Nov 25, 2013 by The Nation

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

NEWS Page 4

Why Anambra poll shouldn’t stand, by APC

News Gunmen kill five in village invasion P53 Sports ‘Eagles ’ll perform in Brazil 2014’ P24 Business Banks grow assets to N23tr in Q3 P25 www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2678 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

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Refineries privatisation plan on course, says BPE

LANS to privatise Nigeria’s troubled four refineries next year are on course, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) said yesterday. Mr Chigbo Anichebe, the Bureau’s Head, Public Communications, described the refineries’ privatisation as part of the oil sector’s reforms. Minister of Petroleum

Resources Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, hinted of the plan to privatise the refineries in Kaduna, Warri and two in Port Harcourt, last week in an interview with Bloomberg TV Africa in London. Since then, government officials, including Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroluem Corporation (NNPC) Andrew Yaku-

bu, kept mum on the plan. But Anichebe said yesterday that the plan was on course. “We are working with the NNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on the privatisation of the four refineries. “We are just in the preliminary discussion with them and very soon, we will make public the work plan for the

privatisation processes, including the engagement of advisers to advise us on the transaction. “Once the work plan is fine-tuned, hopefully by the end of the year or early January, next year, the work plan as well as the schedule will be unveiled to all stakeholders, including the media,’’ he said. Continued on page 3

•THE NATION MAN OLATUNJI OLOLADE WINS TWO AWARDS AT DAME P2

My health, by Jonathan I’m now okay, says President Meeting with G-7 governors shifted

HE President spoke last night on his health. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan arrived in Abuja from London where he missed a session of the Honorary International Investors’ Council (HIIC) meeting because he fell ill. His spokesman Dr. Reuben Abati said he (the President) was indisposed and was advised by doctors to rest. It was “nothing serious”, Abati said, adding that “the medical attention sought was “precautionary”. The President said last night in Abuja: “The most

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

important thing is that I am back. You will expect that when you are holding a political office as the president of a country, anything that affects you attracts a lot of attention. So, that the President is sick alone, even if you don’t know the ailment, definitely it will cause apprehension.” He went on to “thank and appreciate Nigerians for the show of love and concern”. “First on Wednesday, even though I was in London, I read how people congratulated me, remembering my birthday that I don’t normally celebrate anyway. But people know; so, they

‘

I really had some health challenges. I have to thank God again because of the concern shown me by Nigerians and the love. Thank God that I am very okay to resume work, I believe, from this night

normally congratulate me and I read in the papers,” the President sad, adding: “I have to thank Nigerians and especially on the issue of my health. I really had some health challenges. I have to thank God again because of the concern shown me by Nigerians and the love. Thank God

’

that I am very okay to resume work, I believe, from this night.” President Goodluck Jonathan did not state what excatly his health trouble was. Abati denounced an online publication which suggested that his boss was battling a hangover after his birthday

ASUU gives conditions to end strike

revelry. He said the report was “fictional nonsense”. The President spoke on other matters, including his meeting with the seven aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors which was shifted last night. It was slated for 9p.m. He said that he would not be able to hold the meeting because of his six-hour trip from London and his illness. Speaking with State House correspondents on arrival at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Jonathan said: “I don’t think I will be able to hold any meeting. You know, six hours flight is quite

a distance and also following from my health challenges, but we will meet.” On when the meeting will hold, he said: “I don’t know. I am just coming in. I believe within the week we will be able to meet. Politics is about discussion. We belong to the same political party or even people from different political parties engage in political discussion and political discussion is a continous process. Even during election, people discuss. So, we will continue to discuss.” He also confirmed that he had received the report of the administrative panel Continued on page 4

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

ARSITY teachers have agreed to suspend their five months old strike, The Nation learnt yesterday. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given three conditions to be tabled before President Goodluck Jonathan today. If the terms are acceptable to the Federal Government, the union will call off the strike. The ASUU leadership has banned its local chapters and zonal chairmen from talking to the media until after the session with the President. ASUU President Dr. Nasir Issa Fagge and other leaders of the union were being expected in Abuja last night. According to a source, who was part of the ASUU session at Mambayya House in Kano, Continued on page 4

•I’M B ACK: Dr. Jonathan speaking with reporters...last night. BA

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

•CITYBEATS P10 •SPORTS P24 •CEO P27 •JOBS P37 •POLITICS P45 •FOREIGN P58

THE NATION MONDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS

Refineries a

Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi (left) with wife of the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI), Mrs. Sylvia Oyinlola; NLI’s Founding Patron and Chirman Dr. Christopher Kolade; his wife, Beatrice and Vice Chairman, Mr. Jacobs Ajekigbe, at the NLI’s Annual Awards Gala at Grand Ball Room, Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos... at the weekend.

•Principal Secretary to the President, Ambassador Hassan Tukur (left); Chairman, Forte Oil Plc, Mr Femi Otedola and President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Minister Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economiy. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, at the 15th Honorary International Investors Council (HIIC) meeting at the London Hilton Hotel, London … at the weekend

•Marketing Manager, Nokia West Africa Kesiena Ogbemi (left); winner of Nokia Don't Break Da Beat Rap Competition 2013, Samuel Falowo a.k.a Prometh and Retail Customer Marketing Manager, Jide Adeyemi at the grand finale of Nokia Don't Break Da Beat at 10 Degrees Event Center, Oregun, Ikeja ... at the weekend.

•L-R: Past Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) & Chairman, Pearl Awards Nigeria, Alhaji U.F. Abdullahi; Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State, Ayo Gbeleyi with CEO/MD, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya at the 2013 Pearl Awards Nigeria at Victoria Island, Lagos... yesterday

Due to the twin evil of corruption and mismanagment, Nigeria’s four refineries have remained comatose, writes Assistant Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF

IKE the mixed blessings which oil discovery and exploration in Nigeria has assumed, the history of refineries in the country is laced with ups and downs. Although oil exploration began before the country’s independence in 1960, Nigeria did not have its first refinery until five years into self-rule. In 1965, the military regime of Gen. Yakubu Gowon built Nigeria’s first refinery. It was called “Port Harcourt I” with a capacity of 60,000bpd. Ten years later, Gen. Gowon awarded the contract for the construction of Warri Refinery with a capacity of 100,000bpd. It was completed and inaugurated by the regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1978. Later, Obasanjo started the 100,000bpd Kaduna Refinery, which was inaugurated by President Shehu Shagari in 1980. Port Harcourt II, also started by Obasanjo, was completed by General Ibrahim Babangida in 1989 to process 150,000bpd. Since then, Nigeria has stopped building refineries - even though her consumption has been doubling and tripling. By and large, all the refineries built by the government have total installed capacities of 410,000bpd. Unfortunately, all the four refineries barely produce enough to meet local demand, paving the way for importation of petroleum products to bridge the gap. And as experts insist, even if all the refineries work at full capacity, they cannot meet the country’s bourgeoning demand. Up till now, there is no reliable figure on the cash Nigeria has wasted on importing fuel, including cost of freighting, demurrage, storage at fraudulent tank farms, fraudulent subsidy payments, bank charges, and such like, since the dark days of the late General Sani Abacha’s . This is without computing the opportunity cost - how much Nigeria could have been generating if it were refining and exporting products? How many jobs could have been created? While opening the 2011 Society of Petroleum Engineers’ (SPE’s) yearly conference and exhibition in Abuja, Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke revealed that the government would unveil an all-encompassing strategy that would raise Nigeria’s refining capacity from the then 60 per cent to a record 90 per cent in two years. As a matter of fact, she emphatically stated that the nation’s refining capacity would receive significant boost through the execution of a comprehensive turnaround maintenance (TAM) that would increase refining capacity from 445,000 barrels per day (bpd) to about one million barrels per day (1mbpd). She said measures were being taken to ensure completion of the proposed three Greenfield Refineries in Lagos, Kogi and Bayelsa within a three-year time-frame to further boost the country’s refining capacity and drastically reduce the rate of importation of refined petroleum products. Assuring that the TAM on the tra-

•Dr. Jonathan

ditional refineries, located in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna was executed in accordance with best global practice, Mrs. Alison-Madueke said the TAM would be handled by the companies that first built them, pointing. The NNPC has already invited the original builders to undertake a professional overhaul of the plants and to ensure that the TAM, which had been planned to begin with the Port Harcourt Refinery, took off as scheduled. Speaking on the sidelines of the June 2012 meeting of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna, Austria, Mrs. Alison-Madueke also expressed optimism that Nigeria would stop refined petroleum products importation after government was done with the TAM of existing refineries, which first phase, she reaffirmed, would commence with the Port Harcourt Refinery. “At this point in time, we are trying to ensure that our refined petroleum products are produced in the country within the next 24 months or so. To do that we need to do the TAM of the refineries that we already have on ground, we have already moved into the first phase of the TAM of PH, using the original people that built them. So at the end of this year, PH should be up to 90 percent capacity and by the end of 2013, Kaduna, and then Warri will follow suit.” Again, when the minister appeared before the House of Representatives in 2012, following an invitation by the lower chamber of the legislature, requesting clarification on the issue of the lingering kerosene scarcity across the country, she restated government’s plan to boost refining capacity. She assured the lawmakers that the expected increase in refining capacity would help increase the volume of kerosene supply from the refineries in the medium and long term. Also echoing the minister’s statements, the then Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Mr. Austen Oniwon, had stated categorically at an energy conference that the existing refineries in the country would be upgraded to 90 per cent capacity utilisation. He even put December 2013 as scheduled date for attainment of optimum refining capacity, assuring that the corporation had designed refinery revitalisation working plan using the original contractors that built the refineries. Oniwon said the turn-around maintenance of the refineries was part of effort towards ensuring adequate local refining of petroleum product. According to him, the Port Harcourt

THE NATION MONDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS

es and failed TAMs

• Mrs Alison-Madueke

•Warri refinery

Privatisation of refineries on course, says BPE IPMAN: repair them before selling P T LANS to privatise Nigeria’s troubled four refineries next year are on course, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) said yes-

terday. Mr Chigbo Anichebe, the Bureau’s Head, Public Communications, described the refineries’ privatisation as part of oil sector’s reforms. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, hinted of the plan to privatise the refineries in Kaduna, Warri and two in Port Harcourt, last week in an interview with Bloomberg TV Africa in London. Since then, government officials including Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroluem Corporation (NNPC) Andrew Yakubu had kept mum on the plan. But Anichebe said yesterday that the plan is on course. “We are working with the NNPC and Ministry of Petroleum Resources on the privatisation of the four refineries. “We are just in the preliminary discussion with them and very soon, we will make public the work plan for the privatisation processes, including the engagement of advisers to advise us on the transaction. “Once the work plan is fine-tuned, hopefully by the end of the year or early January next year, the work plan as well as the schedule will be unveiled to all stakeholders, including the media,’’ he said. Anichebe said that the privatisation would be handled in line with the usual strategy of the bureau, which was to sell a certain percentage refinery was billed to commence the projected capacity production by the fourth quarter of 2012 to be followed by Kaduna refinery by the first quarter of 2013, while Warri refinery would come on stream by the fourth quarter of 2013. “In my presentation before House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Monitoring of the Subsidy regime, I made it clear that at 90 per cent, the three refineries will be able to produce 20.3 million litres of PMS, 9.2 million litres of kerosene and 15.3 litres of diesel as compared to the average national daily consumption of 35 million litres of PMS, 10 million litres of kerosene and 12 million litres of diesel,” Oniwon said. Oniwon, who sounded very optimistic that the plan was achievable, urged Nigerians to hold NNPC management accountable to the promise. He noted that the coming on stream of Greenfield refineries would not only make Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products, but would also make the country a net exporter of refined petroleum products. At a town hall meeting with staff in the Eastern

HE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Sunday urged the Federal Government to repair the nation’s oil refineries before their planned sale. The Chairman of the association in Sokoto state, Alhaji Sule Magaji, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Sokoto. “We in IPMAN are against the plan to sell the refineries but if the federal government will not rescind the decision, the refineries should be made fully functional before being sold. “The government should also take concrete measures to further secure all oil pipelines across the country,” Magaji said. According to him, repairing the refineries, securing the pipelines and putting other necessary measures in place will motivate the potential buyers and other investors to be part of the planned sale. He said that it would be difficult or impossible for individuals to adequately protect oil pipelines, noting that “even ongoing efforts by the federal government in that regard seem ineffective”. Expressing fear that the sale of the refineries might lead to total removal of existing subsidy on some petroleum products, Magaji appealed that subsidy should remain even after the sale of the refineries. He stated that retaining the subsidy regime would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians adding that subsidies existed in other countries that were less endowed with oil resources as Nigeria. He admitted that Nigerians were currently enjoying steady supply of petroleum products across the country noting that the federal government deserved commendation for that. He, however, appealed to the government to sustain the tempo “for the common good of all Nigerians”. of shares and reserve a certain percentage for the workers, host communities and Nigerians at large. He urged Nigerians not to be apprehensive about the refineries’ sale because only capable and visionary investors would be considered

zone of the Corporation, shortly after he was appointed in 2010, Oniwon outlined what he described as the NNPC’s grand plan to refurbish and upgrade existing units of the refinery through the execution of a comprehensive TAM exercise, saying the corporation was ready to “go full throttle to ensure a successful TAM, which was last executed in year 2000.” He added: “What we want to do is to undertake a different type of TAM that will guarantee maximum benefit. So we are going back to the original contractors who built all the units to ensure an effective and total refurbishment of the plant. Unlike in the past when the scope of work was not clearly specified, we intend to conduct a full scale technical audit with well-defined scope of work for the contract.’’ Over the years, corruption and poor maintenance had undermined the performances of Nigeria’s refineries while previous TAMs have been unable to redress the woes bedeviling the subsector. In 2008 and 2010, all the four refineries were com-

in the privatisation process. “People should not be edgy about this transaction because we have done this over and over again. When we first started with the telecommunications sector, people were worried that we will give it to the wrong people.

pletely shut down by the NNPC, blaming the resurgence of violence in the Niger Delta region, which resulted in attacks on crude supply pipelines, for the closure of Kaduna and Warri Refineries. For the Port Harcourt Refinery, the closure was attributed to the damage on its vital units owing to epileptic power supply. Also, in December, 2011, the Port Harcourt refinery was shut down after attacks on its crude supply pipeline. Soon after the botched sale of the plants in 2007, the NNPC claimed it had awarded the contract to a Nigerian firm to carry out a comprehensive TAM on all the refineries. The contract sum as revealed by the then GMD, Abubakar Yar’Adua, was $57 million. But despite the said TAM, the refineries remained comatose, prompting Nigerians to demand clarification on the real status of the plants. The corporation, in the wake of public outcry over the poor state of the refineries, claimed that the Pipeline breaks at the Ewe and Bantan axis had affected crude oil supply to the Warri Refinery.

“They were worried about the security implications and all that. I believe that whether these companies end up with local, home-based or foreign investors, what is important is the efficiency of whoever is handling it. “The criteria should be that the buyers have the financial muscle and technical know-how to run these companies. We don’t bother about where they come from, as long as they are coming with clean money to invest in our economy. “So, when we are doing our evaluation of investors for the transaction, that is what we will look at,’’ he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this is the second time the Federal Government is proposing to privatise its refineries. NAN recalls that President Olusegun Obasanjo approved the sale of the refineries during his administration but the late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2007 reversed the sale of the refineries for lack of transparency in the transaction. However, President Goodluck Jonathan in November 2012 recommended that the refineries should be sold due to inadequate finance and under-performance. Anichebe, nonetheless, told NAN that the privatisation plans were currently at the preliminary stage, where the blueprint of the policy would be decided. The BPE spokesman also said that in 2014, the bureau would also begin the privatisation of the housing sector, Abuja Security and Commodity Exchange Plc., as well as the country’s transportation sector.

The NNPC also stated the TAM for Kaduna Refinery had been scheduled for November 15, 2008, adding that the contractors would conclude TAM and hand back the refinery to NNPC Management on January 15, 2009. In 2009, the NNPC also announced that it spent $20 million (about N31billion) on TAM of the Kaduna refinery alone. The then GMD, Alhaji Sanusi Barkindo, who made the disclosure at a meeting of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline in Abuja, said the TAM became necessary because the Kaduna refinery “is very strategic as the only refinery serving the nineteen states of the North”. Despite NNPC’s claims that the refineries were undergoing routine TAM, it later dawned on the nation that funds allocated for the TAM were diverted, as was the routine in the corporation. It was revealed that the new Port Harcourt Refinery had undergone TAM only thrice since it was inaugurated in 1989. The last one was carried out in 2000. For the old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was commissioned in 1965, the only major re-

•Oniwon

habilitation work on it took place in 1989, while the first and only TAM was carried out in 1998. In the case of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, the record showed that the last TAM was executed in 2004.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS The Nation man Olatunji Ololade wins two awards at DAME

HE Nation Assistant Editor Olatunji Ololade, at the weekend, won two honours at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME). This newspaper was nominated for the Newspaper of the Year. Its Editor, Gbenga Omotoso, was a nominee for Editor of the Year. The award presentation was held on Saturday night in Lagos. Ololade won the Political

By Joseph Jibueze

Reporting category, with the story: The Ugly Manifestations of Tribal Politics in Nigeria. It was published on January 28, last year. He also won the ChildFriendly Reporting category with the story: Children of War, published on April 7, last year. The Punch and its then Editor, Joseph Adeyeye, were named Newspaper and Editor of the Year. The newspaper’s

Toyosi Ogunseye won the Press Reporter of the Year. The Punch won also the Editorial Writing award, with the piece: 13 Years of Democracy and Despair, published on May 29, last year. TV Reporting Award went to Adebayo Bodunrin of AIT, with the story: Subsidy War, broadcast on October 2 and 3, last year. Solomon Adebayo of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) won the Radio

Reporting category. Angela Unachukwu of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, Awka, won the TV Documentary category. Other winners are: Ayo Olukotun of Punch (Informed Commentary); Ifenyinwa Ezepue of the Voice of Nigeria, Lagos (Radio Drama); Ade Adesomoju of Punch (Judicial Reporting); Chukwuemeka Emenike of National Mirror (Editorial Cartooning) and Isioma Madike of National

Mirror (Development Reporting). Action Photography Award went to Olusegun Bakare of Punch, with a picture, entitled: A physically-challenged Man being assisted at a protest in Lagos, published on January 12, last year. Sina Fadare of National Mirror won the Agricultural Reporting category. DAME’s highest award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, went to the pioneer Continued on page 59

•Ololade

Explosion kills three in Katsina

HREE people were killed when two fuel-laden articulated vehicles explod-

•Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Anselm Umoren (left), blessing the congregation during Christ the PHOTO: NAN King Celebration at the Sacred Heart Parish, Gwagwalada in Abuja…yesterday

ASUU gives three conditions to end strike Continued from page 1

the conditions are: •commitment from the President that any review or reconsideration or renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement will not substantially affect the pact which is the cause of the ongoing strike; •immediate payment of all outstanding salary arrears and allowances of varsity teachers without victimization; and •a written commitment from the President that the Federal Government will commit N225billion annually to the funding of universities for the next four years. There is a fourth condition, which is said to be “personal” to ASUU, bordering on the need to be wary of gradual

loss of public sympathy. The union leaders were said to have recognised public goodwill for the strike and the need to avert any action that could erode such confidence. The source said: “Our leaders are meeting with the President on Monday to table these conditions. Once the President accepts these three terms, the strike will be called off. “In principle, members voted about 60-40 per cent to call off the strike, but they added a caveat - that ASUU leaders should extract a commitment (signed and sealed) from the President. The union is said to have insisted on the three conditions because during talks with the

Federal Government, it was apparent that the government wanted a renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement. “If ASUU had accepted to renegotiate the entire Agreement , it means there will be no basis for the ongoing strike. The worst that can happen is either having the abridged version of the 2009 Agreement or a phased implementation of the document,” the source added. The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State became at the weekend the third institution to break ranks with the striking union. It asked its students to return to the campus today. Lecture are to start on December 2, according to the Registrar, Mr.

Bamidele Olotu. Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), Enugu, and the Ibrahim Badamosi University, Lapai, in Niger State had earlier directed the reopening of the schools. The registrar directed students to begin their registration on the school portal immediately. AAUA Student Union President Julius Adeniyi welcomed the resumption plan and assured his fellow students of a hitch-free semester. He said: “We are dying and wasting away our time at home; and I am backing my Vice Chancellor on the resumption date. We are coming in and nothing will happen.”

ed at Gyazama village, along the Funtua-Birnin Gwari road in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State. Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad, the Transition Committee Chairman of Dandume Local Government Council, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dandume that four other persons sustained burns of various degrees. He said six houses were also burnt in the resultant inferno which occurred on Saturday evening. NAN reports that the blaze started when some drivers were transferring fuel from a brokendown vehicle to another through the use of a pumping machine. Muhammad said two of the

My health challenge, by Jonathan Continued from page 1

headed by former Head of Civil Service Isa Bello Saleh, which investigated the purchase of $255 million bulletproof cars for Aviation Minister Stella Oduah. “The committee I set up; they have submitted a repor,” Jonathan said. He did not elaborate. The President defended the ministers who went on the trip with him, stressing that none of them abandoned the meeting. He said: “All of them performed very well. I think there are some kind of misconceptions. The Honorary International Investor Forum meets two times in a year; one in Nigeria and one outside Nigeria, sometimes in London most

Why Anambra poll shouldn’t stand, by APC

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has said there is enough weighty, compelling and substantial evidence for INEC to cancel the November 16 governorship election in Anambra, rather than order the conduct of “supplementary election” for what is nothing but an irredeemable poll. ‘’Our party has provided incontrovertible and more than substantial evidence to show that what took place on November 16th is a parody of election.” the party said in a statement issued yesterday in Lagos by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. ‘’What other evidence can be more substantial than the fact that INEC, in conducting the November 16th election, failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act? What other evidence can be more compelling than the INEC Chairman’s admission of compromise by a top official of the commission? If Jega’s statement that the election fell short of what the commission had

expected and prepared for, what else could be more substantial?’’ it queried. APC said for the umpteenth time and for Nigerians to understand the absurdity of Jega’s contradictory stance on the ill-fated election, the party had decided to list its reasons for demanding the cancellation of the caricature election. •Prof Jega’s unforced admission that a senior official of the Commission has been financially induced to compromise the election in the Idemili North Local Government Area, which has over 173,000 registered voters. This is very serious because this local government is the stronghold of the APC candidate, Senator Chris Ngige, and the fact that in the 2011 Senatorial Election Senator, Ngige scored over 80% of all votes cast in the local government. •The decision to use the students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, in direct violation of INEC guidelines, as presiding officers for the election instead of the trained ad hoc staff; and the use of the staff of

the university as Supervising Presiding Officers even though the running mate of the APGA candidate was until his nomination a professor in the same institution. •The fact that electoral materials meant for the known strongholds of the APC candidate were deliberately sent to wrong wards or polling units, thereby creating confusion and frustration. By the time the materials were re-directed to the correct areas (if at all), many voters had left in frustration. •Voters’ registers, especially in known APC strongholds, were tampered with to remove the names of many registered voters, thereby disenfranchising them .Result sheets were not supplied in many polling booths, especially in known strongholds of the APC •Collation of results was not done at polling booth units or wards. •Only 4,604 agent tags were given to the APC despite the fact that the party sent to INEC the names and pictures of over 6,500 agents, after INEC creat-

ed an additional 1,903 voting points. The 4,604 agent tags were delivered to APC only at 3pm on Friday the 15th of November 2013, in contrast to APGA that received over 6,500 agent tags from INEC at least three days before election. •Senator Chris Ngige, the APC candidate, complained in writing to INEC that Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukogu should not be allowed to conduct the November 16th election given his bias and animosity towards him (Ngige). The same Onukogu was the Resident Electoral Commission during the 2011 Anambra Election, during which his bias and animosity showed through when it took the courts to reclaim two house of assembly seats that he (Onukogu) unlawfully took away from the defunct ACN on which platform Ngige contested and subsequently won the election as a Senator. The party said if the reasons listed above were not considered substantial enough, then one is left with no choice but to conclude that either Prof.

deceased were the operators of the pumping machine, while those who sustained burns were receiving treatment at Funtua General Hospital. He added that the houses were burnt because of the fuel which spilled from the scene of the incident. Muhammad, who was an eyewitness, explained that the fire could not be contained by the Dandume council’s firemen, adding that it took the intervention of nearby firemen from Faskari, Funtua and Dandume local government areas to put it off. He said the fire lasted up to Sunday morning, adding that he attended the burial of the deceased, while paying condolence visits to the victims’ families. Muhammad warned people in the area against illegal parking of vehicles, poor handling of flammable fuels as well as inappropriate use of pumping machines.

Jega is decidedly being naive about the extent and scope of the multi-layer rigging perpetrated under his nose on November 16th or he has chosen to align with election marauders who are acting the larger script of the presidency/PDP. “Either way, the buck stops on Prof. Jega’s desk and he bears the ultimate responsibility for the failure of the November 16 election. Therefore, he must summon the courage to ameliorate the situation by ordering a fresh election. Failure to do that will mean that he has simply abdicated his responsibility and ruined the people’s confidence in the ability of the commission he heads to remain an unbiased umpire,’’ it said. In spite of the brazen manner in which voters in Anambra State have been robbed of their franchise and the increasinglyapparent colluding stance of INEC, APC appealed to its supporters to remain calm and law abiding, as the leadership of the party will explore all constitutional and legal avenues to ensure that justice is done in this matter.

cases in London. The last time it was France or so.” “Ministers are not meant to sit throughout the period. Ministers are meant to go and make presentations even in Nigeria. The only person that normally sits throughout is the Minister of Trade and Investment that warehouses the HIIC. Some ministers don’t normally sit for two days. In a day you may not see a minister. If a minister is meant to make a presentation on the second day, it is not that for the two days you will expect all the ministers.” “Because I read some of the perception in the media, that the minister of Communication Technology was not there on Thursday; the Minister of Continued on page 59

•Mohammed

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS Okonjo-Iweala explains shortfall in allocation From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

HE Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has said the reduction in oil production and receipts caused the shortfall in the federal allocation to the other tiers of government. The minister debunked the claim that politics was behind the dwindling allocations to the states. She attributed the reduction in revenue accruable to the Federal Government to the falling revenue from oil. Addressing reporters at the weekend at the first convocation of the Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State, where 166 students graduated, the minister explained that despite the shortfall, the Federal Government distributed funds from the Excess Crude Account to states and paid the salaries of its workers. Okonjo-Iweala, who got a honorary Doctor of Science in Accounting, said: “The claim that there is politics in the distribution of federal allocation is not true. The states go to the Federal Allocation Committee meeting monthly; they see the account and know that oil production is down and the receipts are down. They know Customs’ revenues are down. But we still distribute whatever is to be distributed. From that, we have been able to manage this country and workers have been able to collect their salaries.” In company of her husband, Prof. Ikemba Iweala, a surgeon, the minister commiserated with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the family of the late Prof. Festus Iyayi. Okonjo-Iweala urged the ASUU leadership to consider ending its strike in the interest of stakeholders, particularly the students. She said the Federal Government had acceded to most of the striking lecturers’ demands. Also, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who got a honorary Doctorate in Economics, stressed the need for quality education in the country.

•Catholics during the sacrament of confirmation at the Sacred Heart Parish, Gwagwalada in Abuja...yesterday

• From right: Former military President Ibrahim Babangida; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Niger State Governor Aliyu Babangida, during a durbar in honor of the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago, on his 25th anniversary on the throne, at the Polo Ground, Minna.

Govt chooses third judge for Leadership journalists’ trial

Jonathan sacks aide

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has terminated the appointment of Mrs. Aisha Umar as his special assistant, Social Development. A statement yesterday in Abuja by Mr Sam Nwaobasi, special assistant (Media) to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, did not give any reason for the sack. The statement said the termination of Umar’s appointment was “with effect from November 25.” The President, three months ago, sacked the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdulkadir, over the alleged mishandling of the National Youth Council of Nigeria’s (NYCN’s) elections in Makurdi, Benue State and Minna, Niger State, which resulted in the factions of the council. The President also sacked his Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Mrs. Joy Emordi and his Special Adviser on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, Dr. Tunji Olagunju.

OR the third time in less than five months, the Federal Government has again transferred the trial of two journalists with Abujabased Leadership newspapers to another judge. But the newspaper described the move as suspicious. The paper’s Group News Editor Tony Amokeodo and Correspondent Chibuzor Ukaibe are on trial for alleged forgery of a directive by President Goodluck Jonathan on some opposition figures. They were on June 27 arraigned before Justice Ademola Adeniiyi of the Federal High Court. But when the defence, represented by Lagos lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN) queried the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter, the government promptly withdrew it. Few weeks later, the government took the case before an Abuja High Court, prompting the arraignment of the two journalists before a new judge,

•Newspaper queries choice of President’s kinsman From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Justice Usman Musale of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Kubwa. Prior to the beginning of the trial, the defence indicated its intention to call President Jonathan as one of its witnesses. It applied for a stay of proceedings, pending the time the President would complete his tenure and be available to appear in court because he currently enjoys immunity. Justice Musale, however, declined to stay proceedings by refusing to grant an indefinite adjournment. The defence appealed against the decision at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. Parties were to return to Justice Musale for further proceedings when the defence was informed, through a fresh hearing notice, dated November

20, that the case had been reassigned by the new Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ibrahim Bukar, to another judge, Justice Peter Affen. The newspaper said its suspicion over the actual intention of the government stemmed from the coincidence in the home state of the new judge and President Jonathan. It stressed that the constant movement of the case from one judge to another had delayed it. The defence also said it was curious that Justice Bukar chose a judge from Bayelsa State, where the President hails from, as the new trial judge in a case Dr Jonathan is the complainant. The newspaper, in its appeal, urged the appellate court to note that Justice Musale erred in law when he held that the charge/case did not have direct attachment to Jonathan to make him adjourn sine die (indefinitely) until the end of Jonathan’s tenure.

PDP seeks China’s Communist Party’s help on training

HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approached the Communist Party in China to train its political public office holders. The training is targeted at PDP members holding office at the federal level with emphasis on economic management. Aides to the PDP Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said Tukur was in China to meet with the leadership of the Communist Party. An e-mail statement said the Communist Party would be expected to deploy Chinese experts in Nigeria to

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

train PDP members on party supremacy, governance and management of the economy. Effective development and management of infrastructure as well as better life for the citizenry is also part of the training. The statement added that Tukur and his entourage were made to understand that the success of governance in China was rooted in sound training. Tukur reportedly said serving members of the PDP would undergo the training.

Also listed for training are federal and state lawmakers, governors, as well as ministers. The statement said: “Vice Headmaster of the Party School in Shenzhen, China, Mr Zhu Dijian, told the PDP entourage that it is compulsory for high cadre officials of the Chinese government to undergo training in the school every three years to develop their dialectical thinking. “According to him, the CPC members in government must receive training on leadership, administration, development of infrastructure, science, technology, foreign Affairs, party philosophy and spirit.

“The trainees, he said, must also learn how to apply the knowledge to develop the grassroots, a reason he said almost all parts of China are equally developed. “Dijain said the development of China stemmed from qualities demonstrated by government officials at all times.” The statement quoted Chinese officials as saying that some African countries had shown interest in the training. It cited some executive members of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) as beneficiaries of the training.

Wamakko at AU

OKOTO State Governor Aliyu Wamakko will speak at the second session of the Africa Union (AU) annual high-level consultation on the topic: Governance Trends in Africa: Challenges, Opportunities and Prospects. The forum will begin today and end on Wednesday in Dakar, Senegal. The governor is expected in Dakar today.

Science students hold three-day experiment By Uyoatta Eshiet

CIENCE students from over 350 secondary schools in the country will hold a three-day experiment conference on November 27 at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). They are expected to test their scientific skills and be exposed to scientific evolutions during the conference. The event is targeting the Guinness Book of World Records. It is in honour of Prof Oluwole B. Familoni, former head of the Department of Chemistry and former dean,Faculty of Science. Prof Familoni is also a senior lecturer of Chemistry at UNILAG. Addressing reporters in Lagos, Prof. Familoni said: “The event is to expose students to sciences and educate them on the importance of sciences and put them to test on their knowledge of what they can do with their hands.” The academic said he was aware that there were two groups of science students: those who were interested in studying the subject and those who, because they did not have anything to do, just studied it.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS

Dangote Cement consolidates leadership in Africa

‘ASUU strike may not end soon unless...’

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

PROFESSOR of Philosophy, Moses Akinola Makinde, has said the over four-month-old strike of the Academic Staff Union of the Universities (ASUU) will continue until the Federal Government fulfils its agreement with ASUU. In an interview on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Osogbo, the don said it was unlikely that ASUU would suspend the strike, if there was no resolution on the 2009 agreement between the union and the Federal Government. He said: “You know, ASUU has never believed in the Federal Government keeping its agreement. ASUU said it would extract a solid agreement on the previous agreement by Mr. President to be witnessed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC) and the Minister of Education so that the government would not go and tell the world about the primitive mentality of members of government, who usually sign agreements without knowing what they are signing. “Only God knows how many agreements this government has signed with the international community without knowing what it was signing or what it was doing. President Goodluck Jonathan and officials of his administration have a penchant for breaking agreements. That is the problem. “On my part, I will be surprised if the Federal Government could keep any agreement. So, this case cannot be different. In the unlikely event that the Federal Government keeps its agreement, it would be a miracle. This is because it has never been the nature of this government to keep to an agreement. This is known all over the world.” The academic said he was not sure that ASUU would call off the strike at its next meeting. Makinde said: “The unusual might be to take a decision that is based on division and majority of the local chapters asking for a suspension rather than a call-off. “This would be the first time ASUU would be taking a decision that is not unanimous. But then it would be a mere suspension, because no matter what the government says or provides, ASUU would not believe in the government. This means a little act of reneging on another agreement would trigger a full blast of strike.

•Plans new plants in Senegal, South Africa

•Group boss Aliko Dangote

ANGOTE Cement Plc may soon become Africa’s leading supplier of cement, with its plan to open cement plants in Sengal and South Africa. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, D. V. G. Edwin, explained the company’s steps in positioning itself in major African countries. He said: “Our plant in Senegal will soon produce cement, with our South African venture, Sephaku Cement, opening early next year. These two plants will be our first ven-

tures outside Nigeria.” Edwin said Dangote Cement across Africa would produce over 50 million metric tonnes yealy by 2016. He added: “In Ethiopia, work is under way to build a 2.5 MTA plant at Mugher, with production expected in early 2015. In Tanzania, we have begun work on a 3 MTA gas-fired plant at Mtwara to be operational in October 2015. In Zambia, work is under way on a 1.5 MTA plant at Ndola, to produce in mid-2014. “…Building work is progressing with a 1.5 MTA grinding plant in Cameroon, to be completed early 2014. In Congo, we will build an integrated plant of 1.5 MTA, to be-

No cracks in new PDP’s Senate, says Abe

HAIRMAN of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) Magnus Abe has dispelled insinuations of a crack among senators of the new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The senator told reporters in Abuja at the weekend that contrary to such speculation, more senators had signalled their interest to join the fold. Abe, who represents Rivers South East, insisted that “the team is solidly together.” He said the management of issues by the Senate leadership did not escalate or threaten the group’s interests to warrant an open quarrel. According to him, as long as the leadership of the Senate continues to protect the inter-

est of senators, irrespective of their party affiliations, there will be no need for any untoward action. Abe said: “There is no crack in the new PDP. The truth is that the nature of the leadership of the Senate does not escalate those tendencies in the Senate. “Politics is about interests, and if these interests are brought up, you will see whether there is new PDP or old PDP. But while the leadership manages the interest in such a way that all senators, whether in the new PDP or old PDP, the All Progressives Congress (APC) or Labour Party, everybody feels that as a senator, his interest is protected in the system we have, then there

APC ready to sustain political bond, says Odigie-Oyegun

SPECIAL committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was set up to pacify former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, yesterday apologised to the former governor. It promised to keep the political bond of the party vibrant, alive and ready ahead of the 2015 elections. The party said it would make it to Aso Rock in 2015, if there are credible polls. The seven-man committee, led by former Edo State Governor John OdigieOyegun, met with Bafarawa at his home.

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

Among the members were former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Bello Masari; Alhaji Musa Gwadabe, a former Labour Minister; Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar; former Kebbi State Deputy Governor and APC National Secretary, Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa; Alhaji Umar Danmadamin Isa and former National Chairman of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP),Alhaji Yusuf Ali. Oyegun said the APC held

are expected to begin in early 2015. In Ivory Coast, a 1.5 MTA grinding plant in Abidjan is on, with operations projected to begin in early 2015. In Ghana, there will be 1.5 MTA grinding plants in Tema and Takoradi by early 2015 as well as an integrated 1.5 MTA plant in Niger…” Dangote Cement Nigeria has announced impressive nine months’ results. Sales increased by 29.5 per cent to 9.95 million tonnes, while an estimated 16 million tonnes were sold. For the period, Dangote Cement’s revenue increased by 28.7 per cent while its profits grew by 39.4 per cent to N189.4 billion. •Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second right); daughter of the kidnapped industrialist, Mrs Olabisi Obaleye (left); All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Senator Bayo Salami (right) and others, during the governor’s visit to the family of kidnapped founder and CEO of Yinka Oba Foam, Mrs Olayinka Obaleye, in Ilesa, Osun State... on Friday

FERMA assures of better roads at Yuletide

ARBA Mubi, the executive director of Road Maintenance Management Services Department,Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has promised better roads this Yuletide. Mubi spoke in Ibadan, Oyo State, when he rounded off a twoday inspection of the Southwest. He said: “FERMA is ready to make the roads safer this Yuletide. “In pursuit of its mandate and for sustainability of good roads, the agency is using a Surveillance/Preventive Road Maintenance Strategy to ensure that Nigerian roads are better and safer always.” Besides Mubi, the FERMA team had Baba Yakubu, acting general manager, West Operations (Southwest 1). The team visited Oyo, Kwara and Ekiti states to assess the activities of the agency. Nubi said FERMA had repaired roads, particularly the OyoIseyin, Omuaran–Egbe, Ado-Ekiti-Aramoko-Esa-Oke, Ado-EkitiIluomoba and Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa. The agency chief said FERMA’s activities were limited by lack of funds. “Although we have financial challenges, the agency is ready to make the roads better for users.” He said the dry season offers the opportunity for road construction and maintenance, saying: “Some of these roads have been fully recovered for safe passage.” “Most of our roads experience heavy traffic at Yuletide and that is why we are stepping up activities ,” he said. Mrs Mary Adeniran, zonal co-ordinator in Southwest said FERMA stressed that the dry season offers a better time for the job. Adeniran said: “The agency pays more attention to celebration time, when the road traffic will be heavier.” Others on the tour is the Maintenance Engineer for Oyo State, Olusesan Akingbade. FERMA came into existence in 2002 by an Act of the National Assembly, with the mandate to maintain over 36 kilometres of federal roads nationwide.

gin production mid 2016.” The company chief said Dangote Cement would build a 1.5 MTA plant in South Sudan, to become operational in 2016, and a 1.5 MTA integrated facility in Kenya. In West Africa, Edwin said the group had concluded plans to build import facilities, to receive and bag bulk cement produced in Nigeria and Senegal. According to him, work had begun on import facilities in Sierra Leone, with operations expected to begin now or early next year. He said: “In Liberia, plans are advancing and orders for equipment have been made for an import facility in Freeport, Monrovia. Imports into Liberia

Sokoto State dearly as a political symbol of victory, adding that the party recognised Bafarawa as a national leader. He said: “Bafarawa’s commitment and resilience made us to be here today. I recall he was an active member of the party’s constitution drafting committee. “APC’s doors remain open and we are ready to sort out things to weaken the opposition. “We are convinced that Bafarawa is a leader and we believe he will be receptive. The party needs people to fight the battle ahead. With-

out people, we cannot emerge victorious.” The former Edo State governor said the APC remained resolute in protecting and projecting the image and interest of its members. “Our ultimate goal is Aso Rock. The unity of Nigeria and sacrifices are necessary to make APC proud,” he added. According to him, the Delta and Anambra postelection crises are signals of the thorny path ahead of the 2015 polls. Odigie-Oyegun said: “These prove that we have a real battle ahead.”

will be no need to quarrel. “Politics is about interests. If those interests are threatened, you will know who is where. But for now, there is no crack in the Senate. “We are together and the leadership is protecting all senators. That is what they should do. Everybody is pleased with the management.” On the take over of affairs of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the National Assembly, the senator said no issue from the state had been referred to the Senate. He described the resolution of the Senate to take over the legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly as “unique” because “it has never happened before.” Abe noted that the Senate had options: either it waits for the state government to refer matters to it or the Senate bring up issues concerning the state. He stressed that “the Senate, to the best of my knowledge, has not received any request from Rivers State yet.” Abe added: “In fact, as you know, in a situation like this, when the National Assembly has taken over the affairs of Rivers State Assembly, it’s a unique thing. It’s not something that has happened before. “Actually, two options are available: either the Senate will look for issues concerning Rivers and begin to treat them or issues will be brought to us by the state government and

we’ll treat them. “So, the Senate, to the best of my knowledge, has not received any request from Rivers State. But at some point, the Senate or National Assembly can decide to carry out the functions of Rivers State. “That would be their choice. The proper thing in a situation as this is for the state to refer the matter to the National Assembly. Any matter referred to the National Assembly will be treated. But so far, to the best of my knowledge, we have not received any request. “In fact, some senators have asked: Where is the Rivers State budget? We are waiting for it. If it comes, it will be passed as any other Bill.” Asked if the Rivers State governor would appear in the National Assembly to present the budget, Abe said the governor does not need to present the budget to both chambers. “He (governor) can transmit it by any means. It is a Bill, not a law. And it would pass through both chambers and then the governor will sign it into law for the people. That is the procedure. “So, if it is presented, we will treat it. But if it is not presented, we have the option of raising it. “The issue of constitutionality will come from the action of the government and not whether or not a budget is presented. It is when you spend money without appropriation that is unconstitutional.” he said.

THE NATION MONDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS

Oke-ogun residents urge govt to stop illegal revenue collectors

RADERS in OkeOgun, Oyo State, have decried the activities of illegal revenue collectors on the Irawo/Ago-are/Saki highway, urging the government to come to their aid. Hoodlums demand illegal fees from traders at various points on the road. The Nation’s investigation revealed that the hoodlums were not connected to the government. Their targets are foodstuff dealers, who take their wares to Oke-ogun from Kwara State for sale. Every foodstuff dealer pays between N100 and N300 at each point to the hoodlums, who are stationed a few

‘Good governance is panacea to conflicts’

PROFESSOR of law at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile Ife, Osun State, Ademola Popoola, has recommended good governance as a solution to conflicts in the country. Poopoola, who was a guest lecturer at the maiden Convocation Lecture of the Oduduwa University in Ipetumodu, Osun State, said: “To defuse tensions and effectively prevent conflicts, good governance is indispensable.” In his lecture, entitled: “Building peace through development: Global conflict and the challenges of good governance in a globalised world”, Popoola said conflicts often stem from extreme poverty and different forms of inequality, exclusion, alienation and bad governance. He expressed happiness that “the population has become aware of this perversion and some regional organisations are now determined to promote democracy and good governance at the grassroots to prevent conflicts”. Popoola said education was necessary for sustainable democracy and good governance.

Lebanese held for ‘violating’ minors From Damisi Ojo, Akure

LEBANESE, Jack Sankary, has been arrested by the police in Akure, the Ondo State capital, for allegedly having carnal knowledge of minors He was arrested following a tip-off from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Sankary was accused of having carnal knowledge of secondary school pupils. A woman, Patience Godwin (29), who allegedly recruits the girls for Sankary, was also arrested. A source said a 14-year-old girl was found in Sankary’s Odopetu home by the police. Patience confessed to the crime, saying she had taken 12year-old girls to Sankary many times in exchange for money. Over 86 minors were said to have fallen victim to the suspects. Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said Sankary said he did not force the girls to be intimate with him.

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

kilometres apart. Traders are issued phony receipts after payment and any resistance often results in violent attacks by the hoodlums. It was learnt that many foodstuff dealers had been injured by the hoodlums. Sources said a foodstuff dealer, popularly known as “Alausa”, who tried to boycott the hoodlums by taking an alternative route, was beaten up. He was said to have lost his Boxer motorcycle and N500,000 to the miscreants. It was gathered that the incident was reported to the police and two of the hood-

lums were arrested. They are on trial before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, the state capital. Shop owners are not spared by the hoodlums, as they are forced to pay monthly fees for shops rented from the local government. Mrs. Taiwo Alaba from Ago-Are said: “Any shop owner who refuses to yield their demand would be beaten to a pulp.” Mr. Adebare Olaoluwa from Ijale-oda, Saki, urged the state government and security agencies to come to their aid. Southwest Chairman of the Agricultural Foodstuffs Dealers’ Association Alhaji

Hamman Bolagade said each member pays between N1,600 and N2,000 per trip to the hoodlums. Bolagade said: “Any attempt to challenge them on the illegal toll collected daily from us leads to violent attacks with various weapons by the hoodlums. After payment for no just cause, each of the criminal groups give us receipts, which bear names of non-existing associations. “We are at their mercy. We urge Governor Abiola Ajimobi and security agencies to save us from these criminals, who operate without fear.” He said activities of the hoodlums had been reported to the police.

‘Ekiti’s child care centre outstanding’ •Rulers laud social security scheme

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

HE World Bank yesterday hailed the Ekiti State government on the establishment of the Early Childhood Care Development Mega Centre, which was built for the children of civil servants at the State Secretariat Complex in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. It said the facility would ensure smooth transition of toddlers from cradle to primary school. Dr. Tunde Adekola, an education specialist from the World Bank, spoke when he visited the centre in the company of Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu. He said with the state-of-the-art facility, Ekiti had raised the bar on early childhood education. Adekola was in Ekiti to represent the World Bank Country Director, Mrs. Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, at the inauguration of the Ekiti State Education Programme Investment Project (SEPIP). Also yesterday, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Obas, the Onitaji of Itaji–Ekiti, Oba Adamo Babalola, described the government’s Social Security Scheme for the Elderly as “a life-saving programme”. Oba Babalola spoke in his palace while hosting the Commissioner for Labour, Productivity and Human Capital Development, Oluwole Ariyo. The commissioner’s visit was to update the monarch on the ongoing enumeration exercise aimed at accommodating more senior citizens in the scheme. At Ikole-Ekiti, the Elekole, Oba Adewumi Fasiku, hailed Governor Kayode Fayemi’s leadership qualities and described the scheme as “a masses-oriented programme that will increase life-expectancy”.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Woman held for pouring O hot water on maid

OR allegedly pouring hot water on her maid, a woman is in police net. She was arrested by policemen from Area M in Idimu, a Lagos subsurb, on November 8. It was gathered that Angela Uzoma, 28, poured boiling water on Chidinma because she did not sell all the pawpaw she was given to hawk. In a petition to the police, the victim’s lawyer, Ese James Omokaro, said when she learnt of the matter she reported it to the Human Trafficking Department of the Police at Area G in Ogba Ikeja, Lagos and was directed to Area M, the jurisdiction which covers Orisunbare, where the incident

20,000 drivers’ licences ready

is unconscionable to note that for one week nobody, including friends, family members and neighbuors of Mama Chikamso who were privy to this incident invited the police to this case. Instead, at the time the Police arrived the scene, one of the neighbors (a young lady) had the nerves to challenge the Police, uttering profanity and insisting that the incident was a private family matter which in any way does not warrant the interferance of the Police. “Inflicting such a delibrate and gruesome injury on a child knowing full well its antecedent consequences is nothing short of barbaric callousness on the part of Mama Chikam-

By Jude Isiguzo

occured. Omokaro said: “On the 14 November, the law firm of Alex Scott & Partners, received an anonymous telephone call from the United Kingdom, wherein, the caller informed the office of a case of grievous bodily harm caused to a minor by her supposed guardian, generally referred to as Mama Chikamso. The caller craved our indulgence to intercede in this matter and directed a person in Nigeria to furnish us with the details of the incident. “The basis of this petition is to ensure that Chidinma gets justice in her own country. It

so and a desperate display of man’s inhumanity to man. The rate of unreported child abuse in Nigeria has reached a worrisome level; that is why people like mama Chikamso must not be allowed to parade the streets of Lagos freely without paying the price of her actions. We urge that she be arrested and tried for assault occasioning harm on a minor, among other charges to serve as a deterrent to others”. Uzoma has been charged to the Ejigbo Chief Magistrate’s Court where she pleaded not guilty and was granted N50,000 bail. She is being held at Kirikiri Women’s prison until she meets the bail conditions.

VER 20,000 drivers’ licences are ready for collection it was learnt at the weekend. This was made known on Thursday when Lagos State Governor, Babatnde Fashola visited the Drivers’ Licence office at Ojodu to complete his driver’s license process. The Governor went through eye and written tests at the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) and photo data capture at the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) at the end of which he got his temporary driver’s licence. Fashola, said: “The only thing now is that I was told that there is a batch of drivers’ license there that people have not come to collect. So we at the state level and the FRSC, have to create public awareness on this”. “I was told that about 20,000 people have not collected their licences. They (Drivers Licence Facility agencies) are concerned about cost of publishing these names”. He described his experience during the exercise as good, noting that it was presumptuous to judge with his own experience since it could also be possible that he received a fast tracked treatment because of who he is. “What is important is that I asked citizens who are here and the totality of their experiences from the Vehicle Inspection Service and the FRSC indicate that things are certainly getting better. So, it only suggests to me that all of the impressions that we had initially were teething problems”, he said. The Governor attributed the initial congestion at the place to the fact that so many people were striving to get into the restricted place at the same time. He expressed joy that “after all of the initial problems, things are turning out for the better”.

Community gets free medicare By Uyoatta Eshiet

•Scene of an accident at Orile Iganmu Bus Stop in Lagos... yesterday.

‘Woman’ cons American

RE you a foreigner, who goes for anything in skirt? Beware, before you fall victim to those posing as women on facebook to hook men. One of them, Adedamola Olafinranye was at the weekend paraded by operatives of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) Ikoyi, Lagos for allegedly defrauding a United States citizen Jac Spradling, of $42, 497. Two other suspects, Emmanuel Shonubi and Ahmeed Modupeola, were also paraded for allegedly defrauding a customer of Fidelity Bank of N5million. Olafinranye was arrested following an intelligence report from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Abuja to the Commissioner of Police; Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin. The report alleged that the suspect, in suspicious circumstances received the money through his domiciliary account with a Sterling Bank branch located at Demunrin, Ketu, Lagos suburb. The payments were said to have been made between Au-

I had already met Spradling in Malaysia when I travelled three months ago. Janet Kihr is also a friend of mine on facebook; I introduced both of them.

By Jude Isiguzo

gust 13 and September 16 2013 and the suspected illicit inflows were said to have been followed by immediate cash withdrawals by Olafinranye, who seemingly had no known affiliation with the international depositors. SFU operatives traced Olafinranye to his Agidi road, Alapere-Ketu but following the lien over his account he reportedly fled. Lien, in legal parlance, is the right to keep a suspect’s property until he is cleared. Ogunsakin said, “Although Olafinranye trained as an aluminum fabricator, he is a driving instructor at his father’s moribund driving school in Ketu. He had posed as a woman online, going by

the name of Janet to win Spradling’s friendship. He has confessed to the crime and investigations are ongoing to contact his victims.” Olafinranye denied defrauding Spradling claiming that he was paid the amount to purchase a house at Ogba for his victim. He said: “I had already met Spradling in Malaysia when I travelled three months ago. Janet Kihr is also a friend of mine on facebook; I introduced both of them. After I returned to Nigeria, unknown to Janet, I took one of her pictures from her Facebook account and used it as my profile picture and , began to communicate with Spradling. I communicated with him regularly for three months before he sent the money to help purchase a house for him at Ogba. Janet

Kihr had no idea that I used her identity.” Shonubi allegedly sent a fraudulent email to the account officer of the Fidelity Bank’s customer, asking that N5m be paid into Efad Ventures account on November 5. Ogunsakin said, “We received a petition on November 11 from Fidelity Bank, that a customer had sent an email to his account officer on November 5, to transfer N10 million to his personal account at Standard Chartered Bank. “Although the customer told his account officer that he intended to transfer another sum of money, he did not specify the amount. ”Later in the day, another email came purportedly from the same customer, directing the account officer to transfer N5 million to Efad Venture account owned by Shonubi, domiciled at Wema Bank Plc.” It was gathered that the second email did not originate from the Fidelity Bank customer but from fraudsters who had hacked into his email

Non-Governmental Organisation,” His Marvelous Grace Support Foundation (HMGSF)”, has given medical succour to the indigent in Imota, a community in Ikorodu North Local Government Area, Lagos State. The free medical event took place on Saturday at the Palace of Oba Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Bakare-Agoro. Over 300 sick people benefited. President of the Foundation, Adetayo Ladega said the NGO offered to give free medical service because government alone cannot satisfy the medical needs of the whole citizenry. The NGO was started in April and it rendered its first free medical services at the old Palace at Agbowa on October 1. He said some of the objectives of the NGO is to render free medical services to citizens in the outskirts of the state, visit prisons, preach the gospel to the prisoners and others, take care of their personal needs, give them Bibles, visit the widows, the orphans, the and the less privileged. Adetayo said the NGO was funded through donations by members. On what happens if they have a situation that requires operations, Ladega said if it falls within N20,000 to N30,000, they send such to a medical facility of one of their members and pay the bills. Oba Bakare-Agoro, on behalf of his people, thanked the NGO for the gesture, adding that: “Their medical services were unique, it is totally free, we payed nothing and they treated us and giva us drugs”. He regretted that Imota with over 150,000 people does not have a standard medical facility, appealing to Governor Babatunde Fashola to give them a general hospital.

Prophet calls for prayer over 2015

call has gone to Nigerians, especially Christians to be more prayerful to avert blood-letting and political upheavals in 2015. The call was made by an Ogun State-based cleric, Prophet John Olugbenga Idowu, General Overseer of Jesus Palace Miracle Ministry International (aka Jesu Jubelo), Robiyan Ibaragun Road, Abule-Ijoko, Ogun State. Prophet Idowu, spoke during the ongoing yearly 90-day prayer and vigil of the church which started on September 9 to by December 9. Prophet Idowu recalled how during a three-day “Solution Hour” programme, the Holy Spirit appeared to him in a dream with a big plane with powerful people on borad, who are working for the greatness of the country in order to return it to the path of economic and political growth crashed. He said he saw President Goodluck Jonathan weep due to the magnitude of the loss. He said it was also revealed to him that the crash was as a result of evil machination of some bad people who are bent on further destroying the fragile peace of the country. However, Prophet Idowu said the country should pray fervently to stop the machination of these evil people and their evil programme, which according to him will cause the country and the people great pain in 2015 and beyond. His words: “Many who appear as children and light of God are today walking in darkness. Unexpectedly, many of those who called themselves pastors, bishops, prophets, evangelists as well as men and women of God, are walking in total darkness, without any light in them. They do not serve God in truth and faithfulness. They are serving other gods. And the Lord is not happy with them and the nation.”

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

CITYBEATS W

ORRIED by the incessant flooding of their quarters, wives and children of policemen living in Egbeda/Idimu, a Lagos suburb, have pleaded with Governor Babatunde Fashola to rescue them. They said they were appealing to Fashola because of the police’s failure to do anything about their plight. Whenever it rains, the police barracks is flooded, endangering the lives of occupants. Properties worth million of naira have been lost to the flood. The women are worried that any of their kids could drown if nothing is done about the flood. They said the flood became serious after drainage was constructed from Abule-Odu to check the problem. When the engineers reached Car Wash Bus Stop where the Barrack is, they stopped work, making that axis the high point for water whenever it rains, it was learnt. A woman said: “Even after the drainage fiasco, we were still not too bothered because if we wait for some hours after the rainfall or days, the flood will drain away. But now, it’s no longer so. The flood is just there! Rather than flow away, it slowly dries up

11 CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Police wives, children seek govt’s help on flooding

•A floaded part of the police barrack Idimu, Lagos Jude Isiguzo

and it could take months for such to happen. Our children fall sick every time due to mosquito bites and we can’t even concentrate at the office. If we’re on the beat and it starts raining, our attention would be diverted. We would be thinking and worrying of the

flood entering our homes. We would be thinking of any of our kids falling into the water. “ Another explained that there were immediate and remote cause of the flood. She said: “The remote cause is the uncompleted drainage in 2008. Perhaps if the workers had completed the

drainage, this wouldn’t be happening. But our major problem now is the newly commissioned Police Housing Estate at this Egbeda/ Idimu. It was commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan not too long ago. Since the building of those apartments, we’ve known no peace! Every time it rains, we

live in fear. The flood now is so bad, that it used to enter our homes. While people are sleeping, we’re busy bailing out water from our homes and many of our husband’s still have to go to work the next day, despite the fact that they didn’t sleep the night before. Let the government come to our rescue.”

Fashola gives hope to Ejigbo residents on bad roads

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has assured residents of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) that their roads will soon be rehabilitated. Fashola gave the assurance last week while addressing

By Seun Akioye

members of Community Development Associations (CDA) across the state, during the celebration of year 2013 Community Day, at Police College Parade Ground in Ike-

ja.

He said “As for residents of Ejigbo, I feel your pain as regard your bad road network, I must confess I received all your text messages, and I feel your pain.” “Presently, we are working

on 254 roads in the state, all our contractors are engaged and the weather is not in our favour. As soon as there is climate satisfaction, we will move to improve road network in Ejigbo, I feel your pain.” The governor who was the

special guest of honour at the event that was organised by the state Ministry of Rural Development expressed appreciation to all local governments and CDAs for their efforts and support, concerning grassroots’ development.

Indomie extends promo By Seun Akioye

DUFIL Prima Foods Plc, makers Indomie Instant Noodles, has extended its ongoing ‘Indomitables Team’ promotion to the popular 70gram Indomie Chicken Pack, a statement By the company’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Deepak Singhal has said. Singhal said the inclusion is to create more excitement around the promotion. “We value our esteemed consumers, most of whom are kids, this is a way of giving them something extra special that will not only keep them excited but also engaged during the holiday season and even beyond,” Singhal explained. The promotion requires that consumers aged 15 and below to collect a 16 magnetic stickers of the Indomitable heroes in varying poses and flash the number in each of them to qualify for a lucky draw. Later, five successful children will get to be part of the Indomitables animation series on television. Singhal said: “In all, there are 16 magnets of the five heroes. Each hero strikes a different pose in three magnets and one magnet features all of them together. The kids have to collect all of them and flash the number in each to enter the lucky draw. Five lucky winners will get to be part of the Indomitables animation series on TV.”

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS (SHOWBIZ) Again, Engees absent as P-Square jets to Tanzania

KSA thrills as Tiwa Savage, Tee Billz wed

NE week after the flamboyant wedding of Peter Okoye, the one-half of twin singers, P-Square, another star singer, Tiwa Savage, got married in a lavish ceremony that is sure to be thetalk-of-town for weeks to come. Savage, the only lady in the Mavin Records group, last Saturday, tied the knot with her Manager, Tunji Balogun aka Tee Billz despite criticisms from fans and colleagues who said the singer could be taking the wrong step. Balogun, has two children by another woman, and is known to always flaunt his kids on social media platforms. The wedding, one of the most anticipated in the year, took place at the top rated Arc Events Centre. It was the same venue used by the Okoyes penultimate Sunday. As early as 10am, the Balogun family danced their way into the mini hall beside the main arena, for the traditional engagement ceremony. It was strictly a family affair, which lasted about three hours. While the traditional wedding

By Mercy Michael

was going on, guests made their way into the expansive hall which, obviously, had undergone some aesthetic transformation for the reception. The décor could simply be described as top notch. The star-studded event was attended by legendary Juju musician King Sunny Ade (KSA) among their colleagues, friends, government officials, captains of industry and traditional rulers. Among the guests were Chief Femi Otedola, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Chief Dele Momodu, Nkiru Anumudu, Dayo Adeneye, Don Jazzy, Funke Akindele, Eniola Badmus, Rita Dominic, Toolz, Omawumi, Agbani Darego, Julius Agwu, Banky W, Dr. Sid, Davido, Iyanya, Waje, Seyi Shey, Skuki, Chuddy K, Lola Omotayo-Okoye, Princess, Linxx, and a host of other celebrities. KSA ushered the couple and their families to their seats with a sonorous song that got many excited. Honcho of Marvin Records Michael Collins aka Don Jazzy showed

great finesse, dazzling all with $100 bills, which he lavished on the couple for a long period of dance. This was after ‘spraying’ them with different Naira notes, ranging from N100 to N1000. The atmosphere was fully charged; socialites and captains of industry took turns to make a ‘statement’ with bundles of both local and foreign currencies. The celebrators and the Juju maestro had more than enough money going for them at the event. Senator Ita Giwa lived up to her billing as a top notch celeb in her usual gorgeous attire. Spotting the event’s Aso Ebi; a gold and red combination, Giwa danced with elegance to the melodious songs and eulogies rendered by KSA. Oba Elegushi, Femi Otedola, Kola Daisy, Tayo Jemibewon, Nkiru Anumudu were among others who took to the stage to honour the couple. The couple, who looked good together, danced to the admiration of everyone as KSA kept showering praises on them. It was nice to behold the chemistry exhibited by the love birds

•The couple...at the weekend

who met in 2010. The groom’s parents Chief and Mrs. Tunji Balogun and his biological mother also had their time together on stage. From the side of the younger generation of artistes at the event, Don Jazzy kicked off performances for the evening. Teaming up with Dr. Sid, he performed Surulere, obviously thrilling the guests,

who followed the lyrics loudly. Other performers at the event, included Banky W, Iyanya, Chuddy K, Linxx, Sexy Steel, Waje, Seyi Shey and Davido. Davido’s performance, especially, was responded to with ecstasy. He sang the hit, Gobe and a few other tracks, including Skelewu, as Disc Jockey DJ Exclusive provided the cue.

T appears that the purported rift between Peter Okoye, one-half of PSquare and his elder brother, Jude Okoye a.k.a Engees, is deeper than speculated. A week after his grand wedding to Lola Omotayo, the PSquare pop singer, in company of his twin brother Paul, travelled to Tanzania for a concert with no signs of a honeymoon trip in sight. The twins arrived Dar es Salaam last Friday, to entertain fans at the Leaders Club, Kinondoni. However, Jude, who doubles as their manager, was missing from the event’s press conference at Dar es Salaam. He was also absent at his brother’s starstudded wedding. ‘’It is unusual for Jude to be absent in any of his brothers’ engagement’’, a source said It has not been confirmed if he also travelled with the twins to the East African country. Jude also missed the recent Ghana Glo Slide and Bounce concert, although his reps insist he was there.

•Jude Okoye

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Wrong-headed

• New automotive policy should focus on incentives rather than prohibitive tariffs

OME six weeks after its launch by the Federal Government, Nigerians may have begun to see the devil in the details of the new automotive policy that they would love to hate: the prospect of higher prices for vehicles of all classes. By a memo issued on November 14 by finance minister and coordinating minister for the economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs, fully built cars will from January next year attract 35 per cent import duty, plus an additional levy of 35 per cent, to bring the cumulative charges to 70 percent. On the current 20 per cent duty rate, it comes to a quantum jump by 250 percent. The policy also hikes the duty payable on buses from 10 per cent to 35 per cent, although without levy. Also, local auto manufacturers will, on its take-off, cease to pay duties or levies on their Completely Knocked Down (CKD) imported parts; semi-knocked down components for the production of vehicles locally, on their part, would attract only five per cent duty, without levy. The measures, according to the minister, “are to create an environment to support existing assembly plants and attract other original equipment manufacturers who have expressed interest in Nigeria”. This newspaper has no difficulties aligning with the broad goals of the policy, to wit; the promotion of local manufacture of automobiles, and the revival of the nation’s dormant assembly plants. The benefits in terms of the jobs to be created, both directly and in the ancillary industries; the development of critical pools in the long run, and

the conservation of the annual outlay in foreign exchange expended on vehicle imports, are enormous. However, the point of departure is not just on how best to achieve the goal, but how to ensure that its effects bring minimal pain to Nigerians. This is where a number of things appear to us as wrong with the measure, particularly at this time. It starts with the very ludicrous and misconceived idea that the nation’s auto assembly plants can be made to come alive by the mere fiat of a single policy. It also proceeds on the equally false premise that an unreasonably high tariff on imported automobiles –fairly used and new – would generate sufficient disincentive for them while boosting the patronage for the locally assembled vehicles which are, at the moment, virtually non-existent. Furthermore, that the factors that led to the death of the assembly plants in the first place, no longer matter. Among the factors are the unstable macro-economic environment, the unfavourable exchange rate regime sequel to the structural adjustment policies of the 1980s and the ‘90s, and the unprecedented erosion of the consumer purchasing power that became its by-product. All of these combined, were to sound the death knell for the assembly plants. The issue of effectiveness of the duty hike to discourage automobile importation in the absence of complementary policies to engender competitiveness – both in quality and price – and to boost effective demand is certainly open to debate. What seems clear however is that the new tariff and levy cannot be anything but coun-

terproductive in the long run, at least to the extent that the demand for cheap, and in this case, fairly-used vehicles is not something that the government can wish away by the stroke of the pen. In the absence of cheap, efficient mass transportation, the demand seems unlikely to decrease anytime soon. That being the case, the best that the prohibitive levy will achieve is give fillip to what is already a thriving business of dealing in smuggled vehicles across the land borders, which denies the nation the benefit of the revenue. It bears restating that we are for the goal; however, the task of ensuring that local auto assembly plants are enabled to stand and to become truly competitive goes beyond erecting artificial tariff walls. It calls for long-term planning and collaboration between the government and the assembly plants. Focusing on the incentives to drive the sector would seem a more enduring approach to the local automobile quest than seeking to curb imports via tariffs.

‘It bears restating that we are for the goal; however, the task of ensuring that local auto assembly plants are enabled to stand and to become truly competitive goes beyond erecting artificial tariff walls. It calls for long-term planning and collaboration between the government and the assembly plants’

IGP Abubakar

•His philosophy is ‘see no evil, speak no evil’ even as his officers subvert the Constitution

EE no evil, speak no evil: that appears the winning formula of Mohammed Abubakar, the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), just as his men hurtle down the losing lane of subverting the 1999 Constitution, as amended. The question is: how long will the IGP continue “winning”, when the democratic platform on which he has mandate to perform is being battered by the day? For as long as he cared, IGP Abubakar has played blind, deaf and dumb to the provocative constitutional infractions of Mbu Joseph Mbu, his Commissioner of Police (CP) in Rivers State, as Mr. Mbu plays unfazed man Friday to partisan interests in that state, at the detriment of his security duties. But as impunity would sooner than later overreach itself, IGP Abubakar got jolted

‘So, ordering governors, immune from arrest, to disperse or be arrested, in grave contravention of the Constitution, is part of a DPO’s “safety and security” routine brief? And if Mr. Nnanna was not sent by anyone, why hasn’t the IGP and his police high command censured him for his cheeky impudence, bordering on grave constitutional criminality? Or could the IGP have invested his officers and men with discretionary impunity, no matter the constitutional provisions?’

from his sleep when Nnanna Amah, a lowly chief superintendent of Police (CSP) and divisional police officer (DPO) for Asokoro, Abuja, on November 3, bounded into the Kano State Governor’s Lodge, and summarily ordered that the seven governors meeting in there disband, flashing from his subversive pouch some “orders from above”. The governors belong to the G-7 faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and where the order came, “from above”, would appear apparent, given the titanic struggle for the soul of that troubled party. Yet, dumbness was still the IGP’s answers to a summons by the House of Representatives. Mr. Abubakar told the House: “The DPO was not sent by anybody to do what he did. I believe the DPO was merely there to provide safety and security for whatever is taking place.” So, ordering governors, immune from arrest, to disperse or be arrested, in grave contravention of the Constitution, is part of a DPO’s “safety and security” routine brief? And if Mr. Amah was not sent by anyone, why hasn’t the IGP and his police high command censured him for his cheeky impudence, bordering on grave constitutional criminality? Or could the IGP have invested his officers and men with discretionary impunity, no matter the constitutional provisions? Of course, the IGP’s sophistry to the House was no defence. He knew it. The House knew it. The public knew it. But why did the House fail to visit the IGP with the full weight of its powers, if only to impress him and his misguided men

that law, not arbitrary power, rules in a democracy? Is the House too getting too cowered to do its duty by the law? That is fearful but absolutely unacceptable. The Nigeria Police, under IGP Abubakar, has merrily queued behind partisan gladiators, to the detriment of its constitutional duty. When Mbu is not virtually levying war at the Rivers State government at the perceived behest of rogue forces in the Jonathan Presidency, Abubakar’s police is flexing muscles as pro-corruption vanguard: witness the police dispersal of participants at an anti-sleaze seminar which Dino Melaye, a former member of the House of Representatives organised. Even at the Anambra State gubernatorial electoral outrage, the list of infamy was incomplete without the alleged involvement of Abubakar’s police! In the Second Republic, under President Shehu Shagari, there was IGP Sunday Adewusi who made the police under him the uncritical slave of the ruling politicians; to disastrous consequences for the polity. Yet, Adewusi was a crack police officer. With his conspiracy of silence when officers and men under his charge make themselves happy slaves to present ruling politicians, IGP Abubakar is treading Adewusi’s tragic path, for Abubakar himself is a crack police officer. It is high time Abubakar changed tack. Otherwise, he stands a great chance of destroying his police essence, on the altar of political appointment. And that would be tragic.

Why JFK still matters • President Kennedy was a transformative figure, not just a charismatic celebrity.

HIS week even Americans who weren't alive on Nov. 22, 1963, are reading, writing and reflecting about the assassination of the 35th president 50 years ago. In the view of some critics, the fascination with both John F. Kennedy and his assassination is disproportionate and media-driven. We disagree. Despite political and personal weaknesses that were widely acknowledged within a few years of his death, Kennedy was a transformative figure, not just a charismatic celebrity. And his violent death rightly is remembered as a rupture in what had seemed an age of optimism and inexorable progress. True, much of the adulation for Kennedy during his life and since originated in arguably superficial attributes: his youth, personal attractiveness and sophistication. But his election at age 43 to succeed the 70-year-old Dwight D. Eisenhower represented a generational shift in American leadership that was as much a source of popular excitement as Kennedy's individual qualities. As he said in his inaugural address, "the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans — born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace." Kennedy's Roman Catholicism also made his election historic. Difficult as it may be for younger Americans to conceive, anti-Catholicism was endemic in American society half a century ago, and Kennedy's election was nearly as dramatic a breakthrough in that era as the election of the first African American president was in this one. Kennedy was also forward-looking in his policies. On June 11, 1963, the day on which National Guardsmen escorted two black students as they enrolled at the University of Alabama, Kennedy declared that equality for African Americans was a "moral issue. It is as old as the Scriptures and is as clear as the American Constitution." He announced that he was asking Congress to enact legislation to ensure equal access to public accommodations. It is true that the Civil Rights Act became law not during Kennedy's term but during the administration of his less charismatic (but more politically adroit) successor, Lyndon B. Johnson. But Kennedy's acknowledgment of the urgency of racial equality allowed supporters of the law to portray it as an homage to his memory. Was Kennedy a great president? Probably not. He wasn't even a good one, according to the JFK revisionists who constitute at least as much of an industry as those who mythologize "Camelot." Yes, they concede, Kennedy deftly defused the Cuban missile crisis with a combination of public resolve and a private openness to compromise — but perhaps the Soviet Union wouldn't have installed missiles in Cuba in the first place if Kennedy hadn't approved the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion. It's a reasonable point. We also now know that the telegenic husband and father of young children was serially unfaithful to his wife. Yet despite scores of biographies and endless tell-alls, the revisionists never have been able to dispel the Kennedy mystique. Any assassination of a president is wrenching for the nation, and some of the admiration of JFK is refracted through the trauma of Nov. 22, 1963. But there was a special poignancy to JFK's passing because of his youth, his optimism and his ability to inspire. It's neither surprising nor lamentable that he remains a compelling and beloved figure half a century later. – Los Angeles Times

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

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

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: In other societies, what transpired in Anambra as election penultimate Saturday would be regarded as a portrait of utter failure. The INEC officials who oversaw the colossal mess would have been too ashamed to hold on to their jobs a day longer. If they didn’t resign, they would have been fired. Alas, it’s Nigeria, a country where few are willing to call failure by its proper name, and where failure – even when acknowledged – is never anybody’s fault. Botched elections, like aircraft falling from the sky, are “acts of God.” It’s important to put INEC’s disastrous outing in perspective. Anambra is only one of Nigeria’s 36 states, and INEC had no other election on its calendar that week.

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The sham that was Anambra election In other words, the commission had time and human resources on its side. It had all the time to get things right, to ensure that the name of every registered voter appeared on the register, and that electoral materials were shipped on time to all polling centres. If INEC couldn’t conduct a hitchfree, credible election in Anambra, what are the odds of its handling the fast-approaching 2015 nation-

wide elections with any integrity? If the names of many Anambra voters were missing, then imagine the scale of the crisis when many more voters around the country will come out to vote in 2015. There’s hardly ever any good excuse for the disenfranchisement of voters, period. The kind that happened in Anambra was particularly egregious, especially since INEC had time to prepare, enough man-

power to do the right thing, and the logistics to pull off hitch-free polls. A more likely explanation for the Idemili imbroglio is that it was a man-made glitch, a calculated, welldesigned, deliberately engineered cog in the electoral wheel. Electoral fraud is one of the gravest infractions in any society that cherishes the free exercise of the vote. If Nigeria professes to practice democracy, then that profession

Mbakwe. When I finally got to Ariaria market the hub of industrialization in Nigeria I saw the dirt, the dilapidated road network, the decrepit environment and the unsanitary stores, I bewailed the calamity that has befallen Abia State. Does anyone appreciate that Aba is the gate way to Nigeria’s industrialization? Or, that the potential of wealth creation at Aba will make Abia’s receipt from the federation account a child’s play? That Aba can be turned into a Dubai and Taiwan of Africa? I call on Governor Orji to rise to the challenge and begin the

rebuilding of the broken walls of Aba. Aba is already a well planned city. All that is needed is to comprehensively work on the roads, restructure Ariaria market turning it into a modern market with shopping malls, good network of road, toilet facilities, pavements, water supply, more stalls and good transport in and out of the market, if Aba is comprehensively refurbished to make it a neat city as Calabar is with the necessary aesthetics of building of parks, recreational facilities, tree planting, etc; Aba can come alive again as a business and tourist des-

tination. If this decay in Aba is allowed to continue, generations to come will not forgive all that have had the good fortune of presiding over Aba but failed to do something. Aba industrialists can provide Nigeria with most of the items we import from developed economies. To make this dream work, government must put in place adequate protective policies to safeguard made in Nigeria goods from the cheap inferior products from China and elsewhere. • Prof. G. O. Ozumba University of Calabar

Arrest the deplorable state of Aba

IR: It amuses me at times how our leaders chase rat when the house is burning or revel in hypocrisy when the truth stares them in the ace. How can we explain the fact that Nigeria and Abia State have a place like Aba and they are busy trumpeting a transformation agenda that is hollow? There can be no transformation agenda without employment and there can be no employment without industrialization. I was thrilled when on television I saw a trade fair organized and promoted by Senator Abaribe (the senator representing Aba Senatorial District) showcasing over 1,500 assorted products made in Aba. I marveled and said to myself why it has taken this long to bring Aba to national limelight. There are two reasons for the state of affairs in Aba. These are visionless leadership, and, bewitchment I have said the above because a leader driven by vision cannot be bewitched. The vision nullifies the bewitchment. But when there is no vision, bewitchment thrives because bewitchment anchors its lethal poison on empty vision. I was at Aba last week only to discover that one of the roads leading to Ariaria the biggest market in the South Eastern State constructed by Governor Mbakwe is now not only impassable by has become a refuse dump. I wept and only stopped short at invoking the spirit of

must be borne out, at minimum, in the way elections are conducted. Nigerians ought to be able to trust INEC to conduct credible elections in which the declared winners match the true choice of the electorate. That is no great expectation; it should be non-negotiable. There are at least two solid reasons why enlightened people must insist on transparently credible elections. One, once we establish that votes truly count, elected office holders would be placed under notice that they serve, and will be re-elected, at the pleasure of voters. Odds are that a higher percentage of office holders would then spend some time serving the common good, instead of making the “godfathers” that enthroned them happy. Two, once Nigerian polls become discernibly credible, rather than expensive scams, the chances will be better of attracting better candidates – especially those equipped with vision, imagination, and the talent for translating lofty dreams into reality. It’s tragic that INEC officials, through sheer incompetence and/ or criminal treachery, continue to make the arena of Nigerian politics the preserve of sponsored mediocrities and would-be looters. Anambra election should be cancelled and those involved in the electoral shambles should be exposed and brought to book to serve as a deterrent. • Okorie Emmanuel, Makurdi, Benue State

Remembering Kofi Awoonor

IR: I was in Ilorin, Kwara state in June as a guest of Professor Ibrahim Gambari, who was being installed as the pioneer Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete. To me this is one of those ways the nation can engage academics who had distinguished themselves in public office. In the case of Gambari, he has distinguished himself as an academic, minister and diplomat. I got to KWASU early enough to participate in the convocation lecture delivered by Professor Kofi Awoonor, the renowned poet, novelist, scholar and diplomat who gave a damning verdict on Africa’s educational development sparing no institution, particularly the lead-

ership, in locating the reasons for Africa’s woes. I finally met him after the lecture during a dinner given in the honour of Prof. Gambari. ‘Good evening Prof’ I greeted him. I’m very happy to meet you sir, particularly in Ilorin not in Lagos, Abuja or PortHarcourt. ‘Hmmn!!’ he answered; a very beautiful evening to you young man, somehow I’m happy we are meeting in a very less stressful environment, Ilorin. Awoonor was generous with time for a small chat that touched on his books, life as an academic and diplomat. He gave his insight into the problems of Africa and the continent’s leaders, saying how disappointed he was

given its human capital and mineral resources. He also talked about his diplomatic efforts while representing his country in the UN and his books that he wished every African would read. By the time we finished our conversation, another small crowd had gathered to either talk to him or take photos with him. We parted on a good note. I was trying to re-read one of his books in light of our discussion when I heard of his senseless killing on September 21 in a mall in Kenya. I was shocked. Professor Awoonor, had distinguished himself in both academics and diplomacy; more still, he excelled as a writer and novelist, a good father and a friend. In

memory of this eminent African son, the perpetrators of this evil act must be brought to book. The combined efforts of Africa Union (AU) must be brought to bear on the lingering Somali crisis, and efforts must be made to solve this problem. African countries should tighten security within and outside their borders to guide against future re-occurrence of tragedy like this. We cannot be losing our best to needless and senseless crisis. Awoonor stands for the best in African culture, manners and systems. His death should cause a rethink on the challenge of ensuring peace in Africa. •Adedeji Badejo. Surulere, Lagos

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

COMMENTS

ACH time I ponder on on-going political struggles in Nigeria, God often draw my attention to scriptural parallels. The consequences are becoming so scary that people of goodwill cannot afford to cease interceding for Divine intervention in the affairs of this our beloved nation. One of such odysseys I’m led to is the story of Babylon with its King Nebuchadnezzar. For those who might not know, geographically, Babylon of old is much of the Iraq of today; and its story might need re-telling to enable us draw the useful interferences God is placing at our disposal. Babylon, a city that had rebelled against the Assyrian empire, was destroyed by Sennacherib in 689BC. When Sennacherib died, his son, Esarhaddon, foolishly rebuilt the city of Babylon. Assyrian, whose rulers as at that time were weak, allowed Babylon much opportunity to recover and gather new strength. So, as the Assyrian army marched off to conquer and oppress faraway lands, the city of Babylon was growing and expanding into the nation. Before long, it became strong enough to rebel again; it eventually crushed Assyria and soon became the next world power. The Babylonian policy for taking captives was different from the Assyrians who moved most of the people out and resettled the land with foreigners. Rather, they took only the strong and the skilled, leaving the poor and the weak who were thus elevated to positions of authority as their loyalty would have been won. As it were, Babylon’s gains and riches were from the misfortune of others, even if ultimately, this would only become the fuel for the fire to come – because the victims and their cities would sooner or later cry out against their oppression. Caught up in the pursuit of power and spoils of power, Babylon believed in its own greatness and claimed to be only superpower on earth. It felt completely secure and deluded by the myth of self-efficiency. Its people also became invulnerable as they had snatched total control, such that they saw no need for God or for anyone else anymore. In capsule, Babylon became a combination of an evil city and an immoral empire – a world centre for idol worshipping. Rather than appreciate the God who gave them the victory being savoured, the people began to seek advice and help from astrologers and stargazers; forgetting that like all idols, astrologers are more like fixers who never able to deliver themselves from what was to come from the hand of God. Of course, King Nebuchadnezzar, having won crucial battles had believed that it was all made possible by his own sagacity

Nigeria in the spirit of Babylon and self-effort. He could not understand that the captive exiled in Babylon were being cared for by God who was in control of every situation. Indeed, the ways in which God worked on Nebuchadnezzar were that he was allowed the victories because it was through them that he was accomplishing God’s purposes. For instance, when God allowed him to conquer Judah, he not only took their lands and robbed their riches, he also controlled their lives. He absorbed their best young brains to fortify his kingdom. The brightest of the young Jews became his palace servants. Foolishly, Nebuchadnezzar failed to appreciate that the God of the subdued people was the same God who made him what he became. Rather, he started seeing himself as a god and refused to acknowledge the true God. Hence, when he attempted roasting three of God’s children, God allowed the failed attempt just to demonstrate to him that he did not really have power over life and death. Severally, God warned Nebuchadnezzar of the danger of pride and obstinacy to no avail. Prophet Jeremiah who spoke the painful truth of hope and consolation, as well as trouble and gloom, became unpopular, while the likes of Hananiah who spoke comforting lies, urging him on against God’s will were eulogized as the faithful and the loyal. But in the fullness of time, the true God taught Nebuchadnezzar a powerful lesson by taking everything away from him - including the glory of his office. He was made to live through seven years of insanity before restoration after God had shown him who really was in charge. The symbolism of Babylon in our polity today is increasingly becoming manifest. We seem to be unguardedly treading on political values that are incapable of standing the test of what is fair and just. The dominant spirit now is drifting towards the complacency, invulnerability and delusion of self-sufficiency of the Babylonians of yore. The danger is that as attention begins to shift to personal egos, laced with scheming and machinations, it will become difficult seeing how God is working. From the adventure of Nebuchadnezzar, it was evident that leader’s success – or otherwise, could be affected by the quality of his advisers; and that uncontrolled pride is an express to self destruction. Today, our President Goodluck Jonathan, in the manner of his ‘mentor’ and predecessor, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is being lured to seize the nation’s political jugular. When the present republic commenced, many Nigerians were encouraged that the potentials of democracy will transform the declining nation. But by means, fair and foul, power in the ruling People’s Democratic Party was changing hands, not for effectiveness in service to the people, but for personal attainments. The once reluctant political draft has grabbed the soul of the party, and its heart firmly tucked inside shapeless wears. By the same stretch, intact democracy is being polarized and devastated, with exploitation to render potentially virile alternatives to become castrated, thereby degenerating the nation’s politics back to pathetic prostrate position.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan probably has too much on his plate. This could have been a factor in his unexpected and unexplained illness in London, which caused him to miss the opening ceremony of a two-day meeting of Nigeria’s Honorary International Investors’ Council (HIIC) that coincided with his 56th birthday on November 20. In particular, a major challenge must be the imminence of the country’s 2015 general elections, which continues to generate emotionally charged arguments for and against his possible pursuit of reelection. His elusiveness on the issue has, predictably, compounded an already combustible context. If there is one subject that threatens to cause a political convulsion, it is Jonathan’s suspected but unconfirmed second-term ambition. If he is relying on perfect timing to share his presidential dream with the public, as his words imply and body language suggests, his dilatory tactics are simply postponing the day of reckoning. Notably, the background to his mind games is similarly labyrinthine. First, the controversy that attended his defiant decision to run for the office in the face of credible claims by high-profile members of his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), that an extant zoning arrangement precluded his aspiration. Having stepped in, as vice-president, to complete the four-year term of the late President Umaru Yar’ Adua, his antagonists calculated that he would subsequently step down for a candidate from Yar’ Adua’s northern political base to finish an anticipated second term. It is revealing of his character and the party’s unpredictability that he rejected the alleged formula and capitalised on his incumbency with the backing of the party’s leadership. This original “sin” degenerated with his declaration that he never swore to spending only one-term in office after his 2011 election, contrary to the insistence of his adversaries that an alleged gentlemen’s agreement underlined the specification. By inference, therefore, he is free to run for a second term in 2015, if he so wishes, which is highly probable. These central scenes from the thought-provoking political drama were unavoidable as Jonathan advanced in his fifties. Interestingly, while Jonathan arrived in London for the HIIC meeting, which did not necessarily indicate that he was too preoccupied with the country’s affairs to celebrate his

‘It is as well paradoxical that he has not only acquired seemingly implacable political foes right within his party, he is indeed also presiding over a dangerously dismembered party with a dubious future. Perhaps this juncture was predictable, given his antecedents’

Joyless jollification birthday, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) marked the anniversary briefly with a cake-cutting show before its weekly meeting presided over by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, who described his boss flatteringly as “a gift to the nation.” Sambo’s effusive remarks betrayed a self-serving mentality that was as unbelievable as it was enlightening. His words: “We are privileged Nigerians sharing from the grace of God upon his life. There is no doubt that the great destiny of this man has helped our individual destiny. We will continue to pray that Mr. President succeeds in transforming the country.” The striking reference to “individual destiny” suggested a collective self-centredness at the FEC, elevated above the greater good of the people. It is significant that Jonathan’s administration prides itself on being transformation-driven, a projection that was in 2011 symbolically defined by his launch of the Transformation Agenda summarising the government’s strategic priorities as well as the ways and means by which it would accomplish its major programmes and projects for the period until 2015 coordinated by the National Planning Commission (NPC). It is instructive that in September, in reaction to bitter intraparty divisions, Jonathan sacrificed nine cabinet ministers, including Shamsudeen Usman, then Minister of National Planning and coordinator of the Transformation Agenda, who was credited with its design. It is unclear to what extent the removal might work against the plan. With leaders who enjoy the self-flattery of the tag “giant of Africa”, without in any way thinking gigantically, it is disgraceful that the country was ranked 41st on a 52-country list called the 2013 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), a project of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The country not only scored lower than the continental average (51.6), it also ridiculously scored lower than the regional average (52.5) for West Africa. Assessment was based on four key areas: Safety and Rule of Law, Participation and Human Rights, Sustainable Economic Opportunity and Human Development.

The desperate hallucination under the Obasanjo regime to clutch Nigeria to a one-party polity - in the pocket of a poorly-performing political party, is similar to the distraction now staring the nation in the face. The unresolved internal political indications within crisis-ridden PDP, based on power struggle are becoming frightening scenarios. Since the leadership is spilling, will desperation on self-centered office-occupancy end up installing – or re-installing, a maximum clueless leader that will begin to see himself as another god in the mould of Nebuchadnezzar? If so, of course by then, the hawks that are now in control of the manipulations will pretend to be mourning the consequent failure of Babylon. No doubt, the political wheeler-dealer would mourn publicly because, as the behind-the-scene overseers of Babylon’s affairs, they might have used their fixing position to enrich themselves greatly – the grand-standing against such act notwithstanding. The merchants too would mourn because Babylon, the greatest customer for their goods, would have gone. The truth of all this is that life full of an evil system will not affect those who enjoyed and depended on it only. The pity is that no one would remain unaffected by Babylon’s fall.

…INEC and Anambra polls ahead of 2015

Yes, for now, political manipulation of the will of the people might be manifesting. After all, the ‘opponents’ are evidently being stripped and decimated politically as a prelude to the grand onslaught that will firmly put the final nail on their coffins. With token elections coming up, administrative hawks are evidently taking over Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the core polls coming forth in 2015 that will determine the destiny of the nation. What happened in Delta State Senatorial election few months ago was being repeated in Anambra State yet-unresolved gubernatorial election. INEC boss Attahiru Jega himself has admitted the failure of his commission. Because of 2015 desperation, the revelation is that Bamanga Tukur’s PDP had to ditch the party’s candidate to work for APGA – the same way it was done for Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State earlier in the year. In other words, supporting a one-state APGA through electoral manipulation is also like the vision to acquire the one-state LP for Jonathan. The support of the APGA candidate referred to as the treasurer of the outgoing Anambra Governor is not for patronising a qualitative contender that will transform the life of the people in the state, but more because of desired back-up of the 2015 desperado. With that, we can now see ahead of time why Tukur’s PDP is lobbying another desperate stalwart in Ekiti to LP for next year’s guber polls in the state. Not that they want the peoples’ votes to certify good performance, it is just to hinder and manipulate the will of the people as done in Delta and Anambra to fulfill personal purposes. With all these, it might just be a matter of time for falcon not to hear the falconer any longer. When the chips are down, and all mute – or speculated agenda revealed – for ill or for good, a Nebuchadnezzar would have emerged.

A bigger and particularly poignant irony is the fact that although Jonathan is the first doctorate holder to govern the country, he is apparently also the leader most disparaged for alleged incompetence, cluelessness and lack of vision in the country’s political history. With a PhD degree in Zoology and experience as a lecturer, it is one of the tragic expressions of his administration that Jonathan has failed to demonstrate the depth of intellectual resourcefulness that would normally be associated with an individual with such background. It is as well paradoxical that he has not only acquired seemingly implacable political foes right within his party, he is indeed also presiding over a dangerously dismembered party with a dubious future. Perhaps this juncture was predictable, given his antecedents. However, it exposes brinkmanship of the most thoughtless kind and unenlightened self-interest. If the PDP suffers an implosion under Jonathan’s leadership, which seems likely, that would be a fitting monument to narrow-mindedness of the most limiting type. It is the sort of crudely restrictive thinking that has transformed Jonathan into a local champ among his Ijaw group whose spokesmen routinely perform the ethnic drama without restraint while dreaming of Jonathan’s reelection. Fixated on sentiment rather than social validation based on good governance, such support is certainly far removed from the ideal. Added to these supporters who wear the ethnic badge is the group of power sycophants from the outside who are simply fair-weather friends. It is noteworthy that the Jonathan presidency, more than any other peacetime administration in the country’s history, has been burdened with the menace of ostensibly revolutionary opposition in the form of the Islamist terror organisation, Boko Haram. The extension of Jonathan’s climactic initial six-month imposition of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states reflects the scale of the security challenge. It is disturbing that there are insightful insinuations concerning the longevity of the insurgency, linking its rigid resistance to the manner of Jonathan’s ascendancy. In addition, there is no denying the fact that official corruption is an encumbrance for the Jonathan administration, which seems to be sinking deeper and deeper into the mire as its tenure progresses. It is difficult to point to any major case of corruption that the government has tackled with the desired intensity of seriousness, despite its hypocritical loudness about a so-called anti-corruption crusade; and this tolerance, unsurprisingly, continues to embolden the army of morally deficient public office holders. However, perhaps the ultimate albatross around Jonathan’s neck is his other half, First Lady Dame Patience, who is credited with an unrivaled grip on her husband and has earned him an uncomplimentary image. With such a plateful of problems, it is not so difficult to guess what Jonathan must be going through.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

COMMENTS

OR very predictable reasons, the yet to be concluded governorship election in Anambra State was from the start, potentially sensitive. Not only were the stakes very high, it meant so many things to the different contestants as the political parties placed very high premium on its overall outcome. For the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA, it was another opportunity to re-enact the predominance of the party in that state having held sway in the past eight years. APGA claims strong attachment to its late founder and leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu who had pleaded with Anambra people before the 2009 governorship election to vote APGA as a mark of last respect for him. Ojukwu had campaigned for the party even when his health would not permit of such rigour. Of course, APGA won. In his thank you message to the people of Anambra State after the party’s victory which he scripted in Igbo language, he said by that victory the Igbo race had given him a befitting burial. This sentiment has not only continued to dominate the language of political discourse but has gone at length to sustain the relevance of the party in that part of the country. The Peoples Democratic Party PDP saw the election as another opportunity to reclaim its lost glory in a state it once held sway. It believes Anambra is a PDP state having demonstrated this very clearly in the 2011 National Assembly elections. But for sharp disunity among key leaders of the party, the PDP expects to win with minimal efforts. The election is also strategic to the national leadership of the PDP given the trumpeted ambition of President Jonathan to go for another term. Jonathan desires a solid base in the

‘But the conduct of the election umpire was another thing altogether. There were cases of late arrival of election materials, missing names from the voters’ register and more embarrassingly high level sabotage by an INEC electoral officer who absconded with materials in his custody’

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Anambra Guber: Issues miscellaneous South-east where he has said he has his greatest support. For the All Progressives Congress APC smarting from the success of its merger, it was seen as a strategic opportunity to showcase its weight. Fielding Chris Ngige who enjoys considerably popularity in that state, the APC felt it could make it if there is a level playing ground. Victory for it will be a harbinger of all that is to come in subsequent elections. Besides, APC wants to make more in-road into the South-east where it currently has only Governor Rochas Okorocha in its fold. Incidentally, Okorocha got his current ticket on the platform of the same APGA. With Anambra in its kitty, APC would have gone to town celebrating its distinctiveness and success as a true amalgam of political parties of the key cleavages in the country. That would have further boosted its profile at a time the party has been running round the country scouting for disgruntled PDP governors into its fold. APC needed Anambra very badly. There were others parties in the race for one reason or the other. That was the setting under which the election was conducted. And in a situation where three persons desire the same object for the advantage it will bestow on them, it can be imagined the level of desperation that will come into play. Sadly, INEC played into the hands of the parties. If there were infractions during the election, they are not entirely unexpected. It was on account of anticipated volatility of the exercise that the law enforcement agencies put up an intimidating security presence in the state. We were regaled with the several detachment of security agencies ranging from the conven-

ONY Iredia is becoming difficult to ignore with his penchant for falsehood and illogic once the question is Edo State in an otherwise respectable newspaper. Not too long ago, he wrote an article in Vanguard where for reasons that are not unconnected with his new found love for absurdities, he advocated for the enthronement of ethnicity as a basis for allocating public offices. Those who know him closely were not surprised as, according to them, he has always been an irredeemable tribalist. In the countdown to the last governorship polls in Edo State, Iredia hardly hid his bias for the ethnic jingoists who believed it was either a ‘Bini man’ or no one else. Without shame, they brandished the ethnic card as their joker. But right -thinking Bini nation as well as others in Edo State would not be detained by their myopic considerations as they voted an Afemai man in the person of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to continue the good work he started in 2008. By voting massively for Oshiomhole on July 14, 2012, people of Edo South clearly demonstrated that merit deserved to be rewarded. So, ethnic jingoists like Iredia were put to shame as the ‘Bini man’ they fielded not only lost his polling unit, but also his ward and local government. But like all bad losers, ever since, Tony would not allow any opportunity pass without seeking to vent his anger and frustration on Oshiomhole even if that means telling bare-faced lies. Iredia was on the march again in Sunday Vanguard on November 3, following the defeat of his party in the council bye-election conducted in Esan North East on October 22. The council in question happens to be the stronghold of PDP’s strongman, Chief Tony Anenih. Iredia came close to sulking over APC’s victory. He would want readers to believe that the poll was ‘fixed’. But nothing could be further from the truth. In the governorship election conducted last year and supervised by INEC controlled by Abuja, ACN had defeated PDP emphatically in the same area. So, if Oshiomhole’s party could win in an election supervised by INEC in which all ‘federal instruments’ were arrayed, any surprise that APC won a local election conducted by the state electoral body? Indeed, Esan North East is not isolated. In the earlier polls in April this year, APC won in the other 17 councils in the state. Of course, the reason was not far-fetched; Oshiomhole has continued to provide credible leadership

tional police to all strata of the armed forces in deploy. We also heard that several armoured personnel carriers, helicopters and other necessary support logistics were at hand. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not take the matter lightly given the high calibre of personnel deployed there and it’s much trumpeted preparations for its success. Security arrangements worked out fine. The Anambra electorate was very orderly and very well-behaved. When there arose some logistic hiccups, the electorate showed considerable understanding and this contributed immeasurably to the overall success of that outing. But the conduct of the election umpire was another thing altogether. There were cases of late arrival of election materials, missing names from the voters’ register and more embarrassingly high level sabotage by an INEC electoral officer who absconded with materials in his custody. There were also allegations that elections materials were denied certain areas on time so as to incapacitate candidates with large following in those areas. All these did not help the grand preparations we were earlier treated to. It was not surprising the level of acrimony and disenchantment these lapses have generated since after the election. It turned out an uncanny twist of fate that an election in which so much was put in could turn in bitter acrimony. Or was it a self-fulfilling prophesy that was at play? INEC has come out to apologize for these lapses especially the sabotage from its electoral officer who has been handed over to

the police. But, these cannot appease the aggrieved who are calling for the head of the INEC boss. Invectives have been hurled at him. There are threats by the APC to challenge the election at the court even as INEC has ruled out the possibility of annulling the entire results. It cited legal constraints given that the returning officer had announced the results which saw APGA leading very convincingly. On the very unlikely circumstance of cancellation, APGA will have no problem heading to the court to reclaim its victory. INEC has been lampooned for this pass. Its credibility to conduct successful elections in 2015 given the hiccups is now said to be in doubt. The frustrations of the parties can be understood. But it would mount to an exercise in hasty generalization to use this singular event to fault the capacity of the electoral body to conduct future elections. It has also been accused of disenfranchising thousands of the electorate given the wide disparity between the registered voters which stood at 1.7 million and the 451, 826 that were accredited to vote. The universally accepted ratio is between 45 and 50 per cent of registered voters. But that is not all there is to it. The high number was largely an inflated one. Most of those who registered were ferried from other parts of the country during the registration exercise. There were media reports to that effect. The disparity may have resulted from the inability of those hirelings to surface given the tight security in place. This factor cannot be discounted. APGA has been accused of conniving with the INEC to rig. It would have made more sense if PDP was being accused. But because the PDP did not fare better, that would have made no sense. It is difficult to rule out sharp practices in an election. But if APGA was able to rig, it did so because it was more popular in many areas. You cannot rig in an area you do not have strong presence especially since the principle of one man one vote has begun to count. In all, it is certain APGA is set to win if it has not already won. Going by the pattern of votes cast, even if you concede 30 per cent of the remaining votes to any of the two runners up, APGA will still carry the day. It is very unlikely some of the complaining parties will go for the supplementary election given this reality. The courts appear the last remedy. But peace must be allowed to reign in that state.

Iredia and his hatchet job By Andrew Igbinovia in the state under the auspices of APC. But in the said article, Iredia wants his readers to be aware that a new ‘Mr. Fix It’, in the derogatory sense, has taken over in Edo State. He wants them to see the governor, Comrade Oshiomhole, not only as his new ‘Mr. Fix It’ but one that occupies the same level of profligate notoriety as his (Iredia’s) folk hero, the same one every citizen of Edo State and indeed Nigeria would rather run away from any day. To an extent, perhaps one could say Iredia was correct, but only in the positive sense. Let us face it, what else do you call a miracle worker, one who has turned the fortunes of hitherto moribund state around so dramatically within so short a time, other than ‘Mr. Fix It’? But the real difference between the governor as a ‘Mr. Fix It’ and that of Iredia’s mentor is that the latter fixes things negatively. In any case, only right-thinking people will appreciate the enormity of the job the comrade governor has done when one juxtaposes the short time within which he turned things around for the better against the longer period it took the other Mr. Fix It and his gang to wreck it. In maliciously comparing the comrade governor with any other character, particularly in the same mode as those with records the people of the state would wish never was, Iredia committed a heinous crime against himself, the state and its people. It is worse because the comparison is with individuals known to have ran down every office unfortunate enough to have their imprints. Certainly, putting the the comrade governor in the same mode as Iredia’s hero is nothing but a disservice to truth because you cannot equate an achiever with a profligate who orchestrated the decade of waste that brought the state on its kneels. If any comparison must be made, the comrade governor must been seen as one who not only reversed that profligate era, but also registered his name as the best governor in the realm of the venerable Chief Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia. Iredia, assuming he is in

tune with reality, ought to be happy with that reality. He is not because like his paymasters, he finds peace in disorder. There is indeed no cause for alarm if Iredia now refers to the Comrade Governor as ‘Mr. Fix It.’ Indeed, it is an ideal moniker for a miracle worker like the comrade governor for the singular reason of his (the governor’s) wonderous peformance. It is a right description for a man who is tenacious, dogged and courageous. Certainly, he cannot be in the same bracket as apostles of Chop-Chop government where resources set aside for the betterment of the people are shared by profligates. If Iredia must be told the truth, it is that Edo State is no longer for sale. The people are fed up with liars and thieves parading as Messiahs. That is the message the people of the local government sent in vivid colours to Iredia and his like. For the first time in the history of both the local government and state, someone has decided to fix things in their proper order and the history of the state is changing for the better. Certainly, those whose wish has always been that its resources must remain the exclusive preserve of certain private individuals will, like Iredia, continue to remain as the forgotten lot. The only thing they will continue to do is amplify imagined shortcomings of people like the comrade governor who they should be praising for showing exemplary conduct in public offices. The time for ‘Chop-Chop’ politics is gone. • Igbinovia wrote from Benin City

‘If any comparison must be made, the comrade governor must been seen as one who not only reversed that profligate era, but also registered his name as the best governor in the realm of the venerable Chief Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia’

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NOVEMBER

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

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The open leather trade - P. 37 News Briefing

‘50% urban youths jobless’ NIGERIA has been ranked among countries with the highest rate of urban youth unemployment with over 50 per cent of the youth in the urban areas unemployed, the President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Goodie Ibru has said. –Page 26

‘Why telcos shun indigenous software’ THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has described indigenous software as pedestrian, saying that is a major reason telecoms operators do not patronise them. –Page 26

Chemical industry loses over 1500 jobs THE Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CANMPSSAN) said it lost over 1500 members in the last one year to closure of industries in the country.

“Nobody in AMCON knows who Enterprise Bank bidders are. Nobody in AMCON knows how many the bidders are, or who will be shortlisted. It is only when they (the advisers –Citi Bank and Vetiva Capital) have looked at all of these people that they decide who and who are qualified,” -Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) CEO, Mustafa Chike-Obi

‘We can’t shy away from Islamic finance’ - P. 27

Money laundering: Licence revocation, imprisonment await offenders

HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) is introducing some sanctions against operators that condone money laundering and terrorism financing. Speaking at the inauguration of the new board members of the Association of Certified AntiMoney Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) in Abuja at the weekend, the Chief Compliance Officer, Access Bank Plc Pattison Boleigha, said the sanctions being planned by the apex bank in its AntiMoney Laundering (AML) and Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) initiative, include severe civil and criminal penalties, loss of professional licence and imprisonment of principal officers. He warned that failure to comply with anti-money

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja

laundering, or anti-terrorism laws and regulations, could expose financial institutions to delay or denial by the regulatory authority of applications submitted for mergers, or acquisitions and other needs, adding that it could also result in loss of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and offshore credit facilities from correspondence banks. He said additional risks to financial institutions that break the law of money laundering, “include but not limited to reputational harm and impairment; monetary losses resulting from asset forfeiture actions, fraud and charge-offs, and substantial legal fees.” To ensure a balance be-

tween regulators, supervisors and operators in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, Boleigha called for regular meetings to “be arranged between agencies for continued dialogue to encourage the airing of different viewpoints and opinions”. He identified tools needed for dialogue to include, legislation, saying agencies must be legislatively authorised (or not prohibited) to undertake AML/CFT work; agencies must have the resources (or be allocated additional resources) to contribute to AML/CFT work. He stressed the need for coordination, where the specific responsibilities of each unit is clearly defined and delegated, so each agency understands how their expertise adds value to the national

AML/CFT effort and accepts their role and cooperation and communication. Boleigha said regular meetings should be arranged between agencies for continued dialogue to encourage the airing of different views and opinions, stressing that in the long run, teamwork and creative problem solving will emerge, which often triggers constructive and creative solutions. He said in the past, sanctions that had been meted out against contravening financial institution were minimal, but now action will be taken against both the organisation and the officials responsible in the institutions. The punitive actions will consist of huge financial penalties, negative publicity, warning letters, and sometimes jail terms, he said.

–Page 39

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-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

FOREX CFA

-0.2958

EUR

-206.9

-242.1

-156

-1.9179

SDR

-238

RIYAL

-40.472

• From left: Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney; Executive Director, Retail Banking, South, Mr Gbenga Shobo and Head, Consumer Banking Products, Mrs. Funke Smith, at the press conference on the maiden edition of FirstBank’s SME Conference, ‘SMEConnect’ in Lagos.

Banks grow assets, liabilities to N23tr in Q3

EPOSIT Money Banks (DMBs) grew their assets and liabilities to N23.3 trillion in the third quarter which ended in September, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said. According to the CBN Economic Report for the quarter released at the weekend, the figures represent about 3.4 per cent growth, compared to those of the previous quarter. It said the funds, which were sourced largely, from increased mobilisation of demand deposit and unclassified liabilities, were used for accretion to reserves, extension of credit and acquisition of foreign and unclassified assets. Also, at N11.2 trillion, banks’ credit to the domes-

By Collins Nweze

tic economy declined by 5.8 per cent below the level in the preceding quarter. It attributed the development largely to the 125.8 per cent decline in claims on the Federal Government. However, CBN’s credit to the banks rose by 1.5 per cent to N233.4 billion at the end of the review period, reflecting the decline in overdrafts to banks, while total specified liquid assets of the DMBs stood at N5,992.8 billion, representing 37.7 per cent of their total current liabilities. It explained that at that level, the liquidity ratio, fell by 18.4 percentage points below the level in the preceding quarter, but was 7.7 percentage points above the

stipulated minimum ratio of 30 per cent. It said loans-to-deposit ratio, which stood at 33.4 per cent, was 10.5 and 46.6 percentage points below the levels at the end of the preceding quarter and the prescribed maximum ratio of 80 per cent, respectively. The report said total assets/liabilities of the discount houses stood at N202.83 billion, indicating a decline of 41.1 and 30.3 per cent below the levels at the end of the preceding quarter and the corresponding quarter of last year. “At 37.7 per cent, the liquidity ratio in third quarter was 7.7 percentage points above the stipulated minimum ratio, while the loanto-deposit ratio fell below

the prescribed maximum of 80 per cent by 46.6 percentage points. It said discount houses’ investment in Federal Government securities of less than 91-day maturity declined significantly by 77.5 per cent to N33.4 billion, representing 22.6 per cent of their total deposit liabilities. “At this level, discount houses’ investment was 37.4 percentage points below the prescribed minimum level of 60.0 per cent for fiscal 2013. Total borrowing by the discount houses was N41.7 billion, while their capital and reserves stood at N41.9 billion. This resulted in a gearing ratio of 1.0:1, compared with the stipulated maximum of 50 to one for fiscal 2013,” it said.

MAN adopts wait-and-see attitude to power reforms By Akinola Ajibade

HE Manufacturers As sociation of Nigeria (MAN) will not assess the power sector reforms for now, its Chairman, Infrastructure Committee, Riginald Odiah, has said. He told The Nation that the body wanted to watch the situation as it unfolds before passing judgment on issues relating to the sector reforms. He said: ‘’As regard the issue of privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), it is a good development in the history of Nigeria’s energy sector. The idea is aimed at repositioning the sector for growth, and further prepare it to compete with others in the emerging economies. “Though we believe that the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is competent to regulate the sector and further make it work, we are still studying the situation. We want to see how the whole thing will play out before stating our position on the matter.’’ Odiah further said the country was grouped into eight industrial clusters, out of which three were picked for citing of power plants after a careful appraisal of the developments in the country. He added the three clusters located in Ota/Abeokuta area of Ogun State have functional power plants generating about 550 mega watts in three of its eight delineated industrial clusters. Odiah said the Ota/ Abeokuta axis was chosen because of its relatively huge concentration of industries. ‘’We were looking at areas with high concentration of industries and after necessary investigations, we arrived at a decision to choose Ota/ Abeokuta area. Besides, we discovered that the cost implication of having power plants is the area was not much, when compared with others. In the three industrial clusters located in the Ota/Abeokuta axis, we have three power plants with an output of 550 mega watts,” he added. The Federal Government has fixed next year for the privatisation of the National Independent Power Projects (NIPP). It is aimed at increasing electricity supply.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1. 2. 3. 4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1. 2. 3. 4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1. 2. 3. 4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

1. Dana

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

IGERIA has been ranked among countries with the highest rate of urban youth unemployment with over 50 per cent of the youth in the urban areas unemployed, the President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Goodie Ibru has said. He said school leavers and graduates of tertiary institutions appear to be worst hit by this development, adding that many are unable to secure jobs because they do not have the requisite skills. He called for increased support for Small and Medium Enterprises

By Toba Agboola

(SMEs) and business start-ups through capacity building and funding, adding that the move would reduce unemployment. He said: ”Unemployment has taken a new face globally. It has degenerated into worrisome proportion in and outside Nigeria.” Ibru said for manufacturers in the country to remain in business under the proposed Common External Tariff (CET) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), corporate taxes must be

reduced from 30 per cent to 15 per cent. He said the CET would advance the cause of economic integration for the West African sub-region, stressing that the implication for the country’s economy, particularly the manufacturing sector, would be profound. The CET, instituted by the ECOWAS Council of Heads of State, is expected to scrap import and export prohibition list and abrogate import duty waivers and levies, among other policies. Expected to take effect from Janu-

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

50% urban youths jobless, says Ibru

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

ary 1, 2015, CET would consolidate the sub-region as a customs union and create a market of an estimated 500 million people. Ibru lamented that the manufacturing sector of the country currently suffers significant competitiveness issues, such as high cost of energy and funds, regulatory charges, ports charges and prohibitive cost of logistics. He said such issues might further destroy what was left of the country’s manufacturing sector, if firm policies were not implemented to cushion the effect, the CET policy might have on the country’s economy. “These are issues to worry about especially at a time when unemployment has become a major problem for the economy. Therefore, in order to avoid the collapse of what is left of the Nigerian manufacturing sector, some immediate policy responses are imperative,” he said. He said import duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) on raw materials and machinery should be scrapped, urging that generous tax allowances on infrastructure related expenditures should allowed, before the commencement of CET’s implementation.

CWG plans fundraiser

C • From left: Managing Director, West Africa, Qualcomm, Mr Alex Dadson; Manager, Executive Projects, Etisalat Nigeria, Zainab Abiola; Chief Financial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Andrew Kemp and Principal Officer, McKinsey & Co, Lohini Moodley at the Africa Com awards dinner, held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Why telcos shun indigenous software, by NCC T

HE Nigerian Communica tions Commission (NCC) has described indigenous software as pedestrian, saying that is a major reason telecoms operators do not patronise them. Director, New Media and Information Security at the NCC, Dr Sylvanus Ehikioya, blamed this development on the dearth of relevant modern development tools and a few tertiary institutions offering computer science in the country. He said one reason local software are not patronised by telcos is that software skill is a technical skill and you do not just put any software. Most computer science graduates are incapacitated because of the environment they find themselves; majority of them don’t know how to create applications using modern development tools. “Two, those of them that know how to use modern development tools do not go beyond the mundane software. What I call the mundane is the inventory system or point of sale. All these are local things. Telecoms is a specialised technology that requires some specialised skills and unless you work in that environment you will not be able to fit in,” Ehikioya said at a forum on Confirmation of Rea-

• Minister for Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson By Lucas Ajanaku

sonableness of Services for Foreign Exchange Transaction in the Telecommunication Sector: Trends, Challenges & Way Forward in Lagos. According to him, to grow indigenous ICT capacity, the NCC has made it clear to the operators that

those things that could be handled by Nigerians must be exempted from the invoices presented to the NCC for foreign exchange (forex) approval. “From the NCC perspective, in order to help us grow local capacity, we are saying that things that involve inventory, human resource management, event management and ticketing, those can be created locally,” he said. He added that the regulator encourages local capacity building through training offered at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and support to the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) He said: “We are reviewing submissions from academia in terms of the project we want to fund. We at the NCC are doing everything possible to ensure that local content in telecoms sector is enhanced. “If you look at the position of the NCC, we said that it is not all software that we will allow payment for any longer. There are certain software that can be created by boys from Otigba (Computer Village) if we encourage them and that is where the ISPON into play.” They interact with the NCC most of the time to help in the development of Nigeria local content.”

OMPUTER Warehouse Group Plc (CWG), a Nige rian technology company, will seek to raise capital on the country’s stock exchange within 18 months after listing existing stock last week. The body needs extra cash to refocus the business toward cloud computing from hardware and software, Chief Executive Officer Austin Okere said in an interview at the weekend in Lagos. CWG’s goal is to become the biggest cloud-computing provider in Africa by 2015, he said. “In 12 to 18 months time, we will approach the market again,” said Okere. “By that time, we would have crystallised our transformation process.” The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Africa’s second-largest bourse, is seeking a $1 trillion market capitalisation by 2016 by encouraging more technology and telecoms companies to go public. The exchange is working to make it easier for companies from those industries to list, according to Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology Minister Omobola Johnson. “Our role is to be a trailblazer; to go to the exchange and show to people the value of going to the exchange,” Okere said. “I won’t be surprised if this now opens the path for many more IT companies to come and list.” CWG plans to sell shares on the US technology-dominated exchange Nasdaq in the longer term, he said. CWG’s shares have gained 4.5 per cent since they were listed on the NSE on November 15, compared with a 3.2 per cent gain on the all-share index over the same period. It has a target to double profit in the year on sales of $132.2 million, according to Okere. The company is considering at least one acquisition, he said.

‘CBN targets single digit inflation in 2014’

HE thrust of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) mon etary policy in retaining the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 12 per cent is to achieve a lower rate of inflation on a more sustained basis, Head of Research Africa, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan, has said. In an emailed report obtained by The Nation, she said there was a sug-

gestion that the CBN will not rest on what it has already achieved as it concerns inflation, adding that merely getting to a single digit inflation is not good enough, she argued. “Although not a hard inflation target in the strict sense of the term, this does send a clear signal to markets to continue to anticipate a tightening bias to policy, especially if pressures increase,” she said, adding that the out-

come of the last Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting was largely as anticipated, with the MPR and CRR on public sector deposits, and the CRR on private sector deposits all kept on hold. However, the analyst said there was a distinct hawkish tone to the commentary, as a means perhaps of preparing the market for further tightening next year, with the talk of six-nine per cent inflation rate throughout 2014,

“The CBN is not complacent on the inflation outlook. While everyone has been looking at the deceleration in headline inflation in October, the CBN rightly points out the pressures on core inflation in fact, both the year to year and month to month October headline print were slightly higher than we had anticipated, notwithstanding the best headline inflation data in Nigeria since March 2008,” she said.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

THE CEO

‘We can’t shy away from Islamic finance’ Islamic finance is an alternative source of funding. But because of the country’s secularity, the issue is being looked at from the religion prism. Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) President Ariyo Olushekun argues that religion should not be allowed to becloud the issue. Islamic finance, he tells Capital Market Editor TAOFIK SALAKO, in this interview, has “bright prospects”. • Olushekun

HAT is your assessment of the capital market vis-à-vis the economy? The market is in good shape. The recovery of the market is stabilising, we can say that the market has recovered from what happened in 2008 and now it is stabilising. The resilience is showing, there has been a lot of profit-taking in the last few weeks, but the impact of this has not been as bad as you would have expected if the market is not strong. From about 40,000 index, we are somewhere around 38,000 points now, given the level of gain we had witnessed and the lack of confidence we have had in the past, that is not a huge drop. The signal we are getting is that the market could move back as more funds come in to the market. Particularly, we are seeing a lot of local investors. Right now; I think the ratio is 50:50, foreign to local and among the domestic investors, we are seeing more institutional investors. So, more and more investors are returning to the market and they are taking positions. In terms of capital issues, we are beginning to see more now. The companies are beginning to build more confidence that they will be able to raise whatever amount they want from the capital market. So, they are also returning. And the market is responding, it’s showing capability to provide funds for those companies which need funds. So, I think the market is in good stead, we have gone through the bad time, but we have been able to put reform in place; every stakeholder in the market has made significant efforts to bring the market back on the right track, what we are seeing now is the result of those efforts that have been made in the past. If the market is fast recovering, why have we not seen the primary market being active, where are the public offers?

PHOTO: TAOFIK SALAKO

Profile Institutions attended:

Yaba College of Technology, University of Lagos, IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.

Qualification:

HND, MBA, Authorised Dealing Clerk.

Previous position:

Member of Council, Nigerian Stock Exchange; Director, NSE Consult.

Present position:

MD, Capital Assets Limited; Director, NASD OTC Plc.

Professional association:

President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

Experience:

Over 30 years.

The primary market is building up dayby- day, don’t forget the cost of raising funds is relatively more and the process is long, so companies will have to be very sure that they have high level of confidence of suc-

cess before they can commence the public offer process. But in recent times, you can see an increase in the number of capital issues generally. So, that aspect of the market is also recovering slowly.

‘The prospects are very bright because as we speak we have a very significant proportion of our population who strongly believe that because of the nature of the capital market and the dictates of their religion, they cannot invest in the market, so we need to develop products that will be attractive to them; that we can use to channel their funds into the market and it is not limited to any religion. The one that is popular is Islamic finance’

How do we ensure sustainable development of the market? The reform will have to continue, we need to do everything we can to sustain and even build on the current level of investor confidence. We need to embark on capacity building on the part of all stakeholders- operators, regulators, investors, everybody that has a role to play in the market. We need to enhance their knowledge of the market. That is where the Institute has been doing a lot of work, trying to organise courses for its members so that their knowledge is enhanced. We keep organising training and retraining programmes. In addition, the institute has been organising workshops and annual conferences on the economy, dealing with recent issues. On the part of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) itself, it recently inaugurated Master Plan Committees to develop a master plan for the different segments of the market- one, for the market in general; two, for the new product, non-interest product, so that we can be able to bring in that segment of the population that abhor usury and kind of fixed-returns. SEC also set up a capital market literacy master plan with the objective of developing a framework for educating all stakeholders of the market. On the part of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), it has started a new trading platform. it has been training its dealing members and has introduced many new products. All these will help credible price discovery and trading in the market. So, all the stakeholders need to play their roles for this to continue. However, I think the government will need to, as much as possible, bring down the interest rate. If interest rates are low, and they should be low otherwise they put so much pressure and impede the progress of the real sector. If in•Continued on page 28

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

THE CEO

‘We can’t shy away from Islamic finance’ •Continued from page 27

terest rates are reasonably low, it makes it easy for people to come to the capital market for their investment activities. But if interest rates are unreasonably high, you will see people becoming risk-averse and they just place their funds in the money market to get fixed returns. Besides interest rate, are there other fiscal, or legislative incentives for long-term market growth? It is important for government to have incentives in place to encourage companies to access the market. Task incentives are very important to encourage participation. The government is on the right track by granting tax waivers on the contract stamp. But there is much more to be done; withholding tax will need to be removed from dividend. Companies that are quoted should also be made to pay less tax, you may reduce corporate tax from 30 per cent to 20 per cent for quoted companies, they should be more encouraged. We also want to see companies in major sectors of the economy being listed in the market. Now, we have different platforms on which they can be listed, we have the Nigerian Stock Exchange, we have NASD, we have the FMDQ, and the Abuja Securities and Commodities Exchange. So, the options are many, what government has to do in that area is that for the companies being privatised there should be a clause in the agreement that will compel them to get listed within a short period; two to three years. A minimum percentage of their issued shares should be in the hand of the public, 10 to 20 per cent, so that everybody has an opportunity to own shares and partake in the companies. For the telecommunications companies, their licenses will soon be due for renewal. This presents an opportunity for government to make sure they also get listed; they should also make available some 10 to 20 per cent of their shares available to the general public. They are making a lot of money from Nigerians; there is nothing wrong in Nigerians also being able to partake in such profit. The oil companies, which are the country’s mainstay, should be encouraged to get listed. That way you get more people and investments into the market. What is your view on the consolidation of the stockbroking industry? Consolidation is a business decision; you don’t force people to take such decision, it’s not natural; it’s something that should come up as a matter of course. Nigeria is a vast country; you have people in the hinterland, people in different levels, living in different parts of the country. If you are going to grow the number of investors, we need operators that will be able to reach out to these people. Right now, the number of investors is about five million; there five million include multiple accounts by some investors that, for instance, have three to five accounts. If you remove these multiple accounts, we may be having like four million investors or thereabout. Five million over a population of 170 million is one over 34; America has a population of 300 million and has over 100 million investors that are playing in her market, that is one-third; one over three as against one over 34 that we are currently on. So, if that is the case and we have a plan to move that to about 40 to 50 million from five million, which means we want at least a quarter of our population to participate in the market, it’s not something that you will leave for the mega firms. People must be allowed to operate at different levels. The big firms may not be interested in going to market somebody in Ode-Omu, Nguru and all that, they may not want to go to the hinterlands. We need brokers who must operate at that level, who will be able to go to all those places. What you can have is a tier structure; you have people operating at different level, carry different risks and then, they are able to play their part. Every N5,000, every N10,000 that Mr Owolabi has in Ikere-Ekiti; that Alhaji Adamu has in Gusau; that Mr Chukwuka has in Onitsha, we want every bit of this money to come into the market. If you want this to happen, then you leave people to operate at different levels. Going all out to say we must reduce number of operators is not the right thing to do. What we need to do is to delineate areas in which everybody can operate so

• Olushekun

that you have people operating at different levels and playing different roles; all of them working towards one goal-developing the market. What about the inkling on new capital base for operators? Well, we have been hearing that, we don’t know exactly what is going to happen. But it’s very important that share capital should not be a one-size-fits-all. Share capital should be a function of the risks that you are taking. It shouldn’t even be a matter of coming up with a figure, what needs to happen is to lay down certain things that need to be in place, then let those things translate into particular amount. As a result of this, then one will know the share capital one needs to operate the way one wants to operate. But if you have a figure now, then you are going to be chasing a moving target because by the time inflation comes in or foreign exchange rate goes up, the amount you are mentioning as share capital now, will become small in some years time and then you will need to raise share capital again. No! what you need to put in place are the things that need to be provided for as an operator to function at a certain level and then you derive your share capital from that; based on the risks you want to carry and the infrastructure you need to have. This will last forever unlike when you come up with a particular amount now and after some years, the amount becomes small. We must also note that most operators in the capital market, especially the stockbrokers, are intermediaries, they do not carry as much risks as banks and insurance companies carry. Banks carry risks because they have taken deposits from their customers and lent these deposits to other people, so if customers come for their money, they need to at least have a proportion of what they have lent in-house so that they are able to pay customers when they come for their money; that’s the way to maintain confidence. Insurance companies on the other hand have taken premium from people against promises that if something happened, just make your claim, we will indemnify you. So, they also need to have some money, they need to have adequate funds to be able to meet those claims as they are presented in order to also retain confidence. When people invest in the market, they only pass their money through brokers; if it is in

PHOTO: TAOFIK SALAKO

the primary market, to the company raising the money, the money does not stay with the broker; if it is in the secondary market, they are passing the money from the buyer to the seller through brokers. So, the broker is not giving any promise like banks or insurance companies do. We should not be raising minimum share capital just because others within the sector have done that. No! We have to look at what risk everybody is carrying. Would you ask insurance brokers to raise their share capital just because insurance companies have raised their capital? Or would we have estate valuers or estate agents to raise capital? Even if you are buying a house worth N1 billion or more, you are only passing the money through the estate agent; he doesn’t require that kind of money to do that kind of business. The point is that as intermediariesstockbrokers, issuing houses, they do not require so much financial capital. There are two types of capital that are required and very crucial- the integrity capital and the intellectual capital. Those are the things that will sell this market; those are the things we are selling. Really, it is dangerous for brokers to have excessive, huge share capital. If the brokers or issuing houses are excessively capitalised, the investors in those firms also want returns. Now, the stockbroking firm is not going to be placing its money with the bank, it is not going to be importing rice or stock fish, it is not going to invest in properties because even the market regulations do not encourage that, so, it will also have to invest its own money in the market. When these firms are investing heavily in the market, it means they are competing with investors, so the temptation to do their transactions at more favourable terms than transactions of their clients will become higher. So, really, it is good to be adequately capitalised, but it is not good to be excessively capitalised. And what is excessive capital? Capital that is beyond your need; capital that is beyond the risk you are carrying. Is it really necessary to demutualise the Exchange? Demutualisation of the Exchange is not bad; it is going to bring about efficiency, it makes the Exchange to be more productive, more efficient. It provides opportunity for owners of the Exchange that is, dealing members, to be able to generate some incomes from their investments. We have invested for a long time. So, on its own, it is not bad, but it has to

‘If you are going to demutualise the Exchange, some people own the Exchange, they must play major roles, they must be the deciders, it is not for some people or regulatory authorities to come and decide things for them. Everything that needs to be done, they must do it willingly’

be done properly. It should be done in a fair and transparent way. Every stakeholder that is involved should feel comfortable with the way it is being done. What will amount to being fair in your own view? If you are going to demutualise the Exchange, some people own the Exchange, they must play major roles, they must be the deciders, it is not for some people or regulatory authorities to come and decide things for them. Everything that needs to be done, they must do it willingly. SEC as the overall regulatory authority in the market needs to set guidelines and those guidelines should not be related to a particular exchange, they should be guidelines that can serve for the particular exchange you want to demutualise now and they should be good for any future demutualisation. So, it shouldn’t be something you are just tailoring to serve an end. Then, the Exchange on its own must consult with its owner; it is not something for the council or management to decide on. They are in the process, however, we need to emphasise this consultation, we need to encourage them to do that to the fullest. In recent times, we have seen many companies opting for voluntary delisting, what could be responsible for this? We need to do things to encourage listed companies to remain listed because it doesn’t make sense if you are marketing to get more company to be listed and the listed ones are exiting the market. It should be attractive to those already there. If those who are in are leaving, it does not attract those who are outside. That is without prejudice to the right of the companies to delist, if they want to. I’m saying we shouldn’t make it attractive to them. We should find out why they are leaving. They are not many, but even if it is one, you need to find out why they are leaving so that we can see how to satisfy them. However, where I am not comfortable is in the area of companies not only delisting but also paying off Nigerian investors. You cannot say because you want to enhance the profitability of the company and Nigerians, from whom you are going to make the profit, should leave. No, it is not right, it is not fair. You rely on patronage of Nigerians to make the expansion plan work, to make the company more profitable and you are saying those people that are so critical to future profitability of the company should exit the company, it is not fair, it is an insult on this country and everything should be done to reject it. If you want to delist, there is a difference between delisting and asking Nigerians to exit. It is never done anywhere, in any country; that you now ask the indigenes of that country to leave the company just because you are about to invest more money and the company is likely to do better in future; that is even the more reason why they should stay. Against the background of recent efforts to develop alternative finance, what are the prospects of Islamic finance in the Nigerian market? The prospects are very bright because as we speak we have a very significant proportion of our population who strongly believe that because of the nature of the capital market and the dictates of their religion, they cannot invest in the market, so we need to develop products that will be attractive to them; that we can use to channel their funds into the market and it is not limited to any religion. The one that is popular is Islamic finance. Some Christians also do not like certain things, some do not like alcohol, some cannot put their money in companies producing arms and ammunitions some cannot put their money into companies that are gambling and all that. So, all these funds are outside the market, we need to bring them in, call them any name. If Sango worshippers need certain product, develop it, call it Sango worshippers’ product and use it to bring their money into the market. The same thing applies to everybody. I don’t think it is limited to any religion. What we want is to improve the depth of the market by introducing products and instruments that will channel funds, savings into this market so that those who have projects will be able to raise limitless amount of money. What is CIS doing to broaden human capital capacity in the area of this alternative finance? Well, we keep developing courses, we keep developing training programmes and we keep reviewing the syllabus for our examinations. We introduce new things into this syllabus and programme from time to time, this is not going to be different. It is a continuous thing for us, we have done courses in this area in the past, there are aspects of our syllabus that deal with this area. Our members are right now adequately equipped.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

INSURANCE

Fed Govt urges operators on Takaful, micro-insurance

HE Minister of State, Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama has urged operators to embrace Takaful and Micro-insurance unveiled by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) without delays, stressing that it will complement the Financial Inclusion Strategy (FIS) of the Federal Government. Yerima, who spoke at the weekend at the launch of Takaful Guidelines in Lagos, said the new guidlines would guide the operations of would-be microinsurers in the country. According to him, the Micro insurance and Takaful initiative will spur growth of the industry and make it contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said: “No doubt, every sector of the economy has a very important contribution to make towards the success of the Federal Government Financial Inclusion Strategy (FIS) and NAICOM as the primary supervisor and regulator of the insurance sector of the economy has performed its duty in producing the Takaful and Micro Insurance Guidelines for the achievement of financial inclusion of all segments of the society in particular those at the lower end of the society.” Yerima said the Federal Government hopes that the industry and all interested stakeholders would take advantage of the ini-

Stories by OmobolaTolu-Kusimo

tiative to expand new business frontier for the development of the economy. He stressed that researches have shown that the target market for Takaful and Micro Insurance in the country is large. He said recent reports, particularly from the few existing Takaful products operators, indicate they have attained 70 per cent penetration. He said this level of achievement recorded from the few rudimentary industry players is a good sign for future economic development. He urged operators to ensure innovative Takaful and Micro Insurance products that would match the diverse needs of the nation’s growing population. The minister recalled that the need to develop a strategy for the achievement of financial inclusion became a universal necessity in 2003 when the United Nations(UN), under its former Secretary-General, Kofi Annan declared that the world is engulfed with the menace of poverty as a result of financial exclusion and the lack of access to sustainable financial services, whether it is savings, credit or insurance. “Therefore,building access to these financial services poses a great economic challenge espe-

• From left: Mr Daniel; Dr. Ngama and Director, Supervison, NAICOM, George Onekhena during the launch in Lagos.

cially for the teeming population in Africa and Asia. Globally, it has been observed that over 2.5 billion people within working age have no access to financial services. Even though, some sectors of the population attribute this lack of access to financial services to our people’s reservations caused by faith or some ethical considerations. “Nonetheless, the universal objective of financial inclusion is to facilitate for the establishment and delivery of suitable financial prod-

ucts for the undeserved or disadvantaged segments of all population regardless of race or religion,” he said. Commissioner for Insurance, NAICOM, Mr Fola Daniel said the commission’s commitment to drive the industry to greater heights by providing strategic and far-reaching regulatory frameworks to reduce risk in the society and entrench local participation in the business of insurance in the country.

According to him, it is this perspective that informed the decision to lower the capital requirements for the registration of insurance business at the micro level and to provide a framework that allows for the establishment of Takaful operations. He called on the industry to exploit the opportunities provided by this guidelines to get the encouragement to start thinking of the next level of productivity that lay ahead for the prosperity of the industry.

Hospital improvement fund coming

O boost health insurance,the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is collaborating with some banks to set up an health improvement fund. Acting Executive Secretary of NHIS, Dr Abdulrahman Sambo, made this known during an interactive session with enrollees in Abuja. He called on enrollees to form an association that will fight for enhanced quality service delivery from health care providers. Sambo, represented by the General Manager, Technical Operations Department of the scheme, Dr Hope Uweja at the event, said the fund would provide soft loans to hospitals operating in its various programmes. He said: ”The availability of the fund will make it possible for hospitals to buy contemporary equipment that will aid improved quality service delivery to enrollees. There is also the

need for enrollees to unite and form an association that will fight for their common goal of enhanced quality service delivery from health care providers. If the Health Care Providers (HCPs) and Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) have associations that protect their interests, enrollees are at liberty to do same.” Also, NHIS Deputy General Manager, Technical Department, DrAmamatu Yusuf, in a paper titled: ‘Enrollee Rights and Responsibilities Under the NHIS’expressed regret that apathy is one of the factors responsible for the low quality service rendered by health care providers under the Scheme. He called on enrollees to insist on being treated with dignity, while making prompt reports to their HMOs once they notice that hospitals are operating contrary to the guidelines of the scheme.

SA Life MD is IoD Fellows

HE Institute of Directors (IoD), Nigeria has elevated the Managing Director, SA Life Assurance Ltd, Mr Austin Enajemo Isire, along with nine others, to its Fellows grade at its Fellows’ Evening in Lagos. The institute’s President, Chief Eniola Fadayomi, said: “Yearly, the institute confers the status on deserving members who have served in varying capacities while making notable contribution to the business community.” She said financial members with a minimum of 10 years unblemished character of directorship ex-

perience who have sustained their IoD membership for not less than five years are upgraded yearly to the fellowship of the institute, adding that Isire and his fellow recipients have been found worthy by the institute. Isire, who is the Vice Chairman of the institute’s Banking and Financial Services Committee and Member, Finance and General Purpose Committee, has been an active member of the institute and has used his position to assist it. Isire was appointed Managing Director/CEO of SA Life in March, 2002.

• From left: Managing Director, FBN Life, Mr. Val Ojumah; former Commissioner for Insurance, Chief Dipo Bailey and former President, Association of registered Insurance Brokers (ARIAN), Kingsley Obuvie at the ARIAN conference in Lagos.

Alake seeks support for insurance

GNORANCE of the people about insurance and its benefits is responsible for the pains they suffer from losses, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo has said. The monarch spoke while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), led by its President, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu who paid him a courtesy call. Oba Gbadebo endorsed insurance as a risk mitigation device, noting that it utilises little quantum of money to redeem large losses. He urged Nigerians to change their opinion about insurance, adding that reforms in the sector

have brought about changes in the industry. Shoderu urged monarchs to utilise their vantage positions to enlighten their subjects on insurance for their wellbeing. He said: “As opinion moulders in the society, our royal fathers could assist the industry through continuous enlightenment of their subjects on the value of insurance in securing their lives and property against unforeseen circumstances.’’ He said one of the goals of his leadership is to facilitate better relationship with strategic stakeholders in the society in order to reverse the trend of poor public perception of the insur-

ance industry. Similarly, the Oba of Idena Remo in Ogun State, Oba Omosanya Akinyemi advised insurance practitioners to localise insurance concepts and policy wordings in order to enhance its appreciation by Nigerians. He noted that insurance was not alien to the African societies as wrongly believed in some quarters, adding that the African culture is robust because of its communal nature of which insurance was a prominent feature. He said for the industry to utilise its potential sufficiently, the operators must see the need to focus more on those living in the rural areas through micro insurance.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 4-10-13

Sterling Bank grows profit by 26% in Q3 S

TERLING Bank Plc grew its top-line by 31.4 per cent and pre-tax profit by 26.1 per cent in the third quarter, indicating continuous success of the bank's growth and market penetration strategies. Interim report and accounts of Sterling Bank for third-quarter period ended September 30, 2013 showed that gross earnings rose to N65.1 billion in third quarter 2013 as against N49.6 billion in comparable period of 2012. Topline analysis showed impressive growth in the core banking operations, which was underpinned by increased inflow as well as improved cost management. Net interest income grew by 43.3 per cent from N16.9 billion to N24.2 billion. Non-interest income also rose by 44.7 per cent from N10.9 billion to N15.7 billion. Profit before tax increased from N4.8 billion to N6.0 billion. After taxes, net profit increased from N4.49 billion to N5.07 billion. The report underscored the growing brand franchise and stability of the bank as customer deposits rose by 28.6 per cent while total assets increased by 23.6 per cent. With total assets at N717.2

the third-quarter report underlined the steady and growing profile of the bank, in spite of billion, shareholders' funds also operating challenges due to increased to N48.3 billion. tighter monetary policy meaThe nine-month report placed sures. the bank on a higher pedestal in He noted that growths in turnan industry where increasing over and profit were in line with costs had shaved top-line and the bank's targets and underbottom-line performances of scored the commitment of the most banks. management to fully optimize Further analysis showed that the intrinsic potential of the bank the balance sheet of the bank as well as emerging opportuniemerged stronger and larger ties in the industry. with customer deposits rising "In the final quarter of the year, from N466.8 billion to N600.5 we will continue our rollout of billion. Net loans and advances conventional and alternative grew 36.4 per cent to N312.9 bil- channels to bring our products lion in September 2013 as against and services nearer to our target N229.4 billion recorded at the be- markets and further diversify ginning of the year. our income streams. Our capital In spite of the aggressive plan remains on track and we growth in loans portfolio, the expect to close 2013 with record proportion of non-performing customer numbers arising from loans to gross loans and advances gains made year-to-date in this dropped further to 2.0 per cent respect," Adeola said. by September 2013 compared He outlined ongoing efforts with 3.8 per cent recorded at the to further strengthen the capibeginning of the year. tal base of the bank noting Managing Director, Sterling that it had successfully Bank Plc, Mr. Yemi Adeola, said launched an equity issue through a N12.5 billion rights issue, which is currently awaiting final regulatory approval. He added that the bank is in the process of concluding a private placement of US$120 million to further strengthen its capital position. DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-09-13 By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

MONEY LINK

Unity Bank’s capital raising plan advances

NITY Bank Plc has said its plan to raise additional capital for its next stage of expansion has reached advanced stage. The bank’s Acting Executive Director, South, Mahmud Elems who disclosed this at the weekend during a briefing in Lagos, said investors have already signified interest in acquiring equity stakes in the bank adding that discussions were nearing conclusion. He also said existing shareholders have also made commitments to increasing their stake in the bank.

Stories by Collins Nweze

According to Elems, the bank is perfecting its strategic plans, which would be unveiled to the public in the next few weeks adding that the lender has made a shift in focus, placing greater emphasis on the retail segment which would enable it serve more customers and add value to the economy. The bank, he added, would also be using the agency banking model to take banking services to the rural areas across the country. Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Theodora Amaechi said the bank is aiming to

branches in rural areas to create cheaper and easier access to financial services as part of the CBN Financial Inclusion Drive. The bank has already concluded plans for application of the model and has selected the agents who will take the service closer to the people. Amaechi said:“Unity Bank Plc stands a better chance of increasing its market share as a large number of the unbanked populace reside in the northern region of the country where the bank has a comparative advantage especially in terms of branch network.”

impact more on the economy with services that would reach the unbanked. She explained that the new focus was informed by CBN’s financial inclusion drive which seeks to reduce the percentage of the unbanked population. “We are strategising to ensure that Unity Bank becomes the retail bank of choice in Nigeria. To this end, the bank has developed new products that will suit its customers’ needs at a retail level and modified existing products to increase their competitiveness,” he said. The bank also plans to use the agency banking model and its

IFC seeks advisers for Cedi bond plan

HE International Finance Corporation (IFC) is seeking advisers for the sale of localcurrency bonds in Ghana, expanding an African debt programme that started with an issue in Zambia that attracted demand five times the amount offered. The World Bank unit, which received approval from Ghana regulators in August to sell two billion cedis ($880 million) under its pan-Africa Domestic MediumTerm Note Programme, is studying

proposals from local and international lenders, the IFC’s manager of Treasury Client Solutions for Africa, Andrew Cross, said. “We’re currently looking through a list of banks that are interested in playing a financial advisory role,” he said, without naming the lenders. “We’re in touch with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ghana Stock Exchange (GGSECI) and the Bank of Ghana to give us their

Saadia Khairi said. The IFC’s plan to issue cedi debt comes as yields on Ghana’s benchmark 91-day Treasury bills drop to the lowest since June 2012, falling 410 basis points, or 4.1 percentage points, to 19 per cent from this year’s peak reached in February. In June, the IFC said Ghana’s high borrowing costs made it difficult for bond sales to begin. Cross declined to comment on whether yields were now low enough.

support once we settle on the advisers.” The IFC is in talks with the governments of Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda about taking part in the program as it seeks to tap economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa that the International Monetary Fund estimates will reach five per cent this year, compared with 2.9 per cent globally. Africa may become the IFC’s biggest portfolio over the next three years, Chief Risk Officer

Global road traffic injuries cost $518b yearly, says Keystone Bank MD

ANAGING Director/ Chief Executive, Keystone Bank Limited, Mr. Philip Ikeazor has estimated the global yearly cost of road traffic injuries at $518 billion. The low and middle income countries accounted for $65 billion of the total figure. He made this known in Abuja at

the launch of the bank’s CSR initiative tagged “ Eye and health screening for commercial bus drivers” in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), The Eye Foundation and Public Health Partners. He said the bank had resolved to support the transport sector to help improve road safety and save lives.

Justifying the bank’s intervention in the sector, Ikeazor, while quoting statistics from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent, said road crashes had become the leading cause of death for youths aged 15 to 29 years. He said Nigeria accounted for over 85 per cent of global deaths from road crashes.

The Keystone Bank boss said the new initiative would provide free screening to interstate commercial transport drivers for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol as well as ascertain their level of blood group. The scheme would also carry out tests for glaucoma, visual acuity, and automated refraction eye tests.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 27-09-13

SYMBOL ETERNA LIVESTOCK NEM TRANSCORP UNITYBNK PRESTIGE NASCON PORTPAINT UNIONDICON FIDELITYBK

O/PRICE 4.06 4.68 0.60 5.35 0.63 0.56 12.77 5.42 4.22 2.65

C/PRICE 4.47 5.15 0.66 5.87 0.69 0.60 13.57 5.69 4.43 2.78

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

CHANGE 0.41 0.47 0.06 0.52 0.06 0.04 0.80 0.27 0.21 0.13

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR

Year Start Offer 147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) 149.7450 (S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N) Parallel Market 153.0000

Current Before 149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

O/PRICE 16.74 1.60 7.85 167.85 1.23 36.10 86.50 4.30 10.00 21.50

C/PRICE 15.87 1.52 7.46 160.10 1.19 35.00 84.05 4.20 9.80 21.10

CHANGE -0.87 -0.08 -0.39 -7.75 -0.04 -1.10 -2.45 -0.10 -0.20 -0.40

154.0000

Feb. ’11

156.0000

-1.96

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NIBOR

7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

DISCOUNT WINDOW

Tenor

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

LOSERS AS AT 27-09-13

SYMBOL OANDO DNMEYER NIGROPES TOTAL RTBRISCOE PRESCO FLOURMILL REDSTAREX CCNN ASHAKACEM

HE first draw marking First City Monument Bank's (FCMB) 30th anniversary promo would take place in December, the bank has said. In a statement at the weekend, the Senior Vice President/Divisional Head of Retail, FCMB Limited, Olu Akanmu, said eligibility to participate in the monthly regional and zonal draws is based on incremental balance, where customers are expected to save more than they withdraw from their accounts in the bank. He said those who emerge winners in the savings promo, stand a chance to take away Hyundai SUVs, refrigerators, freezers, generators, LCD televisions, DVD Players, N1million cash prizes and several consolation prizes, adding that the promo is open to current FCMB account holders, as well as new customers. He said the promo which has attracted thousands of new customers to FCMB, has brought about increased customer engagement activities, in all regions of the Federation. He said customer fora have also been organised where the general public has been educated on the ease of account opening at FCMB and the series of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) new policies, including the Cash-less programmes and reduced KYC (know your customer) documentation requirements for small savers. New customers have been seen besieging various branches of FCMB, making enquiries about the anniversary promo, opening new accounts, while the existing customers have responded positively in growing their savings and activities with the bank.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

FCMB's anniversary promo draws in December

Offer Price

Bid Price

154.86

154.15

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH

9.17

9.08

BGL NUBIAN FUND

1.18

1.16

BGL SAPPHIRE FUND

1.16

CANARY GROWTH FUND

0.75

0.74

CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST

1.39

1.33

CORAL INCOME FUND

1,571.43

FBN FIXED INCOME FUND

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND

1,000.00

FBN HERITAGE FUND

115.83

115.13

FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

100.00

FIDELITY NIGFUND

1.67

1.62

INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND

1.05

1.03

KAKAWA GUARANTEED INCOME FUND

1.00

LEGACY FUND

0.78

0.76

1,829.47

1,824.09

NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEBT FUND (NIDF) • • • • •

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

ISSUES The Nigeria Airways was liquidated in 2003. Since its demise, there have been talks of having another national carrier. Ten years on, that dream has yet to be realised. Now there are talks that Aero Airlines may assume that status. A national carrier is expedient to enable Nigeria reap from its Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA), but the road to achieving the dream appears far. KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR examines the concerns and issues raised by industry over the national carrier.

•A defunct Nigeria Airways plane

Long road to the proposed national carrier

HERE is no better time than now for Nigeria to deliver its national carrier: NigeriaOne, the proposed private sector-driven airline promised by the Federal Government. The desirability for a national carrier cannot be overstressed given the several Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that Nigeria has signed with other countries which it is not operating today. With more foreign airlines coming into the country, through the multiple entry point policy granted by the Federal Government, the only arrangement that could give the country the leverage to compete with the foreign airlines is a national carrier as promised by government. Since 2003, when Nigeria Airways was liquidated, foreign carriers have continued their quest for more frequencies into airports across the country, to the detriment of the few domestic carriers designated to fly international routes. Over the period, the few indigenous carriers that fly some intercontinental routes have not lived up to expectation. Attempts by the erstwhile Bellview Airlines and Virgin Nigeria Airways to offer some competition on some interna-

tional routes did not yield the desired results. Their failure to offer any meaningful competition led to the agitation to float a national carrier by government that could offer a window for Nigeria to negotiate bilateral agreements in favour of her airlines. Industry sources hinted a few weeks ago that the Federal Government was planning to designate Aero Airlines the national carrier. The source said Aero was considered be-

‘

cause of its equity holding which puts government at a vantage position, because the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), a special purpose vehicle set up by the government to absorb bad loans, has majority equity in the airline. But AMCON has denied any take-over of the airline to serve as the proposed national carrier. Last month, Aviation Minister Princess Stella Oduah assured that by the end of the year, the new national carrier: NigeriaOne

I am not aware of the designation of Aero as national carrier. What I know is that the new national carrier would be unveiled soon and there would be a lot of new aircraft coming into the country as well

’

will commence operations. She said the process leading to the establishment of the carrier has reached an advanced stage, adding that the template for qualification of would-be investors would be made public. Princess Oduah’s clarification came on the heels of speculations that Arik Air has been proposed as the national carrier. But the Managing Director, Mr Chris Ndulue, has since discoutenanced that assertion, saying the airline has not been approached by the authority to serve as a national carrier. However, The Nation investigation points to fresh plans by government to utilise the structure of the defunct Air Nigeria and Aero Airlines under a merger arrangement to establish the proposed national carrier. As the Ministry of Aviation proceeds with plans to set up a national carrier that would offer international, regional and domestic services, there are indications that Aero Airlines may be considered as the proposed national carrier. As a national carrier, Aero Airlines is expected to enjoy preferential rights or privileges accorded by the Federal Government for international operations. Continued on page 33

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

ISSUES

• Oduah

• Aligbe

• Ore

Long road to the proposed national carrier Continued from page 32

It is expected to hold some lucrative routes in monopoly, negotiate commercial agreements, pools and bilateral agreements with foreign airlines, articulate manpower training for the sector and serve as a diplomatic tool for Nigeria. Designating Aero Airlines as the national carrier may also allow the airline to codeshare with other international airlines, as this would improve Nigeria's ability to take advantage of BASA it has in place with other countries. Aero Airlines may have been selected for the role because of the 60 per cent stake the AMCON holds in the airline. Controversy is trailing the choice of a national airline, as the Ministry of Aviation has denied that an existing airline has been chosen. Princess Oduah said early this month that a new national airline would be unveiled before the end of the year. Speaking in an interview, the Special Assistant on Media to the Aviation Minister, Mr Joe Obi, said: "I am not aware of the designation of Aero as national carrier. What I know is that the new national carrier would be unveiled soon and there would be a lot of new aircraft coming into the country as well. “This will not be the first time speculation has centred on an indigenous airline being considered as the national airline. Last year, there were speculations that Arik Air was going to be named the national airline.” However, Assistant General Secretary, Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), Comrade OlayinkaAbioye, said the government had the right to pick either Aero Airlines or Arik Air as the national airline, but added that before doing so it should settle the outstanding benefits of Nigeria Airways staff. He said the government should not be in a hurry to unveil the new national airline until everything necessary to ensure its success has been put in place. Of concern to him is the huge debt profile of most indigenous airlines which, he said, government should consider first before designating any airline as the national carrier. But a former managing director of the defunct Nigeria Airways, Captain Mohammed Joji, said the country does not need a national carrier but a flag carrier. He said: "Nobody should take taxpayers' money and set up an airline. If you want to set up an airline, you go to the banks and raise a loan for it. Local airlines should be supported to go into alliance with international airlines. There are 24 airlines flying out this country and we cannot compete with a single one of them." The Nigerian government is seeking a new dominant carrier to fly its national colours. "What we are looking for is not a national carrier but it should be a dominant carrier. Whichever airline that they are hoping to be (the0 national carrier is going to go the same way Nigerian Airways went, it will die a natural death," Captain Dele Ore, Presi-

dent, Aviation Roundtable said in an interview last week. The domestic airline will enjoy privileges and preferential rights given by the Federal government for international operations. As the national carrier, it will also have a monopoly over some routes and bilateral agreements with foreign airlines. "They have not established and explained to the world and Nigeria why Nigerian airways was liquidated. Staff who were pensioned from Nigerian airways were unpaid and they think they'll be wishing them luck to succeed in whatever they are doing," explained Ore. Nigerian Airways served as the country's flag carrier from October 1, 1958 and ceased operations in 2003. It was wholly owned by the government and the airline's operations were concentrated at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. "The shoes of Nigerian airways are too big for anyone to step into." In terms of operations, almost all the seven local carrier airlines are battling with funding, huge debt load and multiple charges. Ore believes that no matter how smart or good the idea is, the government is going about it the wrong way. "The government is not doing enough to encourage investments into this place. Rather, than doing that, they have some very hostile policies that make it very unattractive," he said. According to Ore, if there is going to be a strong carrier, it will have to emerge from the private sector as the government doesn't run good enterprises. Nigeria One (Lagos) has been renamed to Nigerian Eagle, sources intimate with the Nigerian aviation industry hinted last week. Though still subject to official confirmation, Nigerian Eagle is set to come about from the amalgamation of Aero Contractors (AJ, Lagos) and defunct national carrier, Air Nigeria (VK, Lagos) by virtue of them both being controlled by the government-owned AMCON. Nigerian Eagle Airlines (VK, Lagos) was the name chosen for Air Nigeria's predecessor following the withdrawal of Richard Branson and the Virgin Atlantic (VS, London Heathrow) brand from Virgin Nigeria (VK, Lagos) in 2010.

‘

A source at AMCON said it was not the responsibility of firm to decide for Nigeria which airline would be a national carrier. He said: "AMCON does not decide who will be the national carrier." The Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah, had said that government is trying to set up a national carrier that will not be funded and managed by the Federal Government and that the carrier will be called 'NigeriaOne." The Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, assured Nigerians that the proposed National Carrier, would commence operations before the end of year. According to her, all the necessary framework and legal requirements for the smooth roll out of the carrier are already in place. She said: "Well, I think that everything we need to do for the carrier to take off is in place. "We are just waiting for the approval from presidency and the Federal Executive Council (FEC), to take off, so give or take, the new national carrier will take off before the end of the third quarter." Besides, the final approval from presidency and FEC, she added that every other thing was there, including the the legal framework establishing the national carrier. "We are awaiting the final approval from FEC and the presidency to roll out the carrier," Oduah stated. The minister, who spoke through Obi, has also reacted to the pessimism expressed by some persons over the project. "This national carrier that we are talking about is supposed to be private sector driven, government is only providing the legal and other framework, and the enabling environment for the carrier to take off.” According to him, there is going to be a core investor who will be a private entity and then other shares of the company will be thrown to Nigerians, "you and I, including the governor and every other person will buy in, assuring that the carrier will also be professionally managed. Oduah said the former national carrier failed due to bad management. "This one will be private sector-driven, will be managed by professionals who managed other carriers elsewhere in the

We must avoid what led to the failure of the defunct national carrier and the plan to form several other ones since then, if we must have a new national carrier this time around. I am optimistic that a new national carrier will go a long way in saving the industry a lot of money and assist travellers. I think the minister is passionate about it, too

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world, and don't forget that since it is going to be private sector-driven with private sector funds, there is no private sector corporate entity that will put in so much money in setting up a capital intensive business like aero plane business and will now leave it to mediocres to manage." The Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, also assured Nigerians that the proposed National Carrier, would commence operations before the end of the year. According to her, all the necessary framework and legal requirements for the smooth roll out of the carrier are already in place. She said: "Well, I think that everything we need to do for the carrier to take off is in place. Stakeholders are, however, divided over the desirability of a national carrier for the country. Minister of Aviation in the Second Republic, Mr. Samuel Mafuyai, has called on the Federal Government to establish a national carrier in order to maximise Nigeria's growing air travel market, and boost the image of the country in the comity of nations. Mafuyai said the national carrier is a tool of diplomacy and a symbol of greatness as the airline, emblazoned with the country's insignia flies to different parts of the world, registering its presence. "The Federal Government needs to set up a national carrier that the people could be proud of. The Managing Director, Belujane Konsult and former spokesman of Nigeria Airways, Mr. Chris Aligbe, has cautioned that the Federal Government should not have controlling equity in the proposed Nigerian national carrier. He said government should not have more than five per cent equity stake in the carrier. He said the only way Nigeria can become a hub in Africa Aviation industry is to have a national carrier that can compete with other foreign airlines coming to the country, but for the airline to succeed, government should not have controlling shares as that will lead to undue interference in the running of the airline. He said the decision by the government to scrap the defunct Nigeria Airways was a major mistake that has taken the Nigerian aviation industry back. He contended that the defunct airways was inefficient because of corruption, but it was government's undue interference and control that led to the collapse of the airways. He pointed out that it was a mistake to have invited Virgin Atlantic to come and help Nigeria set up a national carrier. Chris Aligbe, former manager, corporate affairs of defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL), noted: “The failure of the first national was not only due to corruption but government interference on the management and the running of the airline.” He said since it was fully owned by government, it was seen as wholly appointing the managers at will and remotely controlling the activities of the company. Aligbe, who is also the chief executive officer of Belujane Konzult, however noted, that as much as he would support the formation of another national carrier, it is advisable that government owns between five to 10 percent in the airline, while the remaining percentage should go to the private sector. “We must avoid what led to the failure of the defunct national carrier and the plan to form several other ones since then, if we must have a new national carrier this time around. I am optimistic that a new national carrier will go a long way in saving the industry a lot of money and assist travellers. I think the minister is passionate about it, too. “But government only needs to own a little share to give it a sovereign coverage. That is the difference between British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways. Kenya is also proud of Kenya Airways. Today, Ethiopia is proud of Ethiopian airlines today because they are successful,” he said. He said it will also be difficult for the country to become a hub as desired. “Unless Nigeria has a national carrier, it will never turn Nigeria into a hub. We even need more than one national carrier but as soon as government owns more that 10 per cent in the new carrier, there may be problem,” he added. Also, former President, Nigeria Cabin Crew Association, Olu Fidel Ohunayo, believes that unless the national carrier is wholly managed and owned by private investors, with government owning about five per cent stakes, it may be difficult for such airline to succeed. 2

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 , 2013

EQUITIES WATCH

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc has sustained impressive uptrend as the most active and fastest rising stock at the stock market in recent weeks. Now with the second highest average year-to-date return at the stock market, Capital Market Editor, TAOFIK SALAKO reports that while demand suggests strong prospects of further appreciation, the next earnings period may be decisive for the conglomerate.

What premium for Transcorp?

RANSNATIONAL Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc appears to be the toast of investors at the stock market. With the largest volume of activities and the highest capital appreciation week-on-week, it has sustained enviable position atop the activity chart at the stock market. Average year-to-date return at the stock market, as measured by the All Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), opens today at 39.77 per cent. Transcorp meanwhile opens with a year-to-date return of 459.05 per cent, trailing behind the Forte Oil, which opens with average year-to-date return of 1,321.22 per cent. Forte Oil, previously the fastest rising stock, had been slowed down in recent weeks by profit-taking transactions, with investors taking profit and relocking their gains into other stocks. For Transcorp, the recent share price rally and scramble started with the confirmation and, subsequently, the handover of its new acquisition- a power plant. As news made the round that Transcorp, alongside other bidders, had completed the acquisition of unbundled power plants, investors rushed shares of Transcorp, the only quoted company and publicly available window to participate in the privatisation of the power sector. Transcorp, through its subsidiary, Transcorp Ugheli Power Limited (TUPL), had in August completed acquisition of Ugheli power plant with the payment of $225 million to complete the $300 million bid price for the power plant. Transcorp had earlier made initial payment of $75 million, being required 25 per cent initial payment by bid winner. Transcorp then started a gradual rise, which fervour has continued to increase with the passing of every week. From a share price range of N1.33 in late August, Transcorp’s share price opens today t year-to-date high of N5.87 per share. This represents an increase of 341.4 per cent in the past three months.

A rush for power Transcorp is the anchor company in the Transcorp consortium, which included companies such as Wood Rock; Symbion Power LLC, USA; Medea Development; PSL Engineering and Control and Thomassen Services and Contracting Company. With installed capacity of 972 megawatts, current generating capacity of 300 megawatts and potential output of 1070 megawatts, the Ugheli power plant thickens the basket of the conglomerate’s businesses in strategic sectors including Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja; Transcorp Hotels, Calabar; Teragro Commodities Limited and Transcorp Energy Limited, operator of OPL 281. Power, upstream oil, hospitality and agriculture; the combination of businesses and sectors appear to make for a robust outlook, given the synergies in these fastest growing and dominant sectors of the Nigerian economy. Often cited in relation to the boom in the telecommunications sector, most analysts perceive the power firms as cash cows that would not only generate power but significant returns for investors. The monopolistic nature of the system and centrality of the success of the privatization to government’s transformation agenda confer enormous advantages on the power companies. But such enthusiasm is not reflecting on the market consideration of the conglomerate at the stock market, the best indicator to gauge public perception. This is more evident given that Transcorp holds the distinction as the only publicly quoted company with a pie of the power sector.

Growing conglomerate

Besides the acquisition of the Ugheli power plant, Transcorp has recently undertaken several strategic initiatives to enable stable growth. Transcorp recently concluded a rights issue of 12.91 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N1 per share. The net pro-

ceeds of the rights issue estimated at N12.52 billion was scheduled mainly to refinance the loan taken to acquire the Ughelli power plant. About 79 per cent of the net proceeds amounting to N9.84 billion would be used to refinance Ughelli Power. The conglomerate would use N1.63 billion, 13 per cent of net proceeds, for exploration and development of its oil block, Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 281. The balance of N1.05 billion, representing 8.0 per cent of net proceeds, would be used to develop new hotels Port Harcourt and Lagos; in order to boost the conglomerate’s hospitality business in the SouthSouth and South-West of Nigeria. Transcorp is also pushing for growth on other frontiers. It had revised the terms of partnership in its Oil Processing License 281 (OPL 281) in Nigeria. The revised terms were said to be as a result of a change of control in Transcorp as the conglomerate sought to fully take responsibility for the operation of the block in its bid to become a leading Nigerian indigenous oil and gas upstream company with production. It recently signed a new deal with Hilton Worldwide to build a new premier hotel in the up-market suburb of Ikoyi, Lagos. The proposed Transcorp Hilton Lagos, a full service, 350-room hotel on Glover Road, Ikoyi, will be the Hilton Group’s second hotel in Nigeria by Transcorp, following the awardwinning Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, which is one of the leaders in Hilton’s global network. The new hotel will be jointly owned by Transnational Hotels and Tourism Services Ltd, the hospitality subsidiary of Transcorp and Tony Elumelu’s Heirs Holdings. Speaking at the official signing of the management contract, Chairman, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Elumelu said the agreement marked another milestone in the long-standing partnership with Hilton Worldwide. According to him, the Ikoyi development, along with the extensive refurbishment

and upgrade of the group’s existing hotels in Calabar and Abuja, demonstrated the conglomerate’s commitment to driving growth in real estate and hospitality, a strategic sector for Nigeria’s economic development. “The new Transcorp Hilton Lagos will not only present an additional world-class venue for the increasing numbers of investors, businessmen and tourists to Nigeria, but is creating much-needed jobs for our citizens, enabling their social and economic development,” Elumelu, who doubles as chairman of Heirs Holdings, said. Managing Director, Transnational Hotels and Tourism Services Limited, Valentine Ozigbo said the Transcorp Hilton Lagos will grant the many Hilton Honors customers their desire to see a world-class establishment under their preferred brand in the Lagos. He said the full construction works for the new hotel will commence early 2014 pointing out that the hotel will boast of full conference facilities, meeting rooms, gym and spa, and a swimming pool in an iconic design that will certainly add verve to the Lagos landscape. For the board of Transcorp, its expanding business lines will deliver both shareholders’ values and social values. According to Elumelu, the conglomerate’s power business would create longterm social and economic values for all stakeholders as it would leverage on the successful acquisition of Ugheli to consolidate its growth strategy in Nigeria’s power sector. “We can now embark fully on our strategy to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s power sector, whilst creating long term economic and social value for our stakeholders and the greater community. We fully expect our engagement on this world-class project to improve the living standards of all Nigerians as well as impact positively on our country’s GDP,” Elumelu said.

Transcorp's Random Walk Pricing Trend 1200 1000 k o b o

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Timeline

•Chairman, Transcorp, Mr Tony Elumelu

President, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) Plc, Mr. Obinna Ufudo said TUPL has extensive worldwide power sector experience in Africa, Europe and the Middle East which underscores its unquestionable capacity to effectively manage the plant profitably in line with international standards. According to him, the conglomerate plans to increase the power generation of the plant from 300 megawatts to more than 1070 megawatts over the next five years. Chief executive officer, Transcorp Ughelli Power Limited (TUPL), Adeoye Fadeyibi added that the company plans to deliver on capacity targets and sustain the momentum using highly efficient people and resources to achieve operational excellence. Obviously, Transcorp is riding on the momentum of the power business and the new hotel deals. Besides, investors appear to see a more coordinated and determined approach to the growth of the conglomerate. But beyond the immediate enthusiasm, emerging corporate earnings of the conglomerate and steadiness of its business development strategy will determine the medium to long-term relativity of the share pricing trend. With its troubled background still casting doubts in the minds of several investors, Transcorp needs to deliver tangible and demonstrable returns to sustain growing investors’ confidence.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC with

Employing more staff for your business trust your instincts. According to Erika Welz Prafder, a human resource management expert, “Whether your new recruit will be filing reports or configuring computer networks, realise that criminal, under-qualified, and emotionally unstable minds hide in all uniforms and job titles.”

Unwanted behaviour

GOKE ILESANMI

F you have reached a point where you need to employ more people for your business in order to remain competitive and become more empowered, you need to understand that extra manpower entails a whole new string liabilities, expenses, paperwork and even of legal obligations before bringing just anyone on board. Research shows that hiring mismatches can result in high turnover, absenteeism, higher healthcare costs, workplace violence and theft, which mean huge costs to an organisation’s bottom line as well as corporate reputation.

Precautions

In the course of your hiring process, you should take precautions and ensure you make informed decisions, while staying within legal and ethical boundaries. One of the things you must not do in the hiring process is to

Another thing is to screen for unwanted behaviour. Depending on the position you are trying to fill, there are supplementary screening options available. Psychological testing, handwriting analysis, skill and aptitude tests and even lie detector tests are additional assessment tools that business owners exercise today to help them select the best job candidates. Prafder says such profiling allows you to select people who have the skills and the temperament needed to succeed in your business.

Personal knowledge

Personal knowledge of a candidate is one of the ways to a successful hiring process. Martin E. Davis, a human resource management expert educates that the best candidates are usually not hunting for a job. He adds that they may be people employed by one of your customers, your competitors, people in the same industry but not in the same line of business, or people in other industries who have exhibited the talents necessary for the job. Experts say if the selected candidate works for a customer, it is

WORKPLACE MATTERS

appropriate to contact the customer and let him know that his employee is a candidate for your position.

Paying the price

Paying the price constitutes yet another strategy in the hiring process. If the first approach could not provide a candidate, the next best avenue to getting the right candidate(s) is a toll road. A search firm or a highly reputed employment agency is a good but expensive route. The value of an outstanding employee is more than what you may want to pay. Your agreement with the search firm or agency should include the right to reimbursement if the hired candidate does not work out within a reasonable time period, perhaps six months and one year. This may be negotiable with each individual firm. This avenue is most often appropriate for higher-level positions and not entry-level jobs. The search firm or agency should do all preliminary screening, which often includes intelligence, personality, aptitude and skills testing, the cost of which should be included in the agency’s fee.

Hiring employees

additional

After the initial process of hiring employees for your new business, you may also need to bring more people as the business continues to grow. One challenge that business owners normally face here is when and how to hire addi-

tional employees. David Javitch, an organisational psychologist, internationallyrecognised author, keynote speaker and consultant says as a business owner, one of your most important tasks is workforce management. It is your job to make sure you have the right people—and the right number of people—to keep your company running smoothly. Javitch adds that if your business is growing and you are sensing you need to hire new employees, there are common clues to guide yourself.

Persistent complaints

One of the clues is persistent complaints from your hardworking employees. Complaints of this nature are common, but your task is to determine if they are legitimate by talking to your employees and asking them to validate their concerns of being “overworked”. Then look at attendance and productivity indicators to substantiate their claims. If what you find confirms their feedback, then you might decide to re-organise and restructure roles and responsibilities to better deal with the workflow. Javitch says you could use your new knowledge as a guide to hiring additional employees.

Growth curve and new set of skills

Another sign that you need to employ more people is when the growth curve for your products or services is increasing, and you identify that as a positive

trend that you need to get additional people. Javitch illuminates that when you determine that your employee’s existing job skills and knowledge are fine for your company’s current level of productivity, but to expand, you will need either increased skills and knowledge or a new and different set of skills, then it is a clue for you to get more people.

High profitability

Finally, when revenue is at or above target and you project it to continue; other than financially rewarding yourself and/or your employees, you wonder what to do with the increased revenue, then it is time to empower your business with more hands.

Last words

When it comes to actually choosing the best candidate for a job, hiring someone simply because you need an “extra body” is not wise as this inevitably results in poor performance, decreased productivity and decreased morale. Ensure that you hire only people who actually fit the job descriptions you have created when employing people for your business. You need to emphasise skills not fruitless experience in your job advert. PS: For those making inquiries about our Public Speaking, Business Presentation and Professional Writing Skills programme, please visit the website indicated on this page for details. Till we meet on Wednesday.

Embracing ethics and creativity management in your firm(3)

AST week, we said you need to give employees time to dream and remember that creative employees need downtime to recharge. We added that you should ensure that your employees are given time and room to think, explore, question, even play. We educated that another strategy for managing creative staff is to stress the importance of balance by surrounding them with semi-boring people, especially that the worst thing you can do to creative employees is to force them to work with someone like they are, a situation that can lead competition for ideas, eternal brainstorming, etc. We submitted that creative people need to spend time working without being micromanaged, meaning giving freedom to spend time developing uncommon ideas without having to constantly report on their progress. We said another thing is to direct creative staff at your actual problems and provide them with information and direction so that they grasp the big picture rather than becoming obsessed with the smaller details.

Never put pressure on creative people

Creativity is usually enhanced by giving people more freedom and flexibility at work. If you like structure, order and predictability, you are probably not creative. However, we are all more likely to perform more creatively in spontaneous, unpredictable circumstances — because we cannot rely on our habits. So do not constrain your creative employees by forcing them to follow processes or structures. Let them

By Goke Ilesanmi

work remotely and outside normal hours. This is the secret to managing Don Draper, and why he never went to work for a bigger competitor. This is also why so many top athletes fail to make the transition from a small to a big team, and why business founders are usually unhappy to remain in charge of their ventures once they are acquired by a bigger company.

Poor pay

There is a paradox about motivating creative people. This is that you need to pay them poorly. There is a longstanding debate about the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, professor of Business Psychology at the University College London (UCL) and vice president of Research and Innovation at Hogan Assessment Systems says over the past two decades, psychologists have provided compelling evidence for the so-called “over-justification” effect, namely the process whereby higher external rewards impair performance by depressing a person’s genuine or intrinsic interest. Most notably, two large-scale meta-analyses reported that, when tasks are inherently meaningful (and creative tasks are certainly in this condition), external rewards diminish engagement. Chamorro-Premuzic stresses that this is true in both adults and children, especially when people are rewarded merely for perform-

ing a task. However, providing positive feedback (praises) does not harm intrinsic motivation, so long as the feedback is perceived as genuine.

Moral of the story

Chamorro-Premuzic says the moral of the story is that the more you pay people to do what they love, the less they will love it. I am sure this assertion may not hold here in Nigeria because of desperation for survival. In the words of Czikszentmihalyi, “The most important quality, the one that is most consistently present in all creative individuals, is the ability to enjoy the process of creation for its own sake.” More importantly, people with a talent for innovation are not driven by money. Research on over 50,000 managers from 20 different countries indicates that the more imaginative and inquisitive people are, the more they are driven by recognition and sheer scientific curiosity rather than commercial needs.

Building a team

Employees want the respect of their peers; peer recognition and the power of the team are great motivators. Find ways to ensure that your workers can earn the respect of their peers, and if necessary employ group pressure to hold them accountable for their work. Ensure that people’s productivity is measured in terms of more meaningful criteria than mere hours spent working. According to T.S. Eliot, “Most of the trouble in this world is

caused by people wanting to be important”. And the reason is that others fail to recognise them. Fairness is not treating everyone the same, but like they deserve. Every organisation has high and low potential employees, but only competent managers can identify them. If you fail to recognise your employees’ creative potential, they will go somewhere where they feel more valued.

Surprising them

Few things are as aggravating to creative people as boredom. Creative people seek constant change, even when it is counterproductive. They take a different route to work every day, even if it gets them lost. Creativity is linked to higher tolerance of ambiguity. Creative people love complexity and enjoy making simple things complex rather than vice-versa. Chamorro-Premuzic asserts that instead of looking for the answer to a problem, they prefer to find a million answers. It is therefore essential that you keep surprising your creative employees or at least let them create enough chaos to make their own lives less predictable.

Final note

Even when you are able to manage your creative employees, it does not mean that you should let them manage others. Research shows that natural innovators are rarely gifted with leadership skills. There is a profile for good leaders, and a profile for creative people and they are rather differ-

ent. Chamorro-Premuzic says Steve Jobs had better relationships with gadgets than people, and most Google engineers are utterly disinterested in management. One of the reasons for the rapid collapse of start-ups is that their founders tend to remain in charge. Mark Zuckerberg brought in Sheryl Sandberg to make up for his own leadership deficiency. Research confirms that corporate innovators, that is, intrapreneurs exhibit many of the psychopathic characteristics preventing them from being effective leaders. They are rebellious, anti-social, self-centred and often too engaged to care about the welfare of others. If you manage them and their inventions well, they will impress you. By putting ethics in place and managing creativity well, the sky is the beginning not the limit of your firm’s potential for great achievements. Till we meet on Wednesday.

•GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Certified Public Speaker/MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach. He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant. Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

MONEY MARKET REPORT

Forex transactions hit $12b in 90 days

OREIGN exchange inflow and outflow through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) amounted to $12.01 billion and $12.65 billion in 90 days by September, data obtained from the CBN website has shown. The figure resulted in a net outflow of $0.64 billion during the review quarter. Foreign exchange sales by the CBN to the authorised dealers amounted to $10.771 billion, compared with $10.772 billion in the preceding quarter. The analysis showed that the average exchange rate of the Naira vis-à-vis the dollar at the Wholesale window was N157.32 per dollar. Available data showed that global growth remained low, averaging 2.5 per cent during the first half of 2013. While growth in advanced economies recently gained some speed, it slowed in emerging economies. Inflation continued to decelerate in advanced. Meanwhile it is expected that naira depreciation would continued this week due to increased dollar demand by corporate organisations to cover import bills and other foreign exchange obligations for the year-end. The naira declined by 1.3 per cent at the parallel market to trade at N167 per dollar as at the end of the week. Analysts at Afrinvest West Africa Plc said they expect further pressure on the naira as the yuletide draws closer. Rates at the money market trended in opposite direction to the declining yields witnessed across various treasury instruments during the week. The Nigeria Interbank Offered Rate (NBOR) call rate was up by 39 basis points (bps) Week-on-Week, closing the week at 10.58 per cent while the three-months and 12-months NIBOR trended in like path with 168bps and 32bps increase in the same manner to 13.16 per cent and 12.58 per cent. "While we expect a marginal retraction this week, we expect a more stable money market rates for the rest on the year," the analysts said.

Forex fraud

Authorised dealers violating foreign exchange (forex) policy will be sanctioned, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said. The apex bank disclosed that some dealers are failing to document forex demands and sales to their customers, as required under the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS). In a circular to dealers, the CBN Director, Trade and Exchange, Batari Musa said the regulator observed that some authorised dealers have continued to deal in 'free funds' without adequate documentation contrary to provisions of extant regulation. The Circular signed on behalf of Musa by W.D. Gotring said: "Further to the circular Ref: TED/AD/2004 of March 4, 2004 titled: Transaction in 'Free Funds' by Authorised Dealers' said it observed that some authorized dealers have continued to deal in 'free funds' without adequate documentation contrary to provisions of extant regulation.” The CBN reminded the dealers that the circular is still in force and all dealings in foreign exchange must be supported with appropriate documentation and returns rendered to regulatory authorities irrespective of the source of the funds. He said dealers that violate the laws will be sanctioned. By adopting the RDAS in place of Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS), the CBN is now able to closely monitor forexutilisation of each customer and sectors of the economy for documentation and policy formulation. This protects foreign reserves from depletion and saves the naira. The regulator had in September, replaced Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) with RDAS because of the ineffectiveness of the former in addressing hitches in the forex market. It also withdrew the licences of 20 bureaux de change (BDCs) operators for violating forex rules, an indication that more licences withdrawal may be seen in future, should the violation continue. Under the RDAS, banks and other authorised dealers place bids on behalf of individual clients who qualify to buy forex at the official auction. The change from WDAS to RDAS allows the authorities to monitor more accurately various sources of forex demand and any potential duplication of forex demand in the system. Banks will remain responsible for all documentation requirements.

‘Transaction in 'Free Funds' by Authorised Dealers' said it observed that some authorized dealers have continued to deal in 'free funds' without adequate documentation contrary to provisions of extant regulation’

• Finance Minister, Mrs Ngozi OkonjoIweala By Collins Nweze

ANAN

The President, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), BalaKaoje has urged the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) to assist the nation in tracing the missing N500 billion SURE-P Fund. He said this in Abuja at the induction of 167 fellows of ANAN. According to him, members of this association (ANAN) will help us to trace where this money is. “This is a task I am giving as the President of the APBN to the ANAN President and all members of the association. “We cannot as a nation allow corruption to ruin us. We must fight corruption in order to occupy our rightful place in the comity of nations,” he said. He said other professional bodies looked forward to accountants, particularly ANAN. He was optimistic that ANAN would do a great deal in helping to fight corruption in Nigeria. “Your body has been talking about whistle-blowing. This is a big challenge to all accountants because is not everybody that is ready to blow the whistle as some people might be afraid. “Blow the whistle about these people trying to milk this country dry,” Kaoje said. He said that he had been leading 28 professional bodies, including ANAN. Kaoje, however, said: “ANAN is highly respected among the bodies.” He expressed appreciation to all members of the association for what they were doing in the economic development of the nation. Kaoje said he was happy that the Fellows were all matured and in positions to help the country, having put in 10 years of service and had become matured. ``This is yet another milestone by the association. It is not easy to have over 100 Fellows. It means you have done a lot of trainings and a lot of examinations,'' he said. President,ANAN,Alhaji Sakirudeen Labode said plans were in the pipeline to create a forum for Fellows. According to him, the Fellowship of ANAN goes with certain privileges and the criteria for Fellowship of the association are well known.

Money laundering

Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), has advised banks to report suspicious transactions perpetrated by their customers to Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) as well as observe customer due diligence.

• CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

These, the GIABA Information Officer, Timothy Melaye said, would keep Nigeria out of the list of countries identified as jurisdictions with significant deficiencies in their Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes. Melayeww told The Nation at the weekend banks should do more in ensuring that they understand their customers' businesses better. He said Nigeria has taken the right steps including the establishment of legal and regulatory framework that will assist it meet its anti-money laundering initiatives, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and GIABA in a statement said: "The FATF welcomes Nigeria's significant progress in improving its AML/CFT regime and notes that Nigeria has established the legal and regulatory framework to meet its commitments in its Action Plan regarding the strategic deficiencies that the FATF had identified in February 2010. Nigeria is therefore no longer subject to FATF's monitoring process under its on-going global AML/CFT compliance process. Nigeria will work with GIABA as it continues to address the full range of issues identified in its Mutual Evaluation Report."

Equity fund

Private equity firms have invested nearly $12 billion in Nigeria, South Africa and other Africa countries. The firms have also raised almost $10 billion, according to a study by Ernst & Young and the African Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (AVCA). Reuters in a report, said many private equity firms are adamant that Africa is the next hot spot for the industry as its burgeoning middle class continues to bloom, but the pension and endowment funds who invest in private equity funds are more cautious. It is not hard to see what has attracted them to the continent. Over the last 10 years, Africa's economic output has increased threefold to $2 trillion and six African countries have been among the fastest-growing economies in the world. Daniel Schoneveld, principal at private equity firm Hamilton Lane, told a conference earlier this month. And because of the uncertainty and many risks involved, many pension funds are hesitant.

World Bank

Nigeria's short term macroeconomic outlook looks generally strong, with the likelihood of higher growth, lower inflation, and reserve accumulation, the World Bank

‘Poverty reduction and job creation have not kept pace with population growth, implying social distress for an increasing number of Nigerians’

has said. In a statement, the global lender said the development will present the government with an opportunity to make progress in key reforms and public investments associated with the Transformation Agenda for job creation, diversification, and more effective governance. The Nigeria Economic Report (NER) launched by the World Bank earlier in the year sounded a cautionary note, indicating that Nigeria's economic growth has not automatically translated into better economic and social welfare for Nigerians. As the NER notes, "poverty reduction and job creation have not kept pace with population growth, implying social distress for an increasing number of Nigerians." As part of its forecast for Nigeria, the NER also suggests that Nigeria will need to build up its fiscal reserve to protect the country from oil price volatility. It will also need to increase internally generated revenue to compensate for what will likely be declining oil revenues relative to the size of the economy. Given that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is growing much faster than oil output, and is experiencing significant inflation at a stable exchange rate, the size of Government oil revenues relative to GDP should decline even in the event that oil prices increase.

Leasing

Leasing could be a significant financing alternative for projects and businesses that would create wealth for the economy, Executive Secretary, Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN), Andrew Efurhiewe has said. In a communiqué released after this year's leasing conference held in Lagos, he explained that globally, leasing has been used to facilitate the sale of vendors' goods, enhance lessors' profits and grant lessees the access to productive assets. He said the lessor, vendor and lessee need to collaborate for them to achieve set objectives. "There exists a communication gap between the lessor and vendor which must be adequately bridged to produce a more robust leasing environment. “The potential of leasing is high considering the low lease penetration in Nigeria in comparison with other countries. There is need to regulate the activities of vendors in order to check the unscrupulous acts of some vendors which are detrimental to the growth of the leasing industry," he said. Efurhiewe said professionals should facilitate accurate valuation of leased assets and create a strong secondary market for used assets. He said improved synergy between lessors and vendors will create growth and employment for the economy. He said ELAN is going to liaise with vendors and other stakeholders to create an efficient leasing industry that will continue to build wealth for the economy. He said the body will continue its proactive initiative by bringing to the membership fold reputable vendors and work towards setting standards for their dealings with lessors.

JOBS THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

â&#x20AC;˘ A leather factory

The open leather trade

The job prospects in the leather industry appear limitless. With little education, all a job seeker needs is to acquire the requisite vocational skills to end his misery. TOBA AGBOOLA reports.

EATHER is derived from animals, hides and skin. From this raw state, it is turned into footwears, bags, upholstery and other accessories. The tanning of leather can boost the economy of a country like Nigeria which mainstay is oil. Experts say the industry has the potential to generate foreign exchange (forex) and employment, especially for micro,small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), boys and girls. According to a report by the Centre for

Research and Documentation (CRD), if appropriate standards and regulations are institutionalised, franchise production agreements can be entered into between industrial tanneries and shoe manufacturers to boost the productivity of MSME leather producers; and create over 500,000 jobs across the value chain, particularly for youths and women. Shoe and hand bag making business requires little education. Just as there are lawyers that have dumped their wigs and

gowns for leather shoe and bag making business, so also are people who are not educated. For young school leavers desirous of becoming car and home upholsters, all that is required is a vocational training of between two and three years, depending on their level of intelligence. It could, however, be shorter if the apprentice catches up on time. So, discovâ&#x20AC;˘Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

JOBS •Continued from page 37

ering the hidden fortune in the leather industry, though shoe and bag making does not require any hard and fast rule concerning educational requirement. Another potential job area are the tanneries. According to CRD, there are 41 tanneries in the country, with 30 in Kano. All these tanneries have become dormant. If the right policies are adopted, jobs will be created to stem violent crime, restiveness and insecurity. Particularly, women will have the opportunity to design and market finished leather products, allowing them to work from home and taking care of their kids. Grazing reserves will inevitably be established to assure security and availability of availability of modern veterinary services and extension services. This will create jobs for veterinary doctors and others along the value chain too while it will lead to the improvement in livestock yield as well as in the quality of the hides and skin which are the major raw materials for the industry. According to sector analysts, there is potential to tap into the growing domestic, regional and international market for hides and skin and leather products. The export market for raw hides and skin is said to be worth about $4.4 billion, $14 billion for rough

The open leather trade

• Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga

tanned and finished leather and $25 billion for footwear with leather uppers. Chemonics International, last year projected that Nigeria has the potential of generating about $140 million per annum from

• Chairman, Board of Trustees Leather and Allied Products Association of Nigeria (LAPAN) Alhaji Danyaro

leather products. It is hoped that the Leather Sector Revolution Committee set up by the Federal Government with the mandate to turn around the fortunes of the leather industry will walk their mandates.

With representatives from the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Kano State Ministry of Commerce, Aba Shoe Cluster and the United Kingdom Department

‘There is potential to tap into the growing domestic, regional and international market for hides and skin and leather products. The export market for raw hides and skin is said to be worth about $4.4 billion, $14 billion for rough tanned and finished leather and $25 billion for footwear with leather uppers’ for International Development (DfID), among others, the committee has to deliver a comprehensive blue print for the sustainable development of the industry.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Fishing out your dream job: Techniques and strategies

E are presenting the last in the series designed to provide job seekers the road map to nitty-gritty of the tough aspects tackling the job market and making it available for you, no matter where it is. Job fairs Job fairs are being utilised by an increasing number of recruiters. They offer a cost-effective and convenient way to contact a large number of candidates in a relatively short them. Job fairs also offer similar benefits to candidates — as long as you know how to work them. Plan in advance and your job fair visit will be very worthwhile. Be sure to investigate all p a rt i c i p a t i n g c o m p a n i e s i n advance. When possible, obtain a list of these companies from fair organisers, and begin to research about six to ten companies that may be of particular interest to you. In making your decision, consider the type of candidates sought, company location, company reputation, etc. Once you’ve drawn up your list, do some research on these companies at your local library, on the worldwide web, or through directly contacting the company. Be sure to uncover basic information such as company product and services, company size, etc. You may even want to explore what the company’s philosophy or approach is. In particular, what they emphasise in their literature. Write this information obtained on index cards, a notebook, or in a PC file. Your next step is to check out your own communication tool for the fair, your resume. Be sure to give it a make-over to make sure that it highlights and showcases your skills in a professional and concise way for the job you are seeking. If it

By Olu Oyeniran

doesn’t, revise it in advance of your visit to the job fair. Now it’s time to put both items together. For each company that you have researched information on, write down the basic details obtained. Next to this information, list some skills, qualifications, achievements, or specialised training from your resume that would match the company’s “ideal” candidate. A typical entry in your notebook may look like this: XXYYZZ Nigeria Plc • Manufacture and sell office products and equipment. • Lagos-based • 550 employees. • Family owned and operated with strong commitment to customer service. • Looking for sales professionals. • Five year outside sales experience and an associate’s degree in marketing. • Worked in retail during school, completed an internship, have strong letters of recommendation for friendliness and courtesy to customers. As the date for the job fair approaches, check out your logistics. Make sure that you know where the event is being held, where to park, job fair hours, etc. Depending on the number of companies scheduled to attend, it’s a good idea to allow yourself at least one and a half hours to talk with prospective employers. Be sure to dress appropriately for the fair, and bring along 10 to 12 copies of your resume. Plan on arriving about 45 minutes to one hour after the official start time Look for your targeted companies, did they all show up? How

busy are they at the moment? If a recruiter is busy talking to other candidates, look for another targeted company whose table is free. The trick is to minimise waiting in line, and maximise talking with prospective employers. Be sure to shake hands with the recruiter and introduce yourself Provide them with a copy of your resume to look over, along with your references, or any letters of recommendation you may have. As they review your resume, describe your background and qualifications. Make this a brief, to the point presentation recapping your skills and abilities. At this point, the recruiter may have some additional questions about your qualifications and also provide you with information about job vacancies. Keep your talk concise — your total time spent with a recruiter should not be more than eight to ten minutes. To wrap up, thank the recruiter for their time, express an interest in a more formal interview in the future, and ask for a business card to send a follow-up thank-you letter. After you’ve talked with the recruiters of your “targeted” companies, talk with other employer representatives if time allows. By doing so, you can often uncover information about certain companies and jobs that you were unaware of prior to the job fair. Finally, make one last tour of the area before you leave, and stop by the tables of any recruiters who had been especially helpful or interested if your background. Reintroduce yourself remind them of your earlier meeting, and reiterate your interest in scheduling to meet with them at a later date. Visit a local job fair and inter-

view with at least five companies and collect at least 10 business cards. However, I will say that you do not put too much stock into this strategy. We have discussed the main strategies for job hunting. A major issue for job seekers but the least discussed is the issue of fear. But anybody who has had to look for job will agree it is a regular company at various points in the job hunting stages. We will bring the matter to the fore by considering how to manage fear. You’ve heard of fire-fighting, let’s talk about fear fighting. You may have heard the old saying “Fire and fear – good servants, poor masters”. Whenever I hear that quote, I always am struck by how much fire and fear have in common. • It’s easy for both to get out of control and main or damage. We have a fear of both. (Nothing to fear, but fear itself). • Both can be hard to capture or contain, much less extinguish. • Both can be controlled and made to serve us, if created respectfully and knowledgeably. We are currently in a business climate where fear is an every day companion for most of us. Our friends, business associates and clients can seem to take an almost ghoulish delight in sharing the latest business horror story. Even the strongest of us can find ourselves bitten by the Fear Bug, and from there, the fear can start to grow like a dread disease. It starts to permeate every task every phone call, every prospect interaction. How do we inoculate ourselves from the fear virus? How do we keep it from destroying our peace, sapping our energy and stealing our motivation? You may have heard what we

resist, persists” This is definitely true for fear. We can fear any number of things in these challenging times, many of which are beyond our control. The pivot-point questions are: What can I affect? (What is within my ability to change, control, or manipulate, even minutely?). Am I willing to take the effort to do so? Consider these in managing fear: • Honour the fear: Acknowledge it. Thank it for showing up. Do not deny it, or stuff it away, or anesthetise it with food, alcohol or drugs. • Be aware that there is no shame in being afraid. Fear is a natural response. It means our systems body, mind, spirit, and emotions are working the way they are supposed to. • Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen? Have I been through something like that before? Am I willing to deal with the situation? If not, what am I prepared to do? What am I prepared to change?” • Understand that fear is not a signal to stop, not a Red Light. Fear is a Yellow Light, telling us to proceed with caution and awareness. • Give yourself permission to move forward cautiously, with the fear. Consider fear an informative traveling companion, not on adversary during these challenging times. And certainly, not the thief of our peace of mind and our future security. • Ask yourself “what will I do if am not afraid?” Then, just do what you would have done if you are not afraid. •Oyeniran is Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Associates. He can be reached on Jobsearchhow.com.ng Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

LABOUR

NECA urges govt on privatisation of refineries • Warns owners to take labour issues serious T HE Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) has implored the the refineries in the country. NECA’s Director-General, Mr Olusegun Osinowo, said privatising the refineries was inevitable to stop the deluge of petroleum products importation, as well as check the subsidy, which has no positive impact on Nigerians. He argued that selling the refineries would give respite for the huge funds expended on their turnaround maintenance. He said the ills besetting the nation’s downstream sector of the petroleum industry would be addressed if the private sector was allowed to maintain the refineries. Oshinowo, however, warned that the impact would be damning on the economy if labour issues were not well-handled under the privatisation agenda.

Stories by Toba Agboola

While praising President Goodluck Jonathan for the courage in privatising the sector, which he said could be seen as a defined legacy for the administration, he regreted that the process was being marred by industrial relations issues. “The big issue that nobody is talking about, though the BPE and the NERC have done the needful in privatisation, is that we have not seen their template in the area of industrial relations,” he said, adding that the most that have been done was the physical take over, but not the human take-over, insisting that failure to do that would cause undue crisis which could endanger the economy. He said: “ If the nation could

tolerate four months of strike in the education sector, I don’t think the economy can withstand that if the workers in the power sector should decide to withdraw their services. “The Ministry of Labour should be echoing this and should be talking to the new employers. We shouldn’t wait until the bubble bursts before we start running from pillar to post.” Harping on the need for collaboration between the employers and the unions in the sector, he explained that there is need for the new employers to come together to interact with the unions to avert the impending crisis. To forestall this, Oshinowo said NECA has scheduled a meeting with the new employ-

ers in the power sector for early next month. He advised the unions talk to the new employers as against the Ministries of Power and Labour. He said the unions were not talking to the right people, because the duty has been shifted to the new employers, stressing that NECA was ready to bridge the gap between the employers and the employees to ensure that there is industrial harmony. He said the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and other government’s agencies that superintended the sale of the power assets to the new investors did not consider any industrial relations templates during the auctioning of the assets. He explained that the new owners must deem it necessary to give workers the right to

Chemical industry loses over 1500 jobs

HE Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CANMPSSAN) said it lost over 1500 members in the last one year to closure of industries in the country. Over 15 industries, which are members of the union have also closed shop during the period, according to the association’s President, Comrade Mohammed Abdul Gafar has said. He said because most of the closed industries were being taken over by religious bodies did not mean that the industrial sector was collapsing. He said the union was helpless as the trend takes a toll on its mem-

• From left: Deputy Director, Social Economic and Labour Affairs NECA, Mr Timothy Olawale; Director-General, Segun Osinowo and Director-General, Learning and Development, Mrs Celine Oni, at the event in Lagos.

NDE unveils entrepreneurship scheme

HE National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has introduced a new programme - the Advanced Entrepreneurship Development Programme (A-EDP) - designed to prepare its trained beneficiaries to access enhanced micro credit. A-EDP, which was unveiled by the Director-General, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, is to ensure that beneficiaries do not only get paid to get trained, but also receive capital for the skills

and trades they have learnt. He lauded the Federal Government’s policy of inclusive growth, part of which, he explained, is aimed at creating employment and other economic opportunities for the poor and vulnerable people in the society. NDE is a collaborative partner in the implementation of the skills for job (S4J) initiative under the World Bank assisted Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO), adding that its operation is de-

signed to grant poor families access to increased opportunities for youth employment and other social services. He stressed that sustained livelihood of the poor can effectively be achieved through skill acquisition. He said NDE has in the last one and half years, recorded a total of 145,183 beneficiaries within the platform of the vocational, agricultural, entrepreneurial and transient jobs training segment.

‘Africans should re-examine relations with China’

FRICAN labour unions have urged governments on the continent to re-examine their relationship with China, accusing it of unfair dealings in tapping the continent’s resources. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the Trade Union Congress, Ghana (TUC-Ghana) spoke in Abuja where they brainstormed on issues affecting Africans.

A communiqué signed by the First Deputy President of COSATU,Tyotyo James; President of NLC,Abdulwahed Ibrahim Omar and SecretaryGeneral ,TUC (Ghana), Kofi Asamoawa, also urged governments to create a roadmap for the reindustrialisation in the continent. It said: “Africa should re-examine its relationship with China as China is not interested in Africa’s industrialisation but

only in its raw materials to drive China’s industrialisation. “Industrialisation is an agenda that the people of Africa must pursue and that Africa must develop in order not to remain a market for goods and services from industrialised nations.” It added that women and youth structures must be accommodated in the unions, constitutions, saying there must be deliberate policies to address their issues.

unionism and collective bargaining to enable them have a sense of belonging in the organisation. He warned that failure on the part of the owners to use industrial relations as a guide would spell doom for the power sector and the nation at large. Oshinowo said the privatisation of the refineries should be treated separately from the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), now at the National Assembly, adding that because the power sector has been privatised and the assets of the defunct PHCN ceded to the new owners, was not a guarantee for efficient power supply. He said Nigerians should take cognisance of the challenges in the sector, stressing that they would take some time to overcome.

bership, adding that it is exploring other investment areas to strengthen its activities. According to him, reliance on check-off dues from members is no longer sustainable because of the disturbing rate of industry closures. He said: ”In years to come, we are venturing into hospitality business, stock trading and other product investments that would give the union requisite resources to fund its activities.” He urged the Federal Government to consider the re-evaluation of its industrial policies, with such re-evaluation targeted at fixing infrastructure deficit and granting at least five years waivers to industries.

‘Sacked PHCN workers’ll get jobs’

OR the almost 47, 000 workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) who lost their jobs recently, there is hope. The workers that constituted the bulk of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), stakeholders said, are employable. The Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Sunday Adeyemi said the disengaged workers stand better chances of landing jobs in the post - sector reforms era than any new employee from outside. He said this view was true because thousands of the disengaged electricity sector workers have the knowledge of the operations of the power plants and other PHCN facilities across the country, adding that it would take months, or even years for the new owners of the power companies to source for new manpower for their companies. Insisting that experience counts and plays a major role in the recruitment of workers, particularly for those workers in technical and high skill areas, the CIPM Registrar said all the disengaged PHCN workers need do, is update and improve on their skills and competencies, to make them relevant to the new owners of the power companies. “The workers need to be ready

to move on and find a positive way forward. It is also important to have worked out any issues concerning wrongful termination because this can prevent you from moving on,” he said, adding that it was important for the former workers to leave whatever pain they felt behind them, saying the they should not be ashamed of their job loss. Chairman, Lagos Chapter, NUEE, Mr. Adeleke Ibrahim, said the Federal Government’s reasons for not having the money, or will to implement the reforms was a challenge. He had pointed out that while the sector unions were not against privatisation of the PHCN, or the power reforms, he urged the government to pay the workers their entitlements before the new owners start operations, noting that this would put the disengaged workers on a sure footing in their quest to forge ahead in their new career. The Lagos State NUEE boss said some of the issues in contention, which included the non-payment of retirement savings to pension fund administrators and non-remittance of dues of two per cent deducted from workers’ salaries to the unions, be addressed, adding that a workforce without pensions and one that faces threats of sack, would not be active or productive.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Taxation

Tax implication of mergers and acquisitions

ERGER is defined as ‘‘any amalgamation of the undertakings or any part of the undertakings or interest of two or more companies or the undertakings or part of the undertakings of one or more companies and one or more bodies corporate’’. Simply put, a merger is a combination or integration of existing companies to form a company. Acquisition, on the other hand, is known as takeover. It is the take-over of by one company of sufficient share in another company to give the acquiring company control over that other company. Statutory Requirement under Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) The CITA in Section 29(12) Cap (21, LFN, 2004) provides that ‘‘no merger, take-over, transfer or restructuring of the trade or business carried on by a company shall take place without having obtained the Service’s direction under sub-section 9 of this section and clearance with respect to any tax that may be due and payable under the Capital Gains Tax Act’’. The implication of this provision is that the approval of the Federal Inland Revenue Service is a necessary condition for the completion of the process in a merger or acquisition bid. Therefore, no merger or acquisition bids would be fully consummated without the companies involved having obtained consent from the FIRS. Procedure for obtaining the service’s approval From the start, the merging companies are required to submit to the FIRS, copies of the scheme of merger and scheme of arrangement on the consolidation request for its study and proper evaluation in order to ensure that taxes which may result from the companies’ transactions are correctly assessed and collected. Herein lies the relevance of the Service’s powers under section 29(9) (i) to require either of the companies directly affected by any direction which is under the consideration of the Service to guarantee or give security to its satisfaction for payment in full of all tax due or to become due by the company which is selling or transferring such asset or business. Tax issues in mergers and acquisitions A merger may result in any of the following situations: · Formation of a new company. · Continuation of the consolidated business by one of the merging parties, in its name or under a new name. · Cessation of business by the other merging parties. In acquisition, there is only an acquiring company (ies) and the company being acquired. Emergence of a New Company Rendition of Annual Returns Where a new company emerges from a merger process, then, the new company is expected to file its returns, in line with the provisions of Section 55(3)(b) of CITA. The section provides that “every new company shall file with the Service, its audited accounts and returns within eighteen (18) months from the date of its incorporation or not later than six (6) months after the end of its first accounting period as defined in section 29(3) of this Act, whichever is earlier’’. It should however be understood that a mere change of name does not make an existing business entity a new company. Such companies will continue to be treated as old businesses on an ongoing concern basis. Basis of assessment Commencement rule as provided under Section 29(3) will apply to the new company, except where any of the under-listed circumstances arise: (I) Where the merging parties are connected parties, the Service may direct that commencement rule be set aside, in which case, the new company will file its returns as an on-going concern and its assessment will be determined on preceding year basis. (II) Where the new business is a reconsti-

and solicitors are regarded as capital in nature and will, therefore, not be allowed as deductible expenses by virtue of Section 27(a) of CITA. (iii) Taxation of consolidation fees Fees paid to professionals for services rendered in connection with consolidation will be subject to VAT and WHT at the rates of five per cent and 10 per cent. 4.3.1 Tax indemnification Section 29(9)(i) of CITA provides that the Service may require the new company to guarantee or give security for payment in full, for any tax due or that may become due by any of the ceased companies. 4.3.2 Approval for Pension Scheme The new company will need to obtain a Joint Tax Board (JTB) approval for its staff pension scheme.

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed Mashi

‘For the purpose of CGT, disposal arises where any capital sum is derived from a sale, lease, transfer, an assignment, a compulsory acquisition or any other disposition of assets’ tuted company, taking over the trade or business formerly run by its foreign parent company. Claim of allowances Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) did not categorically address the value at which assets may be transferred for the purpose of capital allowances claims. However, International Accounting Standard 22 prescribes that in merger accounting, the assets, liabilities and reserves must be recorded at their carrying balances, implying that merger process does not permit the recording of assets at their fair value in the event of consolidation. The new company will therefore not be entitled to any investment allowance claim or initial allowance on the transferred assets; it will only be entitled to claim annual allowance on the Tax Written Down Values (TWDV) of the transferred assets. Unabsorbed losses and un-utilised capital allowances brought forward The new company may also not be permitted to inherit the unabsorbed losses and capital allowances of the absorbed companies, except under the following circumstance: (i) where a reconstituted company is carrying on the same business previously carried on by this company and it is proved that the losses have not been allowed against any assessable profits or income of that company for any such year; in that case the amount of unabsorbed losses shall be deemed to be a loss incurred by the re-constituted company in its trade or business during the year of assessment in which the business commenced. Taxes and deductibility of related expenses (i) Stamp duties Duty payment will arise on the share capital of the new company, subject to the provisions of Section 104 of the Stamp Duties Act, in relation to capital and duty relief. (ii) Consolidated expenses Fees paid to statutory bodies such as SEC, NSE, CBN, Land Authorities etc, including professionals like accountants, stockbrokers, issuing houses,

Status of a surviving company in relation to taxation It is a possibility that one of the merging companies survives and its old name or a new name to inherit the assets, liabilities, reserves and entire operations of the merging parties. Where this happens, the following points must be noted: (i) The surviving company must file its returns in line with the provisions of section 55(3)(a) of CITA. (ii) Commencement rules under section 29(3) of CITA will not apply to the surviving company, as it will be regarded as an existing company. (iii) The surviving company will not be allowed to claim investment allowance on the assets which were transferred to it and will also not claim initial allowance on such assets. (iv) The surviving company may however claim annual allowance only on the tax Written down Values (TWDV) of the assets transferred to it. (v) The surviving company may not inherit the unabsorbed losses and capital allowances of the merging companies, except it is proved that the new business is a reconstituted company. (vi) All fees payable on merger bids or consolidation will be liable to VAT and WHT just like it is applicable on the emergence of a new company. Stamp duties will be paid on the increase in share capital and the company will have to obtain its own staff pension scheme approval from the JTB. Ceased Businesses The merger or consolidation exercise may also result in cessation of business for any of the merging parties. In this case, cessation rule as applicable under section 29(4) of CITA will apply to any of the merging companies which have now ceased business permanently, except if any of the following circumstances occur: (i) Where the merging companies are connected. Here, the Service may direct, in line with its discretionary powers, under section 29(9) of CITA that the cessation rule may not apply. (ii) Where a reconstituted company is formed to take over the trade or business formerly run by its foreign parent company. (See Section 29(10) of CITA. Capital Gains Tax Shares or Cash Received Section 32A of Capital Gains Tax Act (CGTA) Cap 121LFN 2004 provides that a person shall not be chargeable to tax under the Act, in respect of any gains arising from the acquisition of the shares of a company, either merged with, or taken over or absorbed by another company, as a result of which the acquired company has lost its identity. However, where shareholders are either wholly or partly paid in cash for surrendering their shares in the ceased business, the gains arising from the cash payment will be subject to CGT. Effect of taxations on consolidation acquiring/ acquired companies The tax implications of consolidation on an acquiring company or acquired companies are similar to those of mergers. Acquisition expenses are non-deductible while fees paid to professional bodies are equally subject to WHT and VAT.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

POLITICS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

PDP CRISIS Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the protracted crisis between Northwest Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains and the National Working Committee (NWC) and its implications for the 2015 elections.

Can PDP joke with Northwest?

HE ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have shot its arrow in a wrong direction. Ahead of the 2015 general elections, things appear to be falling apart. Prominent chieftains from the Northwest geo-political zone, who have an axe to grind with the embattled National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, over the handling of party affairs, are considering the option of teaming up with the opposition. Reconciliation is deadlocked. Three aggrieved governors from the zone- Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, Alhaji Sule Lamido of Jigawa State and Musa Kwakwanso of Kano State - have drawn the battle line with the party. In Zamfara State, the PDP, which has lost its grip since 2011, has not bounced back. The All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to enlarge its coast there. In Katsina State, the influence of the APC leader, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to change the tide in the next elections. Even in Kaduna State, aggrieved party stalwarts have opened discussions with the APC. In a breath, the PDP has waved the olive branch by initiating reconciliation with the governors and their supporters. In another breath, the governors claim that the Federal Government has been intimidating them and their children with the antigraft agencies. Their meetings have also been disrupted by the police, following orders from above. Now, the PDP National Disciplinary Committee headed by Dr. Umaru Dikko has summoned their principal associates to appear before it for alleged antiparty activities. Last month, APC leaders visited the three governors to woo them to the party. In the past, the trio had enjoyed deep interactions with the APC leaders, either in the banned Social Democratic Party (SDP) or the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). Although they have now unfolded their next move, it appears that they may defect from the PDP, if the reconciliation fails. The three anti-Tukur governors are critical to the survival of the party in the zone. They are also experienced politicians. Kwakwanso has been a major operator since the Second Republic. In the Third Republic, he was the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He lost the governorship in 2003, but regained it in 2011. Lamido, who was the National Secretary of the defunct SDP at that time, later became Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Obasanjo Administration. In 2015, he, like Wamakko, would have completed his two terms as governor. Analysts have raised some posers: Can the PDP joke with the Northwest? Can the damage control by the reconciliation teams resolve the selfimposed crisis? Will the party now learn to exercise caution and gauge the public mood before taking decisions that may alienate prominent members? Will it insist on the suspension slammed on its National Vice Chairman and Northwest leader, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure, risk the exit of the two governors and damn the consequence? Criticisms have trailed the disciplinary action against the key party leaders, who are in sympathy with the Kawu Baraje faction. A source close to the Sokoto governor de-

•Kazaure

•Map of Northwest

• Wamakko

scribed Wamakko as the target of the arrow that has now hit Kazaure. The feeling in the zone is that Kazaure is being punished for standing up for truth. “When the governor was suspended, Ambassador Kazaure, who is the National Vice Chairman, decried it. Now that Kazaure has been suspended, how do you want the PDP chieftains from this zone, who have not rejected his leadership, to feel? It was another wrong step,” he added. Few months ago, there was uproar in the Northeast when Wamakko was suspended by the NWC. In Sokoto State, the governor is perceived as a vital asset, who has contributed to the growth of the party, since he defected from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2007. The rejection of the suspension by the leaders of the Northwest PDP underscores Wamakko’s popularity in the zone. It has also portrayed the zonal chapter as a cohesive bloc under the leadership of Kazaure, who openly flayed the national leadership, of which he is a member, for hasty

•Kwakwanso

decision and lack of consultation. To the PDP chieftains in the populous zone, an injustice to one is an injustice to all. The governor rode on the euphoria of the zonal support to challenge his suspension. He was welcomed back to Sokoto by a tumultuous crowd of party supporters, following a brief visit abroad. With him was the House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal. Both advised the PDP to engage in soul searching and deep reflection, urging the helmsmen to imbibe the virtue of great leadership, tolerance and discrete. The Northwest, which is Wamakko’s and Kwakwanso’s pillar of support, is the cradle of the formidable power brokers in the polity. If the zone takes exception to any of the PDP’s mistakes, conventional wisdom dictates the retracing of steps, if an electoral tragedy of monumental proportion is to be averted, ahead of the 2015. From Sokoto, the seat of the Caliphate, through Kano to Kaduna, the ac-

•Lamido

claimed political capital of the North, the Northwest is a vibrant zone. It is a pre-eminent geo-political zone occupying a strategic place in the country’s political history. Sokoto, despite the popular and sustained opposition, has not suspended its acronym, ‘Born To Rule’. Since the days of the legendary Othman Dan Fodio, the city has wielded enormous political power and religious influence. His great grand son, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, became the rallying point. He was the first and last Premier of the Northern Region. Although he was the natural choice for the position of the Prime Minister, he declined, preferring to queue for the Sultanate. Many Northern political leaders owe their ascendancy to the Sardauna, the Lion of the North, who before his demise, had established an academy of leadership. He had used his influence to recruit young Northerners into the civil service, army and diplomatic corps. Later, many of them rose to prominent positions during the military regime. Many North-

‘The zone will always be in the national reckoning. In the last voter’s registration released by the electoral commission, next to Lagos (6.2 million) were Kano (5.10 million), Kaduna (3.50 million) and Katsina (2.9 million). The figures spoke volumes about the potency and electoral numerical strength of the leading zone. This may continue to make it an electorally sought-after zone in any critical national contest’

west indigenes have served as top ministers of government, federal permanent secretaries, legislators and ambassadors. In the march of history, theyb have played critical roles in the private sector of the economy. In the hey days of the famed Kaduna Mafia, the cult of leaders and pride of the one-time monolithic North, the impetus came from the Northwest axis, which coordinated the real or imaginary battle for national dominance. Four zones-Northcentral, Northeast, Southwest and Southsouth-have six states each. The Southeast has five. But the Northwest has seven. Politically, this is an added advantage because, in the National Assembly, the zone has the largest number of legislators in the Upper and Lower Chambers, and ultimately, the highest number of appointees in other critical sectors. The Northwest has produced three military Heads of State-Gen. Muritala Mohammed (Kano), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (Katsina) and the late Gen. Sani Abacha (Kano). The fourth, Gen. Yakubu Gowon from Plateau State, is more of a Kaduna man. The first civilian President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, hails from Sokoto State. He was the political son of the Sardauna. Politicians from the Northwest zone are no-pushovers. The voting population is sophisticated. It is huge. Therefore, it can sway away the votes. It is natural that, at every periodic election, PDP presidential aspirants often target the zone because they perceive it as a critical factor. The analysis of the voters’ list from the zone also underscores its vibrancy, electoral asset and indispensability. The zone will always be in the national reckoning. In the last voter’s registration released by the electoral commission, next to Lagos (6.2 million) were Kano (5.10 million), Kaduna (3.50 million) and Katsina (2.9 million). The figures spoke volumes about the potency and electoral numerical strength of the leading zone. This may continue to make it an electorally sought-after zone in any critical national contest. Party sources confirmed that the APC leaders have not limited their consultations with the visits to the zone. “They are in regular contact with our leaders in the Northwest and they are offering a better deal for the zone”, said the source. Already, the APC has 11 governors. In those states where it holds sway, it has a history of winning in general elections. If the three governors defect to the APC, it is clear that they will tilt the pendulum of victory, along with Buhari, who has emerged as a potent factor again in the Northwest. But the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said that the options before the aggrieved governors are narrow. He said, if they defect from the PDP, they will become strangers in their next point of call. He also said that the conditions they are insisting on for a truce are also illogical. One of the conditions is that Tukur should step aside as the chairman. He objected to this, saying that he was properly elected. “The most viable option is reconciliation and I urge the governors to make it work”, he said.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS

Low turnout at Abuja Carnival By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

HERE was a low turn out at the Abuja International Carnival. Nineteen of the 36 states were absent at the opening ceremony on Saturday. Of the 15 countries that indicated interest in the carnival, only five were present. They were China, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Trinidad and Tobago and Egypt. Despite the low turnout, traders, food vendors and marketers scrambled for space at the parking lots of the Eagles Square, venue of the carnival. Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation Edem Duke said the carnival provides a platform for the projection of Nigeria's rich cultural heritage. "It is always a delight to see our people from various states decked in their carnival costumes. "The beauty of these cult u ra l f o rms i s f i r m l y rooted in their diversity. "TheMinistry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation remains committed to the development of the creative sector. His Trinidad and Tobago counterpart Lincoln Douglas said the government of Trinidad and Tobago has awarded scholarsh i ps t o 1 0 N i g er i a n s wishing to study carnival art and management at two of the country's universities.

Monarch, VC eulogise Saraki

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

TAKEHOLDERS converged on Ilorin, Kwara State, to honour the late strongman of Kwara politics, Dr Olusola Saraki, one year after his death. It was at a three-day forum organised by Kwara State University (KWASU) on the "life and time" of the late politician. The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim SuluGambari, described the late second republic Senate leader as a foremost community leader, philanthropist, statesman and amiable leader, who had contributed to the development of Kwara and Nigeria. The emir, who was represented by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Mahmood Durosinlorun Atiku, described the late political colossus as a man whose simplicity, accessibility and philanthropic disposition endeared him to millions at home and beyond. The emir said he was a frontline politician and a political legend, who deserved immortalisation as many breeds of politicians today went through the Saraki school of politics. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof AbdulRasheed Na'Allah, described the late Saraki as an astute politician, whose contributions to the democratic process in Nigeria, cut across all nooks and crannies.

Five killed in Plateau communal clash

IVE persons were reportedly killed yesterday and over 200 houses burnt in an attack on Kuka village in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attack, according to sources, was a result of unresolved communal conflict between the Tarok of Langtang South Local Government and the Gomai of Shendam Local Government. Sources from southern Plateau said over 300 attack-

•200 houses razed From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

ers stormed Kuka village with sophisticated weapons shooting and burning houses. Shendam is in the southern part of the state and about 300 kilometres from Jos. A resident, Abdullahi Ragmin, who is Gommai, confirmed that the attackers burnt 200 houses and shot five persons. He listed the victims as:

Malam Inuwa (60), Yakubu Kaura (43), Alhassan Abdullahi (50), Abdullahi Dungu (35). Abdurrahman, he said, sustained a fractured arm and Musa dan Union was shot in the abdomen. It was gathered that the attackers outnumbered the policemen at Kuka. The attackers allegedly burnt houses and mosque and shot at people but 30 minutes later military reinforcement came from Taraba State, which borders Kuka.

Police spokesman Felicia Anslem confirmed the incident. She said five people were killed when the attackers stormed the village. But the Media and Information Officer, Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crises, 'operation Safe Haven', Capt Salisu Mustapha, confirmed two deaths. He said: "The attackers were estimated to be about 100, they burnt houses but they were repelled. Calm has returned."

‘No phone access in Borno yet’ AUTHORITIES of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, yesterday said there was no plan to re-open blocked GSM networks in Borno State. The Grand Officer Commanding, Maj.-Gen. Obidah Ethan, announced this when he spoke with reporters in Maiduguri. GSM networks in Borno State were blocked in May after the Federal Government declared emergency rule to checkmate Boko Haram insurgents. Ethan, reacting to calls by Borno residents to restore the GSM networks, noted that the blockage had ensured the success of military operations against the insurgents. “What I will say is that for now, the GSM blockage is helping our operations. “But, if the situation improves, we might think of reviewing the issue,” he said.

Mass wedding in Sokoto

•Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu and district heads at the turbaning of 15 village heads at Ganjuwa Local Government Area …yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Boko Haram: ICC queries gap in arrest, prosecution

HE International Criminal Court (ICC) has decried the "wide gap" between arrested Boko Haram suspects and those charged to court and requested the Federal Government to explain this disparity. The court observed that since the increase of security after the declaration of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states on May 14, reports of crimes allegedly committed by government's security forces had increased. It said by its criteria, the conflict between Boko Haram insurgents and the nation's security forces qualifies as "armed conflict of non-international character," ICC's euphemism for civil war. The court said by its information, there was yet no basis to believe that killings and other abuses attributed to security forc-

•Classifies insurgency as civil war From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

es in their response to Boko Haram constituted crimes against humanity. This formed part of findings and observations contained in a report on the conflict by ICC at the weekend. ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor met with representatives of the Federal High Court, Director of Public Prosecution, Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian Human Rights Commission, senior officers of the police and State Security Services in its review of the security crisis. It acknowledged the cooperation of the Federal Government, which it said, provided the Office of the Prosecutor with documents for its jurisdictional and admissibility assessment. ICC said its investigation

was ongoing to determine the allegation that security forces committed crimes against humanity while responding to attacks by Boko Haram. It added that the Office of the Prosecutor would continue its dialogue with the Federal Government regarding the relevant information needed to perform its admissibility assessment. "The required level of intensity and the level of organisation of parties to the conflict necessary for the violence to be qualified as an armed conflict of noninternational character appear to have been met. "The Office has therefore determined that since May, allegations of crimes between Boko Haram and security forces should be considered within the scope of article 8(2)(c) and (e) of the Statute.

"In this context, the Office has examined the level of organisation of Boko Haram as an armed group and the intensity of the armed confrontations between Boko Haram and security forces (JTF, police forces and military forces not deployed under the JTF). "In terms of organisation, the Office has considered the hierarchical structure of Boko Haram; its command rules and ability to impose discipline among its members; the weapons used by the group; its ability to plan and carry out coordinated attacks; and the number of Boko Haram forces under command. "The Office has concluded that Boko Haram fulfils a sufficient number of relevant criteria to be considered an organised armed group capable of planning and carrying out military activities."

Explore North's oil, Aliyu tells Fed Govt

H A I R M A N , Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu has challenged the Federal Government to explore the oil and gas deposits in the region. He said the country should cash on the global projections that petroleum would account for two-thirds of the world energy demand by 2030. Aliyu spoke at the maiden meeting of the Association of

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Petroleum Inland Basins States of Northern Nigeria (APIBONN) formed by northern states with oil and gas prospect in Minna. Represented by Commissioner for Mining and Mineral Resource Abubakar Baba Jibril, the governor said he constituted a team of experts to undertake research into hydrocarbon prospect of the Bida Basin and

the formation of Bida Basin Development. The Chairman, Contact and Inter-governmental Subcommittee, Bida Basin Development, Yabagi Sani, said the formation of APIBONN was to put pressure on the Federal Government to direct relevant agencies for exploration of oil and gas in northern basins. He praised the Senate for the passage of a bill for the

establishment of National Frontier Basins Exploration Agency. Sani said the agency would aid the execution, promotion and oversee exploration activities in the Inland Sedimentary Basins in Nigeria. The meeting was attended by delegates from Yobe, Plateau, Kogi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Jigawa and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Sokoto State government said yesterday that it will organise a mass wedding for 250 widows and widowers. Commissioner for Social Development Zubairu Goronyo, who announced this at the screening of the beneficiaries in Sokoto, said the venture would cost N30 million. Zubairu said beds, mattresses, chairs, curtains and two sets of female wrappers would be given to each of the 125 brides. He said the grooms would be given two sets of guinea brocade, N20,000 each as dowry to formalise the marriage agreement, and another N20,000 each to boost their businesses. The commissioner said Governor Aliyu Wamakko and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, would serve as guardians to the brides and grooms.

Coronation on December 7 From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

THE Adamawa State Government has fixed December 7 for the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the newly crowned Hama Bachama, Homun Honest Irimiya Stephen. Stephen spoke in his palace in Numan Local Government Area during the inauguration of a 45member main organising committee for the official presentation of staff of office by Governor Murtala Nyako. The monarch urged members of the various sub committees to work hard to ensure the success of the coronation. Former Deputy Governor Lynn Nathan is to serve as the chairman of the main organising committee with 10 sub-committees which include finance, protocol, reception/accommodation, cultural, transport, and security monitoring and medical. The chairman of media and publicity subcommittee, Timawus Mathias, said there will be boat regatta, traditional dances, folklores and dramas.

THE NATION MONDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS Shell shuts gas plant in Rivers From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

THE Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd’s (SPDC’s) operated Joint Venture (JV) has shut down the Obigbo gas plant in Rivers State, in view of encroachment on the right-of-way of gas pipelines. Shell, yesterday in an online statement by its spokesperson, Precious Okolobo, said the company took the action on discovering that different types of buildings and structures had been erected on high pressure gas pipelines, thereby exposing the occupants to health and safety risks.

46 structures to go in Calabar From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

THE Department of Town Planning, Ministry of Lands and Housing in Cross River State, has released the list of illegal structures recommended for demolition in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South Local Government. According to a statement by the Head of Department of Town Planning (TPL), Joseph A. Adie, 38 structures in Calabar Municipality and eight in Calabar South are recommended for demolition based on illegal and nonconforming development. The offences include structures blocking access roads, encroachment on portside development, disregard to stop work order notices, among others.

Police arrest seven in Bayelsa From Mike Odiegwu Yenagoa

BAYELSA State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the masterminds of the bloody clash between two communities in Yenagoa, the state capital. Violence erupted between Agudiama-Epie and Akenfa communities last Friday over a land dispute. While it was initially claimed that three people were killed in the conflict, the police said one person died. The deceased was identified as Mulai George, a male indigene of Agudama-Epie. It was learnt that police operatives raided the communities and arrested seven persons.

‘No shift in Iyayi’s funeral date’ From Osagie Otabor, Benin

FAMILY of the late Prof. Festus Iyayi has denied reports of a change in the funeral date for the former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The family announced first week in December as the tentative date for Iyayi’s funeral. There were reports at the weekend that the family had postponed the funeral indefinitely following cuts suspected to be bullet wounds found on Iyayi’s heart. This, according to the reports, was to allow proper autopsy and investigations to be carried out. Spokesman for the family, Prof. Robert Ebewele, said they have not changed the funeral plan.

JTF destroys new militant camp, 59 illegal refineries T HE Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, has uncovered a new militant camp in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State. The Media Coordinator, JTF, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, said yesterday that the camp was discovered and destroyed by the troops of Sector 3 of the military outfit. Nwachukwu, who spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, said the criminal hideout was popularly known in the area as Efut Esighi militant camp. “The camp served as a firm base for sea robbers and kidnappers from where they usually launched attacks on unsuspecting victims,” he said. During the clampdown,

From Mike Odiegwu Yenagoa

Nwachukwu said the troops recovered “24 x 7.62mm round of cartons, five browning machine gun ammunition, 3 x 7.62mm round of special and seven live cartridges.” He named other items recovered as four machine gun belts and one passport fibre boat belonging to Inland Waterways Agency. The JTF media coordinator said operatives of the outfits in operations, which lasted for 12 days, clamped down on 59 illegal refineries in creeks. He said troops of 3 and 19 battalions covering Edo and Delta states destroyed

three of the illegal refineries. Nwachukwu said the refineries were built and operated by oil thieves in a forest at Agbede and Egwua in Esako West and Warri South West local government areas of Edo and Delta states. He said the troops destroyed seven steel surface tanks, seven locally-fabricated ovens used for heating up stolen crude oil, 235 metal drums and four dugout pits containing stolen crude oil. Nwachukwu said 56 of the illegal refineries were shut down by the troops operating in Rivers and Bayelsa states. He said 16 Cotonou boats, 22 pumping machines, one generator, 25 zinc plates, one

welding machine and 32 pipes were burnt by the troops at the refineries. Nwachukwu said: “The clampdown was carried out during the recent anti-oil theft patrols of the waterways of Bonny, Kporghor, Igbematoro and Lasukugbene communities in Bonny, Tai and Southern Ijaw local government areas of Rivers and Bayelsa states. “The troops also impounded four metal barges and a speed boat caught engaging in oil bunkering. “During the anti- oil theft operations, which lasted from November 11 to 22, seven suspects were arrested for oil theft related offences and are undergoing preliminary investigations before they will be handed over to relevant prosecuting agencies.”

Human trafficker gets 12 years From Osagie Otabor, Benin

FEDERAL High Court sitting in Benin City has sentenced a 33-yearold woman and mother of one, Ijeoma Enyama, to 12 years imprisonment. She was arraigned on a three-count charge of trafficking three girls from Nigeria to Ghana for prostitution. Ijeoma was found guilty of all charges and each offence carries four years. They are to run concurrently. The convict was arraigned with three others, who were absent and unrepresented. She pleaded not guilty, but later changed her plea to guilty, to perhaps avoid a long trial. The court was presided over by Justice Adamu Hobon.

‘Why I disagreed with Amaechi’ From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

•The Chairman, Technical Committee of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) Core Communities, Chief Nduese Essien (left), with members of the committee, Chief Williams Mkpah (middle) and Prof. Etie Ben Akpan, during a briefing in Eket, Akwa Ibom State... yesterday

Family of slain poly worker accuses police of cover-up

HE family of Frank Moses, a senior worker at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, who was killed by unknown gunmen in Yenagoa, are unhappy with the Bayelsa State Police Command. They have accused the police of shielding the killers of their 35-year-old son. Moses was shot dead by unknown gunmen on November 8 after celebrating the victory of the Golden Eaglets at the FIFA Under17 World Cup. The deceased was assassinated at Agudama in Yenagoa Local Government. The police arrested a senior official of the polytechnic in connection with the murder, but released him the same day. But the Okiki and Okoroba family of the deceased in Ogbia Local Government Area, in a statement yesterday by their representatives, Mr. Frank Talent, Chief Benjamin Egberi and Chief James Frankiyel, questioned the handling of the murder case by the police. The family, in the statement issued after an emergency meeting, urged the Inspector-General of Police to take over the matter. They said the call on the IG, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, became important because of the alleged “grand design” by the police in the state to sweep the matter under the carpet.

•Police: we can’t shield killers From Mike Odiegwu Yenagoa

They asked the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hillary Opara, to explain the rationale behind the release of the prime suspects even with glaring evidence of their involvement in the murder. “We the members of the family are worried about the manner the police in Yenagoa are handling a sensitive matter of this magnitude. “It is now obvious that there is a grand design to shield the culprits and the parties, who participated in the brutal and gruesome murder of our son,” the family said. While wondering why the police released the rector, the family alleged that they (police) acted in obedience to “a powerful call from above”. Besides, the family said their investigations showed that prior to the incident, let-

ters were written to the police and the State Security Service (SSS), informing them about threats to Moses’ life. They alleged that the security agencies ignored the alarm raised by the deceased and members of the institution’s labour union. They said the deceased and members of the Senior Staff Association of Federal Polytechnics (SSAFP) were engaged in an industrial dispute with the management of the institution over issues bordering on workers’ unpaid benefits and financial recklessness. But Opara, who was startled by the allegation, said he would never provide a cover for suspects in a murder case. He said: “It is the height of ingratitude to say something like that. They have never come to inquire from me the progress we have so far made in the matter. We have really gone far. “They should, however,

‘How Akhigbe shocked family’ From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

•The late Moses know that a case involving murder of that nature cannot be rushed. At times, murder cases stay longer because of investigations to be carried out. “I can tell you that we are trying to unravel the circumstances and we have gone far. If they care, let them come with you to the command to know how far we have gone.”

ASUU in search of missing OAU don

OLLOWING the con tinued disappearance of Prof. James Bolarinwa Olomo, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Obafemi Awolowo University, (ASUU-OAU), Ile-Ife have visited Akwa Ibom State in

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

search of their colleague. The ASUU-OAU members were led by the branch chairman, Prof. Adegbola Peter Akinola. The university teachers arrived in the state on November 19.

ORMER Deputy Speaker, House of Representa tives, Mr. Chibudom Nwuche, yesterday said the contest for Rivers West seat in 2011 marked the beginning of his disagreement with Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State. Nwuche also said that contrary to insinuations from Rivers State government, he was only given one contract to renovate a school. The former Speaker, who spoke in Abuja, noted that although he won the primaries of the senatorial election on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, the result of the election was allegedly manipulated in favour of his opponent. But Governor Amaechi said: “Nwuche did not win. I was not even there. I was at my senatorial district, participating in our own primary election.”

It was learnt that the lecturers last week combed the state, looking for Olomo, a Professor of Nuclear Physics, who was reported to have visited Eket on October 17, looking for a job as a Radiation Safety Adviser. He lodged at Farlem Hotel, 8, Archibong Street, Afaha Ukwu, Eket.

HIEF Joseph AkhigbeAlemoh, the head of the family and elder brother to the late former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Mike Akhigbe, has said the deceased’s decision to join the Navy shocked the family. Speaking with The Nation yesterday, Chief Akhigbe-Alemoh, who said he trained the late Chief of Naval Staff, noted that his plan was for him to become an academia. He said he had no regret because Mike rose to the peak of his career. The former Chief of Naval Staff, who later became the nation’s Vice President, died at 67 in a New York hospital on October 28. The elder Akhigbe said he was yet to believe that his brother was dead. “I find it difficult to refer to him as being late. I often have this feeling that he is not dead. But it has dawned on me that he is gone because he has not spoken to me in the last two weeks. “Mike was quite a character, who I find difficult to say something about. He was fearless to a fault. “He was also a brilliant and straight forward person. When he wanted something, he went for it, which accounted for why he became a naval officer and excelled in his chosen profession,” Akhigbe-Alemoh stressed.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS 'Stop indiscriminate arrest in Ekiti'

Girl, 12, ‘commits suicide’ in Ebonyi

HAT will make a 12-year-old girl commit suicide? Or was she dead before her body was hung on the tree? These are some of the questions begging for answers in Ebonyi State since the body was found dead hanging at the back of a toilet. Her death has thrown Nnoche Uduke Community in Okpoitumo, Ikwo Local Government into confusion. But the police are still investigating her death. It was gathered that the victim, a Primary 5 pupil of Nnoche Udeke Primary School, left home on Friday and was not seen until Saturday at 10.30am when her younger sister went to the

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

toilet and saw her body dangling from a tree. A source, who pleaded for anonymity, said the sister raised the alarm, which attracted neighbours, who brought her body down. But her family insisted that proper investigation must be conducted to ascertain the cause of her death. A source said: "A neighbour reported the victim to her parents that she stole her egg, which made them beat her up. “After the incident, she went inside the house, changed her clothes and left the house on Friday. The

next time she was seen was on a tree the following day." At the community, an elder, Friday Itumo, said the death had thrown the community into confusion, as such had never happened before. "She was living with her mother and stepfather. Her mother married from Amainyima Okpuitumo; when her first husband died, she married to our son. "The problem the death has created is coming from the first family. They are insisting that her mother and stepfather produce their daughter alive." Police spokesman Chris Anyanwu said the matter was reported to the Divi-

sional Police Headquarters in Ikwo Local Government Area. He said: "The victim was declared missing by her parents on Friday at 6.30pm and in the morning her sister went to the toilet and saw her. "We have begun investigating what could make such a little girl to commit suicide. "We can't confirm that she committed suicide because one can be killed and hanged by his or her killer but the police will not leave any stone unturned." The body has been deposited at the Onueke General Hospital Mortuary, Ezza South Local Government Area.

L A W Y E R , Morakinyo Ogele, has threatened to sue the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State over alleged indiscriminate arrest of innocent citizens. In a statement, he demanded an apology from the police chief over the rights violations. Ogele said no law has been cited supporting "this illegal and unlawful action of Ekiti State Police Command against the people." According to him, the indiscriminate arrests amounted to "an assault on our Constitution" and a violation of the people's rights. He said:"The freedom of

By Joseph Jibueze

people guaranteed by Section 35 (1) of the 1999 Constitution is not for decoration or window dressing. It must be in full operation and be respected. "We consider the declaration of the command as an affront on the organic law (Constitution) of the land and it is unacceptable. "Ekiti State Police should operate within the four corners of the law. "The command should within seven days apologise and failure to do this may warrant court action against the command at the law court," the lawyer said.

Police boss weeps over 'baby factory'

MO State Commissioner of Police Muhammad Katsina wept yesterday over rising illicit trade in babies, also known as "baby factory", in the state. Katsina broke down during a book launch in his honour, Crime in Nigeria, the role of the police: Muhammad Katsina as a role model." He said no crime has ever moved him to tears in his career as that of the 'baby factory.' Katsina said the babies sold are the future leaders of the country who have had their future compromised by the illicit trade.

•From left: Representative of Resident Doctors, University of Nigeria (UNN) Teaching Hospital, Dr Celestine Ugwoke; mother of the celebrator, Deaconess Mary Onyishi; Celebrator and Managing Director, Peace Mass Transit Company, Sam Onyishi and representative of the university, Dr John Eze, at the inauguration of Peace Health Centre to mark Onyishi's 50th birthday at Umunkaka in Nsukka, Enugu State...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN .

Abia APC petitions police over ‘intimidation’

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, on the harassment of its members by government officials. The party, in its petition signed by 10 membersNdionyenma Nwankwo; Nath Ikeocha; Acho Obioma; Pedro Madukwe; Ndukwe Max Adindu;

•Govt: it's not true From Ugochukwu UgojiEke, Umuahia

Onyeoha Chukwumereije; Paul Ikonne; Aham Obi; Nwanne Nwabuisi and Kelvin Ugboaja - called on the government to be cautious with the opposition. It reads: "The Abia APC condemns the intimidation, harassment, assault and disruption of our meetings by

thugs sponsored by the government. "The party calls on the IGP, AIG Zone 9, commissioner of police, state director of State Security Services (SSS) to resolve the situation and protect its members." But the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Eze Chikamnayo, described the allegation as false. Chikamnayo said the state is secured and free.

"Our government respects and allows the freedom of association, irrespective of political leanings. "Governor Theodore Orji is a detribalised man and such allegation is unfounded and exists in the imagination of political jobbers." The APC said the State Harmonisation Committee (SHC) will appoint a fiveman interim state executive committee tomorrow.

Forum plans dialogue on Igbo presidency

pressure group promoting the political advancement of the Southeast will hold a seminar to sensitise the public on the need for an Igbo Presidency in 2015. The group, under the auspices of Southeast Forum, noted that Ndigbo had been schemed out of national political participation. It said: "Our sole purpose is to pursue and realise an Igbo presidency to give us a sense of belonging in the nation's political sphere as critical stakeholders in corporate Nigeria as well as provide the needed leadership to provide fillip to our national pride." Chairman, Organising Committee, Dr. Chy Oriaku said: "The event will hold at Gracious Hotel, Abuja, to-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

morrow at 10am and Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Second Republic Governor of Kaduna State and Chairman of Con-

ference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) will deliver the keynote address. "Prof. Ben Obumselu will deliver a paper at the event, to be attended by other political top notchers.

"The Southeast has not been given its chance; we are organising this programme to raise awareness among the Igbo and Nigerians on the injustices meted out to us."

Water to run in Onitsha, 12 years after

ATER is set to run in Onitsha, Anambra State, after 12 years of dry taps, contractors handling the scheme PCI Africa, a South African Company, have said. The N1.86 billion Greater Onitsha Water Scheme will serve the over four million residents on or before April. The Project Manager of PCI Africa, Mike Pretorius, stated this when the Com-

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

missioner for Public Utilities, Water Resources and Rural Development , Emeka Nwankwu, visited the scheme. Pretorius said the delay in completing the resuscitation of the scheme was necessitated by the outsourcing of its contents from abroad. He said the operation search-and-fix work started

since last year yielded results, as water now flows to some parts of Onitsha, including Army Barracks, Customs compound, Relief Market, Obodo Ukwu road, Okpoko , Plastic Market and Ogboefele. "Everything here was silted and we have succeeded in de-silting the Nkisi clear water tanks but we are having challenges with the old equipment which would be removed for digitalised ones.

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

"What weighs me down is not the exchange of gunfire with criminals every day, but the trading of babies like common commodities. I am moved to tears when I see day-old babies sold like tomatoes; what crime have the defenceless babies committed? "They are supposed to be the future hope of this country , who would take over from us when we are gone. Let us leave a legacy for them. Time for revolution would come and those in the act would regret."

Amosun hailed over allocation to education

HE Ogun Without Boundary (OWB), a non-governmental group of professionals has praised governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State for allocating the largest share of the 2014 budget to the education sector. In a statement at the w e e k e n d , t h e group’s president, Debo Akinyemi described the budget as well-defined and purpose-driven plan aimed at sustaining the socio-economic growth of the state through education. In the proposed budget presented to the House of Assembly, Education got N43.99billion, representing 20.93 percent. This was consistent with the 2012 and 20113 budget proposals in which the sector also got the largest chunks. Akinyemi said the gov-

ernor has demonstrated determination to consolidate gains of his education policy and position the state for socioeconomic growth by giving education the highest vote in the 2014 budget despite dwindling revenue from federal account. " It takes a government that understands the dynamics of socio-economic development to appropriately place education on the front burner of financial plans. Education is the most strategic and most potent tool to drive socioeconomic growth," he said. The group also expressed optimism that the budget will make it possible for the government to rehabilitate more dilapidated infrastructure and build new schools next year.

'No sack in Kogi councils'

POKESMAN of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kogi State Ibrahim Obansa has said there was no sack in any local government. Obansa, at a briefing in Lokoja, said contrary to reports that over 10,000 local government workers have been laid off, what was on going was staff verification in the 21 councils. The ALGON spokesman said the aim of the exercise was to eliminate ghost workers and reposition the councils for effective ser-

From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

vice delivery. He said: "I want to state here that there was no retrenchment in any council. What we have ongoing is staff verification. And normally in any staff audit, those who are smuggled into the vouchers will have to give way. "Those engaging in cheap blackmail should stop. The leadership of the councils owe it a duty to deliver social services to the people."

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS ANAMBRA 2013

David-West calls for Jega’s sack

ORMER Minister of Petroleum Resources Prof. Tam David-West has called for the sack of the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, for the poor conduct of theAnambra State election. The November 16 poll has been adjudged as flawed. It was declared inconclusive by INEC, with supplementary election fixed in two local governments. The ex-minister said going by the irregularities, leaving Jega to conduct the 2015 elections would put democracy in jeopardy. He said: “I am ashamed of the outcome of the Anambra State governor-

‘He is worse than Iwu’ From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

ship election. I am ashamed as a Nigerian and I am ashamed that I am an academic because Prof. Jega is an academic. I expect him to do better. His predecessor, Prof. Maurice Iwu, also an academic, did a terrible job. But Jega is worse than Iwu. I have never carried the card of any party in my life. All I want is a free and fair election. “By the Anambra State election, Prof. Jega and his subordinates have put the 2015 election in jeopardy. With the way we are going, there may be a problem in

‘The don said the sack of the electoral umpire’s boss and his lieutenants was necessary “in the interest of the stability of democracy and in the interest of peace and justice’ 2015, if action is not taken. There may be cataclysm in 2015, if Jega is not changed. He can throw the country into chaos. “Jega cannot conduct a

credible election in 2015.” The don said the sack of the electoral umpire’s boss and his lieutenants was necessary “in the interest of the stability of democracy and in the interest of peace and justice.” He said despite the resources Jega got to do a good job, he failed the nation. David-West added: “He has failed. He was given everything. He got all he wanted. He was more pampered than Prof. Iwu. In 2011, he made professors and vice chancellors returning officers. It was a stupid theatrical from an academic because it did not prove anything.”

Ekwunife sues Obiano, INEC for double registration

NE of the claimants to the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, has sued the party’s standard-bearer, Chief Willie Obiano, for alleged double registration. The case was filed at the Federal High Court, Awka. Others joined in the suit are APGA and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

She is seeking, among other reliefs, that INEC should be compelled to recognise her as the party’s candidate for the November 16 poll based on Obiano’s alleged double registration. Mrs. Ekwunife came second at the August 26 APGA primaries at the Women Development Centre, Awka. The exercise was greeted by protests. Besides Mrs.

Ekwunife, other aspirants have sued Obiano and INEC. One of APGA’s women supporters, who spoke with The Nation yesterday, Lady Eunice Okafor, said nemesis had caught up with the party and Obiano. The governorship election has been condemned by individuals, corporate organisations and civil society groups. But INEC has approved a supplementary election in

Obi is desperate to install surrogate, says Arthur Eze

NAMBRA businessman and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Prince Arthur Eze yesterday accused Governor Peter Obi of being desperate to install a successor, who will cover his tracks. Eze, who spoke to reporters in Abuja through his media consultant, Mr. Chidi Okolo, said it was Obi’s desperation that led to the fraud of November 16. He said: “Governor Obi’s attack on Prince Eze through his media assistant, Obienem, is unfortunate, especially as he (Obi) was a beneficiary of Eze’s largesse. He played a significant role in the registration of the All

Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2002. Okolo added that Obi was brought to Eze for endorsement in 2005. ‘’Many people have benefited from Prince Eze, including Peter Obi, who did not know how APGA was formed. “Even the party’s Chairman, Chief Mike Umeh, it was after APGA was formed that he and others went to Prince Eze and pleaded that Obi be made the party’s governorship candidate. Okolo alleged that Obi wants to install a surrogate, who would protect him from the law, especially as he refused to organise local gov-

ernment elections. He said: “Peter Obi did not conduct council poll. So how will he account for the funds for eight years? “I don’t agree with a supplementary election because the poll was rigged. The election should be cancelled. “They rigged the election. They made mistakes. Police and soldiers were given orders. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) worked for APGA. That was why they planned and removed the name of the PDP’s candidate in his own polling booth. “His father and siblings couldn’t vote. In Idemilii North and South, the strong-

some local governments for November 30, where it said election did not take place, following disenfranchisement of voters and non-supply of materials. INEC’s Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega has apologised for the poor conduct of the November 16 poll. Obiano was said to have registered in Lagos and Anambra states. If he is found guilty, he risks imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 or both.

•Obi

hold of the All Progressives Congress (APC), you know what happened. The INEC Returning Officer in Idemili said he did not commit the fraud alone. So who are the others? I expect INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega to tell us the names of the other culprits.’’

•From left: Mrs. Bisi Omoworare, her husband, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Segun Omoworare and former Deputy Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Nike Omoworare Obadare, at the Interdenominational Service of Songs for the mother of Senator Omoworare, the late Princess Teniade Areoye Omoworare, at Kudirat Abiola Estate, Fagba, Iju, on the outskirts of PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE. Lagos...yesterday

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

NEWS The Nation man Olatunji Ololade wins two awards at DAME Continued from page 4

General Manager of Midwest Television, Mrs Omobola Onajide, who is said to be “the first Nigerian female to work in a television newsroom”; and to Mr Felix Adenaike, a former Feature/Leader writer at Daily Times. DAME founder Lanre Idowu said there was no award in certain categories because the materials submitted for them were not good

enough. The categories include Insurance, Radio Commercial, TV Commercial, Press Advert, Sport Reporting, Health Reporting, Radio Presenting and Newsmagazine of the Year. “DAME does not engage in a jamboree. It is not a chieftaincy title. It is something to be earned and treasured. “From the hoard of entries, we did not find any that merits a DAME in the Insurance category. We announced 30

categories, today we’re giving out only 16,” Idowu said. The Chairman of Media Review, Moses Ihonde, who chaired the event, urged newspapers to consider merging to create stronger organisations, which could pay their workers better. “Poor welfare remains a problem with Nigerian media and I would suggest that newspapers merge. There are too many of them,” he said.

My health challenge, by Jonathan Continued from page 4

Petroleum was not there on Thursday. They were not meant to make Presentation on Thursday. They appeared on Friday and made their presentation. Even in Nigeria, I even sit more in the meeting because it is a group that advises the president. If I’m not there the

Vice President takes over. Myself or the Vice President, trade and investment, CBN Governor, Economic Adviser, Finance Minister, Planning are the ones who stay more. So there is no issue about ministers, people make a lot of insinuations out of nothing,” he added. Among those who received

Jonathan at the airport were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim, FCT Minister Bala Mohammed and Police Affairs Minister Caleb Olubolade. Also at the airport were the Foreign Affairs Minister I, Viola Nwuliri, and the Inpector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar.

From Bisi Olaniyi,

says about the power of the governor to dissolve local government council,” Okocha said. While commenting on Wike’s allegation of plan by Amaechi to eliminate him and some opposition politicians, he said: “Governor Amaechi and his supporters are Christians and have no such tendency. We do not have any record of violence.” The Rivers governor was in May recommended by the Obuah-led PDP to the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for suspension, for alleged anti-party activities. He has been on suspension since then. The minister of state for education also stated that by holding the GDI’s rally at Omuma council; headquarters, the people showed commitment to a just cause, ability to stand and resist lawlessness and impunity. He stressed that he heard the chairman of Omuma council on radio, calling on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, to help Omuma people, that GDI members had taken over the secretariat, which he described as laughable. The education minister said: “In fact, you will hear it very soon. We will compel PDP (to expel Rivers governor). Amaechi’s stay in PDP in Rivers State is likely to affect us in general elections, because the Rivers people no longer want Amaechi. The mere mention of Amaechi’s name is a taboo.

Amaechi, Wike disagree on Rivers PDP

HE Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, said he and other stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will compel the leadership of the ruling party to expel Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. He declared that the mere mention of Amaechi’s name was a taboo, stressing that the governor’s stay in the PDP in Rivers state was likely to affect the members in the general elections and alleged that Rivers people no longer wanted him. Wike, who is the grand patron of a socio-political organisation, the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), also raised the alarm that Amaechi was planning to eliminate him and other leaders of the PDP and GDI, who were opposed to his style of governance. The Supervising Minister of Education stated that the dissolution of the 23 local government areas of Rivers state and imposition of caretaker committees by the governor would be resisted. Wike spoke yesterday at the secretariat of Omuma LG council in Eberi, amid tight security, during the thanksgiving and inauguration of the GDI in the local government’s 10 wards. Access to Omuma council headquarters was refused by council Chairman, John Anucha, with the main road from Etche to Imo and Abia States, where the council secretariat is located,

Port Harcourt

barricaded by policemen, about a kilometre to the venue of the rally. Wike flew a chopper belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), marked 5N BAF and painted white, with yellow and red stripes. The helicopter dropped him, went back and later returned to pick the supervising minister of education. Amaechi, however, stated that the GDI members broke into the Omuma council secretariat, with the aid of policemen and soldiers, while the council chairman was pushed out of the place. He described Wike as ignorant and that he (governor) had no record of violence. The Rivers governor, who spoke through the Chief of Staff, Chief Tony Okocha, described the move by Wike and others to expel him from the PDP as very unfortunate. “He (Wike) should be able to define what revolution is. Revolution could be ideological. When the governor talked about revolution, he was not talking about carrying arms.” On the move to resist the imposition of caretaker committees in Rivers LGAs, Amaechi said: “He (Wike) is talking from the point of view of ignorance. That is the minister’s level of understanding. I believe he should be conversant with what the law

Akwa Ibom communities seek compensation from Mobil over spill

OBIL Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) core com-

munities of Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno and Onna Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State have demanded adequate compensation on the November 9, 2012 oil spill from one of the MPNU’s offshore facilities. The core communities at a briefing yesterday in Eket, Akwa Ibom state, also asked the management of MPNU to comply with all the requests it promised at the November 4, this year, meeting between it, technical committee of the core communities and the state government. Speaking on behalf of all the LGAs, the Chairman of the technical committee, Nduese Essien, said the failure of MPNU to pay adequate compensation on the oil spill culminated in the peaceful protest by communities which lasted for 10 days. According to Essien, the

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

peaceful protest was suspended at the intervention of Akwa Ibom State Government after an offer to mediate between the core communities and MPNU. Essien, who is the Attah of Ekid and a former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, explained that during the meeting, the core communities presented its position paper and MPNU acknowledged the rights of the communities and therefore considered their demands reasonable but pleaded for time not exceeding Thursday November 14, this year, to enable the Board of MPNU to meet and ratify the demands. His words: “November 14, 2013 has lapsed and communities have again become very restive arising from the intransigence of MPNU. We are familiar with all the antics of MPNU – divide and rule, delay tactics, sponsoring derogatory and inciting stories, seek-

ing government protection on its abdication of its statutory responsibilities. “It was this attitude that led to the kidnapping of the Paramount Ruler of Esit Eket LGA and attacks on other Paramount Rulers of Ibeno, Eket and Onna. It has come to a point where the core communities can no longer contend these antics. “We are also aware that Exxon being the parent company of MPNU has a notoriety of failure to meet its obligations such as payment of compensation for oil spill to the extent that they had to be sent away from other countries. “This and similar attitude account for their consistent declaration of outrageous profit to the consternation of other oil companies and the amazement of the United States Congress. Since 1998, the core communities have suffered sufficient deprivations and a near total exclusion from the benefits of its operation.”

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS Iran agrees to curb nuclear activity

RAN has agreed to curb some of its nuclear activities in return for about $7bn (£4.3bn) in sanctions relief, after days of intense talks in Geneva. The deal will last for six months, while a permanent agreement is sought. US President Barack Obama welcomed the deal, saying it would “help prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon”. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran’s right to uranium enrichment had been recognised. Israel, however, said the agreement was a “historic mistake”. World powers suspect Iran’s nuclear programme is secretly aiming at developing a nuclear bomb - a charge Iran has consistently denied. In a nationwide broadcast on Sunday, President Rouhani repeated that his country would never seek a nuclear weapon He hailed the deal, saying it met one of Iran’s fundamental principles. “No matter what interpretations are given, Iran’s right to enrichment has been recognised,” he said. Iran agreed to halt enrichment to medium-grade (20%) purity, which can be further enriched to weaponsgrade level relatively easily, and give better access to UN inspectors. Tehran insists it must be allowed to enrich uranium to use in power stations. Both the Americans and the Iranians appear to have come away from this interim deal smiling. Both can say that they have received concessions but their practical effect will be limited. The real success here is that the ground has been prepared for further substantive talks. The relief from sanctions has been targeted and specific. The US stresses that existing sanctions will continue to be enforced. Iran is to a large extent freezing any further progress in its nuclear activities but many of its centrifuge cascades have not been operational; it has actually been limiting its enrichment work for whatever reason for some time; and the Arak facility is still some way from being operational. The deal comes just months after Iran elected Mr Rouhani - regarded as a relative moderate - as its new president, succeeding the hardline Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. It has also been backed by Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in nuclear matters.

Ukrainians protest over EU agreement delay

ORE than 100,000 people in the Ukrainian capital Kiev are protesting against the government’s move to delay an association deal with the EU under pressure from Russia. Opposition leaders joined the protest, said to be the largest since the Orange Revolution in 2004. Police fired tear gas as protesters tried to break through a cordon around government buildings. A pro-government rally a few miles away attracted about 10,000 people. Kiev police said they had fired tear gas after protesters threw a smoke grenade at officers in an attempt to break into the Cabinet of Ministers building. Ukraine made the decision on the EU deal last week, saying it could not afford to break ties with Moscow. Russia is trying to bring Kiev into its own customs union. People surround giant EU flag in Kiev protest - 24

OBIONWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OBIONWU IFEOMA JOY now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANI IFEOMA JOY. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public take note.

November Many protesters carried opposition or EU flags Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the EU of blackmailing Ukraine to sign the deal during a summit in Vilnius next week. People arrived at the rally, on European Square, with families and children, many holding banners with slogans like “I want to live in Europe” or “Ukraine is part of Europe”. “We want to be together with Europe,” Volodymyr Mnikh, a 62-year-old retired chemist, told the Associated Press news agency. “We want our children to have a future and not to be pressured by Russia.”

PHOTO: AFP

Several rallies in Kiev and other cities have been held over the last few days, but Sunday’s has been the largest so far. World heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko, who leads the Udar movement and attended Friday’s rally, was not present. Ukrainian news agency Unian said he had been flying back from the US after celebrating his daughter’s birthday but his plane was not allowed to land in Kiev because of weather conditions. On Friday, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said the decision not to sign the deal was motivated solely by economics

and was “tactical”. He said it did not alter Ukraine’s overall development strategy. The Ukrainian government says it is now looking into setting up a joint commission to promote ties between Ukraine, Russia and the EU. Ukraine depends on imports of Russian gas, but recently the supplier, Gazprom, complained that Ukraine had fallen behind in payments. Pipelines transiting Ukraine pump Russian gas to many EU member states. In 2009 Russia cut off gas supplies to Ukraine in a dispute about prices, causing fuel shortages across Europe in the middle of

Mali votes in parliamentary elections

ALI is voting amid high security in parliamentary elections, the second nationwide poll since a French military intervention against Islamist militants in the north earlier this year. Mali held a peaceful presidential election in August, but since then there has been a surge in violence. On Thursday, the northern city of Gao came under rocket attack. Extra French troops have been deployed to Kidal, where two French journalists were killed earlier this month. A total of 6.5 million people are registered to take part in the first round of elections

to choose a parliament. Voting began at 08:00 GMT in the West African nation. The United Nations force, Minusma, has delivered election materials. Regional and international election observers say everything is in place for a credible parliamentary election and that they expect to have access to 90% of Mali’s polling stations. But in the far northern towns of Kidal and Tessalit, only the party of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita features on ballot papers, says the BBC’s Alex Duval Smith in the capital, Bamako. Opposition candidates say it has been too dangerous to

campaign there. Three weeks ago two French journalists, Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, were killed in Kidal, in an attack claimed by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. The resurgence in violence since the presidential election in August suggests Islamists and Tuareg secessionists still have the upper hand in pockets of the country, says Alex Duval Smith. France still has more than 3,000 troops in Mali, where there is also a force of United Nations peacekeepers. Mali’s crisis began early in 2012 when secessionist Tuareg rebels, acting in alliance with Islamist groups linked

to al-Qaeda, swept across the north of the country, forcing 500,000 people to flee their homes. In March 2012, President Amadou Toumani Toure was ousted in a coup, ostensibly staged by junior officers in protest at the army’s lack of resources to fight the rebels. The rebels then intensified their campaign and controlled two thirds of Mali by January 2013 when France sent 4,500 troops to oust them. The government of Mali and separatist rebels signed a peace agreement in June, paving the way for presidential and parliamentary elections.

Afghanistan elders seek US security pact

FGHAN elders at a grand assembly in Kabul have called for a security deal with the US to be signed this year. The pact allows thousands of US troops to remain in Afghanistan once combat operations end in

CHANGE OF NAMES ONWUEGBUNA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONWUEGBUNA CHIOMA CHIBUZOR INNOCENTIA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NNAMCHI CHIOMA CHIBUZOR. All former documents remain valid. UNN Enugu, NYSC and the general public take note.

•Ukraine protest.

ONYEJIEKWE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONYEJIEKWE CHIOMA QUEEN now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANYADIEGWU CHIOMA QUEEN. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public take note. AMAEFULE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AMAEFULE CHINASA UGOCHI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IBEKWE CHINASA UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

2014. But President Hamid Karzai, who wants to delay the deal, told delegates he would only sign it once the US had brought peace to his country. The US has said it is neither “practical nor possible” to delay the signing. The Bilateral Security Agreement also has to be approved by the Afghan parliament. The deal under discussion may see 15,000 foreign troops remain after 2014, although the US says it has not yet taken a decision on any presence. The soldiers who stay beyond 2014, when most foreign combat forces leave, would primarily train and

mentor Afghan forces. Some special forces would stay to conduct “counterterror operations”. More than 2,000 elders have been taking part in the grand assembly of elders, or Loya Jirga, meeting behind closed doors in Kabul for the past four days. “Given the current situation in, and Afghanistan’s need... the contents of this agreement as a whole is endorsed by the members of this Loya Jirga,” a declaration reached at the end of the meeting said, quoted by AFP news agency. “The Loya Jirga requests the president to sign the agreement before the end of 2013.” Opening the meeting on

Thursday, the Afghan president urged delegates to support the pact, but said he would not sign it until after the election scheduled for April 2014. The BBC’s Karen Allen, in Kabul, says the vast majority of elders wanted the deal signed within a month. The assembly’s chairman, Sibghatullah Mojaddedi, said he will resign his official posts and leave the country if the security deal is not signed by the end of the year. The past few days have seen tense diplomatic telephone exchanges between US Secretary of State John Kerry and President Karzai, our correspondent says.

winter. Russia has a customs union with two other former Soviet republics - Belarus and Kazakhstan - and has been urging Ukraine to join it. A free trade agreement with the EU would mean Ukraine adopting different trade rules. Kiev’s decision on Thursday prompted EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele to cancel a trip to Ukraine. It had been planned for the run-up to the key “Eastern Partnership” summit between the EU and several ex-Soviet states, which will be held in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 28 and 29 November.

Honduras holds general election amid tight security

IGHT security is in place for elections in Honduras to choose a president, MPs and local mayors. Opinions polls point to a close presidential race between the two main candidates - Conservative Juan Orlando Hernandez and Xiomara Castro. Mrs Castro is the wife of exPresident Manuel Zelaya, who was removed from office in a coup in 2009. Honduras is one of the region’s poorest states. It also has the world’s highest murder rates, averaging 20 a day. Much of it is blamed on gang violence and drug traffickers. The BBC’s Will Grant in Tegucigalpa says the violence has been one of the main issues of the election campaign, along with the high levels of poverty. Nearly 30,000 police and soldiers are being deployed to ensure security. Xiomara Castro, 54, is standing for a newly-formed party called Libre. A win would see her become the country’s first woman president. However, she dismissed suggestions by some that she might be taking orders from her husband, saying “definitely I am the one who makes the decisions”, AFP reported. The other main candidate is from the ruling National Party, Juan Orlando Hernandez. He was until recently the president of the national congress. Mr Hernandez, 45, openly supported the 2009 coup, and blames the Zelaya government for many of the country’s ills.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS

Malala: A child of destiny

Global Focus

T’S always been said that that the tree of liberty is watered DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor by the blood of patriots. The aim, sms 08134230367 therefore, of patridaborgu@gmail.com ots was to set limits to the power which the ruler should be suffered to exercise over the community; and this limitation was what was meant by liberty’ so espoused by John Stuart Mill in his treatise, On Liberty. Today, this column is celebrating, a young woman of worth. She is just a teenager. Innocently 17. yet came forth with so much unbelievable energy, conscience, vitality and courage to confront one of the most dastardly outrageous villains of this side of the greater divide: The Talibans of Pakistan. Her name is Malala Yousafzai. She wrote a book called “ I’m Malala’, which has now been banned by Pakistan schools because of their assertion that it is anti-muslim and against Pakistani values. Those charges are not manding world leaders proonly contentious but simply vide free education to all ludiculous. children. This young lady was shot Rasheed said the Taliban in the head mid last year did not attack Malala bebecause she wanted educacause she was a proponent tion and defiantly defied the for girls’ education, but bewarlords in her native councause she was critical of the try. militant group when it took Miraculously, she survived over much of Swat in 2008 the assassination attempt, and 2009. That mirrors what was rushed to England and some militants said at the now has become a celebrity of time of the shooting. her God-given self. The Taliban commander According to reports, a also criticized the U.N. honTaliban commander wrote a oring Malala as he said the letter to her expressing reworld ignores civilians begrets that he didn’t warn her ing killed in U.S. drone atbefore the assassination attacks in Pakistan’s northtempt that propelled her acwest. The U.N. is currently tivism to the international conducting an investigation stage. into allegations of civilian The letter from Adnan casualties from U.S. drone Rasheed, however, didn’t attacks. apologize for the attack that Former British Prime Minleft the teenager gravely ister Gordon Brown, now a wounded. Rasheed, who UN special envoy on global has close relations with Taleducation, criticized Rashiban leaders, only said that eed for writing the letter he found the shooting while the Taliban continues “shocking” and wished it to attack schools. hadn’t happened. “Nobody will believe a Rasheed said he would word the Taliban say about leave it up to God to decide the right of girls like Malala whether the outspoken acto go to school until they stop tivist for girls’ education burning down schools and should have been targeted. stop massacring pupils,” The teenager has received Brown said in a statement. the Sakharov Peace Prize for “Use your pen for Islam Peace, she has appeared on and plight of Muslim uma special for CNN news and mah (community) and realso been honoured by the veal the conspiracy of tiny Queen of England and beelite who want to enslave fore that humourously dethe whole humanity for clared that the invitation is their evil agendas in the from the Queen and she has name of new world order,” no choice but to honour it Rasheed wrote. Even for her age, she is so Those are words one will witty, commonsensical and think is coming out of some focused as she said on the tv outright sincerity, but in all programme that she would honesty this fiendish fringe like to be president of her elements mean to good to country one day so as to better the educational advancement of her underprivileged teenagers. So kindly unbelievable. Malala was only 15 years old when she and two of her friends were attacked on their way home from school in Pakistan’s northwest Swat Valley. The assassination attempt sparked worldwide condemnation. Malala celebrated her 16th birthday by giving a speech at the U.N. in New York, telling the body that the attack gave her new courage while de-

‘This young lady was shot in the head mid last year because she wanted education and defiantly defied the warlords in her native country’

humanity in their modus operandi and vivendi as they always unl e a s h mayhem on innocent members of their community and beyond. Even the Taliban chieftains who once regretted attacking this ambassador of peace had again tried to entice her to be killed in Pakistan. But common sense is prevailing and once again this column is celebrating this young woman as she continues to push her message of hope and optimism in a world so much deprived of such progressivism. Question is what does hatred breed? In Nigeria we are raveling with the same terrori9stic travail of a sect telling the country about how western education is sin. We are baffled about how this same sect traversed the landscape of this nation with sophisticated weapons, high-tech weapons and foreign jeeps and automobiles, yet demonizing western education. Of course, we also shamelessly swim in the befuddling hopelessness of a clueless federal administration that is ingrained within a cesspool of corruption. We celebrate this young woman once again and only hope that she will remain a beacon of optimism, encouragement and illumination for youngsters all over the world in their quest for educational advancement. In the meantime and as our refrain, it is our globe. The focus is our collective responsibility. Let’s keep it real, simple and progressive. Do a good in your neighborhood and See you next week.

•Malala

CHANGE OF NAMES IWUANYANWU I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs Eucaria Onyemaechi Iwuanyanwu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Eucaria Onyemaechu Henson. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the public may easily contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

124TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

PREPARED BY COUNCIL AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KANO. uccessful leaders understand the needs and aspirations of their citizens by deciphering their saying, said, unsaid, actions and inactions. Eng. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is amongst those who understand his citizens . He met a State citizenry dissatisfied and averse with the leadership. People negativity towards the preceding regime had reached a saturation point waiting to pour forth on the slightest chance but for the election of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in 2011. People's votes for this administration have never been in vain despite the fact that this administration came into power meeting multitude of challenges. Theadministration has been able to reconnect with the citizens by satisfying their needs through the provision of development projects and judicious utilization of their resources. Thus, one can link citizenry support to the present administration with its commitment to deliver the dividend of democracy through the execution of approved projects now dotting every part of the state. In fact, citizens have begun to evaluate the significance of such projects in relation to their economic and social progress. We can identify four (4) fundamental trends of this administration's transformation under the present leadership, which is shaping every aspect of the state for the better. First, the State is witnessing rapid urban and rural transformation, followed by improved socio-political economic development, infrastructural upsurge and finally educational and agricultural rejuvenation. These developments have not been witnessed in the history of the State. Today, Wednesday 20th November, 2013 (17th Muharram, 1435 AH) the Kano State Executive Council held its one hundred and twenty-fourth (124th) sitting under the Chairmanship of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. The sitting was justifiably dedicated to those qualified Kano State indigenous students sponsored for studies in various universities abroad. Council acknowledged the return of its Chairman from a working visit to the United Kingdom (UK) and the Middle East, undertaken with the sole purpose of monitoring the performance of a cross section of the over 1,500 Kano State indigenous students sponsored for studies abroad. As usual, Council proceeded with its one hundred and twenty-fourth (124th) sitting but not without reviewing the approvals given for the execution of projects and policies at the 123th sitting. The One Hundred and Twenty-Third (123rd) sitting received and deliberated on forty-two (42) memoranda from twelve (12) MDAs. Out of these number, Council approved twenty-six (26) memoranda for execution with an expenditure of Nineteen Billion, Four Hundred and Forty-Three Million, Ninety Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira (N19,443,092,425.00) covering twenty-one (21) projects. The remaining five (5) memoranda were on policies. The 124th sitting received and deliberated on forty-five (45) memoranda from seven (7) MDAs among which Council approved twenty-four (24) for execution with an expenditure of One Billion, Five Hundred and Twelve Million, Four Hundred and Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirteen Naira, Eighty Seven Kobo (N1,512,409,513.87) covering twenty (20) projects as follows: 1. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT This Office submitted twenty-six (26) memoranda on behalf of some MDAs for deliberation by Council. Eleven (11) of them were approved for execution. Thus: a) Request for Funds for the Purpose of Keying into the Nigeria Partnership for Education Project (NIPEP):The Secretary to the State Government submitted the request cited on behalf of the State Ministry of Education, which presented NIPEP as a project among components of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The GPE earmarked granting $100,000,000.00 for Nigeria from which $28,000,000.00 was budgeted to Kano State as the only one (1) among the five (5) targeted Northwestern States in Nigeria to qualify for the grant by scaling through the appraisal. Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N6,352,000.00 to enable the commencement of preparation for the implementation of the project. Considering the relevance of the project to the positive transformation of the Education Sector in Kano State, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N6,352,000.00 to the Ministry of Education to enable the execution of the stated purpose according to the details presented. b) Presentation of Request for Funds to Enable the Payment of Term 3 Program Fees (2013) for Kano Informatics Institute students:The contents of this memorandum substantiated to Council that, 305 Kano State Indigenous Students studying at the Kano Informatics Institute had successfully completed the International Foundation Course Term 3 and proceeded with the International Diploma and International Advance Diploma Programs respectively. Consequently, the Jigawa State Institute of Information Technology, Kazaure requested for payment of Term 3 Program fees to the tune of N35,225,000.00. Details presented were considered by Council as approval was granted for the requested sum of N35,225,000.00 to the Ministry of Science and Technology for the stated purpose. c) Presentation of Request for the Establishment of Pilot Project on Fisheries and Fish Enterprises by the Hadejia Jama'are Ko - Madugu Yobe Basin Trust Fund:Office of the Secretary to the State Government endorsed the presentation cited as submitted from the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for consideration by Council. The submission was sequelto a correspondence received from the Hadejia Jama'are Ko - Madugu Yobe Basin Trust Fund in which the organization indicated the need to establish one (1) Pilot Project in each of the six (6) Riparian States of the Yobe Basin of which Kano State is among. Nevertheless, this will entail reviewing and implementing Fisheries Laws, Regulations, Provision of Fish Pond, Restocking and Provision of Fish Processing Facilities for effective take - off of the project. Relatedly, the Trust Fund identified two (2) communities in Kano State (i.e. Rantan and Ruwan Kaya) in Rano Local Government Area each of which has the potential for the establishment of the project as they both satisfy the selection criteria. As such, Council was requested to grant approval for the selecting of any of the two (2) communities identified for locating the Fisheries and Fish Enterprises project earmarked for Kano State by the Trust Fund. Council approved as requested and mandated the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to choose any of the two (2) communities for the project. d) Request for Funds to Enable the Provision of Monthly Overhead, Logistics and Two (2) 32 - Seater Buses in Respect of Schools of Nursing Madobi and Post Basic Midwifery Gezawa:The School of Nursing Madobi and School of Post Basic Midwifery Gezawa are among the twenty one (21) Tertiary Institutions established by the incumbent administration in Kano State under the capable leadership of Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. The Ministry of Health submitted cited request for the takeoff of the institutions. Details on the provision of monthly overhead and logistics as required by the two (2) Schools and reasons for the allocation of one (1) 32 - Seater Bus to each of them was presented to Council for consideration and approval summarized as follows: i. Provision of take - off grant for the two (2) Schools - N3,315,000.00 ii. Provision of two (2) 32 - Seater Buses at N16,195,000.00 each = N32,390,600.00 Total = N35,705,600.00 Congruence of the request to the laudable policy of the present administration to empower our qualified

youths by providing access/opportunities to acquire employable skills/knowledge, prompted Council to approve the release of the aggregate sum of N35,705,600.00 for the stated expenditure. e) Request for Funds for the Procurement of Laboratory Consumables for Routine HIV Devices in Fifteen (15) Hospitals:Laboratory consumables are usually periodically required for the maintenance of regular/characteristic Science Laboratory activities especially the ones in question. Kano State has been persistently below 3.4% rating of the scourge of HIV due to the special attention given to the HIV services by the Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso incumbent administration including the establishment of SACA (State Agency for the Control of Aids). As such, the State Ministry of Health channeled its necessary request to Council for the release of the aggregate sum of N4,031,909.00. This was to enable the provision of required items to supplement what the Development Partners provided. Details were presented to Council for consideration. Council acknowledged and considered the relevance of the request and approved the release of the sum of N4,031,909.00 to the Ministry of Health to enable the execution of the expenditure. f) The setting up of an Implementation Committee for the Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dams Hydroelectricity Projects:At the 117th sitting, Council approved the award of the contract for the construction of an Independent Hydroelectricity Power Generation Projects on Tiga and Challawa Gorge Dams to satisfy the electricity needs of the State. This idea is because the State has shown tremendous growth with a booming economy, rapid urbanization and development leading to increased demand for electricity. Electricity generation and supply are the preconditions for social and economic development of any nation. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has failed to satisfy the electricity needs of the nation. Currently consumers are not provided with adequate and uninterrupted electricity supply due to the inadequate generation capacity and poor management of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). This explains the fact that electricity supply has been the major challenge facing the State in particular and the nation in general. This administration understands that availability of electricity remains crucial for the execution and sustenance of the development programs of the Government. The decision to look inward to generate electricity for its own developmental needs is based on this purpose. At that sitting, Council approved the award for the execution of that project at the sum of N14,228,825,600.00 for the generation of 35mw of electricity to the State. This brings us to the contents of this memorandum, which amply substantiated to Council that the cited projects are capital intensive, complex and cut across various Sectors/MDAs. Meticulous attention needs to be accorded to the implementation of the projects from commencement to completion. As such, Council approved the enaction of a Six (6) - Member Implementation Committee comprising professionals for the projects as follows: i. Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport - Chairman ii. Ministry of Water Resources - Member iii. Ministry of Land and Physical Planning - Member iv. Hadejia Jama'are River Basin Authority - Member v. Office of the Accountant General - Member vi. Office of the Secretary to the State Government - Secretariat g) Request for Funds for the Successful Conduct of the Impending Local Government Elections in Kano State:The Local Government elections will soon be conducted in Kano State. As such, Council appraised and approved the request submitted from the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC), through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. The request was for Council to approve the release of the aggregate sum of N18,500,000.00 to KANSIEC to enable the following: i. Conduct of enlightenment programs by KANSIEC = N4,500,000.00 ii. Provision for logistics and other operational requirements for visitations to the registered Political Parties, Civil Society Groups, Non - Governmental Organizations and other relevant groups = N14,000,000.00 Total = N18,500,000.00 Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N18,500,000.00 to the KANSIEC to address its stated purposes aimed at conducting successful, free and fair Local Government Elections in Kano State next year. h) Request for Funds to Enable the Settlement for Expenditure Incurred and Provision of Monthly Overhead to KEDI:The Management of Kano Entrepreneurship Development Institute (KEDI), D/Tofa submitted the cited request through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for consideration by Council. Essentially, the request was for Council to consider and approve the following: i. Release of N410,000.00 to enable the refund of incurred expenditure. ii. Granting Standing Order for the commencement of payment of the sum of N400,000.00 as the Institute's monthly overhead with effect from November, 2013. Council acknowledged and approved execution of item (i) and the release of a monthly overhead of N200,000.00. i) Request for Funds from the Sustainable Kano Project (SKP):The cited request was channeled and endorsed through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government for consideration by Council. The SKP requested Council to approve the release of the sum of N9,647,337.62 to enable the construction of a Ring - Type Covered Drainage at Kofar Kwaru, Emir's Palace in Municipal Local Government Council. This was in order to provide required materials for the project while the required labor amounting to the tune of N1,447,000.00 was to be sponsored by Kofar Kwaru Youths Forum and Sabo Garba Housing Estate Development Association. Council noted the community oriented nature of the request and approved the release of the requested sum of N9,647,337.62 to the SKP for the stated purpose. j) Presentation of Request for Funds to Enable the Participation of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Co - operatives and Tourism at the Kano International Trade Fair (19th November - 4th December, 2013):Cognizant of the tradition meaningfully upheld for the sponsorship of the State Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Co - operatives and Tourism to participate at the Kano International Trade Fair, Council approved the release of the sum ofN4,000,000.00 to the Ministry to enable its participation at the Kano International Trade Fair (19th November - 4th December, 2013). 2. MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION Only one (1) of the three (3) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of

2013

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013 Higher Education was approved for execution. Thus: Request for Funds to Facilitate the Sponsorship of 200 Additional Qualified Kano State Indigenous Students to Study at Crescent and Bells Universities, Ogun State:The Honorable Commissioner for Higher Education informed Council, through the contents of this memorandum that the students sponsored for studies in the two (2) Universities cited above performed creditably in 2012/2013 academic session. This leads to the Management at the two (2) Institutions to admitting 200 studentstostudy at their institutes for the following courses: o Crescent University, Abeokuta SN Course Number of Students Cost (N) i. BSc Accounting 10 8,100,000.00 ii. BSc Bio Chemistry 10 7,400,000.00 iii. BSc Computer Science 10 7,400,000.00 iv. BSc Fisheries/Agriculture 20 14,800,000.00 v. BSc Architecture 10 8,100,000.00 vi. BSc Microbiology 10 7,400,000.00 vii. BSc Estate Management 10 7,400,000.00 viii. BSc Urban/Regional Planning 10 7,400,000.00 ix. LLB 10 9,100,000.00 Total 9 100 77,100,000.00 o Bells University of Technology, Ota SN Course Number of Students i. Accounting 3 ii. Biochemistry 5 iii. Biochemical/Engineering 10 iv. Applied Maths/Statistics 5 v. Biotechnology 5 vi. Building Technology 5 vii. Computer Engineering 5 viii. Computer Sciences 5 ix. Economics 4 x. Electrical Electronic Engineering 5 xi. Estate Management 5 xii. Food Technology 5 xiii. Human Resources Management 3 xiv. Information Technology 5 xv. Mechanical Engineering 5 xvi. Micro Biology 5 xvii. Nutritional and Diet 5 xviii. Survey/Geographic Information 5 xix. Telecommunications Engineering 5 xx. Urban/Regional Planning 5 Total 20 100

Cost (N) 3,660,000.00 6,100,000.00 12,200,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 4,880,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 3,660,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 6,100,000.00 122,000,000.00

As such, Council was requested to approve release of the aggregate sum of N199,100,000.00 to enable facilitation of the stated purpose. Council acknowledged and considered the relevance of the request to the educational transformation policy of the present administration in the State and approved the sponsorship of the 200 students and the release of the requested sum of N199,100,000.00 to the Ministry of Higher Education to enable the facilitation of the stated purpose. 3. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES Request for Permission and Release of Funds to Host the Inauguration Meeting of the Tomato Value Chain Stakeholders Group (SWG) Slated for 26th - 28th November, 2013:The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) solicited the cooperation of the Kano State Government, through the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, to host the cited meeting. A preparatory meeting among the stakeholders came up with the request for the provision of seven (7) items amounting to the tune of N2,852,120.00, which was requested for release by Council as contribution of the State Government for the endeavour, which translated to 80% of the entire cost while the CBN would contribute only 20% or N713,030.00. This was in consideration of the fact that the CBN hosted all the previous five (5) series of such meetings held in Abuja. Council noted, considered and granted permission for Kano State to host the slated meeting along with granting the approval for the release of the requested sum of N2,852,120.00 to the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the purpose being contribution of the State Government. 4. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING Four (4) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning. Only one (1) of them was approved for execution. Thus: Request for Funds to Enable the Payment of Compensation for Properties Affected by the Expansion of Gwagwarwa Hospital:Properties (buildings) valued at the aggregate sum of N74,165,000.00 were acquired for the highly required purpose of the expansion of the Gwagwarwa Hospital, which is among the identified highly patronized Government Hospitals in the Metropolis. Cognizant of the commendable effort of the present administration to provide health facilities for the citizenry in the State, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning requested Council to approve the release of the sum of N74,165,000.00 to enable the payment of compensation for acquired properties in order to pave way for smooth expansion of the Gwagwarwa Hospital. Council noted, considered and approved release of the sum of N74,165,000.00 to the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to facilitate payment of the stated compensation. 5. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Of the eight (8) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, seven (7) were approved for execution as follows: a) Request for Funds for Roads Maintenance by Kano Road Maintenance Agency (KARMA):The contents of this memorandum presented details on roads maintenance projects executed at nineteen (19) sites (roads) within and outside Kano Metropolis with the sum of N90,000,000.00 approved and released to KARMA during the Kano State Executive Council sitting of 2nd October, 2013. The money was judiciously expended according to the details presented to Council for consideration. To enable the continuation of the commendable feat KARMA requested Council to approve the release of the sum of N150,000,000.00 to enable the following: o Purchase of 5000 metric tonnes of bitumen at N20,000.00 = N100,000,000.00. o Purchase of 150 metric tonnes of bitumen at N162,000.00 =N24,300,000.00. o Purchase of stone aggregate and dust 4,000M at N4,800.00 = N19,200,000.00. o Purchase of fuel and lubricant = N5,000,000.00 o Miscellaneous = N1,500,000.00. Total = N150,000,000.00. Council acknowledged the request and approved the release of the trimmed down sum of N90,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable KARMA continue with the maintenance and repairs of roads. b) Request for Funds to Enable the Renovation of Zungeru Road by KARMA:Zungeru Road was identified and assessed for renovation at the cost of N245,527,145.25 according to details on the scope of works required presented to Council for consideration. This complied with directives issued by the Executive Council via its Extract NO. SSCA/CA/EX/7/I/292. As such, Council approved the release of the sum of N245,527,145.25 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable KARMA undertake the renovation project of Zungeru Road according to the specifications presented. c) Presentation of the Request for Funds to Enable the Continuation with the Street Decongestion and Prohibition of Illegal Motor Parks in Kano Metropolis:The stated enforcement recorded remarkable success in the nine (9) months of its implementation by Kano Road Traffic Agency. Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N11,298,120.00 to enable the continuation of the laudable exercise. Council appraised the request and approved the release of the trimmed down sum of N9,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to facilitate the continuation of the stated exercise. d) Request for Funds to Enable the Provision of Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA) Special Marshalls Jackets and Caps to Identified Interested Members of the General Public:KAROTA performs commendably from its inception to date to a stage whereby the general public is interested in becoming Special Road Marshalls. Some have even offered to provide same service at a token fee (stipend) of N5,000.00 only per head. A pilot number of 500 persons were identified for the exercise.

63 In this vein, Council was requested to approve the release of the sum of N1,750,000.00 to enable the production of 500 Jackets, Facing Caps and ID Cards for the 500 KAROTA Special Road Marshalls at the cost of N3,500.00 per package. Council acknowledged the request appreciatively and approved the release of the requested sum of N1,750,000.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable production and distribution of the package earmarked for the KAROTA Special Road Marshalls awaiting the request for release of their stipend. e) Presentation of Request for Funds for the Provision of Communication Equipment and Services by Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA):The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport amply substantiated to Council, through the contents of this memorandum that, the functions/services rendered by KAROTA personnel necessarily require effective communication between/among them as well as between them and other organizations such as the Police, Hisbah, Hospitals, etc. Details of the requirements were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N6,050,000.00 for the purpose. Council appraised the request and approved the release of the requested sum of N6,050,000.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable KAROTA provide communication equipment and communication services for effective delivery of the services rendered by its personnel. f) Request for Funds to Enable the Provision of Additional Road Signs in Metropolitan Kano:The quality of roads is known to be enhanced by the provision of signs and symbols at significant locations to guide users. KAROTA presented a similar request considered as phase I, which Council approved and released funds for execution. The phase I effort was carried out and attracted public acceptance and commendation calling for the placement of more road signs at locations of need along roads in the Metropolis. Details on the requirements were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum N5,700,000.00 for the purpose. Council noted, considered and approved release of the requested sum to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable KAROTA produce and install more road signs and symbols on metropolitan roads (phase II). g) Presentation of Request for Relocation of Kano Line Motor Park from Silver Jubilee to Na'ibawa Motor Park Along Zaria Road and Kabuga Motor Park Along Gwarzo Road:Considering the laudable construction project of the flyover at Kofar Nassarawa/Silver Jubilee, the Kano Line Motor Park formerly located at the vicinity was identified and recommended for relocation by KAROTA as endorsed by the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, which forwarded the following two (2) prayers for consideration and approval by Council. Viz; i. Relocation of Kano Line Motor Park from Silver Jubilee to Na'ibawa Motor Park along Zaria Road and Kabuga Motor Park along Gwarzo Road. ii. Construction/provision of Administrative Office block and leveling /filling and fencing of Na'ibawa Motor Park. Council noted, considered and approved the execution of the two (2) prayers forwarded as well as directed the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to inspect and assess the scope of works required at the Na'ibawa Motor Park and report findings for consideration. 6. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Both memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Education were approved for execution. Thus: a) Request for Funds to Enable the Furnishing of Libraries in 100 Secondary Schools Across Kano State:With deep concern, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Education submitted the request cited above. The pathetic picture of Libraries in our Secondary Schools was presented to Council as a matter of serious concern especially the furnishing most of which are dilapidated or absent. To address the problem, 100 Secondary Schools were identified/selected for the provision of required furniture in their respective Libraries. Details were presented to Council for consideration along with the request for the release of the sum of N758,600,000.00 at N7,586,000.00 per School for the stated purchase. Council considered the significance of the request and approved the execution of the project at the stated sum of N758,600,000.00. b) The Establishment of E-Learning Center in each of the 44 LGCAs of Kano State:Information Communication Technology (ICT) is here with us for the better. This instigated the inclusion of Computer Studies in the new Secondary School Education Curriculum. The effort need to be taken to the grassroots, which warranted and informed the State Ministry of Education to have contacted an organization from Canada by name Nudenia Project Management Inc. Ontario Canada, which indicated interest to assist Kano State on the issue. A proposal forwarded by the organization was presented to Council for consideration. It involved the establishment of E-Learning Centers in the 44 LGCAs of the State in the subsequent five (5) years free of charge/at no cost to the Government. Details on the modalities of operation and benefits derivable from the project were presented to Council for consideration. Council appreciatively acknowledged the presentation and approved the execution of the proposal and issuance of a Letter of "No Objection" to the Organization by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Education so that implementation of the project can begin. 7. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE Request for Funds to Enable the Payment of Third (3rd) Batch (2013) Bereaved Family Allowances (BFA) to Families of 122 Deceased Civil Servants:The Head of Civil Service informed Council, through the contents of this memorandum, of the successful disbursement of the second (2nd) batch 2013 BFA to the tune of N5,685,000.00 to the beneficiaries. The Office of the head of service computed the third (3rd) Batch (2013) of such allowances in respect of 122 bereaved families of 122 deceased Civil Servants. The verified/computed sum of money to be disbursed as third (3rd) Batch (2013) BFA and requested for release by Council was to the tune of N5,260,000.00. Council considered the statutory provision on such entitlements and approved the release of the requested sum of N5,260,000.00 to the Office of the Head of Civil Service for disbursement to the 122 bereaved families. Council commiserated with the families and unanimously prayed for the Mercy of the Almighty Allah in granting eternal peace and sanctity of Jannatil - Fir - Dausi to the deceased Civil Servants. UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 124THKANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SITTING 1. 5-DAY WORKING VISIT BY GOVERNOR ENGR. RABI'U MUSA KWANKWASO TO KANO STATE INDIGENOUS STUDENTS SPONSORED FOR STUDIES ABROAD Council acknowledged the recent working visit by Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso from 1520 November 2013, to the United Kingdom (UK) where he met twenty (20) State sponsored students undergoing Postgraduate Studies in various courses. In addition, the Governor visited twenty-five (25) students sponsored to read a degree program in Marine Engineering in the country. He also visited fourteen (14) teachers selected from the State Science Technical School Management Board who are undergoing training at Bradford University, UK. Thus, in the UK he met fifty-nine (59) Kano State indigenous citizens sponsored by the State to undergo various courses. The Governor, in the same vein, received "ZAFAA" award as the 2013 Best Governor for his contribution/ commitment for "Educational Advancement and Youths Empowerment', by the African Film Festival Organizers. From U.K., the Governor visited Amman, Jordan, where he met the 100 State sponsored students receiving Pilot training at the Mideast Aviation Academy. In the same country, he met another set of 56 sponsored students who were among the 501 batch studying at Jordan University of Science and Technology, IRBIT. In continuation of his working visit, the Governor visited Dubai, UAE, where he met the ten (10) State sponsored students undergoing Postgraduate training. Thus, 245 sponsored students studying abroad were met during this working visit. PRESENTATION OF AN AWARD Council witnessed the presentation of an award to Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by the Council on Legal Education, Kano State Chapter, for his support towards the development and growth of the Nigerian Law School, Kano Campus. 2. SIGNING INTO LAW OF KANO JUSTICE REFORM BILL Council witnessed the signing into law of Kano Justice Reform Bill by the Governor. The Bill will bring justice closer to the people. 3. REPORT FROM THE STATE COMMITTEE ON DRUG ABUSE IN THE STATE Council received the report from the Committee with appreciation and urged it to work hard by collaborating with all security outfits in the State to curtail/eliminate drug abuse in the society.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture

WHO SAID WHAT

‘By

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 8 NO 2,678

the Anambra State election, Prof. Jega and his lieutenants have put the 2015 elections in great jeopardy. With the way we are going, there may be a master problem in 2015’ PROF TAM DAVID-WEST

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

TTAHIRU Jega is a typical Nigerian in the game of deceit. His face does not show it. His voice does not tell it. His manners do not demonstrate it. But his results devastate us. Like his boss Gooduck Jonathan, he carries a mien of deceptive gentility. This image made many acclaim Jonathan for appointing a former don as our electoral umpire. He introduced himself with a cherubic face, a fragile pair of eyes and a voice immune to the vulgarities of the age. He cut that cartoon figure last week as he tried to explain away his incompetence over the Anambra governorship elections. In one breath, he told us he did a shoddy job. In another breath, he asked us to abide with it. The election, he confessed, was inconclusive. But there was nothing he could do about it. His hands were tied. We are supposed to accept the violation like a raped nubile. The experience was awful. Blood abounded. But the deed was already done. The rapist told us it was a pity we did not enjoy the performance. But we could go to the bathroom and wash up and hope the next experience would be worth the moans and screams. He gave us the result as a fait accompli. Hear him: “we regret shattering the expectations of Nigerians but we did our best under very difficult circumstances to have a free, fair and credible election.” In one word, the results that made the Fidelity Bank candidate, Obiano of Governor Obi’s APGA, were not credible. He now says the aggrieved should go to court. Yet he wants to pour more sand in the garri of the other parties by setting the supplementary elections for another date. The foundation, by his own confession, was frail. How do you want to build on it? Those who were supposed to register did not see their names on the list. Those who were supposed to vote did not have voting materials in the booths. In a case, a candidate could not vote, as well as his family. A family is the basic unit of a society. That shows basic failure. While adults could not vote, minors were allowed to vote. Underage girls smothered their heads with Brazilian and Venezuelan hair in tune with the fashion of the day. So, a girl that should be 16 is portrayed as 31 at the polls. We understand the power of incumbency in an election. Governor Obi of the feminine voice wanted to show that having ruled the roost for eight years he should be able to anoint his successor and hand over to him. He claims to have deserved that honour from the Anambra people for his doings in eight years. Obi has not done such groundbreaking work for his people. His performance as governor can at best be described as modest. Such performances do not enthuse a crowd or stir the blood of loyalty. Rather they rake up lukewarm zeal. Lukewarm zeal does not give a governor that automatic honour of anointing a successor. That was Ngige’s strength. The APC candidate is the most important personality to have emerged in this generation from that

RIPPLES WE WON’T CANCEL ANAMBRA POLLS, SAYS JEGA

...Jega, Maurice Iwu. NO DIFFERENCE

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchnation@gmail.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

Anambra: Between gods and godfathers

•Jega

state. We cannot forget so easily the theatrics of gods and godfathers when he was governor. He allegedly swore to a god at Okija that he would bow to his godfathers. When he became governor, he bowed neither to the gods nor to his godfathers. Rather he kneeled to the people and the constitution. He swapped the oath to gods with those to his citizens, the secret oath fell to the public one. The politicians inaugurated the theatre of kidnapping by first nabbing an elected governor. He would not yield to them. He would rather pay the money to the people in terms of

infrastructure, education and healthcare than ply the pockets of peacocks. He was held hostage by Anambra and Abuja, but he never chafed. He would rather fail his godfathers and their gods, rather than the people. He left office on those terms. A few years after he left office, I visited Anambra State when Obi was governor, and I travelled to some of the towns. The motif of my conversations with the ordinary people was a nostalgia for the days of Ngige. A driver taking me from Awka to a neighbouring town exhaled that his car was guaranteed some longevity because Ngige had opened up quite a few roads and tarred them. The bumps and potholes would not flog his car to premature death. That billed the Anambra State election as an election between nostalgia and now, between Obi of the feminine voice and Ngige of the legend. It was a surprise that Nwoye, who never campaigned much, and whose candidacy threw a storm within the PDP, could have even come off second. It all shows that the results followed a clandestine script. President Jonathan entered a pact with Obi of the feminine voice who has been one of Jonathan’s ardent supporters. Remember the NGF elections and all he did? They fear Ngige the most. To deny Ngige any prayer, he had to come third. It was the same script in Ondo State, when Jonathan entered a pact with the whitlow of the west against his

HARDBALL

S you read this, our dear President Goodluck Jonathan would be back in Abuja after a three-day jamboree in London last week in search of investors. At about the same time last week, his wife, Dame Patience, was in far away Bangkok, Thailand, on her own exotic junket. Okay, if we concede to the Presidency that it is entitled to some binging on the nation’s treasury and that the president and his ministers could go see the London Bridge, get some fresh air and perhaps pick one or two fresh ideas to apply at home, how do we explain madam in Bangkok? She purportedly led the Nigerian team- no fewer than two dozens – to Thailand for the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) World 2013. She had led the Communications Minister, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) team and wives of governors and all sorts to Thailand for what is strictly a technical fair. Hardball does not envy the minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, and her technical team at the fair one bit. What a nice company they have got there. Our experience with the Olusegun Obasanjo era has shown that our leaders having made a mess of their homestead, are often more comfortable in a foreign land. Any foreign land at all would do. The other day Jonathan was in Gambia for a reason Hardball cannot readily remember. Every other week, our President finds one flimsy reason or the other to escape from the country with a jet-load of entourage. Jonathan is

own party. The dreaded candidate came third. So the cry by Jega that the Anambra election was unfortunate and we should just abide it is part of a system that imposes mediocrity on all. Being afraid of Ngige’s return, they are engaged in a battle against memory. So we can say the Anambra election is an example of what Tatalo Alamu called the politics of memory. They are also cringing from the memory of politics and that is Ngige’s soldiery against the mainstays of decrepit system. Stephanie Meyer once wrote in her New Moon of a person “forbidden to remember; terrified to forget…” Anambrarians who were terrified to forget voted for Ngige. Those who hated Ngige’s guts are forbidding the people to remember. Conscience has accused them. They cannot have a clear conscience now, because Mark Twain said “a clear conscience is a sign of a bad memory.” They remember the days of Ngige and it sends shivers. Ironically, this column fought for Obi to remain and be governor in those heady days. He knows what it means to deny a person of his due. Why is he accepting an election that even the umpire decries as inconclusive? He has become a godfather himself, a status bred in Fidelity Bank and anointed with money. Jega should resign if he has honour. He knew early enough that things did not work and he could have canceled the polls like he did in 2011. But he allowed the rotten egg to release its odour before he uttered his lachrymose regret. Rather we have an election as a failure of mathematics. The number of invalid votes is more than the valid ones and only 27 per cent of valid votes counted with more than that percentage invalidated. Ngige’s place had to be the area that elections did not happen. And the winner was declared when the number of votes not counted surpassed the difference between the winner and the contestants. It is also a failure of English language. How can you say something is inconclusive and the result is announced, and you want a supplementary election because you want to avoid the word rerun? It is also the failure of logic when the party in the state cries foul and the PDP in the centre says halleluiah. Who does not see the Jonathan-Obi pact here? It is a failure of law when the law produces injustice. When values fail us, the law cannot rescue us. In a sane society, our sense of right and wrong will force all parties to withdraw and ask for a rerun. Values save laws. But the gods of greed and godfathers of fraud will accept a cesspit of an election, no matter the cries for justice.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

London to Bangkok: Jamboree galore obviously not happy in Nigeria so he escapes as fast as his people can cook up some excuse. This time he is off to London (not to see the Queen, which would have made more sense to Hardball) but to preside over Nigeria’s Honourary International Investors’ Council (NHIIC) meeting. NHIIC is a business being organised by a former British diplomat known as Baroness Lynda Chalker; at best an NGO she set up a few years ago upon retirement from service. If you think Hardball is up to some mischief, here is a take from government release on this trip: “The meeting of the council (NHIIC) is coordinated by Baroness Lynda Chalker and will also feature a review of Nigeria’s existing investment policies by the organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Paris-based international organisation dedicated to the promotion of policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. “Members of the council (NHIIC) include the Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, Mohammed al Shaibani, a former South African Minister of public Enterprises, Mr. Alec Erwin, Vice President of Hewlett-Packard’s Enterprise Group in Europe, Middle-East and Africa,

Mr. Olivier Suinat, a former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Shaukat Aziz and the Director of Shell’s International Upstream Business, Mr. Andrew Brown.” Hardball has uncharacteristically quoted so much just to buttress the point that NHIIC is Mrs. Chalker’s colonial contraption for corralling contracts from Nigeria. Which of the names being bandied above measures up to a Nigeria serving minister if we had our heads well screwed on? For instance, the overall chief executive of Shell worldwide will require a proper appointment to see our finance minister here in Nigeria. What then is the president of Nigeria, the biggest black nation in the world, doing presiding over a meeting in far away London with retired and inconsequential people from inconsequential places? Have we completely lost our sense of esteem and magnitude? One or two junior ministers would have sufficed at this meeting. To think that our president with an entourage of governors, ministers, senators, house members and aides numbering no fewer that 50 is on this silly meeting in London is the height of our low. It is bad enough that we go on this kind of jamboree no other government on earth does, why don’t we bring some dignity to the folly? The world is watching and they are laughing us to death.

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