Sunday 30th October 2016

FG to Establish Specialised Petroleum Force to Tackle Militancy Chineme Okafor in Abuja As part of its 2017 target to ensure zero militancy and drastic reduction of violence in the Niger Delta, which affect Nigeria’s oil production, the federal government has indicated that it would set up a specialised petroleum force, comprising

coastal patrol teams, Niger Delta subsidiary police, and other paramilitary set-ups.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, disclosed this shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari launched his government’s policy document for the country’s oil and gas sector – the seven big wins in Abuja.

Kachikwu, who spoke during the post-event press briefing noted that the specialised force would complement whatever efforts and mechanisms oil companies would put in place to secure their production assets and activities.

Besides, he gave reasons why the planned co-location of new refineries alongside

existing ones in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri was taking long to be concluded as well as the delay in having a Final Investment Decision (FID) on Train-7 expansion project of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).

The minister had initially stated that under a new security arrangement, the govern-

ment planned to pull out the country’s military from the Niger Delta region and allow oil companies set up their own security processes to safeguard their production.

He also stated that the specialised force would be amphibious in character and equipped to support the security efforts of the oil compa-

nies.

According to him, some participants in the current Amnesty Programme for former Niger Delta militants would be incorporated into the force as the government looks to close down the programme in 2017.

“All over the world, oil comContinued on page 8

After a Lull, Suicide Bombing Returns to Maiduguri ...Page 10

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Battle for Ondo PDP Guber Ticket Moves to Appeal Court Court to hear matter expeditiously Nov. 1-3

Tobi Soniyi and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, and James Sowole in Akure In an effort to resolve the

Peoples Democratic Party governorship tangle in Ondo State as expeditiously as possible, the Court of Appeal has fixed November 1 to 3 for the hearing of the various

Protest continues over substitution of Ibrahim for Jegede

appeals and supporting motions on the matter.

A three-man panel of the appellate court led by Justice Jumai Sankey fixed the dates yesterday in Abuja when the

matter came up. That was after parties to the appeals harmonised all pending preliminary applications bordering on the substantive issues on appeal.

This was as protests continued at the weekend in Akure, the state capital, and other towns in the state over Thursday’s substitution of Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN,

with Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim as candidate of PDP in the final list of candidates for the November 26 governorship Continued on page 8

Obasanjo: As President, I Created Twenty-five Nigerian Billionaires Wants govt to provide conducive environment for business

Obinna Chima In what appeared to be a challenge to the federal government to encourage wealth creation as well as entrepreneurial initiatives, former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said his government was able to produce 25 billionaires.

The former president said this at a ceremony for the second edition of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Forum in Lagos.

He however did not name the 25 billionaires.

"My delight is to be able to create Nigerian billionaires. I always say it proudly that my aim when I was in government was to create 50 billionaires from Nigeria. Unfortunately I failed, because I created only 25," he explained.

Responding to an earlier remark by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was also at the event, that the federal government had taken steps to improve the business environment, Obasanjo said Nigerians and investors "want to see the results."

Continued on page 8

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ADENUGA GETS GHANA'S HIGHEST HONOUR

President John Mahama (right) shakes hands with the Chairman of Globacom, Dr Mike Adenuga, after decorating him with the Companion of The Star of Ghana (CSG), Ghana’s highest national civilian honour, in Accra. ...yesterday

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

30.10.2016

MEMORABLE NIGHT AT THE

KAZBAH

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016 • T H I S D AY T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

PAGE EIGHT BATTLE FOR ONDO PDP GUBER TICKET MOVES TO APPEAL COURT election published by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Alleging bias, Jegede’s supporters had on Friday taken their anger over his court-ordered replacement onto the streets of Akure, Owo, Ondo, Ikare, Isua, and the Ilaje areas.

But INEC insisted at the weekend that it did not act under any political pressure when it replaced Jegede with Ibrahim. Jegede, the nominee of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led PDP national caretaker committee, had been previously accepted by the commission as the party’s candidate before an order by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on October 14, which directed INEC to accept Ibrahim as the PDP governorship candidate.

Chief press secretary to the chairman of INEC, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, said contrary to the allegations of bias, the commission acted in strict compliance with its commitment to always obey valid court orders. Just before the publication of the candidates’ list, Ibrahim had accused an unnamed INEC staff of demanding a bribe of $1 million to facilitate the inclusion of his name on the

list in line with Abang’s order.

Last week, the Makarfi caretaker committee began in earnest the legal process to try to reverse the replacement of its nominee, Jegede, with that of the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the PDP, Ibrahim,

by INEC. The replacement followed a judgement on June 24 and the October 14 order by Abang. Members of the Makarfi group, including Jegede, and others had filed several motions and appeals in relation to the two decisions

by Abang.

The group filed a counteraffidavit on Friday to counteract the objection to its appeals against Abang’s decisions by the Sheriff faction. In the affidavit, the Makarfi camp stated that the lawyers engaged by the Sheriff faction deliberately hid the suit decided by the lower court from legitimate authorities of the PDP, accusing the lawyers of professional misconduct. The caretaker committee alleged that the post-judgement order by Abang was given in "naked exercise" of the appeal court's jurisdiction and was not predicated on any claim placed before him.

The counter-affidavit was deposed to by Dolapo

Kehinde, a lawyer in the law firm of one of the lawyers to the Makarfi faction, Ahmed Raji (SAN).

Kehinde averred, “Godswill Mrakpor, O. Fakunle (SAN), and Raphael Oluyede have no scintilla of legal authority to challenge any of the processes filed on behalf of the appellant (PDP) in this appeal or to appear for the appellant.

“The name of Olagoke Fakunle (SAN) of 84 Kwame Nkrumah Crescent appears boldly on the originating summons as taking it out on behalf of the plaintiffs, but he appeared for the second defendant (PDP) in the same proceedings on the instructions of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff of which the plaintiffs are his surrogates.

“The aforesaid scenario played itself out again when the law firm of Raphael Oluyede, founder of TRLP LAW, filed on behalf of the plaintiffs, a motion to enforce the judgement of Hon. Justice Abang, but Raphael Oluyede appeared for the second defendant in respect of the same motion his chambers filed on the instructions of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff of which the plaintiffs are his surrogates.

OBASANJO: AS PRESIDENT, I CREATED 25 NIGERIAN BILLIONAIRES

The former president urged the federal government to ensure that they create conducive environment for entrepreneurs to succeed in Nigeria.

The former president added: You have to create a conducive environment for people who want to do business here. We have to make them wanting to come to Nigeria and if we cannot do that, we have failed. If you say you are doing that (referring to the minister of information), let us see the results.”

He noted the difficulties faced by prospective investors coming to Nigeria and the challenges they face when setting up their businesses in the country.

Obasanjo said: "A situation where somebody wants to come to Nigeria to invest and it takes almost six days to get visa is not proper. In other countries, they would get visa at the airport. We need to be able to register a company at just one point. We have not taken advantage of all the opportunities we have to support our SMEs to be able to produce and sell outside our shores.

And if we don't do a lot of that, those of you (the TEF Entrepreneurs) may be frustrated.

"Let me tell you what I know. Agric and agri-processed products from Nigeria cannot enter into the United States. Even yam from Nige-

WOMEN AFFAIRS

ria have to go through Ghana before going to America. You know why? There is a certification that is required for our agric produce to enter, which we don't have. Simple thing, we don't have, but Ghana has it. And it doesn't take much to put that in place. Unless we have it, we can't export these items to America."

He however urged the young entrepreneurs to be resilient, saying it would not be a bed a roses.

Earlier, Mohammed said President Muhammadu Buhari's administration was focused on moving the country away from a mono-product economy, to a diversified one.

The minister said: "We are left with no choice but to explore other areas because of the slump in crude oil price. The areas we are targeting include agriculture, solid minerals and the creative industries. As part of the government's efforts at diversifying the economy, the federal ministry of agriculture is encouraging the local production of rice, maize sorghum, millet and soya beans.

Today farmers in 11 of the country's 36 states are receiving credit support through the Central Bank of Nigeria."

He cited the Anchor Borrowers' Programme which he said was successful in Kebbi State, adding that it would

soon be extended to some other states. The minister said there had been efforts to boost power supply, and that funds for capital projects had improved significantly.

According to Mohammed, insecurity in Nigeria was being tackled decisively and the regulatory environment was improving.

"To encourage young entrepreneurs in the country, this administration is committed to improving the Ease of Doing Business in this country. In fact, the president has approved the setting up of a Presidential Council on Ease of Doing Business in order to remove unnecessary impediments in the registration of businesses, clearing of goods from the ports. This administration is also committed to improving the imbalance in the foreign exchange market," he added.

The founder of TEF, Mr. Tony Elumelu said 65,000 applications were received and the Foundation in the past two years was able to select only 2,000 due to limited resources.

"Friends of Africa need to seek ways of helping those that were not selected, young Africans who can change the fortunes of Africa. In the 21st century, no one but Africans will develop Africa and those that are blessed.

"The rich should do more

“The scenario that played out at the court below was almost entirely between Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and his surrogates appearing as defendant and plaintiffs with the consequence that proceedings at the lower court were concealed from the legitimate authority of the appellant (PDP).

“The order referred to as Exhibit GS1 is an interlocutory order that was not predicated on any claim before Hon. Justice Abang and is a naked exercise of appellant jurisdiction by Hon. Justice Abang over the decisions and orders of courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

“The judgement of June 29, 2016 and post-judgement order of October 14, 2016, in clear violation of the appellant's constitution and innumerable decisions of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, purported to negate the firmly entrenched rule that only the National Executive Committee or the National Working. Committee of the appellant and not the State Executive Committee of the appellant, is competent to conduct gubernatorial primaries for the purposes of nominating its candidate.

“The appellant (PDP) gave by re-investing in the young ones because what counts is not how much you have in a bank account but the legacy you leave behind and the impact made. Talks with the African development bank in advanced stage for the ADB to take up additional 1000 out of those that were not selected," he added.

The President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, called for more support from policy makers in Africa to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

Africa, he said, is richly endowed with enormous resources which must be explored with value addition.

According to him, local production of goods through value addition should be encouraged such that Africa's raw materials would no longer be exported, but processed in the country. He said the country's young population should be given the required support.

Africa's richest woman, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, urged the TEF Entrepreneurs to ensure that they wre outstanding.

"The business world that you have decided to play is fraught with many challenges, dangers, difficulties and discouraging circumstances. You may need to fight and compete in other to succeed, " she added.

L-R: Wife of the Kwara State governor, Omolewa Ahmed; Head of Service, Lagos State, Olabowale Ademola; wife of the vice president, Dolapo Osinbajo; and convener of the conference, Siju Iluyomade, at the 2016 Arise Women Annual Conference, titled " Grace to Grace'' ETOP UKUTT in Lagos ...yesterday

no instructions whatsoever for the withdrawal of this appeal, but is anxious to pursue this appeal so as to affirm the supremacy of its National Executive Committee or National Working Committee to conduct gubernatorial primaries in line with provisions of its constitution and Electoral Guidelines.”

The Makarfi group stated that its national caretaker committee had been affirmed by an order by Justice Mohammed Liman of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, on July 4.

Some of the motions by the Makarfi group sought to stay the execution of the Abuja Federal High Court decisions, while others sought the leave of the appellate court to appeal the decisions. Yet some wanted extension of time to compile record and appeal, and to deem the appeals filed as properly filed.

But on Friday, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), who represented Makarfi; secretary of the caretaker committee, Ben Obi; and Jegede, withdrew the motions for stay of the judgement and post-judgement order

by Abang. Akinlaja said his decision was due to the "preemptive action" of INEC in substituting Jegede with Ibrahim before the motions could be heard.

The Sheriff faction had on October 27 filed an objection to some of the appeals filed in the name of the PDP by the Makarfi group on the grounds that the Makarfi group was not authorised by the party to appeal on its behalf. It urged the court to strike out the appeal and all documents filed along with it because they did not instruct Ahmed Raji and others, who filed the appeal for the Makarfi leadership of the PDP, to act on their behalf.

The eight appeals originated from the judgement and order by Abang are marked: CA/A/551/2016; CA/A/551A/2016; C A / 5 5 1 B / 2 0 1 6 ; CA/A/551C/2016; CA/A/402/2016; CA/ A/402A/2016; CA/ A/402B/2016 and CA/

A/402C/2016. Three of them were withdrawn as at Friday, leaving five of the appeals filed by Jegede, PDP and Makarfi.

Meanwhile, the chief press secretary to Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chairman, Oyekanmi, told THISDAY yesterday that the commission was merely obeying the law when it substituted Ibrahim for Jegede as the PDP candidate.

Oyekanmi said, “To put the record straight, INEC monitored the primaries that elected Jegede in August and he was on our list as at August, before the latest legal fireworks began. It has nothing to do with the drama that Jimoh Ibrahim came to do at our premises. What he did was of no effect, the thing is that if there is a standing court order we will respect that order.”

He added, “We are not supposed to be interpreting judgements, what the court said was very clear and we took it.

“In this circumstance, what INEC tries to do is to obey court judgements and it will always take the latest in time, meaning that if there was a court judgement on Monday saying Jimoh Ibrahim should be taken and there was another judgement from the Court of Appeal saying that Jegede should be returned, then we would take the appeal court judgement because it is the latest in time.”

In the meantime, the wild protests in major towns of Ondo State, greeted the news of Jegede’s replacement, continued at the weekend.

Yesterday’s protesters, who were led by the state chairman of the Makarfi leadership, Mr. Clement Faboyede, vowed that Ibrahim would never be the candidate of PDP for the November 26 governorship election. Earlier, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mrs. Jumoke Akindele, who spoke with journalists on behalf of the PDP members in the Assembly, insisted that Jegede was the candidate of the party.

FG TO ESTABLISH SPECIALISED PETROLEUM FORCE TO TACKLE MILITANCY panies take care of their facilities. The presidency has also agreed to look at the possibility of setting up a specialised petroleum force that is going to draw on the elites of the security services, and be provided with resources that are amphibious, that are technology-driven to enable them to be able to respond to the request of the oil companies if they get overwhelmed outside their first line security,” Kachikwu said.

He further stated that, “The government is looking critically at the amnesty programme and we are looking towards an eventual wind up of the programme in about one year period.

“The whole idea is within that time frame we need to address some issues. We are going to be looking at things like coastal patrols, Niger Delta subsidiary policing and some paramilitary type organisations not armed. You will be able to suck in some of those people who were trained.

“We are also going to provide funding for those who want to set up their own businesses within the corridors of those areas.”

Speaking on the delayed Final Investment Decision (FID) on NLNG Train-7 project, the Kachikwu explained: “Bonny

Train-7 is an issue of money.

The prices of gas today is low, so anybody who is going to put money into gas development today needs to have very really strong fiscals.”

He noted the government was still committed to the project, saying, “That is not looking very encouraging, but the nice thing is that the NLNG has done very well and has access to be able to get facilities. So, we are going to be working with them on Train-7, as Train-7 is what we have commitment to.

“The president nostalgic feelings are that when they left many years ago, the plan was that 10 years ago, we should have been in Train 12. The fact that we wasted this much time when the prices were really very lucrative and supportive is a shame."

On the refineries co-location plan, Kachikwu said: “Bids were done, we were almost at the stage of moving in, then we had some issues with the BPE, in terms of whether or not we are trying to sell the refineries indirectly through a different corridor.

“That has been resolved.

It was only last week that the president signed for us to set up a committee to collaborate with them and work quickly.”

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

SUNDAY COMMENT

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE US PRESIDENTIAL POLL AND BEYOND

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The recruitment process of the American President holds lessons for Nigeria

ome next week Tuesday, November 8, Americans will go to the polls to elect their next president. The Democratic Party candidate is Mrs. Hillary Clinton, a former Secretary of State who had also been a senator. If elected, she will become the first female American President and also one whose husband is a former president. Her challenger, Mr. Donald Trump, of the Republican Party is a maverick. A billionaire businessman who has no temperament for political correctness, Trump has done and said many things in the course of the year-long campaigns that would ordinarily end the career of any political office seeker. Yet he still commands huge following.

Although it is the business of Americans to elect Nigerians must begin their president, the world is nonetheless always to imbibe a culture interested in who ocby which those who cupies the White House. aspire to lead our It is even more so this people, especially at the gubernatorial and time for several reasons.

However, while many have presidential levels, harped on the temperament are subjected to a of the two candidates, what rigorous process of we consider rather imporengagement with tant is the meritocratic the people by way essence of the American of public debates presidential campaign that will assess which is usually enlivened their suitability by the culture of open and for the offices they rigorous debate and almost seek. That is the endless engagement of the beauty of American democracy, even with candidates with a national electorate. In the process, all the imperfections those seeking to lead the that have come to people are exposed, interfore in the current rogated, cross-examined presidential election and generally subjected to campaigns a form of examination on practically all issues.

As dictated by the American political leadership recruitment process, nearly every aspect of a candidate’s suitability is put under the microscope of public scrutiny during the campaigns: morals, elocution, marital life, education, civics, world geography, experience, honesty, sincerity of purpose, respect for national values, understanding of the place and mission of the United States in

Letters to the Editor

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the world, etc. Along the way, some aspirants drop out of the contest, based on their inability to go through the rigour of party and public screening even if they have all the money in the world. At the end, it is safe to conclude that candidates fail or succeed in the race to the White House on the basis of their performance in these series of rigorous examinations of their lives and what they stand for. It is also on that basis that the outcomes of the United States presidential elections are almost always predictable where wide disparities exist between the candidates of the two parties on the public perception of where they stand on those issues.

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S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR TOKUNBO ADEDOJA DEPUTY EDITOR VINCENT OBIA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

owever, whatever the eventual outcome of the presidential election, there are several lessons that we can learn from the United States. One, a democracy that is built on meritocracy is more likely to deliver sounder governance than a polity of assumptions and ascription such as ours. Two, when people are involved in the entire process of selecting who governs them, such a system usually breeds accountability. Three, a process that involves such rigorous interrogations will definitely bring out the best and worst of the candidates thus making it easy for the electorate to make informed and rational choices.

Unfortunately, the situation is different in Nigeria.

Over the years, we have had our leaders practically handpicked and anointed by rabble factions of some renegade conclaves called ‘parties’ or by some political godfathers.

That perhaps explains why, either at the federal or state level, those who aspire to lead the people are shielded until they emerge in positions of power to display how ill-equipped and inappropriate they are to hold any office.

Then an electorate that was indifferent to asking the uncomfortable questions begins to whine and grumble.

We cannot continue to run our nation on the basis of such political cynicism.

Therefore, Nigerians must begin to imbibe a culture by which those who aspire to lead our people, especially at the gubernatorial and presidential levels, are subjected to a rigorous process of engagement with the people by way of public debates that will assess their suitability for the offices they seek. That is the beauty of American democracy, even with all the imperfections that have come to fore in the current presidential election campaigns. And that is what we must aspire towards as we seek to deepen our democracy in the overall interest of our country.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

CHIBOK GIRLS AND THEIR SPECIAL BLOOD

n April 14, 2014, a Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok town of Borno State was alleged to have been attacked by a terrorist group called Boko Haram where 276 female students were reportedly kidnapped. About fifty-seven (57) of these female students were reported to have managed to escape during the abduction. Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, recently, said that it took 19 days for former President Goodluck Jonathan to call him and enquired about the abduction. He blamed President Jonathan for the delay in rescuing the girls, for if he had called earlier, the girls may have been rescued immediately.

When Governor Shettima made this allegation which came two years later, he assumed that all Nigerians were morons who would swallow any fabrication hook, line and sinker.

He assumed that most, if not all Nigerians would exonerate him of any blame in the so-called abduction and lay all the blame on President Jonathan. Governor Shettima wanted us to believe or clap for him, that as the governor of the state, something of that magnitude happened in his state and he was waiting for the president of the country to call him first instead of rushing down the next day to the presidential seat of power to brief the president as to what to do and how to rescue the abducted girls. He was indifferent, only to tell the world two years later that the former president did not call him on time.

Aside blame game and passing the buck, was there any abduction in the first instance? There are so many loopholes that make the alleged abduction doubtful. Penultimate week, precisely October 15, 2016, 21 of the phantom girls were said to have been rescued by security personnel. Few

months ago, one of the girls showed up with her new born baby and Boko Haram husband. She regaled the world how she managed to escape from the dreaded Sambisa forest, running all the way from the forest to the main town of Maiduguri with her baby and husband without Boko Haram terrorists noticing their escape.

These girls were said to be preparing to write their WAEC examinations.

How come few of them interviewed by foreign media like CNN since this abduction took place could not speak even Pidgin English?

Boko Haram terrorists told the world that they have converted the girls to Islam since 2014. How come the 21 girls released recently immediately grabbed their bibles? Boko Haram terrorists said that they had married the girls off and that they would never return. How come they just retrieved the married girls from their husbands and returned these 21 girls?

Boko Haram terrorists have killed over 20,000 Nigerians, killed so many military and police personnel. They have bombed and burnt Churches, Mosques and Schools, etc. What actually restrained them from killing the Chibok girls in their custody since 2014? Is the blood of the Chibok girls peculiar and sacred from those of other thousands of Nigerians they had killed? The 21 girls they released recently looked a little bit fresher than most girls in the internally displaced persons’ (IDPs) camps. Are these newly released girls from the Sambisa forest? The 21 released girls came back without being impregnated except one that the ‘father’ claimed was pregnant before the abduction. Does it mean that Boko Haram terrorists were so disciplined and chaste with them that they did not abuse them sexually? When Boko Haram terrorists released video of the so-called abducted girls few months after their

abduction, we saw phantom Christian Chibok girls reciting Koran perfectly well in their hijabs.

How come we are now told that these 21 released were not forced to convert to Islam? Is it possible that a Christian girl or girls can stay under terrorist groups for one month without being forced to convert to Islam how much more two years? How long did it take Ese Oruru of Bayelsa and some other girls to be forcibly converted to Islam? Is it possible for girls under captivity for two years not to experience some psychological trauma and depression going by the way these girls so far released appear and behave? Has federal government paid the N1.7 trillion ransom that Boko Haram demanded? The truth of the matter is that Chibok scam was used to malign and smear the image of Jonathan’s presidency with a view to ousting him.

––Ifeanyi Maduako, Abuja

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

SUNDAYNEWS

News Editor Abimbola Akosile E-mail: abimbola.akosile@thisdaylive.com, 08023117639 (sms only)

Osinbajo: 800 Herdsmen Arrested over Attacks on Communities Anayo Okolie

EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURS L-R: President of Sierra Leone, Mr. Ernest Bai Koroma; founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony O. Elumelu; and his wife and Trustee of the foundation, Dr. Awele Elumelu, at the 2nd Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum which held at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos...yesterday

After a Lull, Suicide Bombing Returns to Maiduguri Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

After a lull in suicide bomb attacks in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital was rocked by twin bomb blasts yesterday morning.

Yesterday’s bomb blast was the second time in three weeks, after a long break in suicide bombing incidences, which hitherto had been a regular occurrence in the city reputed to be the birthplace of the Boko Haram insurgency.

It was not until recently that many checkpoints were withdrawn from within Maiduguri and the curfew on the town relaxed to between 10pm and 5am daily due to reduced attacks on the town. The Nigeria Police confirmed that nine people were killed in yesterday’s twin bomb attacks on the city.

The Borno State Commissioner for Police, Damien Chukwu, while briefing journalists on the attacks, said one of the incidents occurred at the entrance to one of the Internally Displaced Persons camps, Bakassi camp, just moments after

the early morning Islamic prayer.

According to him, a female suicide bomber blended with a group of people returning from the mosque at a few minutes to seven in the morning.

She detonated the bomb on her and in the process died alongside five others. Fifteen others were injured.

The police boss said at a distance of about two kilometres away, another female suicide bomber in a tricycle detonated a bomb which claimed her life and that of two others with her in the tricycle.

Chukwu said the tricycle had tried to detonate the explosive device near a truck conveying petrol to create havoc but was cut off by an onrushing 404 Peugeot car. He said the explosion affected the car but the tanker was saved in what could have been a major disaster. National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) spokesman, Sani Datti, also confirmed that nine persons were killed in the twin explosions, which left 24 injured.

Datti revealed that there were

two explosions in Maiduguri, one at the entrance to Bakassi IDPs camp and the other at the NNPC station along Damboa road.

He said the agency’s rescue team was immediately deployed to the spots to evacuate the victims.

One of the commandants of the youth vigilance group (Civilian JTF), Abba Ali Kalli, told THISDAY over the phone that the two incidents seemed to have been coordinated.

He however said the number of casualties at the entrance to Bakassi camp was yet to be ascertained while the incident at the NNPC Depot junction claimed three lives - the suicide bombers and two other persons in the tricycle.

In another press statement, the Nigerian Army through it’s spokesman for 7 Division in Maiduguri, Col. Mustapha Anka said the incidents occurred simultaneously at about 7.05am yesterday.

He said: “There were two simultaneous suicide bomb explo-

sions at the entrance of Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp and NNPC Mega Filling Station, Damboa Road, Maiduguri.”

He continued: “At the Bakassi IDP’s camp, a suspected female suicide bomber ran into a group of men and women at the entrance while they were coming out of the camp, killing 5 men and injured 11 women.

The bodies of the dead men and the injured women have been evacuated.

“At the NNPC, a female suicide bomber followed a fuel tanker in a Keke NAPEP tricycle (rickshaw) with the sole aim of gaining entry to cause maximum damage and casualty but was prevented from gaining access to the station by another vehicle. In that process, the suicide bomber exploded killing the occupants of the tricycle.”

He said: “Troops and security agents had been mobilized and the injured had been evacuated while efforts are ongoing to comb the general area as well as entries and exits of Maiduguri.”

Mahama Confers Ghana’s Highest Honour on Adenuga One of Africa’s most illustrious investors, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr, has been awarded Ghana’s highest civilian honour, the Companion of The Star of Ghana (CSG).

Adenuga who also holds the highest civilian honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) in Nigeria, was decorated by the Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama, at a state ceremony in Accra on Saturday.

President Mahama said Adenuga was awarded the CSG, “in recognition of your unique and outstanding contribution to business enterprise both in Ghana and the continent of Africa at large.”

Mahama said through Adenuga’s creative business exertions, “you have touched many lives in Ghana. You have provided employment for our teeming youth, artists, footballers

and many more. I am particularly proud of you. This award is our way of saying a simple Thank You.” The citation on Adenuga commended his “transformational achievements in the telecommunications industry”, chief of which was the laying of the Glo 1 optic fibre cable linking several African countries including Ghana with Europe and America.

Mahama commended Adenuga’s association with telecommunications in Ghana since Glo Mobile’s launch and praised the massive capital investment injected into the project. The Ghanaian leader noted that Adenuga’s investment forays and his strong and affirmative support for sports had earned him honours from far and near. This, President Mahama noted, recommended Adenuga for Ghana’s highest

civilian honour.

In his acceptance remarks, Adenuga said President Mahama’s “recognition and support of my modest contributions to the development of Ghana’s economy have come as a great source of pride and encouragement to me. This is more so as it is coming from Your Excellency, whose sterling qualities of leadership I admire greatly.”

Adenuga remains one of the finest pillars of investment in Africa with multi billion dollars interests in telecommunications, oil, banking and real estate among others. His telecommunications investment footprint spans across Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, Senegal, Gambia and Cote d’Ivoire.

He set up Globacom in Nigeria in 2003, coming two years behind other multinational operators.

But with an Africa-focused entry

strategy which sought to ensure that people got billed for only the exact time consumed, the brand turned into a household name and quickly rose to become the second biggest network in Nigeria. His vision to run Africa’s biggest and best network saw the expansion into Benin Republic and Ghana and the conception of the world’s first and only private optic fibre cable which runs from Europe to Lagos with dedicated link to the United States and spurs across West African countries.

Adenuga is no stranger to state awards. In 2012, he was decorated with Nigeria’s equivalent highest civil award, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON). During the celebration of Nigeria’s centenary, Adenuga was also one of the 100 distinguished and eminent Nigerians honoured with the Centenary Awards.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said no less than 800 suspected violent herdsmen across the country have been arrested by security agencies.

Osinbajo, who made this known at Townhall meeting in Houston Texas, US, noted in a statement signed his spokesperson Mr. Laolu Akande that the President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the security agencies to arrest both violent herdsmen and anyone in possession of firearms.

According to him, “the President has given firm instructions to the security agencies to arrest not only herdsmen who are attacking communities anywhere in the country but anyone of them or anyone at all in possession of firearms.”

Osinbajo, who revealed that , “there are about 800 of suspected violent herdsmen in the country that are currently in custody,” however, lamented the slow pace of the

criminal justice system which is affecting the prompt trial of such suspects.

The vice president, who addressed US-based Nigerians who asked questions via the internet at the Townhall meeting, noted that the issue of killings by such violent herdsmen had been a perennial issue especially as grazing lands continue to disappear over the years and the cattle feed on people’s crops on the farmlands. According to him, the matter predates the Buhari administration.

He advised against misconstruing the herdsmen issue as a religious issue just as he charged Nigerians to refuse such divisive narratives and tendencies.

According to him, there had always been a conflict between herdsmen and communities across the country and people should disabuse the notion that the problem has just started because of Buhari, a Fulani man currently at the helm of affairs.

Buhari Felicitates with Ace Broadcaster, Anike Williams, at 80 Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated legendary newscaster, presenter and first African female to appear on television, Anike Agbaje Williams, on her 80th birthday.

The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, joined Williams’ family, friends and the vibrant media profession, in celebrating the broadcaster “who had a sonorous voice that ruled the industry for more than 30 years, starting out early with the first television station in Africa in 1959, Western Nigeria Television (WNTV).”

As one of the pioneer African television broadcasters, better known as

“Africa’s First Lady of the Tube”, the president said, he believed the veteran journalist worked hard to inform, educate and entertain her listeners, and to also sustain the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo who established the WNTV as a “surrogate teacher”.

The president commended the quintessential courage and persistent spirit of Williams who constantly pushed herself to improve on her God-given talent until she reached the pinnacle of her career, carting home many awards even after retirement.

Buhari prayed that the almighty God would grant Williams longer life, good health and more strength in her newfound love of singing in the choir after retirement.

In Brief Chief Alex Obateru’s Burial

The remains of late educationist and community leader, Chief Alexander Omotoso Obateru are to be laid to rest at Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Saturday, November 5. According to a funeral programme from the family, there would be a Wake Keep at St. James Catholic Church, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin, Kwara State on Thursday, November 3, by 4-6 pm while a Commendation Service holds at the same church on Friday, November 4, from 8-10am. The Burial Service would hold at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Eruku on Saturday, November 5 by 10am after which the burial would take place at the church cemetery, according to a statement by Taye Obateru (son) for the family. A seasoned educationist, Dr. Obateru who had a teaching career spanning over 40 years at primary, post primary and tertiary institutions, was the pioneer black teacher at St. Charles Grammar School Osogbo, Osun State. He was also the pioneer principal of Idofian Grammar School, Kwara State and lectured part time at the Institute of Education, University of Ilorin for some years.

He held the chieftaincy title of Bobagunwa of Erukuland.

He is survived by a wife, Chief Alice Omoyeni Obateru, children, grand-children, great-grandchildren and several relations.

T H I S D AY SUNDAY OCTOBER 30, 2016

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 30, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SUNDAY OCTOBER 30, 2016

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OCTOBER 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

OPINION

Who Will Bell The Cat?

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The war against corruption is worthwhile, but it could be improved, writes Awele Oguejiofor

was born in the last year of President Muhammadu Buhari’s first stint in power – a feat achieved by toppling a democratically elected government. That year was 1985. Although, I was too young to have a firsthand memory of his wheeling and dealings in power, I have come to learn that his ‘reign’ – albeit short-lived – was marked by brute enforcement of discipline, infamously referred to as “War Against Indiscipline.” Then, people who failed to queue up, who littered the streets, amongst other minor misdemeanours, were manhandled by military officers. This programme has just been reintroduced by Mr. Buhari. Why did Nigerians go back to their old ways after he was thrown out of office in August 1985? My simple answer is this: rescuing Nigeria from the long arms of corruption requires a sustained and multidimensional approach that goes beyond mere trial and incarceration of those involved in grand theft. Also, the question remains: could this initiative still instill the same level of fear that it did in the past? I very much doubt so! Democracy is well and thriving in Nigeria; and social media has also become a powerful tool that can help unseat any government.

As a student of history, I have done a bit of research to understand what has changed in the country since 1985. Truth be told, not very much. The core fundamentals of the socio-economic and political frameworks of the country have only shifted a little bit. Do not get me wrong, Nigeria has made considerable gains over the years in some aspects of its national life, but it very much remains an ineffectual and toothless heavyweight.

These successes have earned the country the sobriquets “Africa’s largest democracy” and “Africa’s largest economy.” In spite of this, the latest data released by the World Bank in its 2017 Ease of Doing Business report shows Nigeria ranks a distant 169 out of 190 countries. This is way below Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa and Kenya which are ranked 56th, 71st, 74th and 92nd, respectively. In terms of corruption, it runs so rampant across all facets of our everyday life. We have been consistently classified as being so corrupt, so much so that the former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, described Nigeria as “fantastically corrupt” in a conversation with the Queen. And our president agrees, too. Then tell me: what has changed?

Does history have a way of repeating itself? In the mid-1980s, Nigerians were made to stand in endless queues to purchase “essential commodities” to feed themselves and their families. There was soaring inflation, free fall of the local currency, crackdown on perceived corrupt officials, ballooning unemployment, and flight of investors. These issues still very much have a pervasive presence in our society today, most of which are blamed on the drop in oil prices. This is not entirely President Buhari’s fault, as previous regimes have all displayed inaction and lack of sufficient vision in managing the nation’s resources.

In fact, the much touted diversification of the economy is not a particularly new phenomenon. It can only be realised with the right mix of policies and political will, coupled with strong institutions that would guarantee unflappable confidence and return on

Over a year has passed, and not even one single individual has been thrown behind bars for corruption. Some members of the cabinet have been embroiled in widespread allegations of corruption as well. I am indeed perplexed at the unusual taciturnity about this. What seems to be clogging the wheels of justice?

investments. Norway is a country of only five million people that has the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund worth over $800 billion. It has invested its oil revenues wisely, while ours has been squandered by a few individuals. This sort of fund is meant to act as buffer against oil price volatility and also generate profits for the entire nation. Today, our dwindling external reserves is somewhere between $24billion and $25 billion.

Mr. President’s election heralded a new dawn in Nigeria’s chequered political history, the first time an incumbent president was shown the exit door through the ballot box. I welcomed this development because of what it portends for our democracy. At least, politicians can now be somewhat held accountable, if they perform below par.

The president coasted to victory in the May 2015 election, vowing to fight corruption. Over a year has passed, and not even one single individual has been thrown behind bars for corruption. Some members of his cabinet have been embroiled in widespread allegations of corruption as well. I am indeed very perplexed at the unusual taciturnity about this. What seems to be clogging the wheels of justice? Is it the justices currently accused of corruption? Admittedly, the administration has been praised by Nigerians for recovering billions from those who looted the nation, alas, the economy is still bleeding. In addition, foreign investors have since taken a stand-offish approach, until the government maps out a strategy to resuscitate the ailing economy.

With the country’s economy dangerously hanging on a precipice, the time to act is now. It is time to quit blaming the past administration for all the ills plaguing Nigeria. Mr. President must quickly constitute an inde pendent economic advisory team that is truly bi-partisan, regardless of ethnicity, religion and gender. We are not lacking in legislations to tackle corruption; they abound. Rather, political actors, particularly the president, must give teeth to existing laws, recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to corruption.

But tell me: who will bell the cat? It is indeed a brilliant age-old question begging for answers.

Oguejiofor is an economic development specialist

UN and Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Lacuna

Oseloka H. Obaze argues for a discernible change in the strategic dimension of our foreign policy

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nited Nations remains a fulcrum for global politics and multilateral diplomacy. Nigeria has been a UN member state for 56 years. However, its influence has waned. That problem is mostly self-inflicted. It’s been averred that any serious and major nation in good standing must “recognise the need to exploit the extant structure of international system to its advantage more effectively.” Nigeria’s pursuit of a grand strategy for an enhanced position is hampered by internal political dynamics, structural constraints and political alignments that hardly have national interest as their sole focus.

If ever there was a time Pax Nigeriana seems germane to national interest, it is now. Yet there exist some dissembling realities. Nigeria, once considered a continental hegemon, has seen her sphere of influence curtailed discernibly. Any influence the nation wields now, falls in the realm of projecting “illusory hegemony”; which is to say, that national confidence emanates from nostalgia and past standing. Should these circumstances remain unchanged and strategic realities unappreciated, Nigeria risks wallowing on the periphery of global politics.

Singular and at times seemingly unimportant events tend to serve as benchmarks by which a nation’s seriousness is measured. Recently the UN elected a new Secretary-General, Mr Antonio Guterres of Portugal. Aside from a congratulatory message from President Muhammadu Buhari, in which he expressed the belief that “Guterres’ wealth of experience as a former Prime Minister of Portugal, head of UN Refugee Agency for several years, diplomat and a politician of repute, eminently prepared and qualified him for the new position” and that Nigeria looked “forward to working and supporting Guterres to address the world’s most pressing challenges” etc., I am unaware that we have tried to engage the SG-designate directly.

Had the UN followed the rotational principles strictly, Guterres might not have emerged, since a candidate from Eastern European Group would have been favoured. Some of the other SG-candidates were, Danilo Turk of Slovenia, Susanna Malcorra of Argentina, Helen Clark of New Zealand, Miroslav Laj ák of Slovakia, Srgjan Kerim of former Yugosloav Republic of Macedonia, Irina Bokova of Bulgaria, Natalia Gehrman of Moldova, Vesna Pusic of Croatia, and Vuk Jeremic of Serbia.

A handful of the candidates possess requisite UN leadership experience. Yet Guterres emerged because he was qualified, but more so because of realpolitik and tensions of the East-West face off over the conflict in Ukraine foreclosed on an Eastern

European Group candidate.

Regardless, Nigeria like other nations will deal with Mr. Guterres for the next 10 years. And Nigeria knows and has identified already the key areas where she must interface with him, which includes, “defeating terrorism, reducing poverty and tackling the devastating effects of climate change; as well as confronting the root causes of migrants and refugee crisis.”

But will such dealings be based on a relationship predicated on mutual interest and forged by cordiality?

During the process of choosing the new Secretary-General, Nigeria was hardly engaged in the process. Nigeria did not even have a substantive ambassador or deputy at the UN Mission in New York. Mr. Tony Bosah, a Minister and the Charge d’ Affaires at the Nigerian UN Mission, is a very experienced, capable and diligent diplomat, who did his utmost.

I know, because many years back he was my under-study at the Foreign Ministry in Lagos. But for Nigeria, the absence of a substantive permanent representative during the crucial selection period was failure in strategic planning. Truly, it was a missed opportunity. Relatedly, it is not surprising; therefore, that none of the top candidates visited Abuja to seek our support as a top and representative voice of Africa.

It’s noteworthy, to recall that the first appointment President Buhari made as a military leader in January 1984, was to send late Gen. Joe Garba to the United Nations. That appointment and its attending message resonated. Such gesture should have been replicated, even if it meant cross-posting a serving ambassador from one of Nigeria’s Grade A posts to hold the fort, while the Senate cleared the ambassadorial nominees.

Why Nigeria is lagging diplomatically remains confounding, even as it is evidently linked with her domestic realities.

Understanding Nigeria’s challenges thus requires an appreciation of her internal dynamics.

It was common knowledge that Antonio Guterres emerged as a consensus candidate, at a time when global thinking and perception favoured a female Secretary-General. Most of the female candidates were eminently qualified; and Ban Ki-moon, the outgoing UN Secretary-General had publicly expressed his preference for a female successor. Having missed the opportunity to engage the UN Secretary-General designate early, we seem all set to miss out on engaging him on key high-level appointments, including the choice of his Deputy. Today, we do not have a ranking official in the UN Headquarters Secretariat, proper, since Ms. Amina J. Mohammed left her position as Assistant Secretary-General in November 2015 to become our Minister of Environment.

Of course, we still have our former Minister of Health Dr.

Babatunde Osotimehin as the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, who is an Under SecretaryGeneral, but he is not in the Secretariat high-rise.

Had our foreign policy remained proactive and in keeping with past trends, we should have been upfront in pressing for the Deputy Secretary-General position to go to a female, possibly, an African and possibly a Nigerian.

Nigeria has eminently qualified candidates, including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prof. Joy Ogwu, Amina Mohammed, Folunronsho Alakija, Chimamanda Adiche and others. The last female Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Dr. Asha-Rose Mtengeti Migiro of Tanzania, served from 2007-2012. In the event that Nigeria was not interested for whatever reasons, nothing stops her from backing another African candidate, man or woman for that position. After all, a high percentage of the issues the UN grapples with pertain to Africa. We ought to have a place or representation at the senior policymaking level at the UN. Being there should be Africa’s prerogative; but coveted posts won’t be handed to us without our pressing for it, openly or discreetly.

Nigeria has done fairly well at the UN recently, with a back-to-back membership of the UN Security Council.

But issues that dominate the international system are developmental, ecological and socio-economic in nature.

These fall well within the remit of the UN and Nigeria needs adequate representation where UN policies are discussed, either within the Secretariat or amongst the member states.

Nigeria needs to re-engage -- proactively and constructively.

As Hash V. Pant perceptively observed, “How states respond to their relative material rise or decline has long been central to understanding the forces shaping international politics.”

Even the smallest of nations understand fully that the UN is a one-stop-shop, where you can engage members of the international community in a cost-effective manner.

Meanwhile, let us hope that the unwritten rule, by which our past ambassadors to the UN have had notional cabinet ranking, most being former foreign ministers -- Joe Garba, Ibrahim Gambari and Joy Ogwu -- will not be altered. To discontinue that trend would mean that we intend to pass up on the strategic institutionalisation of Nigeria’s foreign policymaking. Finally, we should rethink how we conduct our public policies in Nigeria -- by focusing not for ourselves, but on our country’s needs. For those who call the policy shots, there ought to be a discernible change in the strategic dimension of our foreign policy, with a view to improving its value and solvency.

Obaze is MD/CEO of Selonnes Consult Ltd

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

LETTERS

AGAIN, A CASE FOR POPULATION CONTROL

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read THISDAY’s editorial of October 21, and I began to wonder the issue members of board have with the Nigerian population. I remember I wrote a reply on November 21, 2013, to an editorial of theirs dated November 14, 2013 on this same issue of population explosion and control. Little wonder they started this editorial with “again”. In the same spirit of “again” I intend to reply.

The editorial of 2013 was brutal and clearly onesided, it spoke of “population explosion” and that “only drastic population control could make a big difference”. This editorial has a similar content but the only difference is that it is a little bit balanced.

Coincidentally the issues that gave the balance were the issues I raised in my reply. For this I give them some credit.

Interestingly, the editorial qualifies the type of population that is threatening. They argue that “an idle and largely illiterate population is a disaster waiting to happen”.

Conversely, we can strongly argue without any iota of doubt that an engaged and largely literate

Duruiheoma, Chairman, National Population Commission

population wouldn’t be a disaster. In fact, the editorial team in their other editorial stated that “there is therefore the need to invest massively in education which is critical for the future”.

The editorial also admits that there “could be compelling argument as to how population could be a positive force”. I am aghast as to why they used “could”, thereby suggesting that the positive power of population is in question.

Historical and current

realities do not seem to question that. According to a World Bank report published in 2015 “Africa’s Demographic Transition: Dividend or Disaster?” “It noted that with the right government policies and actions, countries in Africa can reap a tremendous demographic dividend from this growth to propel an economic take-off. It will also increase the likelihood of capturing the potential social and economic benefits from population growth”. Unfortunately the

potentialities of an engaged and largely literate population aren’t the crux of my reply, as such I wouldn’t dwell deeply on it.

My interest is how they reached the conclusion that the solution to the problem is to control the population growth.

For emphasis, the issues they raised were lack of education and the growing rate of poverty. How are these issues solved by reducing the population?

This is a perfect example of a fallacious syllogism as the conclusion doesn’t derive from the premises.

On the issue of poverty, the editorial quoted a recent World Bank report which states that “Poverty is declining in all regions but it is becoming deeper and more entrenched in countries that are either in conflict-ridden or overly dependent on commodity exports”. During my research, I found out that the report cited is the Global Monitoring Report 2015/2016. The report does not blame population growth for the cause of poverty. Or is conflict caused merely by population growth? In fact the report has many good citations which support population

SYRIA AND THE BLOOD THIRSTY WEST

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t last, America has met its match in the art of hypocrisy. All hail Russia for its sudden resurgence. Before now, America enjoyed a monopoly unmatched and deluded itself as the strongest military in the world. Russia’s hypocrisy has also proven to be master class, leaving America groping; looking for how to save its face in a war in which deception has become a major tactics. The battle raging in Aleppo has exposed all the major players. As the world was applauding the last ceasefire which coincided with the Muslim Eid, brokered by America and Russia, both countries were busy working underground on how to undermine it without suspicion. Luck however ran out of America; it bombed the Syrian troop’s position that killed 60 soldiers, and later issued an apology. For Syria, that was the end of the truce. Before you could say Jack, an airstrike hit aids trucks heading for Aleppo to ease humanitarian suffering following years of siege by the Syrian army.

America accused Russia and Syria for that dastardly attack. Now, the Syrian government has announced a new military offensive in Eastern Aleppo, all hell is let loose. Blood of civilians is flowing like river in Aleppo, buildings are reduced to rubbles. The Russians and

the Americans don’t give a damn; their selfish interest must be served, not even when schools and hospitals are shelled or bullets hitting traumatised children.

Only few countries come close to America and Russia in hypocrisy and cold-bloodedness. Britain and France are worthy of mention in this regard.

Kofi Annan understands that behind the mask of the so -called super powers, there was an awful and deliberate grand design to allow the Syrian civil war to drag on. That was why he resigned as the UNArab League joint special envoy to Syria. He announced he would not be staying in that post when his tenure expired August 31, 2012. The former UN Secretary General cited “finger-pointing and namecalling” as one of his many reasons for that decision.

There was clearly lack of unity amongst members of the UN Security Council.

This was further underscored by the reactions of the major players in the Security Council.

Reuters reported that Vitaly Churkin, Moscow’s UN ambassador suggested to reporters in New York that Western powers who opposed “reasonable and balanced proposals” in the Security Council undermined Annan’s peace efforts from the start. The so-called Western powers fired back, blaming Russia and China for vetoing three council resolutions.

The White House spokesman Jay Carney said, “Those vetoes...were highly regrettable and placed both Russia and China on the wrong side of history and the wrong side of the Syrian people.” Catherine Ashton, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, said Annan’s resignation “makes clear how unfortunate it has been that the U.N. Security Council was unable to agree to a resolution.”

Four years after Annan quit his post, there is no end in sight to what the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Syria called “the most devastating crises of the 21st century”. Like Walters Lippmann said, the deception has become more organised and there is no truth in whatever truth any side is telling in this senseless butchery in Syria. Worst still, the scenario in this Arab country has become so complicated that the centre cannot hold again. The entry of Turkey, arguably, the second largest military in the NATO circle is a Rubicon the Syrian War did not need to have crossed. There is no player, major or minor in this brutal war without a strong selfish interest to protect maybe except for Assad who maintains, perpetually, that there is one indivisible Syria and that he must fight to retake “every inch” of Syria from invaders.

Erdogan, the latest president to throw his hat

inside the ring, acknowledged that his main aim is to fight the so-called ISIS and the Kurdish fighters who are backed by the US. It is only a matter of time before the Turkish and the Kurdish Forces square up against each other in what could make the war more complicated.

The Syrian Arab forces who are backed by Turkey will stop at nothing to halt the Kurdish expansion in Northern Syria which is equally a top agenda of the Turkish Military. Will America stand aloof and watch an attack on its ally in the battle to oust Assad?

Assad on the other hand is not comfortable with the declaration of independence by the Kurds.

The Kurdish fighters’ aim is to fight the so-called ISIS, push out Assad and equally establish an independent state for the Kurds. America’s aim is to fight ISIS, and push out Assad. Russia’s aim is to solidify Assad’s grip on power, push out ISIS and crush the opposition (US-backed moderate fighters); NATO too has the American dream. Israel on its part occasionally dances naked in Syria whenever it feels dangerous weapons were being supplied to Hezbollah from Iran to support Assad. It is only a matter of time for Israel to join the war like Turkey did recently. When that comes to pass, the whole of Syria will finally be burnt.

––Joe Oko, Abuja

growth and warn of the dire consequences of falling fertility rates and rising aging population.

Even without waiting for a World Bank report, a reasonable man in Nigeria can attest to the fact that poverty in Nigeria is caused by corruption and gross injustices and not because of population growth. For example: why are numerous workers and pensioners not paid even when the money have been allocated?

Is it because of population growth? Why are labourers paid undignified wages?

Why are monies meant for infrastructural development siphoned? All these corrupt acts are the causes of poverty.

On the issue of education, the effort of the government has been negligible and it is regrettable. But the best way to remedy the rot isn’t by reducing the population.

In fact many private schools both at secondary and tertiary levels with considerable quality are now springing up and they are complimenting the effort of the government. If the population increases, then we create more schools, this will invariable enhance our economy.

Finally, it’s always unfair to blame religious groups for opposing population control as if they oppose blindly or they have unfounded objections.

No religious, sect be it Christian or Muslim, preaches irresponsible parenthood. They preach that parents are reasonable enough depending on their resources to decide on the number of children they want and that right should be respected and that the government has no right to interfere with their duty.

If not it causes a lot of problems. As seen in china.

Interestingly, the religious bodies aren’t alone in their call that the over-population bomb talk is merely a scare, no bomb is ticking. In fact there is no over–population bomb anywhere, if at all it exists, it exists in peoples imaginations and fantasies.

The Economist in its 27 August 2016 edition

titled “The empty crib” conducted a poll in 19 countries including Nigeria.

In its findings it concluded that the “neglected global scourge” is not birth control access but “the number of would-be parents who have fewer children than they want-or none at all”.

The New York Times in an article titled “The Unrealised Horrors of Population Explosion” among other things stated that “the trickiness of numbers is understood by a look at population density.

It is generally assumed that having too many people crammed into a small territory is a recipe for poverty and other social ills. Yet with examples of Monaco, Singapore and Macao, the United Nations have proven that with right polices this isn’t the case”.

Indeed there is no need to “engage the nation’s two major religions”, if indeed you engage them you would be amazed with the wealth of knowledge they have to share.

In the alternative there are researchers, historians and economists who are ready to be engaged and discourse population in its entirety.

Over-population isn’t a global issue discussed currently; issues of great danger been discussed are over-consumption, growing aging population and the falling birth rates which are below long-term replacement levels. While the editorial seems to be quick to advocate for population control on paper, I doubt if the team is aware of any country that has effectively controlled its population without grave repercussions. What methods would be used to effect control population that would not lead to grave human rights violations. I encourage the Editorial Board to read about China and their population control drama.

That may give some light into the whole population debacle.

––Joshua Nwachukwu, Nwachukwujoshua65@ yahoo.com

ESSENCE OF PHYSICIANS’ WEEK

D

octors all over the federation on October 26, 2016 participated in a road walk as part of the efforts marking this year’s Physicians’ Week. The aim of the road walk was to draw governments’ attention to the implementation of the National Health Act. Regrettably, a national newspaper blew the road walk out of proportion and captioned it ‘NMA to Buhari: Pay us our entitlements or face showdown’. That caption was more confrontational

and portrayed NMA as a belligerent professional association.

In view of this, I call on the National Officers’ Committee (NOC) of our NMA, ably led by Prof.

Mike Ogirima, to as a matter of urgency demand an apology from the establishment. This is necessary because our supposed bellicose neighbours in the health sector can easily cash in on such caption to further portray our noble association in bad light.

––Dr Paul John, Port Harcourt

16

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • OCTOBER 30, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

Appointment of Boards for Government Agencies: PMB Should Make Haste Slowly on the NIIA

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) was called upon by Honourable Abdullahi Umar Faruk in a motion raised at the House of Representatives last week to appoint governing boards for parastatals and agencies of government as quickly as possible.

The delay, as argued, has been detrimental to national development and good governance. As reported in The Sun of Thursday, 27th October, 2016 (p.13), Honourable Faruk said there was urgent need to reconstitute the boards of parastatals and agencies in order to hasten good governance. While Honourable Toby Okechukwu sees the non-appointment of boards as amounting to making Nigerians to abide with the rule of man and not with the rule of law, Honourable Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje considers the situation as a subversion of the law of the land as many of the agencies were established by Acts of Parliament.

If one considers the call for urgent constitution of boards for the government agencies against the background of the personality of the callers, especially the very patriotic tendencies of Honourables Elendu-Ukeje and Faruk, for example, one cannot but be compelled to support the call, as the motion mover and the supporters are well known nationalists. However, it is particularly in doing so that we also vehemently disagree with the call for many reasons.

First, PMB has always been criticised and condemned for doing the right thing when the law is recklessly abused by those who are required to protect it. The context of the controversy between the Department of State Services (DSS) and some judges accused of engagement in sharp corrupt practices provides a good illustration here: most observers, commentators and judicial officers have not raised any eye brows about the possibility of engagement by judges in corruption but have opposed the manu militari method of arrest of the judges who are still considered as mere suspects. It is posited that the DSS should have followed the rule of law in arresting the suspects, rather than engaging in a sting operation.

This argument is logical, good and tenable, especially bearing in mind the various legal explanations given. However, when the custodian of the rule of law, the enforcer of the rule of law, the arbiter in the application of the rule of law is also the catalytic agent of corruption, when the judge who is required to ensure justice is the very person also perverting justice, where is the place of rule of law?

Which type of rule of law are we talking about? The implication of this is that PMB is still under compulsion to find a leeway out in addressing the main bane of the Nigerian society, which is corruption.

Secondly, in the Nigeria of today, there is no process of rule of law that is free from corruption taint. The governing boards for which the legislators are making calls are not exceptions, even though many of them are on record to have meaningfully contributed to the growth and development of their agencies. The truth from which the proponents of urgent constitution of boards for the agencies are running away is that such boards are another good platform for corruption generation. It is creating ‘jobs for the boys.’

Thirdly, the legislators are presenting the issue as if there had not been any constitution of boards by PMB so far. It should be recalled here that in August 2016, PMB approved boards for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Besides, PMB renewed the appointment of the existing boards of universities. This shows that PMB has not lost sight of the issue. It simply means that other boards or agencies are yet to be given priority of place.

Fourthly, and perhaps more importantly, Honourable Umar Faruk has complained about the failure of PMB in taking advantage of the power conferred on him in Section 5 (1) (a) of the Constitution to constitute boards for the parastatals. True, the said quoted section vests executive powers on the President and also empowers him to delegate powers where necessary. However, the Constitution is silent on the modalities of the exercise of such powers. Put differently, what makes it an offence if the president does not constitute a board at a particular time? Where is the general evidence that mere existence of governing boards, contributed to good governance in Nigeria or that it has not been one of Nigeria’s problems?

Hypothetically, we submit here for further investigation, that governing boards are more of a burden to good governance both at the level of the parastatals and agencies and at the level of the Federal Government. Members of any governing board see their appointment as political, needing compensation, and therefore, are more

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Buhari concerned with money-making than seeking to contribute to the development of their agencies.

Without any shadow of doubt, there are some boards that inspire people. The case of Chief Arthur Mbanefo, who single-handedly invested millions of dollars in providing ICT infrastructure in the University of Lagos is a good example. This case clearly supports the position of the legislators. Chief Afe Babalola and Chief Gamaliel Onosode are other typical examples. They are on record to have also built centres of learning for their institutions. Hence, there are good rationales for the call on PMB to urgently appoint boards for the various agencies of government.

NIIA Governing Council Experience

On the other hand, if one is to consider the experiences in many other agencies, the urgent call on PMB cannot have any good foundation. The General Ike Nwachukwu-led Governing Council at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) (2012-2015) was more than a disaster. The truth is that the Ike Nwachukwu-led Council was a major obstacle to the attainment of the statutory objectives of the NIIA. Respect for rule of law is the ideal thing, but the same rule of law is also interpreted to oppress, to give wrong verdicts, to undermine, and to promote gross or serious misconduct to the advantage of selfish, but to the detriment of national, interests. This was the experience at the NIIA. In any given institution in Nigeria, a Governing Board or a Governing Council is either elected or appointed with the mandate to evolve and direct policies for the purposes of good management by the Chief Executive of the institution. It is for this reason that a board or a council is given supervisory powers of control but with attached conditions.

The mandate of the NIIAGoverning Council does not cover intervention in the day-to-day administrative running of the institute.

Most unfortunately, the Ike Nwachukwu-led Council not only took

From the NIIA experience, why did Government keep quiet about reported cases of acts of serious misconduct?Why did government take decision on the basis of one-sided petitions?Where is the factor offairnessandjusticewhenaPermanentSecretary and a Secretaryto the Federal Government would take decisions on petitions without priorinvestigation?IftheIkeNwachukwu-ledcouncilwasinterested in the achievement of the NIIA mandate, what prevented it from inspecting the new international conference centre, for more than one year of its construction?

much interest in turning upside down the existing policies of the institute but also attempted to administer the Institute on daily basis, a situation that prompted the conflict between order and counter order. If a Council’s decision was objectively aimed at helping the administration of the Institute, it could be understandable, but this was far from it.

The NIIACouncil, in many cases, covered up atrocities wilfully committed by some staff which is neither in the national interest nor in that of the NIIA. It adopted policies that were not of general application. It incited staff against the Chief Executive under the pretext of mediation between the Chief Executive and some staff who were queried. And unbelievably true, it destroyed whatever the NIIAmight claim to represent in the world of international relations research institutions. Few illustrations will do here.

It is not known in the history of any academic institution the world over where a governing board or Council intervenes in the professorial evaluation processes. The Ike Nwachukwu-led council did just that. It dictated the contents of a letter to assessors of two candidates for possible promotion to the professorial cadre. It compelled the Chief Executive to sign and the Chief Executive did in the spirit of ‘yours obediently’ at a plenary meeting of Council. Amember of Council later telephoned to one of the assessors. When the Chief Executive was to give a situation report on how far the assessments had gone, he referred the letter he was forced to write by Council and which the Council sent directly to the assessors by itself. This did not go down well with the Council. The Council refused to accept the report as part of documents to be discussed at the meeting. The refusal is understandable - it was indicting and shameful - but it did not remove of the reality of the Council’s involvement in what it shouldn’t have.

The major consequence of this is two-fold. First, only one of the candidates actually passed and therefore qualified for consideration for possible promotion to the professorial cadre. If there had not been any Council intervention, there is nothing to suggest that the candidates would have normally scaled through. The Government has, most unfortunately, been misadvised into approving the promotion of the non-qualified candidate. This has the potential of generating serious controversies, particularly in the academic communities, in the near future.

Secondly, the controversial appointment of the two candidates as professors shows that there are now two categories of professors at the NIIA: Professors by merit and Professors by political lobby.

The unqualified professor can answer the name of a professor but cannot be rightly referred to as a professor of the NIIA. This is one of the resultants of the Ike Nwachukwu-led Governing Council which has bastardised the NIIAbeyond immediate redemption. It was a complete bastardisation of academic rigours for which the NIIAwas hitherto known.

Another example is that of falsification of records and removal of queries in personal files by the Director of Administration and Finance, Ms Agatha Elochi Ude. In fact, she altered the promotion examination results in favour of some staff. The Chief Executive drew the attention of Council to it not only in his capacity as the Chief Executive but also in his capacity as the statutory Chairman of the Appointments and Promotions Committee of Council. The Council simply ‘noted’ the complaints and said that the committee had resolved the problem and therefore the Council had ‘stepped it down.’ The Chief Executive was the complainant.

The attitude of the Council was not different in the case of the Director of Research and Studies, Professor Ogaba Danjuma Oche, who was asked to nominate names of possible assessors for consideration by the Chief Executive. Professor Oche told the candidates for assessment who the nominees were contrary to the rule of confidentiality, but also wrongly misinformed Council that papers were never sent out internationally for assessment. This was a white lie, but because the argument fitted well in the prosecuting agenda of the Ike Nwachukwu-led Council, the Council simply directed the chief Executive not to send any of the papers for assessment out of the country, contrary to the tradition of sending papers to experts wherever they were located. Where the new methodology of the Ike Nwachukwu-led-Council will lead the NIIAto in the future and how it will help the academia remain to be addressed. Time will tell.

Perhaps more disturbingly, the Ike Nwachukwu-led Council decided to set aside the application of the Federal Government’s policy of monetisation, arguing that the tradition in the universities and research institutes should be adopted. In this regard, the policy of 8% of income should be paid as rental charge for official quarters contrary to the fixed charge of N40,000. In other words, official occupants of NIIA’s quarters were paying N40,000 (forty thousand naira) only per month for an international standard four-bedroom flat, with an en suite boys quarters, and two parking slots on Idejo street, off Adeola Odeku street, Victoria Island, Lagos. With the new policy decision of 8%, the Chief Executive was made to pay N90,000 (ninety thousand naira only) for alleged reasons of insolvency, while some complainants, such as Dr. Efem Ubi and Dr. Joshua Bolarinwa, pay N12,000 (twelve thousand naira) and N14,000 (fourteen thousand naira) respectively.

What is important to note here is that the Chief Executive who was paying N90,000 and others who were paying N12,000 are paying for the same 4-bedroom flat, same facilities, in the same location, in the same block of flats. The Council, in the quest to ensure that the Chief Executive is run down and disgraced, it adopted a double standard policy.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

17

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

BUSINESS QUICK TAKES Power

The recent attack on Chevron’s gas line by militants in the Niger Delta has affected the flow of gas to some powerplants,leadingtoalossofabout 500 to 600 megawatts of electricity, it has been revealed.

A source at the Nigerian National PetroleumCorporationsaiditwasone ofthelinestransportinguntreatedgas fromthefieldstotheEscravosgasplant that was attacked and not the export terminalline,asclaimedbythemilitants.

TheNNPCsourcesaid,“Thisisgoingto affect power supply; the Chevron gas plantwon’tbeabletoproduceasmuch gas as it should as from Wednesday.

“But the good thing is that Forcados is back,eventhoughnotfully.So,Iexpect that with Forcados being back, some of the gas plants will be back and this mayneutralisetheimpactofthelatest attack. So, there may be no serious noticeable drop in power supply if Forcados comes back fully by this weekend.”

The Niger Delta Avengers had on Tuesday claimed that it attacked an exportlineoperatedbyChevronNigeria LimitedatEscravosintheWarriSouth West Council Area of Delta State.

Budget Release

Marina, Central Business District, Lagos

PHOTO: Etop Ukutt

DMO Sets Limit for FG’s Domestic, External Borrowing in 2017 Kunle Aderinokun

The Debt Management Office has fixed the maximum limit of loan amount, both domestic and external, the federal government could contract in the fiscal year 2017 at $22.08 billion (about N6.4 trillion). According to the office, for 2017, new domestic borrowing has been pegged at $5.52 billion (about N1.6 trillion); and, new external Borrowing: $16.56 billion (about N4.8 trillion).

This limit is part of the key policy recommendations of the 2016 Debt Sustainability Analysis exercise conducted by DMO, the report of which was obtained by THISDAY. The report titled, 2016 Report of the Annual National Debt Sustainability Analysis, explained that, “the end-period net present value (NPV) of total public debt-to-GDP ratio for 2016 for the federal government is projected at 13.5 per cent and given the country-specific threshold of 19.39 per cent for NPV of total public debt-to-GDP ratio (up to 2017), the borrowing space available is 5.89 per cent of the estimated GDP of $374.95 billion for 2017.”

As a result of this, DMO put the maximum amount that could be borrowed (domestic and external) by the federal government in 2017 ‘without violating the country-specific threshold’ at $22.08 billion, representing. 5.89 per cent of the GDP. The office noted that these amounts were recommended maximum that could be borrowed, “taking into account the absorptive capacity of the domestic debt market, and the options available in the external market.” It expected that “such

ECONOMY external borrowings, which would be long-term (minimum 15 years), would be strategically deployed to fund priority infrastructure projects, that would boost output, and put the economy on the path of sustainable recovery and growth.”

“It is further expected that the long maturity profile of such loans would enable the economy to be sufficiently diversified for increased export earnings for ease of debt service payments.”

The DMO report noted that, “The Debt Management Strategy, 20162019, provides for the rebalancing of the debt portfolio from its composition of 84:16 as at end-December, 2015, to an optimal composition of 60:40 by end-December, 2019 for domestic to external debts, respectively.”

“It supports the use of more external finance for funding capital projects, in line with the focus of the present administration on speeding up infrastructural development in the country, by substituting the relatively expensive domestic borrowing in favour of cheaper external financing.

This policy stance has been reinforced by the recent deterioration in macroeconomic variables, particularly with respect to the rising cost of domestic borrowing.

“Hence, the shift of emphasis to external borrowing would help to reduce debt service burden in the short to medium-term and further create more borrowing space for the private sector in the domestic market,” the DMO explained.

Also, as part of the recommendation of the DSA exercise, the DMO expressed “the urgent need for the Government to formulate an Economic Blueprint or Road-Map for the medium-term.

According to the office, “Aside from addressing the current challenges, it would go a long way to engender confidence in both local and international investors on the way forward.

This has become very imperative, given that investor perception of a country’s outlook is critical to its economic recovery.”

The DMO also advised the Federal Government to “sustain the on-going These amounts are recommended maximum that could be borrowed, taking into account the absorptive capacity of the domestic debt market, and the options available in the external market

reforms and initiatives in the various key sectors of the economy, including: agriculture, education, housing, power, and transportation, as this would foster the needed inclusive economic growth and development.”

Similarly, the debt management agency, pointed out that, “In view of the continued deterioration in Government’s revenue, occasioned by the drastic fall in the price of oil, Government should reinforce its initiatives aimed at diversifying the productive base of the economy and, thus, improve the nonoil revenue receipts.”

“Accordingly, concrete and urgent

steps should be taken to broaden the tax base and improve efficiency in tax administration and collection. vii. Given the country’s huge infrastructural needs, the Government is encouraged to sustain the policy of allocating a minimum of 30 per cent of Federal Government’s budget to capital investments, as well as ensuring judicious utilisation of such funds for infrastructure development.”

Besides, it also said, “In view of the adverse effect on the economy of the recurring delays in budget formulation and passage, there is the need for the Government to ensure strict adherence to the annual budget calendar, so as to facilitate growth recovery, reduce fiscal slippages and delays in budget implementation.”

“The passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the National Assembly is long overdue and should be given speedy attention by the authorities. Its passage is expected to liberalise the oil and gas sector, and thus, attract more investments into the sector, which will have positive multiplier effect on the economy.

“Given that in the short to mediumterm, oil would still remain a key revenue earner of the nation, the Federal Government is encouraged to continue on its efforts to curtail crude oil production disruptions in the oil producing areas.

“In view of the country’s huge infrastructure requirements, the Federal Government is enjoined to creatively explore other alternative and viable sources of financing,” the DSA report also recommended.

The Federal Government has said it had so far released N2.5trillion out of theN6.6trillionbudgetedforthe2016 fiscal year. The government also said the proposed external borrowing was for the execution of capital projects.

President Muhammadu Buhari had recently sought the approval of the National Assembly to obtain foreign loans of $29.96billion between now and 2018.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, disclosed the amount of funds released when he appeared before the Senate CommitteeonAppropriations,incompanywiththeMinisterofFinance,Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.

TheFinanceminister,whileexplaining the capital releases for the 2016 budget,alsoinformedthecommitteethat lootedfundswerebeingrecovereddaily, but failed to state the actual amount so far recovered.

Udoma, while giving a breakdown of thereleases,saidN753billionhadbeen released for capital projects; N117bn for statutory transfers; N135billion for service wide vote; N108billion for overhead costs; N142billion for consolidatedpension;andN1.2trillion for personnel cost..

Aircraft Contract

The Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria may be mired in controversy over alleged failure to abide by the agreement reached with DiamondAircraftofViennaAustriafor the supply of 20 trainer aircraft one year after the deal was struck NCAT ordered the said aircraft from Diamond Aircraft of Vienna Austria, which had already produced the first batch of five aircraft. It was gathered thattheschoolhasyettotakedelivery of the airplanes due to its failure to complete payment for the aircraft.

THISDAYlearntthattheNigeria’srepresentativeoftheaircraftmanufacturer, InterjetNigeriaLimited,throughwhich thecontractwassealed,hasthreatened to sue NCAT if it fails to take delivery of the airplane in line with the contract terms.

The Managing Director of Interjet, Mr. SeunPeters,saidtheaircraft,DA42-IV has not been delivered because NCAT was yet to meet the conditions of the agreement, although the aircraft had beenmanufacturedandastheyareyet tobeputintousetheyhavetocontinue to undergo maintenance 14 months after they were produced.

18

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Examining Buhari’s Request for $30bn Foreign Borrowing

In its bid to stimulate development and lift the economy out of the murky waters of recession, the federal government has decided on a comprehensive foreign borrowing, but not without reactions from stakeholders in the economy, reports Kunle Aderinokun

T

he federal government’s intention to borrow $29.9 billion has sparked a debate as to the propriety or otherwise of making such foreign borrowing.

President Muhammadu Buhari has tabled the government’s request for approval of the loan before the National Assembly and if approved, would push Nigeria’s total external debt stock, which stood at $11.262 billion as at June this year, to $41.162 billion after three years, when the borrowing plan would have been fully executed.

As a result, the move has attracted the attention of commentators from the political and economic classes. Firing the first salvo is the Peoples Democratic Party, the opposition party, which vehemently opposed the borrowing plan. The others are economic analysts and observers, who are divergent in their opinions on the idea.

Buhari’s Request In his letter to the National Assembly seeking approval for the $29.9 billion External Borrowing (Rolling) Plan, Buhari stated that the foreign borrowing would be used to address the infrastructure deficit in the health, education, water resources and other sectors.

Besides, Buhari also sought the virement of N180.8 billion within the 2016 budget and provided a breakdown of items to which the fund would be allocated.

According to him, the projects and programmes under the external borrowing plan were selected based on positive technical economic evaluations, as well as the contributions they would make to the socio-economic development of the country, including employment generation, poverty reduction, and protection of the nation’s vulnerable population.

As proposed, some of the funds from the external borrowing plan would be deployed to emergency projects in the North-east, particularly following the recent outbreak of polio after the de-listing of Nigeria from polio endemic countries.

A breakdown of the $29.96 billion borrowing, which would span a period of three years, shows that $11.274 billion would be spent on certain proposed projects and programmes while $10.686 billion would be used to execute special national infrastructure projects and Eurobonds of $4.5 billion, with the remaining $3.5 billion to be applied as the federal government budget support. The letter conveying Buhari’s request, which revealed this breakdown, was read at plenary by Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

Further breakdown reveals that 61.2 per cent of the foreign loans have been earmarked for bankable infrastructure projects while social programmes in health and education, the federal government’s budget support facility, agriculture and the Eurobond issue account for the balance.

Out of the $29.96 billion proposed financing, the federal government would take up 86.3 per cent, or $25.8 billion, while the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will account for the balance of $4.1 billion.

Besides the planned Eurobond, five multilateral institutions namely, the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), Islamic Development Bank and China EximBank, are expected to provide the $29.96 billion.

Specifically, out of the $29.96, 61.2 per cent would go towards infrastructure projects comprising the Mambila hydro-electric power plant – $4.8 billion; railway modernisation coastal project (CalabarPort Harcourt-Onne Deep Seaport segment) – $3.5 billion; Abuja mass rail transit project (Phase 2) – $1.6 billion; Lagos-Kano railway modernisation project (Lagos-Ibadan segment double track) – $1.3 billion; Lagos-Kano railway modernisation project (Kano-Kaduna segment double track) – $1.1 billion; and others – $6 billion.

Apart from allocating the proposed funds to the infrastructure projects, the federal government also intends to raise $4.5 billion through a Eurobond issue.

But the plan has been criticised by the main opposition party, PDP, which regarded the proposed borrowing as unnecessary as arguing that it is not a solution to the economic challenges plaguing the country.

In statement issued by the party last Wednesday, which was signed by its spokesman, Dayo Adeyeye, PDP said it totally disagreed with the plan and demanded that the federal government furnishes Nigerians with details of how it had spent the ‘so-called looted funds’ and how far it had gone in implementing the 2016 budget.

In fact, it pointed out that rather than having many items lumped into one, President Buhari should itemise the projects he wanted to spend the $30 billion.

The opposition party said:“There is no gain saying that the APC led-federal government has left no stone unturned in castigating the PDP’s 16 years as wasted even with its obvious achievements, one of which was getting reprieve from the Paris Club of creditors.

“The APC led-federal government is again taking Nigeria back to 2005 when the external debt burden derailed the growth of the Nigeria economy and weakened the GDP before the total cancellation

renowned economist, noted: “Because of the rebasing exercise, the external debt/GDP ratio provides space for borrowing. The country is still within the benchmark.”He was, however, quick to add that, “GDP does not pay debt but revenue. It would be necessary to compute the debt/revenue ratios for both domestic and external debt.”

“Going forward there is a need to review the benchmark of deficit/ GDP of 3 per cent. It is too restrictive for countries such as Nigeria with huge infrastructural deficit. The Fiscal Responsibility Act may have to be amended though there is a clause which allows for marginal deviation if the appropriate process is in place,” Ekpo suggested.

Reasoning along the same line with Ekpo, Executive Director, Corporate Finance, BGL Capital Ltd, Femi Ademola, stated that, even though the borrowing is significant, the funds would boost Nigeria’s economic activities with implications for tax income as long as they are channeled to investment in infrastructure.

“The request for approval for $29.96 billion foreign borrowing is very significant considering the current stock of our external debt of about $11.3 billion. In Naira terms, it is equivalent to about N9 trillion. However, since it is a rolling borrowing plan, it would be for a medium term period and would only increase the total debt stock of the country by 50 per cent to $91.45 billion. As long as the funds are channeled to investment in infrastructure, it would boost economic activities with implications for tax income,” he said.

Pointing out that,“In terms of debt to GDP ratio, it would increase the ratio from 12.77 per cent to 19 per cent,” Ademola believed, “While this is significant, it is still considerably lower than the ideal of 40 per cent suggested for emerging and developing economies.”

“And when compared to other emerging and frontiers, Nigeria will only be bettered by Russia with 17.7 per cent debt to GDP ratio after the acquisition of the planned borrowing. China’s ratio Buhari is 22.4 per cent, India has 66.7 per cent, Brazil has 66.23 per cent while South Africa has 50.1 per cent. Among the MINT, Mexico’s 43.2 per cent, Indonesia’s 27.0 per cent and Turkey’s 32.9 per cent are all higher than Nigeria’s,” he added. of her debts.

“It should also be noted the debt to GDP benchmarks are not “This proposed action of the APC government will be a great injustice to the citizens of this country now and in the future if they cast in stones as most countries, especially the developed economies are all above the threshold of 60 per cent. The USA has a ratio of are plunged back into debt.

“Let us state unequivocally that history will not forgive this APC 104.5 per cent, UK has 87.2 per cent, Germany’s is 76.9 per cent government and its collaborators if they allow this injustice and and France has 92.2 per cent. What this implies is that a high GDP ratio may not necessarily be a bad thing as long as it is properly mal-administration of our economy and citizens to stand.

“We therefore call on the National Assembly to reject this anti-people managed,” he also noted.

Similarly, analysts at Eczellon Capital Ltd, said the request by the request by an anti-people government that has no genuine interest President for the fresh external loan did not come as a surprise in the growth and development of the people of this country.

“We again call on all Nigerians to speak with one voice and stop “given the current weak revenue posture of the government vis-àPresident Buhari from further destroying our great nation, Nigeria vis the spending requirements for the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).” and by extension, Africa,” it said.

According to them,“From available information, more than 70 per cent of the US$29.9billion loan will be expended on key capital Experts’ Opinions However, Director General, West African Institute of Financial and projects, which seems positive due to the potential multiplier effects Economic Management (WAIFEM), Prof. Akpan Ekpo, contends of such spending on the economy and overall development of the country. Likewise, the development marks a shift on the government’s that Buhari’s request is in order.

According to him,“The projects and/or areas listed by government debt strategy to focus more on external borrowings and reduce the are vital for the economy not only to get us out of recession but current crowding out of the private sector borrowings in the economy.”

The analysts, however, added that, “ the two key considerations also to ensure sustainable growth. The government must spend on capital projects, power in particular to get the economy out of the here would be the cost at which the loan would be sourced – which is still not known, and the effective deployment of the funds when recession. Asking for virement is to follow due process.”

Ekpo explained that, the sharp decline in oil prices coupled with eventually received by the government.”

“That said, should the National Assembly approve the loan, it will its volatility underscored the unreliability of that source of revenue increase the nation’s external debt profile to US$41.2billion - c.9% to finance development.”

“In the short-term, the virement is necessary because you cannot of the nation’s GDP - from the current US$11.2billion, which is still raise taxes during a recession; even increased VAT by say 2 per cent relatively low compared to other emerging and advanced economies,” would only increase the revenue of sub-national governments. That they noted, pointing out, “This should have an enormous impact of the federal government would be marginal. Most of the windfall on the country’s debt servicing cost which is currently about 27 per from oil was looted by previous administration from what we read cent of the 2016 budget, especially if the country fails to diversify its every day in the news media. Hence, in my view government has FX earnings in the short to medium term.” “ This obviously will require that the intended projects that will be no choice. The challenge is to monitor the spending on the relevant projects so that Nigerians get value for money. In addition, there financed from these borrowings generate sufficient economic benefits is need for a drastic cut in expenditure, for example, the cost of to cushions the huge recurrent expenditure required to service the debt. Otherwise, it will end up not just being a burden on already governance is too high.

Ekpo emphasised that, “Government does not have that many fragile economy but also on future generations of the country,”the options but to borrow and borrowing externally is a better option.” Ezcellon analysts cautioned.

However, the Chief Executive Officer, Global Analytics Consulting “External borrowing allows for concessionary terms such as low interest rates and long period of repayment, sometimes up to 30 Ltd, Tope Fasua, did not agree with the school of thoughts that years. Domestic borrowing does not allow for much flexibility and Nigeria should borrow her way out of recession.

He said:“It’s beyond my imagination given that the entire foreign more often it is for a period of 1-2 years.”

He advised government to explore the recent option with the debt profile is still less than $20billion and that we have acquired since we tried to exit in the year 2006. It therefore sounds fantastic that we International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to him, “The Fund recently announced “zero” interest would want to acquire $30billion worth of external borrowing within rate for low income countries with conditionalities. Though Nigeria three years. I cannot say I understand the underlying philosophy is low-middle income, there is always a grace period to migrate from that propels such an argument. I am not one of those who believe low income. In addition, the country can obtain loans from the African we can borrow our way out of this recession. This proposal is simply Development Bank and use the Nigerian Trust Fund as leverage. egregious. We are plunging ourselves deeply into another debt trap The country should avoid the Eurobond market; rates are too high.” with our eyes open, under the auspices of a change government.

Giving some sort of comfort about the borrowing, Ekpo, who is a I hope it’s not true.”

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

BUSINESS/ENERGY

The Imminent Return to Fuel Subsidy Regime?

With the proposed output cut by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to re-balance the global crude oil market, which has already seen prices surging, coupled with the soaring exchange rate in Nigeria, Ejiofor Alike reports that the return of fuel subsidy regime is imminent unless government deregulates the downstream sector as the N145 per litre pump price of petrol predicated on N285 per dollar is becoming increasingly unsustainable

Long queues at a filling station during fuel scarcity

T

he increasing volatility of the exchange rate, coupled with the gradual recovery of the crude oil prices, has made the official prices of petrol increasingly unsustainable.

This development, according to stakeholders in the downstream sector, has the potential to plunge the country into another fuel crisis, unless the federal government re-introduces the fuel subsidy regime or fully deregulate the downstream sector to allow the market forces of demand and supply to dictate prices.

When the federal government took a bold step on May 11 this year to adjust the prices of petrol upwards to reflect the market dynamics, the new prices were based on the exchange rate of N285 per dollar.

In the circular with reference number A.4/9/017/C.2/ IV/690 dated May 11, 2016, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) had directed the marketers to sell petrol within the price band of N135 to N145 per litre at filling stations as against the then prevailing N86.50 per litre.

For marketers, who will hire shuttle/daughter vessels to lift the product from the mother vessels at the high seas to their depots, these marketers are required to pay indicative ex-depot price (coastal price) of N126.63 per litre (maximum).

But for product that is already in the depots, the PPPRA directed that the maximum ex-depot price for collection would be N133.28 per litre, as the Bridging Fund, Marine Transport Allowance and Administrative Charge had been factored in.

With an exchange rate at N285 per dollar and crude oil price below $43 per barrel as at early May, it was profitable for the marketers to bring product

from the international market and sell at the new prices that took effect from May 11.

The new prices also eliminated the subsidy element in fuel pricing and effectively ended the subsidy regime, which became unsustainable in recent years when crude oil prices soared above $100 per barrel and trillions of Naira wasted in payment of subsidy claims to marketers.

However, the dynamics of the crude oil market has changed, with prices increasingly showing signs of recovery, while the exchange rate has since soared above the N285 per dollar benchmark, potentially making the N145 pump price unprofitable for importers.

Recovery of Crude Oil Prices From a peak of $115 per barrel in June 2014, crude oil price had dropped to a 13-year low of $27 per barrel in January this year due to the oversupply in the market.

Gradually, it had recovered to about $43 per barrel in May when the federal government fixed the current prices of petrol.

The production of Shale gas and oil by the United States was responsible for the huge glut in the oil market, which led to the plummeting prices of crude.

With the drop in the prices of crude, the cost of refined products also dropped significantly, with the government incurring little in the payment of subsidy in 2015 before exchange rate rose considerably.

At $43 per barrel, petrol was supposed to be below N100 per litre at the pumps but for the rising exchange rate, which made it impossible for Nigerians to enjoy low fuel price in the face of the drop in the international prices of crude oil.

However, after the government released the

new prices in May, the prices of crude started to recover gradually to the extent that on May 17, the production disruptions in Nigeria, Canada and Venezuela forced the prices to hit their highest level in seven months at $48.41 per barrel, thus surging towards $50 per barrel.

While the then raging wildfires in oil-rich Canadian province of Alberta had forced major oil companies to cut production by about 1.2 million barrels of oil per day, Niger Delta militants had also launched attacks on oil and gas facilities that initially cut off Nigeria’s output to a 20-year low of 1.4 million barrels per day.

In Venezuela, crude production had also dropped following severe economic recession caused by political unrest, inadequate electricity supply, food crisis, medical supply shortages and outbreak of Zika virus.

The disruptions in these three countries had reduced the volume of crude in the international market, thus leading to the gradual recovery of prices.

As the crude prices were inching towards $50 per barrel, the cost of refined products at the international market was also rising.

By June this year, the prices hit their first 2016 peak of $52 per barrel before it dropped below $50 per barrel.

Earlier this month (October), crude prices hit another peak of $53 per barrel before it dropped to around $50 per barrel.

To further reduce the glut in the market, the OPEC also took a landmark decision in their September 28 meeting to cut output in their next meeting on November 30.

The Head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Paris-based energy advisor to the industrialised

countries, Mr. Fatih Birol, recently predicted that the crude oil market, which is currently oversupplied, would re-balance earlier than expected if OPEC implements the decision to cap production.

The gradual removal of the excess inventory in the global oil market will re-balance the market and increase the prices of crude oil and refined products, thus making the current fuel prices in Nigeria unsustainable.

Soaring Exchange Rate The difficulty being experienced by marketers in importing petrol first started when in a bid to save the banks and the economy from collapse, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) classified oil and gas sector into one segment and set a limit for lending by the banks.

The CBN had grouped the exploration and production (E &P); downstream and services into one segment referred to as ‘oil companies’ and directed the banks not to exceed certain lending limit to this sector.

That was the origin of the crisis as the marketers had argued that the CBN should have treated each of the three as a separate business entity.

After grouping the oil and gas sector into one segment, the apex bank in December 2014 directed the banks to reduce their exposure to oil companies to curb the challenges of meeting the huge funding demand of these companies and also address other liquidity issues.

The CBN’s directive stemmed from the result of an earlier risk-based supervision exercise carried out by the apex bank, which revealed a huge financial exposure of the banks to the oil and gas sector.

The apex bank was said to be concerned about

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

BUSINESS/ECONOMY/ENERGY

As Yemi Kale Returns as Statistician-General...

James Emejo writes on the expectations and possible challenges for Dr. Yemi Kale, who has just been reappointed as Statistician-General/Chief Executive, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for another five-year term by President Muhammadu Buhari

I

t was finally affirmed last week that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the reappointment of Dr. Yemi Kale as Statistician-General/Chief Executive of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), having completed his initial tenure in August 2016.

His re-engagement had been rumoured by the media without an official confirmation.

But last Tuesday, a statement from the Media Adviser to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mr. Akpandem James, affirmed Kale’s return to the NBS. The SGF was first appointed in August 2011 for an initial five-year term.

Before assuming office, he was the Special Adviser to the then Minister of National Planning-and received his undergraduate degree from Addis Ababa University as well as a Doctorate from the London School of Economics & Political Science.

Kale’s second tenure at the NBS is highly commended and deserving, going by the critical reforms he has helped to initiate as well as the need for some of the technically-inclined programmes he recently introduced to be followed through.

Kale has been highly commended for among other things, restoring sanity and confidence of the local and international community in the country’s statistical processes and outcomes in recent times. Similarly, he towers as an icon who initiated and spearheaded the country’s rebasing of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in April, an exercise which positioned Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy, relegating South Africa to the second position-and further redefined in clear

Kale

terms, true structure of the Nigerian economy.

Prior to his coming on board at the agency, the country’s statistical processes and outcomes were often disputed especially by politicians and development partners, who believed the agency lacked the capacity and transparency to produce credible data.

This was not surprising, given that the NBS had been poorly funded for ages and given that government had often paid lip service to the development of data in the country even

The Imminent Return to Fuel Subsidy Regime? some risk management deficiencies, and was determined to take necessary steps to ensure that banks have sufficient capital buffers to mitigate escalating risk-taking activities.

The second directive of the apex bank that affected the marketers was the closure of the retail Dutch Auction System/wholesale Dutch Auction System (rDAS/wDAS) segment of the foreign exchange market. CBN’s action was an indirect devaluation of the Naira at the interbank forex market and this made it difficult for marketers to access FX at affordable rates to enable them sell product at official prices.

After the closure and quoting of an exchange rate from N197 to N285 per dollar, the government increased the pump price to N145 per litre, which was profitable for marketers.

However, according to the marketers, the volatility experienced in recent months with exchange rate soaring above N400 per dollar, has made it impossible for them to access dollar at the N285 per litre official price.

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had taken bold steps to get foreign exchange for the marketers from the international oil companies (IOCs) but the IOCs, it was learnt, no longer give dollar to the marketers at the N285 rate.

Some of the marketers had told THISDAY that none of them would enjoy any margin at exchange rate of above N285 per dollar.

So, having successfully exited the subsidy crisis, the downstream sector has moved into exchange rate crisis, which could engender a return to subsidy regime and its attendant crisis.

NNPC Confirms Subsidy Regime However, after months of struggling to sustain fuel imports under the current foreign exchange regime, the NNPC recently admitted that the country is already in a subsidy regime.

The corporation also confirmed the position of the marketers that the sale of petrol at the current market price of N145 per litre was unsustainable due to the prevailing exchange rate.

when it knew the relevance of accurate data provision to policy making.

On several occasions, the NBS has had to rely on external institutions including development partners and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for budget support in order to carry out its critical primary mandate.

At some point, the World Bank has had to either support or outrightly carry out own independent research wherever there were perceived shortcomings by the NBS. Concerns were also expressed over the rather redundancy of the agency’s website which was hardly updated and unattractive.

It was in light of this precarious operating conditions and challenges that Kale had assumed office and worked against all odds to forge an agency whose credibility is now celebrated by all stakeholders. Today, the agency’s website is an online platform to reckon with in terms of creativity, aesthetics and traffic.

Kale had on several occasions been ignorantly accused by politician especially state governors of being bias, particularly whenever jobs or poverty figures were not in their favour.

If anything, the NBS boss must be commended for standing by his data releases and not compromising even amid pressures and rebuke within the administration he serves. He often plays down criticisms by development partners over the country’s data quality, reminding them that some of the data they brandish were often from the NBS-and even went further to insist that only the statistical agency had the sole responsibility under the law to generate and

publish data across the country-and demanding that statutory empowerment be respected.

Analysts believe the macroeconomic data space has significantly improved under Kale although there’s still much to be done.

The Enhanced General Data Dissemination System (e-GDDS), a data standards initiative by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was recently introduced by the NBS to serve as a one-stop publication vehicle for essential macroeconomic data.

When fully operational, it is expected to boost member countries’data transparency and promote development of sound statistical systems and help Nigeria attract the much needed Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

As he re-assumes office, he among other things, faces the task of surpassing current achievements within limited resources-which appeared to have also limited the scope of the agencies’ research in terms of sample size and incursion into other fields of economic relevance.

He also runs the risk of increased antagonism by politicians who are likely to dismiss future data if it doesn’t favour them especially now that the effects of the current recession are telling on Nigerians.

Interestingly too, under Kale’s watch, the country’s economic data had been troubling in recent times-negative growth rate in GDP, declines in foreign trade, rise in unemployment index among others - it would therefore be more credible and exciting for the NBS under his watch to provide an update whenever and whichever way the table turns.

Cont’d from Pg. 20

NNPC also admitted that despite the preferential exchange rate made available to oil marketers to import petrol, many were reluctant to do so because they would be selling at a loss at the prevalent pump price, implying that NNPC imports and sells to marketers at subsidised price.

Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division at the NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari, who made the confirmation in Lagos, revealed that fuel is currently being subsidised but that,“We (NNPC) have taken the heat”. He insisted that no marketer would import the product and make a profit if he sells at N145, stressing that marketers who currently sell below the N145 pump price do not import the product.

“Today, are we in a subsidy regime? Absolutely.

There is no way you can bring products today and take it and sell at N145 and get back your money, and make a profit. That is not possible.

“You can see some marketers saying that fuel is N138. It is because they did not import it. But someone has taken the heat; indeed, we (NNPC) have taken the heat, and you buy from us, so you can afford to go to the market and then put a ridiculous price. It is possible, because they did not import it,”he added.

Kyari, who maintained that there was no way petrol would continue to be sold at the current pump price, was however quick to add that the present administration would not announce another increase in the petrol pump price, because Nigerians would not accept it.

According to him, legislation by the National Assembly would be required for petrol to be sold above N145 per litre. He said some suppliers had already stopped importation because of the current pricing regime.

“We have a very difficult business environment. It is impossible today to import products at the current market price – at the current foreign exchange rate.

There is no way today you can take the product to retail and sell at N145. It is not possible today.

“If that is true and I believe that it is true because we all go to the market, why can’t we sell above

N145? That is where legislation should come in,” Kyari said.

“I also know today that it is impossible for this government to announce tomorrow that petrol is about N150. This government cannot do it. That is the truth. The people will not take that number.

That is why suppliers are not importing,”he added.

Kyari further argued that the scarcity of FX was not responsible for suppliers’ inability to import, adding that the NNPC had created “a niche FX market”for them.

“It is not FX. We have created a niche market for FX. I am part of the committee that allocates FX to marketers. But it is rejected, and the reason being given is that the FX is not enough to import. But that is not the truth,”he said.

According to him, suppliers were refusing to import because they would be selling at a loss as long as the pump price is left at N145 per litre.

“The truth is that marketers go back to the international market and land the product here, that you are required to sell it at N145 maximum.

I am sure they won’t make it. That is the main reason why people are not importing today. It is not FX,”he explained.

“So the issue is not FX scarcity. As I speak to you, there is stranded FX that nobody is ready to pick.

We have closed the chapter on FX,”Kyari explained.

Kyari’s position was also in line with the position canvassed by the former and present Group Managing Directors of the NNPC, who had, in their meeting in September with Kachikwu in Abuja, expressed fears that the current pump price of N145 per litre was no longer feasible.

In their communique at the end of the one-day meeting, the GMDs argued that the price did not correspond with the price-determining components of the commodity and the fluctuations of the foreign exchange rate.

“They (the GMDs) noted that the petrol price of N145/litre is not congruent with the liberalisation policy especially with the foreign exchange rate and other price determining components such as crude

cost, Nigerian Ports Authority charges, etc remaining uncapped,”NNPC had said in a statement.

Political Expediency Though both the NNPC and the private marketers have agreed that the new prices of petrol are not sustainable, the NNPC has insisted that there is no plan by the federal government to increase the price of petrol from its current N145 per litre.

The Group General Manager, Public Affairs in NNPC, Mallam Garba Deen Muhammad, argued that there would be no need for the government to undertake an upward review of the price of petrol, because in its estimation, there was oversupply of the product in the country.

On the rising cost of crude oil at the international market, which has the potential to hike the prices of refined products, the NNPC also claimed to have sealed long-term supply deals with suppliers to mitigate whatever price shock the development might bring on its downstream operations.

Muhammad also disclosed that a new regime that would allow petroleum marketers have more access to foreign exchange to aid fuel importation had been negotiated and taken off.

According to him, if there is going to be any upward review of prices, the PPPRA, which is the agency responsible for fixing price will definitely communicate to Nigerians and give reasons why that will happen.

From the position of the NNPC, it is evident that the federal government is already subsidising fuel price through the corporation but would not embark on immediate upward review of prices due to the current economic mood of Nigerians and political expediency.

However, with the soaring exchange rate in Nigeria and rising cost of crude in the international market, it will not be long before the federal government swallow the bitter pill of removing the cap on petrol price by deregulating the downstream sector or risk being choked by another corrupt and ineffective subsidy regime.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

BUSINESS/ENERGY

Crude oil facility

Seeking Firm Market Share with $15bn India Oil Deal

New upfront crude oil sales deal, which Nigeria, some weeks back, negotiated with India signifies her drive to expand her market share in Asia, writes Chineme Okafor

D

uring his last working visit to India, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, negotiated a $15 billion crude oil deal with India.

As part of the deal, which Kachikwu signed with the Indian minister in charge of petroleum and natural gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Indian government will make an upfront payment for crude purchased from Nigeria with firm term crude contracts over some years.

It will also have greater consideration for Indian public sector companies, which would be collaborating with Nigeria in the refining sector as well as oil exploration and production activities.

While the terms of this new deal are yet to be completely agreed on or made public by both authorities, it was however disclosed by Nigeria’s ministry of petroleum resources that it will be based on a government-to-government terms, with long-term contracts for supply of crude oil to Indian companies.

The ministry also said that there are possibilities of initiating and executing some key energy infrastructure on the back of the deal.

It noted that a City Gas Distribution (CGD) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) infrastructure projects could be done by Indian companies in Nigeria on the back of this.

“The minister, concluded talks on the investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector in a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart in charge of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.

“Both ministers noted the existing and significant engagement between the two countries in the hydrocarbon sector, while acknowledging that Nigeria was one of the largest trading partners of India in Africa which is dominated by import of crude oil and gas from Nigeria,”said the ministry in a statement announcing the deal.

and private sector companies in Nigeria.”

Kachikwu

MoU in the pipeline According to the ministry:“Following this negotiation, the two countries have agreed to work on a memorandum of understanding to facilitate investments by India in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and specifically in areas such as term contract, participation of Indian companies in the refining sector, oil and gas marketing, upstream ventures, the development of gas infrastructure and in the training of oil and gas personnel in Nigeria.”

It further said:“The MoU is expected to be firmed up in December 2016 during PETROTECH-2016.

Both ministers also agreed to strengthen the existing cooperation in oil and gas sector, and in particular to explore investment opportunities for Indian public

Benefits for Nigeria The deal as learnt has the potential to help buoy Nigeria’s external reserves which is currently put at $23.9 billion. With a $15 billion upfront payment for crude order, the country’s reserves, which is seriously under pressure from the country’s economic challenges could be the biggest beneficiary of the deal.

Because it will provide to the reserves dollar earnings which it seriously lacks, the country could take advantage of it to stabilise her domestic fiscal environments and attempt to find some reprieve for the deficit accounts in the balance of trade she currently experiences. This balance of trade is often very visible in the refined petroleum products imports of the country.

Through the deal, Nigeria could also deal with the foreign exchange (forex) demands and crisis of petroleum marketers in the country.

“Nigeria has a bit of a cash flow problem right now. Our reserves are not as strong as we want them,”Kachikwu had told reporters in New Delhi, the Indian capital.

According to Reuters, he added:“The impact of that is the value of the naira is coming down. So, what we are trying is to leverage on the assets we have to receive immediate cash.”

He explained the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which had agreed to cut their oil production levels to shore up prices, had however allowed a production window of 1.8 million barrels per day (mbpd) to 2.2mbpd for Nigeria which has its economy in recession.

Additionally, the products refining components of the deal, though not yet clear, could also help augment Nigeria’s in-country refining capacity.

The country has recently indicated and invited investors to co-locate new petroleum refining plants alongside her existing plants in Kaduna,

Port Harcourt and Warri. The rationale, according to it, is to have the new refineries share facilities with the old one, and leverage on cost cutting opportunities therein.

It also means that the country could be on the path to cementing its oil trading relationship with India, as well as its market share in Asia, having lost its biggest customer, the United States to Shale Oil. Data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) indicate that between 2015 and 2016, India imported nearly 23.7 million metric tonnes of crude oil (nearly 12 per cent of India overall imports) and over 2MMTPA of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Nigeria.

On the other side, economic prudence prescribes that countries or even individuals spend or base their expenditure on only what they have earned or could reasonably earn, but not spend in anticipation of what they might earn or hopes to earn. Based on this premise, experts explained to THISDAY that, it would be extremely necessary for the government to disclose the terms of the deal with India for clearer understanding of what is involved.

They posited that the deal had the potential of taking Nigeria into a fresh round of debt cycle, and this time to a country with no history of debt forgiveness. According to them, the volatile production capacity of Nigeria on the basis of the Niger Delta militancy makes it quite difficult to trust the outcome of the deal.

They said the fact that Nigeria’s production levels were not clearly guaranteed on this premise, means the $15 billion forward-payment could demand some extraordinary conditions from Nigeria.

They also stated that the gradual rise of oil prices could mean that India would be on a better advantage than Nigeria on this because they would be protecting their oil demands against possible price hike with this. This, they added, signified a desperate move on the part of Nigeria because of its economic conditions.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

INTERVIEW

Adeyemi

Adeyemi: Mobile Connectivity Best Way to Deliver Services to Customers As a pan-African bank with footprints across the continent, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated is reinforcing itself as an information technology-driven financial institution. The bank Group Chief Executive Officer, Ade Adeyemi, speaks with Kunle Aderinokun about the institution’s new strategy for growth and latest addition to its bouquet of hi-tech services as well as its role in development continent-wide and pertinent issues in the banking sector

W

hat is Ecobank’s new strategy?

When we were being formed, one of the bank’s founding fathers said he wanted us to be the bridge between the ambition of people on the African continent and realising those ambitions using financial services as the medium.

That has been our driving vision since then. From time to time, every period, people are called to answer what is required of their own people to drive this vision.

In this instance, ours is to create an Ecobank that is not only a leader in the market but a leader that ensures financial participation and inclusion. A leader that

serves the community in which we operate in a way that actually creates value to all the stakeholders, whether it’s our shareholders or customers and our staff.

When we talk about leadership, we use the word in all these ramifications. And because we are present in 33 markets in Africa, we have 33 banking licenses and we have three other markets where we have representative offices. As a result, we believe we are best suited to solve the challenges on the continent.

We rapidly grew from six countries to 33 countries, and we think now is the time to consolidate and make sure we can actually bring all those platforms together in a way we can serve better. Somebody said we were launching an app in Nigeria, but we don’t

just launch an app in one country, we are launching in 33 countries and that is very important for the continent. Therefore, when anybody in the continent tries to think about problems that are easily solved by financial services, we are the ones to go to.

This is because when we create a window, that window leads into all the countries where we are operational. So when we take a problem on and we put the whole force of the institution behind solving it, we think we have a reasonable chance of solving it.

Financial inclusion in the continent from our point of view is not just about being a ‘Good Samaritan’ for people, it is trying to encourage and include as many people as possible and that way, it becomes commercially viable.

If it is commercially viable, then it can be sustainable. We are making it a business model to include as many people as possible.

From all I have said, you can get a sense of what we are about. We currently have more than 10 million customers and we have said we want to have more than 100 million customers by 2020. Now that is not something we just talk about easily, we know it is difficult but it remains a problem that needs to be solved and we believe whoever solves it properly will become a profitable player. When people see challenges, we see opportunities.

We have become a pan-African bank, when you take the 54 countries in Africa and we are in so many countries that the easiest way to count where we are will be

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

INTERVIEW ADEYEMI: MOBILE CONNECTIVITY IS THE BEST WAY TO DELIVER SERVICES TO CUSTOMERS

Cont’d from Pg. 22

by counting where we are not present. We are in the whole of East Africa and some parts of Southern Africa. We are in all Central and West African states.

Talking about 100 million customers, what is Ecobank’s roadmap for achieving the target?

First of all, the population of the continent is about a billion, that means where we operate would have over a billion people by 2020. We understand that to have a credible proposition, we must find a way to go to that market.

Reaching that market does not have to be by brick and mortal or by building more branches, rather it is being able to connect with people at their point of need through a means that is convenient.

And that’s why we said we are going to use devices to connect with people, whether it is through their phone or any other internet enabled device.

As we go into the future we will start having internet of things not just a mobile device. As we look into the future, we believe that mobile connectivity is the best way to deliver services to people.

The decision to launch a mobile app today, should give you a sense of direction of how we want to get to those 100 million customers.

The question of who we are is defined by history and the question of who we want to become is determined by our vision and our readiness to move towards that vision.

The number of branches we are in is historical. The question now is how to make Ecobank a platform that has many people participating in it. For instance, we have many people using WhatsApp in Africa, yet WhatsApp has no physical offices in Africa. This tells you that the emphasis on physical buildings will fade eventually.

It will be by internet distribution rather than physical distribution. This way more people can participate and value can be created using the technology. A lot of people here use Paypal to make payments but Paypal has no office in the continent. Let us not think about why it cannot be done because there is sufficient technology to solve whatever challenges. We are not opening more branches because we achieve our target with the help of technology.

Let me give another example, by market capitalisation, one of the largest hotels in the world is Airbnb and they don’t have a room.

Uber also has no taxi. If these companies can solve problems without physical presence, then let us not limit our vision because of physical constraints. Let us solve it with technology bearing in mind that our ability to solve them can only be limited by our imagination.

Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy targets 80 per cent inclusion by 2020, how will the Ecobank app fast-track this timeline?

What we are trying to do is increase the utility of the phones in the hands of people. If we say, put your money in the phone, the first question you will ask is if you want to buy something, how do you buy? The essence of partnering with other people is to expand the point of acceptance to the ubiquitous around the continent.

When you want to pay for goods and services, we want you to be able to do that using your mobile device, whether it is with our visa platform or the Masterpass. We want to expand our point of acceptance and that’s why we have partnered with Visa and MasterCard. That way we can reach out to more people. We want to be the platform, that way other players can come into participation.

We provide financial services in places where you won’t visit because we believe in the future of the continent and there are so many places where we are the only ones on ground.

What is unique about the Ecobank mobile app?

We will be the only one launching in 33 countries at a go. Yesterday, I was in Kenya and a friend of mine needed me to pay money into Cameroon. I don’t have an account in Cameroon; I have in Togo and Nigeria. Yet I was able to transfer the money and it was done. Not many people can say that it could be more convenient

Adeyemi

to use Ecobank. We are able to deliver in seconds to all these African countries.

As you move across West Africa we are there. We are the only ones that have made a reality, the vision of the founding fathers of ECOWAS and we are the only one that connects all these places.

Some banks have suspended international card services, where does Ecobank stand?

The temporary responses of government to short term problems will always be there, but we won’t let that define what our future should be. Five years ago, Nigeria was not in the same position it is now and five years from now, it won’t be where it is today.

Nigeria allowed people use their cards anywhere then, today to the best of my understanding there is a temporary problem with FX and they are trying to sort it out.

We won’t withdraw from our imagination of connecting every Africans to trade with one another because of a temporary problem now.

The country used to produce 2.2 million barrels per day but now it produces less than 1.5 mbpd.

We cannot operate outside the law; we have to operate within the law. I am sure the government of Nigeria will soon figure out the best way out. Our customers operate within the ambit of the law, just as we operate within the law. What we need to talk about is how to work with government to solve problems so that they don’t make policies that may harm the economy. There will be issues that government need to solve, but we will work with government in that aspect, and connecting ECOWAS people is a priority for us.

How is Ecobank working with the public sector and governments in the countries it operates to fast-track development?

When people have the ability to save, buy things, set up businesses and they get supported by the banking system, then those countries grow and that is what we do.

Remember, we are in so many countries where others are afraid to go. Today, we bank in Burundi, Central Africa Republic, South Sudan; we provide financial services in places you will not even visit because we believe in the future of those countries. We work with governments; there are so many things we do in the countries where we are present that enable the economies of those countries to grow.

You talked about mobile banking as if it is excluded from the rest of the system; apart from South Africa, and a few other countries, majority of Africa have challenges with infrastructure. Even if we are going mobile banking, how do you plan to deal with this?

The first thing is: where are we now as country and the continent? And where are we going to be by 2020? Connectivity and the device are two issues here. Remember, I asked how many people use WhatsApp, you said a lot of people, that means a lot of people use smartphones. Imagine all the people who use WhatsApp in Africa, and if

The temporary responses of government to short term problems will always be there, but we won’t let that define what our future should be.

Five years ago, Nigeria was not in the same position it is now and five years from now, it won’t be where it is today.

Nigeria allowed people use their cards anywhere then, today to the best of my understanding there is a temporary problem with FX and they are trying to sort it out. We won’t withdraw from our imagination of connecting every Africans to trade with one another because of a temporary problem now

they begin to make payment with phones…

We need to bring down the price of the handsets and that is why we are working with lots of financial institutions. There is so much money spent in trying to solve the African problem.

We are looking at how the African woman saves. She saves by buying a goat; keeping it for long time, and hoping that when the kids are about going to school, she will be able to sell the goat for profit, and use the money to pay school fees. That is, if the goat has not been stolen, died or there is a buyer readily available. Our savings are in livestock, whereas there are other ways she could have saved. Give her an opportunity to have an account that is in a phone. We need to start imagining how we can provide solutions.

When I was growing up, people used to go farming and they had associations whereby they contribute together. That was the economy at that time, but they were able to pool savings together.

But today, we don’t have that kind of economy anymore because we are now in the urban centres, where people don’t trust each other. We should not just think about the problem in isolation, we should think about the solutions and the power of imagination where problems are solved with technology.

What is Ecobank’s unique selling point?

Our unique selling point is that we belong to a continent; we have been in this continent for a very long time, we are in multiple locations and we want to use technology to solve problems.

What are the challenges Ecobank has faced over the years?

It is like the challenges all the banks and institutions in the country are facing. We are trying to deliver a world-class service in a third world country, where infrastructure is a key challenge. We are trying to do that within the little infrastructure and all of those things create challenges. It is however important to look beyond the problem.

Nigeria is still faced with the challenges occasioned by the global crisis and as it stands, there is a downturn in the economy. How does it affect you as a bank?

Anything that affects our customers affects us; therefore, we need to figure out how to work with our customers to solve problems.

24

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

BUSINESS/ENERGY

Electricity Market Revenue: A Shortfall Foretold

In 2014, a report by the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF) warned that chronic financial illiquidity was about to hit Nigeria’s privatised electricity market, and offered suggestions to come against the event. Two years down the line, the prediction is full-blown with the sector reeling in heavy revenue shortfall. Chineme Okafor writes

“M

onthly receipts are only about half of monthly total billings for bulk power supply which is approximately N24 billion. Improving payment performance is crucially important to the viability and commercial sustainability of the privatised market,” said a 2014 report, titled, ‘Dealing with the financial shortfall in Nigeria’s electricity market’ which was prepared by the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF) for the market operator.

Obtained exclusively by THISDAY then, the report stated that the power sector, which was just about a year old from privatisation, was going through a key financial phase that had the potential to make or mar its expected advancement into a truly contractbased electricity market.

“At present rates, it could take up to five years to eradicate the recurring monthly shortfall. Cummulative payment arrears would amount to approximately $4 billion.

“It is far from clear that all companies in the sector can continue to self-fund a significant proportion of their operations over such an extended period. Significant losses are being registered by the many banks funding the power sector. Without action, this trend seems likely to worsen,” the NIAF report added.

At that time, the market regulator, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) overlooked the claims in the report, saying the report had overestimated the sector’s financial challenges and that it was in talks with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a stabilisation fund to cushion whatever shortfall that may exist.

A N213 billion CBN-driven stabilisation fund was subsequently initiated in this regards, but two years down the line, the market’s revenue shortfall has grown to about N809 billion, which operators recently disclosed.

Current market shortfall Recently at a forum in Abuja, operators in the sector disclosed that the total financial shortfall of Nigeria’s electricity market has reached N809 billion and may add up by the end of 2016.

Speaking at the October edition of the Nextier Power Dialogue in Abuja, representatives of both generation and distribution companies explained that the sector was in dire straits and needs urgent policy intervention.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Chiedu Ugbo, and Executive Director of the Association of Nigeria’s Electricity Distributors (ANED), Azu Obiaya, said the country’s electricity sector was currently under a very serious liquidity crisis that could undermine its progress.

Ugbo and Obiaya spoke from the perspectives of their respective sub-sectors, and posited that it was indeed a trying time for the sector.

Obiaya, who spoke from the Discos perspective, stated that the combination of regulatory decisions taken by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on the deployment of a cost-reflective tariff, huge debts owed by government agencies as well as customers’ push-back on the electricity tariff had contributed to the huge shortfalls recorded by the market.

He said the Discos now record an average monthly shortfall of N38 billion, while debt

An electriciy grid

owed by the government for energy supplied to its ministries and departments had as at July 2016 increased to N53 billion.

According to him, the revenue shortfalls of the Discos could reach N309 billion by the end of 2016, and that high demand customers like the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) do not pay bills based on the MYTO 2015 model.

He stated that the current situation of poor revenue collection due to prevalent payment defaults had been encouraged by Nigeria’s indecision on what economic philosophy it wanted to adopt for the power sector, adding that the sector had continued to run on a tariff that is not cost reflective.

Obiaya also stated that with the current market situation, banks had been reluctant to lend funds to Discos for capital injection.

“From the period of November 1 through to December 2014, MYTO 2.0 was not costreflective and as a result of that we have a revenue shortfall of N298 billion as at December 2014,” he said.

“There has to be a boundary between economic efficiency and social welfare, either we elect as a government to be socialist or a capitalist,” he added.

Obiaya explained that the decision of NERC to freeze a class of consumers tariff in 2015, cancel collection losses amongst other regulatory decisions and the country’s economic challenges had also compounded the situation.

Also, Ugbo said the financial and operational challenges of the NDPHC in its eight power stations that generate and transmit about 1700 megawatts (MW) of electricity into the national grid, were quite similar to what other generation companies experience

in the sector.

He added that up to N105.235 billion is owed to the NIPPs so far by the market as unpaid cost of energy supplied.

“Since Olorunsogo, which was the very first to come into the grid in January 2011 to August 2016, the total energy invoiced by the eight operational power plants amounted to N235 billion, out of that about 55.3 per cent of the invoice is what has been paid because at the initial stage before the interim period we were getting significant payments and after the interim period, there was also significant payment by the Discos,” said Ugbo.

The chief executive gave a breakdown of the company’s transaction with the market, saying, “So, we have about 44.7 per cent total in debt. We got a tiny percentage from the CBN intervention - N8 billion, that is why the outstanding debt is a bit reduced. But as I speak today, as at August, which was the last invoice, we were owed by the market about N105 billion, and it is not imaginary but based on the invoice as settled by the entity saddled with the responsibility to do that and that is the market operator.”

“The market operator settlement process shows we are owed N105.235 billion as at today. Just to take us back to history, in 2011, we invoiced N8.2 billion; in 2012, we invoiced N21.9 billion; 2013 - N46.9 billion; 2014 - N51.3 billion; 2015 - N62.4 billion and 2016 - N44.6 billion, and that is the total of N235.4 billion.

“Of these invoices, in 2011 we got 39 per cent; 2012, we got 26 per cent; 2013, we got 62 per cent; 2014, we got 72 per cent of the invoice; 2015, we got 62 and 38 per cents in 2016. It keeps going down in 2016, and

for the June invoice, we got about 18.5 per cent and 19 per cent in July.”

Ugbo further said: “Very soon, we might run out of money and that means that about 500 people will not have jobs. For the legacy period, we received about N30.58 billion, for the interim rule period, we received N15 billion and for the Transitional Electricity Market period, we received N59 billion.

“When you compare this to our operational expenses, you will see that we are already in trouble. From the collections, our gas bill in January and February N3.8 billion, March was N3.4 billion. There is no month we have a gas bill less than N2.4 billion. The total we owe for gas now is about N42.207 billion.”

He noted that the liquidity affected the NDPHC such that it was not able to fully utilise its available generation capacities because of the lack of gas.

He also said because of the challenges, the company recorded significant plant idle time at their locations.

“We have low productivity and inability to meet obligations. This company is owned by the three tiers of government and they have made investments and should expect returns on their investments but we are yet to post any returns to the governments because of the lack of liquidity in the sector. As a going concern, this is challenging us. Are we able to continue to do business in the sector?,” he added.

Even though the NIAF in 2014 tipped off this development, and suggested preventive measures, the situations as indicated

by Ugbo and Obiaya’s disclosures have remained unchanged with signs they may not improve soon.

25

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

BUSINESS/ TRANSPORT

Concession as the Way Forward for Railway Sector

After decades of failed efforts by the federal government to have an efficient rail system, introducing a concession programme in the sector remains the only option at a time of economic recession, writes Francis Ugwoke infrastructure. For doing this, GE has proposed to manage the rail lines for a period of 25 years during which it will recover its investment, a proposal that government is yet to approve. Amaechi disclosed that the federal government advisers will have to sit with the GE to be able to agree on their proposal.

Apart from the concession to GE, the federal government is equally discussing with China, and has provided the counterpart funding for the building of standard gauge Lagos-Kano railway. The Transport Ministry had disclosed that government had signed two deals worth about $5 billion with CCECC to modernise and build railways in the north and south.

Railway workers attending to a coach

T

he importance of rail services cannot be over-emphasised particularly in a country heavily populated like Nigeria. This explains the various efforts made by every administration to develop the rail system. The past administrations did their best in this regard. One can recall that the move to modernise the rail system started in 2006 when Nigeria signed an agreement with Chinese construction giant, Civil Engineering Construction Corp (CCECC). First, it was to construct a standard gauge for the Lagos-Kaduna rail way at the cost of $8.3 billion. The agreement with CCECC involved an upgrade of the whole rail system for a 25-year period, covering Port Harcourt-Kano , Lagos-Calabar line. This project was first started by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in November 2006 with government expected to pay $2 billion to the contractor. By the time Obasanjo left office, it was not clear as to how much his administration paid. Reports have it that the administration may have paid only $250 million, which was not enough. For his predecessor, late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, it was a different ball game as he was said to have frowned at the cost of the contract and went for renegotiation during which there was an agreement on rehabilitating the existing narrow gauge lines with 2011 completion date in mind. But the death of Yar’Adua stalled the project. Former President Goodluck Jonathan who took over the project tried his best but again did not complete as at the time he left office.

President Muhamadu Buhari had on taking office regarded rail as a top priority project,

and to some extent has made some progress with the Abuja-Kaduna railway project. The Transportation Minister, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, had recently taken a test-ride with some officials from Idu Main Station to Kubwa in Abuja.

Amaechi had described the completion of the project as part of the efforts towards reviving the rail transport in the country.

This has been the reason for other rail projects that are currently on-going in the country. But, it is clear that government cannot carry out the rail project alone without involving the private investors, this explains why the government has opted for concessioning of the rail project, a development that received the blessings of many Nigerians.

Concessioning Rail Services Concessioning has become a global option and every country is keying into it. For Nigeria, there cannot be a better option if the rail system is to work properly. The last option is coming after series of negotiation between the present administration and the interested investors. Recently, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the plan by the Ministry of Transportation to concession the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri and Lagos-Kano rail lines to General Electric (GE), a United States corporate giant. The Port HarcourtMaiduguri rail line would start from Port Harcourt, through Aba, Umuahia, Enugu, Makurdi, Jos, Gombe, Bauchi to Borno. The other one, which is the Lagos-Kano line would depart from Lagos to Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ilorin, Kano, Funtua, Zaria and terminate at Kaura Namuda.

Amaechi had explained that with the approval, experts from the government on the project would sit and negotiate on the concession.

He added: “We are rehabilitating at no cost to government the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri line, which includes Port Harcourt, Aba, Umuahia, Enugu, Makurdi, Jos, Gombe, Bauchi to Borno. Then the Lagos to Kano line will include Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ilorin, Kano, Funtua, Zaria and to Kaura Namuda. We are rehabilitating all of them”.

He stated that GE was expected to do everything required from rehabilitation, investment and other auxiliary railway

Concessioning has become a global option and every country is keying into it. For Nigeria, there cannot be a better option if the rail system is to work properly. The last option is coming after series of negotiation between the present administration and the interested investors

Benefits The project when completed will be a lot of relief to many Nigerians from all parts of the country. Unlike road transport, rail services have a lot of advantages. It is one system that is capable of addressing the nation’s transport needs considering safety and cost, not to talk of the capacity of trains to carry as many people and goods as possible in a single voyage.

Amaechi had also outlined the benefits when he said, “While the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri line is currently moving nothing, but we are anticipating 11 million metric tonnes that can be moved from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. So the rehabilitation will encourage the movement of cargo and passengers.”

He said the narrow gauge rail line will assist in the areas of moving agricultural produce, mines and steel and extracted minerals to many parts of the country. He added that, “It is essentially to encourage freight movement. We have over 30 million metric tons of freight on the Lagos-Kano route, of which presently we are moving slightly above 100 metric tons.”

Stakeholders on Rail Services Freight forwarders who spoke to this writer described the efforts of the present administration in rehabilitating the rail services as very important. A maritime lawyer, Mr Emma Ofomata, said rehabilitating the rail lines as being planned by the federal government will take away a lot of stress from Nigerians.

According to him, “With the current economic hardship, many Nigerians are looking for easy ways of transportation.

The rail lines will help in movement of goods and passengers from one part of the country to another at reduced cost and risk.

There have been cases when containers being moved from one part of the country to another through the road are vandalised when there is accident on the road. A good rail system will stop this problem.”

Ofomata also said that an effective rail services will help in addressing the gridlock in Lagos. According to him, “an efficient rail service will end the nightmare we have here in Apapa. The containers can be moved to Ikorodu area from where the owners can go and take them, and this will reduce the current traffic we have on the road leading to Apapa.”

Ofomata advised government to take the ports into consideration in its rail system, adding that there should be more investment in rehabilitating the rail infrastructures in the port areas so that the trains can take as many containers as possible out of the seaports on daily basis.

26

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

GlaxoSmithKline Plc: Significant foreign exchange losses impacts bottom-line earnings

G

SK recently released result for third quarter ended, September 2016 records notable decline in top-line earnings while profitability was negative.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc (GSK) is an affiliate of GlaxoSmithKline worldwide commenced operation on the 1st July 1972, under the name Beecham Limited and was subsequently quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1977 and is currently one of the 30 most capitalised stocks on the exchange.

The Company has constantly advance innovations in products development and branding such as: the recently developed smaller pack sizes of inhaler devices for Asthma patients- Ventolin Rotacaps.

Ventolin Rotacaps uses a re-engineered version of the established GSK inhaler technology that is five times less expensive to produce. The new inhaler has been made available in four markets –The Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya and Nigeria.

DECLINE IN REVENUE AS HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION SHRINKS GSK has continued to face stiff competition from cheap imported healthcare and consumer goods from China and India besides local competition. This is in addition to reduction in sales witnessed in the North Eastern part of the country earlier in the year.

Third quarter 2016 financial results of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc recently released shows a 10.85% decline in revenue to N20.54 billion from N23.04 billion in September 2015. The decline in top-line earnings triggered by the cautionary spending by households due to the domestic economic headwinds prevalent in the country has unarguably resulted in reduced general consumption.

Hence, the GSK consumer healthcare goods - which deals with oral care, over the counter (OTC) medicine and nutritional healthcare – and pharmaceuticals – which deals in antibacterial, vaccines and prescription drugs - records sharp drop in sales by 12.41% and 7.55% respectively.

Cost of sales also declined by 4.20% to N14.72 billion from N15.37 billion. Due to the lower decline in cost in comparison to revenue, gross profit weakened considerably by 24.18% to N5.82 billion from N7.67 billion recorded in the same period of 2015.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE LOSSES GREATLY ERODES PROFITABILITY Operating profit recorded a loss of N6.29 billion in September 2016, indicating a substantial decline of 993.64% when compared with September 2015 figure of N704m. Forming a huge part of operating income is recovery of accrued licence fee of N1.22 billion payable to Glaxo Group

WE ARE OF THE OPINION THAT GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIGERIA PLC HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DELIVER HIGH LEVEL OF PRODUCT INNOVATIONS, OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND CREATE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEEPEN ITS MARKET WHICH WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY BOOST PERFORMANCE BEYOND CURRENT RESULTS. ALSO, THE COMPANY’S MANAGEMENT MUST REVIEW AND ACTION SOUND STRATEGIC PLAN TOWARDS IMPROVING REVENUE AND EFFECTIVELY MANAGE ITS EXPENSES TO POSITIVELY IMPACT FURTHER EARNINGS AND SHAREHOLDERS RETURN

Limited which was considered unnecessary.

GSK’s profitability is largely eroded by an unanticipated loss recorded in other gains and losses to the tune of N6.47 billion from N653m in September 2016. Other gains and losses declined extensively on the back of unrealised foreign exchange losses totalling N5.85 billion.

The Company’s total expenses figure revealed that administrative expenses, and selling and distribution expenses rose by 4.36% and 10.47% to N2.14 billion and N4.73 billion, from third quarter 2015 record of N2.05 billion and N4.29 billion respectively.

The rise in selling and distribution expenses was incurred due to increased promotional activities by the Company’s management in a bid to further deepen the GSK brand and increase its market share in the highly competitive market in which it operates.

DESPITE INCOME FROM BUSINESS DISPOSAL, PROFITABILITY REMAINS NEGATIVE Pre-tax loss stood at N6.29 billion indicating a decline of 997.09% from N701m in the corresponding period 2015.

The company boast of reduction finance costs to N0.31m for the third quarter ended, September 2016 from N2.68m in the preceding period of 2015 indicating a massive decline of 88.56%.

Net income was boosted by an unexpected income of N2.33 billion received from the disposal of its drink business through the sale of the Company’s two flagship brands; Lucozade and Ribena to Suntory Beverage & Food Nigeria Ltd. Nevertheless, a huge loss was still recorded as net income decline of 762.75% to N4.05 billion loss from N486m billion recorded in September 2015.

KEY FINANCIAL METRICS REFLECTS PERFORMANCE FIGURES Total assets rose by 22.25% to N38.30 billion as at third quarter ended, 30th September 2016 from N31.33 billion as at December 2015. The growth was driven primarily by the substantial increase in cash and bank balances, trade and other receivables which grew by 543.06% and 19.95% respectively. Total liabilities also increased substantially by 62.65% to N29.51 billion from N18.14 billion as at third quarter ended, 30th September 2016.

The growth in total liabilities was due to a massive rise of 71.36% in current liabities, despite a record loss of 7.16% in long-term liabilities. Shareholders equity decreased on the back of retained earnings by a notable figure of 33.34% in the period under review to N8.79 billion from N13.19 billion recorded in December 2015.

Profitability ratio however dropped significantly. Return on average asset (ROAA) and return on average equity (ROAE) reflects bottom-line earnings as each stood at a negative 11.62% and 36.83% respectively as at third quarter ended, 30th September 2016. GSK’s quick ratio currently stands at 1.13 compared to 0.58 and 0.62 in September 2015 and December 2015 respectively. Furthermore, price to sales (P/S) positions at 0.64 while price book value (P/BV) at 2.05.

WE PLACE A HOLD RECOMMENDATION The performance of GSK for third quarter of 2016 has not been impressive due to unprecedented foreign exchange losses, and reduction in both Company’s revenue and profitability. GSK still enjoys significant patronage across its product brands and Nigerian economy is an attractive market for consumable goods, largely supported by the growing population size of about 170 million people, which provides vast consumer demand.

We are of the opinion that GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc

Valuation Metrics 28-Sept-16 Recommendation

HOLD

Target Price (N)

12.55

Current Price (N)

14.92

Market Cap (N'm)

17.84

Outstanding Shares (m)

1,196

EPS (N)

-2.98

P/S

0.63x Source: BGL Research

Third Quarter Results – September 2016 Turnover (N'm)

20,540

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

(6,288)

Profit After Tax (N'm)

(4,046)

Pre-tax Margin (%)

(30.61) Source: BGL Research

Audited Full year December 2015 Turnover (N'm)

30,634

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

1,157

Profit After Tax (N'm)

965

Pre-tax Margin (%)

3.78 Source: BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Setfirst Limited

27.31%

SmithKline Beecham Ltd Stanbic Nominees Ltd Public Float

19.11% 10.08% 44.67%

Source: Company Data, BGL Research

has an opportunity to deliver high level of product innovations, operational excellence and create an opportunity to deepen its market which would significantly boost performance beyond current results. Also, the Company’s management must review and action sound strategic plan towards improving revenue and effectively manage its expenses to positively impact further earnings and shareholders return.

Considering the foregoing with respect to intense of and other macro-economic factors, we have valued the GSK’s share using a combined valuation methods of book value, and adjusted price to sales (P/S) which resulted in a 3-month target price of N12.55 per share. Since this represents a downside potential of 15.90% on the current stock price, we place hold recommendation on the Company’s shares.

27

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

WAPIC INSURANCE PLC: Motor Insurance, Fire Insurance, others drive gross premium written

W

APIC Insurance Plc (WAPIC) is a composite insurance company with operations in both the life and non-life insurance businesses. WAPIC, formerly known as Intercontinental WAPIC is now a subsidiary of Access Bank Plc following the bank’s acquisition of the insurance company’s former parent company, Intercontinental Bank Plc. The company offers a wide range of insurance products and services, and boasts of solid industry know-how having been in operations for over five (5) decades. WAPIC Insurance currently operates two subsidiaries; WAPIC Life Assurance Limited and WAPIC Insurance (Ghana) Limited.

The company’s results for the half year ended, June 2016 shows a complete turnaround to an enormous improvement in performance indicators, as both top-line earnings and bottom-line earnings grew significantly.

INCREASE IN GROSS PREMIUM INCOME DRIVEN VAST INCREASE IN GROSS PREMIUM WRITTEN For the half year period ended, June 2016, WAPIC reported an increase of 11.81% in gross premium written to N4.49 billion from N4.01 billion in the corresponding period of 2015, despite stiff competition in the Nigerian insurance sector with regards to the sales of various insurance packages and products. The significant growth in gross premium was driven primarily by Motor Insurance, Fire Insurance, Marine Insurance and Aviation Insurance which increased by 64.07%, 23.29%, 15.57% and 6.14% respectively. Therefore, leading to an increase of 27.73% in gross premium income to N3.53 billion in June 2016 from N2.76 billion recorded in June 2015. However, reinsurance expenses also grew to 47.50% on the back of the insurance types aforementioned, plus life assurances to N1.38 billion from N932m over the period.

Strong growth of 17.64% was recorded in in net premium income to N2.15 billion from N1.83 year on year and in company’s fee and commission income which increased by 21.35% to N215m in June 2016 from N177m in June 2015.

Expectedly, net underwriting income for the period ended, June 2016 grew by substantially by 17.97% to N2.37 billion from N2.00 billion in the corresponding period of 2015 INCREASE IN CLAIMS EXPENSES LEAD TO RISE IN UNDERWRITING COST The company’s claims expenses increased massively by 109.94% to N1.22 billion in June 2016 from N580m in June

THE POTENTIAL OF THE INSURANCE SECTOR IN NIGERIA REMAIN RELATIVELY HUGE. WE BELIEVE THAT THE COMPANY’S MANAGEMENT PUT IN PLACE AN ADMIRABLE STRUCTURE IN TERMS OF COMPLIANCE, CUSTOMER ACQUISITION, RETENTION AND CAPACITY BUILDING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE IDENTIFIED OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SECTOR AND TOWARDS DELIVERY OF EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE WHICH STRENGTHENS EARNINGS, INCOME GENERATION CAPACITY AND GROWTH IN LIQUIDITY BASE

2015, while claims expenses recoverable tripled itself by 363.46% to N723m from N156m over the period due to strong risk management practices. Expectedly, net claims expenses consequently increased to N1.35 billion in the period ended, June 2016 from N568m in the corresponding period of 2015.

Consequent upon significant rise in net claims expenses and 23.64% rise in underwriting cost, overall underwriting expenses grew by 78.80% to N2.10 billion from N1.17 billion year on year.

INCOME FROM ASSOCIATES BOOSTS PROFITABILITY For the period ended June 2016, the company recorded a massive drop of 391.65% in operating profit to N317m from N109m recorded in June 2015.

However, share of profit from associate to the tune of N685m significantly pull up profitability as profit before tax set a new record at N368m compared

to N109m reported in June 2015, representing an outstanding growth of 237.82%. Net income also followed suit with a better increase of an eight-fold per cent of 797.67% to N168m in June 2016 from a June 2015 figure of N18m.

IMPROVED ASSET QUALITY At the half year ended, June 2016 the company’s balance sheet shows positive changes in total assets, net assets and total liabilities, when compared to December 2015 figures. Total assets grew by 10.35% to N26.15 billion from N23.69 billion in December 2015. The key drivers of the company’s total assets were a 53.84% increase in other receivables and prepayments to N1.88 billion from N1.23 billion, 45.69% increase in deferred acquisition costs to N604m from N415m and a 162.51% rise in reinsurance assets to N2.42 billion from N923m recorded over the period.

On the other hand, the company’s total liabilities shows a growth of 21.23% to N10.59 billion in the period ended, June 2016 from N8.73 billion in December 2015. The key drivers of the increase in liabilities were an increase of 81.11% in investment contract liabilities to N2.17 billion from N1.20 billion, and a 176.51% rise in other payables to N6.90 billion from N2.50 billion over the period.

Expectedly, the company’s net assets grew by 4.00% to N15.56 billion from N14.96 billion during the period under review.

The company’s return on assets (ROA) rose significantly to 0.64% in June 2016 compared to 0.08% in June 2015 while return on equity (ROE) followed suit as it rose to 1.08% in June 2016 from 0.13% in June 2015.

WE MAINTAIN OUR BUY RECOMMENDATION The macro-economic headwinds of 2016 saw inflation rise to 16.48%, MPR at 14%. Nevertheless, WAPIC Insurance Plc delivered an impressive performance despite harsh and unstable business terrain.

The potential of the insurance sector in Nigeria remain relatively huge. We believe that the Company’s management put in place an admirable structure in terms of compliance, customer acquisition, retention and capacity building to take advantage of the identified opportunities in the sector and towards delivery of efficient performance which strengthens earnings, income generation capacity and growth in liquidity base. In the meantime, the bourgeoning middle class in Nigeria over the last three years, rising awareness about insurance, and improved operational performances of the emerged insurance companies post reform have been paying off on the industry. WAPIC has strong corporate

Valuation Metrics 28-0ct-16 Recommendation

BUY

Target Price (N)

0.67

Current Price (N)

0.50

Outstanding Shares (m)

13,383

Market Cap (N'm)

6,691

Rolling EPS (N)

0.11

Rolling PE Ratio

4.62x

Forward EPS (N)

0.15

Forward PE Ratio

3.23x Source: NSE Data, BGL Research

Half year June 2016 unaudited Results Gross Premium Income (N'm)

4,489

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

368

Profit After Tax (N'm)

169

Pre-tax Margin (%)

8.19 Source: BGL Research

FYE December 2015 Audited Results Gross Premium Written (N'm)

7,101

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

1,668

Profit After Tax (N'm)

1,297

Pre-tax Margin (%)

23.91

Source: Company Report 2015, BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Reunion Energy Ltd Strategic Alliance Inv.Ltd Blakeney GPIII Ltd

21 7 14

Public Float

58

Outstanding Shares (m)

13,382.74

Source: Company Report 2015, BGL Research

governance put in place by the company also provide an attraction to investors.

We have valued each unit of WAPIC’s stock using the Net Assets Valuation (NAV). Therefore, using an Industry average price to book value of 0.65 consisting of peer insurance companies (Mansard, Custodian & Allied Insurance, AIICO and Continental Re) in comparison to WAPIC’s book value per share, we arrive at a 6-month target price of N0.67 of each share of WAPIC Insurance Plc. Since this represents an upside potential of 33.91% on the current stock price of WAPIC Insurance Plc, we place a BUY recommendation on WAPIC Insurance Plc.

28

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

BUSINESS/LABOUR/CONSUMER

Eliminating Child Labour through Corporate Best Practices Raheem Akingbolu writes on how corporate bodies could complement government’s efforts in tackling the problem of child labour through best practices

T

he International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that 170 million young people are in one form of child labour or another, clearly indicating that this menace is still a difficult nut to crack. Experts attribute the prevalence of child labour to the global economic meltdown of 2008 and the consequent financial dire straits it pushed people into.

ILO defines child labour as “labour that jeopardises the physical, mental or moral well-being of a child, either because of its nature or because of the conditions in which it is carried out” and describes it as “hazardous work”. Article 3 of ILO Convention No. 182, in part, describes any “work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children”, as the worst forms of child labour.

Although adults and child labourers face the same health risks, the latter do so on a much higher scale. Children by their nature are often more vulnerable to certain work conditions that adults could endure.

Consensus on Child’s Rights The severity of the phenomenon of child labour is underlined by the existence of a general consensus on child’s rights, namely the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959), which marked the first major international consensus on the fundamental principles of children’s rights. The Declaration of the Rights of the Child shields children from all forms of exploitation, especially politically and economically. The Convention on the Rights of Child, which was developed by ILO, addresses issues such as minimum age for admission to employment and the worst forms of child labour.

Article 32 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child gives the child – defined as anyone below the age of 18 years – the right to be protected from economic exploitation. ILO implores countries to ratify it and take positive action to both end child labour and support the rehabilitation and education of former child labourers.

Child Labour in Nigeria Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child alongside 195 other countries.

The pact notwithstanding, there is child labour in the country just as it is with many developing countries and indeed some developed countries such as Canada. In 2006, the number of child workers in Nigeria was estimated at about 15 million. Child labour in Nigeria thrives on poverty and is a major source of income among indigent families. The US Department of Labour in its

shown great determination to discourage it by, “creating massive awareness on the ills of child labour and the benefits of sound education for the children”. She added that BATN carries out random, unannounced checks at farms in a bid to ensure farmers’ compliance with stipulated codes of conduct.

“Child labour is a practice BATN is against.

We are not opposed to parents involving their children in their source of livelihood; we are however against actions that deny children access to quality education. We have organised seminars to educate the farmers on the ills of child labour and the proper way to integrate their children into their business. At the last random, unannounced spot check, we recorded a success rate of 99 per cent”, she stated further.

A child working on a plantation 2010 report claims Nigeria is witnessing the worst forms of child labour, particularly in agriculture and domestic service. In rural areas, many children work in cultivation of crops such as cassava, cocoa among other staples. Children are also reportedly working in farms that have cash crops as their mainstay. Some of these include rubber, tobacco, oil palm and several others. The difference between working in cash crop farms and others is that the income that ought to legitimately go to the child labourers doesn’t get to them because they are too young to demand for their wages. In the case of food crops, the children may be working to get food directly from farms for their families. Researchers on child labour have often accused tobacco firms of feigning ignorance of the practice, or of never investigating operations at the plantations, in spite of being aware that child labour is rife.

BATN Intervention Determined to lead the change against child

labour in the tobacco supply chain, British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) deemed it necessary to accord the issue its deserved priority. The company’s sustainability award, tagged BATN Farmers’ Awards, is an initiative designed to celebrate tobacco farmers for their dedication to stopping child labour practices and other agreed criteria such as their productivity.

This year’s award, which held recently in Iseyin, Oyo State, brought together scores of farmers from the town, the Okeogun region of Oyo State and beyond. The award ceremony platform was used to reemphasise the ills of child labour and the benefits of sound education for the children of tobacco farmers, and also to celebrate and reward farmers for their commitment to complying with policies and regulations on child labour and their productivity.

Area Head, Corporate Affairs, BAT West Africa, SeyiAshade, stated that BATN was averse to child labour, noting that the organisation had

Misconception Tobacco companies have often times been accused of not tracking the source of the tobacco they purchase, thereby making it difficult to ascertain that it is not by the sweat of a child’s brow. However, BATN, through its long and close association with tobacco farmers, has been able to develop effective mechanism for monitoring them and checking the menace of child labour in tobacco farms. Director of Operations, BATN, Charles Kyalo, gave this hint in his opening remarks at the occasion.

“At BATN, we have a proud history with the farmers who we like to call our valued business partners. It remains important to celebrate these partners who play a key role in ensuring we deliver quality products to adult consumers. BATN has for years taken the responsibility of educating tobacco farmers about the ills of child labour. It has consistently ensured that children are shut out of tobacco supply chain.”

Kyalo also expressed BATN’s commitment to, “Continue working with the Nigerian government and other agriculture development-focused organisations to grow the agricultural sector and support the Nigerian economy.”

Evaluation and Commendation Also lending their voices to the child labour compliance campaign were members of the National Assembly. Senator Gbolahan Dada (Ogun West), in a goodwill message, lauded BATN’s awareness programme on child labour policy compliance among farmers. He urged the company not to relent, while emphasising the critical role education plays in the current administration’s agricultural revolution. HonourableAbiodunOlasupo (Iseyin/ Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency) emphasised the need for farmers in his constituency to accord greater priority to the education of their children and wards, and urged BATN to remain steadfast in its support to farmers.

New Possibilities for Pay-TV Subscribers Wilson Akperi

A

t a press conference jointly addressed by leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in June, new possibilities for pay-television subscribers were announced. These possibilities, to which MultiChoice immediately committed, came in form of new consumer-focused and service improvement initiatives. The products of months of engagement between CPC and MultiChoice, the new initiatives underline the video entertainment company’s sensitivity to subscribers’ demands and commitment to improved service delivery.

The two attributes were attested to by the CPC which, at the press conference, expressed satisfaction with MultiChoice’s readiness to implement the initiatives and confidence that the company would address issues raised by its subscribers.

“The mandate of the council is to ensure that customers’ rights and interests are protected. The CPC has been working with MultiChoice Nigeria in achieving this and we are confident that the issues have been addressed,” Mrs. Dupe Atoki, CPC Director-General, said at the press conference in Lagos.

The press conference preceded the implementation of the new initiatives, which include the introduction of toll-free lines for easy access to MultiChoice call centres, extension of the working hours of the call centres, which now function between 8am and 9pm daily, including on weekends and public holidays; access to a Free-To-Air (FTA) channel at the expiration of subscription and the option to put service on hold when subscribers are not at home, making MultiChoice the first pay-TV service provider to implement such customer-focused initiatives in Nigeria.

What the last item mentioned implies is that upon request, subscribers can now suspend their accounts while they are away from home to ensure that the accounts are not running while they are not available to watch. This requires a 48-hour notice

to MultiChoice and is available for a fixed period of between seven to 14 days twice yearly.

Subscribers can also now access the Nigerian Television Authority International (NTAi) channel, which MultiChoice has made available as the Free-To-Air channel, at the expiration of their subscription. This is in accordance with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) code, which mandates paytelevision operators to carry an FTA in their areas of coverage in public interest.

The extension of operating hours of the MultiChoice call centres from 8am to 9pm daily, including weekends and public holidays, similarly gives subscribers considerably longer time and wider space to reach MultiChoice with complaints about DStv or GOtv service and obtain solutions to such.

The toll-free lines free subscribers from incurring phone bills while trying to resolve issues related to MultiChoice services. They also offer easier access, given that the phone lines include one on the four major mobile telephone networks in the country. For Etisalat users, the number to call is 09090630333, while

Airtel users can reach the call centre on 07080630333.

MTN users have 08149860333 to reach MultiChoice, while Glo users have 08113630333.

Speaking on the new initiatives, Mr. John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, said: “Over the past year, we have worked closely with the CPC to identify our customers’ areas of need and made a commitment towards implementing solutions that will resonate with our customers and lead to improved customer service. We put our customers first at all times and we hold them in very high esteem.

We are committed to delivering world class service to our customers and we are proud to state that we are the first video entertainment provider in Nigeria to implement these service improvement initiatives.”

Earlier in the year, MultiChoice improved its content offering on DStv Compact, its mid-tier DStv bouquet, ensuring greater value for subscribers. In addition, it offered DStv subscribers an open week, during which subscribers have access to DStv Premium content irrespective of their subscription status.

–Akperi, a journalist, writes from Warri.

29

OCTOBER 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

MARKET NEWS

Conoil Shareholders Approve N2bn Dividend, Hail Board and Mgt Goddy Egene Shareholders of Conoil Plc last Friday hailed the board for the 2015 financial performance and payment of the N3 dividend despite the challenging operating environment. Conoil Plc posted a profit before tax of N3.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015, showing an increase of 125 per cent from N1.5 billion in 2014. Profit after tax improved from N834 million to N2.3 billion. The directors recommended that a dividend

of N3.00 per share be paid up from N1.00 the previous year.

The shareholders approved the dividend at the company’s annual general meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State last Friday and commended the board and management for the performance.

For instance, Sir Sunny Nwosu of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) said: “This dividend reinforces the resilience of the company amidst the tough operating

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

environment in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry characterized by scarce foreign exchange. It also speaks volume of the quality of the company’s management and its entire workforce.”

Speaking in the same vein, Chief Timothy Adesiyan of the Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association, said Conoil, by its performance and dividend policy, has further earned the loyalty of its teeming shareholders.

“They have shown that they

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 27-Oct-2016, unless otherwise stated.

are not only concerned about making profit but that they have the interest of shareholders at heart,” he said.

In his end of year address to the shareholders, the Chairman of the company, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. Commenting on the nine months results, Conoil Plc management attributed the performance to efficient allocation of resources, its long term and pain-staking strategic business planning and its strict adherence and implementation

of global operating standards in all its business processes.

Adenuga noted that while the operating environment was unfriendly, tough and rough, the company focused on its strategies and strengths and the effort made it possible to record these positive results on all fronts.

He assured that Conoil would further consolidate on the gains recorded so far, and ensure better returns in the coming years.

“Our encouraging

performance in the midst of adversities has further confirmed our determination to deliver strong results at all times to the satisfaction of our shareholders and other stakeholders,” Adenuga said.

“We have resolved to be one of the industry’s fastest growing companies and we will work harder to maintain and improve the momentum, focusing more on delivering better returns and maximizing growth opportunities,” the chairman added.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Afrinvest Equity Fund 124.89 Nigeria International Debt Fund 217.81 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.69 AIICO CAPITAL LTD Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price AIICO Money Market Fund ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name ARM Aggressive Growth Fund ARM Discovery Fund ARM Ethical Fund ARM Money Market Fund AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund AXA Mansard Money Market Fund CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Nigeria Global Investment Fund Paramount Equity Fund Women's Investment Fund FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name FBN Fixed Income Fund FBN Heritage Fund FBN Money Market Fund FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Equity Fund Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Growth Fund

100.00

aaml@afrinvest.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 125.62 11.82% 218.80 8.82% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.69 11.52% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

15.91%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.40 287.11 22.36

Offer Price 12.77 295.76 23.03

Yield / T-Rtn 1.73% 2.72% 1.41%

1.00

1.00

12.98%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price -

Offer Price -

Yield / T-Rtn -

investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.08 9.31

Offer Price 2.13 9.55

Yield / T-Rtn 2.18% -5.51%

82.73

84.85

2.00%

invest@fbnquest.com Bid Price 1,072.04 110.65 100.00 $101.83 $101.72 112.04

Offer Price 1,073.10 111.20 100.00 $102.56 $102.45

Yield / T-Rtn 4.64% 4.91% 12.92% 5.63% 5.53%

113.56

12.80%

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.93 2.51

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.94 2.75% 2.51 8.05% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,202.31

Offer Price 2,228.46

Coral Income Fund 2,050.88 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price

Yield / T-Rtn 1.25%

2,050.88 8.42% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

11.00%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.64

1.66

0.76%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 0.99 1.01 11.33% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 990.66 990.66 -0.93% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.58 9.67 -2.04% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.16% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.03 1.05 4.64% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.29 10.33 3.07% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 106.12 106.86 4.17% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.22 1.22 8.09% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 1,818.83 1,829.52 8.31% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 152.13 152.13 3.43% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.80 0.81 7.33% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 181.05 181.05 6.69% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 135.80 137.49 0.36% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.01% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,702.72 7,805.37 7.17% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.14 1.15 7.78% United Capital Bond Fund 1.26 1.26 16.14% United Capital Equity Fund 0.68 0.69 -8.03% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.00% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 9.61 9.78 0.73% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.14 11.25 -2.72% Zenith Income Fund 16.65 16.65 3.77%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.58 122.32

3.99% 5.58%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.87 77.71

8.97 79.18

-7.37% -6.62%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.66 7.25 12.36 16.44 129.44

2.70 7.33 12.46 16.64 131.44

15.02% 13.37% -1.51% -14.34% -

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

30

SUNDAY OCTOBER 30, 2016 T H I S D AY

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

30.10.2016

MEMORABLE NIGHT AT THE

KAZBAH

32

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • OctOber 30, 2016

COVER

MEMORABLE NIGHT AT THE KAZBAH

It was a brilliant musical concert featuring two South African acts - the world famous southpaw guitarist, Jonathan Butler and the House-Kwaito stars, MI Casa, and one Nigerian neophyte, A’rese, winner of the debut edition of The Voice Nigeria who came well recommended and gave a well applauded performance that showed she was ready to take her place of honour among the stars.

Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha report

W

ith a distinctive name like ‘A Night at the Kazbah’, the live music concert organised by Lagosbased urban music station, Smooth FM, needed little prodding to sway music lovers to come over for its latest edition last weekend. It may be taken for granted that the radio station had already cultivated a huge followership through its regular weekday mid-afternoon belt that churns out easy to listen and sing along music from around the world. Many of the guests came with knowledge of what to expect. And they were not disappointed.

It was indeed an impressionable tour of beautiful sounds of music from great acts. Going by the limited number of music shows that feature live performances in the country, ‘A Night at the Kazbah’ was a welcome aura in the music industry. Having tested the waters last year with its debut, there was no dilly-dallying at this year’s edition. The organizers demonstrated they had learnt a great deal of lessons and they were set.

By and large, it was apparent the organisers had a clear agenda from the very start: to contribute to the growing efforts to reinvent the live music concert experience.

To a large extent, they succeeded. From the packaging of the tickets in tiers that were packed into a free gift of a CD containing songs by the artistes on the bill - a token guaranteed to extend the concert experience into the living room, car and other private space of the concert attendees. The choice of performing acts was another distinct deed executed with a clear clinical precision.

One of the few noticeable flaws was that the stage was bare - bereft of essential aesthetics. The little artistic beautification was made possible by the lights and visual randomization from a super-size screen.

The lack of extra viewing screens, caused periodic moments of disorderliness, particularly from the audience who sat at a distance from the stage as they tried to catch a glimpse of the wow moments of the show.

Predictably, the show attracted a mature audience who understand and adore jazz and afro-soul sounds. These genres of music may not boast of teeming number of fans compared to the popular afro hip-hop

genre.

Yet, the crowd that gathered at the Balmora Tent of the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino in Victoria Island, Lagos was more than a handful. Perhaps, the turnout could be attributed to the international acts.

Nevertheless, it was a good sign for the organisers. Early birds at the venue had to wait for just an hour which was clearly taken care of by the baptismal drinks from Belvedere and Hennessy. That time was nothing compared to a five or six hour late start which is associated with Nigerian events. Of course, the paparazzis were in full swing, clicking away at smiling faces on the red carpet.

Sponsored by Guaranty Trust Bank, the music concert somehow ushered in a new and enviable relationship in the media.

Unlike the past when media organisations hardly collaborated or supported one another’s programme, Smooth FM turned the pages by lobbying support from four radio stations in its niche: Inspiration, Classic, Beat and Cool FM, thus bringing about a new day in Nigeria’s broadcast history.

But the concert’s trump card was clearly

in its array of performing artistes. For a show that had just three acts and lasted for nearly four hours, it was a good testimony to the organisers’ shrewdness. The show pulled strings with its choice artistes to entertain the distinguished audience, particularly with A’rese, its opening act. But what followed was arguably a misperception of the audience that could have been taken care of with a little bit more of sagacity. True, Jonathan Butler, the southpaw guitar wizard from South Africa is an icon in his own right, but more people came to the concert to see his compatriots, the wave making trio, MI Casa. It would have been perfect wisdom to bring Butler in the middle and have MI Casa close the show, to avoid a sizeable number of the concert crowd taking their leave after they had seen MI Casa. That is not to say that Butler did not impress. Of course, he gave the show of his life!

A’rese, winner of the debut edition of The Voice Nigeria was a delicious appetiser to kick-off the show. Having been off the radar since the competition, there were lots of questions on the mind of her fans.

At the press briefing the previous day,

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • OctOber 30, 2016

W

nt.”

57

COVER F

MI Casa

A’rese

IT WAS INDEED AN IMPRESSIONABLE TOUR OF BEAUTIFUL SOUNDS OF MUSIC FROM GREAT ACTS. GOING BY THE LIMITED NUMBER OF MUSIC SHOWS THAT FEATURE LIVE PERFORMANCES IN THE COUNTRY, ‘A NIGHT AT THE KAZBAH’ WAS A WELCOME AURA IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. HAVING TESTED THE WATERS LAST YEAR WITH ITS DEBUT, THERE WAS NO DILLY-DALLYING AT THIS YEAR’S EDITION. THE ORGANIZERS DEMONSTRATED THEY HAD LEARNT A GREAT DEAL OF LESSONS AND THEY WERE SET A’rese hinted on performing her original songs at the concert. She waltzed into the stage with her elegant figure but seemed a bit edgy. The concert was her first public performance since the show so it explained her nervousness. This was unlike the musical (dance drama) space that she ruledtaking lead roles in many of Bolanle AustenPeter’s productions. But she needn’t worry too much about her performance because by the time she released a high-pitch note of ‘Palava’ made popular by the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, audience members were already at home with her.

Despite the applause, A’rese felt the urgent need to interact with the audience - a kind of assurance that she was on the right track.

One could easily understand her anxiety, particularly with her choice genre of music: afro soul, which is slowly gaining fans in the industry.

Steadily, she dazzled the audience with her own songs, starting with her first recording ‘No More’. This piece was a hybrid of jazz and soul, perfectly blended to evoke a love emotion. She enhanced her performance with the fluid motion of her arms, and body, a good pointer of her

prowess as a stage performer.

Her next performance was ‘Udu’ (courage), it is her latest song. Again, she captured the audience with her voice and melodies. Her vocal chords were simply magical, and the lyrics were like poetry.

With her performance, it was very clear that a new Queen of Soul has been born. All thanks to the ‘The Voice Nigeria’.

Switching moods, she performed her winning song at the music contest, ‘Hallelujah’. The audience couldn’t resist singing along. For special effect, the stage was transformed to a kaleidoscope of dazzling lights and visuals. She confessed to the audience that she was trying hard not to cry because the song meant a lot to her. She had revealed to THISDAY Glitterati during an interview last August that the song meant a lot to her father whom she shares a special bond with.

To round off her session, A’rese performed another song from her stable ‘Ojomi’, an upbeat Afrojazz that holds the promise of a smash hit. The song, according to the songstress, captures her new-found status. The interlude of percussion and the chorus singing of ‘Kekedikeke’ gave the

song a memorable rhythm.

To a great ovation, A’rese introduced the Classical Band that played with her before bowing out.

After a 25-minute wait, the trio from South Africa, MI Casa were introduced on stage. J-Something, the only white guy in the group plunged into a ballad version of their single ‘La Vida’ before Mo-T and Dr. Duda captivated the crowd with an explosion of beautiful sounds from the trumpet and the wheels of steel, resounding their unique house music signature. It was difficult to say who the star of the group is. Each was an expert in his own field. Nicknamed the Beyonce of the group, Dr. Duda, originally a DJ and now the producer of the group who also doubles as a saxophonist, ensured that each of their production was a smash hit with the constant Kwaito beat, peculiar to South African’s house music. Mo-T on the other hand is a blessing to the group. The wonders he performed with his trumpet was simply outstanding. His ability to hold a note for long, stir conversations as well as evoke great emotions make him an endearing personality.

Already blessed with white skin and

good looks, J-Something as odd as he may look in the group, was the voice of the group. He did all the talking, dancing and the singing. His charming charisma and exceptional voice gave him a disarming aura. But his hat-trick was his dance moves.

He called it ‘Jika’, also a title of one of their hits. It was still a novelty to many who watched him move his waist and legs like a pro, particularly when he performed the dance-title track. He narrated how they were invited to Washington DC to perform at President Barack Obama’s second inaugural party. They were just two years into their music career. At first, their booking lady thought it was a prank when she first got the call but it later turned out to be real.

It was really an awkward position for the group whose name was foreign to their American audience, but by the time they saw a white guy dancing and performing with the black guys, they rocked to their sound and the rest was history. The song that did it for them was ‘Jika’.

It was not the only real-life story about MI Casa. J-Something revealed as much about the group as time would permit in between performances. Starting with how

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COVER BUT THE CONCERT’S TRUMP CARD WAS CLEARLY IN ITS ARRAY OF PERFORMING ARTISTES. FOR A SHOW THAT HAD JUST THREE ACTS AND LASTED FOR NEARLY FOUR HOURS, IT WAS A GOOD TESTIMONY TO THE ORGANISERS’ SHREWDNESS. IT PULLED STRINGS WITH ITS CHOICE ARTISTES TO ENTERTAIN THE DISTINGUISHED AUDIENCE, PARTICULARLY WITH A’RESE, ITS OPENING ACT

Jonathan Butler

they met at a party where Dr. Duda was DJing and Mo-T was playing the trumpet.

He had walked and impressed by what he heard, he asked if he could sing along.

Their performance caught on with the audience immediately. They sent the crowd into a frenzy. After their performance, people swarmed them, asking for the release date of their album. Everything took them by surprise. Three months later, they were in the studio working together.

All this happened in 2011. This acceptance encouraged them to forge a bonding; and the rest, as they say, is history.

For the night, MI Casa took the audience on a rollercoaster of their music. From sampling hits like D’banj’s ‘Oliver Twist’, P-Square ‘Personally’, the late Brenda Fassie’s ‘Vuli Ndlela’, Reel 2 Real’s ‘ I Like to Move it’, Freshlyground’s ‘Doo be Doo’ to their own hit tracks like ‘These Streets’, and their latest collaborations with Yemi Alade and Wizkid. J-Something took the music to a mellow mood when he performed ‘My Body’. He compared the song to Patoranking’s ‘My Woman’. The inspiration behind the song he told the captivated audience was from the frequent objectification of the woman’s body in music videos. This, he said, was wrong because a woman counts for more than just money and sex. He was lauded by the women in the audience as he called them princesses and mocked the guys. Then he sang the beautiful poetic lyrics, defining a woman’s body in an artistic way which drew cheers and clap from the ecstatic audience.

He went on to commend Nigerians for how they treat their musicians. They rounded off their session with a brilliant foreplay from the percussion, the guitar, the keyboard and of course, a delicious treat from the shortest man in the group, Mo-T. The sky must have been moved by their performance because while they were still on stage, it began to cry. Unfortunately for the organisers, the Bamoral tent had some holes and guests were seen leaving their seats.

One of the hosts and presenter on Smooth FM, The Genie apologised for the leaking roof and indulged the audience to get more drinks while the headline act of the night prepared for his performance.

It wasn’t quite like dancing in the rain, but the leaking roof in parts of the hall couldn’t subtract from the enjoyment of the determined audience.

It was supposed to be a 30-minute wait but it was less than that. South African renowned guitarist, singer and song-writer,

Jonathan Butler, was more than a performer in the concert. He was so exuberant and infectious on stage that one could easily get lost in his music.

He anchored a jazzy piece ‘Many Faces’, introduced his band and told the audience about his love for peppersoup, which well, left him full and with a grumbling gut.

He didn’t forget to mention that he was sporting the Nigerian designer Mudi’s outfit.

He went on to perform a jazzy rendition of the late Miriam Makeba’s ‘Pata Pata’, then lunged into a brilliant display on strings.

The conversations he stirred with his guitar were very diverse. Sometimes, they were slow-paced and intimate, at other times they were fast and aggressive. His dexterity on the guitar could never be exaggerated. It was simply superb.

However, Butler had a mission on his mind: to spread the gospel of Jesus through jazz. He started praising Jesus along the line and urged the audience to experience the spirit of God in him. Hopefully, he prayed, a soul may be saved. It was difficult to say if members of the audience who left during his performance, took their exit because of his faith or were in a hurry to get home.

That didn’t deter the musician who went on to perform ‘7th Avenue’ and would later urge the audience to get on their feet as he performed ‘Lies’.

His masterstroke at the concert was when he performed his smash hit love ballad ‘Do you love me?’.

The atmosphere of love engulfed the tent. His engagement with the crowd made many lonely heart long for love.

He proceeded to perform Bob Marley’s ‘No Woman, No Cry’ and got the audience singing along. His interpretation of this song was something else.

By the time he performed ‘Catembe’, Mo-T was back on stage with his trumpet and together they conversed in melodic rhythms with their instruments, leaving the audience in awe. The entire, MI Casa trio would later return on stage to perform ‘Living my Dream’ with the guitarist, after he performed ‘Falling in Love with Jesus’.

Evidently, a collaboration will surely be in the works between the two acts in the future.

After a nearly one-and-a-half hour performance, Butler drew the curtain on the concert. It didn’t matter if the hall was almost half-empty at the end of his performance, as long as the guests left good comments like ‘It was a beautiful show’ on their way out to the wet grounds.

Comperes

MI Casa with a fan

The jubilant audience

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OctOber 30, 2016

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59 with nseObOng OkOn-ekOng 08114495324, nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com

‘76 Raises the Bar in Nollywood

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audable comments and accolades trailed the press screening of the much anticipated Izu Ojukwu film ‘76 recently at Ozone Cinemas, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos.

Snippets of the military thriller surrounding the historical the Bukar Dimka Coup in 1976 was shown to the media earlier this year. Since then, the producers: Tonye Princewill, Adonijah Owiriwa and Izu Ojukwu have been on their toes to make the film a peerless production. From garnering positive reviews at international film fesitivals in Toronto and London and signing a sevenfigure dollar film with a Hollywood franchise to an impressive homecoming, ‘76 has raised a new bar for Nollywood. ‘76 has set a couple of unprecendented record spending seven years in production, the longest the industry would witness, it is no doubt that the end-product is a masterpiece The film’s beauty lies in its visuals. Shot on film, it creates an imagery that is so live and true. The use of live footages from the crime scene and execution of the coup plotters further enhanced the quality of the production. Beyond its military setting, ‘76 explores the social and cultural themes of the past. Ojukwu known for his dexterity left no stone unturned as he brings to life the flamboyant lifestyle of the 70s. From the vintage cars used to the costumes, the film relives the past in a creative way. The storyline revolves round an army officer Joseph Dewa (Ramsey Nouah) and his wife Suzie (Rita Dominic). Their love story is creatively embedded in the historic events that led to the assassination of late former military leader Muritala Mohammed.

Indeed, ‘76 is a new dawn for Nollywood which has in the past suffered ridicule from viewers due to its lack of indepth storylines, loose plot and poor production. In’76, critics have become tongue tied, hardly able to say a word. Journalists at the screening could barely find a fault in the movie and when they did, they were incidents they could gloss over.

WHEN STAR MUSIC SHOOK CALABAR It was a great night of music Calabar at the Municipal Gardens where Star Music The Trek welcomed Sound Sultan, M.I, Burna Boy, Cynthia Morgan, Chidinma and Phyno for exhilarating performances.

The concert hosted by comedian LaffUp, kicked off with the discovery of new singing talents in an open mic contest.

The talents sang their versions of Star Music The Trek 2016 theme song “My City Rocks”.

Disc Jockeys Big N and Neptune gave the Calabar crowd a strong feel of the hottest songs ruling the airwaves.

Dancers dressed in colourful EfikIbibio traditional attires presented a choreographed medley of Sunny Nneji’s ‘Idemnobno’, ‘Face me Remix’ and Iyanya’s ‘Kurukere’. It was an amazing way to start performances at the concert.

Chidinma popularly called “Miss.

Kedike” by her fans opened with a spin on homeboy, Sunny Nneji’s ‘Oruka’ before switching to her song ‘Olulufe’.

She was accompanied to the stage by a dreadlock lookalike of ‘Flavour’ and this got the crowd cheering.

Burna Boy got the audience super charged during his performance. Bursting to the stage with ‘Wanda Mo’, Burna sang a number of his hit tracks to the jiving crowd. In between songs, he bantered with the audience, cracking a few jokes and speaking honestly about his love for Nigeria. Before he left, the ‘Yawa dey’ crooner also sang another of his hit song ‘Soke’, as the crowd chorused word for word.

Cynthia Morgan took to the stage immediately after Burna Boy, as if to further fuel speculations of a budding romance.

The acclaimed ‘god-mother’ of dance hall music in Nigeria gave the Calabar audience a show stopping performance.

This may have topped her performance at the Makurdi leg of Star Music The Trek, going by the reactions from revelers

L-R: Roy Murray-Bruce, Memry Savanhu, Prince Tonye Princewill and Izu Ojukwu

It is estimated that the film will bring more money as well as win more awards,including an Oscar as suggested by Patrick Lee of Ozone Cinemas.

For the Chairman of the Silverbird Group and member of the National Assembly, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, ‘76 is a history class: “I can tell you that this movie will make history. Because it teaches history. We don’t teach history in Nigeria anymore. I’m a history student and I can tell you that I’m very impressed with what Tonye and other producers have done with ‘76. I can also tell you that the movie will make money.”

Produced by Princewill’s Trust and Adonis Production in partnership with Africa Magic and Silverbird Distribution, the film will have its African premiere on November 3 and opens in cinemas nationwide on November 25. It is also the closing film for the upcoming Africa International Film Festival.

76’ has enjoyed great reviews from a host of local and international movie critics. At

the London Film Festival, stars came out in glittering form to London’s West End to celebrate the launch of a film that has been described by the UK press as “visually textured, educational, and thoroughly entertaining; a movie not to be missed”. Coming from that notorious media establishment that are hard to impress, this speaks volumes.

The film stars many renowned and notable Nollywood megastars Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesinma, Memry Savanhu, Daniel K Daniel (two time African best actor 2016) and the awesome Ada Ofoegbu in her groundbreaking role as “Aunty Mary”. Also in attendance were Executive Producers Adonijah Owiriwa (also in the movie) and Prince Tonye Princewill with his family in tow. At the centre of this very gripping romantic thriller is the charismatic, ‘Captain Joseph Dewa’, played by Ramsey Nouah who is indicted by the military for his alleged role in the notorious failed Nigerian coup of 1976.

at the Calabar concert after she thrilled them with hits like ‘I’m Taken’, ‘Don’t Break My Heart’ and ‘Lead Me On’.

Veteran singer Sound Sultan delighted the crowd with classic hit songs from ‘Jagbajantis’ to ‘Orobo’. His performance was remarkably distinguished as the Ninja squad was also represented on stage. Speaking after his performance, Sultan affirmed, “Calabar felt like home and the love I got from the hundreds of fans here tonight was unprecedented. If you ask me, I’d say Star Music The Trek Calabar rocked the most”.

The crowd remained elated throughout as Star Music The Trek brought the concert one step closer to them with a Star dance party that lasted for about forty minutes. Comedian LaffUp kept the audience fully engaged as he also gave out variety of gifts courtesy, Star Lager.

If you thought the show was over at this point, you are wrong. M.I brought his A-game to the Calabar concert, coming off the success of his performance at Star Music The Trek Abuja. During his exciting set in Calabar, M.I invited a couple of his fans to the stage. He ended

the performance with ‘Bullion Van’. In every sense of the word, M.I showed he is one of Nigeria’s best rap stars.

Headliner for the Calabar gig, Phyno then took the excited audience to another height. Once he stepped on stage, Phyno did not hold back as he kept dropping hit songs that were suggested by the mesmerized crowd. When Phyno performed ‘Fada Fada’, it was a total shutdown at the Municipal Gardens.

STAR Music The Trek Calabar was more than a concert. It was a premium experience for the fans and performing artistes. The concert was broadcast live on HIPTV, particularly for viewers in other cities across Nigeria and beyond to stay connected with the shinning moments at Star Music The Trek 2016.

Next city to rock with Star Music The Trek tour is Owerri on Saturday November 12 while the grand finale will hold in Lagos on November 26.

Burna Boy...in Calabar

NIGHT OF THRILLS AT 3 THRONES CONCERT Long suffering fans who had waited for hours for the commencement of ‘3

Ben Bruce

Thrones Concert’ were later compensated with a stetch of non-stop and rousing performances that made it an unforgettable evening at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The concert witnessed never-seen before performances from the headliners; Tiwa Savage, Timaya, Phyno, Davido and was well attended by a large number of top personalities including Faithia Balogun, Denrele Edun, Mocheddah, Seyi Law, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Iyabo Ojo, Jimmy Jatt, Shina Peller, Yungsix, Viktoh, Mayorkun, Mo’Cheddah, Naomi Mac, illBliss, Tunde and Wunmi Obe. Other celebrities who were spotted at the event include Kenny Blaq, Yvonne Enakhena, Seyi Law, Akin Alabi, Funnybone, Dayo Amusa, Yaw, Pheelz, Princess, Poe, Iceberg slim, Eniola Badmus, Tjan, Yomi Casual, Yung L, Lolo 1.

Definitely one of the gripping performances at the was the show stopper put up by Ycee. Accompanied by a band of percussionists, playing on Nigerian and foreign musical instruments, he got a standing ovation for the manner these instruments were used to stike a creative mood in his hit song, ‘Jagaban’.

He continued the rewarding experience in his next song, ‘Omo Alhaji’ as female dancers dressed like Arabian belles hit the stage to thrill the audience.

Ycee had delivered an outstanding performance which included a live band; sending the crowd into an instant frenzy.

Shortly after his performance while still on stage, Timaya, better known as, Egberi Papa 1 joined Ycee and commended him for his contribution to the music industry – before proceeding to present a royal artifact to the rapper.

Ycee expressed his gratitude to the organizers of ‘3 Thrones’; describing the moment as honourable to him.

But this was not the only surprise of the night, during Tiwa Savage’s performance at the monarchical-themed concert, the

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Entertaining, Inspiring Heritage Campaign

Tiwa Savage

singer invited celebrity couple Tunde and Wunmi Obe to field a few questions regarding their laudable marital bliss.

Tiwa halted her performance to comment on the scourge of failed marriages among young couples before she went on to ask the couple the secret to their successful marriage. A question to which Wunmi quickly replied; “I married the man I love – he’s my friend and everything.”

The venerated couple further remarked; “Mutual respect is also very important in a marriage. Communication, patience, tolerance are also imperative”.

“Most importantly; the only third party allowed in your life should be God and no one else” the couple concluded in unison.

Tiwa Savage who was the clear leader of the pack going by her superlative performance entertained the audience with a number of her smash hits including ‘Kele Kele’, ‘Without my Heart’, ‘Bad’, ‘Wanted’, ‘Standing Ovation’ and more.

Fellow label mate Dr. Sid also joined her on stage to perform another smash hit of hers; ‘If I Start to Talk” before wrapping up her exhilarating performance for the night.

‘3 Thrones’ also witnessed performances from some of the industry’s finest, including Timaya, Phyno, Davido, Ycee, Pepenazi, ill Bliss, Naomi Mac, Tjan, Yungsix and a host of others.

Popular dancehall-reggae singer Timaya crowned Tinny Entertainment signee; Ycee as the “Rising King” during the concert Mavin first lady Tiwa Savage, Davido, Phyno, Ycee, and Timaya made a momentous mark as headliners during their performance at ‘3 Thrones Concert’.

The event boasted a full regalia setting with performances from several other top artistes like ill Bliss, Yung6ix, Naomi Mac, Tjan, Wale Turner, Que Peller, Viktoh, Poe, Pepenazi and more.

Timaya performed songs from his emergence in 2005/2007, including ‘Dem Mama’, ‘Ogologoma’, ‘Good or Bad’ and recent songs like ‘Bow Down’, ‘Sanko’, ‘I Concur’ and several other smash hits.

Popular rapper Phyno was the third headliner to ascend the stage. He performed his earliest hits like ‘Ghost Mode’, ‘Alobam’, ‘Kush Music’, ‘Shut Down’, ‘Parcel’ before moving on to perform his recent smash hits like ‘Ladi’, ‘Connect’, ‘Fada Fada’ and several more.

The ecstatic audience also witnessed a memorable performance from the last headliner to perform; popular afro-pop songster Davido who appeared as if he was struggling to be at his best. The singer’s performance can be described as eccentric as he exerted his energy to finesse his performance. The singer wrapped up the night with songs like ‘Dami Duro’, ‘Gobe’, ‘Ekuro’, ‘Skelewu’, ‘Owo ni Koko’, ‘Dodo’ and several SONS OF THE CALIPHATE BIDS FAREWELL TO STEREOTYPES You may be forgiven if your first impression of the opening montage of the new EbonyLife TV political and cultural drama series ‘Sons of the Caliphate’ is a Nigerian version of ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘The Tudors’. It is a deliberate ploy by the producers of the movie and “why shouldn’t we have our own ‘Game of Thrones?” Dimbo Atiya, the producer, would reply if you ask him.

“Let’s create wealth, let’s build our own wealth like the heroes of our history” - the new Heritage Bank campaign is as intriguing as it’s inspiring. There is something about it that enforces that our advertising still resonates. The campaign, which is currently generating conversation in many forums, treads on an important aspect of our social and cultural life – our heritage. By bringing conversation back to the people - the customers, the buyers of the bank’s service, the campaign is not promissory, it is revelatory. The subtlety employed in this new campaign re-emphasises that boldness can be simple and focused. It becomes a very important reference tool on how to gain customer’s trust and loyalty in a time of recession.

In the last decade or so, only a few advertising campaigns in Nigeria have significantly connected with its economic environment without employing a panicstrategy. In fact, it is not enough to state that the Heritage Bank campaign is brilliant; that is stating the obvious. The significant thing is to corroborate its proposition that we are a people with a solid history that we can tap into.

The Heritage campaign which runs with the proposition: “I am proud of my heritage: The New Kings and Queens of Africa,” connects with the past and encourages us to tap into the values of great men and women to build our own empires/enterprises like they did. In one of the print ads, the campaign looks at Queen Amina and how she transformed the land of her people into a “centre of trade and constructed walls which evolved it into a prosperous city.” There is not just learnings in it, there is brilliance. The television ad employs cinematic effect to bring the story of a historically-rich continent into public eye. It shows us that tapping into the past is not about dwelling in our past glories. It is about revelling in it to reinvent our narratives; for our heritage is a wealth, which is timeless.

Bringing it home to Heritage Bank, through the campaign, we see a bank that wants to offer value to its customers in a qualitative term. The success it achieves is that it sells. It sells by buying the consumer into its thinking, as against selling the bank to them. Since the days of the bank mergers, campaigns of financial institutions have witnessed superfluous hard sells, with forceful messages as a bid to imply relevance for the changing economic landscape.

Another particularly interesting thing about this campaign is that it excites something even the Nigerian state has struggled with. Using accessible image and language, it offers us confidence in our heritage. It tells us we have a wealth of resources to tap into, with a simple, but deep message.

The result of Heritage Bank choosing Leo Burnett, Lagos among the agencies invited to pitch for its account is for consumers like

Sekibo

us, a positive. Out of about 10 agencies, which included Brandzone, Centrespread, Noah’s Ark, and; Leo Burnett Lagos, one of Biodun Shobanjo’s Troyka companies was selected to handle the major part of the bank’s business.

It is good to see “New Thinking,” which is what defines success in the advertising industry. New thinking here implies freshness, reinvention, and relevance. It is in essence refreshing to see creativity, which engages with people – relevant and acute. As for Leo Burnett, Lagos, it appears to already have a pattern of excellence, handling clients like Nestle, CrusaderSterling Pensions, Phillip Morris International and several others. The agency was responsible for Konga earning the highest takeover in 2015 when it achieved more than 100million worth of orders within the first few hours of Konga’s Yakata promo.

It also managed it into one of the most loved e-commerce brands. The Konga campaign went on to win MVA’s Marketing Campaign of the year award for its FOUNDONKONGA to beat the likes of Guinness Made of Black Campaign. What this means is that young and vibrant creative agencies like Leo Burnett, Lagos are taking over creativity from the big names.

While the Heritage Bank Campaign is fresh, it is more refreshing that its agency, Leo Burnett, Lagos finds a way to convince us about ingenuity, that solutions are not alien to us. This is a campaign that assures us of trust and loyalty, that there’s talent inherent in us. In this volatile market, where “youthfulness” is the wand for “dazzling” into “dizziness”, Leo Burnett, Lagos and Heritage Bank restores our hope – in our Heritage.

Presently, Leo Burnett, Lagos offers some of the latest global marketing disciplines, the conglomerate of talented minds who can be described as “Eternal students of Human behaviour”.

It has the ambition to build, protect and sustain leadership for clients with swift, future-seeing and capacity building ideas that talk to consumers, build engagement and loyalty mechanisms.

But beyond the similar montage and tunes, SOTC digs deep into the northern lifestyle. Call it a modernised northern drama and you will not be far from the truth.

Of course, it plays safe with the cultural and social norms in order not to provoke the almighty conservatives. Notwithstanding, it ditches stereotypes and present the northerners in a whole new

Davido performing with actress, Eniola Badmus

light. Shot in Abuja, the series have all the cultural elements of the northerners.

We are first introduced to the main characters who form the plot of this intriguing story in the first episode.

There is Dikko Umar Loko, cocky and egotistical son of a political stalwart.

Played by Yakubu Mohammed, you need little or no conviction to fall in love with his skills. His arrogance, swag and witty lines makes him a delight to watch.

In this first episode, Dikko is seen as a playboy who is so full of beans. His competitive nature against his friend Nuhu is a shadow of his dark side-- a particular trait the director deftly tried to conceal to keep the viewer guessing.

For the meantime, he satisfies us with his eagerness to score a golden goal with BintaKutigi, a beautiful event planner. He serenades her with expensive gifts such as a posh car. And to drive home the flamboyant lifestyle of an elitist northerner, Dikko doesn’t use a black card or carry his chequebook round. He drives around town with a boot full of fresh mints.

His two friends Nuhu and Kalifa ibn Maiyaki are equally wealthy in their own rights. While Nuhu, a son of a successful businessman looks very gentle in appearance but dubious in his ways, Kalifa, the apparent heir of the Emir of Kowa is a man trapped by his own demons. He is caught between his loveless marriage to his wife Naziha (Nita Byack George)and political ambition to run for governor against his father’s wish.

At first encounter, Kalifa portrays a determined man with little or no regard for his family. We only see his weak side when he is with his mistress Lotana (Yvonne Hays) known as Lottie. If he had his way, he would divorce his wife Naziha in a heartbeat and marry Lottie.

But Naziha is not easily dismissed. She refused to grant him his desire and is a complete opposite of the stereotypical Hausa housewife.

Fresh from her ban from Kannywood, Rahama Sadau plays Binta Kutigi, the love interest between Dikko and Nuhu.

It is unlikely that her new fans will fall in love instantly with her in the first few episodes. But she will definitely steal their hearts as the 13-part series unfold.

Nollywood icon Patrick Doyle also lights up the screen with his charming devilish smile and very straining Hausa accent. He is the father of Dikko and has the final say in politics of the state.

Subsequent episodes will show how these characters navigate the corridors of power to satisfy their ambitions through betrayals, corruption, assassinations and other heinous acts to get the crown.

For Dimbo, who co-wrote the story with his wife Karachi, Sons of the Caliphate is a dream come true but more importantly, a farewell to the stereotyped perceptions of the northerners. “I want the audience to see the northerners in a different light. They are rich and live a flamboyant life, they can also woo women and all. that.”

Again, we see the masterstroke of Mo’Abudu. Her perfect timing to release the movie same time Rahama Sadau’s controversy in Kannywood further highlights her shrewdness.

She reiterated her commitment to support local content at the press screening of the movie. “Nigerians have a lot of stories to tell and it is our duty at EbonyLife TV to help producers like Dimbo to tell these stories”.

Patrick Doyle, Yvonne Hays, Rahama Sadau, Heidi Uys, Mo Abudu, Dimbo Atiya, Nita Byack George & Lydia Idakula

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HRM Aromire-Ojora: I Still Seek Old Friends’ Advice Chris Asika

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ccording to history, the Ijoras are known to be the Aworis, who are one of the children of Olofin, one of the children of Oduduwa. Alaraohugin is the progenitor of the Ijoras. They followed their father from Ile-Ife to finally settle where is now known as Ijora Kingdom, which includes Igamu area.

Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, after the passing on his uncle, late Chief Aremu Akapo in 1993 ascended the family throne in 1994. Though it was the turn of the other family in the ruling house to provide the next ruler, but he was favoured and chosen to ascend the throne.

The then head of his family, the late Onitire, Oba Kasali Aseru had met with the four ruling families and directed each to provide a candidate from which the selection was made.

At first he said he declined the offer of ruling the kingdom because he was used to living like an ordinary person based on the difficulties he encountered while growing up.

Before he was crowned, he said he used to think that becoming a king is problematic and that no matter what one does, one cannot please people. Thus he still keeps his old friends and still makes out time to be with them for their advice and support. This is based on his belief that a leader must be a good listener.

“I never had interest in the throne, but I just had to accept it because I was told that the oracle picked me out of the seven persons that were nominated. As for my old friends, these are the people who know about my past. I can’t say because I am a king I should stay away from them; we still hang-out together.

“If you drive away your old friends, when trouble comes, you won’t see people to advise you. A big man can’t advise a fellow big man positively. He will rather look towards your downfall because of the competition between both of you.”

Recounting his experience these 22 years on the throne, Oba Aromire attributed his

Oba Aromire-Ojora

leadership to the grace of God almighty, who has given him wisdom for the journey so far.

“I was then the family secretary and the personal assistant to the late Akapo, I had no interest in becoming the Ojora because of the position I occupied in the government where I worked. Each family provided their candidate and we headed to the Ifa priest to consult and provide us with the best choice.

But to my surprise, I was chosen and that was how I became the Ojora today.

“I never contested for the throne, but my ancestor appointed me to rule over the Ijora land. I fought tirelessly for the Ijora kingdom and won 32 court cases prevailing over the Iganmu Kingdom because it is owned by the Ojora royal dynasty. Becoming a first class

oba is not by my making, but by Almighty God.” Speaking on his childhood days, the oba said he lived his entire childhood in Ajegunle having lost his father at a tender age in 1966 and his mother, a petty trader had no means of sending him to school. She asked him to go and live with his father’s brother in Ajegunle where he did menial jobs to see himself through school to become somebody in life.

He trained himself from secondary school to the HND level and after school he was gainfully employed in the Lagos State Internal Affairs Ministry from where he moved to the immigration service. Later, late Akapo who saw something in him, asked him to resign so as to join the family business in 1979.

According to him, his first five years on the throne was full of age-long court cases and extended family squabbles which he faced and won at different points of his reign.

“My first five years was historical, I had different court cases, about 32 precisely, moving from high court to appeal court and Supreme Court trying to win our possessions back from other kingdoms. I stood by my people and they also stood by me, and as you can see I have made great impact on my community and family.

“Only God can describe you without any fault. I have tried and I will continue to do my best in all my endeavors to see to all matters that are brought to me. My people have learnt to tolerate and love one another without isolation. Tradition has no house of worship in this community, when it is Christmas, we do it together. When it is the time for Muslim or traditional festival, we also do it together.”

As a result of his leadership style and contributions to his kingdom, the monarch said his reign has recorded several achievements, as the people of Ijora are celebrating 22 years of good tidings and prosperity. Before he was crowned, he said there was only one access road in and out of Ijora, but now there are more than six entrance and exits and he did about four of them personally.

He said he contributed to the building of the Ijora Central Mosque, the churches in and around the domain and gave out yearly to the motherless. There is also a grassroots academy which he sponsors young people in professional football every year and the graduates get employment through a scheme donated from local and foreign investors in Ijora domain. He is also planning by January to increase the amount of sponsorship provided.

The oba also disclosed his plans to expand his educational scholarship project because every year he sponsors children of indigenes and non-indigenes of the community. He already has 25 beneficiaries and intends to add another 25 to the list.

EVENT

Grooming Girls for the Digital Age

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ver 700 female students from nine secondary schools in District 6 of the Lagos state Educational Board convened at Darlington Hall, Illupeju, Lagos, recently for the annual Pastor Bimbo Odukoya (PBO) Foundation’s girl empowerment programme.

In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, this year’s programme was in line with the general theme of the national event: Girls’ Progress=Goals’ Progress: What Counts for Girls.

With this in mind, this year’s theme tilted towards technology.

Professionals like Sola Amusan from Microsoft Nigeria challenged the students not to limit their dreams. He inspired them to take bold steps towards technology and dismissed the myth that technology is reserved for boys alone.

Social Media etiquette professional and director of Connaissance, Kemi Showemimo had a hearty interactive session with the students on the etiquettes of social media. She engaged the students on how to communicate online, to be wary of the kind of posts they upload on their pages and how to keep their accounts private. She also advised them to be very observant of the kind of friends they keep online. Encouraged by her charisma, the girls shared their ordeal on the online community.

One of the students told of how a friend was

She added that there are partnership talks with Microsoft Nigeria to train a lucky student in the technology of coding and developing mobile apps.

The PBO foundation was found on the premise of the vision of the late Bimbo Odukoya. Her passion to see the girl child explore her dreams to full measure spurred the initiative. The foundation also have other campaign programmes such as SHARP 4 U.

L-R: Ronke Oyelakin, Osasu Paul-Azino, Kemi Showemimo and Anthonia Ojenagbon

lured to rape by her Facebook friends, another recounted how she was desperate for friendship and accepted a friend request from a man who lived in her neighbourhood. The man continually sent nude pictures of him to her and invited her out. She told her mother about it who told her to play along. On the scheduled day of the meeting, she arrived at the destination with her mother who ruined abuses on the man and nearly arrested him.

Such online behaviours and cyberbullying, Showemimo warned, the girls should be wary of.

“Don’t be desperate for friends. You don’t have to accept every friend request. Accept only the ones you know.”

Another speaker at the event was the sexual abuse survivor, Anthonia Ojenagbon, whose inspiring story left the students in awe.

It is not the first time PBO will hold ‘Girl Empowered’ programme but it is the first time the bias is towards technology.

“Girl Empowered this year is being channelled to focus on technology and its vast opportunities.

Most girls are shy of the sciences. But we are saying no. You could be a blogger, a web designer, you can have careers in IT where you can be able to change the world. There are no gender-shy in sciences.

They should take over the digital space,” said PBO coordinator, Osasu Paul-Azino.

assistant editor nseobong okon-ekong senior correspondent funke olaode correspondent vanessa obioha designer ibirogba ibidapo CONTRIBUTORS onoshe nwabuikwu, temilolu okeowo, kelechi nduka THISDAY ON SUNDAY editor adetokunbo adedoja deputy editor vincent obia STUDIO art director ochi ogbuaku jnr THISDAY NEWSPAPERS editor-in-chief & chairman nduka obaigbena managing director eniola bello deputy managing director kayode komolafe

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FOR LAGOS JAZZ SERIES, A TASTE OF CESARIA EVARO...

Evaro

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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ARTS & REVIEW\\CONCERT

FOR LAGOS JAZZ SERIE TASTE OF CESARIA EVAR

Cape Verdean diva, Cesaria Evaro, resurrects in Lagos for the Lagos Jazz Series,

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here was once a time, believe it or not, when the word diva, actually meant something grand, long before every two penny wannabe chanteuse appropriated the moniker.

To understand what the word meant, away from its operatic provenance, think Edith Piaf, think Nina Simone and then think of Cesaria Evora of Cape Verde.

While Piaf, the French chanteuse and Simone, the American classically trained jazz pianist are well known many people do not know Cesaria Evora, famous for her quirky ways and fondly referred to as the “Barefoot diva” because she never wore shoes while performing and always insisted on a bottle of whiskey and pack of cigarettes on stage.

Where did her shtick come from? Well, blame it on the time spent serenading sailors in the taverns of Cape Verde before they boarded Europe-bound vessels.

Cesaria Evora was born in 1941 in Cape Verde but did not gain global acclaim until she was in her mid-forties, when in 1988, she released her first commercial album La Diva Aux Pieds Nus. The album was recorded in France.

How did Ceasaria transit from the dingy taverns of Cape Verde to the brightly lit stages of France? Let’s put it down to a mix of talent and providence.

Long famous in Cape Verde, it took an invitation from a fellow Cape Verdean Morna artiste, Bana, who took her on a tour to Lisbon and while on that trip, Cesaria met famed music producer, José da Silva, who, as western history is written, subsequently discovered Cesaria and took her to France.

It was an auspicious move because great works followed in quick succession from La Diva Aux Pieds Nus which had been preceded by the 1987 LP entitled Cesaria, which marked, in many ways, her international entrée. In 1992, Cesaria released her album, Miss Perfumado which did not only sell over 300,000 copies worldwide, it included her monster hit and one of her most celebrated works, “Sodade”.

Sodade is a mellow and almost melancholic song with a haunting and funereal feel as she invokes the word Sodade.

The guitar and cavanquinho in the background seem to imbue the song with longing and nostalgia for something past.

It became a much requested song and one of her most popular songs.

More accolades would come in the years ahead as Cesaria’s fame grew and along it world-wide acclaim as the middle-aged diva captured the attention of the music world.

Regarded as Queen of Morna, she became the undisputed ambassador of Morna music, native to Cape Verde and similar to the Argentine tango but differentiated by its Creole lyrics and the instruments it is accompanied by - clarinet, violin, guitar and cavaquinho. Morna is much popular and with a stronger national appeal in Cape Verde compared to other musical forms like Funaná, Coladeira, Batuque and Cabo love.

Despite her age, the Barefoot Diva was not relenting. Years spent singing for a pittance to drink adled sailors in the taverns of Sao Vicente seemed to have prepared

Bazunu, organiser of LJS her for the big time. She captured hearts and sold out venues from Paris to London and New York.

In 1995, her fame ratcheted up notches after she released a self-titled album Cesaria which snagged her her first Grammy nod in the World music category. Two years later, she won big at the Kora music awards going home with three awards : “Best Artist of West Africa”, “Best Album” and “Merit of the Jury”.

But it was in 2003, that the big one dropped when she won the Grammy in the World Music category for her album Voz d’Amor.

Cesaria Evora had finally put Cape Verde and its beloved Morna firmly on the world music map. So by the time her health began to fail in 2010 following a heart attack which led to her retirement in 2011 and despite ill health,

Evora stayed diva-licious to the very end receiving visitors from all over the world and never parting from her whiskey and cigarette right up until her passing on December 17, 2011 at the ripe age of 70.

Come November 25 and 26, 2016, Cesaria Evora will resurrect in Lagos, first at the Muri Okunola park where Lito Coolio, a contemporary street band steeped in the best tradition of Morna will take the stage at the 7th edition of the Lagos Jazz Series, the annual festival of jazz and alternative music.

Lito Coolio will bring alive the spirit of Cesaria Evaro, serenading discerning Lagos musical aficionados with beautiful music that transcends time, tongue and geography.

“I was in Cape Verde and I saw them

performing in the streets. Their music was contemporary and street yet mature and almost timeless. They were playing Morna but it was Cape Verdean folk music infused with a heavy reggae vibe. They blew me away and I knew right there and then that I had to bring them to Lagos,” recalled Oti Bazunu, the convener of the Lagos Jazz series.

“They will be playing not just their own reggae-infused Morna but also favourites from the undisputed Queen of Morna, Cesaria Evora.”

On the bill as well is “The Average White Band’s” Hamish Stuart and the eclectic fast rising Nigerian newbie “Amaka Amaka” and a host of others” says, the obviously excited Oti. “There would be regulars like the Lagos Jazz Series Quintet as well

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ES, A RO...

, Toni Kan writes

as South African based young Nigeria trumpeter - Etuk.”

Previous editions have seen stars like Afrocentric American rapper, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), Marcus Miller, M.I and alternative soul singer, Bez light up the stage at both Muri Okunola and other venues.

This year, the action will be at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island and The Moorhouse Sofitel Hotel where Lagosians would be treated to the very best music from arouwnd the world.

“We have done this six times and the seventh edition will be no less exciting.

Our line-up is growing by the day.

Lagosians are in for a good time as usual,” Oti Bazunu said with a twinkle in his eyes.

ARTS & REVIEW\\CONCERT The Inverted Pyramid; Adapted from a novel by Emeka Dike

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ARTS & REVIEW\\LITERARY CAFÉ

ABUJA’S MEMORABLE THREE NIGHTS OF DANCE, DRAMA AND PULSATING POETRY

F Tony Amadi

or three days from September 30 to October 2 to mark the 56th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, late Senator Uche Chukwumerije’s son, Dikeogu heldAbuja spell-bound with his production of dance, drama and pulsating poetry. For three days, Nigerians queued up to watch a recital of poetry and you would wonder how this came about for a tribe who essentially hates reading. Change has come indeed. I am not talking of the politics of change that theAPC is flogging around but the quest of Nigeria to do things differently by thinking strongly about Made in Nigeria products.

I was so excited by the poetic renderings of Dikeogu that I attended two of the two-hour shows on October 1 and 2 because not only was the audience beautiful, the production was spell-binding with a classic orientation with which Dike ultimately brought the house down.African time was banned by the promoters and the shows started promptly at 6pm and ended by 8 pm. The audience was a sample of the Nigerian establishment. There were ministers and former ministers and there was also a blend of the diplomatic and business community as well as politicians, each of them angling for a photo opportunity with the young Chukwumerije when the last of his two hour shows ended with a loud ovation.

Made in Nigeria Poetry-For-Stage production is the seventh edition of the annual NIGHT OF THE SPOKEN WORD (NSW7) series which the young Chukwumerije has been involved with over the years.As I watched him unleash his “creative composition of 20 theatrical poems, thematically linked and seamlessly connected by narration, music, dance and drama telling in 120 minutes key aspects of Nigeria’s 120 year history”, I wondered whatAkinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka, better known as Wole Soyinka the Nobel laureate and professor of Comparative Literature would make of Dike’s new found art form.

My first surprise on the second and third night which I attended was how the best overall student of University ofAbuja on graduation as a lawyer and a member of the Nigerian bar which is followed with a masters in a top UK university would end up orbiting the literary stratosphere with a measure of excellence and master class. I also wondered how his late father would have felt if he was among the distinguished audience of senators, diplomats, top civil servants, corporate moguls, accomplished members of the Nigerian establishment and young people of upward mobility.

How they attracted this class of people was another matter altogether considering that they never gave the event a massive publicity but relied on the power of social media and networking as well as

Dikeogu reading a poem about Nigeria their father’s avalanche of contacts. The good news was that having gathered such a distinguished class of people, the production was well received and kept everyone wanting much more. When the show came to an end as they had strictly kept time, there was no room for an encore even with part of the audience asking for more.

The Night of Spoken Word 7 opened with poetic readings with Dike sitting in a yoga styled posture, giving a historic account of how the name of Nigeria came about.Acertain Miss Flora Shaw who was a London Times Colonial correspondent and later became Mrs Lord Lugard crafted the names by combining the Niger RiverArea to make up Nigeria. Some like Femi Fani-Kayode had argued that the name Nigeria had something to do with its Latin interpretation as “the area of darkness” which ought to have been changed as manyAfrican countries have done after getting their independence but it seems to have stock with us, but Dike was simply concerned with his performance poetry which he explains away as “a modern and energetic form of Poetry that combines the disciplines of traditional poetry with the power and charisma of dramatic performance”. The music and dance content of the show ignored totally the modern musical forms, so instead of mirroring the power of hip hop and its accompanying wave of afro pop, it dwells on such outdated forms of Bobby Benson’s highlife hit, “Taxi Driver” and Victor Olaiya’s brass laden tunes of the fifties and sixties like “Omopupa” and even the twist dance genre.And Dike Chukwumerije was able to show his inclination to singing old school highlife by dramatizing the dance and drama to achieve his objective of rendering pulsating poetry,

music, dance and drama rolled into one huge mix to hook the appreciative audience.

He manages also to capture his offerings with the appropriate fashion design. In the Lugard amalgamation parts of his script, he dressed up like the colonial master himself in shorts, white short sleeved shirt and the marching colonial hat, socks and boots while in rendering the old school songs, he wore baggy trousers of those days and mopstyled wig and danced like the freaked out young men of Beatlemania era. I won’t be surprised if an album of golden oldies by Dike Chukwumerije emerges soon in the market considering the ovation that went after each performance.

When the advance trailer for this event was sent to me a week or so before the event, I noted a section of the performance poetry included “I DID NOT KILLTHE SARDUANA” and I quickly called Dike to please expunge it because of its obvious sensitivity. He blatantly refused, arguing that part of his job as a poet was to provoke. I pleaded that he must change his mind because I did not want shadowy figures crawling around the venue to monitor the content of the show, knowing that the name Chukwumerije has its provocative tendencies. In the end he went along with his plan but surprisingly the line was nothing to worry about.As we have all seen in these days of the change mantra that we have come to live with, you never know what crops up that may send the wrong signal to be followed up by a well-orchestrated media trial which ends up blowing hot air and nothing else.

The other interesting aspect of this entertainment package was the zeal with the Chukwumerije clan work together. Dike may be the star of the nights of

spoken word but the entire family, including mum, sister and the rest of the boys and grand children were there working harmoniously to ensure that the event was a success. Chaka Chukwumerije, the chartered accountant and businessman was in charge of the business strategy, Mrs Chukwumerije was probably charged with ensuring that government big wigs were there to show their support, having herself worked in the presidency for years in the Olu Obasanjo administration just as Uche junior and the Taekwondo Olympic Bronze medallist Chika, were lurking around ensuring that the audience were happy. Dike’s two daughters were also playing cameo parts in the poetic undertaking while their one and only sister was busy with sundry activities that ensured total success.

Conspicuously absent was theAviation expert Che based in Frankfurt with Lufthansa airline and last born Dr Chukwumerije based in the United Kingdom as a junior doctor with the National Health Service. Former Minister of ForeignAffairs, OdeinAjumogobia, formerAviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, Senator Ben Obi, one time Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Ebele Okeke, many diplomatic figures were in attendance. Ernest Ndukwe, former CEO of NCC was part of the very colourful audience.According to Dike Chukwumerije, “Performance Poetry is not the simple recitation of poems but tends to be easier to grasp than written poetry, but retains the same capacity for penetrating insights, and the same dedication to the beautiful use of language”.

According to Dikeogu, performance poetry was created as a way of opening new vistas for growth in the entertainment industry and has been held twice a year following its debut in 2013. The seventh edition was indeed a great event that will not escape the mind of historians who will chronicle the development of this form of art that should be performed more often than the twice a year schedule.

It is actually important that this show should tour the entire country as I believe that Lagos at least should be the next destination. The only hindrance may be that Dikeogu is engaged with Mobil Nigeria and currently monitors events in the Senate for the oil conglomerate. But knowing what the creative world of art can do, I will not be surprised if international opportunities pulls him out of Nigeria for performances inAmerica, Europe and far East where demand for this kind of entertainment means that Nigerians won’t be able to see more of his poetic undertakings.

I am sure that our President Muhammadu Buhari will not mind such international demand for Nigerian performance poetry in view of the enormous foreign exchange it will attract to our treasury considering his penchant for economic diversification away from the single product oil and gas.

-Amadi is a veteran journalist based in Abuja

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN

Yinka Olatunbosun

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UK-based Nigerian author, Yetunde Adesile recently visited Nigeria to promote her literary offering, “The Youth Evolution.’’ Published in 2015, the book is one of the most sought-after contemporary inspirational books in many schools in the UK. Born out of Adesile’s personal relationship with young people as a life coach and youth pastor, Adesile realised that there had been a lingering gap between many parents and their children occasioned by time constraints, generational differences and lack of insight into the minds of young people.

Hence, Adesile thought of this new approach to focusing the next generation on success. For strange reasons, many parents become helpless when their children exhibit traits that are usually associated with peer pressure. Some parents also create a mental picture of what their children should become.

Irrespective of the desires of every parent, most parents want what is good for their children but the approach in achieving this is where the problem usually lies.

Adesile ‘’it is my first published book,’’ she began as she surveyed the journalists who sat around her table under the lush trees beside Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. “I particularly chose this one because that is where my heart lies for now. The interest in youths actually started a while back. If I look at most of the voluntary work that I have done in the church and the community, it is always with the

young people. It is not something I developed but it is something I inherited from my parents who were both sponsoring people to school,’’ she said.

Adesile examined all the major influencers in the life of a child and identified the parents as leading influencers.

“Now there are lots of distractions like the social media. Music has not been quite the way it used to be. So, keeping children in church and focusing on God becomes more of a challenge because of all the other distractions. They also ask questions that I wouldn’t ask at their age,’’ she explained.

When asked why she opted to put all her ideas for better youths in a book, she noted that many parents are still not internet savvy.

She could have put the thoughts in a blog or a Youtube video, but the actual targets are likely to miss them. Meanwhile, young people with busy parents have also found the book very useful according to the feedback that opens the book.

“Young people feel very privileged to have people like me in the community and it is why I have been nominated for several awards in the UK. I genuinely want youth people to succeed because there is a lot of crime and there are gangsters who are

clueless. It is not necessarily their fault since they don’t have that support or the people with the knowledge around them to guide or shape them and to give them a better option in life,’ she said.

The author added that the book discusses the challenges of growing up; the psychological development of a child and how music and television content have changed over time.

“A lot of parents just assume that their child is going to a good school so therefore he is doing well. But who are their friends?

Some parents don’t even take time to find out. Television and pop stars are major influences. There are chapters in the book that talk about focusing them for spiritual development. I am a Christian but I am not saying everyone needs to be a Christian. My dad had a Muslim background. I am saying they need to have someone who is spiritually superior to them and be aware of them so that they have the fear of something that is more than psychical. Also is the part that discusses how they can become successful entrepreneurs. How they can carve their niche in the business they are involved in,’’ said Adesile who included her personal experiences in this new interesting piece.

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ARTS & REVIEW\\ExhIBITIOn

BEYOND BORDERS

Stories by Yinka Olatunbosun

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he walls between Nigeria and Ghana have once again been collapsed and this is not about “the Jollof war”. In case you missed that, the “Jollof war’’ is an interesting argument between Nigerians and Ghanaians on the social media about who makes

better Jollof rice.

Away from that, the latest exhibition at Temple Muse, Victoria Island, Lagos is centred on waking up to the artistic consciousness of our neighbours and that singular thought had led to this monthlong showcase of seven leading and emerging contemporary artists from Ghana titled, “New Threads”. With 69 pieces selected from sculptures, paintings on canvas and jute as well as photographs, the show which opened on October 10 features Kofi Setordji, Nii Obodai, Nicholas Kowalski, Constance Swaniker, NyomuwofiaAgorsor and NanaAnoff.

The curator for this rare show, Sandra Mbanefo Obiago gave an insight into how the theme was decided.At a recent press preview of some of the works, she asked the handful of journalists who were present to talk about what they know about Ghanaian art. Of course, their responses typified what she’d heard about Ghanaian art: sparse information.Ablade Glover and El-Anatsui are ready names that people usually associate Ghanaian art forms with when they are not thinking about the Kente fabrics. Since these kente fabrics are the most dominant cultural reference that Nigerians make in the case of Ghana, the curator drew upon this knowledge to craft the theme for this show.

Against the backdrop of this rich artistic ancestry, these artists present, in contemporary colours and expressions, works that address current global issues. Universal symbols were explored by the artists in their artistic perspectives of global concerns on migration, environment, emancipation of the girl-child, leadership and democracy.

In her opening remarks for this third exhibition at Temple Muse in 2016, the curator expressed her satisfaction at the gallery’s duration for the show.

“It is not fair to put so much work into a show and it is only exhibited for two weeks,” she said. “But we understand the commercial pressures that a lot of galleries are facing. So they try to run their exhibitions quickly. What we pride ourselves on is that we give the artistes four or sometimes eight weeks or 12 weeks to show case their works. For this particular show, we have been working on it for about a year.’’

From encountering their works at art auctions and international exhibitions, Obiago tapped into the network of artists who possessed good quality art that speaks universal themes. In her findings, she discovered artists whose works have socio-political relevance, humorous satire and cultural narratives.

One of them is Kofi Setordji, a celebrated sculptor and experimental artist who is also considered as the grand master of contemporary expression in Ghana.

His works largely document the history of modernAfrica with its political battles over power and the tensions and gaps in our leadership.Acase in point is his recent documentation of the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. One of his works which this reporter found intriguing both in form and content is titled, “See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Speak No Evil.’’ The work seems to capture the culture of silence that is common when it comes to whistleblowing on corrupt public officers.

The Chairman by Kofi Setordji

A scene from the play The curator also introduced to the journalists the creative couple, Kofi and NyornuwofiaAgorsor who are both visual artists and talented musicians.

While Kofi’s inspiration is rooted in the traditional culture, rituals and beliefs of Ghana using dots and grids of colour, his wife’s hinges on education as a fundamental right.

Hence, her large canvases are sub-divided into plains of colours, inscribed with miniscule formulas and intricate childlike landscapes, as metaphorical formula of progress forAfrica.

Obiago also highlighted Nicholas Kowalski’s fascination with the geometric paintings with the imagery of the Baobab, theAfrican tree of life, which she described as “an important symbol of life, power, and resilience in a northern savannah landscape.’’ His works in their rich history of the Adinkra symbols draw on the universal proverbs and philosophy ofAfrican culture.

Also very fascinating are NanaAnoff’s works made from re-purposed, recycled metal objects and machine parts. His two dimensional metal sculptures portray scenes of migration on foot, on bike and the three wheeled scooters, a major sight in city transit. Her counterpart, Constance Swaniker’s

LAGOS IS SET FOR ART X

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ome November 4, all roads lead to Civic Centre, Victoria Island where 14 galleries and a variety of artists will attract collectors and art enthusiasts. The fair which boasts of over 60 artists will feature international artists such as South Africa’s William Kentridge, Zimbabwe’s Kudzanai Chiurai, Ghana’s Jeremiah Quarshie, Cameroon’s Barthelemy Togou, Mali’s Amadou Sanogo and Nigeria’s Sokari Douglas Camp, Rubi Onyiyechi Amanze, Alimi Adewale, George Osodi, Victor Ehikamenor and Lakin Ogunbanwo, amongst others.

At a recent briefing in Lagos, the curator

for this massive art fair, Bisi Silva extolled the event for its diversity of art practice and the potential of pushing boundaries beyond painting and sculpture. She informed her audience that the interactive sessions at the fair will focus on the business of art; the creative economy as well as the billion naira industry that encapsulates music, fashion, film.

Interesting too, Silva revealed that spotlight will settle on issues such as women cultural entrepreneurs and the visibility of women artists with challenging and topical works that reflect every day realities.

For Sola Osilaja, Access Bank’s support for Art X is targeted at creating awareness

Constance Swaniker, Pretty Wings metal sculptures, include the life size “Pretty wings’’, which shows an enfolding female form in the process of transforming into an “African avatar” withAnkara adorned wings, reflecting her views on feminism and emancipation, as offshoots of her social activism.

Nii Obodai’s Who Knows Tomorrow series is an introspective photographic essay of his travels across Ghana in search of a fresh understanding of independence and the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah.

“His wide open landscapes with blurred human forms cycling across or children running across a vast beach or caught playing in rivers alongside lush mangroves perfectly mirrored in coastal waters will give most WestAfrican art enthusiasts a strong sense of commonality feelings of ‘deja’vu’,” stated Obiago.

Apainting titled, “Chairman” derides arrogant people who carry on imposing personalities in public while trampling on the sensitivity of others.

The painting, in its ordinary descriptive sense simply communicates that such a condescending fellow is nothing but “a man with a chair”.

The exhibition, which runs until November 17, is sponsored by UBS, the Swiss Global Bank and Moet-Hennessey.

for artists and nurture the interest of young Nigerians in contemporary art as a strong platform for youth empowerment.

Silva pointed out that although there is no theme for the 3-day art fair, the core values that determine the selection of works and artists include inherent cohesiveness, quality, vibrancy and uniqueness.

The line-up of notable speakers include Professor El Anatsui, Professor Bruce Onabrakpeya and Mark Coetzee, Director of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa . In addition there will be live art, sound and interactive installations at the art fair, featuring some of Nigeria’s brightest emerging art stars.

Kofi Setordji- See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

Exodus by Nana Anoff, 2015

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CICERO

Editor Vincent Obia Email vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08054681757

IN THE ARENA

A Cold Season of Bribery Allegations The current allegations of bribery by some public officers are not only self-indicting, but also a sign that critical institutions of the Nigerian state are in urgent need of overhaul. Vincent Obia writes

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he latest accusations of bribery and corruption coming out from some institutions in the country are a monument to the legacy of decades of neglect by leaders of those institutions. These allegations expose the abandonment of the rules of behaviour in the wholesale pursuit of filthy lucre. And they picture an unfortunate attempt to turn institutions set up to order society’s development into forces for its very destruction. But this time, the country seems to have had enough. Corrupt people are being pursued and smoked out of various institutions.

Expectedly, the anticorruption drive in the judiciary has raised the greatest controversy. Judicial officers are guardians of law and order, and they are expected to be above board. They are expected to not only exhibit legality and honesty in all they say and do, but also be seen to be exhibiting such. But from negative perception to working through a seemingly endless gauntlet of accusations, judicial officers tend to be haunted by numerous dilemmas at every turn. However, the worst of these predicaments seems to be their own reaction to the troubles. These reactions seem to give Nigerians little reason to believe that there is anything but honesty of purpose in the deep recesses of their country’s judiciary.

The recent counter-accusations by some judges indicted for corrupt practices by the Department of State Services are some of the controversial ripostes that seem to expose the courts as a playground for shady characters. The judges have blamed their ordeal on their refusal to accept bribe offers, allegedly, intended to influence judicial verdicts.

But the timing of such allegations raises concerns.

Justice Inyang Okoro, one of the two Supreme Court justices whose Abuja homes were raided by DSS operatives on October 7 and 8, alleged on October 17 that the security agencies came after him because he turned down pecuniary pressures from the Minister of Transport, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, to influence the outcomes of the Supreme Court rulings on Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Abia states governorship election petitions. Okoro made the allegation in a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed. A few days after, another Supreme Court justice, Justice Sylvester Ungwuta, made a similar allegation. Okoro and Ungwuta were the most senior among the seven judges arrested for alleged corruption by the security agents during the operation.

Ungwuta accused Amaechi and the Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, of being behind his arrest by the DSS for refusing to manipulate the outcomes of governorship election petitions in Ekiti and Ebonyi states.

In a similar vein last week, the candidate of the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, alleged that an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission demanded a bribe of $1 million from him. Ibrahim recently got a court order declaring him the PDP candidate, against the candidate of the Ahmed Makarfi-led PDP caretaker committee, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, who had already been accepted

by INEC. Ibrahim said the INEC official had asked for the $1 million to facilitate the listing of his name as the party’s

ezeibe.aguwa@thisdaylive.com 08093842953 candidate.

All the accused officials have denied the bribery allegations. But these allegations of bribery, which appear to come only as an afterthought, are looming as a disaster for public institutions in the country. Their timing foretells what lies ahead for the country if necessary measures are not taken to fix bourgeoning anomalies in critical institutions of the state.

Many analysts have rightly argued that a public officer who is put under pressure to do illicit things has a legal and moral responsibility to formally report such matter to the appropriate authorities. Within the public service rules, such a report is usually to the immediate boss or supervisor of the reporting officer, who would then decide whether to take it up within the service chain of command or invite law enforcement agencies.

In the case of the indicted judges, their immediate bosses are the Chief Judge of the High Court, President of the Court of Appeal, and the CJN, for the high court judges, judges of the Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court justices, respectively. The questions are, at the time the inducements were allegedly offered to the judges, what was their reaction? Did they feel duty-bound to report to the higher authorities, as their service rules require? And if they did, were such reports formally recorded?

The judicial authorities have yet to respond to these questions.

Instead, the National Judicial Council seemed to worsen the judiciary’s growing image crisis when on Monday the CJN launched the National Judicial Policy, which prohibits media reportage of allegations of misconduct levelled against judicial officers. This policy, which is an apparent

response to the latest move against allegedly corrupt judges, has been widely criticised as an attempt to broaden the veil of secrecy that has tended to shield corrupt judicial officers from prosecution.

As for the allegation by Ibrahim, INEC has stated that two members of staff of the commission witnessed the encounter between the politician and the official that received him at the commission’s headquarters. It said the witnesses had confirmed that the officer never tried to put Ibrahim under any financial pressure when he came to INEC to present the court judgement.

But INEC should have kept an official record of what was said or done during such a sensitive meeting with the politician, instead of the rather informal in-house witnesses’ account, to put the commission’s honesty beyond question.

Beyond corruption, what the current bribery allegations also tend to expose is the levity with which public officers in the country approach the otherwise serious business of their offices.

Those who have been entrusted with public office should conduct themselves properly and ensure that the right things are done. “But to wait until you are implicated or accused in a particular case before you come up to say this person offered this to me and it was because I turned it down that this is happening to me, will be difficult for rational beings to believe,” as the West Africa Director of Ford Foundation, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, put it. “This is because it is easy to raise the question, if you are not facing this situation would you have reported as is required of you under the service rule that guides you?”

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

Ekiti and the Dangerous Impunity of Cattle Breeders

A

Buhari

group of cattle rearers, under the aegis of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, issued an open threat to the government and people of Ekiti State penultimate Saturday.

Their grouse was the steps taken by the Governor Ayo Fayose administration to halt controversial cow grazing activities, which have caused bloodshed and violence in many parts of the country. Relying on their rights as “bona fide citizens of the country,” the group in a statement by their spokesman, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, threatened “unquenchable inferno” in Ekiti State if the government did not rescind its own law made for the security and welfare of Ekiti people.

The cattle breeders association also made a curious allusion to the recent carnage by herdsmen in Southern Kaduna, in what has been described as a warning that Ekiti people may get the Southern Kaduna treatment if the conditions demanded by the cow tenders are not met.

Cattle rearers, who have in recent times turned themselves into killer herdsmen, have been killing, maiming, and breaking laws with impunity amid federal government’s unwillingness to take clear steps to stop the menace. Now they have risen against the Ekiti State government for attempting to curb them, and sounded another notice of attack. The federal government, where the herdsmen seem to be drawing inspiration, must act now, to educate them that they have the right to do their business in any state of the federation only to the extent that such business does not endanger the lives and property of other citizens within those territories. And the Buhari government should also be wary of the danger in directly or indirectly providing people from some parts of the country cover to live above local laws in certain federating units.

The cattle breeders should be the responsible private and corporate citizens they once were by taking deliberate steps to shed the killer toga that seems to make people hate and avoid them like the plague in recent times.

– Vincent Obia

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

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CICERO/INSIGHT

Bayelsa: Who isAfraid of the SupremeCourt?

Anayo Okolie, who was in Yenagoa recently, writes on the Bayelsa State governorship election dispute, which is pending at the Supreme Court

I

f there is any single institution on which the minds of the people of Bayelsa State are currently concentrated, it is the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The highest court in the land will in November hear and deliver the final judgement on the disputed Bayelsa State governorship election. At present, the raging political battle between the incumbent governor, Henry Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party, and his challenger and former governor of the state, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, has crossed two lower courts – the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. Both courts ruled in favour of Dickson.

Petition

In his petition at the tribunal, Sylva and his party, APC, challenged the declaration of Dickson and his party, PDP, as winner of the governorship election held in Bayelsa State on December 5 and 6, 2015 and January 9, 2016.

Sylva’s case is: that Dickson was not duly elected by majority of lawful votes cast at the election; that Dickson’s election is invalid by reason of non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended); and that Dickson’s election is invalid by reason of corrupt practices.

A major area of contention in the case is Southern Ijaw Local Government Area where elections were rescheduled to take place on December 6, 2015. As it happened, the elections held and results were announced at the unit and ward levels and collation was being undertaken at the local government when the exercise was cancelled by the Resident Electoral Commissioner on December 7, 2015.

The petitioner contends that the REC lacked the powers to annul an election that has already been concluded.

Sylva, therefore, wants the results of December 6, 2015 from Southern Ijaw added to those of December 5, 2015 from other parts of the state, and declared winner of the election. He submits that when that is done, the supplementary election of January 9, 2016 in Southern Ijaw would become unnecessary. Accordingly, the supplementary election of January 9, 2016 would have been limited to selected units in Brass, Ekeremor, Nembe, Ogbia, Sagbama and Yenagoa local government areas.

In the alternative, Sylva wants a fresh governorship election in the state.

Judgement

But in a unanimous judgement, a three-man panel led by Justice Kazeem Alogba dismissed the case for lacking in merit. The five-man panel of the appellate court, headed by Justice Jimi Bada, also dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit, as it resolved all the five issues raised in the appeal by Sylva and APC in favour of Dickson and PDP. The court held that Sylva and his party failed to prove and sustain the allegations of corruption, non-compliance, gross violation of the Electoral Act and other malpractices in the conduct of the election.

The court rejected the argument of counsel to the appellants, Sebastine Hon (SAN), that section 26 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 was breached by INEC when it cancelled the December 6, 2015 polls in Southern Ijaw.

Sylva had argued that the Bayelsa State REC lacked the powers under the operations of section 26 (1) of the Electoral Act to unilaterally cancel the polls.

But the Court of Appeal held that there was no cancellation of election as argued by the appellants but a postponement of election.

Bada, who delivered the lead judgement, held, “From the evidence of the petitioners’ witnesses, there was no election known to law in Southern Ijaw local government and the decision to hold future election can only mean a postponement and not a cancellation.

“Section 26 (1) of the Electoral Act 2010 will not accommodate a situation where there was no result returned to INEC and that collation of results did not take place.

“The results sheets tendered by the appellants were duplicate copies of forms EC8 which were not certified by INEC but a Magistrate Court. They were not demonstrated and tested in court by witnesses but were dumped on the court.

“Where a party seeks declaratory reliefs the burden is on him to strengthen his case and not rely on the weakness of the defence as declaratory reliefs are not granted on the platter of gold.

“From the foregoing, the foundation upon which the appellants rested their case is eroded by the contradictory evidence of their witnesses. It is my view that the tribunal cannot pick and choose from the contradictory evidence of the witnesses since the court has no mechanical tools to repair any evidence.”

Dickson

Sylva

The court held that the evidence of some of the appellants’ witnesses contradicted the position of the appellants that election took place on December 6, 2015 in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

cancelled in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

It was the concurrent findings of both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court that the tribunal misapplied section 84 [a] [b] [c] of the Evidence Act, which laid down conditions for admissibility of electronically generated evidence and not section 251 of the Act, as erroneously held by the tribunal.

The apex court in its judgement on the interlocutory appeal, lashed out at the tribunal for “allowing itself to be derailed into unwarranted exercise,” adding, “This is the most fallacious piece of reasoning by the tribunal, as section 84 of the Evidence Act does not provide for the production of two certificates.”

This explained the decision of Sylva to go to the Court of Appeal, where he thought he and his party will get justice, but that was not to be.

Determination

But a resolute Sylva, who felt there was miscarriage of justice both at the state election tribunal and the Court of Appeal, has approached the apex court to overturn the earlier pronouncements and verdicts of the lower courts.

Armed with an avalanche of legal authorities and case laws in his arsenal to support his mission, Sylva through his legal team anchored by a constitutional lawyer and author, Sabastine Hon (SAN), raised 27 solid grounds of appeal in urging the Supreme Court to remove Dickson from office, on the grounds that the election that brought him to office was illegal.

In his appeal papers, Sylva also wants the Supreme Court to set aside the judgement of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal seeking to overturn the decision of the state election tribunal.

Sylva and his party contend that elections had taken place in Southern Ijaw before the REC cancelled them on the grounds of alleged but unproven irregularities. They accuse the Court of Appeal justices of standing the law on its head by relying on hearsay to arrive at the conclusion that election did not take place in Southern Ijaw.

The appellants further tell the apex court that the justices of the Court of Appeal shut their eyes to documentary evidence they tendered, showing that elections actually took place in the area in question, and that INEC went beyond its powers when it decided to cancel the election.

They contend, “There was a body of oral and documentary evidence, particularly the unchallenged evidence of PW23 and the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area Collation Officer that election had taken place in the local government area, and that collation had taken place in eight of the 17 wards before it was truncated by the cancellation.”

They also accuse the justices of the Court of Appeal of erroneously placing the burden of proving that election was duly conducted in the disputed area on them when the burden should have been placed on INEC. The appellants hold, “From the state of the pleadings, the first burden of proof was on INEC and not on the appellants.”

Bias

During the hearing of his petition, the election tribunal did not hide its bias and disdain against Sylva and his legal team, as most of the evidence brought before the tribunal by the petitioners were never considered.

For instance, it took both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court to compel the tribunal to play a video tape brought by Sylva to prove that the election was

Good Reason

From the forgoing, it can be seen that Sylva’s appeal before the Supreme Court raises serious, germane and fundamental constitutional issues that have the capacity to sway the minds of the justices of the Supreme Court in his favour.

All through the gamut of his argument, right from the tribunal to the Court of Appeal, Sylva and his legal team have been consistent with the point that the December 6, 2015 governorship election in Southern Ijaw was unilaterally cancelled by the REC, which they argue lacked the powers under section 26 [1] of the Electoral Act to do so, as such powers only reside with the Returning Officer. It was on this basis that they faulted the judgement of the tribunal on the interpretation of section 26 [1] because the provisions talk of postponement and not cancellation.

They argue further that the cancellation of the election by the REC rendered any other decision taken by INEC as regards the governorship election in the state null and void.

On the arguments that having participated in the January 9 rescheduled election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, he has automatically waived his right to challenge the cancellation of the December 6, 2015 election, Sylva had argued that the issue of waiver does not arise, as there was a protest letter against the cancellation and, besides, there was no opportunity to go to court as at that stage of the election.

Jitters

Given the pedigree of the Supreme Court in dishing out substantial justice, fear has started creeping into the minds of some elements in the state. And in their desperation to frustrate the appeal before it is heard, they have resorted to smear campaign against the integrity of the apex court. Apparently afraid of the Supreme Court, some politicians in the state, operating under some pseudo groups, have begun a campaign of calumny to

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • OCTOBER 30, 2016

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CICERO/INSIGHT/ HUMAN INTEREST

Aba: Misfortune of the South-east Commercial City

Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State and the supposed China of Africa, has experienced tremendous decline in the political and economic calculations of the Igbo South-east of late. Anayo Okolie examines some of the factors responsible

E

ven the colonial masters recognised the importance and potentials of Aba and invested heavily in the city.

They cited many manufacturing industries in the city and gave it a unique urban design to suit its commercial and residential purposes.

Aba City is made up of many villages, prominently, Umuokpoji-Aba, EziukwuAba, Obuda-Aba, and Aba-Ukwu. The villages in Ohazu have been merged with Aba for administrative convenience.

Aba was an administrative centre of Britain’s colonial government.

The city is surrounded by oil wells, which separate it from the city of Port Harcourt. A 30 kilometres pipeline powers Aba with gas from the Imo River natural gas repository. The city of Aba is also the artery that connects neighbouring states like Rivers and Akaw Ibom states. But the deplorable state of this connecting road has brought reproach to the Abia State government led by Okezie Ikpeazu.

The city’s major economic contributions are textiles, palm oil, pharmaceuticals, plastics and cosmetics, which made the Ariaria International Market the largest market in West Africa. It was once a wonderful city, a place those who grew up there were proud of due to its wonderful road network and drainage system.

But those good days are no more. The residents of the city, Mr. Ebere Okafor, said Aba was like the Biblical Ichabod, as its glory has departed. According to him, whatever made the Igbo man beat his chest for the city, all that made the city stand as both centre of commerce and technology, have collapsed. Okafor also acknowledged that the city was helpless.

Aba currently looks ravaged.

Another resident of Aba, Mr. Anyawu Michael, who said he had lived in Aba for more than 30 years, said electing

Ikpeazu former governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, and the present governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, was the worst thing that happened to Abia State.

Anyanwu said for the past nine years, the road infrastructure had collapsed and brought with it excruciating hardship to the residents. According to him, whenever the cloud becomes thick, which is the harbinger of rain, the hearts of the inhabitants begin to skip; and they are thrown into needles anxiety and nightmare because of the hardship rain brings in the city.

The commercial hub of Abia State, according to residents of the state, has some of the worst roads in the country.

They said the situation was so bad that some years ago, lawyers in Aba under the aegis of the Nigeria Bar Association, Aba branch, matched round the city in protest over the deplorable condition of the roads.

The issue remains a huge burden to

the people of the state.

Legislative Assessment

Worried by the poor state of the roads in Aba, the Abia State House of Assembly Ad-hoc Committee on Works recently visited the commercial city for an on-the-spot assessment. The committee called on the federal government to intervene by reconstructing some of the roads in the area to help alleviate the suffering of residents.

The ad-hoc committee’s visit was sequel to a motion under matters of urgent public importance moved on May 24 by Hon. Emmanuel Clinton Ebere, member representing Aba South State Constituency in the Assembly draw attention to the deplorable state of roads in his constituency.

A resident of one of the most prominent areas in the city, Aba Road, Emmanuel Okeke, regretted what he called the unsympathetic response to the

suffering of the people by the present leadership of the state. In the past nine years, he said, the suffering had made the people develop thick skins. Being forsaken, they decided to remain there to see how to continue to tap the abundant opportunities, in spite of all odds, while at the same time hoping that the situation would improve.

Commenting on the deplorable state of Aba roads, a trader at Ariaria Market, Mike Obiegbu, criticised the state government for allowing such ruin in a great city like Aba. According to him, the governor has not shown that he knows the reason he was elected.

Aba is a goldmine that if properly harnessed would greatly boost the internally generated revenue of the state.

Paulinus Egbo, another trader at Ariaria, said because of the collapsed infrastructure in Aba, the traders were losing money every day. People from Cameroun, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, who were coming to buy goods in Aba, now go to Onitsha. Yet, he lamented, the state government still brought thugs to collect all sorts of levies from them.

Egbo said, “We have been crying, but they would not hear, may be, through your newspaper, they may hear and come to our rescue. The revenue we generate here, if they allow us, we will use it and fix the roads leading to the market.”

Bartholomew Ohaji, a shoe manufacturer at Powerline, said business was going down every day because of the deplorable state of the road leading to Powerline and the state government was not doing anything about it.

“Nigeria is emphasising local content policy, and here is where we manufacture shoes and bags that can compete with foreign ones, but we are not encouraged,” he said. “There is no road, no electricity, and no incentive. There is nothing the state government does to encourage us. It has been multiple taxation.”

• Bayelsa: Who is afraid of the supreme Court? • Continued from Page 72 pre-empt and try to browbeat the court, even before the appeal is heard.

For instance, in a desperate display of anxiety and fear, a group called Niger Delta Peace and Justice Movement has accused Sylva of playing games with the judiciary.

In a statement by its general secretary, Stephen Ebibofa, it claimed that Sylva was hell-bent on intimidating and blackmailing the judiciary using the Presidency to delay proceedings at the apex court, even when all parties have already accepted service and filed their respective papers.

In opposition to that claim, the APC in the state has similarly accused the Dickson administration and the PDP of attempting to compromise the up-coming Supreme Court judgement. The PDP was already boasting that most of the judges were loyalists appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan, APC’s state publicity secretary, Fortune Paniebi, noted in a recent statement.

In a follow-up to the intimidation campaign run and what experts have called an utter display of ignorance of the law, the PDP in the state in a press release issued by its chairman, Chief Moses Cleopas, called on Sylva to stop desecrating the judiciary.

Cleopas stated, “It is clear that Sylva and the APC have no case. All they are banking on is the dangerous propaganda that President Muhammadu Buhari will secure judgement for them by intimidating the judiciary to deliver judgement in his favour. But this proposition is certainly untenable in the face of what we went through in that election and indeed the facts in our favour.”

Reaction

But a political analyst based in Yenagoa, Mr. John Ayebaralate Okhai, blames Dickson for the needless tension in the state ahead of the Supreme Court hearing and ruling on the disputed election.

Okhai said, “Those who have made a culture of bribing judicial officers to win controversial victories against Sylva in court have always been the first to point accusatory fingers in his direction in a desperate bid to divert attention from their devilish plot. Thanks to the compromising posture of some of the judges, the plan has run like clockwork.”

He recalled that before the election petitions tribunal gave its verdict, Dickson and his group were all over the place accusing Sylva of attempting to bribe the judges.

The same scenario played out before the Court of Appeal gave its ruling.

“Of course, the thinking public now know better, particularly with the controversial nature of the tribunal and appeal court rulings, where flimsy technicalities, rather than the substance of the matter, formed the basis of the verdicts,” Okhai observed.

He added, “Dickson should stop embarrassing the country’s judiciary with his bribery scheme.”

Many in the state believe it is important for all groups and their sponsors to allow the eminent jurists of the apex court go through the appeal papers and take a decision one way or the other, rather than trying to cheaply blackmail and cast aspersions on them. This, they say, is because under a democratic and constitutional govern-

ment, any person who feels aggrieved or that his or her right has been impinged, trampled upon, or that he has suffered injustice, has the right to approach a court of law for redress.

That is what the former governor has demonstrated as a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, many Bayelsans say. By approaching the Supreme Court to ventilate his grievance, he has simply exercised his constitutional right to appeal against the judgement in which he felt, rightly or wrongly, that some injustice has been done to him.

To demonstrate that he is a democrat and firm believer in the rule of law, Sylva has taken his grievances concerning the election and subsequent judgements of the tribunal and Court of Appeal to the highest court of the land, to see if the victory awarded to Dickson by INEC can stand up to judicial scrutiny. His expectation of justice from the bench of the apex court is rooted on his belief that the honourable justices would be guided by the letter and spirit of the law.

One thing that seems to come out clearly from Sylva’s attitude of recourse to legal action in the face of perceived political wrongs is that despite the misdemeanour of some judicial officers, he believes the judiciary as an institution is not on trial. He believes the country’s judges are among the finest in the world.

“This is a constitutional and noble path to toe, instead of resorting to violence by calling his teeming supporters to the streets,” said Mr. Faye Jacob, a lawyer. “By this exemplary act, Sylva deserves commendation and not condemnation.”

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CICERO/INTERVIEW

Ize-Iyamu: Why I am Challenging Obaseki’s Victory Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate of the recently conducted Edo State election. A lawyer, he recently filed his petition at the election tribunal. In this interview he said the victory of the APC could not stand because of overwhelming evidence against the party. He spoke with Iyobosa Uwugiaren

A

fter the Edo State governorship election, some people expected you and your party to congratulate the winner and move on with your life. Why did you refuse to do that?

You must understand that in as much I was the candidate in the election, I ran on the platform of a political party; people gave me their supports, a lot of people came out boldly to show that support. In accepting or rejecting the result of the election, common sense demands that you must look at the result itself and consult with the critical stakeholders on how your response should be. In this particular case, it was very clear that the result that was announced was completely at variance with how the Edo people voted. A lot of irregularities took place where the APC said that they won. And the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chose to completely ignore such irregularities. In many places where we were leading, APC’s thugs were sent to disrupt the places, in spite of the promise of heavy security, and the police did not arrest anybody, stopped nobody. How could it have seen incidences of ballots snatching, violence and the police that was everywhere refused to arrest anybody? Is it that those who carried out these criminal acts were invisible or have immunity? Your guess is as good as mine. Again, financial inducement was the order of the day during the election; those places they claimed they won were like market places, where voters were told that if they vote for APC, this would be the amount of money they would get. Again, security agents turned blind eyes, even though they know what the APC members did. It did not matter to them that those activities were electoral offences.

Many of your members also complained of harassment by security agents. Do you have evidence?

Of course, our leaders where deliberately harassed by security agencies and thugs on the election day.

There were instances we can mention, where police went to the polling units to arrest our leaders on excuses that were laughable, and only for the security agents to take them to their police stations and released them after the election. It was a question of demoralising our supporters and members. It was a carefully planned script. And the police and the INEC gave their backing in ensuring that APC won the election by all means. And we looked at these things and we said we cannot dignify the fraudulent result, which INEC announced in favour of APC. Before the election our people asked us: can you defend our votes? And we said yes. If we just walk away like that, it means we have helped to destroy democracy in our state; it means if there is election tomorrow, nobody will turn out to vote. The high turnout of voters you saw was a result of our appeal to our members to turn out en mass to votes. And fortunately, the INEC’s result did not even reflect the massive turnout of voters at the end of the day. If you compare the result of this election with that of four years ago, you will conclude that more people turned out four years ago; but that is not true. There were more votes this time but the result did not reflect the voting.

So, what happened?

If you look at the result, you will find an uncommon situation where many people who were accredited did not vote. This even happened when INEC said that do accreditation and vote immediately, unlike the former situation where you did accreditation and return later to vote. People came to the voting centres, did their accreditation, they were given ballot papers, voted and at the end of the day, their votes were not counted. What happened? Clearly, INEC did a great disservice in announcing a man who did not win the election. As the real winner of the election, we put all these things

with carnage because of election? The police and INEC disappointed the entire people of Edo State.

We had cases where police targeted key leaders of PDP across the state; illegally arresting them---just to make them leave the polling units so that APC could manipulate the election. APC’s members were moving with thugs, police and the army on election day, sharing money and giving instruction on how to manipulate the election. In many areas where election did not take place fake results were announced---like Ikpoba-Okha, Ward 10 in Ologbo. Election did not take place there but result was announced and INEC shamefully accepted the result. There were many instances like that across the state. But we have faith in the judiciary; we have faith in the Almighty God that justices will be done at the end of the day.

Iyamu together and our party said that it cannot stand.

And I agreed with my party that the result INEC announced was fraudulent and that we won the election clearly. And you can see, after the result was announced, Edo State was like a graveyard; if not for my peaceful disposition and that of my party, the whole state would have erupted in violence. I have always preached that on no account must anybody result to violence. Under normal circumstances, if the election was free and fair, I would have congratulated the winner and appeal to Edo people to give him the necessary support. I cannot congratulate the man who robbed the Edo people of their votes.

Going by the results of the election in the three senatorial districts, it appears that the turnout of voters was very low in Edo south and Edo central, compare to the huge turnout in Edo North. What really happened?

That is the fraud we are talking about. Anybody who witnessed the election will attest that the turnout in Edo South was huge; the same thing in Edo Central. The turnout in Edo north was not as heavy as that of the Edo South. But if you check the result, you will think otherwise. It is not true; people just sat down somewhere and allocated figures to suit their intention. Having had the opportunity to receive our agents’ results from different polling units, and the official total result from INEC, it is very clear that the announced result was a fraud and it cannot stand.

Some people were of the view that many of Edo people sold their conscience; that they collected money from APC and voted for the party. What is your take on that?

That is not correct. The true is that people will always capitalise on the poverty of our people; the present government in Edo State had deliberately impoverished our people to put them in a position they can buy their votes and conscience. I can tell you that many people who took their money and voted for them were not enough to give them the victory they are claiming. Because we had told the people during our campaign that APC was going to give them money; that if they cannot refuse their money, they should collect it but vote against them.

And many young voters told me they collected their money but voted against them; they voted for PDP. It was the realisation that people collected their money and voted against them that they started to collude with INEC’s ad-hoc staff to change the result in various polling units; did illegal massive thumpprinting and destroyed many of our votes. You

can see what happened at the George Idah Polling Unit in Benin-City; where one of their notorious thugs,–having lost his unit and realising that his world was gone, attempted to disrupt the collation of the different results from polling units. He had tried it at a polling unit but he was resisted by the people and it is on video tape. He later moved to the collation centre, and we have it on good authority that a police officer in that unit opened that gate for him - at the collation centre where you have over 20 armed mobile policemen, he was allowed to move in with armed thugs, started shooting and seized a lot of the election materials. Luckily for us, a lot of the results had already been collated. He did that and nobody arrested him. Till today the police have not declared him wanted for that criminal assault that he personally led. Who gave him the right to carry arms? But he did it openly and nothing happened.

Yes, some people voted because they were given money but how many were they? Yes, there was huge financial inducement, but the result APC got was predicated on irregularities—over-voting, voting without accreditation, ballot snatching, writing of fake results, illegal mass thump-printing, and I will also tell you what we discovered: they paid some youths corps members to deliberately void many of our votes. In this election, over 30,000 votes were deliberately voided. More so, in trying to sort out the ballot papers, they deliberately stained PDP’s votes.

Nearly 90 per cent of our votes were voided in that situation. APC was able to carry out these criminal acts as a result of the collaboration of the INEC’s ad-hoc staff and the police. I am sure you read in the newspapers that some of the ad-hoc staff recently protested at the APC’s state secretariat in Edo State - demanding to be paid for the work they did for APC. And the whole world is not asking question.

The level of irregularities and fraud was unbelievable. But we have confidence in the judiciary.

It is like you trusted the INEC and the Nigerian police to conduct a free and fair election. Are you now disappointed?

I am very disappointed in them; because if we don’t trust INEC, the only option was to boycott the election; we don’t have right to conduct the election, and we can’t call foreign agencies to conduct the election. It is only the INEC that is charged with the legal right to conduct election in Nigeria. We had to also trust the Nigerian police; if not, we would have resulted to self-help like they did in some states, and that would have led to bloodshed of innocent souls. How long are we going to continue

With what is happening in the judiciary, do you still think the institution is the last hope of the common man?

For me, God remains the last hope. But in a legal sense, the judiciary is the place to go for redress. I also believe that the present harassment of some judicial officers is in bad taste. We applaud the fight against corruption, nobody can query that; but corruption is not just a fight against financial crimes. Corruption is also about subverting the due process. So, when DSS started arresting judges in the mid-night, even the DSS is being corrupted and subverted to do what they are not statutorily empowered to do; the institution is being corrupted. And of course, there are due process and when you don’t follow it, the process is being corrupted. If there are alleged corrupt practices against some judges, there are procedures to follow---in dealing with the matter. There is an institution constitutionally empowered to deal with issues of corruption and indiscipline against judges; that is the National Judicial Council (NJC). Even if they wanted to arrest them for alleged financial crimes, the police and EFCC are there to do their jobs and it is not the job of DSS. We are not against the fight against corruption but let’s do it within the context of the rule of law.

Since PDP is already at the election tribunal some people are wondering why your members are still protesting in Edo State and Abuja?

People don’t understand that a mandate that is stolen is not for the candidate alone. It is just because the level of our legal jurisprudence is still very low otherwise an electorate can go to court to challenge the announcement of fake results. People are protesting because they believed they have been robbed of their electoral judgement; they believed an impostor has been announced as governor-elect of Edo State.

The protest is beyond Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. In 2007 when Adams Oshiomhole was not declared winner in that election, was there protest? Even when he was at the tribunal, was there protest? The answer is yes. These are not protests by thugs; I saw serving senators, former members of National Assembly, state houses of assembly, doctors, lawyers and others, who felt cheated during and after the election. And the protests are peaceful. Even the APC that claimed it won could not celebrate.

Many of your members appear to be losing hope in the system. What is your message to them?

I want to appeal to them not to lose hope, they should be prayerful, I will do everything to ensure the actualisation of the mandate they gave to me. I cannot be compromised, I cannot be bought and I have faith in the judiciary, I have faith in God. Edo people should also have faith, and on no condition should they result to violence.

It is going to be a long road and in the course of this journey, a man who did not win will be temporally sworn in; but we must not leave the state. The will of God will be done at the end of the day.

75

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

CICERO/ONDO GOVERNORSHIP

Controversy Over Outside Intervention The primary election that produced the candidate of All Progressives Congress, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, has generated a controversy that the party has found difficult to resolve. This is especially owing to the allegations of intervention by forces outside the South-west in the determination of the next governor of Ondo State. Gboyega Akinsanmi writes

O

n November 26, the people of Ondo State will decide who would steer the affairs of the state for the next four years. But some questions are still begging for answers in the leading political parties. On the part of the Peoples Democratic Party, there is still a lingering question on the candidate the Independent National Electoral Commission will eventually accept.

Division

The question arose due to a protracted leadership crisis that polarised the PDP into two factions: the Ali Modu Sheriff and the Ahmed Makarfi factions.

The former supported the candidature of a business mogul, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, while the latter presented the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, to the INEC. But a federal court had issued an order, which declared Ibrahim as the authentic candidate of the PDP. It was a similar situation that played out in the just concluded election in Edo State. But the Edo case was resolved in favour of the Makarfi PDP. By the court order, Jegede will not bear the PDP’s flag in the Ondo contest, except a higher court vacates the subsisting order and recognises his candidature.

So, in the PDP, internal rift is raging wide and wild with the leadership of each faction claiming legitimacy of the process that brought its candidate.

With this, there is no end in sight except its national leadership quickly works out a practicable compromise that can produce a flagbearer that will be acceptable to the two factions.

Crisis

APC is more deep-necked into crisis in the state than the PDP. But it appears the APC crisis has largely eased off, at least for now. But the fallout of the primary it conducted on September 3 is an albatross due to some grievances its national leadership could not resolve.

Three aspirants – Chief Olusola Oke, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, and Dr. Olusegun Abraham – faulted the process that produced the APC flagbearer, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu. According to reports, the Appeal Committee the APC set up had recommended cancellation of the process. However, the APC National Working Committee overruled the decision of the appeal committee.

The NWC decision sparked criticism, mainly from the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC National Vice-Chairman (South-west), Chief Pius Akinyelure, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others. As a result, Tinubu called for resignation of the APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who allegedly superintended the injustice.

Tinubu’s response to the NWC decision elicited vicious retorts, not just from Odigie-Oyegun himself, but also from the APC South-south and North-west caucuses. However, the controversy has eased.

Tinubu has held his peace as well and distanced himself from the intrigues and politics that keep shaping and reshaping the next Ondo election.

Even though Tinubu has handed off the Ondo politics, Ondo APC is still replete with intractable crisis.

Two aspirants – Abraham and Oke – that disputed Akeredolu’s emergence as the APC candidate have distanced themselves from the party. While Oke has defected to the Alliance for Democracy to pursue his aspiration, Abraham still stands aloof in the APC.

Perception

But what is more interesting now is the perception of the South-west leaders. Across different political affiliations, they condemn attacks on the APC national leader. For them, what transpired in Ondo APC was a calculated attempt to undermine Tinubu’s political influence.

Already, the South-west leaders have started interpreting the Ondo politics in the light of what culminated in the rise and fall of the First and Second Republics. The leaders who hold this view include a chieftain of the former National Democratic Coali-

Akeredolu

Jegede

tion, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, and national publicity secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin.

Like the politics that preceded the 1964 legislative elections, the South-west leaders believe the northern leaders have found a convenient alliance in some political actors from the region. For them, the purpose of that alliance is to decimate or cut into irrelevance the towering political influence of the APC national leader.

The South-west leaders are uncomfortable with the role of some serving and former governors in Tinubu’s travail. Also, they are suspicious of the intrigues of some ministers, who are currently serving in the President Muhammadu Buhari government. To these leaders, Tinubu has his own excesses, but there is no need to crucify him for any reason.

The leaders now believe Akeredolu has become a political tool in the hand of some northern leaders.

They allege that political actors such as the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, and the APC national legal adviser, Dr. Muiz Banire, among others, have also become political tools in the hand of the Fulani oligarchy.

with the external aggressors. “Tinubu is a prominent stakeholder. We should not sit back and allow some elements conspire with others to humiliate him,” Fayose insists.

According to him, “Most importantly, it is my position that irrespective of political affiliation, no leader of the Yoruba nation must be vilified unduly, especially by the same people who humiliated our past leaders. To me, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should not be seen just as an APC leader, but acknowledged as a major stakeholder in the Yoruba nation that we must all protect beyond politics.”

Adebanjo blames Tinubu for going into political alliance with the North. Even though Tinubu forged alliance with the North against the interest of Afenifere, Adebanjo believes the gang-up against him in the APC “is an affront on Yoruba and its people.”

He says it is unfortunate that some political actors have turned themselves to Fulani men.”

According to Adebanjo, on Tinubu’s “present predicament in the APC, people are expecting me to mock Tinubu. I will not mock him or join regressive forces to decimate him because what is after six is more than seven. Attack on Tinubu is not directly at him, but attack on Yorubaland.

“I am not shortsighted. The Fulani people want to break us up and cause division so that they can take over. We will not allow them to have their way. Really, Tinubu has made his mistake. I hope he has now learnt from what I told him then. When he went into the alliance, I warned him that they are conglomeration of incompatibles, but he chose to ignore.”

Adebanjo feels the gang-up against Tinubu “is a ploy to divide the Yorubaland so that the northern oligarchic powers can take over the South-west. I can see it already. Nobody can convince me about that.

But we will not allow them to have inroads. We will not allow them destroy Tinubu politically.”

For Odumakin, there is a strong correlation between what is currently happening in Ondo and what culminated in the collapsed of the First and Second Republics. He said the first happened as a tragedy and the second as a fact, which he argues, might stoke public outrage if not well-managed. Odumakin condemns the use of federal might “to enforce unpopular will over popular will in Ondo State. If this is allowed to continue, the people of Ondo State will react at the appropriate time. If the situation is not addressed, I foresee what happened in the Second Republic.”

Odumakin warns leaders of the Fourth Republic to be careful to avoid the errors of the First and Second Republics. He insists that the South-west leaders will defend the hegemony of the Yoruba race, which, according to him, some external forces are seeking to destroy.

Reminiscence

In the First Republic, for instance, the North found a convenient alliance with the Premier of old Western Region, Chief Ladoke Akintola. Consequently, the battle for the control of the old Western Region informed Akintola’s decision to form the Nigerian National Democratic Party. And the founding of the NNDP gained the support of the northern powers.

Eventually, the NNDP formed an alliance with the Northern Peoples Congress. This alliance, however, failed to undermine the political influence of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the country’s political landscape. But it sparked intractable political conflict that led to the collapse of the First Republic and then plunged Nigeria into multiple crises that still fester five decades after.

That is the perspective from which the South-west leaders now view Akeredolu’s emergence as the APC flagbearer. They allege that the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, and the Minister of Justice, Mallam Abubakar Malami, among others are already working with some political actors in the South-west to bring down the APC national leader.

But for Fayose, the hegemony of Yoruba is already under attack and need to be reasserted. He argues that what is happening now is similar to the political tactics the North used against Awolowo in the 1960s.

The governor believes Awolowo was sent to jail by the conspiracy and collaboration of some Yoruba

76

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

CICERO/ONDO GOVERNORSHIP

Uncertainty, As INEC Names Jimoh Ibrahim PDP Candidate The appearance of the name of the business mogul, Jimoh Ibrahim, as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State has caused confusion within the ruling party in the state. James Sowole, in Akure, reports

T

he state of uncertainty among the leaders and members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State over the party’s candidate for the November 26 governorship election intensified on Thursday when the Independent National Electoral Commission released the names of candidates for the poll, with the inclusion of Dr Jimoh Ibrahim as the PDP candidate.

The recognition of the business mogul by INEC was sequel to the October 14 judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in which Justice Okon Abang ordered the commission to recognise Ibrahim as the candidate of the PDP for the governorship election.

The order generated controversy and brickbats among the stakeholders, INEC and other institutions that have something to do with the decision of the court. The order also constituted distractions in the camp of Jegede, who is the PDP candidate from the Ahmed Makarfi led national caretaker committee, while acting as a morale booster to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and the Alliance for Democracy candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, who had embarked on full swing campaign across the state.

Ex-parte Orders

Prior to Thursday’s action of INEC, two separate ex-parte orders were granted by two judges of the Ondo State High Court. The first ex-parte order was granted on October 26 by Justice Olamide Williams restraining INEC from removing the name of Jegede from the list of candidates that would contest the governorship election.

Olamide gave the ruling sequel to an ex-parte order sought from his court by the Clement Faboyede-led PDP faction in the state.

In his ruling, Olamide said it would be out of order for INEC to replace Jegede’s name pending the determination of the motion on notice, saying that would contravene the principles of equity, justice and fairness.

He directed the PDP to ensure service of the order granted, which is the motion on notice and originating summons, on INEC before the next date of hearing fixed for the November 7.

The judgement read in part, “The defendant/ respondent is hereby restrained either by itself, chairman, commissioners, agents and servants, officers or privies or through any person or persons, howsoever from changing, replacing, removing, substituting or in any manner tampering with the name, Eyitayo Jegede SAN, as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the governorship election slated for November 26, 2016 pending the determination of motion on notice.

“In the interest of justice and fair hearing, the claimant/ applicant is hereby ordered to ensure service of the order herein granted, the motion on notice and originating summons, on the defendant/ respondent before the next date of hearing.”

In another ex-parte order on the same issue, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olasehinde Kumuyi, granted an order restraining Ibrahim from parading himself as the governorship candidate of the PDP in the election.

The order was subsequent upon a suit filed by Chief Bamiduro Dada, which sought to stop Ibrahim from identifying himself as the candidate of PDP pending the determination of the case. Dada was one of the aspirants who participated in the PDP governorship primary election, which held in Ibadan through which Ibrahim emerged.

In his suit, Dada pleaded that the court grants, “An order of interim injunction restraining the third defendant (Jimoh Ibrahim) from parading, presenting or holding himself out to the first defendant (INEC) or any person at all as the governorship candidate of the second defendant (PDP) in the governorship election slated for 26 November 2016 or any date at all pending the final determination of the motion on notice filed contemporaneously with this application.”

Granting the order, Kumuyi said he was convinced that the application of Dada had merits. He consequently, granted Dada’s plea and said the motion on notice be adjourned till November 9.

While the Jegede’s group armed itself with the ex-parte orders, Abang rejected Jedege’s application to be joined as a party in the suit in order, which would have enabled him to appeal the October 14 judgement.

Ibrahim

Options

Observers have said Mimiko, who is a major sponsor of Jegede’s ambition, ought to have had an alternate platform, like Oke seemed to do in the aftermath of the APC primary that also generated controversy. To the proponent of this option, Mimiko should not have taken anything for granted considering the fact that it was this same Sheriff faction of PDP that had stalled the national convention of the party twice.

However, it was the belief of the Jegede camp that the position of INEC that it would accept candidates only from the primaries it monitored should be enough to determine who the candidate of the party was since the commission only monitored the exercise that produced Jegede. It was also gathered that Jegede also relied on Supreme Court judgement, which stated that it was the National Working Committee of a party that should nominate candidates for governorship election as was the case in the Edo governorship election, where INEC accepted Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was nominated by the Makarfi caretaker committee. But, the question being asked is, who constitutes the NWC in the current circumstance?

Another argument put forward by an Akure-based legal practitioner was that the Ondo State chairman of PDP, Hon Clement Faboyede, should have applied to be joined in the original suit filed by the factional chairman, Mr Biyi Poroye, and others in the South-west, which was determined on June 29. The legal practitioner said though, the matter had to do with 2019 election, since Faboyede was expected to be in office beyond that time, he should have taken appropriate action by joining the suit.

That argument however, may not hold because the PDP in the state had challenged Poroye to produce evidence of how and where he emerged as the factional chairman of the PDP. The PDP had also stated that Poroye was a delegate at the conference that produced Faboyede as the party’s candidate in the state, insisting that there is no faction in Ondo PDP. The other option that some people thought should have been explored was for Jegede to leave the PDP immediately the October 14 judgement and negotiate with a candidate of a weaker party in order to contest using the platform of his former boss, Mimiko, like Oke did.

Objection

The recognition of Ibrahim has generated reactions from the two factions of the PDP. The publicity secretary of the Makarfi-led PDP, Mr. Banji Okunomo, said the commission was biased in its action, saying it is at variance with the court order restraining it from declaring Ibrahim as the candidate.

Okunomo said, “Jimoh Ibrahim is INEC candidate and not PDP candidate and it is unfortunate that the INEC that is supposed to be an unbiased electoral umpire has allowed

itself to be used by those whose intention is to truncate the nascent democracy we have in this country.

“There are different orders before the INEC and if those court orders are conflicting, where we have different court orders on the same particular matter, it is expected that the INEC should maintain the status quo pending the time the higher court will make high pronouncement on the dispute.”

He said they would challenge the INEC pronouncement at the appeal court.

Similarly, the director of publicity of the Makarfi PDP said the development was shocking, saying Ibrahim is not a member of the PDP. “This development is not only shocking but a complete aberration, as a man absolutely unknown to the party has been made our candidate.”

Fadaka, however, expressed hope that the temporary setback would be resolved by the appeal court in Abuja that would sit on the matter. “We are sure that justice will be done on this matter,” he stated.

Jegede has also reacted with a message of hope, saying the substitution of his name will not stand.

Jegede stated, “I am aware of a recent litigation resulting in the announcement of another person as the governorship candidate of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

However, I wish to assure our teeming supporters in Ondo State that necessary legal steps have been taken to seek justice. Already, the matter is before the Court of Appeal.”

He continued, “Eyitayo Jegede, your son and brother, has not in any way abdicated the general consent given to him by the law-abiding members of the PDP to seek election into the office of the governor. Like I have always said, I am guided by the Almighty and the shared vision to transform this state to a land of wealth and prosperity.

You remain my priority as we, in faith, match on to the Promised Land.”

Commendation

But the state chairman of the Sheriff faction, Poroye, commended INEC for obeying the court order. He said, “That is the will of the people, you can see the joy in the face of our people, jubilation everywhere. INEC has come out to respect the rule of law. It is a federal agency and honoured federal high court judgement.”

The Jimoh Ibrahim Campaign Office, in a statement by its director of public communications, Sola Akinuli, welcomed praised Ibrahim’s recognition as the PDP candidate.

“This is not only a justification of the truth but also a recognition of the will of the people as demonstrated in his overwhelming victory at the party primaries and the applause that has heralded his declaration by INEC,” the statement said regarding Ibrahim. It added, “We appreciate INEC for bowing finally to the rule of law despite conscious attempts to abridge the truth. Also on record is the courage of Justice Okon Abang, who despite all attempts to truncate him stood firmly on the side of truth, fair play and justice.”

Suspicion

But the situation has given rise to insinuations and suspicion on the real intention of the Sherrif-led faction of the PDP in the state. Many believe that Ibrahim would need to do more than the ordinary for the miracle of victory. He has not been very visible in the state since the controversy started and his only visible presence in the state is an office located on Oyemekun Road Akure.

There are insinuations that the Sherriff faction may be only out to distract and confuse PDP members with uncertainties so that many of them may decide to support either the APC candidate or the AD candidate.

Yet there are those who think the whole thing is being done to pave the way for the APC candidate. Before the replacement of Jegede, many believed that the battle would be basically between the “state apparatus” personified by the sitting governor, Mimiko, and the “federal might”. To those who subscribe to this view, Mimiko would deploy the state structure for the Jegede project while the federal might would be in support of the APC candidate, Akeredolu. So, should Jegede, who was expected to be backed by the state machinery, get out of the way, the federal might may want to do everything to suppress the AD candidate, Oke, irrespective of his popularity among the electorate. But as the saying goes, no time is too short in politics and it is not over until it is over. Nigerians can only to see how the issues will play out before the November 26 governorship poll.

77

OCTOBER 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

PERSPECTIVE Chibok Abduction and Nigeria’s Enduring Problem with Women Toyin Saraki

F

or almost two and a half years, Nigeria has been living with the scar of Chibok.

In April 2014, the militant group Boko Haram entered the village and summarily abducted 276 girls from a government-run school.

Fifty-seven of the girls escaped within hours of the abduction, but the vast majority have remained in captivity since then. The depressing irony often ignored is that the very school the girls were abducted from was set up as a response to Boko Haram.

The girls who were taken had already witnessed the destruction the group had wrought, not only in terms of lives, but in terms of opportunities as well. Their previous schools had been closed as a result of Boko Haram attacks. The school where they would be taken from was supposed to empower these girls and give them the fast-track revision needed to ensure they could still sit their exams even after their schools were forcibly closed. Instead, it was the scene of the terrible crime against them.

On Thursday, 21 of the girls were finally released and this has to be seen as good news. But add to that the one girl who escaped Boko Haram captivity in May and the number of liberated Chibok girls makes up little more than 10 percent of those captured in 2014.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. And the Chibok incident is itself only one particularly horrendous example of a much wider abduction problem linked to the conflict with Boko Haram and similar

Mrs. Saraki hostilities across the continent. Since 2014, over 2,000 women and girls have been abducted by Boko Haram in Nigeria, with several other incidents recorded in neighboring Cameroon. Further east in Somalia and Kenya, another militant group, Al-Shabab, have been linked to multiple abductions of women and children, many of whom have never been seen since.

This is not just an issue of gender. Men and boys are also regularly abducted.

But it is an outrage that the abduction of women and children has now seemingly become a normalized symptom of conflict.

The global reaction that followed Chibok and briefly brought the issue to the world’s attention has now died away. The story of

the release of 21 Chibok girls from Boko Haram caused a brief surge in international media attention, only to quickly fall by the wayside.

The answer to how to counteract this trend is complex, as it is with the issue of sexual and gender-based violence. But there are things we can do now.

First, we have to accept there is a problem and discuss it openly. To do this, we have to talk more broadly about gender equality. Women are not a commodity to be won and lost in war. Neither are they destined to simply become wives and mothers. There is no justification for why only 50 percent of women in Nigeria are literate compared to 69 percent of men.

This hard data is mirrored by the broader discourse in the media in Nigeria and in Africa generally. For a continent that has made huge progress in the last decade, views towards women and girls have not kept pace. As women, our enduringly accepted and celebrated position as nurturers of families and custodians of the kitchen cannot be allowed to excuse being precluded or denied our right to rise to boardrooms and beyond.

Second, we must throw more resources into protecting and empowering women and girls. One immediate way of doing this would be opening up the options available to women and girls who believe they are at risk.

The reality is that females, especially in more remote or marginalized communities in countries such as Nigeria and Cameroon, have hardly any engagement with the state or with independent professionals who may be able to offer them support or flag concerns to those who could protect them. Rolling out the

kind of support millions of women around the world take for granted would be a start. Support like professional pre and post-natal care, where not only women’s physical health can be addressed, would also provide an opportunity for their fears and concerns be heard in confidence.

Child birth can be one of the few times many women are exposed to professional health workers, so the state should therefore empower midwives to be a gateway to support for women and girls at risk in Nigeria and beyond. The same has to be true in education. We must track the development of girls throughout their lives and ensure they have outlets they can trust.

Third, the state in conjunction with NGOs should do far more to monitor women and especially young girls. To spot potential threats and to intervene ahead of possible abductions. Amnesty International claimed that the Nigerian armed forces knew of the Chibok attack four hours before it happened—though the military denied this claim. This suggests the possibility of an attack had been known about for even longer, yet little was done to protect those at risk.

Too often women and girls are invisible in Nigeria—in health, in education, in the workplace. If they are devalued in our society, surely we should also question whether we are taking the issue of their disappearance seriously enough as well.

Chibok has brought the gender dynamic of Nigerian politics and the Boko Haram conflict brutally to the fore. We have to now confront both issues before it’s too late.

––Toyin Saraki, wife of the Senate President, is founder and president of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa - a Nigerian NGO focused on gender equality. She tweets @ToyinSaraki.

The Other Side of the Kitchen and the ‘Other Room’ Argument Femi Odere

A

s can be expected from any nation’s First Family, Nigerians from different walks of life has ascribed different interpretations to the statements of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha. During a recent Hausa-BBC radio interview, the wife of the president had expressed some misgivings about the trajectory of her husband’s administration as regards some of the cabinet and non-cabinet members in the Executive branch that drives government policies in which her husband is the head. Aisha’s concerns for her husband are not borne out of his non-performance, but about members of a small but extremely powerful group who never lifted any fingers in support of the president on the campaign trail, let alone voted for him.

When asked to respond to his wife’s publicly expressed misgivings about the shade of his government in faraway Germany at the invitation of the German Chancellor Mrs. Angela Merkel, president Buhari sarcastically shot back that he did not know which party his wife belong, adding that, she belongs in his kitchen, the living room and the ‘other room’ rather than the treacherous and murky waters of the Nigerian politics.

While not a few Nigerians commended the wife of the president for her courage in speaking what they consider the whispering truth never experienced with any of the spouses of their leaders in the open---which has since increased her respectability index---she was also excoriated by a small but significant segment of the Nigerian populace for washing such a delicate and light-sensitive linen in the public. But Buhari, conversely, appeared to have been shellacked the more by Nigerians with his obviously jocular “kitchen statement.” And it mattered not that the video showed the Nigerian president was half-way smiling when that statement was made.

Perhaps there’s nothing as frustrating to a good leader who is giving his all---and he’s seen to be giving his all---both at home and the international community in bequeathing a just and equitable society to his people as Buhari is doing than to feel that he’s being seriously misunderstood. While so many negative things that are not borne out of facts have been said about President Buhari---and still being said---what has not been adequately interrogated is how Nigerians’perception

of the president has shaped their reality of the man which the president himself seems to be struggling to extricate them from as well as disabuse their minds.

Buhari has demonstrated, and has cemented a persona beyond measure in the Nigerian consciousness as a strict, no-nonsense and non-sentimental leader that stands unusually and unapologetically apart from everything that defines a typical Nigerian leader that no one believes he has, or should have another side, let alone have the time or the capacity for such mundane human activity as throwing banters.

The other interesting undercurrent of the president’s obvious jocular statement that should have attracted our attention is the fact that President Buhari aside that he’s unencumbered by those socio-economic and political values of Western democracies that are being cleverly forced upon us in the guise of globalisation, among many of their deceptive mechanisms, the import of the statement has such a romantic aura. Most women have expressed the desire that they will rather have their husbands use such expressions to describe them which will do nothing to their independence as career women. What the president’s critics are saying is that his statement is not “politically correct” even when the reality of the Nigerian society points to a different direction in terms of the general societal worldview.

Unfortunately, nobody has paid any attention to some of these important nuances.

Pray, how many Nigerian men that are aggrieved about the president’s statement would be glad to report to the kitchen for duty while their wives play with the TV remote control in the living room? By the same token, how many of our self-styled feminists would feel that the Nigerian women have come of age to their eternal joy because the kitchen was no longer the Most Frequently Visited Places (MFVP) in the house? It may surprise them to know that Angela Merkel still finds time to cook for her husband.

President Buhari has demonstrated that he cares about his wife in the way he had shaped, and continues to shape Aisha into a total woman that she is today. It may interest us that Aisha Buhari (nee Halilu) married Muhammadu Buhari on December 2, 1989 with only a secondary school leaving certificate from her home state of Adamawa. Aisha would never have gone beyond the educational level she came into holy matrimony with Buhari if her husband truly believes that the women should play a second fiddle to the men. Under Buhari’s

roof with his unflinching cooperation and most importantly his financial support Aisha’s education graduated from the rudimentary secondary level into the Master’s degree pedestal.

From his kitchen, Aisha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Perhaps Buhari believed he had permanently banished Aisha into the ‘other room’ that he never knew when his wife again received a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.

Buhari probably also thought Aisha was too busy in the living room that he didn’t realise when she collected--outside the country---a Diploma in Beauty Therapy from the Carlton Institute of Beauty Therapy, Windsor, United Kingdom and another Post-graduate diploma in Cosmetology and Beauty from Academy Esthetique Beauty Institute of France. As Mrs. Buhari, Aisha is a Member of the United Kingdom Vocational Training and Charitable Trust. She’s also a Member of the International Health and Beauty Institute and an author of a book titled “Essentials of Beauty Therapy: A Complete Guide for Beauty Specialists” under her wrap around scarf, talk not of being a patron of various charity organisations s at home and abroad. Would all these impressive academic qualifications have been possible if Buhari truly believes that a woman’s place should be in “the kitchen and the ‘other room’”?

It’s one thing to accuse President Buhari of lack of understanding of the 21st century “political correctness” of the west that flies in the face of our age-old African values of which our country and her people are a part, and should be proud of. It’s quite another to accuse the president of an attempt to make Nigerian women hewers of wood and drawers of water. What is more, Buhari has demonstrated a futuristic outlook through his wife while reminding the Nigerian women not to ever relegate their primary roles as mothers of the nation, which does not stop them from excelling in their careers. Nigerians may not have had a truthful leader since the First Republic as they’re currently witnessing in the Buhari persona. And this may well be one of the unintended consequences of the Buhari and Aisha phenomenon in the Nigerian political landscape. It’s a welcome development we all should be yearning to get used to.

––Odere is a media practitioner. He can be reached at femiodere@gmail.com

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PERSPECTIVE

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied - the Case of Obiechina VS Chime, INEC Benjamin Obiajulu Aduba

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state does not become a failed state if only one of its legs buckles or fails. A nation with strong judiciary, a strong legislature, and a strong 4th estate will withstand a failed presidency. I venture to state that with a strong judiciary and a strong press that a failing nation could still survive. It is difficult for a nation with a failing judiciary to survive.

When people lose confidence in the judiciary they would seek other means to obtain justice.

This is why it is important that the Nigeria judiciary should not fail.

The case of Obiechina Vs Chime in Enugu is such a case that would make people to seek alternative ways to obtain justice. For those who are not familiar with the case, a brief summary would suffice.

In 2011 Mr. Obiechina challenged Mr. Sullivan Chime’s nomination for governorship. The case went through the normal court processes and reached the Supreme Court of Nigeria. INEC was one of the defendants in the case.

The case stalled in the Supreme Court, yet INEC went forward and conducted an election without the court resolving the dispute. By doing this INEC effectively overruled the Supreme Court of Nigeria by handing the court a fait accompli. The case has now surfaced again and the court is saying that there was hankypanky done to delay the resolution of the case.

The Supreme Court now has the following duties to perform: First, it will try to regain its position as the Supreme Court and make it clear to all that it has the final say-so in all matters of law in Nigeria; that there is no other way to resolve disputes except through its decisions.

To do this, the Supreme Court should first of all, as a matter of urgency, thoroughly examine and determine Obiechina’s suit on its merit. Where the suit has merit, declare the elections of both Sullivan Chime (2nd term) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi illegal and order Obiechina to be sworn in as Governor of Enugu State. Any argument that even though the case has merit, he cannot be sworn in as

four years have passed and another general election held, will be viewed as a slap on the common sense and human intelligence. This is because a gubernatorial pre- election case that started at the High Court in April 2011, before the gubernatorial general elections, could not be concluded in Nigerian Courts, which claim seriousness with their constitutional responsibility, before the next generation elections, four years later, in 2015. This is certainly below international acceptance and mocks Nigerian justice delivery apparatus.

Also, this matter came to the Supreme Court since March 2014. Yet such serious gubernatorial pre - election case involving interpretation of provisions of our Constitution and Electoral Act to guide the lower Courts and enhance our democracy, could not be completed at the Supreme Court till the general elections of 2015.

Indeed even an uninformed layman knows something went wrong. The fault lines in the whole situation are established on comparative analysis. From Nigerian press we gathered, the pre-election gubernatorial suit between Mr. Uche Ogah and Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State came to the High Court in 2014; at same period Obiechina’s case entered the Supreme court in March 2014. Objection arose as to whether the High Court has jurisdiction to determine Uche Ogah’s suit. This Objection passed through the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, which ordered that the High Court has jurisdiction and should hear the case.

As of today, the case has got judgments both at the High Court and the Court of Appeal and set to be concluded at the Supreme Court. Also, the governorship case between Governor Yahaya Bello and Hon. James Faleke arose from the governorship election held on November 21, 2015 in Kogi State and has not started in any Court when Obiechina’s suit entered the Supreme Court. This case has been completed at the Supreme Court and Bello declared Governor.

The duty of a litigant is to be present on any date his case is fixed and be prepared for the case. Once a litigant does this, all over the world, he is recorded as prosecuting his case diligently. From records, Obiechina has been doing this and the informed public know that

Muhammed he has been doggedly prosecuting his case, otherwise, his case would have been dismissed long ago given the known and unknown enemies of his case.

If delays arise from defendants trying to gain time like in Obiechina’s case, it is the duty of the court to overrule pointless motions aimed at achieving delay or, order for consolidation of all motions and appeals. The rule of the game is that external influences are not allowed to determine the pace of cases as this yields corruption and makes only the rich to get justice.

It is the internal mechanisms put in place by the courts that should determine the pace of cases. The Supreme Court openly identified ‘hanky- panty’ within its system as cause of delay in Obiechina’s suit. The Nigeria media have also noted the very lengthy adjournments the case has suffered. The press reported the three different occasions when the case was adjourned for six months, totaling one year and six months for a pre-election suit that ought to be handled with dispatch.

When the case came up on September 26, 2016 there was high public expectation that the case would be urgently completed, but it was again adjourned five months away to February

14, 2017. This is very difficult to explain and the case must be brought backwards for the Supreme Court not to pour hot water onto its own image before the watchful public.

Thus, any reasoning that though Obiechina’s appeal succeeded on merit, but that he cannot be sworn in as four years has lapsed, fails flat on its face as clearly, this is a courtinduced delay, which logically cannot serve as reasonable argument to deny a litigant his rights. If not, it will obviously imply that the whole delay was perfected to give room for such reasoning.

Let the impression not be created that there is a big strange river flowing beneath the monolithic concrete slab of the foundation walls of the courts in Nigeria. Because, once it is created, it will be difficult to erase. The Supreme Court has a primary duty of carrying itself as a neutral judiciary institution, no matter how influential the litigants may be.

The next thing is that the Supreme Court should sanction INEC with such severe penalties that no officer of INEC now, or in the future, would contemplate ignoring matters pending before the Supreme Court. INEC, by its actions became both the defender in a case and the judge and had awarded the verdict to itself. This cannot stand.

Secondly, the court should investigate the circumstances that led to the five-year delay. It implies that there are internal control weaknesses in the court systems. These weaknesses need to be corrected. If the hand of Satan is found in the delays of the case; such a hand, must be amputated publicly, as a lesson to the world that Nigerian Judiciary is not for sale.

The Supreme Court is the last fortress between the citizen and injustice. If this fortress crumbles anarchy would prevail.

The other voice of the people is the Fourth Estate and this is already compromised by big money, by big politicians and by corporations and by other “big people.”

Can the Supreme Court come to the rescue? Would the Supreme Court get on the Obiechina VS Chime and do justice? Justice delayed is justice denied.

––Aduba writes from Boston, Massachusetts

Turkey’s Erdogan and Unending Human Rights Repression Usman Dikko

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ometimes one cannot help sitting back considering overwhelming events that continue to reshape various parts of the world. Away from the razzmatazz of the campaign in United States presidential election and the current battle to dislodge Islamic States (ISIS) from their self-proclaimed capital city in Mosul, Iraq, the endless onslaught on human rights in Turkey has not ceased to send cold shivers down my spine.

The judiciary, media organisations, opposition parties, civil servants, charity groups, just to mention a few, are being subjected to a daily dose of massive abuses and suffocation in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The recent catch to the abuse list is the sacking of medical professionals, scientists, and other academics from universities.

This may not come as a surprise to many as even before the aborted coup that took place in Turkey few months ago, which was allegedly designed to overthrow the President, Erdogan has not always hidden his obsession to crush dissenting views on his iron-hand style of governance amid claim of being a democrat.

The coup became a perfect opportunity to squeeze out life from any perceived opposition groups by fingering them as the coup plotters.

But it appears having tagged members of Gulen movement, a group inspired by the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, as elements

Erdogan behind the coup despite no concrete proofs and in the face of denial by the peace-loving and highly-respected cleric, Erdogan seems to be now afraid of his own shadow, hence the unending quest to hit hard on anything, groups, individual believe to be a possible threat to his ‘rulership.’ Recently some Nigerian students in Turkey were made to also taste the bitter pill of rights violation as they were brazenly detained for their alleged support for some Turkish people who are said to be against the

government thereby sparking a diplomatic row between the two countries.

Such rights abuses of both the Turkish people and other nationals are now beginning to unsettle international commentators and other lovers of humanity, with many questioning the seeming conspiracy of silence in the war against human rights being waged in Turkey.

One of such groups that recently added its voice against human rights repression in Turkey is the New York-based Physicians for Human Rights (PHR). The group has already launched a public petition campaign asking people to urge Turkish government against what it calls “the worst repression we have ever seen.”

According to a statement pasted on its website that almost melt away my heart, Physicians for Human Rights said “Medical professionals, scientists, and other academics are being fired from universities in Turkey by the thousands.

Their crime? Participating in groups peacefully advocating for human rights and freedoms. It is imperative that these academics be immediately reinstated and that the right to freedom of expression be upheld.”

“Don’t Let President Erdogan Get Away With It. …Our medical colleagues need our support right now. We’ve been working alongside them in Turkey for decades — and this is the worst repression we’ve ever seen,” the statement further said.

The statement has already sparked various petitions from the website readers calling on President Erdogan to tread carefully and reinstate the sacked academics. One of the petitioners writing under the title “Uphold Human Rights

and Reinstate Persecuted Academics,” didn’t minced words as he pointed out that arrest of academics and purging of the judiciary send a wrong signal on blatant human rights violation.

Parts of the petition read: “I am writing to express my deep concern with the recent purge of thousands of university professors, deans, and other academics including medical professionals and scientists from Turkey’s institutions of higher education based on their alleged membership in groups advocating peacefully for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

“These restrictions on academic freedom further compound the consequences of the dismissal of nearly 60,000 government employees in the immediate aftermath of the failed July coup. Any functioning democracy requires a functioning judiciary. Yet Turkey’s courts have virtually ground to a halt after nearly 3,000 judges were dismissed from their jobs overnight for suspected links to the attempted coup, hampering the judiciary’s ability to independently evaluate the potentially arbitrary arrests of nearly 10,000 people and reports of ill-treatment in detention.”

While I join others to call on President Erdogan to reinstate the sacked academics, it still appears to me as if I’m dreaming to see a highly-respected country like Turkey descending so low to an abyss of human rights violation fiefdom that even a third world country would not dare in a 21st century.

––Usman Dikko, a public affairs commentator, writes in from Kaduna

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GAVEL TO GAVEL

Edited by Vincent Obia Email vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com

CCB/CCT Act: Intrigues and Politics of an Amendment

If the amendment to the Code of Conduct Bureau and Code of Conduct Tribunal Act (CCB/CCT Act)intheSenateonThursdaysecurestheassentofPresidentMuhammaduBuhari,thepresident will henceforth have little control over the CCB and CCT. Omololu Ogunmade reports

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he Senate caught the public unawares during the week when it succeeded in amending the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (CCB/CCT Act) months after it initially suspended the move.

The move to amend the Act began in April this year at the height of the anger which accompanied the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal over alleged false declaration of assets when he served as the Governor of Kwara State in 2003.

The Senate was provoked by Saraki’s trial, which they described as nothing but a deliberate move to get rid of its presiding officer for daring to emerge as President of the Senate against the wishes of his party on June 9, 2015. The amendment was meant to place both the CCB and CCT under the control of the National Assembly, instead of the president of the country.

Not done yet, the Senate also at the time moved to amend the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 by initiating another amendment bill.

The first amendment bill, sponsored by Senator Peter Nwaboshi (Delta North), and entitled: “Code of Conduct Act Cap C15 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2016,” had scaled second reading on April 14 in an unusual manner, barely two days after it was initiated on April 12.

The second bill, sponsored by Senator Isah Misau (Bauchi Central) and tagged: “A bill for and Act to Amend the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and Other Related Matters,” sought to remove the CCT from the list of courts statutorily empowered to initiate criminal proceedings against accused persons.

Public Outcry Whereas the debate on the second bill had been slated for April 20, intensive criticisms of the amendment moves stalled the plan, as both the general public and civil society groups described both amendments as illtimed, ill-conceived and ill-motivated. Critics of the amendments described the move as irresponsible and a deliberate attempt to frustrate the on-going trial of Saraki at the CCT by the Senate’s attempt to whittle down CCB and CCT powers.

Despite the Senate’s defence that the amendments would not influence Saraki’s trial because it would not take retroactive effect, critics lambasted the legislative institution, describing the amendment processes as curious and in bad faith.

Under such intense pressure, the Senate was forced to put off the amendment moves after a rowdy two-and-a-half-hour executive session, presided over by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, on April 20. After reverting to the plenary on that day, Ekweremadu announced that following an exhaustive deliberation at the executive session, the Senate had resolved to suspend further amendments to both CCB/ CCT Act and ACJA. Wisdom With the suspension, an air of relief swept through the polity, but unknown to the general public that the legislative chamber was only being clever, as it seemed to only devise another means of executing the act. This it did by allegedly passing the bill to the House of Representatives to kick-start the process because no one was standing trial before the CCT in the House. Against this background, no attention was concentrated on the amendment process in the House of Representatives until it was passed in May and eventually sent to the Senate for concurrence. Thus, the bill returned to the Senate as a House bill.

Even while the bill returned to the Senate

Saraki

and was eventually assigned to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for further legislation, it didn’t generate public attention, as it was no longer viewed as Senate bill, until the concurrence was finally passed on Thursday.

The Amendments Thus, the National Assembly caught the public unawares by the passage of the amendments.

By the passage, the National Assembly has succeeded in amending Section 18(1,2) of the extant law by transferring the president’s regulatory power over the bureau and tribunal to itself.

The passage of the bill on Thursday followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions presented by the committee chairman, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

The parliament also reintroduced a provision which authorises the CCB to invite anyone found culpable in asset declaration to make necessary correction as against being charged to the tribunal for trial. This provision had earlier been expunged from the extant law.

The tradition before 2015 amendments to the Act, which was initiated by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, was that the CCB would invite any public officer whose asset declaration was found to be lopsided and incongruous to make necessary corrections.

This provision did not provide any room for prosecution of anyone found culpable before his invitation.

But this provision was deleted in the last amendment and, thus, paved the way for Saraki, former Niger Delta Minister, Godsay Orubebe, among others, to be charged to CCT without any initial invitation for correction by the CCB. The new amendment contained in Section 3 (e) of the bill passed on Thursday, provides that “upon complaint(s) of any breach or where it appears to the Bureau that there is a breach of the provisions of this Act, the person concerned shall be given particulars of such non-compliance or breaches to explain before any reference to the tribunal.”

The Senate also amended Section 1(4) of the current CCB/CCT Act which stipulates that

Dogara

the chairman of the CCB and members shall vacate their seats upon attaining the retirement age of 70.

The new amendment now prescribes renewable five-year tenure for the chairman and members of the Bureau following their appointments by the president and subject to Senate confirmation.

“The chairman and members shall serve for a term of five years subject to renewal for one term only,” the new amendment states.

However, the Senate rejected an amendment to Section 4(2) of the extant law which had also sought to transfer the power of appointment and discipline of chairman and members of the CCB to the National Assembly.

Section 4(2) of the Act which the committee had amended to become the exclusive preserve of the National Assembly states that “the power to appoint members of staff of the Bureau and to exercise disciplinary control over them shall vest in the Bureau and shall be exercisable in accordance with the provisions of rules and regulations as may from time to be made by the president.”

But this amendment was rejected by the parliament. If the Senate had accepted this amendment, the National Assembly would have stripped the president of the power of appointment and disciplinary control over the CCB. The Senate also rejected amendment to Section 1(2b) of the CCB/CCT Act which provides that anyone who shall be eligible for appointment as the Chairman of CCB, must have attained 50 years of age. The amendment prescribed by the committee had reduced the age of eligibility for appointment for CCB chairmanship from 50 to 30 years but this amendment was rejected while the provision of 50 years as contained in the extant Act was retained.

But the Senate succeeded in stripping the president of the powers of total control over the CCB by amending Section 18(1,2) of the CCB/ CCT Act and simultaneously transferring such powers to the National Assembly.

Section 18(1,2) of the extant Act provides thus: “The president may by order exempt any cadre of public officers from the provisions of the Act if it appears to him that their position in the public service is below the rank which

it considers appropriate for the application of those provisions.

“The president may by order confer on the Bureau such additional powers as may appear to it to be necessary to enable it discharge more effectively the functions conferred upon it under this Act.” The “president” in the above provisions has now been substituted with “National Assembly” which implies that the National Assembly will now determine the power of the CCB. Also in the amendment, the National Assembly will now determine who should be exempted from asset declaration.

Whereas Section 20(4) of the current CCB/ CCT Act authorises the president to appoint the chairman of the CCT based on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC), the new amendment now makes such recommendation and appointment invalid unless it is approved by the Senate.

Also Section 20(2) of the extant Act which states that members of the tribunal shall consist of the chairman and two other members has been amended to provide that “the tribunal shall consist of a chairman and four others and three of the five shall form a quorum.”

However, the amendment retains the retirement age for CCT Chairman at 70 as contained in Section 22(1).

Way Forward With the passage of the bill on October 27, the National Assembly will constitute a conference committee to harmonise the differences in both bills passed by the House and the Senate.

Thereafter, the bill will be sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent.

But the question is, will the president be excited to sign a bill which strips him of his regulatory powers and control over the bureau and tribunal?

This is more so when Jonathan refused to sign the fourth alteration to the 1999 Constitution in view of amendments to Section 9 which he said had stripped the president of the power to sign any amendment to the constitution before it becomes operative. Will this case be different?

Only time can tell.

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GAVEL TO GAVEL/ BILLS, MOTIONS, ET AL.

Legislative Intervention for Ailing Aviation Industry The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation recently held a public hearing to discuss with stakeholders short, medium and long term measures to save the country’s ailing aviation industry. Damilola Oyedele writes

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igeria’s aviation industry is not insulated from the current economic recession hitting the country. In recent times, the industry has been hit by suspension of operations by foreign airlines in Nigeria, while those who have managed to stay have reduced the number of flights they operate. Just last week, Emirates Airlines and Kenya Airways announced that they were suspending their Abuja operations. The major reason of the foreign airlines is that they are unable to repatriate profits due to inability to access foreign exchange.

Local airlines are also grappling with efforts to stay afloat. These and several issues necessitated a public hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation on the need to save the country’s aviation industry from imminent collapse.

The Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha-led committee organised the four-day hearing where stakeholders, including government officials, air craft operator owners, unions and others interacted and proffered solutions on ways to move the industry forward. They also discussed modalities that would put the industry at par with world class standards.

Modernising its operations is particularly important for the sector following the International Air Transport Association and the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s predictions that air traffic in Africa would quadruple in the next 10 years. By this prediction, Nigerian airports can be boosted by 60 million passengers annually as against the current 15 million. If the nation however fails to put the necessary infrastructure in place, it risks losing such crucial economic hub to neighbouring countries, such as Ghana, which is already enjoying some benefits from Nigeria’s ailing aviation industry.

At the opening, Onyejeocha spoke on the need to restore confidence to the aviation industry.

“We cannot be doing the same things over and over again and expect different results. The sector must not collapse, not be allowed to stay under developed under our watch,” she said.

Airline operators who attended the hearing include Arik Air, Dana, Medview, Oveland, Chachangi, and Ethiopian Airways.

Public Hearing On the first day of the hearing, the Minister of State, Aviation, Mr. Hadi Abubakar, maintained the government’s position of plans to go ahead with the concession of the four major airports in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Kano. The concessions, he said, are necessary as the government does not have the over N1 trillion required to overhaul and upgrade the airports to international standards.

Abubakar, however, assured that the concession process would be transparent and would be a departure from previous processes which he said were characterised by secrecy, underhand dealings and exclusion of stakeholders.

“I am not interested, neither is my boss at the villa,” Abubakar said, adding that the ministry intends to borrow from, and build on the manner of concession of the nation’s seaports.

He disclosed that the government planned to concession 100 per cent of its 21 airports eventually, even though only four were up for concession in the first phase.

“What we plan to do in the Abuja airport, for example, is to put a brand new runway and a brand new terminal opposite the current one,” he said. Abubakar added that the projects were expected to be completed

Sirika

between 24 and 48 months, with 30 million passenger capacity.

While conceding that the four airports were the economically viable ones, Abubakar noted that economic activities can be created around an airport to make it more viable.

He cited Katsina State, whose dams are not being harnessed despite their potentials.

“If we plant vegetables, chilli, tomatoes, we can export to Europe in five hours. A handful of tomatoes there is 10 Euros, while in Nigeria, a basket is N200,” the minister said.

The minister recalled that the Central Bank of Nigeria recently approved a special foreign exchange policy for airlines to cushion the challenges in the industry. He also spoke on other issues in the industry, particularly, retrenchments, which he denied.

He disclosed instead that the government recently carried out a “proper placement” exercise.

Abubakar stated, “The problem was that we had people who were graduates of just a few years in level 17, while we have people who had been working longer on lower levels. FAAN has 40 general managers.

We have two each in the 20 airports, each with a personal assistant, driver and car.

We cannot afford these.”

Concession Controversy The unions in the industry, however, kicked against the concession, particularly, considering that the four airports, which are up for concession in the first phase, are the economically viable ones. National president of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association, Mr. Benjamin Okeowo, noted that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria paid salaries, wages and pensions of workers from internally generated revenue most of which came from the four airports.

This, Okeowo said, is in addition to the agency maintaining all airports in the country.

“What happens to the remaining 17 airports?

We have staff in all these 17, what becomes of

Onyejeocha

them when the viable four are taken over,” Okeowo said. He added that about 35 per cent of revenue was being lost to leakages through the non-implementation of the cashless policy in FAAN operations Okeowo also recalled that some of the terminals were constructed with loans from China and wondered how the loans would be repaid if they are concessioned. He noted that the federal government’s liability to the workers, from the scrapping of the Nigerian Airways, was over N200 billion and queried what would become of the liabilities.

“If we must concession, let’s go to virgin lands, airports can be built, runways, terminals built afresh and they can be operated on a build-operate-transfer basis. Selling FAAN amounts to selling the goose that lays the golden egg,” Okeowo said.

Challenges One of the best submissions at the hearing was made by the secretary-general of Aircraft Operators Association of Nigeria, Captain Mohammed Joji, who blamed what he described as policy deviation and policy contradiction by the executive arm of government for some of the factors that have led to the closure of 47 airlines in the last 30 years in the country. Joji noted that the challenges identified in a 2006 Presidential Task-force Report on the industry existed till date and continued to hinder the growth of the aviation sector.

He regretted that the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency continued to charge dollars from domestic airline operators, despite the policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria against such practice. Joji also lamented that the country continued to charge Value Added Tax for purchase of aircraft, a practice which has been stopped in all parts of the world, as transportation is regarded as a basic service that drives the economy.

Presenting the 2006 report to the committee, Joji listed the recommendations

to include that government accepted the recommendation to grant zero tariff and VAT on the aircraft, aircraft spare parts and ground equipment.

“Government also approved the removal of the five per cent VAT on the ticket sales and cargo charges…The taskforce recommendation can be corroborated by the VAT Decree N0.102 of 1993,” Joji said.

He added, “The approval of multiple destinations to foreign airlines has denied local operators earnings and this has to be stopped...

“NCAA policy of levying operators flying on schedule flight out of Nigeria is a punitive measure devoid of any economic sense to the airline…FAAN charges the most expensive land rate in the world at N60,000/ sqm, which is more expensive than choice lands in Victoria Island, Lagos, and Asokoro in Abuja.”

Looking Ahead The minister noted in his presentation that there was an need for training of managers in the aviation sector as “the best pilots do not necessarily make the best managers.” He disclosed that plans for the establishment of an aeronautic university, to be based in Abuja, were already underway.

There is also an urgent need for the special foreign exchange policy for the airlines to be strictly adhered to, and expanded to take care of all the foreign exchange needs of a sector where almost all transactions are denominated in hard currencies.

In all, experts say any polices formulated for the aviation sector must be peopleoriented, and while efforts must be made to uphold ailing airlines, optimum attention must be paid to safety issues.

They believe the government must create an enabling environment for businesses, whether local or foreign, to thrive, but more specifically, it should assist local airlines to compete favourably with their foreign counterparts.

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NEWSXTRA

CELEBRATING SYSTEMSPECS L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Systemspecs, John Obaro; President Mohammadu Buhari, and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, as Systemspecs received the ‘ICT/Telecoms company of the Year’ at the Leadership awards held in Abuja...recently

LAGOS CLEANUP L-R: Lagos State Commissioner of the Environment, Dr. Samuel Adejare; Permanent Secretary, Ministry

of the Environment, Mr. Soliu Adeyemi; Chief Health Officer, Ikoyi Obalaende Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs. Olabisi Oladaiyi, and Sole Administrator, Mr. Goke Ona-Olawale, inspecting the blockages carnal at Police Mounted Troop barracks, by Ribadu Road, Ikoyi, during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise held in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: Kola Olasupo

FG to Purchase Two Additional Satellites for NigComSat at $550m Abimbola Akosile with agency report The Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, has disclosed that the Federal Government plans to purchase two additional satellites for Nigeria Communication Satellite (NigComSat) at the cost of $550 million.

Shittu disclosed this yesterday while speaking with newsmen at the end of the 4th National Council on Communication Technology meeting in Kaduna. He said the federal government was already negotiating with China EXIM Bank for the purchase of the two additional satellites for storage of data.

According to him, efforts are being made to procure two

additional communication satellites to complement the existing NigComSat as a means of reaching areas that cannot easily be covered by terrestrial fibre.

“We need just about 550 million dollars to acquire two new satellites; we are already negotiating with China EXIM Bank, who had assured us that they will deliver the money. We will negotiate and procure extra satellites for NigComSat, so that there will be adequate back up for and once this done whatever data is stored in one satellite will equally be shared by the two or three satellites. With that, there will not be fear of any problem because there will be enough data collection centre and there will be reliability.”

The minister said once there is adequate backup, all govern-

ment institutions, agencies and ministries must necessarily patronise NigComSat. He said a lot of the country’s money was being exported out to sustain other economy through data storage, according to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report.

“Once we are sure that we have three satellites then we can beat our chest that nobody would take Nigeria money outside for the purpose of storing data”, he added..

Shittu also said government intends to secure state-of-the-art mobile equipment that will be deployed to enforce compliance and also enable the detection, location and blocking of illegal users of spectrum. “Effective radio spectrum monitoring would assist with intelligence gathering and support the security agen-

cies in enhancing security and safety of citizens and the nation in general”, he said.

The minister pointed out that government has worked assiduously on setting the proper policy and strategic environment for the development of ICT in the country. According to him, the Federal Government will expand its investments in ICT infrastructure to extend connectivity to unserved and underserved areas.

“In this regard, attention will be paid to the issue of multiple taxation of ICT infrastructure and we are working to have ICT infrastructure designated as Critical National Infrastructure.

We are also working to make more investments in building the capacity and harnessing the talents of our youth.

Move to Liberated Towns, NEMA Mimiko to Host Maiden Cocoa Industry, Investment Conference Tells Humanitarian Agencies Michael Olugbode The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has called on stakeholders in emergency management in the North East to move beyond intervention at internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps by extending their services to host communities and newly liberated towns.

Out of the 2,093,036 internally displaced persons in Borno State alone, about 500,000 are resident in camps both within Maiduguri and newly liberated towns.

But the 52 stakeholders mostly international agencies in humanitarian management presently involved in the humanitarian crisis in the North East have been alleged to be concentrated more at the IDPs camps at the detriment of displaced persons given abode in host communities and newly liberated communities.

Speaking during the Humanitarian Coordination Meeting organised by the NEMA in conjunction with Borno State Emergency Management

Agency (BOSEMA) recently, Zonal Coordinator of the federal government’s emergency management agency, Alhaji Mohammed Kanar appealed to the stakeholders in humanitarian management in the area to extend their services to host communities and newly liberated towns.

He said as it stands at present the camps are already well covered but that records have shown that humanitarian crises continued to surface from communities hosting displaced persons and newly liberated towns.

Kanar said the reason for the coordination meeting was to assess the development in humanitarian crisis management in the affected areas, insisting that recent statistics has shown that the camps have little or no more humanitarian crisis.

He added that information has however shown that there are still pocket of humanitarian crisis in host communities and newly liberated towns and as such the agency is “appealing to our humanitarian partners to look more in this direction.”

Moriam Yusuf As part of activities to launch the Akure Commodity Exchange initiated by the Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko to help Ondo farmers midwife their sales internationally, the stage is set for the hosting of the 1st International Cocoa Industry and Investment Conference.

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade in Akure, the three-day conference which is billed to hold between Tuesday November 1 and Thursday, November 3 is being facilitated by the government in partnership with private partners and parastatals.

At the event where Mimiko is host, notable speakers expected include the CEO Africa Commodity Exchange, Malawi, Kristian Moller, Dr. Gideon Onumah of Natural Resources Institute, Greenwich University United Kingdom and Adam Gross of Partner GMEX International among other top national and international

Cocoa industry practitioners, investors, researchers, bankers and thinkers.

The objective of the conference is mainly to identify existing and create new opportunities in the production, processing, marketing and export of cocoa beans and products from Nigeria to the international market.

With a theme: ‘Commodity Exchange, a platform for enhancing Opportunities for the Nigerian Cocoa Industry’, the statement mentioned the forum also has the tag: Nigerian Cocoa, Global Product, adding that the conference is a platform for global discuss to effectively ensure comprehensive multi-level, multi-sectoral, integrated and profitable interaction between all stakeholders and players in the Nigerian cocoa industry.

“The Conference will also feature industry showcase and launching of the Akure Commodity Exchange Trading platform as well as feature cocoa producers, buyers, products, designs, and experiments from all over Nigeria.”

IPOB Attacks Facebook CEO for De-listing Radio Biafra Account David-Chyddy ElekeinAwka The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has decried the removal of its Radio Biafra satellite radio broadcast account from Facebook by its owner, Mark Zuckerberg.

The group attacked Zuckerberg for his action, saying he harkened to the request of the federal government of Nigeria.

A release sent to THISDAY by the media and publicity secretary of the group, Comrade Emma Powerful stated that the removal of the group’s radio satellite from its platform was part of the deal reached by the

federal government and the Facebook CEO during a recent visit to Nigeria.

IPOB said, “We condemn the chief executive officer of Facebook satellite Mr. Mark Zuckerberg for removing the Radio Biafra Facebook group London from Facebook.

“Mark Zuckerberg a Jew who should know about the horrors of fascism and genocide is helping an Islamist Buhari to continue the mass murder of innocent Biafrans. Radio Biafra London before its shutdown was the biggest and most vibrant discussion forum on Facebook with nearly 1 million members.

Oyintiloye Tasks Royal Fathers on Yoruba Language Kunle Abikoye Royal fathers across Yorubaspeaking communities have been enjoined to lead and sustain efforts that will guarantee the preservation of Yoruba Language.

A lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency, Osun state, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye made the submission at the ‘Culture Day’, organised by the Osun State Chapter of the Yoruba Broadcasters Association (YBA), While expressing worry that Yoruba culture was gradually going into extinction, Oyintiloye noted that to reverse the ugly trend, traditional rulers, being custodian

of language and culture of Yoruba people must speak and promote Yoruba language for the advancement of the race.

Identifying Yoruba Language as a tool for development and identity, the lawmaker who is the Chairman House Committee on Information and Strategy hinted that leaders of Asian, Arabian, French, and European countries and many other countries preferred to speak more of their languages in public functions and have it interpreted into English language. “We are very rich in cultural values, but we allow it to be going into extinction by not paying attention to it, “ he said.

UN Schools Elect Nigerian First Female President Abimbola Akosile withagency report Nigerian Senior Secondary School student, Miss Chinemenma Emma-Ugoji, has emerged the first female President of the General Assembly of Nigerian International Secondary Schools Model United Nations (NISSMUN).

The student of Premier Academy, Lugbe in Abuja, was elected at the 12th edition of NISSMUN annual conference, held at the International Conference Centre in

Abuja from October 22 to 26. Ten candidates contested for the position and close to 1,000 students drawn from International Schools across the country attended the conference.

The conference with the theme: ‘Engaging Youths in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ was organised by the Nigerian Model United Nations Society, which has been conducting NISSMUN conferences since 2005, according to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report.

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SUNDAYSPORTS Eagles Open Camp for Algeria Nov 7

Edited by Demola Ojo Email demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

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igeria’s Super Eagles will open their training camp in preparation for a Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Abuja on Monday, November 7. Officials informed that the Eagles will train till Thursday before they fly out to Uyo, where the match will be played on Saturday, November 12.

Kick-off time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is 5pm local time. The match venue hosted last month’s final 2017 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania.

Nigeria are top of the qualifying group after a 2-1 win at Zambia earlier this month, while Algeria played out a 1-1 draw at home with Cameroon. Only the overall winners from this group will qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Meanwhile, midfielder John Ogu and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu have both been handed recalls to the Super Eagles ahead of the match.

Both players have been out of the team for a while, with Ogu’s last involvement being in a 2-0 defeat of Chad in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last year June, while Alampasu has not be called since the preliminary round World Cup qualifier against Swaziland late last year.

The invitations might come as a surprise though, seeing as Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr appeared to rule out Ogu from his plans just ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Zambia earlier this month. However, the 28-year old has been one of Nigeria’s finest players in Europe over the last year, and won the Israeli championship with Hapoel Be’er Sheva, as well as being voted the best foreign player in that country.

For Alampasu, he left Feirense - who had been promoted to the Portuguese top tier - on loan in the summer for a search of regular first team football, and it has proved an inspired move as he has played every game since joining Cesarense in the Portuguese second-tier league. The game against Algeria comes up next month in Uyo, with the full list expected to be made public soon..

In a related development, Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa has said Algeria’s choice of former manager, Georges Leekens will count for nothing in the World Cup qualifying clash. The Belgian was handed a second spell at the North African side on Thursday to replace the ousted Serbia’s Milovan Rajevan.

Kelechi Iheanacho (14) and Alex Iwobi (18) celebrate a goal in the qualifier against Zambia

Ezenwa said the present crop of Eagles want to pick the World Cup ticket with a game to spare in the qualifying campaign.

“Georges Leekens’ appointment as Algerian coach does not scare us and will count for nothing when both sides square up for the matchday 2 clash in Uyo on November 12.

“The body language and spirit among the players speak volume of side who want to pick the world Cup ticket before the last match.

“The mind-set of the players is to head off to the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia so nobody will be considered too tough

an obstacle to scuttle the lofty dream.

“Majority of the present Eagles has not been to the mainstream World Cup and they want to be there to have a true feel of what it looks like.

“I may have participated in the Fifa U20 World Cup for me and others that’s a youth championship we want to experience the real World Cup. “Our minds are focused on beating the Algerians irrespective of who calls the shot as head coach,” said the FC IfeanyiUbah shot stopper to supersport.com.

Musa Strike Earns Leicester Draw against Spurs

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Murray

ATP Tour: Murray, Tsonga for Vienna Final

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orld number two Andy Murray is through to the final of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna after Spain’s David Ferrer pulled out with a leg injury. The Briton will face Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who beat Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic 5-7 7-5 7-6 (8-6).

Murray will usurp Novak Djokovic as number one with titles in Vienna and at next week’s Paris Masters, if Djokovic does not reach the final in Paris. The Scot, 29, has never been top of the world rankings.

“Now I just try to get ready for the final, use today as a bit of rest day, practise a little bit on the centre court and then see what happens tomorrow,” said Murray.

Ferrer had spent two hours and 33 minutes beating Viktor Troicki on Friday, and said: “It was impossible. I am disappointed but I have to be positive and will be ready for next season.”

Murray has won 13 of his 15 matches against Tsonga, including a last-16 victory in their most recent meeting at Wimbledon in July.

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS & FIXTURES Sunderland 1-4 Arsenal Man Utd 0-0 Burnley Middlesbrough 2-0 Bournemouth Tottenham 1-1 Leicester Watford 1-0 Hull West Brom 0-4 Man City Crystal Palace 2-4 Liverpool Everton v West Ham 1:30pm Southampton v Chelsea 4pm

eicester City earned their first away point inthePremierLeague thisseasonasAhmed Musa levelled to secure a deserved draw for the defendingchampionsatTottenham.

Vincent Janssen gave the hosts the lead at White Hart Lane, scoring his first Premier League goal from the penaltyspotafterRobertHuth had felled the striker.

Spurs twice hit the crossbar Dele Alli in the first half and Jan Vertonghen after the break - but had to settle for the draw as Musa caughtthemsleepingatthebeginning of the second half. Leicester had lost all four of their previous awaygamesthisseason-foragoal difference of -10 - but they battled well and frustrated a Tottenham

sidelackingacuttingedgeinattack.

The north Londoners, still unbeaten in the league this season, havenowdrawnathirdsuccessive league game and find themselves three points behind league leaders Manchester City, who beat West Brom 4-0.

Tottenham were still without injured influential defender Toby Alderweireld, while midfielder EricLamelawasruledoutthrough illness, but the player whose presence they missed most was Harry Kane.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino included both Son Heung-min, scoreroffourgoalsthisseason,and £17m summer signing Janssen in his starting line-up, but Spurs are not the same side in the final third withouttheEnglandinternational’s

City, Arsenal, Liverpool Forge Ahead

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ergio Aguero and Ilkay Gundogan each scored twice as Manchester City crushed West BromwichAlbion 4-0 yesterday to keep their noses in front in the Premier League. Arsenal won 4-1 at Sunderland and Liverpool prevailed 4-2 at Crystal Palace, but City’s win kept Pep Guardiola’s side above them both on goal difference as they ended a six-game winless run.

“When we lose there are always doubts,” said Guardiola.

“It’s the first time I have not won in six games. Always you have doubts, (but) not over the principles.”

Jose Mourinho was sent to

the stands and Ander Herrera dismissed as Manchester United drew 0-0 at home to Burnley despite having 37 shots at goal.

Guardiola, whose team host his former club Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, made eight changes to his starting XI from Wednesday’s 1-0 League Cup defeat at Manchester United.

Aguero was among the players who returned to City’s starting line-up at The Hawthorns and his first-half brace effectively settled the game. He broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, slamming a shot between Ben Foster’s legs from Gundogan’s pass, and doubled his tally nine minutes later with a stunning shot from the edge of the box.

Musa (in blue) in full floght against Tottenham yesterday dynamismandruthlessnessasthe lone striker.

It was difficult not to wonder what Kane, sidelined since Septemberwithanankleinjury,would

havedonewithChristianEriksen’s cross at the near post two yards from goal after Janssen mistimed his shot and swept the ball across the face of the goal.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • OCTOBER 30, 2016

High Life

85 wiTh LANRE ALFRED 08076885752

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Not Our President’s Daughter! Idle Minds Wonder Why President Buhari’s Daughter Married Former Bank MD as Fourth Wife

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ourth wife’s a treat. Ask Malam Gimba Kumo, who took Fatima Buhari as his fourth wife last Friday.

The high society was agog as the former Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria got married to President Muhammadu Buhari’s second daughter in the ancient town of Daura. The wedding ceremony held at the Maiaduwa resident of the president at the GRA was indeed more like a political gathering.

Top political and business leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps witnessed the wedding ceremony. Fatima (daughter of Buhari’s late first wife, Safinatu, who he married in 1971) and her lover Gimba, who was born in 1959, were said to have been dating for many years even before Buhari became the president.

Yes, Gimba was married before and Fatima is now his fourth wife.

Predictably, mischief makers have set to work; they have begun to poke their nose in other people’s affairs. They are wondering why the young lady would go for a man already married and far older than her. ‘With all the presidential power and connections at her family’s disposal, is that the best she could do?’ Not a few people are wondering. Hers is just like late Yar’Adua’s daughters who are married to older married men.

Nafisa and Zainab, were married to Governors Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State and Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State respectively then.

THE SWOLLEN BELLY OF THEIR PRIDE! OWOYE AZAZI’S PROPERTY IN RUINS

Every fool glories in his haven while it is inhabitable and the rich

Owoye Azazi

flaunt their abodes to the envy of an awestruck world. But what do you make of the filthy-rich who acquires expensive property at the most prohibitive price, only after death to be abandoned in a state of filth? Back then, it was a status symbol for many a billionaire and millionaire to construct magnificent castles or mansions for their dwelling. Hence it wasn’t such a rare sight to see a wealthy man with a nuclear family of four or five erect an abode that could easily pass as a five-star hotel or presidential villa.

Great dynasties have been seen to collapse after the death of their founders and when they collapse, other aspects of the proprietors’ wealth, particularly their homes and material acquisitions have been seen to sink into rapid deterioration until they are desperately sold off by the owners to raise money to keep up appearances or

Gimba Kumo and Fatima Buhari

finance a more modest lifestyle.

History is littered with foremost families’ sob stories; particularly the descent of dynasties that disappeared with the death of their founders. That brings us to the sad news of what has befallen the estate of a former national security adviser. Eight suspected prostitutes and three men were arrested by the Lagos State Government at the abandoned home of former National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi, in Ikoyi, Lagos state recently. Officials of the Lagos State Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit and the police from Ikoyi Police Station, stormed Azazi’s abandoned house at Number 5 Club Road, Ikoyi and arrested the women and the men. The arrest was part of the Lagos State Government’s clean up exercise in Ikoyi and Victoria Island which have been overtaken

by illegal and abandoned structures.

LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT! DEATH STEALS FOLORUNSO ALAKIJA’S YOUNGER BROTHER

•TRAGEDY HITS BILLIONAIRE MAGNATE AS SIBLING YIELDS TO ASTHMA ATTACK

Even the garden loses its glamour, and the elder tree, its precious shade.

The almond branch loses it avian tenants and the desultory sunlight eventually recedes. In the same vein, happiness and life deserts the Ogbara clan of Ago Ikorodu, Lagos as the family mourns the death of their beloved, Barrister Olawale Dawood Ogbara. He passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2016, at his Lagos residence, after suffering an asthma attack. He was aged 58.

Ogbara was the younger brother of Folorunso Afusat Alakija, Nigeria’s richest woman. The deceased was a successful lawyer during his lifetime.

Dawood Ogbara was one of the first sons of the late Chief Lamidi Ogbara,

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HIGHLIFE

Rupture in Alausa...Lagos Commissioners Lose Sleep as Gov Ambode Blows Hot

•Days after he sacked three commissioners, Lagos governor contends with a desperate, frightened cabinet

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he centre cannot hold again at the Lagos State House. All hell has broken loose. Certainty recedes, commissioners’ hearts grow forlorn and grim and distrust sprouts across the power corridors. Untold apprehension courses through the Lagos State House as you read.

There is tension at the government secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Ever since Governor Akinwumi Ambode sacked three commissioners for undisclosed reasons, other members of his cabinet have been struck with terror and foreboding of what bad news may arrive at their doorsteps. All the commissioners in Ambode’s cabinet are very scared that the governor may use his sledgehammer against

them before the end of the year. Thus they have been running from pillar to post, meeting their godfathers and party chieftains, in frantic bid to save their jobs.

Interestingly, however, like starved greyhounds jostling for mouthfuls of fetish sacrifices placed at communal crossroads, commissioners in Lagos are currently engaged in a mad quest to retain their positions. So deep is their desperation that they have started seeking the intervention of their respective godfathers and also spiritual help from all manners of self-styled ‘prophets,’ in bid to keep their positions. But if each commissioner casts a spell on the governor in order to find favour in his eyes, would it not amount to too much pressure on the governor?

Akinwunmi Ambode

irredeemable transformation.

THE CURRENT CHAMPION! ON THE TRAIL OF YOMI OGUNSOLA

Olawale Dawood Ogbara

the legendary businessman and billionaire from Ikorodu town, Lagos.

For Alakija and her siblings, Ogbara’s sudden death amounts to a rude shock. The billionaire businesswoman shares a filial bond with her siblings, especially those from her mother’s side.

BLAME THE RECESSION! NESTOIL BOSS, ERNEST AZUDIALU, SHUNS PRIVATE JET, QUEUES FOR COMMERCIAL FLIGHT As the fairy tale romance brews and chars within the hearts of dreamy lovers so did the fabled good times bloom and fade from the lives of many a Nigerian billionaires. Ask Nestoil boss, Ernest Azudialu. Luxury and the frills of acclaim takes a dip in the life of the oil magnate even as you read. So stricken is he by the recession that he has begun to cut his coat according to available

Ernest Azudialu

material. Due to declining fortunes, Ernest no longer flies a private jet.

He flies commercial planes now.

His private jet has been taken away from him due to paucity of fund.

As if that was not enough, Julius Berger, his preferred construction firm, has moved out of his site which is beside Folorunsho Alakija’s house in Ikoyi. Ernest’s current plunge down the ladder of wealth and acclaim no doubt contrasts negatively with his rising profile of yesteryears. Years ago, he lived a life of enviable luxury; he traveled by private jets and flaunted a garage full of posh automobiles like the luxurious Lamborghini Aventador, the BMW High Security 760 a.k.a BMW Individual, and different brands of customized Rolls Royce. The recession has definitely dealt a hazardous blow on the Nestoil boss. Like several of his peers in Nigeria’s high society, his taste for luxury and the good life undergoes

As castle trolls scamper from the thud of the feet of the paramount monarch, so do Yomi Ogunsola’s detractors scurry into their covens, every time they hear his name or the thump of his feet. The fear of Yomi is no doubt the beginning of wisdom, to his diehard traducers. Call it reverse deference or inexplicable envy, but Yomi’s foes definitely possess enormous respect for him. That is why they silently wish that they attain his height even while they seek to tarnish his hard-earned reputation. Yomi, whose claim to fame was being married to Ronke, half-sister of one of the highest political office-holders in Nigeria, excites feelings of awe and jealousy from his detractors. A

former banker with the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), since he got married into the renowned family, his life story has changed for better.

And since an online magazine, published his story, a lot of people have come out to say all sorts of things about Yomi.

Whatever anyone is saying, Yomi doesn’t give a hoot - as long as he’s still making cool money.

Yomi no doubt flaunts a taste for the chic and prestigious informs; for instance, his fascination with choice properties on Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, a prestigious enclave of the superrich attest to his love for high luxury. In bid to make his mansion on the island worthy of his stature, he painstakingly remodeled it into an Eldorado of sort; replete with trappings essential to a life of glamour and allure. Banana Island is one of the most expensive real estate neighborhoods in the world sharing exclusivity with world renowned billionaires’ haven like Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan or La Jolla in San Diego, California, USA or even the 7th Arrondissement in Paris, France. But mischief makers claim that Yomi was able to afford such luxury because of the fortune he made from being the Yes Man to Gov. Fatah Ahmed of Kwara State.

MUDI AND HIS 1957 VINTAGE BENZ

Ogunsola

George Santayana probably got it wrong when he said that “Life is not a spectacle or a feast; it is a predicament.” Contrary to his claim, Clement Mudiaga Enajemo a.k.a. MUDI’s life is neither a predicament nor a tragedy. If you ask, MUDI adjudge his life to be a spectacle or a feast. Among other things, his career is notable in a

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HIGHLIFE

Dignity and Class as Bola Kuforiji-Olubi Celebrates 80

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here is nothing gorgeous about being draped in the finery that constricts the heart and soul. Otunba Bola Kuforiji-Olubi understands this priceless fact hence her predilection for modesty and unabashed humility. The ravishing socialite who is reputed for her quiet demeanour effortlessly exudes dignity and class; the woman who projects as the nucleus and undying essence of the social scene even before contemporary celebrities were born, recently turned 80 and like a woman of true character and quiet nobility, she elected to celebrate her anniversary as a low-key affair. A thanksgiving service was held at the All Saints Anglican Church, Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos.

Among those who graced the ocasion were former governors Peter Obi and Gbenga Daniels, fellow traditional chief Otunba Subomi Balogun, Senator Ben Obi and Bola Obasanjo, among others. Otunba Bola Kuforiji-Olubi is reputed as a trailblazer, especially among the womenfolk.

Bola Kuforiji-Olubi

cynosure of all eyes. Aside the Benz, MUDI also owns a 1960 Peugeot 504 saloon car.

ABUJA WITNESSES PRAISE EXPLOSION AT YUDALA ZERO GRAVITY ROCK GOSPEL CONCERT

Mudi

hundred ways and celebrated in every way. That gives him cause to be exultant. The brain behind one of Nigeria’s foremost fashion shops has a lot to be thankful for. Asides the fact that he runs one of the most successful fashion outfits in Africa, MUDI rise to the top is attributable to years of assiduous endeavor and

thirst for excellence. Never resting on his oars, he plowed ahead till his signature label became a household name in Africa. If there is one toy’ MUDI likes a lot, it’s a vintage 1957 Mercedes Benz that runs into millions of naira. The wonder on wheels which he now cruises around the city is now a

As the praise went up to the heavens in increasing velocity, so were prophecies of open doors, divine healings, restoration of destinies and unspeakable joy unlocked in the hearts of the thousands present in the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Sheraton Hotel – Abuja, venue of the Yudala Zero Gravity Rock Gospel Concert 2016.

Date was Saturday October 22nd and a strong cast of Gospel Ministers including Chioma Jesus, Samsong, Steve Crown, Chris Morgan and Solomon Lange, Temple among others had descended on Abuja for an explosion of praise, ministrations and soul-lifting renditions to God. The night of extreme worship and exultations got underway with a series of eye-catching performances by upcoming gospel artistes headlined by an enthralling choreographic display by the Dan Supreme Dance Group whose acrobatic feats got the audience screaming for more. This gave way to another eclectic performance from the fast rising UK-based Nigerian Urban Contemporary Gospel Artiste Nkay which set the tone for what was to come.

Next up was Chris Morgan whose

dexterity on the piano combined with an unforgettable rendition of some of his most popular songs super-charged the crowd, preparing the stage for Solomon Lange whose powerful, sonorous voice got the audience lifted even higher. His rendition of the hit track – Yabo delivered in his native Hausa language had everyone in the hall on their feet in exultation.

Much more was to come on the night from Steve Crown – another favourite of the crowd. Song after song, the award winning Gospel artiste led everyone on a journey into heavenly praise and by the time he burst into the massively popular track –You are Great – the entire hall was in rapturous mood, with everyone singing along.

The climax of the night came with the introduction of Samsong who combined with fellow Gospel superstar Chioma Jesus to perform Odogwu – their joint hit track. With Samsong thrilling with a succession of effusive praise songs which ended with the crowd dancing along to – Turn Me Around, the entry of Chioma Jesus brought a fitting close to proceedings in what will go down as one of the most star-studded Gospel Praise event witnessed in Abuja this year.

The Yudala Zero Gravity train with over 21 leading artistes moves to the city of Enugu on the weekend of November 5th and 6th, with a Contemporary Music Concert and Rock Gospel Concert respectively at the Michael Okpara Square.

Sunday October 30, 2016

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& RE A S O

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Price: N400

MISSILE

Mimiko to Nigerians

“We see this action as potentially dangerous. It can cause conflagration in the state and that is why as the chief security officer of the state, I have come to alert Mr. President of the potential danger of this injustice, so we can nip it in the bud.”

– - Ondo state Governor Rahman Mimiko explaining his visit to the State House following the substitution of Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim for Mr. Eyitayo Jegede as Ondo State gubernatorial candidate of PDP by INEC

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Four The Conspiracy to Destroy Nigeria And Other Things...

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ometime ago — I don’t know the exact date and time — the Nigerian political elite (some call it “elites”, but I’m more comfortable using the good old “elite”) held a two-day convention at an undisclosed location. After intense discussion, negotiation and feasting, they adopted a two-word vision statement: “Destroy Nigeria”. To actualise the vision, they also wrote a short mission statement: “To use our positions as elected or appointed political leaders to mismanage Nigeria, take excessive care of our personal needs, appropriate all possible resources to ourselves, cronies and associates, and ultimately under-develop Nigeria”.

The blueprint was developed. Committees were set up to implement the plan, in conjunction with the elite in public and private sectors. People were given specific tasks and assignments: you, go and destroy Kogi state; you, go and ruin the ministry of petroleum resources; you, go and make sure there is no electricity; you, go and derail the railway; you, go and make Customs a cesspool of decay; you, go and ensure that students are taught Chemistry without chemicals; you, let the roads be eternally unmotorable; you, go and work with the private sector elite to take out as much money as possible to buy property in Dubai, London, Monaco and New York.

The political elite also agreed to work as one, no matter party affiliation, ethnic origin, and religious beliefs. It was agreed that irrespective of the posting and position — federal, state, council, zone, ministry, agency, department, commission — the most important task is personal accumulation of wealth. Award contracts that are not meant to be executed. Start projects that are intended to be abandoned somewhere along the line. Inflate contracts, pay “mobilisation”, take the money and run. Finally, it was agreed that the political elite are one family, one fraternity: any insider who tries to spill the beans should be crushed. Injury to one family member is injury to all.

After the backslapping and glass-clinking, they brought the convention to a close and set out to work. From time to time, they do peer review.

One will say ‘I now fly chattered jets across the country’. The other will say ‘I’m buying a private jet next week’. This one will say ‘my daughter’s wedding is holding in Paris’. That one will say ‘my birthday is in Venice’. Have you paid workers’ salaries? No, I owe five months, but my people understand that federal allocation has fallen. I’m travelling to China for one month with a 100-man delegation to go and woo foreign investors. I’m building an airport — to finance my re-election or retirement.

The sophisticated members of the political elite class are more creative, with the help of their friends in the private sector. They take 20-year bonds for ‘infrastructure’ and put their people in bondage, while the real infrastructure is the stomach or campaign finance. They concession public assets — and the concessionaire is their front. So they sit down to work out the inflated cost of the project, rig the cost recovery period (10 years can become 40 years after a bottle of cognac), and if anything goes wrong, they waste state resources to “buy out” the concessionaire — meaning a project that cost N5 billion can be bought back by the government for N80

Buhari billion. Conspiracy.

Meanwhile, the political elite also implement a well-perfected plan to keep the people busy: they play up ethnic differences, stoke regional and religious emotions, and create platforms and groups to promote or counter agitations.

The people on the streets, largely unaware of the elite conspiracy, eagerly jump on the train, insulting and yelling at one another in the belief that one religion or one ethnic group or one geo-political zone is their enemy. The elite create narratives that becloud the fact that mismanagement is in every nook and cranny of Nigeria, the fact that incompetence is in every council and state. They just tell the naive people what they love to hear.

The hapless people are hungry and angry and will fall for anything. They are unaware that right on their streets, the elite conspiracy is being implemented through muddy roads, gaping potholes, clogged drains and marauding muggers. Politics is coloured as black and white to the gullible masses. They think that one party is good and another is bad, that one ethnic group is full of morons while their own is filled with geniuses. The plot of the political elite is to make sure the people never get to speak with one voice to confront them — and this is working just fine. If only the people knew of the conspiracy, they would stone these overfed politicians first, and ask questions later.

You are asking me: was there really a meeting where the political elite agreed to destroy Nigeria? Well, well, well... let us put it this way: it doesn’t matter if there was actually a ‘conspiracy convention’. The politicians do not have to meet physically to draw up a plan to underdevelop Nigeria. It is a mental meeting.

Anybody who gets political power knows he is expected to act in a certain way, and he understands quite well that the purpose of the power is not to make life better for the people but to enjoy comfort and accumulate as much wealth as possible. If some development happens along the line, all good. But that was never the intention.

When politicians get power, they understand

very well what it means. They don’t need any convention to understand the unwritten rules: somebody nominated or helped you into office, so paying the political IOU must be top priority; you don’t come out of government not owning new mansions or buying an Island, so amassing wealth is another priority; there is another election coming up, so you need to build up funds for that; when you award contracts, the fundamental motive is to stockpile personal wealth, not to improve anything — but if they end up improving healthcare, education, housing and anything at all, smile and claim credit.

I do not have any problem with the political elite — which I would define simply as “those who are privileged to wield any form of political power and influence by appointment, election or association”. Every country has its elite classes — political, economic, traditional, professional, etc. It is part of the societal structure from the foundation of the world. To be a member of the political elite is therefore not a stigma or a sin. If my fictional Nigerian political elite “convention” created the wrong impression, I do apologise. I repeat: there is nothing wrong with being a member of the political elite. It is a thing to be desired.

However, as with all human formations and classifications, they have different motives and different motivations. There are two basic classifications of the political elite: the Developmental Political Elite (DPE) and the Predatory Political Elite (PPE). There is a fundamental difference. DPEs are developmental in their orientation: they have a ‘vision of society’, a mental picture of how the society should be in terms of political, human and economic development. Development is their core vision.

They are no saints and are not beyond seeking personal comfort, but that is a “fringe benefit” rather than the primary objective. They have a passion for development.

PPEs, on the other hand, are innately predatory: they have only a ‘vision of self’. What excites them the most is personal benefit. Development sometimes creeps into the agenda but that is purely an aside. This is the category of political elite that have hijacked Nigeria at national and sub-national levels, perhaps since the Independence era. There have been episodes of hijack by the developmental elite and they made some impact. In the military governments of Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Lt. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo and Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, there was a noticeable presence of DPEs. In Obasanjo’s second coming, there were also quite a few of them.

I conclude. By and large, I believe that for Nigeria to progress, the developmental elite must be in control of political power, either as the president or as the president’s core group (“kitchen cabinet”). The Asian Tigers were developed by DPEs. The Chinese DPEs pulled 500 million citizens out of poverty in three decades. DPEs are driven by love for country.

They are competent and patriotic — willing and able to nullify the elite conspiracy. They can change the vision from “Destroy Nigeria” to “Develop Nigeria”. If Buhari is ever going to succeed, the right kind of elite must “hijack” his government. His kitchen cabinet must be filled with DPEs. Key.

INCONCLUSIVE INEC The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made its name as the “inconclusive national electoral commission” — and it added another feather to its cap on Thursday when it recognised Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim as the PDP governorship candidate for Ondo state. Why did I say so? In Edo state, INEC recognised Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu, the candidate of the Ahmed Makarfi ‘PDP faction’, as the governorship flag bearer.

In Ondo, it is recognising the candidate of the Modu Sheriff ‘PDP faction’. That means INEC is inconclusive on what PDP faction to recognise. Not completely out of character, you would say, but intriguing all the same.

Fishy.

MAGU MATTER Mr. Ibrahim Magu has been acting as chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) forever and ever. Why has the senate not confirmed him? How long are we going to wait to have a substantive chairman? There is no doubt that Magu has been working round the clock in the anti-graft war, and if there is any agency President Buhari can be very proud of today, EFCC is it. There are a few things many of us do not agree with concerning EFCC operations — particularly the media trials while someone is still being investigated — but that should not detract from the fact that Magu has been doing a commendable job leading the agency.

Puzzling.

CODE OF MISCONDUCT Who still remembers what the senate tried to do to the ICPC Act in 2002? Following a belief that President Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to use ICPC against Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, the lawmakers sought to render the agency impotent. The amendment died on arrival. Now, federal lawmakers are trying to bring the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) under the control of the national assembly by amending the laws — apparently because they believe the president is using the CCT against Senate President Bukola Saraki. Since the legislature wants executive powers, shouldn’t we just return to the parliamentary system? Absurd.

NO, THANKS That two ambassadorial nominees turned down Buhari is not what surprises me — it is the fact that they were not pre-informed about their nominations in the first place. It was during the military era that this culture of “appointment by NTA network news” started, and I remember two people with similar names once showing up for inauguration under the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida government. Although Mrs Pauline Tallen and Dr. Usman Bugaje gave “good” reasons for turning down the nominations, we did not even have to get to that. APC promised us change, but it seems it is more of the same.

Maybe it is a Nigerian problem — not that of political parties. Embarrassing.

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