Sunday 1st January 2017

2016: The Winners and Losers

2016 will surely go down as one of the most significant years in Nigeria’s history.

The significance flows from the unprecedented political events of the previous year, when for the first time in the

country’s political history a sitting president was defeated in an election by an opposition candidate. Nigeria achieved its first democratic transition from a ruling party to the opposition. Thus, 2016 was

the year when all eyes were on President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress to prove their mettle.

They did in their own way.

See stories on pages 77–80

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NEITI: NPDC Owes N68bn, $3.3bn in Taxes, Royalties… Page 6 Sunday 1 January, 2017 Vol 21. No 7927.

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Buhari: Security, Economic Recovery, My Priorities in 2017 Says fight against corruption’ll continue Admits mistakes in handling IDPs

Asks Shiites, Niger Delta to embrace peace

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that securing the country and taking the economy out of recession would be his main preoccupation in 2017.

The president, in his new year message to Nigerians, said security issues afflicting the country would be decisively dealt with.

The president thanked Nigerians for their support and assured them that the current pains, "are temporary and will ease when the economic seeds in gestation begin to bloom to fruition."

He urged them to continue to support his administration in its effort to transform Nigeria for the good of all.

He also appealed to militants in the Niger Delta to embrace peace and come to the negotiation table.

Buhari also said his government's determination to wrestle corruption to the ground remained unshaken.

This fight, which he said would be guided by respect Continued on page 6

See THISDAY Style Inside…

VICTORY AT LAST?

President Muhammadu Buhari (left) receiving the captured Gboko Haram flag from the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, at the Guards Brigade Regimental Dinner held at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Officers' Mess… Friday night godwin omoigui

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Buhari Receives Boko Haram Flag Captured in Sambisa Forest Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has been handed the Boko Haram flag recovered from the terrorist group operational base in Sambisa forest by the Nigerian Army after last week raid.

The presentation was done at the 2016 Regimental Dinner organised by the Presidential Brigades of Guards, an annual event organised to mark the end of drilling year of the commission.

The flag was handed over of to Buhari at exactly 10.30pm on Friday by the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. -Gen. Lucky Irabor.

Irabor disclosed that about 1,240 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were arrested during a mop-up operation by troops inside the Sambisa forest.

Speaking at the event, Buhari went down the memory lane disclosing how he was nearly shot even before he collected his first salary in the army.

The president said he was

conversant with the challenges the military faced having experienced it first hand.

"I believe you are here because you want to be here and you cannot complain. We will do our best to build the national institutions in the country.

"All these political madness in the country where in the north east, the Niger Delta or in the East.. There are 250 ethnic groups, so keeping Nigeria one is a task that must be done. So even for personal reason you must make sure this country

stays as one and remains strong."

Buhari told his audience that he enjoyed the 25 years he spent in the Army.

He reiterated why he resisted the devaluation of the naira and the increase in the price of petroleum products..

He recalled that he rejected similar advice by the IMF, World Bank to devalue the naira as a military Head of State, adding that "I refused and gave my reasons and the next thing I knew I was removed and detained for three and half years.

"As a civilian president I will do my best and I'm telling you all these because you are part of the leadership of this great country and God willing we will remain great", he said.

Chief of Army Staff. Gen. Tukur Buratai, in his remarks said, aside providing security to the commander in chief, the brigade of guards also provide security for the FCT as well as other ceremonial activities.

He urged the men and women of guards brigade to maintain the courage and

discipline in 2017.

He gave an assurance that the army would continue its onslaught in the North east.

The army chief said fleeing members of the sect who had disappeared into the society would be fished out.

He assured the president that the security situation in that part of the country would brought under control.

He also said the Nigerian Army would remain apolitical in carrying out its duties to the nation.

NEITI: NPDC Owes N68bn, $3.3bn in Taxes, Royalties Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has revealed that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC),owed the federation N68.2 billion and $3.3 billion in taxes and royalties from its oil and gas operations, respectively.

NEITI made this known in its 2014 annual audit report of activities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector which was published on Friday in Abuja.

The report also stated that the NNPC was yet to reimburse the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) up to N3.9 billion it claimed for subsidy on importation of

petrol in 2012, but which was eventually found to be an over-recovery by the corporation and expected to be repaid.

Covering activities in the sector for 2014, the report indicated that Nigeria earned $55.5 billion from the 797million barrels (mb) of oil, which it produced in the year under review, but noted that there were operational anomalies it discovered in the activities of the NPDC. Besides, the NEITI report noted that, of the total volume of crude oil produced in the country for the period, NNPC lifted 350 million barrels (mb) for export and domestic utilisation on behalf of the federation, while the balance was lifted by various contractual arrangement producers.

Flagging off the NPDC’s activities it considered unwholesome and which it said resulted in revenue loses to the country, the report said, total outstanding balances of unremitted funds by the company (NPDC) were N68.2 billion and $3.3billion for taxes and royalties respectively.

This, it pointed out, comprised $451.4 million and $15.2 million royalty on oil and royalty on gas respectively. It also includes $991 million for PPT (petroleum profit tax), PAYE (pay as you earn) of N42 million, WHT (withholding tax) of N17.1 billion, education tax of N15.7 billion, VAT (value added tax) of N7.0 billion, NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commission) levy of N28.3 billion and $81.0 million.

The NEITI said while the failure of NPDC to remit these revenues amounted to short-changing the country especially in terms of funds for development, the NNPC, which is NPDC’s parent company did not respond to requests for further information on this by its auditors.

It also stated that the Department of Petroleum Resources has conducted a ‘Good and Valuable Consideration’ in respect of the four divested Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 60, 61, 62 and 63, which was assigned to the NPDC in 2012 in the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) joint venture, and placed their financial values at $2.225 billion, however, adding that the NNPC was contesting it.

“The Good and Valuable Consideration in respect

of the divested OMLs 60, 61, 62 and 63 was received from DPR in the third quarter of 2016 valued at US$2.225 billion. NNPC has accordingly written to DPR requesting further engagement to ascertain the basis and assumptions that went into the valuation as to the reasonableness of the amount taking cognisance of all associated risks and assess its impact on the NNPC bottom line.

“While waiting for the determination of the Good and Value Consideration, NNPC has already remitted about US$1.3 billion straight to the Federation Account from the gas revenue derived from the assigned assets from January 2013 to date,” it noted.

On the fuel subsidy over-recovery by NNPC, the report stated: “N3.981

billion of debts as a result of over-recovery under Petroleum Support Fund Scheme (PSPF) in 2012 was outstanding. NNPC has been in contact with PPPRA on the issue and acknowledge the amount as being due for payment, it has remained outstanding due to challenges with the corporation’s liquidity.

NNPC management has also informed the PPPRA of its commitment to settle the said amount.”

According to NEITI, publishing the annual report was in accordance with the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards which encourage implementing countries to release their independent industry audit reports at most two years in arrears. Nigeria is signatory to the EITI ideals.

New Year of an African proverb that says 'it is easy to break a broomstick but not a bunch'. Nigeria is a bunch and is more than equal to troublemakers."

Noting that he had interacted with a broad spectrum of Nigerians, the old and the young, he said they had all told him unequivocally that they believed in the unity and stability of Nigeria.

He said year 2017 would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to build on those aspects of their national life that united them.

He said: "We are courageous, hardworking, hospitable, steadfast and resilient people, even in the face of difficulties.

"These are the attributes that define us and have for years confounded the pessimists who do not believe in our continued existence as a united and indivisible nation. We are a remarkable nation that has succeeded in harnessing our multiple diversities for national development. We must continue to support and tolerate one another and live together as one."

Buhari promised to continue to pursue peace initiatives in the Niger Delta, as he again, "calls on our brothers in that region

who have taken to violent disruptions of economic infrastructure to come to the negotiating table."

The president also called on followers of Shiites to embrace peace.

He said: "As for our brothers and sisters of the Shia Community, we urge them, too, to embrace peace.

They must accept the laws of the country they live in.

They cannot be islands by themselves. At the same time, the law enforcement agencies must treat them humanely and according to the rule of law."

On the Economy, the president said that in the past 20 months, he had focused his energies to turn around the economy, create jobs, fight corruption, and transform agriculture to replace oil and gas as a major revenue earner for the nation.

He said he was encouraged that the country was on the right way.

According to him, the agricultural revolution has begun.

He said: "Farmers in different parts of the country are experiencing bumper harvests; states are getting into strategic partnership towards attaining selfsufficiency in rice, and the era of over-dependence on oil for foreign exchange

revenues is gradually waning.

I am optimistic that the change we all yearned for in voting this administration to power in 2015 will manifest more and be sustained in different sectors, particularly agriculture, in 2017."

He stated that his administration's economic recovery and growth plan in 2017 was anchored on optimizing the use of local content and empowering local businesses.

In pursuit of his administration’s philosophy, he said government would continue to appeal to Nigerians to buy "Made In Nigeria" goods.

"Like I said during the 2017 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, farmers, small and medium-sized manufacturers, agro-allied businesses, dressmakers, entertainers and technology start-ups, will remain the true drivers of our economic future. They are the engine of our economic recovery and their needs underpin our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan," he said.

On job creation, he said, his administration would sustain existing programmes aimed at lifting a vast number of youth out of poverty, while at the same time creating the opportunities for people to fend for themselves.

BUHARI: SECURITY, ECONOMIC RECOVERY, MY PRIORITIES IN 2017 for the rule of law and due process, would not spare anybody or organ of government.

He said: "It is a collective undertaking and resolve that must be seen to its logical conclusion in spite of certain distractions. The fate of our country lies partly in the success of this campaign. It will be unthinkable on my part to allow the boat of this crucial campaign promise capsize mid-stream."

Noting that the nation was "witnessing a new and impressive turnaround in our security and socio-economic situation., he urged Nigerians to join him in congratulating the heroic and gallant efforts of the military and other security agencies on their remarkable successes to rid the nation of terrorism.

He said: "Following the successful capture of Sambisa Forest, spearheaded by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, we have entered a new phase in our battle against our common enemy, Boko Haram.

"When we see our beloved 21 Chibok girls reuniting with their families and community for Christmas, it gives us the hope that those who are still in captivity will one day return to the loving arms of family, friends and well-wishers."

The president called on all

Nigerians to be on the alert and watch out for strange figures settling in their communities, and report to the nearest security agencies, as armed forces intensified the pursuit of fleeing terrorists from the captured Sambisa Forest.

Buhari said that misguided elements who decided to take up arms against constituted authorities must be brought to face the full weight of the law.

He said: "The support of all Nigerians to security agencies to enable them successfully execute their mandate is crucial in our bid to effectively secure our country.

"Seeing the joyful return of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to Damasak town in Borno State, following the reopening of Maiduguri/Gubio/Damasak road in Northern Borno on December 25, 2016, reassured us that the voluntary return of IDPs in other parts of the country is imminent."

The president said government would spare no effort in seeing to the resettlement and rehabilitation of the victims of terrorism and insurgency.

He appealed to state governments, privileged Nigerians, donor agencies and countries to redouble their contributions towards

this goal.

Buhari also admitted that mistakes were made in the handling of the IDP affairs and promised to correct such errors.

"Government is aware of some mistakes and wrongdoings in handling the affairs of IDPs. We are taking measures to correct those mistakes and punish the culprits," he added.

He said: "In this New Year, I want to reassure all Nigerians that our defence and security forces are more than ever before ready to perform their constitutional role of protecting lives and property in the country; and we will surely overcome all other forms of security challenges.

"The lingering security issues in several states will be frontally addressed. These ugly crises cannot be allowed to fester as they strain the unifying bonds of brotherhood and neighbourliness."

Buhari called on, "some sections of the press and some politicians" to avoid provocative and inflammatory statements, "while the government is painstakingly trying to find solutions to our challenges."

The president insisted that the nation's unity was not negotiable.

He said: "I want to remind you on the first day of this

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SUNDAY COMMENT

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

THE RECOVERY OF SAMBISA FOREST The recapture of Sambisa forest is a remarkable achievement. But there is more work to do

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he announced liberation of the infamous Sambisa forest from Boko Haram by the Nigerian military is a very significant development. Covering over 60,000 square kilometres of the Nigerian landscape, the forest is twice the size of the entire South east zone or over 60 per cent of the whole South west region. The territory spans no fewer than six states within the country and shares borders with at least three neighbouring countries: Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Therefore, even in terms of its sheer territorial size, the recovery of Sambisa forest is a feat by our military and they deserve commendation for their efforts and sacrifices of the last few years.

By all admission, the Boko Haram insurgency has been a cheeky and unacceptable violation of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, an assault on our sovereignty and a With the fall scar on our humanity.

That the insurgents of Sambisa were allowed to take forest, we are hold of reinforced in the unchallenged such a large swathe of confidence that our national territory the Muhammadu for so long remains Buhari an indictment of the administration that let administration it happen. has the final At the height of the defeat of Boko Boko Haram insurgenHaram within cy, the Sambisa forest its sight. It is became the tactical not going to headquarters and command and control cenbe easy but the tre of the insurgents. government has So confident were they shown a serious in the protection which determination to the forest offered that rid the nation of they released numerous the Boko Haram videos boasting about their invincibility and insurgency capacity to kill and abduct innocent Nigerians at will. That was also where they held their captives, including the Chibok girls (majority of whose whereabouts remains unknown) before dispersing or trafficking them.

However, while we join other Nigerians in saluting the gallantry of our security forces for the recovery of Sambisa forest it is important to indicate that it does not mean the end of the combat mission. Indeed, to underscore the fact that the fight against insurgency is far from

Letters to the Editor

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being over, the seemingly elusive Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, who has been reportedly killed several times by the military, has appeared in a new video. “We have not been flushed out of anywhere. And tactics and strategies cannot reveal our location except if Allah wills by his decree,” Shekau boasted. “If you indeed crushed us, how can you see me like this? How many times have you killed us in your bogus death?”

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

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

hile we believe that the capacity for havoc by Boko Haram has been degraded by the military, the fact that Shekau is still alive and the inability to recover anything substantial from Sambisa forest is an indication that the insurgents, having been dislodged from their comfort pad, are now let loose. Their potential for casual acts of terror, including suicide missions, must therefore not be under estimated. The existence of affiliate terror cells in some Northeast states is a natural offshoot. The mop up and nationwide surveillance to bring the straggling terrorists to book must therefore continue unabated.

With the fall of Sambisa forest, we are reinforced in the confidence that the Muhammadu Buhari administration has the final defeat of Boko Haram within its sight. It is not going to be easy but the government has shown a serious determination to rid the nation of the Boko Haram insurgency. This prospect bodes well for the president who made security, especially the defeat of fundamentalist terrorism, one of his campaign promises. He now has to face other aspects of our sorry national insecurity.

One of the lessons of the long occupation of the Sambisa forest by Boko Haram is the necessity to ensure that our military is deployed in those parts of the national territory that are most vulnerable. Given the size of our country, it is safe to assume that there are more Sambisas. We have almost an equivalent situation in the Niger Delta where for a long time the creeks and obscure waterways were left unprotected.

The result is the festering militancy and oilrelated criminality in the region. The time has therefore come for our security forces to change their mode of deployment to emphasise areas of national vulnerability and strategic importance.

We wish all our readers a happy and prosperous 2017.

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.

M A K ING T HE H EALT H S ECTOR W OR K

ccording to a survey carried out by FKO Investments and Research Limited, 55% of Nigerians are of the opinion that doctors are not paid well while 28% agreed that doctors are paid well and 17% are indifferent. Doctors in Nigeria often complain about their take home pay. They argue that the number of years of training to become a doctor as well as the risk involved in

the job amidst long hours of shift does not equate the pay being offered.

The public perception about doctors outweighs the reality. Members of the public hold doctors in high esteem; they consider them to be adequately paid and remunerated for their hazardous job hence they encourage their children to study medicine at the university.

Medicine is a wonderful profession. Without medicine, man could become extinct.

A number of rare diseases spring up every now and then and it is up to medical professionals to curb these diseases. The fantastic work the doctors and medical professionals did during the Ebola crisis saved us all.

With the population of Nigeria estimated at about 170 million people, doctors are very crucial to our economy.

In the Western world, doctors are properly remunerated and most of our best brains are lost to the West due to

inadequate renumeration and welfare structure in the Nigerian health industry.

An American based Nigerian doctor (Oluyinka Olutoye) recently successfully removed a tumour from a baby in her mother’s womb. This shows that Nigerians can be the best at whatever they do. Doctors often go on strike based on low wages and inadequate welfare packages and these strikes often lead to the death of patients.

We need to build our health

sector in Nigeria and our medical professionals should be adequately provided for.

The elite often run abroad for minor health issues while the poor and middle class are left at the mercy of our health professionals.

The wind of change that is blowing in Nigeria should also affect the health sector and make it effective and efficient.

Folawiyo Kareem Olajoku (Ph.D), Lagos.

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HOW 2017 WAS USHERED IN WITH FIREWORKS ACROSS THE WORLD

Sydney, Australia

New York

Toronto, Canada

Prague, Czech Republic

Dubai

Hong Kong

Paris

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JANUARY 1, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

OPINION

Winning The Battle, Losing The War

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For all its worth, the battle against corruption is pauperising Nigerians, argues Adekoya Boladale

hen Feyisayo, a 36-year old trader and a single mother of three left her home in Imeri, a village in Ose local council area of Ondo State, to cast her ballot in the recently conducted governorship election in the state, it was not for the desire to vote in a government that will make her life better; rather, it was to get her cut in the widespread largesse going on across the state by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

As she later disclosed, she needed the N10,000 being doled out by the ruling party to feed her family which have been starving for days. Ironically, the cash-for-vote scheme which requires potential voters to cast a vote for the party in exchange for the “prize money” was tagged “Dibo ko sebe”- vote to feed.

Similarly, at another recently conducted governorship election in Edo State, various international and local observers reported outright and carefree display of cash-for-vote across the polling units. Several reports by the media stated that a top official of APC openly distributed N10,000 to each voters to vote for his party’s candidate.

Like Albert Einstein said, “an empty stomach is not a good political adviser”, the outcry across Nigeria over the turn of a once economically glorious country into a shambolic entity that has triggered skyrocketing prices of food items, rendering wages valueless and owing millions of workers (in some cases up to six months of unpaid salaries) is enough to becloud the judgment of the people at the polls. Sadly, the Nigerian government is exploiting the masses via the hunger it created.

The Governor of Ekiti, Peter Fayose, who has been very critical of the Buhari-led administration described the cash-for-vote inducement scheme thus: “to sustain the ‘see and buy’ strategy and legalise money politics, the APC-led federal government deliberately created poverty in the country so as to continue to enslave the minds of Nigerians with peanuts to get their votes on election day.”

In May, 2016 Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari announced an end to the three decades fuel subsidy regime - an intervention programme where the difference in the landing cost of fuel and eventual pump price is paid for by the government. Even though the fuel

subsidy removal ought to end government control over the pricing of petroleum products, Buhari went further to regulate the market price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) increasing it by 69% as against leaving it to the forces of demand and supply. Analysts have criticised the move as illogical, coming at a time when the price of crude oil is low in the international market.

Buhari had pledged to reduce the cost of PMS by 50% during his campaign into office. In January, 2015 before his emergence as president, Buhari while reacting to the pump price of petroleum in the country said: “It is disturbing that in spite of the fall in the global price of crude oil, Nigerians still buy petroleum products at pump prices as if the global price of crude oil had remained at $100 (USD) per barrel”.

The price of crude oil in the international market was $62 then.

Like most global food system, Nigeria food market is highly fuel-and transport-dependent. The increase in the pump price of PMS had a spiral effect on business operating cost. The major determinants of prices are the cost of transporting the items between regions and

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics report released in August, 4.85 million Nigerians have lost their jobs between 2015 and 2016 with 2.6 million becoming unemployed within the first and second quarter of 2016 alone

provision of electricity for production. An increased fuel price immediately interprets to an increased cost of transportation and more money spent on fuelling the power generating sets to keep the lights on.

With the minimum wage of the country standing at N18,000, purchasing power has drastically reduced as residents who are employed are forced to rationalise their consumption while the teeming unemployed and dependent ones face starvation. The social protection programmes promised by the government to cushion the effect of the increased fuel price were not implemented.

The implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) - a financial policy introduced to consolidate all inflows from the Nigeria’s ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) by way of deposit into commercial banks, traceable into a single account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in other to promote accountability, transparency in generated revenue and reduce looting by public officials has created more harm than good.

While the initiative has resulted into high turn of revenue into the consolidated account, many commercial banks who rely on the deposits made into the government accounts domiciled with them to do business have hit financial crisis which has resulted into thousands of bank workers being laid off.

The policy has also failed to reduce corruption as top government officials and aides of President Buhari have been accused of conniving with others to withdraw unappropriated funds from the treasury. Recently, the Emir of Kano and immediate past governor of the apex bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, berated the CBN Governor for violating statutory financial regulations and undermining the independence of the bank.

Another former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and visiting scholar at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Professor Charles Soludo stated that the policy lacks sound economics as concentrating cash at the CBN when the economy needs reviving is illogical.

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report released in August, 4.85 million Nigerians have lost their jobs between 2015 and 2016 with 2.6 million becoming unemployed within the first and second quarter of 2016 alone.

Boladale wrote from Lagos.

Policy Interventions as Stimulus for Innovations Hakeem Ogunniyi contends government must drive policies to increase the rate of growth in the agriculture sector

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lobally, the issue of food insecurity has been a source of concern for governments.

Experts opine that to achieve enhanced productivity in the agricultural sector, special focus must be placed on rural smallholder farmers, especially in developing countries where agriculture remains largely a subsistence enterprise that fuels the rural economy. The subsistence level of agriculture is one of the contributory reasons to poverty especially in the rural areas. It therefore follows that when agriculture is enhanced, there will be an appreciable decrease in poverty levels.

One of the greatest obstacles standing in the way of farmers and agricultural investors in Nigeria is poor access to loans and other credit facilities. This is often due to their evaluation by commercial banks as a less creditworthy group, coupled with their notion of farming as a high-risk venture. Hence, there is need for government to evolve ways of removing constraints posed to growth in agriculture, especially for smallholder farmers who find credit facilities inaccessible. While the existing individual single digit loan interest offered by the government is commendable, it is however difficult for individual farmers to benefit from it. Therefore, to enable rural farmers have easy access to credit facilities and foster rural agricultural productivity, due consideration should be given to a wholesale packaging of rural farmers.

Lack of storage facilities such as warehouses, cold storage and paved roads as well as reliable energy, have also continued to contribute to post-harvest losses among farmers particularly in rural communities. Nigeria produces more than enough food to feed its citizens, unfortunately, not all the food that we produce get to our table. Therefore, curbing post-harvest losses is a critical factor for achieving food security. The challenge is that a large percentage of the food Nigerians consume

is produced by rural smallholder farmers who do not have the capacity to acquire or access storage facilities to store their harvest.

Existing government institutions such as Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute and the Raw Material Research Development Council (RMRDC) should synergise their efforts in a bid to reducing post-harvest losses and assisting smallholder farmers to achieve on-farm processing.

Remarkably, the private sector and international organisations have critical roles to play also as government cannot shoulder the responsibility all alone. They can specialise in innovative ways of training smallholder farmers to enhance productivity and efficiency and ultimately ensuring food security and accelerating economic development. In doing so, they often align their developmental and intervention schemes with existing government policies on agriculture.

Notable among such organisations that have been providing assistance to rural farmers are the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) and A.G Leventis. Some of these organisations work directly with needy communities in Nigeria, provide funding to small-scale agricultural producers, small and medium-sized businesses and community-based organisations, and train smallholder farmers in modern agricultural methods thereby eradicating hunger and poverty in Nigeria.

A model that has worked very well and which can be replicated by other corporate organisations is the intervention championed by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF). The organisation has consistently invested its resource in developing interventions for farmers in Nigeria. These interventions are not only sustainable but also technically and socially viable and adaptable to the operations of rural

smallholder farmers who are the main focus of the foundation’s initiatives. They enable them to migrate from the subsistence level, which is the baseline level, to a larger commercial scale. In providing support for this set of farmers, BATNF seeks to understand what their challenges are, and from the feedback provided, interventions that address these needs are developed.

The farmers are also availed of periodic requisite training by the foundation to enhance their capacity and expertise.

Another unique functionality of the interventions is that they link the farmers with the market, where they sell directly to industrial buyers, and by so doing increasing farmers’ incomes.

BATNF also provides credit facilities to farmers by encouraging cluster or group farming in which farmers are organised into cooperative groups; significant successes have been recorded by it in this regard. The foundation’s interventions do not target individuals, but groups; all these benefits go to the group. The premium for the farmers is the quality and the timeliness of the interventions.

For food to be available and affordable in the country, government needs to unleash a holistic multi-stakeholder approach to the agriculture value chain and food supply chain development. By so doing, many people will be engaged - either working directly or providing enabling and supportive services for the farms through aggregation of produce, processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, wholesale, retail, catering services, among others. This will also be accompanied by enormous job opportunities and socioeconomic growth.

Government must drive policies to increase the rate of growth in the agriculture sector and put the economy back on the path of sustainable growth.

––Ogunniyi, an agriculture expert, wrote from Lagos

15

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 1, 2017

LETTERS

Lagos Youth Policy: Averting A Demographic Bomb

S

ub-Sahara Africa is currently experiencing what is called a demographic bulge.

This implies that there is a significant number of young people, specifically, a higher percentage of youths within the working age group compared to youths who are of school age. It means that in the next decade or two, sub-Sahara Africa is going to have the highest number of young people in the world.

By implication, Nigeria with about 180 million citizens has a very significant position in the population of the entire sub-Sahara Africa and by extension, Lagos State, with over 20 million residents.

The unique position of Lagos State cannot be undermined, the same way the significance of the youth population of the country and the entire sub-Sahara Africa remains a factor in decision making and governance in the entire continent. In some years to come, there is going to be a significant number of young people in Lagos State more than the dependent ones, a development that might pose a great challenge to the state if concerted efforts and proactive measures are not taken to develop the youths to be able to cope.

Lagos State always boasts

Ambode

of its huge population. In as much as this portends viability in terms of commerce, industry and growth, it also comes with challenges the prime of which is how to control this ever increasing population as well as avert crime, misdemeanour and civil unrest especially among the youth who by nature are restive and prone to social vices.

A country or state is said to be experiencing a youth bulge when the young adults enter the working age and the country’s dependency ratio - that is, the ratio of the non-working age to the

working age population declines. If the number of working age individuals can be fully employed in productive activities, other things being equal, the percentage of average income per capital, social orderliness, tranquility among other things will also increase and would be successively enterprising.

With the above scenario, a country or state is said to be experiencing a demographic dividend which of course takes a deliberate and conscious planning to achieve.

On the contrary, if a larger number of young people

cannot find employment and earn satisfactory income, the youth bulge will become a demographic bomb, a bomb in the sense that a mammoth of frustrated youth would emerge and become a potential source of social and political instability. This is why one of the very important yardsticks for measuring or assessing a state or country is in terms of her ability of turning the youth bulge into a demographic dividend.

Having examined and studied the peculiarity of Lagos State, its youth population, their shared values, diverse needs, potential among others, the state government came up with a policy, a joint effort of the State Ministry of Youth and Social Development alongside the State’s Youth Council, the civil society, United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) and other relevant stakeholders, that would guide the state government on things that pertain to the youth and government investment in areas that would specifically address the peculiarity and diverse needs of youths in the state.

The Lagos State Youth Policy which was unveiled last November is a well-designed framework that clearly articulates and provides a road map for addressing the

BABANGIDA ALIYU’S POLITICS OF TACT

P

olitics is played well once rules of engagement are well laid out by gladiators. Smart politicians know when to celebrate, agitate for something and when to concede defeat.

Calvin Coolidge was the 30th US President. He was known by the nickname “Silent Cal”.

His silence was remarkable but his achievement was impactful.

For those criticising the former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu over silence on political happenings under President Muhammadu Buhari, they must school themselves on politics of tact. They must understand that it is better to maintain a thoughtful silence than to throw around early critical views, when there is enough time for government to goof abysmally or gush gracefully on campaign promises.

So many people feel the best way to be politically relevant is by critical attacks of incumbent administrations.

In fact, a Nigerian politician in opposition often adorn the toga of a patriot, nationalist, even a comrade to recruit supporters. The subsequent tirades against serving governments are often gimmicks to either distract the government from staying focused or brainwash the masses from seeing clearly.

After winning election, they show fangs instead of teeth.

It is true that the former governor of Niger State was vocal, fierce and fearless in

his critical opinion against the administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. He led the G-7 or the new PDP to whittle down on the roaring impunity at the time. His purpose was to correct the system heavily polarised, mercilessly raped financially and rudderlessly directed by cabals.

Not many would recall that Dr. Aliyu who led the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) for eight years was instrumental to the election of GEJ in 2011, when he rallied support for him through his very powerful northern platform of governors. A promise was however extracted from Jonathan to leave after 2015, which was later reneged upon. For Aliyu, it was political business for the people to ensure the right thing is done and nothing more.

Buhari may be slow and sometime appears bereft of initiatives or direction in steering affairs of the nation but his sincerity of purpose cannot be ignored. It is also true that his administration is infested with cabals, the genuine interest in building Nigeria is all what he has now. Make no mistake he is a sitting duck to critics.

We may not forget that the reason why Governor Aliyu and others fought the GEJ administration was for the sake of preserving Nigeria corporate integrity from the hands of gluttonous cabals.

The cabals allowed security malaise to fester, impunity glorified and corruption was

almost given constitutional status.

If Buhari fails in holding the economy from its sad free fall dive to and maybe “beyond recession”, one thing remains sacrosanct: he has fought impunity beyond reasonable doubt. If corruption is what the G-7 stood against, then of what moral value will it be for Dr. Aliyu to start throwing critical opinion around for now? He has to give the administration more time to goof or gush.

It is indeed important for those who want the Chief Servant to start a war of criticism on Buhari to imbibe Kenny Rogers advice from his song, Gambler, in a card game where he said, “you’ve got to know when to hold them Know when to fold them Know when to walk away Know when to run.

You never count your money when you’re sitting at the table. There’ll be time enough for counting when the dealin’s done.”

It is indeed very instructive for Nigerians to understand that the All Progressives Congress (APC) may not really be doing well to satisfy the expectations of Nigerians.

Most critical opinions from certain class of Nigerians must however be targeted for the year of electioneering (2018). Definitely there are gaps in the Buhari-led administration which he knows.

Opposition should not be all about hate, mischief, lies, vengeance and contempt which many APC politicians

carried through electioneering into offices, breeding slimy, odoriferous anti-corruption war targeted mostly to witchhunt. We need a decorous system where the people are placed before self or group interest.

We must clamour for a political enterprise where it is business of the people, for the people and by the people.

Sadly, it takes a transition period where opposition largely took over government to get corrupt politicians probed. Interestingly, states where same party platforms exchange baton of leadership turn a blind eye to criminal activities of their predecessors.

African leaders loath leaving offices not because of the official perk alone but on the feared oppression from rival political party. Robert Mugabe is in his nineties, yet his party has penciled him down as candidate for 2018 presidential election. Yayah Jammeh of The Gambia has ruled for 22 years yet he is not willing to leave after resounding defeat.

Let the silence from the booming voice of Dr. Aliyu, the Chief Servant be seen as a metaphor for a purposeful political card game. There would be plenty of time to make the incumbent administration account for their deeds. The government is self-distracting itself already from the myriads of infightings and fragmented interest of cabals and policy summersaults. For now, they need our prayers.

––Israel Ebije, ebijeo5@ gmail.com

needs of Lagos State youths.

Specifically, the engagement and empowerment of the youth bulge financially and in other areas necessary should not in any way be compromised because of the pressure of supporting their older ones and also their younger ones; this explains why the level of restiveness, anxiety and over ambition is rampant within this age group.

According to the state government, the evolving socio-economic issues, new and innovative opportunities and the peculiarities of the state made the review of the already existing National Youth Policy of 2009 inevitable to meet the yearnings of the youths resident in the state.

The identified the core areas of needs of the youth in the state to include eradication of poverty, improved education and health care delivery, agriculture, politics and decision making, conflict prevention and peace-building, sports and recreation, family life, among others.

In view of this, the state government is harnessing different windows to engage the youth, take them off the street through series of empowerment initiatives as evident in the inauguration of a N25 billion Empowerment Trust Fund majorly to these

category of people all in a quest to make the youths independent and in turn become employers in their own right. The disbursement of the fund, according to the state government, would commence this December.

The youth policy is not just the usual paper work with political undertone, but it is a bonding commitment by a concerned government that is aware of critical area of needs of its masses. The effective implementation of the youth policy depends on an active institutional framework, robust political backing, and active administrative and technical support of all concerned stakeholders.

One would have presumed that a budgetary allocation in terms of percentage is proposed as a matter of policy for youth engagement and other related matters.

While one wants to believe that the policy is subject to review periodically to accommodate some other youth related matters, the implementation of critical areas already stated in the policy should be followed to the letter by all concerned stakeholders.

––Ayo Afuwape, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos.

OKUNOREN AND MADEIN-NIGERIA

T

he Made-inNigeria hype currently renting the air is apparently the third attempt in recent history. It generally occurs when we have run out of petrodollars and we begin to patronise our local industries. It predominantly entails the government of the day, the media and the general public half-heartedly mouthing the term during the period of immense trials and tribulations, then immediately abandoning it when oil money begins to flow in again. In 1978, General Olusegun Obasanjo introduced a number of economic reforms termed austerity measures.

The austerity measures were in full swing with General Obasanjo heralding the campaign. All tiers and departments of government were mandated to buy their cars from Peugeot Automobile Nigeria or VolksWagen of Nigeria in a bid to stifle the flow of dollars abroad.

Products which could be easily sourced locally were also placed on a prohibition list by the federal government and government officials were urged to wear Nigerian attires except serving military officers. The menu at Dodan barracks also became laden with Nigerian dishes.

However, with the

return of civilian rule in 1979, the “Shagari Benz” immediately replaced the Peugeot 504 of the military regime. The politicians encouraged the importation of designer suits and guinea brocade from Europe. Champagne was flowing again and nobody wanted anything to do with Made-inNigeria goods, which were now viewed as sub-standard. The leaders took a wrong turn and the people followed suit (pun intended). In a little over a year after General Obasanjo left office, local industries began to crumble one after the other. From agriculture to automobiles to textiles.

Today, the economy is in another recession and the Made-in-Nigeria rhetoric is popular again.

In the years leading up to this day, there are a group of Nigerians who have been consistent in making their products in Nigeria; even when it was unpopular, challenging and nearly impossible to do so. One of them is Okunoren, a famous men’s clothing and accessories brand. The company rose to fame in the early 1990s with its signature blue, one-button bespoke suits, worn by superstar entertainers and wealthy bank executives.

Tomiwa Idowu, Lagos.

16

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 1, 2017

INTERNATIONAL UNSC Resolution 2334 Demanding an End to Israeli Occupation of Palestinian Territory: Lessons for Nigeria

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he United Nations Security Council (UNSC) succeeded in passing resolution 2334 demanding an end to all Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory since 1967 on Friday, 23rd December, 2016 in New York. The resolution was put forward by New Zealand, Malaysia, Venezuela and Senegal after Egypt was pressured by Israel and Donald Trump to withdraw it a day before. Israel and the US president-elect called for vetoing of the resolution by the United States.

The passing of the resolution was a major success both at the level of abstention vote of the United States and the other 14 members of the UNSC who voted for it for many reasons. First, at the level of the 14 other members, several resolutions had been passed in the past to compel Israel to stop settlement of Israelis on Palestinian territory following the 1967 6-Day War but the resolutions had been to no avail: Resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 446 (1979), 452 (1979), 465 (1980), 476 (1980), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003) and 1850 (2008).

One major reason for the non-enforceability of the resolutions is the partisan position of the United States which has been using its right of veto to support Israel by either blocking adoption of resolutions or preventing its application. The particular importance of US abstention vote in the context of 23rd December 2015 resolution is explained by the fact that the US position largely facilitated the charting of a new path for peace in the Middle East. The importance is also explained by the extent of bitterness of the State of Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Likud party have always held the strong belief that the US would always veto any antiIsrael resolution at the UN and that there would probably be no basis for a Palestinian state as a neighbour. Consequently, UNSC Resolution 2334 of December 23, 2016, with the abstention vote of the US, came as a shocker for Israel over the resolution.

Secondly, the resolution has the potential to slow down the pace of Israeli occupation on Palestinian land. Not less than 430,000 Israeli settlers currently live in the West Bank while more than 200,000 Israelis also live in occupied East Jerusalem, the expected capital of the Palestinian State.

Thirdly, the problem of Israeli occupation has also defied all solutions since 1967, essentially because of the application of veto by the US to block any attempt to blame Israel. The non-application of veto by the US in the adoption of the last resolution by simply abstaining from the vote directly raises the failure of success of the vote. For the Palestinians, it was a major success. For the Israelis, it was unacceptably a failure, failure due to US inaction, failure of non-solution to the problem of veto, and failure of non-recognition by the Israelis to note that Israel cannot eternally hold the whole international community to ransom on the need for peace and security in the Middle East.

For instance, the Chief Palestinian Negotiator, Saeb Erekat, has it that the resolution is a ‘victory for international law, a victory for civilised language and negotiation and a total rejection of extremist forces in Israel... The international community has told the people of Israel that the way to security and peace is not going to be done through occupation... but rather through peace ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian State to live side by side with the State of Israel on the 1967 line.’

For the Israelis, Yuval Steinitz, the Israeli Energy Minister, the resolution is not against settlements,, ‘it is an anti-Israel resolution, against the Jewish people and the state of the Jews. The United States tonight has simply abandoned its only friend in the Middle East.’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the resolution is most unfortunate and unacceptable: ‘Israel rejects this shameful anti-Israel resolution at the UN and will not abide by its terms,’ Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, sees the resolution as quite disgraceful and hopes that ‘the new US administration and the incoming UN Secretary-General will usher in a new era in terms of the UN’s relationship with Israel.’

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Antonio Guterres, newly elected UN Secretary General

This hope should be understood within the context of expected Donald Trump’s policy attitude according to which ‘as to the UN, things shall be different after January 20, 2017,’ especially bearing in mind the fact that Donald Trump has not only vowed to relocate the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem but has also named a ‘hard line pro-settlement ambassador-designate to Israel. It is on the basis of this expected reversal policy that one should also understand the failure of success that has come to characterise the resolution. Additionally, it is also on this basis that Israel is not likely to comply with the obligations of the UNSC resolution. This factor is not only an expression of failure of success but also the lull often created by UNSC resolutions on Israel.

The Lull in UNSC Resolutions

The lull can be understood by asking the extent to which this new Resolution 2334 can go. How far will the State of Israel be able to resist the will of the international community, regardless of the fact that a resolution of the UNSC has a facultative character? With the impending inauguration of Donald Trump as the next US president and his pledge to reverse US policy study especially in favour of Israel, what are the likely scenarios of the post-resolution era, especially in light of the experiences of previous UNSC resolutions on Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory occupied since 1967? Will US-Israel relations under Donald Trump help the objective of peace in the Middle East, by simply seeking to change Barack Obama’s policy attitude on Israeli occupation of the West Bank? Donald Trump in a tweet says ‘the UN has such great potential. But right now it is just a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time. Sad.’ This is a major lull at the level of the UN as an organisation A second lull is located at the level of US policy on the issue.

Elliot Abrams, a Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, noted in Foreign Policy on December 4, 2016 that President Barack Obama made policy mistakes on the issue and that is why his eight years of intensive diplomacy had failed. As he put it, ‘Obama’s policy was set on his second full day in office, January 22, 2009, with the appointment of George Mitchell as special envoy for Middle East peace. That decision ushered in a strategy heavily focused on Israeli settlements rather than on encouraging practical steps to improve the security and livelihood of the people it supposedly endeavoured to help. The administration immediately demanded an absolute freeze on Israel housing construction not only in the entire West Bank, including in the major blocks that Israel will obviously keep in any peace agreement, but also in Israel’s capital of Jerusalem. This was a precondition for peace negotiations,’ Mitchell and Obama said.

Perhaps more noteworthy is the blindness of the Obama policy to ‘both the facts and their implications on the ground.

Since no Israeli government will agree to stop Jews from building homes in their capital, and with the Palestinian leadership reluctant to negotiate even under these far-reaching terms, peace talks never got off the ground in Obama’s first term,’ Elliot Abrams further submitted.

As noted above, there are several UNSC resolutions condemning Israel’s attempts at annexing East Jerusalem. For instance, Resolution 476 of June 30, 1980 reaffirmed the non-acceptance of territory by use of force, the persistence of Israel in changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and the status of the Holy City of Jerusalem. It strongly deplores Israel’s consistent non-compliance with the various UN resolutions on the matter and reaffirms the UN ‘determination in the event of non-compliance by Israel with this resolution, to examine practical ways and means in accordance with relevant provisions of the Charter of the UN to secure the full implementation of this resolution.’

But true enough, Israel never complied. This explains why UNSC Resolution 478 of August 20, 1980 for which 14 states voted and again one member abstained, condemned Israel’s non-compliance with Resolution 476 and Israel’s 1980 Jerusalem Law. As noted in paragraph 1 of the resolution, the UNSC ‘censures in the strongest terms the enhancement by Israel of the “basic Law” on Jerusalem and the refusal to comply with relevant Security Council resolutions.’ This is another major lull.

The passing of UNSC Resolution 2334, last December 23rd, for which again 14 members voted, none voted against, but from which there was only one abstention (United States), required Israel to rescind its declaration of Jerusalem as its unified capital.

Many factors prompted the adoption of the resolution.

The first, and perhaps the most significant, is the decision of the United States, which for the first time, decided to be objective, to abstain from voting, as well as its non-acceptance of both Donald Trump’s and Israel’s calls for application of US veto. As explained by US Secretary of State, John Kerry, there is the need to prevent giving unnecessary licence for ‘unfettered settlement construction,’ which has the potential of putting an end to the peace process.

As he put it, ‘the only way to achieve a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians,’ is to accept a two-state solution. A second dynamic is the fact that President Barack Obama does not actually have any burden to carry by ensuring that there is peace in the Middle East. Barack Obama does not have any more election burden for the mean time, and therefore, can have the luxury of authorising the US ambassador to the UN to refrain from voting. And more notably, the choice of abstention is a major point of achievement in the eight-year administration of Barack Obama, especially that it has been alleged that his policy on the matter had been faulty. Abstention is therefore another last opportunity to remedy the situation before leaving the office.

John Kerry could not have been more correct when he noted that if the US had vetoed this resolution, it ‘would have been giving license to further, unfettered settlement construction that we fundamentally oppose. It is not this resolution that is isolating Israel. It is the permanent policy of Israeli settlement construction that risks making peace impossible.’

An additional factor is that the United Nations underscores the principle of non-admissibility of the acquisition of any territory by force. There is the consideration that the various settlement activities of Israel have been more of obstacles to the two-state solution based on the 1967 lines, which is generally believed to be the antidote to the Middle East crisis. Apart from the rule of non-acceptability of any act of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, provocation, incitement and destruction, there is also the belief of the generality of the UN in the need for two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, to live side by side in peace within secure and recognised borders It is on the basis of the foregoing rationales that UNSC Resolution 2334 not only ‘reaffirms that the establishment of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity’ and consequently, that Israel should ‘immediately and completely cease all settlement activities. In this regard, the UNSC ‘will not recognise any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the parties through negotiations.

More significantly, the UNSC resolution 2334 not only invited all UN Member States to distinguish between the territory of the State of Israel and territories occupied by Israel since 1967, on the one hand, but also urged ‘the intensification and acceleration of international and regional diplomatic efforts and support aimed at achieving without delay, a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East,’ on the other hand. These lulls impact considerably on the future of the Middle East conflict. Nigeria must therefore keep watch of the likely implications.

Future Scenarios and Lessons for Nigeria

The likely scenarios of Resolution 2334 have the potential to deepen the emerging new Cold War for one main reason: US policy on Israelo-Arab conflict, on the one hand, and Israel’s policy on the matter. US abstention vote is tension lessening while the expected US policy under Donald Trump is likely to reverse the policy, meaning that there will be renewal of dangerous tension.

The tension cannot but be dangerous because Israel is not showing any readiness to comply with the obligations of Resolution 2334 and the US under Donald Trump will give support to Israel.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

17

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 1, 2017

BUSINESS QUICK TAKES

Consumer Index

TheConsumerPriceIndex(CPI),which is used to gauge inflation in Nigeria, increased significantly by 92 per cent in2016,from9.62percentinJanuary, to 18.48 per cent in November.

This clearly showed that inflationary pressurewas strong in 2016 as prices of goods and service rose astronomically during the year. Inflation in 2016 rosefarabovetheupperboundarythat was set by the central bank.

AlthoughtheCPIfiguresforDecember would be released next month, it is largely expected to remain within the 18 per cent band. From 9.62 per cent in January, the CPI climbed to 11.38 per cent February, 12.77 per cent in March and 13.77 per cent in April.

Furthermore, it jumped to 15.58 per cent in May, 16.48 per cent in June, 17.13 per cent in July and 17.61 per cent in August. In addition, the CPI edged higher to 17.85 in September, 18.33 per cent in October and 18.48 per cent in November. In all, the CPI rose by 92 per cent in 2016.

The federal government recently said it was targeting a growth rate of seven per cent between 2017 and 2020, through its National Economic Recovery Growth Plan (NERGP).This is expected to result to a drop in the CPI in the coming year.

OPEC Headquater

Power

OPEC Projects Demand for Crude at 32.6mb/d in 2017 Kunle Aderinokun

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said the demand for its crude would slightly increase to 32.6 million barrels per day (mb/d) this year from 32.5 mb/d as world oil demand growth is projected to drop to 1.15 mb/d from 1.24 mb/d.

OPEC, which disclosed this in its monthly oil report for December, noted that, “This, combined with the joint cooperation with a number of non-OPEC countries in adjusting production by around 0.6 mb/d, will accelerate the reduction of global inventories and bring forward the rebalancing of the oil market to the second half of 2017.”

Nigerian government has proposed a production of 2.2 million barrels of crude per day for the 2017 budget that is based on oil price benchmark of $42.50 per barrel. The estimated production level ranks Nigeria among the major producing OPEC members.

The country is one of the 13 members of OPEC, which is a cartel of oil producing countries founded in 1960.

According to OPEC, the world oil demand estimated at 1.24mb/d, is supported by the transportation sector reflecting low retail prices and better-than-anticipated vehicle sales.

It pointed out: “In the non-OECD, Other Asia and China saw solid-to-steady oil demand growth. In Latin America and the Middle East, oil requirements were lower than initial projections as slower economic developments and a high level of substitution dampened oil consumption. In 2017, world oil demand is projected to grow by 1.15 mb/d. In OECD, oil demand is projected to rise in OECD Americas, flatten in Europe and continue declining in Asia Pacific.

“In non-OECD, improvement in

ECONOMY

economic activities is assumed to provide support to oil demand growth, particularly in Latin America and the Middle East. Non-OPEC oil supply in 2016 is estimated to contract by 0.78 mb/d.

The main contributors to this decline are the US, China, Mexico, Colombia and other OECD Europe, while growth is anticipated to come from Russia, Brazil, Congo and the UK. Low oil prices led to a decline of 420 tb/d in US oil production.

“Declines are also seen coming from Colombia and China, as well as Canadian conventional crude output. In 2017, non-OPEC oil supply is projected to grow by 0.3 mb/d, despite initial projections in July 2016 for a contraction (Graph 2). This is mainly due to higher price expectations for 2017. The main contributors to non-OPEC supply growth are Brazil with 0.25 mb/d, Kazakhstan with 0.21 mb/d, and Canada with 0.17 mb/d. In contrast, Mexico, US, China, Colombia, and Azerbaijan are expected to show the main declines.”

However, OPEC noted that, “this forecast remains subject to a number of uncertainties, including the pace of economic growth, potential new policies and price developments.”

With regards to crude oil price movements, the OPEC monthly report recalled that, November was a volatile month for crude, with the OPEC Reference Basket (ORB) wiping out gains from the previous month to plunge nearly 10 per cent to $43.22/b.

“Oil prices trended down sharply amid uncertainty surrounding the implementation of OPEC’s Algiers Accord agreed upon in late September. A substantial increase in global oil supplies

into a market already awash in crude also contributed to the decline in prices.

Year-to-date, the ORB value was lower by 21.9per cent at $39.80/b.

“After rising to 12-month-highs in October in reaction to the OPEC decision in Algiers, crude oil futures plunged in November. A sharp increase in global oil supplies was also a contributing factor.

An all-time high build of 14.4mb in US crude stocks, as well as the unexpected result of the US presidential election and the strength of the US dollar, all weighed heavily on oil prices during the month,” it stated.

Nevertheless, OPEC added in the report, the oil complex still managed Demand for its crude would slightly increase to 32.6 million barrels per day (mb/d) this year from 32.5 mb/d as world oil demand growth is projected to drop to 1.15 mb/d from 1.24 mb/d

to soar more than 10 per cent, with futures for both benchmark crudes well above $50/b late in the month following OPEC’s announcement on 30 November of a supply adjustment agreement.

According to the cartel, “ICE Brent ended $4.31 lower at $47.08/b for the month and 19.5per cent lower at $44.26/b for the year. Similarly, NYMEX WTI dropped $4.18 to $45.76/b in November and 14.3per cent to $42.68/b year-to-date.

The ICE Brent/NYMEX WTI (or transatlantic) spread narrowed further to $1.30/b, encouraging the US to import Brent-related grades such as West African crudes. Pressure on Brent relative to WTI has come from increasing production and exports of regional light sweet crudes as well as North Sea grades. Specula-

tors bet strongly on price declines in November. Futures and options trading data indicated that money managers had boosted short positions by record amounts throughout the month.

Besides, the report stated that, in a very volatile month for crude oil, the ORB wiped out almost all its previous month’s gains to end November close to 10per cent lower. “Oil prices trended down sharply a few days after having reached a 15-month high in response to the OPEC decision in Algiers (the Algiers Accord) at the end of September, which was designed to bring forward market rebalancing.

“During the two weeks following the agreement, uncertainty regarding its implementation set off a sharp decline in oil prices.

A substantial increase in global oil supplies, in a market already awash in oil, also contributed to this price drop. Oversupply in oil came from an all-time high level of output by most major crude oil producers, as well as the return of lost production from turbulent areas and from planned oil field maintenance. The surprise result of the US presidential election, and the increase in the US dollar that accompanied it, also contributed to the deterioration in oil prices seen in November.

“Nevertheless, by the end of the month, the highly-anticipated announcement of a supply adjustment

by OPEC of around 1.2 mb/d for the first time since 2008 – with scope for cooperation from non-OPEC – sent the oil market soaring by more than 18per cent, lifting the ORB value to its highest this year. On 2 December, the ORB value reached nearly $50/b for the first time since October last year,” it explained.

Eight power distribution companies rejected 1,336.75 megawatts-hour of electricity, representing 19 per cent of the total quantum of power supplied to them by theTransmission Company of Nigeria. Industry data showed that Kaduna, Eko, Jos, Yola, PortHarcourt,Abuja,IbadanandBenin Discosrejectedthe1,336.75MWHof power in the third quarter of this year, despite the instability in the supply of electricity across the country. Earlier this year, the Managing Director,TCN, Abubarkar Atiku, told journalists in Abuja that consumers were not able to benefit optimally from the supply of electricity because the distribution companies were rejecting the loads allocated to them to avoid paying for the power.

However, the Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributor , an umbrella body for the Discos, said, “In view of the dire need for generation, as well as the generation thresholds in the Discos’ tariffs, which constitute the basis of their revenue recovery, it is inconceivable to think that any Disco wouldload-shedasdescribed,thereby diminishingitsrevenueprospectsand alienating its customers.”

Stock Market

Going by the year-to-date (YTD) performance of the benchmark index, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI), the market will close the year on a negative note.

This implies that for the first in many years,thenation’sstockmarketwould be posting negative performance for three years in a row. The market had suffered a decline of 16.1 per cent in 2014, 17.4 per cent in 2015 and is now recording the third decline, though better than the two previous years. Although the decline recorded in 2014 and 2015 depressed most prices of stocks and created an entry opportunity for investors,most investors stayed away due to economic headwinds. Lack of fiscal direction, declining oil prices, policy reversal by theCentralBankofNigeria(CBN),naira devaluation and persistent liquidity challenge in the foreign exchange market combined to dash hopes of the market recovering in 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 • JANUARY 1, 2017

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

Driving Economic Growth with Indigenous Technology Innovation Financial accountability has a fighting chance to thrive as home-grown software, Remita drives a culture of probity from the public financial system to the individual level, writes Kunle Aderinokun

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igeria is ranked the 136th most corrupt country in the world, closely trailing Guinea, Kenya, Uganda, Central African Republic, Congo and DR Congo.

Transparency International’s Global Corruption Index for 2015 showed Nigeria still hovering within the range it had maintained on the corruption scale since 2012.

Last year, Nigeria lost a whopping $174 billion to corruption. Even more alarming, a recent report by audit assurance rating company PriceWaterHouseCoopers projects that Nigeria may lose about 37 per cent of its total gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, if urgent reforms are not carried out in the country’s public and private sector administration. It estimated the cost of corruption per individual at $1,000 in 2014, with the possibility that the figure would increase to almost $2,000 per person by 2030 going by current indices.

When President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office on May 29 last year, he inherited an empty treasury that constrained him from executing developmental projects.

He lost no time implementing the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy instituted by the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2012 without far-reaching effects, since only 217 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) complied with the policy.

One year on, the government has identified and closed over 17,000 MDA accounts and transferred the recovered funds to the TSA. Over 900 MDAs and 500 microfinance banks currently comply with the policy. Deposit money banks have also been constrained to diversify their sources of deposit mobilisation rather than rely on these idle funds which yielded interest for faceless individuals and groups while the government was starved of funds.

But analysts argue that the TSA would not have been half as effective without Remita, the payment gateway powering the policy behind the scenes. A McKinsey report for August 2016 justifies the adoption of software such as Remita to drive accountability in the public sector. Tagged ‘Policy in the Data Age: Data Enablement for the Common Good’, the report emphasises that evidence-based governance is the future, and will increase in the run-up to 2020. It explains that this digitalised governance “gives governments the tool they need to be more efficient, effective and transparent; while enabling a significant change in public-policy performance management across the entire spectrum of government activities.”

If e-Governance is the future, some would say Remita is the gateway. Launched in 2006, the software is an electronic platform that helps the government, corporate organisations, SMEs and individuals make and receive payments easily. It aggregates multiple bank accounts, giving customers the ability to perform the complete suite of e-Transactions. With these services, Remita facilitates payment to the government and enables tracking of its finances, and may just be the leverage Nigeria needs to join the comity of nations driving transparency and accountability in their national systems through digitalisation.

Remita is also a catalyst for financial inclusion and domestic growth, being a software that drives digital finance. As if to reinforce this, in its September 2016 report, McKinsey forecasts that“widespread

Banks have continued to deploy technology to ease banking process

adoption and use of digital finance could increase the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of all emerging economies by 6 per cent, or a total of $3.7 trillion, by 2025.” It goes on to explain that the additional GDP will generate 95 million new jobs across all sectors of the economy, provide access to 1.6 billion unbanked people, while governments could gain $110 billion yearly by reducing leakages in public spending and tax collection.

As one of the emerging economies, Nigeria is poised to leverage the opportunities associated with this projection. This year’s KPMG FinTech Report says Nigeria is fast becoming a dynamic ecosystem bursting at the seams with opportunities for FinTech start-ups. Currently, less than 50 million people have bank accounts in Nigeria’s population of over 170 million people, 115 million of whom are youthful and use mobile phones for financial transactions.

Not surprisingly, FinTech companies are cashing in to launch products cutting across lending, payment, transfer, purchasing, investing/borrowing and switching. Paga, PayPal, PaywithCapture, QuickTeller, GTMobile, e-Tranzact and Remita are only a handful of the dominant players in Nigeria’s burgeoning FinTech industry.

Collectively, they have made financial transactions much easier, eliminating the need for consumers to join long queues in banking halls or restrict their financial transactions to official work hours Mondays through Fridays.

Meanwhile, Remita has gone beyond basic financial services to impact government finance and national bottom lines massively. A case in point was the recent tussle between former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who claimed that the Federal Government had overdrawn its funds in the TSA to

the tune of N4.7 trillion. He said this was in violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007 (Section 38.2). Thankfully, the argument was short due to the system of accountability that Remita has brought to the administration of public funds under the TSA. The records showed that as of December 2, inflows into the TSA stood at N4.4 trillion, out of which government only actually spent N1.913 trillion. This record-keeping was only instituted when Remita was adopted by the government as the payment gateway powering the TSA. “Corruption thrives in an environment of secrecy, where people believe they can do anything and get away with it,” said SystemSpecs Managing Director, John Obaro, in a recent chat with newsmen.

“But when people know that whatever they do can come under the searchlight very easily, that in itself becomes a major deterrent that helps to put some sanity into the system.”

As far as Obaro is concerned, Remita has instilled fiscal discipline that allows government to have control over budget allocations, whilst providing multiple entry points for collections. He argues that the execution of the TSA policy made possible by Remita has significantly reduced government’s debt servicing costs, lowered liquidity reserve needs, and fostered effective use of surplus cash.

Last month, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, announced the World Bank’s commendation of Remita for driving fiscal accountability through the TSA. At the conclusion of the second Presidential Economic Communications Workshop in Abuja, she emphasised that the World Bank had commended the ease of doing business in Nigeria powered by the duo of Remita and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This development

was not lost on workshop facilitator and renowned economist, Ayo Teriba, who reportedly projected that Nigeria’s business climate would continue turning out high growth projections as Remita accelerates seamless payment processes into the TSA. For the individual, Remita is also a useful tool. It eliminates the need to log into different bank portals to obtain balances and manually add up totals. It provides users real-time updates of their account balances across banks on a single screen, giving them control over pre-payment and post-payment operations that can be easily integrated with their budgets, invoicing and accounting. With the software, they can pay taxes, levies and tariffs directly to the government without fear of missing deadlines and attracting surcharges that max out their account when they least expect.

In its global report for September, McKinsey argued that digital finance involved more than just unlocking another market for the financial industry. It said the attendant access to basic financial services would drastically scale down inequality, poverty and government corruption, while creating 95 million new jobs.

“Digital payments and electronic records would also save governments about $110 billion a year as money is less likely to go missing on its way to public spending projects or on its way back in tax collection,” the report said.

If President Buhari’s avowed war against corruption is to stand the test of time, analysts advise that his administration align its strategy with these projections in good time. Good enough, digital infrastructure to drive this is already in place and will continue to institute a culture of accountability in the administration of public funds as the onslaught against public corruption continues.

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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 • JANUARY 1, 2017

BUSINESS/ENERGY

Barrels of oil

As Nigeria’s Oil Reserves Rise to 37 Billion Barrels…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) last week disclosed that the country’s oil and gas reserves have increased to 37 billion barrels (bbls) and 192 trillion cubic feet (tcf), indicating an appreciable growth. Chineme Okafor writes

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n his end of the year message to staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, disclosed that Nigeria has recorded some addition to its oil and gas reserves.

Baru said the country’s oil and gas reserves had increased to 37 billion barrels and 192 trillion cubic feet respectively. He ascribed the growth to the relative peace that was instituted in the Niger Delta following repeated disruption of crude oil production activities by militants in the region.

Nigeria’s oil production had largely experienced severe disruptions from the activities of militants in the Delta. Starting from February 2016, outputs from the country’s oil fields diminished to all-time lows. Coupled with low oil prices, this impacted heavily on the country’s oil sector.

Though with no details on the reserve growth, Baru said the NNPC would continue to find sustainable solution to the challenges posed by insurgency in the Niger Delta to keep this up.

He explained that the corporation had created security management platforms that would enable it identify and evaluate risks, develop and superintend implementation of investigations, as well as aggregate and deploy necessary resources to guarantee a peaceful business environment in the region.

His disclosure came barely two months after United States’oil giant, ExxonMobil Corporation, announced the discovery of up to one billion barrels of oil reserves in the Owowo field which is offshore Nigeria.

Already, reports indicated that Nigeria’s crude

oil reserves was depleting and had subsequently dropped to 28.2bbls and 186tcf. This prompted the President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Nosa Omorodion, to in October, 2016, raise the alarm over the development.

Decrying the lack of new exploration in the country,Omorodion requested the Federal Government to begin seismic work in the frontier sedimentary basins, which include Bida Dahomey, Anambra, Gongola, and Sokoto, to improve Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves.

Even though Baru did not disclose how the country managed to ramp up its reserves to the current levels, the discovery by ExxonMobil, however, coincided with his announcement, and this provided a boost to Nigeria’s efforts to increase her crude oil reserves from the prior levels to 40 billion barrels target, which was set for 2010 but could not be achieved as a result of lack of investment in exploratory activities.

The development also means that the country was perhaps 3bbls away from hitting its 40bbls proved reserve mark, though a function of oil prices and available technology.

Input from ExxonMobil According to reports, the Owowo field where ExxonMobil made its recent huge discovery spans portions of the contract areas of Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 223 and Oil Mining License (OML) 139.

The Texas-based oil and gas company had stated that the huge discovery has a potential recoverable resource of between 500 million and one billion barrels of oil, and that the Owowo-3 well, which was spud on September

23, 2016, encountered about 460 feet (140 metres) of oil-bearing sandstone reservoir.

According to the company’s statement bearing the news then, the Owowo-3 well extends the resource discovered by the Owowo-2 well, which encountered about 515 feet (157 meters) of oil-bearing sandstone reservoir.

Then, its President, Stephen Greenlee, said on the discovery: “We are encouraged by the results and will work with our partners and the government on future development plans.”

ExxonMobil further added that the Owowo-3 was safely drilled to 10,410 feet (3,173 metres) in 1,890 feet (576 metres) of water by its affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater Ventures) Limited and proved additional resource in deeper reservoirs.

As per interests, ExxonMobil reportedly holds 27 per cent interest and is the operator for OPL 223 and OML 139 where the discovery was made. Its joint venture partners include Chevron Nigeria Deepwater Limited (27 per cent interest), Total E&P Nigeria Limited (18 per cent interest), Nexen Petroleum Deepwater Nigeria Limited (18 per cent interest), and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Limited, a subsidiary of the NNPC (10 per cent interest).

Also, ExxonMobil had recently announced the sale of its 60 per cent stake in Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc to NIPCO Plc, thus exiting from the Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sub-sector.

What this means to Nigeria Considering that Baru’s 37bbls reserves disclosure may have been confirmed by the corporation and the Department of Petroleum

Resources (DPR) as quantities of petroleum which by analysis of geological and engineering data, are estimated with reasonable certainty to be commercially recoverable from a given date forward, known reservoirs and under current economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations, it could as well be said that they are already proved reserves.

Additionally, the NNPC’s disclosure also means that with oil at its fluctuating prices, the fields where the new findings were made are thus economical to produce from by operators. As stated by ExxonMobil, production from the Owowo field will in this regard start after stakeholders meet and decide.

THISDAY, however, contacted the Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute for Petroleum, Energy Law and Policy (IIPELP), Dr. Timothy Okon, for an expert view on the development, what Nigeria stands to benefit from it.

Okon, a former top officer at the NNPC however said: “I think there has been a new discovery but when it comes to reserve definition, the price of oil features in the definition of what is proved and probable reserve.

“So, we need to be careful in the way this is presented because the definition of reserve needs to be clear.”

He further stated: “There was a discovery in the deep offshore and ExxonMobil has the estimate but the discovery is a function of the ability to monetise what was found and oil prices are down now.

“However, generally, there have been one or two recoveries and it is correct to say there are new discoveries but it is better to be careful in saying you have increased reserves.”

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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 • JANUARY 1, 2017

BUSINESS/MONEY

Amidst Recession, Access Bank Harvests Global Accolades

Bracing the odds, Access Bank plc defied the challenging operating environment to exercise its mandates to customers and investors, placing it above industry peers on many fronts and attracting accolades from within and outside the country, reports Kunle Aderinokun

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n July 2013, just three and a half years ago, Access Bank plc, a Tier-1 bank operating in Nigeria, launched a bold and an ambitious five-year transformation strategy at the Nigerian Stock Exchange. At the time it presented this strategy, the bank was widely regarded as Nigeria’s corporate bank leader. And in this audacious strategy, the bank was aiming to move from this position of corporate bank leader to becoming the“World’s Most Respected African Bank” by 2018. In the intervening years since the bank began implementing this strategy, there has been a lot of turbulence in economies around the world, with the domestic Nigerian economy buffeted on all sides. This turbulence has unsettled many an institution with any ambition, much more, becoming the world’s most respected African bank. The following scenarios characterised the turbulent climate under which Access Bank’s ambition has been pursued. And so, the global accolades that have come to the bank in the last couple of years, suggest that it is withstanding this turbulence and forging ahead with its ambition.

The oil and banking sectors of the Nigerian economy have long played a significant role in the life of the country. Oil for being the proverbial goose that lays the golden eggs and banking for being the provider of financing as well as the custodian of the returns, hence making the wheel of exchange truly go round. Indeed, there has always been a huge expectation on the banking sector, principally as an engine of economic growth and development. Bankers and their banks have perennially been expected to do much more than gather and keep deposits.

It is for this reason, and even more, that banks are often courted by all players in the economy.

They create and disburse credit. Credit helps oil the engine of businesses and he who provides credit is king. Or used to be? Things are changing and they have changed to such an extent that resilience is a buzzword in the world of business and in the economy. After a few hiccups in the banking industry over the last few years, beginning with the global financial crisis of 2007/08, banks have particularly been cautious with regulators tightening what used to be loose ends, to keep the sector in check.

But we are in December, a really eventful year for domestic and global economies. 2016 is racing to a close. There are many who are wishing it races faster, with huge expectation that 2017 would come with much better tidings. Since 2014, when global oil prices collapsed on producers of the black gold, especially countries like Nigeria with a preponderance dependency on it for survival, the centre of their economies has not held. Local and international businesses have had a sorry tale to tell of their experiences working the business terrain for survival. Many organisations are closing their books almost with one eye shut, the other eye open just to ensure that they are putting in the figures in the right places, not because they are enthused to see the outcome of the figures they are putting together.

In Nigeria, as in Venezuela, Ecuador, Algeria, Brazil and other such oil dependent countries, economic recession, even depression, has become a street word, spoken by children in primary schools. Jobs are being lost across different business activities within national and regional economies. Public sector leaders and business owners and managers have been scrambling to lay their hands on their strategy roadmaps in search of ways to either help them cope, or just get them out of the mess that recession is causing.

Signs of hard times began showing up in 2014 following the reshaping of the global oil markets.

Nigeria, which has always depended on oil for 85 to 90 percent of its foreign exchange earnings, began to see red and by 2015, it was clear that a cover up of the economic difficulty Nigeria was facing

Wigwe was not going to be possible, especially after the elections. The banking sector, faced with regulatory headwinds, found itself facing the difficulties that came with it. Chief executive of Origins Capital and former Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Emeka Onwuka, said in July in Lagos, at a book launch, of the impact of the regulatory headwinds that banks were dealing with: “The Nigerian banking market is facing serious headwinds from slow GDP growth, falling FX reserves/ availability and regulatory pressures.

The regulatory pressures on banks include: stricter regulatory oversight on SIBs (Systematically Important Banks) which increases the pressure to meet regulatory requirements (e.g. CAR); slower deposit growth fueled by lack of economic growth and public sector developments such as TSA; slowdown in lending with liquidity constraints and deteriorating macro environment; inflation and growing risk premium, which drives interest rates.”

The elections in 2015, with all the uncertainties it generated, piled more pressure on the economy.

When the elections were over, banks began the real struggle of dealing with the challenging business environment they were operating in. 2016, therefore opened with much turbulence and it became clear that only the few banks with the right approach and strategy were going to claw their way into reckoning both in their balance sheet performances and in how they were viewed by the world.

The turbulence of the outgoing year has registered in terms of rising non-performing loans, erosion of public funds from banks’ vaults, as a result of a quasi-implementation of TSA. It was this year too that banks stopped charging COT, which some banks depended on for revenues, the stoppage of which created some concerns for the managements of these banks.

The sharp drop in oil prices affected operators in the upstream and downstream sectors. Banks, exposed to these operators, saw another round of

crisis on their hands. As if this was not enough, the banking sector faced the resultant economic challenges of shortage of foreign exchange as well as what was initially described as ‘technical recession’. Added to these were the fall in the value of the naira, the huge US dollar denominated exposures, investors selling off of bank stocks, huge non-performing loan portfolio, a contracting economy and overall tough operating environment, which made it clear that only banks with the resolve, the confidence and an astute strategy for the times, would weather the storm and be able to raise their heads high throughout the year.

Access Bank Group Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, and Chief Finance Officer, Seyi Kumapayi, in presentations at the bank’s 2016 investor day, described these as key macro themes challenging the banking landscape. But operating under these conditions, the bank continued to implement its transformation strategy and this year is proud to describe itself to investors as a “high-performing Nigerian diversified banking leader”, on its way to its set target of being the “World’s Best Respected African Bank.”

With every progress made since the bank began implementing the transformation strategy, it would seem that the world was taking notice. The accolades, the awards, the recognitions that have been bestowed on the bank since 2014 have been of such global significance that they are serving as an endorsement of the push towards the target set in 2013. This year, in particular, when the Nigerian banking industry has been hard hit and when the country had been officially confirmed as being in recession, the awards have come to support the progress being made by the bank.

Yet, two big global awards in 2015 signposted the fact that the efforts of the management of Access Bank, led by Wigwe, in pursuit of its transformation strategy, was receiving the world’s attention. First,

The Banker Africa at its West Africa Awards, named Access Best Corporate Bank (Nigeria). This was followed by the award of Euromoney Magazine as the Best Flow House (Africa). Both awards came from globally recognised institutions with strong pedigrees and they seemed to set the stage for what was to come this year.

Access Bank is closing 2016 in what is easily on a high. This is the only way to describe an award coming from the prestigious global banking magazine, The Banker, a publication of the Financial Times Group of London, which last month named the bank,‘Bank of theYear – Nigeria 2016’. Analysts describe this as the global endorsement of what a local newspaper, BusinessDay, had done earlier in September when it also named it ‘Best Bank of Year’ and its CEO, Wigwe, ‘Best Bank CEO’ at its own banking awards.

The different prestigious global awards, including The Banker’s, appear to have come in torrents.

For instance, apart from being named ‘Bank of the Year’, other global awards have since followed. The EMEA Finance Magazine, this December, bestowed three prestigious global awards on the bank. These awards were in three categories awarded to financial institutions in the Pan-African Region: the ‘CEO of the Year’, awarded to the bank’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Herbert Wigwe; ‘Best Bank in Nigeria’and‘Corporate Social Responsibility’award.

Wigwe, while responding to the award by the Banker, he received in London, said:“Winning this is recognition of our commitment to delivering banking excellence to our customers. We remain focused on the realisation of our strategic intent of becoming ‘Most Respected African Bank’ and continue to explore opportunities in markets and sectors across the continent that will enable us achieve this vision.”

He would emphasise this point again while receiving the EMEA awards by saying: “It is a testimonial to the hard work we have done in line with our five-year strategy to become the world’s most respected African Bank.

“2016 has been a remarkable year for the bank as we continue to receive both regional and international acclaim. I am extremely proud to be part of a profitable institution that is committed to delivering sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible and socially relevant. We have reaffirmed our status as innovative industry pioneers equipped to help our customers take tomorrow today,”Wigwe stated.

The CEO of EMEA Finance, Christopher Moore, particularly noted the power of Access Bank, when in presenting the awards said: “A repeat winner of our Best Bank in Nigeria award, Access Bank has become a Nigerian powerhouse, and one of the premier financial institutions in the country.

Generating steep increases in revenues and profit growth over the past several years is no small feat, particularly with strong negative macroeconomic headwinds.”

“We are delighted to recognise Wigwe as our CEO of the Year in our African Banking Awards 2016 awards package,” Moore said. “Leadership requires ambition, and Wigwe possesses this quality and much more. His years of dedication and commitment to the development of Access Bank have helped it to attract over 8 million customers, to complete complex and strategically important financings, and to create an international presence,” he added, as Wigwe received the CEO of the Year award.

In what is now also widely acknowledge as a global endorsement of its transformative practices, Access Bank won the 2016 Euromoney’s Africa’s Best Bank Transformation award. It won this award in recognition of progress being made in enhancement of its operations through its ‘Wining with Service’ initiative, as well as its commitment to raising the standards of customer experience through its digital banking strategy.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 1, 2017

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BUSINESS/MONEY

What Becomes of War against Money Laundering with Rising Fortunes of Bitcoin?

With the price of Bitcoin in Nigeria currently $500 (over 70 per cent) higher than the rest of the world, there are growing concerns that illicit funds are now being laundered through other avenues besides the financial system, writes Adedayo Adejobi

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Emergence of Bitcoin he need to eliminate any middle person or a third party in payments for goods and services purchased on the internet has been of great concern to the promoters of the virtual world.

In 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto overcame the challenge by creating the first digital currency known as the Bitcoin.

Through the Bitcoin, there is a direct payment from the buyer to the seller on the internet without passing through any financial institution.

The technology behind the Bitcoin is known as the Blockchain.

Using an open sourced peer-to-peer electronic cash registry, digital transactions are made without the interference of any bank.

There are no `transaction fees and no need to reveal your identity.

Merchants all over the world are beginning to accept them as a means of payment . With Bitcoin you can buy webhosting services, pizza or even manicures. Bitcoins can also be used to buy merchandise anonymously. In addition, international payments are easy and cheap because bitcoins are not tied to any country or subject to regulation.

Small businesses may like them because there are no credit card fees. Some people just buy bitcoins as an investment, hoping that the prices would go up.

Criminals, money launderers and those with illicit funds are also attracted to bitcoin because it enables them to move their proceeds of crime beyond the reach of the law enforcement agencies. That is one of the biggest worries about the increasing popularity of the virtual currency.

The value of a bitcoin has fluctuated wildly since 2009 but now hovers between $780 and US$1,251.18. To spend it, users buy bitcoin and transact using a third-party app rather than a central authority validating transactions, all transfers are recorded on a public ledger.

People can send bitcoins to each other using mobile apps or their computers. It’s similar to sending cash digitally. People compete to “mine” bitcoins using computers to solve complex math puzzles.

This is how bitcoins are created. Currently, a winner is rewarded with 25 bitcoins roughly every 10 minutes. Bitcoins are stored in a “digital wallet,” which exists either in the cloud or on a user’s computer. The wallet is a virtual bank account that allows users to send or receive bitcoins, pay for goods or save their money. Unlike bank accounts, bitcoin wallets are not insured by the National Deposit Insurance Corporation.

A Case against Nigeria’s Decentralised Digital Currency With its rise daily, bitcoin prices vary significantly from country to country. Specific regions are subject to paying premium prices, with China being a great example. But Nigeria is warming up to bitcoin as well, as prices soaring to unseen levels. Just recently, the price per bitcoin touched US$1,251.18 across Nigerian bitcoin exchanges.

Considering how the average global price was US$725 at that time, such a large cap is rather unusual.

Lending a voice on the intricacies of digital currency and why the warning should be taken seriously, the Managing Director, Compliance Consulting Limited, Mr Oladele Adeoye, noted that, “Nigeria has policies in place to stop money leaving the country. The exchange rate of N315/$ that Google shows is not reality, nobody gets that rate. They have a black market system in which dollars are auctioned off every day, the rates here are often as high as N500/$, which translates to $780 per bitcoin in Nigeria. But recently, it looks like they are at $1,200 per bitcoin, but this is just not the case, because nobody can get dollars at N315/$.’’

Although Nigerian exchanges are recording such high prices, that does not mean the rest of the world will follow its lead.

Bitx is one of Nigeria’s most prominent Bitcoin exchanges to date.

The platform attracts traders, consumers, and investors from all over the country. Interestingly enough, Bitx cannot provide ample liquidity to accommodate large trades right now. Due to this low liquidity, the price per individual Bitcoin spiked to over US$1,250 penultimate Thursday.

While it is not unusual to see people pay a premium compared to the normal price, a US$500 discrepancy is very uncommon. Nigeria is not the only country paying very high prices for bitcoin right now, though. India sees a similar trend, ever since the government made most of the cash supply useless. However, their premium prices are a lot lower, sitting at “just” 10-20 per cent over the global average.

Different factors influence the sudden demand for bitcoin. As the naira loses its value against the US dollar, it affects the purchasing power. Consumers and investors who see no more value in their own currency are more eager to spend it. Additionally, they want to hedge against a future volatile downturn by investing in alternative financial assets. And with this in view, bitcoin is becoming an attractive choice. Although its users are scared because the wallet in cloud, and on countless cases, servers have been hacked.

Companies have fled with clients’ bitcoins.

for more computers. Eventually, only professional mining operations will be able to produce blocks of transactions.

The Nigerian authorities and the law enforcement agencies must wake up to the reality of the digital currency and come up with definite steps to prevent criminal, money launderer, terrorists financiers and all those with illicit funds from having a field day.

Legalising Bitcoin?

The recent disclosure by NDIC Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, that the corporation and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have set up a committee to look into the possibility of legalising the use of bitcoin for transactions, is no doubt a misconception. The right word to use is standardise not legalise.

Virtual or digital currency of which the bitcoin is the most popular, is a technological innovation for payment purposes on the internet; it is already a fait accompli. What the NDIC and CBN need to be concerned about is how to standardise and provide guidelines on the usage of the technology in Nigeria.

Saying NDIC and CBN would legalise bitcoin is a misuse of words.

Can one say the National Communications Commission (NCC) would legalise the use of the internet or even mobile communication in Nigeria?

Before the NCC came into existence, there was the internet and mobile communication. What the NCC did was to set up the terms of reference and conditions for whoever wanted to partake in the use of the technology innovation. This was to prevent abuse and misuse.

The same scenario should apply for CBN, NDIC, law enforcement agencies regarding bitcoin or any other virtual or digital currency framework.

Emefiele Most deafening is the knowledge that wallet on computer can be accidentally deleted, as viruses could destroy them. Though each bitcoin transaction is recorded in a public log, names of buyers and sellers are never revealed – only their wallet IDs. While that keeps bitcoin users’ transactions private, it also lets them buy or sell anything without easily tracing it back to them. That’s why it has become the currency of choice for people online buying drugs or other illicit activities.

Another factor to take into account is how Nigeria is home to a lot of Internet users. Recent statistics indicate the country is the ninth-highest ranking region in the world. This does not automatically mean there is an uptake in digital payments, although the growing demand for bitcoin proves otherwise.

In the words of a financial expert, Managing Director, DataPro Limited, Abimbola Adeseyoju, ‘‘The problem of the economy is not entirely fiscal or monetary. The major factor is money laundering.

One preventive measure is the 100 per cent implementation of the cashless policy. Any country with predominantly cash transactions cannot achieve sustainable growth and development. Until we combat money laundering to the minimum all the distortions associated with our economic policies will continue. The government and the Central Bank of Nigeria must find a way of resuscitating this cashless policy. The more we reduce cash transactions the tighter it becomes for money launderers to evade the financial trail. The president must be made to re-launch the cashless policy as a preventive measure for combating money laundering.”

“No payment or receipt of funds by any government agency should be by cash. All payments and receipts must pass through the financial system. Section one of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act (MLPA) 2011 (As Amended) should be strictly enforced and awareness created.

Every adult Nigerian must be encouraged to open a bank account.

Nigeria must first transit from a cash-based to cash-less economy to sustain the fight against corruption,” Adeseyoju added.

Future of Bitcoin Billed as the future of democratised, digital money, the currency is now at the centre of a conflict over how to develop technologies behind the system. No one knows what will become of the unregulated bitcoin, especially as the Federal Government is concerned about taxation and their lack of control over the currency.

Fans of bitcoin say the system, which tends to be a pet project of encryption wonks, could eventually rival banks and the financial Institutions.

Waxing both financial and philosophical arguments, unlike centralised units in banks and financial Institutions, bitcoin doesn’t have a central clearinghouse to process all transactions. Instead, each purchase and transfer is verified by one of thousands of computers on a volunteer network and bundled into a digital block.

If blocks become increasingly larger, miners will need more computing power to produce blocks, which means they’ll need more money

Way Forward Technology is a double edged sword. The bitcoin is therefore vulnerable to money laundering because of the anonymity that comes with it.

In the opinion of Adeoye, bitcoin is attractive to criminals and those with illicit funds because it is more difficult to follow the money. “If the perception of anonymity diminishes, we believe the criminal use will diminish with it. It would be easier to fight crime with appropriate anti-money laundering and know-your-customer controls,” he said.

Along those lines, there are concerns that those making money from sex trafficking and pornography involving children have started to adopt bitcoin, thus making missing and exploited children more vulnerable.

For Nigeria’s secret service’s criminal investigative division and anti-graft agencies, the technologically complex bitcoin system makes it hard for the regular agents to stay on targets’ tails. They therefore need more tech-savvy investigators.

Giving a voice on the need to address the growing adoption of the digital currency in Nigeria , Adeseyoju, noted that, ‘’Money laundering as a derivative crime has the power to derail the development and growth of any economy. And this is one of the factors that have held Nigeria down since independence.”

According to him, “Until we address the situation whereby the proceeds of illegal activities such as corruption, bribery, insider dealing, fraud, extortion, racketeering and other economic crimes are prevented from being converted into economic activities all our efforts at running a market-driven economy will fail.

“The first casualty in a society where impunity, money laundering and other predicate crimes run supreme is the much touted market forces.

The operation of market forces pre-supposes that there is adequate punishment for those who flout the rules. You therefore need to understand why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Security (DSS) must be encouraged to rid every aspect of our economy of impunity before we can begin to feel the effect of the policies of the present administration.”

“No society has been able to eliminate crime and illegal activities.

And one is not thinking that EFCC and DSS will be able to eliminate these nefarious activities. But without adequate preventive controls nothing will work. The economic team must infuse preventive, detective, corrective and directive controls in getting the economy back on track.

We must have policies, processes, procedures and programmes that will debar people from taking undue advantage of the system, by side tracking laid down rules and regulations. For market forces to work we must also put in place detective controls that will spot those who will not play by the rules. It is quite foolhardy to think everybody will obey the rules. Unless those caught flouting the rules are adequately punished, the motivation to obey rules will not be there.

The economic team must also be ready to accept the fact that no policy is perfect, corrective controls must be part of the plan, whereby through adequate monitoring, gaps and deficiency are quickly spotted and addressed.

The plan must have directive controls. Any violation of the economic plan must be adequately punished no matter whose ox is gored,’’ Adeseyoju posited.

22

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 1, 2017

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc: Remarkable third quarter performance points ahead

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,.

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

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; 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.

Valuation Metrics 30-Dec-16 Rating

BUY

Target Price (N)

27.81

Current Price (N)

23.43

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 2016 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

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 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 18.69% on the current stock price of N23.43, we therefore recommend a BUY.

23

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 1, 2017

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

ZENITH BANK PLC: Growth in top-line and bottom-line earnings indicates efficiency

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 TOPLINE 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 noninterest 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

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

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 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 enhanced; hence will result in

Valuation Metrics 30-Dec-16 Rating

BUY

Target Price (N)

18.42

Current Price (N)

14.45

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)

380,352

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

121,275

Profit After Tax (N'm)

100,074

Pre-tax Margin (%)

31.88 Source: Company Data 2016, BGL Research

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

432,535

Profit Before Tax (N'm)

125,616

Profit After Tax (N'm)

105,663

Pre-tax Margin (%)

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

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 27.47% above the current price of N14.45.

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T H I S D AY SUNDAY JANUARY 1, 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 • january 1, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Rating Upgrade Lifts Law Union & Rock Insurance Share Price Goddy Egene Demand for the shares of Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc at stock market surged last week, leading to an appreciation of 19.4 per cent in the price of the equity.

The share price rose from N0.67 to close at N0.80 per share to be the highest price gainer at the stock market last week.

Although the market was generally bullish last week, analysts attributed the increased demand for the shares of Law

Union & Rock partly to positive reactions to the upgrade in the company’s rating.

Global Credit Rating (GCR) of South Africa recently upgraded the Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc’s rating to A- from BBB+ with a stable outlook.

This implies that Law Union and Rock has high claims paying ability relative to other issuers or obligations in Nigeria.

This rating reflects Law Union & Rock’s strong risk adjusted capitalisation,

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

underpinned by a sizeable capital base catering for the quantum of insurance and market risk exposures.

It also means that the company’s capitalisation is likely to remain within a strong range over the rating horizon, supported by sound internal capital generation.

GCR, also confirmed the company’s strong liquidity profile with adequate claims cash coverage underpinned by sound operating cash-flow generation.

According to the rating

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 29-Dec-2016, unless otherwise stated.

agency, Law Union’s earnings capacity is expected to remain within a sound range. This upward rating grade of the company, also confirms its sustainable underwriting profitability with strong level of liquidity and solvency margin.

Commenting on the rating, the Managing Director of the Law Union and Rock, Mr. Jide Orimolade, attributed the achievement to the commitment of the staff to improved service delivery to their esteemed customers.

He noted that in 2015,

the company paid over N1.64 billion claims to its customers while over N1.2 billion has also been paid to the insuring public as at third quarter of this year.

“Our unwavering commitment to customers’ course has contributed to the high customer retention so far,” he said while affirming the company’s resolute commitment to meeting its obligations as and when due.

According to him, the upgrade in the rating of the company confirms its

financial stability and claim paying ability on various risks it undertakes.

He also noted that the team work enjoyed among its staff contributed significantly to the improved service delivery which has engendered esteemed numerous customers to keep faith with the company.

“This upgraded rating would rather motivate us to keep doing more in serving our teaming customers without compromising our shareholders’ expectation,” said Orimolade.

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 126.84 Nigeria International Debt Fund 222.33 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 0.70 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 127.89 16.45% 223.76 11.09% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.70 13.16% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

18.62%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.38 288.91 22.45

Offer Price 12.75 297.62 23.12

Yield / T-Rtn 1.57% 3.37% 1.81%

1.00

1.00

17.06%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 105.46

Offer Price 106.20

Yield / T-Rtn 5.83%

1.00 1.00 15.22% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.14 9.20 83.49

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 2.20 5.34% 9.43 -6.66% 85.63 2.93% invest@fbnquest.com

Bid Price 1,081.49 111.34 100.00 $104.39 $103.65

Offer Price 1,082.70 112.12 100.00 $104.63 $103.89

Yield / T-Rtn 5.49% 5.64% 15.26% 7.95% 7.21%

114.64

13.88%

113.11

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.92 2.57

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.93 1.65% 2.57 10.42% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,182.13

Offer Price 2,206.76

Coral Income Fund 2,098.04 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 0.30%

2,098.04 10.89% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

15.86%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.68

1.69

2.84%

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 1.00 1.02 12.89% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,009.52 1,009.52 0.95% 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 9.65 9.73 -1.40% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.98% 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 1.05 1.07 6.71% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.36 10.47 4.14% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 15.09% 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 109.19 109.57 6.99% 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 1.24 1.24 10.22% 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 1,830.79 1,841.04 9.01% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 153.74 153.74 4.53% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.77 0.78 3.33% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 186.72 186.72 10.04% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 130.54 132.26 -3.50% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.38% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,602.07 7,701.15 5.76% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.14 1.15 8.76% United Capital Bond Fund 1.22 1.22 16.32% United Capital Equity Fund 0.66 0.67 0.11% 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 9.80 9.97 2.65% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.11 11.22 -2.98% Zenith Income Fund 17.15 17.15 6.90%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.58 123.39

3.99% 6.51%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.84 76.15

8.94 77.58

-7.68% -8.50%

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

2.70 6.96 12.07 15.61 127.80

2.74 7.04 12.17 15.81 129.80

18.03% 8.86% -2.62% -18.64% -

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.

28

SUNDAY JANUARY 1, 2017 T H I S D AY

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

A COLOURFUL NIGHT OF

CAROLS ROLS

01.01.2017

30

T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R • January 1, 2017

COVER

The Akiwa Ibom Mass Choir

A COLOURFUL NIGHT OF CAROLS

T

Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports on the 9th edition of the Akwa Ibom Carols Festival, an event that set out to make a global mark in 2008 as ‘9999 Carols Night’. It has since been cited in the Guinness Book of World Records

wo hours before the advertised time of 5:00pm, a throng of people were already at the Uyo Township Stadium venue of the 2016 edition of one of the best attended events in Nigeria. It was a humourous contrast to observe that while the neighbouring Akpan Andem Market was progressively being deserted for the day, the stadium was being filled up. Cheerful and determined, those who came to witness the 9th edition of the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival were markedly different from their compatriots taking their leave of the market.

To be sure, another kind of trading activity was emerging at the entrance. Hawkers made brisk business selling snacks, soft drinks and water. A couple of them traded in ornamental items for decorating homes to reflect the Christmas mood, while others sold Christmas caps and other forms of bunting. Security personnel stationed at the gates frisked everyone to keep away suspicious elements and would be trouble makers. There were armed policemen who stood a good distance from the gate, keeping an eye on the stream of people who entered the stadium, but they did not take part in searching people.

Stationed on one side at the gate was an ambulance. The para-medical personnel who stood around the van wore a clearly marked bib which distinguished them. If the teeming

crowd of persons haboured any concern for their safety in view of the tragic loss of lives at a collapsed church structure the previous Saturday, they did not show it at all. There was no hint of a reminder of what had become known as the Black Saturday. From the look of things, the para-medical teams were ready to handle any untoward situation. Some groups and individuals had clamoured for a cancellation of the 2016 Akwa Ibom Carol Festivals as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the Reigners Bible Church tragedy.

The Uyo Township Stadium was well lit.

A huge Christmas Tree at one of the entrances towered high into the air and could be seen no matter what side of the stadium one was stationed. There were a few giant screens to beam goings-on, particularly to those who were a distance from the focal point. Wordings of songs by performing artistes were beamed on the screens to enable people sing along.

Many of them did not need this prompting.

They knew the songs by heart and they sang along enthusiastically.

Internationally acclaimed worship leader, Don Moen was particularly enthused by the reception as he made his way onto the stage singing, ‘God will Make a Way’ with an orchestra. In between taking another song, he admonished: “It is time to pray for this nation.

Oh Lord, heal our land.” His next song, ‘Amen’ was both an affirmation and a request.

Moen sang a series of his hits including ‘Thank You Lord’ and ‘Ancient Marks’ which were enthusiastically received. Weaved into his performance was an initiative that may grow bigger and become widely publicised in the days ahead - the God Will Make a Way Project.

Two groups from the east African nation of Kenya featured in the 2016 edition of the Akwa Ibom Carols Festival. They were the Kenyan Boys Choir, a group that was reportedly formed by a Nigerian who now resides in the United States of America.

Incidentally, the Nigerian founder of the group and his wife were present in Uyo to watch the show. Their performance which was marked by display of physical fitness did not hit home with the crowd. It wasn’t until they sang, ‘One Love’, made popular by reggae music icon, Bob Marley, that they were applauded but by this time the audience wanted to see another performance. The Kayamba Africa Choral Ensemble did their best to give a good account of what Kenyans are capable of.

One of the outstanding performances of the night was presented by the Uyo Girls Choir. The Akwa Ibom State Government Choir which was conducted at some point by Governor Udom Emmanuel also gave a stellar performance that was well applauded. Mr. Emmanuel, an elder in the Qua Iboe Church led the congregational hymn, ‘Se Ko Ke Ufok Enang’. The Governor also read the scriptures

from Mark Chapter 5 verses 1 to 10 and 20; and 1st Samuel Chapter 17 verses 34 and 35.

The sermon for the night was preached by Ghanaian Bishop Duncan Williams.

Governor Emmanuel said, “Ever since Mary Slessor and other blessed missionaries came to our shores and evangelised our ancestors, we have come to see the church as a shelter of refuge. The Church has given us hope and inspiration. The church has showered blessings on us and raised our moral tone and texture.” He recalled with pains the incident of a church building collapse and observed a minute silence in honour of those that died in the tragic incident.

Permanent Secretary Special Services Department Mr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang described it as a concert for comfort, healing and cleansing of the land.

Governor Udom Emmanuel and wife Martha, former governors, senators, Senate minority leader senator Akpabio and wife Unoma, members of the political class, religious and business moguls were present at the carol festival.

The praise and worship session which was heralded by Esther Edoho amplified the theme of the event, ‘Let Our King be Lifted High’ powerfully. The home girl she is, she knew how to carry the crowd with well-known choruses. The stadium erupted in response when she opened her session of

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COVER

Gov. Udom Emmanuel with wife, Marths and children

THE UYO TOWNSHIP STADIUM WAS WELL LIT. A HUGE CHRISTMAS TREE AT ONE OF THE ENTRANCES TOWERED HIGH INTO THE AIR AND COULD BE SEEN NO MATTER WHAT SIDE OF THE STADIUM ONE WAS STATIONED. THERE WERE A FEW GIANT SCREENS TO BEAM GOINGSON, PARTICULARLY TO THOSE WHO WERE A DISTANCE FROM THE FOCAL POINT. WORDINGS OF SONGS BY PERFORMING ARTISTES WERE BEAMED ON THE SCREENS TO ENABLE PEOPLE SING ALONG. MANY OF THEM DID NOT NEED THIS PROMPTING. THEY KNEW THE SONGS BY HEART AND THEY SANG ALONG ENTHUSIASTICALLY

performance with ‘Ukara Jesus’, which talks about the reign of Jesus. As if on a queue, handkerchiefs were raised high, hands flying in the air, some even lifted their seats up when she sang, ‘Emenere Christ Ke Enyong’, meaning lift Christ up. The atmosphere was charged and the excitement infectious.

Whenever it appeared as if boredom was about to set in or the crowd had become distracted, the MC, Mr. Ralp Edem who is on Governor Emmanuel’s public relations team expertly brought them back on track with wisecracks and encouraging anecdotes.

He employed frequently used gimmicks that appealed to the sentiments of the people. Who wouldn’t fall for carefully wrapped yarns like, ‘if you know you will enter 2017 in good health and happiness….Of course, Edem had the crowd eating from his palms and doing whatever he appealed their indulgence for. They clapped when he asked them to.

Stood at his insistence and raised their hands in a rare demonstration of cooperation that heightened the atmosphere of good cheer and happiness.

Perhaps for being the only acapella performance of the night, the quartet called, PRM Band from the UK received a loud unsolicited clap from the crowd once they started singing. They yielded the stage for Elijah Oyelade, a worship leader whose performance was well received. Rev. Father Patrick Edet of the Family Assembly was well known to the crowd, going by the loud cheer that greeted his presentation.

The introduction of Buchi Atuonwu, a former university teacher of English Language who has become a gospel reggae musician changed the mood of the night. He began his session with a chant, ‘There is no other god who lives and never, ever dies….” The crowd took it from his lips. From then on, they sang every word he uttered, cheering wildly as he left the stage on a high note. It was time for Steve Crown who surprised many by opening his performance with an Ibibio chorus, ‘Yak Itoro’. Of course, he closed his session with his compelling and inspiring song, ‘You Are Great’.

Other renowned gospel singers who put up electrifying performances were

‘Welu Welu’ Master, Sammie Okposo, and performers like Julius Nglass and Perfecta Ekpo.

Embedded in the words of the closing prayer by Bishop Sunday Mbang were some of the heart-felt plea to God to perfect the ways of the people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.

One of Nigeria’s leading telecoms operators, Globacom, was the exclusive telecoms partner for this year’s edition of the internationally acclaimed Akwa Ibom State Christmas Carol Festival. Globacom said it sponsored the Carol because of the impressive success of the 2015 edition of the event, which brought in award-winning artistes from all over the world including two Grammy award winners. “We fully identify with the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol festival which has become one of the biggest crowdpulling events of the Yuletide season. Our desire is to follow the passion of Nigerians and connect them with their passion.”

The event hit the ground running in 2008 as “9999 Carols Night” with a determination to make a global mark. It has since grown in magnitude and repute to become a glittering carnival of songs, dance, worship and fun recognized worldwide and cited in the Guinness Book of Records. In the 2011 edition, Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols made history when it featured a 9,999-member choir, which was reputed to be the largest choir in the world at that time.

The Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols - an evening of praise, worship, love and unity, apart from being a record-breaking gathering of Carol Singers, has become a major avenue of promoting spiritual growth, peaceful coexistence among ethnic, religious and cultural groups in the state and spiritual tourism that attracts people from around the world. The Akwa Ibom State choral group made a world record again as the largest number of carol singers in the world. This record was officially certified by the Guinness World Records on Saturday, December 13, 2014 in a concert featuring 25,272 carol singers at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium with Guinness World Records representatives in attendance.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel, Senator Godswill Akpabio and wife, Unoma

The Kenya Boys Choir

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entertainment

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

76 Inches Towards An African Film Awards Record the wave-making nigerian military drama, 76 needs to win 10 categories to sit on the pinnacle as africa’s most appreciated film Nseobong Okon-Ekong

T

he record for the most nominated movie at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, AMVCA, previously held by Kunle Afolayan’s ‘October 1’ has a new champion in the Nigerian military drama, 76 which is up for honours in 14 categories. This is a first in the four-year history of the awards.

In 2015, October 1 was nominated in 13 categories and won in nine of the categories including Best Art Director which went to Pat Nebo. Incidentally, Nebo is in contention again for playing the same role in 76, apart from acting a prominent supporting role. His role as an actor is a surprise to many and further demonstrates the ability of the director of 76, Izu Ojukwu to bring out the best in anyone.

This year, Afolayan’s movie, ‘The CEO’ may not have been nominated for as many awards, but he is in contention for the big prize of Best Movie (West Africa).

Industry watchers have their fingers crossed in anticipation. Will the Tonye

WINNERS EMERGE IN INSHORT FILM FESTIVAL Bhaira Mcwizu, winner of the third edition of the Nigeria Breweries Plc sponsored talent hunt show for the movie industry, AMBO clinched the Best Actress plaque for her role in ‘Cliché’ at the recent 2016 edition of Nigeria’s most popular short film festival.

The honour of Best Actor was bestowed on Jide Alli for his role in ‘Bout’. Incidentally, the same movie was not only adjudged the Best Overall, it also won in the Best Sound, Best Edit and Best Directing categories.

Placed second in the honours roll was the movie ‘Kodinga: Defenders of Pahuma’ which scooped three trophies in the categories of Best Costume, Best Production Design and Best Special/Visual Effects Cliché was one of 60 films considered by the Shuaibu Hussein-led jury. Other top winners Best Animation awarded to ‘Gyrow’, Best Documentary won by ‘ And the Chain was Hot’, Best Music Video trophy lifted by ‘Mr. President’ and the award for Best Child Actor which went to Daniel Udah for his role in ‘Opeyemi’ Special Jury Prize were awarded to Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen - The Gbege Series and Nuhu Dalyop - who submitted up to 10 films for the 2016 festival.

Fidelis Duker - the founder of the Abuja International Film Festival, the longest running festival in Nigeria, Ayo Makun (AY) - who started doing skits and short videos many years before venturing into film production and Emmanuella Samuel, the six year-old comedienne, who recently starred in a Hollywood film, Survive or Die went home with Special Recognition Awards.

SEUN BAKARE GROWS IN STATURE With each passing day, SB Live, an ensemble of professional instrumentalists led by Seun is gaining more popularity with party lovers residing in the mainland axis of Lagos.

From the days of playing at Troy, a popular lounge in Ogba, SB is now getting greater attention from event organizers, corporate organizations such as Cocacola, Guinness, Mouka Foam, UBA and important individuals who have come to appreciate his

Princewill and Adonijah Owiriwa led team of cast and crew set an all-time African record for the most number of trophies at a film awards? The movie is slated for honours in prestigious categories such as The Best Overall Movie, Best Director, Best Picture Editor, Best Sound, Best Art Director, Best Film (West Africa), Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Costume, Best Makeup, Best Lighting, Best Writer, Best Cinematographer, and Best Music. Eligibility period for the 2017 AMVCA consideration are for films, madefor-television movies or television series broadcasted or publicly exhibited between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2016.

Apart from adopting a couple of innovative marketing and media relations strategies to make it a must-see movie, 76 landed landmark deals in Hollywood and became the first Nigerian movie to screen at the London Film Festival.

Making a good showing on the AMVCA nomination list is the Steve Gukas directed drama thriller ‘93 Days’ which equaled the October 1 record of 13 nominations. 76 and 93 Days are in hot contention for Best Overall Movie, Best Movie (West Africa) Best Actress, Best Art Director and Best Soundtrack/Original Score. Both films are

talent and the fact that his dexterity is second to no other band in Nigeria.

The Mushin-born talented keyboardist is an Afro Pop artiste whose style has earned him and his band the popular tag, ‘Master of all trades’. He has gradually become the toast at some end of year parties, annual general meetings, celebrity weddings and birthday parties among others.

‘I am in surprised at how far we have come in such short time. Corporate organizations, event agencies and individuals now pay a lot of attention to us. Fortune has smiled on us and this yuletide season holds more promise. The story has changed, people now patronized the places we play in regularly. I am thankful to God and people God has used to support the brand.’

SB who recently release a single titled, ‘Gbemileke’ featuring 9ice has been getting lot of because of his mastery at combining all genre of music.

AFRICA’S FIRST PRIVATE ATELIER OPENS Some of Nigeria’s top oil magnates, captains of industries and government dignitaries that included billionaire Bola Shagaya and business mogul Julius Rone gathered recently to celebrate the opening of Alter Ego Private Atelier, the first-of-its-kind private Atelier in Africa.

The invitations only event held at Alter Ego Private Atelier inside Rachel’s Court, IL Bagno building in Gudu district, Abuja also had Special Adviser to the Minster on Budget and Planning, Ben Ifeanyi Akabueze, Retired Chief of Administration, Nigerian Navy, Admiral Joe Aikhomu and General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiola Babarinde in attendance. Others were President, MGM Marbles and Stones Italy, Laura Olivari, Chairman Arden Miles, Jude Ifedi among many distin-

Segun Bankole

L-R: Kunle Afolayan, Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic

clearly the leading works on the AMVCA honours scroll for 2016.

The Best Male category has Olu Jacobs and Richard Mofe-Damijo for their lead performances in the movie ‘Oloibiri.’

‘93 Days,’ ‘76,’ ‘Aisha,’ ‘Mrs. Right Guy,’ ‘Happiness Is A Four Letter Word,’ ‘Naomba Niseme,’ will go head-to-head for the coveted ‘Overall Movie of the Year,’ while

in another top category , for Best Movie (West Africa), ’76 will battle it out with ‘93 days,’ ‘The CEO’ and ‘A Trip To Jamaica’ .

Other films of note with multiple nominations include ‘Oloibiri,’ ‘Happiness Is A Four Letter Word,’ and ‘Ghana Must Go.’ Voting closes on Friday, February 24, 2017 while the main event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, March 4, in Lagos.

guished guests.

Alter Ego Private Atelier offers bespoke luxury solutions through world-renowned Italian style with a touch of tailor-made interpretations for discerning men and women who love tailor-made Italian chic and glamour furnishings including travel accessories.

In partnership with Black Pelican Ltd, the grand opening of Alter Ego Private Atelier signals a remarkable difference in the growing Nigerian luxury industry. According to CEO, Black Pelican Ltd, Michael Owolabi, this shows Nigerian luxury industry is coming of age. There is a huge potential in the African market for Alter Ego bespoke luxury expertise.

CEO, Alter Ego Project Group, Julia D. Lantieri enthused over the opening of Alter Ego Private Atelier as Alter Ego has a mission to bring up perfection, exquisite style and elegance into the daily life of the most demanding clients.

Other guests present at the deluxe event included Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Chairman, Aerotech Offshore, Prince Rotimi Ibinabo, Partner, AELEX Legal Practitioners and Arbitrators, Soji Awogbade, Partner, Cardinal Stone Partners Limited, Mohammed Garuba, Founder, Laolu Adeyeye & Co, Michael Laolu Adeyeye, Darey Art Alade, DJ Jimmy Jatt and more.

makers to create 15-minute documentaries that capture and celebrate entrepreneurs at work across the nation, using the theme: My Nigeria, My Platform…Nigeria through an entrepreneur’s eyes. 20 finalists were shortlisted out of which Duke emerged the winner.

The competition also attracted entries from outside Nigeria. Two of such entries stood out. They include: Daniel Ecwalu (Trash Cash - story based on taking children off the streets and empowering them) from Uganda and Akshay Makar (Climatenza – The happenings of Climate Change).

Chinenye Balogun and Alabi Kayode emerged first and second runners up respectively, with entries that showcased the creativity and resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurs. They will join Duke to attend the 2017 Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France with support from Sahara Group.

While announcing the winners, Tonye Cole, Group Executive Director, Sahara Group, congratulated all the 20 finalists for rising up to the challenge of taking their craft to the next level.

“You are lucky your generation has this kind of opportunity which Kunle Afolayan and I never had. When you get this kind of opportunity you take it seriously. At Sahara we are willing to go the extra mile to take entrepreneurship to a different level. That is why we created the Extrapreneurship platform to facilitate a meeting point for talent and opportunity. We believe you have the potential to be the best in the sector as well as change the narrative of Nigeria and the entire continent through your films,” he said.

Cole further explained that the competition is part of Sahara Group’s contribution to the development and growth of the Nigerian economy. He said the 20 finalists will be inducted into Sahara Group’s extrapreneurship hub where young entrepreneurs can access support to nurse their dreams to fruition.

Afolayan, who led the screening of the entries, said he was impressed by the documentaries. He said entries were assessed based on sound, lighting, production design and quality.

“I feel privileged to have seen all the documentaries,” he said, adding: “I believe you all have the potential to do even much more. You are the next big success stories we expect to emerge from Nigeria. There are a few things I observed. I saw a common trend in the entries where you all concentrated on telling stories which is common in Nollywood. However, there are certain

ENTER SAHARA FILM EXTRAPRENEURS The moment his name was announced as the winner of the Sahara Group Film Extrapreneurs competition, Joseph Duke bowed his head on the table. He was speechless for the first few minutes. Only his smiles portrayed the emotional depth of his gratitude.

It was a dream come true for Duke who during his presentation expressed a strong desire to work with prolific filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan.

Duke will now spend six months with the filmmaker where he will sharpen his skills in film production.

Duke’s documentary entitled ‘Give Us This Day’, which beat entries from 20 finalists, highlighted the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including a story about caring for special needs children. More than 150 entries were received in ‘Grooming Film Extrapreneuers’ competition which began in June 2016 following the partnership between Sahara Group and the award winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, designed to identify and empower young film makers in Nigeria.

The competition required young film

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ENTERTAINMENT elements that are vital achieving success in film making. What is very important is the production value. If your production value is poor your story will never fly no matter how good it is.”

Describing his success as a “pleasant surprise”, Duke said: I am very happy to have won the competition. I wasn’t expecting this at all. I am grateful to Sahara Group for the opportunity. I look forward to working with Kunle Afolayan.”

Sahara Group hopes to reach over 12 million youths via its Extrapreneurship Hub that will drive integrated economic empowerment programmes through strategic partnerships and support for innovative as well as scalable business ventures.

film producers have been invited, that the campaign is free for all to join.

However, Tunji Bamishigbin assured everyone that drastic measures will be taken to address the issue. He said that there will be a visit to all traditional rulers to kick against the norm as well presenting the case to the National Assembly. He also stated that the problem is an economy issue because of the implication it has on the economy.

The group while not attributing blames on anyone said it will sensitise voiceover artists on the consequences of accepting such jobs that erode the Nigerian culture.

NOLLYWOOD TRAVEL FESTIVAL CALL FOR ENTRIES – Ikenna Bede A new initiative piloted by top influencers in the entertainment iindustry is poised to bridge the gap between locally produced entertainment content and the international audience.

Called The Nollywood Travel Festival, it will showcase influential Nigerian movies at international film festivals around the world. The first stop of its three city tour will be at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Canada, scheduled to run through 5-7 May, 2017. It plans to feature the Nigerian culture in positive light to Canadians at TIFF using select Nigerian films, music, fashion and local cuisines. The other two stops will be in Helsinki, Finland and Dubai city in the UAE. The panel will from a list of submissions select 10 movies; comprising eight locally produced movies by Nigerian filmmakers and two movies by Nigerian film makers based in Canada.

The aim of the festival focuses on internationalizing Nollywood content whilst changing the skewed perception of poor content production in Nollywood to the rest of the world – a move for global acceptance.

Further speaking on the impact the Nollywood Film Festival will have on domestic movie production, founder of the Nollywood Travel Festival, Michael Parish said: “I think it is going to help foster competition and enhance the quality of films produced, because films will not be taken if they are not good enough. When producers realize that there are opportunities out there for films that are really good, they will step their game to ensure that their films are picked.”

The platform gives the much needed international exposure, pushing local film makers to the international audience, an opportunity for Nigerians film makers to tell the African story from their angle to the rest of the world.

At a press conference, Blaze FM Marketing Executive Andrew Moses expressed confidence in the venture and the willingness of agencies to sponsor movie producers.

“It will be very interesting marketing this project because before now, it has been difficult for Nollywood to get sponsors for their brand this time around. What we have been doing is getting sponsorship deals in the advertising world.”

Film submissions for considerations is currently open. Shortlisted participants will travel to Canada; providing an avenue for the film makers to directly engage with international film distributors.

LIP-SYNC BATTLE BETWEEN INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE FILM PRACTITIONERS AND STARTIMES A group of concerned indigeneous filmmakers, actors and directors under the umbrella of Indigenous Language Film Practitioners recently gathered to discuss the broadcast of foreign films dubbed in Nigeria local languages by cable TV Startimes.

Recently, Asian movies shown on the cable TV are translated in Yoruba and which causes a dazzling effect on the viewer. For instance, a Chinese movie featuring Jackie Chan will portray the actor speaking Yoruba instead of English or the native language of the country of origin.

Led by the National President of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producers’ Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Dele Odule, Jide Kosoko, Yemi Solade, Yomi Fash, Tunji Bamishigbin, and other prominent personalities in the indigenous film industry, the group decried that the lip-sync act is rape on the Yoruba culture.

“You may have observed as you pass by some bus-stops in Lagos, a convergence

L-R DJ Obi, Harrysong, Dbanj and Vector at cream draw of the year

D’banj CREAM’s Winners to be Mentored by Wande Coal, Harrysong, Vector To wrap off this year’s event, music icon D’banj held a cumulative final draw of the year for his CREAM platform. TK Swag and Courage emerged winners from a pool of previous winners, They were rewarded with a recording deal, which consists of recording a track, shooting a state of the art video, a collaboration with any artiste of their choice (music or video collaboration), talent showcase, talent branding, promotion and marketing among other opportunities.

In addition, they will be mentored by former Mo Hits label mate, Wande Coal, Harry Song, artiste manager, Godwin Tom, and record label, Aristocrat Records among others.

D’banj kicked off CREAM on September 1, ushering a platform for young talented individuals to showcase their talents.

Supported by the Bank of Industry and MTN Nigeria, it stands for‘Creative, Reality, Entertainment, Arts, Music’.

Speaking on the platform, Dbanj said “Nigeria is filled with so much art and creativity and what better way to give of youngsters watching some Chinese or Indian films that have been dubbed into distorted, embellished and uncouth dialogues in Yoruba language. The more shocking development is that there is an attempt by the Chinese to institutionalise this trend with StarTimes to serve as a direct-to-home pay-TV station now dubbing thousands of Chinese films in Yoruba and Hausa languages. This is a damage to our culture. It is culturally murderous. It is a rape on our cultural property and there is need to raise public consciousness about the impor-tance of protecting our cultural heritage and traditional values from marauders,” said Odule in his opening speech.

Although the attendants were mainly from the Yoruba film industry, Solade urged the union to get nvolved with other indigenous film producers to make a holistic fight. Jide Kosoko on the other hand argued that other

back than to help young talents showcase their gifts to the world. I have experienced a number of extraordinary talents from entrants of CREAM and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the existing winners.”

TK Swag and Legendary Courage’s videos that were shot by CREAM were also launched at the draw. Notable faces in attendance at the exclusive event include Publisher Encomium magazine; Kunle Bakare, A&R and media consultant; Bizzle Oshikoya, Editor Business Day, Anthony Osae-Brown, rapper; Vector, Founder/CEO The Cable; Simon Kolawole, singer; Harry Song, On-Air personality; Jimmie Akinsola and DJ Obi to name a few.

CREAM is currently open to only MTN subscribers and draws once every month and winners emerge from five categories including Music, Video, Collaboration, Showcase and Showbiz. Participants can take part in multiple categories to increase their chances of winning. Talents are opened to DKM’s international A & R who would select additional talents based on merit.

Ogoor

L-R Julia D. Lantieri, CEO, Alter Ego Project Group, Anna Kuzmina, Director, Alter Ego Italian Division, Larisa Girenok, Head of Global Communications & PR, Alter Ego Project Group and Michael Owolabi, CEO, IL Bagno

OGOO’S JOURNEY TO STARDOM Rising singer, Ogochukwu Oye aka Ogoo has revealed how her dad has remained the main pillar behind music.

Born Ogochukwu Brigid Oye into a close-knit Nigerian family that hails from Awka in Anambra State, Ogoor’s musical career started at a tender age, even her parents were aware of her unbridled passion for the arts. However, Ogoor completed her education by graduating in Law as well working with a law firm before she finally dumped the gown and grabbed the mic.

“My dad, mum and siblings have been major pillar behind my music career. I couldn’t have had it better because for everything I do, they support me and even with my music career, they have supported me from the first day I showed the signs and talent. My dad simply said, way to go, when I informed him that I quit my law career to pursue my musical career. He simply urged me on and said he wondered why it took me this long to decide to pursue my passion,” she said.

Following her major debut on the Nigerian music scene with her first single, ‘You Are Mine’, Ogoo also revealed how she was rejected at many music reality shows.

“It wasn’t an easy journey for me. You know after school, I had attempted the other way to kick start my career through reality show but I was rejected a lot of times. I don’t think it was because I lacked anything, I want to believe it was simply because I just didn’t have what exactly they were looking for. I attempted almost all the reality shows but I just wasn’t lucky to make it through. Some people will kick off their career through that means and many of us will hit the limelight through working meticulously and righteously to put our music out there.”

Lamenting her challenges, Ogoo noted that she is a struggling independent artist with so many to achieve but determined and willing to go all out as she believes in her immense singing prowess. Her latest single is currently making waves and she hopes to own a record label one day.

CELEBRITIES STORM KAYZPLACE NEW CELEB BR BRA N IN SURULERE BRANCH In a bid to extend his services across Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of Kayzplace Barbersshop, Kufre Nnah has opened a new branch in Surulere.

Kayzplace also known as celebrities barber’s shop is known for offering excepexcep tional services to its teeming customers. It opened business four years ago at Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos and has contributed to the reduction of unemployment rate in the country with over 200 workers in his employment.

Speaking to journalists at the opening of the new branch, Nnah revealed that the reason he embarked on the project was to enable him cater to the needs of clients from all over Lagos, who need quality services delivered in friendly and professional atmosphere.

Motivated by his father to go into barbing business, he explained why he loves the clipper: “I chose to invest in barbing because I realised how lucrative the business was. It was something I was comfortable doing and good at so I decided to invest more and set up a standard for people to know that you must not be a doctor or lawyer before becoming successful.

“To be honest, my father motivated me to start barbing, he set-up my first barbing salon in Uyo, I was still in high school then and also managing the salon until I started barbing myself.”

Celebrities who graced the events include popular singer Timaya; the Chief Executive Officer of Deluxe Vintage Interiors, Francis Nwaogwugwu; Chief Executive Officer of Xfactor Lounge, Charles and Tee Billz.

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Last Moments of

2016

Apparently, 2016 was bent on achieving some of its goals before taking a final bow. Just when the tears were finally getting dried, it struck with three deaths that left Hollywood and the world in shock. The drama didn’t stop there, couples splitting within these last moments added more flair to the final spectacle. Nevertheless, 2016 still left some bundles of joy before it finally drew its curtains. Below are some of the events that happened before 2016 bade us farewell. Happy New Year!!!

Vanessa Obioha George Michael: Christmas day celebration was marred by the shocking news of George Michael’s death. The singer was found dead in his room by his partner Fadi Fawaz, a celebrity hairdresser on Christmas morning. They had planned going out for lunch that day.

Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963 in London to a Greek restaurateur and an English dancer, Michael’s musical career started as a DJ. It was during this period that he met Andrew Ridgeley and in 1981, they formed the band Wham! They made successful singles and albums but the relationship could only last for five years. As a solo artiste, Michael achieved greater fame and had collaborations with Aretha Franklin, Earl Klugh, and the Band Aid for the song ‘Do they know it’s Christmas?’. Some of his popular hits include ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Faith’ among others.

Michael’s life was embedded in controversy revolving round his sexuality and drugs. He identified himself first as a bisexual, then later as gay. He was arrested on three occasions for public lewd acts. He was also notorious for intake of hard drugs which inadvertently affected his health.

It was alleged that he died of a heart failure which was triggered by pneumonia. He’s been battling with the disease for five years.

Prior to his death, the singer had several plans for the coming year, including working on a documentary about his life, entitled ‘Freedom’, due to be released in March along with a reissue of his album ‘Listen Without Prejudice’ Vol 1.

Adored by many for his creativity and philanthropy, celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to the 53 year-old singer. They include Madonna who posted a video of her presenting an award to him, Mariah Carey among others. Fans also paid tribute to him in his home in Oxfordshire. A memoriam concert is being planned for the deceased by his friends in the music world.

CARRIE FISHER: The Christmas gloom continued on December 27 when the profound actress and writer Carrie Fisher passed on at age 60. She had gone into cardiac arrest four days ago while on flight to Los Angeles from London.

Fisher is fondly remembered for her sense of humour and her laudable character in the Star Wars installation. Her first appearance in the sci-fi movie was in 1977 when she played Princess Leia. She was just 19 years old. She starred in the 2015 installation: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’.

Born into a family of showbiz (her mother, Debbie Reynolds was an actress, and her father, Eddie Fisher an entertainer), Fisher couldn’t escape the world of Hollywood. She made her debut in the film ‘Shampoo’ and starred in other movies such as ‘When Harry met Sally’ and ‘The Blues Brothers’.

Known as the bookworm in her family, Fisher penned a semi-autobiography ‘Postcards From the Edge’ in 1987 which was later adapted into a film that starred Meryl Streep.

She detailed her tumultuous relationship with her mother and her struggle with drugs in the novel. It remained her best novel. Last month,

George Michael

she published ‘Princess Diarist’ where she revealed that she had an affair with her Star Wars co-star, Harrison Ford.

Fisher also grappled with bipolar disorder and was a strong advocate for mental health awareness.

Her daughter Billie Lourd is a product of her short marriage with musician Paul Simon.

DEBBIE REYNOLDS: Barely a day after The Grim Reaper took her daughter away, Debbie Reynolds gave up the ghost. She had reportedly fallen ill while discussing her daughter’s funeral. The 1950s Hollywood actress was said to be overwhelmed by her daughter’s death that she wished to be with her daughter, Carrie.

She suffered a stroke before finally bowing to death.

Reynolds was known for her beloved role in the 1950s ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and a popular face in comicals. She died December 28, at age 84.

Ricky Harris

RICKY HARRIS: The ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ actor kicked the bucket on Boxing Day, December 26, at age 54. Harris was one of the pioneers of African American comics that emerged in the 90s. He was a close buddy of Snoop Dogg and starred alongside Al Pacino in the movie ‘Heat’. His acting career kicked off in 1993 in the movie ‘Poetic Justice’s. His cause of death is unknown but was said to have suffered a heart attack two years ago.

TINY &T.I: Tiny and rapper T.I is the latest couple to join the growing list of divorced celebrities. According to Hollywood Life, Tiny can’t tolerate T.I’s crap any longer and filed for divorce on December 7, revealing that their marriage is irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation. Closed sources hinted that trust issues led to the break-up. The couple started dating in 2001 and had a reality TV show, ‘T.I &Tiny: The Family Hustle’. They married six years ago and had three children.

Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher

DRAY-LO: It’s official! New Instagram post of singer and actress, Jennifer Lopez confirmed the speculations that rapper Drake is her latest love interest. Jennifer posted a picture of her and Drake in a very cozy pose. Rumours started swirling earlier this month about a possible DrayLo romance when the Grammy Award-winning artist was spotted at two of Lopez’s ‘All I Have’ shows in Las Vegas. They were also snapped at a private dinner party recently.

Drake was not too long ago linked to Rihanna whom he nearly shared a kiss at the MTV Music Awards in August after declaring his love for her. Same month, J-Lo ended her relationship with dancer Casper Smart.

Rihanna reportedly unfollowed J-Lo who is now her love rival.

Fans however are skeptical about this new found love which has the telltale signs of publicity stunt.

VANESSA LACHEY: Nick Lachey and his wife Vanessa was blessed with a Christmas miracle on Christmas eve. The couple had their third child, a cute baby boy named Phoenix Robert Lachey. The happy mother shared the news on her Instagram. They are also parents to Camden, 4 and Brooklyn 2.

Drake and Jennifer Lopez

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ON THE COUCH

SEN. SHEU SANNI (SOCIAL CRUSADER)

My Wife is Married to Me and My Activism Interviewed by Funke Olaode How did you develop a passion for activism?

I started as a Students’ Union leader in Kaduna. I later joined the Committee for Defense of Human Rights (CDHR).

I later served as vice-chairman of Campaign for Democracy (CD). We led the resistance against the military rule. In the process, we suffered arrest, detention and even imprisonment. In 1995, I was arrested and brought to Lagos. I was charged for treason and was sentenced to life imprisonment. I served part of my jail term in Kirikiri Prison in Lagos and was later moved to Port Harcourt Prison. At another occasion, I was taken to Aba Prison in Abia State. We were given amnesty by Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar. I delved into politics and contested twice in 2003 and 2011 but couldn’t make it.

And like Abraham Lincoln, I made it the third time to the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly representing Kaduna Central District under All Progressives Congress.

promised to re-open his murder case when the house reconvene so that the police can be compelled to reopen the investigation. As far as I am concerned, the first article in our constitution is right to life, which we have failed to guarantee to our people then all other rights cannot be easily guaranteed.

Were you not afraid for your life back?

Over the years, I have groomed myself to prepare for eventualities. The struggle is about justice and freedom for the masses. There are consequences for it, which may sometimes lead to loss of freedom or life. I was willing to sacrifice all.

If you are to rate your satisfaction with your life so far, out of 10, what would you score yourself?

It is very painful that it is difficult to score oneself high when you live in a country where people find it difficult to eat, educate their children or even address their basic needs. In such situation, one’s happiness is temporary.

How does your immediate family especially your wife take this risky vocation?

They are not activists or politicians.

They just happen to live with a man who has chosen the path of justice for his environment and the masses at large, and who also has a mission to pursue. They have been able to adapt themselves to the reality of my chosen career. My wife is comfortable with being married to me and my activism.

Are you fulfilled as an activist?

I am. I have toed my path of activism to the upper chamber as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. With modesty, I think it is an achievement.

I am partly fulfilled. When we deliver what our people expect from us, I will claim total fulfilment.

Where did you get this trait of activism?

My father was not an activist. He was a government printer who was also worked partly as journalist. He worked with Northern Nigeria Newspapers and served the media all his life. I have always been conscious of myself and

In recent time there has been a rift between you and your state governor that led to your suspension from your party. What is the bone of contention?

I come from the political left and he comes from the political right. He comes from a conservative political background. And as someone who came from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), our attitude would be quite different. But we still belong to the same political family. Remember in politics naturally we disagree to agree, we fight and at the end of the day the interest of the party and the country is what matters.

happenings around me. As a child, I was not deprived of the good things of life. I didn’t come from a poverty stricken family. I came from a middle class home, but I was influenced by the struggle of people like Malam Aminu Kano, political icons in West African countries and across the world who had stood up to free their people from the establishment. My ideas were also shaped by the fact that the country had been under the military rule for a very long time. There was moral call for all men of conscience to stand up and restore freedom and democracy back to the country. But the clamour had always been happening in the Southwest. Someone had to take the flag to the North and I led the struggle there.

You were in Lagos recently for the late Bola Ige annual symposium where you promised to re-open his murder case when the Senate reconvenes. What was your relationship with the late politician?

I admired the late titan as lover of his people, who always fought for their rights. People in the north see him as Yoruba man in politics who defends the rights of the Yorubas. I see him beyond that. The fact that he was a front runner, a legend and an institution endeared me to him. He was an intellectual warehouse in Nigeria. We lost a great man whose contribution to Nigeria politics cannot be over-emphasized.

So I had great respect for him. I

What lesson has life taught you?

Never to give up in life. Never surrender and then stick to your beliefs and principles and always stand up to fight when the need arises. Show love to those who need it.

Always stand up for justice. Whatever you do as a businessman, activist or journalist, bear it in mind that your first constituency is your family and you must not in any way sacrifice them for anything.

EVENT

DHI Launches Health Services Ikenna Bede

H

ealth specialists convened for the launch of the Diaspora Health Insurance (DHI) Health Service recently at the conference room of the Protea Hotel Ikeja, Lagos.

DHI Health service will play the crucial role of bridging the gap between Nigerians in the diaspora and their relations at home through a platform for easy remittance and receipt of funds proposed towards healthcare. This method effectively erases all forms of difficulties that might be faced in the arduous process of money transfer in times of emergency.

In its course to provide quality healthcare in Nigeria, DHI focuses on improving

healthcare in emerging markets around the world; providing information and access on reputable healthcare insurance companies and health service providers within Nigeria to clients in the diaspora; and ensuring the effective enrollment of beneficiaries into these healthcare insurance companies.

Gracing the launch was Commissioner of Health for Lagos state, Jide Idris who was impressed by the level of stimulation toward healthcare maintenance. He passed a vote of confidence commending the DHI team on its initiative and its availability and accessibility in Lagos: “Accessibility to affordable healthcare is something the government cannot do alone and that’s why we embrace

health insurance initiative; the more reason behind the imminent launch of the mandatory National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Lagos.”

Partnering with Ecobank, DHI projects to provide a seamless money transfer experience owing to the global presence and ubiquitous online platform of Ecobank, in effect, enhancing product offerings to DHI clients.

Further speaking on the partnership with Ecobank and expressing her confidence in the union, DHI Health Service Manager, Susan Ekuri said: “Ecobank has a wide reach in terms of clients in the diaspora. In partnering with them, Ecobank ensures that safe channel when channeling diaspora remittances.”

assistant editor nseobong okon-ekong senior correspondent funke olaode correspondent vanessa obioha designer ibirogba ibidapo CONTRIBUTORS onoshe nwabuikwu, temilolu okeowo, kelechi nduka THISDAY ON SUNDAY editor adetokunbo adedoja deputy editor vincent obia STUDIO art director ochi ogbuaku jnr THISDAY NEWSPAPERS editor-in-chief & chairman nduka obaigbena managing director eniola bello deputy managing director kayode komolafe

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UNTOLD STORY OF NIGERIANS IN ITALY Nigerian-Italian filmmaker, Nze

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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UNTOLD STORY O NIGERIANS IN ITA

Alfie Nze, a Nigerian-Italian filmmaker gears up for a daunting movie on the humanitarian crises immigration routes that many Nigerians embark on, writes Yinka Olatunbosun

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igerian-born Italian theatre artist and filmmaker, Alfie Nze was in Lagos for two months for the justconcluded LagosPhoto festival when he hosted a handful of culture journalists. It was thought to be a simple meeting, few talks about his work and light discussions on general issues. But it turned to be a revealing session on the lives of Nigerians in diaspora, particularly those who embark on “death trips” in search of greener pasture in Italy where he had been a resident for two decades.

Nze hails from Ekwe in Imo State. As a playwright in Italian theatre, he had developed strong presence in drama and had shot in first film titled, “Devil Comes to Koko” in 2013 in Nigeria. It was based on the historic invasion of Koko village by toxic waste in 1987 and 1988, caused by a group of Italian businessmen.

“It caused a diplomatic row between Nigeria and Italy. I was a teenager then,” Nze began, reflectively. His work, be it on stage or screen, centres on social issues. His performance art titled, “Ibo Communion” is a case in point and was his submission for LagosPhoto 2016. The work investigates the concept of communion from the Ibo point of view which, he believes, is often ignored in many African narratives. And he has travelled around with this work.

His next movie project is untitled and it comes in two phases, first as a short film and next a feature film. He arranged an audition in Lagos for some Nigerian location shoot that he scheduled for the 30-minute short film. Nze revealed how the story was developed and the rationale behind it.

“If you live in any of the European countries today, you will think Nigeria is on fire,” he said. “On a daily basis, there are at least three boats loaded with Nigerians rescued from the Mediterranean Sea with dead bodies. I have been in Nigeria for two months and I have never seen a feature in Nigerian news media on this humanitarian crisis. I saw a sticker on a tricycle one day at Lagos Island that read: Study and work in Canada with a phone number.”

That really is a common sight in Nigeria. However, it is not common knowledge that most of these migration adverts are used by human traffickers to lure Nigerians from their homeland to a new life of slavery or death. Some perpetrators even use credible media platforms as well as radio jingles to call for migrants.

“People organise death trips of Nigerians through the desert and the Mediterranean,” he disclosed. “I collaborate with the UN High commission on refugees in Italy as an interpreter. The projects I am working on are not projects that I picked up from the newspapers. I am dealing first hand with the Nigerian crises in Italy. We don’t just deal with the migration crisis but the Nigerian educational crisis. Boys and girls of below 25 years are incapable of writing their names. Some Nigerians have finished secondary schools and

Nze are incapable of writing a full sentence in English. The story is enormous and it is part of the campaign by AWAREFOUNDATION.” Nze also claimed that Nigerians account for the highest number of migrants on the Mediterranean Sea much more than Syria, adding that over 70 per cent of these migrants from Nigeria are from the Benin axis.

“I am referring to the old Bendel State which includes Delta and Bayelsa. Just a few Yorubas are usually there,” he clarified.

The movie’s temporary title is “Inochie” meaning “Grandma”. It is the story of a boy, 18 years old who was born in Lagos. His life is suddenly transformed and disrupted by the death of his cousin who embarked on

the death trip. He is a young boy making his music here in a small studio for his girlfriend. He receives the sad news and goes home to meet his family. The boy is to accompany his grandmother to break the news of the death of his cousin to the deceased’s grandmother. Eventually, he embarks on the same journey- the death trip-to experience what his late cousin passed through.

“The larger picture is that he will go through the journey and survive it.

Through him, I will tell the story that is not often told about life in Italy. A good percentage of our young men and the girls, when they don’t venture into prostitution, are on the streets begging for money with caps in hand. This is not theoretical. We have be-

come synonymous with begging. Nigerians stand in front of cafes, able-bodied young men begging for money. If Nigerian government decides to block the exit of Nigerians through the land borders, they can do it.”

One would think that the current wave of economic recession might have aggravated the migrant issue but he recalled that this crisis began way before the recession.

“Recession has nothing to do with this,” he said. “I started the job of working as an interpreter for the Nigerian High Commission in Italy since 2012. During the Libyan war, Nigerians were leaving Nigeria for Libya intentionally to be pushed into the boats. When Gaddafi told Italy that he would invade Italy with migrants, any dark-skinned person was either given a gun

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s occasioned by the deadly to fight in the war or put in the boat to Italy. Many Nigerians went to Libya so that they could be grabbed on the streets and pushed on the boats to Italy.”

Since what he does is creative documentary, he could use archetypal characters to tell the story. In 2013, he started scouting for Nigerian actors in Milan to act some of the roles in the short movie about Nigerian migrants in Italy but to his amazement, no Nigerian came for the audition, even after much persuasion. Eventually, he settled for the regular actors that he’d worked with, one of them hails from Ivory Coast. He started his career in Italy as an actor, learnt Italian language, which in itself could be a major hurdle for an immigrant. He thought giving Nigerians in Italy that same opportunity would be a good effort in combating the crises caused by migrants abroad.

“Many Nigerians live the worst of lives in Europe,’’ he continued. “There is a constant humanitarian crisis and on top of the news is Nigeria. The issue of human trafficking and prostitution has gone to another level because in Italy, they make very strict laws to punish offenders. The gangs have moved over to bringing boys for male prostitution and I will not say who the beneficiaries are.

They are the least suspected. Two or three weeks ago, a guy was busted in Sicily.

It was in the news. In Italy, mafia is real.

People are killed on a daily basis in Italy by the mafia. The Nigerian mafia on human trafficking in Sicily took a portion of the business. What I may be working on may not be safe for me but someone has to work on this. Recently too, a Nigerian mafia was busted in Madrid for human trafficking and prostitution. We cannot over emphasise enough if we don’t have these things on television. As long as we don’t see these in the mainstream media often, people will continue to cajole others into fast wealth. Today, there is a slave market in Niger where Nigerian girls and boys are bought and taken to Libya. Sometimes, those who buy them enter the boat with them to make sure that their business is safe. The dimension has changed.”

Nze, who is co-directing this movie project with an Italian director, raised concern on the mass migration of Nigerians in Edo state. He said that many families had sold their houses and other valuable properties to send their children on the death trip. And any family that is without a member abroad or on the way outside the Nigerian shores is terribly looked down upon. Though he acknowledged that some Nigerians have honourable jobs in Italy, he remarked that majority of them engage in menial jobs simply because they couldn’t break the language barrier or are still associated with other Nigerians who have no career goals.

One thing he was happy for was the turn-out of Nigerians at the Lagos audition. He looked forward to returning to Nigeria soon to source for funds for the feature film on this worrisome global trend.

ARTS & REVIEW\\ENCOUNTER The Inverted Pyramid; Adapted from a novel by Emeka Dike

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ARTS & REVIEW\\MOVIES Feminists Remember Flora Nwapa in Lagos Stories by Yinka Olatunbosun

A scene from The Wedding Party

‘THE WEDDING PARTY’ GROSSES OVER N30M IN OPENINGWEEKEND

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alk of a box-office smash hit! Elfike Collective’s The Wedding Party, earns that the diadem by recently grossing over N36 million in its opening weekend in cinemas across Nigeria. The romcom, which tells the story of Dunni Coker (Adesua Etomi), a 24-year-old gallery owner and only daughter of her parents about to marry the love of her life, IT entrepreneur Dozie (Banky W), has redefined box office records in the Nigerian Film Industry.

The Wedding Party made a recent foray into the theatres with sold-out preview screenings. This makes the film the biggest opening weekend film of the year, ahead of A Trip to Jamaica and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

“The Wedding Party is tracking to surpass all Box Office records including that of the impressive ‘A Trip

to Jamaica’ particularly ahead of the Christmas and New Year ’s Holiday Season,” the Executive Producer & C.O.O FilmOne Distribution, Moses Babatope enthused.

The Elfike Film Collective production is indeed a first of its kind initiative designed to raise the bar in African storytelling through unrivalled technical achievement in filmmaking and creative media arts. The collective, by the way, is a collaboration of Africa’s leading powerhouses – EbonyLife Films, FilmOne Distribution, Inkblot Productions and Koga Studios.

The impressive opening weekend grosses show that Collectives can grow and prosper the continent’s film community.

“The Elfike Collective has used this opportunity to thank all Nigerian moviegoers for helping to make history,” a statement released by the collective said.

The Wedding Party has enjoyed tremendous support from Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism); Corporate and Social Nigeria. At its Grand Premiere in Lagos, the Manager Campaigns – Dubai Tourism, Salim Ali Mohamed Dahman; the Regional Director, International Operations – Africa, Dubai Tourism, Stella Obinwa; the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; the Chairman, Heirs Holdings,Tony Elumelu; Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Segun; the United Bank of Africa’s GMD, Kennedy Uzoka; the United Bank of Africa’s former GMD, Philip Odozua; the Chairman, Lagos Internal Revenue Service, Ayodele Subair; a former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate, Jimi Agbaje; Chairman, Troyka Holdings, Biodun Shobanjo; the Shell Petroleum Development Company – Nigeria’s MD, Osagie Okunbor; the MD/ CEO, NB Plc, Nicolaas Vervelde; the Commissioner of Police – Lagos, Fatai Owoseni; the Founder, Polo Luxury Group, John Obayawuna; the former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi and wife Margaret were amongst the A-list guests.

Film stars including Banky W, Adesua Etomi, Frank Donga, and many others surprised fans over the weekend with Cinema ‘Meet & Greet’ in Malls across the country. A ‘Win Big with the Wedding Party’ promo is currently running nationwide with audiences walking away with weekly prizes including Bridal Make-Up by Zaron Cosmetics, Cakes by Tosan, Cases of Cîroc and Baileys, Grooms’ Styling by Mai Atafo and much more.

The Wedding Party has been a hit with critics, receiving positive reviews and international acclaim since it was first screened at The Toronto International Film Festival in September 2016.

Flora Nwapa, Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s first female novelist, was remembered in Lagos by feminists, scholars and students of literature in a ceremony tagged “Efuru at 50” held at University of Lagos Staff School recently. Nwapa’s first novel, Efuru was published in 1966 by Heinemann’s African Writers Series and it became a subject of literary discourse at the afternoon of deliberations on the social impact of the classic literary piece.

A writer and wife of Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi in her paper presentation titled, “Flora Nwapa’s Life and Writing: A Legacy for African Feminists”, noted that Nwapa’s stories focused on the tribulations, triumphs and real dilemmas of African women who struggle for survival.

Fayemi, who led the campaign to enact a gender-based violence prohibition bill in 2011 as well as the equal opportunities bill, which became law in December 2013, considered Nwapa as a role model and educator with integrity and courage.

In her detailed assessment of Nwapa’s first two novels as well as critical essays, Fayemi observed that Nwapa explored female characters in search of freedom and fulfilment while revealing the frustration of African women who yearn for emotional and physical companionship on equal terms with men within marriage but hardly find it. She extolled Nwapa’s ability to balance the positive and negative female stereotypes in her works, though she considered some of them as contradictory. For the keynote speaker, Professor Bolanle Awe, her contribution took an historic view of Nigerian feminists and their active role in socio-political change. She concluded her remarks with the relevance of Efuru in our contemporary African society.

“Like a good story-teller, Nwapa noted the almost imperceptible inroad of British influence and governance which would make women second class citizens,” she said. “Nwapa, in Efuru, has documented an important phase in the history of women’s participation in the development of this country as shown in Oguta. As we celebrate her and Efuru whose life showed that a woman even in the village can be an achiever- we are presented with a challenge that the country belongs to us all.”

Growing His Own Heights

From the content of his solo show at Moorhouse, Ikoyi, Ademola Adesina had developed new heights in his creative pieces. A show which has become an annual event at the hotel is titled, The Son of Nobody. Recently, at its opening, this reporter took in the collection which is an assemblage of Adesina’s latest body of works and a few works from his previous exhibition.

Since Adesina is primarily a textile designer, his works retain the visual aesthetics amidst the repetition of linearity and geometry. His catalogue was a foretaste of the visual feast that essentially taps from Yoruba oral tradition, philosophy and the artist’s introspection.

In his remarks following a preview of the works, Dr Olusola Ogunfuwa, who teaches art at the Department of Creative Arts, University of Lagos, observed that the theme, “Son of Nobody’’ helps the viewer to appreciate the artist as one whose survival is self-sought, fired by the zeal to paint.

“If then, Adesina is hypothetically placed as the son of nobody, we can affirm through the array of works he is putting forward for viewing in this exhibition that he is a man of somebody with inkling, direction and purpose,” he observed.

The works at the show include, “Different Stroke”, “Hidden Identity”, “Face to Face”, “Veiled Identity” and “Procession”, amongst others. One intriguing work in this exhibition is titled “Ori Kan Ni Munii Bu’gba Ori” meaning Fallacy of Generalization. Conveniently, the work blends philosophy and Yoruba proverbial saying that has been manifested in social behavioural patterns such as racial profiling, tribal and gender discrimination.

Another piece titled, “Procession” hinges upon the traditional rite of passage which has been the subject of many works of literature while “Adamma’’ provokes the true nature of feminine beauty in our contemporary society where good character is placed behind physical features. For Adesina, make-up is a fraud peddled by many contemporary women.

In his “Adamma”, he places value on a woman’s inner beauty by deemphasizing outward facial features that attract and distract.

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Editor Vincent Obia Email vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08054681757

IN THE ARENA

In Preparation for Post-Boko Haram Nigeria Urgent steps should be taken to eliminate the conditions that provided Boko Haram a nest in the North-east, writes Vincent Obia

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igeria is in a good mood after the fall of the last stronghold of the Boko Haram terrorist sect in the country, Sambisa forest. It is an expansive woodland in the border areas of the North-east and North-west that stretches across six states, including Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, and parts of Kano State.

The forest served as the main fortress of Boko Haram for several years after they were dislodged from Maiduguri and its environs. But penultimate Saturday, President Muhammadu Buhari broke “the long-awaited and most gratifying news of the final crushing of Boko Haram terrorists in their last enclave in Sambisa forest” in a congratulatory message to the Nigerian troops. Buhari said Boko Haram’s most fortified and guarded enclave in the heart of the forest, also known as “camp zero”, fell to the Nigerian troops on the afternoon of December 22.

Many who can speak and be heard, including past and present leaders, have celebrated the fall of Sambisa forest.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, and other military chiefs have paid confidence-boosting visits to celebrate the Yuletide with the troops on the frontlines of the antiterrorism war. Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State said this year’s Christmas was his best season of celebration since his assumption of office about five years ago. His state has borne the worst consequences of Boko Haram insurgency since it began in 2009. The insurrection has killed and dislocated thousands of people, and done incalculable damage to infrastructure. There is real cause for joy after the clearance of the main source of the death and destruction.

But beyond the celebration, the authorities should reflect on the conditions that made the North-east a nest of terrorists with a view to redressing them.

The issue of border policing should be taken seriously.

The fact that the hub of Boko Haram’s terrorist activities has been the remote border areas is a clear indication that the porous borders have a lot to do with the terrorist onslaught in the country. Nigeria has international land borders of about 4,470 kilometres (2,513 miles) with Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Niger, and a coastline of 774 kilometres (480 miles). These are largely not policed.

There are about 1, 500 identified land border crossings into Nigeria, but only 114 has approved control posts manned by immigration officials and other security agencies, according to the Nigeria Immigration Service. The rest are left as free entry and exit points for all manners of people and activities.

Nigeria must devise feasible and effective means of reclaiming its borders from the ravages of illegal migration.

There had been reports about a plan to install electronic surveillance systems round the country’s borders with assistance from the United States and China. It is not clear how far the federal government has gone with that plan.

What is not in doubt is that the present-day problem of international or trans-border terrorism has added a new urgency to the question of border security. Nigeria cannot afford to leave the issue unresolved.

There should be a comprehensive mapping of the country’s borders to determine the levels of migration risks posed by the various sections and decide the types of policing measures to adopt.

THE NIGERIAN ARMY

Terrorism has ceased to be a local speciality, with the advances in communications technology. Nigeria should intensify cooperation with the international community, especially the countries bordering it, to ensure effective border control and prevent attempts to import terrorism.

Interestingly, United States President Barack Obama has recently signed into law, “An Act to require a regional strategy to address the threat posed by Boko Haram.” The new law requires that country’s Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defence to jointly develop and submit to the U.S. Congress within 180 days a five-year strategy to help the Nigerian government and relevant partners counter the threat of Boko Haram. The plan involves the conscious pursuit of measures to address the military and socioeconomic inadequacies that have encouraged the rise of the terrorist sentiments and activities.

The Buhari government should not only be identified with the U.S. anti-Boko Haram strategy and similar schemes, but it should also key them to the general security needs of the whole Nigeria.

From reports, it is obvious that the culture of incoherence and abandonment of government property were huge contributors to the making of a nest of evil in Sambisa forest.

The heart of the Boko Haram fortress in Sambisa forest, “camp zero”, was said to be a cluster of camps and cells, the strongest and most fortified of which was a huge structure with underground cells and armoury originally built for the training of the former National Guard in the 1980s. The structure, reportedly, constructed by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida, which had established the National Guard, is said to have about two layers of underground buildings, with tunnels for escape and facilities for

residential, recreational, and farming purposes.

Babangida ruled from August 1985 to August 1993.

His government had said that the National Guard, a paramilitary force, would be deployed on Nigeria’s borders, stressing that its duties would not conflict with those of the army or the police. It said there was a plan to establish three broad units of the National Guard, which would include ground intervention squads, paratrooper units, and marine service squads. The country was divided into four zones for the operations of the National Guard, namely, the North-west, with headquarters in Kano; the North-east, headquartered in Bauchi; the South-west, based in Akure; and the South-east, with headquarters in Umauhia. The ultimate purpose of the National Guard, according to the military government, was to check crime and terrorism.

But in October 1993, the National Guard was disbanded.

And that big national security and defence infrastructure was abandoned. Boko Haram later found its building an excellent fortress.

The authorities have not responded to the reports about the use of the disbanded National Guard’s building by Boko Haram. However, in many parts of the country, the story is the same: abandoned government assets falling into the hands of people who use them for illegal activities. The country’s leaders must embrace the principles of continuity in governance. They must close any loopholes that can be exploited to unleash evil on the country.

As Nigeria marks the eradication of Boko Haram’s fortresses on its soil, everything should be done to remove the conditions that helped to create and develop the insurgency.

P O L I T I CA L N OT E S

Buhari’s Silence on Southern Kaduna Killings

P Buhari

resident Muhammadu Buhari has maintained a silence on the killings in southern Kaduna, which is outrageous, to say the least.

Several people have been killed in the area since the last few months in clashes between host farming communities and migrating Fulani herdsmen, who are accused of destroying farmlands and plundering communities. The crisis flared up again about a fortnight ago, leading to the killing of scores of people and injuring of others.

Buhari has a duty to intervene forcefully with the aim of stopping the bloody crisis, which has obviously proved to be an intractable problem for Governor Nasir El-Rufai, particularly given his limited powers over security under Nigeria’s pseudofederal system. Nobody else can be blamed for this avoidable bloodletting.

Besides, Buhari has on various occasions intervened to try to prevent or stop calamitous situations in other countries. He cannot keep quiet when his own house is on fire.

– Vincent Obia

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As the Igbo Decry Harassment

by Nigeria Customs Service Allegations of increased harassment of Igbo travellers by Nigeria Customs Service personnel on BeninOre Road has provoked protests across the country by Igbo youths and added a new dimension to the perceived marginalisation of the ethnic group. Anayo Okolie reports

I

f there is anything most Igbos both at home and abroad love to experience every year, it is travelling home to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their kith and kin. The period enables them to hook up with their relatives and friends who come back for the celebration from different parts of the country and beyond.

Harassment-for-Bribe

Most Igbos even shut down their businesses for weeks in order to be part of the Yuletide festivities. But the joy of Mr. Okwy Okafor, who left Lagos happily penultimate weekend with his luxurious SUV to join family and friends in the celebration, was altered by the harassment of officials of the Nigeria Customs Service. When Okafor was given a parking sign by some customs officers at the Benin-Ore highway, he thought it was going be normal stop-and-check-particulars of the vehicle but little did he know that his obedience will cost him about a million naira after his long meeting with the officers.

Okafor, who called on the federal government to intervene and stop customs officers from incessant harassment of Igbo travellers, regretted travelling by road.

He said, “It is a clear indication by the customs that they have failed in the discharge of their official duties and require urgent action by the presidency. All over the world, the activities of customs and excise officials are restricted to the borders and entry points; the airports and the seaports, as agents of border control.”

Ordinarily, Okafor said there was no case of anybody impounding goods within a country, as “you seize banned goods at the point of entry into any country; but the Nigerian Customs men would rather mount a roadblock and be collecting bribes from Nigerians, especially Igbos.

Also reacting to the issue, the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, blamed the Nigeria Customs Service for subjecting Igbo travellers to hardship by seizing rice meant for household consumption. Obi said in order to have first-hand information on the issue he had to travel by road from Lagos to Onitsha. He described the situation as worrisome and counter-productive, wondering if the roads in Nigeria have become wharfs or borders to warrant many customs checkpoints.

According to him, “We know that customs police our borders to, among other things, guard against smuggling of banned goods.

But if they do this effectively at the borders, as is obtainable in other countries, there would not be need for customs checkpoints all over the place.

“I observed over 10 checkpoints from Ore to Onitsha and added that, in this time of recession, what was more worrisome was that they stopped travellers and demanded customs papers, clearance papers for vehicles, including those bought several years ago.

“Even families going home for Christmas were stopped and the rice they were given as gifts in their offices or bought in the open market was confiscated under the pretext that they were foreign rice.”

Obi appealed to the customs Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ali (retd), “to look with interest” at what was happening and “completely overhaul their mode of operations by targeting those importing banned goods at the borders and not innocent Nigerians trying painfully to eke out a living.”

Victimisation

On his part, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo, who

Igbos prostesting against Customs’ harassment

is an indigene of Anambra State, said, “I think the president should call the men of the customs to order. The zonal commander of the customs should call his men to order; it is a deliberate act to victimise people of the Igbo race.

“It is a deliberate act to make us feel like we are not part of Nigeria, and I think the Senate should actually investigate it because I know that it would definitely be an illegal act.

I don’t think that it is happening in any part of the country today. You don’t find a situation where they will be blocking roads leading towards a particular part of Nigeria, and they will be insisting on seeing custom papers; it does not happen when you are going to Ondo State, Ife, Ekiti or even the northern part of the country. It only happens when you are going to the south-eastern part of Nigeria.”

He added, “So I think this incident should be investigated, because it is not the first or second time this is happening; and if these men are not probed properly, this may go on and on and on. So there is need for us to tackle the issue immediately. The Igbo are law abiding people, and the protests that you hear about are protests to enlighten the people and they are non-violent protests. I think the southeastern governors have a role to play, they are the elected leaders. I think it is important that the south-eastern come out in unity and take our protests to the Presidency and the Senate.

“What we are talking about here is very sensitive, for the customs to be extorting a particular race. I know that our president is a president of Nigeria; he is a president that loves the unity of Nigeria and will not single out the Igbo race for this victimisation. I think some people are doing this to sabotage and discredit this government.”

Customs Reaction

But a customs officer on Benin-Ore expressway, who spoke on condition of

anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, tried to defend the action of the officers. He said most of the people whose cars were seized or money was collected from were people who smuggled their vehicles into the country in order to avoid paying full import duties. He also declared that the customs officers were only doing their jobs, saying that nobody is being harassed marginalised. “The only reason this issue is rampant along Benin-Ore highway is because most people from the South would prefer to smuggle in their cars instead of paying full duty.”

Assurance Deficit

According to the co-convener of Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution (CDNDC), Mr. Ariyo-Dare Atoye, “The avalanche of roadblocks mounted on the southern corridors of the country has become a monumental siege to the people, and this is only seen in a war torn areas. It has gone beyond an operation targeted at protecting these corridors from armed robbery and kidnapping.

“I think it is a sign that Abuja is either jittery and no longer enjoys the confidence of some federating parts of southern Nigeria or an insensitive operation to showcase the tyranny of the centre, irrespective of the feelings of commuters and economic interest.”

Atoye stated further, “We have to question the thinking of the Buhari regime and the strategy of its security and operational advisers. This is not how to hold a country together forcefully or prove your might. I urge them to read through history and act with sound intelligence and knowledge.

“Aside the reckless acts of security operatives causing us enormous pain by extorting we, the travellers, wasting our countless human hours and sometimes brutalising commuters, I also want to believe there is

a specific standing instruction to monitor if there is a suspicious movement of people planning some kind of action against the state.

“There is certainly more to these roadblocks. There is also an economic angle to it in the process. If some bad eggs in the custom and other border patrol agencies had sabotaged operations to stop contraband from entering the country, it is therefore disingenuous to visit such misdemeanour on innocent Nigerians and retailers/consumers by confiscating the items.

“It is just an act of wickedness to make the people suffer from your own shortcomings.

Some persons travelling home to the Southeast from Lagos went to the market to buy 10 or less bags of rice and other things to sell back home or distribute to families, but you have now made it a passage of hell to deliver good to humanity. It is most unfair and painful.”

During the Yuletide, Atoye said, sometimes food is of more value than money back home, especially now that things are very expensive. Rice shared to family members is worth more than N500 to each. A government that lacks empathy and is insensitive to the plight of the people is doomed, he said.

“I will like to urge President Buhari to toe the path of dialogue, peaceful negotiation, embrace the principle of impartiality and also see all parts of Nigeria as his constituency with a show of love. He must also change his economic policies and make his government friendly to the South of Nigeria.”

The president should note that no amount of force or military operation can forcefully unite the people except peace and truth, Atoye cautioned, saying, “The country is becoming increasingly divided, but it is not beyond remedy if the president is willing to apply the wisdom of using dialogue and doing justice to governance.”

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In Memory of My Father, Sultan Dasuki Abdussamad Dasuki

I

t was Colonel Haruna Dasuki who ordered that I return to the hospital in military style “maza maza dawo asibiti” on what easily became one of the darkest days in my history. On November 14, 2016, we confronted one of our deepest fears – our father, Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki died. He died minutes after his eminence Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar left his bed side. Unknown to us, this was a farewell visit from the symbol and custodian of the institution my father revered until his last moments, the caliphate. We, his children hoped that somehow he will pull through this hurdle like he had done throughout his eventful life.

Although he would have been Ninety-Three years old yesterday, December 31, 2016; it was not enough to neutralize our grief.

Baba taught us many lessons in life and in death; he continues to teach us more. Every part of him told a story; his eyes, his mannerisms, his speech - a story of faith, honor, industry, contentment, sacrifice, duty and dependability. One of his mantras was “abun da ka shuka, shi za ga girba: ku shuka alheri” meaning “you reap what you sow; therefore sow good things”. He served this nation diligently in various capacities which all contributed to the formation of his solid character. He was private secretary to the great premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello. He moved on to head the Northern Grains Board, which at the time managed the famous groundnut pyramids. In the private sector, he chaired the board of African International Bank (AIB) before his eventual coronation as the 18th sultan of Sokoto. He left indelible marks along the way, building lifelong bonds with his associates. Their condolence messages showed the unique bonds they shared with him; each with a different narrative. From traditional rulers to captains of industry to political office holders to average Joes; his network was vast and diverse.

At the home front, he was our hero. Each and every one of us connected with him in a different way. He was unison, he brought sanity and he was the power horse behind the scenes that ensured we carried on in life with dignity. If there was a problem, we were confident that he would fix it regardless of the magnitude. He was not perfect and neither is our family. However, he navigated our imperfections in a perfect manner. Some of us experienced hilarious shock upon discovering our biological mothers around the ages of eight or nine. This is the flavor of polygamy which my father practiced. He nurtured such trust amongst our mothers that each of them raised children birthed by others with unparalleled grace. He was equitable yet strict, certainly not one to shift the goal post. Discipline was very important to him. There were times when he asked children of our domestic staff to punish us when we derailed. I am not sure if it was the finesse of my brother Col. Sambo Dasuki or the quest for discipline that made him send my generation of Dasukis to military schools.

While Ibrahim, Haruna and I went to Nigeria Military School and NDA in Kaduna, Muhammadu Buhari, and the girls attended Airforce Military schools in Jos respectively. Reflecting on my moments with him brings mixed feelings; Sadness for obvious reasons and Joy, for Baba left a part of him in each and every one of us his children. For instance, our eldest sister, Ya Amina, wife of the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, knew Baba for longer than any of us. Perhaps this is why she radiates the best part of him, his superlative virtue of patience.

Despite belonging to a different generation, Baba’s advice was somehow always applicable and relevant to contemporary situations. In March 2010 when I was at a

Dasuki

crossroads in my life; precisely when I was considering seeking elective office. I approached him and stated with conviction my motivation and desire to run for office. I described the landscape, the opportunities and threats.

He listened attentively to my grandiose presentation.

His advice was concise but deep. He told me categorically to return to the grassroots and prove my worth to the people at that level. “How can you aspire to lead a people with whom you have seasonal contact?” That was quintessentially Baba. Not one to evade or beat around the bush to please you. I walked away from that room still unsure of what the future held but with a clear understanding of the enormity of the responsibility that lay ahead. It was not my birthright; I had to earn it. This is the way that our father eased our paths - not with silver and gold but with his values, principles, wisdom, humor, courage, strength and most importantly

prayers.

No conversation about Sultan Dasuki will be complete without talking about his courage. He ingrained confidence and fearlessness in each and every one of his children. He never got tired of urging us to “fear no one but Allah” and “beg no one but Allah”. This will later put him on a collision course with late General Sani Abacha and lead to his deposition and subsequent unjust incarceration for years in Zing, Taraba State. The rest they say is history. One of his proudest moments as a father was when he learnt while in detention that his children refused to beg General Abacha for his release. Upon his return, he met a household that was understandably apathetic towards the General. He reacted by lecturing us on the fruitlessness of hatred and requested that we pray for the repose of the General’s soul. Incidences like these defined my father.

I could never do justice to my father in a few paragraphs but I owe it to him to embody his values in the course of my own life. By divine decree, we are entrusted with a duty towards our people as envisioned by our ancestors. As the constant in our lives, his presence made us complacent in a way. His absence on the other hand, unearths the fact that the oars rest squarely on our shoulders to perpetuate his ideals for the benefit of current and future generations. He leaves us the legacy of an exemplary life occasioned by trials which he wouldn’t let define him. Clearly, the real test of Baba’s disciples begins now and I get the feeling we are well prepared. I conclude in these regulatory words of my father: “Honorable is far more than a name prefix; to be honorable is to be dutiful and to be dutiful is to be mindful of the various layers of expectation of your people”. May Allah grant him al-jannah firdaus and make it easy for us to complete the good work that he started.

I am not sure if it was the finesse of my brother Col. Sambo Dasuki or the quest for discipline that made him send my generation of Dasukis to military schools. While Ibrahim, Haruna and I went to Nigeria Military School and NDA in Kaduna, Muhammadu Buhari, and the girls attended Airforce Military schools in Jos respectively. Reflecting on my moments with him brings mixed feelings; Sadness for obvious reasons and Joy, for Baba left a part of him in each and every one of us his children. For instance, our eldest sister,Ya Amina, wife of the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, ––Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, member representknew Baba for longer than any of us. Perhaps this is why she ing Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency, is son late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki, the 18th Sultan of radiates the best part of him, his superlative virtue of patience of Sokoto

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Abdulaziz Yari: A Leader at NGF Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo

I

n the United States of America, the year 2016 shook Americans to new realities of how racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and job-losses are redefining contemporary politics. These factors led to the defeat of dye-in-the-wool politicians like Hillary Rodham Clinton of the Democratic Party by an outsider, Donald Trump, in the race to the White House. While one cannot argue that the same problems had afflicted Nigeria in equal measure, last year, the country had experienced one of its worst economic meltdowns, called a “recession.”

Those who did not feel the bite of the recession simply did not live in Nigeria last year. Tales of hardship among ordinary Nigerians were everywhere. And they were very palpable. The value of the Naira against the USD hit 500. This took the prices of all consumables through the roof. Once local and cheap staples became gold. Families, even the influential ones rationed their meals. Peasants resorted to ‘mercy-stealing’ while the once generous types sealed their pockets. The two major holders of Nigeria’s regular livelihoods, farmers and herdsmen, grabbed each other’s jugular and this was even before the Agriculture ministry declared the possibility of a draught. Farmers had become desperate and herdsmen had become wild. Among the nation’s elites, things were far from rosy. The economy which was battered by factors from within and without further took the gradually recovering good name of the nation back to damnation, sometimes unjustly and uncharacteristically unfair, on many issues.

Nigeria, on the brink, looked more divided in 2016 because politicians were playing to the gallery and championing interests other than that of the nation. Some even perfected the art of playing with fire, oblivious to the dangers they pose in the long run and for a multi-cultural, multi-lingual contraption like ours. To boot, politicians were always in the news, hawking hate and prejudices from both sides of the divide.

It required a phenomenal sense of responsibility to waddle out of the nonsense. Simple solutions to the nation’s economic woes had become few and far between. Fortunately it all coincided with the tenure of the young Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. And it was an emergency. Knowing that time was not on his side, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar hit the ground running.

One of the first things the NGF Chairman did was to work for synergy among the governors who form the integral pillar of the country’s political pyramid. As his cardinal covenant with the forum, Yari moved to reintegrate all the members from the opposition who hitherto felt like fish out of water. Unity achieved, he then set out

Always even-handed, Yari ensured a level playing field as all committee work, visitations and assignments of the forum were shared equally among members without prejudice to political party inclination. Indeed, this turned out to be a good way to kill a hydra-headed serpent.

Many observers of the NGF had argued that even if this was the only thing that Yari achieved in his chairmanship of the nation’s 36 governors, he would be recorded favourably for having succeeded in reuniting them. But that is not all. Under Governor Yari’s leadership of the NGF Nigeria was declared polio-free by the WHO and struck off the list of at-risk countries for the epidemic. Thanks to the NGF Chairman, more hands have been added to embellish the status of the NGF as

a policy hub and a clearing house for governors with regards to their engagement with development partners, locally and internationally.

Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has also worked assiduously to endear the NGF to the presidency especially to President Muhammadu Buhari himself who has always viewed politicians like a bunch with whom he would dine only with a long spoon. Today, PMB would hardly take any decisions in his government without seeking the opinion of governors.

The Director General of the NGF Mr. Asishana Okauru who has served at least three of the Chairmen of the NGF and known first hand their different strengths and weaknesses had once remarked that what he sees and perhaps even likes about ‘Governor Yari is that he has an insatiable drive for results and he never tires until what he sets to do, is done.’ This may however sound like an understatement when viewed from the praxis of what Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has done in 2016, to help reflate the economy and drive it out of the woods.

If today most Nigerians who were already becoming disillusioned with the efforts of government are smiling to the banks because in Plateau state, all arrears of salaries of civil servants are being paid and the pensions of retirees are also being settled and in Ogun state about N2.5bn has been set aside for the same exercise and in Jigawa N1.9bn is earmarked for workers 2017 palaver to mention but a few, the credit rests squarely on the shoulders of the Chairman of the NGF Dr. Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar whose tireless sagacity was deployed tactically to pump money into the economy. Besides it was Governor Yari who successfully secured the nod of President Muhammadu Buhari to gratuitously assent to the demand for the refund of the Paris and London Clubs loans deductions, since the commencement of democracy in the country in 1999, which many states received in December. As a reward for this remarkable achievement, at a meeting of the NGF on December 16th where the Chairman, Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakkar, confirmed that the money was ready to be disbursed to the states’ accounts, the governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose, had led other governors to hail their chairman saying ‘you can remain Chairman for life’ amidst resounding applause by more than 29 governors who were in attendance at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. And for all Nigerians whose hopes have been rekindled or whose backlog of emoluments have been settled or who are hopeful of settlement or who have finally stabilized their lives after a long period of economic uncertainty, there is only one man to greet. He is Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar, the governor of Zamfara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

Happy New Year, Your Excellency.

–––Barkindo is Head, Media and Public Affairs at NGF

is that a heart of gold does not wait until the opportunity of public office before doing good. This is what stands my boss and sister out.

Before Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed got drawn into public office with his appointment into the cabinet of Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki ,CON, this family have shown kindness to countless l people with whom they are no blood relations.

Everywhere this couple lived, you would find the indigent receiving help either to feed, or complete their education, take care of a medical need or just have shelter. Some of them would be people they met with close or distant family members and just decided to lend a hand to in their fulfilment of their ambitions. It was impossible to come in contact with this couple without your life been impacted.

The Life Empowered Anchors Hope (LEAH) Foundation founded by Her Excellency is a testimony of her golden heart.

In the past five years of its existence, hundreds of children have found hope in education through the organisation’s Adopt- a- child initiative. The idea behind the programme is to see that all Kwara children are encouraged to get educated at least unto the secondary level through the provision of basic school needs as uniforms, stationeries etc There is also the deliberate programme aimed at ensuring that widows in the state are engaged in gainful economic activities. Deaconess Ahmed is passionate about this programme such that an amazing number of women have been empowered through a revolving loan scheme as well as provision of working tools like deep freezers, sewing machines, grinding machines and so on.

What would however pass as LEAH’s focal mission is the dogged determination to put an end to the ravaging effect of cancer on women in Kwara State.

After the shocking loss of two people to cancer a few

years ago, Mrs. Ahmed sought the help of God for the institution of a programme which would help reduce the incidence of cancer on Nigerians.

Since there are so many variant of this disease than the world is even able to keep up with, LEAH decided to focus on the fight against Breast and Cervical Cancers, these being the highest killers of women. At the moment, there are 28 basic screening centres all around the state. There, women get screened of Breast and Cervical Cancer at subsidised rates while they also get lessons about how to embark on self-exams.

LEAH also established enlightenment and peer groups in secondary schools as well as some of the tertiary institutions in the state known as the Leah anti-cancer club with the aim of removing the veil of ignorance covering cervical and breast cancers by providing information and education to the youngsters early enough.

But LEAH’s founder is not fulfilled with the organisation’s accomplishment yet. She maintains that the ultimate intervention as far as cancer is concerned, is the establishment of a hospital that would treat people that are diagnosed and provide all needed ancillary service. Raising funds for this facility has been her resolute engagement for the past three years.

As daunting as this particular goal seem to be, Mrs. Ahmed, an unapologetic Christian and believer in the ability of God, is convinced that it will be accomplished in the same way in which God has brought help her way on the project so far.

One single prayer that I have for this honest, God fearing wife, mother and sister to many, as she marks another birthday today, December 30th is that all of her dream, most of which is about making life better for others, will receive the seal of Heaven and that this New Year will bring accomplishments never imagined.

Happy birthday dear sister and boss!

Yari

to find soft-landing for states, using his well-watered closeness with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Celebrating Omolewa Ahmed’s Heart of Gold

I

Lanre Bello

t was William Shakespeare, that great English poet, playwright, and actor, who said through one of the characters in his historical Henry IV Part 2, that: “A good heart is worth gold”.

From the context of the book and the reality of the contemporary world that we live in, it is easy to interpret the expression to mean that as gold is scarce so are men and women with good, pure and sacrificial hearts scarce! The world has become so increasingly selfish that the hearts of men have turned more to the preservation of self than the good of others or even the Eco-space that we all occupy. Yet this is the charge of God, whom will all serve in one form or the other.

As gloomy as these times are however, there are still a few people who believe in the service of humanity.

People who see the service of people as an integral requirement of their worship of the Almighty and plunge into that without let or hindrance. One of such people living is Deaconess Omolewa Ahmed, Wife of the Governor of Kwara State and Founder/ CEO of the LEAH Foundation.

I, of course imagine that people would wonder if there is anything spectacular about a governor’s wife’s kind heart since the expectations of this derivative responsibility is to support the work of her husband in an essentially non-governmental way.

But even if we grant this expectation, we should also bear in mind that people execute responsibilities with differing levels of commitment and open-mindedness.

Besides, wives of governors are limited in the scope of their work because they do not derive from the constitution and are not funded by their states. They are therefore compelled to fund-drive to accomplish programmes and projects.

However, most important than all of this in my view,

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Tony Rapu at 60: Portrait of a Reformer Koko Kalango

“I

do not know of an individual who has influenced my own generation more than Pastor Tony Rapu in Christianity in Nigeria today…The fathers of the faith even acknowledge that what he started is what ignited the fire in the city of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole… when the divine history of Nigeria is being written, Tony Rapu would be one of the people to be acknowledged’ says Pastor Ghandi Olaoye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Jesus House, Washington DC. Debonair, dapper, svelte, a power-dresser – is probably how you would describe the six-feet-four Tony Rapu when you see him. When you draw close you also realise he has a quick wit and an independent streak. He is at once courageous, sincere, self- effacing, non-conformist, a disciplinarian and a perfectionist. When you draw even closer you discover a deeply spiritual man with an unbridled passion for the things of God. Dr Ada Igonor, whose story is featured in the movie 93 Days, describes how Pastor Tony supported her when she went through the ordeal of Ebola infection ‘…Then I got a call from my pastor. He had been informed about my predicament. He called me every single day, morning and night and would pray with me over the phone. He later sent me a CD player, CDs of messages on faith and healing, and Holy Communion packs through my husband. My pastor, who also happens to be a medical doctor, encouraged me….We would then discuss the disease and pray together. He asked me to do my research on Ebola since I had my iPad with me and told me that he was also doing his study. He wanted us to use all relevant information on Ebola to our advantage.’

God heard those prayers. Dr Igonor was the only infected staff of First Consultants Medical Centre, Obalende, Lagos (where the first case of Ebola was recorded in Nigeria) who survived the Ebola epidemic which is said to have a 99% mortality rate.

Tony Rapu was born in Kano on January 1st 1957, the only son to an Ibo Catholic family. He is the fourth of six children. His father, T.D. Rapu, worked with the Nigerian Customs while his mother, Maria Rapu (nee Ofili), was a teacher. He grew up like any well bred, middle class young man as would testify those who knew him at King’s College Lagos in the 70s or in the 80s at the University of Ibadan where he took a degree in Zoology and later in Medicine. During his Ibadan years, he met Miss Nkoyo Bassey, who was then a student at the International School Ibadan (ISI). She was just 16 and he was 20. Reminiscing those days, former Miss Nigeria, Helen Prest-Ajayi, who was Nkoyo’s friend and classmate at ISI says,“I remember those hot, hazy afternoons spent chatting and strolling down our school driveway in the hopes of catching a glimpse of Tee Raps racing by on his ‘Harley Davidson’ … it was the biggest, baddest bike around… this was the era of John Travolta and ‘Grease’ was all the rage…”.

While he was working as a Medical Doctor at Eko Hospital, in 1986, he gave his life to Christ at a Friendship Bible Study meeting in the Ikoyi residence of his eldest sister, Mrs Bridget Itsueli. Shortly after his conversion he had an epiphany and in a bid to make sense of it, his sister introduced him to a doctor of mathematics-turnedpreacher called Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

Pastor Adeboye describes this meeting as a divine one.

He explained that the day Tony Rapu stepped into his office, God told him the young man was one of three men who would be instrumental to the realisation of the vision of the RCCG to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.

In 1987 he married Miss Nkoyo Bassey, who was by this time a lawyer working with Allan and Ogunkeye.

She had come to know the Lord at a Bible study in the Victoria Island home of Gabriel and Rosalyn Oduyemi.

Husband and wife became active members of the then hardly known RCCG and worshiped at the Head Quarters Church in Ebute Metta. They also held a house fellowship in the Rapu family home, at 27 Ekololu Street, Surulere, where they lived. This home ‘church’ consisted mainly of young, upwardly mobile professionals from different denominations. Here, Tony Rapu would also hold prayer meetings that would sometimes last through the night or for what seemed like unending hours during the day.

In 1991, under the direction of Pastor Adeboye, Dr. Rapu led a team of some 50 newly converted born- again Christians, mainly members of the Ekololu house fellowship, to begin the Apapa Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Pastor Tony preached an intelligent yet uncompromising gospel attracting professionals and recruiting them into the service of the Lord. From hours spent in daily personal study and prayer, he developed training material with which he would disciple the church workers. These intense discipleship sessions comprised hours of worship, bible study, prayer and frequent seasons of fasting. He gave the worker training groups prophetic names: Pioneer, Elisha, Freedom, Frontline, Reformer, Government, Missionaries, and Territorial Workers. We were programmed to see the world as our congregation,

Pastor Rapu

our vocation as our pulpit and our lives as the epistle that people will read to be drawn to God. He taught us that we were all in full time ministry, whether we held secular jobs or not and that serving God is never something we do at our convenience but a cause around which we built our existence. Many of these professionals would pastor RCCG churches alongside their regular employment.

The church was aggressive in winning souls. Evangelism was avant-garde and unconventional. He planted churches in night clubs, cinema halls and restaurants. It was he who began the giving of individual names to RCCG parishes.

He came up with then unusual names like Jesus House, City of David, Courage Centre, Hope Hall and also named the London Holy Ghost Service Festival of Life. He began the first Bible School for graduates outside the Redemption Camp, the first model school (The Redeemers International School), a financial institution (Haggai Institute), a drug rehabilitation home (Hebron House), an outreach to area boys, a French church, and a hospital (House of Hope).

In the five years of this work, the church had grown in leaps and bounds and he had planted churches like Jesus House London in 1994, Jesus House DC in 1995 and City of David, Lagos in 1996. This passion, creativity and excellence, have been the hall mark of the 1116 churches spread over 110 countries that make up the Apapa family now under the leadership of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade.

Members of the Apapa parish workforce continue to excel in ministry, as well as in the public and private sector in Nigeria and abroad. They include Bola Adesola of Standard Chartered Bank, Sola Adegoroye of IBTC, Tunde Fowler of the FIRS, DG Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, former First lady of Cross River State Onari Duke, Pastor Agu Irukwu of Jesus House, London and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House.

God used this movement to trigger off the unprecedented church-growth that would transform the Redeemed Christian Church of God to what is perhaps the fastest growing denomination in the world today. Pastor Adeboye described Pastor Tony Rapu as ‘‘…a great man of God…a man of awesome potential, intelligent, articulate, a man passionately in love with God…” He added “If I have a thousand boys like Tony Rapu I will deliver the world to Jesus Christ in less than 5 years…”

Since he officially put down his stethoscope and picked up the Bible some 25 years ago, Tony Rapu continues to step beyond the confines of the pulpit, into the pews, and beyond the pews to meet the people where they are. He

continues to roll up his sleeves and put his hand into the mud of society to address the issues we would rather look away from. His training as a medical doctor has enabled him understand the tripartite nature of man, helping him address the effects of sin not just on the spirit but on the mind and the body of men.

Today he continues his work under the House of Freedom, the umbrella organisation reaching out to different strata of society - This Present House (the flagship church), The Water Brook (church for young adults), God Bless Nigeria (church reaching out to the poor indigent communities), Holy Trinity Church (for an orthodox yet vibrant expression of faith), The Potters House, (a community church in Costain), and Mount Zion (a church reaching out in areas like Alpha Beach and Jakande). Through the Freedom Foundation he oversees Genesis House and House of Refuge (rehabilitation and empowerment organisations) and Bethesda (an education agency). His social reform work is the subject of the video documentary My Lagos Diaries, which was presented to a select audience, in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, in October and would be presented to a wider audience on January 21st 2017.

At the Freedom rally organised by the House of Freedom, in commemoration of Nigeria’s 56th anniversary, Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, testified “…

I came to know the Lord through ….Pastor Tony Rapu….

As a professor of the law of evidence everything must be demonstrated by proof. Scientific proof, logic. If it does not make sense then there is no sense in it. But this man led me to understand the evidence of things that are not seen.

In 1993 …. I came to the Redeemed Christian Church of God Apapa Parish, where Pastor Tony was pastoring….

I was in a workers group. Guess what he named that workers group? – GOVERNMENT! It was prophetic, – unbelievable, the number of us who actually went into government.… Oby Ezekwesili was in my same group. She of course became Minister in two different departments…

The prophetic word had gone forth….”

Tony Rapu the reformer is also a committed family man, who dotes on his wife, Nkoyo, their two daughters – Dr Uju Rapu, Barrister Kene Rapu and their son, Mr Tobe Rapu, who is a university student.

60 happy cheers to Tony Rapu who turns 60 today!

––Kalango, MON, Founder Rainbow Book Club, Project Director, UNESCO World Book Capital 2014.

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• JANUARY 1, 2017

CICERO/INTERVIEW/PERSPECTIVE

‘As Business Committee Chair, I Promote People-oriented Motions’ Hon. Chidi Udemadu, who represents Ihiala Constituency I in the Anambra State House of Assembly, is chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business. Udemadu says the state governor, Willie Obiano, has performed well enough to deserveasecondterm,inthisinterviewwithjournalistsinAwka.Anayo Okolie wasthere.Excerpts:

O

n his experience so far in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

I must say it has not been a very rosy journey. However, realising that getting to the position we are in today is not by human strength and just like the Bible says, “it’s neither by strength nor by might”, I want to thank God. I must also say that it was difficult, but God helped so many of us, not just me. Since then we have been occupying political positions, and you know as a politician so many things must come your way. By His grace, we have been able to take care of the ones we could and the ones we cannot take care of, we leave in Gods’ hands, because for me in particular, government is a continuous process.

On projects he has brought to his constituency since his election over one year ago.

By the grace of God, I was elected to perform three core functions in Anambra State House of Assembly vis-à-vis my relationship with my people. They are: legislation, representation and oversight. By way of legislation, I must say that several bills have come to the floor of the Anambra State House of Assembly; several motions have been raised, both oral and written. By my position as the House Committee Chairman on Rules and Business, I have had the privilege of seeing every motion or bill before it gets to the house.

By way of legislation, I have tried to ensure that every motion that comes to the floor of the house represents the interest of Anambarians.

On my own, I have brought motions to the house, urging His Excellency to look towards Ihiala, Uli and Amorka as regards taking care of our roads, because we don’t have good roads; most of the roads in Ihiala Constituency 1 today are impassable. You cannot even access some towns without spending several hours. So I have tried to do my best as it concerns drawing the attention of the government to such places. Also seeing the attitude of the youths, I have brought in motions addressing them regarding piety on several radio stations. I have spoken on these issues to ensure that the attention of government is drawn, so that at the end of the day our people will feel our representation.

spirit and the tenets of the law benefit my people in the long run.

Udemadu On representation By way of representation, I have tried to ensure that all the bills that come to the house, I contribute meaningfully because any bill that comes to the floor of the house is not just from a constituency, it affects all the constituencies in Anambra State. And once it gets to the floor of the house, the bill must be looked at and fine-tuned to ensure that the

On oversight functions.

By way of oversight, in the Anambra House of Assembly it is one of our duties to appropriate funds. In line with this, we have tried to ensure that all the funds we have appropriated are properly made use of. We have ensured that we are there to see that these monies are spent judiciously. No human being is perfect; there must be one or two faults. But it is like an encouragement, which is different from what we had previously heard. What I just enumerated are my functions on the floor of the house, apart from that I have also by the grace of God tried to touch lives. I have helped many people to get jobs, secure admission in universities, register for tuition fees, provided sewing machines, provided computers for computer school graduates, and many other things which are not visible.

Apart from all these, on my own, I have done a lot. Recently, I constructed a mini bridge in my town Amorka. One of the many things ravaging Anambra State today is erosion and we have such cases in my town, where my attention was called to, hence the mini bridge construction. What baffled me the most is that I was informed that when it rains, crossing over becomes impossible, so people would have to go round through a long distance to come to a point that is originally a pole away from them before it rained. I spent a lot on the project but embarked on it in order to aid easy movement of my people.

I also gave out motor-cycles and cars to people last year. Also, last year, I distributed over 300 bags of rice to people. I also did youth empowerment seminars early this year, where our youths got to know the areas to venture into to help themselves, because so many of our youths do not have the necessary information to help them move forward. I have discovered that representation is not just giving money, food, motor-cycle or whatever, hence the seminar. This I see as a way of liberating our youths, because if you don’t sensitize them most of them will not know. I am happy that after the sensitization, two of the participants called to inform me that they have gone to do their masters.

They took that step because I encouraged them; you don’t just sit at home and waste away when you know that you can help yourself through one way or the other.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

How Baru Raised the Bar in Fuel Availability at Yuletide Earnest Ajala

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he time was December 2015 and the venue, filling stations across towns and cities, the nook and crannies of the country. The stage was that of chaos, anarchy, commotion, stress, and absolute pandemonium. Motorists queuing up for hours—and even days—in long, snaky lanes leading up to filling stations, hoping and praying that by the time they get their chance at the pump, there will be something left for their tanks. The result was utter frustration, sheer condemnation and rains of abuses on the then six-month-old Buhari Administration, with many describing the new Government as insensitive towards the plight of Nigerians.

Now fast-forward 365 days, December 2016 to be specific. The stage is calm, serene, peaceful and tranquil. Roads leading up to filling stations are as free as air, with many of them almost deserted. In stretched intervals, one could see pockets of motorists getting into the filling stations with tremendous ease, comfort and effortlessness, filling their tanks in just a matter of seconds.

As for the fuel attendants, one might think they are on vacation.

The situation is that seamless and hassle-free. The outcome is, as expected, commendation, well-wishes and prayers for the President, who, according to them, did not make a mistake in choosing Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru as the best person to halt the recurrence of the December 2015 fuel crises.

Surely, those were two interesting scenarios. Without mincing further words, the two scenarios did not just occur by mere happenstance. While the first situation represents a recipe for chaos and total hopelessness, the second shows ease and absolute calmness.

The difference between both situations is that someone somewhere was truly in charge and was actually discharging his duties silently and with all sense of responsibility, focus, commitment, foresight and sacrifice.

Checks within the Nigerian National Corporation (NNPC) and indeed the downstream sub-sector show that when Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru assumed duties in July 2016 as the Group Managing Director, one of the key tasks he met on ground was how to solve the perennial challenge of products supply and distribution in the country. Of course, vast experience on the job tells him that fuel availability is one of the key responsibilities of NNPC, one profound parameter upon which Nigerians appraise NNPC’s performance.

There are other stakeholders within the petroleum downstream value-chain, but as far as ordinary Nigerians are concerned, NNPC is what they know.

It is in realization of this reality therefore that Dr. Baru did not relent. And from day one, he swung into action, cashing in on the modest gains made by the Federal Government’s deregulation policy of the downstream sector (which aimed at eliminating subsidy payments on petroleum products). In his usual hands-on

style, Dr. Baru jumped into the front seat, driving the efforts right from his desk, right from his office within the NNPC Towers. He deployed what could better be termed as scientific and never-seenbefore solutions, using properly sourced and diligently analyzed data to address the recurrent downstream logjam.

Utilising the result of the analyzed data, Dr. Baru began by holding fruitful engagements with relevant stakeholders within the petroleum downstream value-chain of the nation’s Oil and Gas Industry. From the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), to the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Dr. Baru’s key message was clear: let us all help eliminate the recurring decimal of long queues at filling stations nationwide, so that we all can benefit from a stabilized downstream subsector of the oil and gas industry for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In one of those numerous interfaces with IPMAN shortly after his appointment, Dr. Baru solicited the Association’s support towards ensuring efficient distribution of petroleum products nationwide particularly before, during and after the ember months.

He also urged the association to use its vast network of distribution outlets in the downstream sector across the country to deliver petroleum products to the people so as to prevent the unwholesome occurrence of sharp practices such as round-tripping, hoarding and products diversion.

Dr. Baru did not only stop at that. He urged the IPMAN leadership to enforce the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency’s (PPPRA) retail price band for all petroleum products across all its retail outlets. Most importantly, he enjoined the Association to take advantage of the liberalization policy of the downstream sector by the Federal government to import petroleum products so as to always keep the country wet with products.

Still in its role as the “big brother” of the nation’s oil and gas industry and in particular the downstream sub-sector, the NNPC kept its promise, deploying gilt-edged foresight, innovative thinking and brilliant new ideas towards achieving its targets in the sub-sector. Key among those initiatives include taking the giant step to ensure the sustainability of the over 40-day sufficiency up from the 27 days tradition for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol or gasoline. That has been sustained by Dr. Baru since coming on board about six months ago.

It is also on record that under Dr. Baru’s watch, NNPC developed and operated a robust gasoline demand-supply model that provided accurate demand-supply forecast and enabled effective planning, data-backed decisions, logical execution and performance tracking of all gasoline supply portfolios in Nigeria.

This exceptional effort has led to the establishment of a “decision threshold” for effective decision-making by Management of the Corporation 60 days prior to the depletion of new National

gasoline reserve level of 40 days sufficiency.

Moreso, that outlook improved product supply and scheduling through timely discharge of products leading to reduced demurrage cost by 58% compared to 2015. It has also eliminated the economic costs of fuel scarcity which could affect up to 5% of the National GDP estimated at $5 billion. Aside improving forecast, operational transparency and effective monitoring, the NNPC under Dr. Baru has also improved efficiency in resources allocation and prioritization for sustainable supply and distribution of PMS across the nation.

Not only the PMS which is the ‘real deal’ for ordinary Nigerians, the NNPC helmsman ensured that adequate volumes of other petroleum products were constantly supplied and distributed to marketers to meet national demand. The result of all these laudable initiatives is what is there now for all to see.

And that is the fact that throughout the beginning of this yuletide period, petroleum products shortage has been forestalled. Today, motorists drive in and out of filling stations with ease, all thanks to Dr. Baru’s vision, foresight and excellent collaboration with stakeholders.

A few weeks ago, following some reported hiccups in air travel which led to flight delays and cancellations across major airports in the country, NNPC as the big brother that it always is, also came to the rescue. To salvage the looming flight chaos, Dr. Baru ensured the Corporation intervention through its oil trading subsidiary (Duke Oil Ltd) flooded the market with Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK), also known as Jet A1. The development, which exceeded marketers’ demand, saw the importation of about 38.7million litres of aviation fuel, which represents about twenty six days sufficiency.

Specifically, on December 14, 2016, the Corporation completed the discharge of 8,800MT of ATK to key marketers’ terminals.

In addition, as at December 19, 2016, 23,500MT which represents about 28.2million was discharged to other leading oil markers in the country. In order to sustain the tempo, the Corporation went a notch higher, securing the supply of additional 30,000MT vessel of ATK which represents about 36million litres expected to berth Nigerian shores before the beginning of the new year.

For the common man in Nigeria, life rotates within and around petroleum products availability. It is a fact that any hitch in fuel supply and distribution flow could cause a multiplier effect that will send serious ripples and shocks to the standard of living of Nigerians. But with all the aforementioned milestones and achievements of the NNPC in the downstream sub-sector under the able stewardship of Dr. Maikanti Baru, it is safe to say that fuel queues are on the verge of becoming a thing of the past. Even much safer is the great feeling that Scenario One depicted in this write-up will never be here with us again.

––Ajala, a Petroleum Economist and Downstream Expert, wrote in from Apapa, Lagos.

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PERSPECTIVE

Senate: What a Way to End the Year!

Yusuph Olaniyonu

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s the Senate prepared to end the year 2016, it’s chambers were busy with a flurry activities.

As members were submitting reports from the oversight visits to different agencies, so many bills were getting to their final stage with public hearings being completed. At the same time, new bills were being introduced.

And in the last week before it embarked on the recess, the National Assembly hosted President Muhammadu Buhari who used his visit to achieve two objectives - submit the government spending fiscal plan for the coming year for approval and also address the nation as previously demanded by the legislature on the government’s plan to tackle the current economic recession in the country. Also, the Medium Term Framework (MTEF) and Financial Strategic Plan (FSP) were approved.

The last week also saw the Senate concluding the clearance process of the nominees into the board of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). It also deliberated on the report of its adhoc committee on the humanitarian crisis in the North-East. The last days of the year were such a busy period for the Senate not only because the members wanted to quickly conclude some of the process they had started, but more importantly because they were inadvertently setting agenda for the issues that will pre-occupy the legislative institution in the first quarter of 2017.

This end of year review will be easy to understand when one remembers that between June 9 2015 and today, the eighth Senate has passed into law 32 bills while 411 bills have been introduced by members. Out of this total figure, 68 bills have passed the second reading stage while 145 are due for second reading. There are also 54 others from the House of Representatives that are awaiting concurrence process before being passed to the President for his assent. Among the bills that are now at the final stages are nine of the 11 priority economic bills which are deliberately designed to help pull Nigeria out of recession.

The plan, according to President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in his speech during the presentation of the 2017 budget proposal by the President is to pass the remaining economic bills alongside the budget for Presidential assent by the end of January or thereabout. The priority bills are to jump-start the economic, open new areas of investment and encourage investors.

These proposed laws include the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, National Development Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, Nigerian Ports and Habours Authority Act (Amendment) Bill, National Road Fund (Establishment)

Bill and the National Transport Commission Act of 2001.

Others are the Warehouse Receipts Act (Amendment) Bill, Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), Investment and Securities Act (ISA), Customs and Excise Management Act, Federal Competition Bill, National Road Authority Bill and the Customs and Excise Management Act. The bills are also at the final stage of passage.

Among the already passed bills are the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act Cap. B2 LFN 2011 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2015, Public Procurement Amendment Act Bill 2015, Nigerian Railway Corporation Act 1955 N129 LFN 2004 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2015, Electronic Transactions Bill 2015, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Act (Amendment) Bill 2016,, Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions Bill 2016 and North East Development Commission Establishment Act Bill 2016.

The rate of work being done on bills in the National Assembly has received commendation from the executive as President Buhari last week signed eight of the newly passed bills into law. The President’s liaison officer in the Senate, Ita Enang said “I use this medium to commend the National Assembly for the industry and dexterity they have shown and the concentration on the core functions of the legislature because compared to times like this in previous parliaments, I think this is the highest number of bills passed by any single parliament within its one year and six months”.

The work of the legislature is not limited to law making.

It includes oversight and advocacy. The present Senate has excelled in these two areas more than even in the passage of bills. For example, its oversight helped to save billions of Naira being overcharged by Remita, the managers of the platform through which state funds are collected into the TSA. Same oversight revealed the abuse of the waiver policy on custom duties on imported rice and other items, gross leakages and failure to remit funds by revenue collection agencies of government and the exposure of irregular remittance of profit by a telecommunications firm.

Some of these investigations are as a result of motions.

Like the probe of the humanitarian crisis in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the North -East zone which has revealed the gross misuse of funds and abuse of trust by people in high positions.

In its advocacy duty, the Senate had made critical interventions which nipped potential national crisis in the bud. It got the Central Bank to change its policy of not allowing people who have foreign currency to lodge them into their accounts and when there was a talk of punishing people who hold foreign currency in cash for longer than two weeks, Senate compelled the apex bank to stick to the free trade policy of free entry and free exit. It intervened to make the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) abandon its fixed charges on electricity tariff and bulk metering in communities.

The legislative body swiftly moved in to get the National Communication Commission (NCC) withdraw its endorsement of proposed hike in prices of data plan. It is currently mediating between University teachers and government to avert crisis in the academia and once intervened to compel release of funds for military operations in the North east. Also, its intervention led to the sourcing of funds for the Super Eagles travel to Zambia.

Apart form the series of achievements, the Senate is now a more united body. The members have refused manipulation so from outside that will divide its ranks. Also, Senators demonstrate both punctuality at plenary which now commence unfailingly as stipulated in the Rule Book and more commitment to their duties. That is why the bills are coming in torrents, the motions flows ceaselessly and the debates are more rigorous and informed.

There is no doubt that the current Senate is working so hard to make positive impact on the lives of Nigerians. Like its Leader, Dr. Saraki would often say, the institution’s relevance can only be enhanced and appreciated when the ordinary people feel the positive impact of its law, oversight and advocacy in their lives.

––Olaniyonu is Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President

is, therefore, a mischief on the part of the executive to oppose constituency projects, because if a lawmaker has nothing to show for his years at the National Assembly or state assembly, what will he or she tell the constituents that he or she achieved as a senator or member of the House of Representatives or as a state lawmaker. There is a great need for constituency projects.

It is mischievous of the elite to win elections with the votes from the rural communities and turn around to oppose attempts to make provisions for the welfare of those that voted for them. The idea of constituency projects is not new. In many parts of the world, constituency projects are regulated by laws, such as the constituency development fund act. About 23 countries are currently operating or considering adopting various forms of the CDF. They include Bhutan, Ghana, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mongolia, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Southern Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Additionally, in the United States, constituency projects are known as “earmarks.”

The idea of constituency projects came about as a result of the people in the rural areas demanding equitable distribution of development projects in the country. As a result of this, and the federal character clause of the Nigerian constitution, constituency projects became necessary to balance out the skewed distribution of government projects — in order to adhere to the federal character principle.

In this regard, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides the legal backing and framework for constituency projects. For instance, section 16 (1) of the constitution states, “The State shall…harness the resources of the nation and promote national prosperity and an efficient , dynamic and self-reliant economy and control the national economy in such manner as to secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality…”

Section 16 (2) states, “The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring ... (b) that the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.”

Section 13(1) makes it the constitutional duty of all legislators to ensure that projects are evenly distributed to all federal constituencies. “It shall be the duty and responsibility of all organs of government, and of all authorities and persons, exercising legislative, executive or judicial powers, to conform

to, observe and apply the provisions of this Chapter of this Constitution.”

What then is the role of lawmakers in this? The role of legislators in the constituency project process is simply to identify the location and the type of project to be sited. Once this is done, it is included in the budget of the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies by the National Assembly. The processing and award of contracts for execution of the project is squarely the responsibility of the executive arm.

Constituency projects allow legislators to effectively apply their local knowledge in the appropriation process. This is because with the federal government being one constituency, while the National Assembly comprises 469 federal constituencies, the legislators are in fact closer to the people. They know what the people really need.

In this regard, constituency projects give the budget local projects to focus on.

Constituency Projects are important because they are a legislator’s responsibility towards the constituents. This is because constituency projects allow legislators to channel federal resources directly to important public purposes in their local areas. These projects are intended to improve the lives of their constituents, fulfilling the legislators’ duty to advocate on behalf of their constituents.

Here, the question to ask is, what are the cost implications of constituency projects to the federal government? It is a very small part of the overall government spending. This is because the impact of constituency projects on the overall government budget is insignificant compared to other executive spending programmes that receive little or no oversight from the public and do not receive full implementation, despite budgetary allocations.

Though, there are members of the National Assembly that abuse this process, it should not be a reason to throw away the child and the bath water. There should be a way to modify and ensure transparency in the constituency projects. Apart from ensuring transparency, there should be a deliberate attempt to enlighten the people to know that constituency projects are not meant to circumvent the duties of the executive arm of government. Rather, it should be seen as a way to complement the efforts of the executive by ensuring that the dividends of government and democracy get nearer to the people.

–Okocha is Special Assistant to the Senate President on Print Media.

Saraki

Facts of the Constituency Projects Matter Chuks Okocha

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onstituency projects under normal circumstance should not be a cause of worry or strife between the Presidency and National Assembly because it is one basic effort at ensuring that the dividends of democracy or good governance get down to the people at the grassroots.

The legislators are the direct representatives of the electorate. The legislators – at the federal or state level – feel the pulse of the people and know exactly what their needs are. As it is, the Presidency is one constituency, whereas the National Assembly consists of 469 federal constituencies, made up of 109 senatorial. districts and 360 federal constituencies. No doubt, they are better positioned to identify the needs of the people they represent.

It is true that Nigeria is running a quasi-federal system of government and it is a huge institution. There is no way the government at the centre can truly identify the needs of the people at the grassroots. Rather, it is the lawmakers from the various districts that can identify the needs of their constituents because such needs are peculiar to the communities.

The constituency projects are also not identical as the needs of the rural communities vary. For instance, the need of constituents in Sokoto is far different from a senatorial district in Abia State. Whereas, water is, in most cases, the need of constituents in the North, bad roads dot the various states of the South-east and tackling environmental problems is generally the need of states in the South-south. Again, the needs vary from one community to another. In Anambra and Delta states, for instance, dangerous gully erosion is the major environmental problem whereas in Rivers and Bayelsa states, degradation of the environment as a result of oil spills is the major problem of the people.

During electioneering campaigns, the presidential candidates usually campaign in the state capitals and some selected cities.

Their campaign trains don’t usually get to rural areas mostly to due time constraint. But the lawmakers do get to the rural areas.

They campaign in every nook and cranny of the rural communities and, therefore, know the direct and immediate needs of their constituents. The Presidency lacks the capacity for this.

It is through the constituency projects that the lawmakers are expected to address the needs of the people that voted them into power. During the campaigns, it is the lawmakers to be that even direct the rural constituents where and who to vote for. It

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PERSPECTIVE

Applying Different Strokes for Different Folks?

Oliver Chuks-Nnaife

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he recent data price increase ordered by the telecoms industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, was met with stiff resistance and uproar from different stakeholders including consumer rights activists, advocacy groups and the general public majority of whom felt they would have been impacted by the increase by virtue of being subscribers to the network operators and users of data services.

The increase which was to become effective on 1st December, 2016 was almost immediately suspended by the NCC following a directive from the Senate to halt the planned increase. The NCC as well as telecom operators were summoned by the Senate to address the issues raised by the proposed data price increase. The NCC in its clarification stated that the planned increase was an intervention to ensure the industry remains competitive and that subscribers will benefit in the long run.

The NCC further explained that a price floor is not a mandatory retail price but the price at which a reasonably efficient operators cost is covered, below which would result in the operator subsidising the service.

The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, also issued a statement to the effect that the action of the NCC was in exercise of its statutory responsibility to promote healthy competition within the industry. In the words of the Association, “telecommunications operators were unable to recover the cost of providing data services and reinvest in capacity expansion to accommodate the increased usage arising from lower tariffs. The situation has been compounded by the recent economic challenges characterised by the steep depreciation of the naira, the need to resort to the parallel market and foreign exchange scarcity which have considerably increased the capital and operational cost of providing telecommunications services, thus making current data tariffs unsustainable.”

In the same vein, the aviation sector witnessed an even higher tariff hike. It was recently reported that major airlines had effected a 40 per cent increase in domestic flight tickets due to the current high operating cost. According to media reports, a two-way economy ticket on Abuja-Lagos route, which used to cost about N60,000 during peak period and N48,000 or less at off peak time, now goes for between N70,000 and N88,000 depending on demand. Arik Air for instance reportedly charges between N70,740 and N76,000 for Lagos-Abuja flight; Medview, N86,000 and N88,000 while Dana charges N73,800 on the same

route.

In spite of the high cost, there are still flight delays and sometimes outright cancellation of scheduled flights. The airlines have attributed these challenges to high operating cost occasioned by the scarcity of forex and obligatory service charges as the reason. The adverse effect of forex, according to them, includes non-availability and skyrocketing price of aviation fuel (Jet A1) as a litre of aviation fuel which cost between N205 and N210 is now N240 while the price could be up to N250 per litre in places like Abuja, Kano, Sokoto and Yola. All these are aside the costs of maintenance and mandatory recertification of aircraft which are usually dollar-denominated. The industry has stated that an upward adjustment of ticket prices on a continuous basis is the only feasible way to remain in business.

Funny enough, unlike the telecom operators who would have applied a 20 to 25 per cent increase in the price of data on average, compared to the airlines 40 per cent increase, neither the passengers have challenged nor the Senate summoned the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, the Minister or airline operators to justify the tariff increase. Rather they have quietly accepted the hike in spite of the poor and unreliable service doled out to passengers. Now this makes one question: what makes the aviation sector different? Do passengers not have a right to the same level of protection and quality of service by government just as the telecoms subscribers? Or is it that our law makers are not bothered? A recent report released by the National Bureau of Statistics on the Consumer Price Index which measures changes in the prices paid by consumers for goods and services, indicated that the CPI increased to an all-time high of 211.30 points in November from 209.70 points in October this year.

Inflation also rose from 18.3 per cent in October to 18.48 per cent in November. That being the case, to state that all aspects of life will be affected by the economic situation will be merely stating the obvious. A leading Nigerian newspaper recently reported that the retail price of a bag of cement has risen by 44 per cent or more from N1,600 to between N2,350 and N3,500 depending on location. The Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN) has attributed the price hike to scarcity of forex, poor electricity supply from the national grid, and high cost of providing Automotive Gasoline Oil. If all industries like the aviation, manufacturing, FMCG and telecommunication service providers are operating within the same economy and under the same economic conditions, then should it not be expected that the impact on businesses such as increased operational costs, and the outcomes such as price

increase will apply across board and affect consumers of goods and services? If this logic is correct, which it is, then why apply different standards? One begins to think that it is the cash cow syndrome that has come in to play again here. The telecom industry has come out several times in the past to complain about issues of multiple taxation by the government; unfortunately, this time it has to stand up not only to the government but to its subscribers as well as on an issue which no other industry has been asked to justify. There was no uproar to increased prices of goods and services, no uproar to increased cost of flight tickets, no uproar to increased price of cement and building materials so what is strange in the increase in the cost of telecom services?

Majority of the protests by the various groups were hinged on several preposterous grounds including the claim that it was a plan of the president to keep the people mum by restricting access to social media, a ploy to be achieved by making data services unaffordable to many. Others claimed that the increase was another gimmick by government to generate revenue since the initial plans to charge telecom service tax was thwarted. At best these claims are based on sentiments not hard facts; that the current economic reality is impacting on all aspects of our life is stating the obvious and the telecommunication sector is not immune to or insulated from the current economic challenges.

Perhaps the situation with the airlines is easier for passengers to understand, drawing a correlation between increase in fuel prices and increase in transport fares. This may not be the case with the provision of telecom services hence it may be helpful for even the operators and the NCC to further educate the public on how their industry works, as it is clear that the operating environment and business matrices within the telecoms industry are not well understood by many.

The NCC by virtue of its role is better positioned to understand the technical and commercial intricacies of the industry and as an autonomous body should be given the required freedom to intervene where it sees fit. The Senate acted hastily by compelling the NCC to put a stop to the increase without first engaging to understand the rationale behind the directive although by the end of their investigation, they agreed that the NCC was right to intervene. Consumers also need to be realistic and have the right attitude; the current economic situation has implications which affect consumers and businesses alike.

The focus should be on government to figure out the path to economic recovery but in the interim thriving sectors must be preserved.

Chuks-Nnaife, a national affairs commentator, lives in Abuja.

Oritsejafor and Burden of Leadership: A Postscript

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Michael Awe

he leaders of the two leading religious bodies in Nigeria are indisputably strategic national leaders. They are very influential considering the size of their followership. Conventionally, one of them often talks less in the public; he is not known to be a newsmaker while the other has to employ the instrumentality of activism and the media to maintain some level of balance in the business of official patronage, especially in the interest of his own constituency.

The Christian faith leadership in Nigeria shares the role of being vocal against overt and covert acts of injustice with the human rights groups. This has become more pronounced since the campaign against Nigeria’s membership of the Organization of Islamic States, OIC, during the General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd) military era. The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos Diocese, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, was a fire-spitting CAN President at that time. Since then, the Christian body has been more involved in speaking for the masses of this nation, along with its primary role of defending the Christian faith.

Successive CAN leaders have maintained the culture, though at varying degrees depending on the nature of the man in charge. However, it may take a while for the Christian community in Nigeria to have another leader like Pastor Joseph Ayodele Oritsejafor. To date, Oritsejafor remains the most criticized and vilified national church leader in Nigeria. He received scathing remarks for the very reasons he assumed the mantle of Christian leadership – service!

I will try to unveil Oritsejafor in this write-up beyond the parochial opinions some people hold about him. I have a sense of duty to straighten the records in the interest of future leaders who may be scared of stepping into the realm of leadership at that level. I won’t sing his praises because God is the Rewarder of everyone called to service by Him. I will write as someone who knows some of his activities,

intentions, and challenges.

Jesus our Lord said in Luke 12: 48 that to whom much is given, much is required; and adopting this statement as the principle of service in leadership is what earned Oritseajafor the brickbats from a section of the media.

Oritsejafor accepted to serve the Body of Christ as chief steward in the nation with so much passion as someone who has been privileged to receive abundant mercy and uncommon grace from his Maker. He determined to add value and continue the good works started by his predecessors in office as Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) presidents.

In the early part of his tenure in office, Oritsejafor did not allow projects or support works to be financed from the CAN purse.

I remember when there was a flood disaster somewhere in Sokoto State, all the relief materials and cash donated in the name of CAN were not from the association’s coffers. He buoyed the treasury of the Christian body and initiated some ideas that steadied the body across the country.

He dispensed his energy, time, and resources - as expected, though - to move the body to the next level.

He was the sitting President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, before he became CAN President. PFN is reputed for intrepid responses to issues as they affect Nigerians in general and the Body of Christ in particular. So, it was much easier for Oritsejafor to fit into the demanding roles of the CAN President.

He was not discriminatory in his response to sects or denominations that needed his attention. He was present at the Cherubim and Seraphim (Ayo Ni O) annual event in Lagos before Prophet Gabriel Fakeye transited to glory.

He was also in attendance at the heroic burial of Apostle T. O. Obadare of C.A.C in Ilesha, Osun State. He was up and doing as an energetic and charismatic leader of CAN. He was very vocal against the undue advantage of one religion over the other as demonstrated in the official patronage over the years. Oritsejafor was despised in some quarters for being audacious by cutting-to-size the larger-than-life image of the ‘feudal lords’ in

Oritsejafor national affairs at any given opportunity. Even in the face of threats to his life at the peak of the Boko Haram onslaught, Oritsejafor used the weapon of his tongue to protect and defend his people while holding the federal government, Northern and Muslim leaders responsible for the havoc wreaked by the insurgents because of leadership failure on their part. These were the reasons why those uncomfortable with his unrelenting and fearless disposition silently employed acerbic media attacks against him.

There are two major areas his critics talked about: his closeness to the former President Goodluck Jonathan and his frequent fiery responses to any action, policy or moves against the Church; insensitivity to the plight of the people or acts of injustice against any section of the country. They feel he should have been a gentleman who rarely or scarcely reacts as the leader of the most populous religious organization in Nigeria. But Oritsejafor thinks otherwise!

“If I pretend to be insensitive to threatening and damaging actions against my people because I want to be nice and command respect

through silence when I should speak up, it’s the height of betrayal of my covenant with God and His people I agreed to serve in leadership position,” he said, quoting legendary Albert Einstein who said “The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything.”

Oritsejafor’s closeness to former President Goodluck Jonathan never affected his sense of duty as the Chief Priest of the nation during Jonathan’s era. He was not enjoying any special attention or privilege above his peer in the other faith. What surprises me the most is that we don’t get to hear anything about such closeness to the seat of power in all the years that the leader of the other faith (both past and present) has been the unseen hands behind many actions in our national affairs.

Alas!

Is it a crime to be close to any person in power, especially when it is not for conceited purposes? I think the answer is No. Most Rev. Peter Akinola was the CAN President who completed the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, 18 months into his tenure of office. The project had been comatose for almost 15 years before Akinola was elected in 2004. He leveraged on his friendship and intimacy with former President Olusegun Obasanjo by appointing him (Obasanjo) to chair the fund raising committee to complete the edifice.

It would have been understandable if Oritsejafor’s attackers were only from anywhere else than the Church. Some of his critics in the media are Christians. While there’s nothing wrong in constructively ‘criticizing’ (as against ‘admonishing’ church fathers/leaders as stipulated in the Holy Bible – 1 Timothy 5: 1), many of the vitriolic attacks were due to misconstrued intentions and veiled campaign to either weaken or – Michael Awe is a Lagos-based Media Consultant. mikeawe@yahoo.co.uk

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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GAVEL TO GAVEL

Edited by Vincent Obia Email vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com

Revisiting the Inadequacies of the 1999 Constitution

Members of the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee recently went on a working retreat. Damilola Oyedele reports

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he 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been widely criticised as a document hurriedly put together by the military in preparation for hand over to the civilian government at the inception of the Fourth Republic. Several of Nigeria’s challenges are attributed to perceived imbalances and inadequacies of the constitution. Attempts to amend the constitution to really address the imbalances have proved abortive. The seventh assembly made some headway in the amendment, but, unfortunately, it did not receive presidential assent before the expiration of the tenure of the last administration.

The eighth assembly, in its legislative agenda, has pledged to deliver on much needed amendments in the shortest time possible. It has picked up from where the seventh assembly stopped, and continued work on amendments that have already received consensus, approval of both chambers, two-third support of state assemblies, and approval from public sessions conducted with Nigerians.

Retreat The 55-man Special Adhoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 held a four-day retreat in Abeokuta. The central theme of the retreat was, “The Imperatives of Constitution Review/ Amendment in Nation Building.”

Opening the retreat, the chairman of the special committee, Deputy Speaker Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun, said the committee made efforts to ensure that the amendment process was more flexible and practicable. It segmented the fourth Alteration Bill (from the previous assembly) into 14 bills, and is also considering over 30 bills referred to it by the current assembly.

“The exhaustive amendments to the Constitution by the seventh Assembly cannot be ignored as it is on their framework that the eighth Assembly is working to address some unresolved issues and secure the assent of the president this time,” Lasun said.

The Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in his goodwill message to participants at the retreat, which included members of the state Houses of Assembly, said efforts to amend the constitution had failed due to interplay of the entrenched interests, mutual distrust among the federating units and lack of political will on the part of the concerned political actors.

Issues Some of the contentious issues, which the proposed review needs to address, according to Amosun, include derivation formula, revenue allocation, fiscal federation, state creation, resource control, local government creation by states, state police, and the perceived long-standing marginalisation of the ethnic minorities and a few regions of the country.

Amosun, however, warned that whatever amendments to the constitution should be done to ensure the indivisibility of the Nigerian nation.

The sentiment was also echoed by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who noted that while the committee was empowered to process all the referred bills and where necessary, amend, reject, or recommend, it should do so in the interest of peace, progress and stability of the country.

“You must be guided by national interest and not parochial, sectional or religious considerations in your assignment,” Dogara said.

Represented by Majority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila who is also the deputy chairman of the Special Ad-hoc Committee,

L-R: Lasun, Amosun and Gbajabiamila during the retreat

Dogara said the constitutional architecture of the country was critical for its economic growth and prosperity, “our political stability, social progress, the security of lives and property, infrastructural development and all facets of our national life.”

Speaking with THISDAY in an interview, the Speaker of Akwa-Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Onofiok Luke, noted that the exercise must be conducted in manner that would keep the country as one. He stated, “There have been agitations from different sectors, different parts of the country on the need for true federalism, some pockets of secessionist agitation. So, this particular exercise is more critical now than ever because it should be used as a platform to incorporate and allay the fears of different segments and most especially the minorities in this country,” he said.

He reiterated the call for true federalism, saying, “That, I believe, is the thread and the needle that we are going to use weave back Nigeria into one indivisible entity. We say we are one indivisible entity by words, but in action and indeed in daily occurrences, there are forces that are threatening to pull us apart. So, I believe that this process that will lead to a new constitution will be that tonic that will bring us back as a country.”

The keynote address at the opening was presented by eminent jurist, Prince Bola Ajibola.

Fourth Alteration Bills The fourth alteration bills being considered by the committee are categorised under the following subjects: Creation of Office of the Attorney-General/Minister of Justice, Financial and Administrative Autonomy of Local Government Councils, Separation of Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Authorisation of Expenditure, Judiciary and Devolution of Powers.

Others are Citizenship and Indigeneship, Human Rights, Pension of Presiding Officers, Mode of Altering the Constitution, Electoral Matters, New States and Boundary Adjust-

ment, Nigerian Police, Assent on Ordinary and Money Bills, and Separation of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and the Auditor-General of the Federal Government.

The matter of administrative and financial autonomy for local governments was one of the major issues.

Dogara said the issue of local government funding, functions, structure and elections should be reformed if Nigeria is to make progress as a nation.

“Happily, at the last botched constitution review exercise, 24 states voted to allow financial and structural autonomy for local governments. If we get the buy-in of four more states, it could have been achieved, so we should not give up,” he said.

Onofiok disagreed that state governments had muzzled their assemblies not to vote to guarantee the autonomy of the third tier of government. He said, “I think autonomy for local governments is very necessary if we are serious about development from the grassroots, which is where development should start from.

But since it is a matter for the majority to decide, what I support may not necessarily pass.”

True federalism, including resource control, is another matter that has remained on the front burner for a long time. Lasun noted that the demand for more and access to control of resources had led to increased violence, hostage taking and disruption of the activities of the oil industry.

He observed, “Their conflicts are traceable in many respects to dissatisfaction by different groups within the geopolitical configurations with the distribution of power particularly, central over natural and fiscal resources within the federal structure. The balance of power is said to be too heavily tilted in favour of the central government in what is regarded by some as the contradiction in the structure and control of the police, which is regarded by many as antithetical to the federal amendment.”

The Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, said the current constitution created a unitary system, where most powers were concentrated in the central government. This, he noted, was why

the Asians Tigers were able to move ahead while Nigeria remained underdeveloped.

According to him, “It lies only in two sections of the constitution. It is very clear under the provisions of section 44 (3) and section 162.

Section 162 of the constitution has created an armchair arrangement where a governor comes in on monthly basis or a state comes in on a monthly basis, share money from the federation account under a unitary arrangement and go home. So nobody actually is interested in looking inwards.

“Unfortunately, section 44 (3) also has vested almost everything you talk about – minerals resources, even outside mineral resources. A system where the central government collects taxes, VAT and everything and distributes it on a monthly basis is totally unacceptable. I give a clear example, Zamfara where selling of alcohol is banned. Alcohol is sold in Lagos and the VAT money that comes in from this alcohol goes to the federation account and when it is shared, Zamfara gets a chunk of that particular money.”

Ogor advocated the creation of a system that provides comparative advantage to all states, where they are allowed to harness some of their mineral resources for their own economic development.

“There is the need to reduce the exclusive legislative list to the barest minimum and be able to move on as a nation,” Ogor said.

On electoral matters, Lasun said there was need to establish a credible time limit for the conclusion of election petitions.

“If such a time limit is to be of any utility, it must be before the candidate’s tenure begins.

It has since become clear that due cognisance must be taken of the provisions on the tenure of elected officers,” he added.

As the deputy speaker said, the amendments would be ready by March next year.

Nigerians can only hope that the constitution amendment process would be concluded in good time, especially, before the intensification of campaigns for the 2019 presidential election.

This is to avoid political interpretations that may hinder the amendment.

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GAVEL TO GAVEL/ BILLS, MOTIONS, ET AL.

The Fall of Abia Speaker

Emmanuel Ugwu, in Umuahia, looks at last Thursday’s impeachment of the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Martins Azubuike and the drama that played out.

I

t was a case of theatre of the absurd at the Abia State House of Assembly when two new speakers emerged in a spate of 24 hours following the impeachment of the speaker, Hon Martins Azubuike. After he was impeached on Thursday December 29, Azubuike,whorepresentsisialaNgwaNorth state constituency, was replaced with Hon Bishop Kennedy Njoku, representing Osisioma North state constituency. But on the next day (December 30) when Njoku was to perform his maiden function of presiding at the plenary session of the sixth Abia House he resigned. The lawmaker, who is among those cutting their first teeth in the legislature just managed to occupy his seat as the speaker briefly when the House reconvened on Friday and after the opening formalities announced to his resignation to his colleagues. He did not give reasons for his action.

Howeverthedeputyspeaker,HonCosmosNdukwe later explained that the man he had referred to as “a brand new speaker” the previous day resigned “on personal grounds” As Hon Njoku stepped down he was promptly replaced with Hon Chikwendu Enyinnaya Kanu, who represents Isiala Ngwa South. Kanu the lawmaker he had defeated in the race to replace the impeached speaker,Azubuike. THISDAYgathered that Kanu was the favourite of the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu to replace the impeached speaker.

But the lawmakers overwhelmingly voted in favour of Njoku who polled 16 votes as against three votes that Kanu got. Obviously Governor Ikpeazu was not happy at the outcome of the election for the new speaker hence the turn of events within 24 hours meant that he had exerted his executive influence to swing the wind to his direction. Ikpeazu was billed to present his 2017 appropriation bill to the House and it was unthinkable for him to do so with a speaker he disapproves presiding.

Before the seat of the speaker became a swivel chair the sixth session of the Abia State House of Assembly had managed to maintain the ambience of a calm sea for 18 months. But it was deceptive because beneath the supposedly calm surface water a raging undercurrent was flowing and it was just a matter of time before it swept away the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Martins Azubuike. The lawmaker, who represents Isiala Ngwa North State constituency, lost his grip on the affairs of the Assembly and was impeached on Thursday, December 29.

The job was executed by 20 out of the 24 members of the legislature with the deputy speaker, Rt Hon Cosmos Ndukwe, presiding. It was of “urgent pubic importance”, hence the lawmakers could afford to suspend their Christmas break to remove their speaker.Theimpeachmentcutacrosspartylineinthe bipartisan legislature composed of 15 lawmakers on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and nine from the oppositionAll Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Premonition Azubuike saw his imminent fall staring him in the face 24 hours before the impeach gale hit him.

On December 28, information about the change of guard at theAbia State House ofAssembly was rife in town, as the legislators were billed to reconvene for an “emergency plenary session”. It was on the day the state governor was inaugurating the newly elected 17 chairmen of local governments and 292 councillors. But the emergency plenary of the Assembly did not hold as scheduled, perhaps, in deference to the governor’s successful return of democracy to the councils after over nine years.

While the public were waiting with bated breath to see what the lawmakers had up their sleeves, the clerkoftheAssembly,Mr.JohnPedroIrokansi,issued a statement saying that the emergency plenary of the house had been rescheduled for Friday, December 30. But unknown to the public, the lawmakers had decided to bring forward the day of judgement for the speaker.

Unlikeinpreviousoccasions,whenanysuggestion ofcrisisinthehouseleadershipwasreadilydismissed as rumour, this time the camp of Mr. Speaker admitted that there was fire on the mountain and time was already running. The chief press secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Clinton Uba, said his principal was very much aware of the moves by the lawmakers to impeach him. “We are aware of the plot, it is no longer a rumour,” Uba said, adding that even at that no impeachment notice had been served on the speaker and he had not been informed of any impeachable offence committed. However the

Azubuike

spokesmanoftheembattledspeakertoldTHISDAY that Azubuike was not resting on his oars, as he was already “reaching out” to his fellow lawmakers and other stakeholders, ostensibly, to save is neck.

Uba was optimistic that his boss would escape the impeachment, saying, “There is still a window of opportunity to resolve the issue.” Unknown to him, the legislators had already slammed every window shut and there was no escape for the speaker.

Impeachment Move The drama ensued when the lawmakers arrived at theAssembly on Thursday morning. There was a heated argument as the speaker remonstrated with hiscolleaguestochangetheirmindsaboutremoving him. It was learnt that while the discussions were going on a “brother” of Mr. Speaker swooped on the mace and snatched it. The lawmakers were said to have been peeved over the assault on the symbol of authority and it took a long while before it was returned. However the flaring tempers were already spinning out of control and things got to a head when the speaker lost his cool and snatched the mace himself and made away with it.According to the source, this action by Azubuike was the tipping point in the last ditch efforts to save him. “He lost whatever sympathy that remained for him,” the source said, adding that even those who were already softening their stance made a 360 degree turn around against the speaker.

Aftersealingthefateoftheirspeakerfollowingthe failure of the fence-mending meeting, the lawmakers entered the hallowed chamber at 3.36pm. The impeachment proceedings moved at a very fast pace. There was no dissenting voice among the 20 lawmakers,whohadsignedtheimpeachmentnotice and were all present to execute it. Within 15 minutes the speaker was removed and by 3.51pm a “brand new Speaker”, Rt Hon Bishop Kennedy Njoku, took the oath of allegiance and office administered by the clerk of the house.

It was the deputy majority leader of the house, Hon Solomon Akpulonu, that moved the motion for the impeachment of the speaker and it was seconded by Hon Ifeanyi Uchendu representing Ohafia South state constituency.

Reasons Injustifyingtheimpeachmentmotion,thedeputy majority leader, who represents Obingwa East state constituency, listed the sins allegedly committed by Azubuike to include “lack of character of transparency and accountability in handling public funds”, insensitivity to the welfare of the members, autocratic style of leadership leading to inequitable distribution of positions in the house,

Njoku

abuse of office and gross misconduct.

Akpulonu insisted that the listed offences were weighty enough to cost the speaker his position, citing section 92 (2C) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He added that majority of the legislators had “resolved to and hereby resolve to remove Rt Hon Martins Azubuike as the speaker”. The deputy majority leader further stated that since 20 members had put theirsignaturestotheimpeachmentnoticethehouse had exceeded the mandatory two-thirds majority neededtoeffecttheremovalofthespeaker.Toensure unanimity of purpose and action he called out the names of the signatories and one by one each of the lawmakers affirmed their signatures. It was then that the deputy speaker of the house, Ndukwe, who presided over the impeachment proceedings, asked and got the consent of the members to accept the impeachment issue as a matter of urgent public importance. He thereafter put the motion to vote and a resounding “Aye” had it.

Election of New Speaker The next issue was the replacement of the sacked speaker. No time was wasted as the clerk of the house informed the lawmakers that there was no provision for acting speaker. He called for nominations from among the members present in order to elect a new speaker. It was obvious that the extant zoning principle in Abia would not be altered, as the position of speakership was zoned to Abia Central. Two nominees emerged, namely Bishop Kennedy Njoku, Osisioma North, and Hon Chikwendu Enyinnaya Kanu, Isiala Ngwa South.

Both candidates accepted their nominations and Option A4 was adopted for the voting process to

Unlike in previous occasions, when any suggestion of crisis in the house leadership was readily dismissed as rumour, this time the camp of Mr. Speaker admitted that there was fire on the mountain and time was already running

decide who would become the new speaker.

Contrary to high speculations that the majority leader, Hon Chinedum Orji, Umuahia Central, was just waiting in the wings to mount the saddle as the new speaker, his name did not even feature as a nominee. It was a big disappointment for those who had been accusing the majority leader, whose father, Senator Theodore Orji, is the immediate past Abia governor, of plotting to take over the speakership of the house. It turned out that the three votes received by Kanu were the votes by the majority leader and two other lawmakers. Njoku got overwhelming 16 votes from the lawmakers to emerge the new speaker.

Itwaslearntthatthegovernor,DrOkezieIkpeazu, who was said to have fallen out withAzubuike and supported his impeachment, was interested in the candidacy of Kanu. But the lawmakers were not on the same page with the governor on the issue of Azubuike’s successor. Even Kanu, the Isiala Ngwa South lawmaker, disappointed those rooting for him by voting against himself. In fact, there were some confused faces glancing at him when he raised his hand in support of Njoku and it was on seeing his hand shooting up for his opponent that the legislators who were to vote for him reluctantly raised their hands in favour of Njoku.

Tightfistedness Though a host of allegations were levelled against the impeached speaker, THISDAY gathered that the main issue at stake was that Azubuike was “very tight-fisted” in disbursing money to his fellow lawmakers. Their anger against him had been simmering over time. Contrary to the constant denials of rift in the Assembly, it was gathered that on three occasions the aggrieved lawmakers had made moves to remove him but he had always managed to survive due to the interventions of some principal officers, including the majority leader.

But at the fourth attempt there was no saving grace for Azubuike, who is in his third term in the house representing Isiala Ngwa North.

Akpulonu told newsmen shortly after the impeachment that the lawmakers had been patient with the impeached speaker with the hope that he would change his ways. “We have been warning him (but) he refused to change,” the deputy majority leader said, adding that Azubuike was in the habit of “doing a different thing” after the house had taken a decision on an issue.

With the turn of events both Hon Azubuike and Hon Njoku are now leaking their wounds. Njoku is worse off because he was denied the privilege of enjoying the trappings of the office he only occupied for just 24 hours.

2016 A S P E C I A L R E P O RT

Winners & Losers

2016 will surely go down as one of the most significant years in Nigeria’s history. The significance flows from the unprecedented political events of the previous year, when for the first time in the country’s political history a sitting president was defeated in an election by an opposition candidate. Nigeria achieved its first democratic transition from a ruling party to the opposition. Thus, 2016 was the year when all eyes were on President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress to prove their mettle. They did in their own way. But in the process of trying to show that they could govern better than the erstwhile president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and his Peoples Democratic Party, achievements were made, goals were missed, and mistakes were made. Also, in Nigeria and around the world, political, economic, and social battles were fought, won, and lost. In the various spheres, some got the accolades for the successes of 2016, while others received the knocks for the failures. Some are clearly revelling in their victories, while others are still licking their wounds after various dispiriting outings.

Here are some of the winners and losers.

THE

WINNERS

THE LOSERS

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THE WINNERS

SPECIAL REPORT MUHAMMADU BUHARI: FOR CONQUERING BOKO HARAM AND WAGING SUSTAINED FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

Putin’s influence has also been confirmed by none other than the United States Central Intelligence Agency which admitted, in anonymous leaks to Washington Post, that the Russian secret services are behind the hacking of the email accounts that saw a flood of material posted on Wikileaks. This is believed to have cost Hilary Clinton the US presidency.

After years of being held at a distance by US President Barack Obama, the Russian President is now in a position to have a kind of an ally in the White House, someone with whom he shares similar values.

ROTIMI AKEREDOLU: FOR HIS VICTORY IN ONDO GOVERNORSHIP POLL

President Muhammadu Buhari has been praised for his successes with the anti-corruption drive of his government. Huge amounts of looted money have been recovered and measures have been put in place to check corruption, especially in public offices. Though, the president has been accused of pursuing an anti-corruption drive that is skewed against the opposition, no one has really accused the administration of prosecuting an innocent person. On security, too, Buhari is praised for the recent clearance of the Boko Haram terrorist group from their last stronghold in Sambisa forest.

DONALD TRUMP: FOR HIS INSURGENT VICTORY IN THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND RACING TO CHANGE THE WORLD ORDER

This time last year, not many would have predicted that Donald Trump will end 2016 as President-elect of the United States. The mainstream media overlooked him, hardly giving him any chance of being the Republican Party’s flagbearer in the US elections held late last year.

However, not only did Trump come out as Republican nominee, he also came out tops against the Democratic Party candidate, Hilary Clinton.

In the process, Trump defied the political establishment within and outside his party, the polls, bad press and much of the international community to against all odds, emerge one of the most improbable winners of presidential elections in US history.

DREAM TEAM VI AND FALCONS: FOR WINNING LAURELS FOR THE COUNTRY

The past year was one with ups and downs for Nigerian football. While the senior national team, the Super Eagles, failed to qualify for the 2017African Cup of Nations, their female counterparts and the U23 team that represented the country at the Olympics put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. This was despite many challenges at administrative levels.

At the Rio Olympics in Brazil, the Nigerian football team christened Dream Team VI won a bronze medal.

Finishing third behind hosts Brazil and football powerhouse Germany is a commendable feat under any circumstance. However, the fact that there were institutional stumbling blocks like owed allowances and bonuses makes the medal – the only one won by Team Nigeria at the Olympics – a laudable feat.

It was a similar story with the Falcons, who confirmed their dominance on the African continent with an eight win out of ten. However the Falcons had to follow up winning on the pitch to also coming out on top off it, after they had to stage a sit-in and a protest in Abuja before getting any reward out of the sports ministry and Federal Government.

WIZKID: FOR HIS GRAMMY NOMINATION AND RISING PROFILE IN GLOBAL MUSIC On November 27, 2016, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) was declared winner of the Ondo State governorship election. That was his second shot at the topmost political office in the state. In 2011, Akeredolu had vied for the same office on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In that election, he came third losing to Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the Labour Party candidate, who won the election and Peoples Democratic Party’s Olusola Oke, who came second.

His victory in last November election came against all odds. He had won the ticket of his party, All Progressive Party, in a keenly contested, though controversial primary, defeating other contestants including, Oke, one of his major opponents in 2011 race, and Olusegun Abraham supported by APC National Leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

His emergence as governor-elect after defeating PDP’s Eyitayo Jegede backed by Governor Mimiko, and Oke, believed to have the strong backing of Tinubu qualifies him as one of the winners in 2016.

AMBODE: FOR LEADING LAGOS INTO THE LIST OF OIL PRODUCING STATES THROUGH YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY EXPLORATION IN AJE FIELD

2016 was definitely a good year for the Starboy. Not only did he glitter in major international collaborations like in Canadian singer, Drake’s global hit ‘One Dance’, British-Nigerian rapper, Tinie Tempah’s ‘Mamacita’, and Roc Nation’s Justine Skye’s ‘U Don’t Know’, he also scooped many awards. He won the award for ‘Artiste of the Year’, Best Male Artiste and Best Collaboration at the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards; Best Worldwide Act at the 2016 MTV EMAs; Artiste of the Year at the 2016 Headies; African Artiste of the Year and Best Male Artiste at the 2016 Soundcity MVP Awards; Artiste of the Year at All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), among others. His collaboration hit with Drake ‘One Dance’ also got a Grammy nomination.

TIWA SAVAGE: REMAINS UNSCATHED DESPITE A SCANDALOUS MARITAL FEUD

VLADIMIR PUTIN: FOR CREDIBLE ATTEMPT TO BRING THE WAR IN SYRIA TO A CLOSE AND ENSURING THE SURVIVAL OF HIS ALLY, PRESIDENT ASSAD

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been around for some time and from all indications, he’s not only going to be around for some time to come, he’s also becoming more powerful. Many would argue – with the backing of seasoned world politics analysts – that he is probably the most powerful person in the world presently. The Russian President has made credible attempts to bring the Syrian war to a close by deploying Russian military assets to the region and also aiding his ally, President Bashir Assad, to survive attacks by rebels backed by the US.

Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos sSate is a happy governor, and the reason is not far-fetched History was made earlier in 2016 when production of crude oil, which was discovered in Lagos in Aje field located in the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 113, began. This has effectively placed Lagos in the league of oil-producing states in Nigeria.

The feat was recorded after 25 years by Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited (YFP), a wholly-owned indigenous firm and operator of the OML 113 offshore Lagos. Other partners are New Age Exploration Nigeria Limited, EER (Colobus) Nigeria Limited, Pan Petroleum (Panoro Energy) Aje Limited and PR Oil & Gas Nigeria Limited.

Aje is an offshore field located in OML 113 in the western part of Nigeria in the Dahomey Basin. The field is situated in water depths ranging from 100 to 1,000 metres about 24 km from the coast. The Aje field contains hydrocarbon resources in sandstone reservoirs in three main levels – a Turonian gas condensate reservoir, a Cenomanian oil reservoir and an Albian gas condensate reservoir.

Despite the ugly marital incident with former husband Tunji Balogun (Tee Billz) that nearly marred her image and career, the Mavin Crew singer still made waves in the music industry. She signed a management and publishing deal with Jay Z’s record label, Roc Nation in June 2016.

Her single ‘If I start to talk’ which featured label mate Dr. Sid was one of the top songs of 2016. Although she was spotted recently with her husband at the engagement party of former MTV Base VJ, Stephanie Coker, there are still doubts of reconciliation between the couple.

BOB DYLAN: FOR WINNING NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE

When Bob Dylan was declared as the recipient of Nobel Prize in Literature 2016, it was a defining moment in art. The global understanding of literature was broadened for the award was conferred on Dylan for

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having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.

DOTUN OLAKUNRIN AND BOLANLE AUSTEN PETERS: FOR THEIR SUCCESSFUL MOVIE ON THE EBOLA PLAGUE

For years, the Founder, Terra Kulture, Bolanle Austen Peters has been a giver to the art community in Nigeria.

But in 2016, she won admiration and recognition in equal measures as her production company made a debut in West London with the critically acclaimed “Wakaa the Musical’’. While the heat of the drama is on, Dotun Olakunrin and Bolanle Austen Peters’ first feature film, “93 Days’’ became one of the most soughtafter Nigerian films at the cinemas for its subject matter on Ebola Viral Disease, which is a global health concern.

TOKINI PETERSIDE: FOR THINKING OUT OF THE BOX THROUGH ART

The founder, ART X, Tokini Peterside, is a leader in 2016 for conceiving and actualizing the idea of an international art fair in Africa’s most populous city. The turnout was huge, bridging gap between creatives across Africa and art collectors in Nigeria. And there’s no gainsaying that the experience is one that should be a tradition in Nigerian cultural sector.

BUKOLA SARAKI: DESPITE PROSECUTION AND PERSECUTION AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, HE IS STANDING TALL AT THE END OF THE YEAR Senate President Bukola Saraki started the year

fighting the political battle of his life. Despite prosecution and persecution at the beginning of the year, he is standing tall at the end of the year. Saraki was charged with irregularities regarding his assets declaration while he served as governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011. The trial has faced many controversies, including allegations that Saraki is being persecuted for emerging senate president against the wish of the leadership of his party, APC. The federal government had last October 6 stopped a second case against Saraki. The government withdrew the charges of criminal conspiracy bordering on the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Orders, 2015, to facilitate their elections as principal officers, filed against Saraki and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu at the Abuja High Court. There are views that the assets declaration case may be dropped just like the forgery case following the rapprochement between the presidency and the Senate.

TUKUR BURATAI: FOR LEADING THE VICTORY AGAINST BOKO HARAM

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, is in the forefront fighting the war against Boko Haram and he is winning. He is also ensuring that the violent agitations by militants in the Niger Delta and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are put under control.

With the crushing of Boko Haram, the takeover of the Sambisa Forest by the soldiers led by Buratai as chief of army staff, the years of wanton destruction of lives and properties in the North east is coming to an end.

ATIKU ABUBAKAR BAGUDU: SETTING THE PACE IN RICE PRODUCTION

Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, has set the pace in how to diversify the economy by embracing agriculture with particular focus on rice production.

The 55-year-old economist who was elected Senator for the Kebbi Central constituency of Kebbi State, Nigeria in a by-election after Senator Adamu Aliero was appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in December 2008, became the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Nigeria’s 2015 general elections, won the election and assumed power on May 29, 2015.

His focus on rice production gave birth to the strategic partnership between Lagos and Kebbi in Rice production.

The output of the strategic partnership, christened ‘Lake Rice’, has led to a huge reduction in the price of rice and drew widespread commendation from Nigerians, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

THE LOSERS IBRAHIM MAGU: DSS INDICTMENT AND SENATE REJECTION HAS ROBBED HIM OF LEGITIMACY AS AN AUTHENTIC ANTI-CORRUPTION CZAR

An Assistant Commissioner of Police, Magu was appointed acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in November 2015. He is a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption and a former Head of the Economic Governance Unit of EFCC. Magu has been involved in many controversies since he succeeded Ibrahim Lamorde as EFCC chairman. The peak seemed to be his recent rejection by the Senate several months after his name was sent to the upper chamber by Buhari for confirmation as substantive head of the anti-graft agency. His rejection by the Senate was based on a security report submitted by the Department of State Service which indicted him for corruption and living a double life. Magu was, reportedly, queried by the federal government based on some of the allegations raised against him by the Senate. Though, he started well, the DSS indictment and senate rejection of his nomination has robbed him of legitimacy to continue to hold office and prosecute anti-corruption war.

BOLA TINUBU: FOR FAILING TO ACHIEVE HIS POLITICAL GOAL IN ONDO GOVERNORSHIP POLL

The APC national leader and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was about the

most visible and prominent player in the opposition camp as they tried to turn the corner in opposition politics. Tinubu put in so much energy and resources to the making of Nigeria’s first successful merger of existing political parties, APC, which after the 2015 general election, placed the country on the path of unprecedented political transition.

But APC’s victory seemed to prove a defeat for Tinubu’s political influence. Despite his huge political stature and the part he played in the election victories of many politicians, especially in the South-west, he is said to hardly have a successful nomination in Buhari’s cabinet. The last governorship election in Ondo State marked the unfortunate culmination of the harm to Tinubu’s politics. His nominee at the primaries, Olusegun Abraham, lost. And in a seeming bid to amend the loss, Tinubu’s supporters were said to have backed Wole Oke, who had lost the APC primary but contested the governorship election on the platform of Alliance for Democracy. But Oke also lost.

BABACHIR LAWAL: ENTANGLED IN A WEB OF BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS

Babachir Lawal was appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation by Buhari on August 27, 2015. He was recently immersed in a scandal following the involvement of his company in alleged fraudulent contracts in the North-east reconstruction effort. Lawal

has also been accused of diversion of funds meant for internally displaced persons in the North-east. He has denied the allegations. But the Senate has said he should resign or be sacked by Buhari. The president has directed the Attorney General to investigate the allegations.

PATIENCE JONATHAN: FIGHTING FOR HER MONEY

The wife of the former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, is really fighting the battle of her life. She has been accused of dishonest financial dealings during the tenure of her husband. The former first lady had owned up to being the owner of huge funds traced to some

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SPECIAL REPORT accounts that were frozen by EFCC. She is currently fighting to regain her accounts and avoid prosecution.

THE NAIRA: IN A FREE-FALL

The naira, in 2016, took a serious bashing, depreciating against the United States dollar to a level never achieved before. The national currency, which exchanged for N305 per dollar at the official market weekend was sold for N490 at the parallel market. The foreign exchange challenge, which was brought forward from 2015, characterised the economy last year. The demand for the greenback became so strong that it continued to shoot up the exchange rate against the naira, maintaining the rising streak for many weeks. For instance, on a day in the last week of January, the dollar scarcity, which became intensive in the forex market, caused the naira to depreciate by N4 per dollar to N303 per dollar from N299 per dollar. That was the period the supply end of the market was controlled by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The CBN had for 16 months controlled the naira, pegging it at N197 to the dollar, even though the dollar exchanged for over N350 in the parallel market. After the introduction of flexible exchange rate regime, which allows the exchange rate to be determined by supply and demand, the naira continued its free fall at both the interbank and the bureau de change markets. While the banking regulator implemented a flexible exchange rate policy, it still intervened in the market from time to time.

senator and Secretary of State, and was a former first lady.

This combined with the fact she was the candidate f the Washington establishment and raised record amounts of money for her campaign. Since losing the election and making her public concession speech, Clinton has been relatively quiet, making only a handful of public appearances and making few comments on the race.

YAHYA JAMMEH: FOR LOSING ELECTION AND REFUSING TO CONCEDE DEFEAT

THE ECONOMY: FOR PLUNGING INTO RECESSION

In 2016, the economy defied all efforts to keep it afloat and plunged into recession after contracting for two consecutive quarters within the year. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the economy which recorded a negative gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 0.36 per cent in the first quarter of the year, contracted by 2.06 per cent in the second quarter. The economy worsened in the third quarter recording a negative GDP growth of 2.26 per cent. The ensuing harrowing experience by Nigerians was better imagined as the ripple effect of the downturn cut across all facets of the economy. From the banking sector to the manufacturing sector, it translated to huge loss of jobs as companies and institutions in different sectors had their capacities to operate efficiently significantly reduced. As it were, the managers of the economy appeared to have no clue on the solutions to the quagmire as major indices continued to falter. The consumer price index, which gauges inflation, opened the year with 9.62 per cent, and shot up to 18.48 per cent in November. The unabatedly rising inflation has eroded the value of the naira and significantly reduced the purchasing power of consumers.

TUNJI BALOGUN: FOR ENGAGING IN A MARITAL FEUD THAT COST HIM EVERYTHING

those concerning the Olympic team to Brazil and the debacle that followed the Falcons victory at the African Women Championships. In spite of the Sports ministry failure to pay the team’s allowances during their camping, they prevailed, in continuation of a tradition.

Surprisingly though, Dalung was quoted as saying that he never expected to win, thus their was no provision for a reward package. The Falcons were eventually paid but shortchanged. The Dream Team also faced similar treatment in the build-up to the Olympic Games where they won Bronze in spite of the ministry headed

by Dalung. Days before the competition, Dalung claimed he had no knowledge where the team was camping. Dalung has demonstrated that he is not only ineffectual on the job but that he is also detrimental to Nigerian sports, leading many to believe he is among the minsters to be done away in an imminent cabinet reshuffle.

MATTEO RENZI: FOR STAKING HIS POLITICAL CAREER ON REFERENDUM Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, is certainly one of the losers of 2016 after a shock defeat in the Gambian elections last month. To make matters worse, he rejected the results of the election after initially conceding defeat. His decision has been condemned within his country, the sub-region the African continent and the world at large. But despite all entreaties, especially from fellow African leaders, Jammeh has turned a deaf ear to the will of the majority. This has increased the possibility of him being removed by force. His travails will continue and he might end up like former Ivorian leader, Laurent Gbagbo, who also refused to accept the results of an election that he lost, but was subsequently forcibly removed from office by external forces and charged to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

DAVID CAMERON: FOR GAMBLING WITH HIS POLITICAL CAREER

Another European Prime Minister whose tenure was cut short after losing a referendum is Matteo Renzi of Italy. Renzi suffered a heavy defeat in a key referendum on constitutional reform. Renzi had staked his future on a “Yes” vote, vowing to resign if voters rejected his plans to reduce the role of the country’s Senate and take back powers from regional authorities.

ABDULMUMIN JIBRIN: BLOWING THE WHISTLE THE WRONG WAY

2016 was a year that the former manager and husband of singer Tiwa Savage decided to hang his dirty linens outside. He went on a suicidal rant in a series of Instagram posts that drew the attention and intervention of friends and loved ones to prevent further damage. The outcome of his outbursts was a dirty revelation of his wife’s infidelity.

Expectedly, he made major headlines, particularly when his wife exposed his drug addiction and lavish lifestyle to the public. While Savage continued to shine in the spotlight, Tee Billz is yet to win the spot in the limelight.

HILARY CLINTON: FOR LOSING AN ELECTION WHICH SHE WAS PROJECTED TO WIN

To the disappointment of the nearly 66 million people who cast their ballots for the US Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, her stunning and unexpected loss to Donald Trump makes her one of the biggest losers of 2016. Only a handful of political and media experts predicted that Clinton would lose to Trump, and most who did were ignored or scoffed at.

Clinton managed to score a popular vote victory, winning nearly 3 million more votes than the president-elect, but lost a series of key states including Wisconsin and Michigan.

This is despite the fact that she has had a career serving as

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron gambled his political career on Brexit’s failure and lost in a major way the first stunning election of 2016 as the United Kingdom vote to leave the European Union. Cameron had been a member of parliament for 15 years and served as prime minister for six years. He scheduled the country’s referendum on whether or not to remain in the EU, and campaigned staunchly in favor of remaining, only to lose. He then resigned a few weeks later, initially planning to remain in the parliament in a lesser role, before deciding to leave Parliament entirely in September.

SOLOMON DALUNG: FOR HIS MANY GAFFES AND PERCEIVED POOR PERFORMANCE

There is near-unanimity of opinion about Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung. At the end of last year, he was the butt of jokes over his use of the non-word “Spended”. But that has been the least of his problems, as he had spent the year stumbling from one gaffe to another.

Dalung’s tenure as Sports minister has been beset by controversies, with the most prominent ones being

Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin would be remembered for sparking off controversy over budget padding by the National Assembly. He accused the Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and three principal officers of ‘padding’ the 2016 budget after he was removed as the chairman, House Committee on Appropriation. Jibrin, who called for the resignation and the three principal officers, was found out to be at the centre of the budget padding, which he accused his colleagues of. He was in fact discovered to have padded the budget of his constituency. Jubrin was later suspended for 180 legislative days and went into exile, claiming threats to his life. But Jibrin, who returned only few days ago, claimed he came back to assist anticorruption agencies in their investigations of the budget ‘padding’ scandal.

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SUNDAYNEWS

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

Buhari Begins Process to Ensure Smooth Transition of Powers in The Gambia Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

HAPPY MARRIED LIFE L-R: Bride’s father, Dr. Chike Akunyili; Groom, Dr. Nonso Asuzu; Bride, Dr. Somto Akunyili, and Chairman, Capital Oil, Chief Ifeanyi Uba, during the traditional marriage/wedding ceremony of the couple in Agulu, Anambra State... yesterday

Saraki, Mark, Ekweremadu, Govs, Others Advocate Peace, Strategic Policies in New Year • Urge renewed focus, local content patronage

Our correspondents

As the world marks the first day of 2017, Senate President Bukola Saraki, his predecessor, Senator David Mark and his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday joined state governors and others to call for prayer, peace, and renewed economic and security policies capable of pulling the nation from the brink of economic and security doldrums in the New Year.

The trio, in their separate goodwill messages in Abuja, congratulated Nigerians for making it into the New Year despite the acute economic and securitycriseswhichconfronted them in the outgone year and calledforunityandco-operation of all to make 2017 worthwhile and result-oriented.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, saidthenation’schallengeswere surmountable if approached “with unity of purpose, focus and single-mindedness.”

Headded:“Itisathingofjoyto celebrate the New Year in an atmosphere of peace and security.

For one thing, the people of the

Northeastandindeedacrossthe country are celebrating without fear of attacks from insurgents or other criminal elements.

This was made possible by the determination of the present administration to effectively secure the country and ensure peace - which is key for any development to be achieved.

“We must realise that amid our economic challenge lies our greatestopportunitytodiversify and be self-reliant as a nation.

Thiswecandobystrengthening thecapacityofourentrepreneurs to produce using local content andwhilewealldecidetoalways buy made in Nigeria goods.

Even though we are not where we want to be as a nation yet, we must continue to take those steps that will eventually bring us to our envisioned destination as a prosperous and peaceful country,” he said.

In his statement signed by his Media Assistant, Mr. Paul Mumeh,Marktaskedthepresent administration to review and strengthen its security and economic policies with a view to addressing the unabating issues of hunger, poverty, insecurity andconsequentlypullthenation

out of the woods in 2017.

He urged Nigerians not to despair in the face of prevalent socio-economic and security challenges especially the incessant farmers/herdsmen clashes as well as ethno-religious conflictsofthepastyearsbuttorather renew hopes in the New Year.

He said inspite of the difficulties of the past years, 2017 would be a year of greater hopes and possibilities as he reiterated the challenges posed by the unimaginable harsh economic recession, insecurity, unemployment, hunger and youth restiveness which he said could only be addressed if right decisions were taken.

In his own statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media, UcheAnichukwu,Ekweremadu urgedNigerianstoprayforquick recoveryofthenation’seconomy intheNewYearashechallenged the federal government to come up with right policies that can boost investors’ confidence. He also tasked the government to investininfrastructureandother critical sectors of the nation’s economy.

Ekweremadu expressed concern over the current economic

hardship faced by Nigerians, observingthatthenation’sleadership needs divine guidance to evolvetherighteconomicpolicies that can revitalise the economy.

“Importantly, the federal government, those in charge of the economy must rise to the occasion. We must assemble the best hands irrespective of where they come from, to lead the nation out of the economic wilderness,” he stated.

Ekweremadu also tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies and the political elite to improve the electoral process ahead of 2019 and also boost people’s confidence in the electoral system.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor,Dr.OlusegunMimiko has identified the need for more perseveranceanddetermination from the populace to ensure the unity of the nation in the face of the current economic and security challenges threatening her unity. He implored all to be resolute in ensuring the nation remains indivisible in the face of the numerous challenges that have come to test the will of her people to remain united.

NBS: Economy Generated 187,226 Jobs in Q3 • Labour productivity rises to N713.7 James Emejo in Abuja The Nigerian economy added a total of 187,226 new jobs in the third quarter of the year (Q3 2016) from 155,444 jobs in the previous quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated yesterday.

Also, labour productivity for thequarterrosetoN713.7perhour comparedtoN636.3perhourinthe second quarter.

Notwithstanding, the employment generation statistics which

was released alongside the labour productivityindexbythestatistical agency came amid rising unemployment rate at 13.9 per cent.

The NBS further notes that given the Nigerian labour force had increased by over 2.6 million annually, the economy needed to generate equal number of jobs annually to retain the current unemployment rate.

According to the job creation report, employment generation had not been sufficient to meet

the ever-growing labour market, leadingtocontinuousriseinthelevel of unemployment in the country.

It said the huge number of unemployment was a reflection of the current economic realities as only few businesses are growing andemployingwhilemanyothers are shedding jobs.

Itfurthernotedthatboththepublic and private sector are currently findingitdifficulttocreatejobsdue to the economic crisis, adding that most states are currently finding it difficult to pay salaries of existing workers.

According to the NBS: “In the thirdquarterof2016,thetotalnumberofjobsgeneratedroseto187,226 fromthe155,444generatedinquarter two,representinganincreaseof20.4 per cent quarter on quarter, but a declineof60.6percentyearonyear.

“The formal sector recorded 49,587 jobs, representing 26.5 per cent share of new jobs in quarter three.Theinformalsectorrecorded alargershareofnewjobsinquarter threewhencomparedtotheprevious quarter, reporting a figure of 144,651 jobs, which represents 77.3 percentofnewjobsinquarterthree.”

In the discharge of his mandate as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mediator for The Gambia, President Muhammadu Buhari has activated the process for the execution of his task.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu said Buhari had instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama to lead a Mediation Support Team (MST), working with the team of the Co-Mediator, Mr. John Mahama, the outgoing President of Ghana.

The statement said the committee had begun immediate consultations with leaders in the sub-region as well as with international partners.

The main task of the Mediation Support Team is to undertake the first phase of the preparatory and support work that would lead to a high level meeting of the Mediator (President Buhari) and the stakeholders.

Buhari was designated as the Mediator for The Gambia with Mahama, the out- going President of Ghana as Co-

Mediator at the just-concluded ECOWAS Summit held in Abuja.

The summit also gave the terms of reference to include ensuring the safety of the President-elect, Adama Barrow, the political leaders and the entire population; upholding the result of the presidential election held on December 1, 2016 and ensuring that the President-elect is sworn into office on January 19, 2017, in conformity with the constitution of the country.

The statement said Buhari remained optimistic that a peaceful resolution of the problem, in line with the laws and the constitution of The Gambia was possible before the January 19, 2017 inauguration date of the new president.

The incumbent president of The Gambia after losing the election had congratulated the winner of the election, Barrow. He however, later turned around to reject the results of the election. He said he would challenge the result at the Supreme Court of The Gambia and that he would organise a new presidential election.

The world has condemned Jammeh’s decision and had called on him to step down.

Presidency: Buhari Has Not Sacked Magu

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

The Presidency has denied a report that the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu has been removed.

TheSpecialAdvisertothePresident on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina told THISDAY that President Muhammadu Buhari has not issued any directive for Magu’sredeploymenttothepolice.

Following a report by the DepartmentofStateSecurityService (DSS) accusing Magu of alleged corrupt acts, Buhari directed the AttorneyGeneraloftheFederation andMinisterforJustice,Abubakar Malami, SAN to investigate top officials accused of corruption.

Adesina said Malami has yet to submit his report on Magu to the president and therefore the president could not have taken

a decision on Magu.

However,aMinistryofJustice’s source told our correspondent that the minister had last Friday submitted a report on Magu to the president. “The president may not have read the report,” the source added.

Another source said the AGF might have recommended that Magu be relieved of his job. This, however could not be confirmed as the AGF was not available for comment. Staff of justice ministry also said Magu was sighted at the Attorney General Office last Friday.

The Senate had refused to confirm Magu as EFCC chairman. The Senate cited a report from the DSS which accused Magu of unproven corrupt acts.

EFCC under Magu made tremendous efforts to recover stolen funds and to prosecute top officials involved in stealing.

Omisore Salutes Osun People

Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has commended the people of the state for their steadfastness and perseverance in the face of the present economic difficulties in the country. Omisore said this in his New Year message to the people. He added, however, that the 2017 budget, which was recently presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari, shows great promise in terms of reviving the economy and taking the country out of recession. “With about N2.243 trillion earmarked for capital projects and N2.9 trillion as recurrent expenditure out of the N7.28 trillion federal government budget for 2017, the economy should begin to experience growth and stability as soon as possible,” the former governor stated.

Suicide Bomb Attack on New Year’s Eve

There was a suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri on New Year’s Eve, the spokesman of the police in Borno State, Victor Isuku said. The spokesman in a message to our correspondent said: “Information reaching me now is that there was an explosion at custom area.

Preliminary details available are that only the suicide bomber was affected. Now on standby for details soonest!” A resident of the area, Abba Mustapha said the bomb blast was at a tea drinking joint at Customs area near the Nigerian Customs Service office.

He said many persons were killed in the explosion.

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EVENT

F

ormer Miss Idongesit Etim got married to Mr. Eromosele Omokhodion recently. The solemnisation of Holy Matrimony took place at The Church of the Assumption in Ikoyi Lagos while the reception held at the Dorchester Trinity Avenue in Victoria Island, Lagos. Here are some of the personalities that graced the occasion.

L-R: The couple, Mr. and Mrs. Eromosele Omokhodion

Photographs by Mubo Peters

L-R: Groom’s parents, Chief ( Mrs.) Funmi Omokhodion, and husband, Chief Lawson

R-L: Bride’s parents, Elder and Deaconess Nicholas Etim

L-R: Chief Mathew Efole and Deputy Managing Director, THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Kayode Komolafe

L-R: Chief Mike Inegbese and wife, Mary

L-R: Mr. Benard Longe; Mr.Henry Okolo and Mr. Emmauel Ijewere

L-R: Mrs. Lere Ladokun; First lady Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, and Mrs. Betty Kachikwu

L-R: Mr. Alfred Okoigun and wife, Julie

L-R: Mrs. Mary Oboh and husband, and Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Godwin

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 1, 2017

EVENT

L-R: Princess Loretta Jibowu and Mrs. Ukalechi Agbim

L-R: Engr. Charles Osezua and Chief Tony Ndah

L-R: Mrs. Yvonne Egloga Aluya and former First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Eki Igbinedion

Mr. and Mrs. Debo Akingbade

Mr. and Mrs. Macaulay Iyayi

L-R: HRM Anthony Ehizojie Abumere 11, Onojie of Ekpoma and Mrs. Annold Ikoedom

L-R: Princess Remi Oloko; Mrs. Lara Elebute and Mrs. Esohe Kadiri

L-R: Dr. Onaekhomu Ekhon and wife, Victoria

L-R: Mrs. Osarieme Ezekiel and Mrs. Omotunde Fisayo

L-R: Mrs. Daisy Okereke and Mrs. Julie Aneke

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SUNDAY JANUARY 1, 2017 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 1, 2017

High Life

85 with LANRE ALFRED 08076885752

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Blissful Matrimony! Delta Governor, Okowa, and Wife, Edith, Celebrate 30th Wedding Anniversary Amidst Pomp and Circumstance

T

he Delta State Government House listed to their grace, like a vessel tilting to the splendorous splash of the Atlantic. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Edith, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary some days ago. The couple’s wedding anniversary was no doubt an exhibition of pageantry and class; the Okowas have a reputation for understatement but in honour of their blissful matrimony, they threw subtlety overboard. Both Ifeanyi and Edith, for the first time in their lives felt something different, extremely passionate, scary yet enjoyable. They basked and sojourned in the lush, blissful vales of each other’s passion and warmth. If friendship was rewarding for the duo, falling in love with each other was liberating.

Ask Ifeanyi. He will proudly tell you any day that loving Edith is invigorating. The passion and devotion he shares with her exposed him to priceless adventures in the meadows and everglades of love. In the highest boughs of their love, the world rustles like branches of a giant oak with roots extending far into infinity; but unlike several other couples whose passion and affection have caved or extinguished in the raging inferno of mid-life crises or love-gone-sour, they put up a gallant and admirable defense against life and fate’s worst trials.

They contend with all the force of their lives and for one thing only, to fulfill their heartfelt dreams of actualising a never-ending story of insurmountable love, forged by them, according to their own laws.

Kemi and Bimbo Ashiru

CELEBRATION GALORE! BIMBO ASHIRU AND WIFE, KEMI, HOST FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO ANNUAL LOVE FEAST •PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE AMONG OTHERS GRACE THE COUPLE’S WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

While many a man subjects his wife to ignominy and scorn, Bimbo Ashiru knows that nothing, other than the love and virtue of his ravishing wife, Kemi, is more beautiful and worth treasuring.

Thus every Boxing Day, December 26, to be precise, the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, celebrates

his wedding anniversary with his wife and soulmate, Kemi. The day also coincides as his birthday.

Bimbo and his ravishing wife surely understands the importance of celebrating the good times with verve and unparalleled class.

With unusual fervour and matchless elegance, they enchanted the Magodo, summoning unprecedented glamour and depth to excite the Lagos’s exotic estate.

The event was well attended by friends and associates of the Ashirus. As the A-list guests wined and dined and slipped into jolly moods, the

Gov. Okowa and wife, Edith

Ashirus thrilled their palates and souls to the choicest of exotic meals, music and liquor.

They held court and provide ample space and materials for their distinguished guests to hobnob in a sumptuous royal gathering designed to rival the best of the filthy rich’s parties.

While the couple played host to a stream of family, friends, business and political associates, their posh residence pulsated with pomp and glamour.

The elaborate event, which paraded top politicians, respected technocrats, society big wigs and captains of industry, saw the guests shuffle and nod to the liveliest and most delightful musical tunes. As the guests thrilled to delightful music, their hair stood on end and they tipped over in merriment - their joy spilling from their souls into the air and sky high into the blue firmament. It was a night to remember…Ask Pastor Tunde Bakare.

FROM DELTA TO LONDON…STOP CELEBRATING IBORI WITH PHOTO OPS! UDUAGHAN WARNS Predictably, as it is often the norm with people in high places, career sycophants and political parasites have begun to heap earned and unearned accolades on former governor, James

Onanefe Ibori. Many have written poetry in his praise and published it as paid advertorial in foremost Nigerian newspapers as soon as he was released from the UK prison. According to Boris Pasternak, the Russian poet and novelist, “Who should remain alive and praised; who should stay dead without renown depends upon criteria that powerful sycophants lay down.”

Pasternak’s summation could never be more apt; among other truths, it emphasizes the desperation and astounding vanity of sycophants singing the praises of Ibori. However, the former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is a cousin of Ibori and who had also been anointed to the governorship by.

Ibori, took to his Facebook account, describing Nigeria as a “complex” country, and warning in coded language that people must “understand and respect the sensibilities” of others.

“For those going to London to see Chief James Ibori and posting pictures and making statements, please stop it,” the former governor warned.

“We appreciate your love for him. But you can go quietly without the unnecessary publicity.” No matter what the world thinks, Ibori has done marvelously in the eyes of his people.

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HIGHLIFE

Love Actually! How Billionaire Heiress, Femi Otedola’s Daughter, DJ Cuppy, Romantically Hooked Up with Football Star, Victor Anichebe

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he truth leapt from her lips like the national flag outspread in the breeze. It coloured the air as chrysanthemums colour the woods from antique bronze to soft yellow.

News of her hidden love interest mingled with her sunny smile thus portraying Florence Otedola aka DJ Cuppy as everything but a sweet diva. No doubt, the daughter of billionaire magnate, Femi Otedola, is in love. And the man for whom her heart beats is none other than ex-Super Eagles star and premiership footballer, Victor Anichebe.

DJ Cuppy made the disclosure on TV show, Rubbing Minds, recently as she talked openly for the first time about her heartthrob, Anichebe.

The show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, asked her about him and she said; “He is good. We are good. He is very busy. It’s sad we don’t get to spend Christmas together.” Revealing how they met, she said: “It was actually a setup. I was complaining of how I was going to be single forever to a stylist that I work with and she was like ‘Oh! my other client also complains

FOR GOD OR MAMMON? MFM FOUNDER, PASTOR ODUKOYA, DESCRIBES CHRISTMAS AS A FESTIVAL OF DEMONS

•CLERIC AND FLOCK SCORN CHRISTIAN FESTIVAL BECAUSE ‘THE ROOT IS DEMONIC’

Like scorching napalm, bursting out of the nuzzle of a lethal flame thrower, the words let loose from the lips of Pastor DK Olukoya.

‘Christmas is demonic,’ he claimed, hence his refusal to celebrate it. The General overseer of the Mountain of Fire Ministries (MFM), one of the biggest churches in Nigeria, revealed that he doesn’t celebrate Christmas because it’s demonic, and

Daniel Olukoya

of how he would be single forever. I was in New York at that time and she said I think you guys should just go for a coffee. I happened to be in London and he happened to be in London and we went for coffee and the rest is history.” When Victor met Florence, he lost his head and his heart. Lest you begin to think that he lost his mind, the footballer did not slip into psychosis rather he fell head over heels in love with Florence.

Thus soon after they encountered each other and struck a blissful friendship, Victor, like the proverbial triple pillar of the world, became DJ Cuppy’s version of the Aeolian Harp.

Florence, like a practiced possessor and player of the Aeolian Harp, pulled at the strings of Victor’s heart.

The effect was awesome. It excited in Victor spasms of pleasure and indescribable passion. However, their passionate encounter was hardly one-sided. He evenly excited strange impulses in Florence thus animating her in unusual ways and causing her to swoon over him even when she struggled not to. Their story reads like a passionate thesis on a classical verse of love.

it’s a tradition that his church members do not celebrate it. “In Mountain of Fire, we don’t celebrate Christmas because the root is demonic,” he claimed.

This served as a big shocker to millions of Nigerian Christians who went out of their way to uphold the yearly festivity. However, to the Nigerian faithful, a blundering pastor may get away with everything as long the fellow involve is a man of God. And to anyone who dares question the excesses of any such man, the parishioners would admonish: “Be careful what you say about a man of God.” Many a Nigerian pastor swathes himself in that rapacious cloak even as it evolves into an iron cage from which he mesmerizes his habituallygullible followers, leading them on by a leash, into his iron cage. It is on scriptural records that Jesus Christ, when winding up his mission of salvation about two thousand years ago, expressed his ambivalence about finding faith in the world when he returns.

He must have seen with precision the impending decadence awaiting Christendom after his departure.

BLEAK CHRISTMAS...RUDE AWAKENING FOR LATE JAMES OCHOLI’S KIDS

Anichebe and DJ Cuppy

•FRIENDS AND FAMILY DESERT CHILDREN OF BUHARI’S EX-LABOUR MINISTER

Tragedy invaded the lives of the Ocholis like a medieval brute, painfully and quite unexpectedly. It claimed the lives of James Ocholi, a former minister in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet, his wife and son. However, since their sad demise in a terrible accident some months ago, life has become harder and the days longer for Ocholi’s surviving kids. It was a very cold Christmas for the children left behind. Besides feeling the absence of their late parents and sibling, friends and relatives that swore to stand by them in the wake of their loss, virtually deserted them.

Their house is no longer a Mecca of sort. Friends and family who promised the Ocholis’ surviving kids heaven on earth have disappeared into thin air.

Sadly, the story has changed and they are on their own.

BACK FROM HEAVEN’S GATE...

DAPO OJORA LAYS OFF SOCIAL SCENE IN THE WAKE OF BIKE ACCIDENT

·WHY LAGOS SOCIALITE TAKES A WIDE BERTH FROM THE LIMELIGHTS

Dapo Ojora dreads the limelight as the buffalo dreads the gnat. The high society socialite and scion of the prestigious Lagos family, the Ojoras, keeps a

Dapo Ojora

wide berth from publicity and the social scene even as you read. Thus with the demeanor of a hermit, he evades the brilliant blaze of media mention and klieg lights. But what could be responsible for the once bubbly socialite’s sudden withdrawal from the social scene?

Findings revealed that Dapo decided to take a long break from the social scene immediately after he survived a bike accident. It would be recalled that he gave his family, friends and other loved ones a terrible scare in the wake of the ghastly accident; too many of them feared he would not survive the deadly crash

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HIGHLIFE

Intrigues as Magistrate Court Orders Arrest of Oluwo of Iwo

•Uneasy calm settles on Osun Township as residents rue imminent arrest of first class monarch

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as the ancient town of Iwo’s most prized throne been desecrated by the hide and bloodline of a ‘petty criminal?’

Is it really true that the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, is an ex-convict and common criminal?

Following a summons issued to the King by a magistrate court in Osun state, the court has subsequently issued an arrest warrant on the traditional ruler.

The arrest warrant was issued due to the refusal of the monarch to honour a court summons issued in November to answer to a suit filed against him by another monarch, Oluwo of Iwo-Oke, Oba Kadiri Adeoye. Oba Adeoye who accused the Oluwo of Iwo of concealing some facts about his past before he was installed as a first class monarch

about a year ago.

Channels TV reported that the monarch was also accused of keeping armed thugs around to oppress, molest and attack his antagonists. The affidavit also stated that the monarch was involved in the internet fraud commonly known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ operating from inside his palace. The plaintiff also claimed that Oba Akanbi forged his name to obtain travelling documents to the United States where he was allegedly jailed in New York City and was deported to Nigeria in 2000.

He also stated that the monarch later traveled out with his real identity to Canada in 2001 and got the Canadian citizenship but was again arrested in Toronto and was in jail between 2006 and 2007.

but he did. And ever since, Dapo beat a retreat from the public. He withdrew into his shell, carefully shunning every attempt by his friends and family to lure him out of his cocoon of anonymity.

At the moment, Dapo is showing extreme restraint, preferring to live as a recluse. Findings revealed that, in the wake of the accident, he awakened to several of life’s bitter truths. He realised that were it not for the grace of God, he would have crossed to yonder.

Suddenly, he attained a rude understanding of the transience of life: you are here today, you could be gone the next second.

While the once popular socialite cools his heels in incognito mode, his friends, family and business associates can hardly wait to have him re-emerge on the social scene. To too many of them, street life has become a very boring party without Dapo. Perhaps Dapo will do their bidding and quit his self-imposed exile, perhaps not. Until then he would remain very committed to his intimate romance with solitude.

JAIL BECKONS TO THE MATHAROOS! HIGH SOCIETY COURTESANS, JYOTI AND KIRAN MATHAROO, ARRAIGNED IN COURT FOR TRYING TO BLACKMAIL FEMI OTEDOLA Since they plotted their way into infamy and disgrace, Canadian sex vixens, Jyoti and Kiran Matharoo have been cooling

their heels in the custody of Nigeria’s law enforcement agents. The good life as they knew it is virtually over for the siblings that terrorized Nigeria’s high society via blackmail, cyberbullying and extortion. It would be recalled that the sisters met their waterloo courtesy their ploy to blackmail prominent billionaire and Forte Oil boss, Femi Otedola. The latter however, proved to be more than their match as he cleverly goaded them into believing he was a helpless

Matharoo Sisters

Abdulrasheed Akanbi

prey, only for the sisters to discover that he had led them into a trap. Following their arrest and prosecution at the Yaba, Lagos Magistrate Court, news of the sisters’ arrest has crossed the country’s borders to become sensational news abroad. Just recently, the Toronto and Sun newspapers published news of the Matharoos’ sad descent.

They highlighted the fact that they have been accused of running a slanderous website, Naijagistlive, with

aims of extorting money out of wealthy Nigerian men until they were apprehended by the long arms of the law. Immediately after their arrest, the sisters made a confessional statement revealing that they are the ones behind the controversial website: “naijagistlive.” They also allegedly confessed that they had slept with 232 Nigerian men, all deep pockets.

More importantly, the sisters were said to have issued a heartfelt apology to Otedola, urging him to forgive them for their plots to blackmail and extort him.

Before they met their match in Otedola, the sisters had dealt ruthlessly with a lot of Nigerian billionaires.

Using their slanderous website, they had wrecked many homes and destroyed the peace and reputation of many of their unsuspecting clients.

They apparently failed to do their homework about Femi Otedola. If they did, they would have discovered that he is never an easy mark for blackmail or witchhunt of any sort. It would be recalled that the Forte Oil boss was the one who revealed the true nature of prominent lawmaker, Farouk Lawan, in an elaborate and very sordid bribery saga. Otedola, stated his associates, never cringes from tormentors. He soon turns the table against them by hunting them and bringing them down like a war-hardened military general.

Sunday January 1, 2017

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Price: N400

MISSILE Fayose to FG Like I said before, their style has become so predictable. Whenever Nigerians cry of the pains and sufferings they are going through, they will come with flimsy stories like; “20 Chibok girls found,” “$1 billion found in Mr A, B or C bedroom,” “Boko Haram technically defeated,” “We have captured Sambisa forest,” “Governors Wike and Fayose’s phone conversations leaked,” etc just to divert attention.

– Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose accusing the APC-led Federal Government of being behind the leaked audio of the telephone conversation between him and Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.

TONYELUEMUNOR RIGHT OF REPLY

Why Ibori’s Release Was Celebrated

M

r. Simon Kolawole’s “The Welcome Party for Ibori”(THISDAY Sunday 25th December 2016), broached several topics and reached several wrong conclusions as he condemned the widespread celebrations when Ibori exited UK jail. I’ll face the ex-convict case now and tackle the others later. Kolawole wrote: “The 1995 conviction by an Abuja area court was a thriller. The name of the convict was James Onanefe Ibori. In 2004, he denied being the same person and court records would soon be blurred. The judge who passed the sentence identified him as the convict. But all the way to the Supreme Court, our judiciary ruled that it must be another James Onanefe Ibori.

My reply: It was disingenuous for Kolawole to reduce a most complicated suit to a simple matter that should have totally depended on the words of a lay judge of a “magistrate court” who had actually been arrested by the Police for doctoring another person’s conviction to look like Ibori’s.

As the allegation that Ibori was convicted in 1995 emerged three weeks after the Peoples Democratic Party convention, January 2003, on which Kolawole posited that Ibori was among the PDP Governors opposed to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s re-election, Ibori petitioned the President that as he was never arraigned in that court, a fake conviction was in circulation and prayed that the perpetrators be fished out and punished. Obasanjo sent the petition to the Police and a controversial case was in full swing! So from day one Ibori denied that he was never tried in that court!

Late Chief Gani Fawenhinmi represented the plaintiffs, and his only witness, Alhaji Awwal Yusuf, the lay judge at the Bwari Upper Area Court in 1995, said “I have no doubt in my mind that it was James Onanefe Ibori that was convicted on Case number CR-81-95”.

On Monday July 5, 2004, Milton Paul Ohwovoriole (SAN) (for Ibori) crossexamined Yusuf: “If you see exhibit C (the record of your court) you will be able to recognize it.”

Yusuf: “Yes”. Ohwovoriole bid him read out the court records from page 441. Yusuf complied: “CR-81-95 was registered 28/9/95 as Commissioner of Police versus Shuaibu Anyebe of Security, Bwari. The next date was 5/10/95 in CR-83-95. The next date again is October 13 with CR -84-95. The prosecutor was Sabo of Kawu. The next is 17/10/95, in CR -85-95, involving Mallam Adamu

Ibori

Mohammed of Lugbe village. Next is 19/10/95, CR-86-95, Barau Ayade versus Dogonyaro Akau, next is 20/10/95, in CR- 87-95, involving Elambu Auta versus Danjuma Medeji and Yerima Akusu. The complaint was enticement.”

So, from Yusuf’s own court records with no alterations, and read out by Yusuf himself, Ibori’s name wasn’t in any First Information Report (FIR). So, how did two judgments from that court, with same exact number; CR-81-95 - Commissioner of Police versus Shuabu Anyebe, and Police Commissioner versus Ibori emerge?

One of them must be forged.

Judge Hussein Mukhtar of Abuja High Court Five, ruled that the judgment was a crude forgery, and itemized 25 contradictions against Yusuf. The Appeal Court believed him.

Justice Dahiru Musdapher’s lead Supreme Court judgment noted: “The appellants also pleaded as per paragraphs 11,13,14 and 15… of their statement of claims as follows:“11. At the time of his conviction on the 28/9/1995 James Onanefe Ibori now Governor of Delta State, was a sub-contractor to SPIBAT Nigeria Ltd at Lower Usuma Dam near Bwari at the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. The appellants unfortunately led no evidence in proof of these averments.

Both lower courts (High and Appeal courts) considered the pleadings and the evidence led by the plaintiffs and rightly came to the conclusion that they failed to prove the identity of the convict aforesaid”.

Musdapher noted: “3. The pages in the proceedings in the record book are not continuous as would be expected, but is found on many pages on unused lines or remnants of pages covering proceedings of several days”.

This is the most telling sign that the judgment was cooked up. In the notebook where the judge wrote his decision, he

began from the middle of a page beneath the entry of another judgment instead of following the normal practice of starting on a fresh page. Worse still, at the end of that page he skipped about ten pages before he continued his judgement on the so-called Ibori case. In the intervening pages, he had written other judgments.

The result was that the continuation of the Ibori judgement came after the judgments he supposedly delivered in October 1995.

Yet, he allegedly decided the Ibori case on September 28. And Kolawole wants us to swear by this man’s testimony! Why could he not just write on continuous pages if it was not forged?

Justice Musdapher noted: “(c) No evidence of the complainant”.

But unlike the Anyebe case where the complainant made a statement to the Police, there was no statement from any complainant on the Ibori case, and not a page was missing from the Police Complaint Book of the Bwari Police station or the Police Post at Lower Usuma Dam. Musdapher: “(d) No evidence of the Police officer who received the complaint, the Investigating Police Officer, the Prosecutor, etc”. Could Yusuf, Islamic studies graduate who had been in the Education Department of Niger State until 1990 when he transferred his services to FCT as an Upper Area Court (magistrate court equivalent in the South), had by 2003 known more about trials than Fawehinmi? If the answer is no, then why did Fawehinmi fail to call the Police Commissioner, the Court Registrar, the other Judge, the Police Prosecutor, etc, as witnesses, even after Yusuf had mentioned them?

As the Ibori case was not reported to a police station, it had no complainant, was never investigated or brought to court by any police officer. This is why the case has no First Information Report (FIR) number. Yes, Yusuf had named one Corporal Sunday Musa as the person who brought the FIR to his court but testified in Delta State Electoral Tribunal, Asaba, that he never investigated any Ibori case; but that he investigated the Anyebe case!

On page 294 of the Record of Appeal, Awwal Yusuf, the Bwari court lay judge, said: 1; “Amongst the six FIRs, five of the accused persons pleaded guilty” and were convicted except Monica Lewinsky (that is no misprint- the American lady linked with Bill Clinton). On page 296 Yusuf continued: iii: “All the FIRs brought that day were registered. IV: I know the FIR No. of Shuaibu Anyebe; it was CR-81-95.

The six FIRs brought were registered. It

is not correct to say that only five were registered. It is not correct that it was Shuaibu Anyebe that was convicted on the FIR No. CR-81-95” only to say, (page 312) “the case of Commissioner of Police Versus James Ibori was not registered that day but it exists.” Contradictions galore!

Yet, Kolawole made it look as if Ibori was accused of theft and not “criminal negligence” as Anybe was also accused.

That was a lie! The charge was that Ibori was a sub-contractor to SPIBAT construction firm when “workers under him stole N110 million worth of “zinc asbestos” in 1995? SPIBAT constructed the Lower Usuma Dam from 1981 to 84 and was gone by the turn of that decade. And official Abuja Water Board records show that the Abuja dam started supplying water to the FCT in 1987. So, no construction was happening there by 1995!

There was another devilish tale from Yusuf himself in his 7/2/03 final Police Statement that the Usuma Lower Dam Veterinary building was to be roofed with the 55,000 bundles of “zinc asbestos” That is the quantity of zinc worth N110m at the 1995 rate of N2,000 per bundle.

When we remember that while the Police dilly-dallied, a suit was filled seeking: “A declaration that the Chief James Onanefe Ibori, by virtue of his conviction and sentence in Case No. CR/81/95 is not qualified to carry the (PDP’s) flag as its Gubernatorial candidate in the 2003 elections within the meaning of sections 182 (1) (e) of the 1999 constitution”, it becomes plain that it was a politically motivated case.

So, the forgery was to stop Ibori’s 2003 reelection as Delta State Governor. Kolawole forgot that Segun Adeniyi and Cletus Akwaya of THISDAY newspaper then visited Shuaibu Anyebe, recorded him on tape and snapped pictures with him; and obtained the receipt with which he paid his fine in lieu of going to jail for case number CR-81-95. When this first attempt to stop Ibori politically failed, others continued until Ibori was forced to flee Nigeria to save his endangered life.

The Niger Delta people and other Ibori well-wishers know Ibori faced political persecution and not prosecution, they know about the trumped up charges against him such as this ex-convict case.

So they celebrate even the mere fact that he is alive today, very lustily and without apologies.

• Tony Eluemunor adapted this article from his unpublished book: “March of Justice; the whole truth of the Ibori ex-convict case.”

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