enterprise that dies, jobs are lost and for any that stays jobs are provided. “If entrepreneurs in Nigeria take what we have learnt today and build their companies for it to be relevant without them, there will be more employment. “Let us not keep our knowledge and energy to ourselves alone, use it to build great institutions so that it will not be a waste. “I started in Nigeria and I am here, I am going nowhere. Many of us are tired of where we are, it is better for us to stay and fight for our country because we are also fighting for our companies, saving ourselves and generations to come,” Mrs Awosika said. She urged the young to start a business at an early age and she launched a fund to assist them to start a business with no interest. She presented a N10 million cheque to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FBN Microfinance, Mrs Pauline Nsa for the 100 beneficiaries

•Mr Buljhaid Zoeller and Dr Doyinsola Abiola

who will start their own business. She said she wanted the 100 beneficiaries to celebrate their 25th anniversary when her own company will be 50 years. Allegro music resources directed by Ola Bolofinde electrified the hall with the Saxophone and the key-

board. Guests were treated to varieties of food and drinks. Among dignitaries were the wife of Lagos State Governor Mrs Abimbola Fashola; the Deputy, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Princess Sarah Sosan among others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

SOCIETY

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS Public Speaking Icon (5) Cont.

ELCOME back. Last week we started an interview with a public speaker, Dr. Olumuyiwa Oludayo, the Registrar of Covenant University. Here is the concluding part of that interview, do enjoy it. Dr. Olumuyiwa Oludayo Career in Speaking For me, I never thought of having a career in public •Gen Gowon (second right) presenting award to Pastor Oritsejafor. With them are (from left) Pastor Ighodalo and Aaron

•Mr Bolade

•Bishop Kukah (right) receiving his award from Pastor Oladesu

•Rev Ajiboye

Honour for ‘men of God’

The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has honoured four people as part of the activities marking 10th Anniversary of its Special Members’ Forum (SMF). The event was held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos. JOSEPH ESHANOKPE reports.

S rule, the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) does not confer awards on proxies. So, the Catholic Church Sokoto Archdiocese Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah who was nominated last year lost out as he could not make it to Lagos. But when the opportunity came again this year, the senior cleric had to stay back in Lagos to attend the ceremony and pick the award. He was all smiles when he was called after the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor for (his citation and) conferment by the Special Members’ Forum (SMF) Chairman, Pastor Bayo Oladesu. The Bishop, who wore his white religious robe and cap, was his usual boisterous self. When he was about to respond, the microphone failed. He was unperturbed. He joked: “I thought the microphone only recognises the naira. It does not recognise poverty.” Pastor Oritsejafor had just donated N1million to BSN. Those who understood Kukah laughed. But more was to come. Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, who is BSN’s Patron, asked if there was anyone who was 79 or 80 years old. No response. “If there is none, then I can say I am the Father of the Day,” Gowon’s joke received applause. Perhaps he was announcing his forthcoming birthday. Gowon, who ruled Nigeria for nine years, will be 80 this year. Oristejafor was presented

his award and a Bible with a green cover by Gowon. The televangelist who is an orator did not disappoint in his response. He was frank, fair and firm. Thanking BSN for the award, the founder of Word of Life Bible Church said, he was overwhelmed, especially as he was picked out of 80 million Christians in the country. He praised BSN for its commitment to preaching the gospel. In a baritone voice, he said: “BSN has done well over the years in distributing the Bible and giving people the opportunity to read the Bible. Above all, it is using the Bible to unite the church. The church is so fragmented, so divided. We have our different opinions of the Bible. But we believe in Jesus.” He added: “I want to appeal to all Christians. Let’s unite. Whether you are Roman Catholic, Pentecostal … let’s not become a second class religion... Let’s strengthen CAN. If this institution is presented in the right way, Christianity will be presented in the world.” Like Kukah, Oritsejafor also wants an end to the nocturnal activities of the Boko Haram sect. But Kukah, apparently quoting the Bible, said: “Don’t feel sorry for us. God is still God. ‘This shall come to pass’.” Many chorused ‘yes’, others amen. Earlier, when Oritsejafor’s citation was being read, it drew applause. Not only because of his numerous achievements over years from his heydays at the Church of

God Mission International to his television sermons and activities in leading the church in the country, but especially in the names of his children – Ayodele, Ayodeji and Ayodeta. Someone quipped: “They are triplets hence the names. However, this could not be confirmed.” But there is probably another major reason; like his Biblical patriarch Abraham, Pastor Oritsejafor, who is popularly called, Papa Ayo, by his numerous admirers had his children late. Be that as it may, it would appear that those who wrote the citation omitted an important fact. Pastor Oritsejafor is the first Nigerian to wear two crowns in the church leadership in the country: President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and that of CAN. The other two recipients also made their marks in their stations in life. Overseer David Oladapo Bolade, a an engineer, from the famous Bolade family in Oshodi, Lagos, a former president of BSN, took over the association in 1996, when its accounts was in the red and brought it from the woods within a year of assuming duties. Also, he put the society on the world map not a money guzzler, but as a selfsustaining body. Quiet and unassuming, he is the first Nigerian to be elected a member of Global Executive Board of the United Bible Societies (UBS). While Moses Olubunmi Ajayi, a distinguished civil servant and town Planner was described as a diligent and an industrious

personality. A 1971 Geography graduate of the premier university, University of Ibadan, he later founded Molaj Consultants. At the event, BSN’s General Secretary Rev Dare Ajiboye solicited for financial assistance for their project - a N150million Translation Centre/Regional Warehouse based in Ibadan. He noted that the body made some achievements – it completed the translations of two Bibles in Igede and Ebira and launched them, thereby making it 22 that it has completed since its inception in the 1960s. The journey is still far, he added. BSN National President/ Board Chairman Nuru Aaron said: “I want to challenge and encourage you all to use your influence and wealth in making the word of God available in other local Nigerian languages.” He was supported by the Chairman, Daily Needs Group Dr Matthew Oyin Jolayemi who chaired the occasion and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, who was guest speaker. The cleric, who spoke on the theme: “Building for the Master’s use”, urged all to give cheerfully and bountifully, adding that there is blessing in giving. Pastor Ighodalo, who is founder/senior pastor, Trinity House, was asked to pray for those who gave. Students of the Vocational School of the Blind, Oshodi, Lagos added colour to the occasion when one of them read from the Braille Bible effortlessly.

AMODU LANRE OLAOLU

(Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. 07034737394 @lanreamodu

speaking until I started getting invitations to come and speak on various topics. If I must counsel anyone who wants to pursue a career in public speaking, I will say start first with a message. What exactly are you going to be talking about? You are not a speaker simply because someone calls you to speak. For me, I speak around six issues and I capture them in what I call PEARLS; P-Personal Development, E-Entrepreneurship, A-Administration, R-Relationship, L-Leadership and S-Success. Whatever invitation I will accept must be within this scope. I call them my scope with scope meaning for me: Significant Circle Of Professional Engagement. So, if anyone wants to build a career in public speaking, I will ask, “What is your scope?” What message do you have? You can’t afford to talk about everything and anything. Stay in your area of expertise. Making Money through Public Speaking That is another subject entirely. I have a product that I worked on recently that is called The Entrepreneurial Speaker. I tried to see how a speaker can be an entrepreneur. We know that most of the highest paid speakers are celebrity speakers. Bill Clinton takes $500, 000 for an hour. Recently, I was privileged to bring Ben Carson to Covenant University. The engagement fee for Ben Cason per day was $75, 000. The University also recently brought some Nobel laureates to just speak for about 20 minutes and we paid a lot of money. They are celebrity speakers because they are famous. Secondly, they are experts in their fields. So, should you want to start earning money as a speaker, you have to first develop your expertise. You have to manifest value, because you will only get more money in exchange for the value you offer in your messages and in your presentations. Next, we have branding. You must be able to sell yourself. There is a way a person speaks about a subject in five minutes that, because of the way he packages it, it makes more meaning than another person who has not packaged it well, but speaks for 50 minutes. You also need to know about negotiation. If you want to make money speaking, you must have what I call derivatives. Derivates, here, may include a book; I’ve published a book so if you invite me to speak and you ask me, “How much will you charge us?” I’ll tell you, there is no fixed price, but can you assure me that a certain number of people will buy my books? Can you assure me that a certain number of people will buy my audio tapes, CDs and DVDs? I will charge you based on all of these. So, if there are audio CDs or DVDs that I can sell, I’ll reduce my charges. I may also charge you based on the number of people you are expecting to attend your event. If you are expecting five hundred people, I can put a premium on each of them. The person who will make money from public speaking must be a good negotiator. However, if you are new to the business, I suggest you do a few of your speaking pro bono (for public good and not for compensation) just to develop enough confidence in yourself and to be able to build your brand. Nevertheless, speaking pro bono does not mean that you speak on every subject; speak within your scope. Captivating Your Audience You must understand the language of your audience and you must be humourous. You don’t need to be a professional comedian; you only need to know the right thing to say to amuse your audience. You must know how to engage the audience, pause for effect and interject stories- people love to listen to stories. The more stories you have in your presentation the better. The stories should also be personal. If you tell other people’s stories, people will assume that you have edited or lost some facts. However, if you tell your own story and it relates to the subject matter, your audience will want to listen to you. As for me, most of the time, I make jokes by making fun of myself; I tell my story in relation to the subject matter I’m speaking on. Also, I speak the language of the audience. I give illustrations that they can easily identify with. Younger people love it when you to talk about music and fashion. If you talk about Ukrainian issues and world politics issues, they may not readily identify with it. On the other hand, youths follow the latest songs, artists and gossip about celebrities. So, the moment you are able to identify with what they are currently passionate about, tell jokes and stories about yourself, and keep to your script, you will captivate your audience. Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

SOCIETY Dr Bamidele Aloysius Balogun has been installed as the Rotary District 9110 Nigeria governor for the 2014-2015 year. The event held last Saturday, NNEKA NWANERI reports.

OR 15 minutes, they danced. The immediate past governor, Mr Olugbemiga Olowu, and his successor, Dr Bamidele Balogun, were in their element wriggling their waists to Eko Akete, a popular Lagos tune. Members of the audience danced along with them on their seats. Virtually everyone caught the bug of dancing. Presenting Balogun, his successor to the gathering, Olowu hugged and shook him severally, with their wives standing beside them. This was the way Dr Balogun was urshed in as Governor of Rotary District 9110 Nigeria for the 2014-2015 year at the Intercontinental Hotel on Victorial Island, Lagos, last Saturday. The hotel’s hall was crammed with guests. Each club under the District had its own table. Those from Omole Golden Club wore branded blue and yellow stripped mufflers made of Aso oke material with their names on it. Everyone radiated with the joy of giving selflessly. It was one of those days to have some fun and dance. Waiters moved around, ensuring that everyone’s glasses were filled at all times. Yoruba actor Yemi Shodimu compered the event. The chairman of the installation committee, Ify Ejezie, urged non-members of the club to contribute minutely towards the execution of big projects. In his valedictory speech, Olowu challenged his successor to take the district to greater heights. The Sun Managing Director/Editor-in Chief and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Femi Adesina who spoke on the topic: “Humanitarian service in time of crisis”, said he knew Balogun to be a committed Rotarian and congratulated him on becoming District Governor. Nigerian High Commissioner in Rwanda, Ambassador Peter OgidiOke, who was in Niger Delta attire said Balogun’s tenure would usher on a new chapter in the club’s history. He said he met Balogun in the 70s during their National Youth Service days. There was more music when the Oruka musician Sunny Nneji took to the stage. While performing his latest hit Tolotolo, he moved around the audience. He also did another song in praise of women. In his inaugural speech with the theme: ‘Light Up Rotary’, Balogun promise d to live up to expectation, he said he would carry all Rotarians along. Minister of Communication, Mrs

Enter the Rotary governor •Dr Balogun (left) in a handshake with Mr. Olowu. With them are their wives - Mrs Oluyemisi Balogun and Mrs Margret Olowu (right).

•Mr Adesina (right) and Dr Desalu

•Amb Ogidi-Oke (left) and Mr Lekan Falana

•From left: Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi; his wife Juli and Dr Michael Olawale-Cole

•Nneji and Mrs Ekeoma

Mobolaji Johnson, said she was there to support her uncle and wish him success. She implored the club to include Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in its

programme for the year because it isveritable tool for development. In attendance were: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Oil and Gas, Mrs Ngozi

Ekeoma; all past governors of the District; Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties Dr Aderemi Desalu represented Governor Babatunde Fashola; Commis-

BIRTHDAY AND BOOK LAUNCH

•The celebrator and author, Alhaji Rafiu Babatunde Tinubu (third right); his wife Munirat; Chairman on the occasion, Akin Kekere-Ekun (right); former InspectorGeneral of Police Alhaji Musiliu Smith (third left) Mr Sanni Ajose (second left) and Hon Hope Ikiriko during the Book Launch ans 70th birthday of Alhaji Tinubu, a former Lagos State Head of Service at Glover Hall, Lagos Island

PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

sioner for Transportation Kayode Opeifa; members of the class ‘78 of the medical school and Old Students of Loyola College Ibadan, Balogun’s alma mater.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

BUSINESS EXTRA ‘Cat 1 recertification result out Sept’

•From left: NCC Commissioner, Alhaji Mustapha Bintube; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Dr

Okeychukwu Itanyi, Director, Postal Services, Ministry of Communications Technology and representative of the Minister, John Ayodele, CEO, NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah and Director, Society for Corporate Governance of Nigeria, Dr Fabian Ajogwu (SAN) during the presentation of Corporate Governance Code for the Telecoms Industry at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos ... yesterday.

Nigeria’s telecoms service quality better than London’s, Dubai’s, says NCC

HE Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Eugene Juwah yesterday took a swipe at the barrage of telecoms customers’ complaints in the country over service quality, saying the quality of service (QoS) in the country is one of the best in the world. Speaking at the 75th Telecoms Consumer Parliament in L:agos, Juwah said he just came back from Central London and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) insisting that the QoS in those two cities were not better than that offered by telcos in the country. According to him, the QoS provided by players in both the aviation and banking sectors of the economy were worse than the one offered in the telecoms sector yet not much noise is heard about that. He said: “I have heard about these complaints about quality of service in Nigeria. The quality of service in Nigeria is not the worst. The quality of service in this country is better than that of Central London, better than Dubai. Wireless telephony technology is rather complex. You cannot absolutely do without drop calls.”

By Lucas Ajanaku

Juwah who was reacting to the explanation of Corporate Service Executive at MTN, Akinwale Goodluck that QoS get degraded during wet season because of whirlwind, said while he will neither agree nor controvert that position, the technology of global service for mobile (GSM) communication is complex. He explained that it is not within the mandate of the regulator to compel operators to give financial compensation to customers for poor QoS, adding that its mandate is to ensure that customers get fair deal by ensuring that they get value for their money. He said the NCC will continue to sanction operators that fail to meet the specified key performance indicators (KPIs) while money paid from the fines will be paid to the coffers of the Federal Government for appropriation since the regulator does not have the power to “appropriate”. He said customers that feel so aggrieved about the QoS issue should either go to the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) or the court to seek redress. Goodluck said the operators

were doing their best at ensuring improved QoS. He said all the operators have currently engaged all the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to do network optimisation. He lamented the inability of the operators to tame the excesses of groups and other government agencies that invade base transmission stations (BTS) to decommission them, adding that developments such as that will continue to impact negatively on service quality. According to him, three of the operators are currently having issues with the government of Enugu State where their facilities have remained shut-down. He lamented the impunity with which people go and shut down BTS, insisting that nobody goes to Kainji Dam and shut down its operations yet telecoms infrastructure are as critical to national development as power infrastructure. Speaking on the occasion, its Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mrs. Maryam Bayi, decried the low response time to customers’ complaints by the network operators. She identified common complaints to include unauthorised text messages/

Fed Govt mulls insurance for farmers

HE Federal Government is set to launch national crop insurance for farmers following the 2012 flooding which destroyed crops and farmlands, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has said. The minister who spoke in Abuja at a workshop on ‘Water Management Solutions for Flood Recession and Dry Season Agriculture in Nigeria, said the flooding led to low productivity and severe food loss. Adesina said the programme which will start from next year will target 10 million farmers. The crop insurance scheme, he said will insure farmers against shocks and losses from weather related events. He said: “Our goal is to insure no less than 10 million farmers. We will also design and implement a flood disas-

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

ter payment policy that will protect farmers, communities, and states from economic losses due to flood.” The minister called for proper management of water to improve production, adding that water will be the most limiting factor affecting food production. Adesina said: “We must improve the efficiency with which we use water and get more grains per drop of water. To achieve this, I believe we must focus on small scale water management system, not just the large scale irrigation schemes. “Small scale water management systems are more cost effective, easier to implement, reaches millions of farmers, have greater impacts on ex-

panding food production and food security, and empowers rural community.” Speaking on International Water Management Institute (IWMI) collaboration in the country, he said the project will be in two phases. The first phase, he explained will focus on creating an evidence-based framework on assessing floods and flooding patterns for decision making purpose while the second phase will focus on agricultural water management solutions which will be sealed up to support and improve dry season farming. Director, Africa, IWMI, Dr. Olalekan Williams said the goal of the project in the country is to assist the government to increase agricultural production and achieve food security through sustainable water management.

telemarketing, ‘credit’ disappearance, drop calls, customers care centre monitoring, inaccessibility of customer care help lines, unlawful deduction of credit for value added services not subscribed to, poor network service unavailability of service and running of adverts for promos without obtaining the mandatory regulatory approvals.

HE Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has informed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) that it will get the result of its recertification exercise in September, this year. This is to allow the regulatory authority sufficient time to file with the FAA the evidence of training of some of its Safety Inspectors who had been slated for the exercise in Europe between now and August. FAA team leader, Andre J. Lamarre who spoke at NCAA office yesterday, said the most important thing to FAA at this juncture is the sustenance of a robust oversight of the industry and strict enforcement of compliance of safety regulation by NCAA. Lamarre led a three-man team comprising Michael Jennisin and James Plasman.

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

The team are in the country to conclude the final phase of the Category One (Cat1) Recertification which began in March, this year. Lamarre said his job in the country is to verify all corrective actions, the dates, the plans, the completion of trainings. “We will thereafter make our recommendations based on the verification of items corrected that we have found here. We will look at what is opened and what is closed and communicate back to Washington on the category,” he said. Director General, NCAA Benedict Adeyileka, who hosted the team, said the regulatory authority has closed all the findings from the March audit.

Institute has confidence in economy

HE Institute of Business Development has expressed confidence in the economy, saying there are prospects for its attract foreign investment . Leading a delegation to the Headquarters of Vintage Press, Publishers of The Nation Newspapers, in Lagos yesterday, its Vice President ,Mr Adewale Talabi said Nigeria was not among high risk investment destinations in Africa and stands out not only for its positive risk rating, but also because of the size of the economy and overall market, as well as on-going investments being made in fixed capital assets. According to him, the economy’s higher reward quadrant

By Daniel Essiet

is the most attractive, offering a stable business environment and high potential for growth. In many sectors, he said the window of opportunities still remain open for new businesses and competition is intensifying. He said efforts to create a conducive environment to attract more foreign investment in the country has led to the creation of more employment opportunities. He said though the economy was passing through painful internal crises, businesses need to be alive to this shift in momentum, and the growth opportunities it offers.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

MONEYLINK

Foreign exchange reserves cross $38b mark F OREIGN exchange reserves have gone up $1.1 billion in 19 days. The reserves rose marginally to $37.26 billion on June 26 and were at $37 billion on June 20, according to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) figures. Before the upbeat, the reserves had maintained a steady decline after closing last year at $42.85 billion. The year-end figure repre-

Stories by Collins Nweze

sented a decrease of $0.98 billion or 2.23 per cent against $43.83 billion at end- December 2012. The reserves dropped to $38.79 billion as at March 12. Analysts said the reserves declined as imports of fuel and foods

soared. But the CBN said the decrease was driven largely by the increased funding of the foreign exchange market in the face of intense pressure on the naira and the need to maintain stability. The CBN said the pressure on external reserves was deemed to be consistent with the seasonal annual payment of dividends to foreign investors.

Visa cardholders spend $188m in Brazil

V •CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

Access Bank backs rising influence of women in business

CCESS Bank Plc has said the crucial roles that women played in the economic and social life of the country could be at risk unless women are championed and supported in their role in shaping the country’s future. Speaking during the International Women’s Day, its Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe said women needed to be treated with equity and justice. “Equality for women is progress for all. It’s a future that we believe in. We recognise that empowering women empowers the whole nation where men or women are not judged by their gender but talents; where they have equal access to bank accounts, loans, mortgages or businesses. This sums up the future that all of us at Access Bank are committed to,” he said. Through the bank’s Gender Empowerment (GEM) programme they extended N2 billion in financing to women-owned businesses to promote gender equality and empowerment. Access Bank also plans to launch a new online programme and product to boost grassroots women interest in business. “The W”, as it is called would support a network of women from around the

•N2b for women empowerment

world, who want to be inspired, connected and empowered. W is about the WOMAN. “The W” is designed to be an interactive online community designed to inspire, promote and connect women; in ways you won’t find in the mainstream, no matter what you do, where you are and who you bank with. Ope Wemi-Jones, the head of Women Banking in Access Bank Plc, while discussing how Nigerian banks can help propel the businesses of women in Nigeria, said “I am delighted to announce this programme as women account for one-third of small- and medium-sized enterprises and yet banks grant them only a fraction of the available credit. This discrepancy exists even though women have proven themselves to be profitable bank customers and have a strong track record when repaying loans and a higher savings ratio”. She added that the “The W experience will complement our new women-focused products by seeking to provide women with information, networking opportunities

and privileges that enhance their lifestyles, and helps them build their career and businesses”. It said that many countries around the world are making efforts to bridge the gap between men and women in business adding that in Nigerian, women representation in business has improved but more has to be done. Women constitute 30 per cent of the bank’s board, which is impressive by international standards. We want to lead from the front in seeing that change. The bank believes in women whose boldness spur others into action like the richest woman in Africa Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija; the Minister of Finance, Ngozi OkonjoIweala; the first female chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar and Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, who is a seasoned business woman that made her first million Naira when she was only twenty-four years old. It said the success of such women has provided opportunities for other women entrepreneurs to thrive on. For instance, Isikan Edet, a business woman with a background in

finance, said that she gained her inspiration from the success story of Mrs. Folorunso Alakija. She said the future of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as it relates to women involvement will be determined by the next phase of policies that banks will seek to pursue adding that these policies allow less stringent qualifications in seeking for loan for businesses then there will be massive growth in the sector. A survey by Global Entrepreneurship and Development Index found that female start-ups are on the rise in emerging markets. In the African countries surveyed, 69 per cent of the female population identified the opportunity to start a business. Female startup activity in the region stood at 86 female to every 100 male startups. The data also showed three quarters of the 30 countries surveyed do not have the most fundamental conditions required for female entrepreneurs to prosper. Nigeria is a high performer in terms of percentage of female managers, but is weaker when it comes to access to education and finance and overall ranks in the lower bracket of the countries studied.

DATA BANK

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

157.99 9.17 1.09 1.18 0.68 1.39 1,664.78 1,087.24 119.02 1,087.30 1.3504 1.3662 1.0471 1.1857

Bid Price 157.07 9.08 1.08 1.18 0.68 1.33 1,661.81 1,086.78 118.19 1,087.00 1.3413 1.3662 1.0282 1.1857

GAINERS AS AT 10-07-14

SYMBOL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Amount Sold in ($) 279.08m 342.8m 254.7m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES July 9, 2014

Inflation: May

8.0%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

154.73

155.73

US Dollar

5.95

0.30

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$110.44

1.20

1.26

0.06

Pounds Sterling

264.9287

266.6409

210.00

220.50

10.50

Money Supply (M2)

N15.9 trillion.

Euro

210.4173

211.7772

29.60

31.00

1.40

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N16.76 trillion

Swiss Franc

173.0954

174.2141

Yen

1.5192

1.529

CFA

0.3029

0.3229

238.5186

240.0601

Yuan/Renminbi

24.9395

25.1015

Riyal

41.2558

41.5255

SDR

238.8876

240.4315

5.65

DNMEYER

RTBRISCOE

1.11

1.16

0.05

NPFMCRFBK

0.92

0.96

0.04

ETERNA

4.33

4.50

0.17

IKEJAHOTEL

0.77

0.80

0.03

VITAFOAM

4.25

4.38

0.13

UPL

4.35

4.45

0.10

LOSERS AS AT 10-07-14

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Rate (%)

Overnight (O/N)

10.500

12.175

12.101

13.328

13.225

14.296

14.-85

CUTIX

1.90

1.82

-0.08

JAPAULOIL

0.57

0.55

-0.02

REDSTAREX

4.85

4.70

-0.15

53.01

51.50

-1.51

FIDELITYBK

2.03

1.99

-0.04

INTENEGINS

0.51

0.50

-0.01

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

MANSARD

2.64

2.59

-0.05

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

NAHCO

4.99

4.90

-0.09

CAVERTON

6.89

6.80

-0.09

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

WAPIC

0.86

0.85

-0.01

UNILEVER

Amount Offered in ($) 300m 350m 300m

$38.1bn

TRANSCORP

SYMBOL

Transaction Dates 7/9/14 7/7/14 7/2/14

Foreign Reserves

C/PRICE

ASHAKACEM

RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS)

CHANGE

O/PRICE

ISA Inc, the global leader in payments, has said total spend by international travelers on Visa accounts through the Group Stage hit $188 million in 12 Brazilian cities at the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. In a statement, Visa said the figure represents 152 per cent increase yearover-year, and a 141 per cent increase when compared to the $78 million spent by travelers attending the2013 FIFA Confederations Cup TM during the same time frame. It said the highest spending day in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil was June 25, when travelers spent $17.4 million in one day. Visitors from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, France, and Mexico represented the largest overall tourist spend in Brazil. The most significant spending increases were seen from countries such as Australia (835 per cent); Colombia (765 per cent); Chile (519 per cent) and Mexico (396 per cent). “As the FIFA World Cup continues in July, Visa will continue to help everyone, everywhere, be a part of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil,” said Fort. The report, which analyses travel data and spending through the use of Visa credit, debit and prepaid cards, found that some smaller Brazilian cities, which are hosting tournament games, realized some of the most significant increases in spending by international travelers. Data through the Group Stage of the tournament, which includes opening day (June 12) through the close of the Group Stage (June 26), revealed tripledigit increases in spending, compared to the same period last year, in cities such as Natal (851 per cent); Cuiaba (963 per cent); Curitiba (167 per cent); and Manaus (409 per cent).

FOREX RATES

WAUA

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

July 4, 2014

July 7, 2014

T-bills - 91

9.98

10.00

T-bills - 182

10.00

10.07

T-bills - 364

10.22

Bond - 3yrs

11.26

11.37

Bond - 5yrs

11.36

11.41

Bond - 7yrs

11.77

11.86

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

INSECURITY IN AKWA IBOM STATE: WHEN GOVERNMENT PROPAGANDA IS NOT ENOUGH

BY ITA AWAK

ollowing the assassination attempt on Chief Soni Udom, the Director General of Umana Okon Umana’s political network on 6th May 2014 in Uyo, a petition had been sent to the Nigeria Police Headquarters in Abuja requesting the highest police authorities to investigate the incident and other cases of politically motivated violence in Akwa Ibom State. The petition, written by an Abuja-based lawyer, Mr Uzoma Igbebulam, on behalf of Mr Umana and all his political associates and supporters, chronicles several other cases of political killings, kidnappings, abductions and harassments of politicians and their relations in Akwa Ibom State since Chief Godswill Akpabio became governor in 2007, and requested the police and other security agencies to conduct investigations into them. The most compelling reason for sending the petition was because the victims of this violence were either the political opponents of Gov. Godswill Akpabio or family members of political opponents to the govenor. Secondly, we also believe that the tendency and eagerness of the government to blame the attacks always on armed robbers were enough to raise sufficient suspicion and therefore should be of interest to the police authorities. A few examples may suffice: During the re election campaigns of Chief Akpabio, a governorship aspirant, Engr. Ini Udonwa, narrowly escaped death when armed men stormed his residence at night. His mother who lived with him was, unfortunately, not that lucky as she was abducted, murdered and her corpse dumped on the roadside. Before then, the aspirant had received several threats to withdraw from the race. In that same period, the wife of another candidate, Sam Ewang, was kidnapped and kept away for weeks. Mr Paul Inyang, a former zonal officer of the PDP and Mr Imo Udonwa, a prominent member of PDP in the state and former member of the state House of Assembly, were murdered because they were both associated with the former Governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah, and they were both rumoured to be interested in the chairmanship of the party in the state. Retired General Edet Akpan, former DG of NYSC and a PDP stalwart, was kidnapped in the church for his refusal to support Akpabio’s second term re-election bid. Three female members of the church were killed in the process. Another prominent victim is the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nelson Efiong, who was also abducted for weeks for not supporting Akpabio’s second term election bid. In December 2013, Mr Umana Okon Umana himself received a written threat at his Uyo residence ordering him to withdraw from the 2015 governorship race or face death. He promptly reported the threat to the police, but was shocked to learn that the governor had also ordered the withdrawal of his police protection. Was the governor setting up Mr. Umana Okon Umana for an eventual attack? It was in the context of all these coincidences and mysteries that Akwa Ibom people were sufficiently alarmed when early this year a prominent politician in the State, Engr. (Chief) Albert Ukpanah, was cold bloodedly murdered in his residence. Late Chief Ukpanah was known for his unstinting opposition to the senatorial ambition of Chief Godswill Akpabio, our state governor. Ukpanah’s killing, followed closely by the attempt on Soni Udom’s life, were enough warnings to prominent Akwa Ibom citizens that the violence that marked the election season of 2010/2011 were making an eerie comeback to the state. They provided the context and the compelling reasons why our lawyers wrote to the police authorities in Abuja, requesting for investigations, especially since the government had also typically blamed armed robbers for the attacks. Why is the Akwa Ibom state government always quick to blame political killings in the state on armed robbers, even before the police commence investigations? And why are these ‘armed robbers’ always attacking the governor’s political opponents, and not the banks, supermarkets, petrol stations and other businesses that deal in heavy cash transactions in the state? Very importantly, is it not curious that none of these armed robbers has ever been prosecuted and convicted since 2010? These are some of the mysteries we requested the police to help unravel. As soon as the authorities in Abuja received our petition, the police high command commenced their investigations. We are aware that the police had already invited many persons to their headquarters in Abuja for interrogations; while a set of investigators flew into Uyo recently to conduct further investigations into the subject matter of the petition. To the best of our understanding, the police have yet to conclude their investigations. We were, therefore, shocked to read a press statement issued by Mr. Aniekan Umanah, the Commissioner for Information and Communications in Akwa Ibom and published as an advertorial in The Nation newspaper of 7th July 2014 in which the government spokesman stated that the attempt on Soni Udom’s life was a robbery incident because, according to him, the suspects had been arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Command of the SSS and that they had made confessional statements to that effect; that on the morning of March 5, 2014, the same day he was assassinated, Chief Ukpanah was at the governor’s official residence where he met with Governor Akpabio to solicit assistance for his wife who was receiving medical attention at a Lagos hospital. The Commissioner then wondered how the same governor, who gladly assisted Engr Ukpanah, would turn around to assassinate him; that Governor Akpabio did not threaten Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo who is also eyeing the same senate seat as he is; and that Mr. Umana Okon Umana himself has not been under personal threats. Since the police headquarters in Abuja are still investigating this matter, we wish to request the Commissioner and other officials of the Akwa Ibom State government to allow the police to do a thorough work and conclude their investigations. By publishing hasty and false conclusions while police investigations are in progress, we believe that the Akwa Ibom State government wants to distract the police from doing its work and deceive and confuse the good people of the state who have suffered unprecedented reign of organised terror, violence, official intimidation, gruesome murders and harrowing kidnappings since May 29th, 2007 when Obong Victor Attah handed over to Chief Akpabio. In fact records have it that in the last seven years of the Akpabio administration, there have been over 100 cases of unresolved political murders and kidnappings in Akwa Ibom. In the press conference we addressed after the failed attempt on Soni Udom, we had stated several reasons

to indicate that the attack could not have been a robbery. One, a gang of five Hausaspeaking and cash-hungry robbers could not have come to Uyo from Nassarawa, Plateau and Benue States with the sole mission of robbing for cash in broad daylight only to ignore and bypass all the commercial banks in town, the active and lucrative supermarkets that dot the Uyo metropolis, the unprotected petrol stations and other various business places where there are heavy cash transactions only to stray into the obscure office premises of an estate firm owned by Obong Soni Udom. If the invaders were indeed armed robbers as the Commissioner declared, why did they not ask for cash during their operation at Soni Udom’s office, rather they repeatedly asked, “Where is oga?” and went about breaking locked doors in search of “Oga.” It is important to note that when one of the armed men started seizing phones from staff, one of them, perhaps the ring leader reprimanded him thus, “Is that what we came here for?” The SSS in Akwa Ibom State paraded before journalists five young men who are said to have owned up as the armed gang that invaded Soni Udom’s office. However, Udom’s staff that was invited to the DSS office in Uyo could positively and definitively identify only two of them. But one fundamental and disturbing finding we made is that during the armed operation in Obong Udom’s office, one of the hoodlums mistakenly shot himself, severing off his right thumb. A picture of this cut-off and bloodied thumb that the killers left in Soni Udom’s office was shown to journalists at a Press Conference Soni Udom himself addressed on Wednesday, 7th May 2014. One of the gangsters the DSS paraded as the “armed robbers” who went to Obong Udom’s office had white bandage tied around his right index finger. This fellow claimed that he lost his index finger during the operation in Obong Udom’s office. We find this very curious. Perhaps, Mr. Aniekan Umana is in a position to tell the world why the person paraded by the DSS claims he lost an index finger whereas the hired killer that invaded Obong Soni Udom’s office lost a thumb which is still in the custody of Obong Soni Udom. We recall also that the gang had claimed before the SSS that they were led into Uyo for “a job” by a linkman who is an Akwa Ibom person known as Anas. Regrettably, the SSS has not produced Mr. Anas who would be in a position to explain what the mission of his gangsters in Uyo was. We note that other prominent Akwa Ibomites have been sufficiently alarmed by the re-emergence of violence in their State. Earlier in May this year, Chief Don Etiebet, a renowned businessman, a founding father of the PDP and a member of its Board of Trustees, sent a petition to the Inspector General of Police on the violence in the state. In it, Chief Etiebet chronicled the litany of politically motivated violence and attacks in Akwa Ibom State. He particularly called attention to the fact that “these close coincidences are the reasons why I am sending this letter to you to be aware of the state of insecurity, political brigandage and threats to human life and property in my State prelude to the forth coming Party Primaries in the State with the sole motive of scaring people away from participating in free, fair and open congresses and primaries as the National Chairman has often said. I, therefore, call on you, Sir, to do everything possible to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the State and to ensure that violent-free party congresses and primaries are held when the time comes.” Chief Don Etiebet further stated that Governor Akpabio had called him with an unknown number to rain invectives on him. On Thursday, March 20, 2014, a couple of months before Chief Etiebet lodged his petition at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, a distinguished Akwa Ibom son, retired Police DIG Udom Ekpoudom, informed the governor at the government sponsored Abak town hall meeting that he had credible intelligence that some highly placed government officials and aides of the governor have been recruiting felons and indulging them with car gifts and other pecuniary benefits with the chief aim of using them to unleash violence and intimidate political opponents ahead of the 2015 Governorship race. Chief Akpabio did not provide any response to this charge. Is it possible for these three eminent Akwa Ibom citizens to raise false alarm against their governor? Is it possible for Chief Don Etiebet to write a petition to the IG and send copies to the President and NSA if indeed there is no political violence in our state? Governor Godswill Akpabio has persistently stoked the embers of ethnic discord in the state by openly inciting brothers to inflict violence on each other, especially those who are opposed to his 2015 politics. For instance, at the Oron town hall meeting on Monday, 31st March, 2014, the governor asked the Oro Traditional Fathers to call on Oro people to violently attack any of their sons who support any aspirant from Uyo senatorial district. The governor’s position was amplified by a former deputy governor of the state, Chief Etim Okpoyo, who stated that any such Oro persons should be burnt alive with their cars. We have all these on tape. In any event, we want to bring to the attention of Mr. Aniekan Umanah that never in the 27-year-history of our state had any of his predecessors had the singular unfortunate and depressing task of defending their governments’ alleged involvement in politically-motivated killings, violence, kidnappings and intimidation of the Akwa Ibom people. Not even during the epic resource control battle with the Federal Authorities, a period when highly placed Abuja based Akwa Ibom politicians aligned with the Federal Authorities to wage a fierce battle over the control of the State Chapter of the PDP with Obong Attah, was there any incident of the harassment, violent intimidation or killing of any of Obong Attah’s perceived political opponents. In the light of this, we imagine that Mr. Aniekan Umanah ought to be seriously disturbed that he appears to be the only Commissioner of Information in the country with the misfortune of repeatedly blaming political killings on armed robbery. In the light of all the unanswered questions, our petition to the police was a call for further investigation. Officials of Akwa Ibom State government should therefore not make statements that may interfere with or distract the police from conducting a thorough investigation into the petitions forwarded to them. If the Commissioner has good reasons to believe that his government is innocent of any involvement in these horrifying events, he should dutifully present his facts to the relevant authorities and stop the media propaganda.

Ita Awak is the Director of Research & Publicity of Umana Okon Umana’s Political Network.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

NEWS

Uproar at Conference over revenue sharing, others Continued from page 4

“1(a) Provided that the principle of derivation shall be constantly reflected in any approved formula as being not less than eighteen percent (18%) of the revenue accruing to the Federation Account directly from any natural resources “2(b) That not less than 50% of the total derivation fund accruable to a mineral bearing state shall be due and payable to the host communities within the state where the resources are derived in accordance with the production quota contributed by such communities. “2. There shall be established a Solid Mineral Development Fund, which is currently 3% of the Federal Government Account referred to by the committee on page 40 of its report, it shall be increased to 5% and will be applied to Solid Minerals Development in the states. “3.There shall be a National Intervention Fund, which will be 5% of the annual revenue accruing to the account of the Federal Government for stabilisation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas affected by terrorism and insurgency, in the first instance in the North East of Nigeria and any other parts of the country affected. “Or in the alternative

“3,There shall be a National Intervention Fund which shall be 5% of the annual revenue accruing to the account of the Federal Government for the stabilization, rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas affected by terrorism and insurgency, in the first instance in the North East of Nigeria, North Central, North West any other parts of the country.” Falae proceeded to the high table to hand over the document to Justice Kutigi. There was commotion in the chamber. Justice Kutigi made attempts without success to bring order to the house. “Be orderly, please be orderly” Justice Kutigi shouted. He said it appeared the consensus committee did not conclude its job as reported by Coomasie. “Our intention is to give them more time to conclude their job,” he announced. What followed was shouts of “no, no, no we want to vote!” Amid the confusion, Justice Kutigi announced that proceedings would be adjourned till 9am on Monday. He invited the committee of 50 wise men for a meeting today to look for a way forward for the meeting. The Yoruba delegation dissociated itself from the report of the

Consensus Group on resolving the impasse on derivation issue. A statement by Dr. Kunle Olajide, Secretary South-West Delegation, noted that the report, which was presented by Gambari on behalf of the group, in addition to proposing 18 per cent derivation to the oil bearing states, also proposed 5 per cent first line charge for the development of mineral resources and another 5 per cent National Intervention Fund in Boko Haram devastated areas in the Northeast as well as other areas affected in Northcentral and Northwest. It said: “The Yoruba delegates, arising from a caucus meeting, rejected the report, stating that it gave a wrong impression of what the intervention fund was set to achieve. “The fund should be aimed to serve the collective interest of the country and not a sectional interest as presented by Prof. Gambari. “Southwest delegates view Gambari’s projected amount to depletion of the Federation Account through nebulous funds to promote insurgency in the country. “It is also aimed at legalising the impoverishment of non-oil bearing states in Southwest, Southeast and Southsouth as these states, neither benefit from derivation nor the so-called intervention fund.”

Senate upholds report on $49.8b oil cash Continued from page 4

and education so that facts would be made available to the people and then public opinion at the end of the day will count. “If we sit here now and said remove subsidy, I think those who are benefitting from subsidy are very powerful and tomorrow they would influence media report and twist it to create an impression that Senate is antipeople. “If the subsidy has to go, I don’t have problems with that but let us sensitise the people over a very long period of time so that everybody will be carried along and everybody will be on board and then can take a final decision on the issue of subsidy because the recommendations are far reaching.” Senate in its resolution rejected a recommendation of the Committee that fuel subsidy should be scrapped. The upper chamber also resolved to fast track the passage of the Petroleum industry Bill (PIB) to ensure proper restructuring and administration of the oil sector. The Senate also ordered the NNPC to refund $262million to the Federation account with interest. Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu North) called for the total removal of subsidy to stem the abuse that has attended it.

He called for the prosecution of those found to have enriched themselves illegally through the proceeds from oil sales. Senator Ahmed Lawan, described the development of the missing funds as a wake up call for the executive the legislature. Senator Heineken Lopobiri, described the subsidy regime as a hard nut to crack because it encourages corruption. He urged the executive to probe the subsidy regime. He said the report has established that no $49.8billion was missing and that the amount discovered not to have fully reconciled would be taken care of in the forensic audit report still being awaited. Senator Abdul Ningi said the report of the probe panel demoralised him because of the revelations about how the NNPC expended funds without appropriation. Ningi disagreed with Senators Eze and Lopobiri, who called for the removal of subsidy on petrol. He insisted that the removal will make already impoverished Nigerians to suffer. Senator Smart Adeyemi (Kogi West) said the allegation about the missing funds was made to score cheap political points. He however admitted that there are glaring abuses in the way and manner the proceeds from oil sales were being man-

aged. He noted that spending government revenue without appropriation is a breach of the constitution and called for the prosecution of those found to have acted illegally. Adeyemi said: “On the issue of subsidy, it is the only thing that is left for the country, those who have been accused of abusing the subsidy should be prosecuted because I will not support the subsidy removal. “At the same time, the nation’s refinery, because those behind the continued non-functional state of the refineries are those who were implementing the subsidy regime, we need to know the names of the directors of companies which are enjoying subsidy.” The Senate vetoed a recommendation that fuel subsidy be removed. It approved a resolution that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) should refund $447million to the federation account being balance of royalty and Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT). The Senate also ordered the NNPC to refund $262million to the Federation Account being expenses it could not satisfactorily defend in respect of Holding Strategic Stock Reserve; Pipeline Maintenance and Management Cost; and Capital Expenditure.

Scores killed as military, Boko Haram battle rages on Continued from page 4

that axis,” the source said. The ongoing combing of Balmo Forest by troops has, however, led to the recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition. A top military source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The type of arms and ammunition dug out in Balmo Forest confirmed intelligence gathering that it could be a transit camp for Boko Haram members to Sambisa Forest. “The place looks like Boko Haram armoury because sophisticated arms were recovered. Troops are still mopping up the forest.” The Army has raised a sevenman General Court Martial (GCM) to try 18 soldiers for alleged mutiny in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri in May. The soldiers revolted against a former GOC of the 7 Division, Maj.-Gen. Ahmadu Mohammed, in protest against the mas-

sacre of their colleagues by Boko Haram insurgents. The identities of the 18 soldiers were kept under wraps last night. A source said: “You know about 500 to 700 faced a Board of Inquiry out of which the 18 soldiers were isolated for court martial trial. “The court will begin sitting

any moment from now. It is a normal military tradition when there is mutiny. “Every service or organisation has a way of enforcing discipline to restore peace and order.” Responding to a question, the source said: “It is not immediately clear if the court martial will be thrown open or not.”

‘Security agencies want to set us up’ Continued from page 4

“Our activities are open and our meetings are in a public space, the Unity Fountain. There is no compulsion to membership and our symbols, such as the red t-shirts, fez caps and pins are donated voluntarily by members. “We are motivated by empathy and the need to search and rescue these girls. We are shocked that all we get from our security agencies is harassment, vilification, innuendoes and threats. This must stop.

“Security agencies have the responsibility to protect rather than intimidate citizens trying to do a good turn. “It will be recalled that on 8th May, the Director of Defence Information of the Defence Headquarters had alleged that we distorted the report of what was for us constructive engagement with them two days previously. He claimed that we were trying to pitch public opinion against the armed forces and to project the Nigerian military in bad light and further heat up the polity.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Israel escalates aerial offensive on Gaza

SRAEL dramatically escalated its aerial assault in Gaza Thursday hitting hundreds of Hamas targets, as Palestinians reported 16 people killed in strikes that hit a home and a beachside cafe and Israel’s missile defense system once again intercepted rockets fired by militants at the country’s heartland. Military spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said Israel struck more than 320 Hamas targets overnight, focusing on underground tunnel networks and rocket launching sites. That brought the total number of targets hit to 750 in three days of the massive offensive that has killed at least 80 Palestinians. Lerner said Israel has already mobilized 20,000 reservists for a possible ground operation into Gaza, but for the time being Israel remained focused on maximizing its air campaign. A ground invasion could lead to heavy civilian casualties on the Palestinian side while putting Israeli ground forces in danger. Neither side is showing any sign of halting their heaviest

fighting since an eight-day battle in late 2012. Israel says that Hamas must cease rocket fire from Gaza for Israel to consider a truce. Militants have fired hundreds of rockets, striking across the length of Israel and disrupting life across the country. No one has been seriously harmed as the “Iron Dome” defense system has intercepted at least 70 of the projectiles destined for major population centers. “The ground option needs to be the last option and only if it is absolutely necessary. It is a carefully designed plan of action,” Lerner said. The Israeli security Cabinet was meeting to discuss its next moves. Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon said the operation was going according to plan, with Israel targeting various Hamas interests. “The military’s successes so far have been very significant,” he said. “We will continue until they understand that this escalation is not beneficial to them and that we will not tolerate rocket fire toward our towns and citizens.”

How hysteria can cheat us all out of justice •Continued from Back page

In recent days, as rumours have swirled about a VIP child abuse ring, a conspiracy to cover it up, and people who have been named without any proper evidence against them, I wonder how much we have learnt. We have a difficult task ahead of us. To get to the truth, to obtain justice for many abused children, to address the way evil acts were ignored and even tolerated, to address institutional political failure that may prove similar to that of the Catholic Church, to make sure nobody, however important, is above the law. Yet at the same time to keep our feet on the ground. Not to jump to conclusions and mistake rumour for fact. And to make sure that nobody, however important, is beneath the law either. daniel.finkelstein@thetimes.co.uk

Germany expels CIA official in US spy row

HE spying row has strained relations between the two allies The German government has ordered the expulsion of a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) official in Berlin in response to two cases of alleged spying by the United States. The official is said to have acted as a CIA contact at the US embassy, reports say, in a scandal that has infuriated German politicians. A German intelligence official was arrested last week on suspicion of spying. An inquiry has also begun into a German defence ministry worker, reports said. “The representative of the US intelligence services at the embassy of the United States of America has been told to leave Germany,” government spokesman Steffen Seibert said. White House described the partnership between the US and Germany as one built on respect. But no-one likes to be spied on, especially when it’s your friend doing the spying. This latest episode is yet another reminder of how American surveillance programmes are causing friction with allies. It’s angered many in Germany, where the issue of snooping is

historically a very sensitive one, and many are asking: “What? Again?” It wasn’t too long ago, after all, that we heard the National Security Agency was spying on Chancellor Merkel’s mobile phone. After a review into the surveillance programmes, President Obama promised the US wouldn’t spy on its friends overseas. But despite requests to be included, Germany isn’t part of a non-spying pact the US has with Britain, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. The White House will want to do all it can to repair any trust issues over this latest incident, so they can work together in other areas for example, it needs German support for tougher sanctions against Russia over Ukraine. The request by the German government follows increasing frustration that it has failed to get US assurances that spying would cease on German citizens from Chancellor Merkel down. She was shocked to learn that her mobile phone conversations were secretly being monitored while President Obama was greeting her as a friend on his visit to Berlin. Chancellor Merkel has tried to maintain a balance between condemning America’s actions

but also maintaining cordial relations. Each revelation has made that balance harder to achieve. This matters because America needs German help on a range of issues from trying to get the world economy out of its difficulties, to finding united Western action on Russia, to dealing with the revelations emanating from Edward Snowden who is currently in Moscow but whom some German lawmakers want to invite to Berlin. The chairman of the Bundestag (parliament) committee overseeing the secret service said the action had been taken because of America’s spying on German politicians and its failure to co-operate and provide adequate responses. The US has not denied allegations that a German intelligence agency employee arrested last week was passing secret documents to the US National Security Agency (NSA). However, the latest reports that an employee within the defence ministry was also spying for the US were considered more serious. Although no arrest was made, searches were

•Merkel

carried out on Wednesday at the ministry and elsewhere. A committee at the German parliament (in background) is investigating US spying allegations The US and Germany have been close allies for decades but relations were hit last year when it emerged that Chancellor Angela Merkel’s mobile phone had been monitored by the NSA. The White House declined to comment on the matter but said the security and intelligence relationship with Germany “is a very important one and keeps Germans and Americans safe”.

Central African Republic ‘killers’ named and shamed

MNESTY International has identified those it believes are responsible for atrocities recently committed in the Central African Republic (CAR). Several leaders from rebels and militia groups, as well as former Presidents Francois Bozize and Michel Djotodia, are named by the rights group. The trouble in CAR began as Mr Djotodia’s mainly Muslim rebels seized power in March last year. The majority Christian state then descended into ethno-religious warfare. Thousands of people have been killed and almost a quarter of the country’s 4.6 million in-

habitants have been forced from their homes. The report - Central African Republic: Time for Accountability - says that most attacks have been conducted openly, with the perpetrators showing no fear of sanction. Djotodia stepped down under regional pressure in January, but the fighting has continued. He has declined to comment on the allegations. The presence of some 7,000 international peacekeepers has also failed to put an end to the violence and revenge attacks. “Those responsible for leaving hundreds of thousands of innocent people with nowhere to hide from their murderous violence

must be given nowhere to hide from justice,” Christian Mukosa, Amnesty International’s CAR researcher, said in a statement. “Only by ending impunity can the cycle of violence that has gripped CAR be stemmed,” he said. ‘Sophisticated command’ The report says that Mr Djotodia’s Seleka forces are responsible for serious human rights violations including massacres, rapes, extrajudicial executions, torture, burning of villages and enforced disappearances during their military campaign that started in December 2012. In particular it names Nourredine Adam, who headed Seleka’s security services, as

someone who should face justice. Anti-balaka fighters are not shy about talking about their encounters Most Muslim communities in the west and in the capital have had to leave. Seleka fighters withdrew from Bangui towards the north-east in January Currently, the north-eastern part of the country is under the rule of Seleka and armed cattle herders - and human rights abuses are continuing there, the report says. On Monday a church in the central town of Bambari came under attack by Seleka fighters, and 26 civilians who had sought shelter there were killed.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2014

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

HIS article was first published under this column last year (06/07/13). Last weekend, a similar incident happened; 21-year-old Tolani Ajayi of the Redeemer’s University went about butchering his SAN father in a most gruesome manner. This article seems quite handy once again, isn’t it? Of unleavened evil: This must be the age of ‘unleavened’ evil for want of a more suitable word; a time when we must always expect the worst each day. Evils that never happened before, even in the dark ages, seem to be returning from the pit of hell to torment mankind every new day. A 64-year-old man, Chimezie Osuigwe, who is a former school principal somewhere in Oguta, Imo State is said to have kept his mother’s corpse in his house for about 10 years. It is yet to be ascertained whether he killed his mother and for ritual purposes as suspected. And he won’t say why he embalmed and co-habited with his mother’s remains for a decade. From Akwa Ibom State is a recent report that a teenage mother buried her child alive and from Gusua in Zamfara State, 25-year old Kamal is reported to have killed his mother and two sisters and dumped their bodies in Gusua River. In Odukpani, Cross River State, Samuel Nsa picked up a machete and hewed his father down as if he were a tree. Samuel had allegedly stolen a goat on May 27, 2013 and when the youths brought a complaint to his father, the 78-year-old tired of his son’s criminal life, denounced him whereupon an enraged Samuel reached for the machete…The other day in Woolwich, England, we and the entire world saw the two British-born Nigerians butcher a man right in the middle of the road in broad daylight. More disturbing however, is the story of 18-year-old boy, Olanrewaju kayodeAremu. That Olanrewaju killed his 46-yearold father, Victor kayode-Aremu, is not terrifically shocking, but the story is in the manner he committed the act. Seeing my father makes me angry! At about 10pm on May 1, 2013, as the rest of the family watched television downstairs in their duplex house in Eti-Osa, Lagos, Olanrewaju trailed his father upstairs to his room and attacked him with a kitchen knife. His father managed to make it downstairs to the sitting room but son pursued father and right before his mother and younger siblings, Olanrewaju stabbed his father repeatedly as if possessed by a demon.

VOL.9 NO.2,904

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

Beware, your child may be dangerous! Olanrewaju is said to have stabbed his father about 10 times leaving him no chance to live. “I killed my father because seeing him makes me angry,” said Olanrewaju. “The truth is that I always feel sad and angry anytime I see my father. I was just getting angrier when I was stabbing him because he didn’t love me…He forced me to study Geology in the university (instead of his preferred Biochemistry)… my dad knew (I hated him) because I am always cold when he is around me.” Of ‘cyber-psychotics’ and info-maniacs: The world is surely in distress. The world is assailed by what I want to call ‘cyber-psychosis’ or ‘info-mania’. It is the death of abomination; the Internet age is damaging our children irretrievably; there is no abhorrent material they cannot find on the net. The more violent and bestial computer games are today, it seems the more profitable for the hawkers. Parenting today has become doubly difficult. For instance, yesterday, our parents worried about teenage pregnancy, today it is about young girls in the business of making babies for a fee. It is a tough age to be a good parent. Here is a supplement I found in my Bible (The Living Bible, Parents Resource Bible, page 1165) written by ROLF ZETTERSTEN. It is titled: THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR. I hereby reproduce it with the title: What parents can do It is called March Madness, and to millions of basketball fans it is the sporting event of the year. The National Collegiate Athletic Association selects America’s top 64 teams and pits them in do-

‘

I killed my father because seeing him makes me angry,” said Olanrewaju. “The truth is that I always feel sad and angry anytime I see my father. I was just getting angrier when I was stabbing him because he didn’t love me…

’

or-die contests. For several weeks the tournament is held in arenas across the country, and roundball fans are glued to their television sets. The capper to March Madness is appropriately called the Final Four – when the surviving quartet of teams meet to determine the national champion. The site of the three-game play-off becomes a Mecca for basketball enthusiasts. One year I had the opportunity to attend the Final- four tournament at New Orleans, Louisiana, where more than 80,000 fans gathered to celebrate and witness the sporting contest. All the main events were held at the Superdome, a massive indoor coliseum that normally hosts professional football games. Even though I had no particular allegiance to any of the teams, it was not hard to get swept up in the excitement inside the enclosed stadium. Bands from each school blared fight songs as their respective supporters

sang along. The cheerleaders motivated their fans to participate in chants and yells. People were dressed and painted in their team’s colours. Of course, once the games began, the cheering intensified. I was sitting in front of a large section of University of Michigan alumni. Every time their team scored, they applauded, hooted and screamed as if their lives depended on it. Many of the fans brought signs with them that conveyed clever slogans. I’ll never forget one such poster because it suddenly brought me back to reality. At one point in the game, after the Michigan team made a comeback, one man got up from his seat and began parading up and down the aisles holding a large cardboard sign above his head with this message: This is What We Live for. Although many people in the crowd apparently agreed with his theme, it had an adverse effect on me. I suddenly had a healthy dose of proper perspective. I turned to my friend who was also reading the sign and said, “I’m sure glad this isn’t what I live for.” I was reminded of the apostle Paul; if he held a sign above his head, it would have said, “For me, living means opportunities for Christ, and dying – well, that’s better yet!” (Phil.1:21). In other words, his existence had only one purpose – to serve and glorify God. And Paul viewed his inevitable death as a promotion because it would take him to the Lord’s presence. So what do we live for? “Opportunities for Christ.” I believe they can begin at home, where we demonstrate our faith in simple, everyday ways. We live for accepting and loving our spouse. We live for teaching our children the wonderful truth of God’s creation. We live for demonstrating God’s forgiveness when our family members fail. We live for supporting our relatives when they need help. We live for encouraging children. We live for teaching them God’s Word and leading them to faith in Christ. We live for enjoying quiet moments with loved ones. We live for laughter around the dinner table. We live for achieving the intimacy that God wants us to have. We live for demonstrating the benefits of a disciplined lifestyle. We live for modelling charity, hospitality and equality to others outside our family circle. Sure, I’m crazy about competitive sporting events. The Final Four, the World Series, the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, and the NBA Finals are thrilling highlights of every year. But they are nothing compared to the excitement of a family intent on living for God. So, what do you really live for in your household?

OPEN FORUM

EAR lies behind some of the worst miscarriages of justice. In the current climate, are we in danger of forgetting that? A quarter of a century ago, a little more actually, in another life, I appeared at the Irish centre in Kilburn, northwest London, and debated against Ken Livingstone. I was a parliamentary candidate at 24 years of age and a mile out of my depth. Though of course I didn’t realised it, then. One rarely does. When we had finished speaking, someone asked us about the Guildford Four, still then in jail for a pub bombing that had taken place in the mid-1970s. Ken proclaimed their innocence. I responded that, whatever the merits of the case, it wasn’t for politicians to question the judgment of courts. At the time, and for a while afterwards, I was quite pleased with my answer. This despite the fact that immediately after I sat down, a woman got up, announced that Paul Hill, one of the wrongly imprisoned men, was her son, and spoke passionately and brilliantly about the justice. But now? In the days after the death of the innocent Gerry Conlon, I think that while in 25 years I have said many naïve and stupid things, if I could only take back one of them, this would probably be it. To understand why I feel that way, consider another story that, by pure chance, broke on the same day that Conlon’s death was announced. It was that compensation had finally been paid to five of the young New Yorkers who had been convicted in

How hysteria can cheat us all out of justice 1990 of the assault and rape of a jogger. On April 19, 1989, Trisha Meili, a young woman working for a Wall Street investment bank, was attacked and raped in Central Park. She was so badly beaten that she almost died and cannot, even now, remember anything about the attack. The case became famous internationally as a symbol of urban crime, of the dangers of New York in particular, and of racial tensions. Almost immediately, suspicion fell on a ground of young African-Americans and Hispanics who had been roaming the park that night. The first paragraph of the very first Central park jogger story in The New York Times talked of “an attack by as many as 12 youths”, a theme taken up in all the stories that followed. The police were quoted from the beginning talking about “a group” of attackers. By April 22 a new word, “wilding”, had been coined to described the assailants’ behaviour that night. It didn’t take long for there to be arrests and, after many hours of interrogation, confessions. Even though the confessions were confused and contradictory, accounts of the jury deliberations make clear that they were central to obtaining the convictions. The confessions, however, were misleading. As was the entire story of how Ms Meili had been attacked. More than a decade after the original court case, a man called Matias Reyes pleaded guilty to murder and four different rapes of Manhattan women. In jail, he said he had one more crime he wished to

admit to. He had raped and attacked the Central Park jogger in 1989. And he had acted alone. At first, Reyes’ claim was dismissed. However, on re-examination of the evidence, semen on one of Ms Meili’s socks was analysed. The DNA showed it to belong to Reyes. Reyes gave a detailed, consistent account of the attack, one which made it obvious that he had no accomplices. There is no evidence to seriously contradict this. Yet those involved in arresting, trying and convicting the original defendants have found it hard to accept. The immediate response of New York’s police commissioner, Raymond Kelly, was to reject Reyes’ story. He wanted to defend his men against the accusation that they had been overbearing when obtaining the confession. The prosecutor, Linda Fairstein, responded by saying: “I think Reyes ran with that pack of kids. He stayed longer when the others moved on.” There is no evidence to support it. In 1989 the magnate Donald Trump ran an advert in the New York Daily News calling for the death penalty for the gang that attacked the jogger. Now he attacks the compensation settlement, quoting one of case’s detectives calling it “the heist of the century”. Two things link the Guildford Four case with that of the Central Park jogger and make them a parable, almost. The first is that the guilt of all those convicted was detained in an atmosphere of hys-

teria. Gerry Conlon was jailed because at the height of the IRA mainland bombing campaign fear made people deaf to the normal rules of justice, to the careful consideration of evidence and to the need to determine whether an individual, rather than a group, was guilty of a crime. The young men convicted in New York suffered because of a similar deficiency. It was impossible for any individual to be treated justly because that would interfere with the universally-accepted narrative of what had happened. And the tenacity with which people held to that narrative once it was formed is the second link between the two cases. No amount of proof that the Guildford Four confessions had been obtained under duress, that evidence had been forged and alibis ignored, seemed enough. Even when it became obvious that the Balcombe Street gang had in fact bombed the Guildford pub and admitted it, many involved refused to accept the innocence of Conlon and the others. Towards the end of his life, the famous judge Lord Denning, when asked if capital punishment for the Guildford Four would have been wrong replied: “No. They’d probably have hanged the right men. Just not proved against them, that’s all.” We all of us cling to the truth as we construct it, and we resist alternatives that challenge the construction.

•Continued on page 60

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