The Nation November 14, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Banks stop N100 ATM charge

EFCC arraigns two for N272m subsidy ‘scam’

BUSSINES

Page 53

•It’s in line with ‘popular trend’

•Accused plead not guilty

NEWS Page 10

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VOL. 7, NO. 2309 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

President seeks lawmakers’ nod on $1b bond

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has asked the House of Representatives for permission to issue bond worth $1billion — “in continuance of the programme initiated under the administration of President Umar Musa Yar’Adua “

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

The president made the request in one of his three letters to the National Assembly. He applied for amendments to 2012-2014 MediumTerm External Borrowing Plan and requested for a “$100 million Diaspora

Bond”.

Though the letter did not enumerate the projects of the late Yar’Adua that he wishes to complete, Jonathan said the federal government was developing a low-income housing finance facility to support affordable homes for Nigerians.

The letter reads: “The fed-

eral government is currently developing a low-income housing finance facility to support the provision of affordable homes for Nigerians. This scheme will be financed using a $300 million credit facility from World Bank. We would like to swap Continued on page 63

Obasanjo slams Jonathan’s response to Boko Haram Ex-President defends Odi invasion Akinyemi advocates conference

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•Dr. Jonathan

T was meant to be a lecture in honour of a distinguished pastor celebrating his 40th anniversary on the pulpit. But the forum turned out to be more; it became a podium for a blistering criticism of the Jonathan administration.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo lashed out at the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan administration for what he called its slow handling of the Boko Haram insurgency.

He also accused the administration and that of his succes-

3000 troops for Mali mission

My fear is that when you have a sore and ‘you don’t attend to it early enough, it festers and becomes very bad. Don’t leave a problem that can be bad unattended From Shola O’Neil, Warri

sor, the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, of being soft on corruption.

Boko Haram’s gunmen have killed thousands of people in the North, especially in Borno and Yobe states – the

epicentre of their activities.

Many schools have been burnt down. Many churches have been attacked by suicide bombers as the sect intensifies its violent activities.

Obasanjo, who was instrumental to the enthronement of

’

the late Yar’Adua and Jonathan, said the sect’s activities would have been nipped in the bud had drastic steps been taken at the initial stage of Boko Haram’s insurgency - as he did in 1999 when he deployed troops in Odi commu-

nity, Bayelsa State.

He spoke in Warri as the moderator of a public lecture by former External Affairs Minister Prof Bolaji Akinyemi in honour of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, who is marking his 40th anniversary as a pastor.

The former president accused his successors of allowing the Boko Haram scourge to become a nationContinued on page 2

GOOD TO HAVE YOU HERE...

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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IGERIA and other members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will contribute 3,000 troops to the United Nations Intervention Mission to check Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram in Mali .

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps plans to send 200 members of its armed squad to join the team.

It was also learnt yesterday that the United Nations Security Council will meet tomorrow to consider the Action Plan for the intervention in Mali.

But, unlike a similar campaign in Liberia, the UN will solely bear the cost of the mission in Mali.

According to a highly-placed source, who spoke in confidence on the Mali mission, the troops will be deployed immediately after approval by the Security Council.

The source said: “We are set for the military intervention in Mali anytime from now.

On the whole, ECOWAS will send a 3,000man force to that country to check the AlQaeda Movement and their allies like Boko Continued on page 2

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola addressing members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), at the Government Technical College Ground, Osogbo...yesterday. STORY ON PAGE 8

•SPORT P23 •LIFE P25 •MONEY P30 •INVESTORS P32•POLITICS P45

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

NEWS Nigeria loses $7b to crude oil theft

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•From left: Former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Olajide Aleshinloye-Williams; Event Sponsor, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Mr Waheed Oshodi; and Chairman, Lagos State TableTennis Association, Mr Femi Shokoya, at a news conference on the 44th Annual Asoju Oba Cup Table-Tennis championship in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

Presidency bans ministers from phone calls

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HE Presidency has banned ministers and heads of parastatals from using mobile phones during meetings with President Goodluck Jonathan.

Also, the government has issued an alert on increasing robbers’ attacks on Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Lagos.

The ban on ministers and other top government officials from making calls, was as a result of rampant cases of phone calls and texting at official meetings, including during the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

It was gathered that the mobile phone indulgence has caused distractions at sensitive meetings.

Findings revealed that some ministers and top government officials hide under the guise of seeking clarifications on issues or emergency challenges to use mobile phones at meetings.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

The presidency has told the ministers to stop the habit through a circular signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadome.

The circular has been sent to all ministers and chief executives of government agencies.

The circular reads: “Following the observation of some individuals using their mobile phones whilst Mr. President presides over meetings, it has become necessary to state that the use of mobile phones in meetings being attended by Mr. President is now prohibited.

“Please ensure phones are either left with security personnel in the relevant meeting room or switched off.

“Henceforth, responding to calls or texting or having a phone interrupt proceedings at a meeting will not be tolerated.”

A source in government said: “The ban became necessary

because some ministers have been losing focus at meetings because of phone calls and text messaging. This development has affected the quality of outcome of important meetings. It is even a slight to pick calls when the President is presiding over any meeting.

“In line with our transformation agenda, there is no way we can allow this trend to continue. Some ministers are already under watch over this improper conduct.”

In another development, the presidency has sent a security alert to Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Caleb Olubolade, on how armed robbers are targeting ATMs, hotels and drinking spots since the cashless policy was introduced in Lagos .

The alert was contained in a circular signed for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation by A.G. Ibrahim.

The directive reads: “I am

directed to inform you of a report which reveals that armed robbers in Lagos have resorted to attacking Automated Teller Machines and their users following the implementation of cashless economy.

“According to the report, armed robbers hover around banks and hotels with ATM and trail customers to unsuspected areas to attack while others attack ATM in less secured environment.

“The development suggests that criminal elements may be devising a new strategy to perpetrate their nefarious activities following introduction of cashless economy.

“The need for security managers to evolve measures to protect the ATM and their users is therefore advised. It is also important to collaborate with media managers to sensitise the public on necessary safety measures. The foregoing is forwarded for your information.”

IDESPREAD theft of crude oil has cost the country $7 billion this year, the International Energy Agency said yesterday in a monthly report on oil production around the world.

The agency noted that Royal Dutch Shell PLC, the country’s largest oil producer, had already said its quarterly results would be down about 20 per cent after a series of pipeline theft attacks.

The agency also said crude oil production in Nigeria dropped to its lowest level in two and a half years in October to about 1.95 million barrels a day because of flooding in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

Militant attacks in the region dropped after a 2009 government-sponsored amnesty programme. However, crude oil thefts have skyrocketed, likely supported by some security forces and politicians.

Government is also believed to be considering a review of the N5.6b pipeline surveillance contracts it awarded to companies owned by former militant leaders.

The Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology yesterday said oil companies in the country stop oil spills.

He said this has become necessary as a result of its devastating effect on the environment and livelihoods of the people.

Chairman of the committee Senator Bukola Saraki spoke during the opening of a public hearing on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Amendment Bill 2012 in Abuja.

He lamented that the statistics of oil spills in the country is “shameful” while the impact on the environment is “offensive.”

He noted that the Bill, entitled: “An Act to amend the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) establishment, etc, Act 2006 and for other matters connected therewith”, is aimed at redressing the legal loopholes in the existing Act.

3000 Nigerian, others troops for Mali mission Continued from page 1

Haram.

“All ECOWAS members will contribute troops in proportion to their population and military strength. The details are already being worked out by military chiefs of all the countries.”

A report of the Action Plan will be submitted and considered by the UN Security Council tomorrow, said the

source, who stressed that the operation “won’t be like ECOMOG in Liberia which was one-sided and mainly shouldered by Nigeria”.

Responding to a question, the source added: “The military is working out the cost, which will be funded by the UN. Do not forget, it is, however, purely a UN operation.

“We have just received a report that contributions to the

Force might come from outside because some European nations have shown interest to be part of the intervention.”

Asked why the UN opted for the military intervention, the source, a senior government official who pleaded not to be named, said: “If Mali becomes the den of Al-Qaeda , Nigeria will feel the effects more because we are already grappling with Boko Haram

crisis.

“You can imagine the whole of West Africa under terrorist siege; we won’t be able to cope at all. Already, over 200,000 families have been displaced in Northern Mali .

“Some people have been criticising the Federal Government for encouraging ECOWAS members for this mission, but we are talking of the survival of this country.”

A source in NSDC said: “About 200 officers and men of our armed squad might be part of the troops to be deployed in Mali .

“Already, they are undergoing orientation on this mission. We are eager to join the Force because it will be a major test for our armed unit.”

Besides its 2071 Resolution, the UN Security Council had Continued from page 63

From Onyedi Ojiabor, and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Saraki said: “Oil spill is ravaging our environment and has become one of the greatest threats to our sustainable development.

“This amendment Bill is a clarion call to us all, to put a stop to this.

“It can no longer be business as usual.”

He noted that the level of spills in the country is a reflection of the “total disregard placed on our environment and the dignity of our people.”

He added: “Without a doubt, oil spillage is dealt with all over the world as an environmental issue and a human right issue that goes to the quality of the environment and the value of life of those impacted by spills.

“It is erroneous to continue to view oil spills as a necessary consequence of oil exploration.”

He stated that it was obvious that the Act setting up NOSDRA is presently deficient to meet current challenges posed by oil spill and at such a better legal framework is required.

He said: “This bill seeks to cure the observed deficiency in the previous law by tweaking the institutional framework for oil spill management and regulation to make it more efficient.

“Our objective is to reverse the ugly trend of endless spilling and devastation of our environment and the repugnant impact on our people.”

He stated that the bill does not seek to make life more difficult for oil operators and business partners.

“This bill seeks to make business more peaceful, the regulatory and governance system much clearer and predictable for all and achieve a more livable environment for our people.

“This bill also seeks to provide specific powers that will help deal with the regulatory confusion in the sector, which has pitched certain government agencies against one another and inhibited effective regulation.

•Foreign Minister Gbenga Ashiru

Obasanjo slams Jonathan’s response to Boko Haram Continued from page 1

al security problem.

He said: “My fear is that when you have a sore and you don’t attend to it early enough, it festers and becomes very bad. Don’t leave a problem that can be bad unattended.”

Reflecting on the crisis at Odi, Obasanjo said: “I attended to a problem that I saw; I sent soldiers. They were killed, 19 of them (were) decapitated. If I had allowed that to continue, I would not have the authority to send security anywhere again. I attended to it.

“If you say you do not want a strong leader, who can have all the characteristics of a leader, including the fear of God,

then, you have a weak leader and the rest of the problem is yours,” he added.

In his reaction to comments on rising corruption by public office holders in Akinyemi’s paper, Obasanjo blamed the weakened anticorruption fight on his successor.

“At one time, they said the fear of (Mallam Nuhu) Ribadu, former Chairman of the Economic and Economic Crimes Commission (EFCC), is the beginning of wisdom.

Then, what happened to Ribadu? And there was no longer any wisdom,” he added.

He hinted that the faltering fight against corruption had made it impossible to recover an outstanding $1billion from

the cash stolen by the late General Sani Abacha and his family.

Obasanjo and Akinyemi expressed divergent views on the convocation of a national conference as the way forward for the nation’s unity and peace.

The professor of International Relations and Diplomacy suggested the convocation of a national conference to allow all interest groups the opportunity to express their views on national issues.

He said: “The Nigerian elite, political, economic and religious, must get together and fashion out a grand consensus. Let me make it clear that I am not advocating a consensus to loot the national trea-

sury - that is already taking place.

“For us to have a consensus, we should have a national conference to air our views and grievances. At the end of the day, we should be able to agree (on the way forward).”

But Obasanjo faulted the call, saying: “We have been on this conference forever.”

“We can never get all Nigerians to a room and say let’s have a conference; we will still get representatives and when you finish, there will still be those who will not be satisfied. I may not be satisfied, and if I am not satisfied, should I not be able to vent my feeling and say I am not satisfied? If I can vent my feelings and say I am not satisfied,

then I am now satisfied.”

The two eminent Nigerians also disagreed on the application of Federal Character, which Akinyemi said, “dispenses with experience and emphasises the turn-by-turn syndrome, irrespective of experience or qualification”.

He lamented that choices of vice-chancellors, bishops, judges and others are now subject to federal character, adding: “Just last week, there was an episode, disgraceful by all account, that took place within the judiciary. “ But Obasanjo said: “There is nothing intrinsically wrong in federal character, if we have decided that we really want to weave this country together.

“The problem is how it is applied because if you are looking for Federal character with merit, you will get it anywhere in Nigeria.”

There was however a consensus on leadership. Both men expressed the need for a strong leadership that will build the Nigeria dreamt of by the founding fathers.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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What next for

The after effects of the flooding in various parts of the country have not abated, making many wonder if the worst is over, writes AZUBUIKE OKEH, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

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•Senate President David Mark (middle), Minister of Health Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu (left) and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health Mrs Fatima Bamidele, at the launch of national oral health policy in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

•Minister of State for Education Nyesom Wike, acting Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)Prof Charles Onocha and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Education Research Development Council Prof. Godswill Obioma, during the inauguration of the committee on the review of Strenthening Mathematics and Science Education in Abuja...yesterday

R Jacob Egba, who hails from Okogbue in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers, is one of the victims of flood that recently ravaged the area.

Egba and his three children now reside in a camp set up for displaced persons by the state government.

As the floodwater is fast receding, Egba is not so much worried about life in the camp but he is visibly troubled about how he and his family would be able to cope with life after their time at the camp.

Egba’s house and farm have been destroyed by the flood and he has repeatedly expressed concern about his coming phase of life when relief materials from the government, philanthropists and donor agencies would cease.

Mrs Roseline Ogwe from Obigwe, Ogba/Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers, also lives at the camp set up for displaced persons.

Ogwe, a widow with three children, eked out a living from proceeds from her cassava and cocoyam farms, prior to the flooding.

The hapless woman recalls that she was forced to harvest her crops prematurely before her entire farmland became submerged by floodwater.

“I lived in an old house left for us by my father and that house has been

washed away; the little money I realised from the sales of my cassava and cocoyam had been spent here in the camp because the aid is not regular,’’ Ogwe says.

Another widow, Mrs Ellami Philip from Abua town, said she managed to escape with her six-year-old grandson from being trapped by the floodwater through the help of some youths who ferried them across to safety.

“I did not have any time to harvest the little crops I have in the farm; everything has been washed away. I have not gone back to see what has happened to my house, box of clothes and other belongings.

“I am seeing an entirely different lifestyle here but my worry is what happens after now. We will not stay in this camp forever, how do we start again?’’ she asked.

Egba, Roseline and Philip are just some of the several flood victims who are already becoming apprehensive about their survival when they eventually leave the displaced persons’ camps.

Such fears have elicited the concern of some observers who believe that government should urgently devise strategies on how to help the flood victims to cope with life after their stay at the camps.

The Executive Director, Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Mr Nsirimovu Anyakwee, stresses that the government ought to be more concerned now about how to address

‘Presidential How realistic is President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive that all bad federal roads must be fixed before Christmas, which is just a month and some days away? Road users and experts believe the president is being unrealistic, reports LEKE SALAUDEEN

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•Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke (left), Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloma Mukhtar and former CJN Justice Mohammed Uwais, at the 2012 Fellows' Lecture and Conferment of Honourary Fellowship of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

•The Nation’s Deputy Editor (Sunday) and author, Mr. Olayinka Oyegbile (second right), his wife Oluwakemi, representative of the chief launcher, Mr. Jonathan Alabede and Mr Alfred Oyegbile, during the public presentation of Oyegbile’s book ‘Home Away from Home History of Ogbomosho People in Jos’ at Eko Multi Purpose Hall, Ikeja, Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

F it were realistic, it will bring joy to many. Road users will rejoice. Transporters will be ecstatic. And contractors will smile to the banks. The government too will have its popularity rating soaring high. The country will also have its economic indices improving. The N80 billion lost annually to the deplorable condition of roads across the country will be available for other usage. And the country will no longer incur N35 billion annually as operating costs on its network of roads.

But as far as all these people who would have been the beneficiaries are concerned, the presidential directive to the Ministry of Works to rehabilitate major highways before the Christmas season is nothing but a joke.

A report recently shows that “over the next 10 years, N300 billion will be required to bring national roads into a satisfactory usable condition”. So, how will the Federal Government perform the miracle of fixing bad roads in less than two months when no money was budgeted for such expenses.

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) said the presidential order was a gimmick intended to draw public attention. The unions said they have heard such directives in the past and nothing came out of them.

Jonathan, after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting a fortnight ago, directed the Ministry of Works to carry out the repair of roads washed off by flood before Yuletide to guarantee the safety of the people travelling home for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

National Secretary of PTD Dayyub Garga told The Nation that his union would not be carried away by mere directive.

He said: “Such directive is not new to us. Nothing came out of the previous ones. As a result we are not expecting magic from this. We have made several representations to government on the deplorable state of highways in the past what we got was promises upon promises. We won’t be taken unaware if by December 30, the roads are still what they are today.

“To start with, is it possible to repair all the major roads between now and Christmas period? How many years have government spent on repairing Shagamu-Benin, Lagos-Ibadan, and Lokoja-Abuja highways? Has government made special budgetary allocation for the repair works? We don’t believe that government is ready to develop our roads.

“The bad roads have impacted negatively on our business. They contribute to the ageing of our trucks. A truck that is supposed to last for six years pack up within two years. Drivers spend two or

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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NEWS

flood victims after relief camps?

•RA GE OF FL OOD: Residents of an Edo community sacked by flood •RAGE FLOOD: emerging post-flood challenges.

He suggests that the government should evolve ways of obtaining accurate statistics on the flood victims so as to ensure that only the genuine victims are adequately catered for in the postflood programmes.

“Post-disaster management procedures require proper planning; they must not be rushed, they should be well thought-out,’’ he said.

Anyakwee, nonetheless, advises gov-

ernments at all levels to be focused while executing post-flood programmes, stressing: “If the emergency relief they are currently giving is being faulted; one should not worry so much but the long-term programme should not be faulted.’’

However, Rivers Commissioner for Special Duties and Emergency Relief Mr Emeka Nwogu concedes that the state government is quite aware of the need to initiate a long-

•NO T EVEN HOUSES OF GOD WERE SP ARED: A church in Benue sacked by flood •NOT SPARED: term programme for communities that were ravaged by flood.

He pledges the readiness of the state government to receive suggestions and assistance from all and sundry in efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the flood victims in a pragmatic way.

“We are a very responsible government. We know there is need for a post-disaster programme but we will need assistance from all stakehold-

ers; we want to see our people living happily again.

“However, remember that government’s funds are limited. We are there to respond to the needs of our people and we welcome input from everybody,’’ Nwogu said.

Analysts, nonetheless, stress the need for the government to initiate and oversee proper resettlement plans for affected communities and persons so as to forestall the emer-

gence of unexpected socio-economic problems.

They also urge the government to undertake serious studies on the causes of the flood, with a view to finding plausible ways of averting future occurrences.

Existing early warning systems for natural disasters should also be strengthened to prevent the disasters or lessen their impact, some of them add.

directive on bad roads unrealistic’ Why we have bad roads, by expert A geo-scientist at the University of Lagos and past winner of the NLNG Science Prize, Dr. Ebenezer Meshida has identified lack of understanding the soil nature by the contractors, faulty designs by government engineers and high level corruption in contract award as major factors responsible for poor roads across the country. He spoke with LEKE SALAUDEEN. Excerpts: What is responsible for bad roads?

The answer is very simple. Roads construction in Nigeria is carried out in a peculiar way that is alien to the world of science or engineering. It is difficult to explain this situation because our engineers were properly trained even by world standard. But it appears they (engineers) have found themselves in a very objectionable and professionally dangerous operational system over which they have no control.

Roads are meant to be designed in accordance with results of comprehensive engineering tests and constructed with long established methodology. In the Nigerian set up, the so-called tests are hardly carried out and the construction methodology is usually a mutilation of the acceptable standard. This is why inappropriate soil types are used with impunity by contractors to support our flexible pavements. Most of our soil layers are clay of different composition, which we erroneously called laterite.

In order to correct this mistake, the soils along every road alignment must be assessed for their index mineral composition and their possible geo-chemical reaction with water. All the so-called laterite soils are nothing but clay soil. During the dry season, they are hard with excellent bearing capacity. This has facilitated our engineers and contractors to rush into road construction without adequate geo-technical assessment.

Are there remedies for the deficiencies in the soil particles before constructions are carried out? three days on Jebba-Mokwa road, on Benin-Shagamu road, drivers are hooked up for days. “ The NURTW also doubts the Federal Government’s sincerity. Its Lagos State chairman, Alhaji Taju Agbede said: “We are not excited by the presidential order that all federal roads in the country would be repaired before Yuletide.”He spoke to our correspondent through the association’s deputy secretary, Mr. Paul Ogenni at the union’s secretariat in Lagos.

Agbede added:” Roads all over the

country have been in bad shape before the flood disaster, the Federal Government failed to respond to public outcry. If government has been carrying out maintenance exercise on the roads from time to time, we won’t be in a terrible situation in which we are today. The roads, which have collapsed four or five years ago, now you want to repair them in less than two months, it is not possible.

“If not for the state governments that have been carrying out mainte-

When clays are assessed to have objectionable engineering properties for road works, the solution is to stabilise them with some known and effective soil stabilisers. Unfortunately, the developed countries have stabilisers to develop their own soils, which they market to us. We are known in the world as buyers of commodities, right or wrong. We are not known as practical scientific people who can solve their problems by themselves. So, they make money by selling to us irrelevance once our political leaders are carefully cajoled into agreement.

President Jonathan has ordered the ministry of works to effect repairs on federal highways before Christmas. Is it feasible?

The presidential order on rehabilitation of roads before Christmas is a huge joke that has nothing to do with science or engineering.

But most of the roads in the country are constructed by foreign contractors who are rated above local contractors in terms of technical know-how.

Development in Nigeria does not signify the construction of infrastructures by foreign people. No foreigner will come here to construct roads that will not go bad or pass the test of time. They are not interested in that. They are contractors, they want to make money. You want them to construct roads for you that will last 20 years without maintenance? They won’t do that. They know quite alright that there are flaws in what has been designed for them and are happy to construct such things and wait for a few days on the order of government to go back and start repairing the same road constructed not long ago. nance on federal roads within their jurisdictions, road transportation would have stopped.”

Why roads are collapsing

A retired civil engineer with Julius Berger, Mr Kayode Akinsowon, said standard roads ought to last over 20 years. He said Nigerian roads do not meet global standard.

He explained that roads are expected to have drainage channels on each side as well as shoulders on both sides of the road known as walkway.

The construction of drainage channels is the first stage of road construction, he said.

Akinsowon said: “This is to enable the drainage channels drain water that is not supposed to stay on asphalt surface after it has been laid on the road. The longer water stays or remains on the surface of asphalt; it wears off the asphalt and causes decay of the road.

“Unfortunately, road designers in government ministry of works don’t

• Dr. Meshida make provision for this important aspect of road construction, hence the roads start peeling off after a year or two.”

The problem with most of the federal road network, comprising 34,000 kilometres in length, is that they were built in the 70s and in the early 80s thus, virtually all of them have deteriorated beyond maintenance, he added.

Problem of underfunding road sector

The chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Works, Ora Ozomgbauchi, (Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, Enugu State) has identified under-funding as the major factor responsible for the bad roads across the country.

He said: “Look at the Abuja/Abaji road, when the contract was awarded, it was supposed to be completed within five years. It has lingered and it has entered its seventh year. Given the funding pattern in the budget, it could take another five years to complete. Once there is funding gap, there will be ripple effects and requests from the contractors for upward review of the cost.”

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

NEWS

LAMIDI ONAOLAPO ADESINA (1939-2012) ANPP, ALGON mourn Adesina

Akinjide: he cared for the masses From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

THE Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, yesterday commiserated with the family of the former Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lam Adesina, on his death.

She described the deceased as a leader who cared for the masses and worked across party lines for the good of Oyo State.

The minister prayed that God should give his family on the courage to bear the irreparable loss.

She said: “My condolences go to his family over this loss. I pray that God should grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

‘The Lam I knew’ •‘People said we belonged to a cult’ From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

A FORMER National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG) in the Lam Adesina administration, Chief Michael Koleoso, yesterday relived his experience with the ex-governor who died in a Lagos hospital on Sunday.

Koleoso, popularly called Babalaje, spoke with The Nation at his Saki home in Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State yesterday.

The former SSG, who described Lam Adesina as “a bosom friend”, said he received the news of his death with a shock.

He recalled how some people believed that he and Lam Adesina belonged to a cult because of the bond between them.

“We ignored them since we did not belong to any cult. I’m a devout Christian and Lam Adesina was a strong Muslim.

All we knew then was that we were very close.”

He was ‘a leader par excellence’ From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

A FEDERAL lawmaker, Mr. Abiodun Akinlade, yesterday expressed sadness at the death of the former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) chieftain and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader in Oyo State, Alhaji Lamidi Adesina.

He said his death was a great loss not only to the ACN and Oyo State, but also to Nigeria.

Describing the former governor as “a leader par excellence and a lover of the masses,” Akinlade, who represents Yewa South/ Ipokia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said Adesina’s death had left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

In a statement made available to The Nation, the ACN lawmaker who is the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology described the deceased as an icon that dared the military gulag to ensure that the country returned to the democratic path in 1999.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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•Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (middle), Chief Kelani Akinpelu (left), Chief Akin Oke (second left), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) State Chairman Chief Shittu Ilori (right) and Chief Samuel Sobalaje (second right), emissaries of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, who came to pay the governor a condolence visit on the passage of former Governor Lam Adesina in Ibadan...yesterday.

Clerics extol Lam Adesina at third day prayer C LERICS, politicians, notable indigenes and the people gathered yesterday at the Felele, Ibadan, home of the late Lam Adesina for the third day prayer.

The former governor of Oyo State, who died on Sunday, was eulogised by the clerics who ministered at the prayer session.

The state government has set up a seven-man Funeral Committee to give the late politician a befitting funeral.

In a sermon at the prayer session, the Chief Imam of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Mosque, Alhaji Azeez Ariyayo, extolled the late Adesina’s virtues and urged other politi-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

cians to emulate him.

He described him as a responsible politician who never allowed emotions to prevail over reason, adding that he prioritised the well-being of the people in his programme.

The cleric also described the deceased as a devout Muslim and a caring father to all, adding that he promoted peace, justice and fairness.

Also speaking at the prayer, the Imam of Gbademosi Olowoporoku Adesina Memorial Mosque, Felele, where the deceased worshipped, Alhaji

Musiliudeen Arowopoko, described the politician as a man who supported aspiring youths financially and morally.

At the event were the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu and some lawmakers, Senator Femi Lanlehin, state ACN Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, Saheed Fijabi and Senator Lekan Balogun, among others.

The Chairman of the Funeral Committee, who is also the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Waheed Olajide, said the committee would work with the Adesina

He was a man of peace, says Gani Adams

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HE National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Gani Adams and members of the OPC have expressed sadness at the death of the former governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina.

In a statement issued yesterday, Gani Adams said: “Baba Lam was in the forefront of the struggle against military rule, during which he displayed an uncommon trait.

“He was selfless and al-

ways ready to assist the lessprivileged. His death has brought an end to a chapter in the politics of Oyo State and Nigeria.

“As a governor, he was modest and he left a legacy.

It was to his credit that during his tenure, Oyo State was peaceful.

“He was a man of peace, a progressive politician and he served the people. His death has denied Oyo State indigenes and Nigerians the opportunity to continue to drink from the fountain of

•Ngige

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N ex-Governor of Anambra State and a senator representing Anambra Central Chris Nwabueze Ngige, has ex-

Southwest ACN: he was a colossus

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wisdom and peaceful co-existence, which he was known for.

“Though death is a sure end, we seek solace in the fact that Baba Lam lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.”

Ngige remembers a ‘forthright’ man pressed shock at the death of a former Oyo State governor and a stalwart of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Lam Adesina. He described him as a forthright man.

Ngige spoke in Benin at the inauguration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for a second term as the Edo State Governor.

He said he first met Lam Adesina when he (Ngige) worked with the National Assembly as a physician to the then Senate President, Dr. Joseph Wayas.

“Lam then was a lawmaker

family.

He said the late Adesina was a man of immense achievements, who deserved great honour.

Other members of the committee are the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Adeolu Akande; the Head of Service, Alhaji Tajudeen Aremu; Commissioner for Information and Orientation Mr. Taiwo Otegbeye; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle and the Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji Segun Bolarinwa. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, will be the secretary.

in the House of Representatives on the platform of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). I enjoyed his frankness and desire to get Nigeria working. He was what I would call a forthright man and he maintained this virtue till he died. He was a vessel of reason, an advocate for justice and fairness to people, no matter where they hail from. I use this opportunity to condole with his familyas well as the government and people of Oyo State. An elder statesman has departed.

I wish that his legacies will outlive him.”

HE Southwest caucus of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described the death of the former Governor of Oyo State and ACN leader, Alhaji Lam Adesina, as the passing on of a colossus.

It said the vacuum created by his death would be difficult to fill not only in the ACN but also in the Oyo State political firmament and Nigeria.

Caucus Director of Publicity Ayo Afolabi said: “Lam Adesina was a political son of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It is on record that he was a progressive all his life.

He never sought political convenience.

“In the camp of the progressives, he was in the forefront, even when his life was in danger.

“Lam Adesina was a leading light, a colossus, a nationalist and a true federalist. Besides, he was a model. He was a conscience-driven politician, a thinker and a bridge builder.

The vacuum created by his death will be difficult to fill.

“The Southwest caucus of the ACN commiserates with the immediate family of the departed leader, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo State Government, the people of the state and members of the ACN. “The leadership of the party in the Southwest prays for the repose of his gentle soul. May the Almighty God grant his family and the political class the fortitude to

HE Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State branch, has described Alhaji Lam Adesina’s death as a great loss to the state and Nigeria.

It said in a statement by its Chairman and Secretary, Messrs Yekeen Popoola and Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye that Nigerians would miss his astuteness and leadership qualities.

According to the statement, “Lam Adesina’s death is a great loss not only to Oyo State but Nigeria. In his days as a pro-democracy activist, he stood for the truth, fought for the people and remained dogged to the end. As the Oyo State governor, he embarked on projects that improved the educational standard and well-being of the populace.

Oyo State indigenes will miss Great Lam. We seek solace in the fact that he was fulfilled as a leader and that he lived for the masses.”

The All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Oyo State chapter, through its Chairman and Secretary, Alhaji Razaq Folorunso and Sola Osotoye, said in a statement that Lam Adesina’s name should be immortalised because of his contributions to the development of the state.

The statement reads: “We receive the news of Alhaji Lam Adesina’s death with shock. He was a political giant. He was a political heavyweight with wisdom.

Considering his immense contributions to the development of Oyo State, government should immortalise his name. May his soul rest in peace.”

Odu’a Investment consoles family

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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HE Odu’a Investment Company Limited has commiserated with the family of the late political icon, Alhaji Lam Adesina. It described his death as a huge loss to the people of Oyo State and the nation.

In a statement signed by the Odu’a Group Managing Director, Alhaji Adebayo Jimoh, the company expressed its heartfelt condolences to the widow, Alhaja Saratu Adesina, the family and people of Oyo State on the death of the politician who passed on in a Lagos hospital at 73 on Sunday.

“No doubt, Nigeria has lost a renowned educationist, a political icon and a leader who devoted his life to the service of the nation.

“In his days as a columnist, he was a defender of the masses, a voice of the voiceless and an advocate of genuine democracy and true federalism. As a nationalist, he stood for what Nigeria required to progress among the comity of nations,” the statement said.

Odu’a Investment Company Limited recalled Lam Adesina’s passion, selfless service and love for the ordinary man, which it said were the hallmarks of his life.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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NEWS

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EFCC arraigns oil marketer for N963m ‘fraud’

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned another oil marketer, Rowaye Jubril, at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, for alleged N963.7 million fuel subsidy fraud.

Jubril was arraigned with his company, Brila Energy Limited, on a 13-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and forgery.

EFCC’s counsel Seidu Atteh told the court that the defendants between October 2010 and May, last year in Lagos fraudulently obtained N963.7 million from the Federal Government.

Atteh alleged that the defendants obtained the money from the Petroleum Support Fund under the pretence of importation of 17.3million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

The EFCC also alleged that the defendants forged documents, including certificates of cargo transfer, origin and cargo manifest.

The prosection said their alleged offences contra-

•Tukur’s trial now Dec 13

By Adebisi Onanuga

vened Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006.

He said their offences also contravened sections 467 and 468 of the Criminal Code Laws of Lagos State (2003).

Jubril pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The defence counsel, M.T. Giwa, pleaded that his client be granted bail.

He said the defendant has no criminal record and is a first time offender.

Justice Lateefa Okunnu admitted him to bail on N75 million with two sureties.

Justice Okunnu said the sureties must be employed and deposed to an affidavit of means.

She ordered that one of the sureties must own a property in Lagos State and the other

a director in a public or private quoted company in Nigeria.

Justice Okunnu said the sureties must produce three years tax clearance to be verified by an EFCC officer.

The judge ordered that the defendant must not travel without the court’s permission.

She ordered him to deposit his passport and other travelling documents with the court’s chief registrar.

The judge also directed Jubril to report monthly to the EFCC office throughout the trial.

She adjourned the matter till January 23.

In another development, the trial of Mahmud Tukur and three others accused of N1.8 billion fuel subsidy fraud was adjourned till December 13 by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo.

Tukur is on trial with Abdullahi Alao, Ochonogor Alex and Eternal Oil and Gas Plc. At the hearing yesterday, the defence counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), said their clients were discussing with the EFCC over the charges preferred against them.

Olanipekun said: ”We have studied the processes filed by the prosecution against our clients.

“As senior counsel, we owe it as a duty to our clients to discuss with the prosecution regarding the charges.

“We are therefore asking the court to give us more time to discuss so that the matter can be speedily resolved.”

EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) did not oppose the request for an adjournment.

Jacobs confirmed that talks were going on between the parties, adding that there was no need to oppose the adjournment.

CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW Plateau supports state creation From Yusuf Aminu Idegu, Jos

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WO of the three senatorial districts of Plateau State have supported the creation of more states.

At the Plateau North Senatorial District, stakeholders said they are comfortable with the present state as it is constituted, but added that should any other senatorial district be interested in state creation, it should go ahead with the agitation.

But the Central and Southern senatorial districts unanimously supported creation of more states.

The three senatorial districts took a common ground on the issue of indigeneship and citizenship, saying indigenship should be enshrined in the proposed constitution just as they say they believe in equal rights of all citizens.

Stakeholders from the three zones are expected to meet at the Government House, Jos, to meet with Governor Jonah Jang to harmonise their position before proceeding to Markudi, the Benue State capital, tomorrow for the North Central constitutional review meeting .

Public session in Rivers today

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IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and members of the Senate will today hold a state public session on the review of the 1999 Constitution under the chairmanship of Justice Adolphus Karibi Whyte.

Speakers are Prof. Nimi Briggs, Prof. W. O. WotegbeWeneka, Prof A. O. Ijeoma Gabriel and Prof. Obianime A statement by Amaechi’s Chief Press Secretary David Iyofor said Civil Society Organisations (CSO), Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), professional bodies, trade unions and associations, political groups, traditional leaders, opinion leaders, women’s groups, youth organisations and all other stakeholders have been invited.

The event will start at 10am at the Main Bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt. All invited guests are expected to be seated by 9:30am.

Review not a jamboree, says lawmaker •Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Corps Marshall Osita Chidoka (left) receiving a certificate of performance award from the Publisher, The Road, Mallam Mohammed Barkindo, in Abuja. With them is the Executive Director, Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group, Dr. Chima Amadi

Bill to prohibit same sex marriage passes second reading

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BILL for an Act to prohibit marriage or a civil union between persons of same sex yesterday passed through the second reading in the House of Representatives.

Leading the debate, Mulikat Akande-Adeola (PDP-Oyo), said the proposed legislation would ensure that the institution of marriage is respected.

Ms Akande-Adeola, who is the Leader of the House, said the bill would also protect and preserve the Nigerian culture.

She urged members to support the second reading, saying marriage between same sex “is foreign to the culture

and traditions of Nigerians.”

“This same sex marriage is alien to our culture and not ordained by God; same sex or gender marriage is completely alien to our society and culture.

“This practice has no place in our culture, religion, Nigeria or anywhere in Africa.

“It is immorality and debasement of our culture; we condemn it in totality,’’ the lawmaker said.

Adams Jagaba (PDPKaduna) aligned himself with the submission of the Majority Leader and said no religion supported gay marriage.

“We are a cultured people; we cannot carry everything

from other cultures.’’

Abike Dabiri-Erewa (ACNLagos)said solemnisation of same sex marriage had no place in Nigerian culture.

“It is repulsive,” she said.

Nnenna Ukeje (PDP-Abia) condemned gay marriage.

According to her, marriage is a union between a man and a woman.

She said marriage between same sex “diminishes the symbol of what we are and procreation.’’

Femi Gbajabiamila (ACNLagos), the Minority Leader, described the act as immoral.

“In this marriage, the third party is affected, these people go ahead and adopt children, thereby affecting the child,

and in the process the child becomes dysfunctional.

“We are not seeking to promote a dysfunctional society.’’

Aminu Suleiman (PDPKano) lauded the Senate for taking the initiative in rejecting gay marriage in Nigeria.

There was no dissenting voice and the bill scaled through the second reading after being put to vote by Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

Tambuwal referred it to the committee of the Huse for consideration.

The Senate had last November passed a bill banning same sex marriages in the country.

Student wins plane in MTN promo

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27-YEAR old student of the College of Health Science and Technology, Rivers State, Ebube Essien-Garricks, has emerged the winner of a Cessna 182T aircraft in the MTN Ultimate Wonder promo.

MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer Larry Annetts said: “When we came out with the promo, many doubted us but today we have an ultimate winner, who will go home with the promised Cessna 182T aeroplane.

“The take-home for us here is that MTN is committed towards enriching the lives of its consumers. When we say we

will do something, you can be sure that we don’t renege on our promises.“ Ebube, who was notified via a phone call, opted for the cash value of the plane, which is N64 million.

She said: “I am short of words, there is no word to describe what I feel right now.

“It is almost as if it is a dream but I know that nothing can be more real than what I am feeling right now.

“This must be the best Christmas gift ever. It is truly wonderful.”

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HE member representing Eleme, Tai, Oyigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Barry Mpigi, has said the views of the people will be addressed the House.

He said the peoples’ public session was not a social jamboree.

Mpigi said: “I state that this exercise is not a social jamboree but a very serious business that will receive the prompt attention of the House of Representatives.

“The Seventh Assembly is committed to the enthronement of a workable people-oriented constitution that will meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

“The 1999 Constitution is a creation of the transition to civil rule and we all know that it does not meet with the aspirations of the people, hence the clamour for a change or review to accommodate the views and aspirations of all.”

Igbomina Kwara may boycott session From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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HE Igbomina in Kwara State may boycott the Northcentral public hearing on the 1999 Constitution amendment. The public hearing is billed for Makurdi, Benue State.

Instead, the Igbomina have resolved to attend the Southwest session in Lagos, it was gathered.

The Igbomina are to present their memorandum for the creation of Igbomina state, it was learnt.

A source said: “We will not attend the Northcentral session because we are not from the North. We are Yorubas and we want a state of our own where we will be merged with our kith and kin.”

Awujale: let’s restructure From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

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HE Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, has said only a re-ordering of the country’s faulty structure and devolution of power to the constituent parts will guarantee “quality governance, equity and justice”.

Oba Adetona spoke at the Senate’s Peoples’ Public Session on the Review of the 1999 Constitution organised by the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Adegbenga Kaka, in Ijebu Ode. He urged Nigerians, who believe in the on-going efforts towards restructuring via constitutional amendment, to pray and be vigilant.

According to him, the growing unemployment rate, injustice, robbery, violence and poverty show that all is not well with the Nigerian system.

The monarch, who reiterated the imperative of creating more states, including Ijebu state, recalled with regret that the head of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo had opportunity to act on the issue but failed to do so.

Oba Adetona said: “When we all get back home, let’s start to pray over this issue so that this exercise would not end up like the ones we have had in the past. “ I want you all to know that this fire that they have ignited, if they say that they want to put it out, they are only joking. I believe we should promote honesty because it is only honesty that can bring about good governance.”

Kaka said: “Our demand for a state of our own is historical, jand overdue. Demands for state creation have endured and proponents hinge their demands on the need for equity, justice and speedy development.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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NEWS Why I’m at the Tribunal, Ondo Accord candidate

Oshiomhole has made us proud, says Tinubu

From Damisi Ojo,Akure

•Governor urges police to find Oyerinde’s killers •Dangote to site N300b plant in Edo From Osemwengie Ogbemudia, Benin

of trade and development and has swept through Nigeria like a colossus.

Governors Babatunde Fashola (Ekiti), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Senator Chris Ngige and other ACN chieftains described Oshiomhole as “an inspiration”.

They said Edo people have insisted on having more development with their votes.

President of the Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote said the foundation of a N300 billion fertiliser plant, the biggest in Africa, will be laid in Agenebode in January.

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ATIONAL Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s performance in his first term has made the party proud.

Tinubu said with such performance, the ACN is poised to take over power at the federal level in 2015.

He spoke on Monday at a reception in Benin, the state capital, shortly after Oshiomhole was sworn in for a second term.

Tinubu said: “I thank you for your courage and dedication to duty. We will take power in the centre in 2015 with this performance. Oshio Baba is a bundle of achievements and vision.

“He is a short man with the tallest brain and fattest vision.

He took himself from an ordinary agitator to a performer. We thank you for making us proud today. In the last four years, you have made us proud indeed.”

The former Lagos State governor said Oshiomhole has made Edo State the centre

He took himself from an ordinary agitator to a performer. We thank you for making us proud today. In the last four years, you have made us proud indeed.

,

Dangote said the company, which will be completed in three years, would create over 10,000 jobs.

He said: “Oshiomhole has delivered on roads and infrastructure. Now, he is going to deliver on job creation. We will partner him to create jobs

here.

“We will build the biggest fertiliser plant in Africa here in Edo State.

“It will cost us $2 billion. I assure you that in the next three years, we would be exporting fertiliser from here to other parts of Africa.”

Oshiomhole thanked everybody for standing by him.

He said by God’s grace and with the support of the people and the ACN, he will remain focused on improving the state.

During his swearing in at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Oshiomhole urged the police to apprehend the killers of his former Principal Secretary, Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde.

•Tinubu

He said he has the capacity to make the state uncomfortable for the police until they apprehend Oyerinde’s killers.

The governor said he would ensure that policemen “stop harassing innocent citizens just like they did to the Executive Director of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor”, in the search for Oyerinde’s killers.

THE candidate of the Accord in the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. James Ojo, has said he filed a petition at Election Petition Tribunal because he was “unlawfully excluded from the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He is praying the Tribunal to nullify the election and order the conduct of a fresh one.

Ojo said this would enable his “numerous supporters and party members” cast their votes for him.

He said he emerged his party’s standard bearer after a peaceful primary that was witnessed by INEC officials.

Ojo said despite the court action he instituted at the Federal High Court to compel INEC to include his name on the list of governorship candidates, the electoral body refused to do so.

INEC, the Labour Party (LP) and Governor Olusegun Mimiko are joined as respondents.

The Nation learnt that Ojo is being lobbied by “powerful forces” to withdraw his petition, but Ojo has insisted that he should not have been excluded from the election.

‘Ex-commissioners served Oyo well’

•From Left: Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja; Senate President, David Mark; President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama and Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese Felix Alaba Job and others at the Second National Pastoral Congress in Abuja...yesterday.

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Over 8,000 PDP members join ACN in Osun

VER 8,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State yesterday defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The defectors were from the 30 local government areas.

They were received at a rally held at the Government Technical College in Osogbo, the state capital.

The defectors were led by Chief Adekunle Oluawo, who

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

was the Chairman of the State Water Corporation during the administration of ousted Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Oluawo said their defection was motivated by the performance of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration.

He said they dumped PDP because it lacks discipline, transparency and accountabil-

ity.

Oluawo described the ACN as a progressive party that is committed to transforming the lives of the people and promoting true democracy.

He said Aregbesola’s achievements in the last two years convinced the defectors to dump the PDP. Oluawo said they were not joining ACN for immediate gains, adding that he would use all his resources to promote

the party.

Aregbesola, who received the defectors into the ACN, assured them of equal treatment.

He said there would be no preferential treatment for the new comers, adding that his administration would carry every body along in its transformation agenda.

The governor urged other members of the opposition to join the ACN. He said his administration would appreciate everybody’s contribution to the

state’s growth.

Acting ACN Chairman Mr. Adelowo Adebiyi said it was time for opposition members to put sentiments aside and support the Aregbesola administration in developing the state.

He urged the defectors to be committed to the course of the party and assured them that they would not regret joining the ACN. The people were entertained by Fuji musician Alhaji Saidi Osupa.

Constitution review not for states creation, says Ekweremadu

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EPUTY Senate President Ike Ekweremadu may have dashed the hopes of those expecting the National Assembly to announce the names of new states at the end of the on-going constitution amendment.

Speaking with reporters yesterday in Abuja, Ekweremadu said the National Assembly would not announce any new state.

Ekweremadu urged Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwaso to acquaint himself with relevant Sections of the Constitution that deal with constitu-

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

tion amendment and state creation.

He said the committee on constitution review can only advise on how many states can possibly be created.

Ekweremadu said: “Do not expect that at the end of the Constitution Amendment, this committee or the National Assembly will announce states that have been created.

“That is not going to happen. This has afforded me the

‘Any group that wants a state can start the process without involving the Senate or House of Representatives committees on constitution review’ opportunity to explain to those expecting state creation that things must follow all the due procedures. “ I think we need to enlight-

en Nigerians more, so that they can understand the process clearly.

“This is important, because if those accusing some persons of hidden agenda understand all these, they will not be worrying themselves.

“They will go and do more home work, because if you look at Section 8 of the Constitution, it is like passing a big snake through the eye of a needle.

“State creation is a cumbersome process. It is completely different from constitution review.

“Any group that wants a

state can start the process without involving the Senate or House of Representatives committees on constitution review.

“Nigerians are making their request for the creation of states based on their believe that these two committees can come up with a criteria that will favour them.

“We are supposed to make laws for the good governance of this country and in doing so, we can advise our colleagues on how many states can possibly be created and the system can sustain.”

OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has denied speculations that the three commissioners that were recently dropped were incompetent.

In a statement by his media aide, Mrs. Festus Adedayo, Ajimobi said the former commissioners served the state meritoriously.

He said the commissioners were dropped “in line with the restoration, transformation and repositioning agenda of the Ajimobi administration”.

Commission trains workers From Osagie Otabor, Benin

THE National Lottery Regulatory Commission yesterday began a three-day training for its workers.

The commission’s Director-General, Chief Peter Igho, who was represented by the Benin Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Akpata Maureen, said the training was aimed at improving the performance of workers and their relationship with the public.

Igho urged the workers to put what they would be taught at the training to good use.

The Managing Director of Vintage Royal Limited, Mr. Chamberlain Akarue, said the training was to prepare, inspire, empower and motivate the workers to attain greater heights.

Akarue said: “After this training, the workers will be able to improve on their work attitude and ethics, which are necessary values to facilitate good working relationships and teamwork to attain the commission’s objectives.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 2012

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NEWS Two suspects arraigned for N272.5m scam

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned an oil marketer, Mr. Adejugbe Anthony and his company, Tonique Oil Services Limited, before Justice Lateefa Okunnu of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on a twocount charge bordering on ‘stealing and fraud’.

The accused ‘fraudulently converted’ N272, 5000,000 (Two Hundred and Seventy Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira ) obtained from Water Gate Petroleum and Gas Limited for the supply five million litres of PMS to defray his liabilities with Sterling Bank without supplying the product for which he was paid.

One of the charge reads: “That you, Adejugbe Anthony and Tonique Oil Services Ltd

on or about the 8th of December, 2011 at Lagos with the Ikeja Judicial Division stole and fraudulently converted N272,500,000 (Two Hundred and Seventy Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) property of Water Gate Petroleum and Gas Ltd which sum claimed represented payment for 5,000,000 (Five Million) litres of PMS which sum you transferred from your GTbank account to your Sterling Bank Plc account to defray your liabilities.”

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecution counsel, Mrs. F.T. Giwa, prayed the count to give a trial date and remand the accused in prison custody.

But counsel to the accused, J. Fabilola, urged the court to remand his client in the EFCC

House invites minister, four airlines over Kano airport row

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•Adejugbe...yesterday.

custody pending the hearing of his oral application for bail.

Justice Okunnu in her ruling observed that once an accused was arraigned, the proper place of remand is the prison.

She adjourned the matter till November 19 for hearing of bail application and November 22 and 23 for trial. She also ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

HE House of Representatives Committee on Aviation has summoned the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah and four international airlines denied flights into the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

They are Ethiopian Airlines, Turkisk Airlines, Emirates Airlines and Asky Airlines.

The minister invited the airlines because of their inability to respond to some issues raised by the Ministry of Aviation during an investigative hearing yesterday.

The committee arrived at the decision when contradictions in the submission of the ministry and correspondences between the airlines and the ministry became obvious.

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

A member of the committee, Aliyu Madaki, who presented documentary evidence to support his position, said it was regrettable that there was a deliberate policy to discriminate against the airlines to the detriment of economic activities in Kano.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Ms Anne Ene-Ita, who represented the minister, denied claims by one of the airlines that its request to ply Abuja, Kano and Lagos was denied by the ministry.

“We had a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) agreement with the airline and all it needed was to activate it. We do not have to deny it because we had an agreement.

“As for the second airline, it was a bilateral agreement.

We have met in Abuja but we need to go there in return and we have scheduled that for next month,” she said.

The committee, however, adjourned the meeting when the permanent secretary claimed that the airline in question did not apply for Lagos and Kano routes.

There was no representative of the airline to respond.

The Chairman of the committee, Nkiru Onyejeocha, said it has become inevitable for the parties involved to be present at the next meeting to respond to the issues raised.

Name parties that offered bribes to INEC, PDP tells Jega From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, to name the political parties that bribed INEC officials to influence election results in their favour.

Jega had accused political parties of bribing INEC officials to influence results at elections.

In a statement yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party said INEC officials cannot afford to influence election results under President Goodluck Jonathan.

Metuh made allusions to the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, which he described as transparent, free and fair.

He said: “We heard that the INEC chairman said some political parties bribed INEC officials to help rig or influence elections. Our response is that he should be honourable enough to mention the names of the political parties.

“Under the circumstances of transparent and fair poll, INEC officials can no longer rig or influence elections. This is evident from the free and fair elections in Edo and Ondo states. So, the INEC chairman should mention the names of the political parties that offered bribes to influence election results.”

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ANNIVERSARY

FACILITY

CAPACITY

Dabiri-Erewa fetes kids

N750m for boreholes, toilets

Osun partners NGO on jobs

Lagos

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Kano

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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HE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is partnering the media in the fight against food insufficiency and malnutrition in the North.

The global organisation is seeking to strengthen its campaign by taking the message to the intended audience through the media.

The media, on their part, are proving to be willing partners, calling on corporate bodies and philanthropists to join the effort.

Food and nutrition crisis

Osun

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

UNICEF, media fight malnutrition From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

have resulted in the malnourishment of many children in Nigeria, with severe cases in the North.

The partnership was made with the UNICEF D Field Office at a one-day media sensitisation meeting held at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano. In attendance were no fewer than 52 journalists drawn from the 10 Northeastern states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno,

Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe.

The theme of the workshop was Sahelian Food and Nutrition Crisis: A Call for Collective Action.

During the presentation, Mr. Niyi Oyedokun, a nutritionist, gave a background of the food and nutrition crisis. He said there were early indications last year of a looming severe food insecurity and nutritional crisis.

He said projected figures available in November 2011 suggested that over 1 million children would suffer this year from severe acute malnutrition in eight countries of the Sahel, including Northern Nigeria.

The affected countries, according Oyedokun, include: Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Northern Senegal, Northern Cameroon and Northern Nigeria.

Oyedokun explained that the situation in the North is one of “elevated levels of acute malnutrition”, which underscores a crisis situation in states in the Sahelian belt.

Acute malnutrition, it was learnt, is a condition represented by measures of thinness or bilateral edema and represents current nutritional •Continued on Page 48

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HOUSE of Representatives member, Hon Bamidele Faparusi, has donated poverty alleviation items worth several millions of naira to over 1000 beneficiaries across the 33 wards making up the Ekiti South Federal Constituency II in Ekiti State.

The constituency comprises Emure, Ekiti East and Gbonyin Local Government areas.

Faparusi, who represents Emure/Gbonyin/Ekiti East Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, received a groundswell of praises in Ode Ekiti during empowerment programmes he organised principally for youths, needy adults, women groups and the physically challenged in his constituency.

Under the programme with the theme, Fighting Poverty, various items distributed.

The items included four 14seater buses for the party, one per local government area and one for constituency operations; a 10-seater bus; two saloon cars; 35 motorcycles, 35 grinding machines; 10 deepfreezers, 25 sewing machines; 25 hair-dryers; 35 generators for small business owners; 160 knapsack sprayers for farmers; 10 wheelchairs for disabled persons; 32 complete sets of business centre gadgets and materials; five sets bricklayers tools; clothing materials for 400 women; 200 stoves for women; N10,000.00 cash support for 64 market women and cash donation for 10 entrepreneurs worth N1million.

Faparusi said it was natural for him to share his wealth with the poor, adding that he felt compelled to give back to the people who freely gave him their mandate to represent them.

He said further that empowering women and the youth is surest way to reduce poverty among Nigerians.

Faparusi noted: “Pursuant to the careful assessment of the needs of the communities in

•Faparusi assists a wheelchair beneficiary

A lift for youths, needy in Ekiti Lawmaker provides jobs tools From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado Ekiti

the constituency, we have gotten the nod of the National Assembly to embark on crucial community projects under the Constituency Project Scheme.

“These shall be commenced fully in January 2013 after necessary modalities have been put in place. These projects include the

construction of an ICT centre at Emure; installment of a 33KV feeder line at Isinbode; construction of boreholes at Ijan, Kota, Omuo and Emure, installation of solar streetlight at Ekiti East and Gbonyin, and supply of library materials and facilities at Omuo.

The federal parliamentarian described the increasing spate of unemployment rate among Nigerian youths and women, as a time

bomb that could kill the future of the country, unless concerted efforts are made to halt the trend.

At the event, over 10 vehicles and motorbikes were distributed to commercial drivers and motorcyclists including youth groups, while women numbering over 1,000 went home with sowing and grinding machines, as well as generating sets to boost their businesses.

While some women received financial assistance to help them in setting up small scale businesses, some youths also got free recharge cards and mobile phone sets to set up phone call business that would make them economically independent and cushion their poverty.

Faparusi insisted that the country must place high premium on the development of the youths and women catego•Continued on Page 48

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Benue partners BOI on N1bn loan G

Kano to spend N750m on boreholes, public toilets

K •Kwankwaso

ANO State government has awarded contract worth N754.8 million for the construction of 74 solar powered boreholes and public conveniences in 38 local government areas in the state.

The state Commissioner for Rural and Community Development, Alhaji Garba Durbunde, disclosed this at the signing of the contract in Kano last week.

Durbunde said the projects would be jointly financed by the state government and the benefitting local governments.

He said that out of the total contract sum, the

Fed Govt donates N250m to Kebbi flood victims T HE Federal Government has donated N250 million to victims of the flood that ravaged several communities in the state.

Presenting the money on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Yusuf Yuguda, told the government and residents of Kebbi State that President Good Luck Jonathan sympathised with them over the flood occasioned by the torrential rainfall that led to the collapse of houses in which two people lost their lives and a lot of property destroyed.

He assured them that the fund raising committee set up by the Federal Government to assist flood victims across the country would do a good job. He, therefore, urged well-to-do Nigerians to join hands with this committee to help the victims.

The minister urged all states of the federation to strengthen the activities of their State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), adding that the body is doing a

Kebbi

From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin-Kebbi

good job.

In his speech ,the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim K. Aliyu who stood in for the governor, expressed appreciation for the gesture. He pointed out that the minister’s visit had further confirmed the genuine efforts of the Federal Government to providing succour for the victims.

The deputy governor stated that though there was no much flood from water ways but a torrential rainfall in the month of August wreaked havoc in which an aged woman and a young man lost their lives.

He disclosed that N5 billion worth of property including animals and farm lands were washed away. He called on wealthy Nigerians to help victims across the country.

OVERNOR Gabriel Suswan of Benue State has said that the state government had entered into an agreement with Bank of Industry (BOI) to provide N1 billion loan to entrepreneurs.

Suswan disclosed this during the Benue State Special Day at the ongoing 2012 Lagos International Trade Fair with the theme : Promoting Trade for Sustainable Economic Transformation.

The governor was represented at the occasion

by Secretary to the State Government, Dr David Salifu.

According to him, the aim is to encourage entrepreneurship development in the state.

“Already, the state government has made her counterpart contribution of N500 million and the N1 billion loan facilities are now ready for businesses to access,” he said.

Kano borehole construction project would gulp N407 million while the provision of VIP latrines would consume N338.8 million.

According to him, the solar powered boreholes and VIP latrines will be provided at some designated rural markets in the 38 local government areas of the state.

“The contract just signed between RUWASA as client and Messer Virgin Field Nigeria Limited as contractors, symbolises yet another state government’s commitment to extend the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people particularly the rural dwellers.’’

The commissioner said that the decision to embark on the project was borne out of the government’s desire to check open defecation and ensure healthy environment at market places.

Durbunde urged the contractor to ensure speedy completion of the projects in order to meet the deadline.

The commissioner also called on the benefitting communities to give the contractor the necessary support and cooperation to ensure its timely completion.

•Suswam

24 contractors win six road projects

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HE Jigawa State Commissioner for Lands, Regional Planning and Urban Development,Alhaji Muhammed Barde, said 24 contractors had won bidding for the construction of six township roads in the state.

Barde said this in an interview with journalists in Dutse last week , adding that the state government would spend N3 billion on the projects.

Council challenges parents on youth education T

HE Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area, Mr. Adewale Adeniji, has called on parents and relevant authorities to invest in the education of the youth in order to make them self reliant.

He made the call when the council gave instructional materials to primary schools and the inauguration of the renovated vocational centre at Aunty Ayo Comprehensive High School, Obalende last week.

The council chairman, who emphasised the importance of education, noted that his administration is saddled with the responsibilities of creating employable artisans through good education and training.

He said: “The renovation and equipment purchased for this vocational centre are due to high premium on youth empowerment by this administration through job creation initiative because of the recognition of t5he fact that youth constitute 70 percent of the council’s population.”

He equally used the occasion to inaugurate Environmental Task Force saddled with the responsibility of providing a cleaner environment.

“The purpose of the environmental group is to improve and sustain the quality of the environment for the benefit of our citizens.

This will address the numerous environmen-

•From left: Mr. Oladunjoye Emmanuel, Hon. Adeniji, Chief Murphy Adetoro and Hon. Kola Pregrino presenting materials at the event

Jigawa The commissioner said that 46 contractors bidded for the projects,out of which 24 were successful.

He also said that N4.2 billion was spent on construction of nine township roads across the state recently.

Barde said the companies won the bidding because of their outstanding qualities, commitment, honesty in executing projects in other parts of the federation.

The commissioner said the six township roads would be constructed in Birnin kudu, Gwaram, Gwiwa, Kirikasamma, Karkarna and Taura.

He explained that the construction firms were expected to finish the work between November 2012 and February 2013 Barde urged the companies to ensure quality job and meet the deadline and specifications.

Benue

He said that the state government was also creating enabling environment for more investors to come to the state to do business.

Suswan said that the state had made a mark in agriculture which gave it the appellation: “Food Basket of the Nation”.

He said that all its agricultural products were being cultivated in commercial quantities that could sustain investments in agro allied industries in the state.

He said that there were also large quantities of solid minerals that had not been tapped.

The governor said that the state government was providing critical infrastructure as well as investing in Independent Power Projects.

He said that the state government was also privatising its companies and using public-private partnerships to encourage private sector involvement in growing the potentials of the state.

•From left: Personal Assistant to Managing Director, UPS, Mrs. Juliana John-Uche; member Board of Trustees, Dabma Sickle Cell Foundation, Mr. Ndubuisi Ihejerika; Manager UPS Africa, Mr. Bassey Anari; Chairman Board of Trustees, Dabma Sickle Cell Foundation, Pastor Emmanuel Dickson Ibekwe; Jumoke Oye Banji and Freight Manager UPS, Mr. Mike Usifo at the public enlightenment programme about sickle cell disorder, prevention and management in Lagos

LASTMA, KAI sensitise the public

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FFICIALS of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) have been carrying out social projects aimed at sensitising the public about the agency’s new image.It is conducting a career evaluation training as a boost.

Members of Group D of the third batch, who had just completed the training, were at the Chicken George Junction, Mushin where they joined hands with other members of the public in cleaning the environment.

The group leader, Atiti Joseph, said their objective was to educate the public on traffic matters, maintaining good attitude on the road,

By Adesanya Olumide

and the dangers of road side trading.

“This programme is mainly to correct the impression of the public because they accuse us of humiliating them.It will also show them that we are serving them and that we need their utmost cooperation. And to let them know on how to be road-friendly,” he said.

Also, the group’s secretary, Ladipo Olatunbosun, said the programme is the agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility. “We want to be as friendly as possible and even when there is no law enforcement official in a place, people would maintain the law and order. We

Briefly Church holds programme

By Musa Odoshimokhe

tal challenges and keeping it safe for the people.”

The environmental task force made up of 16 members and 41gangs were handed the equipment that would enable them perform their task effectively. According to the chairman, it was better to ensure that the environment was safe for human habitation because it would lead to good health and output in terms of productivity.

“I am aware that you are all men of proven integrity and substance in your various specialisations, you will no doubt use your wealth of experience to ensure that the environment in Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA becomes cleaner.”

The council equally provided patrol vans to the police to fight crime in the council particularly putting the menace of hoodlums at bay. We must tackle the security challenges headlong and keep the hoodlums at bay in the council.”

Other items donated include, sewing machines, deep freezers, hair dressing machines, cylinder and burner, generating sets, first aid boxes.

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•Members of Estate Rent and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, during their general meeting and conference at Rotary Club Hall, Isolo PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Govt to revamp industries

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ANUFACTURING industries in the critical sectors of the economy such as mining, petrochemical, infrastructure and agro-business have been urged to improve on the current standard in order to create jobs and expand the economy. The advice was given

by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Gala/ Awards Night of Vitaform Nigeria PLC, to mark the 50th anniversary of the company at Muson Centre in Lagos.He was represented by the Minister of Trade and Investment,Mr Olusegun Aganga.

The President said the general decline in the manufacturing sector will be addressed by his administration but with emphasis on exportation of raw materials and other value added products where Nigeria seems to have comparative and competitive advantage which will, in turn, boost export trade.

He added that other areas of manufacturing such as food processing, sugar processing, textile production, cement production will not be left out, stressing that the country will boost its non-oil exports to keep the economy expanding.

“We are doing our best at ensuring success and this has led to a report from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) that some manufacturing industries have been getting 15 hours of uninterrupted power supply. We are trying our best but we still need your support”.

Speaking on Vitafoam’s achievement and good business, he said Vitafoam Nigeria PLC won so many awards from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) ever since it got listed in 1978.

“The company pay its dividends every year without delay and even embraces the standards of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

Vitafoam has shown integrity and excellence and played the role of good governance in the country,” he said.

He congratulated the management and staff of Vitafoam Nigeria PLC for being outstanding for 50 years.

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Vitafoam

By Toba Agboola

Nigeria Plc, Chief Sam Bolarinde, said that the company has been able to survive in Nigeria in the midst of many unfortunate incidences and it does call for celebration.

“If we still hold our heads high till this time, I think we deserve celebration.”

He promised that Vitafoam will be in Nigeria in the next 50 years and will continue to deliver the best services and quality products.

In his address, the Managing Director, Vitafoam Nigeria PLC, Mr. Joel Ajiga, said that the Gala/Awards Night was to round up the golden jubilee celebration as different activities had been done to mark the celebration.

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THE Redeemed Christain Church of God Fountain of Life and Magodo Family, Lagos Province 28 will on Friday, November 16 hold its annual All Night Best of Worship at 9pm till dawn. The venue is 34/36, Oluwalogbon Street, Ketu, Lagos.

Speaking on the progamme,the Zonal Choir-Master,Brother Paul Shote said the programme is an intense worship of God, promising salvation, joy, deliverance and breakthrough.He said God promises to bless everyone that attends.

“God has assured every worshipper of His glory. He will usher in new beginning and divine transformation for Nigeria among the comity of nations”.

Anointed men of God expected at the programme include: Pastor Toks Adetayo , Pastor Tayo Ajiboye; Pastor Kunle Ajayi; Evangelist Buchi, K’ore; The RCCG National Praise Team; Nathaniel Bassey; Remmy Aluko; Just for Christ; Samolade, SACO; Royal Harmonisers, RCCG Olive Tree Choir; RCCG National National Choir, BOW minstrels, among others.

Ex-police officer seeks justice over property

FORMER police officer, Lugard Akpokwaye, has urged the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar to intervene so that his stolen property which he said is in custody of the police is returned to him.

He also urged the police chief to reinstate him after he fell victim to conspiracy by the rank and file in his former station at Ondo State.

Akpokwaye, who was enlisted in the police on August 1, 1991 with force no. 176969, said in a petition to the IG that his problems began when he was transferred to Ode-Etikan station in Ilaje-Seaside, Ondo.

Soon after, he was transferred again to Igbokoda along with the rank and file at his former station. According to him, on April 11, 1997, two officers who were posted to OdeEtikan to replace him and others allegedly conspired with two sons of his landlord, broke into his house at Ode-Etikan and stole all his property.

After investigation, the culprits were discovered, but till date the culprits have not

By Joseph Jibueze

been brought to book nor have his property recovered during investigation been returned to him.

Akpokwaye said he petitioned former IGPs Musuliu Smith, Tafa Balogun and Sunday Ehindero, but nothing was done. He has also sent several reminders, he said.

“Up till now, my property is still being held and they are sitting on the case. I plead with the IG to use his good offices, in the interest of justice, to ensure that my stolen property recovered during investigation be returned to me. “ Akpokwaye added that he had also sent two separate applications for reinstatement, urging Abubakar to recall him as he discharged his duties diligently before been forced out of the force.

Effort to reach to reach police spokesman Frank Mba for his reaction to the petition was unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.

•From left: Oba Oyedokun and Hon Makinde at the presentation

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HE Chairman of Coker/Aguda Local Council Development Area, Hon. Bolanle Akinyemi-Obe, has implored the Nigeria Police to improve on the ‘stop and search’ operation.

Akinyemi-Obe gave the advice at a special security meeting with the community leaders and stakeholders.

“I believe now is the time for the security teams to improve on the stop and search operation on motorocycle riders, especially at the weekends as you can hardly differentiate armed robbers from the real motorcyclists, ” she said.

The council chief , who called the attention of the gathering to the problem of kidnapping and ‘Boko Haram’, asked the LCDA councilors to organise similar meeting at the ward level to educate residents on their responsibility towards the Nigeria Police and other security groups.

Hon. Akinyemi-Obe emphasised the importance of information in fighting crime, saying that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and OPMESSA teams could only be assisted with correct information by the community members.

The chairman praised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the State Security Service (SSS) operatives for helping in combing premises around school building to save pupils from being influenced into taking hard drugs and other bad manners.

The council chair thanked the stakeholders for the suggestion raised in caging the activities of criminals in the LCDA. “I also want to thank the Immigration Department and all other security network for treating all information being provided by the people of this peace-loving LCDA in confi-

want people to see us as their friend and not as bad people,” he said, adding that the group is self-funded and does not rely on government for the needed fund.

Osun community honours lawmaker

By Dada Aladelokun

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LA-ORANGUN, an ancient city in Osun State and home of the national chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, has bestowed the chieftaincy title of Balogun Fiwagboye on Hon. Rotimi Makinde, Deputy Chairman of Human Right Committee, House of Representatives, Abuja.

Amid rousing praise-songs for Makinde by his admirers, Oba Wahab Kayode Oyedokun, Bibire I, the Orangun of Ila, bestowed the honour on him.

According to the monarch, Makinde who represents the Ife Federal Constituency in the federal legislature was honoured for his meaningful contributions to development efforts at the national and state levels, most especially his immediate constituency.

Makinde, who was accompanied by party supporters among others, breezed into the palace amid loud ovation before the commencement of the official conferment of the chieftaincy title on him. Cultural dancers were on hand to spice up the ceremony.

Thereafter, the celebration train moved to the architectural masterpiece residence of Chief Bisi Akande, for a swell reception. In remark on the occasion, Chief Akande urged Makinde not to relent in his effort at giving his people dividends of democracy.

Council urges police to improve service

By Duro Babayemi

dence,” she said; adding that the people would not relent in providing useful information at all times.

Present at the event were political leaders, community leaders, officials of Nigeria Immigration Department, NDLEA officials, SSS officials, Neighbourhood Watch and Nigeria Police among others.

• The President, Orile-Iganmu Customary Court in Coker/Aguda Local Council Development Area, Alhaji Omotosho Ahmed(left) pointing to an issue of interest at the new court premises to the chairman, Mrs Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, during the tour of projects in her council .With them is the Council Manager, Mr Ige Onala

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COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

EDITORIALS

Indiscriminate waivers National Assembly’s move to curb Federal Government’s waivers is salutary

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HE National Assembly’s recent move to curb presidential impunity in the grant of duty waivers is long overdue. President Goodluck Jonathan, acting mostly on the counsel of the Minister of Finance under this dispensation has dispensed such waivers, perceived largely to have been relentlessly abused.

The evidence is the unchallenged revelation, at the recent public hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Finance for some bills including the Customs Service Bill, 2012 and Companies Income Tax Act, 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2012, that the nation lost N58billion to import duty waivers authorised by the President.

The Customs Service Bill seeks to curtail the powers of the President and the Minister of Finance to grant duty waivers to individuals and companies. The bill arose through the consolidation of two private members’ bills that originated from Leo Ogor and Senator Domingo Obende.

We note the curious aversion that the Federal Government has for the bill despite stakeholders’ wholehearted support for it. The government erroneously canvassed the position that if passed into law, the bill would have adverse effects on the development of the economy. We ask: How? Is the N58billion put forward as waivers by Senator Issah Galaudu, a member of the committee incorrect? Why can’t the government dispute the figures or justify its action rather than look for an easy way out?

The above questions Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the

Economy could not answer at the public hearing where she was physically present.

Rather, she took solace in arguing that the bill tended to vitiate the powers of the President and the Minister of Finance to initiate policies affecting the nation’s Customs and Excise administration.

She also gleefully berated the section of the current bill that purportedly vested policy making powers and executive powers in the Customs. But we doubt whether she ever bothers about the serious economic implications the huge discretionary duty waivers so far granted by the President, on her advice, has had on the nation’s till. What will the nation miss if such powers were curtailed since her office and that of the President have mismanaged such powers so far?

The antecedents of duty waivers have shown that successive administrations grossly abuse the award to cronies and political associates. At a point, it was even alleged that waivers were granted to amass slush funds used to fund elections in the country. During ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s eight years rule for instance, duty waivers to friends and political allies of that regime deprived the nation of trillions of naira, even when the effect of such grants were subtly felt in the society. Most of the beneficiaries later donated tens of millions to his Presidential Library project in Abeokuta, Ogun State. So far, no lesson seems to have been learnt. Otherwise, why is the nation still witnessing such situation in grant of waivers without any meaningful impact being felt by the citizens?

We call on the National Assembly to force the minister to come out with the list

of beneficiaries of duty waivers this year and why such were granted to them.

There were reported diversions of such waivers to other areas other than the ones for which they were granted. The country needs to stop this fraud that has obviously become the twin ally of the scandal called fuel subsidy.

We appreciate the need for waivers which if well deployed to genuine beneficial economic spheres can lead to economic development. But the reverse has been the case in the country as most of the grants given to the so-called companies and individuals are frivolous and antithetical to the country’s economic growth. That is why we believe that there is need for checks and balances in the way and manner such discretionary powers are exercised no matter the degree of executive opposition to the move.

‘We appreciate the need for waivers which if well deployed to genuine beneficial economic spheres can lead to economic development. But the reverse has been the case in the country as most of the grants given to the so-called companies and individuals are frivolous and antithetical to the country’s economic growth.

That is why we believe that there is need for checks and balances in the way and manner such discretionary powers are exercised no matter the degree of executive opposition to the move’

Stranger than fiction •What explanation does CJN Mukthar have for refusing to swear in a Court of Appeal nominee?

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F gold rusts, it is often asked, what becomes of baser metals? If the judiciary miscarries justice so blatantly, what refuge for the rest of the society? This is the rhetoric abroad in the matter between the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Maryam Aloma Mukthar and a Court of Appeal nominee, Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo. It was arrested development of the most shocking kind on November 5 when Justice Jombo-Ofo was asked to step out of the row of 12 eminent men and women, all set for swearing in into the much coveted status of appellate court justices.

According to report, Chief Justice Mukthar had suspended the swearing-in

‘We notice a tinge of abuse and show of power in the CJN ordering the honourable judge to step away from the row of appellate court nominees in full view of the audience at the swearing in ceremony. Unless the CJN received the ‘incriminating’ petition right there in the auditorium, she had all the time in the world to have dealt with the matter and Jombo-Ofo needed not to have been invited to the occasion in the first place’

of Mrs. Jombo-Ofo on the ground of a petition concerning her state of origin. As the story goes, Jombo-Ofo is an indigene of Anambra State but married to an Abia State husband. It is said that going by a subsisting policy in Nigeria’s judiciary, Jombo-Ofo is not eligible to represent Abia State at such high level.

The questions we ask and which critical commentators on the matter have raised too are that would the CJN allow a nebulous policy override common sense and even the country’s constitution?

Justice Jombo-Ofo has served in the Abia State judiciary for about 14 years; her nomination from the state’s judiciary was endorsed by the state government and forwarded to the National Judicial Commission (NJC) which is headed by the Chief Justice. It was via the recommendation of the NJC to the President that judges are confirmed for appointment into the appellate court.

We ask: at what point did the CJN receive this damning petition that supersedes even the NJC’s screening which she conducted? Who are the petitioners? Why would their petition, in the opinion of the CJN, carry more weight than the written reaffirmation and appeal of the Abia State governor who was the key nominating authority in this instance and whose state had everything to lose?

If the CJN would override the input of the state governor and the President on this matter, it would be interesting to know her interpretation of Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic Nigeria which is clear in its stipulation that

no citizen must be discriminated against on the grounds of sex, ethnic group, place of origin, religion, etc. it is trite to state that the Constitution is superior to any convention, policy and of course individual. And if we must add, it borders on the ridiculous, to have to make this point to the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

We notice a tinge of abuse and show of power in the CJN ordering the honourable judge to step away from the row of appellate court nominees in full view of the audience at the swearing in ceremony. Unless the CJN received the ‘incriminating’ petition right there in the auditorium, she had all the time in the world to have dealt with the matter and Jombo-Ofo needed not to have been invited to the occasion in the first place.

We are keen to find out how the CJN, who herself rose to be the first Nigerian female to climb to such exalted height last July, would convince Nigerians that she has not discriminated against a fellow female folk. This controversy which seems needless and self-inflicted may well be what we need to resolve the questions of indigene status and interstate marriage by women public servants.

It is fascinating that it is a female CJN who has, by a singular act of a seeming indiscretion, brought this vexatious matter of discrimination against Nigerian women for the reason of their choice of husband, to the front burner. Some precedential resolution is expected from this for, what God has joined together; it is written, let no man (or woman) put asunder.

Gay marriage’s long march to equality

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N TUESDAY, Americans in Maryland, Maine and Washington state voted by almost identical four-point margins to

extend marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples; in a fourth state, Minnesota, voters rejected a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, again by about the same margin.

With those ballot victories for marriage equality, the first after a 14-year string of defeats in 32 states, it is now reasonable to imagine a day in the not-very-distant future when marriage for gay and lesbian couples across this country will be unexceptional, unencumbered and mostly un-remarked upon.

Maryland, Maine and Washington will become the seventh, eighth and ninth states, in addition to the District of Columbia, to permit same-sex marriage. (California did also, but only briefly, in 2008.) In Maine’s case, Tuesday’s vote neatly reversed the outcome of a similar referendum just three years ago that annulled a marriage law passed by the state legislature. Other states, including ones that have voted against marriage equality, are likely to follow suit. The tide has turned.

That judgment is not political crystal-ball gazing; it’s simple demographics. Acculturated by gay celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Anderson Cooper, as well as by such popular shows as “Modern Family,” younger Americans regard gay men and lesbians as mainstream minorities and see no logic in discriminating against them. By large majorities, they are voting in favour of marriage equality.

By January, when the three new state laws will have taken effect, about 15 percent of Americans will live in states where it is legal for same-sex couples to marry. That is remarkable; the number was zero just eight years ago. It is especially heartening that the voters themselves, rather than courts and judges, are leading the charge in this latest crusade to expand the country’s stance on civil rights.

Still, 30 states have adopted constitutional amendments banning gay marriage, and others have laws on the books to the same effect. Even if the direction is clear, the path toward a universal right to marriage equality remains long.

One major unknown is the Supreme Court, which may soon weigh in on the Defense of Marriage Act, which denies federal recognition of same-sex marriages. Federal courts have ruled that the act deprives gay men and lesbians of the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection. But they have also sidestepped the equally pressing issue of state measures to deny marriage equality. If the Supreme Court does enter the fray over gay marriage, it would do well to consider the results of Tuesday’s ballot questions and, more broadly, the clear trajectory of the nation’s shifting -attitudes.

– Washington Post.

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

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: May I use this medium to express my concern over the worrisome dearth of records and the dangers it portends for our dear country, Nigeria.

Many IT professionals have always advocated that government should create an integrated national database which will feature information about all its citizenry. A database from where public and private organizations can pull information, with needed data to tackle issues of security such as criminality and terrorism is essential. Instead of doing this, government has either completely ignored the calls.

For example, billions of the country’s resources have been wasted on printing of national identity cards, registration of voters especially during elections, conducting population census and many other resources-wasting programmes.

It is befuddling that the various agencies of government such as the defunct Directorate of National Civic Registration (DNCR), Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), and the National Population Commission (NPC) saddled with these responsibilities create differ-

Great Piece, ‘The decent society’ IR: I read Sam Omatseye’s weekly In Touch column of November 12, titled The Decent Society. It is brilliant, dispassionate and incisive.

It is advocacy for “ground rules” to underpin the reconstruction of a decent society aligns with what I called the “agreement of a New Normal” in a recent speech for the 2012 Akintola Williams Annual Lecture. May your ink never dry.

Blessings always,

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• Oby Ezekwesili Former Minister for Education

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 1000 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.com

Nigeria needs improved identity management systems ent databases to achieve their goals.

This would have been unnecessary if a national database exists. Same data, such as name, date and place of birth; local government area, state of origin, occupation, etc are repeatedly being sourced from individual citizens during the course of his/her lifetime. Examples include enrolment in schools, opening of bank accounts, application for employment and others.

In 2007, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) was established by the federal government as the only recognized, regulatory and institutional mechanism for implementing government’s reform initiatives in the identity sector, but unfortunately not much has been heard

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about the agency.

As a regulatory and institution for implementing government’s reform initiatives, the objectives of NIMC as regards the National Identity Management Systems (NIMS)are to carry out the registration of citizens and legal residents as provided for in the Act; create and operate a National Identity Database, issue unique National Identification Numbers (NIN) to qualified citizens and legal residents; issue a multipurpose (Smart) Card to every registered person who is 16 years and above and provide a secured means to access the National Identity Database so that an individual can irrefutably assert his/her identity.

Others include harmonizing and

integrating Identity Databases in Government Agencies to achieve resource optimization and shared services facilities, collaborating with private sector and/or public sector institutions to deliver on the NIMS and register births and deaths in collaboration with the National Population Commission.

It is however a sorry case that the assets which NIMC took over from the Directorate of National Civic Registration (DNCR) “could not be re-used” according to the former.

The implication of this is that NIMC have to start all over. Nothing to show at all for the existence of our nationhood since 1960 when we got independence, no data!

It is interesting that NIMC has, however, taken the bull by the

horns by initiating the NIMS programme in 2009. The NIMS comprises the National Identity Database also known as a Central Identity Repository or Register (CIDR), a chip-based, secure identity card and a network of access and means to irrefutably prove or assert the identity of an individual among other things.

Most importantly, what NIMC needs to look at critically is the clause that NIN will only be issued to every citizen from the age of 16 years and above. Does it mean that those under 16 are not Nigerians?

NIMC should ensure that there should be no age restriction in obtaining NIN. Once a child is born into a hospital, he/she should be registered and enrolled into the NIMS and issued a NIN immediately to reduce the accumulation of those that are supposed to register and would help in monitoring each citizen, right from birth.

• Olatunde Tijani, IT Consultant, CEO, Leo6 Technologies.

Time to tackle rot in police

IR: Your esteemed newspaper would have done an evergreen service to this nation if this view of ours is published therein on the ongoing trial of former Inspector General of Police, Mr Sunday Ehindero and a former Commissioner of Police in charge of Budget, Mr John Obaniyi before an Abuja High Court over his alleged complicity in the misappropriation of about N557million belonging to the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

Though Ehindero has pleaded not guilty, to the six-count criminal charge preferred against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), it behoves the anti-graft agencies in the country not to look back in this effort to sanitise the system.

Interestingly, the anti-graft

agency has maintained that by its investigations, the accused persons allegedly diverted a whopping N300million out of N557million donated to the NPF by the Bayelsa State Government when President Goodluck Jonathan was its Governor. The money, the ICPC revealed, was traced to a fixed deposit account at a bank where it had yielded an interest of N9.8 million.

Observing that the money was donated for the procurement of arms, ammunition and riot control equipment, ICPC, equally alleged that the accused persons placed another N200 million in a fixed deposit account with another bank where it once yielded N6.5 million interest.

By the ICPC’s claim, the agency revealed that the fraud was perpetrated between May and November,

2006 during when Ehindero piloted the affairs of the Nigerian Police between 2005 and 2007.

There is no doubting the fact that the blood of many a concerned Nigerian will be running cold today whenever they ruminate on the magnitude of looting that has become the norm in this endowed nation where the masses suffer in the midst of plenty.

An average policeman in the country today is a sorry figure. They work grudgingly on empty stomach and in most cases, with pitiably tattered bathroom slippers. They are poorly remunerated and armed.

This is among the reasons they fall easy preys to armed robbers who boast superior weapons. Yet, year in, year out, we hear of mind-boggling allocations for police and other security agencies in our an-

nual budgets. Then where have these allocations been going?

Of course, save-our-souls telephone calls would have been causing serious traffic congestion in the air now, but we dare say that the entire world is watching the developments vis-à-vis the so-called commitment of the Goodluck Jonathanled administration to fighting corruption no matter whose ox is gored.

In this matter, Jonathan’s administration is equally on trial as the outcome of the Ehindero Trial will go down as part of his profile by which posterity will judge him and indeed, our beleaguered Judiciary.

• Edwards Olawale President, People’s Voice against Corruption (PVC), Surulere, Lagos.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

COMMENTS

Dividends or Demands of Democracy? Envir/ Land Use Demands – Terrorist Taxation: A ’penkele mess’

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LHAJI Lam Adesina, Former Governor and ACN leader in Oyo State is dead. We console his family. May he Rest in Peace. His legacy, limiTony tations and achieveMarinho ments, will be analysed politically. All governors must think of their legacy. Today the living working citizens have serious economic challenges in Oyo State aggravated by IGR strategies. This requires intervention by current Governor Ajimobi.

A letter from a State Commissioner may appreciate you for ‘services rendered’ or be an Internally Generated Revenue Demand. The citizens are asking from government agencies ‘When is a ‘‘legality’’ an immorality?’ Bad Breaking News 1 on 1-11-2012: The Environmental Ministry’s Commissioner Dauda signed a dreaded ‘Demand Notice: Annual Environment Development Charges’ for my and hundreds of other business premises, N50,000/annum backdated 3 years to 2009 before this government came in. This N200,000 is payable ‘within three weeks or you.. ]face] a fine, imprisonment, seal of premises - 2004 law.

Bad Breaking News 2 on 29-10-12: Courier letter dated 2910-2012 delivered on 9-11-2012 -10 days lost. Finance Commissioner Adelabu signed to me and hundreds of others a 2012 Land Use Charge of N126,000 for commercial use of building within 30 days. We could pay a discounted N107,000 if paid by 13-11-12, N157,500 paying between 13-28 Dec, N189,000 paying between 29 Dec-Jan 28 2013 and N252,000 paying between 29 Jan-28 Feb 2013, or ‘property will be liable to receivership by the state or its agent and any other ENFORCEABLE reliefs.

How can a charge double in four months? Does that make it easier to pay? Is this mere law enforcement or extortion? Is this bad political advice, legalised illegality or political rascality like when ‘people’ working during Adedibu/Akala’s time extorted up N20,000 ‘within one week’ from Ibadan businesses for ‘fire protection’? Those promoting excessive government charges should explain and perhaps be ‘sued’ by Civil

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Society and Consumer Protection Agencies. Are these government charges, their size, time frame, threat factor and insulting wordings not ‘terrorist tactics/Tax Terrorism similar to colonial taxation? Imagine if we had enforcing state police. We should feel at home in a state we love, not in occupied territory.

Let public officials publish their own payments for charges in their business officers and homes. We hear the Residence Charges are coming also. What an unpleasant End of Year present from Government for an ‘annus horribilis’ with the January fuel strikes, poor power, dwindling business, November fuel scarcity and N120/litre fuel. Now triple taxation! Does government want blood from stone?The Governor, as a professional, businessman and politician, should please intervene. Can the Governor please cut the fees by 80% and cut out corruption opportunities of ‘negotiation’? A little from a lot of citizens is better than a lot from a few.

Obama and the Red Cross made ‘billions’ from millions of $10-50 donations and not $1000s from a few.

These charges may breach the human rights of citizens who deserve civility not ‘demands’. Just because someone calls it ‘TAX’ or ‘Charge’ or ‘Demand’ does not make it morally correct in amount. Even if it is ‘legitimate’ and ‘IGR’, Fellow Nigerian citizens need protection from overzealous taxation.

Where is the Citizens Ombudsman? The authors of excessive tax bills should be cautioned and sanctioned because their wild assessments are causing panic among their tax victims, the voting Nigerians of 2015. This ‘mental assault’ intimidates the citizens and the letters should be rewritten. There should be trust and mutual respect between citizens and government, not a master servant relationship. This is not a human face of government.Does no one uphold the SERVICON pact not to abuse the citizens’ trust and respect?

Would the Commissioners writing these letters be happy to receive letters promising such violence and vitriol? The bills are too high, too late in the year, with too short a notice for payment and too severe punishments. Does government want us to steal to pay these bills? Whenever the amount is agreed, bills and rents can be more easily paid by 12 monthly instalments like in civilised countries instead of once annually, ‘within one month’. An honest business professional could lose his business for this while the dishonest one will

pay up and even ‘bribe up’. Meanwhile billions are stolen in government inflated contracts and corruption nationwide daily for no punishment.

IGR must be ‘Intelligently’ and empathetically collected.

Are these letters different from the threatening text messages and letters sent by Boko Haram, kidnappers and robbers forcing citizens to pay ‘protection’? They have ‘legal’ backing but every schoolboy knows the quote ‘The law is an ass’ and interpreted differently by every lawyer and judge. Indeed the ‘law is a manipulated ass’ used by authorities to legalise immorality. The principle of environmental care and land use are good but extortion is not.

Firstly a charge for 2012 is issued in November 2012. Secondly, which financial wizardry makes N126,000 malignantly become N252,000 in four months, 300% interest per annum?

Is that legal? Neither the Mafia nor Shakespeare’s Shylock and his ‘pound of flesh’ charge such interest rates? A la Adelabu of old, this is a ‘’penkele mess’’ demand of democracy, not a dividend. The citizen needs protected from government agents paid by citizens’ taxes. Struggling business, education and health services lift the state’s income and reputation. They are not pariah or the enemy but partners in state progress. The governor can intervene. For me, Agodi prison is a real 2013 possibility.

‘What an unpleasant End of Year present from Government for an ‘annus horribilis’ with the January fuel strikes, poor power, dwindling business, November fuel scarcity and N120/litre fuel. Now triple taxation! Does government want blood from stone?The Governor, as a professional, businessman and politician, should please intervene’

The ‘fever’ of Obama’s re-election

FTER months of gruelling and exhilarating campaign, the two front runners in the 2012 Presidential contest in the United States of America - Barack Obama of the Democratic Party and Mitt Romney of the Republican Party - left their fate in the hands of the electorate last Tuesday. At the end of the election, which has been described as the toughest ever in the history of the country, Obama won an overwhelming majority votes.

With this, the first African-American President of the US won a second term in office as the country’s 44th President.

It has gone down as one election where political bookmakers got it wrong, opinion polls and exit polls somersaulted, and an overwhelmed media declared the polls too close to call. For many of us, it was like a battle of our lives. Days before the election, I had taken it upon myself to put regular calls through to my friends in the US in order to getfirst hand information about the campaign. That was when it became obvious that the usually reliable international media could no longer be relied upon.

Not even the Sandy storm that bared its rage across the east coast of America, leaving disaster and destruction along its tempestuous route, was enough to dissuade Uzoma Nwagwu from his daily commentaries which he shared with me with ferocious interest. Uzoma is a resident of New Jersey who commutes to New York every day to fend for self and family with a paid employment at the Citi Bank Group. Before he ‘migrated’ to ‘Obama’s land’ about 20 years ago,

Uzoma had had a stint with a newspaper in Nigeria. He had also been exposed to some pro-democracy activists who were at the fore-front of the clamour for civilian rule in the country in the early 1990s.

So to Uzoma, whom his numerous friends prefer to call Uzor, monitoring an all-encompassing campaign like the recent one in America was more or less a familiar terrain. He was just there anytime his phone rang to give updates.

He exuded confidence and charisma each time he weighed the chances of Obama and Romney. When Obama faltered during his first televised debate with Romney, we were both gripped with fear and trepidation.

Though Romney’s rating had unexpectedly soared after that first encounter, Obama was to shore up his electoral value during the other two debates. On the eve of the election, we had to abandon every other thing and concentrated attention on how Obama would fare in the battleground and swing states. At least, we were sure of his victory in Ohio because of his auto bailout programme which resuscitated the failed auto industry. This ensured that workers in the state had their jobs for keep in the aftermath of the economic recession that plagued the US and the rest of the world in 2008.

But we had concern over Florida, Iowa, Virginia, Wisconsin, North Carolina and others.

At a point, Uzor and I became more troubled when feelers started pouring in that many of the white voters had probably introduced racial dimension into the voting pattern in their desperate attempt to ease out ‘our candidate’ (Obama)

‘For sure, hurricane Sandy did not blow in wind of votes for Obama’s victory rather it was the result of a carefully conceived election campaign based on changing political demography that was passionately executed’

from the White House. That evening, the Cable Network News, CNN, which has maintained a track record of accurately projecting winners of elections in US for many years, played safe and could only see a tie between Obama and Romney. That sort of increased the adrenalin flow in our bloodstream.

At 11:18 pm (Eastern Time in America), when Fox news, CNN and other news outlets still projected President Obama winner, the race to the White House wasn’t anything close. It was a decisive victory for Obama who polled 332 electoral votes, 62 votes more than the required 270 votes, against Romney‘s Republican party’s 206. Obama also swept eight out of nine swing states, with North Carolina his only battleground loss. Of the 56 presidential elections held in United states, 44 presidents in US history, incumbents have run 30 times, winning 20 times and losing 10 times.

But Obama’s second-term victory did not come as a surprise. The worsening economy set the agenda for the 2012 election. Obama made lots of grandiose promises when he was first elected President in 2008. Paul Ryan, the Republican Vice president, captured this thus: “He promised to cut the nation’s deficit in half?

It doubled. He vowed to create jobs and put Americans back to work; unemployment rate grew higher than the day he took office. You have 23 million Americans struggling to find work, 15 percent of American citizens are today living in poverty”.

The facts are monumental and, definitely, the defence of Obama’s record almost made his candidacy a hard sell. All but the economy became central in the campaign. It is the Middle class that lost their jobs and could not find any. They lost their homes as they could not pay their mortgage and could no longer afford medical care for the family.

No wonder the two candidates ran their campaigns focusing on the class.

Obama’s ground game of getting voters, micro targeting the muchneeded audience, and ensuring they voted timely, was a deciding factor for the outcome of the election. For sure, hurricane Sandy did not blow in wind of votes for his victory rather it was the result of a carefully conceived election campaign based on changing political demography that was passionately executed.

Essentially, the grounding game strategy roared Obama’s message home directly to the target audience. He connected with the Middle class who formed the bulk of the voters. He understood that voters wanted the president they know.

They believed convincingly that Obama, not Romney, understood their nightmares of college costs, insurance bills and all that. Virtually, in most of Obama’s rallies, he did not fail to seize the opportunity to remind Americans that he had been in their situation, understood and shared their values. This worked well for him as exit polls showed that voters thought far more and viewed Obama as the voice of the poor and the middle class. On the other hand, they saw Romney as the guy leaning perpetually toward the rich.

Furthermore, Latino vote was a significant block. Obama’s campaign strategists, therefore, converted to advantage, the emerging demographics and their voting influence on the outcome of the election. He succeeded in building a firewall with Hispanics, and tapped heavily on their increasing population. Hispanics became the biggest deciders of the election. For the first time, they represented 10 percent of the overall electorate. On the whole, Hispanics cast about 11 million votes in the election.

There was a good reason for this.

Five months earlier, under an executive action, Obama amended the immigration policy to allow hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children to remain in the

Dele Agekameh country and work without fear of deportation. That appeared to have removed the rug underneath Romney’s feet. From then on, the Republican Party candidate was all through hunted by his statement calling for illegal immigrants to “self-deport”.

Also, throughout the campaign, Romney carried the baggage of horrendous gaffes. The problem was that the Republican Party candidate couldn’t pass the credibility test. It was so bad that even many voters who were hitherto disenchanted with Obama found it unsafe to vote for Romney who was seamlessly at ease shifting grounds on his earlier adopted positions on many issues.

On the whole, Romney’s flip-flop cast aspersions on whether he could really be trusted by Americans.

Obama’s strategists effectively used the question of Romney’s credibility to ask American’s who they trusted based on their antecedent.

At a point in the campaign, Obama was constrained to call his rival a ‘talented salesman’ who will change his position at anytime to win. The lesson of the 2012 United States presidential election especially for Nigeria, is a topic for another day.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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COMMENTS

Obama/Justice Jombo-Ofo: Tale of two nations

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HE widening gap between America’s astonishing progress in managing her diversities and Nigeria’s rather embarrassing retrogression at integrating her diverse populations has come to the fore, once again. While an Anambra born woman, Justice (Mrs.) Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo, could not be sworn in as Justice of the Court of Appeal because she hails from Abia, a different State as her husband’s, an Africa-American, Barack Obama, was re-elected by a predominantly white population as the President of the most powerful nation in the world. What a shame!

This brings to the fore a recent lecture entitled “The Political Ideology of the Great Zik of Africa and the Leadership Challenges in Nigeria” delivered by the Deputy President of Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu in Awka. Ekweremadu had noted that apart from the fact that Zik won election in the South West, with his NCNC also showing great strength in the 1951 Western Region House of Assembly election, NCNC installed Altine Umoru and Bashorun Balogun as the Mayors of Enugu and Port Harcourt, respectively. According to him, therefore, the question our generation would have to answer is: “Why is it that decades after the great Zik and his generation had shone the light of this level of brotherhood, we are still unable to profitably manage our diversities and gel into a true nation state?”

Also, wondering if we are actually making progress or retrogressing, the Senate Leader explained during a debate on the matter by the Senate in plenary that some 30 years ago, an Igbo man, Honourable Justice Kalu Anya was the Chief Judge of Borno State, while a Yoruba man was the Attorney-General of the Borno Judiciary.

Let us look at the contrasts to find answers to Ndoma-Egba’s questions. Sometime in the United States history, blacks were just some pieces of property, with the first set of black slaves arriving in State of Virginia. It was a long and tortuous history of misuse, dehumanisation, and derogation. In 1800, a black slave and blacksmith, Gabriel Prosser planned a slave revolt which was to march on Richmond, Virginia. His plan was uncovered and he and many fellow black “conspirators” were hanged. The same faith befell Nat Turner, an African American preacher in Virginia in 1831 as well as Denmark Vessey in Chesterfied, South Carolina in 1821. Ironically, as if to atone for its notoriety for slavery and highhandedness against black slaves, Virginia, known to have consecutively delivered to the Republican Party from 1968 to 2004 presidential elections, made a “U” turn to elect Obama, a black, in 2008 and re-elected him few days ago.

Now, though the US Congress banned slave importation in 1808, the US Supreme Court ruled in Dred Scott’s case that slaves were not citizens. Yet, from Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation that freed black slaves in the Confed-

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NARGUABLY, education is the most precious and enduring catalyst that has helped mankind in the discovery and sustenance of the world as we live in it today.

It is indeed the strongest weapon with which mankind broke the cycle of ignorance and darkness, thus arriving at the threshold of civilization.

It ultimately amounts to merely begging the question to say that a country which handles its education sector in slipshod manner faces one of the greatest perils that could ever threaten the foundation of its very existence.

And expectedly, a nation without clear cut education policy or one with low education quality, undoubtedly cannot stand among great nations of the world, which pioneer development, break new ground and open new vista in learning and knowledge towards the advancement the of entire human race via research.

The past three decades in the history of Nigeria’s education – both in policies and planning, not to talk of its progress – confronts one with a gory statistics of decadence, retrogression and abysmal performance if not outright failure.

It goes without saying the fact that the same measure of failure cascaded to the states with each one of the 36 states jostling to occupy the

By Uche Anichukwu erate States in 1863 to the Fifth Amendment that gave the blacks voting rights; from the election of Hiram Revels as the first African-American Senator (Mississippi) in 1870 in the period of Reconstruction (1865-1877) to election of 16 black Congressmen and 600 black state legislators in the same period; from the founding of the first college for black women (Spelman College) in 1881 to the breaking of Major League Baseball’s colour segregation when Jackie Robinson signed to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947; from the integration of African-Americans into the US military by President Truman in 1948 to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kans case in which the Supreme Court declared (on May 17, 1954) that all forms of racial discrimination in schools was unconstitutional; from the popular Rosa Parks refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger at the “coloured section” of a bus in Montgomery on December 1, 1955 to the successful one-year bus boycott by blacks that led to the desegregation of buses in Montgomery in December 1956; and from the sweeping Civil Rights Act under President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 that prohibits discrimination of any kindrace, colour, religion, national origin, etc, plus the Voting Rights Act (1965) and another Civil Rights Act (1968) to the election of President Obama in 2008, the US has made tremendous progress in transforming into a country that truly lives out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold this truth to be self evident, that all men are born equal”. US is now a country of Martin Luther King’s dream where “men are judged by the content of their character, not by the colour of their skin”. This invariably accounts monumentally to America’s tremendous transformation into an economic and political super power because men and women find their dreams, becoming the best they are capable of, irrespective of their religion, race, colour, etc.

Conversely, Nigeria has moved from a nation where an Altine Umoru and Bashorun Balogun became Mayors of two biggest cities in the then Eastern Region, namely Enugu and Port Harcourt, to one where no man/woman amounts to anything outside his/her State of Origin. We have retrogressed from a nation where an Honourable Justice Kalu Anya became Chief Justice of Borno to one where an Anambra born Justice Jombo-Ofo, was refused ascension to the Court of Appeal unable to access her full rights and privileges as a Nigerian from her State of Marriage, Abia. Ironically, she remains an Abian, her children remains Abians, and will no doubt be her final resting place when she is called. We have also moved retrogressed to a country where a Governor of a State in a 21st century Nigeria has, on purely sectional and ethno-religious grounds, consistently upbraided and discred-

ited the ongoing efforts to address dire contradictions in Nigeria’s constitution. Even though we spend billions of naira funding the NYSC, we are steadily transforming into a country where funny and incompetent characters could occupy the best of available positions and opportunities, so long as they are “sons and daughters of the soil”. Again, what a big shame!!!

However, given the national applause that has greeted the patriotic motion moved by Senator Ekweremadu and the entire Senate calling the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice to order, it is comforting that Nigerians understand that this Jombo-Ofo matter, if allowed to stay, would sound a requiem for Nigerian women and big obstacle for inter-state marriage and national integration. It is like digging a grave for our future.

Kowtowing to an unreasonable Rule of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) is not a complementary commentary on the nation’s judiciary. Unless we are saying that the FCC Rule overrides Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution which provides that no Nigerian should be discriminated against on the ground of religion, state of origin, sex, language, etc. i also feel this national embarrassment should further mobilize Nigerians to support the National Assembly to replace the State of Origin with State of Residence in the ongoing constitution review. Indeed, what God has joined together, let no judiciary put asunder. Besides, the hunger, insecurity and poverty challenges we face, know no state, religion, tribe or tongue.

• Anichukwu is Special Adviser (Media) to Deputy President of Senate.

‘US is now a country of Martin Luther King’s dream where “men are judged by the content of their character, not by the colour of their skin”. This invariably accounts monumentally to America’s tremendous transformation into an economic and political super power because men and women find their dreams, becoming the best they are capable of, irrespective of their religion, race, colour, etc’

Osun’s revolution in education

By Kunle Owolabi bottom table of poor performance index.

Sadly enough, in comparison, the type of education the country had from post-independence up to early 70s appeared to be the golden era in the nation’s history as opposed to the sham we have today.

As earlier observed, the shambles confounds one from one state to the other. No one state has the same problem or challenge as the other; each with its own peculiarity.

Hence the Case of the State of Osun couldn’t be any different from the shoddy account above. Until around October 2010, no one believed, including the people of the state themselves that the air in the balloon of the state’s education has instalmentally leaked away inexorably.

This point of despondency was exposed when the incumbent governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, declared a state of emergency in the education sector and called a summit on education.

What his government discovered were so terribly disheartening that the governor toyed initially with the idea of closing down all primary and secondary schools across the length and breadth of the state so as to allow for a total overhauling from physical structure to curricula

‘What his government discovered were so terribly disheartening that the governor toyed initially with the idea of closing down all primary and secondary schools across the length and breadth of the state so as to allow for a total overhauling from physical structure to curricula as well as restructuring of teachers and teaching aids, some of which were then scantily available’

as well as restructuring of teachers and teaching aids, some of which were then scantily available.

The decision, according to Aregbesola, was informed by his administration’s discovery of crass degeneracy in both physical structures and polices of the school, thereby making qualitative and conducive learning impossible.

He also told the people at the summit that he however, refrained from his initial decision because of the colossal adverse consequences such clamp down would cause all stakeholders -government, pupils/students and parents - in the education sector.

He lamented that none of the public schools at that time could actually be called schools in the real sense of the name, which explained why he proposed closing all the schools down in order to swiftly address the rot.

Reversal of this decision, the governor revealed, caused the slow process of government’s intervention efforts in revamping the schools from this near total decline they have been for more than three decades without concrete efforts towards a turnaround around – how ever feeble – by successive governments.

Consequently, he elected to approach the gargantuan problems through a middle-of-the-road approach. The obvious corollary of this approach, as Aregbesola revealed, was a slow process of revamping the decades of coldhearted inattention meted to the education sector in the State of the Virtuous.

The intervening periods thus allowed Ogbeni to go back to the drawing board to tackle the decay from the roots rather than surfacescratching it as the usual practice of old employed by past regimes.

After one and half years of pains-

taking planning and brainstorming, Ogbeni seems to have come up with radical solutions to education in the state.

The revolutionary process which, much more all-inclusive in outlook, is currently unfolding, going through what can be described as a test running. A cursory look at these new plans and policies reveal somewhat innovative strategies spiced with renascent programmes, which are a reminder of the colonial education heritage in Nigeria.

Let’s attempt to capture the new education agenda of Ogbeni’s government one at a time.

First is his idea of a physical structure of a place of learning called school. Aregbesola reminisced that in the 60s through to 80s the finest and edifying buildings in towns and cities were school buildings and so beautiful were they that even a blocked head would want to go to school merely seeing the architectural exterior of a school building.

Against this backdrop, Aregbesola conceived of a school building that will be an architectural masterpiece as a model school befitting the great people of his state. A sample of this model, which is one of 21 such buildings that will dot the states within the next 18 months, now stands splendidly in the capital.

In addition, his government is also building 100 elementary schools and 50 middle schools. That explains the physical structure.

At this junctures, a peep into the mind of Ogbeni is necessary in order to verify the authenticity of the motive behind the promised re-engineering of education in his state.

His intention was informed by his sincere commitment to bequeath a lasting legacy in the state of his birth.

His words: “We are laying a solid foundation for their future – a future of freedom, a future of prosperity, a future of security…The rich will be allowed to pursue their

choice of education for their wards but public schools will be put in the best possible shape for others and our people will have real choice.”

This budding seed sowed in this sector is so fundamentally irresistible to warrant accolades from the Senate Committee on Education which visited Osun few weeks ago in the performance of its oversight function.

The high power delegation, which was led by distinguished and indefatigable Senator Uche Chukwumerije openly, commended the efforts of the governor for his landmark achievements in education, and at the same time calling on other state governors to borrow a leave from what Aregbesola is doing in the education sector in his state.

He and some of his colleagues, including the wife of the former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Professor Olusola Adeyeye, Senator Atiku Bagudu and others paid a courtesy visit to Osun as part of their oversight functions. Seeing the reforms on-going in the state’s education sector, Senator Chukwumerije said: “The states and the country owed Governor Aregbesola a lot of gratitude for promptly laying a formidable foundation for education in the state. I will like to use this opportunity to advise other states irrespective of your political affiliation. You must drop your ego and learn from the people oriented projects and programmes of Governor Aregbesola.”

Indeed, with what he has achieved so far, we would be safe to conclude that a new dawn is unfolding in education sector in the State of the Virtuous.

• Owolabi is of the Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, State of Osun.

Chelsea defends Mikel’s allegations against ref

Pg. 41

Keshi

expects good match against

Venezuela

Pg. 24

Sport Wednesday, November 14, 2012

PAGE 23

Eagles set for American

expedition • Match kicks off 8pm (2am Thursday in Nigeria)

A

LL players invited by Head Coach Stephen Keshi for Wednesday's international friendly against Venezuela in Miami, State of Florida have arrived the Super Eagles' camp and competing for shirts.

The team trained twice on Tuesday and looked very sharp for the assignment at hand, as the

Nigeria senior team rolls on ground its preparations for next year's Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa. Goalkeeper Austin Ejide, from Israel's top division, joined the contingent that left Nigeria on Sunday night in Atlanta, and together flew with the group to Miami. Also in camp are defender Elderson Echiejile,

midfielders Raheem Lawal, Ogenyi Onazi, Nosa Igiebor and US-based Bright Ejike, as well as strikers Brown Ideye, Foluwashola Ameobi and Obafemi Martins.

From the original list, Chelsea duo John Mikel Obi and Victor Moses opted out, while France-based defender Apam Onyekachi, silver medallist at the 2008 Olympics in

Beijing, is injured.

Home boys are goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, defenders Godfrey Oboabona, Solomon Kwambe, Azubuike Egwueke, Benjamin Francis and Umar Zango, midfielder Henry Uche and forwards Sunday Mba, Ejike Uzoenyi and Gomo Onduku.

Wednesday's clash is only the

Pg. 24

Big Boss hands Ejide Eagles' armband second meeting between Nigeria and Venezuela at senior international level, with the only previous encounter being another friendly in London's Watford FC arena on July 26, 2003. Skipper Austin Okocha's goal separated the two teams that day.

The match will kick off at 8pm Florida time (2am Thursday in Nigeria).

NATIONSPORT WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

24

41

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Big Boss hands Ejide Eagles' armband

G

ANGLING Israeli based goalkeeper, Austin Ejide, will step out of the shadows of his national teammate, Vincent Enyeama, on Wednesday night in Miami, United States, when he leads the team out as skipper in the international friendly against Venezuela at the Marlins Stadium in the American city.

Head Coach Stephen Keshi said after critical consideration, he has decided to hand Ejide the armband for the match. Indeed, Ejide first joined the national team from Gabros of Nnewi, in the run-up to the Korea-Japan 2002 World Cup, alongside Enyeama and the likes of Justice Christopher. The Eagles number one jersey has since been alternated between the duo, with

•Ejide

Keshi

•Dike celebrate Eagles’ Call •Martins vows AFCON spot Enyeama having the lion's share, but Wednesday's game will be another opportunity for Ejide to lay claim to the Eagles number one shirt.

Also in ecstacy over his call up is Bright Dike of MLS side Portland Timbers in the United States, who was the last to join camp. Dike said at breakfast on Tuesday morning that it was a dream come true for him to be part of the Nigerian set up, as Assistant Coach, Sylvanus Okpala tries to size up abilities to speak the Ibo language. “I understand it but don't speak fluently, it will get better now that I will start coming to Nigeria”, he said amidst smiles.

Obafemi Martins, who is styled the Weapon of Mass Destruction, has vowed to get a shirt with his performance on the pitch on Wednesday and in subsequent camping of the team. “My return is for real and Nigerians will see”, he said. Indeed, Martins looked the sharpest among attackers in camp as he banged in goal after goal in Monday evening training.

The game will be played at the Marlins Stadium in Miami 8pm Miami time and 2am Thursday Nigerian time.

expects good match against

Venezuela

•Keshi

• Players set to impress

T

HE expectation of the Super Eagles handler, Stephen Keshi of giving Venezuela a run for their money in tomorrow's International friendly match has been raised by the presence of all the expected players based home (in Nigeria) and abroad in Miami, Florida in the United States of America.

The Eagles spokesman, Ben Alaiya told NationSport from Miami yesterday that all the players expected have all hit camp and they were to go for a training session by the time of filling this report.

“Obafemi Martins was involved in the first training we had and Shola Ameobi joined us yesterday evening and he is having break fast with the rest of the players as you

Ameobi determined to be 'international hero' for Nigeria

N

EWCASTLE United striker Shola Ameobi has spoken out about his pride at becoming a part of the Nigerian squad and has revealed his ambition of becoming an “international hero” for the country of his birth.

The 31-year-old has been selected for Wednesday's friendly against Venezuela in Miami, and Ameobi was keen to stress how much the country means to him and his family, having previously been called up in 2011, but withdrawing due to injury.

“I want to do the best that I can,” Ameobi told reporters. “I don't just want to be a local hero, I want to be an international one. That's what has driven the decision.

“I'm really excited. Nigeria is where I'm from, that's my heritage and I've never forgotten my roots.

The majority of my family are from Nigeria and they're really excited about this. My parents are really, really happy but they would have supported me either way. It's a case of better late than

never.

“This is the first opportunity that has arisen to do something that I've always felt passionately about and I've always wanted to do.

"It's a great honour and I don't take it lightly. It's something that I've wanted to do and I'm really, really happy that I've got the opportunity to do it now.”

S

•Ameobi

CAF appoints Ivorian officials for Eaglets, Mali

M

ATCH referees for Sunday's 2013 African U-17 Championship qualifying match between Nigeria and Mali at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar will come from Cote d'Ivoire.

The Confederation of African Football has appointed Kouame Ndri as the centre referee, with his compatriots Cherif Mamadou Bogbe, Kouadio Oussou and Denis Dembele as 1st Assistant, 2nd Assistant and 4th Official

UPER EAGLES’ and Adana Demirspor of Turkey midfielder, Raheem Lawal believes he has to prove himself on the field of play, if he eventually makes the final squad list for the 2013 Africa Nations Cup in South Africa.

Lawal listed among the 11 foreign based players invited by Coach Stephen Keshi for the friendly against Venezuela, says he is very happy to be back in the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

“It is only God who knows who will make the final list. Am not saying am the best and am not saying other players are the best but we need to prove ourselves on the field of play.”

“Yes the action, the document, the invitation was great. By God's grace I'm happy to get back to Super Eagles.” He

respectively.

CAF also appointed Benoit Zianga as the match commissioner.

On Tuesday, the Nigeria Football Federation formally requested the Federation Malienne de Football to furnish it with details of its delegation's arrival date, OLPHINS’ Technical Adviser, time and vessel as well as size of Stanley Eguma says the renovation delegation. work going on at the camp of the Sunday's match is the first leg of a final qualifying fixture, after the tam will give a new lease of life to players.

Eaglets dismissed Niger Republic Eguma commended the Rivers State sports ministry over the decision to rebuild the

AHEAD AFRICA CUP OF NATION

Lawal ready to fight for Eagles’ spot

By Shittu Femi said.

The midfielder remains optimistic about the chances of the Super Eagles of Nigeria qualifying from their group, when they take on their opponent in the Nations Cup. Eagles will be locking on with Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and reigning Africa Champion Zambia in their group stage. He said, “We are going to qualify because we have a good team. Once we can be together, play together and do every thing together without having anybody in mind. We will qualify.”

Lawal, who scored a wonder goal during their 2-0 in their second division Championship side explained the reason why he was so elated as his goal was listed among the best goal in the Turkish league.

“You know the goal was good, I really thank God for the goal because the goal is one of the best goals in the league. I’m really happy and I believe this season we are going to do well and go to the first division,” he said However, he remains pessimistic about the chance of his Super Eagles team mate, John Obi Mikel of Chelsea becoming Africa footballer of the year. “Am sorry but I pray for Obi Mikel to win because am a Nigerian I pray for him as a Nigeria.”

Eguma happy with Dolphins’ camp

D

camp since it had deteriorated over time.

“We have been yearning for this kind of work to be done even two seasons ago but thank God as they say, it's better late than never.

“You can see the players are happy to see

that the authorities are concerned about where they stay and we commend the Sports commissioner, Fred Igwe and we believe this will life the spirit in camp and spur the players to work very well,” Eguma said.

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

speak with me now. The only player that came in last is Bright Dike who plays in the MLS for Timberwolves FC. Ameobi and Dike will train with us today in what is expected to be a full team training for the Venezuela match”, Alaiya disclosed.

The Eagles Media Officer also confided in NationSport the way the players were taking the match was more than a mere friendly because some of them who have not played recently for the team have resolved to use the match to warm themselves into the heart of the team handler, Stephen Keshi.

“We are surely expecting a thrilling and a fulfilling match tomorrow and the mood and spirit as exhibited by the players in camp could attest to this fact. I think some of the returnee players and the newly invited ones would like to justify their inclusion in the team”, he observed.

Chelsea defends Mikel’s

allegations against ref

C

HELSEA chairman Bruce Buck has hit back at the club's critics and defended their accusation of inappropriate language against referee Mark Clattenburg.

Buck is bemused by the reaction the club has received from some quarters following Chelsea's complaint that Clattenburg made an inappropriate comment to midfielder John Obi Mikel during the Premier League defeat to Manchester United last month.

The club has been criticised by some for pursuing the complaint following the defeat, in which Clattenburg made a couple of controversial decisions that went against Chelsea.

Buck insists the club were obliged to pursue the issue and it did not make them 'hypocrites' after their captain John Terry was found guilty by the Football Association of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

"The reaction has been very unfair," he told the Evening Standard. "We

• Clattenburg(l) and Mikel weren't interested in any confrontation with the referee or anybody else, had no thoughts of revenge on the referee.

"I felt we had the moral high ground, so I didn't really feel that bad about the defeat or have that feeling in my stomach. I thought we'd be treated very kindly in the newspapers next day. Suppose we had tried to sweep this under the rug and said to the various players, 'Look, it's not a big deal and the press are going to be all over us, maybe you want to reconsider.' If that had leaked out, we would've really been crucified.

NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL:

Rivers register 1, 000 athletes

R

IVERS STATE Director of Sports, Mr Daobu Harry, said on Tuesday that no fewer than 1,000 athletes and officials will represent the state at the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) tagged ``Eko 2012”.

Harry told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt that the State’s athletes were in the final-phase of their camping for the games. ``Apart from football, for which we did not qualify from the zonal elimination, we are going to participate in all events during the festival. Some of the events we shall feature in are: athletics, basketball, boxing, chess, gymnastics, hockey cricket and cycling. ``Others include: handball, table tennis, taekwondo, traditional sports, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, scrabble and hockey. I hope we will perform well because the State has been working hard to defend the festival title. We have concluded first and second camping phases and we are now in

Team Ondo to storm Lagos with 350 athletes

the third and final phase. Our victory at the Garden City Games in 2011 was not by mistake or because Rivers hosted. I see the victory as a result of hard work,” Harry said.

The director said he was not envisaging any challenges, but if any came, the state government

would tackle it ahead of the festival. ``Gov. Chibuike Amaechi has given `Team Rivers’ both moral and financial support in its preparation forthe games. Our athletes have been working hard to ensure a successful outing in Lagos, ‘’ he added.

Teslim Balogun Stadium clinic begins 24-hr service

T

HE Clinic at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on Monday started providing 24hours (round-the-clock) medical services to the community, in preparation for the 18th National Sports Festival.

Its Chief Medical Officer, Dr Akin Judge, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos that the clinic was refurbished to provide services to athletes during and after the festival. Judge said the renovation, which was the normal routine by the government, also enabled the provision of sports-relateddrugs. ``It is what needs to be done and the state government had just done it,’’ he said.

The medical practitioner said that

the staff of the clinic had undergone orientation because the stadium was one of the venues for the festival. He said that more drugs had been made available to the centre, to carter for the many athletes that would be patronising it during the fiesta. NAN reports that the clinic, which had been under lock for months, was now bobbling with activities as many athletes were seen receiving medical attention there. NAN also reports that about seven medical personnel, made up of three doctors and four nurses, were attending to the athletes.

The athletes, who were mostly Team Lagos football players, told NAN that their visit to the clinic was a routine exercise aimed at keeping them fit for the festival.

•To feature in all events

By Akeem Lawal

O

NDO STATE will be featuring in all the 25 events of the 18th Lagos 2012 National Sports Festival tagged ‘Eko 2012’ scheduled to hold between 27th November and 9th December.

General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs Idowu Akinbulumo, who disclosed this in a chat with NationSport revealed that Team Ondo will be storming Lagos with about 350 athletes.

Team Ondo finished 4th at the 17th edition tagged Garden City Games with a total of 105 medals (30 Gold, 32 Silver and 43 Bronze), and Akinbulumo expressed optimism that the state will surpass the feat achieved in Port Harcourt.

“There will be 25 events at the National Sports Festival. Out of the events, 20 will be compulsory events and five will be optional.

The optional events will be chosen by the hosting state. So we will be presenting athletes in the entire events. “We have close to 400 athletes in camp in Akure now and we will be coming with about 350 athletes. We’ve been preparing very well for this year’s edition of the Festival with the sole aim of surpassing our last outing where we finished 4th at the Garden City Games. The state government is giving us all the necessary support both morally and financially and we are ready to reciprocate the gesture by putting up a better performance in Lagos”, she told NationSport.

Aside individual events, Team Ondo the state will represent South-West Zone II which has Osun and Ekiti, in the eight of the10 ball games that would feature at the festival.

Ondo will represent the zone in the male and female categories of the volleyball, handball and abula events as well as the female hockey and basketball competitions.

•Bauchi State’s Ebitome being declared winner of Wushu-Kungfu -80kg category, after defeating Chidozie of Lagos State at the 17th NSF in Port Harcourt

131 athletes, officials to represent Zamfara

A

Others are: female handball event, male para-athletics, men’s para table tennis, Taekwondo and male tennis, traditional sports `Langa` and `Kokowa`(traditional wrestling), as well as men’s weightlifting.

The adviser, who did not disclose the budget for the games, however, stressed that Gov. Yari had sufficiently funded the contingent for better performance. ``I cannot say how much was approved, but I can assure you that Gov. Abdulaziz Yari has released adequate funds to take care of our athletes and officials at the competition,’’ Ruwan-Dorowa said.

He said that the state was hopeful of winning many medals at the festival because unlike the previous year’s, the screening and selection process was devoid of sentiments and political considerations. ``We shopped for the best athletes as we left our camp open for athletes to showcase their talents; we have selected only the very best to represent the state,’’ he said.

Ruwan-Dorowa also said that the contingent had trained vigorously; assuring that `Team Zamfara’ would strive to justify the •Lagos State Deputy Governor and confidence reposed in them by Chairman LOC ‘Eko 2012’, people of the state at the festival.

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire

HEAD of the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF), the Zamfara State Government announced on Tuesday that it will be represented at the fiesta by a contingent of 131. Team Zamfara is expected to compete in 15 sporting events over the 12-day fiesta, which is being hosted by Lagos State from Nov. 27 to Dec. 9. Jaafar Ruwan-Dorowa, Special Adviser to Gov. Abdulaziz Yari on Sports, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau that of the number, 105 are athletes, to be accompanied by 26 officials.

The events include: Football (Male), Badminton (Male), Basketball (Male); Deaf sports (Male) and Deaf athletics (male).

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

Life

25

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Text only: 08023058761

Tale of five American cities – Page 26

Scholars chart road map for Africa’s growth – Page 28

‘My wife planned my life before she died’ – Page 37

Soyinka denies marginalising Badagry – SEE PAGE 27

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

26

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Tale of five American cities To an average Nigerian, America is the land of opportunities. Many believe that once they find their way there, their lives will change forever. But, despite the goodies which abound in ‘God’s own country’, there are beggars on the streets of some of its cities and crime is not a rarity, writes ASSISTANT EDITOR (News) OLUKOREDE YISHAU.

J

ANESVILLE was a stranger to me. So was Milwaukee.

And Madison I could barely say I knew much about, save for Wisconsin University, which occupies a sizeable portion of its architecturally beautiful landscape.

I must have first heard of the university reading through the late MEE Mofe-Damijo’s resume many years back.

Washington DC and Chicago I had not been to before, too. But they were no strangers. I had read about them in books, seen them in movies, felt them in poetry and experienced them in news reports. And just like that, for about 10 days, I traversed these five American cities in the course of tracking and reporting the election, which gave President Barack Hussein Obama a second term in office.

Hurricane Sandy almost aborted the trip. It ate into the days I was supposed to stay in Washington DC and made me miss a tour of the Capitol Hill.

But thanks to the good people at the Public Affairs Section of the American Consulate in Lagos, and Babatunde Fanawopo of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, I got a fresh ticket which saw us fly into U.S. through Atlanta, the home of CNN, instead of Frankfurt. I consoled myself with a picture I took backing the Capitol Hill from some distance.

I was in Washington DC on time to see the great Newseum, a museum for news matters, where we saw the history of the media on display. Great Pulitzer Prize pictures, some pieces of the Berlin Wall, the first Outside Broadcasting Van ever, images of fantastic moments in Obama’s life, a mangled piece of antenna mast which stood atop the North Tower of the World Trade Centre and lots more have found space in the large edifice.

Washington cuts the image of a befitting capital for a great nation of diverse people. Skyscrapers, well-laid out road network and all stare you in the face.

The Office of the Inspector General, which inspects, audits and investigates government agencies, told us things that make us believe all is not perfect. The Inspector-General, Charles Willoughby, spoke of instances where the fire service department did not have smoke detectors in their own offices and medicare fraud.

I thought Washington was cold until we got to Madison, where I rushed into a souvenir store and bought hand gloves that barely helped me for $14. I later bought a bigger one for $5 in Milwaukee. There it was that I started wearing five clothes: a sweater as underwear, a shirt, another sweater, a jacket and then a suit.

Madison, which has a beautiful lake that duty calls did not allow me take a shot of, is nothing like DC. This capital of Wisconsin is a simple city. It has storey buildings, which I honestly cannot call skyscrapers. Its road networks are superb. Its university is a definition of a conducive environment for learning. Its hotels tower into the sky moderately.

Its beauty is not in doubt and its place in American politics was evident in Obama not ignoring it during his campaigns.

It was in Madison that we were told of the end of the daylight savings time, which meant we had to set our clocks back one hour before going to bed on November 3.

Milwaukee is not so different from Madison. The two cities in Wisconsin State share the same weather and architectural look. Milwaukee is home to a lot of industries and large- scale farms. Obama was there to campaign. If Madison is simple, Janesville is simpler. This city of less that 70,000 people cuts the image of a closely-knit neighbourhood, where neighbours know one another. It is home to The Janesville Gazette, which has published for decades. A colleague, who works there, Frank Schultz, met with a team of visiting reporters from Africa at a Chinese restaurant, which has occupied that same space for 90 years. The waiter who attended to us had worked there for 20 years.

Janesville’s most popular resident is Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney’s running mate, in his failed bid to unseat Obama.

•Obama’s supporters at a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin State

•Part of the Berlin Wall on display at the Newsueum

TRAVELOGUE

‘Hurricane Sandy almost aborted the trip. It ate into the days I was supposed to stay in Washington DC and made me miss a tour of the Capitol Hill...But thanks to the good people at the Public Affairs Section of the American Consulate in Lagos, and Babatunde Fanawopo of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, I got a fresh ticket which saw us fly into U.S. through Atlanta, the home of CNN, instead of Frankfurt’ At the time we visited, Ryan’s blue mansion was in the firm grip of Secret Service agents, who had cordoned off streets leading to the place. This is done for every potential president and vice-president. A neighbour, who we met at an Obama for America’s vote canvassing event, said she was looking forward to the agents loosening grip on the area once Romney’s dream crashed.

The agents said we could take picture of the house, but from a distance. One of our hosts, Andy Strike, found it amazing that journalists had to see the house from a

•Yishau

distance, while others could move closer. The craziest of them all is Chicago. There is nothing simple at all about this city, which is home to several universities, including the University of Chicago and Illinois University at Chicago.

The hotels here are almost uncountable. It reminds me so much of New York, with its skyscrapers, rail system and road networks that could, sometimes, get locked down.

•Continued on page 27

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

27

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Allegations of marginalisation trailed this year’s edition of the yearly Lagos Black Heritage Festival (LBHF).

Some critics in Badagry accused the organisers of poor representation. But Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka dismissed such claims as unfounded, reports ASSISTANT EDITOR ARTS OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

N

OBEL laureate Prof Wole Soyinka has denied that Badagry was left out in the planning of the yearly Lagos Black Heritage Festival (LBHF).

The people of Badagry, he said, had always been involved in the festival each year since inception. Soyinka also dismissed claims that the festival is skewed towards intellectual discussions at the expense of promoting tourism.

“We involved Badagry people from the beginning. We visited them and spoke to the community leaders and we involved them in the entire process of the festival.

Unfortunately, the next thing we get was blackmail by some people. Some even accused us of not encouraging tourism. That is not true,” he said.

Soyinka, who spoke in Lagos on the theme of next year’s edition of the festival, however, cautioned Badagry people to stop creating problems for the organisers of the festival. He stressed that every participant must follow the culture of the festival.

“If I take on any assignment and even if I am to remove it from a difficult place and stage the festival in my house in Abeokuta, it will still be called Lagos Black Heritage

•Oba Akran (middle) at the festival

LBHF: Soyinka denies marginalising Badagry FESTIVAL Festival,” he added.

He said Brazil would be the focus for next year’s festival, which would feature exhibition of arts and crafts, souvenirs and mementoes from Brazilians. He said the festival would examine how Nigeria and Brazil influence each other while ‘reminding ourselves of our extension and inviting our kinsmen home.’

“Our target this year is Brazil, especially when its black culture is a lived reality. It is a spiritual thing which I rarely encounter in the Diaspora. In fact, Brazilians are so emotional about black culture. It is a restoration, analysis and celebration event.

“We are trying to remind ourselves of our

extensions and to invite our people from Diaspora to come here and recover in a very direct and possible way, an enriching way what they have left behind. We want to understand the reason why the closeness we have been developing between Nigeria and Brazil suddenly broke or disappeared. We are planning a big reunion,” he said.

According to him, the festival would focus on Cuba in 2014 and Colombia in 2015.

Soyinka explained that combination of many factors such as the festival is an opportunity for the youths or Nigerians in Diaspora to learn about their heritage.

The festival ambassador, Erelu Abiola Dosumu recalled that when she was first contacted to be part of the festival, she was confused adding that with time, the festival became very exciting. She described the

•Soyinka

festival as a true representation of what we have as a people adding that it is all about tourism, re-union and celebration.

Tale of five American cities •Continued from page 26

This city has a reputation for crime and corruption. A Professor at the Illinois University at Chicago, Dick Simpson, told us the reputation is not exaggerated. He gave facts and figures to back his claim. The Executive Director of Chicago Board of Ethics, Steven Berlin, also urged us to watch our pockets closely so as not to lose valuables to thieves.

Then we met Dr Wayne Gordon and Kimberlie Jackson of the 25-year-old Lawndale Christian Development Corporation who told us crime is a major headache in their community, filled with architectures dating back to centuries. The community also hosts the home where the late Martin Luther King Jr. lived with his family when he came to Chicago from Atlanta. The house, which was destroyed during a riot, has now been turned into apartments named after King and will be up for rent soon.

The corporation, founded by a white man of God, is also working with the Chicago Police, to curb crime in this largely black neigbourhood. The Illinois University at Chicago, built in the 1960s, hosts a chunk of Sierra Leonian history, especially on slave trade. They are on display at the Richard Daley Library, named after a late mayor of the city. These documents, including letters written by pro and anti-slavery individuals, said Simpson, who heads the university’s Political Science Department, existed nowhere else.

Chicago, which is Obama’s home, is in a state rated the third most corrupt in U.S. According to Simpson, most government officials convicted by the Federal Government have been from the city. A former governor of Illinois, who is from the city, is in jail for

•Martin Luther King House now apartments in Chicago

trying to sell the Senate seat Obama vacated to become president.

Organisations such as Lawndale and Public Allies, which used to have Michelle Obama as Executive Director, are doing their best to make it work better. These two agencies are particularly working to ensure that the astronomical rate of school drop-outs among blacks and other minority groups, put at over 50 per cent, is checked. They believe this can help curb crime too.

How can I forget that Chicago brought New York to my mind? Yes, with its street musi-

cians and men in need of help. How can I forget those men bearing placards saying they were homeless, jobless and in need of help?

How can I not remember that man in the traffic gridlock holding a placard begging for assistance? How can I forget how so much it reminded me of those scenes back home?

But, if one decides to look beyond Chicago’s crazy sides, it is a place to be. It has succeeded in moving beyond the Al Capone era.

The other four cities are also good. For people who hate boredom, Janesville, Milwaukee and Madison, all in Wisconsin

State, may prove frustrating to live in. These cities’ airports, Dulles in Washington DC, Reagan Washington National Airport, O’Hare in Chicago and Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, are good examples of functionality.

But, wait for this before you pack your bags: if you cannot stand cold, stay away from these cities, which I was told were not even cold at the time we visited. Temperature can drop to zero or below at some points.

Even when you see sun, it does not mean cold will run.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

28

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Mother Drum Art Festival on Dec 2

By Ozolua Uhakheme Assistant Editor (Arts)

A

FTER a four-year recess, ace female talking drummer Mrs Tosin Olakanye-Olayemi (Ayanbinrin) is back on stage with the hosting of Mother Drum Arts Festival. It will feature art, craft, music, dance, theatre and poetry.

The festival, which is being organised by Mother Drum Art Foundation, a brainchild of Ayanbinrin, is designed to salvage the image of traditional arts of the Black and African people using Nigeria as the arrowhead.

The maiden edition of the festival will hold at the Event Centre, Agidingbi Road, Ikeja, Lagos on December 2. It will also witness the Modafest/Mother Drum Golden awards to honour, recognise and appreciate matriarch/patriarchs and protégées who have displayed outstanding excellence, hard work and courage in the arts. She disclosed that 20 recipients would be given awards.

Ayanbinrin said the foundation/festival project was her own way of giving back to the society which also offers her fans the opportunity to know her other side apart from drumming. “Just being a drummer will not truly define me as an artiste, hence the foundation. Naturally, the foundation is an NGO to promote the arts using the indigenous elements to promote values, ethos and project the Black African race.”

According to her, the vision of the foundation is to achieve a unique message carrier through the arts capable of reviving, preserving and rejuvenating the cultural vitality, values and ethos of the Black and African people.

Ayanbinrin who studied Chemical/ Polymer Engineering at the Lagos State University, Ojo described art as a voice of the people, a message carrier and to mobilize and to sustain cultural values. On how she got into drumming, she said she was inspired

by God and her love for arts. “I learnt drumming in 2003 in Lagos and it took me about a month to learn the rudiments.

Drumming is fulfilling as it is what I do without stress. I am unique and don’t copy others,” she said.

The Ondo-born artiste runs a ten-man band, Tiwantiwa, a versatile group with the mandate to communicate and transfer the displaced African values and heritage to every home through songs, dance, theatre.

Poverty reduction forum

A

TWO-DAY forum on poverty reduction issues and partnership will hold on November 21 and 22 at Novotel Hotels, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The forum tagged: Supporting Poverty Reduction through Partnership, which is organised by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), is intended to serve as a platform to improve understanding and generate interest in the approaches, strategies and partnerships that can enable systemic changes for poverty reduction and equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta.

Co-ordinator of the development forum, Micah Mendie said: “The overarching aim of the forum will be to demonstrate how strategies which integrate research, advocacy, economic development, capacity building and peace building programmes can be systemic enablers of economic growth.” He added that ‘good case study examples of how market systems are working in Nigeria and around the world will be presented to inform and influence the way that local institutions think about and approach economic development in the Niger Delta region.’

Sub-themes of the forum will focus on economic development, capacity building and peace building with target audience drawn from three broad categories. First, the audience will be development practitioners who will want to learn new ideas about their work from other examples, another will be stakeholders who want to contribute towards poverty reduction in the Niger Delta, but don’t have the experience or understanding of the models and approaches needed to promote equitable economic growth.

•From left: Duke, Prof. Babawale and other participants

For three days, scholars in Africa and Africans in Diaspora converged on Missouri, US to brainstorm on how to explore the huge opportunities Africa offers and how the Diaspora can strengthen its relationship with the continent, reports ASSISTANT EDITOR ARTS, OZOLUA UHAKHEME.

Scholars chart road map for Africa’s growth

“A

LTHOUGH Africa’s presence in the Diaspora was made possible under unsavory historical circumstances of enslavement (particularly to the Americas) and emigration imposed by stifling economic conditions on the continent, the continent’s Diaspora remains a major but largely underexplored segment of the African population in the effort to galvanise Africa’s growth and development.”

This statement by the Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Prof Tunde Babawale set the tone for discussions at international conference held at Millennium Students Centre, University of Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. He said there is limited shared knowledge about Africa and her huge untapped and underutilised resources between Africans and peoples of African descent.

These potentials, he added, receive footnote acknowledgement whenever references are made to them adding that little is known about them worldwide. According to Babawale, numerous opportunities abound on the possibilities of deepening relationship between the continent and its Diaspora but only limited efforts have been made to take advantage of these opportunities.

He said the conference, which has as theme; Africa and the Diaspora in the New Millenium is spurred by the need to assist in the exploration of the huge opportunities Africa offers the Diaspora to expand and consolidate its relationship with the continent. But Babawale said that in 2010, African migrants recorded $40 billion in remittances to their home countries, which play important roles in reducing the incidence and severity of poverty on the continent.

These, he said, help many African households diversify their sources of income and give them opportunities for the much needed savings and capital for investment on the continent. “Added to this, Africa’s Diaspora can limitlessly provide the intellectual, financial, political, cultural and social capital required for the continent’s growth and development.

He said that the conference theme was informed by the need to address the challenges and opportunities created by the phenomenon of global linkages and transnational networks that impact and

LITERATURE shape identities, cultural heritages and relationships between Africans and the people of African descents worldwide. He hoped that the conference would promote relationship between Africa and her sixth region (African Diaspora), promote research and scholarship on Africa and the African Diaspora, and showcase to the world the contributions of Africa and African Diaspora to human progress.

“CBAAC’s choice of theme for this year’s CBAAC’s International Conference is further informed by the impending declaration of this decade as Decade of People of African Descent. The decade, if so declared by the UN would help to strengthen national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social and cultural aspects of society, and the promotion of a greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture,” he said.

In a communiqué, the conference recommended that activist scholars, civil society organisations and the press should critically re-engage African governments to make them proactive, transformational and accountable to their people. Scholars should deepen their knowledge about typically African epistemology and employ African systems of thought to provide explanations for Social Science issues of development and democracy in Africa. It also recommended that declarations, reports of working groups and protocols affecting Africans and people of African descent in the Diaspora should be given the widest publicity and circulation to ensure awareness, promote interest and inclusiveness.

Other resolutions included: that African intellectuals, research institutes, cultural agencies, public intellectuals, mass media and engaged individuals should design an Afro-centric model for the creation of a supra national consciousness based on the intrinsic values of African culture to provide a

counter discourse to the existing ideology of racial inequality, stigmatization and intolerance.

That in view of the failure of existing methodology, the UN should bring activities associated with the declaration of 2011 as the International Year of People of African Descent and decade following, away from the cozy conference rooms to the public domains in Africa and the Diaspora, That existing linkages between Africa institutions and their counterparts in the Diaspora should be strengthened and deepened to promote a better understanding of African social realities, and that the African Union should create opportunities for Africa and Diaspora cooperation to address contemporary problems of HIV/ AIDS, public health challenges and youth empowerment, gender matters and not just money remittances.

The conference held between October 30 and November 1, had participants and delegates drawn from Nigeria, Brazil, France, Cape Verde, Eritrea, USA, Niger Republic, United Kingdom, Argentina, Antigua, Jamaica, Liberia, Senegal, South Africa, Israel, Kenya, Ethiopia and Ghana.

Present were Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Prof Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, Nigeria’s Tourism, Culture and National Orientation Minister, Chief Edem Duke, Prof. Niyi Coker Jnr, Mr Ephrem Andemariam, Chancellor, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados, Prof Sir Hillary Beckles, the Secretary for the Policies on Traditional Communities of the Special Secretariat for the Promotion of Racial Equality – SEPPIR, Mrs. Silvany Euclenio Silva who represented honourable Minister of SEPPIR, Brazil, Ms. Luiza Barros, and St. Louis County Executive; Mr Charlie A. Dooley. Others were Chancellor of the University of Missouri–St. Louis; Professor Thomas George, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Director of International Studies and Programmes, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Prof Joel Glassman and Prof Wande Abimbola, (Awise Agbaye) of Ifa Heritage Institute, Oyo.

29

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Forecasts Profit after tax N590.797m NIGER INSURANCE Gross Premium N2.73b Profit after tax N212.95m MUTUAL BENEFITS Gross Premium N2b Profit N885.633m REGENCY ALLIANCE Gross Premium N812.596m Profit after tax N256.437m LEARN AFRICA Turnover N1.06b Profit after tax N58.336m TOTAL Nigeria Turnover N46.676 b Profit after tax N942.1m MRS OIL Nigeria Turnover N51.20b Profit after tax N712 m ETERNA Turnover N27.64b Profit after tax N563.834m OKOMU OIL PALM Turnover N2.667b Profit after tax N1.044b STANBIC IBTC BANK Net Operating Income N16.805b Profit after tax N2.737b ASL Turnover N1.084b Profit after tax N101.355m GT ASSURANCE Gross Premium N3.892b Profit after tax N710.62m CORNERSTONE INS Gross Premium N1.223b Profit after tax N80.01m OASIS INS Gross Premium N562.500m Profit after tax N79.868m AFRICAN ALLIANCE INS Gross Premium N1.215b Profit after tax N107.213m BERGER PAINTS Turnover N976.303m Profit after tax N88.258m SCOA Nigeria Turnover N835.0m Profit after tax N18.200m DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY Turnover N38.251b Profit after tax N3.49b STUDIO PRESS NIG Turnover N3.375b Profit after tax N20.422m JULIUS BERGER NIG Turnover N80.125b Profit after tax N2.55b INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INS Gross Premium N1.41b Profit after tax N250.450m EQUITY ASSURANCE Gross Premium N2.45b Profit after tax N287.283m STANDARDALLIANCEINS Gross Premium N2.142b Profit after tax N475.964m CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE Gross Premium N6.917b Profit after tax N805m PRESCO Turnover N2.60b Profit after tax N800.9m RT BRISCOE Turnover N4.553b

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

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

NASS, Finance Ministry clash over gas revenue HE Federal Government has estimated that about N359.582 billion could be realised from the sale of gas next year.

However, this information has not been relayed to the National Assembly, a situation that may result in another round of controversy between the executive and the legislature.

In a document sighted by The Nation in the Budget Office, it was stated that in 2013, the government expects gas income of 30 per cent of Corporate Income Tax (CIT) with gas sales projected to generate N359.6 billion.

In 2013, the government hopes to realise N161.057 billion from the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) feedstock sales;

T

From Nduka Chiejina Asst. Editor

N198.5 billion from upstream liquified gas ( broken down as ) N74.0 billion from liquified gas export and N124.5 billion from liquified gas domestic.

The document indicated that in the new year, the government estimates to make N6.4 billion from rent, gas flared penalty and miscellaneous oil revenue broken down as rent, N0.880 billion, gas flared penalty, N2.480 billion and miscellaneous oil revenue N3.072 billion.

All these figures are, however, absent in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework document in the public domain and the one

submitted to the National Assembly.

While the Budget Office of the Federation is insisting that it submitted the information needed to the National Assembly, the Legislature has accused the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office of withholding information concerning gas revenue and external debts in the MTEF submitted to it.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, had earlier decried the exclusion of the gas receipts/revenue in the expenditure framework submitted to the Legislature at the 2013 budget presentation by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said: “The House of

Representatives has observed two critical omissions on the MTEF namely: (i) That the Revenue from gas, running into billions of dollars, is not reflected, and (ii) External borrowing is similarly not reflected.”

However, investigations confirmed what the Speaker said. There was no provision for gas receipts in the document presented to the National Assembly and the one in the public domaine.

The Spokesman for the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr Afolabi Olajuwon, denied the Speaker’s claim. He also showed the reporter a sheet of paper containing the 2013-2015 fiscal framework containing gas receipts/revenue for the period.

Olajuwon said the ministry and the Budget Office never withheld any information from the legislators, insisting that these information, particularly the gas receipts have always been included in every budget presented to the National Assembly.

When contacted, spokesman for the House of Representatives Hon. Zakari Mohammed stated that the House of Representatives has “not yet” received these information from the either the ministry of finance or the budget office.

In the public MTEF document, N6,506.34 trillion is expected to be generated from oil and gas deals in 2013.

Why Nigerian goods aren’t competitive,

by LCCI

By Toba Agboola

H

•From left: HR Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr Victor Famuyibo in a handshake with President, CIPM, Mr Abiola Popoola at the 13th Induction of the Institute at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. With them is CIPM’s Vice-President, Mr Sunday Korode.

Analysts project 33% return on equities

T

HE stock market can brace through yuletide cash demand and profittaking transactions to attain average full-year return of 33 per cent for 2012, market pundits have said.

The benchmark value index for the stock market, the All Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), opened this week with yearto-date return of 28.88 per cent.

Analysts and advisors at leading investment firms said they expected the stock market to record its best performance in five years this year with fullyear return expected between 27 per cent and 33 per cent.

Investment advisors at Cowry Asset Management

MfBs negotiate CoT with banks

- P 30

By Taofik Salako

Limited, FSDH Securities Limited and GTI Capital Limited, among others, said the stock market would neutralise intermittent profit-taking dips and expected increase in demand for cash by the year end with upswings from bargain hunting and portfolio rebalancing as investors await full year returns of quoted companies.

According to analysts, with the significant capital appreciation that delivered about N1.4 trillion capital gains in the third quarter, the market would witness a mix of bargainhunting and profit-taking in the remaining months, with the thin-edge going to the

upside by the end of the period.

Analysts at Cowry Asset said the release of companies’ third quarter results, particularly from banks and the continued influx of foreign portfolio investors may push the ASI beyond its current position.

They noted that the expectations of final approval of the new Pension Fund Investment Guideline could trigger mild market rallies as Pension Fund Administrators rebalance their portfolio store flect new threshold.

Investment advisors at FSDH said the macroeconomic developments in Nigeria and initiatives in the equities market should further drive the eq-

‘CBN won’t force money firms to merge’ - P31

uities performance in the remaining period of the year.

“Our expectation is hinged on the premise that most companies’ results released up till date have shown improved performances with wide margins against previous years. Albeit there are some challenges which may adversely impact the market, we are of the opinion that the equities market will close year 2012 remarkably better than it recorded in the last five years,” FSDH stated.

Analysts said they expected the ASI to achieve a growth rate of 25.46 per cent in the second half of the year, thus nudging the full-year return to 32.05 per cent.

IGH cost of funds, dumping of substandard products at ridiculous prices in the market, epileptic power and unethical practices in the distributive trade sector, are some of the factors that have made Nigerian goods uncompetitive, The Nation has learnt.

Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Muda Yusuf, who disclosed this in an interview with the paper, said the manufacturing sector is being saddled with numerous pressures, which are taking a great toll on the economy.

“Although some manufacturers acknowledged the improvement in power supply, they lamented the outrageous tariff.There are concerns about weak commitment to the implementation of the policy of patronage of madein-Nigeria products by the government ministries and agencies. We believe that stronger commitment to the policy of patronage of madein-Nigeria products would have a tremendous impact on the industrial sector,” he said.

The LCCI boss said the budget speech has no monetary policy content, stressing that it would have been useful for President Jonathan Goodluck to highlight the thrust of monetary policy as this is critical to the realisation of inclusive growth and fiscal consolidation.

“This is even more so at a time when businesses are facing severe challenges with regard to access and cost of credit,” he said.

‘Integrated aviation policy’ll develop industry’ - P 36

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

30

MONEY

MfBs negotiate CoT with banks to cut costs

M

ICROFINANCE banks (MfBs) are negotiating with banks for a concessionary Commission on Turnover (CoT) to enable them reduce the rising cost of operations.

Managing Director, Seed Capital Microfinance Bank, Gbenga Komolafe, made this known during a meeting organised for MfBs

by Sterling Bank Plc in Lagos.

He said some of the banks that had granted concessions on turnover for the MfBs reneged on the agreement, thereby raising the cost of operation for the subsector. He said merged and acquired banks were the worst affected because the new owners denied having anything to do with the concession.

“We have seen this happened in several cases, especially in merged and acquired banks. They have always denied there were concessions at any time before the merger or acquisitions,” he said.

Komolafe said some of the banks that retained the concession usually give COT target to MfBs, which is usually above their financial capabilities.

Stories by Collins Nweze

Managing Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Yemi Adeola, said commercial banks and MfBs could always agree on things that will reduce their cost of operations including CoT slash.

He said his bank is proactively positioning its key customers in the subsector to benefit from the N220 billion intervention funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) expected to be launched this week.

Other opportunities that the MfBs can key into include the N5 billion small business development funds, $4 million renewable energy project, and another $200 million provided by Ford Foundation to enable MfBs increase their market penetration.

He said banks concentrate on big customers, not understanding that 50 to 60 per cent of finance in the economy usually comes from the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). He said unless banks refocus on SMEs, the economy will not grow.

Noting that massive investment is needed to run a bank, the Sterling Bank boss said the lender is committed to channel some of its products and services as well as dedicate competent staff to meet the business needs of MfBs. He said the MfBs need enabler, in terms of commercial bank to be able to access the funds and other intervention funds from the apex bank to the subsector. He said there is also a N600 billion agricultural development fund, which the bank has given opportunities for several customers to benefit from.

Chief Finance Officer, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman, said the bank believes in strategic partnership and is partnering with some MfBs in relation to electronic business, agricultural finance among others. “We identify with the brand promise of MfBs and believe there is need to leverage on technology to increase their retail penetration and enable their customers enjoy electronic banking facilities,” he said.

Consequently, he said the bank will be assisting the MfBs on co-

branded card issuance, e-payment inflows, global teller, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) deployment and mobile banking. Such services, he said, would enable the bank increase customer patronage, enhance deposits, revenue and boost efficiency through automation of operations.

He said the bank has increased its exposure to the agricultural sector and will continue to do that going forward.

Managing Director, Support Microfinance Bank, Sunny Akahmiorkhor, said the step taken by the bank is commendable. He said the process of achieving intervention funds from the CBN has been hectic for the susbsector, adding that the move by Sterling Bank to medi-

•CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

ate between the MfBs and CBN on the intervention funds will address such hitches.

Banks to fund $1b power projects

A

N investment bank in Nigeria is set to partner Zambia’s largest distributor of power in financing and developing six new hydroelectric power stations worth over $1 billion in Zambia, an industry official told Reuters.

The Managing Director for Corporate Development at Zambia’s Cop-perbelt Energy Corporation (CEC), Michael Tarney, said the six projects had a total capacity of more than 800 megawatts (MW).

Tarney spoke after the signing of an agreement for the joint development of power projects by CEC and the Nigerian company.

“We are immediately looking at the $150 million Kabompo gorge hydro power project in north-western Zambia and the five Luapula river projects estimated to cost $1 billion.

“The Kabompo project was moving well with financial close expected to be reached this year. The Luapula projects have a combined capacity of 800 MW and this year

we are doing feasibility studies but I think we should be starting construction maybe 2013 to 2014,” he said.

Analysts said the relationship with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) should boost CEC’s chances of winning the bid for units of a Nigerian state power company lined up for privatisation, Tarney said.

Nigeria plans a multi-billion dollar privatisation of its power sector to improve efficiency and had split the distribution network of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) into 11 different units valued at about $100 million each. “The relationship with AFC whose shareholders include the Nigerian government means we have a local partner,” he said.

AFC Chief Executive Officer Andrew Alli said he was happy to find CEC as a partner. According to him, the power privatisation in Nigeria offered an opportunity for huge investment by CEC and AFC outside Zambia.

NDIC advocates safe, stable financial sector •President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr Goodie Ibru presenting a souvenir to Yemi Adeyinka, a representative of Unity Bank’s Chief Executive, during the bank’s Special Day at the just-concluded Lagos International Trade Fair. With them is Patricia Ahunanya, the bank’s Lagos Regional Manager.

CBN’s credit to banks drop to N275b

D

ATA from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Economic Report has shown that its credit to the banks stood at N275.7 billion last month after dropping by 18.9 per cent based on August figure.

The specified liquid assets of the commercial banks stood at N5.2 trillion, representing 39 per cent of their total liabilities.

The report said the level of liquid assets was 2.6 per cent below the preceding month’s ratio of 41.6, but nine per cent above the stipulated minimum ratio of 30 per cent. The loan-to-deposit ratio was 45.7 per cent and was 34.3 percentage points below the stipulated maximum target of 80 per cent for the industry,” it said.

At N1.3 trillion, currency in circulation rose marginally by 0.4 per cent in the review month, in contrast to the decline of 0.1 per cent at the end of the preceding month. It said the development reflected, wholly, the 0.4 per cent increase in currency outside banks.

According to the apex bank, relative to the level at end-December 2011, currency in circulation fell by 12.6 per cent. Also,

total deposits at the CBN amounted to N6.8 trillion, indicating a decline of 1.5 per cent below the level at the end of the preceding month. It said the development reflected, largely, the fall in Federal Government deposits.

“Of the total deposits, the percentage shares of the Federal Government, banks and “others” were 67.2, 24.6 and 8.2 per cent, compared with 70.1, 22.1 and 7.8 per cent in the preceding month,” it said.

The report noted that the money market experienced tight liquidity condition during most of the month, following the review of the cash reserve requirement and the net open position (NOP) of banks in foreign currencies.

Growth in the key monetary aggregate remained sluggish at the end of August 2012. Monthly, broad money (M2) rose by 2.8 per cent, because of the 3.3 and 0.5 per cent rise in foreign assets (net) and domestic credit (net) of the banking system.

Relative to the level at end-December 2011, M2 grew by 3.5 per cent, owing, largely, to the rise in foreign asset (net) and other

assets (net) of the banking system.

Narrow money (M1) fell by 2.5 per cent below the level at the end of the preceding month.

The reserve money (RM), rose by 5.4 per cent above its level in the preceding month. Available data indicated mixed developments in banks’ deposit and lending rates in August. The spread between the weighted average term deposit and maximum lending rates widened from 16.40 percent in July to 17.28 per cent points in August.

Similarly, the margin between the average savings deposit and maximum lending rates widened to 21.99 per cent in the review month from 21.67 per cent in the preceding month. The weighted average interbank call rate rose to 19.10 per cent, from 15.19 per cent in the preceding month, reflecting the liquidity condition in the interbank funds market during the month.

The value of money market assets outstanding at end–August 2012 was N5.9 trillion, showing an increase of 0.2 per cent over the level at end-July 2012. The development was attributed to the 0.8 per cent increase in the value of Federal Government Bonds outstanding.

T

HE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said the safety and stability of the financial sector cannot be compromised if the economy must improve.

Speaking at the NDIC Day during the Lagos International Trade Fair, it’s Managing Director, Umaru Ibrahim, said the corporation would support the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other regulators to ensure that the financial system achieves the set objective of building a strong economy.

He said the corporation was established by the Federal Government to insure deposit liabilities of licensed financial institutions.

“The key mandate is to provide financial guarantee to depositors of the insured financial institutions in the event of failure to enhance confidence in the nation’s banking system. The corporation has contributed greatly to the various banking sectors in the country,” he said.

The cumulative liquidation dividends of N77.38 billion, he said, had been paid to depositors whose claims were in excess of the insured amount in the 48 closed commercial banks as at last August 31. This is against N73.55 billion that was paid in the same period last year.

Ibrahim said a total of N2.45 billion had been paid to depositors of the 103 closed microfinance banks as at August 31, this year while N2.25 billion was paid to insured depositors of the closed MfBs as at December last year.

He said a cumulative liquidation

By Kolade Olawunmi and Omeihe Oluoma

dividend payment to shareholders of Alpha Merchant Bank, Nigeria Merchant Bank and Pan African Bank stood at N373.04 million, N620 million and N293 million during the period.

The NDIC boss said deposit insurance has been facing low-level public awareness in most jurisdictions worldwide, adding that the corporation has mapped out some public awareness initiatives to sensitise the public about its activities.

He said the theme of the fair “Promoting trade for sustainable economic transformation” was an indication of the government’s commitment to Vision 20: 2020.

He said the safety, soundness and stability of the financial sector cannot be downplayed in the economy of any nation. He added that the key mandate of the corporation is to provide financial guarantee to depositors of the insured financial institutions in the event of failure to enhance public confidence in the nation’s banking system. “The NDIC has a crucial role to play towards the safety, soundness and stability of the financial system,” he said. ‘’The NDIC expresses its profound appreciation to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce for its support and co-operation since 2008 when the participation in the Lagos International Trade Fair started, and also to the press which has continued to be partner in their progress,” he added.

31

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

MONEY

Domestic debt market will pay private sector, says DG

P

RIVATE sector operators seeking long-term funding will get better opportunities in the domestic debt market, which is dominated by the Federal Government, Director-General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr Abraham Nwankwo, has said.

The domestic debt market is an alternative source of borrowing for the government and organised private sector. Such debts are in form of bonds, Treasury Bills (TBs), debentures, loans among other instruments.

Speaking on the Federal Government’s decision to borrow $7.9billion during a television interview, Nwankwo said the government was gradually retreating from the local debt market to give more space for private operators to access funds to grow the economy.

He said: “After exiting the debt owed the Paris Club and London Club of Creditors few years ago, we saw the need to develop the domestic debt market so that private sector would be issuing debt instruments to develop the economy. We use the advantage of

Stories by Akinola Ajibade

the market to fund the budget deficit. But now, the government is retreating to give private sector wider opportunities to operate.

The government is strategically withdrawn from the market, you can see it in the declining of the government burrowing domestically in the past three years.”

He added: “In 2003, there was no long-term market for long-term funding. But with the establishment of DMO in 2005, the government has been having the opportunity of accessing long-term funding of 20 years tenor. This is unlike a gestation period of 12 months, usually given by the banks.”

According to him, Nigeria debt has grown primarily for reasons not known to many Nigerians.

“It is true that we exited the obvious components of our debts – that is debts owed the Paris and London Clubs. But we have not exited the debt owed the African Development Fund (AfDB), World Bank among others. Thereafter, we have to continue burrowing to

pursue developmental agenda. I challenge any expert to go and look at the balance sheets of most developed economies. They are still borrowing empirically and historically. Debt is continuous.

As at September 31, 2012, the foreign debts were $6.2 billion, while the domestic debts were N6.3billion. The debts are sustainable,” he said.

The DMO’s boss allayed the fears that the government’s plans to borrow $7.9 billion would further affect the economy, stressing that the loans would be taken at concessionary rates from the World Bank and AfDB windows.

“Prior to 2008, the nation’s debts were unsustainable because we could not pay the interests, and the principals on the debts. But the $7.9 billion debts Nigeria is planning to take would be sustainable. The reason is because the interests are going to be very low. Some of the loans are going to the health, education, employment generations, among other areas germane to the growth of the economy,” he said.

BoA disburses loans to SMEs THE Bank of Agriculture (BoI) has disbursed the first set of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) loans under the Nigeria IncentiveBased Risk-Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) of the Central Bank.

NIRSAL is a credit risks guarantee and interest drawback fund programme operated by the CBN to stimulate agricultural financing and trigger the nation’s agricultural industrialisation.

The initiative is designed to deploy risk-sharing instruments that will lower the risks of lending, provide technical assistance to farmers, and position banks to lend to the agricultural sector.

Speaking on the issue, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mohammed Santuraki, said the idea has encouraged more financial institutions to provide credit for the agricultural sector, which hitherto had been denied lending by the banks.

He said the NIRSAL has the potential of opening up the sector to enterprising young graduates and women with interest in various segments of the agricultural value chain.

He said the bank’s ability to adapt to the NIRSAL loan procedures in a short time attests to its competence to package loans to the operators. The BOA chief said agricultural financing is a specialised area that requires a set of skills, adding that only those who are trained in this field can achieve the desired results.

CIBN makes case for certified bankers CERTIFIED bankers are qualified to work in other African countries, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has said.

In a statement the institute said a communiqué at the end of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) called for an inter-country recognition and acceptance of qualifications and certificates of member countries.

This, it said, would encourage and promote mobility of labour as well as skills among banks in the continent.

It stated that the alliance would periodically conduct professional examination moderation to strengthen examination policies, regulations, curricula and practices to ensure that quality standards and improvement in candidates’performance are maintained and adhered to, at all times.

According to the alliance, “a smooth implementation of the Staff Exchange Programme (SEP), which is aimed at, among other things, to enhance cross fertilisation of skills, bonding, mentoring among member Institutes’ personnel would be vigorously pursued”.

It stressed the need for the member institutions to participate in the establishment, programmes and activities of the Global Banking Education Standards Board (GBESB), which is expected to be launched at the World Conference of Banking Institutes (WCBI) scheduled to hold in Nairobi, Kenya in June 2013.

CITN wants tax roles defined

•From left: President of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Elumelu Foundation Dr Wiebe Boer, after a meeting to discuss the Foundation’s investments and programmes in Rwanda, in Lagos.

‘CBN won’t force mobile money firms to merge’

T

HE 15 licensed mobile money operators will not be forced into mergers and acquisition because of their weak capital base, an official of the Shared Services Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Chidi Umeano, has said.

He was reacting to speculations that the firms may merge and acquisition to improve efficiency and speed up the reduction of the unbanked population from 65 per cent to 25 per cent by 2015.

Speaking to The Nation, Umeano said the operators’ decision to combine businesses was an investment decision and should be treated as such.

He said: “The role of CBN is to issue guidelines to the operators after carefully conducted pilot studies to determine the readiness of the firms that were given Approval In Principle (AIP) to operate mobile money transactions.

Since the companies have board of directors as stated in their operational guidelines, they must take the decision in line with that ar-

rangement. It is the duty of their boards to sit and arrive at a decision that is suitable for them. But on the part of CBN, we would not ask the mobile money firms to merge their operations. The issue of mergers and acquisitions has nothing to do with the CBN”.

He said the apex bank wanted to be informed, in case the operators were planning merger arranging.

Umeano said though CBN was putting in place measures to ensure a virile, efficient, and enduring industry that would galvanise the growth of the economy, adding that it was not in its interest to force any of mobile money operators to engage in mergers.

In a related development, the Managing Director, Nigerian InterBank Settlement System (NIBBS), Mr Ade Osinubi, expressed fear that the expensive nature of operating mobile payment system may make the operators to merge their businesses.

Osinubi said the operators were facing challenges, adding that the

development had affected their activities. He observed that mobile money system was yet to take off in the country, considering their relatively non-impressive turnover.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Mobile Money Africa, Mr Emmanuel Okowgale, said the firms had not been able to get a large pool of customers to work with. He said the operators had not got huge subscribers base, because of poor awareness, infrastructure, liquidity, among other problems.

He said mobile money firms in countries, such as Kenya have recorded billions of dollars as turnover because they have a solid infrastructure in place, as against Nigeria where the operators are still battling with the issue of getting enough agents for their services.

Okowgale said the operators need to strengthen their capacity to record meaningful growth, arguing that they have a large market to operate with.

THE President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr Femi Sunday, has spoken of the need to examine ways by which taxation can play critical roles in the poverty alleviation and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agenda of the Federal Government.

Speaking at a tax forum in Lagos, Sunday said the ability to examine these roles would help in stimulating the growth of the economy.

He said the need to examine the merits of the impact of taxation in achieving transformational goals was vital to the economy’s success.

Sunday said when the right parameters are set, the country would not have problems in realising the goals of becoming one of the best nations in 2020.

He said: “One of the basic factors often considered in investment strategies is the tax environment of the nation. This, however, becomes secondary in the face of unavailable basic infrastructural development. Taxation can be used to aid infrastructural development particularly in the area of Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Recent decades have witnessed successive policy development and balancing between real need and growth, on one hand, and sustainable development policy reform practices on the other hand.”

Nigerian firms automate Ghanaian banks DOMINANT Information Technology, Systems Integrator in Nigeria and the West African Region, Inlaks Computers Limited, have completed the automation of rural and community banks (RCBs) in Ghana on a single instance of Temenos T24 platform for real time online transaction processing.

This project, which was sponsored by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the United States and implemented by the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), a government agency, was executed to computerise and centralise the operations of the 136 RCBs with over 700 branches across Ghana on the T24 microfinance version (MCB).

Each of the RCB is autonomous and the ARB Apex Bank, according to a statement, is the apex body that provides support and regulatory functions to the RCBs. The computerisation has resolved all the pains associated with manual processes and has rendered the RCBs to be more competitive in the Ghanaian banking sector in terms of profitability and efficient service delivery.

The RCBs form the largest percentage of the Microfinance Industry in Ghana and it can be said the project had facilitated the process of financial intermediation of the rural folks to the financial sector of the Ghanaian economy and rural development as this has generated public confidence in RCBs and doing business with them. It has also opened the industry for technology scalability as there are opportunities for deployment of mobile banking, Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sales (PoS) and other related electronic channel products.

According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Inlaks Computers, Mr Femi Adeoti, prior to the implementation of the project, majority of the RCBs were manually operated, which made turnaround time for serving customers very long. There was also the issue of loss of revenue through income leakages and unreconcilled data.

Besides, he said “auditing was a big pain” and worse still, the customers of these banks could only get served at their branches.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

32

THE NATION INVESTORS

High interest rate impinges corporate returns H IGH costs of funds and lack of access to amenable capital are adversely impacting on earnings potential and returns of several companies, reports have shown.

Latest operational reports by several non-financial companies showed that companies were constrained by their inability to source new equity capital due to the meltdown at the capital market while recourse to high-interest bank loans depressed probable returns to shareholders.

Operational reports for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012 showed that while companies struggled with relatively sluggish top-line, jumpy finance costs further encumbered the bottom-line performance, in worst cases pushing companies into the red.

In many instances, interest expense saw the highest growth rate within the profit and loss items as

Stories by Taofik Salako

companies continued to grapple with investors’ apathy in the primary equity market.

For instance, RT Briscoe’s interest expense jumped to N858.98 million in 2012 as against N527.91 million in comparable period of 2011, an increase of 63 per cent. However, the automobile-led conglomerate’s net profit grew by 33 per cent to N163.94 million in 2012 as against N121.15 million.

UAC of Nigeria paid N1.89 billion as interest expense in 2012 as against N1.21 billion in 2011. Profit before tax meanwhile, rose from N4.46 billion to N5.83 billion. The conglomerate’s turnover had increased from N43.50 billion to N47.53 billion.

Total Nigeria Plc also saw a spike in finance costs from N674.30 million in 2011 to N985.68 million in 2012. A 128 per cent growth in in-

terest expense contributed to significant loss suffered by Tantalizers Nigeria. With sluggish top-line, a double in finance costs from N12.58 million to N28.75 million saw Tantalizers with net loss of N242.66 million in 2012 as against modest profit of N28.63 million in corresponding period of 2011.

Livestock Feeds also reported that its finance costs increased to N70 million in 2012 as against N44 million in 2011.

Managing director, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, expressed concerns about the negative impact of high interest rate on corporate returns and general stock market performance.

According to him, as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) meets next Monday, it is under pressure to ease interest rates.

He said while the reduction in interest rates could trigger a rally

for companies’ shares, a hold on interest rates will be a damper.

Economist and securities advisor, Sterling Capital Markets, Mr. Sewa Wusu, said high interest expense was a major disincentive to corporate returns.

“Basically, high interest rate is a disincentive to corporate profitability. It erodes corporate returns in that part of the profitability is used to service interest rate. Corporate firms cannot leverage effectively under a higher interest rate environment,” Wusu said.

He noted that the huge interest expenses by companies could affect shareholders’ returns and create twin negative impact that could reverberate on the stock market.

Analysts said investors’ apathy to new equity investments has undermined companies’ ability to raise funds as large-stake fund managers and investors opted for

more secure and predictable bond market.

They noted that companies would be mindful of the escalating costs of funds and future financing while deciding on possible cash payouts to shareholders.

Chairman, Tantalizers Plc, Dr Jaiye Oyedotun, in a prepared report reviewing the operations of the company had noted that the company could not maximise the potential of its franchise package due to inability of investors to access required capital.

Accoridng to him, the company’s roll-out plan fell short of plan in 2011, which underlined the difficulty in funds sourcing from the banks and also constrained the company’s ability to achieve its revenue target.

He outlined that both the marketing programmes and refurbishment plan of the company were constrained by paucity of funds.

Cadbury Nigeria may resume dividend payment

C

ADBURY Nigeria may resume dividend payment with the 2012 audited report and accounts as the food and beverages company consolidated its recovery.

Market analysts indicated that Cadbury Nigeria might make its first cash payouts in seven years with the year ending December 31, 2012, citing the company’s positive reserves and improving profitability.

Third quarter report for the period ended September 30, 2012 showed net profit of N2.08 billion as against N1.56 billion recorded in comparable period of 2011. Profit before tax improved from N2.18 billion to N2.88 billion. Turnover slipped from N24.67 billion to N24.08 billion.

The report indicated earnings per share of 67 kobo in third quarter 2012, 17 kobo increase on 50 kobo recorded in comparable period of 2011.

At the last annual general meeting, shareholders of the company were persuaded to forgo dividends and support the board’s decision to plough back net profit after tax of about N4 billion recorded in 2011 to sustain the company’s renewed growth momentum.

Market analysts said the earnings outlook of the company indicated strong possibility of cash payouts to appreciate the supports of shareholders.

Chairman, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Mr Atedo Peterside, had explained that the board decided to retain the 2011 net earnings to provide financial supports to its aggressive reinvestment and capacity enhancement programme.

Audited report and accounts of Cadbury Nigeria for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed that net profit rose by 217 per cent from N1.17 billion in 2010 to N3.70 billion in 2011. Profit before tax grew from N1.95 billion to N5.08 billion.

Turnover, stood at N34.11 billion in 2011 as against N29.17 billion in 2010.

Atedo said the Cadbury Nigeria’s continuing investment programme was a reflection of the company’s commitment to the long-term viability of the Nigerian economy, adding that the company is being positioned to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in West African markets to grow its business.

“The company has performed credibly in the last 12 months and is resolved to continue on the current momentum of collective efforts in 2012. Our commitment to shareholder value remains the governing objective, driven by a focused portfolio of strong brands, a revamped route to market structure and a passionate innovative workforce,” Atedo assured.

•From left: Uta Beramann, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Raumplus; Mr Adeyanju Adelakan, CEO, Ramplus Nigeria; Mr Carsten D. Beramann, Managing Director/CEO, Ramplus Germany and Managing Director, Ramplus Nigeria, Mr Femi Fabuyi, during the opening of Ramplus Nigeria office showroom, Victoria Island, Lagos.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

Annual report: Firms opt for e-report, notice

S

EVERAL companies might send their 2012 annual reports and accounts in electronic copies to shareholders as companies seek to cut costs of shareholders’ relations.

Quoted companies and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are seeking regulatory changes to pave way for unfettered take-off of electronic-reporting scheme.

Companies had used their last annual general meetings to sensitize shareholders and seek necessary consents, prior to take-off of the e-reporting initiative.

Shareholders of companies under the UAC of Nigeria (UACN) Group including UAC of Nigeria, CAP Plc, and UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) had at the yearly general meetings of the companies considered amendments to the articles of association of the companies to enable the companies send annual reports and accounts and other notices through compact disc, electronic mail or web publication in addition to existing option of hard

printed copy.

Cadbury Nigeria had earlier notified that it would now distribute its audited reports and accounts and other related documents in soft electronic format rather than in paper form.

The company said the decision to use compact disc to distribute information to shareholders was part of its desire to ensure the sustainability of environment and align with international best practice.

According to the company, to ensure fairness and equity, shareholders will be given the option of requesting for a paper copy of these documents by exception, if they determine that they do not want to receive same in a CD format.

Nestle Nigeria has also said it was introducing electronic delivery of annual reports and other corporate documents to ensure quick and effective access to information.

At its last general meeting, Nestle Nigeria provided shareholders with an electronic man-

date form, which would legally allow the company to send soft edition of its reports online through email address or compact disc. Nestle Nigeria’s shareholders would also be able to download all the reports from web address to be provided by the company.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has requested the National Assembly to amend the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990 to allow electronic shares issuance, dematerialization, electronic bonus and dividends among other initiatives.

SEC has sought for amendments to section 117 of CAMA, which gives companies the general powers to issue shares and section 125, which makes provisions relating to allotment of shares and issuance of share certificates to allow electronic issuance and allotment.

According to SEC, these amendments would allow companies to electronically issue shares through CSCS accounts, which would enhance the dematerialisation of pa-

per share certificates.

SEC called for general review of sections 114 to 165 of CAMA. The apex capital market regulator also wanted the legislators to amend section 220 of CAMA, which provides for service either by giving the member personally or sending it to him by post or to his registered address to provide for service of notices electronically in the first instance where a member has provided an email address as a means of communication and the definition of registered address should include an electronic address.

“Sections 83 and 84 should recognise the use of electronic registers as a mandatory backup and provide for a location of that register securely on independent servers or disks not in the premises of the company or the registrar,” SEC stated.

SEC also called for amendment of section 379 on dividends to allow for electronic payment of dividends and subsequently full automation of dividend payment after expiration of a grace period.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

33

THE NATION INVESTORS

Nigerian banks’ earnings grow by 60% to N2tr N

IGERIAN banks grossed N1.85 trillion in the third quarter of this year, indicating an increase of 59.6 per cent over N1.16 trillion recorded in the second quarter. Banks’top-line earnings were, however, still 33.2 per cent short of the industry’s net assets.

The Nation’s Intelligence Report showed that banks’net earnings improved by 45.4 per cent while industry’s shareholders’ funds rose slightly by 6.7 per cent. The report covered all quoted banks, excluding the troubled Wema Bank, which has been in default of periodic release of results, which will not change the industry’s figures.

Industry’s average return on equity improved from 10.05 per cent in the second quarter to 13.7 per cent in the third quarter, a doubledigit position that underlines the fundamental attractiveness of banks’ shares. Six banks performed above industry’s average return on equity.

Notwithstanding the substantial growth in gross earnings, banks were still relatively underperforming their innate capability with top-line earnings just two-thirds of shareholders’funds.

Total industry’s profit after tax

Stories by Taofik Salako

stood at N378.52 billion while shareholders’ funds was N2.76 trillion compared with N260.27 trillion and N2.59 trillion recorded in the second quarter.

The earnings of quoted banks are significantly important to the Nigerian stock market, where they dominated the capitalisation and activity charts. Banking subsector accounts for more than twoquarters of market capitalisation and to a large extent, dictate overall market condition.

Nearly all banks witnessed increase in key performance indices of top-line earnings, net earnings and net assets but the income structure and bottom-line still reflected the overt caution in an industry just recovering from a devastating assets bubble and balance sheet impairment.

Most analysts expect banks to further consolidate their performances in the fourth quarter, although caution remain about the lightning bolts that had character-

•MD, First Bank PLC Mr Bisi Onasanya

ised some previous fourth quarter results.

Bank-by-bank analysis showed that First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Plc maintained the lead with the largest top-line earnings and net profit after tax. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has the second largest top-line but ranked fifth in net profit while

•MD, Zenith Bank, Godwin Emefiele

Zenith Bank has the third largest gross income but the second largest profit after tax.

United Bank for Africa(UBA) posted the fourth highest gross income while Access Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank ranked fifth and@ sixth. Diamond Bank moved up to the N100 billion and above bracket to occupy the seventh

‘GTBank was the best-return bank with the highest return on equity of 23.40 per cent while UBA posted the second best return on equity of 18.52 per cent’

position.

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) was the best-return bank with the highest return on equity of 23.40 per cent while UBA posted the second best return on equity of 18.52 per cent.

In net assets, Zenith Bank led the industry with N421.31 billion. It was trailed by First Bank of Nigeria with N414.08 billion. ETI placed third with N305.13 billion. GTBank ranked fourth at N269.37 billion while Access Bank, Union Bank of Nigeria and UBA recorded N241.30 billion, N212.55 billion and N211 billion.

34

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

INSURANCE

Agents bicker over commissions, fees A

CRISIS is brewing between underwriters and insurance intermediaries over commissions and fees.

The Nation gathered that they are quarelling over what should be their ‘’appropriate” commissions and fees.

Investigation revealed that the intermediaries - brokers, loss adjusters, agents and risk surveyors - are not happy with their remuneration. It was also gath-

Stories by Uyoatta Eshiet

ered that most of the intermediaries’ entitlements are not paid by underwriters.

It was learnt that the brokers early this year took their complaints on group life commissions to the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), demanding an increase.

NAICOM asked them to agree on a fixed rate and get back to

Mansard Insurance posts N1.22b profit

M

ANSARD Insurance Plc has recorded an all time high profit of after tax (PAT) of N1.22 billion in the last three quarters of the year.

The risk bearing firm disclosed this in a statemnt, adding that the amount is about 98 per cent higher than its PAT in the corresponding period in 2011.

According to the company, its gross premium written rose by 22 per cent from N8.26 billion in 2011 to N10.05 billion in 2012 while profitability rose by 98 per cent in the last three quarters of the year.

The statement also noted that the company’s net insurance premium revenue rose by 22 per cent to N3.55 billion from N2.92 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2011.

Also the firm’s investment and other operating income rose by 91 per cent to N1.26 billion in the period under review from N662 million recorded in a similar period in 2011.

Mansard stated that its profit before tax rose by 68 per cent to N1.37 billion from N811 million in the same period last year. The company’s total asset stood at N29.86 billion up from N24.69 billion in 2011, an increase of 21 per cent within the reviewed period The company’s Chief Clients Officer, Tosin Runsewe, said: “Our result as at the end of September 2012

validates our leadership position within the industry and shows that we remain on track towards achieving our strategic goal for the year.

“These achievements are as a result of improving underwriting performance, impressive sustainable growth in investment, and greater focus on cost optimisation without compromising excellent service delivery to our esteemed customers and gains made from the expansion of our retail distribution network.”

She said with this position, the company expects to meet stakeholders’ expectations by the end of the year.

Chief Financial Officer, Rashidat Adebisi, noted that the improved indices during the period under review further affirmed the company’s strategic intent of building a robust and diversified retail sales force focusing on the vastly underserved Nigerian retail market.

The company stated that although insurance receivables rose by 59 per cent to N2.64 billion in the third quarter of the year and also from N1.66 billion in December 2011, it actually fell by 11 per cent when compared to its position as at the end of June 2012 figure of N2.97 billion which was indicative of the payment cycle for very large institutional clients.

Activist seeks speedy trial of ex-NAICOM chiefs

A

HUMAN rights activist, Austin Agu, has demanded speedy trial of the former Commissioner for Insurance, Emmanuel Chukwulozie and the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Finance and Administration) five years after they were charged to court.

In a statement, Agu said a situation where those accused of fraud and misapplication of funds are denied the opportunity to continue with their lives for upward of five years without any serious prosecution does not speak well of the justice system.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), acting on petitions filed by the former Minister of State for Finance, Dr Nenadi Usman, initiated the trial of the top officers of National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) following their suspension by the Federal Government.

Chukwulozie and Mrs. Ogungbe were accused of spending N170 million without any budget.

He said the case against the officers was instituted in 2007, adding that since then, care has not been taken to diligently prosecute it.

Each time the case comes up in court for hearing, it is adjourned for flimsy reasons, he said.

Agu said the accused had been suffering untold hardships, because of the poor prosecution of the case.

He appealed to the courty to discharge and acquit the officers if the prosecution is not ready to go on withthe case.

“I have followed this fraud case with keen interest since it was instituted by the EFCC over five years ago. Each time the case is called up, the prosecution would fail to produce a key witness or ask for adjournment on flimsy excuses,” he said.

“While this has continued, the accused have been suffering in silence having been denied their means of livelihood. They should be allowed to go and continue with their lives, look for fresh jobs and run their respective families and business if the government job is no longer there for them,” he said.

Agu further noted that government runs the risk of being accused of carrying out vendetta should it continue with the trial of the accused without any serious attempts to prove them guilty and therefore called for speedily trial of the accused.

“Government may be accused of vendetta against the accused if after five years the case is still on without any form of seriousness on the part of the prosecution. I therefore, appeal to the Federal Government and the judiciary to please let the officers go and continue with their lives if nothing is found against them instead of tormenting them for no reason,” he said.

it.

The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) and Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) were mandated to use a single letterhead to inform NAICOM on the agreed rate.

It was learnt that the parties’ efforts were unproductive as NIA shunned the meetings.

The development compelled NAICOM to peg the commission at eight per cent and mandated the operators to comply.But this is not go down well with brokers.

President, Risk Surveyors Association of Nigeria (RISAN),

Jacob Adeosun, called for a resolution, adding that the inappropriate remuneration of surveyors would lead to exit of experienced practitioners from the industry.

He noted that survey fees are not paid promptly by underwriters, stressing that the arrears of unpaid fees was capable of affecting the efficiency of surveyors’ service delivery.

Chairman,Technical Committee of the NCRIB on Market Development and Restructuring Initiatives (MDRI), Siyan Oyebadejo, said poor remuneration of agents by underwriters is threatening the MDRI, a

project which is meant to drive insurance penetration.

He noted that unless something drastic was done, the initiative would fail to meet the industry’s expectations, adding that the committee had recommended to NAICOM, the need to increase the remuneration paid to agents who are the drivers of the initiative.

He said it was worrisome that graduates engaged as agents were paid pittance, an amount, which could not move them around the market and win businesses, noting that the initiative would only succeed if the agents were well motivated.

• From left: Dr Sanusi; Osijo and Daniel at the inauguration of Insurance Brokers House in Lagos.

T

HE National Insurance Commission has promised to ensure the maximal use of opportunities in the sector.

Commissioner of Insurance Mr Fola Daniel made this known at the inauguration of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) secretariat and a book launch in Lagos.

He urged insurance practitioners to be united, adding that an achievement by an arm of the industry is a success for other operators.

Daniel said brokers have made the industry proud by constructing a befitting office. He urged them to sustain the development entrenched by their founding fathers.

He said brokers, who are over 600, should set the pace as they constitute the largest group in Africa.He lauded the contributions of past and present leaders of the NCRIB, which he said have helped to position the council for improved performance.

Daniel also commended brokers for writing a book on insurance broking in Nigeria. He urged insurance practitioners to buy the book to update their knowledge, adding that it would help improve their performance.

President, NCRIB, Mrs Laide Osijo, who was excited over the completion and opening of the office, said the council conceived the idea of having a be-

‘NAICOM to maximise opportunities in sector’ fitting secretariat over two decades ago.

She noted that its completion was a fulfilment of purpose, vision, and commitment of the founding fathers of the profession to bequeathe an edifice to the Council.

She lauded the stride made by Daniel in creating a conducive environment, which encouraged brokers to uphold their financial commitment to the council. She also commended the efforts of the founding fathers and her predecessors in taking the profession to a lofty height.

Laide said: “The erection of the NCRIB secretariat, has among other things, propelled our profession into a position of respect in the comity of other progressive professional bodies in Nigeria. Let me note, however, that there are still rooms for members to be a part of the success story of this building and etch their names on gold.

“Historically, the idea of having a befitting secretariat worthy of the rising profile of NCRIB, which is unarguably one of the oldest professional bodies in Nigeria, was conceived more that two decades ago. It is, however, providential

that the building is being completed and inaugurated during my tenure as the first female president of our great council.”

Managing Director, Lasaco Assurance Plc, Olusola LadipoAjayi, commended the leadership of NCRIB for making the industry proud through the completion of the office, adding that underwriters and brokers in recent time have been working together to reposition the industry.

The President Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Dr Wole Adetimehin, said the rift among insurance operators is inimical to the industry’s growth.

He said the operators are loyal to the industry they belong to instead of working as professionals with a common stake.

He called on the practitioners to have a change of attitude, adding that the industry could only grow when stakeholders show commitment to their profession.

“We must shed this coat and put up a united front as one profession,” he said.

He noted that the need for change of attitude and total commitment to the profession could not be over emphasised.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

35

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

• Mrs Odutola

-Adebola Orolugbagbe

• A cage

Making a living from grass cutter breeding

P

RINCE Arinze Onebunne, the managing director, Jovana Farms, is a role model to many youth and retirees.

This is because of his business of creating mini-livestock millionaires. The industry has thrived in recent years. For people who want to start their own business, Onebunne advises them to try raising grasscutters.

Given the state of the economy, he said grasscutter farming is one of the most lucrative venture for small scale entrepreneurs.

Onebunne said the benefits of grasscutter business are obvious, whether in costs or use of feeds. He said it is not difficult for one to cater for them. What one should do is to look for el-

Stories by Daniel Essiet

ephant grass that one can give them in the morning and evening.

He started grass cutter farming many years ago.

Since then, he has seen it grow to generate a healthy profit. Onebunne’s success is hinged on technical strategies, sound veterinary and animal husbandry research and the use of affordable production methods that are suited to small-scale producers.

The experience, he gained has been passed on to entrepreneurs through nationwide seminars and workshops. Onebunne helps people to set up grasscutter farms. He has for sale fast growing species of grasscutter breeding families.

There is a big market for its products. For example, many households and restaurants serve meals with grasscutter. Onebunne said this is an advantage for his colleagues as Nigerians are looking for the tasty bush meat.

Happily, the business does not require much to start. With about N45,000 one can kick-off with one family of grasscutter called a colony. This comprises one male and four females.

They are reared in a cage which costs N5,000, therefore with N50,000 one is already in business, the expert said.

The promoter of www.jovanafarm.com, advised new entrants to buy them when they are four months old, which is the breeding stock age. “If you

buy at this stage and rear them for four months, they will start having babies at eight mouths and you can start marking profit,” he said.

A grasscutter is odourless unlike a fowl or a rabbit. As a result, the cage can be placed anywhere in the compound or even in the kitchen. The merit a grasscutter has over others is that it is susceptible to few disease or health problems and can easily be fed with a variety of grass.

They feed mainly on succulent stems and forages of some grasses. The first challenges Onebunne faced is the management of breeding.

He said people need to go for proper practical training before venturing into the business of grass cutting. Today, apart from breeding, he

• Onebunne with grasscutters

also provides comprehensive training and has embarked on nationwide seminars to get more Nigerians involved in the business.

He said among the basic inputs for the breeding are cages and their housing units, starter stock, feeds, feeding bowls and cleaning materials. The housing unit protects them from adverse weather conditions, such as cold, escape of animals during accidental openings of individual cages and protection from theft.

There is no need at the beginning to rent a room space or hire a sales team. What is more, overhead costs can be significantly reduced.

Onebunne works with interested farmers and provide them with information

on how they can get cages and initial breeders from his farm. The demand for grasscutter meat is high with its accompanying price hikes, making the prospect of grasscutter rearing very bright and encouraging either as a full-time or parttime job. The enterprise is booming and shows no signs of slowing down.

He and others are striving to help entrepreneurs. And over the past three years, he has received more requests from individuals, seeking to take advantage of the new business opportunity.

Jovana farms organises nationwide sensitisation training seminars on the practical ways of making it through small scale farming.

The gains of export, by expert

• Ayemibo

S

MALL and medium size firms are venturing into the export business. Small-scale exporting has become one of the easiest ways to earn foreign exchange.

Many solid minerals and agricultural products such as casava chips, bitter kola, mango, charcoal, sesame seeds and others are exported to countries, such as China, Vietnam, India and Europe by smale scale business operators and they earn huge returns.

Chief Executive of 3T Impex Consulting, Bamidele Ayemibo, said direct exporting is one of the most profitable small businesses.

He believes the business will lift thousands of Nigerians from poverty if bet-

ter access to facilities is guaranteed. As it is, many small businesses have turned to exporting.

For him, export is one strategy to build a business in uncertain times.

In fact, small businesses represent 96 per cent of exporters of goods, according to a report.

He said export provides new opportunity for private investors. Its inherent characteristics make it attractive. According to him, export business offers attractive and stable returns that make it possible to diversify investment portfolios.

There are some Nigerians who specialised in various kinds of solid minerals and agric commodities have gained experience with in-depth knowledge of markets for such produce.

With an investment of about N4 million, he said one could make a return of 40 per cent and export sales could come quicker, where there is a network of foreign agents and distributors.

To this end, he said his organisations help in sourcing contracts with different international companies. According to

him, an export produce must generate enough revenue to be profitable, so it should either result in a large mark-up per sale or sell in sufficient quantity to provide a good return.

There are many buyers of export produces whether it is agricultural commodities or solid minerals. One can choose to specialise in a single produce or many produce and still make money.

A business owner may realise that a domestic market will not be able to sustain his firm. While he wants to export, he is cognisant that he does not have the experience to directly market her services in a foreign country. Although direct marketing would allow him to keep all of his profit margin, he does not have the contacts to build networks, negotiate deals, and carry out his business in other countries. Ayemibo said these has created an opportunity for finders.

He said people are in need of export contracts for the various agricultural and allied/mineral commodities that could be explored within the country.

So, all an inquisitive entrepreneur does is to secure

contracts and make money from it. He said one can make money selling genuine export order/ contract.

At the end, one earns a finder’s fee.

With mentoring services, he said, his company could train a business owner to handle challenges unique to exporting. By understanding the complexity of starting an export business, he said banks and other financial institutions could assist exporters to make it simpler for them to obtain creditor business loans.

Because of the capital outlay, he said small scale entrepreneurs could collaborate with one another and form cooperatives to carry out export business and improve their livelihoods.

While it takes time and patience to become a successful exporter, he said the rewards could be significant for one who is shrewd and patient.

He said export business requires some time and effort to find the right overseas buyers to send your produce.

His training enables one to find out, which countries are buy Nigeria’s goods.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

36

AVIATION

‘Integrated aviation policy will develop industry’ P RESIDENT, Aviation Round Table, Captain Dele Ore, has urged the Federal Government to formulate an integrated policy that will accelerate the growth and development of the aviation sector.

Ore spoke at a workshop with the theme: Capacity building in the aviation sector, organised by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (Aviation Chapter) in Lagos.

Such policy, he said, would enable the sector to achieve economic growth in the country.

“We should know how to manage transport industry, particularly the aviation sector.

“Increase taxation, rising fuel prices and political instability has continued to challenge the economy system of the aviation industry in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Ore noted that domestic airlines should adapt positively to a changing environment, otherwise the aviation industry would collapse.

“The charges in Nigeria are very high, when these are put together, airlines cannot survive.

“Intending airline investors should know the implication of

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

what they are trying to get into.

Successful airlines try to streamline their operations; they make money through hotel operation.

“Government should invest more in aviation training schools and they should specialise in a particular area of study,’’ he said.

Managing Director, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, Mr Olu Owolabi, said the sector was the most international and borderless unit of the global market.

He said aviation has proved to be a catalyst in promoting understanding and cooperation among its people.

He noted that the demand for transport and logistics service is strong when economic activity is buoyant.

Owolabi noted that Nigeria’s strong economic diversity in the area of climate and population density made the country interesting for exporters and foreign investors to come in.

The Chief Executive Officer of Widescope International Logistics

Limited, Mr Segun Musa, explained that if the Federal Government must carry out reforms in the aviation sector, such efforts must not strangulate the operating environment by pushing operators out of business. he said such policies must address operational challenges.

According to the freight forwarders’Chairman of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, until the Federal Government establishes a cargo village at the Lagos Airport, efforts to sanitise the cargo section of the industry will not yield the desired results.

He explained that as is the practice in other parts of the world, the establishment of a cargo village at the airport will boost trade facilitation, as such a facility will not only earn revenue for government, but will help to organise the business of freight by the air for goods coming in and out of the country.

Musa explained that the major challenge operators in the cargo and freight arm of the aviation sub sector face range from exclusion by government officials while putting policies in place that will shape operations at the airport.

Travelex to invest in Nigeria THE quest to attract foreign investors to the aviation sector in Nigeria has received a boost as Travelex, the world leader and largest provider of airport and passenger terminial Bureau De Change (BDC) Services, indicated its interest to set up offices and install its equipment at major airports around the country.

Chairman/Founder of Travelex, Lloyd Dorfman , disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah in Abuja. He said the company is interested in expanding its business to Nigeria by providing air travellers and airport users retail foreign exchange services comparable to what obtains in other internal and domestic airports around the world.

He said with Travelex’s leading edge technology in the provision of foreign exchange Automated telle machines (ATMs), the company’s entry into the nation's aviation sector would help to boost the cash-lite policy of the Federal Government. He would also prove air travellers the convenience of the its services at the airports.

Dorfman said Travelex's global expertise and experience as the world's largest retailer of foreign exchange will be brought to bear in the provision of its services in Nigeria. He and expressed optimism that the envisaged partnership with the Aviation Ministry would go a long way in enhancing the transformation agenda in the sector.

In her remarks, Oduah said as a champion of Foreign Direct Investment in the sector in Nigeria, she was excited about the prospects of partnering with Travelex to enhance the travel experience, convenience and comfort of air travellers.

Emirates Skycargo creates trade lane EMIRATES SkyCargo has strengthened its operations in France, with Lyon to become the third French gateway that connects to international trade opportunities across its network of 126 destinations.

The launch of flights to Lyon on December 5, 2012 according to statement, will be operated by A340-500 with a belly-hold capacity of 15 tonnes. This will take the annual cargo capacity into and out of the country to more than 52,000 tonnes spread across five flights to Lyon, seven to Nice and 19 to Paris.

The new gateway is Emirates’35th destination in Europe and should help stimulate another period of growth in France’s international cargo trade, which has grown significantly since Emirates SkyCargo commenced operations. Last year it exported a total of 21,000 tonnes, representing an increase of 26 per cent on the 15,600 tonnes carried during the same period in 2007/08.

“After Paris, Lyon is a major economic centre in France and the longterm outlook for international trade is positive,” said Ram Menen, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo. “With the airport boasting easy truck access and excellent links to Europe’s highway network, the potential to support businesses in surrounding areas is also very strong.”

Group wants more fire men

•Chairman, SAHCOL, Dr Taiwo Afolabi (2nd right), inspecting the construction of a cargo warehouse at Murtala Muhammed Airport Cargo Complex. With him are Olu Owolabi, Managing Director/CEO, SAHCOL (middle), Mazin Jarmakani, Managing Director/CEO Mazin Construction (1st left) and Clement Nwabasili, the project consultant.

How to improve airport security, by experts S ECURITY agencies devised ways of securing the airports.

The security agencies includ-

ing personnel from the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), Aviation security unit, Nigeria police, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, the State Security Service, National Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Air Force promised to redouble their efforts at countering terrorism.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Airport Command Mr Haliru Gwandu, said the synergy among the agencies must be strengthened to keep potential terrorists at bay from the airport.

He observed that theft in the airport, which he attributed to connivance among airport personnel, is a great cause for worry for the Police.

Gwandu called for more logistics for the Police to do their job, especially in perimeter patrol, arrest of miscreants and other unlawful interferences on the land and airside.

Johnpaul Echeta, the Commanding Officer, Anti-Terrorism, stressed the need to enhance security around the airports at both peak and nonpeak period to miscreants from catching in on the loopholes.

He appealed to the authorities to put right pegs in the right holes to avoid compromise among security agencies, adding that security is everyone’s duty.

Other participants advised that the latest security technologies should be acquired to assist airport security agencies to achieve success in protecting the airport and its teeming passengers.

The first yearly international airport security and safety summit with the theme: Getting it right was organised by Karamba Consulting.

The organiser, Daniel Young, said the event would afford experts the opportunity to learn advanced strategies and technologies deployed to enhance national security.

Young said the event was designed to discover cutting edge technologies and approaches towards achieving optimal physical security of personnel and infrastructure.

He explained that the summit provided a robust platform for experts to examine how to execute appriopriate security training programmes that will meet domes-

tic and international security threat, its needs as well as vulnerabilities in the airport operating environment and the resultant culture.

He said: “The summit has gone a long way in addressing the issues of security and the safety needs in Nigerian airports.”

Part of the issues discussed include securing Nigerian airports, airspace safety and security, cross border strategies for sharing intelligence as well as innovative strategies that facilitate risk-based airport security and safety.

Other issues include contingency planning- threat assessment and airport in internal security, protecting air travellers in Nigeria a security imperative.

Young explained that the effects of the threat of terrorism has become imperative to attract the attention of aviation experts, because the industry is often used as target by terrorists.

He said: “There is need to explore new strategies of combating domestic and cross border security threats.

This has become serious because the airports serve as the main link between national and international boundaries.”

THE President of Nigerian Aviation Fire Safety Association (NAFSA), Mr Lewis Ojeifo, has said additional, aviation fire personnel are needed at the various fire points at airports in the country to meet the need of fire service.

Speaking on the activities of the department in the one year of the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ojeifo, noted that there has been some significant transformation in the system.

He remarked that ageing workforce and retirement has depleted the staff strength of fire men in the nation’s airport which necessitated the need for fresh hands to be recruited into the service to adequately meet the challenges of the future.

“People are retiring daily, not that they do not like the job, the people have attained the retirement age. So, we need to bring in fresh hands to add to what we have. We do not need anything less than 1,000 men to add to what we have now and that is when we will say that we have enough hands to support those on ground”, he said.

According to Ojeifo, the number of firemen has gone below 800 across the airports, which has led to some of them working round the clock in some airports to ensure that they keep the airports running but lamented that it could lead to fatigue.

While expressing appreciation to the Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah for her transformation programme, Ojeifo commended George Ureisi for equipping airports in the country with new fire trucks and the training of fire personnel on the trucks. “When the rein of affairs in FAAN changed hands to the present boss, the whole thing changed and we have been collaborating and as today, we have 40 brand new fire trucks in our airports for our operations,” he said.

‘Dana committed to safety’ THE management of Dana Air has reiterated the airline’s commitment to the provision of safe and reliable world-class services to travellers.

Its Head of Corporate Communications Tony Usidamen restated the airline’s commitment while outlining steps taken by the airline for safe and smooth returning of the firm in a chat with aviation correspondents.

According to Usidamen, “following the lifting of the suspension on our operations by the Federal Government on September 5, 2012, the airline commenced a rigorous process of recertification by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This is a standard safety measure taken by the authorities to ensure that all the aircraft in our fleet are fully serviceable, and we have been cooperating in the exercise.

“Of the five aircraft in our fleet, three are on ground at MMA2 and have undergone thorough internal engine inspection and systems by NCAA, while the other two are undergoing scheduled C-Checks in Istanbul, Turkey andMiami, Florida.

“The airline also organised an independent inspection of aircraft by Aircraft Leasing and Management (ALM) - a leading aviation consulting company based in the United Kingdom.”

Usidamen disclosed that the airline has signed a five-year contract with a Canadian firm, FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd, for its flagship automated information reporting system (AFIRS) 228 at an estimated 1M USD. “The contract requires FLYHT to install the AFIRS 228 on all our aircrafts to provide real-time flight data monitoring and to assist in achieving maintenance and operational efficiencies.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

37

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

‘My wife planned my life before she died’ In this interview with SEGUN BALOGUN, renowned entrepreneur Prince Michael Tunde Ponnle, chairman of MicCom Group, speaks about his wife, Olufunke, who died on October 29 in Cardiff, Britain, and their lives.

W

HAT exactly does your late wife mean to you?

My wife, Engineer Olufunke Ponnle, meant everything to me. We were married almost 48 years ago and I have no cause to regret that marriage.

We were like brother and sister. She is the mother of my five children and she trained them very well. She is my partner at work and also on the golf course. We did everything together.

When we were setting up the cable factory (MicCom), my wife would stay in the factory to organise the workers. In fact, I didn’t know most of the workers in the factory. My job then was to go out and get purchase orders. I won’t even know how those orders were executed because she was the one that was managing my money. She would just ask me not to worry. She took most of the responsibilities on herself and that helped me to focus a lot more.

Everything we have achieved together, she has a hand in it. In fact, she is the architect. We have a foundation, which we started in 1988. That foundation has given out more than 2,000 scholarships to various people who are notable people today. She was passionate about this foundation and she was managing everything.

So, she meant everything in life to me and that was why when she became sick with cancer, I stayed with her in the hospital. For the past five years, we have been virtually living abroad, treating this cancer.

Now that she has passed on, what does her exit mean to you?

I have really not lived alone since we were married because she is my partner. And that is my biggest problem now. It is going to be difficult living alone. She is all in all for me. A big vacuum has been created.

She also knew it would be a big problem and she told me how I should spend my time. The doctors actually told us the case was hopeless, so we actually had time to talk. She actually told me to face my golf so that I will not be lonely. She asked me to continue with the humanitarian projects she left behind, especially to reorganise the MicCom Foundation for Educational Development, which she has been managing for several years. So, she actually told me how I should manage my time in a way that will keep me busy.

Your marriage lasted almost 48 years without the attending scandals usually associated with successful people. How were you able to pull together for that long?

If you love your wife and you study her, it is possible. All the money that people said we have is managed by my wife. She would not buy anything for herself without my consent. So, when you study such a woman, you will then depend on her. In relationship, if you do not disagree on money, you may not disagree on anything else because that is the basis of a couple’s life. And on

•The late Mrs Ponnle

•Prince Ponnle

TRIBUTE that, my wife was so liberal and dependable. She trusted me, unlike other women that would say their men would go after other women.

She believed that if you treat your husband well, even if he goes out, he will continue to remember his home. That is the lesson she taught all her female children, not to probe their husband but treat them very well because doing so will always bring them home.

What will you say is her greatest achievement in life?

The greatest thing I think we have achieved is showing that husband and wife, with love, can live together. They can work

‘Everything we have achieved together, she has a hand in it. In fact, she is the architect...She was passionate about this foundation and she was managing everything’

together. It is something I want young people to emulate. When you marry your wife, you could do business with her. So, I think that legacy is what we cherish and it is what I will continue to preach.

This legacy you want to start preaching is an important virtue that is becoming endangered as our society becomes more individualistic. How do you hope to go about it?

I will seize every opportunity I have to do so. We were doing it before my wife died. We published a biography entitled: “Magic of Pulling Together.” There is a lot in that book that the youth can learn and one would want to propagate the content of that book. I want to advise the youth to marry and keep their marriages.

How are the children taking her passage?

Well, she trained them very well and gave them the best education as a means to a good life. But, of course, there will be senti•Continued on page 40

‘Awolowo a true leader’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

•The late Awolowo

L

ATE Chief Obafemi Awolowo was distinguished as a leader for the twin qualities of consistency and discipline, which he maintained till his death. He denied himself and kept his opposition stance, despite invitations by the leftist political establishment and leadership.

Retired Prof. of Philosophy at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Moses Ola Makinde who said this at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, noted that “such virtues are the true mark of genuine leaders across boundaries and ages.”

Prof. Makinde said that despite general abuse of the

term ‘Awoist’ lately, true and genuine leaders like former Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the state of Osun and former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, still exist in the country. According to him, “the establishment of Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance by Governor Rauf Aregbesola would rechart new directions for good governance in the country.”

He said: “the establishment of the centre is one of the greatest ways to preserve the legacy and timeless ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.”

According to him, if well harnessed, the new centre can be engaged to play out virtues of integrity, Yoruba culture and values that will eventually remould nature, fashion and direction of governance in Nigeria.

Makinde noted that although the centre is the initiative of the State of Osun through Governor Aregbesola, it would serve the entire South Western states, including Edo and Delta as parts of the now defunct Western Region. He equally expressed hopes that it (centre) “would spread its tentacles to Kwara, Kogi and many of the progressive states in the North and South of Nigeria and gradually every other state.”

He said “The trainees of the centre shall combine the theory and practice of good governance by doing precisely what they have learned at the centre.

“The centre will operate by giving seminars and simposias for political office holders and ranking civil servants across sections of the country while the services of accomplished scholars in the area of philosophy, sociology, political science and others would often be

engaged.

“The governors of the participating states shall see to it that Awo’s ideals of good governance based on integrity, accountability, personal and fiscal disciplines, transparency and honesty are not only learned, but actually put into practice in their individual states.

Commending Governor Aregbesola for the initiative, Makinde said the establishment of the Centre was further affirmation of the governor as “a true Awoist”, adding that other governors in the region have equal stakes in the centre despite been established by a state.

“The centre became imperative at a time the continent of Africa is facing serious governance crisis and Nigeria that is beset with the twin problems of bad leadership and administration.”

NANTAP holds convention in Abeokuta The 14 th national convention of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) will hold between November 15 and 18 at the Cultural Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Theatre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Theme of convention is Tapping into the arts, culture and tourism potentials in Nigeria. The first plenary session will hold by 4pm on Friday to be followed by asun /variety night by 6.00 pm. On Saturday, there will be second plenary session and a gala/award night by 7 pm.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

38

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

T

HE ongoing furious controversy generated by Prof.

Chinua Achebe’s new book, ‘There Was A Country: A Personal History of Biafra’, may h ave a number of unintended positive effects. For one, it will promote wide readership of the book in a country where reading is not necessarily a favourite national pastime. On the very day that the book arrived in Nigeria, for instance, I was at my favourite book shop to get a copy but it had already sold out! Again, it should encourage the younger generation especially to read other books on the civil war to get different perspectives and thus enrich their knowledge of the country’s history. Achebe’s effort further reinforces the importance of history in a nation’s evolution for the simple reason that without a collective memory, a people stand the danger of perishing. For the past must always inform the present and serve as a guide to the future. There is also the likelihood that others will be inspired by Achebe’s book to write their own account of the civil war and other salient aspects of Nigeria’s history either to disprove or support the novelist’s position. This will further enrich the country’s intellectual heritage.

However, there is much more to this book than the civil war controversy. It offers several refreshing insights into the mind and the world of one of our most preeminent men of letters. This book confirms what Professor Biodun Jeyifo wrote of Achebe in his seminal book, Things Fall Apart; Things Fall Together. According to Jeyifo, Achebe “absolutely never fails at writing with the greatest clarity, the greatest ease and urbanity while reflecting on the most confounding of topics and experiences”. There are glimpses of sheer brilliance and profundity, remarkable gems of thought scattered throughout the book.

Even though Achebe may not necessarily exhibit the artistic range and versatility of his equally illustrious compatriot, Wole Soyinka, it is significant as the mathematician and Marxist thinker, Edwin Madunagu, recently noted that his novels in particular chronicle with incomparable insight Nigeria’s evolution from the precolonial era (Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God) through the colonial experience (No Longer At Ease) to the decay and degeneration of the post colonial era (A Man

The power behind praise

I

T has been said, and it is well-said that, “he who writes, creates immortality around himself or herself”. Books shall never die. The best items of furniture in the home are the books. Indeed, books add colour to our homes. Yes, book beautifies our room and home. Truly, books give happiness, pleasure and joy to our lives.

Every educated elite should eat books hungrily. In fact, there is so much to say about books but I cannot say them all here However, there are many problems in paradise, one of them, sadly, is that most Nigerians are not a reading people.

Someone has rightly said that if you want to hide a secret, put it in a book, Nigerians will not discover it because they don’t read! It is a national disaster. Bishop T. D. Jakes is relevant to the subject when he said, “life is a school, books are an opportunity to sharpen our minds, and yes, even magazines feed the flames with the soul”. In my own schooldays, the slogan was: “Read a book a day. Review one in a week!”

The reading culture and virtues of honesty were ingrained in us at a tender age in colonial Nigeria. I am a bibliophile, a book addict! I believe in books, everything that ever happened to a man is in books. Truly, “a room without books is like a body without a soul” so asserts Cicero, the Roman Orator, who had an easy flowing style. Coming back home, let me quickly remind you of the three golden words: thanks, please,

Segun Ayobolu sms to 07032777778 segunayobolu2@yahoo.com

Fresh insights into Achebe’s world of the People and Anthills of the Savannah). I certainly learnt as much about power and politics from Achebe’s writings as I did from my excellent teachers at the Department of Political Science in Ibadan.

It is interesting that having finished from Government College, Umuahia, with flying colours obtaining five distinctions and one credit, Achebe was actually admitted to the then Government College, Ibadan, to study medicine on scholarship. After a year he, however, requested to change from the Faculty of Medicine to that of Arts. He was later reluctantly permitted to study English, History and Theology but lost his scholarship, which he won on the basis of his sterling performance in Physics and Chemistry. Despite his academic brilliance, Achebe was fascinated by African belief systems especially as epitomised in Igbo culture and philosophy. In his words “Afterward I returned to Nekede for the remainder of the school year. Nekede was a

treasure trove of Igbo culture. Our ancient traditions continued to fascinate me, and I sought an alternative education outside the classroom, from the local villagers”. We can thus appreciate the evolution of the mind that has produced some of the most accomplished literary works of our time.

One sees in Achebe’s intellectual development an uneasy tension between his Christian heritage and his fascination with African religious beliefs and practices. His father was a catechist and teacher who helped to establish St. Phillips Church, Ogidi.

However, his great-uncle, Udoh Osinyi, believed in traditional Igbo religion and “held one of the highest titles in Igboland – ozo”. According to Achebe, “Those two – my father and his uncle – formed the dialectic that I inherited. Udoh stood fast in what he knew, but he also left room for my father to seek other answers. The answer my father found in the Christian faith solved many problems, but by no means all”.

‘For the past must always inform the present and serve as a guide to the future. There is also the likelihood that others will be inspired by Achebe’s book to write their own account of the civil war and other salient aspects of Nigeria’s history either to disprove or support the novelist’s position. This will further enrich the country’s intellectual heritage’ BOOK REVIEW

Cartoon festival

Title: The Awesome Power of Thanksgiving Author:

Dr. Alaba Olushuyi

Reviewer:

Bayo Oguntunase

Publisher:

Glorygate Ventures

Pagination:

66

pardon (or, sorry)! They are essential to good living. Dr. Alaba Olushuyi has just presented to the reading public a new book entitled “The Awesome Power of Thanksgiving”.

The central theme of the book is thanksgiving; THANKSGIVING is as old as creation, as old as the hills, yes, as old as humanity. In the Holy Bible, THANKS appears in 73 places while THANKSGIVING appears in 30 places, according to “The New Strong’s Consise Concordance of the Bible”. And to further stress the vital importance of Thanksgiving, America, nation of nations, God’s own country, had long declared the Fourth Thursday in November as THANKSGIVING DAY. This year, The “Thanksgiving Day” is November 22. Dr. Olushuyi, the author of the book, has proved Mary Baker Eddy, founder of the Christian Science, right, “Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech” “The Awesome Power of Thanksgiving” consists of five chapters; each chapter is infused with relevant biblical passages, case studies and lessons. Chapter 1 asks: What is Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is the

Achebe expresses admiration for what he perceives as the liberalism and tolerance of traditional African religion compared to the absolutism of Christianity. In his words, “I often had periods of oscillating faith as I grew older, periods of doubt, when I quietly pondered, and deeply questioned, the absolutist teachings or the interpretations of religion. I struggled with the certitude of Christianity – “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”- not its accuracy, because as a writer one understands that there should be such latitude, but the desolation, the acerbity of its meaning, the lack of options for the outsider, the other”. While he acknowledges his indebtedness to Christian missionaries for his western education, Achebe nonetheless muses: “Does it matter, I ask myself, that centuries before European Christians sailed down to us in ships to deliver the Gospel and save us from darkness, other European Christians, also sailing in ships, delivered us to the transatlantic slave trade and unleashed darkness in our world?”. Surely Christian thinkers will find it difficult to agree with what they will consider a rather provocative reading of history.

One of the most remarkable stories in this book occurs around 1936 when Achebe was a student at St Phillips Central School, Ogidi. Listen to the master story teller himself: “On a hot and humid day during the wet season our geography teacher decided to move our entire class outside to the cool shade of a large mango tree. After setting up the blackboard he proceeded to give the class a lesson on the geography of Great Britain. The village “mad-man” came by, and after standing and listening to the teacher’s lesson for a while, walked up to him, snatched the chalk from his hand, wiped the blackboard, and proceeded to give an extended lesson on Ogidi, my hometown. Amazingly, the teacher let all this take place without incident. Looking back, it is instructive, in my estimation, that it was a so-called madman whose “clarity of perspective” first identified the incongruity of our situation: that the pupils would benefit not only from a colonial education but also by instruction about their own history and civilization”. Can you beat that? Dear reader, please go beyond the civil war controversy. Get this book and drink from Achebe’s well of wisdom.

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ordinance of God; Chapter 2 tells the reasons that Thanks should be offered unto God always; Chapter 3 tells us about the Perils of Ingratitude or ungratefulness; Chapter 4 talks about the Effects of Thanksgiving; while Chapter 5 is on Exhortation; that we offer Thanks with respect and humility. The book is required reading by all humans, including Christians, Muslims and Animists in homes and offices. The prose is racy, inspiring, energizing, vivid and vigorous. It is beautiful and a must read by all and sundry. The book should be a piece of our African tradition, custom and culture, because an ingrate is considered a potential thief. William Shakespeare had said it all in Twelfth Night (or, what you will) that “ingratitude I hate in man more than drunkenness”. Dr. Olushuyi was really inspired to write this pithy book of wisdom to stress the essence of Thanksgiving. Buy it to read it.

HE first cartoon art festival and contest will be hosted on November 23 in Lagos with follow-up travelling exhibitions and fund-raising art auctions across Nigeria and parts of Africa between December 2012 and December 2013.

It will hold at the WHITESPACE, on Raymond Njoku, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The project, which was initiated in 2010 by cartoonist-cum Arts Editor of The Nigerian, Francis Umendu Odupute, is a multi-purpose, allinclusive education platform to drive innovation, productivity and sustainable development in Africa, while promoting cultural diversity and cartooning culture in global context.

Amichi honours Anyaegbu

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HE installation of Chief Chidi Anyaegbu (Okeiyi Amichi) as patron of Amichi Youths Social Club of Nigeria, holds at Jasmine Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 17, by noon.

The event will be chaired by Dr. Cletus Ibefo, Chairman/CEO of Ibeto Group; National Publicity Secretary of PDP,Chief Olisa Metuh is the special guest.

Keynote speaker is Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Dr. Joe Odumodu.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

Y

OUTH particularly school drop outs will be taken off the streets and communities in Anambra State. This is not peculiar to Anambra. A similar thing will be done in other pilot states across the federation where about 10,000 school dropouts and jobless youth will be trained to be self reliant.

Thanks to Industrial Training Fund (ITF) which is training over 10,000 school drop outs in Anambra State on vocational trades under the Federal Government’s initiative and development code named National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP).

Aside students on Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), ITF is now committed in taking many unemployed youths out of the streets for a vibrant economy. Joblessness and unemployment are two pronged edged sword ravaging the virility and viability of Nigerian youths but with the new scheme on empowering youths and engaging them meaningfully, crime will be reduced if not eradicated completely soon if the organisers wont be funny.

Area Manager, Awka Area office, Mrs Linda Ego Egbuonu, announced this while briefing journalists on the planned training of youths between ages of 16 and 25 with minimum of Junior Secondary school education.

Mrs Egbuonu said ITF would procure equipment to empower the youth at the end of the three months training on welding, tiling and POP making; and two weeks entrepreneurial training development to enable them leverage the support from the government. The emphasis is not on the empowerment but the trainees’ commitment and dedication to get the best from the over 20 trainers engaged for the training.

She said over 1,500 trainees applied but only 1,000 were selected with about ten centres for welding and fabrication at 9 locations including Amawbia, EnuguUkwu, Onitsha, Nnewi, Umuobi Awkuzu, Ekwulobia, Aguleri, Ihiala and Ogidi (Oye Olisa Market).

She said those learning tiling and POP would have their training at Awka, Ihiala , Nnewi , Oko and Onitsha even as she added that the idea was to place the trainees as close as possible to their homes .

According to Mrs Egbuonu, the Director General of Industrial Training Fund, Prof Longmas Wapmuk Sambo, was directed by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Olusgun Aganga, to develop and implement a National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP).

This, she said, is to fast-track the achievement of the National Industrial Revolution Plan with objectives of providing skills to support NIPR and turn Nigeria’s quantitative advantage to qualitative advantage by providing gainful em-

Art is everywhere workshop

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•ITF Area Manager Mrs Linda Ego Egbuonu (middle) flanked by Internal Auditor Mr Aloysius Aniakor (left) an d Head of Training Mr Abraham Okrehienyefa

Taking youths off the streets •ITF trains 1,000 school drop outs in Anambra From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

TRAINING ployment and apprenticeship to our youths.

Egbeonu added that the programme is targeted at developing highly skilled Entrepreneurial workforce as well as small and medium Enterprises (SME’s) in areas of competitive and comparative advantage and to reduce or minimize youth restiveness through the provision of gainful or self employable skills.

The ITF Awka Area Manager informed that the programme is a pilot project being carried out in ten states of the federation including Anambra state and that Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state will on 29th of this month launch the training after President Goodluck Jonathan launches the programme for the Nation on 22nd November, 2012. Commissioner for Youths and Sports , Dr Edozie Aroh has been appointed by Obi to anchor the programme.

She further said that the role of the ITF

included Need assessment to identify manpower trade of the economy which will aid NISDP implementation process, develop work based curriculum , identify existing Technical/vocational /vocational centers nation wide that can be used for NISDP both private and public.

Other roles of ITF in the NISDP included collaborating with state government and other agencies for the success of NISDP , testing and certifying trainees in liaison with relevant examination bodies , implementing ,supervising and coordinating the programme, select trainees in liaison with stakeholders , advertise and publicize NISDP among other roles.

The role of Anambra state government she said included providing staff and taking part in the monitoring and supervision of the exercises, involved in the selection of trainees and support need assessment and sensitisation programme; create awareness and logistics as well as give technical support that will enhance the smooth running of the NISDP and its sustainability.

‘Joblessness and unemployment are two pronged edged sword ravaging the virility and viability of Nigerian youths but with the new scheme on empowering youths and engaging them meaningfully, crime will be reduced if not eradicated completely soon if the organisers wont be funny’

Delta Deputy governor’s wife seeks help for less privileged

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HE wife of the Deputy Governor of Delta State Mrs Nelly Utuama has asked Nigerians to assist the less privileged in the society. She said the essence of life is service to humanity, adding that this should be through giving to those who do not have.

She spoke at the launch of Rola Foundation at the University of Lagos.

While hailing the Executive Director of the foundation, Mrs Frances Kofoworola Ajeyalemi, for forming the foundation, she said: “Kofo got it right by caring for the less privileged. It is a noble cause and it should be encouraged.”

She noted that most of the ills of the society are caused by some of those in the less privileged class. “God should touch the lives of those being cared for so that they would give to the society,” she added.

She also said Jesus Christ cared for the less privileged. “This foundation is doing what Christ did many years ago.”

By Joseph Eshanokpe

The former Attorney-General of the Western Region, Dr Festus Ajayi (SAN), who was chairman of the occasion, said giving is about self-denial. He recalled that during the Second World War in the 1940s, those who lost their limbs and hands received free plastic replacements from a group at the then army centre at Igbobi in Lagos. He said this was another form of caring for the less privileged. He prayed for Rola Care and asked for support for it.

Mrs Ajelayemi said she was born into a family where giving is given a priority. “I was born into a family of giving. My late mother was known for her giving. She brought us up to give. We were taught that God provided for us so that we can give to others. Giving gives me so much joy and satisfaction.”

Wife of Prof Theo Vincent, Maryam, recalled Mrs Ajayelami’s creativity in fashion and hair dressing and large

heartedness, adding that she offered free services to her neighbours. She noted that she was the brain behind the Student Support Programme (SSP) of the Chapel of Our Light of UNILAG, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to undergraduates of the university.

Chairman of the Foundation, Prof Duro Ajelayemi, said: “The foundation is set up to cater for the welfare of the less privileged in the society. We take care of their needs on quarterly basis as our resources permit.

As of today, we cater for over 40 lives. To do more, we decided to launch the foundation.” He appealed for financial support to achieve the objectives of the group.

At the event also were the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Omololu Soyombi; Chairman, Ack Insurance Brokers, Prince Olu Awoboro and Prof Alo Ejiogu of UNILAG, who was MC of the occasion.

Ejiogu said: ‘If you do not have a caring heart and finger, life is meaningless.”

HE 11th waste-to-art workshop of Art Is Everywhere (AIE) will hold in Lagos from November 19 to 24, in collaboration with the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Twenty-five artists will work with recyclable wastes from the beach and urban environment during the one week workshop, which will feature lectures and slide presentations by selected professionals.

It will be coordinated by a team of professionals renowned for their use of recyclable wastes. They include Ayo Aina – Kaduna/Zaria based artist, Ike Francis (lecturer at University of Port Harcourt), Chike Obeagu (Lecturer at Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa), Dr Peju Layiwola (University of Lagos), Akin Onipede (University of Lagos) Okechukwu Eze (Lagos based artist). The products from the Lagos workshop will be exhibited thereafter in a gallery to be decided later.

Art is Everywhere is a waste-to-art project initiated in 2005 by Ayo Adewunmi in collaboration with Alliance Francaise, Enugu. The aims of the project include re-discovering waste as a resource for artistic creation; thereby drawing attention to environmental issues, providing an avenue for training young artists and the less-privileged in the society on how to make a living from recycling. It also seeks to create inter-cultural exchanges between local and foreign artists.

In 2007, the coordinators of Art Is Everywhere workshop decided to change the mode of the workshop into a travelling workshop in order to access waste materials available at different geo-locations and to draw attention to environmental issues.

The workshop has been held in Enugu, Jos, Kaduna , Zaria and Banjul in Gambia.

LEAP empowers Abiriba youths

By Chinasa Ekekwe

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O inculcate core values in the future stakeholders of our ecomomy,The League of Abiriba Professionals (LeAP) last weekend held its 4th annual Economic Empowerment Seminar,at the Dover Hotel, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State.

The seminar, orgainsed for Abiriba indigenes, was also open to friends of the community who availed themselves of the opportunity.

The Chairman of the occasion, CEO, JMK Consulting Ltd, Joe Emeson (Ph.D) welcomed everyone to the event. He thanked all who contributed to the success of the seminar. He said the intiative has yielded development in Abiriba community in terms of infrastruture. “Now, there is constant power supply and good water”. He said the idea behind the seminar was to create a forum of networking for the youth. He advised that adequate transportation be made available for more youths to participate in the future.

Speaking on the topic,Maximise Your Life: Building Blocks For Sustainable Personal And Corporate Development, the Guest Speaker, Pastor Ghandi Olaoye, President of Peculiar People’s Management (PPM), USA stressed the need for youths to identify their natural talent. He said making money was not a bad option but building character and vision endures.

Pastor Olaoye butressed the fact that rising to the top cannot be done alone, you need people to become successful.He said that confidence,consistency and creativity is key in the development of relationships with successful individuals. He concluded by advising that the youths should believe in their dreams and work hard towards it.

The yearly Economic Empowerment Seminar is one of LeAP’s cardinal projects from the Association’s inception. It remains an important part of its strategy to expose the Abiriba community-long famed for their entrepreneurial exploits-to current, more efficient and more effective ways of doing business.

The seminar is co-sponsored by Dover Hotel and First Bank, who have consistently supported LeAP’s laudable projects, along with other sponsors, over its four years of existence.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

•Crown Troupe of Africa performing during the 10th Macmillan Literary Night in Lagos.

Tribute to longest serving ruler, Ovie Orovwuje

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HAMBERLAIN Oyibocha Orovwuje, the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead. He was 77. Until his death, he was the longest reigning monarch in Urhoboland and indeed Delta State.

He reigned for 54 years. He ascended the throne in 1958 as the King of Agbon Kingdom, from Saint Thomas College, Ibusa at 23.

His leadership traits were seen beyond the traditional-political institution through his appointment to government establishments as board member of the Nigerian Coal Corporation, Enugu, Eastern Nigeria and the Chairman, Bendel Hospitals Management Board by Brig Gen Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia. He also served as a non-Executive Director for many years with the defunct Bendel Glass Company Limited, Ughelli.

It is instructive to note also that the late Ovie was exposed early in life to political and parliamentary governance with his appointment as a member of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and by extension with the creation of the Mid-West region, where he served as a pioneer member of the MidWestern House of Chiefs. At the community level, he was the Chairman Ukoko r Ivie r urhobo (Committee of Urhobo Kings) and a member of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria (TROMPCON) and also Chairman Delta State Traditional Rulers Council.

It is on record that the late Ovie influenced the Bendel Rural Electrification to his kingdom and he was also instrumental to the citing of the local government at Isiokolo.

My first real encounter with the late Ovie was at the age of 10 when my father ( the late Chief Esiemua Orovwuje) asked me to

live with him preparatory to entering secondary school then. My memory of the Ovie is that he was a disciplinarian and highly principled man with a large heart that accommodates all shades of opinions particularly from his chiefs and •Ovie Orovwuje subjects alike. When the history of the Urhoboland and indeed Nigeria in the last 60 years is written, a greater part of our fortune in justice, tolerance, peace and patriotism were shaped by this unassuming man.

Drawing inspiration from the late American President, Thomas Jefferson who once said, ‘I have no ambition to govern men... It is a painful and thankless office,’ could be true of the life and time of Ogurime-Rime, Okpara 1 who chose to serve humanity. In one of my personal engagements with him, he told me that he was publicity shy. Indeed, he did not need the press to govern his people rather he chose the path of honesty, equity and fairness in his administration.

His passing to glory will create new challenges in local administration and chieftaincy matters in Agbon kingdom in particular and Delta State in general.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

•From left: Former Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor,Dr Abayomi Majekodunmi presenting one of the books. With with him are Mr Oludare Mayowa, the author, Eniola, his wife and Chief Olusola Dada, Executive Vice Chairman, Anchoria Securities and Investment Ltd, who was the chief presenter at the public presentation of Living an Enduring Lifestyle and Make The Change That Counts in Lagos.

‘My wife planned my life before she died’ •Continued from page 37

ments because of personal attachment. But, after that, she only wanted a befitting burial and that is what they are all running about to do.

She does not want to be mourned but celebrated. Her society in the church came and they wore mournful looks. I had to be pleading with them that the woman wanted celebration, not mourning. She wanted everybody to be happy and celebrate her.

Of course, whatever advantage that people are deriving from her would be mourned but, on the other hand, people should celebrate her personality and not mourn her loss. If they appreciate what they have gained, they should do what the deceased wanted them to do. So, we want

people to celebrate her and not mourn.

An entry in the condolence register by Dr. Oba Otudeko stood out, praying that her heritage continues to blossom. This is important because in Africa, when the proprietor dies, everything about him/her begins to decline. Does this bother you?

In our own case, God has been kind to us about that because for the past eight years, we have freed ourselves from our organisational obligations. All our companies are being managed by our children. We have handed over the baton to the next generation. So, I am optimistic that her heritage will continue to grow, rather than decline.

Which of her names appeals to you the most,

Olufunke or Comfort?

In the hospital where we were for about five years, they called her Comfort. But as a traditional man, I called her Olufunke.

I know you have so many fond memories of her, but does anyone stand out?

There are so many passionate and emotional memories that I don’t know which one stands out. It is difficult to say which exactly stands out.

But I will mention our 40th wedding anniversary and what she wanted it to be like when we got married. So, we had engagement and wedding ceremonies. My best friend sitting here was standing as my Best Man and it was all fun in Osun where we celebrated it. I think that was one pleasant memory.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

WRIT OF SUMMONS INDORSEMENTS WHERE OF the Plaintiffs claim against the Defendants are as follows: 1.

A DECLARATION that the objects and the mode or running the affairs of the 1st Plaintiff is as contained in the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the 1st Plaintiff.

2.

A DECLARATION that the Plaintiffs are entitled to the exclusive use of the name SAVE NIGERIA GROUP (SNG), and no other person or group.

8.

9.

The sum of Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000.00) only to be paid by the defendants as General Damages to the Plaintiffs for the embarrassments caused them by the unauthorized use of the name SAVE NIGERIA GROUP (SNG) without the written consent of the Plaintiffs.

The Cost of this suit.

Dated this 26th day of September, 2012.

3.

4.

5.

A DECLARATION that only those whose names appeared or are contained in the Register of the 1st Plaintiff kept at its Registered Office pursuant to Sections 79, 83 & 84 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), CAP C20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 are the members of the 1st Plaintiff.

A DECLARATION that the Defendants, their servants, agents, privies and other person(s) acting on their behalf or through them do not have the right and/or power to issue press statements, call press conferences, hold conferences, organize rallies, embark on protests or demonstrations or carry out any activity whatsoever and howsoever with the name SAVE NIGERIA GROUP (SNG) without the written consent of the Plaintiffs.

AN ORDER of court directing the defendants, their servants, agents, privies and any other group or persons on their behalf or through them to close down any and all he Websites, Email and Twitter accounts, Facebook Fans pages or any social site opened or hoisted in the name SAVE NIGERIA GROUP (SNG), without the written consent of the Plaintiffs.

……………………………….

Armstrong Ekomah, Esq. Armstrong & Co. No. 16, Nnobi Street, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos State.

080361598837

This writ was issued by Armstrong Ekomah of Armstrong & Co. (Favour Chambers) whose address for service within jurisdiction is No. 16, Nnobi Street, Ikate, Surulere, Lagos State agent for the Plaintiffs, SAVE NIGERIA GROUP (SNG) LTD/GTE & one other Legal Practitioner for the Plaintiffs whose address is at Suite 2007, Block B (2nd Floor), Anbeez Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, FCT.

The Writ was served by me at 6.

7.

AN ORDER of court directing the defendants, their servants, agents, privies and any other group or persons acting on their behalf or through them to obliterate upon Oath all marks, articles or imitations and to deliver up for destruction upon Oath all printed work, all published work and all materials in their possession, custody or control which bears the name SAVE NIGERIA GROUP (SNG) without the written consent of the Plaintiffs.

A PERPETUAL ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their servants, agents, privies and any other group or persons acting on their behalf or through them from using and assisting others to use the name SAVE NIGERIA GROUP (SNG) to call press conferences, issue press statements, hold conferences, organize rallies, protest, demonstrations or to carry out any activity whatsoever without the written consent of the Plaintiffs.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

On the Defendants (described mode of Service)……………………………………………………….

On the …………….day of …………………………2012 Indorsed the……………day of ……………………….2012

Sign:……………………………

Address:………………………… ...…………………………………. ...…………………………………. ...………………………………….

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

43

WRIT OF SUMMONS (Order 3 Rule 4) IN THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT OF NIGERIA IN THE ……….LAGOS…………JUDICIAL DIVISION

BETWEEN: 1.

2.

SAVE NIGERIA GROUP (SNG) LTD/GTE BARR. BENEDICT EZEAGU

Plaintiffs

1.

2.

MR. GBOLAHAN BABATUNDE BAKARE MR. YINKA ODUMAKIN

Plaintiffs

AND

TO:…………………THE DEFENDANTS: OF……………......THE 1ST DEFENDANT LATTER RAIN ASSEMBLY CHURCH, PLOT 4, AKILO ROAD, OGBA IKEJA, LAGOS STATE. THE 2ND DEFENDANT 59, ODUDUWA WAY, G.R.A, IKEJA, LAGOS STATE IN THE ………..LAGOS JUDICIAL DIVISION………….OF NIGERIA You are hereby commanded that within thirty days after the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service, you do cause an appearance to be entered for you in an action at the suit of SAVE NIGERIA GROUP (SNG) LTD/GTE and one other, PLAINTIFFS, and take note that in default of you so doing the Plaintiffs may proceed, and judgment may be given in you absence.

Dated this 26th day of September, 2012.

By Order of the Court

……………………………..

Registrar

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

ANAMBRA 2014

•Emeka

•Senator Anosike

•Odenigbo

•Obiogbolu

Attention is now focused on Anambra State as the next governorship election draws near. The northern senatorial district appears poised to make a strong case to clinch the number one seat, for the first time. Who are those in the race? How qualified are they? NWANOSIKE ONU, in this report, presents the governorship hopefuls from the zone.

Anambra North stakes claim to number one seat

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EFORE now, there had been insinuation in the state that the people of Anambra North did not have what it would take to govern the state like the other two senatorial zones - Central and South - in terms of human resources.

Since the creation of the state from the old Anambra in 1991 by the Ibrahim Babangida military administration, the zone has not produced any governor; rather, it has held two separate positions of deputy governor.

The first deputy governor that came out of the place was the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)’s South East chairman, Dr. Chudi Nwike in the early 90s, and later, Prince Chinedu Emeka, who was Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s deputy.

As a result, the senatorial zone has come up with many programmes including forming several associations to sensitise the people of the state that what some people want to do is to continue the marginalisation of the area in politics.

There is what the people call Omabala Union led by Hon. Justice Paul Obidigwe (rtd), former Chief Judge of Anambra State; the Anambra North Peoples Assembly with notable members from the state and the Igboadagbe Peoples Forum, led by Chief Chikaodi Anarah.

According to Justice Obidigwe, “to say that the people of the area do not have people is to call a dog a bad name to hang it; this time around, our people will play an important role in the governance of this state.

“I do not know what those who ruled Anambra State have that we do not have. We should be given the chance to rule this state; we have a good number of materials to be governor of this state”.

“We have Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN), Prof Onuorah Nwuneli, Prof. Augustine Egboatu, Senator Emma Anosike, Prince Chinedu Emeka, Prince John Emeka, Dr Chudi Nwike”.

Apart from these names, there are others who had before now made their marks either in banking, business, academics or public service like Dr Alex Obiogbolu, Dr Chike Obidigbo, Sir Paul Odenigbo, Dr. Okechukwu Umeano and Willie Obianyo among others.

Anambra State governor, whose second tenure elapses March 2014, Mr. Peter Obi, has repeatedly made it clear that the person who will succeed him must be from the north zone.

He is of the view that equity is equality since no person in the history of the state has served as governor from the zone.

Anambra Central that has the incumbent, Obi, has produced two governors of the state, while the South has equally had its fair share of four.

The promise gladdened the heart of the traditional ruler of Onitsha and Chairman, Traditional

Rulers Council in the state, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.

Since the pronouncement by Obi, the idea has not gone down well with people from other zones especially, those clamouring to succeed him and it equally made the contenders to start working extra-hard.

However, from the North Senatorial zone, some names have come to the fore as possible governorship hopeful for the seat in 2014.

They are Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Sen. Emma Anosike, Willie Obianyo, Dr. Okechukwu Obiano and Sir Paul Odenigbo.

Besides these names, there are others believed to be eyeing Obi’s position; these are the current secretary to the state government, Oselloka Obaze and his younger brother and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Dubem Obaze.

Chike Obidigbo Dr. Chike Obidigbo was born in Umunya, Oyi Local Government area and currently, Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in the South East geopolitical zone.

Not only that, he established Hardis and Dromedas Limited, based in Enugu, Ebonyi and Umunya with a work force of over 1,000.

Obidigbo is of the opinion that despite the efforts of those who had governed the state since its creation, Anambra is still bedeviled with numerous socio-economic challenges.

From the opinions of the people from the zone, Obidigbo has a proven and verifiable track record of leadership and he is likely to proffer practical solutions to problems in the areas of youth empowerment, education, the economy, road network and health delivery among others.

Some of the people who spoke with The Nation in the state on the intention of Obidigbo, described him as a sincere person who, according to them, had been involved in charity works for many years in the state.

Paul Odenigbo An articulate aristocrat, who was the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Odenigbo’s humility and steadfastness, have got him almost every comfort.

A man born in Ayamelum local government area, Odenigbo has tasted it all from the financial to administrative positions, where he had distinguished himself.

Obi brought him into his cabinet in 2006 to advise him on local government and chieftaincy matters but later elevated him to the position of SSG, the position, he held till August, 2012.

The Nation gathered that virtually all the political egg heads in Anambra North are rooting for Odenigbo, and from rumours making the rounds, he may equally draw the attention of Obi’s All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA.)

Willie Obianyo An ex-banker from Aguleri in Anambra East Council area, William Obianyo was once an Executive Director in Fidelity Bank Plc and has a strong affinity with Obi. It is believed that he is the anointed man of Obi, though, without enough experience in politics like Senator Emma Anosike and Alex Obiogbolu.

Though popular in his domain and the corridors of financial institutions in the country, the odd against him is that he may have many people to contend with in his choice of party, APGA. Moreover, he needs more introduction in the political cycles in the state than the others.

Okey Umeano A medical practitioner from Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government area, Dr. Okey Umeano has been an active participant in Anambra politics and one of the founders of APGA. Currently, the state chairman of United Progressive Party, (UPP) and one-time National Assembly member in 1992, he moved the joint sitting motion on the termination of military regime in Nigeria on the 5th of May, 1993.

‘As the development stands, with the support of Obi and his foot soldiers, political analysts believe that the time to end the logjam and perceived marginalisation of the Anambra North people is now. How the game plays out eventually, only time will tell’

Most people believe that he has all it takes to rule the state, but the major problem he is likely to face is making his new party a popular one in the state.

Sen. Emma Anosike The only problem he is facing in his zone now is his acceptance of being Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s deputy during the 2010 governorship election in the state, when the north zone had decided that no person from the zone should accept anything less than governorship ticket in any party.

Apart from that issue, Anosike has been a political juggernaut in Anambra State and has what it takes to win the race for his people.

A strong member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with also strong affiliation in other parties, he once represented the zone at the senate before he was removed by the tribunal. He was also a member of the House of Representatives.

The sure joker for Anosike to enjoy the support of his people will be his doggedness and political sagacity, coupled with his love for the less-privileged, widows, and empowerment of the youth.

Alex Obiogbolu His humility and political awareness have really endeared him to the people of the state, though, not an Omabala man but hails from Onitsha, Dr Alex Obiogbolu is one of the people of Anambra State who has what it takes to lead the state to the promised land.

Most people in the state refer to him as “calculator.” Their main reason: His ability at solving every problem with his brain. But the only handicap he seems to have now is not about money, but the kind of party he belongs to.

His party, the PDP has been swimming in crisis in the state for many years, but to him, all hope appears not lost as the party is being repositioned by the current state chairman, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi and his lieutenants.

Apart from those mentioned, the people of Omabala, nay North Senatorial zone have vowed to end the marginalisation of their zone in the Anambra political cycles and as a result, they are ready to fight anybody individually and collectively.

As the development stands, with the support of Obi and his foot soldiers, political analysts believe that the time to end the logjam and perceived marginalisation of the Anambra North people is now. How the game plays out eventually, time will tell.

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POLITICS In what is reminiscent of the dark days when the late President Umaru Yar’Adua was flown to a Saudi Hospital, thus creating a vacuum in the presidency, the accident that sent Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai to a German hospital for treatment is creating tension in the state. Correspondent FANEN IHYNGO captures the general mood among politicians and government officials in the state.

CONSTITUTION REVIEW Trust fund for oil bearing communities

By Augustine Avwode, Assistantl Editor

Taraba divided over governor’s fate L

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HE plane crash involving Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai and some of his aides has been pushed into the political arena in the state.

If Suntai survives, he would come back to serve or rule a deeply divided state.

Suntai was on Thursday, October 25, involved in an crash, in a plane flown by him. Also on board the ill-fated Cessna 208 aircraft were his Aide de Camp (ADC) Dasat Iliya, the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Timo Dangana and his Chief Detail, Joel Dan. They all survived the mishap, but sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The governor is said to be recovering and this should be good news. But in Taraba, it is bad news to a host of people.

While millions of Nigerians are praying for the governor’s speedy recovery, many Taraba people have been found to behave in a way suggesting that they are more comfortable with the current state of affairs. The crash has shown that the state is gravely divided against itself. What is the governor’s sin? “Politics”, said an analyst.

When the accident occurred, it was first reported that the governor had died. It was appalling to learn that while some people were agonising, others publicly celebrated the news..

Investigation reveals that the polarisation is deepening by the day.

On Monday, a group of people protested in Jalingo, demanding the where abouts of the governor.

Sources even alleged that not a few political allies of Deputy Governor Alhaji Garba Umar had gone a step further to congratulate him over his boss’ accident, expressing optimism that the deputy governor will soon wear the governor’s crown.

Although, Umar who was only sworn in on October 5, to replace impeached Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi, has said he will never wish his boss dead.

“It has been my prayers that he recovers speedily”, he told journalists at a press briefing while reacting to gossips that a repeat of what happened when the late President Umaru YarAdua was flown to Saudi Arabia was in the making in the state.

But, importantly, what does the law say? Following the Yar’Adua incident that compelled the National Assembly to invoke the doctrine of neccesity as an ingenious way out of the constitutional logjam, the legislators, in 2010, amended the constitution to introduce an automatic take over by deputy governrs in acting capacity in the event that, for any reason, the governor is absent from his desk for three weeks. section 190 of the constitution, as amended, provides that 21 days is enough to invoke the section in the event that the chief executive at the state level fails to transmit to the House of Assembly a letter transferring power to his deputy in the interim. The same ap-

• Suntai

plies at the federal level in case the President fails to adhere to the provision of the amended section 145 of the Constitution.

Before the ill-fated incident, there were already growing concerns as to why the governor had chosen to be flying aircrafts by himself. A pharmacist, Suntai also holds a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) which he obtained in 2010, after attending the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria, Kaduna State. He successfully flew the Caravan Cessna plane to obtain his licence. Since then, he has been embarking on solo flights in his leisure or official trips.

But, given the risks involved, his opponents had argued that it was unwise of him to take the task of running a state and flying an aircraft at the same time; he should have employed the services of a pilot, they argued. Suntai’s opponents had also accused him of dedicating more time to flying than governance, especially as the road network in Taraba State is still largely underdeveloped. Even now that his condition is between life and death, many are still criticising him, wondering why the chief executive loved running around in a plane at the least opportunity when 90 per cent of Taraba masses were trekking and grappling with the vicious cycle of poverty.

The governor himself had once admitted that flying, to him, was more of a “passion.” Many had actually predicted the disaster before it finally occurredy..

When it occurred, the scientific or methodical reason was that, while approaching the Yola Airport for landing, Suntai lost contact with the Control Tower and the aircraft disappeared on the radar. His subsequent efforts to ascend with the aircraft failed.

Whether it was a hi-tech problem or a

blunder on his part, the biggest question many have been asking is, “why must the governor be flying himself?”.

Another issue is that the governor’s aides were flown abroad for treatment only after grim criticisms and protests from the victims’ families and other concerned Nigerians. Critics had challenged why the governor was treated “as a god while his subjects as dispensables” in an unfortunate accident which left all their mortal bodies injured. “What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander”, they held.

Before the crash, it was an open secret that Suntai was serving a politically polarised State, split into at least six factional groups. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform Suntai won his first and second terms, is fragmented. The state civil service is divided into two camps, with some aligning with the governor’s opponents. Then, there is religious division.

Suntai is a Christian, but because of the combination of his names, many take him for a Muslim faithful. Since the creation of the state on August 27, 1991, the Muslims have only played the second fiddle. There is no gainsaying that the Muslims are clamouring for a Muslim governor. The Christians, who believe they have the numerical edge over their Muslim brothers, have also been scheming how Suntai would successfully hand over the baton of power to another Christian in 2015.

Last but not the least is ethnic politics.

Taraba is made up of so many ethnic groups, with a total population of about 2.4 million. appointments are sometimes made to reflect ethnic diversity, rather than the state’s geo-political zones and or the individual’s experience. For instance, a Jukun governorship aspirant for 2015 believes the poll would be his, so also feels a Kuteb, a Kona, Fulani, Chamba, Wurukun oran Ichen.

The state has been ruled by only two ethnic groups,: by former Jolly Nyame, a Mumuye, and Suntai of Chamba extraction. Already, the political atmosphere in Taraba is charged, with allegations that Suntai was grooming another Mumuye to succeed him when he bows out in 2015. Amid these disputations, the days ahead are really uncertain in the aftermath of the governor’s plane crash. Power abhors vacuum. If Suntai does not survive or survives with incapacitation, his deputy, a Muslim would be constitutionally sworn in as governor. If his time to recover takes too long, Umar would also be sworn as acting governor. This has been the proverbial dry meat for the people of Taraba these days as no discussion has been complete without a mention of the injured governor’s condition and what it holds for the state.

If Umar takes charge, by freak of fate, as one analyst simply puts it: “the political direction will change”.

• Moderator of the event Prof Bayo Okunade, (left) Hon Abiodun Awoleye Representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency and ACN Chairman Ibadan North Local Government, Alhaji Akibu Animasahun at the public session on amendment of the 1999 Constitution in Ibadan last Saturday.

AST Saturday, the people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency at a public hearing held at the BB Hotel, Warri, reviewed sections of the constitution guiding revenue allocation and the electoral system.

The lead position that evetually led to the resolutions was presented by former Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Ziakede Aginighan.

Aginighan canvassed an amendment to Section 162 (2), which provides for 13 per cent derivation as a principle in the allocation of revenue from the Federation Account. He called for the establishment of a trust fund for oil producing communities into which the 13 per cent derivation provided for by the constitution would be paid. According to him, this will free the communities from the whims and caprices of state governors who use the fund for the development of areas other than those from which the resource is found.

“From 1999 when the Constitution came into effect, 13 per cent of oil mineral and gas revenue accruing to the Federation has been paid to the oil mineral and gas producing states in proportion to the quantum of oil and gas produced. It has been observed most of the States that have benefited from this constitutional provision have not recognised derivation in the disbursement of the funds they have received. The oil mineral and gas bearing communities have been at the mercy of powerful state governors, most of whom utilise the larger portion of derivation funds for areas that do not suffer environmental devastation arising from oil exploration and exploitation activities. Aginighan then went on to specifically ask for an amendment to reflect this thinking.

“The funds accruing to any state as derivation in respect of any natural resource shall be paid into a Trust Fund for the Natural Resources Producing Areas in each state. The Trust Fund shall have a Board of Trustees made up of representatives of the various natural resources bearing communities in each state appointed by the President upon confirmation by the Senate.

“The funds accruing to each state natural resources Trust Fund shall be utilised for the development of the various communities from which the resources are derived based on their respective priorities”, he stated.

Aginighan faulted the electoral system for not making provision for tracking “those who snatch ballot boxes and ballot papers for thumb-printing in private homes, those who sell and buy result sheets, those who announce election results when there was no voting.”

He warned that until that was done, Nigeria will “only produce elected leaders who have legality without legitimacy in the occupation of the various leadership positions in the country.”

• Aginighan

Ikorodu supports state police

By Jeremiah Oke

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KORODU Federal Constituency last Saturday expressed support for the establishment of state police by the Federal Government to complement the effort of the Nigeria Police Force. The people also supported the idea of maintaining the status-quo on tenure elongation. They insisted that the four year term is enough for any serious government to carry out enough projects for the good of the people.

On the State local Government Joint Account, they called for the removal of Section 162 (6) which provides for tt. They claimed that if the money is given to the local government councils directly from the Federal Government, they will be able to carry out more projects without waiting for financial approval from the state government.

They also voted in support of financial autonomy for the state House of Assembly like the National Assembly so as to carry out its assignment effectively. The people also took their stand on the vexed issue of indigenes and settlers. They maintained that settling in an area does not mean that such person has a right to contest for an election in the area since such a person cannot be regarded as an indigene. This was after several explanations by the chairman of the occasion Chief Babatunde Benson to the people to consider non-indigenes who have been with them for a while as indigenes. He urged them to learn from the way the people in the western world are granting foreigners who stay in their land the status of indigene after many years of staying with them. But his plea could not sway people.

Speaking on the issue of electoral reforms, they voted positively to amend the constitution to reverse the time bye-elections will be conducted if need be, and time limit for the determination of election petitions.

Immunity for top political office holders while still in office was believed by the people of the constituency to be encouraging corruption. They voted against section 308 of 1999 Constitution that provides for immunity for the President, Vice-President, governor and deputy governor while in office..

They implore the National Assembly to amend that aspect of the constitution for transparency.

The representative of the constituency Honorable Abike Dabiri Arewa assured the attendees that the National Assembly will do all it could to ensure that the constitution review reflects the true wish of the people on the issues brought forward across the country. She stressed further that the House will still need to compile the template across the six geo-political zones and deliberate on the outcome before preparing the amendment of the constitution.

The constituency was well represented by its delegates from the different locality in Ikorodu metropolis and its environs which held at the Ikorodu West Local Government • Mrs Dabiri-Erewa secretariat multi-purpose hall.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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Ndigbo elect leader in Sokoto

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DIGBO resident in Sokoto State have chosen a new king from among them.

He is Chief Ozor Tony Nweke, now known as Eze Igbo III. Members of the Sokoto Igbo Council drawn from the five Southeastern states freely elected their new leader.

Chief Nweke promised to ensure peaceful co-existence, harmony and inter-religious cooperation between the Igbo community and the host state.

Nweke succeeded Eze Muhammad C. Nwike who died last June 17, 2012 following a brief illness.

The position of Eze Igbo is open to any Igbo from the five Southeastern states resident in the state.

Addressing reporters at the Zuru Road NUJ Press Centre, Sokoto, chairman of the council, Chief Elder Stephen Akoma, said Chief Tony Nweke was chosen from three contestants after polling 14 votes against Chief Alfa C. Umeh, a former Special Adviser to former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa on Resident Communities.

The new Eze beat other contestants who polled nine and three votes.

“Anyone can be voted to the position, provided the aspirant hails from any of the five states,”

•Eze Nweke From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

said Akoma.

However, the Nweke will take office immediately.

The council chair said: “The new Eze Igbo will not assume office until after the final funeral rites are concluded in respect of the departed leader.

“He remains an Eze Igbo-elect until the one year period of mourning as part of funeral rites when the blessings of Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III will be sought at his installation,” Akoma said.

He appealed to Igbo resident in Sokoto to work for peace among themselves as well as in their host communities.

HE Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Bamitale Omole has pleaded with historians to make recommendations on the right institutional and policy strategy to help improve on the state of security in the country.

Delivering an address at the Conference of the Department of History and the Network of Nigerian Historians on the theme: “Nigeria and Security Challenges,” held at the university’s Conference Centre, Prof. Omole urged historians to dwell less on the obvious facts of security challenges in all parts of the country because, according to him, they are already well presented in the press. He added that they should pay more attention to what the lessons of history can offer in ameliorating the country’s current security problems.

Continuing, he said that the security problems and the huge resources invested in solving them are, perhaps, some of the most daunting challenges that any state built on the foundations of personal freedom and egalitarianism can ever have.

He said the conference was in tandem with the long-established traditions of the Department of History since the days of one of the country’s most celebrated icons, Isaac Adeagbo Akinjogbin (Professor Emeritus of History), to identify, interrogate and confront head on, some of the most topical issues in nation-building in Africa.

He said: “In fact, the first inaugural lecture that came from the Department and which was delivered by. Prof. Akinjogbin in this hall on November 28, 1977, was entitled:

A lift for youths, needy in Ekiti

“History and Nation Building.”

“This testifies the character of such long-established traditions and the tenor of scholarship in our Department of History.

“The significance of security in nation-building is further underscored by one of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Constitution, in its section 14 sub-section 2, paragraph (b) declares that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government...

“In other words, that fundamental law of Nigeria makes it imperative for the government to ensure that no other purpose of state should supersede the security of the people. That is why I take liberty to commend the organisers of this conference for attempting to intellectualise the most important purpose of government in Nigeria, security.”

Scholars, who spoke in turn at the conference organised by the Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in collaboration with the Network of Nigerian Historians, identified the need for social re-engineering, responsible and good governance, updating and total overhauling of the various security apparatus of the country as necessary tools for combating the security challenges which the country is experiencing.

They also agreed that, in the face of security threat occasioned by violent activities of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, policing and intelligence-gathering mechanism of the state are imperative to effective security operations.

They recommended the deployment of and effective use of modern technology in the provision of physical security.

The scholars also advised the government to address other forms of

insecurities like food insecurity, environmental insecurity, including flooding and desertification, economic insecurity, socio-religious insecurity among several others.

Advocating a brain-bank in the country for the articulation of all the various researches and knowledge-production of the country, the conference concluded that henceforth, intellectuals should begin to stand up for the actualisation of their discoveries.

In the first keynote address entitled “History in Security and Security in History,” Dr. Abiodun Alao from King’s College University of London, provided a comparative appraisal of nationhood and security challenges.

In his analysis, he traced the root cause of national insecurity in Africa to the European penetration of Africa.

Also, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, in his second keynote address entitled: “Nigeria’s Security Challenges in Historical Perspectives,” argued that Nigeria’s security problems are diverse, putting the greater blame on the masses.

Albert, who identified the inadequacies of historians in addressing the problem, also emphasised the problem of historiography in addressing issues in Nigeria, saying despite the end of colonialism, African people still put the blame on colonialism.

According to the organisers, the purpose of the conference was to discuss the pressing state of security challenges in Nigeria, noting that the conference was organised to identify the problems and ways to address them.

The conference attracted scholars from different academic backgrounds both nationally and internationally.

UNICEF, media fight malnutrition

•Continued from Page 13

ries, if it is sincere with its development and transformational agenda in boosting its economic potential “The rate of unemployment among the youth groups and women is alarming and it is an issue that calls for sober reflection because that is the why Nigeria has found it very difficult to develop economically.

“Today, youths are taking into armed robbery and other crimes as well as prostitution because they are not gainfully employed.

This is why the governments have to be passionate about the development of its youth population for economy to develop, because they are the active and productive population”, Faparusi said, adding: “No country had ever abandoned its youths and developed. They should be the focus of the economy. They should be wellequipped and positioned to drive the economy for Nigeria to move up. There should be interventions for them to have education, skills and leadership focus to guarantee the future of this country. That was why all my intervention programmes since elections have been centred on education and skills acquisition to complement the efforts of Governor Kayode Fayemi”.

He further said: “What we have given them are just palliatives.

Many others will still have their

Forum charts way out of insecurity

•Continued from Page 13

•A beneficiary

share, but above all, I have acquired lands for the purpose of building skill acquisition centres across the constituency where people will be able to get trained in vocations with more supports from us. That will, by God’s grace, commence next year.”

One of the beneficiaries, Chief Ajisafe Moses who got a car noted that the kind of experience in Ekiti in which thousands have so far benefitted from both state and national lawmakers and political office holders in the state across the three senatorial districts has turned peoples’ lives around dramatically.

Moses said: “This experience we are having is new in the state.

We are thankful to God and grateful to our lawmakers. We are not being disappointed however as we elected them and what we thought is what we are getting today especially from Hon. Faparusi.

According to Kunle Oloruntoba, it is total surprise that he could get nearly a hundred thousand naira worth motorcycle from Hon. Faparusi. I am grateful to our lawmaker for this great gift. I have been saving for this for a long time and I now have it without spending any amount.”

status. Thus, children with severe acute malnutrition are nine times likely to die from any causes than those who are not.

Without any intervention, severe acute malnutrition has up to 60% mortality risk.

UNICEF Media and External Relations Officer, Bauchi Field Office, Mr. Samuel Kaalu highlighted the magnitude of the crisis; how it has become a threat in the country, particularly the north.

Kaalu led the participants to visit a Community based Acute Malnutrition Management (CAMM) site, located at Malikawa Garu, Bichi local government area of Kano.

At the healthcare centre, where malnourished children were being treated, journalists could not believe what they saw. The affected kids looked very thin, emaciated

and skeletal. They were said to have lost appetite to eat. They were seen being rehabilitated.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the participants resolved to also contribute to the efforts being made by UNICEF, to redressing the situation, by increasing reportage on the severity of malnutrition and also to promote awareness among stakeholders.

They called on the public to support the campaign on exclusive breast feeding by mothers for the first six months of their lives.

The state governments of the 10 D Field Office were called to accelerate the establishment of State Statutory Food and Nutrition Committees and as well create a separate budget line for the implementation of State Nutrition Plan of Action.

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Uduaghan woos churches on good governance

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ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged religious institutions to help foster good governance in Nigeria, saying the country’s quest for people-oriented leadership must not be left in the hands of political leaders alone.

Uduaghan, who identified religious institutions as veritable organs in the total transformation of Nigeria, said unless religious leaders begin to see political lead-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

ership as an area that requires collective effort, the country’s renewed attempts at providing people-oriented government would elude it.

Delivering a keynote address through Mrs. Gloria Okolugbo, Delta State Commissioner, Directorate for Multi-lateral Relations in Abuja Office, at the National Leadership Conference of the Methodist Cathedral Church,

For us as a government, we have not rested on our search to provide good governance for the people. Since thousands of our people were displaced by flood, we have been there with them; we sleep with them, eat with them and share with them

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HE gathering was particularly unusual. As early as 10 am, little kids started streaming in, in colourful dresses, expecting to have the fun of a lifetime. It was at the 50th birthday party of the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on the Diaspora and the Ikorodu Federal Constituency representative at the lower House of the National Assembly, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

As part of her birthday celebration, she organised a funfair with the children at the expansive

•Hon. Dabiri-Erewa and the kids

Abuja, Uduaghan challenged the church in particular to provide points for search for good governance.

The governor, whose address centred on leadership and good governance, said it was in recognition of the need to provide purposeful leadership that his administration was concentrating on priority areas.

He said the issue of leadership and good governance was paramount in the life of his administration, saying this has been demonstrated in several areas since he assumed duty.

He particularly mentioned the part he has played since flood ravaged the state.

“For us as a government, we have not rested on our search to provide good governance for the people. Since thousands of our people were displaced by flood, we have been there with them; we sleep with them, eat with them

and share with them. This is leadership by example”, he said.

Uduaghan while noting that his state was worst hit by the flood, said he was consoled in the fact that God, according to the holy bible, would not end the world with flood the second time.

Delivering a paper on a theme: “Integrity and good governance promote peaceful co-existence,” Barrister Oyekola Omowunmi Iyabode, tasked leaders to see good governance as a service to the growth and development of the community.

He enjoined those who find themselves in positions of authority to shun corruption just as he said they must see integrity and moral principles key ingredients that bring about good governance.

“Corruption undermines good governance and fundamentally destroys the integrity of an organization”, he emphasised,

Dabiri-Erewa fetes kids

By Seyi Odewale and Jeremiah Oke

Funfactory, Itamaga Junction, Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos.

The event, which featured children of various backgrounds, Abike’s political friends, associates and traditional ruler of her community, market women who accompanied their children and wards to the arena, was one the kids will not forget in a hurry.

The lawmaker, following her faith, took children very seriously hence, feasting and partying with them. To her, they constitute her source of joy and happiness.

She said she celebrates with the children because she enjoys their company and that is why she has them on her scholarship and computer training programmes.

“Most of the things I do are with the children because I love them and I feel comfortable with

them. I love their company. Most of the programmes I do, I do them with the children and that is why I have more than 40 of them on my scholarship and I train over 300 of them in computer education.

“I find it very fulfilling with them; it is fun to be with them and I see it as fun to be in their midst,’ she said.

She used the occasion to distribute school materials such as bags; enclosed with books; mathematical sets and other writing materials to help their learning skills in their various schools.

The royal father of the occasion, the Ranodu of Imota, Oba Ajibade Bakare, said the lawmaker is a good ambassador of Ikorodu Division.

“She has proven herself to be a good representative and that is why you discover that she has been up and doing in the House of Representatives.

“I have never regretted supporting her during her campaign because she has contributed immensely to the development of the country as the Chairman, House Committee on the Diaspora and the Yoruba race. She is a woman of repute and I can vouch for her any time any day.

“You can see how she brought together the children of different backgrounds, regardless of their ethnic groups, financial backgrounds and religions; that shows that she does not discriminate and cares for children,” Oba Bakare said.

Among those that benefitted from her scholarship were the Anaele triplets who spoke glowingly about her. They said they have been benefitting from her kindness since 2004.

Chukwudi Anaele who spoke on behalf of others and the children at the event, said the law-

•Co •Uduaghan

adding “corruption will not diminish in the society until government makes all effort and takes necessary steps to increase the integrity of such a society. The incidence of corruption has risen and the peaceful tie among people of different faith, race colour has been greatly hampered”.

You can see how she brought together the children of different backgrounds, regardless of their ethnic groups, financial backgrounds and religions; that shows that she does not discriminate and cares for children maker was like their biological mother, considering how she has taken care of them.

“Hon. Dabiri is more or less a mother to all of us; she has given us, including my brothers, scholarships since we were in primary school and today we are almost finishing our university studies.

I am sure you all know what it takes to sponsor a child’s education to the university level, let alone more than 40 children. I wish her many more years on earth,” he prayed.

Dignitaries at the event included Oba Ajibade Bakare; Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Education, Otunba Ojo Martins; Senior Special Adviser on Education Hon. Saheed Ibiukunle; Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Alh Sherif Aniponle; Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Japhet Odesanya; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Chieftain, Chief Dele Olowu, among others.

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‘Imoke’s wife is our own Mary Slessor’

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OR her humanitarian efforts, the wife of Cross River State governor, Obioma Liyel-Imoke has been likened to the legendary Scottish missionary Mary Slessor.

Mrs Imoke has been fighting the cause of women and children, especially vulnerable and endangered ones, a passion that is similar to the life work of Slessor, famed for her fight against the killing of twins.

The state chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ntufam John Okon commended the governor’s wife, saying her humanitarian work has given hope to vulnerable and lessprivileged persons in the society.

Ntufam Okon gave the commendation during the opening ceremony of a skills

acquisition programme initiated by the wife of Akamkpa Local Government Council Mrs. Maureen Nkiri at Oban in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the State. He recalled the efforts of Mrs. Imoke, in the passage of Child Rights Law in the state.

The PDP chairman noted that her passion for women and children cannot be overemphasised as her programmes: Destiny’s Child Centre and Mothers’ Against Child Abandonment have provided a resettlement home for rehabilitation and reintegration of erstwhile street children and saved abandoned babies and teenage pregnant girls. The chairman who described Mrs. Imoke as the Mary Slessor of our

Mrs Imoke has been fighting the cause of women and children, especially vulnerable and endangered ones, a passion that is similar to the life work of Slessor, famed for her fight against the killing of twins

time, advised her to be focused in carrying out her selfless service to mankind irrespective of any campaign of calumny by her detractors.

He also lauded the state governor for his purposeful leadership which has promoted unity in spite of the injustice meted out to the state through the loss of oil wells and Bakassi and however assured that injustice cannot thrive for too long in Nigeria.

The wife of the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Mrs. Denis Nkiri who initiated the skill acquisition programme, maintained that she also has a passion to improve the welfare of young women and children.

She said: “Young women are the lifewire of every society and when you train a woman you train a nation and for a woman to excel, she needs a basic source of income and this is the reason we are gathered here today.”

She disclosed that many types of equipment have been acquired for the training of young women who are desirous of changing their economic status. She encouraged them to make

genuine efforts to assimilate skills of their choice in order to become experts in their economic base in line with the millennium goals 1 and 3 which, according to her, seek to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger and promote gender equality and women empowerment.

Mrs. Nkiri, who commended the wife of the governor for her exemplary role stated that the skill acquisition programme was a follow-up of the one on activation of women development centres in various Local Government Areas initiated by the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) in partnership with Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Addressing the crowd, Mrs. Liyel-Imoke called on other chairpersons to replicate her empowerment programmes in their various Local Government Councils. She thanked Mrs. Nkiri for empowering the women through skills acquisition which she said would eradicate poverty and hunger. She expressed happiness over the level of development in Akamkpa LGA and stated that the Imoke-led

E

•From left: Executive Director, AYICRIP, Chris Ibe; Gender Officer, Hilda Ugochukwu and Kingsley Nwanze at the press briefing

T

‘Compensate families of slain Uniport, HE Executive Director of Mubi students’ African Youth Initiatives

on Crime Prevention (AYICRIP), Chris Ibe has called on the federal government to adequately compensate the families of the slain four students of University of Port Harcourt as well as the 40 killed in Mubi, Adamawa State.

Ibe made this call at a press briefing held ahead of a two-day National Youth Symposium on Crime Prevention and Crime Prevention Award organised by AYCRIP. The award will hold on November 28 and 29, 2012 at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Justice, Abuja.

The programme titled: Nigeria Youths and The Roadmap to National Security, Peace and Cultural Integration: The Crime Prevention Strategy will bring together youths, security experts, government agencies and civil society groups.

According to him, the present

By Adeola Ogunlade

state of insecurity in Nigeria calls for great concern as the human and social consequences are compelling, from physical abuse, psychological and emotional trauma, to the economic and political implications of unabated crime.

He said that the recent Mubi and Aluu incidents bring to memory the barbaric and unwholesome human relationship in the primitive era.

“Today, our educational institutions and communities are held hostage by different groups of criminals, terrorists and cultists who also made instruments to perpetuate crime either as political thugs, kidnappers, assassins and suicide bombers.

“We call, in strong terms, on the federal, state and local governments where the gruesome murder of our dear and promising youths took place to adequate

compensate the families of the victims as it is the responsibility of government to protect not only the lives of her citizens but also properties,” he said.

Ibe added that in the event that the government fails to compensate the families of these victims of its “carelessness as requested by us, we would be left with no other option than to seek redress with legal and civil instruments up to international level as we will no longer fold our hands and see the future of our dear nation being eroded with levity and impunity.”

The symposium is designed to bring 500 youths together for the purpose of sensitising them on the dangers and repercussions associated with crime as well as to inspire and develop their capacity towards becoming change agents in their various communities.

LDERS of West Senatorial District in Bayelsa State have commended the performance of the Governor Seriake Dickson administration.

The elders, one of who was Chief Alex Ekiotene, chronicled what they called Dickson’s developmental strides since he took office, saying the governor has done well.

Politicians such as Chief Thompson Okorotie, Chief Abeki Ebikake, Chief Fedude Zimugha and Chief Joseph Atteh were also among the elders who hailed the governor.

In a chat with reporters in Yenagoa, the state capital, Chief Ekiotene, who chaired the group, noted the planning and implementation stages of the governor’s vision and mission.

They noted that the implementation of what the governor promised Bayelsans during his electioneering campaigns has shown that the state now has a listening government.

Chief Ekiotene said that the administration touched virtually all aspects needed for the development of the state.

According to him, Dickson has taken giant strides in the areas of security, education, human capacity and infrastructural development.

He said the hitherto turbulent state has witnessed peace within the short period of his government.

“As a Bayelsan genuinely passionate about the rapid transformation of our dear state for the benefit of today and our future generation, I encourage the noble course of the restoration programme by making clear com-

•Mrs Imoke

administration is poised to taking government to those who need it most. She encouraged the women to be proactive so as to gain more knowledge that would better the lots of their families.

The paramount rural of Akamkpa Ntufam Imayip, wife of the member representing Akamkpa in the House of Representatives, Mrs. Ekanem Daniel Asuquo and the wife of the PDP state chairman Mrs. Iquo Ntufam John Okon urged the women to take the training seriously and also form cooperatives to enable them further benefit from government gestures.

Elders hail Dickson on development From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

mendations where they are indeed deserved,” noted Ekiotene.

He pointed out the setting up of a special security outfit to ensure peace, the setting aside of N1 billion for overseas scholarship programme, the state of emergency on the education sector, the anticultism laws, the anti-corruption crusade, the political will to ban okada in the state, amongst other notable strides of the governor, shows that he’s determined to make a difference to take the state forward.

He said: “I praise Governor Dickson for his show of strong will and determination to effect the ban on okada in the overall interest of Bayelsans no matter whose ox was gored.

“Governor Dickson also deserves to be commended for his selfless, patriotism to the state by causing the audit of local Government Councils to free funds for development in the rural areas”.

Chief Okorotie said: “We now have a government that pays attention to the development of our children. No day passes without the governor taking a definite stand on issues.” ”Governor Dickson has been able to implement his formative ideas; he has proved that he was not just merely saying what he wanted to do but he took action to actualise his words.”

I praise Governor Dickson for his show of strong will and determination to effect the ban on okada in the overall interest of Bayelsans no matter whose ox was gored

52

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

What we want to achieve with this clinic is empowerment of our youths. We want to prepare them far ahead of the competition at Ibadan and therefore give them an edge.

This kind of programme would, no doubt, help them to be self-employed and be employers of labour

Osun partners NGO on jobs

T

HE Osun State government has done it again. Through the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the Rauf Aregbesola administration, in collaboration with Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), has restated its commitment to improving the lot of young women.

Lately, a business clinic was organised at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Local Government Service Commission in Abere Osogbo, for more than 300 women between the ages of 18 and 45. They were trained on how to write and develop business plans for their business ideas.

Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWIN) and the Federal Ministries of Finance, Communication and Technology, Youth Development, Women Affairs and Social Development provided a platform for the youth to express their business ideas and also an avenue of financial support to see them through.

One of the resource persons at the workshop, Mr. Ayo Ekisanya, who is a consultant to Women in Management, Business and Public Service, disclosed that the first edition of YouWin programme of the Federal Government was launched in October, 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, where he said 1,200 youths became successful in a competition. He said the lucky youths were given grants of between N1m and N10m to grow their businesses.

According to the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Mofolake Adetoun Adegboyega, the business clinic which the Osun State is working in partnership with WIMBIZ , YouWIN and others was designed to give technical assistance to the youth from the state ahead of the zonal competition coming up in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital later this year. She said: “What we want to achieve with this clinic is empowerment of our youths. We want

to prepare them far ahead of the competition at Ibadan and therefore give them an edge. This kind of prog r a m m e would, no doubt, help them to be self-employed and be employers of labour. Last year, when the programme was done, very few women participated with only about 18 per cent putting in applications and this prompted Mr. President to insist that this year’s e d i t i o n should be for w o m e n

•Participants at the workshop

alone.”

The Executive Secretary of WIMBIZ, Fati Omobolaji, disclosed that 50 candidates from each state of the federation would be picked to participate in the competition.

Describing the process of picking the best candidates with quality business ideas and plans as faceless, she said participants would do the registration, filling of forms and submission of their business proposals on line.

The Commandant of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, Col. Oyewole Eni-Ibukun (rtd) said 15 candidates from each of the 30 local government areas of the state and one area office of the state were

picked from the Aregbesola’s Youth Employment Generation Initiative, (OYES).

He also said that the Federal Government’s programme to support the youth would surely benefit the country.

Three participants among the 300 invited for the programme, Rukiyat Aremu from Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area, Theresa Ogundeji from Ifelodun Local Government Area, and Abake Oyewole from Ife Central expressed their gratitude to Osun State government and WIMBIZ for the clinic which they believed would leverage them at the competition.

•From left: Former Chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area Hon Kayode Oseni; Member, House of Representatives Hon Aliu Kazeem; Chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area Hon Hakeem Bamgbola and a community leader, Prince Charles Ekundayo during the review of the constitution at Aguda Muslim Praying Ground, Aguda, Lagos.

Ogun restates commitment to affordable housing

T

HE Ogun State Ministry of Housing’s share of 12 per cent of the N215 billion of the proposed 2013 state budget, would be channelled to the provision of affordable housing for the people of the state.

This captured the state’s commitment to quality, yet inexpensive housing for its people, a longstanding policy of the Ibikunle Amosun administration.

Governor Amosun who gave this assurance at a two-day budget breakdown session held at the Oba’s complex, OkeMosan, Abeokuta, said the housing scheme would cut across higher, medium and low income earners.

He said that housing will receive priority attention and that the new housing units will also be equipped with necessary infrastructure to make, while existing estates would get a facelift with improved facilities.

Speaking with the reporters after the session, the state commissioner for Housing, Mr. Daniel Adejobi expressed optimism that his ministry would open up new housing estates in the coming

•Governor Amosun

year, as existing ones were already being completed across the state.

He said his ministry was already preparing the ground for a landmark achievement by ensuring that the new structures meet international standard.

Adejobi noted that the mode of payment for ownership of the houses would be by installments, through mortgage financing, after the down payment of 20 per cent.

Amosun said that housing will receive priority attention and that the new stuctures will be equipped with necessary infrastructure, while existing estates will get a facelift with improved facilities

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

53

NEWS

Banks stop N100 ATM charges

D

EPOSIT Money Banks (DMBs) have agreed to wave the N100 charge imposed on Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transactions across banks, the Group Managing Director of FirstBank, Bisi Onasanya, has said.

Onasanya, who spoke at the end of the Bankers’ Committee’s Meeting in Abuja, yesterday, said the lenders have decided to stop charges for use of ATMs. He said: “At present when you use the ATM of a bank other than your own bank, there is a charge of N100, which is borne by the account holder. We have decided that we will work out the modalities and ensure that with immediate effect, we would pass on the cost to the respective banks, which would bear the cost of this service. No matter where you are drawing your money from, you would not be subjected to any charge for using the ATMs”.

He explained “this does not cover withdrawals from inside the banking halls. For customers of FirstBank to

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

use the ATM of GTBank is free; you no longer have to bear any cost,” he said.

Onasanya said the banks have been directed to go back to the drawing board and take a decision as to how this cost will be borne by them. He said: “We need to understand that these services have some inherent costs. What we have just decided is that banks will no longer be passing this cost to their customers.

“What we need to do now is work out the modalities, and it should be in a very short period of time because we are all committed to it and it was a unanimous decision of the bankers committee.” He added that the decision to stop charging customers for using ATMs, borders on the need for banks to follow the global trend.

He said in some parts of the world, when you use your card on most of the ATM networks, you don’t have a charge, stating that although there were costs

• Onasanya

involved in doing this, the Bankers’ Committee agreed “to give back to the society some form of what we benefited from the system”.

The lenders he said that felt that since they are doing well, they need to encourage the rest of the community to be part of the success story.

So we felt that we should be able to bear the cost as a way of cushioning the impact of whatever the situation is in the economy today,” he added.

The burden of this decision and the cost implication that the banks are carrying he lamented “are not low but as responsible corporate citizens we do not want to pass this cost on to the public, we will bear the cost,” he said.

PIB: PENGASSAN urges dialogue with be conducive enviHE Petroleum and stakeholders should ronment for the investors,” Natural Gas Senior

T

Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has urged the Federal Government to consult with relevant stakeholders on the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law.

Speaking at an oil workers workshop on PIB by the association and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in Calabar, yesterday, President of PENGASSAN, Comrade Babatunde Ogun, called on the Federal Government not to be draconian in the passage of the bill, as they will resist such move.

Mr. Ogun said the bill has some challenges that should be sorted out before passage

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

into law.

He said: “Every Nigerian solidly believes that there is need for change. As we speak, we are engaging every stakeholder. The Bill as it is has some challenges that we believe should be addressed by the unions and stakeholders in the oil and gas to add value to it.

“We must not use draconian law to pass the Bill, that is why the unions are saying, let us engage government, bring all stakeholders to look at it and see what happens internationally. As oil and gas workers, we strongly believe that Nigerians must not be shortchanged and that there

he said.

He said part of the reasons for the workshop was for members of the two unions and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry who add value to government affairs to look at the Bill critically, and proffer solutions on the best way to go about it.

The facilitator of the workshop and Research Fellow with the Centre for Public Policy, Dr. Olufemi Olanrewaju, said the importance of the PIB should not be underestimated, adding that the workshop seeks to look at the contents of the bill and see where the challenges lie so as to proffer solutions.

Domestic airlines to instal safety gadgets HE Nigerian Civil you can do in one day. After in aircraft Aviation Authority that, no aeroplane would

T

(NCAA) has given domestic airlines a sixmonths ultimatum to install the newest safety gadgetAutomated Flight Information Reporting System (AFIRS) in their aircraft or face severe sanctions.

The Director-General, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, gave the directive yesterday in Lagos at the ongoing Airbus Industry workshop training for indigenous airline operators.

He said airline operators were interested in installing the equipment in their

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

airplanes, adding that it cost NCAA about $30,000 to acquire and install the equipment in its headquarters in Lagos.

He said it would cost them more, but they could pay installmentally to the manufacturer of the equipment after the initial payment of about $60,000 per aircraft.

He said: “I think we are giving them six months to install the gadgets in their airplanes. We need to give them time. It is not a thing

operate in the public category carrying passengers, or for hire.

“Any snag would be detected automatically. Every one of them wants to do it.

Look, if you think this is expensive, go and try accident.

It is the latest in the world.

You know we have been complaining that pilots don’t record snags in their logbooks, but this automatically records everything.

You can’t hide or change it.

Everyone would have it; the airline and even the NCAA,”he stated.

Nigeria to adopt cash-based IPSAS in IGERIA is to adopt Ngama said Nigeria was fine Jan. 2013 the cash version of tuning the process to make

N

the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in January 2013.

Stung into action by the adoption of IPSAS by countries, such as Ghana, Benin Republic and Kenya, who started the process after Nigeria, the Federal Government has moved to adopt one of the two version in

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

January 2013.

The second version, the Accrual version will be adopted in 2015. Addressing reporters at a stakeholders’ workshop on the roadmap for the adoption of IPSAS in Nigeria in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of State for Finance Dr. Yerima Lawan

the adoption of IPSAS suitable to Nigeria.

To this end, a sub-committee, he said, has been mandated to come up with “a draft format of the National Standard Uniform Chart of Accounts, Budget and General purpose financial statements that will meet international best practices as required by IPSAS.”

54

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-11-12

Equities lose N102b, index drops 1.2% Q

UOTED equities at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) lost N102 billion in market value yesterday as the bearishness at the stock market persisted.

The All Share Index (ASI) dropped by 1.2 per cent to close at 26,290.42 points.

Market capitalisation also reduced by N102 billion or 1.2 per cent to close at N8.378 trillion.

Analysts said low posture of the market in the previous two trading days appeared to have cast shadow on yesterday’s transactions in the light of weak breadth that skewed in favour of bearish trades. Bearish trades enlarged to 31 against 12 advancers.

The presence of some highly capitalised stocks such as First Bank, Zenith, NB, Access, GT Bank, Nestle, PZ, ETI and UBA significantly impacted on Tuesday’s return.

The impact of continuous value depletion on the following stocks - First

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Bank, Diamond Bank, GT Bank, Nestle and UBA were equally significant.

These stocks on Monday recorded value drop and a further reduction followed yesterday.

Others that joined the league were Nigerian Breweries, Zenith Bank, Dangote Sugar and Dangote Four. The combination of these stocks pulled down the key indicators of the market.

In all, a total of 43 stocks recorded value change with 12 improving their worth while the remaining 31 shed weight.

Flour Mills, which was one of the strong force that pulled the indicators down yesterday returned to the positive side with price appreciation of N3.15 to close at N66.15. The stock led the gainers’ table with five per cent growth. That was the only five per cent recorded by the market on the gainers’ table.

This was followed by Air

Services with a gain of N0.12 to close at N2.62.

Others on the list were Wema Bank, Japaul Oil, Oando, Nascon, Fidelity Bank, UPL, Ashaka Cement and Wapco.

On the losers’ table, Academy Press led with a drop of N0.36 to close at N3.33 followed by Red Star Express with price fall of N0.28 to close at N2.90. Also on the list were Nestle, Julius Berger, May & Baker, Livestock, Mansard, Wapic, Unity Bank and Sterling Bank.

In all, investors traded 258.583 million shares worth N2.226 billion in 4,576 deals. The financial services sector was the most sought after with 183.903 million shares worth N1.231 billion in 2,666 deals.

The oil & gas sector trailed with 26.022 million shares worth N31.255 million in 237 deals. Beko Petroleum Products was the major driver in the sector with 20 million units of shares worth N10 million.

Other actively traded sectors were consumer goods, conglomerates, industrial goods and services with 19.608 million shares, 14.750 million shares, 6.150 million shares and 4.869 million shares.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-11-12

55

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

MONEY LINK

CBN to harmonise account opening forms

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is working on harmonising all account opening forms for commercial banks in the country.

In a circular to commercial banks and Other Financial Institutions (OFIs), released yesterday, the apex bank said it took the step to forestall the use of the accounts for money laundering and financial terrorism by bank customers.

The circular signed by CBN Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Obot U.A, said the absence of uniformity in

Stories by Collins Nweze

account opening procedure and documentation for prospective customers has continued to hinder the effectiveness of Know Your Customer requirement in banks and OFIs. He said the apex bank has prepared a draft copy of the proposed form, and directed banks and OFIs to make inputs to enable it approve the final copy for implementation by the lenders.

The Director said that the adverse effect of this on the

fight against money laundering and combating of financial terrorism cannot be overemphasised.

Obot explained that the apex bank, in conjunction with the Committee of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks of Nigeria, developed draft uniform account opening forms for adoption by banks and OFIs in order to increase the effectiveness of customer due diligence, comply with anti-money laundering /combating the financial terrorism (AML/ CFT) standards.

Such plan, he added, will also facilitate quick investigation of financial crimes by relevant agencies. For review therefore, are all account opening form for individuals, companies, partnership and sole proprietorship, and for designated nonfinancial businesses and profession.

The banking watchdog said implementation of risk-based supervision to combating money laundering and terrorist financing depends on a sound understanding of the threats and vulnerabilities of

Lagos starts price discovery on N80b bond sale

L

told Bloomberg News by phone yesterday. The proposed size of the issue may change once the book- building process has been completed, according to a term sheet obtained by Bloomberg News.

The proceeds from the sale would be used to fund infrastructure projects including an urban rail line to help ease traffic congestion in Lagos, Governor Babatunde Fashola,

AGOS State has started a process to gauge investor interest in its proposed seven-year N80 billion ($507 million) bond sale.

Coupon guidance has been given at 12.75 per cent to 14 per cent with order requests closing on November 19, Jude Chiemeka, chief executive officer of Lagos-based Chapel Hill Denham Securities Ltd., the sale’s lead book-runner,

after JPMorgan Chase & Co. announced in August that it will add the country’s bonds to its GBI-EM index series from October 1. The yield on the 16.39 per cent federal government naira debt due 2022 has dropped 339 basis points to 12.74 per cent since the start of August, according to data compiled by the Financial Markets Dealers Association.

said in an October 27 interview. Lagos state first issued debt in 2008, when it sold N50 billion of five-year securities with a 13 per cent coupon. It concluded a N50 billion, seven-year bond sale in April 2010 at a 10 per cent coupon, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The planned sale comes after borrowing costs for Federal Government dropped

DMO appoints Stabic IBTC govt’s stockbroker

T

HE Debt Management Office (DMO) has appointed Stanbic IBTC stockbrokersLimited as the government’s stockholder.

DMO’s Director-General, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, said the firm’s responsibility will include providing prices for FGN bonds on the floor of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), so that

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

investors, especially retail investors who wish to buy or sell FGN bonds can do so.

He explained that the firm will liaise with “the DMO, NSE, other stockbrokers, as well as market participants to ensure that all activities in FGN bonds and other FGN securities that may be listed in

future are effected smoothly.”

He said: “Investors can now access FGN bonds on the NSE, while the investing public can now diversify their portfolio further by introducing bonds. It will provide an opportunity for investors to earn regular income on their investments through coupons paid on FGN bonds and it will be an additional and

assured means through which investors can sell their FGN bonds before maturity.

With the appointment of a government stockbroker, Nwankwo noted that further stimulus will be introduced for the bond segment as well as higher volume of transaction both of which will benefit the capital market.

FGN BONDS 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

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

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 13-11-12 SYMBOL

FLOURMILL AIRSERVICE WEMABANK JAPAULOIL OANDO NASCON FIDELITYBK UPL ASHAKACEM WAPCO

O/PRICE

63.00 2.50 0.52 0.57 11.80 6.01 2.06 4.57 18.01 57.51

O/PRICE 3.69 3.18 629.50 30.61 1.69 1.55 1.84 0.54 0.55 1.55

designed to appreciate and encourage both existing and new Access Early Savers account holders towards a sustained, responsible and independent financial practices. The Access Early Savers Back to School campaign started in November and ends on December 31, 2012.

The bank’s Divisional Director, Retail Banking Division, Obinna Nwosu, said: “The Access Early Savers Back to School Campaign initiative is part of Access Bank’s resolve to promote continued financial responsibility and independence amongst the younger generation.”

C/PRICE

66.15 2.62 0.54 0.58 12.00 6.10 2.09 4.59 18.08 57.62

CHANGE

5.00 4.80 3.85 1.75 1.69 1.50 1.46 0.44 0.39 0.19

C/PRICE 3.33 2.90 581.00 29.10 1.61 1.48 1.76 0.52 0.53 1.50

CHANGE 9.76 8.81 7.70 4.93 4.73 4.52 4.35 3.70 3.64 3.23

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

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

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

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 Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

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

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

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

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

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 13-11-12

SYMBOL ACADEMY REDSTAREX NESTLE JBERGER MAYBAKER LIVESTOCK MANSARD WAPIC UNITYBNK STERLNBANK

Access unveils educational product

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

vision in its revised recommendations issued last February.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

A

CCESS Bank has launched the ‘Access Early Savers Back to School Campaign’ as a way of promoting financial literacy amongst children.

This initiative according to a statement, is coming on the heels of the bank’s strategic partnership with Nickelodeon a global family entertainment brand to drive its financial inclusion strategy for kids, parents and educators.

The bank said it recently launched a bespoke children financial product called ‘Access Early Savers Account’ with the intent of inculcating savings culture in the Nigerian children. The introduction of the product has significantly transformed children financial product offering in the Nigerian banking landscape.

The product, it said, is exploring fun-filled and highly interactive financial literacy campaign to reach Nigerian children. It is a reward scheme

•CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

the menace to each financial institution in particular and entire financial industry in general.

The apex bank has commenced full implementation of its anti-money laundering /combating the financial terrorism (AML/ CFT) risk-based supervision framework, it issued in 2011.

The CBN said the measure is further supported by the importance the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) attached to the risk-based approach to AML/CFT super-

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 126.23 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 124.91 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.79 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.11 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.96 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,740.91 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 10.45 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 9,058.74 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 125.92 124.12 0.76 1.11 0.94 1,733.86 9.94 1.33 1.80 8,827.50 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

56

CITYBEATS

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

Assembly invites LASU VC over tuition fee THE Lagos State House of Assembly has directed its Committee on Education to invite the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Prof John Obafunwa, for allegedly failing to comply with the resolution on payment of tuition fee.

Also to be invited is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Fatai Olukoga.

The House had passed a resolution that the university should allow students to pay the contentious fee in two instalments - 70 per cent was to be paid first, while the remaining 30 per cent should be paid before examination.

But the university, directed all students to pay up on or before, November 16, or risk forfeiting their admission.

Under Matters of Urgent Public Importance during plenary yesterday, Segun Olulade(Epe 2 Constituency) raised a motion directing the lawmakers’ attention to the university’s alleged disrespect for their resolution.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

“I want to implore the House to urgently come to the aid of students who have been directed to pay their tuition fee before Friday or forfeit their admission. These students have passed the necessary exams, why should they be forced to pay out rightly after we have resolved that the payment can be made on instalments?” he queried.

Rotimi Olowo (Shomolu Constituency 1), wondered what has happened to the N250 million provided as “a palliative measure in the 2012 budget estimates” for the institution.

Abiodun Tobun (Epe Constituency 1) also queried the decision of the school, saying “there is public gazette by the LASU authority that the students would pay in 70/30 instalment, but unfortunately when the students got to the bank, they were told they can only pay the total amount at a go.”

Ladipo traders leadership SOME at the Aguiyi Ironsi In- row worsens ternational Market, Ladipo, Lagos, yesterday protested what they call the continued detention of their leader Mr Jonathan Okoli at Ikoyi Prison.

The traders urged the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, to investigate the matter for which he is being held.

The traders’ secretary, Mr Chris Ibegbunam, said there was no proper investigation by the police before Okoli was charged to court, fuelling rumours that a female commissioner of Police at the Force Headquarters Abuja, is bent on her son becoming the market’s leader.

But other traders protested

By Jude Isiguzo

at Mushin Local Government Headquarters.

The traders, under the auspices of Aguiyi Ironsi Trade Centre Amalgamated Traders Association, alleged that the ‘illegal leadership of the market under Okoli had made the environment unconducive for business. According to them, Okoli is holding on to the post of the president after the expiration of his two-year tenure since 2009.

“What is happening in Aguiyi Ironsi Market, Ladipo Mushin is a debacle and complete breakdown of law and order,” said a protest letter signed by Mr. Uche E. Ekpo.

GUS 9: End of the road for Uzor

•Nweke

•The recovered firearms and ammunition.

Bloody Sunday: Police arrest ‘arms dealer’

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HE Police have made a breakthrough in their investigation of the Lagos Bloody Sunday robbery, with the arrest of the gang’s arms supplier.

Emmanuel Tochukwu Nweke, who is based in Malavil, Benin Republic, was arrested at Sea Park Hotel, Asaba, Delta State.

A Benin Republic based Ghanaian gunrunner identified simply as Alhaji Zulu has also been declared wanted by the police in connection with the robbery.

Nweke was arrested on November 7, after operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos, led by its Commander, Mr Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police (SP), invaded the hotel following

By Jude Isiguzo and Ebele Boniface

the statements of two suspects, Akindele Akinyemi and Emmanuel Ehianeta.

The suspects, from whom the police recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one GPMG,97 AK47 rifle magazines, 5172 rounds of AK47 rifle live ammunition, 619 GPMG live ammunition and 180 .9mm live ammunition, had confessed that they got their supplies from Nweke.

It was gathered that the police deployed all their arsenal in the manhunt for Nweke.

Police Chief, Umar Manko, who paraded the suspects said two AK47 rifles with scraped serial numbers, 750 live ammunition and 14 AK47 maga-

zines were recovered from Nweke. They were concealed in a specially constructed compartment under the back seat of Nweke’s Mercedes Benz car with registration number DA307 ENU. Nweke led policemen to arrest another suspect, Nonso Ndubuisi, whom he had earlier supplied four AK47 rifles, in Onitsha. Also arrested were other members of the gang, Segun Runsewe and Isiaka Lawal.

Speaking with The Nation during the parade, Nweke claimed he did not know that the other suspects are armed robbers.

“They approached me for arms and ammunition but they did not tell me they are armed robbers. They said they are illegal bunker and needed the arms

for protection against any attack.

“I sold two machine guns to them at 3.8million CFA each and I bought them at 3million CFA each from Alhaji Zulu. I have lost count of the number of AK47 rifles I sold to them but I buy at 1million CFA and sell to them for 2million CFA each. For each pack of bullet I sell for 15,000 CFA each and I have also lost count of the number of packs I have sold to them”, Nweke said.

Ndubuisi told The Nation that he bought only two AK47 rifles from Nweke at N285,600 and sold to the gang for N340,000.

On how he was arrested, he said: “Nweke called on phone that he needed some money to attend a burial, I did not know that SARS operatives had tracked my number. It was when I went to the hotel to give him the money that I was arrested”.

Runsewe, the gang’s native doctor, said he was contracted

by Ehianeta and was paid for every job.

Police said it was Ehianeta that led the First Bank robbery in Kwara State the day after the gang operated in Lagos.

Manko said police were still on the trail of Zulu and other suspects who are on the run

Fashola’s wife impersonated on Facebook

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zor Osimpka became the second contestant to be evicted from Gulder Ultimate Search 9 in an unusual way. The first was Ayo Ojueromi who got evicted in Episode 6 for misplacing her Golden key. Uzor was sent packing for relieving herself of the burden of the Stump of Shame: she removed it from her leg twice. It is forbidden for contestants to remove the Stump of Shame unless directed to do so by Chidi Mokeme, the Anchor man.

Uzor’s shocking eviction confirms Onyinye Udodi as last girl standing, which attracts a special prize of N1 million. Onyinye also won the day’s challenge, making ita double victory for her. It marked the first time she won a solo task. With the feat, she became Head Warrior of the camp.

The day’s challenge was ‘Prison Break’. The survivors were suspended via a harness in a caged prison. They were to free themselves using keys to unlock padlocks. The first key would unlock the padlock which secured them to suspended

U

harnesses while the second key would open the padlock to their cages thus setting them free. The keys hung from bamboos placed at a distance from their cages and they had to make poles out of sticks to enable them retrieve the keys.

After getting out of prison, they were to race across a river to unlock a chest and obtain a piece of puzzle with the keys which they obtained from Episode 20’s task.

Paschal Eronmose finished second, Nuhu Zigwayi emerged third while Adah James was last to complete the task. For his dismal performance, James was once again burdened with the Stump of Shame.

Paschal was also directed to submit the three pieces of calabash which was kept under his care by the Council of Elders, for emerging victorious in various tasks.

The Gatekeepers’ Fortune, as GUS 9 is called, continues tonight on AIT, African Magic World (DSTV), Real Star (Star Times), AKBC, Uyo and ITV (Benin) at 10pm.

HE Lagos State Governor's Office yesterday urged the public to be wary of a Facebook account purportedly operated by the First Lady, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola.

In a statement, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Mr. Hakeem Bello described the facebook account as fake.

“The Governor's Office recently noticed the activities of impostors posing as the governor's wife on Facebook and a subsequent investigation revealed that four different Facebook accounts exist in the First Lady's name”.

The statement said Mrs. Fashola does not operate any Facebook, twitter or social media account, describing any such existing account as impersonation.

"For the avoidance of doubt,

•One of the fake pages of Fashola’s wife on facebook

the First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola does not operate any Facebook, twitter or

indeed any social media account," the statement said.

Describing impersonation as a criminal offence, the state-

ment urged the public to beware of falling victim to fraudsters impersonating the First Lady on Facebook or on any social media platform.

‘Sports festival's facilities ready weekend’

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AGOS State Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, yesterday said facilities for the forthcoming National Sports Festival would be ready this weekend.

The Deputy Governor, who is also Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, (LOC) spoke after inspecting the facilities.

Mrs Orelope-Adefulire, who

By Miriam Ndikanwu

brifed reporters after the tour, said the contractors would be put on their toes to complete the work in time.

Areas visited included Rowe Park Sports Centres, Yaba and University of Lagos Sports Centre. She also took inventory of beddings, mattresses, mosquito nets, buckets as well as the El-Kanemi and Queen Amina Hall where the athletes

will be sheltered.

"I think so far, we have made so much progress and we are prepared and ready to host and receive our visitors, athletes and officials from all parts of the country. In the next few days, we would round off work on the facilities and start receiving our visitors".

"Most of the contractors assured that, by Thursday, they will be through but we

would give them till Saturday. We should be ready with all the facilities and hand them over to the facility managers and venue's sub-committee of the (LOC),”she siad.

Mrs Orelope-Adefulire said the Torch of Unity is expected to arrive in Lagos next week from its nationwide tour to signal the start of the games.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

57

NEWS

Robbers kill one in Kano

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EN armed robbers yesterday killed a man at the popular Wapa foreign exchange market in Fagge area of Kano and stole an undisclosed amount of money in local and foreign currencies.

The attack is coming about 24 hours after four gunmen killed a barber in Kawo area of the city and injured two others.

An eyewitness said the robbers arrived the market at 1pm on four motorcycles and two vehicles.

They were said to have

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

started shooting, causing a stampede, as the people scampered for safety.

The operation, the eyewitness said, lasted about 25 minutes.

It was learnt that the robbers did not have any resistance as security operatives reportedly ran away.

Sources said the Kano Joint Task Force (JTF) operatives came 10 minutes after the robbers left the scene.

The man the robbers

killed was said to have identified one of the hoodlums.

He was reportedly shot five times.

The Fagge forex market is about 300 metres from the Fagge police division, with two checkpoints in-between.

A bureau de change owner, who spoke in confidence, said: “Can you imagine that 10 armed robbers stormed this area and there was no presence of security operatives? Incidentally, the police station is just 300 metres away

from us, with two check points. But these people operated unmolested. After 10 minutes, the JTF arrived and cordoned off the area, when the robbers had escaped.”

Acting police spokesman Mustapha Abubakar, an Assistant Superintendent (ASP), confirmed the incident.

He said the police were on top of the situation, adding that the fleeing robbers would be arrested.

Abubakar added that the police have restored calm to the area.

Boko Haram ‘threat letter’ causes panic in Yobe schools A

“THREAT LETTER” by the Boko Haram sect has forced students to vacate their schools in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Though there was no official confirmation from the school authority, it was learnt that the school has closed down indefinitely following the alleged threat letter.

Academic activities at the Collage of Education, Gashua, were on Monday paralysed following the cir-

From Duku Joel

culation of the threat letter, which reportedly hinted of a possible attack on the school.

Some students told The Nation on phone that copies of the letter were pasted on the school’s notice board and other strategic locations on the campus.

The letter was said to have warned the students to vacate the school or be burnt

with the school.

Gashua, the capital of Bade Local Government Area, is 187 kilometres north of Damaturu, the state capital.

It is one of the five major towns in the state.

There was a similar report that Comprehensive Science Secondary School in Gashua, also got the threat.

Police Commissioner Patrick Egbuniwe confirmed the incident.

He said security agencies were aware of the threat letter and were on top of the situation.

Egbuniwe said the police would deal with any individual or group that might cause violence in the state.

According to him, the police had tightened security at the school before the threat letter to forestall a possible Boko Haram attack.

He added that security agencies would ensure the safety of life and property of the residents.

State Assemblies condemn impeachment of Kogi Speaker

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HE Conference of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSLN) yesterday condemned the impeachment of Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly.

CSLN Chairman and Gombe State House of Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Inuwa Garba, addressed reporters in Abuja.

He said: “Following the crisis that led to the impeachment of the Speaker of Kogi Assembly, the conference set up a six-man fact-finding committee, headed by the Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Razak Atunwa.

“Based on available evidence, it is clear that the purported impeachment of Abdullahi Bello was not done in accordance with the provision of the 1999 Constitution, which requires a two-third majority of members to impeach a Speaker.”

Garba said the Kogi House of Assembly has 25 members and that two-thirds would be 17 members, who are required for an impeachment.

He said only 12 members

‘Based on available evidence, it is clear that the purported impeachment of Abdullahi Bello was not done in accordance with the provision of 1999 Constitution, which requires a two-third majority of members vote to impeach a Speaker’ sought to impeach the Speaker, adding: “This is a breach of Section 92(2) (e) of the Constitution.”

The chairman said CSLN frowns at the breach of the Constitution by some members of Kogi State House of Assembly and would continue to address Bello as the legitimate Speaker.

Garba urged the President Goodluck Jonathan and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to protect the Constitution by ensur-

ing that the Kogi State House of Assembly returns to the status quo.

He appealed to the Inspector-General of Police to restore Bello’s security details, because they were “improperly” withdrawn.

Also, Nasarawa State House of Assembly Speaker Musa Mohammed said the conference was not against the impeachment of any Speaker, if he has been found wanting.

Mohammed added that as lawmakers, they were concerned about the process that led to Bello’s purported impeachment.

He noted that the lawmakers, who reportedly impeached Bello, did not follow the provision of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The lawmaker restated the CSLN’s commitment to democratic norms and procedure, respect for rule of law, transparency and accountability in governance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Bello and other principal officers of the Assembly were

PDP ‘hoodlums’ attack ACN supporters in Benue

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EVERAL vehicles were destroyed and many people injured yesterday when hoodlums, suspected to be supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attacked Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) members in Makurdi, the state capital.

An eyewitness told The Nation that some PDP youths ambushed ACN supporters, who were on a local government campaign tour.

The hoodlums smashed ACN vehicles with stones and clubs near Togos Supermarket in Wurukum, Makurdi.

By Our Reporter

The attack caused panic in the town. Many residents fled the area in fear.

But some riot policemen prevented what would have been a bloody day ahead of the November 27 local government election in the state.

There was another attack on ACN members in Gboko, the ancestral headquarters of Tiv, by suspected PDP supporters.

Over 20 PDP youths were said to have driven in a bus around Gboko, destroying ACN property.

They also attacked the

mother of ACN lawmaker representing Gboko/ Tarkaa, John Dye, and another chieftain of the party, Bala Bagu.

The victims are receiving treatment at different hospitals in Gboko.

The cause of the attacks on ACN member ahead of the defection of former senate president Dr Iyorchia Ayu was not known at press time.

But a source said it might not be unconnected with Ayu’s plan to defect to the ACN. At press time yesterday, the police had not arrested anyone on the attacks.

impeached on October 16.

Bello described his impeachment as illegal because 12 of 25 members signed the petition against him.

Buhari, Bafarawa meet

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ORMER Head of State and presidential candidate of the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC), Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday in Kaduna met with the former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa.

The meeting was reportedly held behind closeddoors.

The duo, a source close to them said, discussed the way forward for the North ahead

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

of the 2015 presidential election.

They also discussed the insecurity and other challenges in the North, the source added.

The meeting, which was held at the home of the former military leader, was the second between the two.

They first met in September on how to move the North forward.

STF evacuates two bombs in Jos From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

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HE Special Task Force (STF) on Jos Crises, code-named Operation Safe Haven, yesterday uncovered two bombs hidden behind Bass Klan village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

A statement by STF Media Officer, Lt. Kingsley Egbo, explained that the bombs were rocket-propelled grenades”.

The statement reads: “This is to inform the public and the people of Plateau State that the STF discovered two rocketpropelled grenades behind Bass Klan village at 4pm last Sunday.

“The area was immediately cordoned off and the bombs evacuated by the police Anti-Bomb Disposal Unit.

“Two residents of the area have been arrested in connection with the bombs while investigations are ongoing to uncover the circumstances surrounding the event.

Couples’ breakfast holds Saturday

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HE annual couples’ breakfast fellowship of the Triumphant Baptist Church, Akowojo, Lagos, will hold on Saturday at the Blue Pearl Hall, Toyin Street, Ikeja, at 7am.

The theme of the programme is: Nakedness and the guest minister is Pastor Bukkie Gbenro.

The Coordinator of Family Life Ministry of the church, Mrs Kikelomo Olusola-Aka, explained that this year’s event will comprise several programmes to enable families fulfill God’s purpose and plan for them.

She said the programmes target families beyond the church and have impacted positively on family bonding and growth.

The Pastor, Triumphant Baptist Church Akowonjo, Rev Olajide Oke said the family life ministry is an avenue the church uses to impact the society as a tool to restore love, peace and hope in the families.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 , 2012

NEWS Kidnapping: Police to train Anambra hoteliers NAMBRA State Police Commissioner Bala Nassarawa yesterday held a joint security meeting with its State Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) and State Hotel Proprietors’ Association on how to tackle kidnappers and other criminals.

The meeting resolved to train desk officers and other hotel workers on security consciousness as well as compile a database on the hotels in the state.

This, the meeting said, will check criminal activities in and around hotels.

A

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

Nassarawa, who was represented by the police spokesman Raphael Uzoigwe, noted that the database is necessary because hoodlums and kidnappers spend most of their loots in hotels.

He said the exercise would help the police to monitor the movement of criminals from one hotel to the other.

The police chief urged hotel proprietors to cooperate with security agencies.

Chime returns to Enugu

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NUGU State Governor Sullivan Chime has returned to the county

CHANGE OF NAME ADEMUWAGUN I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEMUWAGUN MARY OMOLOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUWOLE MARY OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police and the general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME PEPPLE I, formerly known and addressed MISS. GLORIA SOMINATOM PEPPLE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. GLORIA KINGSLEY ITA. . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

after about two months’ stay abroad.

The governor travelled in September on accumulated leave arrears of five years.

There were rumours that he was hospitalised in an Asian country.

Chime reportedly arrived Enugu on Sunday night.

The governor looked hale and hearty.

He is expected to chair the weekly State Executive Council (Exco) meeting today where the Acting Governor Sunday Onyebuchi will brief him on the state of affairs while he was away.

It was learnt that Chime will attend some important social functions during the week.

He is expected attend the Southeast Constitution amendment hearing on Friday to present the position of Enugu State.

Onitsha South arrests hooligans, 30 ‘fake’ revenue agents O NITSHA South Local Government Area of Anambra State has arrested over 30 suspected fake revenue agents and hoodlums in Ochanja Market.

Its Chairman, Ugochukwu Ezeani, spoke yesterday at the market when he led a fumigation campaign in the council.

He said the council used 30 policemen to arrest the suspects, who allegedly were defrauding unsuspecting members of public at the market.

The council chief said many other escaped.

Onitsha South had arrested three fake agents and handed them over to the State AntiRobbery Squad (SARS).

Ezeani thanked Governor Peter Obi for allowing him to preside over the affairs of the council.

•Hires 100 youths for weekly fumigation

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

He said the fumigation, tagged: Operation kill mosquitoes now, will cover the three quarters in the council, including Fegge/Housing, Woliwo and Oduakpu.

The council chief said Onitsha South bought 30 units of fumigation equipment from which 10 would be given to the three major areas to rid them of mosquitoes.

He assured that the chemicals for the fumigation were approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug

Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Ezeani said: “With this weekly exercise, mosquitoes and other rodents will find no place in this local government area.”

He said the council has hired 100 youths to fumigate the area, adding that he plans to hire 450 youths for the exercise before the end of the year.

“From now on, fumigation of all sorts within the council will be carried out through the approval of its Sanitary Inspection Department, Ezeani said.

The council boss said that the council intends to employ 450 youths before the end of the

year.

“Other programmes we would unfold included: drainage scooping/desilting; street light, environmental marshals and Internal Revenue Generating officers.

“These would absorb the 450 youths to be engaged and would check the spate of vices and idleness among youths within the council area,’’ he said.

Mr Joseph Anienugu, Chief Sanitary Inspector of the council, lauded the exercise; adding that it would complement other programmes aimed in boosting the health of the residents of the council.

Hoodlums invade councils in Imo

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RMED men attached to the Imo State Security Network yesterday allegedly raided local government secretariats in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

They were said to have gone round the secretariat in camouflage police uniform.

It was learnt that the hoodlums drove in three Hilux vans.

They allegedly invaded Owerri Municipal Council, shooting into the air and beating anyone on their way.

Economic activities as well as human and vehicular movements were hampered as the people abandoned

•12 arrested, secretariats deserted From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

their businesses and vehicles in fear.

Business outlets reportedly closed down in a hurry.

The eyewitness said the assailants went straight to the council chairman’s office and beat up his political aides.

“When they came in, we thought they were policemen from the way they dressed.

But when they started shooting, we abandoned our duty posts and ran away.

“We quickly alerted the police and, luckily, a com-

bined team of policemen and soldiers arrived the scene and dislodged the thugs. Twelve of them were arrested,” the source said.

The Nation learnt that the hoodlums had invaded Orlu Local Government Area’s secretariat, where they allegedly abducted a councilor and two other political appointees.

The Secretary of the Imo State chapter of the All Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Enyinna Onuegbu, led other chairmen to a meeting with Police

Commissioner Baba Adisa Bolanta at the command headquarters.

He criticised the government for harass and intimidate the council chairmen.

Onuegbu alleged that the thugs were instructed to maim or eliminate any chairman who resisted them.

He added: “We are not engaging the state government in any power show or muscle-flexing. We are only protecting our mandate. And no matter what they do, we won’t vacate the councils until the court gives a ruling on our tenure elongation.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

59

NEWS Mayhem in Delta community From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba and Polycarp Orosewvotu, Warri

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RATE youths yesterday razed the palace of the Ovie of Idjerhe in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, after the monarch handed over a suspected murderer to the police.

Sources said the youths wanted to lynch the suspect, but the monarch insisted that the law must be allowed to take its course.

It was learnt that the monarch and his family are in hiding.

Sources said eight civilians and a soldier were killed when soldiers tried to restore peace to the area.

Police spokesman Charles Muka confirmed the incident, but said three people were killed.

He said 12 persons have been arrested.

Foursquare holds 57th convention

T •From left: Duke, Omeri, Dr. Ezekwesili and the Chairman of the Cross River State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Etim Okon Edet...yesterday.

Ezekwesili, Omeri: youths must be change agents

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HE National Orientation Agency (NOA) has inaugurated its “Do the Right Thing: Campus Focus” initiative at the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

Speakers at the event included former World Bank Vice-President Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili; the Managing Director of The Guardian, Mr. Emeka Eluem-Izeze; NOA Director-General Mike Omeri; Minister of Culture and Tourism Edem Duke and a Professor of Political Strategy, Femi Odekunle.

Others are Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba; a Professor of Law at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Abubakar Ladan; Senior Special

•NOA inaugurates campaign at UNICAL Assistant to the President on Students’ Matters Jude Imagwe and rights activist Ene Ede. Omeri regretted that wrong values have been entrenched in tertiary institutions.

He said the “Do the Right Thing” campaign in campuses was conceived to facilitate a return the core values of the nation.

Omeri said the campaign would be championed by UNICAL’s Department of Theatre and Media Studies.

Duke called for a revival of societal values. He described students as the building blocks of the nation’s future, who can-

not afford to fail in the responsibility of championing national transformation.

Duke said: “You must commit yourselves to the values that every great nation holds dear, so that effortlessly, this nation will transform to the nation of our dreams.”

UNICAL Vice-Chancellor Prof. James Epoke urged students to be good examples and campaign against dishonesty, violence and laziness among youths.

Dr. Ezekwesili urged students to tailor their skills and educational attainments towards national transformation, rather than job acquisi-

tion.

She described corruption as the bane of national transformation in most countries.

Mrs. Ezekwesili said it is a symptom of poor governance, which reduces the capacity of a people to attain their full potentials.

She urged youths to fight the malaise and reposition the nation’s future.

Mrs. Ezekwesili encouraged youths to take up the challenge of refocusing the economy from being crude oilbased to human capital-based to save the economy from collapse.

Kidnappers of journalist’s wife demand N10m ransom T

HE kidnappers of Mrs. Marian Onoyume, wife of Mr. Jimitota Onoyume of Vanguard, are demanding N10 million ransom.

Marian was abducted on Monday at Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State by four gunmen.

She was taking their two daughters to school at 7:30am in a Nissan Quest car, when the hoodlums accosted her.

Sources said the gunmen threw the children out of the car and drove the woman away.

It was learnt that the car had

Y

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

been recovered, but Marian’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Onoyume, who is based in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has appealed to the kidnappers to release his wife unconditionally.

Yesterday, he said: “The kidnappers phoned me with my daughter line and demanded N10 million ransom.

I pleaded with them that I have never held a million naira before.

“They said I was a rich man because I drive a Pathfinder Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). I told them the vehicle was bought fairly used and it is a 1995 model.

“I begged them to release my wife. I am a reporter and journalists are not known to be rich. We may be seen on television, but we are only

doing our job. They later said I should send MTN airtime, which I did.

“My wife’s car has been recovered. It was abandoned at Abraka. I am begging the kidnappers to have mercy on us and release my wife. We do not have money. I am a reporter.”

Onoyume said his daughters were traumatised by the incident.

Delta police Spokesman Charles Amuka had earlier assured the journalist that the police would secure his wife’s release soon.

Youths disrupt operations at Shell facility

OUTHS have disrupted operations at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facility at Daewoo in Afam, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State in the past two days.

Over 100 youths mounted a blockade at the entrance of the company’s power station.

They are protesting the company’s alleged failure to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities to the host community.

The protesters want the company to employ youths in the community, build roads, establish an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre (ICT) and review the Global Memorandum of Under-

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

standing (GMoU) between the council and SPDC, among others.

They are also demanding the transfer of the Operational Manager of Afam Power Station, Mr. Ben Agbagiogwu, from Oyigbo facility.

This is the second time the youths have barricaded the entrance of the power station in three months.

The peaceful protest began on Monday by 5am.

President of the National Youth Council (NYC), Oyigbo chapter, Mr. Israel Agomuo said: “We are not going to leave this place until SPDC answers us. We will remain here until they are ready to

meet our demands. No Shell staff will be allowed to enter the premises until they have agreed to our terms.

“Since SPDC began oil exploration in our community in 1957, it has continually denied us employment opportunities, even though the council has produced many qualified graduates in various fields.

“We have sent series of letters to the company, which we copied the authorities in the state, including Governor Chibuike Amaechi, so that they can appeal to Shell to listen to us, to no avail.”

On their grievances against Agbagiougwu, Agomuo said: “At a meeting with representatives of the company, the state govern-

ment, and the Council Chairman, Mr. Felix Nweke, Agbagiogwu said they cannot employ Oyigbo youths because they cannot compete favourably with youths from other areas.

“This is an insult against our youths and we are here to make sure SPDC listens to us.”

SPDC Corporate Affairs Manager Mr. Precious Okulogbo could not be reached as at press time.

PUBLIC NOTICE OHUAWUNWA I, formerly known and addressed JULIET CHIKA OHUAWUNWA now wish to be known and addressed as JULIET CHIKA FESTUS. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

HE 57th annual convention of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria has kicked off at the convention ground in Ajebo, Ogun State.

The theme of the convention is: “The fullness of Christ”.

Chairman of the convention committee Pastor Hakeem Oguniran assured participants of security.

He said free buses would convey people from Ibadan, Ikorodu and Oshodi to the convention ground.

The programme ends on Sunday.

Oguniran said Rev. Glenn Burris from the United States Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); Bishop Charles Asare from Accra and the General Overseer of Foursquare, Rev. Felix Meduoye, will minister at the convention.

PUBLIC NOTICE UMOSO I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UDEME UDO UMOSO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEME UDO IBANGA. All former documents remain valid.

Federal Ministry of Education and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE OGHENEJOB I formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Obukohwo Oghenejobo now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obukohwo Oghenejobo AdesinaToritse. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 2012

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FOREIGN NEWS Clinton in Australia for talks on military ties

Tremor hits capital as Myanmar quake death toll rises to 26

A

N earthquake struck near Myanmar’s new capital of Naypyitaw on Tuesday, state television reported, but there were no immediate reports of damage.

Meanwhile the death toll from a weekend quake to its north rose to 26, according to an aid organisation.

MRTV television said the new quake of 4.8 magnitude hit at 8:23 a.m. and that Its epicentre was about 56 km south of the capital.

“We in Naypyitaw are no strangers to tremors, but we rushed out of our hostel in panic this morning,’’ a Commerce Ministry official said, asking not to be named.

She had not heard of any damage in or around the city.

Official news on Sunday’s far larger earthquake near the central city of Mandalay was still sketchy.

According to the International Federation of Red Cross Societies (IFRC), 26 people died as a result of that 6.8 magnitude quake and its aftershocks, while another 231 were injured and hundreds of buildings were damaged.

Initial reports from officials speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity had put the death toll at 11.

“It’s difficult to be precise, with possible double-counting,’’ said Denis de Poerck, director of operations for the Save the Children aid agency in Myanmar.

“It’s not a major catastrophe, contrary to expectations on the first day,’’ he told Reuters.

Katherine Roux, spokeswoman for the IFRC in Southeast Asia, broadly shared that view.

“The Myanmar Red Cross has determined at this stage, at

least as of last night, that there is no need for external support or funding right now,’’ she said, adding “It’s under control, but there is ongoing assessment’’.

A quasi-civilian government has opened up Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest countries, since taking over in March 2011 from the military, which had ruled for nearly 50 years.

The military regime was condemned by humanitarian agencies in 2008 for initially refusing international help to cope with Cyclone Nargis, which killed more than 130,000 people.

President Barack Obama will become the first U.S. leader to visit Myanmar this month during a Nov. 17-20 tour of Southeast Asia that will also take in Thailand and Cambodia, his first international trip since he won re-election last week.

Syria continues bombing in rebel-held border town

A

IERRA Leone President Ernest Koroma on Monday denied accusations he is soft on corruption in a last-minute defence before Nov. 17 elections in which he is seeking a second term.

Koroma will face top opposition rival and former junta leader Julius Maada Bio in polls widely seen as a test of the resource-rich West African state’s recovery, a decade after a civil war.

Koroma, a former insurance broker in power since 2007, is

favoured to win but has drawn fire from rivals claiming he does little to root out graft.

An Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has failed to send a single person to jail under his rule.

“You are trying to give the impression that I, as president, should be doing the work of the judiciary and that is where you go wrong,’’ Koroma told reporters in the capital Freetown.

“You don’t expect me to interpret the law, you don’t expect me to sit in the courts and

pass judgments.’’

He said the ACC, formed by the government in 2000, was no longer a “toothless bulldog’’ after his administration revised laws to give it power to prosecute, and not just investigate.

Koroma’s rivals, including Bio, have also attacked him for nominating his vice president Samuel Sam Sumana as his running mate in spite of an Al Jazeera documentary alleging Sam Sumana’s office took bribes for timber deals.

•Mrs Clinton

U

NITED States’ Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Perth on Tuesday for talks with

Prime Minister Julia Gillard that are to centre on the U.S. military “pivot’’ that President Barack Obama wants to make away from the Middle East towards Asia.

Obama’s plan, announced on his visit to Australia a year ago, was made in response to China’s growing military power and influence.

Australia is a formal military partner of the U.S. and is under pressure from Washington to do more for the security by investing heavily in the AsiaPacific coast.

The 2,500 U.S. Marines that the partners agreed would rotate through Australian military bases in the far north are

already arriving.

On Clinton’s agenda would be more access to bombing ranges in the north and access to a west coast naval base south of Perth.

Clinton is to be joined in the military talks, which come a week after Obama’s re-election, by Defence Secretary Leon Panetta.

Her visit was expected to be her last to Australia as the top U.S. diplomat before she hands on her portfolio during Obama’s second term.

On the itinerary are the opening of a building at a Perth university and cocktails on Perth’s popular Cottesloe Beach.

Ogbomoso in focus at book launch

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BOOK, Home Away From Home …History of Ogbomoso People in Jos, written by Olayinka Oyegbile, deputy editor of The Nation (Sunday) was yesterday presented to the public at the Eko FM Multi purpose Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos with a call on the National Assembly to make laws that would make it possible for Nigerians to claim and enjoy the benefits of wherever they live.

The occasion evoked memories as guests, mostly indigenes of Ogbomoso who had lived in Jos, the Plateau State capital, for decades, reminisced on how they interacted peacefully with the Indigenes. They lamented the crisis rocking the state.

By Innocent Duru

The book was reviewed

by Kunle Ajibade, the executive editor of The News.

The chairman of the occasion, Senator Ayo Adeseun, lauded the author’s wisdom in putting the book together. Regretting that the Yoruba have not done much in documenting their history, he said the book would help in preserving history and enable future generations to know more about their origin.

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, was represented by his son, Prince Ademola Oyewumi.

Oyewunmi said the book is relevant to him because he grew up in Jos. He said the

book has done justice to the historical vacuum about how the people of Ogbomoso ended up in Jos. Appreciating the guests, the author said he was compelled to write the book after his encounter with his nephew in the United States.

He called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to make it possible for Nigerians to claim and enjoy the benefits of wherever they live in the country.

The occasion was attended by members of the author’s family, Prince Ademola Oyewumi, Mrs Nike Ajagbe, who represented the former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao Akala and a hosts of dignitaries

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012

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NEWS Menakaya, Umeh battle over Ojukwu’s death, APGA

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PEACEFUL resolution of the crisis that has engulfed the leadership of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) seems far from sight as the party’s Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh and a member of its Board of Trustees, Dr. Tim Menakaya, engaged in a war of words yesterday in Abuja.

While Menakaya warned Umeh on the likely consequences of his threat to expose the circumstances leading to the death of the National Leader of the party, Chief Emeka Ojukwu, while Umeh accused Menakaya of pandering to the whim of Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. They spoke to the media separately.

Menakaya, who said Umeh has constituted himself into a tin god to control the party’s machinery, traced the lingering crisis in APGA to Umeh’s highhandedness, stating that he should be wary of his utterances on Ojukwu’s death in order not to incur the wrath of Igbo race.

He said Umeh has frustrated every efforts made to ensure that the membership of

From Yomi Odunuga, Abuja

APGA’s BoT is increased to, at least, 24 as stipulated in the party’s constitution.

Menakaya said he is the only BoT member of the party till date, arguing that peace can only return to the party if Umeh sheds his toga of imperialism.

He said: “We have the former National Chiarman of the party, and I use the word former because the case is still in court, always fighting other people. In any case, he should stop parading himself as the chairman of the party because there is a court injunction to that effect.

“There is crisis in the party today because the National Executive of the party, the Umeh faction, sees itself as a colossus and we say ‘no, this one man show must stop’ so that we can have a truly responsible organisation that is structured. The whole crisis revolves around one single individual.

“On his threat to expose what transpired before and after Ojukwu’s death, we are waiting for the 26th of November for him to make his revelations. But he must realise that,

in this country especially where I come from, there are things that are sacrilegious. If you know how somebody died, then are you the doctor?

From what he was saying, it is evident that he is saying that Ojukwu’s death is not ordinary. We are waiting for those revelations of his.”

But in a swift reaction, Umeh wondered why Menakaya should be concerned about what he threatened to expose on the death of man that he never really revered while he was alive.

Claiming that Menakaya’s sudden burst of political relevance is propelled by the recent appointment of his son, Ndubuisi Menakaya, as Commissioner for Special Duties in Anambra State, Umeh also explained that he was not surprised that Menakaya has been attacking the party’s leadership because of its opposition to the alleged zoning of the governorship to Anambra North Senatorial District by Obi. “If Dr. Menakaya refers to me as a former Chairman of the party, then who is his current chairman? Did he tell you?

Menakaya has brought many untold suffering to this party and it will be hypocritical for him to say I am responsible for the inability to expand the membership of the BoT. “Let him say the truth.

Where was Menakaya all this while? Governor Peter Obi made his son a commissioner for Special Duties and his inlaw, Onochie Okagbue, the Chairman of the Dunukofia Lacal Government while also conceding the governorship slot to Anambra North. That is why Menakaya is talking and abusing an executive that was duly elected.

“On my threat to reveal what led to Ojukwu’s death, how does that concern him?

Menakaya is not a member of the Ojukwu family. I merely called on them to caution themselves and call themselves to order. It was when Ojukwu became indisposed that Menakaya appeared.

How close was he to Ojukwu when he was alive?”

However, both party leaders said peace can return to the party if all the factions sheathe their swords and to work together.

President seeks lawmakers’ nod on $1b bond Continued from page 1

this new $300 credit facility with the proposed guarantees for the power sector in the draft borrowing plan, thereby ensuring that we do not increase the overall size of loans proposed in the external borrowing plan.”

Jonathan said $200 million will be also be sourced from the African Development Bank

(ADB) to fund a water project in Rivers State.

The President in two other letters requested the approval of the House for the 2013 budget proposal of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

The House of Representatives has asked its standing committees to submit their

findings on the oversight carried out on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)across the country on the implementation level of the 2012 budget, within two days.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal at the plenary yesterday asked all the chairmen of the 89 standing committees to submit their reports.

The level of the implemen-

tation of the 2012 budget has been a source of friction between the House and the Presidency.

The final reports by the House Committee Chairmen are meant to guide the House in its deliberation on the 2013 budget, the benchmark of which is another source of battle between the House and the Presidency.

Govt to grant tax relief to manufacturers

T

HE Federal Government is considering granting tax relief to manufacturers, who are generating their own power for production and other uses.

President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Chief Kola Jamodu stated this after a meeting of the Economic Management Team (EMT) presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House.

Jamodu, who addressed State House correspondents after the meeting, which lasted for about eight hours, said the decision was sequel to a presentation made by MAN to the Team.

He said his Association acknowledged the improvement in power supply but underscored the need to encourage manufacturers “who have invested so much in power generation’’.

“Truly, the power situation is improving and manufacturers are benefiting from it.

“As for our members, who are still producing their own power, the Federal Government has agreed to give them tax relief to cushion the effects of the power situation, which

is not perfect yet,” he said.

Jamodu hailed Federal Government’s decision to engage his association in the effort to revive the country’s industries.

He said the 15-page document submitted by MAN to government would go a long way in solving the problems industrialists were facing in the country.

“A good number of our recommendations are being executed by the government and we are impressed with this. It gives us a lot of hope that the future is bright,” he said.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, said the meeting was about productivity, its barriers, what government needs to do and areas in which government is doing extremely well.”

“It is an opportunity for us to hear from the industrialists what the issues are and for them to also understand what government is doing to address those issues,” Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra underscored the need for Nigerians to patronise Made-inNigeria products.

3000 troops for Mali mission Continued from page 2

on October 12 given ECOWAS a 45-day deadline to finalise the Action Plan to liberate Northern Mali from militants.

The resolution, drafted by France, called for “detailed and actionable recommendations” to be presented to the

Security Council within the specified time.

It urged UN member states and regional and international organizations to provide “co-ordinated assistance, expertise, training and capacitybuilding support” to Mali’s armed forces.

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14-11-12

TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.7 NO.2,309

‘‘What an unpleasant End of Year present from Government for an ‘annus horribilis’ with the January fuel strikes, poor power, dwindling business, November fuel scarcity and N120/ litre fuel. Now triple taxation! Does government want blood from stone?’

TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

N keeping with my promise last week, here are some of the scores of reactions my piece of October 24 on the subject above generated in texts and emails.

People and Politics

Sir, Thank you very much for balancing the story objectively. We need more of your likes to educate our people on what really happened in that Civil War. As you are aware, our people, for lack of reading their history books, can believe anything, including the fact that goats in Nigeria had eight legs before the Civil War! As for Prof Achebe, Olatunji Ololade summed his self-propelling lies thus, “There was an elder.” I cannot agree more!

Kayode A, Abeokuta.

By

Sir, Your article on Achebe’s Biafra story was well written. Those of us Igbo who lived here before and after the war understand you. Both sides have certainly erred and strayed. What we need to learn is the futility of resorting to violence and murder as a method for redressing wrongs. Peaceful demonstrations and powerful articles like yours and powerful speeches and lectures like Azikiwe’s in the pre Independence period are, in my view, better. The newspaper articles and the action of the Save Nigeria Group urging the observance of the Constitution regarding the succession of Yar’Adua

by Jonathan proved that this method can work.

And it is a more civilised way of dealing with such issues.

Dr. Ekweani, Kabala Hospital, Kaduna.

Sir, You missed Achebe’s point. I’m neither Igbo nor northerner nor a fan of both people, but, my dear, we need to say the truth. And you are the one not saying the truth not Achebe. Why didn’t northern officers stop at killing Ironsi and Igbo army officers? Jan ’66 coup saw less than 35 casualties, but July ’66 coup saw well over 300 victims. Was that not enough revenge?

Why oh why, did they go ahead to kill civilians in such large numbers and expect the Igbo to stay calm for the sake of one Nigeria? Your article justifies the murder of countless innocents. This is one area anti Achebe writers, including you, glossed over. If hatred for the Igbo wasn’t a factor, why didn’t Gowon institute policies to assuage Igbo feelings? How on earth did you expect a tribe that lost 30,000 souls in massacres across the North not to opt for secession?

Tonye Kalango, Port Harcourt Sir, I read with dismay and I found it very nauseating reading miles of inaccurate nonsense you wrote about Chinua Achebe and the Civil War. I don’t like distortion of facts which is your trade mark. You exhibited a stunning ignorance of what happened during the war. Yoruba and Northerners both hate Ndigbo. Why don’t you leave us alone to go as Biafrans? You hate us and you still want us to be in Nigeria. I believe you are confused and your confusion emanated from a deeper ignorance different from what Achebe has written in the nice book,

RIPPLES PHCN worker was invited and beaten to a state of coma–NLC

Thank God...he wasn’t beaten to a state of FULLSTOP

MOHAMMED H ARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Feedback on ‘Achebe’s personal history of Biafra’ your write up. You may note that Anthony Enahoro’s proposal for independence in 1956 was in 1953, which Sir Ahmadu Bello sought for its amendment with the clause “as soon as practicable’. The eventual motion for Independence was proposed by Chief S. L. Akintola in 1959. The Yoruba nation, in its desire to erase the contributions of Akintola, conspired to ensure that all his landmark inputs were obliterated from historical events. Sir, please crosscheck this area of your work and don’t allow students of political history quote you in error.

Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu •Prof Achebe

“There was a country”.

Collins Ewenike, Imo State.

Sir, For the first time you are writing southern issue without your acidic bite. Thanks for not joining our Yoruba brothers to shout down peoples account as if they have skeletons in their cupboard. Ojukwu failed the Igbo by not writing his account before he died. Please beg Gowon not to make the same mistake again.

We, the new generation Igbo, need as much information as possible on the Civil War so that when the time comes in the near future we will not suffer the same fate again.

Andrew Udeze Sir. Your piece of 24/10/12 got it all right. However, you equally allowed the manipulation of historical events to affect you, which reflects in

Sir, Thanks for the refreshing angle on the one of the causes of the Civil War. Achebe has only succeeded in opening a can of worms, and creating disaffection between new generations of Nigerians. +2348034058476 Sir, Your fact on Igbo triumphalism and their celebration and gloating at the death of Sardauna is very true, as I recall as a seven year old in Makurdi, a recorded popular song in Igbo with the lyrics ‘ewu ne barkwa’ ( meaning a goat is crying or gloating). Regrettably that’s what the Igbo still think and call all Northerners. What puzzles and annoys me is why would an icon like Achebe today remind me of the sad era of me running for cover with my siblings whenever Makurdi came under Biafran bombing? History is okay but Nigerians, especially the Igbo, should let the sores of

HARDBALL

that period of the life of the nation go.

Adoga Anyebe Sir, I can’t understand what Achebe wants to achieve by raking up an old wound with so much hatred at a time this nation has so much present day challenges to surmount. What Nigeria needs today is how to heal old wounds so as to move forward. I suppose Achebe is familiar with the saying that if you cannot improve on the silence it is better to keep quiet!

I think Achebe and some members of his generation with long memory for hatred are part of the problem with Nigeria. Period!

Dr Festus Aisabokhale Sir, I hold you in a very high esteem, and your critique on Achebe’s latest offering, ‘There was a Country’, has only reinforced my respect for you.

You pointed out, from your perspective, the lapses inherent in the work without abusing the author. There is no doubt that Achebe is human, and therefore he is not infallible. The good thing about this work is that it has opened up the debate for a soul searching exercise, and even the healing of the wounds of the past.

It is right for those that do not agree with Achebe to state their own perspectives, without resorting to inflammatory statements or abuses.

I do not share the view of some commentators that we should bury the past and forge ahead.

The holocaust is still being discussed in the Western world, in spite of being a very sensitive issue.

If, as you pointed out, Achebe glossed over the murder of innocent military officers of Northern extraction by Major Nzeogwu and other conspirators, then you have towed the same line of argument as Michael Hollman, one of the first reviewers of the book, who stated that the book is ‘partisan in perspectives’. I was uncomfortable to learn from you that Achebe did not acknowledge the contributions of nationalists like Herbert Macaulay and Bode Thomas to our independence. However, the lapses inherent in the book do not detract from its importance and relevance to our fledgling society. For once, both the generation that did not witness the Civil War and those that witnessed the brutal conflict are engaging themselves in intellectual exercises; some in the right direction, others, unfortunately, in the wrong direction.

Erasmus Ndulue.

•For comments, send SMS to 08023211188

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Imagine Obasanjo, Bakare as revolutionaries

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LMOST in quick succession, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former president, and Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly spoke about revolution or made revolutionary remarks in the past few days. Of the two, Bakare confuses us the more. Whenever he presents himself in public we are in a quandary what to make of him: a pastor full of the character of his Lord, temperate in speech, gentle, kind and empathetic, or a typical Nigerian politician who must have things his way, opinionated, aggressive, inconsiderate and, in the literal sense, eager to bring the house down on everyone? The former president, on the other hand, is a selfcanonising and irritable politician who speaks daggers, if Hardball is permitted to adapt Shakespeare, and uses it with utmost relish.

Obasanjo drew first blood and triggered the misspeaking that has culminated in the noisily talk of revolution. Newspapers and online media described his speech as revolutionary, and reported that it was made in Dakar, Senegal where he had gone over the weekend to attend a West African regional conference on youth employment sponsored by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the African Development Bank (ADB). They paraphrased him as saying that unless something drastic was done urgently to address youth unemployment, which hovered around 71 percent, we would head inexorably towards

revolution. Inexpert paraphrasing can, however, become a very problematic issue in mass communication or in the hands of a clumsy redactor.

Though the media said he spoke of revolution, all the former president said was this: “I’m afraid, and you know I am a General.

When a General says he is afraid, that means the danger ahead is real and potent.” In his refutation after he was widely reported to have spoken of revolution or warned that one was likely, the former army general said those who quoted him spoke bad English.

He could never call for a revolution, he said, apparently because he had too much at stake in a system that has callously misused its citizens, a system he himself did his damnedest to promote, ossify and institutionalise.

If Obasanjo did not call for a revolution, what then did he do? A careful reading of his sanctimonious rationalisations in Dakar seems to lead the analyst to the point where he stopped just short of calling for a revolution, but hinted that social chaos was unavoidable. Knowing him for who he is, a dyed-in-the-wool conservative, he would see opportunity for his kind of leadership in such chaos; and more, he would recommend a suppression of protesters if it came to that.

In short, he would do anything but recommend a revolution.

Not only did the media misquote and misinterpret Obasanjo, their reports also

brought out the hardliner in Bakare. The Latter Rain Assembly pastor simply assumed Obasanjo was quoted correctly and then concluded that the former president would be a victim of the revolution he called for in Dakar.

More fanatically and sacrilegiously, Bakare said religious leaders, especially the private jet ensemble, could not escape the repercussions of popular revolt going by the damage they had caused the nation by their greed and connivance. Speaking in Lagos on Monday, he had said: “I am not inciting the public against the church and the mosque, but the congregation must demand explanation from their leaders. They must demand to know where they are getting the money. If it is not from the church offering, then it is from Abuja. All general overseers must go to prison. If the revolution does not begin in the church, it cannot spread; if it does not begin in the mosque, it will not spread, because they control the population.”

From his Dakar speech and follow-up explanations, it is clear no one should ever imagine Obasanjo a revolutionary; this closet radical is too conservative and too indebted to the decaying system to be one. Bakare, on the other hand, does not just seem to be unalterably irreverent and iconoclastic; his remarks show him to be more than a revolutionary. He seems in fact to be a Trotskyite or perhaps even a Stalinist, or a hybrid of the two Marxist tendencies, but certainly not a priest.

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