Sunday 4th December 2016

Trump Appoints Nigerian, Ogunlesi, into Economic Team Demola Ojo with agency reports Nigerian business mogul, Adebayo Ogunlesi, has been named as one of those who will advise US President-elect Donald Trump on the American economy.

The 63 year-old chairman

of Global Infrastructure Partners, a private equity firm and a Fortune 500 company, is the only African in a 16-man economic advisory forum, which has Steve Schwarzman, CEO of private-equity giant, Blackstone, as chairman.

The members of the forum include CEOs from Disney, JPMorgan, General Motors,

and Boeing.

Blackstone said two days ago that Schwarzman would head a group of business leaders to "frequently" advise President-elect Donald Trump on economic matters.

"President-elect Donald J. Trump today announced that he is establishing the President's Strategic and Policy

Forum."

Blackstone added in the release, "The Forum, which is composed of some of America's most highly respected and successful business leaders, will be called upon to meet with the president frequently to share their specific experience and knowledge as the president implements his plan

to bring back jobs and Make America Great Again,".

Through Global Infrastructure Partners, Ogunlesi has a majority stake in London Gatwick airport. In 2009, Global Infrastructure Partners acquired the majority share in London Gatwick Airport Continued on page 8

Buhari, Kerry Congratulate Barrow, Commend President Jammeh ...Page 10 Sunday 4 December, 2016 Vol 21. No 7899

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For the 8th Time, Falcons Win African Women’s Cup Demola Ojo and Tobi Soniyi Nigeria's female football team, the Super Falcons, yesterday defeated hosts Cameroon 1-0 at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde to successfully defend their Africa Women Cup of Nations title.

The victory made it the eighth time the Falcons will win the competition in 10 editions. The Nigerian women have dominated the competition since its inception in 1991, only failing to be champions on two occasions.

Falcons forward Desire Oparanozie scored the winContinued on page 8

DEEPENING NIGERIA-MOROCCO TIES

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari and King of Morocco, His Majesty Mohammed VI, during the signing of 17 trade agreements at the Presidential Villa Abuja ...Friday STATE HOUSE

Presidency: Yes, Consolidated Accounts Overdrawn, But Sanusi Wrong on Figures CBN says seed of current economic crisis planted by past public office holders

Kunle Aderinokun in Lagos, Francis Ndubuisi, Tobi Soniyi and James Emejo in Abuja The presidency has faulted allegations made by former CBN Governor, and Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammad

Sanusi II, on the state of the economy, maintaining that the former apex bank boss did not get his facts right.

Sanusi had at a policy dialogue organised by the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development (SCDDD), criticized President

Muhammadu Buhari administration for relying on massive fiscal expansion and a faulty foreign exchange policy that discourages investment to get the country out of the

current recession.

The former CBN governor, who delivered a keynote address titled, “A Plan to Restore Confidence, Direction and Growth”, had frowned

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on a development whereby the CBN had become government’s lender of “first” resort rather than last, accusing the apex bank of a clear violation of CBN Act of 2007 (Section 38.2) which limits advances to the federal government at 5 per cent of the previous year’s

revenues.

Sanusi had put the CBN total loan, overdraft to government at N4.7trn adding that the current CBN overdraft to federal government was more than 10 times the prescribed Continued on page 8

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Farida Replies Ribadu, Says He Never Kept Assets Forfeiture Record Oladipo Awojobi A former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs Farida Waziri, has reacted to the allegation by her predecessor, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, that she was one of those that frustrated the war against corruption, describing it as a reckless and irresponsible statement and an attempt

by Ribadu to remain relevant.

She said Ribadu should rather explain to Nigerians what happened to billions of funds and assets recovered from suspects under him, with no records or documentation.

"He should be grateful to me that I cleaned his mess by creating an Assets Forfeiture Unit to put the records straight and do things rightly,” she said.

Ribadu had alleged that the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, and Mrs. Waziri attempted to destroy the anti-

graft agency by “inflicting serious damage” on the agency during his tenure.

Ribadu made the allegation in his presentation at the 2016 Annual Lecture organised by the Law Chambers of Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama, with the theme: “Corruption and the Nation’s economy: Lawyers as change agents.”

The former anti-graft agency boss maintained that lawyers were equally doing “serious damage” to the war against corruption.

Insisting that Aondoakaa frustrated the prosecution of so many high profile cases, Ribadu said that the former “later found a partner in Mrs. Farida Waziri who inflicted serious damage on the EFCC from which the commission is still struggling to recover.”

Mrs. Waziri took over from Ribadu as chairman of the EFCC. In a statement signed by Waziri's Personal Assistant, Ms Omolara Oluremi, she said: “My attention has been drawn to a reckless and irresponsible statement credited

to Nuhu Ribadu at a function on Wednesday in Abuja, where he, as has been his rhetoric since 2008, when I succeeded him as the EFCC Chairman, attempted to malign me by accusing me of being part of his imaginary enemies who frustrated the nation’s anti-graft war.

"My first inclination was to ignore Nuhu since I know he is always obsessed with dropping my name into his script anytime he needs public pity or political relevance but on a second thought I felt I should advise him to leave me out of his frustrations and face life.”

Insinuating that Ribadu has yet to adjust to live outside EFCC, Waziri said: "There should be a life after EFCC. If after eight years of being removed as EFCC Chairman, he is yet to move on with life, even after two successive Chairmen had occupied the same seat and moved on with their lives, then his problem may be psychogenic. He needs help elsewhere, certainly not from me.

“If Nuhu is yet to face the

reality that EFCC is a Federal Government Agency and not a personal estate of anybody eight years after, I find it compelling to remind him, otherwise one day he would wake up to blame me for his defeat in the 2011 presidential election and even his pathetic outing in the 2015 governorship election in Adamawa state despite the slush funds deployed to ensure his victory at the polls.

"I equally suspect that Nuhu may sooner than later blame me for his penchant to jump from one party to the party like a political prostitute; from ACN to PDP and now to APC. It is his lust for power, inordinate ambition and desperation for political relevance that continue to push him to dine and wine, and even enjoy the wealth of those he had labeled as corrupt in yesteryears.

"He can’t hold me responsible for his double face, lack of principle and complex contradictions in his character.”

Continuing, she said: “There is also the need to re-

mind Nuhu that before he succumbs to another logorrhea, he should avail himself a copy of the investigative report on recovered assets during his tenure as EFCC Chairman and use the opportunity of the next naming ceremony or birthday party he is invited to, to explain to Nigerians what happened to billions of funds and assets recovered from suspects under him, with no records or documentation.

"He should be grateful to me that I cleaned his mess by creating an Assets Forfeiture Unit to put the records straight and do things rightly.”

She further stated that, “No matter how hard Nuhu tries to obliterate my tenure with his numerous lies, the record of over 450 convictions secured during my three and a half year sojourn in EFCC remains indelible.”

Listing her achievements as EFCC boss, Waziri said: "Though I inherited about 10 high profile cases from him in 2008, we took over 75 of such

high profile cases to courts, with another 1,500 low profile cases pending in courts as at my exit in November 2011.

"We initiated and commenced work on the permanent office complex of the EFCC sitting on a 5.5 hectares of land along Airport Road, Abuja, in addition to setting up offices in Maiduguri, Borno State and Ibadan, Oyo State to expand the Commission’s scope of operations.

I can go on and on, on my achievements. I have decided to mention just a few for now to discourage Nuhu from claiming the credit for them when next he wants to make himself happy or seek political relevance.”

Waziri advised Ribadu to stop being a weeping man as “garrulity does not heal frustration or depression.”

“He may consider vying for a local government chairmanship or councillorship position to get busy so that he can stop spewing falsehood, fables and lies to seek public sympathy and political relevance,” she added.

Since joining Credit Suisse, he has advised clients on transactions and financings and has worked on transactions in North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Apart from Ogunlesi and Schwarzman, other members of the forum include; Paul Atkins, CEO of Patomak Global Partners, former commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission; Mary Barra, chairwoman and CEO, General Motors; Toby Cosgrove, CEO, Cleveland Clinic; Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Others are Larry Fink,

chairman and CEO, BlackRock; Bob Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company; Rich Lesser, president and CEO, Boston Consulting Group; Doug McMillon, president and CEO, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and; Jim McNerney, former chairman, president, and CEO of Boeing.

The forum also includes Ginni Rometty, chairwoman, president, and CEO of IBM; Kevin Warsh, Shepard Family Distinguished Visiting Fellow in economics at the Hoover Institute, former member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; Mark Weinberger, global chairman and

CEO, EY; Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO, General Electric and; Daniel Yergin, Pulitzer Prize winner, vice chairman of IHS Markit.

"This forum brings together CEOs and business leaders who know what it takes to create jobs and drive economic growth," Trump said in the release. "My administration is committed to drawing on private sector expertise and cutting the government red tape that is holding back our businesses from hiring, innovating, and expanding right here in America."

The group's first meeting will be in the first week of February.

pandering to the established interest in Nigeria's speculative economy and the protection of the wages of the real stakeholders who work hard on fixed incomes; for they are the core victims of Naira depreciation.”

The banking watchdog noted that at this critical time when the country is deep in recession, “the CBN will continue to explore avenues with the Federal Government in order to find solutions to the current economic situation.”

It added that, “Already Nigerians are waking up to the call to be more productive and to look inwards and to be less dependent on the importation of foreign goods and services.”

In his critique of the economy, Sanusi had said the CBN was no longer independent and that the relationship between the apex bank and the federal government was no longer healthy. He had also criticised the implementation of the June 2016 FX reforms by the CBN, arguing that the creation of four new market rates would defeat the objective to unite the market in single, transparent rate.

But reacting to the criticism, CBN said it had “set up an inter-bank foreign exchange market where anyone who wishes to buy foreign exchange can bid for and buy through their banks. Or is it not true that CBN allocates dollars?

Arguing that, “there is nowhere in the world that the

Central bank sits by and allows vicious speculators to solely distort the value of its currency endlessly,” the apex bank noted that, “All central banks intervene to buy or sell in the market to ensure that the local currency is protected from dubious attacks.”

The CBN urged its former governor to explore the channels of advice and contribution of ideas, which are open, rather than playing to the gallery by casting aspersion on its efforts to salvage the economy and the people in leadership at this critical time.

“The channels for advice and contribution of ideas on the current economic situation by all patriotic Nigerians are open. It is rather unfortunate that some people have chosen to play to the gallery and to make statements to disparage those in leadership at this time in total insensitivity to the larger interests of the Nigerian economy.”

On the submission by Sanusi that the federal government may not get creditors to grant its request to borrow the proposed $30 billion, even if the National Assembly approves it, the Debt Management Office (DMO) kept mute.

THISDAY’s efforts to get reaction from DMO on the development was futile as its Director General, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, did not respond to enquiries. He neither picked his phone calls nor replied text messages sent to him on the issue as at press time.

TRUMP APPOINTS NIGERIAN, OGUNLESI, INTO ECONOMIC TEAM in a deal worth £1.455 billion.

Global Infrastructure Partners is a joint venture whose initial investors include Credit Suisse and General Electric.

Ogunlesi is also an independent director of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. He serves on the boards of Callaway Golf Co. and Kosmos Energy Ltd. He is the chairman of Africa Finance Corp. and serves on the boards of various nonprofits ranging from New York Presbyterian Hospital to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. Ogunlesi is from Sagamu, Ogun State. His father, Theophilus Ogunlesi, was Ni-

geria’s first professor of medicine.

He attended Kings College, Lagos, before proceeding to Oxford University, where he graduated with First Class honours in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1979 and later got an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Ogunlesi had a banking career with Credit Suisse First Boston from 1983 and rose to become its executive vice chairman. Before joining Credit Suisse, Ogunlesi was an attorney in the corporate practice group of the New York law firm of Cravath,

Swaine & Moore.

From 1980-81 he served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall of the United States Supreme Court.

He was a lecturer at Harvard Law School and the Yale School of Organisation and Management, where he taught a course on transnational investment projects in emerging countries.

Ogunlesi has served as an adviser, though informally, to Nigerian governments. He was an informal adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on privatisation.

Despite having lived in the US for decades, he still maintains ties with his homeland.

PRESIDENCY: YES, CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS OVERDRAWN, BUT SANUSI WRONG ON FIGURES limit and even rising further.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, yesterday agreed that the government had overdrawn its account but disputed the figures put forward by Sanusi.

The statement issued by the presidency reads: "With every respect to the Emir, you know he is my ruler, because I come from Kano.

"He doesn't have his facts as far as those issues are concerned. The issue in CBN, that government has overdrawn its Central Consolidated Account is true, but the overdrawing is within limits.

"The overdraw does not exceed 1.5 trillion. It is incorrect to say, as he did that the account was overdrawn by 4.5 trillion.

"But even assuming that he was correct. This is a government that has money in excess of the amount he mentioned in the Treasury Single Account, TSA. It is just like you, a bank customer operating two accounts, one in the red and the other, well funded to the point that it can at any time wipe the indebtedness on the other. Would any bank manager lose his sleep over this?

"This, I am told is what the IMF found at the CBN and

they said it is perfectly normal.

"As for his opposition to the USD 30 billion loan, I am aware that the Minister of Finance is responding to that.

"As a private citizen, I want to read his statement again. I thought that the borrowing is for projects that include the railway and electricity development in the country."

Also reacting to Sanusi’s critique of the economy, CBN said the current economic managers were not the architects of the current economic crisis.

Rather, CBN argued that the current economic crisis was caused by the failure of

past public officers, who had the power and opportunity to set the economy on the path of greatness but failed to do so.

CBN Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okoroafor, said, “We should not forget that the seed of our current economic crisis was planted by the failure of those who occupied public office in the past but failed to act in the long term interest of the Nigerian economy. It is easy to criticize from outside. It is always easier and the grass greener when people are out of office.

“The challenge we face today is a choice between

FOR THE 8TH TIME, FALCONS WIN AFRICAN WOMEN’S CUP ner with barely five minutes, breaking Cameroonian hearts hoping to revenge their 2-0 loss to Nigeria in the final two years ago in Namibia.

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Falcons on their victory, describing the hard-earned victory over the Indomitable Lionesses as “very sweet and well-deserved.”

He commended the Nigerian women for their “indomitable spirit, resilience and team work” which spurred them to victory in spite of a vociferous home crowd.

The President enjoined other Nigerian sports men and women to emulate the exemplary attitude of the Falcons who placed the interest of the nation above personal inter-

ests, while assuring that the Federal Government would not relent in doing its best to promote sports within available resources.

He went further to salute the technical competence of the coaching crew, which enabled the Nigerian players to overcome their hard-fighting opponents throughout the competition.

The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Honour Sirawoo also hailed the Falcons and described the victory as a befitting early Christmas gift to Nigerians, who are beginning to see glory days of Nigerian football in view of the Super Eagles’ recent performance in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

He commended the technical crew led by former Super Falcons captain, Florence Omagbemi, who has made history by becoming the first African female footballer to win the trophy as a player and coach.

According to him, “the Super Falcons have once again brought smiles to the faces of Nigerians with the latest triumph despite several challenges. We expect the Nigeria Football Federation to immediately commence the process of preparing the team adequately for the Women World Cup.” SWAN under his leadership will continue to advocate for better preparations for all national teams across all sports, he said.

Yesterday’s victory came despite waves of pressure from Cameroon who were looking to win their first African title. The opening exchanges were all about the Cameroonians who attacked relentlessly.

Gabrielle Onguene carved out the first chance of the game when she skipped past three Nigerian players before shooting wide from inside the box.

Nigeria's best chance in the opening minutes fell to Vittsjo GIK midfielder Ngozi Okobi, who could only fire over on the turn.

Onguene's pace continued to trouble the Nigerian backline but the Lionness could not make their early attacking play count.

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

SUNDAY COMMENT

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

A NEW DAY IN THE GAMBIA The election of Adama Barrow marks the first democratic defeat of the country’s president

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or several years, most citizens of The Gambia had resigned themselves to the idea that it was impossible to remove their erratic leader, Yahya Jammeh by constitutional means. He had won four controversial elections by setting the people against themselves, manipulating the electoral process and deploying military and security authorities to harass, detain and kill those opposed to his dictatorship.

However, in a surprising turn of events, a relatively unknown opposition candidate, Adama Barrow, last Friday pulled off a shocking presidential election victory, putting an end to Jammeh’s draconian 22year rule. Barrow, a businessman who had worked as a security guard in the United Kingdom, won the election with 46 per cent of the votes.Jammeh has conceded defeat.

Before the election, Jammeh had banned international observers from The new political coming to his country, outlawed post-election wave sweeping demonstrations before across Africa, capping it by switchwhich started ing off the internet. with Nigeria and Therefore, losing was now The Gambia, considered to be no gives fresh option for Jammeh and in the event such happened, hope of African nobody expected that he renaissance. would concede. But he By enthroning confounded everyone. democracy, Rising above himself at anchored on free a most critical period for and fair elections, his country, Jammeh said he would “never cheat the continent’s or dispute the election many problems because this is the most will perhaps be transparent, rig-proof better addressed elections in the whole world,” apparently in reference to the country’s system of voting with marbles dropped into coloured drums.

In many ways, Jammeh personified much of the contradictions in Africa’s emergent democracy. He came to power as a junior military officer who toppled the civilian government of Sir Dawda Jawara.

When military autocracy fell into global disfavour, he quickly metamorphosed into a civilian politician.

Letters to the Editor

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He organised and predictably won a succession of elections. While his reign lasted, he personalised and privatised security and other national institutions to serve his political ends. In the process, he progressively built a typically African ‘big man’ personality cult that hovered menacingly over his tiny country.

O 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

n the eve of his defeat at the polls, he had so elevated religious and ethnic bigotry to a level where he renamed his tiny nation into Islamic Republic of The Gambia. His defeat at the polls is therefore first and foremost the rejection of these regressive trends by the popular will of the Gambian people.

While we congratulate the people of The Gambia for the successful election and hope for a hitch-free transition of power from Jammeh to Barrow, the message that has for decades been sent out in many African countries is that leaders could engage in impunity without consequences. But things are changing and with the example last year of President Goodluck Jonathan in Nigeria followed now

by Jammeh in The Gambia, democracy is beginning to make meaning on our continent.

The lesson from the defeat of Jammeh which has now given The Gambia a new lease of life is that democracy is not just about winning elections or staying in power, it is about service to the people and there are rules of engagement. And those who seek to get and retain power must do so within acceptable limits.

After the damage byJammeh, rebuilding the critical institutions that will help restore rule of law and good governance in The Gambia will by no means be easy. But that is the task Barrow owes the people of his country.

It is indeed instructive that some years ago, there were prophesies about Africa’s reawakening.

Such phrase like ‘Africa Rising’ became the staple of world journalism. Recent economic downturn in many African countries has raised a question mark on such renaissance on the continent. But the new political wave sweeping across Africa, which started with Nigeria and now The Gambia, gives fresh hope of African renaissance. By enthroning democracy, anchored on free and fair elections, the continent’s many problems will perhaps be better addressed.

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.

CRUDE IMPORTATION FROM NIGER REPUBLIC?

here is no doubt the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is on an uphill mission against militants who are taking down oil installations in the oil rich South-south.

Production and sales volume of crude have nosedived to its abysmal low; and with a resounding negative implication for the economy.

With the global oil price crash, glut, escalating dollar strength against the naira and yawning reality of a plundered economy, PMB and his lieutenants in the business of managing a challenged economy should attract pity. Sadly, some decisions taken by these lieutenants are puerile and without direction.

Going to Niger Republic to construct 1000km pipeline to Kaduna might just appear a bit too

extreme a measure regardless of the considerations. Whoever marketed that idea may have done it only to secure interests based mainly on self rather than national growth and developmental imperatives.

If the rationale behind the planned construction of 1000km pipeline from Agadem in Niger Republic to Kaduna refinery is premised on the constant pipeline blow ups in the Niger Delta, one would want to forgive the shallow thought around the despicable idea.

Our government should be seen scheming possible ways to marshal out plans to overcome uprisings within or about its territorial boundaries. It is however interesting to note that the Niger Delta blow ups are not even the remote reason for the idea.

According to Ndu Nghamadu, Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division,

“Due to challenges with the aged refinery and crude oil pipelines that had been breached severally, the operations of the refinery had been epileptic. This, we are determined to resolve through various intervention methods including evaluation of alternative crude oil supply from Niger Republic through building of a pipeline of over 1, 000 kilometres from Agadem to Kaduna.”

The wisdom behind connecting crude from Niger Republic makes no sense to me. Let’s assume government is going to trade refined petroleum products for their crude and no cash exchange involved, how long will that kind of agreement last? Has anyone thought of the amount of money the project will gulp in this hard time or what that kind of money will do in strengthening the oil sector?

If vandalism and age-induced rot

has affected the pipelines carrying crude from Escravos - Warri to Kaduna, wouldn’t it be cheaper to fix the pipelines, get security operatives, acquire surveillance drones to secure a hitch-free flow of crude in terms of retaining national asset, product ownership than the planned perpetual importation? I am very sure other pipeline routes across the country are in need of repairs. Is FG going to construct new lines from contiguous countries producing crude?

About the continuous bombing of oil installations in the Niger Delta, I have opined on several occasions that it is the handiwork of past corrupt Nigerians either to distract the present administration or force them to abandon the on going fight against corruption. My take however is that it is time for government to scale up none-violent actions to end the

impasse. Sadly, it’s not the bursting of pipelines in parts of the country that has informed the Agadem/Kaduna planned pipeline project.

Other factors that may have informed the bombings of oil installations beside corrupt Nigerians is the growing agitations for the sovereign state of Biafra. The most unfortunate reason is the seeming general view of Niger Deltans who believe the North is feeding fat on the oil producing states. It would have made more sense if government put more effort at exploiting acclaimed oil finds in the Niger/Benue basins.

We must wake up to the realisation that even the good intentions of PMB alone cannot take Nigeria anywhere except with the cooperation of the people to galvanise the economy.

––Israel Ebije, ebijeo5@gmail. com.

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

SUNDAYNEWS

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

El-Zakzaky Release: Fayose Hails Court Judgement Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

NIGERIANS ON THEIR MIND L-R: Former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joe Keshi, Senior Special Assistant to the President to the President on

Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa , Chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Monsura Sumonu , Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaye and Chairman Senate Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Senator Rose Okon during the Multi-National Validation Seminar on the Proposed National Policy on Diaspora Matters in Abuja...last Thursday

Buhari, Kerry Congratulates Barrow, Commend President Jammeh Demola Ojo and Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and US Secretary of State John Kerry have both congratulated the Presidentelect of The Gambia, Mr. Adama Barrow, on his victory in the country’s December 1 presidential election.

Barrow defeated Gambia’s president of more than 22 years, Yahya Jammeh, in the election last Thursday, and Jammeh vowed to relinquish his position peacefully, calling the election results “a clear victory” for Barrow.

Buhari, in a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina also saluted the spirit of statesmanship displayed by out-going President Jammeh, by conceding defeat.

According to Buhari, such uncommon gesture was crucial in calming fears of unrest in the West African nation. While expressing delight at the gallantry shown by Jammeh, the presi-

dent enjoined president-elect Barrow to be magnanimous in victory.

“I will help him work towards the transition,” Jammeh said on state TV on Friday evening, after speaking to the president-elect by telephone.

Buhari also commended Gambians for peacefully exercising their democratic right to freely choose their leader and called on all stakeholders to maintain the peace.

The Nigerian said he looks forward to a smooth transition of power and working with the incoming President of The Gambia to deepen existing cordial relations between both West African countries.

Yesterday also, US Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Gambia and Barrow, on the country’s first democratic presidential election, calling it “a new era in The Gambia.”

Kerry also commended Jammeh for his willingness to respect the results and said he was grateful to the electoral commission for its transparent

handling of the election.

“We call for unity and calm during this transition period, and urge the Gambian government to respect the rights of citizens to freely assemble and express their views on the election results,” Kerry said in a statement.

Kerry said he looked forward to working with the new president to “promote democracy and governance” in Gambia, which has had longstanding ties with the US. Gambia’s electoral commission announced on Friday that Barrow had won 263,000 votes, or 45 percent of the total, while Jammeh took 212,000 votes, about 36 percent. A third candidate, Mama Kandeh, won 17 percent.

Barrow, 51, represented a coalition of seven opposition parties that challenged Jammeh in Thursday’s election.

Jammeh, also 51, has ruled the tiny West African nation since taking power in a military coup in 1994. He won four subsequent elections that critics said

were neither free nor fair and supported a 2002 constitutional amendment that removed presidential term limits. He once said he could rule Gambia for “a billion years.”

Gambia is a former British colony that occupies a narrow sliver of land surrounded by French-speaking Senegal.

About 880,000 Gambians were eligible to vote in Thursday’s poll, which took place under a complete communications blackout, including social media platforms.

The president, who had predicted he would win, had said that no protests would be allowed after the election.

Meanwhile Barrow has said his shock win of the election heralds new hope for the country.

Hundreds of Gambians took to the streets to celebrate one of the biggest election upsets West Africa has ever seen.

The BBC’s Umaru Fofana, who spoke to Mr Barrow, said the president-elect seemed bewildered by the result.

Osinbajo: Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Must Factor in Economic Recession Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for a broad review of Nigeria’s foreign policy and strategy in lieu of the dynamic and changing global environment.

He added that economically, Nigeria’s foreign policy must take account of the ongoing recession and accompanying fiscal constraints.

The vice president, who was represented by Senior Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Amb. Adeyemi Dipeolu made the call in Abuja at Stakeholders Conference on “Nigeria’s Foreign Policy and strategy: Responses to the Dynamics of tue Domestic and Global Environments in the 21st Century;” organised by National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

According to him, “we live in a dynamic and changing global

environment. It is proper that we undertake a broad review of our foreign policy and strategy.” He added that some possible areas he expected to be factored into deliberation at the workshop and the eventual policy that would emanate include overall security, corruption and the economy, which he noted are matters of great priority to the Buhari’s administration with a view to determining Nigeria’s role in the global landscape and the challenges of managing the global community. ”In terms of security, we must be concern about our conventional ability to protect and defend our sovereignty and our territorial integrity including the ability to afford and procure arms important to us will be how to reduce the effect of terrorism a global scourge which surfaced here in the form of Boko Haram.

“Whiletheremayberoomfor

debate about this phenomenon that arose purely out of domestic circumstances and as part of the global terror network, what is not in doubt is that event in places like Somalia, Mali and Libya impacted on the situation here.

It is for such reason that development in our neighbourhood and indeed the rest of Africa must continue to be at the forefront of our foreign policy concern.

“Our tradition leading role in peace keeping secured Nigeria’s reputation as a honest broker in seeking to resolve disputes in global troubled spots. It also boosts our potential as actor in global peace and security while enabling our military and police personnel to gain valuable experience. This is an important contribution that Nigeria must continue to make as it seeks to be of service on a permanent basis in the maintenance of international peace and security in the United

Nations Security Council,” he added.

Osinbajo stressed that, “securing the return of illicit financial flow is a matter of great importance that should be reflected in our foreign policy priority.

“In economic terms, our foreign policy must take account of the ongoing recession and accompanying fiscal constraints.

It must also factor in the recent populace reaction in several developed countries due to the effect of globalization. While it is too early to predict a rollback of the open trade and financial systems that we are now all used to, it will be important to explore in details,” he said.

The fight against corruption, he said is on the global agenda as demonstrated by the coming into force of the UN convention against corruption, as well as the African Convention on Combating and prevention of corruption.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has hailed the Federal High Court, Abuja judgement, ordering the release of the leader of the Shi’ite Muslim sect, Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife.

The governor, who had called for the release of El-Zakzaky two weeks ago, however said he won’t be surprised if the federal government does not obey the judgment, adding that; “The judgement will be for posterity even if in their usual style of impunity, those holding power in Abuja ignore the judgment.”

He called on men of the judiciary to save democracy in Nigeria as well as Nigerians from tyranny by being courageous and firm even in the face of intimidation, harassment, blackmail and character assassination by those whose desire is to muscle opposition and turn Nigeria to as one party state.

A statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, Fayose reiterated his earlier call on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Amnesty International and other world

bodies to investigate extra judicial killings in the country in the last 15 months, especially the murder of over 300 Shi’ite Muslims in Zaria and killing of over 150 Biafra activists.

He said under international human rights law governing the use of firearms during policing operations, the intentional use of lethal force is only permitted when strictly unavoidable, to protect life.

Fayose noted that the detention since last year December, of El-Sakzaky, after the murder of over 300 of his followers was inhuman and wicked, saying; “the DSS claim that El-Sakzaky was being detained to protect him is not only laughable but barbaric. How can you keep someone in detention for 12 months and claim that you are protecting him? Against what?”

The governor, who described the APC led federal government as law breaker, noted that “the kind of impunity against the law of Nigeria being witnessed now has never happened before. Even the military still obeyed court judgements but here we are with a democratically elected government that holds our constitution with contempt.”

In Brief Regina Pacis

His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop of Abuja and Bisop Mathew Hassan Kuka, Bishop of Sokoto Diocese will lead a host of dignitaries from the clergy, business, politics and other strata of the society to the 25th anniversary celebrations of Regina Pacis College, Garki, Abuja from Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 11, 2016. Regina Pacis College is one of the most prestigious All-Girls’ Secondary Schools in Nigeria and a pioneer in All-Girls’ education in the Federal Capital Territory. According to the Principal, Rev. Sister Ugonna Igbo, the 3-day celebrations will commence on December 9 with a visit by the students, staff and parents of the College to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Apo, Abuja to distribute relief materials. The second day, Saturday, December 10, will be dedicated to the Alumni with a novelty football match between the students and Regina Pacis Old Girls. In the other match, the female staff will lock horns with the female parents. “Some of the old girls who are in the diaspora will also grace the historic event. A carnival like parade, comprising the students and staff will also be featured. The grand finale will take place on Sunday, December 11, with a Holy Mass to be celebrated by His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan at Chapel of St. Mathew in the School premises at 10am. Other Clergy expected are the Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev Dr. Anselm Umoren, MSP, Bishops from across the country, visiting Priests, the College Chaplain, and priests of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.

School Fees

Ebonyi state governor, Engr. David Umahi yesterday reduced the school fees of all students of the state university by N10, 000 which represents about 25 percent of the tuition fess of all categories of students and promised two luxurious buses to the students. Umahi who made the pronouncement during his first visit to the permanent site of the state university in Ezzamgbo also announced the payment of 13th month salaries of all workers in the spirit of the yuletidetate.

The reduction was the first after the former governor; Chief Martin Elechi increased the fees in 2008, which had generated ripples and violent protest among the students in the state. He noted the fees would take effect from 2017 but would be reversed any time there is act of cultism and violent protest in the university.

Digital Agric Farmcrowdy.com, Nigeria’s first digital agriculture platform is offering a new way for Nigerians to participate in Agriculture using their online technology. By partnering with Farmcrowdy to own a minimum farm space, it is now possible for Nigerians across the world to commit an agreed sum to starting and completing a farming cycle. In doing so, the farm partner is able to sponsor a farmer in one farming cycle thereby empowering the farmer, expanding their farm operations, participating in the drive to end food scarcity and making use of 50 million hectares of arable farm land in Nigeria that is currently under-utilized according to the World Bank. The Farmcrowdy.com platform allows Farms Partners to sponsor any farm of their choice including Maize Farms, Poultry (Broiler) Farms, Cassava Farms and Tomato Farms. The Farm Partners then gets bi-weekly updates about their farm progress including pictures and videos from the farmers.

T H I S D AY SUNDAY DECEMBER 4, 2016

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

SUNDAYNEWS

HONOUR WELL-DESERVED A NEW APP L-R: Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr Maikanti Kacalla Baru; Pioneer Indigenous Oil Service Company The Incubators Africa Team with Mr Simeon Ononobi (m), founder of MyAds Global, during the inau-

guration MyAds, a new mobile app, at Shoprite, Victoria Island, Lagos... recently

award recipient, Dr. Vincent Ebuh; his wife, Eunice, and PETAN chairman, Mr. Bank Anthony Okoroafor, at the PETAN achievement award ceremony in Lagos...yesterday

FG Moves to Recapitalise FMBN • As bank records N472m profit in six years

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

The federal government would recapitalise the financial base of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to be able to drive its planned national housing programme, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has disclosed.

Speaking in Abuja, Fashola also said the FMBN has recorded a trading surplus of N472 million for the first time in the last six years after reportedly posting deficits in its annual operational balance sheets.

According to a statement from the senior special adviser to Fashola on communication, Mr. Hakeem Bello on Saturday, the FMBN would act as the government’s anchor in its implementation of the national housing programme.

The bank, it said would drive the housing programme through a mortgage system that is still being worked out.

Fashola, according to the statement, also said that when the scheme takes off,

the government would issue mortgages which would be tied to the incomes of prospective beneficiaries in the country, majorly income earners.

Although, he did not disclose the details of the planned recapitalisation of FMBN, he however said the government was already putting in place measures in this regards since the bank was on a recovery trend.

He stated that as soon as the Bank completely returns to clean financial books and could expand the housing fund under its management, the recapitalisation will kick in.

“The new management of the Federal Mortgage Bank, still in an acting capacity, has reversed the loss balance sheet of the company and for the first time in about six years, they are returning surplus from deficit in billions; they have a surplus of about N472 million as at Q3 from N3-4-5 billion negative position,” said Fashola in the statement.

He further stated: “So, once the bank goes back to clean

books and expanding the housing fund which it is managing, government can say, as a matter of national policy, ‘look, capitalise, we will inject fund just as we have done with Bank of Industry and we are planning to do with Bank of Agriculture, we can do the same thing.”

On the planned adoption of a mortgage system in the housing programme, he said it would bring relief to ordinary Nigerian workers as it would move the society away from the system whereby landlords demand rent in advance from tenants who receive their salaries in arrears.

“In our own scheme when it starts, we hope we will be in a position to issue mortgages and if you have a mortgage, clearly it can only be tied to your income which is in arrears,” Fashola added.

He however explained that the success of the system would depend largely on how much love Nigerians would want to show to themselves in this regards.

According to him: “So, if I

Abimbola Akosile

build a house and I know you are going to be paid at the end of December and I tell you to go and bring a rent up to 2017 that you haven’t worked for, do I really love you? So, let us show the kind of nation that we want.”

He further said: “What does a landlord lose if he tells the employer of his prospective tenant to guarantee deduction of the money from the man’s salary at the end of the month? If we can reach that kind of arrangements it will give a lot of people relief because that is the kind of thing that causes inflation, hiked prices.”

On the readiness of the local housing materials manufacturing and building partners to meet the nation’s housing demands, Fashola said government was now at the stage where letters of awards are issued to the partners.

He said once their designs are ready and validated, they would embark on mass production using polystyrene and other locally manufactured components.

Literary Icon, Elechi Amadi, Laid to Rest

FCMB Records N14.2bn Profit, 315% Retail Growth in Q3

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

Seni Durojaiye

Thousands of people, including renowned authors, thronged Mgbodo Village in Aluu Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State yesterday to pay their last respect as the remains of Literary Icon, Capt. Elechi Amadi (Rtd.), was laid to rest in his country home.

The leadership of the Association of Nigerian Authors was represented by its President, Denja Abdullahi, Former Presidents, Dr Wale Okediran and Odia Ofeimun, and also renowned Poet, John Pepper Clark also attended the burial.

The burial was a culmination of a week-long activities organised by the Rivers State to bid the late writer a state burial.

In his funeral oration, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, renamed the Port Harcourt Polytechnic after the late literary icon, noting that the institution

would now be called Capt. Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.

The governor said it was necessary for the state to immortalise the Ikwerre son who had projected the Ikwerre nation and the state to international repute.

He noted that the Rivers State University of Science and Technology would have been named after the literary icon but was avoided because of politics of the state.

Wike urged the family members of the late Amadi, who is also a retired Military Captain to keep the legacies of their father, stressing that the principle of selflessness which their father preached should be held high.

Wike said, “Today we are not giving him an Aluu burial, Ikwerre burial because he is from the ethnic nationality, but a national burial because he is a Nigerian and his contributions to the nation, in the army and in the literary world are significant.”

FCMB Group Plc has reported a profit before tax (PBT) of N14.2billion for the nine-months, ended 30 September 2016. This represents an impressive increase by 453% from N2.563 billion recorded in the comparative period of 2015. The banking group has attributed the current development partially to its soundness of ratios, steady buffers against the subsisting adverse operating environment, in addition to the Bank’s sustained revenue momentum combined with its cost optimisation programme.

According to the details of its Unaudited Results announced on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), FCMB Group Plc’s Gross revenue was N140.7 billion for the nine-months, a 29% increase from N109.3 billion for the same period prior year.

The Group also recorded Noninterest income of N44.8 billion

Chevron, NNPC Sponsor Roll Back Malaria Initiative

which is an increase of 128% Yearon-Year (YoY), from N19.6 billion for the same period prior year. This increase has been predicated on a 612% YoY increase in FX income, from N5.0 billion for the ninemonths ended September 2015, to N35.3 billion for the nine-months ended September 2016.

Recall that First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, the flagship of FCMB Group Plc, one of the leading financial services institutions in Nigeria with subsidiaries that are market leaders in their respective segments had successfully transformed to a retail and commercial bankingled group. An x-ray of the 2016 third quarter performance shows the firm has continued to make significant inroads with profound gains in the growth of the business in areas such as retail banking (with a 315% YoY growth in profitability) with increasing of its share of banking activities in the agricultural sector.

The Chevron Nigeria Limited, Nigerian National Petroleum Company NNPC in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health and Development Africa has executed a Roll Back Malaria programme across communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

During the exercise, hundreds of households drawn from several wards and communities in the local government area, including riverine communities, benefitted from the programme.

The key objective of the Chevron Roll Back Malaria initiative is the reduction of the malaria burden across communities. Highlights of the week long programme includes the widespread distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide treated bed nets (LLINs), extensive awareness campaigns, training lectures for healthcare providers, community members, and secondary school students, as well as a broad malaria screening and treatment for community members.

In his keynote address, Community Engagement Coordinator, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Emmanuel Emeribe, who represented the company’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Deji Haastrup,

explained that sponsoring the programme in partnership with Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation was a demonstration of the company’s commitment to healthcare delivery in Nigeria, According to him, “Today, in continuation of our support for healthcare delivery, we are here at the NNPC/Chevron Joint venture’s Roll BACK Malaria programme with Development Africa in Delta State. “Nigeria has high rate of malaria prevalence. In addition to the enormous toll that malaria takes on public health, it is also expensive to cure. Malaria is preventable, it can be treated, and it can be eradicated.

“The programme also involved training of selected healthcare workers, distribution of long lasting treated nets, and facilitating the supply of antimalaria drugs to people across our communities who are currently suffering from the disease,” he concluded.

Warri North Local Government Council, Koko Town, Roll Back Malaria Programme Officer for Delta State, Dr Francis Onujeta applauded NNPC and Chevron for their participation in the fight against malaria and commended the implementing partner, Development Africa, for working in line with the National Plan towards malaria eradication

CPC Moves against Fake Insurance Policies Anayo Okolie The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in collaboration with key stakeholders in the insurance sector have concluded plans to proffer solutions to various challenges confronting insurance consumers in Nigeria.

These challenges include the sale of fake insurance policies, delay in payments of insurance claims, reputation of claims amongst others.

CPC has over time expressed concern over poor patronage of insurance policy in the country, even as 100 years of its operations.

According to a statement by the Project Coordinator, Johnson Adedapo, the colloquium promises a close interaction with various insurance products and allied solutions as well as a highly

informative capacity building to raise insurance practice in Nigeria.

“The Colloquium will set a new agenda for the insurance industry as well as set a platform for empowerment of citizens. This is very relevant and timely to, especially as it will enable the society at large to understand workings of insurance and trigger fresh waves empowering the citizens and raise public awareness about the industry,” he stated.

He added that the project would ensure a synergy and common inspiration for actions to deal with identified challenges.

“It seeks to bring stakeholders together to identify the problems militating against the deepening of insurance in Nigeria close to 100 years of its practice, and put issues on the front burner to find a way forward.”

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DECEMBER 4, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

OPINION

Why Celebrate Efuru at 50?

Efuru is a celebration of positive values of love, family and independence, writes Ikeogu Oke

T

he German playwright, Bertolt Brecht, notably declared: “Unhappy the land in need of heroes.” And too much emphasis cannot be laid on the role of heroes in shaping the destiny of nations. Like Aeneas whom Virgil credits with founding the Roman nation The Aeneid, and Christopher Columbus credited with the discovery of America, and José Marti regarded as a founding father of the Cuban nation, and Kemal Ataturk recognised as the father of modern Turkey, heroes, in history and legend, have been known to play critical roles in establishing, shaping and reshaping nations, and infusing their peoples with pride as the offspring or descendants of remarkable ancestors or living men – and women. And any land without them should truly feel improvised, as Brecht suggests.

Heroes, incidentally, are not only those who impact nations and history in the political sphere and as founders of nations. Their impact can be felt in virtually all facets of life, generally as courageous pacesetters who produce ground-breaking work or lead in the radical modification or improvement of already existing work.

Copernicus’s risky declaration that the earth was round against the position of the inquisitorial church that it was flat was an act of heroism, demonstrating the courage of the liberal, scientific mind. It was also heroic that Chinua Achebe, then a man in his 20s, dared to write Things Fall Apart, a novel which essentially challenges the ill-motivated characterisation of Africa by European writers as a dark and chaotic continent and which, to both quote and paraphrase Achebe in Home and Exile, seeks to champion the establishment of “a balance of stories between Africa and the West.”

The authors of the Nigerian national anthem obviously had the importance of celebrating heroes and preserving their legacy in mind when they wrote: “The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.” Though the facts of today, emerging especially from the political sphere, would make some of us wonder if that lofty declaration was not mere wishful thinking.

That said, the literary labours of our heroes past and present still offer hope for perpetual fruitfulness, proving sometimes to be a quarry for inspiration when deservingly celebrated like Efuru in this 50th year of its publication.

Incidentally, it is reductionist to confine Efuru to the description of a feminist novel. Undoubtedly, there are strands of feminism in its thematic fabric, woven quite recognisably into the character of its heroine – a self-possessed, independent-minded, yet marriage- and family-oriented woman who finds meaning in complementing her husband.

Yet the liberalism that forms the foundation of her marriage and actuates her actions is a human value and not a feminist value. The

feminism in the novel is subsumed in this liberalism, its leitmotif, for which it recommends itself not just as a feminist work and transcends the gender barrier.

Feminism, if we think critically of it, is a franchise of humanism devoted to the empowerment of women for the improvement of the human race. Efuru is a self-driven symbol of this empowerment who first seeks to free herself from such restrictions as social and cultural expectations that make the payment of bride price a condition for marriage.

A beautiful woman, she steps beyond the confines of such expectations to marry a man below her family status in a transaction dictated by affection, in which the non-payment of her pride price does not matter to her; and she respects and supports her husband with a sacrificial love.

Efuru is a metaphor of the strong lioness. As the narrative voice remarks in the novel: “Adizua” (her husband) “was not good at

The celebration is a mission of remembrance and inspiration – remembrance of the remarkable labour of one of our female heroes past as a springboard of inspiration for the living, especially the young

trading. It was Efuru who was the brain behind the business.”

Though the sustenance of the pride depends more on her exertions compared to the lion – with her having to bring in the most kill – yet she willingly submits herself to him and does not engage in a struggle for equality, let alone dominance, with him in the name of “feminism”. She is proof that one can be feminist and yet humble in a way that does not undermine one’s dignity or offend good sense.

Whereas her contributions to the family could have triggered pride and recalcitrance in some women, she makes herself a model of conjugal cooperation through her sacrificial support of her husband. “What bothers me now is a maid. I want a maid to help me look after Ogonim while I trade with my husband. …I want to help my husband. We have been losing much money,” she reveals to a confidant, underscoring her understanding of the need to balance two necessities: care for her child with Adizua and the growth of the family fortune through her contribution. And though her sacrifice can be said not to have paid the expected dividend, given that Adizua turns out to behave badly towards her, it does not detract from the fact that she had various positive character traits that are worthy of our independent reckoning.

In celebrating Efuru at 50 we identify with such positive values it obliquely canvasses: independence, liberality, love, the cultivation of family, etc. We also hold them up as behavioural beacons to our younger generation in the dark, in desperate need of a reliable compass of positive values in a nation rather adrift in tempestuous waters.

The celebration is therefore a mission of remembrance and inspiration – remembrance of the remarkable labour of one of our female heroes past as a springboard of inspiration for the living, especially the young. And I feel immensely privileged to have been inducted as a member of the National Organising Committee of the historic event by its chairman, Dr. Wale Okediran, and Mr. Uzoma Nwakuche, Flora Nwapa’s son, whose train will traverse five major Nigerian cities – Lagos, Maiduguri, Abuja, Enugu and Owerri – from November 29 - December 9, 2016, drawing a glittering coach filled with literary events.

Also, Nwapa’s publication of Efuru in 1966 as the first novel by a female black African writer has historical significance, a notable venture in pacesetting. We hope this fact, for us also a cause for celebration besides the fact of the novel having become critically acclaimed and influential, will inspire others, especially the younger generation, to set the ploughs of their creativity to new fields, breaking new grounds like Nwapa, producing work that would equally be deserving of celebration by theirs or future generations, extending the chain of human productivity with strong new links.

The Treaures of Recession

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Like Britain, tourism can help bail Nigeria out of recession, argues Folu Olamiti

arly this year, when the naira started dropping in value to a dangerous low, I started dreading travelling abroad, especially to places like Great Britain.

Since virtually all the airlines began to review their fares upward, occasioned by low naira exchange rate to international currencies, one really had no choice than to either stay at home or risk travelling and getting stranded in a foreign land. The situation worsened to a point when the exchange rate stood at N600 to £1 but there seems to be a moment of reprieve now. And this is coming from the exit of Britain from the European Union.

With the BREXIT, the almighty pound sterling started to tumble, falling to its lowest level in 31 years. Travellers (especially those who pay in dollars) now earn almost double of what they used to earn. I experienced this during my last trip to London between October 7 and October 24, 2016. I witnessed an unprecedented influx of passengers on the day I flew into London Heathrow Airport. Tourists, mostly from Asian countries, formed a long queue waiting for clearance at the entry points. It took me 40 minutes to get cleared, the first time I was experiencing such delay in recent years.

The falling pound sterling was the reason tourists poured like bees into London this year summer time. They hopped from one shopping mall to another. The British media had risen to the occasion. Like other businesses, they too exploited the slump in the pound to publish products that tourists couldn’t resist.

The Guardian of London of October 11, 2016, in a front page story anchored by Rebecca Smithers, wrote: “The UK has recorded its biggest month for tourist visits after the referendum. Related slump in the pound lured 3.8 million people to British shores in July - the highest month ever for overseas tourists who shelled out £2.5bn, four per cent more than last year, according to new figures from the tourism agency Visit Britain.

“This has turned the UK into a cheaper destination for millions of foreign travellers wanting to shop for luxury goods or visit attractions ranging from ancient monuments to the

Buckingham Palace.

Many Britons are happy with this turn of events as Christopher Rodriques noted: “Tourism is a shining star in an uncertain world. As our fourth biggest service export, and one of our fastest growing sectors, tourism’s importance as a key economic driver and job creator is clear”.

On the other hand, Simon Derrick, Chief currency strategist noted: “Though a weaker pound can boost exports and help re-balance the economy from being overly reliant on consumption rather than trade and investment, standard of living in the country could drop in coming months as inflation pushes higher.”

Against this background, one can deduce that the current recession in Britain engendered by BREXIT is a bag of mixed blessings as that decision has buoyed tourism, thus helping to stabilise the UK’s economy, in spite of the weakened purchasing power of many Britons. Members of one group who are not complaining are those selling wares, who are daily smiling to the banks.

Coming back to Nigeria, the story flips to the opposite side with Nigerians reacting to the gripping recession in the country by groaning, lamenting and blaming government for all their woes. But should they keep wallowing in dejection when others across the globe are seeing recession as a door to prosperity? Britain is one country hit by recession and has been taking every step to earn prosperity instead. Rather than weeping and sulking, Britons are taking everything in their stride, turning their adversity into opportunity.

The lesson here is that Nigeria has a lot to learn from Britain’s private sector, the academia, tourism industry, the media and entertainment sectors, among others, which took up the challenge to lead their way out of recession. The government only sets the standard. But in Nigeria, people blame government for everything. We seem to conveniently forget that we elected the government and chose the leadership. We therefore, need to stop our penchant for blaming the government for everything not working well.

While conceding that the leadership needs to create an en-

abling environment –as in Britain - by providing adequate security and infrastructural facilities which would attract investors and tourists that could help lead the nation out of recession, we cannot absolve ourselves of part responsibility in efforts to resuscitate the economy.

The nation is in the grip of myriads of daunting problems .There are wars on all fronts, as the government battles the Boko Haram insurgency, militant groups in the Niger Delta, kidnapping and restless Biafra agitators. In spite of all these problems, opportunities still abound in Nigeria for organisations and citizens to tap into. This is where focus on tourism comes in. Given the huge emphasis the government now places on diversification of the economy, those managing the tourism sector should be creative in exploiting the potential of tourism in the country. They have the huge task of turning the sector into a money spinning alternative, using models successfully applied in places like United Arab Emirate; Dubai, Great Britain, Jordan, Jamaica and China, among others.

Am happy to note the recent visit of the Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed to Marrakech, Morocco to attend United Nations Conference on Climate Change where ministers of tourism gathered to exchange ideas. Nigeria is blessed with many attractive tourist destinations which have the potential to earn foreign exchange for the country if well developed and harnessed.

Some of Nigeria’s major tourist centres include Ibeno Beach, Obudu Mountain Resort, Ngwe Pine Forest, Awhun Waterfall, the Tinapa Free Zone Resort, Sukur Cultural Landscape, the Yankari Game Reserves, the Osun Osogbo, and others. I had visited some of these centres in the last few months. They are wonders to behold. Unfortunately, apart from Obudu Mountain Resort, the rest are not attracting patronage due to criminal neglect, majorly because of inadequate security, dismal maintenance and low publicity. Ultimately, the government will need to prioritise its economic diversification programme by placing more emphasis on tourism.

––Olamiti, Media Consultant, wrote from 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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

LETTERS

The New Order in The Sunshine State

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power last year chanting the change mantra which saw them make history by defeating an incumbent.

More than a year later, some critics have renamed the APC ‘All Promises Cancelled.’ The current recession didn’t help matters as President Buhari and his egg heads are bashed on a daily basis for their seeming cluelessness in proffering pragmatic solutions to the nagging challenges that the country has been plunged into. The constant reference

by Buhari to the shortcomings of the erstwhile Jonathan administration only worsened his increasing unpopularity with former President Olusegun Obasanjo taking him to the cleaners by telling him to take full responsibility since he is now in charge.

The elections in Edo and Ondo States had high stakes because they were the litmus test for 2019.

The postponement of the elections in Edo didn’t go down well with the opposition as they saw it as a subtle way of disenfranchising many Edolites especially the non-residents in the state.

Akeredolu

There were many forces that battled for the soul of Ondo State as the stakes were extremely high.

The incumbent, Dr. Olusegun Rahman Mimiko fought the battle to remain politically relevant by wanting his former Attorney-General, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) to succeed him. Iroko as he is fondly known had fought many battles and triumphed in the past. He was anxious to metamorphose into a godfather as being an opposition leader would have guaranteed him

nothing in the centre. Even if he had plans to go into the Senate, that would still be three years from now and the present zoning system would not have been in his favour if he had plans to become a principal officer there.

The emergence of Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim as the factional standard-bearer of the party greatly threw him off balance. The conflicting court judgments sowed the seeds of discord which halted the campaign steam of Jegede. Iroko was so distraught that he ran to

Aso Rock, tail between his legs for succour.

Ibrahim boasted to the high Heavens that he would retire Iroko and openly discredited his government and ‘sold’ himself to the electorate as a ‘viable alternative.’ The loquacious Ibrahim popularly called Araba chided him for owing a backlog of salaries and flaunted his ‘business credentials’ as the elixir that the state needed. By the time, the Supreme Court made the final pronouncement on the factional candidacy in the state, Jegede began to plead for more time so as to recover lost grounds.

The appeal was not hearkened to and Ibrahim dumbfounded pundits by confessing that he merely played the spoiler and urged his supporters to massively vote for Akeredolu. This act was a big shocker as he had contested the gubernatorial elections there 13 years ago. His loss made him metamorphose into a ‘business tycoon.’

Why reappear on the scene after over a decade later to be reduced to a mere mole?

Even if he stooped so low, did it make any sense to openly beat his chest about it? The pristine game of

TRIBUTE TO POLY EMENIKE AT 61

W

hen late Dimgba Igwe (former Deputy Editor- in- Chief) of The Sun newspapers was killed by an assassin in the guise of reckless driver, on September, 2014, I had erroneously taken umbrage on Chief Dr. Poly Ike Emenike for not commiserating with his family and, by extension, The Sun over such tragic loss.

The late Dimgba Igwe, was the one, who, through his column brought into my consciousness that a great entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist like Chief Emenike exists. Late Dimgba Igwe wrote many articles, concerning this great man that inspired many readers of his column.

So, Dimgba’s death hit me so badly that I mourned him deeply literally more than the bereaved. I never met Dimgba Igwe in person while he was alive neither did we have any sort of conversation or relationship, but his sudden and tragic death tore through my heart. As an avid reader of newspapers, I stumbled on Chief Emenike’s phone number and sent him a text message expressing my reservations for what I thought was his and passive attitude towards Dimgba’s death.

When I sent the text I never knew or imagined that the phone number which I got from a newspaper would turn out to be Chief Emenike’s number.

I thought it could be one of his managers’ phone numbers. I was wrong. In less than two minutes my text message reached his phone, he replied immediately debunking my

erroneous impression of him for not showing concern or condoling Dimgba’s family on his death. He referred me to an edition of The Sun where he paid a full page advertorial mourning Dimgba Igwe’s death.

Fortunately for me, I still had that edition of The Sun newspaper, and I quickly flipped through it to confirm his claim. Alas, I was wrong, and I apologised to him through the same mode of text message.

He accepted immediately.

Thereafter, he asked me who I was and from where. I replied him. A prolonged text conversation ensued between us. This happened when I was lying down on my bed around 10pm after a hectic day, and we exchanged over 40 text messages with him doing most of the asking and myself replying.

I bid him goodnight when I exhausted my airtime credit.

How I wished we were chatting on social media.

The most important lesson I learned from my conservation with him is his humility. I was marveled that such a stupendously wealthy man could have such time to refute a false allegation against him by himself and, thereafter, engaged the person he had not seen in a chat.

From my interaction with him and the inspirational messages he sent to me, I was reinvigorated throughout the night and even to the next day and weeks.

When I told him how vagaries and vicissitudes of life have been encumbering me, he made me to know that he passed through worse situation in life before

fortunes smiled on him through dint of hard work and perseverance. After that night encounter which happened around March or so, I didn’t exchange any further conversation with him for almost six months. But on his 60th birthday last November, I sent him a birthday felicitation through text message, and was surprised to know that he still had my phone number and replied me immediately asking how I was faring in this season of recession. Born on Monday, November 28, 1955, he hails from Etti Village in Nanka Town, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Dr. Emenike was born with a wooden spoon or no spoon at all. His earlier education was hampered by abject poverty. When I told him in our conversation how old I was and my current educational attainment, he told me that at the age of 32, with a wife and children, he enrolled as a pupil at Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School, Surulere, in Lagos State, wearing school uniform like his much younger schoolmates.

And in 1988, he completed his O’ Level! His hunger for more academic exploits drove him to University of Lagos where he obtained his B.sc and M.sc in 1997 and 1999 respectively. In 2012, at the International School of Management, Paris, France, Emenike capped his academic laurels with a doctorate degree.

He is also an alumnus of the Lagos Business School (Pan Atlantic University) and the Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Dr Emenike has a mentor in the person of Dr Napoleon

Hill whose books, especially, “Think and Grow Rich” he attributes 95% of his acquiring his stupendous wealth. Many people had read Dr Napoleon Hill’s books and remained the same, but Dr. Emenike’s tenacity of purpose; consistency, hard work and perseverance have yielded bountiful fruits in his life.

He is a worthy recipient of the Napoleon Hill Foundation Humanitarian Gold Medal Award and Plaque, the fourth person in history and the person outside the United States of America to be decorated with the award.

He is also the first distinguished person outside of the USA to be appointed to serve as a Member of the Board of Trustees of Napoleon Hill Foundation. Lest I forget, Dr. Emenike’s NEROS Pharmaceuticals, the flagship of his conglomerate is the leading Pharmaceutical giant in Nigeria nay West Africa. Realising the importance of industrialising the Nigerian economy to create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and adults, and also to stimulate the Nigerian economy, NEROS Pharmaceuticals with the size of a big stadium has the NAFDAC licence to produce over 150 registered drugs in its plant. Original Artesunate is the first product he imported into Nigeria which changed his business trajectory. He has three motivational books to his credit; namely, “Entrepreneurial Spirits: Through the Seventeen Success Principles of Napoleon Hill;” “The Benefits of Adventures” and “How to Alter Your Destiny to the Direction You Want”.

Ifeanyi Maduako, Owerri

politics as it’s played in Nigeria always throws up hilarious surprises.

The governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu aka Aketi, was contesting for the second time having earlier lost to Iroko in 2012. Four years ago, he was a protégé to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu aka Jagaban. The wizardry of the Lion of Bourdillon was insufficient to make him coast to victory. As there are no permanent friends in politics, Jagaban decided to back Olusegun Abraham to Aketi’s chagrin. This was a disguised blessing as it afforded him the opportunity to be politically liberated. Against all odds, he defeated Abraham in the primaries. Tinubu was so livid that he called for the head of John OdigieOyegun as he watched helplessly as his political hold in the west was being decimated. Simon Lalung had to make an excuse at Jagaban’s noticeable absence at the last rally that he was bogged down by an ailment only for Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi to refute it. His lack of contribution to Aketi’s victory confirms what renowned socio-political commentator; Femi Aribisala said that it is better to be Tinubu’s enemy than friend. His enemies are the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and ministers while his friends have been exiled to Siberia. Aketi has certainly added to that list.

A great miscalculation of Iroko was fielding Jegede who also hailed from his senatorial district. In a country where zoning is taking seriously, it was

an act of political suicide as the electorate ensured that he paid dearly for it.

He must have arrogantly thought that his ‘charisma’ would carry the day. He ignored the clamour for power shift that had been in the front burner. Aketi cashed in on this as he is from Owo. The last time an Owo son was governor was during the time of late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin. Iroko’s hubris was his failure to adequately respond to the signs of the changing times.

In Robert Greene’s ‘48 Laws of Power’, a war hero was publicly acclaimed by his people as their liberator.

They cheered him on only for his head to end up openly displayed on the stake. This seems to have been Jagaban’s fate as he is the biggest loser in last Saturday’s contest. Last year, the media both local and foreign praised his genius and dexterity in unseating Jonathan. Today, he has become something akin to a pariah. His case is similar to that of the Carthagian General, Hannibal Barca who fought the Romans to the very gates of Rome in the Second Punic War. On getting there, he lacked the resources to pull down the gates and roamed the countryside for 15 years.

By the time he got back to Carthage, the Romans had long regrouped and sacked his beloved city.

It was one thing to have forged the coalition to take over power, it is another as events have shown to have benefitted from the ‘change’ that he facilitated.

––Tony Ademiluyi, Lagos.

P OLITICIANS AND M ISPLACED P RIORITY

‘H

e who fails to plan is planning to fail’ said Benjamin Franklin. It is so unfortunate that 50% of our politicians in Nigeria don’t have concrete agenda or plan for the communities and states they represent.

Many of them got elected by chance and now depend on whatever their self-interested advisers bring on board for them to act on.

Let’s take the education sector as a case study.

Most governors place priority on building beautiful schools and giving students meal. This is excellent if they can complement it with teachers’ welfare that will make the teacher passionate about his/her work and thus be able to deliver optimally as expected.

Physical infrastructure in educational system no matter how beautiful and well equipped cannot make brilliant student. Good teachers working in conducive environment with good welfare package guar-

antee the level of intellectual development of children under their care.

A good building and meal for the students with a wearisome mentor are just like a beautiful car with a visually impaired driver. Let’s quickly answer these questions: Are the brilliant students in the secondary schools encouraged to attend the Nigerian College of Education? How many times in a year do we send our teachers for training? Do we encourage the teachers to do more than they are doing presently?

Can you allow your child to go to the Nigerian College of Education or become a teacher?

For the education sector to be improved in Nigeria, I urge the state governors, federal government and proprietors to prioritise the motivation/ development of the teachers and reawaken the literary and debating club to motivate and boost the confidence of the students.

––Ademola Adesoji, Alimosho, Lagos.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 4, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

Beyond the Fourth Afro-Arab Summit in Malabo: The Donald Trump Factor

C

ooperation between Africa and the Arab countries falls within an inter-continental partnership framework. The Fourth AfroArab Summit was held on Tuesday, 22nd November, 2016 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea in Africa. The foundations of the summit were laid in 1977 when the first summit took place in Cairo, Egypt. In March 1977, a political declaration detailing the modalities for cooperation was adopted. A programme for sectoral areas of cooperation was also drawn.

More important, a resolution on organisation and method for the realisation of Afro-Arab cooperation which required the Foreign Ministers to hold a summit every 18 months, the Heads of State to meet every 3 years, while the adopted framework for the Permanent Commission for Arab-Africa Cooperation (PCAAC) required the Commission to meet every 6 months, was similarly adopted. The Commission was made up of 24 Member States, 12 African and 12 Arab.

And perhaps most interesting, but disturbingly, was the adoption of a resolution on economic and financial cooperation, which was more or less a declaration of intent by the Arab Member States to provide financial aid to the African counterparts.

The self-deceit and insincerity of purpose on which the cooperation was largely predicated in 1977 did not allow for a follow-up summit to take place on time. Put differently, all the pledges made were simply meant for the dustbin.

As observed by Dr. Chika Onyeani, publisher and editorin-chief of the African Sun Times, it took another 33 years for the second summit to evolve for a simple reason: it was ‘a realisation on the part of African countries that the Arab countries were more interested in tying financial aids to African countries as to their support to Arab States on their position on Israel. African countries had felt betrayed by the financial promises made to them during the 1967 IsraeliArab war for which they never received a dime.’

True enough, the second summit was held on October 10, 2010 (10-10-10) in the coastal city of Sirte, Libya. President Muammar Gaddafi, who presided over the summit, explained that two-thirds of all Arabs are African and they have racial, linguistic and geographic ties to the other third living outside Africa. The cardinal objective of the summit, as reflected in its theme, ‘Afro-Arab Cooperation: Towards a Strategic Partnership,’ is articulation of the modalities for strategic partnership. This objective partly explains why the theme for the third summit, which was held in Kuwait city on 19th-20th November 2013, was also ‘Partners in Development and Investment.’

In this regard, are African and Arab countries partners?

If they are, is the partnership strategic? If it is strategic, to what extent is it based on sincerity of purpose? Nigeria’s president, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Ardua, noted in his opening address to the 12th Afro-Arab Parliamentary Conference that ‘the nations of Africa and the Arab world share a number of cultural and socio-economic similarities and common peculiarities in the face of the emerging realities in our rapidly changing globalised world. It is vitally essential for our two blocks to work towards achieving improved strategic partnership and productive cooperation in jointly addressing the manifestation of globalisation and our peculiar development challenges’ (Daily Trust, April 22, 2009). From this quotation, it is clear that strategic partnership was still an objective as at April 2009.

As noted above, Equatorial Guinea played host to the 4th Afro-Arab Summit on November 22, 2016. At the summit, press reports have it that eight Member States (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Sultanate of Oman, Jordan, Yemen and Somalia) walked out of the summit in solidarity with Morocco who was protesting the presence of the POLISARIO delegation at the summit (Dailysun, November 24, 2016, p.18).

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Morocco, ‘Morocco and eight other Arab countries were forced to withdraw from the summit over the non-respect of the principles of Arab-African action. The participation in the activities organised by the two parties should be restricted to the UN member countries which was not the case with the presence of the emblem of a puppet entity in the meeting room.’ (The Moroccan Times, November 23, 2016).

This statement is most unfortunate. If the Saharawi Arab Republic is not a member of the UN, what is the status of the country at the level of the African Union and Africa as a continent? Is the Afro-Arab summit not about Africa on the one hand and the Arab countries on the other? Is the country not also Arab by whatever definition? Do the countries that walked out of the summit recognise the fact that their behaviour was very contemptuous of the whole Afro-Arab summit?

Even though Morocco recognised that she and ‘the other Arab countries that announced their withdrawal from the summit have always been fully aware of the importance of the Arab-African partnership and of the roles of these two

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

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should not be allowed to impose its own national will on the collective wisdom of the whole of Africa. After all, Morocco is not a lead country in terms of development assistance to Africa.

According to the World Bank’s Arab Development Assistance: four Decades of Cooperation, published in June 2010, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates are ‘among the most generous in the world, with official development assistance (ODA) averaging 1.5 percent of their combined gross national income (GNI) during the period 1973-2008, more than twice the UN target of 0.7 percent and five times the average of the OECD-DAC countries.’ Morocco was not part of them.

Thus, Morocco, much preoccupied with the Western Sahara saga, has engaged more in hide and seek games.

There is the urgent need to begin to take a deeper look at Arab politics, which does not underscore respect for black Africa.

Issues in Afro-Arab Cooperation

Trump

groups in maintaining international peace and stability’ (ibid.), and that ‘the commitment of these countries to these principles has always been and will remain strong,’ it is important to ask the extent to which the Morocco’s praise singing and the commitment of the eight countries have been helpful to the final decision-taking by the summit. Put differently, after withdrawing, will Morocco et al implement the decisions taken in their absence? If decisions are taken regardless of the withdrawal, what purpose or impact was the withdrawal?

With the walk out, it has become necessary for Nigeria in particular to review cooperative relationship with Morocco in particular, and the other Arab Member States, in general.

African leaders must stop accepting insults for black African people. Relationship with the Arabs has to be based on mutual respect and sovereignty of the African Union which has the necessary legitimacy to act on behalf of the whole people of Africa. In other words, the excesses of Morocco have to be contained. Morocco as a country cannot and

African leaders must stop accepting insults for black African people. Relationship with the Arabs has to be based on mutual respect and sovereignty of the African Union which has the necessary legitimacy to act on behalf of the whole people of Africa. In other words, the excesses of Morocco have to be contained.

Morocco as a country cannot and should not be allowed to impose its own national will on the collective wisdom of the whole of Africa. After all, Morocco is not a lead country in terms of development assistance to Africa

Afro-Arab cooperation covers the mining and industry sector; agriculture, forestry, fisheries and animal husbandry; energy and water resources; transport, communication and telecommunications; financial cooperation; educational, social, cultural and information; and scientific and technical cooperation. However, the purposes of cooperation in these sectors are necessarily defeated as a result of consciously created challenges

by Member States.

First is the Moroccan factor. Morocco was an original member of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). In fact, in the making of the OAU, there were two main philosophical groups on how to manage the affairs of the African continent.

Casablanca (Morocco) played active part in hosting the radical school which wanted political integration as a starting point.

Monrovia (Liberia) played host to the functionalist school to which Nigeria belonged. The Monrovia school argued that the newly independent countries should not be rushed into a yet-to-be well planned regional integration or United States of Africa. It favoured a gradualist and functional approach to begin with. Thus, Morocco’s profile in the making of a united Africa is never in dispute.

However, Morocco has a colonialist mentality which oppresses and combats the principles of self-determination and decolonisation in Africa. One major objective of both the OAU and the African Union (AU), the successor organisation, is total eradication of colonial legacies and exploitation in whatever ramification in Africa. On the contrary, this is precisely what Morocco has been fighting tooth and nail for, after the Spaniards decided to quit Western Sahara over which Morocco wants to have sovereignty.

The people of Western Sahara have claimed independence and reorganised themselves into the Saharawi Arab Republic.

The POLISARIO is its military arm. The OAU recognised the republic and allowed the country to have an observer status to begin with. Morocco quarrelled seriously with this development but the OAU stood its ground and this led to Morocco’s decision to withdraw its membership of the organisation. Now, Morocco wants to come back to the AU. It has made significant efforts to relate with many African countries on one-on-one basis and not on the basis of Morocco-AU basis.

At the level of Afro-Arab summit, what was the legitimate basis for Morocco to walk out on African leaders? Morocco is not a member of the AU. Even if the summit is said to be about cooperation between Africa and Arab world and not between the AU and the Arabs, participation in the summit was never on individual country basis. It is essentially between the AU and the Arab League.

Apart from the fact that the OAU and the EU decided rightly or wrongly to admit the Saharawi Arab Republic into its midst, the International Court of Justice had ruled against any legitimate Moroccan claims to sovereignty over the Western Sahara, arguing that if Morocco did not have any title to the territory when the land was under the control of Spain, there is no way Morocco can have what it never possessed. Morocco simply wants the territory as its southern province and has been populating the territory with all manners of people. African leaders must therefore resist any form of intimidation. All those Nigerian leaders who are asking for an entente with Morocco, and completely disregarding how the country has been disrespecting Nigeria, its people and government, should open their eyes to see more clearly.

Secondly, the motto or theme of the 4th Afro-Arab summit is ‘Together, for Sustainable Development and Economic Development.’ Even though anything can fall under the concept of development, there is no disputing the fact that greater emphasis is always on the political than on economic matters.

The case of the JASTA Law (Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act is quite relevant. It is an act enacted by the 114th US Congress to deter terrorism, provide justice for victims, and for other purposes. It was introduced in the Senate on September 16, 2015 by Senator John Cornyn, passed on May 17, 2016 by the Senate and on September 9, 2016 by the House.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 4, 2016

17

INTERNATIONAL

Trump’s Comedy of Errors Nduka Nwosu

T

he Donald Trump tsunami that swept the Hillary Clinton/Obama coalition into the garbage bin of history, making many in the Clinton camp wonder what happened is gradually abating. Not even this reporter, the CNN team and many other networks including the conservative leaning Fox News, gave Trump much hope. We all made it look like the election was wrapped in Clinton’s favour, that we had an answer to the magic numbers from the battleground states that turned the night red for Clinton and left the blues weeping and moaning.

Matt Bai, the columnist, like the Saturday Night Live comedians, made a mockery of Trump. Bai in one of his columns before the election had the headline: “The Trump Show is Ending, Sad!,” and was pleasantly surprised just like the lead artist himself, that this little side project, sandwiched between seasons of “The Apprentice” and premised on giving away a bunch of hats, has blown up into “a cultural phenomenon.” Now we know whose cultural phenomenon that popped up the Basket of Deplorables is bound for the White House. What a Comedy of Errors! Well it just so happens that success is a winner takes all.

We were all stunned but now that the rain is over, the odds that robbed Clinton the election could only be justified as the karmic debt from the so called Clinton conspiracy theories.

For millions of people across the globe, the Trump victory was an anti-climax which sounded like the coming of Armageddon.

How be it?

This man with so many baggages and insults, the white supremacist and racist?

Unfortunately the people have spoken. Both Russia, Juan Assange and his WikiLeaks team must be having their last laugh against this woman, apologies to Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, who should be in Bill Clinton’s kitchen attending to her husband’s needs, but instead was trudging in men’s territory where she could afford to breathe down heavily on strongmen like Putin, just to do the bidding of her boyfriend Barack Obama.

Well it was clear when the FBI boss James Comey, against what the ethics of his job permitted at such an auspicious moment, told a stunned Republican dominated Senate Judiciary Committee that he had finally caught the real culprit-Hillary Clinton! We were all sad and despondent and believed this was the real cliffhanger finale. Deep at the bottom of my soul, I believed there was hope no matter

Trump at a meeting with Romney

the Republican conspiracy to put down the prediction of pollsters nationwide that gave it to Clinton by over 100 electoral votes four weeks to the election.

The return of Trump was foretold as pollsters told him what to do and where to go and he had so much energy to execute what needed to be done. He wined and dined with the Evangelicals and people like me asked if these evangelicals were real Christians. I was not ready to give it to Trump a fellow Presbyterian. How can Donald Trump claim to be a Presbyterian given all that we knew about him? Well, the mind of God is not that of man. After the elections the social media was awash with the transgressions of Barack Obama, a black man who found himself at the White House and became more white than black. And here was Clinton ready to inherit those transgressions along with her well documented conspiracies.

You probably would want to know why many believed President Obama is a Muslim.

Did he really ask military chaplains to stop using the name of Jesus during funerals? Is there anything wrong discriminating against homosexuals by organisations driven by Christian companies? That is simply wrong just as God allowed a Trump presidency there should be everything wrong discriminating against gay people. In matters of sexual indiscretion, Christians who have what it takes to intimidate their less fortunate mortals may like homosexuals, have been included in God’s black book of sinners. Who knows if Trump is one such Christian for, considering his ‘indiscretions,’ a camel may walk through the eye of a needle into heaven.

Like the late Ojo Maduekwe argued with this reporter late 2014 in DC, what do you make of a Senate President who is marrying his grand-daughter with uncountable mistresses on the tow while spearheading the law on how to deal with sinful acts? As Pope

Francis said, it is wrong to judge. Instead accommodate and pray for the forgiveness of the sinful. You never can say who will pass the needle test of going to heaven beyond the Christian grace.

Having said this, Obama’s bullying of Africans to accept gay people was as if that was the high point of his Presidency. Why the unusual fraternisation? Was there more to it than that? Even Christians back home could not understand why Obama’s denunciation of Boko Haram was not backed with the American firepower whereas in Israel killing Palestinians with American arms was very normal. Then he deployed his boy Axelrod to employ the type of propaganda that turned Goodluck Jonathan into a sissy during his last days in office, a frightened duck unwilling to use state machinery or Obasanjo’s do or die tactics to return himself to power, the first time this was happening to a Nigerian leader!

Was Obama quietly ensuring a fellow Muslim should take over the reins of power? Did he order that instead of expressing Happy Christmas, it should be Happy Holidays because the name Christ in Christmas offends people of other faith plus the very familiar use of ISIL rather than ISIS, avoiding the qualification of terrorism with the word Islamic? Internet propaganda?

Barack Hussein Obama may have been a Muslim at a point in his life and probably experienced some conversion that turned him into a Christian or for whatever reason but the point must be made that as far as Nigeria goes, the name Barack Obama may not ring a bell after he leaves office and many would be disappointed he did little for the black race.

Beyond this however, the message, not the social media conspiracy, won Trump the election. I Donald J Trump would dig deep to find out what the hell is going on regarding terrorism in America. I will send home 11 million immigrants mostly black and colored people who have stolen our menial and white collar jobs and return the jobs to the owners.

Trump aligned himself with the police and vilified the blacks who were nothing but criminally minded. To China and Mexico, the honeymoon was over. TPP and trade deals that allowed China to have an edge over the US were going to be reviewed. The American strongman in the mold of Ronald Reagan was in town. Those that Clinton described as “the Basket of Deplorables” flooded the Trump soapbox to listen to the Sermon on the Mount, the return of ‘Paradise Lost,’ whereas Clinton’s campaign was scarcely populated.

The last show in Pennsylvania was the height of a musical fiesta and expectedly it was a jam session. Trump mocked the show. He did not need showmanship, the type Beyonce and Jay-Z produced with their vulgar language, which made Trump’s assault on women a farcical display of comparisons, he told his roaring audience.

Ironically, Clinton’s popular votes have exceeded Trump’s by over two million though Jill Stein’s recount of Wisconsin votes may not offer any ray of hope for an upturned Clinton victory at the Electoral College Finally, Alan Lichtman who hinted with a double down prediction that the election was Trump’s to lose, has come up with another prediction - that Trump would be impeached ultimately. How? He may not have offered any details and his 13 keys may not be useful this time.

Except Lichtman is clairvoyant, one possible lead maybe in Trump’s desire to finish his tenure richer than he was. A typical Nigerian given one trillion dollars to spend on revamping public infrastructure will factor 10 percent of that sum into his pockets and the way Trump ran his election looked very much like he learnt the ropes from Nigerian politicians.

Ultimately, ‘The Basket of Deplorables’ may soon discover the so called ‘Paradise Regained,’ is an illusion of John Milton’s world.

When this realization dawns on them like Nigerians who asked for change and got something rougher than the prison yard, Trump may be down by the forlorn hopes of those he rode on their backs to become even more prosperous in his business deals at the White House.

18

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4, 2016 T H I S D AY

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

BUSINESS QUICK TAKES Imports

Theimportsubstitutionpoliciesbeing driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and thefederalgovernment appeartobeyieldingresults,asacountry assessment report on Nigeria by the InternationalMonetaryFund(IMF)has indicatedthatasharpdeclineinimports contributed to a modest recovery in Nigeria’s external current account balance in the first half of 2016.

AlthoughthereportshowedthatNigeria’s exports declined by 14 per cent in the first half of 2016, it revealed that importsfellmorethanproportionately by 25 per cent in the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year.

Also, the foreign trade report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the country’s total value of merchandise trade rose to N4.72 trillioninthethirdquarter(Q3)of2016, representing an increase of 16.3 per cent, or N661.5 billion, compared to N4.06trillionrecordedinthepreceding quarter of the year.

According to the NBS, the country’s balanceoftradestillremainednegative despite the improvement, as the rise in exports in the quarter only helped to reduce the existing deficit trade balance from N484.23 billion in the preceding quarter to -N104.14 billion in the third quarter.

Telecoms Mast

Telecoms Sector Contribution to GDP Fell in Q3

Kunle Aderinokun

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that, the contribution of the telecommunications sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) fell to 7.96 per cent in the third quarter, from 9.80 per cent of the preceding quarter. The contribution represented a decline by 1.8 percentage points from the preceding quarter. In real terms, the contribution of the sector to GDP in the review quarter was N1.399 trillion.

NBS, which disclosed this in its Nigerian Telecommunications (Services) Sector Report Q3 2016, noted that, “due to differing seasonal patterns, telecommunications tends to account for the lowest share of GDP in the third quarter.”

According to the statistics agency, “The share of telecommunications in total real GDP had declined throughout 2010 to 2014, but for the last six quarters growth in telecommunications has been higher, meaning the trend has reversed.”

Pointing out that, the growth in the telecommunications sector remained positive, in contrast with the economy as a whole, it noted that, “year on year growth nevertheless dropped in real terms from 1.5per cent in the previous quarter to 0.9 per cent, the lowest rate since 2011 Q3.”

Also, the report provided information

TELECOMS

on subscribers as of September, noting that the total number of subscribers has increased rapidly over the past decade. “At the end of 2005 there were 19,519,154 subscribers, but by the end of 2015 there were 151,017,244, which is equivalent to an increase of 13,149,809 every year. However, growth has been declining more recently, possibly as a result of high market penetration leaving less room for large expansion.

In September 2016 – the end of the third quarter – there were 153,271,581 subscribers, compared with 149,803,714 in June 2015, which represents a quarterly increase of 2.31per cent,” it explained.

The number of subscribers, NBS said, had therefore surpassed its previous peak of 152,123,172, attained in November 2015. The yearly increase in total subscriber numbers was 1.73per cent, which was an increase compared to the yearly growth rate of 0.69per cent at the end of the previous quarter.

According to the agency, “This ends a decline in the year on year growth rate that had been witnessed over the past year. From the end of the second quarter of 2015, until the same period in 2016, the year on year growth rate had declined consistently, from 12.05per cent to 0.69per cent.”

“As in the previous quarter, the

increase in subscriber numbers was despite a quarterly fall in CDMA subscribers of 39.15per cent, which compounded previous quarterly falls leading to year on year fall of 86.47per cent; a larger decline than in the previous quarter. The number of fixed wireless subscribers also recorded a large decline, of 31.87per cent compared to the previous quarter and 53.68per cent year on year. However, by far the most popular technology type is GSM, and therefore this technology type has a much larger effect on movements in the total number The number of subscribers using fixed wireless lines has also decreased sharply, although this was from a low level and therefore only had a small effect on the total

of subscribers,” it added.

Analysis of subscribers data by technology type showed that, “Mobile subscribers using GSM dominate, and accounted for 99.72per cent of the total in September 2016, followed by CDMA with 0.18per cent of the total, whilst fixed wired and wireless make up 0.08per cent and 0.02per cent respectively.”

NBS explained that, “The dominance of GSM users has increased since September 2015 when 98.52per cent of subscribers

used this technology type; largely as a result of the continuing decline of CDMA users.

The number of subscribers using fixed wireless lines has also decreased sharply, although this was from a low level and therefore only had a small effect on the total.

“The proportion of fixed wired lines remained relatively stable. The dominance of GSM over CDMA in the mobile technology is characteristic worldwide; GSM accounted for over 80per cent of the global market in 2009 Q2 according to industry estimates.

With GSM technology, it is cited as being easier to switch networks, and it is regarded as being more accessible for international use, especially given that some markets (such as in Europe) have mandated the technology by law.

“However, CDMA is more prevalent in the United States. Mobile Subscribers (GSM) In September 2016, the total number of GSM subscribers was 152,836,997, an increase of 4,409,954, or 2.97per cent relative to September 2016.

This is 1.13per cent points higher than the year on year increase in the previous quarter, and therefore is in contrast to the downward trend in this growth rate witnessed over the previous year. The number of GSM subscribers has now increased in every month since April.”

Refund

Seventeen revenue-generating agencieshavebeensummonedforameeting totenderproposalsonhowtheyintend to repay N450 billion unremitted operating surplus into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

The federal government about two weeksagoannouncedthesettingupof acommitteetorecovertheunremitted operatingsurplusesfromtheagencies.

This is just as the federal government unveiledplansofanewfinancingmodel foritsuniversitiesandhospitals,taking intoconsiderationtheirfundingmodel and requirements, in a bid to entrench better controls and improved service delivery. Briefing journalists in Abuja ongovernment’sindependentrevenue sources, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, disclosed that of the projected N1.5 trillion revenue target from such sources for the year, a total ofN272.03billionhadbeengenerated between January and October 2016.

Adeosun said in order to control leakagesandincreaserevenuegeneration severalmeasureshadbeenadopted,includingputtinginplaceanewfinancing model for federal government-owned universities and hospitals.

2017 Budget

TheSenatePresident,Dr.BukolaSaraki, has given an assurance that the 2017 budgetwillbepassedingoodtime,unliketheexperienceswithpastbudgets.

SarakisaidtheNationalAssemblywas readyforPresidentMuhammaduBuhari tocomeandpresentthebudgetbefore the lawmakers.

Buhari is expected to lay the proposal before the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives for consideration on a date to be agreed upon by the executive and the legislature. Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with the President Buhari at the Villa, Abuja,Sarakisaid much consultations hadbeencarriedoutonthesoon-to-be presented 2017 Budget proposals.

Accordingtohim,theNationalAssembly is ready to receive the president as soon as communication is received from the Executive.

He also said the issues concerning the MediumTermExpenditureFramework (MTEF) would soon be resolved.

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

INTERVIEW

Soetan

Titus Soetan: With Policy Implementation and Support, Nigeria’ll Exit Recession Soon

President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Deacon Titus Soetan, recently hosted the media to a state of the economy discourse, where he fielded questions from journalists. Olaseni Durojaiye brings excerpts from the interactive session

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hat are your views on the current inflationary trend in the economy?

Inflation as we know has moved to 18.3 per cent, GDP is still sliding down and going to the south, I pray it will go north. Now, how do we get out of recession? That inflation is as high as that is a bad omen; we’re all feeling it, nobody is exempted; our desire is that things will come back to normalcy where we will have single-digit inflation because anything higher than that and the nation will be on fire.

But we know that we got to this situation through a process and my thinking is that only a process could take us out. I don’t think there is a magic wand that

There is nothing wrong with borrowing money but government must make sure that the money is judiciously spent. We must make sure that the money is spent on infrastructure; we must make sure that the money is spent on things that will grow our economy and, it does not end in private pockets because if it ends up in private pockets we’re going What are your views on the Federal Govern- to remain in the same level year in, year out.

will, in one day, transport us to a situation of opulence; of course we can get out of this if we get ourselves together and pursue appropriate economic policies and replicate this at all levels; like government’s plan to reflate the economy and government’s intention to borrow money.

ment’s plan to borrow?

When we hear of borrowing money for example, we’re scared because money borrowed in the past have not been used very well so I sympathise with Nigerians; if you want to borrow money and you’ll pay back with interest how are you sure that the money will be used judiciously.

How soon do you see the country getting out of the current recession?

We will come out of recession but it will take a little bit of more time if we remain focused and the citizenry support the government. I like to add that we should develop tourism and shun frivolities that

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 4, 2016

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INTERVIEW Titus Soetan: With Policy Implementation and Support, Nigeria’ll Exit Recession Soon

Cont’d from Pg.. 20

we spend our hard-earned dollars on; we must acknowledge that we are passing through a difficult time.

I believe with the policies that the government is putting in place and the support of everybody, we will get out of recession in no time. I read in the papers that a certain agency projected that Nigeria is going to grow by about 2.7 per cent next year, meaning that people are now seeing that the recession will end early next year. Let us hope and have faith that the government will continue to do things that will make the citizens to continue to have faith in the government because that is very important but government action will decide if citizen will have faith in them or not.

What are your views on ease of doing business in Nigeria and how it can be improved upon?

As a professional institute, we’re not pleased that when the report on ease of doing business is released Nigeria is always at the bottom side, it is a shame and I believe much lies with the government to make sure that our policies are simplified and then people obey the rules while those that are expected to enforce policies do so faithfully and don’t cut corners.

The challenge is not that the policies are not there, it is the implementation that has not been good enough. Time that it takes to register a company is on the decline, in other markets it takes a week to register a company. How long does it take to do in our country?

These are some of the issues and I think government should continue to review the issues that people are talking about by making them friendly so that people from outside of the country can then come in and invest in our country because if they know that it is difficult to do business in our country they will not come to do business here; but if they know that policies here are friendly and implementable they will come. So the environment is important and government has a huge role to play to make sure that the environment is friendly.

Conferences, summit and all manners of talk shop are often convened and recommendations are made, but the recommendations often end up gathering dust at the table of government functionaries, how do we avoid that?

I think you’re right but we shouldn’t stop talking, if we stop, that means we’ve given up. However, I believe not all the recommendations end up gathering dust, may be some are implemented while some others are still being looked at; but it is important that government get the right advice and it is our responsibility to continue to give the right advice not necessarily by constituting ourselves into trade organisations or labour bodies, no; but to present our views on the way we feel the country should run because we have no other country; if it is good it will be good for us all and if the reverse is the case, we will suffer it together.

Some people alleged a disconnect between government and the organised private sector and called for a quarterly meeting. Do you support this?

We will welcome a quarterly engagement process with professional organisations where government can brief the associations on its activities and to set benchmark for their achievement, so that government can communicate its achievements, like how many new businesses have started? How many foreign investments have come into the country?; We will welcome a situation where government will create a forum where it will come to periodically to communicate its stewardship to the various professional bodies in the country.

That will be a better approach to things than what is happening now where government appeared to be on one side and the citizens on the other and no

Soetan

one seem to know what is happening in government. So I believe if government convenes quarterly meetings with stakeholders in the economy; we can get some results out of such sessions.

is a corner and we will move ahead but how quickly we move ahead and out of it, depends on a number of factors.

We talked about government spending, and government said it wants to borrow

In your view what is it like doing business in Nigeria?

That is very easy to answer. All over the world, it is not easy to do business. There is a theory that 95 per cent of businesses die during the first five years, but our case is even worse.

What is the level of our infrastructure?

So you find out that some members of the organised private sectors that you talked about may prefer to shift base to other countries where there is constant power, where communication is better and you generally have a friendlier business environment. But here, there’s no electricity, interest rate is high; no business thrives in such an environment.

My advice to government is to invest more in those things, particularly infrastructure. We all know how much it takes to generate power to run businesses, even offices. You can imagine that we’re still talking of 5,000 megawatts when the country needs about 30, 000 megawatts.

These are some of our problems and this is why the organised private sector is not really thriving; and if any country wants to make progress it is the private sector that must drive that growth process. It is the private sector that can get people out of the streets into paid employment; how many people can government employ? The number is very limited.

Economies develop when the private sector is thriving, but when the environment is not conducive you find out that businesses don’t thrive as it should; again, the government has a lot of role to play to make this happen.

When do you think Nigeria can get out of the current recession, in specific timeline?

I would have preferred yesterday, not next year. But people can project seeing some things that are going on. I believe we should not lose hope because we can’t be in recession for the rest of our lives, we got here, it’s not a bus stop, it

We know that we got to this situation through a process and my thinking is that only a process could take us out.

I don’t think there is a magic wand that will, in one day, transport us to a situation of opulence; of course we can get out of this if we get ourselves together and pursue appropriate economic policies and replicate this at all levels; like government’s plan to reflate the economy and government’s intention to borrow money

money, to do what? I believe to spend on infrastructure, which will improve employment generation and open up other areas of opportunity for people to thrive; these are strategies that take nations out of recession.

So people can project, but no one can say emphatically that the economy will come out of recession in the first quarter.

We should have hope that after putting all the strategies together may be early next year or quarter one of next year we will get out of recession. It is in the interest of every one that we get out of it fast.

What is your view on government’s plan for another foreign loan?

If you cast your mind back to the period of, may be the previous two governments, there was the excess crude account and money was being put into it; at a time I think the figure reached more than $20 billion and, what is happening now was what happened then, the political class said the federal government had no right to save for them and that every money that was going into the federation account should me shared according to the format, and that is what the law says. From over $20 billion to under $2 billion as we talk now.

If we had pursued the agenda to save up and we’d have saved up to about $100 billion, so by the time the price of crude oil crashed, it will not affect us as much as it is affecting us now; that is how we have found ourselves in this situation. So whether as a nation or as individual, if we don’t save for the rainy day we are just deceiving ourselves and that is the issue. I will want to plead with our political leaders not to always think of today alone but to think of tomorrow as well. Nations that save don’t get into problems easily because they have fallback positions, it is because we don’t have fallback position that we have to go and borrow money at exorbitant rates and we have no choice, really. If you don’t save, you will borrow in times of trouble and anybody that wants to borrow, it has to be at the terms of the lender, which is not good for us. So I think it is a good thing and I will recommend it.

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEY

Fitch’s Bank Rating, a Reflection of Current Economic Realities

Olaseni Durojaiye, in this report, reviews the recent Fitch Ratings’ assessment of Nigerian banks and presents the perspectives that the rating mirrors the current economic realities

Broad street, Lagos, Haven of Nigerian banks

B

arely a month after some Nigerian banks came under the spotlight via the Moody’s rating, the sector is again back under the klieg lights as a leading global rating agency, Fitch Ratings, published its Sovereign Support Rating Floors of 19 Nigerian banks. This followed a reassessment of potential sovereign support for the lenders.

While the rating does not connote insolvency or any imminent banking industry crisis, observers and analysts however, contended that it is a pointer that the industry might be defaulting in meeting obligations to foreign investors as well as paying for maturing bills, which is an assessment of the banks’ status with respect to their abilities to attract foreign capital and meet their foreign obligations.

The cause, according to analysts is traced to the scarcity of the United States Dollar (USD) and depleted external reserves, which already constrain government from playing its supporting roles when banks face such tough times.

While the recent rating should not come as a surprise to analysts and observers of happenings in the economy, considering that financial institutions outlook in emerging markets revealed negative trends, it nevertheless reiterates the current economic challenges in the country’s economy.

The Fitch Ratings Fitch Ratings publishes opinions on a variety of scales. The most common of these are credit rating, but the agency also publishes ratings, scores and other relative opinions relating to financial or operational strength. For example, Fitch Ratings also provides specialised ratings of servicers of residential and commercial mortgages, asset managers and funds.

Fitch Ratings’ credit rating provide an opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments, such as interest, preferred dividends, and repayment of principal, insurance claims or counterpart obligations. Credit rating is used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms on which

they invested. The agency’s credit rating covers the global spectrum of corporate, sovereign (including supranational and sub-national), financial, bank, insurance, municipal and other public finance entities and the securities or other obligations they issue, as well as structured finance securities backed by receivables or other financial assets.

The Recent Rating In its revision of the rating of 19 Nigerian banks, Fitch Ratings downgraded the long term issuer Default Ratings of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, FBN Holdings Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Limited and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc from ‘B’ to ‘B-‘in line with their stand-alone credit worthiness as defined by their Viability Rating.

In the same rating, the agency affirmed the long-term IDRs of Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Wema Bank Plc and Bank of Industry.

According to a statement released in London, the agency explained that,“The downgrade of nine banks’ SR and revision of 10 banks’ SRFs to ‘No Floor’ reflects Fitch’s view that senior creditors can no longer rely on receiving full and timely extraordinary support from the Nigerian sovereign if any of the banks become non-viable.

“Fitch believes that the Nigerian authorities retain a willingness to support the banks, but their ability to do so in foreign currency is weakening due to Nigeria’s eroding foreign currency/reserves, as well as limited confidence that any available foreign will not be used to execute other policy objectives. Therefore, Fitch takes the view that supports, if ever required by the banks, cannot be relied upon”.

According to Fitch, the long-term IDR of Diamond Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, FCMB and Union Bank are downgraded to ‘B-‘ as they are now underpinned by their VRs of ‘B-’ rather than their SRFs, as was previously the case.

The Fitch Ratings statement added that,“The downgrade of FBN’s long-term IDR reflects both revision of its SRF and a downgrade of its VR. The latter reflects Fitch’s view that the

foremost economic advocacy group, Rotimi Oyelere, argued that the rating did not connote insolvency or banking industry stress but a pointer that the industry might be defaulting in meeting obligations to foreign investors as well as paying for maturing bills. He views it as an assessment of the banks’ status with respect to their abilities to attract foreign capital and meet their foreign obligations.

According to him, this is as a result of the scarcity of the greenback, depleted external reserves, which already constrain government from playing its supporting roles when banks face such tough times.

“It thus raises the question as per the quality of the assets of the banks. It appears toxic Analysts’ Opinions Reacting to the rating, Executive Director, assets, non-performing loans (NPLs) and Corporate Finance, BGL Securities, Olufemi other highly risky investment are once again Ademola, told THISDAY in an interview that gathering momentum. I think the banks failed the rating was not abstract but reacting to a to build substantial buffers especially in assets denominated in foreign currency in the era of bad situation.

According to him, “The rating is nothing plenty. This would have shielded them from abstract; it is reacting to a bad situation that the current pervasive volatility. With possibility the banks find themselves. It’s not surprising of further depreciation of the naira, the banks’ to discerning observers because the problem buffers may suffer further attacks.

“Another contributory factor to the asset cuts across all sectors, be it oil and gas, power quality generally is the number of high valued or sales (fast-moving consumer goods).

“With the likelihood of another round of loans/facilities that have been restructured, devaluation of the naira, banks with high USD particularly in the oil and gas sector. This is denominated loans are in trouble because what why it is important for the banks to apply the situation translates to is that their liability appropriate metrics when pricing their risks has doubled. This has weakened their balance especially in times of boom,” he said.

Speaking further, Oyelere stated that, “In sheet. GTBank was smart to have paid off their Euro bond in advance before it matured,” times like this, the apex bank must raise its games to minimise regulatory risks, or perhaps he stated.

Ademola contended that lending at this contractions in the industry.

“Banks may explore the bonds market for time would attract higher interest due to the perceived higher risks involved adding that raising fresh capital to finance maturing bills. since there is the likelihood of another round of Access Bank successfully raised about $350 devaluation of the naira, the banks are weaker million some months back,”he argued, adding that, “The viable bailout for the banks and than they were before.

“The banks are weaker than they were even for the economy in the short term is before and there is the tendency of a further restoration of peace in the Niger Delta region, devaluation of the naira. Lending at this time if it will restore output to budget benchmark will attract a higher interest because of the of 2.2 million barrel per day and then more perceived higher risk involved as some will foreign flows to the national account. If we (have) high concern around ability to repay,” can at least produce good quantity consistently, some of these currency depreciation risks would he submitted.

On his part, a Lagos-based analyst with a be averted,” he maintained. bank’s capital base is no longer commensurate with its risk profile, reflecting questions about asset quality, particularly its level of unreserved impaired loans to Fitch Core Capital (54 per cent as at the end of 2016) and pressure on its regulatory capital adequacy ratio.

“The VR of FBNH has also been downgraded, which drives the downgrade of its long-term IDR to ‘B-’.

Fitch also noted that it had also downgraded the national long-term ratings of Diamond Bank, Fidelity Bank, FCMB and Union Bank to ‘BBB (nga)’ from ‘BBB+’ (nga) following the rating actions on their long-term IDRs.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 4, 2016

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BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Mitigating Inflationary Pressure with Retention of Policy Rates

The resolve of the monetary policy committee to hold rates at their current positions, thus maintaining successive tight regime with a view to continuing to checkmate inflation and further encouraging inflow of foreign direct investment, has been greeted with diverse reactions by analysts, write Kunle Aderinokun and James Emejo

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iting among other things, the fragile macroeconomic conditions and the strong headwinds confronting the economy, particularly the implications of the twin deficits of current account and budget deficits, a 10-member-board of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to leave the monetary policy rate (MPR), the benchmark interest rate, unchanged at 14 per cent.

Also, banks’ cash reserve requirement (CRR) and liquidity ratio (LR) were retained at 22.5 per cent and 30 per cent respectively while the Asymmetric Window at +200 and -500 basis points around the MPR was further maintained.

The MPR is particularly important to stakeholders across the economy because it is the rate at which the CBN lends to commercial banks and often determines the cost of fund in the economy.

But with MPR at 14 per cent and inflation rate currently 18.3 per cent, the economy is already feeling the harsh impact of the cost of borrowing with the attendant negative effect on investment.

And amid the current economic recession and scarce liquidity in the system partly occasioned by drop in oil revenue to government, rising unemployment among others, the stakeholders had long desired a cut in MPR to make borrowing attractive to investors as well as induce spending to aid the recovery of the economy.

While a few others commended the MPC decision especially where all options had been explored by CBN, the refusal of the apex bank to ease the monetary policy regime came as a disappointment to some analysts who felt the country may have missed a chance to quickly recover from the current recession However, one of the high points of the MPC meeting was the plea by the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to government to pay debts owed to contractors in other to reflate the economy.

According to Emefiele, the inability of government to honour its obligations to contractors had affected businesses and called the integrity of the financial system to question.

Similarly, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, recently lamented the economy might have been starved of as much as N80 billion, following delays by government to release money into the system, largely because of the newly introduced zero-budgeting system which continued to slow down budget implementation across the country.

In her analysis on the outcomes of the MPC meeting which was the last this year, economist for Sub-Saharan Africa at Renaissance Capital, Yvonne Mhango, supported the MPC on the retention of policy rates as she believed a rate hike without a full liberalisation of the foreign exchange market was not an option. According to her, hiking the rates without ‘a properly functioning FX market would be a waste of firepower.”

Similarly, analysts at Time Economics noted that, “The MPC’s decision to keep its major policy rates unchanged was an attempt to walk the tightrope between supporting growth and curbing inflation, and attracting foreign investors without raising domestic borrowing costs.”

According to them, “With inflation at 18.3 per cent and the MPR at 14 per cent, the real interest rate was -4.3 per cent. Real interest rates dropping further into negative territory would have made Nigerian assets less attractive to foreign investors. However, raising the MPR would have increased borrowing costs for local borrowers. This presented an additional difficulty for the MPC as it had to balance the conflicting requirements of foreign and local investors.”

Time Economics explained that, “The combination of a slowing economy and rising inflation, a condition known as stagflation, put the MPC in a quandary, as any changes to the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) intended to solve one of these problems would have exacerbated the other.”

Besides, economist and ex-banker, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, said import substitution and the revival of the agricultural sector could provide hope of recovery from the recession.

According to him, “It was expected that the MPC would retain the MPR because increasing same would have stifled the economy more. With the inflation rate increasing and the aggregate income and GDP dwindling by about 2.2 per cent in the last quarter of the year, it was an indication that CBN could have attempted to increase the MPR in

Emefiele

order to cushion the cost of inflation.

“They however realised that that would worsen the disposable income of an average consumer and further deepen their hardship. Fighting Inflation however is a function of identifying the remote causes of same which in my opinion, are not things that can be resolved even in the second quarter of next year.

“Until we stop importing petroleum products which create the largest demand on our foreign reserve, until we resolve the Niger Delta impasse by reducing the bursting of pipeline in order to increase our production and supply capacity, until our exports start increasing and generating some foreign currencies and reducing pressure on imports, we will still be far from fighting inflation.

“The government palliatives to the agricultural sector however are many and should be fully utilised by those in agriculture and agro production. This is actually a right step to grow this sector. CBN should also increase the sectoral allocation of commercial bank credits to agriculture and allied products.”

However, an Associate Professor and Head, Banking & Finance department Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nasarawa State, Dr. Uche Uwaleke, said retaining the MPR further jeopardises the prospects for an early exit from the current recession.

According to him, “The decision of the MPC to retain the monetary policy rate and reserve ratios at their present high levels may help to curtail the pressure in the forex market and possibly slow down the pass-on effect of high exchange rate on food and other imported items. Unfortunately, this tight monetary policy stance jeopardises the country’s chance of exiting the present economic recession.

“It will be difficult to jumpstart growth in an economy where the average commercial banks’ lending rate is over 20 per cent with many businesses choking under high cost of doing business. The high MPR at 14 per cent implies high cost of borrowing not only by individuals and firms but also by the government that is depending on deficit financing to bridge infrastructural gap. So, domestic investments are

bound to decline with adverse consequences for an economy that has officially recorded a contraction in GDP for three consecutive quarters this year, the latest figure from the National Bureau of Statistics being -2.24 per cent for the third quarter.”

According to him, “The ripple effect of the present MPC stance will compound the problem of non-performing loans in banks which is already over 10 per cent well ahead the regulatory threshold of 5 per cent. This is because high interest rates make repayment of loans more difficult. The stock market which is currently on a bearish trajectory on account of waning investor confidence will be worst hit.

Portfolio investors are bound to revise their portfolios in favour of government securities.

“Share prices will plunge further when investors dispose their shares to invest in government bonds and treasury bills whose yields are currently high as a result of the high policy rate of the CBN. I would have wished the MPR and the reserve ratios were slightly reduced with the CBN putting in place adequate measures to ensure that the increased liquidity which will result from such monetary policy loosening is channeled by Deposit Money Banks to the real sectors of the economy and not used to mount pressure on the forex market.”

Also, economist and former acting Unity Bank Managing Director, Mr. Muhammed Rislanudenn, said it was difficult to think about taming inflation by keeping monetary policy rates high with hope of attracting foreign portfolio investment (especially in the fixed income markets whose rates are tied to MPR) and also provide liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

He said, “Even though I wanted to see rate reduction to support growth, it became clear that monetary policy committee may be cautious and still hold the rate at 14 per cent, citing decreasing rate of increase in inflation among others.

However, fast paced increase across inflation index was recorded in October 2016 despite monetary policy committee’s decision to hold rate at 14 per cent with a view to attacking inflation ( latest August figure then at 17.6 per cent before the last MPC meeting which has since increased to 17.9 per cent in September and 18.3 per cent in October 2016).

“The decision naturally traded off growth with GDP now further contracted to negative -2.24 per cent as at September 2016. With an economy deep in recession and largely importdependent, it is difficult to think about taming inflation by keeping monetary policy rates high with hope of attracting foreign portfolio investment (especially in the fixed income markets whose rates are tied to MPR) and also provide liquidity in the foreign exchange market. That has naturally traded off the growth we needed to pull the economy out of recession and stagflation (as borrowing from deposit money banks become expensive and potentials of loan default and high non-performing loans elevated).”

He, however, added: “The decision is not surprising to most analysts, it was predicted. MPC has limitation of dealing with stagflation without complement of pushing output, growth and employment. MPC seem on defensive and focused on its core mandate of financial stability in respect of exchange rate, inflation and interest rate.

“Meanwhile, Fixed income market will continue to reprice assets upwards in tune with inflationary as well as MPR rates. Treasury bills nominal rate for example is now 17.48 per cent and because treasury bills and bonds are not taxable, real rate will be around 24 per cent. Whether the dollar liquidity will come is left to posterity. For now, FPIs seem to think about other factors beyond rates in taking investment decision.” Executive Director, Corporate Finance, BGL Capital Limited, Mr. Femi Ademola, said retaining interest rate represented a let-down on the part of the CBN towards economic recovery.

According to him, “With the decision of the MPC to retain all monetary policy indicators despite the glaring need to spur growth by reflating the economy, it means that we will keep to be mired in economic recession for the foreseeable future.

“This is because the monetary authority is supposed to lead the charge to reverse the economic recession due to nimble and dynamic nature of its policy instruments. By now passing the buck to the fiscal authority which has a long term and extremely political nature, it would be difficult for the economy to be off recession in early 2017.”

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

BUSINESS/TELECOMS

As MTN Moves to List Shares on Stock Exchange…

Emma Okonji examines the value MTN would bring to the Nigerian Economy when its shares are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) within the first quarter of 2017

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hen MTN Nigeria agreed to list its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as part of the deal to pay the reduced N330 billion fine in cash to the Nigerian government for missing the deadline to disconnect 5.2 million unregistered subscribers on its network, many doubted the telecoms company’s commitment to the promise. This was because of the preconceived notion about MTN in the past. Their conclusion may have been drawn based on past persistent calls by Nigerians, for MTN to list on the stock exchange and make its shares public, which MTN did not heed. However, MTN perhaps, waited for the right time to make initial public offering (IPO) of its shares.

The negative perception of Nigerians about MTN began to change gradually, when last month, the telecoms company announced the appointment of Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, its affiliates — The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and Standard Advisory London Limited — and Citigroup Global Markets Limited as its Joint Transaction Advisors and Joint Global Coordinators, with Stanbic acting as Lead Issuing House, to handle its listing on the stock exchange.

The hope and trust for MTN, however increased again last week, when MTN made a bold step and met with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Capital Market regulator, to discuss the possible initial public offering (IPO) of its shares on the NSE and how it wants to structure the share sale.

These moves by MTN, no doubt, are beginning to make Nigerians not only see the commitment of MTN to telecoms development in Nigeria, but also to see its commitment to Nigeria’s economic development, through job creation.

According to them, MTN Nigeria has, through taxes and other levies, employment generation and other activities, contributed about 4 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, and MTN has continued to invest and change the lives of people, despite pockets of lacerating relationships with the Nigerian government.

MTN’s Move to Go Public MTN Nigeria, last week, visited the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to open discussion and commence the process for the listing of its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

According to Reuters, SEC Director General, Mounir Gwarzo, said MTN visited the commission to discuss the possibility of issuing various classes of shares to targeted investor groups. He said the telecoms firm was looking at three different classes, which would be new in Nigeria.

Gwarzo said the SEC was willing to support the share sale as long as it was within local laws and advised the telecoms firm to ensure retail investors were protected.

MTN, it was gathered, also discussed the possibility of getting some concessions that will speed up the listing.

The joint financial advisers and issuing houses to MTN on the proposed IPO and listing – Standard Bank of South Africa Limited, Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Stanbic IBTC – accompanied the management of the company to the meeting with SEC. “I can confirm to you that the management of the MTN Group and its advisors met with the SEC management. The main purpose was for them to ask for details of the procedure to embark on the IPO and the possibility of getting some concessions to fast-track the offer process,” Gwarzo said.

MTN CEO, Ferdi Moolman

The outcome of the meeting shows that the MTN IPO would likely come up in the first quarter of 2017, depending on the economic situation in the country.

MTN had, in a statement in July, announced that it was targeting 2017 to list its shares on the NSE. According to the statement,“MTN Nigeria is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has resolved to proceed with preparations for a listing of MTN Nigeria on the NSE as soon as commercially and legally possible and has established a management task team with the responsibility to guide the company towards a listing.”

Stakeholders’ Reaction Stakeholders in the telecoms sector have continued to react to the current move by MTN to list on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

According to them, MTN should be commended for keeping to the agreement it reached with the federal government, to list the company’s shares on the NSE. “This is commendable and it goes to show the commitment of MTN to economic development of Nigeria, from where it is making so much money through the quality of services it is rendering to Nigerians, being the largest telecoms operator in Nigeria,” one of the stakeholders said.

The President of National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, told THISDAY that MTN had shown that it is a company to reckon with, that is willing to promote and support businesses in Nigeria.

“The over 150 million subscribers, which I represent, have been calling on MTN to list its shares on the NSE to enable Nigerians invest in the company and become part owner, but this has not come through since the call started, but I am glad to know that the MTN Board of Directors has approved the listing

NSE CEO, Oscar Onyema

of the telecoms company, which I think is the right thing to do,” Ogunbanjo said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, who is a great advocate of local content development in the telecoms sector, also commended the move by MTN to commence the process of listing. MTN should be commended and other telecoms operators should be encouraged to begin the process of listing, Ekuwem said.

Some Reservations Although Ogunbanjo has expressed his happiness that MTN is finally coming to the stock market, he however expressed some worries that MTN might not make the IPO accessible to every Nigerian, who may be interested in buying the MTN shares, based on the condition of the share sale formula that MTN is proposing. MTN is looking at the possibility of issuing various classes of shares to targeted investor groups. According to source, MTN is looking at three different classes which would be new in Nigeria, but SEC said it would be willing to support the share sale formula as long as it was within local laws and advised the telecoms firm to ensure retail investors were protected.

Ogunbanjo therefore called on MTN to make its shares accessible to all Nigerians, including telecoms subscribers of low income earnings.

Ekuwem was of the view that MTN had to look inward and address all issues that could impede growth, after it may have concluded the listing. According to him, most companies that listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange are finding it difficult to grow after listing as a result of the inherent challenges in listing, which MTN must first address.

Corroborating Ekuwem, Ogunbanjo said most companies that got listed were also doing well and that MTN could learn from the success stories of such successful companies.

In order to perfect a smooth listing, Ekuwem

advised SEC to ensure that it determines the total value of MTN and the value of shares that the telecoms company is willing to release to the public, so that Nigerians will not be short-changed.

Economic Value Looking at the economic value of the plans to list on the NSE, Ekuwem said it would make Nigerians have a sense of ownership of the telecoms giant, and in so doing, protect the facilities of the company from vandals, since they have a stake in the company. It will empower more Nigerians who will be willing to buy the shares and it would add more value to the economy of the country, Ekuwem said.

Ogunbanjo said it would be an opportunity for Nigerians to hold shares in MTN, and in the process, MTN would make more money for expansion of its telecoms business, because I foresee a situation where the MTN shares would be over-subscribed, the moment the IPO is open.

He was of the view that it would help MTN to protect its facilities in Nigeria, since shareholders and their relatives would do everything to protect their investment. He added that listing on the stock exchange would give MTN more brand visibility both locally and internationally.

Although Nigerians were meant to believe that MTN was having a field day in the Nigerian telecoms space, and carting away billions of naira to its parent company in South Africa, recent developments have shown that the telecoms company has invested heavily in the Nigerian economy, providing direct and indirect jobs for millions of Nigerians and contributing to the economy through payment of taxes, since its inception in 2001.

Such a company should be encouraged by government, notwithstanding some of its past mistakes, some stakeholders told THISDAY.

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

BUSINESS/ENERGY

A solar farm in Europe. Such may soon be built in the North

Northern States Boosting Power with Five Solar Plants

Governors from the northern states in Nigeria want to tap into the abundant solar radiation-of the region to industrialise and improve the livelihood of their residents.

They signed a fresh pact to generate 500 megawatts (MW) of solar energy with globally acclaimed power firm, General Electric (GE). Chineme Okafor writes

P

erhaps coming to the understanding that Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuel power generation was no longer reliable and that the world was also fast pivoting to renewable and clean energy generation modes, governors in Nigeria’s northern states recently hopped on to the moving renewable energy wagon to find solutions to the chronic electricity shortage that has come to define the region and indeed Nigeria.

According to a media statement, the governors under the Northern States Governors’ Forum, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the General Electric International for the construction of five solar plants in some parts of the region.

It’s coming just days after Nigeria formally ratified its commitment to the climate change terms the world drew up and agreed to follow during the Conference of Parties (COP -22) in Marrakech, Morocco. The five solar plants are expected to generate 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity that could help industries and small businesses in the region regain their hitherto lost productivity.

Also, the development follows the recent bold steps of the Federal Government to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix, by having 14 solar farms built majorly in states in the north by solar power promoters who signed power purchase agreements (PPA) with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) to build and generate 1125MW of solar power.

The Solar MoU According to the statement signed by Isa Gusau, the spokesperson of the Borno Governor, Mr. Kashim Shettima, who is also the chairman of the forum, each of

the plants is expected to generate 100MW of the 500MW planned electricity output.

The electricity from the solar farms, Gusau said would be used to stimulate economic activities and social services in the states, with special attention given to agricultural food processing, small scale businesses and stable electricity supply to schools and hospitals in the region.

He quoted Shettima to have said at the MoU signing ceremony with GE that, “The 19 Governors of the North jointly created this approach. We want to go beyond lamentation to provide solutions and we all know that power is key to industrial development.”

Shettima further noted: “With power, we can create jobs, stimulate our economies and make life better for our people. The General Electric has over 120-year experience in energy solutions and they have been operating in Nigeria for over 50 years, we cannot have a better partner than GE.” “We shall do our part as governors, this I will assure you. We are deeply committed to this agreement,” he added at the ceremony which reportedly held in Abuja.

Change of Approach Just like turning a new leaf, Shettima explained in the statement that the challenges of poverty, unemployment, and poor access to education, poor healthcare amongst other underdevelopment indications were threatening the north, hence the decision of the governors to take a new approach to curb such underdevelopment.

Coming at time when Nigeria may likely go through another round of power supply failures as generation from its largest power plant, Egbin station reportedly crashed to a record low of 172MW on Tuesday, the governors may have perhaps initiated a bold move that could create a positive ripple effect

on the business of power generation and supplies in the country.

According to industry data, eight of the nation’s 26 power plants were idle on Tuesday while the nation recorded a total system collapse on Thursday, November 24, the second time it would happen this month and for as many times as possible this year.

Shettima had stated that the governors would no longer complain about the current electricity challenge of the country, but concentrate on finding solutions to the peculiar challenges of the region.

He said power could provide a vehicle for the North to reposition itself for a better future, adding that the Northern Nigeria Global Economic Re-integration Programme, a newly created platform by the forum would

The electricity from the solar farms, Gusau said would be used to stimulate economic activities and social services in the states, with special attention given to agricultural food processing, small scale businesses and stable electricity supply to schools and hospitals in the region

coordinate the 500MW solar project, which is also a pilot phase.

The programme would serve as the vehicle for the economic recovery of Northern states through international relations on infrastructure, manufacturing, as well as stimulation of the agricultural value chain and trade.

It would equally seek to make the region a global player in agricultural export in line with the vision of its late Premier, Ahmadu Bello.

Tanimu Kurfi, the former Chief Economic Adviser to late President Umaru Yar’Adua has reportedly been engaged as the Chief Executive Officer of the Programme and would, with his reported wide contact with leading development companies and financial institutions across the world, help nurture and stabilise the plan.

Similarly, the statement noted that both the Senior Executive, Western Europe and Africa for GE, Mr. Pineda, and its President/Chief Executive Officer for Nigeria, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo, in affirming the commitment of the company to the MoU, explained that they would work to realise the project.

Although no details as regard the projects’ costs and execution period was provided by the forum, it was not clear if this was part of GE’s existing commitment to help Nigeria grow her power infrastructure over the next 10 years.

GE in 2009 signed a Country-to-Company (C2C) agreement with the Federal Government to support the financing, design and building of infrastructure and capacity across key sectors of the economy, including rail, power and healthcare.

The agreement was however renewed for another five years, with the pledge to help Nigeria through its partnership with the Ministry of Power, develop up to 10,000MW of power over the next 10 years.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 4, 2016

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BUSINESS/ENERGY

Focus Shifts to Execution after OPEC Deal

The focus is now shifting to how member countries of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries would firmly implement their bid to ease a record glut in the crude oil market after they recently approved a production cut deal for the first time in eight years, which subsequently resulted to big gains for oil prices in nine months, writes Chineme Okafor

OPEC headquarters

A

fter an intensely negotiated meeting, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) decided to cut crude oil production amongst its member countries in a bid to support market rebalancing and shore

up oil prices.

As widely reported, the impact of the decision on the energy world was immediate. It saw benchmark oil prices gained as much as 10 per cent in New York for example, and the share prices of energy companies around the globe jumped alongside the currencies of large exporters.

In reaching the agreement, OPEC reportedly stated that the global oil market had witnessed a serious challenge of imbalance and volatility pressured mainly from the supply side, which has also led to significant investment cuts in the oil industry.

This, the cartel noted, had a direct impact on offsetting the natural depletion of reservoirs and in ensuring security of supply to producers.

The current market conditions, it explained are counterproductive and damaging to both producers and consumers because it threatens the economies of producing nations, hinders critical industry investments, jeopardises energy security to meet growing world energy demand, as well as challenges oil market stability as a whole.

The cartel thus asked its members to lead in the market rebalancing effort, which in this regards saw to a number of production discounts agreed by members.

Within the deal, Algeria will have to shave off about 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) to now produce 1.039million barrel per day (mbpd), Angola will do 1.673mbpd from 1.715mbpd, Ecuador – 522,000bpd from 548,000bpd, Gabon – 193,000bpd from 202,000bpd, Iran – 3.797mbpd from 3.975mbpd, Iraq – 4.351mbpd from 4.561mbpd, and Kuwait – 2.707mbpd from 2.838mbpd.

Other members like Qatar will also do 618,000bpd from 648,000bpd, Saudi Arabia – 10.058mbpd from 10.544mbpd, United Arab Emirates (UAE) – 2.874mbpd from 3.013mbpd, and thenVenezuela from 2.067mbpd down to 1.972mbpd.

Nigeria and Libya are however left out for their peculiar challenges, while Indonesia had suspended its membership of the cartel.

But whether their plan would be sustainable, depends largely on how its members firmly stick to the agreement they reached in Vienna, and this is more worrisome on reported accounts that they have not always done that in the past.

However, in a statement it published at the conclusion of the 171st Ministers’ meeting, the cartel indicated that it would shave off approximately 1.2 mbpd from its daily production volume to 32.5mbpd, a notch analysts said, was above the 1.1mbpd cut it had pledged it would do when it met in September at the International Energy Forum in Algiers.

Though expected to take effect from January 1, 2017, the sweetener in the deal, which perhaps elicited some excitements in the market was the fact that non-OPEC producers may also partake in the production cut by implementing an almost 600,000bpd production cut.

Russia which is expected to lead in this was reported to likely account for about 300,000bpd of that volume alone.

According to the OPEC statement, the cartel recognised that there was an ongoing reduction in the stock overhang, and so in line with the Algiers Accord decided to implement a new production target of 32.5mbpd, in order to accelerate the stock overhang drawdown and then bring the oil market rebalancing forward.

“The agreement will be effective from January 1, 2017. The conference also decided to establish a high-level monitoring committee, consisting of oil ministers, and assisted by the OPEC Secretariat, to monitor the implementation of the agreement.

“Member countries, in agreeing to this decision, confirmed their commitment to a stable and balanced oil market, with prices at levels that are suitable for both producers and consumers,”said the statement.

It added: “In line with recommendations from the high-level committee of the ‘Algiers Accord’, the conference also agreed to institutionalise a framework for cooperation between OPEC and non-OPEC producing countries on a regular and sustainable basis. The conference underscored the

importance of other producing countries joining the agreement.”

From Talks to Action As much as the accord would come into effect at the start of 2017 and then for last six months, with calls for an additional 600,000bpd reduction from non-OPEC suppliers expected to be observed, analysts however, indicated that the success of the cartel’s decision would now depend on how well it is able to execute it.

On the back of this, Bloomberg quoted the Energy Minister of Russia, Alexander Novak, to have said in Moscow that Russia would be willing to ensure the success of the deal and would contribute to the market rebalancing efforts.

Novak, according to Bloomberg, said Russia would cut production by as much as 300,000bpd but“conditional on its technical abilities.”

Similarly, other non-OPEC countries like Mexico would, as indicated by OPEC, be approached to get their buy-in in the deal, which Jeff Currie, an economist and the global head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. told Bloomberg are

The decision, it also noted, would be without prejudice to future agreements, while Algeria, Kuwait,Venezuela, and two participating nonOPEC countries would closely monitor the implementation of and compliance with the agreement and report back for future actions

“incredibly appealing.”

Currie in his analyses stated that the main aim of the cuts was inventory normalisation, and his views were equally shared by Amrita Sen, who is the chief oil analyst at Energy Aspects Ltd. According to Sen, the production cut was a wake-up call on OPEC’s cynics, who held the view that its decision perhaps had a minimal impact and could not really muster the force to rebalance the oil market.

“This should be a wake-up call for sceptics, who have argued the death of OPEC. The group wants to push inventories down,”Sen said.

While Nigeria and Libya are excused from the OPEC deal on account of both countries’ struggles to recover from previous outages, it was however reported that the cartel could hold another meeting on December 9 with non-OPEC members to firm up their commitment to the deal.

The cartel however indicated that there was a strong and common ground that continuous collaborative efforts among producers within and outside OPEC would complement the market in restoring a global oil demand and supply balance.

It also said it was committed to a stable market, mutual interests of producing nations, an efficient, economic and secure supply to consumers, and a fair return on invested capital of producers.

According to OPEC, countries participating in the deal had opted to do that on the principle of good faith, and through dialogue and cooperation to ensure there would be cohesive, credible, and effective action and implementation.

The decision, it also noted, would be without prejudice to future agreements, while Algeria, Kuwait, Venezuela, and two participating non-OPEC countries would closely monitor the implementation of and compliance with the agreement and report back for future actions.

The cartel also stressed that the agreement was reached following extensive consultations and understanding reached with key non-OPEC countries, thus indicating that it has perhaps marshalled out its strategy to ensure cooperation and compliance.

Comfortable at Mid-$50/b Notwithstanding, Nigeria which was excused from the deal has said it would be comfortable with oil price levels at a mid-$50 per barrel range.

Shortly before the deal was reached, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, in an interview with Bloomberg said Nigeria would be quite comfortable with the price of crude oil hovering at mid-$50 per barrel.

While indicating that the country’s production volume was gradually growing on account of limited disruption by militants in the Niger Delta region, Kachikwu however, said he was not sure when the current militancy affecting oil and gas production in the region would end, even though the federal government had reportedly made some progress in its attempts to resolve the issues.

He also said, if it rose to $60/b, he would consider it a favour to the country, but that the country would have to work to recover its volumes.

The minister equally maintained that for the country to enjoy the benefits of the OPEC deal, it would have to continue to work on its efforts to find a lasting solution to the militancy in the Delta and grow its production volumes for it.

“Mid $50: $54, $55, $56. If we have a Santa Claus day, then $60, but frankly we are looking to mid $50,” said Kachikwu, in response to a question on what level of oil price the country would consider comfortable.

“I think the Niger Delta issue is a major problem because you simply can’t get a final handle on it until it is resolved and you will never know when it is resolved.

“We have made a lot of progress on that; productions are up – 1.9 million barrel (mb), 1.95mb from the lows of 1.4mb. Militancy attacks are less, an average of one every month as opposed to five to six every week when it first started early in the year,”he explained.

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

MANAGING IN CHALLENGING TIMES

Minimum Wage: Beyond the Numbers

M

inimum wage is not an indicator of fair wage in many countries, including Nigeria. Recent efforts towards increasing the minimum wage would achieve more impact if channelled towards legislating compliance with this wage floor and implementing a safety-net strategy for casual workers. These could have significant impact on poverty levels and consequently promote socio-economic development. A minimum wage legislates how much the lowest skilled workers should be paid and is intended to address income inequality, but one may safely argue that in Nigeria, it has not yet successfully achieved these objectives.

The current minimum wage of N18,000 (USD40) per month is applicable to ALL employers in Nigeria and not merely the Government. This amount ranks alongside Vietnam, Lesotho and Sierra Leone and far below South Africa (USD155), Egypt (USD174) and Brazil (USD218). Many in the Nigerian informal sector, especially domestic workers are paid sums below the wage floor and some employers give the excuse that they meet certain aspects of needs such as food and shelter, so that the paltry difference is what is paid out to the employees. These domestic workers’ salaries are equivalent to amounts spent at the salon for basic treatments and an aggregate of six months salaries may begin to compare with amounts spent on a night out or dinner with friends.

The gini coefficient for Nigeria shows a highly unequal society despite this measure not capturing the country’s huge underground economy.

What really is a fair minimum wage given the peculiarities in this society? A few states claim to have free basic education but beyond basics, payment for education is required.

Healthcare is not free as government hospitals also compete for resources and typically collect fees to stay afloat. Food is available but rising inflation is putting staples out of the reach of the poor. Transportation is not free and many are reliant on public systems which are oftentimes subsidized but cost money. Clothing and shoes are necessary and are not free though many open markets have sprung up across the country selling used, cheap items to the masses. Societal pressures abound with relatives from rural communities expecting assistance from their urban-dwelling relatives. Is N18,000 (USD40) able to cover the barest minimum of these requirements?

Expectations from the poor are huge and one has not accounted for taxes, pensions, saving for emergencies or skills acquisition to improve themselves. The current national minimum wage of N18,000 was calculated based on cost of living in 2011 by trade unions using statistical data from the national bureau of statistics.

Standard models for competitive labour markets predict that a higher minimum wage leads to job losses but this is hardly

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER MEASURING THE WORK DELIVERED AND VALUEADD OF LEGISLATORS AND POLITICAL APPOINTEES, AND MAKING THEIR SALARIES AND ALLOWANCES A MULTIPLE OF THE MINIMUM WAGE TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE PRINCIPLE OF FAIRNESS AND TO ALIGN INTERESTS ON WHAT CORRECT WAGES SHOULD BE

the case in Nigeria given that the government rarely terminates employment and there is a lack of enforcement in other sectors. The Provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act (as amended) 2011 again raises the vexed question of the appropriateness of Federal legislature decreeing a Minimum Wage Law that applies to the States and Local Governments when the earning capacity and expenditure of States and Local Governments differ. Experts argue that the inability of some states to comply with the Minimum Wage Act is directly linked to inefficiencies in state administration which stems from a lack of clear vision for what the state can achieve given its resources and peculiarities, and deepens through overstaffed and underproductive government employees, inadequate revenue collection methods, outright theft and irresponsible expenses by

officials.

Micropreneurs and subsistence farmers have peculiar challenges with regards income. Many of the enterprises are small and usually run by themselves, making a minimum wage of no impact to them. This category of people will benefit immensely from joining cooperatives at which they will learn improved technics for higher output, have access to funding which can expand their enterprises and potentially command higher prices for their goods given the group effect.

At such cooperatives, members contribute a small sum to cater to administration and cooperatives colleges share best practices for the benefits of these members. To enhance this, the government will be required to channel funding towards creating awareness on the existence and benefits of cooperatives in order to significantly increase participation by micropreneurs and subsistence farmers.

A far more difficult group to integrate in the minimum wage discourse are casual workers which make up a significant portion of the informal sector. This group earns an income only when they find work, making their earnings non-predictable and not guaranteed.

They constitute a large segment of Nigerians and they do not pay taxes as they hardly have sufficient income to cover the most basic of their needs. They require a safety net from the government in form of social protection. The government at various levels must capture this segment, determine their numbers and their vocation in order to include them in forms of conditional cash transfer and skills acquisition programs.

Besides the meagreness of the current minimum wage is the indignity of labour.

A cycle that ensures that the poor remain poor and even get poorer. That the poor will breed poor children who themselves seem to be unable to break the cycle of poverty.

The income disparity is much larger than the World Bank suggests given undisclosed remunerations in terms of allowances, the opaqueness of the informal sector and the booming black market economy that appears to thrive in the country.

At challenging times, there are a few ways that good management can raise an organization and indeed the whole country to achieve some respite. Management here refers to both public and private sector managers who can: 1. Establish and pay a fair wage – While I agree with the principles behind instituting a minimum wage, I believe that beyond its prescriptions, organizations should be looking to pay for value. Essentially, like many already do, they should be measuring employee productivity and output and paying a commensurate wage. The government should be no exception, jobs need to be reappraised and regraded. If pursued then the salaries of many workers will rise beyond the current wage floor and the discourse will achieve practical results. In addition, the government should consider measuring the work delivered and value-add of legislators and political appointees, and making their salaries and

allowances a multiple of the minimum wage to further promote the principle of fairness and to align interests on what correct wages should be. In Brazil, the minimum wage has significant impact on society as over 48 million people have their salaries computed as a multiple of the minimum wage 2. Rationalize staff – And while this is not a popular view, it is required to the extent that everyone contributes at the highest level of their ability and work is efficient. I dare to say that many government employees have no schedule of duties, oftentimes do not turn up at work and hardly contribute to the overall delivery of the institutions to which they are assigned. So why keep and pay them? A new legislation was enacted in Italy in 2015 which makes it easier to fire job-for-life public sector employees in a bid to sanitize the system towards meritocracy. The arguments that there are no jobs in the private sector and that government work keeps people away from crime are both untenable. A better approach would be to create a more business-friendly environment and empower enterprises so that displaced workers can migrate to jobs where they will indeed contribute and can earn decent wages 3. Make access to start-up easy and encourage cooperatives – For many who could potentially be sacked from their jobs given the need for improved efficiency, the Government should encourage people to come together in cooperatives and support them. For instance, agricultural cooperatives can be formed and parcels of land can be provided for periods of 5 or 10 years, with subsidized inputs to encourage farming. Various collective schemes can be established such that there are immediate off-takers for the outputs, leading to commercial quantities of agricultural produce, increased self-employment and greater impact. The cooperative farming can focus on outputs for which there is existing high commercial demand 4. Embrace sustainable practices – Companies should consider paying lower skilled staff a living wage rather than just the minimum wage. It is not a sustainable strategy for companies to reduce salaries during challenging times. While the organization may be hard-hit, so too are the employees who face their own challenges due to increasing costs resulting from high inflation and other general hardships.

5. Enforce compliance – The wage floor must be enforced to ensure that it makes an impact beyond the 1% working in government.

Legislation, implementation and the will to pay fairly are required to make minimum wage more than a myth Until the minimum wage means something to both the formal and informal sectors and government rises above over-staffing for the sake of employment, the minimum wage will continue to be a subject for debate and not a tool for impact.

By Angela Attah For: Alegna Global Partnerships

www. AGPartnerships.com

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc: Remarkable growth in performance despite tough operating environment

G

uaranty Trust Bank Plc (GT Bank) is an internationally focused commercial bank providing a range of banking products and services to corporate, commercial, and retail customers in Nigeria, West Africa, and Europe. The company focuses on acquiring and managing strategic businesses that create long term shareholders’ returns and socioeconomic impact.

The Bank’s management recently released third quarter result for the period ended September 30th 2016, the performance metrics shows substantial positive growth in revenue and profitability compared to the corresponding period of 2015 despite a protracted economic recession caused a number of tough macroeconomic factors which includes: unstable foreign exchange terrain, unexpected increase in prices, decline in income and expenses, and easy adjustment and absorption to changing banking regulation,.

TOP-LINE EARNINGS ROSE SIGNIFICANT AMID ECONOMIC SITUATIONS. Guaranty Trust Bank Plc posted a significant rise of 43.56% in gross earnings to N329.28 billion in September 2016 from N229.38 billion in the corresponding period of 2015 largely driven by other income which grew by a remarkable 1250.32%, and interest income which grew by a 5.17% to N181.91 billion compared to N172.96 billion recorded over the same period of 2015.

Interest expense on the other hand grew by dropped by 6.95% to N49.16 billion in September 2016 from N52.83 billion recorded in September 2015. The high and constant interest rate environment throughout the period and an unchanging Banks’ Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) resulted in increase in competition for deposits amongst banks but GT Bank was able to manage its interest expense.

Expectedly the bank’s net interest income grew notably by 10.50% to N132.75 billion in September 2016 from N120.13 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

OTHER INCOME AND FEES EARNED LEADS TO SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN NON-INTEREST INCOME The Bank reported non-interest income of N147.37 billion for the third quarter ended, September 2016 from N56.4 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2015;

WHILE THIS POLICY AIMED AT CONTROLLING MONETARY LIQUIDITY IN THE ECONOMY FORESHADOWS HUGE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE BANKS’ OPERATIONS, THE BANK’S MANAGEMENT IS CAPABLE OF INCREASING PERFORMANCE THAT WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN EARNINGS, INCOME GENERATION CAPACITY AND GROWTH IN LIQUIDITY BASE.

reflecting a substantial growth of 161.25%. This was an impressive performance as fee and commission rose by 27.11% on the back of substantive increase in income generated from e-business products and services which suitably replace the phased out Commission on Turnover (COT) by the CBN; a hitherto significant source of income to banks.

Also, growth in non-interest income was despite decrease in net gains on financial instruments classified as held for trading which decreased by 69.23% to N3.01 billion from N9.79 billion over the period reviewed.

IMPRESSIVE GROWTH IN PROFITABILITY ON THE BACK OF EFFICIENTLY MANAGED OPERATING EXPENSES The Bank’s well venerated operational efficiency is a tradition that GT Bank strongly upholds.

The Bank has been able to consistently sustain its effective cost management strategies and hence profitability. Despite running a leaner branch network compared to its peers, the Bank conveniently generates more competitive profit year after year. This renowned efficiency is also sustained in the period under review as the Bank grew operating expenses by a modest 8.24% to N79.93 billion from N73.8 billion recorded in 2015, while operating income rose by a considerable 478.74% to N96.96

billion from N16.75 billion over the period.

The combination of efficiently managed operating expenses and substantial growth in gross earnings steered profitability higher. Thus, pre-tax profit grew significantly by 52.98% to N140.84 billion in September 2016 from N92.06 billion in in the corresponding period, September 2015, while net income grew substantially by 59.56% to N119.93 billion from N75.16 billion over the same period.

IMPROVEMENT IN ASSET QUALITY AND KEY FINANCIAL METRICS GT Bank maintained its leading position in terms of margin and cost efficiency. Pre-tax profit margin declined slightly to 42.77% from 41.93% over period while net income margin also followed suit with an increase to 36.42% from 34.23% during the same period. In addition, the Bank’s cost to income ratio also declined marginally to 36.20% in September 2016 from 44.51% in September 2015.

At 37.62%, the Bank’s liquidity ratio remains above the minimum regulatory requirements of 30% while capital adequacy ratio remains strong at 18.10%, well above the regulatory requirement of 15%.

In relation to assets quality, nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio rose to 4.13% in September 2016.

Furthermore, the Bank shareholder’s fund improved by 19.01% to N492.20 billion in September 2016 from N413.56 billion in December 2015. The Bank’s return on assets and shareholders’ equity rose remarkably. Return on average asset (ROA) grew to 4.27% in September 2016 from 3.06% in December 2015 while return on equity (ROE) grew to 26.48% from 18.76% over the period under review.

HOLD RECOMMENDATION DESPITE BRIGHT OUTLOOK The CBN’s monetary tightening policies have resulted in limited income generation and high cost of funds within the Nigerian financial system. The CBN has maintained the CRR at a high level with a view to maintaining price stability and support the stability of the Naira exchange rate.

Despite the regulatory headwinds prevalent which saw inflation soar to 17.70% as at September 2016 from 9.4% a year ago, MPR at 14% and the CRR on all public sector deposits at 22.5%, GT

Valuation Metrics 2-Dec-16 Rating

BUY

Target Price (N)

27.81

Current Price (N)

23.49

Market Cap (N'm)

691,338

Outstanding Shares (m)

29,431

Rolling EPS (N)

4.90

Rolling PE Ratio

4.79

Forward EPS

5.77

Forward PE

4.07 Source: NSE Data, BGL Research

Unaudited Q3 Results 2016Results Gross Earnings (N'm)

229,372

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

92,062

Profit After Tax (N'm)

75,160

Pre-tax Margin (%)

40.14

Source: Company Report Q3 2016, BGL Research

FYE December 2015 Audited Results Gross Earnings (N'm)

301,900

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

120,695

Profit After Tax (N'm)

99,437

Pre-tax Margin (%)

31.98 Source: Annual Report 2015, BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Citibank Nigeria (GDR)

10.54%

Stanbic Nominees

25.90%

Public Float

63.56%

Outstanding Shares (m)

29,431.17

Source: Annual Report 2015, BGL Research

Bank delivered another impressive performance. While this policy aimed at controlling monetary liquidity in the economy foreshadows huge negative impact on the banks’ operations, the Bank’s management is capable of increasing performance that will further strengthen earnings, income generation capacity and growth in liquidity base.

We maintain our projection of N339.48 billion for gross earnings and net income of N111.29 billion for the financial year ending December 2016, leading to a forward EPS of N5.77. Using an industry price to earnings multiple (PE) of 4.41x, we arrive at a 3-month average target price of N27.81. Since this represents an upside potential of 18.40% on the current stock price of N23.49, we therefore recommend a BUY.

29

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 4, 2016

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

ZENITH BANK PLC: Growth in top-line and bottom-line earnings reflects management effectiveness

Z

enith Bank Plc (Zenith Bank) recently released its third quarter results for the period ended September 30th 2016, showing an impressive performance in profitability and gross earnings. This was despite continuing tough operating environment faced by businesses in the ongoing financial year.

The Bank offers its clients a wide range of corporate, investment, business and personal banking products and solutions. The Bank is one of the biggest and most profitable banks in Nigeria. The bank was established in May 1990 and started operations in July same year as a commercial bank. It became a public limited company on June 17, 2004 and was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange on October 21, 2004.

NON-INTEREST INCOME IMPACTS POSITIVELY ON TOP-LINE EARNINGS Gross earnings for third quarter 2016 grew by 12.91% to N380.35 billion from N336.86 billion in the corresponding period of 2015; driven by a 18.18% increase in non-interest income to N94.68 billion from N80.12 billion over the same period.

Interest income grew notably by 11.27% to N285.67 billion from N256.74 billion in the third quarter of 2015, spurred mainly by a substantial 70% growth in interest from government bonds while growth in loans and advances also rose by 11%, indicating a notable rise in the last two quarters in spite of a borderline 1% rise recorded in the first quarter 2016. Interest expense as expected grew by a negligible 0.55% to N95.86 billion from N95.34 billion reported a year ago; influenced by impressive declines of 32.92% and 14.47% in the first quarter and half year respectively. A breakdown of the components of interest expenses shows that the decrease was triggered by a decline of 22% in interest expense on time deposits to N56.27 billion from N72.36 billion and 33% decline in interest expense on current account.

Hence, net interest income rose impressively by 17.61% to N189.82 billion from N161.40 billion recorded at the end of third quarter 2015.

The rise in non-interest income was driven mainly by other income which grew by an outstanding 229.68% and a 3.12% growth in trading income. Unexpectedly, commission on turnover and credit related fees recorded declines of 15.08% in the

SIMILARLY, WITH REINFORCED COMMITMENT TOWARDS AN INCREASED AND EFFECTIVELY MANAGED INVESTMENT IN TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCT INNOVATIONS, CUSTOMERS’ BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, SOLUTION AND SATISFACTION WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCED; HENCE WILL RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN ZENITH BANK’S NON-INTEREST INCOME

period ended, September 30th 2016.

EFFECTIVE EXPENSE MANAGEMENT COUPLED WITH GROWING OPERATING INCOME FURTHER IMPROVES OF PROFITABILITY Zenith Bank’s pre-tax profit grew by a striking figure 16.55% to N121.28 billion in September 2016 from N104.05 billion in September 2015.

This was recorded as total operating income rose by a noteworthy figure of 13.2% to N262.64 billion from 232.00 billion, exceeding the 10.5% increase recorded in total operating expenses over the nine-month period to N141.36 billion from N127.95 billion in September 2015. This is an indication of effective performance

by the management as it effectively curtails its expenses while growing income despite tough operating terrain.

Net income, therefore, increased significantly by 20.44% to N100.07 billion from N83.09 billion in the corresponding period 2015.

Furthermore, the bank maintains a borderline rise of 1.13% in income tax to N21.20 billion in third quarter ended, September 2016 from N20.97 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2015.

BANKS PERFORMANCE FAILS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY RATIOS As at third quarter ended, September 2016, Zenith Bank grew its total assets by 16.16% to N4.65 trillion from N4.01 trillion recorded as at December 2015. The growth in loans and advances reflects the Bank risk nature as it appeared to have reacted appropriately to the current operating environment through a more cautious outlook on risk involved in each financial intermediation activities as it aims at reducing its non-performing advances which has been maintained at the 2.2% threshold from December 2015; with general commerce leading in loans and advances and also having the highest rate of non-performing loan.

Similarly, total liabilities rose by 16.01% to N3.96 trillion as at September 2016 from N3.41 trillion as at December 2015. The increase resulted from a 5.24% growth in total customer deposits to N2.69 trillion from N2.56 trillion at the end of full year 2015.

Impressive financial ratios reflect the Bank’s performance. Return on average equity (ROAE) currently stands at 15.52% while return on average assets (ROAA) at 2.31%.

BUY RECOMMENDATION MAINTAINED DESPITE THE MACRO-ECONOMIC headwind in most African countries and Nigeria CBN’s startling monetary tightening policies in a recession period, which results into high cost of funds within the financial system, the Bank will be able to record more outstanding performance in line with general expectation if it continues to operate an efficient liquidity and cost cutting strategy as it strives to maintains a low NPL ratio. Similarly, with reinforced commitment towards an increased and effectively managed investment in technology and product innovations, customers’ business activities, solution and satisfaction will be significantly

Valuation Metrics 2-Dec-16 Rating

BUY

Target Price (N)

18.42

Current Price (N)

14.03

Market Cap (N'm)

440,493

Outstanding Shares (m)

31,396

Rolling EPS (N)

3.91

Rolling PE Ratio

3.59x

Forward EPS

4.92

Forward PE

2.85x Source: NSE Data, BGL Research

Unaudited Third Quarter Results Gross Earnings (N'm) Profit Before Tax (N'm) Profit After Tax (N'm) Pre-tax Margin (%)

380,352 121,275 100,074 31.88

Source: Company Data 2016, BGL Research

FYE December 2015 Audited Results Gross Earnings (N'm) Profit Before Tax (N'm) Profit After Tax (N'm) Pre-tax Margin (%)

432,535 125,616 105,663 29.04

Source: Annual Report 2015, BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Jim Ovia, CON

9.38%

Stanbic Nominees Nigeria Limited/C011 - MAIN

7.38%

Stanbic Nominees Nigeria Limited/C002 - TRAD

7.24%

Stanbic Nominees Nigeria Limited/C001 - TRAD

5.75%

Free Float

70.25% Source: Annual Report 2015, BGL Research

enhanced; hence will result in significant growth in Zenith Bank’s non-interest income.

While we believe Zenith Bank will enhance its profitability in the coming months, envisage forward earnings per share (EPS) of N4.92.

However, using the current PE multiple and net assets valuation, we arrive at a 3-month target price of N18.42 and therefore recommend a BUY since this represent an upside of 31.31% above the current price of 14.03.

30

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • december 4, 2016

MARKET NEWS

NASD Now Full Member of African Securities Exchanges Association Goddy Egene The NASD OTC Securities Exchange, which is the platform for the trading securities not listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), has become a full member of the African Securities Exchanges Association(ASEA).

The acceptance of NASD OTC as full member of ASEA took place at the annual general meeting(AGM) and 20th annual conference of the association that took recently in Kigali, Rwanda.

NASD said that as a full member of the umbrella body for African exchanges, it will obtain access to best practice and technology trends from a global African perspective.

“We also will build vital relationships that will enable us provide better and more efficient services stakeholders in the market. NASD in additions joins 26 other exchanges in forming Investment practice policy and regulatory framework on the continent,” the exchange said.

NASD OTC added that it

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

is committed to best practice improving investment standards and corporate governance.

“We continue to respond to the liquidity requirements of investors and funding requirements of viable Issuers.

Joining a pan African organisation has positioned us better to provide our objective of creating liquidity… transparently,” NASD said.

Also at the AGM, the Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, was re-elected President of ASEA. Similarly,

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 1-Dec-2016, unless otherwise stated.

the CEO of Casablanca Stock Exchange, Mr. Karim Hajji was re-elected as the Deputy President.

The AGM was attended by 16 Member Exchanges and two (2) Associate Members. Other officers constituting the ASEA Executive Committee for the next two year term include, Mr. Geoffrey Odundo, CEO of Nairobi Securities Exchange; Ms. Zeona Jacobs, Director Marketing and Corporate Affairs Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE); Mr. Edoh

Kossi Amenounve, CEO Bourse Regionale des Valeures Mobilieres; Mr. Mohammed Omran, CEO Egyptian Exchange; Mr. Thapelo Tsheole; CEO Botswana Stock Exchange and Mr. Pierre Ekoule, CEO Douala Stock Exchange.

Onyema thanked the association for the support he had received during his past tenure as president and for entrusting him with the leadership of ASEA for yet another term.

“I am grateful to my fellow

Executive Committee Members, for the support and dedication shown to me and to ASEA. I humbly accept this new challenge and I look forward to further delivering on the promise of the Association in the two years ahead,” he noted.

Also commenting, Hajji said: “A lot of good work has been done by the Executive Committee, the Members and the Secretariat of ASEA in the last two years and I look forward to the next two years in propelling ASEA forward.”

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 121.02 Nigeria International Debt Fund 220.28 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 121.95 11.08% 221.55 10.07% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.70 12.12% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

16.80%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 11.89 280.42 21.68

Offer Price 12.25 288.88 22.33

Yield / T-Rtn -2.43% 0.33% -1.66%

1.00

1.00

16.05%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 102.93

Offer Price 103.58

Yield / T-Rtn 3.25%

1.00 1.00 15.20% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.13 8.99 83.21

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 2.19 4.85% 9.22 -8.77% 85.34 2.59% invest@fbnquest.com

Bid Price 1,075.27 108.69 100.00 $101.61 $101.39

Offer Price 1,076.46 109.24 100.00 $102.39 $102.18

Yield / T-Rtn 4.94% 3.12% 14.46% 5.44% 5.22%

110.51

9.78%

109.04

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.90 2.54

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.92 0.00% 2.54 9.23% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,159.86

Offer Price 2,184.08

Coral Income Fund 2,083.67 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 -0.72%

2,083.67 10.13% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

15.21%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.65

1.66

1.07%

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 11.66% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 998.51 998.51 -0.15% 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 9.20 9.28 -5.93% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.36% 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 1.04 1.05 5.31% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.38 10.45 4.19% 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 107.22 107.91 5.22% 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 1.23 1.23 9.37% 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 1,794.93 1,804.76 6.87% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 152.04 152.04 3.37% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.74 0.75 -0.67% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 184.24 184.24 8.57% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 128.67 130.26 -4.92% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 16.79% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,310.63 7,406.51 1.71% 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 1.16 8.85% United Capital Bond Fund 1.24 1.24 15.25% United Capital Equity Fund 0.67 0.68 -0.03% 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 9.60 9.77 0.67% Zenith Ethical Fund 10.98 11.07 -4.14% Zenith Income Fund 16.93 16.93 5.52%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.58 122.98

3.99% 6.15%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.81 72.73

8.91 74.11

-8.00% -12.61%

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

2.48 7.09 11.62 15.36 127.80

2.52 7.17 11.76 15.56 129.80

8.58% 10.89% -6.02% -19.94% -

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.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

FASHION ART FUSION CELEBRATING NIGERIAN FABRICS

04.12.2016

32

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • December 4, 2016

COVER

FASHION ART FUSION

CELEBRATING NIGERIAN FABRICS Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha describe the creative elements which make Fashion Art Fusion an enticing item on Nigeria’s calendar

H

e walked away from law practice several years ago. And he has not looked back. Somehow, Austin Aimankhu who is steadily growing an excellent reputation for the men fashion brand, Luzol, does not miss the wig and gown trade which he turned his back on. This conviction is particularly stronger when he runs into his course mates at the University of Benin who are full of admiration for what he is doing now. At such times, he reassures himself again that he did the right thing by refusing to wear the wig and the gown and instead choosing to sew the wig, the gown and everything

in-between.

Learning the rudimentary of the trade from the famed designer, KeseJabari, he demonstrated greater commitment by deepening his knowledge through a course of study at the Yaba College of Technology School of Design. He would add further verve to business acumen by learning what it takes to become an entrepreneur at the Lagos Business School. His initial modest dream would have just as well ensured some degree of success for him, but having passed through these institutions, he thirsted for an uncommon realm of glory that galvanized his simple ambition into a compelling desire that produces fresh impetus each day.

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COVER

A STANDING RULE FOR THE NIGHT IMPLIED THAT ALL CLOTHES WERE TO BE MADE FROM LOCAL FABRICS. AIMANKHU HAD EARLIER POINTED OUT IN HIS OPENING SPEECH THAT THE SHOW WAS TO CELEBRATE THE NIGERIA TEXTILE INDUSTRY. HE MADE A LOT OF ALLUSION TO HOW THE GHANAIAN FABRIC, KENTE, HAS CAPTIVATED THE WORLD AND CONCLUDED THAT NIGERIAN FABRICS HELD THE SAME PROMISE. HIS OPINION WAS RE-ECHOED IN THE ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE, ALHAJI LAI MOHAMMED While it may be good for other designers to have a fashion show, Aimankhu is driven to stage a display beyond the ordinary. This is how the idea of bringing together runway fashion, visual art, performance poetry and music rolled into one delightsome serving which he branded, FashionArtFusion. Its third season which pandered towards the objective of the present administration in promoting patronage of locally made goods was held last weekend at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos. This was not just another ‘Madein-Nigeria’ mantra, outlining the myriad of opportunities that abound. Again, it showed that Nigeria is blessed with natural resources and that the skewered perception that locally produced goods are inferior is misplaced.

The road to the Fashion Art Fusion event which climaxed recently started last May when Austin Aimankhu and Grace Gekpe, Director, Department of Entertainment and Creative Services of the Ministry of Information and Culture, jointly announced a collaboration and a ‘Wear Nigeria’ campaign. At a meeting with journalists, there was a resounding clamour to promote Nigerian fabrics.

Gekpe emphasised the relevance of the partnership in promoting the Nigerian textile industry. She said, “There are many indigenous fabrics in Nigeria that are not

exposed, that’s why we partnered Luzol (Aimankhu’sfashion label) to showcase them. We will carry out a pilot research on Abia, AkwaIbom, Benue, Ogun and Kwara.

We want to use this platform to empower them and also make a statement to the private sector to encourage them as well. I believe this is one of the ways to diversify the economy.”

That was in May. The ball was rolled into motion. The initial plan was to have a three-day event that will feature an exhibition and a fashion show. Locally made fabrics will be on display for guests to feed their eyes on, as well as buy. But as the recession bit harder, the possibility of sticking to that plan became very arduous.

Sponsors were not forth coming. Anywhere Aimankhu turned, he seemed to run into a brickwall. Postponing the show was an option he toyed with a couple of times but dropped. Undeterred by the economy shakeout, he pushed on. At the last minute, he was able to solidify a relationship with the Lagos State Government and Fayrouz, a premium natural drink from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc. These latter day partners saved the show from imminent disaster. From an initial three-day plan that would have featured a seminar, workshop exhibition and runway show, the event was collapsed into one day. The exhibition was scheduled

to hold before the fashion show. By 2:00pm, guests had started to arrive, although not in large numbers like the previous year. Nonetheless, the anticipation at the Ballroom of the Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos - the same venue as last year - was high.

After last year’s impressive show, there were expectations that Aimankhu would raise the ante this year with a spectacular show. They were not entirely disappointed. On the face of it, many would remember the bold entertainment content from last year featuring the elegant all female troupe, Adunni and Nefertiti, the wonderful percussionist, Samson Iroko, Up and down, the guests milled around the secluded venue. A last-minute sponsor, Fayrouz from Nigeria Breweries, had set up a mini-bar where guests could grab a chilled drink from the lovely hostesses.

Right opposite it was the red carpet.

Expectedly, many elegantly dressed guests, posed for the eager lens of the paparazzis.

The girls at the ticketing stand were not having a good day. They wore a forlorn look like they were in a confused state.

Once in a while, Aimankhu could be seen urging them to do their job well.

In a way, it was a good thing that Luzol retained the venue as some guests at the hotel picked interest in the show and bought tickets.

Lining up the hallway were the

exhibitors who accurately portrayed the vision of the show. There were hand-made beaded jewellery on display, locally-made clothes, shoes and other accessories on display. Textile weavers, a major attraction which many hoped to see were absent.

While guests waited in the hallway for the show to kick off, a guitarist named Tony serenaded them with his strings and vocals.

He did a cover of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Give me Love’ and another song. He would later open the show.

Meanwhile, inside the hall, rehearsals were still underway: The Malilli cultural group rehearsed their dance, the Down Syndrome models practiced their runway steps, while the models and fashion designers applied final touch to the pieces.

To drive home the essence of the show, the runway had a backdrop of African prints surrounding a huge screen that displayed the designers of the night. More of these could be seen in the attire of the Fayrouz hostesses. They wore pants made from African print with a branded top fashioned with African print details on the sleeves.

Starting one hour behind schedule, Dr. Mcfoy who hosted last year’s gig welcomed the audience. Apparently, Mcfoy has mastered the skills of a compere. He lacked the fluidity of a host and sometimes showed himself as one who depended on loud applause for recognition. Much of

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58

COVER NOT SURPRISINGLY, ASO-OKE, GBARIYE, ADIRE, TIE&DYE, FROM SOUTH-WEST AND THE RICH WHITE AND BLACK A’NGER MATERIAL FROM TIV-SPEAKING PART OF BENUE STATE AS WELL AS ITS COUNTERPART, IDOMA’S RED AND BLACK HAD A FIELD DAY ON THE RUNWAY. IT WAS A CELEBRATION OF NIGERIAN FABRICS EXPERTLY PRESENTED IN CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS his humour were dry and exaggerated.

However, he was able to carry the audience along. At least, he was far better than his co-host, Black Satin, who spent most of the night giggling and strutting the runway in her black sequined dress.

Keeping to established tradition, designers on the Fashion Art Fusion platform were a melange of known and unknown designers. Setting the mood for the runway was Mo Baney, an Arts graduate. She introduced a wardrobe of colourful Afrocentric fabrics. Her strength relied on the fact that she played with bows, stripes and prints in her dresses which embodied the confident African woman.

For the male, she infused different cultural styles to exude that male charm.

A standing rule for the night implied that all clothes were to be made from local fabrics. Aimankhu had earlier pointed out in his opening speech that the show was to celebrate the Nigeria textile industry.

He made a lot of allusion to how the Ghanaian fabric, Kente, has captivated the world and concluded that Nigerian fabrics held the same promise. His opinion was re-echoed in the address by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was represented by Louis Eriomale.

“Many have wondered at what happened to our textile and garment factories which offered employment to hundreds of thousands of Nigerians. The good news is that this government is putting in place policies that will resuscitate these industries by protecting them to optimum efficiency. The ‘Wear Nigeria’ campaign which is an integral part of the Fashion Art Fusion will be given a life of its own. We need to sustain it to become a movement. Imagine what will happen if all employees of government start to ‘Wear Nigeria’, first on certain days of the week, until they become more and more acquainted with it and can comfortably and proudly ‘Wear Nigeria’ all week.”

Not surprisingly, Aso-oke, Gbariye, Adire, tie&dye, from South-west and the rich white and black A’nger material from Tiv-speaking part of Benue State as well as its counterpart, Idoma’s red and black had a field day on the runway. It was a celebration of Nigerian fabrics expertly presented in contemporary designs. Due to limited time, Aimankhu couldn’t spread his tentacles to showcase fabrics from other parts of the country. He however promised to give these less exploited Nigerian fabrics deserved attention at the maiden edition of his fashion show in Abuja next year.

This thumb of rule of working strictly with Nigerian fabrics proved somehow difficult for some of the designers, particularly for Ejiro Amos Tafiri whose pieces last year was highly applauded. Not too long ago, at both the Nigerian Fashion and Design Week and the GT Bank Fashion Weekend, Tafiri’s designs were a big hit.

But last Sunday, she failed to wow her audience. Fashioning only seven pieces, she played it safe with off-shoulder details and large sleeves in African print. Perhaps, her only audacious step was designing a dress from two different African prints.

Her counterpart, Ayo Van Elmar, still maintained her edgy and sophisticated look. With her signature ring-studded leather gloves and shoes, she experimented

with lace, ankara and damask. She embodied her male models with edgy designs from lace and African print. Her ladies wore multi-coloured prints that ooze elegance, eccentric ball gowns enhanced by lace and frills. Turning on her funky side, she played with cut-out patterns on blazers and sporty hoods.

Luzol in his unique signature displayed a wardrobe filled with beautiful designs for the confident man. Using black as his dominant colour, he scored great points with both types of the Benue A’nger fabric.

He designed them to be worn as long neck scarves and used them as details on the sleeve and neck of his pieces. He also showcased his collection which emphasised images of musical instruments and played with African print as well.

House of Gogo also returned this year with a more edgy look with Aso-oke, print and lace. Other designers of the night were Sorby Fashion, NnennaNwizu and Jokky Collections. Each of them played with the local fabric and designs that reek of elegance and sophistication.

Known for his love of the arts and culture, Aimankhu ensured that audience members were thrilled with electrifying performance from the National Troupe of Nigeria. They performed the Iba dance - a medley of songs - characterised by fire, smoke, trance-like movements and incantations. The Malilli group also entertained the audience with their happy feet.

Since his first edition, Aimankhu has made it a tradition to give proceeds of his fashion show to a charity. This year, the children of the Down Syndrome Foundation were the beneficiary. Often derided and isolated because of their challenges, the Fashion Art Fusion platform upturned the applecart of shame and gave these special children some moments of fame in the spotlight. Under the glittering chandeliers, they strut the runway, striking poses like professional models. For that few minutes, they forgot their limitations and swirled, made peace sign, blew a kiss at the audience and swept them off their feet with a little dance from one of the children. Moved by their expressions, the guests gave a loud ovation to all the children and much admiration to Muyiwa Majekodunmi, the man who took these children under his wing.

But that was not the only event that got the audience on their feet. Last year, the audience enjoyed the spoken word performer, Ivori, and his winning line of the night ‘My mind is going loco’.

This year, it was Donna the Poet. She performed a satirical piece titled ‘What do You Wear?’ Her facial expression, tone, rhythm and lyrics were exceptionally peerless. She addressed the different perception and lifestyle of the average Nigerian woman, taking her time to dwell on each character trait - from the fake accent to the ‘runs-girl’ who believes her body is her capital. Donna’s performance evoked a thunderous applause from the audience.

Her message was directed at the centre of the Nigerian conscience. With her guided missiles, she challenged the prevailing norms and values in a society that is gradually losing its sanity. Aptly aligned with the theme of the fashion show, Donna, sought to spark that patriotic pride that would drive us to ‘Wear Nigeria’.

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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 • December. 4, 2016

entertainment

59 with nseobong okon-ekong 08114495324, nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com

Why BoI Invested in ‘Heartbeat the Musical’

H

aving assisted filmmakers and fashion designers through different funding schemes, the Bank of Industry (BoI) continues its support for the creative industry, the latest being a stage performance produced by veteran actors and couple, Olu Jacob and Joke Silva, titled Heartbeat The Musical.

A series of 28 shows spread across 19 days, the theatrical masterpiece, is anchored on the fictional Grace House, a well-known shelter for the homeless, where the play explores the themes of love, hate, betrayal, family, identity, politics, homelessness and social justice through music and dance .

Depicting the everyday life and political terrain in Nigeria, ‘Heartbeat’ makes an effective portrayal of happenstances in the society with such theatrical presentation that had the audience glued to their seats for more than one hour, cheering the cast for great acting and elevated musical dialogues as the characters converge in and around Grace House in search of refuge and atonement.

Speaking at the November 17th show at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Center, Lagos, Bank of Industry’s Director of Large Enterprises, Mr. Babatunde Joseph said the play was worth his while.

He said: “It’s a very splendid evening and we are glad to be a part of this theatrical

LIGHT UP CONCERT HOLDS TODAY International gospel artiste SINACH; sensational R&B and soul singer, Timi Dakolo; international star, contemporary Christian singer and songwriter, Frank Edwards and the high life soul singer, Sunny Neji, are among artistes billed to perform at the Third edition of the Light Up Music and Arts Concert scheduled to hold on Sunday, December 4 at the Landmark Event Centre, Oniru-Lagos.

Excitement has shot up among their numerous fans, as this is the first time these carefully selected artistes will be performing on the same bill in Nigeria. To thrill guests further, the super-hilarious Helen Paul will be on ground as the MC/Stand-up comedian. Other key artistes include fast rising pop-gospel artist, ADA and upcoming and wave making Afro-gospel singer, Da’Musik, who are set to Light Up the mood with their hi-up and soul lifting songs.

In addition to the previous year’s special Orchestra performance this year’s event will also be featuring a grand piano performance by Ayo Bankole Junior.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Red Ribbon Limited (the organisers of the event), Tunde Shofowora, “this year’s event will be a night of glamour, exquisite wines, gourmet cuisine and aficionados wrapped in one phenomenal package to set the best mood for the Christmas season. It also provides a unique platform for organisations to give a treat to their valuable customers and agents while also creating great networking opportunities.”

This year’s glam event is also being made colourful with a Nouveau Wonder artist, Oresegun Olumide will also be exhibiting live his unusual stunningly hyper-realistic style of art works along with other selected artists.

The event commences with a grand cocktail/classical quartet on a Gold Carpet to be anchored by the ace photo specialist, Kelechi Amadi Obi. EXCITEMENT BUILDS UP FOR COPA LAGOS COPA Lagos, the annual global beach entertainment platform oragnised by Kinetic Sports is here again.

This year’s event promises to be the most prominent event where guests will experience a unique and exclusive beach lifestyle including a fashion show, food exhibition, cheerleader competition, life music performances featuring some of Nigeria’s best artistes. Stars who have performed at previous editions of the event include Dbanj, Naeto C, Shey Shay, Tekno, Falz, Tiwa Savage, among others. So fans should expect nothing less this year.

Babatunde Joseph, Joke Silva, Uche Nwuka and Adebisi Ajayi, Head Gender Business at BoI

show, particularly when you look at the environment; a little bit of pressure, a little bit of tension. There is indeed the need to relax after the hard day’s job. There must be a good mix of work and play.

Joseph talked about why his company is at the forefront of support for the creative

industry, craving the indulgence of other investors to do the same.

“I believe there is a tremendous opportunity for investment in the creative industry.

You can see with what has happed tonight, especially talking about the turn out even though this is a weekday. The creative industry

Since 2011 when the event started, it has moved from being the first ever international beach soccer event in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to being one of the most attended sporting events in the region.

COPA Lagos, which caters to all ages will take place at the Eko Atlantic City.

The organisers have teamed up with key fashion designers to unveil the 2016 Copa Lagos Fashion Show. The show will go beyond simply showcasing beach friendly designs to actively proposing a Copa lifestyle. The Copa lifestyle, personified by carefully curated pieces from clothing to accessories, will be presented in a fun, upbeat atmosphere with all the hallmarks of an easygoing affair. From make-up to music, the team will curate looks from known designers as well as upcoming talent.

Samson Adamu, the Managing Director of COPA Lagos, “COPA Lagos is not just about soccer. It’s a family event where we expect our guests to have a fun-filled experience on the beach.”

of entrepreneurs on the platform among others. Further, she said, “AACLE also hopes to empower the next generation of prospective small and micro entrepreneurs with business intelligence and start-up grants, provide existing and struggling small ventures with growth financing with no or relaxed collateral security, support pensioners and the unemployed with small grants for business venture and provide free on-line counsel to the unemployed in the area of CV writing, job hunting and interview preparation.”

As part of its entry efforts in job and wealth creation, the Central Bank of Nigeria, through its Entrepreneurship Development Centre, has partnered with AACLE which gives the company more in-road into other parts of the country starting with the southwest. According to Dr Olumide Ajayi, Program Director, CBN-EDC Southwest, “Every person that enrolls for the program enjoys world class facilitation and business development services which also includes writing of their business plans and post training field visits, access to funding from the CBN MSME intervention fund and other funding opportunities, linkage with established organisations for internship, as well as 12months of post training mentoring from the centre.” The benefits are indeed innumerable. Though registration fee for the CBN-EDC is N5, 000, AACLE has offered to pay for 600 Nigerians who register on its platform and who possess a minimum of OND qualification and a BVN among other requirements.

AACLE INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES BUSINESS MEDIA PLATFORM A United Kingdom-based company, AACLE International, has launched a new business media platform that brings sustainable solutions to diverse challenges of the Nigerian entrepreneur while offering business and vocational people and, especially, students with business ideas all over the world a forum where they can engage and interact with like-minds. Further, this new online community of entrepreneurs aims to help entrepreneurs by providing financial and other solutions to the business needs of each member.

Founded by Nigerian professionals, aacle. com’s major targets, according to its Director of Social Enterprise, Tosin Adebusuyi, are young school leavers, young adults with viable business ideas and SMEs who would be given business grants ranging from N20, 000 to N1million. She said, “The aim of AACLE is to help bridge the gaps as a social enterprise that provides a veritable and robust space for interaction among entrepreneurs on one hand; and interaction with solution providers on the other hand. These solution providers are both private and institutional and they bring to the table the seed capital, startup fund, growth capital and expansion fund to existing and start-up SMEs.” Adebusuyi noted that some of the solutions AACLE provides include funding SMEs, finding practical and lasting solutions to take-off challenges, offering legal advice and assistance as they affect businesses, mentoring the needs of business owners and even going as far as ensuring the well-being

‘BROTHER JEKWU’ GOES TO THE CINEMA Popular Nollywood actor cum producer, Mike Ezuruonye’s debut production, ‘Brother Jekwu’ was premiered on Sunday November 27, 2016 and had major Nigerian celebrities in attendance. The likes of Ufomma MacDermott, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Aigbe Gentry, Oge Okoye, Iyabo Ojo, Dayo Amusa, AY, Wofaifada, Bimbo Thomas, Eniola Badmus, Fathia Balogun, Seyi Law, Nedu (wazobia Fm), Yaw, Funny Bone, IK Ogbonna, E-Money and many others graced the premiere.

The movie which was released in cinema on Friday December 2 stars talented actors and comedians such as Mike Ezuruonye, Angela Okorie, Funny Bone, Wofaifada, Nedu, Klint D Drunk, Huddah Monroe, Sabrina Stadler and so many more.

‘Brother Jekwu’ is set in Kenya and Nigeria and it stresses on the adventure of travelling abroad in search of greener pastures, love and the beauty of Africa.

The very comical movie tells the story of a village man with native intelligence that is

is the place to put one’s money and we expect that the return will be worth it at the end of the day. You will be surprised that it is even during recession that people tend to embrace the creative activities even more because we really need to find a way to relax; we need to find a way to network and also an avenue where we can meet different people, including people we haven’t met in a long time. For me, I believe that investing in the creative industry will be a very good way of putting one’s money.

And of course it also helps in reducing the state of unemployment. You can imagine how many of them participated in this programme today. At least they would have been empowered, and this is the kind of empowerment that we believe the creative industry should create so that people can have some money in their pocket.”

Other officials of the Bank at the show include Mrs. Uche Nwuka, Head of Creative Desk and Mrs Hadiza Olaosebikan, Head of Communications.

Written by Tosin Otudeko and Debo Oluwatuminu, and directed by Najite Dede, Heartbeat The Musical is a tale of hope. The songs are original compositions, written by Tosin Otudeko and produced by Efosa Lawal.

The play parades not less than 33 cast and 10 crew members, including popular actor, Femi Jacobs, who plays the role of JD Dacoster, the corrupt politician who seeks atonement in the end.

Mike Ezuronye full of adventure, proud and conceited. He is lucky to make it to Kenya on the bill of his corrupt cousin where he gets lost in a tale of his adventure while exploring a new land and his encounter with other folks and two beautiful ladies led to the various comical scenes that add a twist to the story.

MARIAH’S WORLD PREMIERES E!’s Mariah’s World gives fans, viewers and “lambs” alike a peek into the life of the award-winning singer, songwriter and icon Mariah Carey. During the eight-part event, Mariah is faced with the overwhelming demands of her time as she launches her world tour and is a loving doting mommy to her twins. Mariah’s World premieres on E! on Sunday, December 11. The docu-series will air globally on E!’s 15 international channels across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Latin America.

When Mariah isn’t selling out world tours or taking diamond filled luxurious bubble baths, she is shaking things up in her professional life and has brought on Stella Bulochnikov, as her tough, new manager. Stella is determined to steer the ship and tighten things up, which leaves some of Mariah’s large entourage consisting of a creative director, hair and makeup artists and dancers on edge. Part of Stella’s quest to take Mariah’s career to new heights includes her first world tour in over a decade. In a group filled with strong personalities, conflicts arise and tensions build up leaving the diva herself on pins and needles. Mariah’s personal life is filled with special moments with her babies, who always come first and have joined her for the tour. Between being a mommy and working hard to give her lambs her best

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ENTERTAINMENT on stage every night, she is also working hard to find a balance. Beyond the flashing lights and adoring fans, Mariah’s World is a fantasy many wish was their reality.

RUNTOWN SUED FOR REFUSING TO PERFORM An Anambra State youth association, Dynamic Minds League, has sued a recording artiste, Douglas Jack Agu aka Runtown at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja over an alleged breach of contract. It is claiming N14.3 million damages from the musician.

The group, through its president Chizuo Anetoh, said it agreed with Runtown to perform at the popular state-wide harmattan carnival held on January 1 2016 in Adazi-Nnukwu town.

The claimant, through its lawyer Raphael Anagbado, said it contacted the musician’s management company, Eric Many Entertainment, and after a meeting with the manager Armani Henshaw, a fee of N800,000 was reportedly agreed, which was fully paid.

Based on the agreement, the group said it printed fliers to advertise the show’s ticket prices of N3,000 for VIP and N1,000 regular, which were posted across the state.

The association said it also featured Runtown on the back page of its magazine, booked for two hotel rooms for the musician and his manager, and paid for their flight tickets to Port Harcourt, from where they would head for Anambra by road.

“Due to the absence of Runtown, the association lost millions of naira in expected profit (including cash refunds made) and severe damage to its reputation which has a grave impact on the association’s ability to stage events, attract patrons and compete with rival carnival/show organisers in Anambra State and environs,” the claimant said.

The association is, therefore, praying the court to order Runtown to refund the N800,000, pay it N2million as special damages which covers cash refunds to guests, cost of fliers, radio jingles and hotel reservation; as well as N10million as general damages for loss of revenue; N1million as exemplary damages, and N500,000 as cost of the suit.

During hearing before Justice Josephine Oyefeso, Anagbado said his client called the musician several times to demand a refund without a response. He said he sent a letter proposing settlement, which was not accepted.

In his response, Runtown, through his lawyer, said he would not make any reimbursements or pay damages as demanded by the claimant.

He accused the claimant of breach of contract for alleged late provision of armed security personnel as escort to the venue.

Runtown also filed a preliminary objec-

she brings her expertise to bear with the launch of Avant Garde, which she says will carry on the company’s ethos of style, class, exclusivity and superior customer satisfaction.

“The extension of the Elizabeth R brand is to cater for our expanding clientele more robustly”, she said. Speaking further, Ibidunni, the former LUX beauty queen said, “We believe a bride’s distinctiveness should begin with her dress. Our bridal line consists of a variety of elegant choices that will complement every bride’s style and radiate the joy she feels inside”, she concluded.

Celebrity photographer, TY Bello perfectly captured some of the dresses which parades a number of traditional and contemporary styles, each different from the other, that will speak to both the classic and modern day bride.

LiL Kesh with Fan SKYY

Lil Kesh, Reekado Banks And Mr 2kay Light Up The Skyy Premium vodka brand Skyy lit the Lagos skies up at the ‘Life In The Skyy’ gig held at the rooftop of Lekki Coliseum yesterday 26th November.

Looking down the Lagos skyline from the fifth story pavilion of Lekki Coliseum, the event was a literal light in the sky as the hall was filled to capacity with hundreds of party goers in the white tops and denim dress code of Skyy Vodka.

Joining the fans were celebrity guests Chris D Razor, Benny Ark, Chris Ihidero, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Efa, Kunbi Oyelese, Uti, Asa Asika, Mocheddah, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Grey, Bollylomo, Latasha Ngwube, VJ Adams and music stars DJ Obi, Reekado Banks, Mr 2kay and Lil Kesh, it was a night of fun and excitement as music flowed alongside Skyy vodka.

Known to be a hip and edgy brand, Skyy Vodka is always eager to throw parties for its consumers to let their hair down and rock hard.

The ever energetic Hypeman Shoddy hosted the event and it kicked off with the award winning DJ Obi mixing an unending collection of hits. tion, asking the court to strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Through his lawyer, Mr E. O. Ekeocha, the musician said the claimant failed to comply with the court’s rules on pre-action notice.

Justice Oyefeso adjourned until January 25, 2017 for ruling on the preliminary objection.

ELIZABETH R LAUNCHES BRIDAL STORE, AVANT GARDE The foremost events management company, Elizabeth R, announced recently the launch of, Avant Garde, its bridal store that features an exclusive line of wedding

Elizabeth R bridal model

By the time the Mavin Records artiste Reekado Banks took to stage, the atmosphere was thick with excitement.

He was followed by Mr 2kay and he also delivered an entertaining medley of hits.

The crescendo of the night was street king and YBNL superstar Lil Kesh. The Shoki master didn’t take time before driving the packed hall into frenzy with his back to back jams- Efejoku, Ibile, Cause Trouble and Is it because I love you.

Speaking at the event, Brian Munro Limited General Manager Abayomi Ajao stated that ‘At Brian Munro, we have a direct connection with fun loving Nigerians and we know exactly what they want. That’s why time after time; we come up with these electrifying parties. As an upscale brand, it is our pleasure to provide upscale experiences for our consumers to enjoy. The Life in the Skyy party has placed Lagos in the elite network of fun loving cities across the world where Skyy Vodka is the official nightlife beverage.’

Even after the performances ended, the partying did not. DJ Obi continued to thrill the attendees with exciting music till the early hours of the morning. gowns, reception dresses and accessories from some of the world’s best designers.

This marks the latest addition to the Elizabeth R brand, which also includes The Dorchester, a luxury marquee event centre located in Victoria Island, Lagos. Since its opening, The Dorchester has hosted a variety of events, providing an exquisite ambience complete with ultra modern day facilities.

CEO, Elizabeth R, Ibidunni Ighodalo, has over the years carved a niche for herself in the events management space, executing several high profile events for both corporates and individuals. Her unique style and eye for detail has seen her transform ordinary spaces into exquisite and lush settings. Now,

Wale Ojo and Adesua

VICTORY SONG FOR BEAT FM Barely a year it started its operation in London, Nigeria’s foremost entertainment radio station, Beat FM emerged the radio station of the year at the just concluded Urban Music Award (UMA) in London.

The Beat London (103.6) was nominated alongside 6 other radio station like BBC1 extra and Capital extra at the Urban Music Award (UMA) in London. The award is one of a kind as it reflects one of the most diverse and exciting years for British and International music talent.

The station also recently received awards for the Best Radio and the Best Online Radio Show, which was won by Beat FM presenter– Ms. Amanda Star at the UK entertainment awards.

The Beat 99.9 FM, Nigeria also won the prestigious award for “Best Use of Social Media Radio Station” at the second edition of the Nigeria Technology Award. The station edged out three other radio stations to clinch the award in the “Telecoms Categories”.

Speaking on the various awards, General Manager, Megalectrics, Deji Awokoya says, “there is no doubt THE Beat FM is doing great work and these awards justify the impact we’re making both on the local and international scene in just a short while with he rebranding of Bang Radio to THE BEAT London. It is worth celebrating because this is just the beginning for us as we continue to position ourselves as a global brand”.

The radio station is highly centered on the entertainment industry and its goal is to satisfy listeners’ through quality programming.

The Beat 103.6FM London, opened for business earlier this year after a rebranding from what was formerly called Bang Radio and is aimed at projecting not just the vibrant UK music genres but also Nigerian Music popularly referred to as Afrobeats, Afropop, other African and Caribbean music genres to the UK Population and beyond.

Since the Beat FM Brand launched in Nigeria in 2008, it has grown organically and rapidly over the years with major impact in the entertainment industry. The Beat FM London is the first on the brand’s international platform band TJ SAX RETURNS WITH AMEN Defying the threat of heavy downpour, 13 year-old saxophonist, TJ Emore popularly known as TJ Sax led the Heart of Hope Walkathon last weekend to show his support for children living with cancer.

The young lad who started his career in a public appearance in 2008 where he played the Nigerian national anthem at a convocation ceremony, embarked on the project to show his humane nature to the poor children suffering from the deadly disease.

“I am supporting these children because I am happy to be alive, and i want to help others stay alive and live cancer free, they are children like me and i think they deserve the best”. he said.

In conjunction with the Children Living with Cancer Foundation- non-profit organisation in partnership with the Oncology ward of the Paediatric Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)- the walkathon started at about 8am from Dowen college Lekki phase 1 through Admiralty way. It covered approximately four kilometres of walk before heading back down to the popular Oniru market to sensitize the public of possible cancer symptoms in children, dangers of childhood cancer and how to manage, in case of occurrences.

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Afghanistan’s First Female Rapper, Paradise Sorouri Finds a Voice for Women Vanessa Obioha In a country where 87% of women have endured physical or sexual violence, Paradise Sorouri’s audacious step to kick against gender inequality in post-Taliban Afghanistan is sparking controversy.

The 27-year-old has been living a life of seclusion in the past seven years due to constant threat to her life by her countrymen for daring to speak out for women in a way that is deemed inappropriate. She’s been forced to flee her country twice, angrily beaten by men and sent rape threats if she doesn’t quit her campaign for women’s rights.

Defying traditions, the rapper whose lyrics are doused in discrimination against women finds her own identity by covering her head with a baseball cap instead of a hijab.

Her love for music was spurred at a tender age listening to great acts like Tupac, Eminem and Beyoncé. With a painful childhood spent in Iran where she was born, Paradise felt the odd one out until she met Diverse another refugee Diverse.

They started making music together in 2008 despite the rising odds against them in Herat, the third largest city in Afghan.

REGINA KING TO PLAY AN ANGRY MOTHER IN ‘SEVEN SECONDS’ In the upcoming Netflix’s racial crime drama series, ‘Seven Seconds’, Emmy winner Regina King will play the role of a devout churchgoer and proud mother whose ire was drawn when she found out secrets about her injured son. King’s character, Latrice Butler has a 15-year-old son, Brenton, who was involved in an incident. The accident happened shortly after she and her family moved out of the projects and become first-time homeowners in New Jersey.

Devastated by her son’s accident, she was more frustrated at the realization that there was more to Brenton than she and her husband were aware of.

This realization triggered an explosive anger at her son’s predicament, an anger that will ultimately change her life, her relationship with her husband and more.

Seven Seconds’ narrative explores

Drake and Rihanna on stage

Known as the 143band, they started writing and producing songs. In 2o11, they released ‘Faryad-e Zan’ (Woman’s Shout), the first song ever to feature a female Afghan rapper, ushering a wave of new female rappers.

Their first taste of fame came in 2014.

Paradise who received sad news about her cousins who burnt themselves alive for fear of being married to older men, penned the song ‘Nalestan’. The song won international attention, with 143Band named Afghanistan’s best rap artist at the 2014 Rumi world music awards. In 2013, Paradise was recognised by the UN in 2013 and won the Afghan ATN network’s award for best rap act in 2015. The duo are nominated again this year.

Last year Paradise and Diverse were among the more than one million migrants who fled the Middle East to Germany. They have been touring Germany and will release their first music video in two years next month for the song ‘Bosaye Eshgh’. They’ve just headlined at the international FeminEast festival in Stockholm, and Rebel Beats, a documentary about Paradise’s struggle as Afghanistan’s first female rapper, will appear in European film festivals early next year.

•Source: The Guardian UK.

the rising tensions between AfricanAmerican citizens and Caucasian police officers in Jersey City, where a teenage African-American boy is critically injured by a cop.

Produced by Fox 21, the first ten episodes of the series will feature actors like Daviud Lyons, Michael Mosley, Russell Homsby and Beau Knapp.

DRAKE, RIHANNA DOMINATES SPOTIFY’S STREAMING SERVICE Drake continues his dominating streak as he recently was awarded the most streamed artist of the 2016. He garnered more than 4.7 billion views on the streaming platform for his latest album ‘Views’, owing to his record breaking single ‘One Dance’. The figure is more than a double of his 1.8billion views last year. Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Coldplay and Twenty One Pilots were the next most streamed male artists after Drake Rihanna on the otrher led the female

Paradise Sorouri

categoiry with 2.5 billion streams both in the UK and globally for second year in a row following the release of her eighth album,Anti. Sia, Adele, Ariana Grande and Beyoncé featured in the female top five.

NICHOLAS CAGE TAKES THE LEAD IN A NEW SCI-FI MOVIE The Face-off star will play the lead actor on a new sci-fi movie about climate change: ‘The Humanity Project’. Set in 2030 in Midwest of America, the plot depicts a world ravaged by climate change.

The Humanity Project is a government agency that exiles people it felyt were un[roductive and banished them to a colony, New Eden. Cage plays a caseworker seeking to appeal the exile of a single mother (Sarah Lind) and her son (Jakob Davies).

Scripted by Dave Schultz, will be directed by Rob King, and is due to start shooting in British Columbia this

Nicholas Cage

week.

NETFLIX OFFERS USERS OFFLINE SERVICES The online streaming service recently announced that users worldwide can now download some videos to their mobile devices instead of streaming them over mobile data.

Initially, Netflix announced that only some of the content in its library will be available offline via the feature, available in the latest version of its app on phones and tablets using iOS or Android. The company did not specify how many programs would become available for download later but indicated more to come.

Customers who watch only a limited amount of video before incurring overage fees with their cellular carriers are more likely to stop watching videos, while those boarding a plane or on a road trip can download through Wi-Fi before the signal disappears.

Reginaking Dianaragland

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R •DECEMBER 4, 2016

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ON THE COUCH

OBA DOKUN THOMPSON (ENGINEER)

I was Installed Oba in a Church Interviewed by Funke Olaode Who is Oba Dokun Thompson?

I am a Christian. I am the Oloni of Eti Oni in Osun State, Nigeria I became the first Oba in South-west Nigeria or possibly in Nigeria to be installed in the Anglican Church by priests of Christ Apostolic Church, Anglican Church and The Apostolic Faith.

Ibadan army and the bloodshed, the British stepped in and got all warring factions to end the war with the signing of the peace treaty which took place September 23, 1886. The 2016 Cocoa Festival which is a celebration of peace and development and also celebrates 130 years of the signing of the peace treaty which finally brought peace to Yorubaland and the economic intervention brought about by GurejeThompson who founded and established Eti-Oni after the war and introduced cocoa, cassava, rice and kolanuts to the new thriving community in 1896 and by 1910, Eti-Oni had become the first great center of cocoa production.

What were you doing before you became an Oba? I was an entrepreneur, providing infrastructure support services for telecommunication. I ventured a bit into politics between 2002 and 2007 in Osun State shortly before I was installed as Kabiyesi on December 8, 2008.

How did you get into Obaship as a young man?

I am not the first young Oba. I was in my early 40s when I became Kabiyesi.

Remember that Oba Adesoji Aderemi became Ooni at 30. The current Awujale was a young man when he became the Awujale of Ijebu and even the Alaafin of Oyo was also in his 20s when he became Alaafin.

What informed the move to be installed in the church?

The world is changing. Ten years before I was installed an Oba, during the coronation service of a particular Oba, he did anointing service before the actual coronation service.

My father told me that the time has come for installation to be done in the church. I took it as an instruction to me.

How did your subjects take this strange coronation?

They never really understood what was happening but they later thanked God for it. Don’t forget that a lot of people make mistakes about culture. What you recognize as your culture is authentic to you. If you call yourself a Christian, that is authentic.

Culture evolves, it is not static.

How do you strike a balance being a traditional ruler and a Christian?

I come from a Christian background and there is no conflict about my faith. People see my faith in me and they respect me for that. My great grandfather was one of the pioneers of Christianity in the South-west.

He established Anglican Church in Eti Oni. So we are not established on traditional

belief but by faith in Jesus Christ.

Were you not afraid of losing your freedom when you were nominated?

The initial thought was I’m I actually ready for it? I thought I should be a bit older. It was when I got into it that I realized that part of my liberty is gone. It depends on what you see as a liberty. I still stroll around when I am in my house in Ilupeju.

I drive myself around and still have my life to live. So it has not taken anything away from me it has only added responsibilities to me. It has added a sense of gratitude that you have to serve people. It gives me the opportunity to be creative, provide and promote new opportunities to one’s community across board.

What was your wife’s reaction to your Obaship?

I got married at 25 and my first child is 26. She was watching calmly. The only person that was a bit afraid was my mother.

She was thinking about the perception of society and obaship. I assured her that

I know my God and I will follow His doctrines. Obaship is not risky and has nothing to do with fears. My duty is to put smiles on the faces of people.

Recently, your domain organized a Cocoa Festival. What was it all about?

The Cocoa Festival is an initiative of Eti-Oni Development Group (EDG), a community development organisation based in the town of Eti-Oni, the birthplace of Cocoa in Nigeria and home to the country’s oldest cocoa plantation located in Atakumosa East Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. The theme for this year’s festival is “Celebrating 120 Years of Cocoa Production” (1896 – 2016).Eti-Oni was established after the Ekiti-Parapo War against the Ibadan imperialists. The war later changed name to Kiriji War to reflect the sound of the Schneider rifles which were introduced into the war about 1879 by Gureje-Thompson (my great-grand-father) and was undisputedly the bloodiest of all wars in Yoruba history between 1878 - 1886.

Because of the havoc wreaked amongst the

What is the economic benefit of this festival to your community and Nigeria?

According to the United Nations, Nigeria is poised to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050 and there is a pressing need to creatively develop rural communities through different people first and private initiatives and enterprises without relying too much on government intervention as a means to accommodate this rising population and new ways of generating the investments to fund the required social and physical infrastructure. The group has a global perspective and is populated by several accomplished individuals with diverse skills and experiences both locally and internationally who are visionary, creative and focused with the commitment and passion to achieve the group’s objectives.

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

EVENT

Good Night Madam Bob Funke Olaode

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kot Ekwere in Nsit Ubuim local government area of Akwa Ibom State recently welcomed dignitaries from all walks of life to the funeral of Madam Mary Dickson Bob, mother of Senator Effiong Bob and his siblings who rolled out the drums in celebration of a worthy life. Filled with various activities, the week-long burial rites honoured the memory of a woman variously described hardworking, compassionate, kind, loving, upright, caring and above all, a committed and devoted Christian.

Sen. Effiong Bob and wife, Comfort

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. Faraday Orunwense, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye and Prof. Abiodun Falodun

ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

THE FLESH-EATING CITY BY THE LAGOON PAGE 66

04.12.2016

RELISHING THE WEDDING PARTY’S GRAND ENTRANCE Adesua Etomi and Banky W starring as the bride and the groom in the movie

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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ARTS & REVIEW\\MOVIE PREMIERE

RELISHING THE WEDDIN PARTY’S GRAND ENTRA The Wedding Party’s Nigerian exhilarating grand premiere, held recently in Lagos, evokes that of its year at the same venue, says Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

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his could be the longedfor getaway from the current grim realities!

Indeed, for the mostly white-clad guests, this might just have been the needed spurt of cheeriness in their dreary existence.

The mere fact of being among the guests of the “biggest wedding party in town” should make it hard for anyone to stay gloomy.

Shouldn’t it? The Wedding Party’s Nigerian grand premiere could not have happened at a more auspicious time of the year. Recall that the 2016 romantic comedy/drama film, directed by Kemi Adetiba, had previously been premiered on September 8 at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). One of that premiere’s fallouts should have been the ramping up of expectations around the Saturday, November 26 grand premiere at the Victoria Islandbased Eko Hotel and Suites.

For those, who witnessed the similarly-organised grand premiere of the movie FIFTY, the Elfike Film Collective could ill afford to hold a less spectacular event. This is because The Wedding Party might be called the logical followup of the EbonyLife Films’ previous offering, whose premiere turned out to be “the most electrifying event of the final quarter of 2015”. No less impressive was the former’s attendance roll call of the Nigeria’s Who Is Who. Nor was its sequence of epicurean enchantments.

The Elfike Film Collective, by the way, is a partnership of such Nigerian moviemakers as EbonyLife Films, FilmOne Distribution, Inkblot Productions and Koga Studios. So, it is hard to figure out why so much about that Saturday evening event had the imprints of the EbonyLife TV founder and CEO Mo Abudu on it. At the event’s pre-screening segments, she was the picture-perfect hostess for the throng A-list guests who included the Information and Culture Minister Al-hajj Lai Mohammed.

Come to think of it: so much about this grand premiere evokes the previous one held at this prime venue for FIFTY the movie. First, it had the same bubble world ambience. Add to that the elaborate security screenings and the ops for the red carpet interviews and photo session. Plus, of course, the sequences of the segments were exactly the same: the red-carpet cocktail, the “fine dining”, the screening proper and the after-party, in that same order.

It is therefore not hard to comprehend that in the numbing predictability of this “reel world”, so much flitted by in a déjà vu blur. Of course, this was all in anticipation of the event’s main segment: the screening.

Enter the custom-built screening room. It was soon time to screen the long-awaited film in this cossetted enclosure, as most guests would have left the dining area by now. Though the film’s original concept was Ms Abudu’s, the credit for writing it goes to the playwright Tosin Otudeko and the New

Sola Sobowale and Alibaba Akporobome starring as the bride’s parents York Film School alumnus Adetiba, who first clawed her way into reckoning as a music video director.

The Wedding Party is a hilarious narrative about a typical over-the-top Lagos high society wedding. Indeed, there is no shortage of such weddings in this Nigeria’s commercial capital city. Hence it’s about time someone makes it the subject of a romantic comedy.

In the film, Dunni Coker (played by Adesua Etomi), a 24-year-old art gallery owner and an only child of her rich parents, gets set to wed her beau Dozie Onwuka (played by the singer, rapper and actor Olubankole Wellington known by the stage name Banky W). Having previously pledged to be loyal to each other, the couple looks forward in anticipation to the first night in matrimony.

Interestingly, even Dunni’s silver spoon background is no safeguard against the prejudices of her soon-to-be motherin-law Mrs Obianuju Onwuka (Iretiola Doyle). Mrs Onwuka is portrayed in the movie as a cold woman, whose contempt

is not only directed at her daughter-in-law but also to her parents, Engineer Bamidele and Mrs Tinuade Coker (played by the comedian Alibaba Akporobome and Sola Sobowale, respectively) and even her own husband Felix Onwuka (Richard MofeDamijo, a.k.a. RMD).

But that is not the only odds stacked against her. Her groom’s ex-girlfriend (Beverly Naya) shows up at the wrong time. Then, the wedding itself draws a cocktail of undesirables. And the latter include gate-crashers, pick-pockets, a best man with a flash-drive full of secrets, a cat-and-mouse rivalry between the two potential mothers-in-law, the groom’s exgirlfriend’s appearance with vengeance on her mind, the groom’s brother sucking up to his father and even a robber, who would rather simply be called a thief.

Meanwhile, the event unfurls its fair share of eccentricities amid the pomp.

There are attempts at matchmaking even on the bridal train. A wedding planner intent on making the event a roaring success screeches her orders to her aides.

A posse of rustic guests threaten to take the shine off the event. Dunni finds herself questioning how faithful her husband was during their courtship and reviewing the wisdom of her decision to marry him.

Eventually, Dunni and Dozie successfully traipse their way through the many landmines strewn on their way to their marital bliss. Call it a happy-ending tale. But it corroborates the time-worn aphorism to the effect that “nothing good comes easy”.

Thumbs up to the impressive cast of this romantic comedy! Praiseworthy is especially Banky W’s sterling delivery of his role as a philandering groom.

Sola Sobowale, Alibaba Akporobome, Iretiola Doyle and RMD are convincing enough as the parents of the bride and the bridegroom. Recognitions must also be extended to Enyinna Nwigwe, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Zainab Balogun, Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, Beverly Naya and Daniella Down for their five-star interpretations of their roles as Nonso (the groom’s elder brother), Sola (the best man), Wonu

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NG ANCE precursor FIFTY, held last

(the event planner), Yemisi (the maid of honour), Rosie (the groom’s ex) and Deirdre (the bride’s friend from England).

It is remarkable that the happenings in the film all take place in one day. The viewer gets to learn more than the single-day’s story from the cast. Even without any flashback scene, he gets to know about Dunni’s preferred haunt in Lagos.

That The Wedding Party, like FIFTY before it, makes a fetish of Lagos is a nod to the fact that it is a city of countless yet-to-be-told stories. Aficionados should look out for the movie, which starts showing in cinemas nationwide from December 16.

Meanwhile, the November 26 premiere owes much of its success to the headline sponsor Dubai Tourism and a cavalcade of co-sponsors Johnnie Walker, Ciroc, Airtel, Stanbic IBTC, Amstel Malta, Access Bank, Baileys and Bank of Industry.

ARTS & REVIEW\\MOVIE PREMIERE The Inverted Pyramid; Adapted from a novel by Emeka Dike

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ARTS & REVIEW\\LITERARY CAFÉ

THE FLESH-EATING CITY BY THE LAGOON Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

The Carnivorous City by Toni Kan; Cassava Republic Press, Abuja – London; 2016; 241pp

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he mystique of Lagos goes on forever, gathering decibels for years on end. The twice-told story of Nigeria’s leading metropolis is indeed resounding when the author has a carriage that matches Lagos for all its panache, largeness and surprise. Toni Kan, the irrepressible author of the provocative short story collection Nights of the Creaking Bed, is acclaimed in some quarters as “The Mayor of Lagos” who holds court in Freedom Park on Broad Street while the state governor presides over the nearby government house in Onikan!

Toni Kan’s latest novel, The Carnivorous City, lends enthralling animation to the attractions and pitfalls of Lagos, the city by the lagoon.

In an opening as arresting as any, a larger than life and death character goes missing on the very first page of The Carnivorous City.

Three words capture the charged message: Soni is missing. Sunderland Onyema Dike, aka Soni, is the archetypal Lagos boy who made good. He is a happy-go-lucky charmer who in his university days in Jos adopted the alias of “9 Inches”, in celebration of the hypedup length of his member that always left its mark on the ladies. When Soni hits Lagos to “chase his fortune” he earns further aliases such as Alhaji Tanko, Sabato Jnr and Sabato Rabato. It’s Sabato Rabato that sticks with Soni until he gets missing in very mysterious circumstances. Soni’s fate is not unlike that of any other Lagos Big Boy who “made it” and perforce ends thusly: “Missing. Shot.

Found dead. On the run. Declared wanted.

Arrested. Detained.” In the particular case of Soni, he gets missing, leaving his car in the ditch blaring music, and he is never found at novel’s end.

The linchpin of the story is the brotherly love between Soni and his studious, if sickly, elder brother Abel who forfeits his job as a lecturer in Asaba to undertake the perilous search of his missing brother in Lagos. It’s Abel’s forte to stand by Soni’s wife Ada and their three-year-old son Zeal. Incidentally, Yesterday, the earthly cloak of Elechi Amadi was buried in his family compound in Aluu, Rivers State. Two years ago, while Port Harcourt was preparing for its tenure as the UNESCO World Book Capital, Rainbow Book Club founder and World Book Capital Project Director, Mrs Koko Kalango, interviewed the late iconic author for a commemorative coffee table book titled Port Harcourt by the Book. Below are excerpts from the interview:

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oko Kalango: Whatinspiresyou towrite?Howmuchhasyour workbeeninspiredbythiscity?

Elechi Amadi: Apowerful continualinnerurgewhichis inexplicable.Myfourthnovel Estrangementisbasedmainly inPortHarcourtwithoccasional inroadsintothevillage.MyplaysPepperSoupand DancerofJohannesburgarebothbasedinPort HarcourtandpartlyinCalabar.Inmywardiary SunsetinBiafra,PortHarcourtwasthesceneof manyofthememorableincidents.Sothereisno doubtIama“PortHarcourtBoy”withverysolid rootsinthecity.

KK: AswecelebratethecentenaryofPort Harcourt,whatareyourfondestmemoriesofthis city?

EA:Therewastheyearly“AccraDance”.

Hundreds,perhapsthousandsofyouthsinvery colourfuldresseswithlotsoffrills,wearingmasks

Abel happens not to be in the good books of Ada because he had given this advice to Soni when he wanted to marry the lady: “9 inches, do not marry a woman you met in the nightclub.”

Toni Kan lays bare the Lagos scene thus: “Lagos is a beast with bared fangs and a voracious appetite for human flesh. Walk through its neighbourhoods, from the gated communities in Ikoyi and Victoria Island to Lekki and beyond, to the riotous warrens of streets and alleyways on the mainland, and you can tell that this is a carnivorous city. Life is not just brutish – it is short.” The state of nature of Thomas Hobbes is Lagos writ large.

It is indeed remarkable that Soni denoted Abel as his next-of-kin in his business documents instead of his wife Ada. It thus falls on Abel, with the help of their streetwise cousin Santos who had been serving Soni, to entangle the web of knots surrounding the wealth of the missing one. Abel’s treacherous visit to the dingy suburb of Mushin with Santos accounts for a near-death experience for Abel: “Losing the Toyota Camry, his Echolac briefcase, the documents inside, the cash – all six hundred thousand of it – and escaping death by the whiskers left him petrified.”

Abel settles into the comfy world of the Lagos upper crust with all the contradictions such as visiting “a lovely mansion in Parkview Estate, Ikoyi where, Santos told Abel, a plot of land sold for about $2 million, even though the roads were potholed and filled with water.”

The lady of the Parkview House was one of Soni’s many love interests, a widow with this interesting history: “In 1992, a military C-130H aircraft conveying an elite class of military officers had gone down in the swamps of Ejigbo. Many suspected that the plane had been rigged by the then military president, who was afraid of being overthrown. The crash decimated an entire corps of future military leaders.”

In The Carnivorous City Toni Kan brings to bear on the plot subtle significant hints like

Auntie Ekwi who does not forget to call Abel by his Igbo name - Chiedu - while surrendering like the rest of the world to calling Soni by his nom de guerre Sabato Rabato. Auntie Ekwi leads the search for Soni to a prophet’s prayer-house in the Yaba suburbia. She hires prayer-warriors and leads the charge in midnight-to-dawn prayer sessions.

There is no going back from Lagos for Abel, armed with the knowledge: “If he decided to quit his job, there was no fear of going broke, at least not in the foreseeable future. His brother had over eight hundred million naira in cash in six different banks. He had five houses in Lagos aside from the one he lived in and Ada told him there was an apartment in Essex and two in Florida.” There is forever the hint that Abel and Ada will hit it off romantically, as can

be gleaned from Ada’s barely hidden jealousy at Abel’s tryst with the old flame Calista.

Abel sees enough of callous Lagos as in the greedy medical doctor working as banker, Doctor Nicole, insisting on Abel buying him the car Soni promised her for her birthday. Dr Nicole does get busted. Santos brews his own broth too. Some policemen who handcuff Abel whilst in the company of Calista end up being arrested. An outraged housewife slaps a lady banker in the banking hall and pours sh*t on her for “for f*****g my husband, you prostitute.” The killing and tying of the doubledealing Mayowa, editor of Excel Magazine, makes the skin crawl.

Toni Kan has the Lagos panoply in fine fettle in The Carnivorous City. In the build-up of the Abel-and-Ada tango they go to see the movie Tango with Me by the ace filmmaker Mahmood Ali-Balogun in which the virgin bride, played by Genevieve Nnaji, is raped on her wedding night and eventually gives birth to the baby. The distraught husband, played in the film by Joseph Benjamin, ends up accepting the baby at the end of the film, leading to an unending argument between Abel and Ada. Between the police command as exemplified by DSP Umannah and the vile underworld represented by Walata, the only closure on the missing of Soni is that “somebody removed the ladder.” It all ends with Abel accepting that he has found his niche, as “Lagos is now his home” while Ada becomes his raunchy bed mate.

It is hard to hide my affection for The Carnivorous City, but there are problematic issues like stating that it was the parapsychologist Pa Okunzuwa who made the prediction that the name of the winner of the 2nd Republic presidential election was in the Bible. It was the other futurologist Godspower Oyewole who made the prediction and went further to point out that Shamgar was Shagari’s name in the Bible! Also, the editors should not have had “9 inches” in some places and “9 Inches” in other places. The upper case matters.

The Carnivorous City by Toni Kan is a fast-paced and funny tour de force. It stands on solid ground to lead the charge of new age novels in Nigeria and Africa in the manner of the Brat-Pack revolution in American fiction initiated by Jay McInerney’s 1984 novel Bright Lights, Big City.

-Uzoatu writes from Lagos

PORT HARCOURT IN THE EYES OF ELECHI AMADI

offinewiregauzeandcrackingkobokowhips dancedwildlytothebeatofdrums.Thisdanceisfully describedonpage75ofEstrangement.Thenthe nightoutswithmyyoungunclePeter(aliasChandu), thenabuddingmagician!Havingtalkedmyaunt outofashillingortwo,wewouldfirstsavoursome groundnuts;popcorn,suyaandguineafowleggsand thenfinallyheadforthecinema.Thetwopopular cinemaswereRioandRivoli.Icannotforgetthethrill ofwatchingGentlemanJim,theexploitsofayoung middleweightboxerandtheswashbucklingSword ofZorro,packedwiththrillingswordfights.Earlier intheday,Iwouldhaveriddenchildren’sbicycles roundthefieldsinBendeStreetatthreepenceper hour.Tocapallthiswastheprospectoffreshfishand periwinklesoupwithgarriwhichmyaunt,afreshfish traderpreparedintheevening.

KK: PortHarcourtisUNESCOWorldBook Capital2014.Whatpossibilitiesdoyouseeforthe cityasaresultofthisnomination?

EA: Ournominationwillcertainlyelicitthecuriosityofbookloversallovertheword.Theywillwantto findoutwhywegotthenomination.Thiscuriosity willspillovertoourwriters,whowillcertainlybenefit fromtheexposure.Itwillalsobringhonourand respecttoPortHarcourtandNigeriaandhopefully galvanisethegovernmenttobegintosponsor literatureseriously.

Elechi Amadi at a book-signing session KK: Whatwouldyouwantafirst-timevisitorto knowaboutPortHarcourt?

EA: ThatPortHarcourtwasestablishedprimarily asatradingoutpostfortheBritishcolonisers.Asa seaportandrailwayterminal,itwasideallyplaced toevacuatecoal[fromEnugu]andpalmoilfromthe hinterland.PortHarcourtwasnamedafterMr.Lewis Harcourt,thethenSecretaryofStateforthecolonies.

KK: At80years,whatdoyouknowforsure?

EA:FirstthatShakespearewasrightwhenhesaid: ‘Alltheworldisastageandallthemenandwomen, merelyplayers.’ Secondly,thatthemostsatisfactory lifeisonespentlargelyintheserviceofone’ssociety.

Thirdly,ontheaccumulationofwealthandmaterial possession,Icandeclarewithcertaintyinagreement withthepreacherthat:‘ Vanityofvanities,allisvanity.’

-Mrs Kalango, the interviewer, is based in Port Harcourt

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ARTS & REVIEW\\ENCOUNTER LITERARY CAFE

Memories from Time Past...

S.E Orobator

A GAME FOR TWO Happy People (metal) 121 X 90 cm 2016

Yinka Olatunbosun

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his is about a five-yearold synergy between art and hospitality. In Lagos, The Wheatbaker Hotel since 2011 threw its doors open to accommodate artists and their visual creations. The hotel has been known for its commitment to promoting the best of Nigerian art, playing host to world-class art exhibitions. Some of these had featured Duke Asidere, Kelechi Amadi-Obi and Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko in the Collectors’ Series.

To mark its fifth year anniversary, The Wheatbaker was the meeting point with an array of guests, who came just in time to share the cocktails, cakes and more importantly, the eclectic body of works by a leading contemporary artist, Gbenga Offo featured in an exhibition titled, Freedom.

Curated by Sandra Mbanefo Obiago, Offo’s collection features splash paintings, sketches and sculptures. The opening of the show was quite exciting as it marked the first time that the artist would present his first collection of metal sculptures in bronze, wrought iron and stainless steel.

The inquisitive mind usually likes to find a justification for an exhibition theme. And the reference to freedom can relive memories of slavery, imagery of independence and universal suffrage. But for Offo, the freedom he implies by his works originates within himself as an artist.

“Freedom allows a person to be true to himself,’’ he explained. “It allows the artist to be true to his art.

It is freedom that drives the urge to experiment. This has led me to the creation of a body of work using Splash technique.

“The fluidity of the splashed paint

and lines create an illusion that appears controlled. The seemingly uncontrolled lines and colours create a piece that allows the viewer the rare opportunity to be co-creator of the artwork.’’

His sculptures convey good spirit with titles such as “Hope’’, “Mutual Respect’’, “Good Conversation’’ and “Happy People”. Initially, Offo was largely influenced by the traditional African sculpture pieces and also cubism. But he has evolved from figural expressionism to abstract expressionism. One of his splash paintings at the show, “People Power’’ is a protest work that interprets the popular chant, “We shall Overcome’’.

“I believe you have the power to change things,” he explained. “We can’t afford to be docile. Your collective power to vote and protest and to disagree is very important. You can change things if you come together and speak with one voice.”

One work he didn’t need to explain was the mixed media painting with an overwhelming splash of red painting titled, “Still Missing”. It captures the tragedy and trauma of the missing Chibok girls in Bornu state and how insurgence has interrupted their lives.

“Still Missing shows the division and encroachment of chaos on the peaceful nature of society. The red may represent blood but what I actually intended was to show encroachment. I stuck books on the work, things that Boko Haram doesn’t approve of. The slippers represent the things that are left behind when you run for your lives,’’ he said.

The red-soaked school uniform is a haunting article of history that documents the inhumanity that had ravaged the North-eastern part of the country.

The curator for the show, Obiago, pointed to the global implications

of the thematic thrust in the works of Offo.

“The artist’s recurring theme of flight and migration is also expressed through numerous works that depict refugees in flight, Offo’s response to the effects of war on innocent populations across the globe, from Syria to Central Africa, from Northern Nigeria to Southern Africa,’’ she stated.

Offo’s interest in painting began as a young child in Yaba who was always attracted to the brownish water stains on the ceiling. By the time he was in secondary school, this fascination had grown into appreciating images seen through blurred vision. With influences from great artists such as Bruce Onobrakpeya, Yusuf Grillo, El Anatsui, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Picasso, he refined his artistry at the Yaba College of Technology, developing his own unique expressions while graduating as the Best Graphic Art student and Best Overall Art Student.

“When I developed the style that I do, it was to connect with African traditional sculpture. A lot of traditional African sculptures have bulging eyes, which I opened up. You don’t see the eyeballs in a lot of traditional African sculptural pieces so I decided to open mine and that’s what a lot of my work has been noted for,” he said.

He has profound interest in music, though his dream of studying music was not realized. Since he can’t play music, he decidedly draws it. And that explains why musical symbolism runs through some of his works. Since retiring into full-time studio practice in 1996, Offo has five solo exhibitions and seven group shows to his credit, both in Nigeria and in diaspora.

Offo’s works in the Freedom exhibition, which in itself is a dialectics of human behaviour, remain on The Wheatbaker’s walls till January 15, 2017 when the show ends. This show is sponsored by the prestigious champagne house, Veuve Clicquot.

Reviewingaprojectofwhichonewaspartand towhichonecontributedisnodoubtrareandis interesting.Evenmoreinterestingisthefact,that mostofthecontributorsaresuccessfulseptuagenarianswithawealthofprivateandpublicsector experience,whochosetoputintowritingtheir reminiscencesofchildhooddayswithatouchofthe present.Mytaskistogiveabalancedandthorough assessmentoftheeffortsputinbytheauthors.

The552-pagebookTheIndependenceClassof GovernmentCollegeUghelli,Nigeria:Recollections andPerspectivesisacollectionofrandomthoughts andhappeningsofthepastbroughttogetherby agroupoflikeminds,withinthesameagegrade whopassedthroughthesameexperiencesina giventimeframeinthegloriouseraofaprestigious Nigeriansecondaryschool.

Admittedly,eachofthecontributorstoldhis ownstory,yetacentrepointcanbediscerned.The focuswastheofficialism,andcamaraderieinthe Collegeandhowtheseconceptswerefusedforthe managementandupliftmentofitsmembersforthe goodofhumanity.Officialismwassymbolisedby thedisciplineupheldbytheCollegeadministration; camaraderiewassymbolisedbytherelationships betweenthestudents.Bothofficialismand camaraderie wereinturnpropelledbythealmighty “schoolbell”which,atonce,wasthemouthpiece oftheadministrationand“order”for allCollege constituents.Thebellmadeadministrationless cumbrousandshapedthecultureoftheCollege community.

NigeriahassomethingtogainfromtheCollege intimeconsciousness,disciplineandaccountability.

Thesearethehallmarksofdevelopment.The successstoryofthecontributorsistestimonytothe bedrockoftheirupbringing.Nigerianeedsdiscipline andselfreassessmenttomoveforward.The submissionsinthisbook,albeit,aboutthepastare appropriatefortoday’sNigeria, becausetheyare timeless.Disciplineandaccountabilityinwhichthe collegeexcelledarethebenchmarkofdevelopment andNigerianeedsdevelopmentasapoliticaland economicentity.

Fromallindicationstherefore,Nigeriansacross theboardcanbenefitfromthisbook.Itcanbe usedbybothcasualandseriousreaders.The recollectionsandperspectivescanbeusefulalsoat thevariouslevelsofgovernment.Fromthefederal tothestateandlocalgovernmentauthorities, somethingusefulcanbepickedfromthebook.

Contemporarylowerandhigherinstitutionsof learningwillneedthebook.Librariesshouldstore copiesforeventhoseyetunborn.Collectiveworks writtenbyadvanced,veryletteredwisemenabout theirearlierdaysandexperiencesareratherrare.

Thepresentationofthepastwiththeadvance experienceofthepresentisuncommon.Thisbook isbeingpublishedatatimeitismostneeded,andno opportunityshouldbesparedinaccessingit.Itisthe foundationNigeriarequiresfora,successfultake off,becausenoonecanputsomethingonnothing andexpectameaningfulresult;neithercanone giveoutwhathedoesnothave;(Nemodatquod nonhabet).Forustomoveonpositively,wemust addressourproblemofdiscipline,thesolutionto whichisprofferedinthisproject.Pickcopiesnow, archivesameforfuturegenerations,becausethe submissionsinthisprojectwillsurvivequitesome time.Astitchintimesavesnigh,Idaresay!

Thebook,TheIndependenceClassofGovernmentCollege,Ughelli,Nigeria:Recollectionsand Perspectives,willbelaunchedattheGovernment College,UghelliOldBoysAssociation,LagosBranch GCU100GalaAwardsDinnerholdingat1.30pm, today(December4)atEkoHotelsandSuites, VictoriaIsland,Lagos.

-Professor Orobator is a professor of Politics and CollectiveViolence

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CICERO

Editor Vincent Obia Email vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08054681757

IN THE ARENA

ezeibe.aguwa@thisdaylive.com 08093842953

Ending the Unnecessary State Sponsorship of Pilgrimages

Government at all levels should stop funding journeys undertaken for religious reasons to save needless expenditure, writes Vincent Obia

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s it right for government to spend millions of naira annually on sponsoring religious trips by individuals when majority of the people live in poverty and government complains about inadequate funds to provide basic amenities? Or, is it fair on the people and the country to make them pay for journeys to holy places undertaken for religious reasons when the constitution prohibits state religion?

The answer can be gleaned from experience and the constitution. The economic downturn is causing individuals and governments to think again about the practice of sponsoring pilgrims of the two main religions in the country, Islam and Christianity, to their holy lands in Saudi Arabia and Israel, respectively. Many feel it is unfair to make the citizens pay for the religious journeys, which the constitution designates as personal. This is more so when the country is in dire straits.

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has suggested that pilgrimages should be independent of government funding, saying government’s involvement should be limited to provision of diplomatic and other ancillary services.

“I am in support of government’s decision not to sponsor people for hajj,” Sanusi was quoted as saying during last year’s Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. “We must, however, find a way of making it independent of government… But we need government to provide other services in the Holy Land.”

Bishop Goodluck Akpere of Christ Temple Ministry

International, Benin City, was quoted as saying, “I have always made my position known on this and want to reiterate again that I see sponsoring of Christians or Muslims to Israel or Mecca as wasteful.

“Government has many things to do and not sponsor few Nigerians to religious pilgrimage. There are roads and schools to be built, hospital are there; people need water and good transport system.

“Whether we like it or not, I see this yearly spending as having an adverse effect on the country and generality of the people.”

Already, the federal government is trying to end its sponsorship of pilgrimages. Last year, there was no federal government delegation to the hajj pilgrimage. That decision was said to have saved the government an estimated $1 million and another N30 million in local expenses.

Some state governments have also stared to discontinue government sponsorship of pilgrimages. Last week, the Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, announced that his administration would no longer sponsor pilgrims, who want to fulfil the religious obligation of visiting their holy lands.

Dickson, who spoke in Yenagoa at the inauguration of the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Board, said, “The circumstances of our national economy and the realities of our state economy do not support the practice of the state sponsorship anymore.

But, we are going to encourage pilgrims from all faiths to be alive to their responsibilities.”

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

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AGF, Abubakar Malami

Those are steps in the right direction.

Yet, there are states and elements within governments who insist on state sponsorship of pilgrimages.

A Presidential Committee on the Restructuring and Rationalisation of Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies had in its report on April 16, 2012 recommended that the government should stop sponsoring pilgrims and pilgrimages. The committee headed by former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Stephen Oronsaye, said such sponsorship should be discontinued with effect from the 2012 fiscal year.

But the government of then President Goodluck Jonathan had rejected that proposal. And today, the federal government is still engaged in the practice of concessional exchange rate for pilgrimage operations – which is uncalled for at a time manufacturers are finding it difficult to assess foreign exchange to import badly needed machinery.

Besides the economic imperative of ending the state sponsorship of pilgrimages, there is also a constitutional inconsistency in such funding. Section 10 of the constitution says, “The government of the federation or of a state shall not adopt any religion as state religion.” Spending taxpayers’ money on sponsorship of pilgrimages seems to be in conflict with this constitutional provision.

The federal, state, and local governments should end all financial involvements in the trips of individuals who are fulfilling personal religious obligations.

El-Zakzaky and the Rule of Law

he Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday ordered the release of the leader of the Shi’a Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibrahim ElZakzaky, but many doubted if the court order would be obeyed. The signature tactic of the current government, particularly, on security related matters has been the disobedience of court orders that do not support its position.

About 12 months ago, the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered the Department of State Service to immediately release the director of Radio Biafra and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, saying his continued

detention was unlawful. But DSS disobeyed the order until December 1, when a judge of the same court gave a verdict that favoured the position of government. Such has also been the fate of the detained former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

So, unsurprisingly, the country is rife with doubt about the possibility of El-Zakzaky’s release.

Government should realise that crime cannot be fought on a whim. It takes the rule of law to effectively and acceptably fight crime. Selective obedience of court rulings or application of the law can only beget corruption and more crime. And anybody can be the victim any time.

– Vincent Obia

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el-Rufai: We Didn’t Ban Islamic Movement in Nigeria, We Only Declared It Unlawful Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai spoke with journalists recently on some political and security issues in the state. John Shiklam, who was at the session, brings the excerpts: On Islamic Movement in Nigeria

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he issue of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) and their declaration as an unlawful society is something that we did with all sense of responsibility.

Many media outlets have presented what we did in various ways which are misleading. What we did was not to ban any organisation, we have no power to ban an organisation if it exists, we cannot ban religion or religious practice. What we did is to say that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria is an unlawful society and we derived the powers to do this under the Penal Code that was passed in 1963, so it is not a new thing that we did, so the governor can declare any organisation an unlawful society, if it poses a threat to the security, peace and governance of the state and we concluded, after receiving the report of the judicial commission of inquiry that looked into the clashes between the IMN and the army, that the IMN poses a threat to the peace, security and good governance of Kaduna State. That was what we did. We did not ban Shiism, we did not ban Shiites. We did not say they cannot practice their religion, because in Kaduna State, there are at least two Shiites organisations that we know.

There is Alkafaalin Foundation, there is Rasulaazam Society. These are all Shiites organisations and they are not outlawed.

They are not outlawed because all they do is to preach their brand of Islam and practice their brand of Islam and they are free to do so.

Both of them are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), they recognise the constitutional order in Nigeria, they recognised President Muhammadu Buhari as president of Nigeria. They recognised Nasiru el-Rufai as governor of Kaduna State and they obey the laws of Nigeria and Kaduna State.

They have no paramilitary arm, they do not carry arms, they do not block public highways, they do not occupy schools.

This was why we banned the IMN. The IMN does not recognise the constitution of Nigeria, they do not recognise Buhari

El-Rufai as President of Nigeria, they do not recognise me as governor of Kaduna State because they had their governor in Tudun Wada. I think he was killed during the clash. They have their para military wing, they call them ‘Horras’. They train them in violation of our laws. They do not

We have no power to ban an organisation if it exists, we cannot ban religion or religious practice. What we did is to say that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria is an unlawful society and we derived the powers to do this under the Penal Code that was passed in 1963, so it is not a new thing that we did, so the governor can declare any organisation an unlawful society, if it poses a threat to the security, peace and governance of the state and we concluded, after receiving the report of the judicial commission of inquiry that looked into the clashes between the IMN and the army, that the IMN poses a threat to the peace, security and good governance of Kaduna State

accept that any law in Nigeria applies to them. They block public high ways, they occupy schools when they are doing their processions and they feel that to practice their religion, they have to infringe on the rights of others. That is completely wrong!

There is also a misconception that IMN is the same as Shiites, IMN is only one out of many Shiites organisations. There is a prominent Shiites organisation with its headquarters here in Kaduna that is headed by Sheikh Hamza Lawal.

Because IMN doesn’t recognise Nigerian laws, they are not registered with CAC, so they cannot be sued or held responsible. They build anywhere they want without approval. They don’t even bother to acquire title to land. Their allegiance is not to Nigerian government, their allegiance is to somewhere else, I want to ask you, if you put all these facts together, what does IMN look like?

IMN looks like an insurgency waiting to happen.

The report of the commission of inquiry recommended that we should proscribe IMN because they are not registered, they can’t sue or be sued in their own name.

The media should stop referring to the IMN as Shiites because they are just one group out of many others. I will like you to speak with other groups to hear what they think of IMN. The IMN is a political organisation. The objective of El-Zakzaky is to gather enough followers to effect an Iranian type Islamic Revolution in Nigeria and you know what that can cause!

Nigeria is not 100 per cent a Muslim country that you can do Islamic Revolu-

tion, it is a recipe for crisis.

I laugh when some people that are not informed on this subject are sympathetic to him, talking about human rights. What he has in plan for you, you will not have any human rights. Anybody that tries to say Nigeria will be an Islamic country, do you know how much crisis he is trying to create? That is the agenda. So let us understand this problem.

We remained opened to talk to their members like any citizen, not as IMN because they are unlawful and if you claimed to be a member of IMN, it is seven year imprisonment. That is why we are looking for Ibrahim Musa who has signed a statement as their spokesman.

We are raising the reward for exposing him to N500, 000. Anyone that knows where he is should tell us so that the police collects him, we are going to try him for signing a statement that he is a spokesman for IMN after the publication of an order banning the organisation. We will arrest and prosecute him.

On the crisis in Southern Kaduna.

When we came to office, the two problems we faced in the area of security were cattle rustling in Birnin Gwari Giwa axis and this communal killing in Southern Kaduna. We were very concerned about both and we did two things. We needed to understand what was happening in Southern Kaduna. We understood cattle rustling and we convened a meeting of all the North-west governors because the problem was centred around the forest fringes of Kuyambana and felt

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CICERO/INTERVIEW • ‘Some PeoPle are FruStrating Peace eFFortS in Southern Kaduna’ Continued from Pg. 70 state cooperation was necessary. We came together and launched an operation to deal with cattle rustling. We were successful because we degraded their ability to do cattle rustling, even though that created a problem of kidnapping, because they moved from cattle rustling to kidnapping we are still facing.

For Southern Kaduna, we didn’t understand what was going on and we decided to set up a committee under Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) to find out what was going on there. What was established was that the root of the problem had a history starting from the 2011 post election violence.

Fulani herdsmen from across Africa bring their cattle down towards iddle and southern Nigeria. The moment the rains starts around March, April, they start moving them up to go back to their various communities and countries. Unfortunately, it was when they were moving up with their cattle across southern Kaduna that the elections of 2011 took place and the crisis trapped some of them. Some of them were from Niger, Cameroon, Chad, Mali and Senegal. Fulanis are in 14 African countries and they traverse this country with the cattle.

So many of these people were killed, cattle lost and they organised themselves and came back to revenge.

That is their culture, if you kill a fulani man, they send the information from generation to generation until the account is settled.

So a lot of what was happening in Southern Kaduna was actually from outside Nigeria. We got a hint that the late governor Patrick Yakowa, got this information and he sent someone to go round some of these Fulani communities, but of course after he died, the whole thing stopped. That is what we inherited. But the Agwai committee established that.

We took certain steps. We got a group of people that were going round trying to trace some of these people, trying to trace some of these people in Cameroon, Niger Republic and so on to tell them that there is a new governor who is fulani like them and has no problem paying compensations for lives loss or stock and he is begging you to stop killing. In most of the communities, once that appeal was made to them, they said they had forgiven. There are one or two that asked for monetary compensation. They said they had forgiven the death of human beings, but cattle. We said no problem, some we paid. As recently as two weeks ago, the team went to Niger Republic to attend one Fulani gathering that they do every year with a message from me.

So this was the problem, we knew this by August last year and we started taking steps. But what is happening now, I don’t want it to be restricted to Southern Kaduna.

I noticed that some people are trying to bring religion or ethnicity into it. What about Zamfara State? Are there Southern Kaduna people in Zamfara or Christians?

That is why I considered the statement by the President of Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN ) most irresponsible. Some people don’t understand the burden of leadership. The same Fulani are killing Fulani in Zamfara, it is not about religion or ethnicity, this is a pure case of banditry. They are criminals, their ethnicity, their religion does not matter. Let’s fight the problem, let’s not bring sentiments, sensationalism and division into it. What is happening in Southern Kaduna today in my opinion, has roots in banditry, it has nothing to do with what has happened in the past to a large extent.

It was a small problem that started in Ninte village, Godogodo that could have been handled better by the local communities; by the leaders of the fulanis and the leaders of the communities did not do it well. I was very sad, I went there. Any life lost in Kaduna State is a burden on me because as the governor, I have to defend the life of everyone. As a government, we regret the loss of lives. We regret the destruction of property...

Today in Kaduna State we have arrested 400 people for kidnapping and cattle rustling and armed robbery. All except about 5 of them are Fulanis. I am Fulani, does it mean I should not have them arrested and prosecuted? I don’t consider them Fulani, I considered them criminals.

Whenever I sit with Fulani leaders I tell them that we arrested over 400 suspects and 99 per cent of them are Fulanis and they should ask themselves why is it only

El-Rufai Fulanis that are doing this. Is that part of the culture of the Fulanis, since when did they start carrying AK47 rifles and so on...

From a small problem in Ninte, some people found a way to add fuel to the fire, because it is politically expedient to do so not caring how many people get killed. Over time, the culture of impunity has permeated also segments of society, people think they can do anything and get away with it. There is very weak law enforcement or uneven law enforcement. If you are from this ethnic group or religion, you can do something and get away with it but the other one cannot. There is a mind-set that you can take the law into your hands. This is what has been happening and escalating the problem.

So it is most unfortunate, but honestly the whole challenge is that of banditry and it has to be addressed.

Secondly I think that those that preach the message that, this one is a settler, he shouldn’t he here or this one is of different tribe and religion, he should not live with you, are more responsible for what is happening than anything else. How can you look at somebody that has stayed in a place for 200 years and say he is a settler.

How long have you lived there? We all came from somewhere.

The media should not give these kind of people the oxygen that they need to propagate this. Those that think that there is any profit to be made from this kind of narrative and division should go to Plateau State and ask. Jos is quiet, peaceful, because after years of killing each other both sides realised that it doesn’t make any sense. That is why when we went to Samaru Kataf for the unveiling of the apology, we invited the Gbong Gwom Jos, His Majesty Da Buba Gyang, because he has been through it, he has seen it.

We must have peace for any progress and there is no problem in the world that you can solve through violence. Even if you go to war, the war doesn’t end until you come to a table and discuss peace. Why not start with the peace....

For some of the politicians from Southern Kaduna that are trying to politicised this, they should go to Plateau State and find out or talk to former governor Jonah Jang and find out what happens when you add fuel to the

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) has done a lot and they have been very successful in helping bring peace to Plateau State, this is why we asked them to come and help us in Kaduna. We have made a lot of progress with the Kafanchan declaration, but there are people bent on frustrating that and we know them and they are being monitored by the security agencies and at the appropriate time, we will have them in handcuffs and brought to Kaduna for trial

fire of this kind of division. We are deploying more and more security to the crisis prone areas. It is costing us tones of money at a time when we don’t have resources, but we have to do it because security is the foundation of everything.

There are people that are sending a message, defend yourselves, we will get them, defend yourself is hate speech. You can’t defend yourself if there is a government. We are going to arrest and prosecute all those that pass that message.

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) has done a lot and they have been very successful in helping bring peace to Plateau State, this is why we asked them to come and help us in Kaduna. We have made a lot of progress with the Kafanchan declaration, but there are people bent on frustrating that and we know them and they are being monitored by the security agencies and at the appropriate time, we will have them in handcuffs and brought to Kaduna for trial.

On the implementation of the 2016 budget.

Our budget implementation has been satisfactory, I will not say it is very impressive by our standard, but compare to what has been done before, I think this administration has done very well. As at October 2016, we had about 50 per cent budget implementation with the following breakdown: 85 per cent of personnel cost has been drawn, 77 per cent of overhead cost has been drawn and 32 per cent of capital expenditure has been drawn. So overall, in percentages, it amounst to about 50 per cent implementation.

In specific terms, as at October this year, we have spent about N29 billion on capital projects compared to N27. 5 billion in 2013 for the entire year, N17 billion in 2014 for the entire year and N27.6 billion in 2015 for entire. So we have already spent more in the first ten months of this year than the previous three years, two and a half of which were under the PDP government.

The bulk of this spending was on emergency education intervention, water supply, road construction and health care. We are spending money in areas that we think add value to the society and create jobs. We have seen a drastic reduction in recurrent expenditure, even though we have employed more than 5000 people in the public service since we came in....

As at October this year, our recurrent expenditure clocked N43.4 billion. In 2013, the PDP government spent N56 billion on recurrent expenditure, so we are much lower.

They spent N66.7 in 2014 and N64 billion in 2015. But so far we have spent only N43.4 billion with only two months of the year to go.

Of course you cannot spend money without income, you recall that for the first time in the history of the state, we hit monthly internally generated revenue of N1.6 billion in July this year and this has remained more or less around this level up till today. We are moving away from reliance on federation account more on self sustenance based on what we have. By the end of the year, we hope to achieve 50 per cent capital budget implementation and 65 per cent overall total budget implementation.

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Bolaji Akinyemi: Nigeria Should Reconsider Membership of International Criminal Court, Multinational Agreements Signed Since 1960 Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, a professor of political science and international affairs, is former directorgeneral of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, former Minister of External Affairs, and deputy chairman of the 2014 national conference. In this interview with Vincent Obia, Akinyemi says the coming of United States ultranationalist president-elect, Donald Trump, offers Nigeria an opportunity to re-evaluate its role in the international system with a view to refocusing energy on building domestic capacity. Excerpts:

F Akinyemi

idel Castro, the former Cuban leader and leading light of the then Non-Aligned Movement, died recently at a time an ultranationalist president, Donald Trump, is about to take over power in the United States, and there is rising nationalistic sentiments in Europe. What is the significance of these events for

South/South cooperation?

You know that Fidel Castro had been out of the scene for a considerable number of years, and it is his brother who has been in charge of the policies of Cuba. I don’t think that the death of Castro will have much of an appreciable effect on South/South cooperation or on North/South relationship. But the election of Trump will definitely affect North/South relationship and South/ South relationship. I believe that the

We should seize the opportunity of the United States under Trump to reevaluate the economic agreements we have signed over the years. The Buhari administration should set up a task force to review all the economic agreements we have signed since 1960 – or if he likes, all agreements, whether economic, judicial or whatever. They are not in our national interest

election of Trump is going to have negative repercussions on North/South relationship in the sense that I expect an indifferent regime in Washington towards North/South relationship or North/South affairs. I think that Trump is going to turn inwards towards rebuilding the United States. Whether he will succeed or not is a different kettle of fish, because in a way, American prosperity has been dependent on its being able to export to other parts of the world. Now, if its goods are too expensive, then other parts of the world are going to turn to newly emerging industrial countries to buy goods, which may be of the same quality as the American goods but may be cheaper for them.

I think that the Americans don’t realise that actually, it is the rest of the world who are buying American goods, who actually are paying for the high standard of living of the American working class. It is because the rest of the world was buying American goods that American workers were able to have two cars in the garage. But if you could buy the same goods, the same cars from other parts of the world, at cheaper prices, people will simply turn around and not buy American goods.

That is the first point.

The second point is that the reason

America was importing goods from other parts of the world was because American consumers were buying these goods since they were cheaper. Would American consumers be willing to buy American goods at such a high price?

And if they were willing, would they have the money to do so? These are the factors that are going to come into play over this matter.

But all of these may be to the advantage of South/South relationship in the sense that more people in the South would be buying more goods – because that is what they can afford – from other South/South countries.

Do you see Nigeria as wellpositioned to reap optimal benefits from an eventual boost in South/ South cooperation?

Unfortunately, no; because we have not developed our industrial base. Our people have been noted for being traders, buying wigs, toothpicks, goods that we could even have been producing and exporting. An increase in South/South trade relations is going to be to the benefit of the people who produce these goods, rather than to the benefit of people who buy these goods, especially, at a period when there is a shortage of foreign exchange. However, this may be a blessing in disguise, if

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CICERO/INTERVIEW • ‘Bailout Fund: FG Should impoSe Strict conditionS on StateS to enSure prudent uSe’ Continued from Pg. 72 the foreign exchange available to Nigeria is not going to be recklessly used, as it was done in the past, to import toothpick, rice, ice cream, etc., if in allocating the scarce foreign exchange resources the Central Bank of Nigeria would allocate money to industrialists to bring in machinery, and government itself will give subsidies to some of the factories that can produce machines, which can then be used to manufacture goods in this country. Why, for example, should we be exporting raw palm oil and then turn round to import soap? These medium scale factories that, for example, can treat cassava, palm produce and other things that we produce, and then export them, even if it is going to be at the medium stage, value has been added in Nigeria and we will get money that way. So in a way, it could be a blessing in disguise. But that is assuming that the government itself is going to be disciplined enough. Because this is going to be a long haul.

You have been an advocate of the establishment of a Nigerian coast guard. Are you worried by the effects of the porous nature of the country’s land and maritime borders in an era of global terrorism and other trans-border crimes?

Apart from me having stuck out my neck in advocating a coast guard, in addition to a blue sea navy, the national conference also called for the establishment of a border guard. This is because the assessments of the threat by scholars, basically, have identified our coastal area in terms of our oil exports, mugging of oil products, fisheries, etc. There are trawlers coming from Asia which are busy depleting our fishery reserves. Even if it is the navy itself, depending on how you demarcate areas of jurisdiction, the coastal guard could be for 50 miles, then anything beyond 50 miles could be for the navy. So that would take care of our exclusive economic zone for the navy, while the coastal areas would be for this coastal guard. But this is something that has been thought by every navy administration since this idea was mooted in the 1970s. I suppose they are afraid that they would have to share resources with the coastal guard, if one is established and separated from them. So there could be a government decision to reassure the navy that they would not have to share the resources; the coastal guard would have its own resources and the navy would have its own resources. But in the long run, Nigeria is going to be the beneficiary. We would be able to clamp down on the smuggling of our oil resources; we would be to clamp down on the illegal fishery activities going on in our exclusive economic zone. Also, the navy would then be of assistance to countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, and all those countries that cannot patrol and protect their fishery resources.

As far as the border guard is concerned, almost all the states that have borders with West African countries complain about the activities of terrorists.

They could be economic terrorists coming in to aid smugglers who are smuggling out agricultural products. One has heard, even from government, that trailer loads of rice, potatoes, etc., are going out of the country and that rustlers are coming from these West African countries to rustle cattle, sheep, and other animals.

There was this argument for a national guard at one time, which IBB actually set up, but it was dismantled

by Abacha because they thought it had a different purpose. But everybody can see now that the Nigerian Army cannot cope with internal subversion and the trans-border activities of terrorists and saboteurs.

In the effort to secure the country’s vast land borders, some people have suggested walling, others have recommended electronic surveillance.

What do you consider the most economically viable way of securing the country’s land borders?

First of all, building of walls is something associated more with clueless Trump in his own policy recommendation for dealing with Mexico. I don’t think we need to adopt that approach. I believe in a highly mechanised, mobile border guard. Originally, while you are training them, units could be taken from the immigration, customs, mobile police, but the border guard would be a new command to be established for security reasons all across our borders. Of course, it would use electronic surveillance, helicopters equipped with highly mobile troop carriers, because it is a very long border we are talking about, from Badagry all the way to Sokoto, from Sokoto all the way to Maiduguri, and from Maiduguri all the way down to the Bakassi Peninsula.

Even if we don’t accept that proposal now, in future we would continue to be confronted with it. It is an economic necessity, it is a security necessity. So it is a question of adopting the accurate strategic doctrine to deal with the issue.

How can Nigeria effectively secure itself under

Akinyemi the current world economic and political order?

I think that we should seize the opportunity of the United States under Trump to re-evaluate the economic agreements we have signed over the years.

Since 1960 there is no economic agreement that we did not gladly sign, irrespective of whether it is in our interest or not. We bought into this world view that says any multinational agreement is good for Nigeria simply because the rest of the world said so.

I think the Buhari administration should set up a task force. There are enough retired ambassadors now and highly respected retired civil servants as well as economists. He should empower a task force to review all the economic agreements we have signed since 1960 – or if he likes, all agreements, whether economic, judicial or whatever that we have signed since 1960. They should examine them and re-evaluate our continued participation in these economic agree-

I’m not a believer in the International Criminal Court the way it has been operating. If Trump had been a Nigerian politician or a Ugandan politician, the ICC would have been screaming by now. The ICC is operating with too many different standards and I really believe that we should re-evaluate our membership of it

ments. They are not in our national interest. They have allowed industrial goods to be dumped in Nigeria, while we have not had any industrial goods to export. I think a lot of the agreements we have signed, especially with the European Union, have been ill-advised.

And I’m not a believer in the International Criminal Court the way it has been operating. If Trump had been a Nigerian politician or a Ugandan politician, the ICC would have been screaming by now that they would put him on trial for hate speeches because of the kind of speeches he made during the America election. But there is no sign at all of any distress coming out of the ICC. The ICC is operating with too many different standards and I really believe that we should re-evaluate our membership of it.

Are there other things you may want to tell Nigerians?

In my convocation lecture at the University of Ibadan, I pointed out that the present administration is missing an opportunity to bring sanity into the way and manner funds are spent at the state level.

Yes, we are running a federation and, therefore, money is left to the states to determine how they spend it. But under this economic emergency, when the federal government is giving money to the states, what they call bailout money, I think it gives the federal government an opportunity to lay down conditionalities that states should sign up to if they want to be bailed out. A situation where the federal government gives them money to either finish building roads and then a state government decides to appoint 50 special advisers or special assistants and use that money to pay them, or a situation where civil servants have not been paid for six to nine months and the federal government says in order to alleviate suffering in the land, here are bailout funds to be used to pay salaries, and a government diverts this money to build airports, which are unbudgeted for. I think the federal government is carrying part of the blame for not tackling this reckless expenditure syndrome in the country. I want to use this opportunity to repeat that my call. This money that the federal government is giving out, at least under the present arrangement, belongs to the federal government. It is like when you go to the World Bank to borrow money, it just doesn’t dash you and ask you to go and spend it any way you like. So I think the federal government should use the opportunity of giving these bailout funds to lay down conditionalities that would sanitise the spending of funds. Of course, it also means that the federal government has to discipline itself in the ways it spends money at the federal level.

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Ibanga: The Physician as a Missionary Founded in 1991 by four medical professionals led by Iko Ibanga, Pro-Health International (PHI) will on Friday 9th December celebrate the 25th anniversary of taking free and quality healthcare to rural communities within Nigeria and on the continent with the public presentation of its book, ‘A Channel of Blessings’.

Olusegun Adeniyi, who has spent time with Dr. Ibanga, the main inspiration behind the idea, writes on an incredible story of selflessness, compassion, love, healing and humanity

I

From the Medical field

ko Ibanga was in his final year at the Medical School when he came across a story about an American doctor who was serving the people in a village called Eku, in the then Bendel State (now Delta State).

Fascinated by the account of how a man would leave his home in the United States to spend 33 years in Nigeria to help people with whom he had no relationship, Dr. Iko (as he is most often addressed, perhaps because of his distinctive first name) decided to know more about what inspired the medical personnel. It was in the course of this quest that he met the American surgeon, Dr. Bob Schofstall, who had also been in Nigeria from 1960 to 1966, working at the Hospital in Egbe, Kogi State as a missionary.

The meeting and the interactions that followed between the rookie medical doctor and the experienced American surgeon who had spent several years in Nigeria and was about to relocate back home as well as the encounters that followed would ultimately help clarify for Ibanga what would become his own mission in life. “I met him eight months before he retired and returned to the United States. We became close.

He did a number of things before he left Eku; he got me to go to the SIM Eye Hospital in Kano where I spent the time between my housemanship and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) primary assignment. He also got me to work under another missionary surgeon named Dr. Lewis Carter in Jos. That was how I ended up in Jos doing my NYSC,” Ibanga explained.

While his colleagues were seeking and getting well-paying appointments in hospitals across the country, Ibanga had caught a bug to work on the mission field. “Within two years of finishing medical school, I had worked

in three mission hospitals and I realized that the seeds for mission work were either planted or fertilized there. That was when I started thinking it would be good to do mission work. To be fair, in every hospital I had worked in – Eku Baptist Hospital, Evangel Hospital in Jos, and the SIM Eye Hospital in Kano – the heads of the hospital were missionaries, but there were also Nigerian doctors working or training there.”

Even while he volunteered for the missions, the turning point came for Ibanga when, realizing that he was always the only black man among the medical practitioners, he sought from the American who had become his mentor whether he could replicate such an idea. “What was interesting was that Dr. Schofstall started bringing teams of doctors and nurses to do short-term medical missions in West Africa – Liberia, Ghana and Nigeria – and because we were still in touch, he invited me to become part of the team. I would volunteer, we would go to Ghana, and then come back to Nigeria, and what was very sobering for me was the realisation that I was always the only black member of the team.”

This, quite naturally, made no sense to Ibanga. “Here were missionaries, volunteers from the United States coming to help us in Africa and there were no Africans as part of the team.

That set me thinking that it would be nice to have an organization that would encourage African health care professionals to also volunteer their time and expertise to help our people.”

However, as much as he felt inspired to start a similar humanitarian medical organization like the American was doing, he also realised he needed advice. “One day I broached a conversation with Dr. Schofstall –I used to

call him ‘Pa’ – I said, ‘Pa, you know, it will really be nice to form an NGO to encourage Africans to volunteer’.

He looked at me and said, ‘You are wasting your time, Iko. Blacks don’t volunteer-- whether they are black Africans or black Americans.’ He said further, ‘Look at me, since all the time I have been coming from the United States, how many black medical practitioners have I ever come with?’ It disturbed me. He said, ‘Listen, Iko, I’ve been in your country since you were born, I came in 1960 as a missionary, blacks don’t volunteer’”.

That was a challenge to Iko Ibanga.

Aside the fact that he felt inspired to go to the mission field to continue to render help to the poor, he also wanted to disprove the notion that black people are not as compassionate as white people because deep down, he knew it was not true. “The more Dr. Schofstall spoke, the more I felt challenged to prove him wrong. Perhaps it is important to also state that during the war, my father had already left for the United States and we were left with my mother and my siblings before we were later evacuated from the war area to join him in America. I was young then but I remember vividly that we lived in a very rural part of America where I was the only black student in my class for two years. So when Dr. Schofstall made that statement, I said, ‘You remind me of my childhood in America where people used to say, ‘because you are black, you cannot do A, B, C or D’, which was the mindset at the time.”

With his mind made up, Iko Ibanga did not look back, even when things were really rough and tough. Together with three other medical doctor friends, he started Pro Health International (PHI) in Jos. At that period, not a few of his colleagues thought he was crazy

and fewer still expected his medical expeditions to survive beyond a few months. But not only has PHI survive a quarter of a century, it has thrived.

Now that PHI has grown into an international family of over 3000 volunteer healthcare professionals with a spirit of volunteerism that sets it apart from all others NGO’s in the country today, the success of the model is a testament to the fact doing good on to others has its own reward.

As a trailblazer in reaffirming the spirit of humanity in the black race, Ibanga’s achievement through PHI has helped to change the stereotype of insensivity even when such a daring commitment takes courage and true belief. In the PHI story titled “Channels of Blessings” that will be publicly presented in Abuja on Friday, readers will see how Ibanga and his team of volunteers carry out their noble duties at great risk to their personal safety.

They travel through treacherous conditions to remote and dangerous parts of Nigeria and Africa to offer medical services to those who ordinarily have been left to whatever ails them.

From the professional point of view, PHI has contributed to the advancement of medical practice in Nigeria by facilitating international and local partnerships and knowledge exchange across borders. The experiences of medical professionals, especially those brought from the United States and Europe, who have had to practice in remote villages in Nigeria are interesting. Adapting to the less than ideal conditions in an African environment has led to surprising insights and a learning curve for both sides which they actively ensure is shared through medical conferences. But it was tough at the beginning, especially at the homefront.

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

CICERO/REPORT • ‘Niger Delta BomB attacks: the search for motives ’• Continued from Pg. 74 For a newly married man, Ibanga took risks that could have cost him his home but he was lucky for the wife he had even when her patience was tried.

As an assistant manager at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs Esther Ibanga was earning enough to keep the family together while her husband, a qualified medical practitioner was going from one community to another on medical missions. And that was a strain not only on her emotions but also on her resources.

According to Mrs Ibanga, PHI started just about the time they were getting ready to marry after which “our living room was the reception and our bedroom was the office. Prior to that time, I was a private person. I really like my space, I like my privacy but my husband loves people; he’s very open and he wants everybody to come and live in his house. It was difficult for me to see absolute strangers walking into my house, walking into my bedroom, into my kitchen and he expected me to feed them all without complaining, even when he didn’t give me money for the feeding”. With no vehicle of his own, Ibanga would use his wife’s car to go for for medical projects “and I would have to take a bike and go to work as an assistant manager at CBN.” However, because he persisted and was faithful to his calling, Ibanga was able to lead PHI to local and international recognition such that within its first decades, development partners, donor agencies as well as private and public institutions in the area of health delivery were falling over themselves to seek him out. Today, PHI has become a very big institution for which respected medical personnel in Nigeria and across the world register to volunteer for its medical outreaches.

Former Cross River State Governor, Mr. Donald Duke, recalled that in 1992, while he was Commissioner for Finance, he was introduced to Ibanga, “a young medical doctor who aspired to save the world. My aspirations were hardly different, so as kindred spirits, we sought an opportunity for collaboration between the state government and his young organization, Pro-Health International. The idea was to offer free health services to the needy, working alongside doctors, local and international. The experience also afforded Nigerian doctors in the Diaspora, the United States in particular, an opportunity to contribute pro bono towards Nigerian national health care development.”

Seven years later, Duke became the civilian governor of his state and the collaboration between Cross River and PHI was taken to a higher level. “The impact of these medical missions is simply wonderful. Thousands would gather from the wee hours of the day till dawn with various health issues, most having had these ailments for years on end, and in a few hours, they would be resolved. The relief and accompanying joy is hardly describable,” said Duke.

Senator Daisy Danjuma, whose husband, General T.Y. Danjuma, remains one of the main pillars of PHI, attests to that. “One experience I will never forget is the case of an old woman who was blind for 14 years as a result of cataracts. She had never seen her grandchildren before. But on one of the medical missions carried out by PHI in Edo state, an eye surgery was done on her. The first words uttered by the old woman after her eyes were opened were, ‘Bring them, bring them.’

It didn’t take long to understand that the ‘them’ the woman was referring to were her grandchildren. And for the first time she was able to see THEM. That was an amazing experience. It was a miracle. Once she was blind, but at that period, she could see.”

Mr. Timi Alaibe, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) that has for

Dr Iko Ibanga and his American mentor, Dr. Bob Schofstall

15 years partnered with PHI echoes a similar sentiment. “When we saw what PHI was doing, we decided to seek out the organization, because without the kind of intervention they provided in such communities, the people would continue to die from ailments that were treatable. From being an interim action plan, it became a medium-term action plan because the state governments were not doing so much when it came to health care delivery. The NDDC-PHI partnership therefore helped to address a critical aspect of the poverty challenge in the Niger Delta”, said Alaibe.

Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Latter Rain Assembly is also another prominent Nigerian who has partnered with PHI with positive stories to tell.

He got to know Ibanga through his wife, who happens to be his (Bakare’s) spiritual daughter. “In the course of time, I found what he was engaged in and involved with very exciting; because they were going to areas where angels fear to tread: rural areas where people are more or less neglected and where healthcare delivery is either low or non-existent. And Iko took it upon himself to start inviting doctors both within and outside Nigeria to reach out to such people.”

Bakare said he could remember talking with Ibanga on whether all the investment in Pro-Health International would not have built a teaching hospital but I also realised that the beneficiaries of their efforts in the rural areas would not be able to access such facilities. “So, what Iko has done is to take teaching hospital standards to those who could never pay for it by collaborating from time to time with sponsors. I had the privilege of doing one or two missions, especially the one in Abeokuta my hometown, and for three solid days, you needed to see the turnout of people who were instantly taken care of because Iko brought a Mobile Surgical Unit. Many people thought I was coming to do politics but I had nothing to do with politics. I was just excited by the selfless service being rendered. I remember the then chairman of my local government asking me to bring them again and again. So I told him to partner with us so we could share the cost 50-50 and he backed off.

He thought it was cheap, but good things don’t come cheap.”

Bakare said what had thrilled him over the years, “is the passion of Iko and his team. His passion for the people you call ordinary Nigerians who would not be able to afford the surgery and have it done for them free and in their terrain. Sometimes they do follow up and it is incredible. If there is anything that stirs up the motivation behind public-private partnership in me, it is things like this because if the government can collaborate with organizations like PHI, many of the preventable deaths we witness all around us would reduce. That’s my experience with PHI.” If there is someone who is not surprised about how Ibanga has turned out, it is his mother, Mrs Akunyu Ibanga, who remembers how, as a young boy during the civil war in the sixties, Iko would bring home children of refugees and would share with them his food. “When he started PHI, he had no money and he would come home to ask me to give him money so he could use for his medical mission projects.

After teaching for some time at the University of Jos, he started the NGO. He was still coming home to ask for money but his father and I encouraged him and gave him God’s blessings because we believe he was doing God’s work”, said Mrs Ibanga who explained that right from childhood, Iko’s compassion had been evident.

In reflecting on the story of PHI, Mrs Akunyu Ibanga whose major concern for what her son does initially centred around what the reaction of other doctors would be to see their colleague treating patients for free, said she was later apprehensive of what could happen should anything go wrong on the surgical table.

“Such incidence would be an opportunity for some people to criticize and attack what he is doing”, said Mrs Ibanga who now feels very proud, as any mother would be, about her son’s chosen career. “Having seen him face challenges and maybe make mistakes, what I believe has kept him going is the love he has for the people and the joy he derives in serving them”, she added.

Lady Eme Ufot Ekatte, respected pharmacist and former Senator who had partnered with Ibanga in the early years of PHI, also recounts how tough things were at the beginning. “On one occasion, we had to go and see one top government official so we could do a medical mission in his senatorial zone.

When we got to his house, they told us to sit and wait for him that he was in a meeting. We waited for six hours. After he was done, he left through the back door without seeing us. That was one of the many humiliating situations that PHI had to face. But look at where we are today”, she said.

At 25, Ibanga can also look back to what has been an incredible experience, especially when the outreaches have also produced incredible stories of love across borders that have led to several marriages, including that between Ashley Cunnigham and Christian Unaegbu who are now based in the United States.

On arrival in Gembu, Taraba State for a medical outreach in May 2008, Ashley and her team from the United Sates were introduced to the Nigerian medical professionals, including Christian Unaegbu, who was serving as the Evaluations and Monitoring Officer for the project. The friendship between Christian and Ashley gradually developed over the next two weeks that the project lasted.

When the duo eventually bid each other farewell in Abuja, there was a resignation that they might never see each other again. Nevertheless, they continued their transatlantic friendship over the next several months through emails and occasional phone conversations and slowly they learned about one another’s lives. It did not take long before Christian and Ashley realised they were in love.

The process of relocating to the United States was tedious but Chriistian eventually succeeded to go and meet Ashley with whom he got married in October 2009. Today, they are both doing well and living in Texas, USA with their two daughters, Michaela Ozioma and Liliana Oluchi, who are now five and two years old, all thanks to the chance encounter at the PHI medical mission field.

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

CICERO/ISSUE

Rotimi Akeredolu: The Face of the Change to Come The Ondo State governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu, would be expected to drive change in the shape and form of governance when he assumes office next February. James Sowole, in Akure, writes

T

described the poll as legal, saying the process conformed with the provisions of the state’s law on council election and administration.

he governorship election in Ondo State has come and gone, but the complaints that attended the process would rage for some time to come. The objections are mainly from the Peoples Democratic Party and they border largely on alleged refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission to allow more time for the party’s candidate, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, to prepare for the election after he was cleared by the Court of Appeal to contest at the last minute.

The other complaint regarding the election, which tends to come from all the major political parties in the election, including the Alliance for Democracy and the Social Democratic Party, was that voting was heavily monetised to the advantage of the All Progressives Congress candidate and the winner, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu SAN.

Legislative Difficulties

For Akeredolu to have his way on issues that require the approval of the PDP-dominated House of Assembly, he would need to do a lot of lobbying.

This is important because the Assembly must, among other functions, approve the appointment of commissioners, special advisers, and chairmen of statutory boards. The Assembly must also approve the appropriation of fund for the running of the administration.

Geopolitical Issues

One other change that is bound to happen by the time Akeredolu assumes office is in connection with the head of the legislature. The position of speaker of the Assembly would be expected to align with the zoning formula for strategic political offices in the state.

Since the current Speaker, Hon Jumoke Akindele, comes from Okitipupa State Constituency in the Ondo South senatorial district, where the incoming deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi, comes from. The incoming governor, Akeredolu, hails from Owo local government in the Ondo North senatorial district, his deputy, Ajayi, hails from Kiribo in Ese-Odo local government.

With the present situation, the speaker is expected to come from Ondo Central senatorial district.

THISDAY learnt that lawmakers from Ondo Central were already calculating on who would become the speaker.

Inherited Legislature

By the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, only the occupiers of the executive arm of government would change in Ondo State from February 24, 2017, when Akeredolu is expected to take over from the incumbent governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko. All the commissioners would also vacate their offices since they are political appointees of the outgoing governor, just as all chairmen and members of boards of parastatals.

By the time Akeredolu assumes office as the governor and the head of the executive arm of government, the situation in the other two arms of government, the legislature and judiciary, would remain the same, as was the case when Mimiko inherited those two arms from his predecessor, the late Dr Olusegun Agagu. At that time, Mimiko came on board on the platform of the Labour Party while the House of Assembly was under the control of the PDP. Specifically, the LP at time Mimiko assumed office had only nine out of the 26 members of the Assembly, while the PDP was in control with 15 lawmakers and the remaining one member elected on the platform of the AD but was cooperating with the LP lawmakers.

As it was then, so shall it be by the time Akeredolu assumes office in February. The PDP, which is currently in control of the House of Assembly, would still be in place because members of the Assembly were elected for a four-year tenure, which would lapse in 2019. The APC, whose candidate won the governorship election, currently has only five members in the Assembly.

When Mimiko assumed office, a member of the opposition party, the late Hon Samuel Adesina of the PDP from Odigbo State Constituency, was the Speaker since his party had majority in the Assembly.

In order to get the cooperation of the Assembly, Adesina and some other members that were elected on the platform of the PDP were prevailed upon to defect to the LP while he remained the Speaker.

Teething Troubles

For Akeredolu, getting the legislature to the side of his party would be difficult because of the provisions of the Electoral Act, as amended, which states that an elected officer that defects from the party under which he was elected to another party must vacate his or her seat in Assembly.

This situation would create a new controversy in the state, as the PDP in the state claims there is no faction in the party going by the judgement of the Supreme Court, which made the party in the state to suspend some members of the party last Tuesday. The question is whether the leader of the Ali Modu Sherriff faction of PDP in the state, Dr Jimoh Ibrahim, would accept the claim.

Some people are already alleging that the APC would do everything within its powers to ensure that the party controls the Assembly by ensuring

Akeredolu that the controversies at the national leadership of the PDP persist until Akeredolu gains control of the Assembly.

Another major change that is imminent and which would also generate another round of controversy borders on the administration of the local governments. Going by the provisions of the law on the constitution and control of local governments, elected officers in the legislative and executive arms of the third tier of government are supposed to be in office for three years.

The heads of local governments in the state are virtually all PDP members, who were elected on April 23, 2016 and whose terms are expected to lapse in 2019. However, elected officers at the local government level are often dissolved whenever the party that takes over administration at the state level is different from the one at the local government, not only in Ondo State but in various states of the federation.

Mimiko had on assumption of office dissolved the local government administration that he inherited, citing noncompliance with the provisions of the State Local Government Law in the process that brought them in, though, they were elected officials. The dissolution of the local government administration by Mimiko generated controversy, as the affected officers sought legal intervention up to the Supreme Court without success. This had delayed the holding of local government elections for seven years, until April this year when the council poll was held.

While the matter lasted in the courts, caretaker committees were constituted to administer councils every six months with the approval of the House of Assembly, which is empowered by the constitution to legislate on local government affairs.

The APC did not hide its position on the April local government election. The APC directed its members not to participate in the local government election, which according to the party, was inappropriate and would constitute a distraction for it.

Though, the local government election was held without APC’s participation, the government

NURTW Factor

A major change, which people are insinuating would come, but not easily, is the change in the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers. Already, a group within the union led by Mr Jacob Idowu, a.k.a Idajo, had summoned a meeting of members through an advertorial on a radio station. Idowu had before the election declared himself as the incoming chairman of the NURTW in the state, alleging that his incumbent colleagues have not been working in the last eight years.

Prior to Mimiko’s assumption of office, change in the leadership of the union had always been rancorous, but since he came on board leadership change had been through the lawful process of election. This has been to the admiration of the national leadership of the union and other stakeholders.

It is expected that there would be some resistance from the existing executive of the union, but what may cause problem is the fact that the existing leadership came in less than a year ago. So pacifying those that worked for Akeredolu to be patient may be difficult because waiting for almost three years may be too much for them to bear.

Compromised Neutrality

Ordinarily, the position of the Head of Service of the state should not be affected by the change in government, since the civil service is expected to be non-partisan. However, the principle of neutrality of the civil service has been considerably compromised over the years, particularly, since 1999. This has prompted changes in the heads of the civil service with successive administrations.

So people are waiting for who would become the Head of Service.

The expectations of the people from the incoming administration are high. They believe many of the problems confronting the state would be solved once Akeredolu assumes office as governor.

And he had promised the people that when he was campaigning for the governorship seat. Akeredolu will now have to prove to the people that he is a man of his words.

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

CICERO/ISSUE

As PDP Crisis Worsens in the Aftermath of Ondo Election Onyebuchi Ezigbo writes that PDP may be on the path to self-destruction with the aggravation of its internal crisis following the governorship election in Ondo State, which it lost

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ne would have thought that the grim reality that no success can be achieved under the atmosphere of crisis and instability has dawned on the warring factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as they lick their wounds following the party’s defeat at the just concluded governorship election in Ondo state. But the loss which is the second in a row, having been defeated in another governorship election in Edo state, last month has rather sparked off a new wave of conflict and mudslinging. With what happened at the courts before the Ondo governorship elections, one is tempted to conclude that the feuding parties are not ready for any peaceful settlement of the crisis. Or how can anyone explain the dirty tactics adopted during the legal tussle over the party’s candidacy for the Ondo election? Even with the intervening judicial pronouncements by the Supreme Court which came in the last minute to resolve the controversy over which of the candidates, Eyitayo Jegede or Jimoh Ibrahim should represent the PDP in the Ondo poll, the antagonism between sides has refused five way. In what will clearly put the future of the party in jeopardy, each of the factions, have gone haywire threatening one another with sanctions.

In some of the state chapters of the party, the rival state executives have engaged in pronouncement of suspensions and counter suspensions on their members.

While the leadership of the PDP led by the chairman of the National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has come out to reject the result of the Ondo governorship poll, the other faction led by Senator Modu Sheriff has attributed the loses the party recorded in both the Edo and Ondo states’ governorship elections on impunity and non-adherence to internal democratic practice. In a statement issued last Monday by the Spokesman of the PDP, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the party called for the cancelation of the poll, accusing INEC of conniving with the APC to rig the election. “In view of the fact that the election was blatantly manipulated from the beginning to the end to favour the APC, we vehemently reject the results of the November 26, 2016 gubernatorial election in Ondo state. The election and all actions leading to it fall short of laid down principles guiding conduct of elections in Nigeria.

“We have instructed our candidate and the Ondo state chapter of our party to proceed to the Tribunal to challenge the outcome of the election. We call on the Judiciary to redeem Nigeria’s image on this matter as we request for the total cancellation of the ellection in Ondo State” Apart from citing voting irregularities, Adeyeye also blamed the setback the party had suffered in the Ondo election on the role of Justice Okon Abang and those he referred to as “charlatans in PDP” who he accused of allowing themselves to be used by the APC “to destroy our chances in the Ondo state election”. PDP also blamed INEC which it alleged worked in collaboration with the APC led Administration to deny its candidate, Eyitayo Jegede time to campaign and sell party manifesto to the electorates in Ondo State. “Our persistent call for the postponement of the Election which was backed and supported by more than 20 other political parties were all rejected by INEC which were acting

Makarfi

Sheriff

the script of the APC. It was a carefully planned and well orchestrated strategy to rig the Election well in advance by preventing the PDP from planning and campaigning for the Election”. However, the Sheriff’s faction through his deputy and the former National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dr. Cairo Ojoughoh addressed a press conference also on Monday in Abuja blaming the loss on the impunity and the continued existence of the caretaker committee led by Senator Makarfi. Ojougboh who said that they met to review the outcome of the Ondo poll by their National Working Committee, noted that impunity and lack of respect for the PDP constitution and the rule of law were the major problems that led to the failure in the Edo and Ondo elections.

Specifically, he blamed the the out-going governor of the state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko foisting his preferred candidate and kinsman, Eyitayo Jegede on the party rather than allowing people from other zones in the state to produce a candidate.

Ojougboh said that as far as the group is concerned if the party does not retrace its wrong steps by disbanding the national caretaker committee in order the reunite it’s members, it is bound to suffer a similar fate in the next governorship election is Ekiti state. “The impact of impunity in the PDP manifested itself in the actual sense for the first time in 2011 general elections when the then ACN defeated the PDP in Nasarawa State. We had a sitting Governor then who could not deliver. This was the first warning against impunity. It was ignored. “In Edo State, we told all who cared to listen that the party hierarchy was defective and that the leadership needed to be changed to allow the sixty Stalwarts of the PDP who defected to APC to return to the fold, off course the Governors refused.

There was no surprise to the result.

In Ondo State, the script was written in 2013 when Governor Mimiko returned to PDP. All members he met on the ground left the Party for him and he took over the PDP. The structure was handed over to the Labour Party.

“If Oke had not gone to AD and Mimiko managed leadership sportsmanly, PDP

would have won the election convincingly” For Ojougboh, the only way forward for the party, is to disband the national caretaker committee and to recognize Senator Sheriff as the authentic national chairman who is authorized to initiate process for a national convention. The blame-game has gotten to the stage where both sides have started threatening each other with sanctions. On its part, the PDP responded by warning the factional chairman, Senator Sheriff to desist from parading himself in that capacity or be ready to go to jail.

Spokesman of the Makarfi-led PDP, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, defended the legality of the caretaker committee, saying that the committee has been confirmed severally by the courts as the authentic body saddled with the task of providing leadership for the party pending the hosting of an elective convention He said “our attention has been drawn to another set of garbage and tissues of lies put together by the discredited loyalists of Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff in the name of a press statement on Monday, November 28, 2016, wherein, the group tried to sustain it’s illegal claim to the leadership of our party. The courts have spoken, and their pronouncements are binding. However, those who wish to spend the rest of their lives behind prison bars may continue to utter heresy against the court. We hope their children would be proud to bear the family names of convicts. First and foremost, we wish to state categorically that in consonance with Judgement of various Courts, which Ali Modu-Sheriff and his team of confused travellers have not bothered to appeal, the former Borno State Governor is not the Chairman of our Party, the PDP. Adeyeye tried to buttress his argument on the legal status conferred on Makarfi leadership by drawing attention to the judgement delivered by Justice Valentine Ashi of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, which he said stated clearly that Senator Sheriff was never and is not the PDP National Chairman. “ It is instructive to note that Senator Modu Sheriff and his team of circus performers have not deemed it fit to appeal

the Court Judgements. It is tripartite in law that a Judgment not appeal is binding on the defendant.

“It is also morally wrong to accuse the National Caretaker Committee of being the reason why the party is facing challenges in terms of unfavourable election results especially in Edo and Ondo States.

Everyone knows who the real enemies of PDP are. We won’t also forget in a hurry the ignoble role Jimoh Ibrahim played in scuttling our campaign for the Ondo Election. We also know those who pushed him forward for the hatchet job. We are amused that the agents of darkness, used by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to cause confusion and frustrate our campaign for the Ondo Election, can accuse the National Caretaker Committee of impunity. However, we simply want them to define what impunity is, using their acts of betrayal as a case study. What they are doing is the worst form of impunity, lawlessness, greed and avarice. Their call on the National Caretaker Committee to self disband is uncharitable and unconstitutional. If they have any shame, they are the ones that should quietly disband. But honours can’t be expected from impostors. No matter what they say, we are determined as a political party to forge ahead and put our house in order even without their inputs.

The Natonal Caretaker Committee has not called for their expulsion against the claims they are making, the time for that has not come. But the rain of vengeance will not hang forever in the clouds.

“The Natonal Caretaker Committee wish to appreciate all loyal party members, urging them to keep the faith as the Appelate Courts will do justice to the various appeals pending before it at the appropiate time; to put an end to the antics of these enemies of progress masquerading as members of our party”.

In what seemed as unending verbal war, the Deputy National Chairman of the Sheriff’s group, Dr. Ojougboh’ said it is the caretaker committee that is actually playing with jail term because there is a form 48 and 49 already issued against them from the Federal High Court for contempt.

Ojougboh said: “It is the caretaker committee that is actually playing with jail term because there is a form 48 and 49 already issued against them from the Federal High Court that is waiting for them. The effort to serve and arrest them was aborted because they evaded the law.

Justice Mohammed J of Abuja High Court ruled that the tenure of NWC expires in 2018 and therefore, Sheriff remain the only and authentic National Chairman”. What has followed all these diatribe is a wave of suspension and counter suspension witnessed last week. First, it was the Osun state chapter that kick-started the orgy of sanctions, slamming the former national secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo and three others with suspension. Apparently in its revenge, loyalists of Oladipo also announced the suspension of the Senator Iyoola Omisore and threatened to deal with rest of his supporters. The scenario was re-enacted in Ogun state where another chieftain of the party and a key actor in the ongoing crisis, Senator Buruji Kashamu was also suspended from the party for alleged violations of PDP constitution. With the gale of threats of sanctions and suspensions prevailing in the party it is becoming very apparent that peace moves have taken the back-seat and that only lies with the judiciary and perhaps miracle to pull the party from the brink.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 4, 2016

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CICERO/INTERVIEW

Okafor: Ike-Oye Ran APGA Like Personal Estate, Reducing it Before Nigerians In this interview with journalists in Abuja, the factional chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Ozo Nwabueze Okafor, speaks on the internal wranglings in the party and other political issues. Anayo Okolie presents the excerpts:

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PGA has been enmeshed in a leadership crisis. What is the background to this tussle?

One can say that the party was in some sort of crisis, which needn’t be because when the members of the National Working Committee of the party took a decision to save the party from imminent collapse, when they realiSed that the party was drifting and going the wrong direction. They took certain actions, which were to suspend the former national chairman, Dr. Victor Ike-Oye, on the October 5, 2016. They didn’t know that Ike-Oye will make the party go through needless crisis and turmoil. But all that will be a thing of the past very soon, because the issues are before the court, and I believe that the court will soon put to rest all the contentious issues. But we will continue to appeal to Ike-Oye to save the party from needless litigation and crisis he instigated since his suspension by the NWC. So very soon, the party will get over all these, the NWC led by my humble self has been working tirelessly to reposition the party. We are far from being in disarray. Rather, I will say that the party is now stronger because the leadership is more focused and more determined to put the party on the path of greatness.

Looking at the recent political happenings in the country, particularly as regards the PDP’s losses in the Edo and Ondo states governorship elections, do you foresee the same fate for APGA in the coming elections in the party’s stronghold?

This is one of the reasons why the NWC decided to take the actions they took, in suspending Victor Ike-Oye and two others. One, the way they have ran the party reduced the party in the eyes and standing of Nigerians, and the natural consequence of that is the dwindling electoral fortunes of the party, which was clearly shown in the last two elections, i.e. the Edo State and Ondo State governorship elections, where the party never got a thousand votes in any of the elections, in spite of all the efforts made. This is because the former national chairman didn’t reckon with the constitution of the party. The APGA constitution is a very strong document, another strong document we have is our manifesto. In the past, when Ike-Oye was at the helm of affairs, he observed our constitution more in the breach than in compliance, and the position of the constitution is that out candidates will be given orientation before the elections and it was not followed.

The candidates would have been told what the party stands for, the candidates would have internalised and understood our manifesto.

Like I said, our manifesto is a very strong document, all the issues Nigeria is having with the economy, issues of diversification of the economy, are things that our constitution took care off, because the party sees agriculture a the main source of our economy. So if we give proper orientation to our candidates and they understand the APGA message, it will become a tool for them to convince the electorate on the need to vote for APGA candidates, which will in turn increase our electoral fortunes. So these are the things we will put in place and I believe that the present leadership of APGA will do well, not only in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Anambra State, but also the rerun of the Anambra Central senatorial election, where our former national chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, is contesting to claim the mandate and even the general elections, come 2019. We will be in a better position to contest elections and win states in areas where we were not considered as favourites before this time.

We have seen the PDP move from one

APGA is not a regional party, it is a national party. But sometimes, like in the case of the suspended national chairman who wrongly at some forums described APGA as an Igbo party, and it was one of the reasons why we had to suspend him, because that was discrimination against other ethnic groups and it violates Article 21 (1) C of our constitution. And when I asked some of my colleagues in the NWC why they decided to nominate and appoint me as the acting national chairman, some told that they believed that having been the national president of the Association of Local Government Chairmen that covers the 774 local governments in Nigeria, I had the reach and the network to ensure that APGA truly becomes a national party, because I have contacts in all the 9,572 wards in the country. We believe we can leverage on such contacts and network to ensure that APGA exists and operates in every local government and ward in Nigeria and that will truly make it a national party.

Okafor court room to another over its internal crisis. Are we likely to experience the same situation in APGA? The issues of his suspension are the matter before the court, and I lack the power to make statements on it because that will be sub-judice.

We will allow the court to do justice.

Aside the issues of manifesto and party orientation, what are the other allegations against the suspended national chairman that warranted the suspension?

There were so many allegations against the suspended chairman. He ran the party like a personal enterprise. The constitution stipulates that the NWC of the party shall be responsible for the day-to-day running of the party, but that was not the case as they were side-lined and Ike-Oye became the NWC. Even the guidelines for the different electoral contests we have had, which equally led to our poor performance in the elections, our constitution states very clearly that the NWC shall be responsible for providing the guideline and direct different primaries that will lead to the nomination of candidates that will represent the party in different elections. But that was never done, which was usurpation of the functions and role of the NWC. Also, Ike-Oye unilaterally suspended state chairmen and state executive committees. A case in hand is Edo State. He didn’t have such power; the power is vested with the NWC and ratification of the National Executive Committee of the party, that was not done. There are a lot of cases. He unilaterally chose candidates in Kogi and some other states, where he chose candidates and informed the party thereafter.

There was no openness, transparency, and accountability in conducting the finances of the party. The national treasurer was completely side-lined, the national financial secretary was side-lined, the national auditor was equally side-lined, none of them was able to perform their functions as enshrined in our constitution.

I can tell you that throughout the 17 months or so, that Ike-Oye was national chairman, there was no audit of the party’s accounts, either internal or external audit.

The national treasurer, who should be the custodian of the finances of the party, including the cheque books and other financial instruments of the party, never knew how the documents looked because he never saw them any day, not to talk about managing them. The same with the financial secretary, who never collects any money on behalf of the party. So there were serious issues of lack

of transparency and accountability, financial recklessness, misappropriation and embezzlement. In fact, a committee set up by the NWC after the suspension has released their report, which seriously indicted the suspended national chairman. So there were myriads of allegations and the party was just been run as a persona enterprise. All the principal organs of the party were not operating, throughout his period as national chairman. Before his suspension, we never had a single NEC meeting, we never had a single Board of Trustees meeting, we never had a single meeting of the national caucus, we only had about four NWC meetings, even when the constitution states that the NWC shall meet at least once every month. So APGA was dying by instalments.

Do you think your emergence as acting national chairman followed the APGA constitution?

Yes, because all the steps they took, which culminated to the suspension of Ike-Oye and my appointment as the acting national chairman, strictly followed our constitution. Our constitution in article 22(2) 1 states clearly that any officer at any level, who is not performing and whose conduct has become inimical to the growth and development of the party shall be suspended.

How do you see the hope of AGPA in future elections, especially in Imo and Anambra states?

I don’t think the present situation is really going to affect the fortunes of the party, because I know that Victor Ike-Oye will listen to wise counsel and reason with some people who love the party and have been appealing to him to save the party from the needles crisis.

Considering the amount of injury he has done to the party, I think this should be a period of restitution, where he will do everything within his power to make amends. So what befell PDP will not be our lot. Rather, what we have just is to put our house in order, and I will tell you that moving forward, we will never contest election where we will score less than1000 votes.

If you check the curve of our performance since 2015, you will see that it is taking a downward slope. But having taken care of the rot in the party’s head, the body is about to grow headily and moving forward, the curve should move in upward progression.

What can be done to expand APGA’s reach?

Is it true that APGA is planning a merger with the UPP? Does a big political party merge with a small political party? APGA is a beautiful bride and given the fact that we have put our house in order, I will not be surprised to see members of other political parties being attracted to join the party. But there is no issue of merger, especially with a party as small as UPP. There is a rumour that the only APGA governor, Willie Obiano of Anambra State, is planning to defect to another party so as to achieve his second term ambition. What is your take on this?

As the acting national chairman of APGA, I will not work in the realm of rumour and speculations. The governor of Anambra State is the chairman of APGA’s Board of Trustees, and a national leader of the party. Anything about joining another political party is in the realm of speculation.

Why has APGA seemed to be been silent on national issues in recent times?

That is one of the reasons we did what we did. We realised that we were not playing our role as a good and effective opposition party.

Perhaps, the suspended national chairman does not understand the issues of governance and didn’t understand our own manifesto, which has made provisions for every sector of the economy with which we have been providing an alternative platform and narrative on how the party can come out of the woods. But I assure you that moving forward, the current NWC as constituted will provide an alternative platform, message and narrative to Nigerians on how this country can come out of recession and bounce back to economic prosperity.

So far, what is your assessment of the current federal administration?

I have always known that when you have a new party coming into government, especially after another party had been in government for a long time, the initial period is going to be like a learning curve. Anything beyond that are just electoral promises used in garnering votes. That initial period is not going to be easy, though I know that APGA would have done better if we were in government. But I think with the core areas chosen by the government, like the fight against corruption and insecurity, the present government has not done badly. But an APGA government will do better. Government should do everything possible to find solution to the economic recession and provide employment for our teeming youth because that is the permanent panacea to youth restiveness which leads to insurgency and militancy.

DECEMBER 4, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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PERSPECTIVE Tony Anenih’s Life in Nigerian Politics Epiphany Azinge

H

e is a recurring decimal in Nigerian politics. Like him or hate him, you cannot ignore him. Such is the stature the author has acquired in our political firmament that his name continues to reverberate across political divides and from generation to generation This nation has never seen and may never see again a politician with such an enduring credential and impactful sagacity. Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah succinctly captured the man, Tony Anenih, when he posited: “Chief Anenih has traversed and adapted to the ever changing landscape of Nigerian politics with a combination of unobtrusive survivalist instincts of both a chameleon and a cheetah. He has displayed an uncanny ability to adapt to the political temperatures and temperaments around him and exhibited a phenomenal staying power -- in truth, no matter the controversy, no other Nigerian in history, living or dead can make the claim of having been such a central and sturdy hub in the politics of the nationToday Chief Anenih has come to be more famously known as Mr. Fix it. Some say it with admiration while others mouth it with approbation. What is not argued is that Chief Anenih fixes the problem he is called to manage at any particular point.”

What, however, stands Chief Tony Anenih out is not his capacity to “fix” things euphemistically speaking or his cult-like followership and popular reverential acknowledgement as “leader” in political circles, but his decision to personally document his thoughts in this book, that will endure for all times.

In doing this, Chief Anenih has avoided a debilitating Nigerian malady that tends to prevent our political leaders from documenting or chronicling their political engagements for posterity.

Today, therefore, I join all men and women of goodwill in saluting Chief Tony Anenih for this significant achievement, for his industry, tenacity of purpose, research acumen, scholarship and penetrating logic.

The autobiography is titled ‘My Life and Nigerian Politics’. Published by MINDEX Publishing Company Limited, the 257-page book is divided into three sections and eleven chapters. An idea that was conceived in prison in 1984 took the author 32 years to accomplish. Here, the author has given a personal account of his life’s sojourn, chronicle events as they unfolded, corrected impressions, put things in proper perspective and make projections for the future.

It is instructive to mention that this autobiography enables the reader and, indeed, Chief Anenih’s admirers to appreciate his early life in the village setting of Arue, his humble beginning, primary school education at Government School Uromi, his failed ambition to get into Teachers training college and his enrolment at Police College on 1st July, 1951 to kick start what turned out to be a brilliant career in the Nigeria Police. By a letter dated 14th January, 1976, the Police Service Council accepted Chief Anenih’s application to voluntarily retire from service.

The litany of commendations while in the force, some for bravery and others for devotion to duty, including the long service medal, which an officer receives only if he has a clean record, bear eloquent testimony to a character trait which was efficiently deployed in his numerous triumphs in the political arena.

Chief Tony Anenih also had a stint in business before venturing into politics. His approach to business clearly underscores his attributes as a tactician and strategist who covers his flanks excellently and effectively. By establishing a super market in Warri, Chemist in Benin city, electronic shop in Enugu, sale of frozen meat from Bauchi, oil palm plantations, import and sale of fast-cars, Chief Tony Anenih successfully “fixed” his way into lucrative business.

It should be said that but for the author’s incarceration for 18 months after 1983 coup, this autobiography would not have been conceptualized.

But his detention marked the collapse of his business and the beginning of life in politics. As a strategist that he is, the reader will greatly appreciate Chief Anenih’s choice to commence his political career from the grassroots from where he was sucked into the vortex of Nigerian politics.

Anenih Starting as sympathizer and financier of NPN in 1980 under President Shehu Shagari, he became the chairman of NPN in the then Bendel State. He was instrumental to the enthronement of Governor Samuel Ogbemudia in 1983, Odigie Oyegun in 1992 and Lucky Igbenidion in 1999.

Chief Tony Anenih’s election as National Chairman of Social Democratic party SDP marked his entry into the centre stage of the political orbit of Nigeria. Chapters 6 and 7 of this autobiography lucidly and comprehensively accounted for the events, circumstances and authentic narrative of June 12, 1993 election and outcome. As a major actor in the drama that unfolded after the annulment of June 12 election and the intrigues that made the Interim National Government an imperative, Chief Tony Anenih’s perspective ideally is compelling and undeniably convincing. The reader will also find Chief Anenih’s incisive exposé on the Abacha regime in Chapter 8, profound, illuminating and most engaging.

The author devoted Chapter 9 to the emergence of the Fourth Republic and the New Democratic Experiment. Again as a major actor and participant in the theatre of politics, clear account is given of his preference for PDP; why PDM supported the candidacy of General Olusegun Obasanjo, his role in the victory of President Obasanjo when personally invited by the general to strengthen his campaign as an acknowledged political strategist; the making of Vice President Atiku Abubakar; and his appointment as minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Works and Housing.

Two Issues that the author addressed with a lot of introspection are the tag of “Mr Fix It” and the circumstances that led to re-nomination of President Obasanjo for the election. It is evident that Chief Tony Anenih enjoyed being called or addressed as ‘’leader”. In his words “my past records and antecedents show clearly that I have always led well and those whom I have led appreciated my leadership qualities. If such people refer to me as leader, of course, I will accept it. It is by performance and not something you buy from the market.

If you have not earned the position of leadership and you are called a leader, you would be ashamed to answer it. It was General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who gave me that name when he was campaigning for his presidential nomination. I earned it. I did not buy it. I did not seize it or force it on people.”

Unlike his acknowledgement of “leader”, Chief Anenih is not too favourably disposed to the tag of Mr Fix it . Readers in page 165 of this autobiography will read his total disapproval of that appellation. According to him: “I am aware that some people call me ‘Mr Fix it’.

I think such people call me that name, either in contempt or in admiration. It is possible that they are being mischievous. A few questions arise here. Am I “Mr fix It” as a reformer or someone who always does things right? Am I being portrayed as one who gets things settled or fixed? Am I being held out as

someone who, by hook or crook, achieves results with the belief that the end justifies the means? In any case, I do not enjoy this appellation. I have always believed in what I do and I always make sure I achieve successes, without listening to the crowd of voices. If I am called an achiever, that sounds more complimentary, satisfying and positive than the ambiguous impression, which ‘Mr Fix it’ connotes” Any keen follower of political developments in Nigeria will be captivated by the author’s narration of how the plot to stop President Obasanjo’s renomination for 2003 election was thwarted largely through his instrumentality. The reader will appreciate how certain information hitherto considered as rumours have been confirmed by Chief Tony Anenih in this book.

In Chapter 10 of this book, Mr. Achiever, Chief Tony Anenih, took time to capture his legacy. This is something that appears to be lacking among Nigerian leaders and politicians - a sense of history and the significance of legacy in governance.

To have been able to meet the targets he set for himself is not only worthy of commendation but a cause for admiration. When you have been involved in coronation of presidents, enthronement of governors, blazed the trail as a minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria, led political parties successfully at state and federal levels, chaired the BOT of the largest political party in Africa, you are no longer simply a leader, you are, undoubtedly, an institution. These are the legacies that are well chronicled in this autobiography.

But beyond politics, there are also legacies of philanthropy, of traditional nobility as Iyasele of Esan land. Over and above all these is the legacy of fidelity to friendship. Chief Tony Anenih, in his acknowledgments, painstakingly mentioned all those who impacted his life story one way or another. The litany of names lend credence to his belief in enduring relationship and loyalty to friendship.

One noticeable lesson that flows from this book is the obvious advantage or edge the author has as an autobiographer over those who have either failed to document their thoughts at all or who left their destiny in the hands of biographers.

Chief Tony Anenih alluded to the challenges of an autobiographer when he stated as follows in page 197.

“One serious problem, which is difficult to overcome and which confronts anyone attempting to write his own biography is the inability to praise oneself, without being regarded as over – stepping the bounds of decency and modesty. It raises the question of how far one can go in exposing one’s qualities and achievements without being accused of exaggeration, unwarranted encomiums and intemperate self adulation. Quite a lot of people, therefore, refrain from writing their autobiographies. Some even go to the extent of refusing to grant interviews to speak about themselves or answer questions requiring an elaboration of their life’s achievements. But if one remains guided by the limits of truth which, most of the time, is public knowledge, the constraints in an autobiographical account can be minimally overcome.”

This is Chief Tony Anenih’s words on the marble, which will endure for all times. It is also an invitation to our statesmen, leaders and members of the political class to strive to render an account of their stewardship by writing their autobiographies.

This autobiography is in readable prose, elegantly crafted and devoid of stylistic infelicities.

The use of pictorials added colour and vibes to the book. The reader will appreciate the use of Appendix to present original documents, which, ordinarily, can only be found in the archives of a dramatis personae .

Generations of Nigerians yet unborn will derive immense pleasure in ready this autobiography of a highly distinguished Nigerian, a consummate politician, quintessential statesman, a leader, achiever, philanthropist, humanist, officer and gentleman, traditionalist, business mogul, Iyasele of Esanland and an illustrious Nigerian who bestrode our political landscape like a colossus and left an indelible footprint in our national consciousness.

––(Being an abridged version of a review of ‘My Life and Nigerian Politics’, autobiography of Chief Tony Anenih by Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN at International Conference Centre Abuja recently)

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

The Yoruba’s Precarious Future in Nigeria (III) Tunji Olaopa

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eyond any doubt, the Yorùbá have achieved a diaspora status that has cemented our worldhistoric profile. The Yorùbá culture has insinuated itself into the critical interstices of the world in transnational dimensions—Haiti, Brazil, USA, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Benin, Togo, and so on. The language and heritage has undergone several significant evolutions that strengthen the meaning of being Yorùbá. In a recent lecture in Nigeria, Prof. Toyin Falola, foremost African historian and Yorùbá scholar, delivered a lecture on the Yoruba factor in world history. The lecture detailed the enormous historical achievements of the Yorùbá in terms of their successful transplantation all over the world, the capacity of the Yorùbá culture to be represented in these different locations, the distinctive Òrìsà tradition of the Yorùbá, especially in the Americas, the integration of Yorùbá studies into the global academy, the Yorùbá healing system is a significant dimension that is helping to frame the discourse on alternative medicine in the world. And we can add that the Omolúwàbí value system stands as an emerging worldview with global significance.

Thus, the Yorùbá culture has nothing to fear in terms of its significance in world cultural affair. The diasporic achievements of the Yorùbá are sufficient to assure us that the culture will still be alive and kicking for a long time to come. But this assurance does nothing to assuage the precarious existence of the Yorùbá people in Nigeria. The diasporic credentials of the Yorùbá culture, that is, does not in any way outline a political and socioeconomic blueprint that will keep the Yorùbá relevant in the Nigerian national space. The Yorùbá ethno-national weight, instantiated in the six Southwestern states in Nigeria, is complemented by a strong Yorùbá spirit founded on several Yorùbá cultural elements—our republican political system, the Omolúwàbí ethos, the accommodationist or empathetic temperament, etc. But all these are not sufficient to turn the table against an imminent political irrelevance in national affairs in Nigeria. The Yorùbá needs a resounding game plan that would be strong enough to transform national governance thinking in Nigeria, and that has the same objective of repositioning the Yorùbá for a better deal in the Nigerian national space.

The agitation for a sovereign national conference has grown stale. So also is the advocacy for a true federalism which presents an enormous constitutional challenge no government is willing to confront. Even Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a formidable Yorùbá president, was unwilling to initiate even a modicum of restructuring.

And no one should grudge his unwillingness. Abraham Lincoln preferred to wage a war over the unity of the United States of America! I have argued before that the call for secession and the formation of the Oduduwa state is not sufficiently pragmatic to succeed. Self-determination requires a pragmatic vision that will begin from a different premise and still achieve the same conclusion of making the Yorùbá a formidable force to be reckoned with in Nigeria. What remains therefore is the need to look inward. What is it about the Yorùbá that ensure their survival within the Nigerian space? Let us examine the Yorùbá republican status.

The concept of a republic is a particularly difficult idea to unravel.

One simple but terribly vague way of describing it is any form of government that revolves around the public good for the empowerment of the people. The republican idea, especially in Yorùbáland, speaks to a specific democratic intent in the election of the leadership.

The lineage system constituted an electoral college that produced

Olaopa and elected the Oba and the chiefs. Each Baale represented a particular household, and a configuration of Baales represented specific lineage that elect the Oba and produce chiefs. And the political system itself is so circumscribed by a dynamics of checks and balances, the Ogboni, that ensured that the Oba ruled in the interest of the public good. An Oba with dictatorial tendencies was often forced to commit suicide (Ki o si igba wo; the Oba to open the ultimate mystery calabash). However, the whole essence of the republican idea is its governance element; the entire political culture and system is bent towards ensuring that the people benefitted from the best leadership intelligence that could put A, B and C together to produce a suitable framework of public good.

When the ancestors invented the republican system, they may not have seen this far into the present predicament of the Yorùbá in Nigeria, but they gave us what we require to get our acts together and move forward. A republican mindset constitutes a sufficiently significant internal dynamism around which a new Yorùbá agenda could be grown. The Nigerian geopolitical configuration has produced six distinct geopolitical zones. The Southwest is one of these zones, but with a large potential to becoming a regional power.

Regionalism is a dream which has been kept in abeyance for too long. A Yorùbá regional entity is favoured by cultural, political, linguistic, administrative and even ideological factors. Indeed, regionalism seems to be the most fundamental framework for the expression of self-determination for the Yorùbá. Within a regional arrangement, we have the most plausible modus operandi for bypassing all the arguments against a sovereign national conference and the refusal to restructure in favour of a true federal system. In fact, a regional sociopolitical framework constitutes the softest landing the Yorùbá can have for transforming all their ideals of nationhood into reality without antagonizing the Nigerian national project. On the contrary, a regional arrangement incubates a very strong motivation for making Nigeria work. Within the context of constitutional allowance, the Southwest can therefore initiate a system of fiscal responsibility, inter-state infrastructural cooperation and linkages, trade agreements and competitiveness, and regional policy initiatives that encourage regional development

and progress. Essentially, therefore, regionalism in the Southwest is economic regionalism. It involves the institutional arrangement that facilitate the free flow of goods and services around joint economic initiatives, like agricultures which is unique to the Yorùbá.

This regional arrangement is a socioeconomic arrangement, and therefore ought to transcend the PDP-APC party cleavages. In other words, I doubt that it is naïve for an APC governor to initiate a policy agreement with a PDP governor on governance issues that affect the Yorùbá people in their domains. Luckily for the Southwest geopolitical zone, only Ondo and Ekiti states have PDP governments. The remaining four are APC. Thus, geographical contiguity and cultural affinity ought to make it easy for Ondo and Ekiti to cooperate on the development of a road network that will link the two states and enable seamless transportation of, say, agricultural produce. The same argument goes for Lagos and Ogun states, under APC governments. In all possibility, it should also be easy for Osun and Kwara state to initiate certain trade agreement that will involve the exchange of experts. All the Southwest states stand the chance of initiating similar administrative reforms, especially around the cost of governance predicament that has prevented them from paying salaries for over six months.

This regional arrangement in the Southwest is not unique. The same thought applies to all the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

The Southwest is, fortunately, not an alien to this idea. We have the moribund ODUA investment group as well as the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) commission, a body set up to jumpstart the Southwest regional integration agenda.

These two initiatives allow us to make certain deductions. First, that the Southwest has what it takes to facilitate a regional project that will positively sting the national project, and announce the significance of a truly federal Nigeria. We have the educational, professional and administrative wherewithal to compete, trade, and initiate development plans amongst ourselves, and the capacity to generate what is required. There are universities, trade zones, possibility for industrial parks, administrative blueprints, etc. We only need to just pull ourselves together and do what needs to be done. Second, there is however the challenge of an energetic political will to pull a regional agenda through its many complexities. One of its complex challenges will be the need to generate adequate revenue to back any economic plan across the regions. But this is not a challenge sufficiently critical to undermine a regional agenda, if we give our minds to pulling it off.

It is the lack of political will that left ODUA Investment moribund, in spite of its enormous economic values. DAWN had been in existence for approximately four years now. How long will it take before it is equally stifled out of existence by the lack of collective enthusiasm to make the regional agenda work? If the Southwest regional agenda must work, this is the most appropriate time for it. We have a coalition of six able governors, a rising expectation about the possibility of all the Yorùbá Obas working together, a growing agitation among the Yorùbá elders concerning the precarious circumstance of the Yorùbá. We simply just need to start putting things together!

- Dr. Tunji Olaopa is the Executive Vice Chairman, Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP) [tolaopa2003@gmail.com, tolaopa2003@yahoo.com, tolaopa@isgpp.com.ng] ***Editor’s Note: The Article was written before the Ondo Election which APC won

Harnessing the Power of the Youth Olu Onemola and Catherine Sutherland

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ollowing the inauguration of the 8th Senate, it was clear that working to make a better Nigeria would mean shining the light on segments of the population that have yet to be carried along in our national development journey. It would also mean taking a closer look at how different groups of people have benefitted or not benefitted from the socio-economic dividends of Nigeria’s past economic growth.

A glaring underserved population in our society are our youth. Over the years, the ripple effect of their lack of inclusion has prevented this otherwise powerful group from playing their rightful role in the evolution of Nigerian society.

The onset of declining economic growth and this year’s recession has only amplified the hardship being felt by Nigerians across the board. In turn, the youth have been some of the hardest hit, in need of urgent attention.

Overall, Nigeria’s unemployment rate was recorded at 13.3 percent in the second quarter of 2016 according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). That figure is up from 12.1 percent in the first quarter of the year, meaning that we have reached the highest recorded unemployment rate since 2009. NBS has also reported that the underemployment rate was

recorded at 19.3 percent as of August 2016. In view of this, it was estimated that 26.06 million persons in the Nigerian labour force were either unemployed or underemployed as of the second quarter in this year.

Youth between the ages of 15 to 34 especially have poor job prospects and low employment rates. The unemployment rate was highest for those within the ages of 15-24; 24.0 percent in Q2 2016. That is nearly 1 out of every 5 youth falling within that age bracket, capable of and actively seeking work but being unable, for one reason or another, to access decent employment. As a result, their life choices are significantly limited, and they are increasingly exposed to a number of vulnerabilities and threats. It is disheartening.

We must ask ourselves why this is happening.

Despite the personal and financial investment that goes into obtaining an education or vocational skills, it is shameful that such efforts are undervalued in the next stages of one’s life due to a socio-economic, political and cultural structure that fails to guarantee inclusion and participation. Nonetheless, understanding the problem is the first step to finding the right solution. What can we do to change it? If we look at the NBS projections for Nigeria over the next few months, without any drastic interventions, our economy is expected to contract by another 1.7 percent.

This is further compounded by domestic inflation rising to 18.3 percent. This basically means

that there is less money in circulation around the country, yet the cost of everyday goods and services has gone up.

With the aforementioned in perspective, policy-makers in both the private and public sectors must both acknowledge and take advantage of the fact that due to their sheer numbers, our young people can serve as our human resource base for the reorientation of our economy.

However, if they are neglected and not provided opportunities to be productive, these same young people can exacerbate social tensions in their communities.

As we work to define a new and more sustainable economy, we must make a thorough multi-sectoral examination to take stock of how we are responding to the aspirations of young Nigerians. This analysis must be undertaken with the objective of weaving youth involvement into the national development framework.

Hence, we must adopt a youth-inclusive approach that involves assessing the various implications for young people for policy actions.

This approach would allow us to ensure that young people have access to opportunities and benefits from the interventions undertaken by the government to end the recession and build a more efficient economy.

The good news is that we are on track. Over the past few months, the Senate has responded to Nigeria’s economic contraction with a 21-point

plan that includes 11 priority bills that are aimed at restructuring different sectors of the economy. These bills have been drafted with the intention of redirecting the economy to promote greater private sector participation and job creation activities to benefit all Nigerians. Legislation such as the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) will make it easier for our youth to transition into the formal sector. Others like the Federal Competition Bill will help stimulate entrepreneurship amongst our youth — by putting in place parameters that guarantee a level-playing field for all participants in Nigeria’s various markets.

In the same vein, with the Senate’s passage of an amendment to the Public Procurement Act, government ministries, departments and agencies will be made to give first-option priority to local businesses. When this Bill is finally signed into law, more young Nigerian business-owners will benefit from the government’s procurement - worth upwards of N2 trillion.

One thing that is clear it that when we provide a platform for youth participation in public life, the positive possibilities are endless.

– Onemola and Sutherland are Senior Legislative Aides of the Senate President (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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DECEMBER 4, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

PERSPECTIVE

With Conclusive Polls in Edo, Ondo, INEC Regains Positive Perception Sam Akpe

H

is unveiling as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on October 21, 2015 during one of the Council of States meetings, generated not a few questions. People asked: who is Mahmood Yakubu?

Where is he coming from? What’s his political and administrative pedigree? Can we trust him?

But those within the academia, particularly the elite class of the military, had no questions about his identity.

The reason is that Mahmood Yakubu, a professor, had since 1993, been teaching at the Nigerian Defence Academy; which is Nigeria’s military university. Described by a writer as “a fine gentleman clothed in humility,” Yakubu, unlike his two immediate predecessors at INEC, did not make a name as an activist. Dressed in unquestionable intellectual garb, he came to INEC as a tested hand in administration.

From his first day at work after Senate confirmation, Yakubu’s stand-by challenge was how to fit into the orchestrated larger-than-size shoes left behind by his immediate predecessor, Professor Attahiru Jega. Many Nigerians considered Jega to have been a success story at INEC. He conducted the first election that produced Goodluck Jonathan as President and the second one that sent Jonathan packing from the Presidential Villa.

It is still the opinion of many Nigerians that Jega’s success story was based on the failures of his predecessors. An analogy may well explain this better: if your grandfather lived in a thatch house and died, he would certainly be considered and judged to have been a poor man if your father, during his lifetime, is able to put zinc on the same thatch house and goes ahead to plaster the walls.

If you, the grandson, decide to paint the plastered walls in rainbow colours and perhaps connect electricity to it, then you become the man of the moment.

Jega inherited a system that did not enjoy the confidence of majority of Nigerians. As a labour leader while at the university, a lot was expected from him based on his background. On assumption of office, he introduced certain changes in the system which he believed would help add legitimacy to the conduct and results of elections.

For instance, he brought in his colleagues from the universities to supervise and actually conduct elections.

This meant that he had no confidence in the staff of INEC. In doing this, he rendered INEC

Yakubu staff redundant and useless. Money that should have been spent in training those career staff for future elections was spent on salaries of ad-hoc staff. Yes, he achieved success and made a name for himself. But he failed to build on or consolidate existing institutions that would make the conduct of future elections easy and credible.

Born on May 15, 1962, Yakubu had always wanted to be a teacher. He trained as a Grade II Certificate Teacher at the Teachers College, Toro, in Bauchi State. From there, he then went to the University of Sokoto in 1980 and graduated in 1985 with a first class honours degree in history.

From Sokoto to Cambridge where he bagged a Masters of Philosophy degree in international relations; he moved to Oxford for a doctorate in history.

As a student and teacher of history, Yakubu went to INEC conscious of the judgement of history and perception of the people about his predecessors. Today, some of his predecessors can hardly walk the streets of certain parts of Nigeria without being jeered and probably stoned by those who do not even have an idea of what it takes to run a politically complex institution like INEC. Anyone who fails election in Nigeria blames it on INEC. For those declared victorious, INEC is also made to share in the glory.

Yakubu may not be complaining, but it is obvious that he is not having it easy. For instance,

the present INEC, unlike the previous one, has only six national commissioners. Jega’s had 12. In fact, one of the commissioners is said to have left in September this year. As one official of INEC said, this implies that an assignment originally meant for 13 people is being performed by half the number. One question comes to mind here: how do you expect to achieve efficiency under the circumstance?

One tag that some people have pinned on INEC under Yakubu is that it is famous for conducting inconclusive elections. There is no doubt that some key elections have been left inconclusive since Yakubu took over. A typical example is that of Rivers State. While people keep talking about Rivers State, several Nigerians are yet to know that in the last one year, under Yakubu, INEC has conducted 141 inherited inconclusive elections; including those cancelled by the courts under the previous leadership.

Out of this number, 120 of them are said to have been concluded at the first ballot. If this is true, then the impression that Yakubu is ‘Mr. Inconclusive’ is misplaced. For someone who is learning on the job; for someone who has never been involved in any electoral matter until he was appointed to head INEC, scoring 120 out of 141 is more than ordinary.

The case of Rivers is peculiar in many ways.

The warfare-atmosphere there is far beyond the capacity of INEC. It is the duty of the security agencies to create a war-free environment that would make the conduct of elections peaceful and conclusive. Where the major political parties and their sponsors resort to intimidation and violence, there is very little INEC can do to ensure a free ballot. When the election took place in March this year, we were witnesses to enormous bloodshed that resulted in the death of a corps member who served as an INEC’s ad-hoc staff.

While it is correct to say that INEC should do everything possible to have another election, nobody seems to care about the death of the corps member and why the killers have not been brought to book up till now. That does not seem like the statutory function of INEC. Despite the worry about inconclusive elections, the good news however is that none of the elections conducted so far since Yakubu took office has been nullified by any court. Perhaps, this is an indication that all the elections have been conducted and results declared in line with the Electoral Law and other guidelines adopted by the commission. For instance, the successes recorded at both the Edo and Ondo States Governorship Elections is a pointer to the

fact that inconclusive election is not Yakubu’s permanent feature.

Information available at INEC office shows that the unwieldy number of court cases facing INEC from the 2015 General Elections has been a great distraction to the new chairman. Since that election, it was learnt that the Commission has been dragged to court by angry politicians over 680 times. Out of these, 600 of the cases were dismissed by the courts. Based on the outcome of the remaining cases, INEC has so far conducted 80 re-run elections.

That’s quite some headache to deal with. Add this to the conflicting court judgments and you will spell distractions in capital letters. Reports indicate at one time INEC was loaded with five conflicting judgments within 10 days. Then between May and September this year, INEC was served 11 judgments and orders from 11 different courts of coordinate jurisdictions. Some of these were said to be in conflict.

It is natural to assume that when Yakubu received notice of his appointment as INEC chairman, he never envisaged what happened in Kogi State which helped expose the weakness, not only of the Electoral Act but also the 1999 Constitution as amended. INEC was faced with a situation where a candidate in an election died shortly after he was declared the winner.

Who was supposed to succeed him became a complicated legal cobweb. Both the Electoral Act and the Constitution have no provisions dealing with such an issue. It is therefore necessary for Yakubu to approach the National Assembly for amendment of the Act in this regard.

Yakubu said on assumption of office that he would consolidate on the innovations and gains recorded by his immediate predecessor. He must understand that some of those innovations need to be reviewed. That is why the decision of INEC to ensure that voters who go out to the polling centres must get accredited and allowed to vote at the same time instead of being asked to go home and return for voting later, is good.

This is a commendable innovation that must be experimented and sustained.

So, in the last one year, there have been hiccups no doubt. At a certain point, confidence was almost erased as questions arose. Truly, success in every endeavour is a product of challenges. Yakubu has had a cup full of them.

Good enough, he has moved from inconclusive to conclusive election. As 2019 beckons, it’s time for him to come out of the shadows of the past and march forward with confidence.

Akpe is an Abuja-based journalist.

Understanding Olonisakin’s Recent Visit to Borno Emeka Nwapa

T

he recent working visit of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, to Maiduguri again established two things: one, that Nigeria’s sovereignty remains intact in the North-east; and two, that even as the nation savors the excitement over the Nigerian military’s successful degrading of the Boko Haram Terrorists, it is not time yet for Nigerians to drop the guard and scream Hurray!

Understanding these facts arising from the operational visit of the defence chief to Borno, arguably the nation’s worst-hit theatre of conflict where our indomitable troops unquestionably maintain effective control is necessary to properly contextualize the current story-line of a seeming Boko Haram resurgence that may have created fears in pockets of the public that the anti-terror war is far from being over.

Away from the recent ambush and suicide attacks by the extremist group on troops and civilians some of which were foiled, truth is that nothing on the ground suggests they are back in full force. Not so.

The military have contained and reduced the activities of the insurgents to hold territories and launch attacks as before. The recent attacks are propaganda maneuvers to mask their weakness.

Not with the widely-acclaimed excellent credentials of our military.

This is the message of the defence chief’s trip to Borno, the epicenter of the anti-insurgency operations in the North-east.

The CDS took the opportunity of the working tour, with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, and top military commanders to see the troops appraise the operations vis-à-vis the overall goal of safeguarding the country in line with his vision: to ensure a well motivated, trained and equipped Armed Forces that is responsive to national security commitments.

He launched Operation Rescue Finale to symbolize that the anti-war curtains were going down in Sambisa forest, following it up with the release of a new list of 55 wanted Boko Haram terrorists including Abubakar Shekau, a Boko Haram leader. So far,

353 terrorists have been declared wanted.

He said the military has opened a window to the terrorists with Operation Safe Window as a safe-landing platform for Boko Haram insurgents who wished to repent and forsake terrorism to join the rest of the society in peace, explaining that the list was in continuation of the military’s message to the public to collaborate with it to defeat the insurgents. ‘’With this launch of the additional list of wanted terrorists, it is hoped that the public will collaborate to identify the wanted Boko Haram insurgents wherever they are, I urge all to facilitate in tracking them down for the good and development of the country’’, he said.

Buratai gave symbolism to the charge by the CDS, saying that the launch of the new list was to draw the attention of the civil populace to the grim challenges of terrorism, emphasizing the need for the people to always provide useful information to the military on the whereabouts of the wanted persons.

Promising adequate protection for the informants-which is usually the fears of many, Buratai pledged that good-spirited members of the public have nothing to fear as they will be treated with utmost secrecy and confidentiality.

He appealed to the sentiments of the troops saying, ‘’The Nigerian army and indeed the military, as the symbol of our nationhood, is determined to eliminate the remnants of the insurgents. We will never allow the repeat of the past bloody havoc wreaked on the populace by the insurgents nor will we be discouraged when we suffer casualty through the insurgents’ ambush. The whole nation is behind us as well as the President’’.

If the import of the declarations by the cerebral military top brass led by the CDS, Gen. Olonisakin is lost on the rest of us, it is not lost on the Boko Haram terrorists who have proved that they understand the psychology of war rhetoric through suicide and ambush attacks on troops and soft targets to grab headlines in the media to gain mileage.

They believe whatever advantage they lose on the field of combat they can gain in the publicity of their attacks on media platforms often given free of charge to undermine the broader

battle against insurgency. Studies have shown that this is the way of terrorists and insurgents even when they are in the middle of talks and negotiations of any kind for ceasefire or settlement.

It is worth recalling here that until Al Qaeda’s Osama bin Laden was eventually hunted down in 2001 in Pakistan and brought to justice as America’s most wanted person, the United States’ defence and military forces did not drop their guard just as they constantly and consistently posted on the average American consciousness the message that America will not know peace until bin Laden was brought down. This is the message by our military top brass.

But has America known peace? This is a topic for another day.

However, it is a fact today that the American authorities, on behalf of the American people ensured that the message went out and resonated in the terrorism world. This is the context within which the current situation in North-east vis-à-vis the efforts and strategy of our defence and military forces should be viewed.

The talk therefore, of a possible resurgence of Boko Haram in the light of casualties arising from a seeming upsurge in the tempo of enemy ambush and suicide attacks tends to confer false credentials on the capacity of the terrorists that could cause fear and apprehension in the minds of the public.

This is the terrorists’ trap which must be carefully avoided at this critical stage of the anti-terror war. If they have lost the battle in the field of combat, they must not be allowed to win the war in the minds of the people otherwise we run the risk of self-defeatism.

Nobody is under the illusion that the militant group does not pose danger but it is on record that over 20,000 of its members have been killed, captured or surrendered as a result of the mortal bombardments by our courageous troops. To accord them the fame they do not deserve amounts to dancing on the graves of our servicemen who sacrificed their careers and lives to keep the nation safe, stable, secure, united, peaceful, progressive and violence-free.

–– Emeka Nwapa, a journalist and public affairs commentator, sent this piece from Abuja.steveobum@gmail.com (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Wike and Ogoniland: Love Beyond Rhetoric Simeon Nwakaudu

F

or eight years, All Progressives Congress held sway in Rivers State, but the party’s leaders were never moved to develop Ogoni land.

They preoccupied themselves with mere words, sweet words. At the end of eight years on May 29, 2015, with over N3 trillion accruing to Rivers State, they had little to show for their sweet words about their love for the Ogoni

people.

Indeed, Senator Magnus Abe, one of the principal actors and a prominent Ogoni personality, not only failed to attract projects to his people, he frustrated the construction of the Kpopie-Bodo Road. He abandoned the road in a state of disrepair. He left his people to suffer untold hardship.

But as a pragmatic leader, when Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike came on board, he resolved to ensure that the long-suffering Ogoni people, especially farmers, who use the Kpopie-Bodo road, were treated with the respect and love they deserve. He pledged to complete the Kpopie-Bodo road.

The governor kicked off the project and it is currently nearing completion. The first class contractor, Dantata and Sawoe, are doing a marvellous job there.

The road is now motorable and the process for the erection Wike of modern streetlights on it has been started.

The dualisation of Sakpenwa-Bori road is another a contractor that will not perform. Today, CCECC, one of the masterpiece that is progressing as scheduled. The Chinese major contractors in Nigeria, has forced the APC leader to eat contractors, CCECC, are changing the face of the road with the humble pie. high quality civil engineering processes.

Like the Kpopie-Bodo road, the Wike administration will All the way from Sakpenwa to Bori, the contractors have install streetlights from Sakpenwa to Bori. This is another love worked all through the rainy season, using sharp sand as gift beyond rhetoric.

Wike directed, to ensure that they deliver a quality road As you enter Bori, there is the Birabi Memorial Grammar that will finally open up the Ogoni heartland to the rest of School that has been completely transformed. It was a the world. dilapidated and abandoned infrastructure that degenerated Remember, this road cuts across Tai, Gokana and Khana, into an eyesore. Wike promised to fix it. and connects Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro local government areas.

Take a drive to Bori and spare a few minutes to inspect the It leads to Akwa Ibom State. It is a profound gift to a people concluding aspects of work at this iconic school. It is a love neglected by the immediate past APC administration in the gift from Wike to Ogoni people. state.

The General Hospital in Bori, neglected by the APC At the time Wike flagged-off the dualisation of Sakpenwaleaders for eight years, is witnessing an upgrade in facilities Bori road, Abe went to town, claiming the governor brought and equipment .

The people of Gokana Local Government Area are in a celebration mood. Wike is rehabilitating the General Hospital in Terabor and General Hospital, Bodo. This is unprecedented.

Wike at the flag off of the rehabilitation of the General Hospitals in Terabor and Bodo, noted that the projects being executed in Ogoni land were aimed at economically empowering the people and setting the stage for faster development in the area. He said, “The dualisation of Sakpenwa-Bori road will open up Ogoni land to the development desired by the people over the years. Investors will come in their numbers and the people will benefit.

“Even now that the Sakpenwa-Bori road and the KpopieBodo are on-going, Ogoni youths have been engaged at different levels by the contractors. The empowerment process has started. I promised that I will change the story of the Ogoni ethnic nationality and that is what I am doing. I live by my promises.”

Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani, a prominent Ogoni son, said the Ogoni people were happy with Wike for fulfilling his campaign promises.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Fred Kpakol, said the Ogoni people will continue to support Wike for showing them love and giving the people a sense of belonging.

The Peoples Democratic Party candidate for Khana /Gokana Federal Constituency, Mr Dum Dekor, noted that Wike had shown in practical terms that his administration will continue to be profitable to Ogoni land. He commended the governor for transforming the landscape of Ogoni land.

Wike’s love for the Ogoni people is manifesting practically.

He is doing what others failed to do for the Ogoni ethnic nationality. He is transforming communities abandoned by prominent Ogoni sons. Wike is showing the way for the desired development of Ogoni land.

The era of empty promises is gone. Wike has introduced the era of talk and do. That is the new standard. Those lacking in capacity have no place in the new order. Rivers is new.

–Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, writes from Port Harcourt.

How We Can Save APGA, My Advice to Obiano Reagan Ufomba

P

ermit me to write you from the bottom of my heart as a critical stakeholder of theAll Progressives Grand Alliance,APGA.And as one deeply concerned about the wrangling in the party, especially the noisome pooh-pooh between you and your predecessor, Mr Peter Obi, as he would like to be addressed.

I have followed these altercations with utter disbelief, dismay and rude shock. To say the least, I wish to state unequivocally that I am thoroughly embarrassed and disappointed.

You would agree with me that this is my first contact with you since you became governor at great cost and sacrifice to Peter and several others, including yours truly. This version of the story of your ascendancy to government house Awka might sound strange and utopian to you; especially as virtually everyone you met on the way to your exalted position or right inside government house had presented a graphic detail of how they also made you governor of Ndi Anambra.

Don’t lose your temper yet, as presumptive permutations and vain glories are part of this game called politics. Success, you know, has many fathers while failure is an orphan.

I am therefore not surprised at all that every tom dick and harry has a sweet nonsense taboo to tell. What is crystal clear in the whole cocktail of self-exaltation is that had you lost in the bid to becoming governor only one person would have become the vanquished. That person is Mr Peter Obi. I shall return to this topic later in the course of this letter which is not set out to praise-sing for anybody, but intentioned to prick your conscience, and provoke your sense of loyalty, while setting the records straight.

May I once again state that I am greatly disturbed at the turn of events between you and Mr Peter Obi who kept sleepless nights and made costly sacrifices – while incurring the wrath of his friends and many party loyalists, to make you governor.

I have followed with utter dismay the misguided and unfortunate cantankerous name-calling, mudslinging, blackmail, bare-faced lies and hate that is the pay back package to Obi. This is least expected, and the direct opposite of what, ordinarily, should be a very chummy relationship.

How did we get here? The Peter Obi Nigerians know is a nonquarrelsome person, an unassuming primus inter pares in the committee of past and present governors. But for his ‘aradite-ism’ Obi would have been a darling to all who love to hate him. You know what I mean?

I am privileged to have read your first interview as a governor, where you described your relationship with Peter at the high school. It was a wrong scholarly lesson in party loyalty. After reading that interview, I knew that a day like this must come. In politics, the Boss is never subordinated and hardly wrong. While the 48 laws of power warns us ‘’never outshine the master’’.

I therefore hasten to ask, is the problem in us as Ndigbo or in our stars?

From Abia to Ebonyi, Ebonyi to Owerri, and from Anambra to Enugu, the story of disloyalty and backstabbing and use and dump stinks.

By all intent and purposes, this letter is not intended to pass judgement

Obiano or apportion blames, or serve as anyone’s megaphone, but to remind us of where we are all coming from, the roles expected of us as leaders, so as to know where we are headed. The letter itself would not have been necessary, in the first place, if you had not inspired me with your Economic Recession Package for Ndi Anambra. Going by what I avidly read, you strike me as one with a vision and capacity to drive processes given the right frame of mind, advice, and rancour-free operative environment. Which makes it urgent and imperative that you cut off the cancerous four fingers that keep pointing at you each time you point just one clean finger at Obi. I have therefore elected to intervene by appealing to you and your conscience to, please, leave Peter Obi alone. My heart truly bleeds as I make this solemn appeal. Peter Obi may not have been a saint, and nobody is, but he did well for Ndi Anambra. To my mind, the easiest way to incur the wrought of the people is to keep fighting things they cherish. Whether Peter Obi left N75billion or not, one thing every Nigerian knows is that he left government house for you. And this places serious moral burden on you. Going by the tenets of the Electoral Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he may never come back to vie for the governorship again with or without you.

He can only be a value-addition to your future endeavours or a spoiler. I prefer the former. I know you do too.

Consequently, your boys must stop attracting negative press to you by attacking Mr Obi, justly or unjustly. A son of a useless father cannot be better than the father, I don’t want to use the word ‘useless’ too. It is only a fool that says the mother’s soup is not sweet. For a community that spends so much time and energy destroying their giants will grow up never having giants or becoming gigantic. Peter Obi’s political journey has just begun. I have God’s assurances on this.

Prior to your election as governor, ‘Our APGA, your party’, had been in the trenches fighting wars of attrition. You were made governor from the ashes and ruins of these wars. Like everything lifeless Obi breathed

life in this ash. And here we are today. I am disturbed that this bug has not left us; and fears that we are about to fall victim of the famous Igbo idiom that says “Ma Nwata ajughi ihe gburu nnaya ihe gburu nnaya egbuo ya”. But who would tell you of “ihe gburu nnagi” if we are at war with ndi eze nmuo, and building walls instead of bridges? Your governorship did not fall from heaven. Peter Obi and, the Bishops, and your God and Ndi Anambra, and of course, the conciliatory spirits of Chief Victor Umeh and Maxi Okwu made you governor.

After our usual stakeholders meeting at Awka, which held regularly with Mr Peter Obi, which you had jettisoned, he called me very late at night, wanting to know if I had left Awka or still around? That was around 1.30am. I told him I was still around. He requested that I see him at the governor’s lodge early in the morning before 5am. I obliged him.

An early riser myself, I had arrived governor’s lodge at about 4.30am with my boys who had hardly had a sleep only to see Peter Obi already awake and jogging. As soon as he sighted me, he stopped his morning walkout, walked towards me, and we both sat on the pavement outside the governor’s house. In summary, Mr Peter Obi wanted my opinion on the election that brought you to power vis-à-vis the problems bedevilling the party at the time. He was prepared to make sacrifices, forgo his pride and reputation, including the withdrawal of all pending cases in court, so as to pave way for genuine reconciliation of all factions within the party, so as to make you governor. ‘’Ochiagha what do you think’’ he asked in conclusion.

From the moment Mr Obi raised this disturbing issue, my respect for him grew in leaps and bounds and may remain for a long time irrespective of whatever his shortcomings are. As expected, I had advised that we toe the path of peace by reconciling all warring and aggrieved factions within the party, so that Ndi Anambra can have a rancour-free election, and by extension you. This accounts for the reason Mr Peter Obi did not appeal the famous Enugu judgement in favour of Victor Umeh. Instead, a National Reconciliation Committee headed by me was instituted.

I hereby give you unsolicited, the same advice.

The committee headed straight to Chief Victor Umeh, in Enugu.

Umeh spoke passionately and extemporaneously about the party for four hours. We met Chief Nwobualor, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, Her Excellency Bianca Ojukwu, Martin Agbaso the Clergy and several other notable personalities. Chief Maxi Okwu whose election was monitored

by INEC was all for peace while seizing the reconciliation initiative in the interest of the party and Ndi Anambra and your governorship, primarily. Suffice it to say that another team led by Barr Ziggy Azike had their hand in the plough simultaneously.

It was this National search for peace and reconciliation, and it’s eventual actualization that gave birth to what is today known as the famous “Kiss” of Peter Obi and Victor Umeh on National Television as well as your governorship.

–– Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba is a former governorship candidate of APGA in Abia State (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 4, 2016

83

GAVEL TO GAVEL

Edited by Vincent Obia Email vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com

Knocks for Lagos Assembly’s Move to Give Life Pension to Speaker, Deputy The move by the Lagos House of Assembly to amend the Public Office Holders’ Pension Law (2007) with a view to giving life pension to Speaker, Deputy Speaker has continued to receive knocks from activists, writes Oladipupo Awojobi

A

mid a virulent recession and rising call on government at all levels to cut cost, Lagos State House of Assembly has re-introduced a bill seeking an amendment to the state’s Pension Law that would give life pension to Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The bill titled: “A Bill for A Law to Amend the Payment of Pensions and Other Fringe Benefits to Public Office Holders in Lagos State and for Connected Purposes”, seeks to amend the state Public Office Holders’ Pension Law (2007) by accommodating the Assembly’s presiding officers.

The exiting law only provides pensions for former governors and the deputy governors.

Interestingly, the latest attempt to give life pension to the Assembly’s speakers and deputies is coming more than a year after a failed attempt to amend the state’s Pension Law following public outcry.

The amendment bill redefines public office holder by including the speaker and deputy speaker. Section 6 of the existing law defines public office holder as governor and deputy governor.

Highlights of the bill include: that the governor and deputy governor will receive 50 percent of their annual basic salary but the allowances and fringe benefits will cover the governor, deputy governor, speaker and deputy speaker. These benefits include accommodation, furniture allowance, transport, car maintenance allowance, entertainment allowance, medical and provision for domestic staff such as cook, steward and gardener who shall be pensionable.

For accommodation, the amendment proposed a one residential house for the public office holder at any location of their choice in Lagos State while furniture allowance will be payable every five years en bloc. The amendment bill proposed that one car and one pilot car will be provided for the speaker while the deputy speaker will get one car. Both will get 10 per cent of their annual basic salary as car maintenance allowance.

The proposed pension package for the speaker and deputy speaker, according to the bill, also includes 10 per cent of their annual basic salary as entertainment allowance, free medical treatment for them as well as members of their immediate families, and one policeman for the speaker and one policeman for the deputy speaker.

All the public office holders are entitled to domestic staff, cook, steward and gardener, who shall be pensionable.

Reactions have begun to trail the proposed amendment to the pension law. An activist, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, described the plan as insensitive, adding that it smacks of ultimate impunity in the midst of this recession, while warning the lawmakers to “drop such an inconsiderate plan.”

In a telephone interview, Comrade Biodun Aremu of Joint Action Front (JAF) said that though the matter was still a subject of speculation, it is also not unexpected.

He accused Nigerian politicians of being selfish, adding that the nation’s politics is not for public service.

“Whatever they are doing is consistent with the general pattern of backwardness of our country. Our legislative arm is being used as a rubber stamp. The

Speaker Obasa

recent one that happened in Edo State is an example. It is important for the people to rise to the occasion because we cannot continue like this.

“They always find a way to rationalise their actions.

The people have to wake up to the reality that we have to redirect our politics. You cannot sanitise our political environment with election, it has to do with struggle. That was why you find uprising in many countries. It is not about 2019 or 2023, the people would not get what they want if we don’t fight for ourselves,” he said.

Aremu stated further that the people must be ready to rise to the occasion, saying that it is abnormal to disenfranchise 98% of the people of the country as most Nigerians can only vote, but they could not be voted for because those that canvass for votes are those that have access to looted funds or are sponsored by godfathers.

He said: “There cannot be credible election in Nigeria if the people have the right to vote, but cannot be voted for. The candidates that are available are those, who have access to looted funds or are sponsored by the godfathers. You cannot talk of free and fair elections, where those contesting elections are not credible.

“You deny the people the right to be voted for, you have no choice but to go and vote for one thief from two thieves.

They are talking about change in direc-

In his view, President of Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Comrade Debo Adeniran, stated that he didn’t know the figure that the lawmakers were proposing for themselves, but that they must do the amendment with caution.

He added in a telephone interview that there could be some pension for all the lawmakers if they serve the state meritoriously, but that CACOL kicks against outrageous pensions for government functionaries, while making reference to Edo State.

“It is unthoughtful for the legislators to have allocated such an immense amount of money for government functionaries.

If the legislators are not going outside the recommendation of RMFAC, it would be reasonable and justifiable.

“But if they talk of legislation on pension for themselves and for their leaders, it would be unreasonable, especially at this time, when people find it difficult to feed themselves and their families.

“We feel the cost of governance should be reduced. We expect them to reduce the amount of emolument that is accruing to them rather than increasing it. May be what they are trying to copy is what is being given to governors and deputy governors, and we feel that even these people should reject these offers because they are not acceptable to an average Lagosian,” he said.

However, a lawmaker, who spoke on the matter anonymously, wondered why people bother themselves about having pension for speakers and deputy speakers of the state House of Assembly.

He maintained that the House had the power to determine what it wants for its leaders when they leave office, and that the House deserves the same treatment with those in the executive.

“We passed the Pension Law in the state Assembly and approved the money the state is spending all through the year. It is tion of looting, not that of the country. not out of place if we now decide to make You promote the politics of the personal life better for ourselves too. People should not bother themselves over issues like benefits.” this. I even blame the media for making issues out of things like this,” he said.

Observers have also criticised the Pension Law (2007) on the premise that it only covers those, who served as governors and deputy governors of the state from till date leaving out the likes of If they talk of 1999 Second Republic Governor Alhaji Lateef legislation on pension Kayode Jakande, his deputy, Alhaji Rafiu Third Republic Governor Michael for themselves and for Jafojo, Otedola, and his deputy, Alhaja Sinatu Sadly, Otedola and Jafojo died their leaders, it would Ojikutu. without receiving pension from the state be unreasonable, government despite their meritorious to the state. especially at this services It will be recalled that the former governor of the state, Alhaja time, when people deputy Sinatu Ojikutu, who served with the late find it difficult to feed ex-governor Otedola between 1991 and before the General Sanni Abacha themselves and their 1993, military interregnum, dragged the state to court over the discriminafamilies. We feel the government tory pension law and won the case, but is yet to be included in the pension cost of governance she package as it was gathered that the state should be reduced. government under former Governor Raji who is now a beneficiary of the We expect them to Fashola, pension package, challenged her victory reduce the amount inIfcourt. the proposed amendment to include of emolument that is the speaker and deputy speaker in the law is passed, the new law will be accruing to them rather pension cited as the Public Office Holder (Payment than increasing it of Pension) (Amendment) Law 2016.

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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 • DECEMBER 4, 2016

SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by Demola Ojo Email demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

Mourinho’s United Looking to Improve on Worst League Start at Everton

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anchester United will be looking to improve on their worst ever start to a Premier League season when they visit Everton today.

Jose Mourinho’s men have taken just 20 points from their 13 matches and have won just one of their last seven Premier League matches.

The United boss will be back in the dugout after missing the midweek victory over West Ham in the EFL Cup after a one-match ban from the FA and is expecting a tough game against the Toffees.

“I managed against Martinez’s Everton, Moyes’ Everton and it is always difficult,” Mourinho told a pre-match press conference.

“It is always beautiful with a great crowd and a great stadium. I had so many great matches there. Some I lost, some I won, but always a great match. The way United is playing, combined with the way Everton always try to play means it should be a very good match.”

Confidence could be an issue in the Everton camp considering they’ve only won one of their last nine games in all competitions.

However, they are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games at Goodison Park, winning five of those.

United captain Wayne Rooney will be suspended for today’s game against his boy-

hood club after picking up his fifth booking of the season in the midweek EFL Cup win over West Ham. Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini are back in contention after serving one-game bans of their own, but Luke Shaw is a doubt with an unspecified injury, while Eric Bailly (knee) and Chris Smalling (toe) remain absent.

Ronald Koeman says he will face a tough decision when it comes to choosing his team with everyone but long-term absentee Muhamed Besic available for selection.

Everton have lost four of their last five meetings with Manchester United in all competitions (W1), with the most recent of those defeats coming in the FA Cup semifinal last season.

Manchester United have won at Goodison Park on 15 occasions in the Premier League; at no other away venue have they won more often in competition history.

Romelu Lukaku has played for Everton on six occasions in the league against Manchester United without scoring; his most against one team without finding the net for the Toffees.

No duo has created more chances for each other in the Premier League this season than Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (16).

Everton have outrun their opponents on just one occasion this season (vs Swansea); a league-low.

Mourinho is facing a difficult time as United endure their worst start to a Premiership season

Okocha, Oliseh to Join StarTimes’ Bundesliga Legends Tour to Africa

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arTimes and DFL Deutsche Fussball Liga have announced that Austin JayJay Okocha and Sunday Oliseh, two of the most famed African football icons, will join the StarTimes & Bundesliga Legends Tour to Africa this month.

From December 16-22, the two Bundesliga legends will be on a three-country trek to interact with African football fans and to promote the German football league as well as its official broadcaster in Sub-Saharan Africa, StarTimes.

Okocha, Olympic Gold Medal winner andAfrican Cup of Nations winner who played for Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt, will travel to Nigeria and Ghana from December 16-19.

While in Lagos and Accra, Okocha will share his views on the Bundesliga during live studio shows and serve as co-commentator for Bundesliga

matches. He will also take part in various activities like football clinics, autograph sessions, Five-a-side football, visits to grassroots academies, selfies and more with African football fans.

Oliseh who won the Bundesliga trophy “Meisterschale”, the Olympic Gold Medal and the African Cup of Nations played for Bundesliga clubs FC Köln, Borussia Dortmund and VfL Bochum. He will visit Kenya between December 20 and 22, appearing as an analyst and guest with media partners, holding training sessions with local football managers and meeting with football fans in Nairobi.

“We are very happy that Jay-Jay and Sunday will join the Legends Tour and I believe that African football fans will enjoy a wonderful week with the two legends shortly before the end of the year,” said Overseas PR Director of StarTimes, William Masy.

Ruthless Chelsea Thrash City

Ramos Saves Real in El Clasico Draw

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helsea came from behind to secure a dramatic 3-1 win at Manchester City and forge clear at the top of the Premier League as their top-of-thetable clash ended in a mass brawl with two City players sent off.

Diego Costa, the league’s leading marksman, scored his 11th of the season on the hour to equalise, substitute Willian notched on the counter-attack 10 minutes later and Eden Hazard sealed Chelsea’s eighth straight win in the 90th minute.

Gary Cahill had given City a deserved lead just before halftime, slicing the ball into his own net with a clumsy attempted clearance, and the home side had chances to wrap up the points after the break as Kevin De Bruyne missed from three metres when it seemed easier to score.

Instoppagetime,withChelseaalreadyguaranteed a four-point lead at the top, mayhem broke out following a terrible tackle by Sergio Aguero on David Luiz.

The Argentine was shown a red card and, as players piled in, Fernandinho was also dismissed for pushing Cesc Fabregas over the advertising hoardings.

City’s goal was a soft one with Cahill displaying technical deficiency, trying to clear Jesus Navas’s cross with his right foot when he needed to use his left.

Okocha is rated as one of the best dribblers in Bundesliga’s history – his entertaining style delighted fans of Eintracht Frankfurt and all over Germany. Oliseh left his footprints in Köln, Dortmund and Bochum as rock-solid midfielder and reached ultimate heights when he became Bundesliga champion with Borussia Dortmund in season 2001/02.

In 2015, StarTimes signed an exclusive broadcasting contract with DFL Sports Enterprises for five successive seasons (2015/16 to 2019/20), acquiring extensive media rights to provide exposure of the Bundesliga in Sub-Saharan Africa.

As part of build up to the legends tour events, Okocha and Oliseh were both in Germany to watch their former clubs Eintracht Frankfurt and Dortmund do battle on November 26. The game ended 2-1 in favour of Eintracht Frankfurt.

C

aptain Sergio Ramos scored a stoppage-time equaliser to extend Real Madrid’s unbeaten start to the season and deny Barcelona victory in a bad-tempered El Clasico.

Luis Suarez’s glancing header from Neymar’s left-wing free-kick put Barcelona ahead at the Nou Camp. But in a frantic ending, Cristiano Ronaldo went close before Ramos headed home Luka Modric’s free-kick to earn a point for Zinedine Zidane’s La Liga leaders.

Leaders Real remain six points clear of defending champions Barca after 14 matches.

Barca were moments away from reducing the gap to three points when Real captain Ramos pounced to make it 33 games without defeat for his side. Real are approaching the winter break in the driving seat, Barca having gone three matches without a league win.

The hosts started slowly and managed only one attempt on goal - a Lionel Messi free-kick was comfortably gathered by Keylor Navas - in a scrappy first half.

In contrast, Ronaldo had three attempts in the opening 45 minutes as Luka Modric dominated for Real in midfield.

While far from their fluid best, Barca were better after the break and went in front when Raphael Varane conceded a free-kick just outside his area and Suarez nodded home from close

Ramos

range.

Messi, who has now gone six games without scoring against Real in all competitions, missed a great chance to double the lead after a lovely pass from substituteAndres Iniesta, on his return from injury, before Ramos had the final say.

The 30-year-old defender is establishing a reputation for scoring crucial late goals in big games.

Ramos scored a 93rd-minute equaliser against Atletico Madrid to send the 2014 Champions League final into extra time before Real won.

He also forced extra time with a stoppage-time equaliser in the 2016 Super Cup final, which Real also went on to win.

Onazi was a key player for Lazio before leaving in the summer

FIFA Gives Lazio Deadline to Pay Onazi

W

orld football governing body FIFA have now given Serie A side Lazio till December 9 to pay Nigeria international Ogenyi Onazi his outstanding wages or face their wrath, the player has revealed.

FIFA earlier gave Lazio till November 29 to pay up, but the Serie A team asked the football governing body to send the letter in Italian.

“Lazio have now been given till December 9 by FIFAto respond to my letter asking for my wages,” Onazi disclosed according to MTNfootball.

“This was because Lazio said they need to translate the letter forwarded to them in English to Italian.”

Lazio did not pay the midfielder for the last two months of his contract before he moved to Turkey in the summer.

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Chelsea Southampton Burnley Leicester City Swansea City Watford Arsenal Liverpool 2:30pm Man United 5pm

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 4, 2016

High Life

85 with LANRE ALFRED 08076885752

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Barrister Patricia Etteh! Ex-Speaker of House of Representatives Called to Bar

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atricia Etteh has got the mien of a cat and the heart of a tiger, a Bengali tiger to be precise.

Yet she is only Nigerian, and a woman for that matter.

While her exit from the House of Representatives hung loosely above her face like a recalcitrant ogre, she lifted herself on feral haunches and smashed the daunting pall of misery and regret. But the beauty of her resurgence exceeds her passion to fight; it is the spirit that she brings to the fight that decides her victory and makes her a formidable foe to the odds.

It would be recalled that Etteh was forced to resign as Speaker of the House of Representatives in a celebrated fraud scandal.

In the wake of her travails, Etteh was mocked for being an ordinary hairdresser.

She resigned from office in October 2007 following her alleged involvement in a N628 million contract scandal, which many have argued was a false allegation aimed at easing her out of office. Five years after SAD! SALLY MBANEFO EASED OUT OF NTDC The evil day arrived the doorstep of Sally Mbanefo like a twilight of ruin and eternal damnation.

When it did, the ravishing Director General (DG) of the National Tourism Development Commission (NTDC), lost vigour and equilibrium. Sally is indeed shaken to the bones over her sudden sack from her office atop the tourism board. As you read, her

serving as the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives for a few months, not a few people must have thought that Etteh had hit a cul-de-sac.

Unlike many of her ilk who after leaving power turn Abuja to their second home where they go to court presidential favour or juicy contracts, Etteh chose to improve her lot and expand her knowledge base, thus the 60 something year old woman enrolled to study Law at the prestigious Buckingham University, United Kingdom and was called to the Nigerian bar some days ago. Etteh is one of the major casualties of Nigeria ’s stuttering democracy. By a process that still smacks of highwired politics, the beautician turned lawmaker who is close to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, became speaker of the House of Representatives in June 2007. It was the first time ever that a woman would be a speaker in the lower house.

But her tenure was short following a power play that eased her out of office. once succulent lips are blemished, her beautiful, shiny eyes have sunk back into their sockets and the gaiety in her strides have yielded to a staccato of wobbly steps. Sally is deeply hurt by the manner in which the President Muhammadu Buhariled government cast her aside. Despite what she considered her impressive pedigree and exploits in the industry, the Nigerian federal government dumped

Patricia Etteh

her like a weary and broken steed.

Few people would forget in a hurry, the hype and fanfare that greeted her emergence as the new boss of the NTDC, immediately after Otunba Segun Runsewe, was booted out of the high office. Since Runsewe’s removal by former President Goodluck Jonathan, the tourism sector has failed to fly. Pundits aver that Sally could not run the agency well because she lacks the skills to manage such a challenging agency. Now that she has been sacked, staff of NTDC are joyous and hopeful of a more prosperous era under a new boss.

STILL ON THE $6M LIE...ESTHER NNAMDI-OGBUE DUSTS OFF ELABORATE FRAME-UP •INTRIGUES AS NNPC BOSS RISES ABOVE THE PLOT OF HER TRADUCERS

Sally Mbanefo

You can tell what effect Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue has on her enemies by the dastardly plots they hatch against her. Esther frightens her enemies. That is why they desperately seek her downfall. Like angry runts seeking to fall a champion gladiator, men and women living in awe of Esther ’s

shadow, have resorted to desperate measures.

Findings revealed that contrary to claims that her chef stole cash and jewelry worth $6million from her home, the Managing Director (MD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), had no such treasure in her abode. In a nutshell, Esther was caught in a vicious web of lies perpetrated by her enemies to dent her reputation.

The NNPC boss’ traducers actually aimed for her jugular; by framing her up, they made her a person of interest to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an ongoing investigation.

Notwithstanding, they went to town with fictitious news about the alleged theft from her home.

But what crime could Esther have committed that would make her the target of such criminal masterminds? Perhaps it’s due to her uprightness and refusal to play ball with the corrupt cabal holding the oil industry by the jugular that she became the victim of the attacks. But having failed at implicating her for fraud,

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 4, 2016

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HIGHLIFE

Sucker Punch! Toke Makinwa’s Harsh, Brutish Expose on Ex-Husband, Maje Ayida

•Celebrity TV host writes damning book about estranged spouse

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ntil very recently, Toke Makinwa’s pains were invisible and her cries were inaudible.

She merely festooned the social space with her presence, using words that are only fit for the cultured. Then she wrote her book and everything changed. Toke’s secret agonies found voice in ‘On Becoming,’ her memoir. To friends, family and fans of Toke Makinwa, the book offers shock therapy and unexpected disclosure about the pains and disappointments suffered and endured by the Nigerian broadcaster. In a no holds barred fashion, the radio personality, television host, and now, author, reveals that her ex-husband, Maje Ayida, infected her with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) severally.

Toke discloses the inadequacies of her

ex and also revealed how she contemplated suicide, finding God, bleaching for his pleasure and more. She writes: “He had given me an STI in the past. He’d returned from a trip once and we had sex, and a few days later I was itching.”

The jury is out over the perceived morality and maturity of Toke’s act.

While many of her fans applaud her courage in voicing out, many more pundits contend that it’s unbecoming of an African woman and role model to display such brazen lust for approval and acclaim. While Toke may bask in the fame and adulation resulting from the publication of her memoir, her estranged husband, Maje Ayida, will suffer untold hardship and trauma from a book that destroys everything he was and probably intends to be. But who cares?

Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue

Esther ’s traducers are at sea over what other offensive they could launch at the NNPC boss.

By the time the dust settles on their web of lies, Esther ’s hard earned reputation will remain intact, to their consternation perhaps.

CHAMPION OF CITIZEN DIPLOMACY...UK-BASED INSURANCE EXPERT, BABATUNDE LOYE, TAKES THE NIGERIAN PROJECT TO NEW HEIGHTS As the present government makes frantic efforts to bring all hands on board towards advancing Nigeria in all ramifications, some passionate and competent Nigerians

have actually been long committing themselves to help in unlocking the country’s potential and repositioning it to an enviable place on the globe, a noble endeavour otherwise known as the Nigerian project. Meanwhile amongst these individuals who are abundantly endowed with the seeds of altruism, leadership and patriotism is Babatunde Loye. Loye, a UKbased insurance expert, is the current chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), the umbrella body of all Nigerian groups and unions in Britain. The uniqueness brought to the leadership of CANUK by Loye has seen him engaged in several important policy decisions that were geared towards improving the lot of Nigerians in the UK and strengthening the relationships between the UK and Nigeria.

This in no small measure has further validated the roles of influential nongovernmental individuals in facilitating diplomatic relations, which is often referred to as citizen diplomacy. Recently Loye took a courageous and commendable step along with some of his associates in CANUK and others from outside of the organisation to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gukru, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

During this auspicious visit, Loye and his team provided valuable gifts and resources to the inhabitants of the camp who have been pushed out of their homes and subjected

Toke Makinwa and Maje Ayida

to abject poverty by the Boko Haram sect that terrorises lives in the Northern part of Nigeria. Inspiringly, this very step caught the attention of the federal government and through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, the Presidency offered a robust acknowledgement for all the good deeds done by Loye.

WHITHER THEIR CROWNS? WOMEN WHO EAT MEN FOR BREAKFAST When Cleopatra VII ascended the Egyptian throne, she was only seventeen. She reigned as Queen Philopator and Pharaoh between 51 and 30 BC, and died at the age of 39.

She was married although her

Babatunde Loye

choice of partner, her brother, remains a contentious issue any day. What is unarguable however is that Cleopatra VII reigned supreme, effortlessly relegating her husband to the background in the full efflorescence of her beauty, intellect and charm.

Although, unlike Cleopatra, they did not marry their brothers, certain prominent members of Nigeria’s league of alpha females are notable for their capacity to relegate their husbands and consign them to the ‘other room.’

To some they are autocrat, ruthless in their desire to attain self actualisation and achieve power. To others they are driven women doing a “man’s job.” More importantly, their emergence as leading women in their marriages becomes immutable reality in an increasingly dynamic society of fast-mutating gender relations.

Makes one wonder how their husbands are faring with them at the home front. These women could be mistaken to be the head of the relationship, dominant inside and outside the bedroom. You couldn’t be wrong to think that they take all the major decisions at the home front. They are very successful in their own right.

They are top executives who have mastered the art of taming their husbands as they tame male rivals in the boardroom.

THE RICH ALSO CRY...AS NAIRA DEPRECIATES, SILVER SPOON KIDS TURN MENIAL WORKERS AND PROSTITUTES ABROAD

•PARENTS BEMOAN INABILITY TO SEND

T H I S D AY, T H e S u n D AY n e w S pA p e r • DECEMBER 4, 2016

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HIGHLIFE

Rumble in Anambra...Gov. Willie Obiano Engages Godfather, Peter Obi, in Bitter Slugfest

•Love turns sour between Anambra governor and benefactor

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or Willie Obiano and Peter Obi, his political godfather, the dissembling begins.

The colourful damask of their comradeship and trust has finally given to wear and tear of dastardly politics and unforgiving time. Thus disgrace and retribution stares them in the face as they betray and move against each other.

Like most political affiliations between hopeful godfathers and their ambitious godsons, Obiano and Obi’s relationship has hit an iceberg. Thus their frosty disposition to each other. They have frequently engaged each other in veiled and undisguised war of wills and verbal war since Obiano became governor.

The situation has however, degenerated in recent times even

at the backdrop of contrived public show of reconciliation between them in August at the burial of Father Nicholas Tagbo, a former principal of Christ the King College, Onitsha. On that occasion, Obiano knelt before Obi and begged the latter to forgive him of all perceived wrongdoings. Obi thus embraced his successor to a thunderous applause from everyone in attendance. But they simply played to the gallery. The perceived truce between the duo was short-lived as they have since resumed their silent war with each other. While Obiano has vowed to deal with Obi and reveal his alleged dirty secrets, the former governor accused his godson of sponsoring a witch-hunt against him.

POCKET MONEY TO THEIR CHILDREN SCHOOLING OVERSEAS

A haughty spirit fades before the arrogant man’s fall, like a hunting horn whose sound dies on the wind. This witty take on conceit undoubtedly mirrors the sad fate of Nigerians who happened on sudden wealth and immediately sent their wards to school abroad.

Many of them are biting their fingers in regret and mounting agony as you read.

Their misery is attributable to the high exchange rate of the naira to the dollar. As the economy declines as a result of dwindling oil prices and fall in the value of the naira in the global market, many parents with kids abroad are finding it difficult to finance their wards education and upkeep.

Many have been forced to cut down on the allowances they send to their children abroad and in some cases, parents are unable to send money to their children abroad. Consequently, many silver spoon kids abroad have resorted to doing odd jobs to survive. Those who find themselves in extreme situations have however, resorted to desperate measures to survive. While many male wards have embraced menial jobs to cope with the situation, several daughters from prominent families now sell their bodies in exchange for hard currency, to keep up appearances and maintain their life of luxury.

LAGOS BILLIONAIRE, UMAR SARO, HOSTS GRAND WEDDING FOR DAUGHTER, JOKE, TODAY Today, Sunday, 4 December, 2016, the Lagos society will

Willie Obiano

stand still, as the families of Saro and Are play host to a galaxy of personalities, who will gather to witness the wedding ceremony of their children. The ceremony involves Adejoke and Olayiwola.

The wedding is billed to take place at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The bride, Adejoke is the daughter of Alhaji Umar Ayinla Saro, OFR, CON, the Ilorin-born, Lagos-based billionaire and industrialist, and his beautiful wife, Alhaja Afsat Saro, a celebrated matriarch of the Lagos Social Establishment. The bride is a graduate of Finance from the University of Portsmouth, England. The groom, a trained pilot, bagged his first degree from the University of Lagos and his second from one of the universities in the United Kingdom. The Introduction ceremony, (Writing-in), between both families was held few weeks ago, at the bride’s family home in Ikoyi.

The bride’s siblings, notably, Kemi, TJ, Kale and others are neck deep in the preparation of hosting a classy wedding for the couple.

FINALLY, AHMED NDIMI, ZAHRA BUHARI’S WEDDING MAY HOLD DECEMBER 11 The coast is clear, the groom can now take his bride. Come Sunday, December 11, Ahmed Indimi, the son of oil magnate, Mohammed Indimi, will marry his sweetheart, Zahra, daughter of President Muhammadu Buhari. Their highly publicised wedding which was slated for December 4 was deferred following an altercation between

Peter Obi

Ahmed’s sister, Yataka Indimi, and security officials at the Presidential Villa on November 18 during the traditional introduction ceremony. Trouble started when Yakata insisted on taking her mobile phone into the Presidential Villa with a view to recording all the proceedings contrary to security protocol.

The proceedings included the delivery of customized dowry boxes made by the French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton, valued at N44 million (using the official exchange rate) to the bride and the first family.

It was gathered that the physical altercation between the groom’s sister and Presidential Villa security officials was so embarrassing that it incurred the wrath of the president over the behaviour of the Indimis.

The President was said to have threatened to return the boxes

Ahmed Indimi

and stop the marriage ceremony.

Even though he was prevailed upon not to make good his threat to return the boxes, the event scheduled to climax on Sunday, December 4 was deferred.

The two families however met after the incident and resolved the issue.

Meanwhile, contrary to our earlier report, no member of the Indimi family is married to any of the children of former military ruler, late General Sani Abacha. But one of Indimi’s daughters is married to former military President Ibrahim Babangida’s son, Mohammed. Next weekend’s wedding ceremony involving the Buharis will be the second that the Indimis are having with a family that has risen to the highest political office in Nigeria.

Zahra Buhari

Sunday December 4, 2016

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Price: N400

MISSILE

Fayose to NJC

“I am however not surprised that Justice Abang, whom I have publicly said should be sacked by the NJC because of his unprofessional practices as established by the Court of Appeal in its judgment on August 18, 2016 and November 24, 2016, opted to get at me through strange and obnoxious proceedings.”

– Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose urging the National Judicial Council (NJC) to send the Federal High Court Abuja judge, Justice Okon Abang out of the bench.

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Build, Operate and Transfer Nigeria

D

early beloved Nigerians, I have a number of proposals today that may interest you. Or upset you.

One, I respectfully propose that we concession the Niger Delta to the Netherlands for 17 years. Do not change the revenue allocation formula. Do not increase the derivation formula; retain it at 13%. In fact, scrap the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Niger Delta. Just hand over the Niger Delta as it is now to the Dutch and ask them to “build, operate and transfer” the region by 2033. Just a change of leaders. The same followers, the same land, the same water, the same creeks, the same share of national resources and the same 1999 constitution.

Let me fantasise: in just 17 years, the Niger Delta would have a massive network of well-built roads, electricity would shine bright everywhere, schools would be brimming with brilliance, quality healthcare would be within the reach of the people — and the lives of the Niger Deltans would be reformed and transformed.

Let me fantasise further: skyscrapers, refineries, power plants and holiday resorts would dot the landscape. In fact, the bridge from Port Harcourt to Bonny Island would finally be built. Just a change of leaders. The same followers, the same land, the same water, the same creeks, the same share of national resources and the same 1999 constitution.

My second proposal. The south-east, in my view, is one of Africa’s most blessed regions in terms of human resources. Hand it over to the Japanese to build, operate and transfer by 2033. Don’t abolish quota system. Retain federal character. Forget confederalism. Don’t stand on any Aburi Accord. Simply hand over the place to the Japanese on a 17-year concession agreement.

Just a change of leaders. The same followers, the same land mass, the same palm wine, the same kola nut, the same share of national resources and the same 1999 constitution. By 2033, you would swear you have mistakenly strayed into another country.

Join me in my fantasy. The first thing the Japanese would do is to come up with a policy that would make all south-east councils buy their official cars from Innosons Ltd. All south-east government vehicles would be from Innosons. All lawmakers would use Innosons cars. All official cars would be from Innosons.

All contractors would patronise Innosons. You know what would happen? Innosons would be so overwhelmed with orders they would explode! Positive vibration! They would start assembling vehicles for export to Africa and beyond. Innosons would become our own Honda. Soon, Simonsons would spring up to rival Innosons.

What we know as the south-east today would become the manufacturing hub of Africa. Whatever you want to buy would be produced from there: mobile phones, electric kettles, shoes, bags, shirts, TV sets, computers, wallets, fans, air conditioners and photocopiers — all thanks to the Japanese.

No, not that the Japanese would set up these factories. It is the same south-easterners (and foreign investors) that would be energised to troop to the region as a result of the leadership the Japanese would offer — easily discernible in clear vision, cohesive and intelligent policies,

Buhari creative incentives, tenacity of purpose and an unwavering, genuine focus on development.

My third proposal: let us sign a 17-year lease agreement with the Dubai rulers to help us run the north-central. As usual, I am proposing different leadership only. Other variables would remain. The same followers, the same land, the same water, the same yams, the same mangoes, the same share of national resources and the same 1999 constitution. I will not even suggest modernising “our agriculture”. I am talking about travel and tourism. Look at Lokoja, Kogi state, the confluence of River Niger and River Benue. Picture the billion-dollar travel and tourism industry that Sheikh Al Maktoum could engineer there within 17 years!

Imagine what Al Maktoum can do to Jos — that beautiful, temperate city that used to be the home of expatriates! In 17 years, we would be discussing Jos in the same category as Marrakech, Pattaya and Cape Town as preferred tourist destinations. Imagine what Dubai rulers would turn Zuma Rock to in 17 years! This mighty mountain would play host to Nigeria’s own Disneyland. You would soon be seeing “Zoom to Zuma” commercials on CNN across the world, shortly after the airing of “Incredible India”! It would be a destination for local and international fun-seekers. And to think Zuma is just a few kilometres away from the Abuja international airport...

I’m writing just 1300 words, so space would not allow me to discuss concession opportunities for the south-west, north-west and north-east — or what could happen if we lease the federal government of Nigeria to Rwanda for 17 years.

Let me now time take questions and observations so that we can close our discussion and shut down. Your first observation is that I’m being too simplistic. You said I make it look like it is so easy to build roads, fix electricity, provide quality health care, improve education standards, develop tourism and create a manufacturing hub. You said I am living in fantasy. Thanks for the compliments, but I am not fantasising.

Pack your bags today and pay a visit to Bonny

Island, where the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) plant is located. You won’t believe you are in the same Niger Delta. The roads are perfect. Electricity is 24/7. Water flows without inhibitions. The schools, whether conventional or vocational, are of the highest standards. I am not talking about what would happen by 2033 — I am talking of what has been on Bonny Island all along, courtesy the NLNG. If you want further evidence of what oil money can do, you can also visit the Europe-like staff quarters of the multinational companies in the Niger Delta. Yes, it can be done! I repeat: it can be done!

Your second question is that I make it look like there are no ethno-religious and political problems inhibiting Nigeria’s progress, and I talk as if there is no need to change the constitution, ditch federal character, increase derivation to 50%, or break Nigeria to pieces. No, Ma’am, you misunderstood me. I will never understate the political and ethnic problems plaguing Nigeria.

I am not 100% naive. I see, feel and observe the complexities everyday. What I’m saying, Ma’am, is that in spite of these challenges, in spite of our “bad” marriage, we can still make progress!

That is why I suggest, in my proposals, that we should change only one variable — leadership.

Your own question, Sir, is why a 17-year concession? Why not 10 years? Why not 50 years? It was deliberate, Sir. We have had an unbroken democratic experience since 1999, and I am saying that if our leaders are actually interested in developing this country, 17 years is enough to go very far. My proposal is for us to have a different kind of leaders for the same period of time with the same followers, the same climate, the same humidity, the same temperature, the same vegetation, and the same share of resources. The concessionaires would still contest elections every four years but no Nigerian politician would be eligible to run until after 17 years.

I can see that professor is unhappy with me.

How on earth can I be asking for a re-colonisation of Africa by proposing that we hand over to the Dutch, Japanese and Emiratis? I’m sorry, Prof, I am only speaking in parables. I am saying if the Dutch could build a country on water, if the Emiratis could create an oasis in the desert, if the Japanese could develop without natural resources, then developing Nigeria would be a piece of cake! We are blessed with all the brains, all the resources to develop this country. Our leaders must use their brains — or lease one.

Forget oil. Forget FAAC. With proper leadership, the needed billion dollars would flow in from all over the world!

I will take one more question and then go home. A Nigerian who lives in the UK took his family to Dubai for the first time in August and called me from there. “Simon,” he said, “these people have two heads.” We both laughed. So your question is: are you sure there is nothing really wrong with us? If these things are doable here, why are we not doing them? Professor Chinua Achebe famously wrote in The Trouble with Nigeria (1983): “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian character. There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else.” #IStandWithAchebe.

And Four Other Things...

DATA WAR Last week, NCC asked the big mobile operators to raise data tariff to a minimum of 90 kobo per MB in order to protect the small operators from dying. Big operators like Glo and MTN can literally charge as low as they wish because of infrastructural advantage and market power. NCC’s directive raises a very interesting question. On the one hand, the small operators would remain in business, unlike the CDMA companies, such as Multilinks and RelTel, who collapsed unable to compete with the GSM operators. On the other hand, subscribers will lose out under higher data tariffs. If I say I know the best solution, I would be lying. But commonsense won in the end. Simple.

DEEP CUT When President Buhari looks back someday, one of his failings, he would have to acknowledge, is his handling of Nigeria’s complex regional politics. No matter our analysis of Nigeria’s economic situation, the militancy in the Niger Delta has done enormous damage to government revenue, forex inflow and the value of the naira. It has inevitably wrecked the economy. Now that OPEC is cutting production to boost crude oil prices, Nigeria is not going to be a major beneficiary as the militants continue to destroy the oil facilities. What was Buhari’s political or security strategy for the Niger Delta after winning the election in 2015? Was there one, really? Regrets.

FROM ONDO By and large, the Ondo governorship election went well — at least, on the surface. There are accusations of federal financial might and vote-buying, but if AD and PDP had worked together, they would have defeated APC. Same scenario in 2012: if ACN and PDP had allied, they would have defeated the Labour Party. So maybe something was wrong with the politics too. By the way, this was my favourite social media joke on the poll: “Rotimi Akeredolu SAN - Winner. Called to Nigerian Bar in 1978. Eyitayo Jegede SAN - 2nd. Called to Nigerian Bar in 1984. Olusola Oke - 3rd.

Called 1987. Kudos to Ondo State people for respecting seniority at the Bar.” Hilarious!

PLANE STUPID A plane carrying a Brazilian football team crashed in Colombia on Monday night, killing 77 of the 83 passengers on board. It was initially attributed to an electric failure, but evidence now points to the fact that the plane ran out of fuel, so the engines would normally shut down and the electric system would not work. It has emerged that the pilot miscalculated — or took a reckless risk — by not having the mandatory 30 minutes of “reserve fuel” in the event the craft has to be diverted to another airport under emergency.

My mind immediately drifted to Nigeria: with all this aviation fuel shortage, I hope our airlines are still keeping to the “reserve fuel” rule? Chilling.

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