Sunday 15th January 2017

Renewed Oil Search Pushes NNPC’s Deficits to N19bn Forcados, Brass crude oil terminals still shut

Chineme Okafor in Abuja

The renewed search for crude oil in the frontier inland basins has started impacting the monthly trading financials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation

(NNPC), its monthly financial and operations report for November 2016 has disclosed.

Specifically, as a result of the fresh oil search activities, the NNPC, in November, incurred additional cost of N1.87 billion

50 firms bid for 2-year boat supply contract

over the October figures, pushing the deficits in the review month to N18.72 billion.

The monthly report, released last week in Abuja, stated that Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), NNPC’s

subsidiary, which is in charge of hydrocarbon exploration services and provision of seismic data acquisition, has witnessed an increase in its operating costs, following oil search activities in the frontier basins.

The report stated that despite an improved revenue generation profile, upholding its oil finds in the frontier basins contributed to the deficits recorded by the NNPC in the month.

According to the report, “The

corporation has been operating in challenging situations which limits its aspiration to profitability. This 16th publication of NNPC monthly financial and Continued on page 8

FG Invites Ezekwesili, BBOG to Tour of Sambisa Forest… Page 10 Sunday 15 January, 2017 Vol 21. No 7941

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How Turkish Schoolgirls, Staff were Abducted Search for victims intensifies

Wale Ajimotokan, Alex Enumah in Abuja and Sheriff Balogun in Abeokuta

Details have emerged on

how some unknown gunmen stormed a Turkish School, Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC), in Isheri, Ogun State on Friday night and

abducted three female students, three female supervisors, a female cook, and a female teacher (Turkish).

A statement issued by the

school’s spokesman, Cemal Yigit, said the kidnappers breached the school's wellfortified security through the back gate at about 9:30pm.

Yigit said the armed intruders gained entrance through the girls’ section and immediately held the eight people – all females – hostage.

“The school security noticed some movement on the CCTV camera at the girls’ section and Continued on page 8

In Fresh Peace Move, Osinbajo Leads FG Team to Niger Delta Dickson: FG not doing enough for zone, seeks respect for Jonathan’s family

Iyobosa Uwugiaren and Tobi Soniyi in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will tomorrow begin an official visit to the Niger Delta, with Delta State as his first port of call, in an exercise that would take him to a number of communities in the oil-rich zone. A statement by the senior special assistant to the vice president on media and publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, said Osinbajo will also visit Bayelsa and Rivers states at a date to be announced. Akande said the visit was a further demonstration of President Muhammadu Buhari's determination to peacefully and comprehensively address the Niger Delta situation.

However, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State said at the weekend that the Buhari government was not doing enough to resolve the burning Continued on page 8

See THISDAY Style Inside…

AFRICA'S PEACE ON THEIR MINDS

L-R: President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo; President Muhammadu Buhari; President of Senegal , Macky Sall; and Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau, Umar STATE HOUSE Mokhtar Sissoco Embalo, at the 27th Africa-France Summit in Bamako, Mali ...yesterday

Buhari-led Gambia Talks Deadlocked… Page 10

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T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 15, 2017

PAGE EIGHT RENEWED OIL SEARCH PUSHES NNPC" S DEFICITS TO N19BN

operations report indicates a trading deficit of N18.72 billion.

This represents an increase of N1.87 billion in trading deficit as against October, 2016.”

It explained that, “The marginal increase in the trading deficit was due to an upsurge in IDSL operating costs attributed to the on-going mobilisation activities in both Benue Trough seismic data project located in Bauchi and Party 05 in Elele, Rivers state, despite an improved revenue generation.”

Apart from the oil finds, NNPC, however, added that there were other activities that contributed to its deficit business closure in November.

“The strike action by Bristow Helicopters workers delayed the planned lay-time of Okono Blend resulting to nil NPDC offshore export sales for the month.

Other factors that pulled down NNPC’s performance include force majeure declared by SPDC (Shell Petroleum Development Company) as a result of the

vandalised 48inch Forcados export line after the restoration on 17th October, 2016 amongst others,” it stated.

While the Federal Government in 2016 renewed its desire to grow Nigeria’s oil reserves with exploration in the Chad Basin, and Benue Trough, the IDSL, which undertakes seismic data procession and interpretation, as well as reservoir management services in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, was awarded the job to acquire over 500 square kilometers of 3D seismic data acquisition in the first instance from the basins.

NNPC also stated that it was collaborating with the Republic of Niger to share geological data that could boost its ongoing exploratory activities in the Chad Basin and Benue Trough.

It disclosed that it was in discussion with the Chinese company that is operating the Agadem, Niger Republic oil field for the construction of an over 1, 000 kilometres

alternative crude oil supply pipeline to its Kaduna Refinery.

Past reports on Nigeria’s oil exploration in the frontier basins indicated that between 1977 and 1996, the NNPC commenced exploration activities in the Chad Basin during which 23 wells were drilled and only two wells - Wadi-1 and Kinasar-1, recorded non-commercial gas discoveries before exploration was suspended in the Chad Basin in 2000 for lack of commercial finds.

Similarly on the Gongola Basin, the government had between 1993 and 2000 awarded blocks in the basin to Chevron, Total and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), and they reportedly acquired 3,153km of 2D seismic data, drilled one well each and made a non-commercial gas discovery in one of the wells - Kolmani River-1, before they suspended operations and abandoned the blocks.

Meanwhile, the corporation also gave an update on the operations of some of the country’s crude oil lifting terminals that have been impacted by acts of vandalism in the Niger Delta region. It said both Brass and Forcados were still shut.

“Forcados terminal; a force majeure declared since 15th February, 2016 was still in place in October 2016 due to the damage on the 48” subsea export which triggered a disruption in cargo lifting. The force majeure is still in place pending repairs of the line and stable/uninterrupted crude oil production “Brass terminal; the force majeure declared on 22nd May, 2016 was still in place in October 2016 as a result of the sabotage on the Clough Creek-Tebidaba pipeline. Some wells were shut down from 1st to 31stOctober, 2016 for maintenance of critical equipment. A total of about 95,000bopd was shut

in throughout the month of October 2016,” it explained in the monthly report.

In another development, NNPC has said 50 companies submitted bids to provide seaworthy tug boats on charter basis for its maritime operational requirements in Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt.

A statement from its Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndu Ughamadu, in Abuja explained that the public bid opening was held at the corporation's headquarters, and had in attendance representatives of the bidding companies with officials of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and some members of the civil society organisations as observers.

Though the statement did not disclose the corporate identities

of the 50 firms or the number of them that would be selected for the term contract, it however said the successful companies would be engaged on a two-year term contract in the first instance, with an option of renewal for a further one year.

Winners, it noted, were expected to provide services, which include aiding the berth and un-berth of all ships operating at the NNPC jetties/ buoy, logistics support for safe ship-to-ship operations, which covers movement of fenders, horses, documents, rigging and unrigging of fenders, among others.

The statement also quoted the corporation's Group General Manager, Supply Chain Management, Mr. Shehu Liman, to have said at the bid opening that the NNPC under Dr. Maikanti Baru was determined to instill and sustain the values of transparency, accountability and integrity in all its procurement process.

They explained that the abductors dug a big hole through the fence of the school from where they escaped through the bushy, swampy area.

Dogan explained this while playing host to the deputy governor of Ogun State, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, who led other members of Ogun State Executive Council to the school for an on-the-spot assessment.

Police said the kidnappers were yet to establish contact or demand ransom. Ogun State Police Spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said a massive manhunt had been launched to rescue the victims and bring the kidnappers to justice.

He said the Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad (FSARS),

Anti-kidnapping Unit and other police teams had been deployed to rescue the abducted persons.

Ogun State government has also assured parents and relatives of the victims that everything would be done to ensure their safe return.

Speaking during a visit to the school, the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, said the state government was on top of the situation to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students.

She said, "we are here to express our concern and sympathy. It is unfortunate that this is happening barely few days of school resumption.

When we heard about it, we quickly sprang into action, hence the urgent visit.

"Our government has put necessary security measures in place for the rescue of the abductees. Ogun State is already in action. Let me reassure you that we are going to rescue the victims soon."

She appealed for calm urging the parents not to take panic action by removing their children from the school.

"No doubt, it does happen once a while but it's unfortunate, the state is aware and we are doing the work, we will do all that is possible for the safe return of the children.

The FG is aware and they have also assured us that very, very soon, they would be rescued.

"It's not the time to start taking children out of the schools, the security operatives are all on ground to ensure safety of life and property of the school. We will do all that is possible to make sure the school is safe and the school authority is also doing what is possible to ensure that the state is safe."

Meanwhile, parents are insisting that the school should be shut for two weeks within which the expected security measures would have been put in place.

The parents who were still thronging the premises of the school as at the time of filling this report said the remaining students were traumatised and would need some break before activities could pick up in the school again.

One of the parents whose child was kidnapped, Ahmad Ajani, said he got the news

in the midnight and that his daughter was involved.

Ajani who described the incident as sad and unfortunate said his child, Hanatullah Aderinto Ajani, was in the school to study for the upcoming JAMB examination before the incident.

He said, "Somebody called in the midnight that something happened here and my daughter was involved, I had to come down this morning and the Police Commissioner addressed us assuring that they would work on it and that everything would be alright very soon.

"I am very sad but prayerful that they are rescued on time, as I am standing, I am traumatised.”

Another parent, Funmi Tijani, blamed the management of the school for not putting up enough security measures including lighting up the area.

She said, "We parents jointly resolved and agreed that we have to take away our children at least for the first one week, until we are convinced about perfect security arrangement in place.

"The road is not tarred, no security light, bushes all around.

Last year, the school was closed down for two weeks because of flood. What we are saying is that 'let there be adequate security.

"We are taking our children away, we've agreed amongst ourselves to take our children away for a week, my daughter saw them, witnessed the whole scenario and she's traumatised.

Psychologically, they are not balanced, you don't expect me to leave her behind."

Security operatives including the Assistant Commissioner of Police, AIG Zone II, Kayode Oluranti; Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ilyasu; and the State Director of Department of State Security, Kabiru Sanni, were all on hand to assess the situation.

Nigerian Tulip international Colleges, financed by First Surat Group which brought her investments from Turkey, currently has a total number of 16 educational institutions located in Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Kaduna, Yobe and Ogun states with staff strength of over 1000 academic and non-academic personnel.

HOW TURKISH SCHOOL GIRLS, STAFF WERE ABDUCTED promptly deployed security personnel and alerted the relevant security agencies in the area as customary.

“Upon hearing the security alarm activated and sighting our security personnel, the armed invaders opened fire on the security staff and managed to escape through a very dangerous route with the hostages,” he said.

He, however, said security officers were on the trail of the abductors.

“The security agencies are currently on their trail as the whole area has been cordoned off. We wish to assure parents and guardians that the students and teacher will return to safety as soon as everything possible has been deployed to ensure

that our teachers and students return unhurt by God’s grace”, the school’s spokesperson assured.

An atmosphere of confusion prevailed at the elite school premises yesterday morning in the wake of the development as parents and guardians hurried to withdraw their wards from the school.

Our correspondent, who was on the spot, found most of the students in shock on account of the episode the previous night. A reliable source that recounted the experience said that the kidnappers that carried out the operation were about 15 in number. The incident happened after the students finished their hostel meeting.

THISDAY gathered that

after breaking into the female dormitory upstairs, they immediately locked the door and pointed guns at the fear stricken students.

“It was a scary moment for all of us as we scampered and hid in supervisor’s room after the abductors left. Two of them came into our dormitory while the rest stayed downstairs. It was a very confusing scenario as we could barely sleep,” one of the students told THISDAY. The Principal and the Security Adviser, Yunus Emre Dogan and Stephen Adewunmi, respectively said the gunmen came into the school and started shooting sporadically.

According to them, the abductors immediately made their way into the female hostel.

IN FRESH PEACE MOVE, OSINBAJO LEADS FG TEAM TO NIGER DELTA issues in the Niger Delta. Dickson accused the federal government of dilly-dallying in the on-going dialogue with stakeholders in the region. The governor, who spoke during a chat with journalists in Abuja, Friday night, lamented the treatment being meted out to the family of the immediate past president and indigene of Bayelsa State, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan’s wife, Patience, has faced a string of corruption prosecutions in recent times, resulting in the freezing of some of her accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. And Jonathan, too, has been named in various corruption cases. But Dickson said the former first family deserved respect from the Buhari government.

Osinbajo’s peace mission to the Niger Delta is coming against the backdrop of renewed attacks on oil facilities in the region by aggrieved groups.

Akande said Osinbajo would lead high-level delegations of the federal government to states in the zone to try to amicably resolve the grievances. He said during the visits, the delegations would interact with leaders and representatives of the oil-producing communities in continuation of on-going efforts by the Buhari administration to find a permanent solution to the Niger Delta crisis.

The statement from the vice president’s office added, “The Buhari presidency is fully committed to having an effective dia-

logue and positive engagement that will end the crisis in the oil-producing areas, and believes that these visits would further boost the confidence necessary for the attainment of peace and prosperity in the areas and the Nigerian nation in general.”

Unconfirmed reports said during the Delta State leg of his Niger Delta visit Osinbajo would meet leaders of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, and might also meet with ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias "Tompolo", as part of efforts to halt bombings of oil assets in the area.

THISDAY learnt that meeting had been scheduled for last week, but it was hurriedly cancelled following threats by the Niger Delta Avengers to resume attack on the oil infrastructure. This was due to alleged federal government's failure to engage in sincere dialogue with the zone’s leaders as represented by the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum led

by Chief Edwin Clark.

Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom and country home of Tompolo, is already being prepared for Osinbajo’s visit. The Ibe-Benemowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom and acting secretary Gbaramatu Traditional Council, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, said the visit was long overdue.

Gbenekama said, “The vice president's visit is long overdue.

Anyway, it is a good develop-

ment and we thank President Muhammadu Buhari for sending the vice president here to see things for themselves. We are waiting to receive him and his team.”

An Ijaw leader and chairman of Kokodiagbene community in Gbaramatu kingdom, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, hailed the federal government's decision to send a team led by the vice president to the kingdom. “It is a welcome development if the federal government is committed to the demands of the people. I want to believe that this is not a political visit because there is no need for fact finding again.

All the facts are known to the government,” he said.

Speaking in a similar vein in Abuja on Friday, Dickson advised the federal government to pay more attention to the Niger Delta, stressing that the region is strategic to Nigeria’s existence.

He said, “If you are talking about raising billions of naira for the implementation of our national budget and the fact that the state governments’ revenue is also predicated on oil revenue, then we must be concerned about the source of that money.

“It is an issue everybody should be concerned about, and we in the Niger Delta, especially me and my colleagues, are collectively working to address the matter. As you know, Bayelsa State is the safest state in Nigeria today. And, clearly, it is the most stable state in the Niger Delta,

even though historically, it is the centre of the crisis."

Dickson said the Buhari government should reciprocate the efforts of the Niger Delta leaders to bring about permanent peace in the zone.

“But unfortunately, as Pa Clark said, not much is happening from the federal government’s side,” he said, adding, “All we ask is for the federal government agencies to be more sensitive and show more commitment and be more proactive.”

On the alleged persecution of Jonathan and his family, Dickson said, “Talking generally now, not just about Jonathan and his family, I feel that the perception that some of the policies of the current federal government are selective or targeted at some persons and some sections is huge. And it is inimical to the success of the reform that the federal government is trying to execute, and that should be addressed.

“Jonathan should be treated with respect. Let us see how things play out; there should be less sensationalism; let us see facts—if there are issues.

“Another thing I will like to say is that this country and the people will soon come to appreciate the kind of sacrifices and services that Jonathan’s presidency and Jonathan as a person rendered to this country…

“His contribution to democratic process was uncommon.

You can see what is happening in Gambia now. Gambia is in crisis.”

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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 15, 2017

SUNDAY COMMENT BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND THE STATE The Nigerian state will be better off if it hands-off issues of religion

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he untidy meddling with the tenure and structure of religious organisations and their patriarchs, which led to the removal last week of Mr. Jim Obazee as executive secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, touches a much broader but familiar relationship between the church/mosque and state in Nigeria. But the bigger question is that of transparency and accountability in the management of non-for-profit institutions in our country.

Indeed, the controversy has raised three broad issues. One, the relationship between citizens and their faith is a sacrosanct sphere which the freedom of worship and belief in the constitution makes an inalienable and fundamental right. Two, the recognition of religious bodies as not-for-profit entities that do not pay tax lend them easily to government’s regulatory interest. Three, only such organisations can set regulations All churches and on the tenure of their leaders/ mosques are promoters. Therefore, Obaregistered under zee’s attempt to prescribe term the Corporate limits for leaders of religious Affairs Commission. organisations was wrong.

Therefore, having The suspended regulation registered their was an infringement on constitutions, the religious liberty and right leaders of religious to freedom of association as bodies are required enshrined in our constitution. to comply with the For any law to take away provisions therein. rights guaranteed in our conBut the government stitution requires an amendhas no power to ment by the National Asinterfere in the sembly. Besides, it is difficult internal affairs and to adopt a regulatory template management of that would apply evenly and voluntary societies fairly across religious divides. by limiting the terms What makes the guidelines of office of any of even more dangerous is that their leaders politicians interested in manipulating the increasing influence of churches, mosques and other non-for-profit institutions can easily hide under these regulatory interests to cause religious upheaval in an already polarised polity.

However, the challenge with the Pentecostal churches lies somewhere else: how to deal with their more profit oriented

Letters to the Editor

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mega mercantile activities without infringing on their spiritual responsibilities or abridging the fundamental rights of their patrons. But since leaders of religious institutions and foundations are not above the law, it is an issue the authorities must deal with. We believe the FRC board under the chairmanship of Mr. Adedotun Suleiman, in reviewing the suspended guidelines, should look at this issue.

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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

ince churches are registered as charity institutions, funds belonging to them cannot be diverted to establish investments cornered and privatised. For instance, all branches of Nigerian churches in the UK, USA and South Africa are regulated by law in those countries and indeed, many pastors have been sent to jail for sundry acts of fraud. There is also perversion in our country. For instance, private jets are bought by pastors with church funds but registered in the names of private individuals. In Nigeria, schools and universities are established with tithes and offerings collected from members and registered in the names of pastors and their family members. NGOs also collect millions of dollars annually to execute projects but the funds are diverted. All these abuses cannot be allowed to continue.

However, there are rules for dealing with these issues.

All churches and mosques are registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission. Therefore, having registered their constitutions, the leaders of religious bodies are required to comply with the provisions therein. That also means that they must be accountable and comply with the code of corporate governance. But the government has no power to interfere in the internal affairs and management of voluntary societies by limiting the terms of office of any of their leaders. That was where Obazee erred.

In the larger context, Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution provides that the state shall not adopt any religion. But without regard for that provision, the Nigerian state has adopted Islam and Christianity as official religions. Osun State has taken this farther by recognising traditional religions in all official programmes!

We believe that the Nigerian state must keep its hands off religion while recognising the fundamental right of citizens to religion, conscience and thought. We must put an end to building of churches and mosques in government offices and quarters and payment of official imams and chaplains from public funds.

We must also stop official sponsorship of pilgrimages to Mecca and Jerusalem. Until we can make a complete break between the church and the state, we will continue to wallow in needless crises.

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.

TOBACCO REGULATION, NGOS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

here is an urgent need to examine the activities of certain Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), considering the abundant declarations they make and the demands placed on corporate organisations and the government recently.

These NGOs claim to thrive on protecting human rights but in actual sense the rights of every individual is not represented in their drive for relevance. Notably, their drive for safer environments in Nigeria is lopsided.

Rather than striving to ensure the rights of all individuals, civil society organisations, often, promote their own interest, misinform the Nigerian populace and gratuitously lobby for the enactment of unenforceable laws that are detrimental to the existence of legitimate organisations.

In recent years, the tobacco industry has been the subject of unjust attacks by anti-tobacco lobby groups. While

it is pertinent to state that tobacco consumption poses a grave health risk, it is worthy of note that every consenting adult (18 and above) Nigerian has a right to consume legal tobacco products. The tobacco control drive by the anti-tobacco groups could be a noble cause. However, it is sometimes tainted with rascality and overzealousness. Often times, there is a lack of focus and gross misrepresentation of facts. Some concerns are deliberately left out in their agitations such as the illegal peddlers that hawk unregistered tobacco products, drug abuse of licensed medicinal products, and smuggling of unregistered products, among others.

The anti-tobacco lobby has not directed its energy towards highlighting societal ills and plagues but is quick to blame the legal tobacco industry for all manner of societal ills. Apart from the commitment of legal tobacco industry to paying taxes and corporate social responsibility, they often abide by the

rules and regulations of the countries where their businesses are domiciled.

Most of these firms have also realised the need for environmental safety in the society.

The World Health Organisation (WHO)- Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), in recent years, has been sensitising the world to the menace of illicit trade in tobacco.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, where the criminal activity seems to have resurged, these lobby groups appear to be too busy to be concerned about it. Their preoccupation has been solely focused on maligning the legitimate tobacco industry, forgetting that if the legal industry is destroyed, the vacuum created by it will be occupied by the illegal hawks in the business.

Another point worthy of note is that these NGOs have strong financial backings from international organisations. Moreover, the fact that their source of funding is often shrouded in secrecy raises questions about their

integrity and the sincerity of their cause.

This is coupled with the fact that some of their leaders have been known to live ostentatious lifestyle soiled by proceeds from their anti-tobacco campaign. Their motive is not usually humanitarian but only guided by pecuniary gains. How can we as Nigerians give room for these individuals to influence government’s decisions on tobacco?

Perhaps, there is no better time to provide guidelines through corporate governance for the Not-For-Profit Organisations than now, when a lot of the activities of the NGOs are quite opaque. Also, they seek to subvert the rules in a bid to push through their demands and agitations, while pretending to be advocating for human rights.

It is worrisome that these NGOs act as valets to their sponsors in the West in a bid to cripple the activities of the legal tobacco industry. In their public advocacy drive, they introduce cases of human rights and wrongly com-

municate the essence of human rights in order to mask their real intentions.

They intend to control both the demand and supply side of the tobacco industry without understanding the dynamics of the Nigerian economy.

It is even quite disturbing that some government officials, who are supposed to be fully aware of issues, unknowingly pledge support for the cause to clamp down on the legitimate tobacco industry, whenever the anti-tobacco lobby take their campaigns to the corridors of power. Understandably, such misguided statements are borne out of political expediency rather than sound reasoning. The government functionaries also fail to verify such assertions and realise that smoking, like every other habit, cannot be regulated through aggressive taxes on tobacco but rather through effective public sensitisation on the dangers inherent in the act.

––Nojeem Adetuberu, Lagos

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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 •

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Buhari Asks France to Help Africa Overcome Its Challenges Tobi Soniyi

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION R-L: Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and Prince Adefarakanmi Agbede, the Asiwaju of Igbara-Oke, at the birthday celebration of Prince Ezekiel Abiodun, father of Adefarakanmi, held in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State...recently

FG Invites Ezekwesili, BBOG to Tour of Sambisa Forest • Team to be part of sorties to trouble spots • Group replies, lists conditions

Olawale Ajimotokan Sumaina

Kasim

In a move to underline the military’s success in the antiterrorism war in the North-east, the federal government has invited the convener of Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG), Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, to join a delegation for an assessment tour of Sambisa Forest and other battle spots on Monday, January 16. The offer was contained in a letter to Ezekwesili by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed. She was asked to nominate three members of the BBOG to be part of the mission at the instance of the military.

The letter said the delegation that would depart the Air Force wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport tomorrow will comprise Mohammed; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Yusuf Buratai; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, BBOG members and a select group of journalists.

They will tour the NAF base in Yola and witness the first-hand efforts by NAF to search for the unaccounted Chibok girls by joining the day and night sorties to Sambisa forest.

ButBBOG,inareplytotheinvitation,yesterday,listedconditions for its participation in the tour.

The group requested a pre-tour meetingwiththegovernmentand themilitary.Italsodemandedthat Buratai should withdraw his endorsementofagrouphereceived at the Army Headquarters, who had accused BBOG of engaging in “social advocacy terrorism,” and apologise to BBOG. The military had in the last week of December last year recordedapsychologicalvictory whenitsucceededinpushingout theBokoHaraminsurgentsfrom Sambisa Forest, their last bastion in the restive Lake Chad region.

Ezekwesili, a former VicePresident of World Bank and ex-MinisterofEducation,hasbeen astrongvoiceleadingthequestfor thereturnoftheChibokgirlsfrom captivity, since the girls numberingover270wereabductedfrom their school hostel in Borno State inApril2014.TheBBOGwasvery critical of the failure of former President Goodluck Jonathan to fast-track the return of the girls and equally spearheaded many protestmarchesinAbujaagainst theBuhariadministrationonthe freedom of the girls, until 21 of them were released following a negotiated deal in October last year.

In the letter dated January 11, 2017, Mohammed noted that it was in recognition of the unwavering commitment of the

BBOGgrouptothefreedomofthe Chibok girls that it was offered the invitation to join the guided tour of the North-east.

“Itisourbeliefthatthistripwill avail BBOG the opportunity to witness and better understand the efforts being made by the Nigerian military to secure the freedomoftheabductedChibok girls and other victims of Boko Haramterrorism,”Mohammed wrote.

But in their reply to the federal government’soffer,datedJanuary 13,2017,BBOGstated,“Wehadan emergencymeetingofourmovementtodiscussyourinvitationto embark on a ‘guided tour’ of the Nigerian Air Force Command (Yola) and Sambisa Forest with officials of the government.

“Our members unanimously agreedthatthemovementisopen to exploring the opportunity for avisittotheNorth-easttheatreof war as presented in your invitation.However,beforeproceeding with further discussions on the proposedvisit,weproposeapretourmeetingtodiscusspertinent issues that will help inform our decision to proceed. We believe thatthispriormeetingwouldhelp providefirst-handknowledgeof, andanswerstoquestionsthatour movementwishestoraiseahead of the guided visit.

“Weproposethatparticipants

atthemeetingbetheNationalSecurityAdvisertothePresidentand the other officials of government indicatedinyourletter.Theseare: 1. The Minister of Defence, 2. The Chief of Army Staff, and 3. The Chief of Air Forces.

“Furthermore,wewishtoraise a matter critical to our proposed meeting. Only two days ago, the federalgovernment-ownedNews AgencyofNigeria(NAN)widely reported,throughthemassmedia, that during a visit to the Army Headquartersbyacertaingroup which was received by the Chief ofArmyStaff,ourmovementwas attacked for engaging in ‘social advocacy terrorism.’

“It is puzzling that the said visithappenedlessthan48hours before our movement received your letter asking us to travel in the company of the same Chief of Army Staff to Sambisa Forest.

“We demand, therefore, that ahead of the pre-tour meeting we have proposed herein, that the Chief of Army Staff retracts andapologisesforendorsingsuch slanderous attacks against our movement,#BringBackOurGirls, and, specifically, at some of our leaders.

“Suchastepwouldcommunicate that it is with goodwill that the federal government isasking us to entertain the visit proposed in your letter.”

Adeosun: Nigeria’s Consumption Pattern Responsible for Forex Scarcity Obinna Chima

Ugo Aliogo

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun yesterday said the foreign exchange (forex) challenges the country had been experiencing in recent time was as a result of the consumption based model of the country over the years.

Adeosun, who disclosed this inLagosatthe2017NigerianEconomic Outlook, with the theme ‘MakeinNigeria:MythorReality’, attheRedeemedChristianChurch ofGod,King’sCourtParish,noted that with about $26 billion, the country does not have sufficient

savings in its external reserves comparedtootheroilproducing countries such as Saudi Arabia with $700 billion in its reserves.

The naira weakened to N497 to the dollar on the parallel forex market on Friday. But on the BureauDeChangesegment,the naira went for N400 to the dollar, while on the interbank market, it hasremainedatN305tothedollar.

However,thefinanceminister pointed out that if the country would be able to fix its refineries, a significant amount of the pressure in the forex market would be reduced.

“Part of the problems we are

having is foreign exchange. The challengewearehavingwiththe foreignexchangeisourconsumptionbasedmodel.Oilaccountsfor 30percentofourdemandfordollars. So if we fix our refineries, 30 percentofthemoneyweneedin dollars will just disappear.

“In 2010, there were warning signsthattheoilpricesweregoing tofall,butwedidn’ttakeitserious.

Ifwehaddonewhatwearedoing now in 2010, such as cutting cost andcleaningupthepowersector, wewillnotbewherewearenow.

However, we are hopeful that it willnothappenagain.Wearenot an oil economy, oil accounts for

only30percentofoureconomy,” Adeosun said.

In addition, she stated that there was a strong link between corruption and the present state ofthenation,addingthataspartof President Muhammadu Buhari efforts to transform the country, thefightagainstcorruptionwould continuetobegiventhenecessary attention.

“Wecannotburyourheadand forget,wehavetofightit,otherwise itwillcontinue.Itiscorruptionthat has brought us to where we are and added to that is wastage. We must watch the way our monies are spent,” she noted.

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the partnership between the African continent and France has yielded fruits in so many positive ways but that France can do more to help Africa overcome its challenges.

This call was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesinaatthe27thAfrica-France Summit for Partnership, Peace and Emergence taking place in Bamako, Mali.

Buhari said: “Notably, France hasbeenplayingimportantroles in the areas of development as well as peace and security on the African continent. While so many gains have been made, challenges such as terrorism, maritime insecurity, trafficking in persons, trafficking in weapons,drugs,cyberinsecurity,illicit financial flows, and infrastructural deficit continue to militate against Africa’s comprehensive infrastructural and economic development which also hinder its emergence as an important player in global affairs.”

He, therefore, called for a strengthening of African Defence mechanisms such that the continent would be able to transform decisions arising from the partnership into concrete action plans that will help Africa confront and overcome its challenges.

“Inparticular,ourcooperation should strengthen our defence in the context of African Peace and Security Architecture as wellasintheareasofintelligence sharing, capacity building and

acquisitionofmilitaryhardware needed to confront the security challenges of the African continent.”

Thepresidentalsocalledforintensificationofeffortsthatwould stimulate the African economy, address social imbalance and steer its youths away from high riskandunproductiveventures.

“Effortsshouldalsobegeared towards the development and emergence of the continent through investments in critical sectorssuchasEducation,Power, Solid Minerals, Agriculture and ICT. This will enable African economies to spur productivity and create employment, thereby addressing some of the socio-economic conditions that contribute to gender inequality, radicalismandyouthrestiveness, as well as the push factors that make our citizens embark on dangerous illegal migration to Europe in search of ‘greener’ pastures,” the president said.

While declaring that African countries were taking their own destinies in their own hands by mobilising resources, Buhari expressed the hope that the partnership would still do more for Africa.

The president said: “As we continue to mobilise for our ownsustainable,predictableand transparent sources of finance that would help the continent pursue its peace, security and development efforts, and address the infrastructural deficit impeding development on the continent, there is the need for this partnership to continue to assist Africa on how to finance its development.”

…Congratulates Adebanwi on His Appointment as Rhodes Professor Tobi Soniyi

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigerian author and scholar, Wale Adebanwi, on his appointment as Rhodes Professor in Race Relations in the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom; describing him as an African gem and a role model who has brought honour and respect to the continent.

The president, in a statement byhisSeniorSpecialAssistanton Media and Publicity, Mr. Garba Shehu, said as the first black African scholar to be appointed to the endowed Chair since it was created more than 60 years ago, Adebanwi’s sharp intellect and distinguished learning was worthy of emulation by other young Nigerians.

Thestatementsaid:“Thepresident,whohasmaintainedakeen

interest in the soaring profile of the scholar right from his early years in journalism in Nigeria to a lecturer in the University of Ibadan, is delighted to see him achieve this much very early in his life.”

At just 47 years, Buhari noted that young Africans like Adebanwi were showing the wit, steadfastness, creative energy and astuteness of renowned Africanwritersandintellectuals such as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, John Pepper Clark and Abubakar Imam who put the continent on the world’s knowledge map.

“He is a source of pride and inspiration to Black Africa as a whole,” the president said.

Buhari wished the distinguished scholar more notable successes as he clinches laurel upon laurel on his steady rise as a scholar of international distinction.

Lt. Col. Grace Adam Eyo Passes On

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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 •

NEWS SSANU, NASU, NAAT Embark on Ogbeh: FG to Query Source of Renal Five-day Warning Strike Monday Disorder in Children Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), will on Monday embark on a five-day warning strike over the inability of the Federal Government to implement the 2009 Agreements with the unions.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the unions in a statement in Abuja at the weekend, stated that the warning strike had become necessary to make government take action to fully implement the 2009 FGN/ Non-Teaching Staff Unions Agreements it freely entered into with the unions.

A letter to the Minister of Education informing him of the strike was jointly signed

by SSANU President, Com-

Harmattan Haze: Lagos Urges Motorists to Drive Carefully • Clarifies repair

works on Third Mainland bridge Abimbola Akosile

The Lagos State Government yesterday reiterated the need for all road users particularly drivers to drive carefully on the road by observing the speed limit and other road/traffic signs on highways in order to reduce accidents to the barest minimum, especially during the current Harmattan haze which definitely limits the broad view of drivers to see far distance on the road.

The advice is coming against the backdrop of an accident which occurred on the Third Mainland Bridge on Thursday, January 12, which left some people injured and several cars destroyed.

The State Government also clarified that the repair works currently ongoing on the Third Mainland Bridge were being carried out by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the MinistryofWorksandInfrastructure, Engr. Caster Bade-Adebowale, said the clarification became necessary following reports on social media that an oversight by the construction company working on the bridge led to the accident.

But the Permanent Secretary explained that in order to ensure smooth flow of traffic in and out of the Third Mainland Bridge, the state government recently carried out expansion and rehabilitation of the road at Berger Bus Stop to keep vehicles dropping passengers off the main carriageway and presently the Federal Government through FERMA was working on the bridge to further give comfort to the motoring public.

rade Samson C. Ugwoke; President of NAAT, Sani Suleiman, and President of NASU, Chris Ani, and copied to the ministers of education, labour and employment, Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC) and President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

“The University system is challenged by poor governance and administrative lapses which need to be addressed holistically.

There is poor funding of our universities, shortfall in payment of staff salaries, increasing corruption in the university system,” part of

the statement read.

Also listed among the problems that required attention of the government was the problem of inadequate physical infrastructure and abandoned projects which the unions said reduces the capacity and output of their members.

Other areas that the federal government had allegedly neglected were “the problem of lack of adequate teaching and learning facilities which have reduced the productivity of our members and the non-payment of Earned Allowances being product of the 2009 Agreement.”

James Emejo in Abuja

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh has said his ministry would work with the Federal Ministry of Health to query the sources of kidney and liver disorder particularly in children of only about seven years of age.

Specifically, he said it was baffling to find young children bedridden with different diseases particularly renal dysfunction at the Garki General Hospital in Abuja at such a tender age.

Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of the subcommittee on nutrition, he said poor dieting may be suspect in the health disorder. The minister said: “We have reports that in

Garki hospitals here, there are children as young as seven years down with kidney and liver failure. I can’t understand why a child of seven should have problems with the kidney.

“And we will be working with the minister of health to query and trace the source of this affliction for a child who is seven years old - something must be there that the child is consuming - probably very bad water.”

He said in dealing with malnutrition in the country, emphasis would also be on the increasing crisis in the food sector, where there’s a great deal of self-poison in dieting.

Ogbeh noted that one of the tasks for the committee would be how to educate Nigerians

on proper nutrition as well as to persuade people to change their eating habits.

He said: “Most of what we swallow is either cassava, maize, yam and other grains. There’s no harm in eating these but if that’s the main diet, then it becomes harmful to those who consume them.”

He told the committee: “Your assignment will also include issues around food and health. We can cut down disease infection by taking the measures we are about to take. We have go begin with the most vulnerable children, pregnant women because a mother too who is very poorly fed has no good milk to give to her children - so it begins at that level.”

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 15, 2017

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NEWS Buhari-led Gambia Talks Deadlocked Demola Ojowithagencyreports

CONDOLENCE VISIT L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel; Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa, Mr. Kenedy Uzoka; Management

Staff members of the Bank and some members of Akwa Ibom State Executive Council, during a condolence visit by the Bank to the Governor at his office, Government House, Uyo...recently

Okunnu: Consideration of Gender Equality Bill by N’Assembly, Display of Ignorance Former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, has added his voice to the opposition to the Gender Equality bill that has passed second reading in the Senate. He described the consideration of the bill as a display of ignorance of the provisions of the constitution by the lawmakers.

Speaking with THISDAY on the contentious bill, the octogenarian also noted that the bill was unnecessarily heating up the polity and called on its sponsor to withdraw it.

The Senate Minority Whip, Senator Abiodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti South), had last year sponsored a bill entitled, “A bill for an Act to Incorporate and enforce certain provisions of the United Nations Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the Protocol of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the rights of women in Africa, and other matters connected therewith, 2016 (SB. 116).”

The bill was thrown out by the Senate last March. A modified version of the bill, which seeks to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women in Nigeria, was however represented and passed second reading last September.

The bill has continued to receive knocks from Isamic leaders, including Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, who said it was repugnant to Islam. Commenting on the bill, Alhaji Okunnu, looked at it from three angles.

He said: “the first impression going through a copy of the bill is that the author wanted some relevance and that was why she proposed the bill which is unnecessary and unwanranted in our society today.

“She wants to domesticate the UN convention in its entirety and also African Union Protocol on equal rights for women. I don’t know any country among the members of the UN that has domesticated or is thinking of domesticating the UN convention on this matter. Very few, if any.

The European powers, America, Russia, China will just laugh at us, not to talk of many African

countries. Even the AU Protocol, also how many people hook, line and sinker, want to domesticate the whole thing and make it their internal laws? Very few.

“It talks of many rights which women ought to enjoy, how many of them are enjoyed by men? But on the issue of relevance, I don’t think it is necessary because most of these provisions are already in our laws and in the constitution of the country. They are unnecessary.

That’s why I said the sponsor of the bill wants her name to be written in gold. That’s all.”

Looking at it from the second angle, the elder statesman: “First of all, let me start with marriage because a good part of the bill is devoted to marriage, status of marriage. The author ought to know if she understands the constitution of the country very well, which I presume she should know, that marriage is not on the exclusive legislative list of functions or powers upon which the National Assembly can make laws.

“So this law is a non-starter. It’s irrelevant. I will call your attention to some sections of the constitution. Section 4 (1, 2,3,7) on this issue.

Legislative powers, that is Section 4 (1) of the 1999 constitution says: “The legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be vested in a National Assembly for the Federation, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives.”

(2) “The National Assembly shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List set out in Part I of the Second Schedule to this Constitution.”

He said: “No state can legislate on those exclusive functions. Of course, there is also the concurrence legislative function.”

Quoting subsection (3), Okunnu says: “The power of the National Assembly to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative List shall, save as otherwise provided in this Constitution, be to the exclusion of the Houses of Assembly of States.”

Reading Section 7 which, he

described as very important, he said: “The House of Assembly of a State shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the State or any part thereof with respect to the following matters, that is to say:“(a) any matter not included in the Exclusive Legislative List set out in Part I of the Second Schedule to this Constitution. “(b) any matter included in the Concurrent Legislative List set out in the first column of Part II of the Second Schedule to this Constitution to the extent prescribed in the second column opposite thereto; and “(c) any other matter with respect to which it is empowered to make laws in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”

He explained that any matter not on the exclusive legislative list is reserved only for states or state Assemblies.

“Let’s look at the exclusive legislative list. If you look at the whole list and that is at page 130 of this copy of the constitution that I am looking at, there are 68 items, the last on the list is general application, marriage is not one of them. Marriage is not listed on the exclusive legislative list of the 1999 Constitution. The Senate and the House of Representatives are in competent to make any laws on any aspect of marriage which will include marriage itself, divorce and intestacy. It is residual power.

Federal parliament has no power whatsoever to pass most of the sections of this bill which relate to marriage and marital status”, he argued.

He said: “If you look, you will see that it is in alphabetical order and look for ‘M’ you will see that marriage is not there. Marriage is also not in the concurrence legislative list reserved for both federal legislature and state legislature. So the bill is incompetent, 100 per cent incompetent. She doesn’t know what she is talking about. It is an exercise in futility. It is a pity that senators even went through first reading and second reading.”

Commenting on the third angle, Okunnu said: “The third area where I will fault this proposed bill is that it is even discriminatory in nature. Its pretends to remove discrimination against women. Most

of the other parts which don’t deal with marriage simpliciter, concerns human rights. The human rights content of this proposed bill already contained in chapter 4 of the constitution – Fundamental Rights. No discrimination on grounds of sex, religion, ethnicity and so on. So what is it talking about.?

“Most of the proposals are already contained in the constitution You cant make a law in aide of the constitution, the constitution is very clear. As I said, the bill is very unnecessary. The chapter of the constitution has covered the field, you don’t need a legislation to explain to us or to give effect to the constitution. The constitution is not ambiguous, it is clear, no discrimination on grounds of sex. So what is the bill talking about? We should just stop the controversy. I hope the author of this bill will gracefully withdraw and remove the heat in the polity. Very unnecessary.

“She should look for relevance elsewhere. Christianity has its law on marriage, there is sharia on marriage, there is custom, the customs of the people on marriage, you want to wipe all that out and bring convention, UN convention which nobody is applying in full.”

He noted that Chapter 4 of the Quran is exclusively on Women’s rights and family relationship generally. He said the chapter deals with equitable distribution of property after death –intestacy.

“It deals with women’s rights in marriage, property and inheritance. Let me say this, the reason why a male child is entitled to two portions in the estate and a female child is entitled to one portion is because of the assumption that a female child will later be married and be entitled to the estate of her husband. But if a will specifically states that his daughter should be given even the entire estate, it is valid and it must be followed because that is the will of the man.

Islam permits it. But generally, if a man dies intestate, this applies.

“Of the 114 chapters in the Quran, there is one specifically for women. All other chapters focused on both men and women.

So if somebody sits in Abuja and specifies what women should do or not do, she is talking rubbish,” he said.

An ECOWAS delegation to Gambia led by Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday left the country with peace talks inconclusive. It was a last-ditch attempt to persuade Gambia’s longtime leader, Yahaya Jammeh, to step down and allow last December’s election winner, Adama Barrow, to be inaugurated this week.

However, the delegation failed to broker a deal, with Jammeh digging-in in his attempt to remain in power. Talks are bound to continue in spite of initial attempts being inclusive, a spokesperson for the delegation said, with plans for Barrow’s inauguration still on.

Jammeh’s failure to relinquish power is being resisted by ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations. ECOWAS has indicated it would consider removing Jammeh using military force if he refuses to step aside.

According to Associated Press reports, a Nigerian army memo dated Wednesday, January 11, and seen by AP, ordered officers to prepare a battalion of 800 troops

for a possible military intervention in Gambia, even though military authorities in Nigeria had earlier denied the said plan for an intervention.

Meanwhile Barrow left Gambia for Mali, where he met with West African leaders attending a summit there. The former estate agent wants to resolve the transitional deadlock so he can be sworn-in, with Jammeh’s term ending on Thursday. The AU has said it will no longer recognize Jammeh’s rule beyond this point.

Jammeh had initially admitted defeat after the December election but shortly afterwards called for the result to be annulled. A lawyer for Jammeh filed a request with the Supreme Court last Thursday, asking for an injunction to block Barrow’s swearing-in.

The Supreme Court is unable to hear the challenge until May because of a shortage of judges, and Jammeh says he will not step down until then.

Barrow won 43.3% of the vote in December’s election, compared with Mr Jammeh’s 39.6%. A third candidate, Mama Kandeh, got 17.1%.

Detained Ex-House Member, Duru, May Be Arraigned This Week A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chidi Duru, detained over alleged armed invasion of the head office of the First Guarantee Pension Limited (FGPL), may be arraigned in court this week, sources at the Zone 2, Zonal Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Onikan, Lagos, have revealed.

It would be recalled that the Zone 2 Zonal Command of the Nigeria Police detained Hon. Duru on Thursday evening over alleged invasion of the premises of the head office of FGPL limited, a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), in company of armed men, and allegedly carted away files and three cars.

The former lawmaker, who had been having a running battle with the company, allegedly invaded its head office at 68, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, last Wednesday in the company of some armed men, two of whom were said to be plain cloth police officers.

The Managing Director of FGPL, Mr. Chima Akalezi, was said to have been walked out of

his office and held hostage along with other staff, while the men who accompanied Duru carted away three cars and documents said to be incriminating of Duru and other sacked ex-board members of First Guarantee Pension.

It was gathered that the matter was reported to the IGP, who promptly directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Mr. Abdulmajid Ali, to wade in immediately.

Though there were speculations that two of the men that accompanied Duru on the mission were police men and had been arrested for performing illegal duty, the Police Public Relations Officer for Zone 2, ASP Benjamin Hundeyin, said only one person was detained with Duru and that the person was not a policeman.

When he was asked when the lawmaker would likely be arraigned, Hundeyin said that would happen after the completion of investigation.

He also said the charges that would be filed would depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Big Brother Naija Debuts on GOtv GOtv subscribers will, for the first time, have the opportunity to watch Big Brother Naija (BBN), the hit reality show returning after a decade. The show, which kicks off on 22 January, will air on GOtv Channel 29, a 24/7 channel dedicated to it. Big Brother Naija offers a platform for people from all walks of life to showcase their talents and get propelled to stardom.

“It is our firm belief that Big Brother Naija will give rise to a fresh wave of talented Nigerians.

Going by the keenness and energy

on display during the audition, we can safely say the show will offer our subscribers an amazing time,” said Efe Obiomah, Public Relations Manager, GOtv. She expressed confidence that Big Brother Naija will draw audiences across the African continent the same way Big BrotherAfricadid.Auditionsforthe show held in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, with each city drawing large numbers of prospective Big Brother Nigeria housemates from varied backgrounds, skill sets and personalities.

T H I S D AY SUNDAY JANUARY 15, 2017

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• THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

OPINION

Gay Evangelism, Arab Spring Uprising, Et Al

A

Barack Obama, outgoing American president, leaves a mixed legacy, argues Bisi Olawunmi

s Barack Obama leaves office as the 44th President of the United States, its time for introspection on his eight years as the most powerful political leader in the world. Obama’s election to the American Presidency in 2008, as the first African-American to occupy The White House, was a landmark, a phenomenon in American history. He is being succeeded by another phenomenon, Donald Trump, in another landmark election, as no other, in American history. Barack Obama was elected on a wave of euphoria never seen since 1960 when mercurial, mesmerising John Fitzgerald Kennedy, (popularly known as JFK ) stormed America’s political ramparts in the presidential election of that year where he charmed his way to The White House by defeating then Vice-President Richard Nixon. Senator Barry Goldwater, the Republican candidate for president in 1964, in his autobiography, titled ‘ With No Apologies ‘, had noted of the Kennedy 1960 presidential bid : “It was built on charm and enthusiasm and youth and sycophantic attitude of the national press and a Hollywood-style publicity campaign”. And so it was, also, with Barack Obama in 2008. He got the world riveted by his unmatchable oratory, the boundless energy of his youthfulness and ecstatic crowds which thronged his campaign stumps. He was simply marvelous. His presidential candidacy got Africans into a swoon – they were being witnesses to history as the American-born son of a Kenyan father made a credible bid for the American presidency. They were over the moon when he won, defeating a rather wooden Sen. McCain, his Republican challenger.

Now, fast forward to 2016, and the drumbeats have changed, muted by frustrations of unfulfilled expectations at home and abroad.

Obama is leaving office as an exasperated, irascible, irritable and frustrated Commander-in-Chief of the most potent military machine in the history of the world who cannot fulfill the mission of Pax Americana – a U.S. fostered global peace. Rather, he leaves a chaotic landscape of aggravated conflicts in many parts of the world, making the world less safe than it was in 2008. And rather than promote family values, he became an evangelist of Gay and Lesbian Right and its Enforcer-in-Chief across the world!

The ultimate put down was American voters’ rejection of his preferred successor, the much serenaded Hillary Clinton. The euphoria of the beginning has ended in an anti-climax. A sulking Obama felt he had a raw deal, including from the Russians, whom he accused of engaging in cyber attacks to influence the presidential election in favour of Donald Trump! Excuses, excuses.

President Barack Obama started well. He inherited the 2008 global economic crisis, ignited by huge business failures in America, which brought about the worst economic recession in the U.S. in about 50 years – since the Great Depression - with the reverberations felt all over the world. He reflated the economy without having to impose austerity measures as is the usual practice in such situations in other climes, including Europe. He brought unemployment rate down to 4.6 per cent from previous 7.6 per cent and with a spectacular rise of 23 per cent in price of houses after recovering from the biggest housing collapse in decades. He created 11 million jobs. These achievements were celebrated and contributed to his re-election in 2012. Chroniclers say it was a strategy of consolidating Brand Obama.

Apparently buoyed by his re-election, Obama set out on a legacy

imprint, nationally and internationally, but with negative consequences.

At home, he could not get gun control legislation through Congress; he initiated a ‘Pathway to Citizenship’ and ‘Deferred Action for Parents of Americans’ for illegal immigrants which were bogged down in the courts. He proclaimed that deportation will only be of “Felons, not families”. But a Pew Research Center study shows that the promise was not kept as 60 per cent of the deportees during his tenure had no criminal records. Indicating the duplicity between promise and action among politicians, Obama was reported to have had more than 2.5 million immigrants removed from the U.S., more than any previous administration, according to Ed Pilkington, a writer for The Guardian.

Violence, which had been in decline in previous years, ticked up in 2016 with horrendous shootings which got world headlines. Although Obama profess to want to have a legacy of less gun violence in America, he did not seem to pay diligent attention to actualise this.

A Jan.2, 2017 report by Reuters news agency indicated a steep rise in murder cases in Obama’s hometown, Chicago, quoting a Trump tweet: “ Chicago murder rate is record setting – 4,331 shooting victims with 762 murders in 2016”. The killings represent a 60 per cent increase over the previous year. It is a measure of Obama’s inattention to the escalating crime wave in his native place that the Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emmanuel, a former Obama White House Chief of Staff, is now seeking the help of President-elect, Donald Trump!

Two issues – Obama’s seeming fanatical support of Gay and Lesbian rights and interventions in countries around the world – cast the most negative pall on his legacy. Obama was triumphant when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 in favour of same-sex marriage, describing

Not content about his victory at home, Obama has made an export product of gay and lesbian rights, intimidating countries not agreeable with his pet gay project with threats of sanctions. In swings across Africa in 2014 and 2015, he had talked down on African governments opposed to LGBT rights, including Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya

as “pretty cool” the sight of a thank you rally of LGBT people at Lafayette Park, opposite the White House that was bathed in rainbow colours. Many Americans are opposed to Obama’s fervor for gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender people, insisting that he went too far by infringing the religious liberties of those whose faiths disapprove same-sex marriage.” The Obama administration has waged an aggressive and unnecessary culture war”, declared Ryan Anderson, a senior research fellow at the Think-Tank, The Heritage Foundation.

Not content about his victory at home, Obama has made an export product of gay and lesbian rights, intimidating countries not agreeable with his pet gay project with threats of sanctions. In swings across Africa in 2014 and 2015, he had talked down on African governments opposed to LGBT rights, including Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya. On a visit to Kenya in 2015, he was rebuffed

by President Uhuru Kenyetta who insisted that Kenyans cannot be forced to accept a culture considered repugnant. President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe said the U.S. government is being run by “perverted Satan-worshippers” for promoting sodomy.

On the wider international scene, Obama considerably diminished the aura of the American Presidency with his disastrous misadventures in Libya and Syria where the two countries have been brought to ruin in his failed attempts at regime change, giving disparate warlords, militias and terrorists a field day. A Fellow at the Middle East Forum, A.J. Caschetta, writing in The Daily Caller of Jan. 5, 2017 described the devastation of Libya and the killing of its leader, Col. Muammar Gaddafi, as the worst of Obama’s foreign policy blunders and stated: “Obama portrayed himself as the intellectual to George W. Bush’s buffoon, but repeated what he himself described as a mistake (Iraq), this time in Libya, where Hillary Clinton joked, “We came, We saw. He died”. Hillary’s reported morbid glee on Gaddafi’s killing had a tinge of irony as the American diplomat who coordinated the militias’ assault on Gaddafi from March 2011 to November 2011 during the uprising and later appointed U.S. ambassador to Libya in May, 2012, J. Chris Stevens, was later to be killed on September 11, 2012 in Benghazi by the same militia warlords who tuned against America for trying to impose a Prime Minister on the country. Hillary Clinton, President Obama’s point person in coordinating the Arab Spring uprising, has been under probe by the U.S. Congress for allegedly ignoring the ambassador’s frantic calls for security beef up on the day he was killed during the militia assault.

That is the rather unfeeling woman majority of Nigerians were rooting for to be U.S. President! In Syria, Obama was marooned in a deadly deadlock, checkmated by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. In Egypt, he supported an army General, El Sisi, to topple the democratically elected government of President Morsi. The Nobel Committee had in 2009 awarded Barack Obama, the Nobel Peace Prize, barely 10 months into his presidency, apparently on the hope that it would commit him to global peace. As it has turned out, the Nobel Prize was prematurely awarded as the expected legacy of peace became a forlorn hope. What a Legacy!

Dr. Olawunmi, a former Washington Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria, is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Mass Communication, Bowen University, Iwo. Osun State.

Letter To President Buhari

Y

Mukhtar Jarmajo writes that the president could do more in the fight to tame corruption

our Excellency may wish to recall that the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform enjoyed unprecedented goodwill and support and was therefore massively voted for, last year, by Nigerians with the hope that you will honestly fight the insurgency in the Northeast, tackle corruption in the entire nation and resuscitate our economy as promised during campaigns. With this in mind, many a Nigerian greeted your victory at the poll with much euphoria hoping that our travails as a nation would eventually end.

While it is true that 18 months into your regime so much has been achieved, it is also fair to note that much is still desired. Quite frankly, Your Excellency is doing well in the fight against the insurgency that has ravaged the Northeast in the last few years. A pointer to this is the fall of the deadly Sambisa forest to Nigerian soldiers who had earlier also recaptured the 14 local governments lost to the insurgents during the erstwhile Jonathan regime. The willingness severally demonstrated by our soldiers to wrest the insurgency and bring back peace to Nigeria gives the hope that Nigeria will remain an indivisible entity.

However, for a truly peaceful and indivisible Nigeria, corruption, which has profoundly infested and inflicted the nation`s nerves must be dealt with accordingly as Your Excellency rightly observed ahead of last year`s general elections. The Buhari administration is putting some efforts to fight corruption but the war appears quite slow with not much effect on the entire body politic. While it is true that

corruption has reduced tremendously in the presidency and many MDAs, it is also fair to state that the menace is still much around, even strong enough to fight back.

The president`s concern as regards corruption is quite encouraging but the efforts at fighting it needs to be well concerted. Your Excellency appears to be alone in this struggle. The legislature, the judicature and the other two tiers of government seem not to be on the same page with you on this. On several instances, the NASS and the Judiciary have supported and even protected many people who were alleged of corrupt practices. As for states and local governments, only few chief executives have shown disdain for corruption let alone giving it a fight.

And unless corruption is curbed, your campaign pledge to resuscitate Nigeria`s economy may be impossible to fulfill.

Corruption is like poison immersed in sugar; sweet to ingest but mortally dangerous to the entire homo-sapiens. Thus, in as much as it remains here, the nation`s economy will continue to be sick. So, while it is true that Your Excellency inherited so much rot culminating in the recession Nigeria is witnessing today, it is also true that President Buhari must as a matter of urgency do the needful to restore the nation`s lost glory. This can be achieved only if you stand firm and remain committed to your obligations.

In this regard, it is essential to note that while Your Excellency remains resolute to nation-building, you must also understand that change as a phenomenon comes with challenges. Any leader therefore who preaches the gospel of change must understand that it only happens after a lot of sacrifices and struggles. History is there to tell how leaders

had to engage whatever available resources to bring about sustainable change.

Nigerians are still waiting, praying and hoping that before your tenure lapses, sustainable change would eventually come to us. However, the manner in which some of your ministers and other aids run the affairs of government sends the disturbing signal down the pipe to the masses that most of them are just not ready for their jobs. The Daily Trust newspaper recently reported how a number of your ministers have literally gone missing.

The national daily indicated how several of your ministers have become invisible. They are neither seen nor are the effects of their respective works felt by many Nigerians.

Most of the members of the Buhari-led federal cabinet are practically not more than clogs in the wheel of government.

Hence, in order to pave way for the change we so desire to come to us, Your Excellency must be the Buhari we voted for. You must always act the Buhari we know to be courageous, bold, strong, firm and above all, disciplined.

Thus, those ministers and aids who are allegedly corrupt should be immediately suspended and investigated, and if found guilty, be dismissed to further enhance your credibility as a leader and that of your government. Ditto, passive ones should be dropped for better ones all in the name of a more efficient and effective Buhari-led federal government. This way, Nigerians will not only hear that government has good intentions and is placing efforts to restore Nigeria`s lost glory, we also will see practically that change is really here.

––Jarmajo wrote from Bauchi.

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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 15, 2017

LETTERS

Southern Kaduna Killings And Our Fragile Unity “Woe unto them that call evil good / and good evil;/ that put darkness for light/and light for darkness;…/woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes” -Isaiah 5 verses 20-21

T

he Holy Bible had long predicted man’s scarce regard for the sanctity of fellow human life. “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood.

Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths”: Isaiah 59 verse 7. Yet, in all his grand self-deceit he cannot create a strand of human hair. This is the class of people God calls ‘rebellious children’.

It is no different here in Nigeria.

What with the recent heartless and hideous killings of mostly Christian faithful by fully armed Fulani herdsmen in places such as Jema’a, Sanga, Kanra and Kauru in Kaduna State . Add that to the wanton waste of irreplaceable lives, unleashed on our dear fatherland by the premeditated Boko Haram insurgency, over the past few years and the image of a cruel and conscienceless people is brought to the global space, again.

Equally outrageous is the sordid silence of those who swore by Nigeria’s constitution to ‘protect our lives and property’. Honestly, this rankles deep. So does the insulting and erroneous belief in some quarters that some Nigerians, whether by ethnic colouration, religious or political persuasion are superior to others. Ordinarily, perpetrators of heinous crimes against humanity should

el-Rufai

be behind bars grinding their teeth in utter remorse, waiting for the Day of Judgment. But it becomes worrisome when proactive and preventive measures, either on the part of state or federal government are few and far between. Such would have curbed, curtailed or out rightly stopped senseless killings of innocent citizens. For instance, in August last year, villages in Southern Kaduna, including Gada Biyu, Akwa’a Agwan Ajo were attacked by the armed herdsmen but the expected rapid response from the government was not forthcoming.

Similarly, going by the account of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, it boggles the mind that it would take the deaths of some 808 voiceless victims sent to their early graves, by the vampires in human skin; with 57 injured after series of

attacks on 53 villages,16 churches and 1,422 houses burnt to ashes before some form of government intervention would come!

Even then, the curfew placed on villages such as Zango Kataf, Jema’a and Kaura local councils could not stem the rising tide of mindless mayhem by the herdsmen. Even on Christmas Eve, several communities in Southern Kaduna still fell victims to their killing spree.

Not long after, and as if adding fuel to an already flaring flame of the ethnic/religious distrust in the troubled state, the governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai claimed he had paid an undisclosed ransom to some of the suspected killers so as to sheathe their swords! Such a controversial government policy, including questionable amnesty granted to criminal gangs in states such as Benue, Katsina, Rivers, Imo and Kano is viewed

as a tacit support for mass murder by some political leaders, by not a few peace-loving Nigerians. Inadvertently, it pays to threaten the lives of other citizens; maim, rape, waste their property and their lives and wait to be paid for such brazen bestiality! Can you imagine that in a 21st Century Nigeria?

This of course, triggers the burning questions, as rightly demanded by the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU).What was the source of the fund? What is the identity of the beneficiaries of the money? Are the lives of the perpetrators of pure evil more precious than that of their most unfortunate victims? Was it true, as claimed that the government was implementing an aspect of the recommendations of the previous administration of late Patrick Yakowa? And if so, did the payment for cows killed in crisis, as proffered equate to paying herdsmen to have mercy on defenceless citizens? Who, indeed, has been arming the Fulani herdsmen that have been on the rampage in communities and states such as Agatu in Benue, Uzo-Uwani in Enugu, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger? The latest is the killing of four policemen in Kwahine, Gidandadi and Karahali villages in Adamawa State.

Only credible answers to these troubling questions would go a long way to finding lasting solutions to the collective injustice against the Nigerian state. One cannot but therefore, support the clarion call of the esteemed members of the Catalysts for Peace and Justice Initiative (CPJI) as well as the Catholic Arc

EMERGING GLOBALISATION OF NEPOTISM “ Nothing is so gentle as a man in his primitive state, when placed by nature at an equal distance from the stupidity of brutes and the fatal enlightenment of civil man.”

-Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

J

ean- Jacques Rousseau, the French Philosopher, was at his rational best when he uttered those fine and refined words.

But contemporary politicians have turned those words upside down through their misconducts.

There is now a new world political order that is taking shape from the Western developed societies to the so-called third world nations.

This trend can be summed up as the expanding frontiers of nepotism in top level political appointments. In an incredible mix, both the United States of America, the South American poor country of Nicaragua and the despotism going on in the African nation of Uganda have begun to define the return to primitive human nature by world politicians.

Contrary to the notion by Bhola N. Roy that “Nature cannot act irregularly or capriciously,” the defining political

episode of the appointment by political leaders of their wives, children or son-in-laws as senior advisors has shown that man’s primitive nature of selfishness has once more occupied the front burners of global conversations.

Nepotism has become the second nature of politicians in contemporary times beginning from our local terrains up to international horizons but the difference between how societies tolerate nepotism is that whereas in a place like the United States, the state institutions are strong enough to enforce the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability. But in the third world nations, the idea of “bigmanism” and weak institutions means that nepotism directly weakens democracy.

For instance, President Muhammadu Buhari was once accused of appointing his nephews and nieces as cabinet office holders in his government such as the aviation minister and his personal assistant; the Imo State governor Mr. Rochas Okorocha proudly parades his son-in-law as his chief of staff even as his wife reportedly controls four state ministries and the office of secretary to Imo State Government.

In the Nigerian scenarios,

there is a total absence of good governance just as the principles of transparency and accountability are strange in government offices which is the fundamental cause of the widening specter of poverty and crime in the Nigerian society.

In Nicaragua, voters were deceived by an unfortunate blackmail to an extent that a man and his wife have just been elected as the president and vice-president while former Sandinista guerrilla Daniel Ortega won a third consecutive term in the poor Central American nation.

Global reporters said Mr. Ortega, 70, and his supporters pushed constitutional changes through Congress that ended presidential term limits in 2014.

International reporters also said being a staunch left-wing ally of Venezuela and Cuba, the Nicaraguan president is praised for poverty reduction but criticised for what is seen as attempting to install a family dynasty.

President-elect Donald Trump named his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as one of his senior White House advisers, according to www.bbc.com.

The 35-year-old played a key role in the presidential campaign and his new White House job will cover both

domestic and foreign policy.

But unlike America whereby there are institutional checks and balances, the African nation of Uganda which for over three decades has been under the Yoweiri Museveni’s dictatorship does not care about checks and balances. President Museveni who took power through blood bath since 1986 has promoted his eldest son to become a special presidential adviser in a reshuffle of army commanders. The BBC reports that Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has risen rapidly within the military, fuelling speculation that he is being groomed to become president one day.

Nearer to us in Equatorial Guinea, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo who has governed the small country since 1979, has appointed his son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue as vice-president.

In Angola, President Eduardo dos Santos appointed his daughter Isabel as the CEO of the country’s state -owned oil firm, SONANGOL. Political nepotism has wrecked the economy of most African nations.

Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator Human Rights Writers

diocese of Kafanchan for the setting up of a panel of inquiry into the immediate and remote causes of the killing spree by the herdsmen, especially over the past one year. Indeed, the fragile fabric of the nation is gradually being undermined by the twin evils of corruption (not just financial scams) and the self-decimating incubus of impunity. We cannot afford any form of religious crisis, worse still with the biting economic recession.

For the peace-loving people of Kaduna, the religious crisis in 1987,the subsequent killings in Zango Kataf in 1992 and the post-election violence in 2011 through which we lost some youth corpers should be sobering enough to prevent a repeat performance. We should have learnt enduring lessons from the events that led to the

setting up of Oputa Panel and the attendant report.

Over the centuries, no nation, or part of it that sheds so much innocent human blood has enjoyed sustained peace or prosperity. From the ethnic cleansing of the Jie people in China in 350 AD, through that of Sicilian Vespers in Italy, in 1282, the religious persecution of a quarter million Jews in Spain between 1492 and 1614, the killings of herdsmen in Central Kalahari in the 1990s to the Sudan crisis in 2003 and Uzbeks in 2010s should have informed us of the folly of taking the lives of those we can never replace.

Vengeance, as all the holy books say belongs only to God. And history, repeats itself for a people who refuse to learn from its open hands.

––Ayo Oyoze Baje, ayobaje@yahoo.co.uk

E NERGY I NSECURITY I N NIGERIA

T

he International Energy Agency (IEA) defines energy security as “the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. Energy security has many aspects: long-term energy security mainly deals with timely investments to supply energy in line with economic developments and environmental needs. On the other hand, short-term energy security focuses on the ability of the energy system to react promptly to sudden changes in the supply-demand balance.” Source www.iea.org The future of Nigeria is bright; indeed I really think it is but alas, the bright future is seemingly becoming elusive.

Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources, arable land and a teeming young population. The Nigerian economy is mono-cultural, the economy has lived off and depended on oil and gas for survival since time immemorial.

This has proved unsustainable with the falling crude oil price and decrease in demand for fossil fuel around the world.

Nigeria has been caught in her own web of uncertainty due to various policy somersaults over time and kleptomaniac leaders holding sway in government.

The larger part of Nigeria’s revenue of about 80% is derived from oil and gas, 90% of oil and gas makes up the country’s exports while 90% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings is also from oil and gas.

Electricity in Nigeria is heavily dependent on oil and gas: 64% of the country’s power generation is derived from gas-power plants – a time bomb waiting to explode.

Energy security – availability plays a major role in growing and sustaining world economies, most leading economies are constantly improving on more reliable sources of energy particularly for electricity.

Nigeria is endowed with an annual average daily sunshine of 6.25 hours ranging between 3.5 hours in the coastal region and 9.0 hours in the northern region.

Nigeria receives about 5.08 x 1012 kWh of energy per day from the sun and if solar energy appli-

ances with just 5% efficiency are used to cover only 1% of the country’s surface area, then 2.54 x 10 6 MWh of electrical energy can be obtained from solar energy and this amount of electrical energy is equivalent to 4.66 million barrels of oil per day.

There is a greater accessibility and availability of solar energy for Nigeria to develop her solar energy technology.

Nigeria also has enormous hydro-electricity potential with seven river basins in the country, namely Sokoto, River Niger, Hadejia-Jama’re, Chad, Upper Benue, Lower Benue and Cross River with small scale hydropower potential estimated to be about 734.2 MW. Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) estimated that Nigeria’s hydro potential currently stands at 12,220 MW. The future of Nigeria can indeed be bright if the abundant available renewable energy resources are harnessed. Nigeria has the potential to make available abundant electricity to her populace and also export electricity to neighboring countries.

According to the World Bank census bureau (2013), Nigeria has a population of 173.6 million. It is no news that epileptic electricity supply has bedeviled Nigeria for years with the highest peak electricity supply of 5,074 MW recorded in February, 2016. it’s a drop in the ocean compared to South Africa which produces about 40,000 MW electricity for a population of 52.98 million.

It is not rocket science that attaining energy security lies in the ability to diversify the sources of electricity. Nigeria has only two sources of electricity generation namely gas-power and hydro.

According to the new aggregated power poll result released by NOIP polls in January 2017, the report shows a downward trend of electricity supply with the lowest supply of 27% public grid electricity in ––Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Lagos.

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THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER •

INTERNATIONAL The Electoral Saga in The Gambia: The need for a More Sagacious Win-Win Solution

O

n Thursday, 12th January, 2017 the House of Representatives in Nigeria voted to give President Yahya Jammeh political asylum if he accepts to leave office to allow for peace to reign in his country because, reportedly, ‘the clock is ticking fast.’ And true enough, the clock is not simply ticking fast, it is also doing so very fast as the tenure of President Jammeh expires on January 19, 2017.

In this case, the president-elect, Adama Barrow, is insisting that he would surely take over power on this very date, while the incumbent president, Jammeh, says he will not leave power until the Supreme Court decides on his protest against electoral malpractices in May 2017. Going by the Constitution of The Gambia, it is the Supreme Court that can declare anyone a winner and the president. President Jammeh has referred his complaints about abnormalities in the December 1, 2016 elections.

However, the Supreme Court cannot quickly sit to look at the matter for obvious reasons: in June 2016, President Jammeh sacked two of the 7-member Supreme Court judges and he cannot legally and morally appoint new judges for a case in which he is involved. Besides, many of the members of the court are to come from various countries, including Nigeria. Consequently, the whole region of West Africa cannot but expect a situation of Jammeh’s order and Barrow’s counter-order amounting to an encounter, the management of which requires great caution by the ECOWAS, if it is not to eventually lead to disorder. This is why, in this regard, there is the need to apply a more sagacious win-win approach to the problem, by way of further adopting a more holistic diplomatic persuasion through the inclusion of all the stakeholders in the country.

Without doubt, the vote by the House of Representatives is quite good, commendable and most welcome. It is a desideratum because the long and short of the story of The Gambia cannot be separated from the Nigerian factor. Put differently, there is no way Nigeria will not be called upon to carry the heavier burden in the event of a new ECOMOG for The Gambia. In order to avoid this burden, it is important to seek a better understanding of the dynamics of President Jammeh’s decision to renege on his earlier acceptance of defeat, and then seek a better partnership with the people of The Gambia in the quest for an enduring solution.

First, it is on record that the Independent Electoral Commission in The Gambia had in previous elections not really been independent but quite partisan. From the perspective of a member of the Gambian Diaspora, Pata PJ, the Jammeh administration is not serious about registering the Gambian Diaspora to participate in any election even though the 2007 Constitution provides in its Chapter V (1)(1) that ‘every citizen of The Gambia, being eighteen years or older and of sound mind, shall have the right to vote for the purpose of election of a President and members of the National Assembly, and shall be entitled to be registered as a voter in a National Assembly constituency for that purpose.’

As noted in the Freedom Newspaper of January 26, 2016 in the Gambia, ‘the opposition Group of Six (G-6) in their list of demands to the IEC, copied to the President, Attorney-General and Speaker of the National Assembly, did include the registration of Gambians outside of their borders to participate in the 2016 election. These demands, thus far, have fallen on deaf ears.

IEC would argue that they could not afford the finances and other logistics to conduct another voter registration of Gambians abroad but we are all aware of the allegations of voter fraud which IEC is an accomplice.’ There are also ‘charges of voters transported into Gambia from Southern Senegal’ who have been ‘transplanted in places recognised as opposition strongholds on election days.’

In this regard, if the IEC is known to have condoned the ‘importation’ of foreigners to The Gambia for the purposes of

the main problem ofThe Gambia is not simply about election, winning and losing. Leaders seeking mediation outside of their domain cannot rightly come out in the open and say that their hands are all clean. Jammeh has been in power for 22 years.Where were the African mediators in the past 22 years of Jammeh’s reign when he committed the offences for which the president-elect allegedly intend to try him on assuming duty? Sit tight regimes abound in Africa.

What is the ECOWAS or the African Union or any other regional body doing about them?

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Jammeh

election, especially under the same President Jammeh before the December 1, 2016 election, it should not be strange if President Jammeh opted to doubt the election results on discovery of the fact that election results from some constituencies were not computed for him.

Secondly, it should be borne in mind that the political party system in The Gambia is one in which the opposition is not all that strong. The National Assembled is consisted of only 53 members of whom 48 members are elected for a five-year term and four others are appointed. A group of six parties are in the opposition but the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) remains the dominant one, thus making the country a one party state.

In this regard, it is not because the opposition parties were strong enough that they were able to defeat Jammeh. It is because the environmental conditionings, simply by coincidence or by political miscalculations of Jammeh, favoured the opposition parties. This brings us to the main dynamic of why President Jammeh lost and why any quest for peace in the country should reckon with these reasons.

The Environmental Conditionings

The attitude of President Jammeh towards the ECOWAS is not friendly and that is why he sees the role of the regional body as that of interference in the domestic affairs of The Gambia. One possible reason may be the statement of the ECOWAS during the 2011 presidential elections. According to the ECOWAS, ‘the preparations and political environment for the said election are adjudged by the Commission not to be conducive for the conduct of free, fair, and transparent polls,’ and that ECOWAS investigations found ‘an opposition and electorate cowed by repression and intimidation.’ (vide BBC News Report of 23rd November, 2011, entitled Gambia: ECOWAS Observers Boycott ‘Unfair Poll’.

These ECOWAS allegations were rejected by one of the two opposition presidential candidates in The Gambia, arguing that the environment could not be said to be non-conducive (vide Tamba Jean-Mathew III’s “ECOWAS on the Spot over Gambia Election). Additionally, and perhaps more interestingly but also disturbingly, the report by Umaru Fofana of the BBC News is quite relevant here.

In the words of Fofana, ‘there were allegations of cheating at the 2011 polls which President Jammeh won, although I was there at the time and did not see any sign of that and he denied it. This time, such was his confidence that he agreed to calls for an electoral system to allow on-the-spot counting of votes. Votes were counted at each and every polling station and figures published instantly. Tallying was also done at nearby centres in the open. And counting the marbles in a specially-designed tray was very quick. This reduced the possibility of cheating.’

The implication of the foregoing is that the confidence that President Jammeh had in strongly believing that he had lost the December 1, 2016 election was largely derivable from the role of the IEC in the 2011 presidential election. The IEC said Adama

Barrow won with 222, 708 votes, that is with 43.3%, while the incumbent president scored 208,487 votes, representing 39.6%, leaving the balance of 89,768 or 17.1% for Mama Kandeh, the third presidential candidate.

However, December 5, 2016, when it was discovered that the ballots of one area had been incorrectly added to the votes of Barrow, and it was readjusted, thus narrowing the margin of victory of Mr. Barrow from 9% to 4%, President Jammeh began to develop a cold feet on the extent of validity of the entire results, suspecting that there might have been a foul play. The IEC explained that the revised election result does not in any way invalidate the victory of Mr. Barrow. This explanation did not mean much with President Jammeh who is asking for a fresh election but to which the regional body is not favourably disposed.

The issue to address here is not the organisation of a fresh election per se but the need to look at the areas of suspicion and investigate the extent there was support for the complainant. If there is the need to organise a new election in a unit or constituency, the challenge can be taken up. The important thing to do is to allay the fears of insincerity on the minds of Jammeh. Even if, for whatever reasons and principles President Jammeh is preparing for a do-or-die battle in defence of his belief, many other Gambians are not ready for such a battle or war.

In this regard also, it should be noted that it was after the disclosure by one of the supporters of the president-elect to The Guardian newspaper (London) that President Jammeh would be prosecuted for alleged crimes committed during his rule, that President Jammeh became more resolute and has been more intransigent in conceding defeat. This factor has to be specially looked into, especially in light of the implications for the future. For instance, has President Jammeh committed any crimes against humanity? If he has, why should he be protected by anyone because there is the need for peace in The Gambia?

Whatever is the case, any ECOMOG intervention in The Gambia cannot but have devastating effects on the whole polity. This is why we need to make haste slowly.

There are some other politico-economic considerations for the loss of election by Jammeh, especially the detention of the main opposition leader, Usainou Darboe, described by Umaru Fofana as the biggest mistake of Jammeh. Darboe is the leader of the biggest opposition party in The Gambia, United Democratic Party (UDP) and has always been a pain on the neck of Jammeh.

Darboe has always insisted on being the presidential candidate of the opposition group but every time he did, it was a failure.

When he was arrested, detained, and eventually put in the prison, Halifa Sallah, another major opposition critic, and the UDP had the opportunity to reorganise the opposition and face the incumbent president. This situation paved the way for emergence of Mr. Barrow to lead the opposition coalition party against the presidency of Yayah Jammeh. Explained differently, the detention of Darboe provided a stronger platform for anti-Jammeh politics.

President Jammeh not only marginalised the Mandikas, the largest ethnic group but also said they would not have access to ruling the country. Any ECOWAS mediation must therefore not seek solutions to the Gambian saga at the level of the incumbent president only. The leaders of various strata of society in the country should be called to a Town Hall Meeting for collective articulation of the ways forward beyond the question of election.

In other words, President Muhammadu Buhari should, in his capacity as Head of the mediation team, seek the evolvement of the support of the people in defining and deciding the way forward. If the Madinkas feel alienated, they need to be carried along.

The Senegalese factor cannot be set aside as well. In early 2016, the Senegalese economic blockade of the Gambia crippled its economy and largely influenced the people against the government of Jammeh. And without any shadow of doubt, Gambia’s importations are through Senegal. This simply means that the economic survival of The Gambia cannot be detached from the Senegalese economic policies. The ECOWAS will therefore need to put the case of Senegal-The Gambia politico-economic ties within a special context.

The essence of the foregoing is to say that the main problem of The Gambia is not simply about election, winning and losing.

Leaders seeking mediation outside of their domain cannot rightly come out in the open and say that their hands are all clean. Jammeh has been in power for 22 years. Where were the African mediators in the past 22 years of Jammeh’s reign when he committed the offences for which the president-elect allegedly intend to try him on assuming duty? Sit tight regimes abound in Africa. What is the ECOWAS or the African Union or any other regional body doing about them?

The truth of the matter is that the whole of Africa is, at best, very fragile politically, suffering from dependency syndrome economically. Africa is gradually becoming the new terra cognita for international terrorism and if care is not taken, Africa will soon be destroyed by it because the new terrorism is driven by jihad and any crisis situation cannot but be taken advantage of. This is precisely what the imminent war in The Gambia is pointing to.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 15, 2017

BUSINESS QUICK TAKES

Economy

The Nigerian Stock Exchange has expressedoptimismthatthecountry’s economy will recover from its current recessionthisyearwithamodestGross Domestic Product growth forecast of 0.6percent.Therecovery,accordingto the bourse, will be driven by the vigour of fiscal policy implementation, with a keen focus on articulation of desired goals; lower rates of disruptions to oil infrastructureasaresultoftheresolution of the Niger Delta conflict; crude oil prices remaining above the Federal Government’s benchmark of $42.5 per barrel; and positive impact of the war against corruption manifested in the improvement in the ease of doing business in the country.

The Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Oscar Onyema, who said this at a business conference recently, also said the economy would be driven by policiesaimedatboostingproductivity, citing improved budgetary allocation to capital expenditure, and exit from joint venture cash call arrangements with the international oil companies by the government, which is expected to save the country $2billion annually.

Onyemastressedthatonecriticalmove thegovernmentmustmakewastosell the ailing refineries as they were old and operating below optimal levels.

Development Bank

Trading activities at a market in Lagos

Inflation Defies Analysts’ Projections Reversing Rising Streak Kunle Aderinokun

Despite the projections by analysts that the pace of increase of the consumer price index (CPI) would be reversed, the CPI, according to National Bureau of Statistics’ data, increased to 18.55 per cent in December 2016.

Analysts had estimated that the CPI, which gauges inflation, would reduce from 18.48 per cent of November but data released by NBS revealed that higher rent and energy prices have pushed inflation further by 0.07 percentage points to 18.55 per cent.

Out of the three firms of analysts namely, FSDH Research, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) and The Economic Intelligence Unit of Access Bank, which released their forecasts, only Access Bank analysts predicted the same inflation rate for December as the previous month.

While analysts at FSDH had projected a marginal drop in inflation (year-on-year) to 18.44 per cent for December from 18.48 per cent (about 18.5 per cent) in November, the FDC analysts forecast that inflation would be slashed to 18.3 per cent in the review month.

According to FSDH, “We expect the December 2016 inflation rate (year-onyear) to drop marginally to 18.44 per cent from 18.48 per cent recorded in the month of November 2016.

“The expected decrease in the inflation rate will be driven by lower than anticipated price increases within the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages division, as well as the base effect,” they pointed out.

The analysts also stated that, the monthly Food Price Index (FPI) released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) shows that the FPI remained relatively the same in December.

“The Index was marginally down by 0.07per cent, compared with its revised November figure. Year-on-year (YoY), it grew by 12.02per cent. According to the FAO, the performance of the Index was largely driven by a sharp fall in

ECONOMY sugar prices.

“The FAO Sugar Index fell by 8.56per cent, on the back of the weakening Brazilian currency against the U.S. Dollar,” they disclosed.

The FSDH analysts added: “Also, favourable reports emanating from the main producing region (Central South) contributed to the fall in prices. YoY, the Index rose by 26.34per cent. The FAO Meat Price Index was down by 1.09per cent, as all meat categories recorded lower prices in December 2016. On the flip side, the FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index appreciated by 4.22per cent.

“The rebound was primarily driven by lower global inventory level for palm oil.

YoY, the Index appreciated by 29.31per cent in December 2016. The FAO Dairy Index appreciated by 3.35per cent from November 2016, as a result of weaker dairy production in the European Union (EU) and Oceania.

“The Index recorded a YoY growth of 28.83per cent. The FAO Cereal Price Index increased marginally by 0.50per cent, mainly due to the increase in the prices of rice and maize. YoY, the Index declined by 6.25per cent.

“Our analysis indicates that the value of the Naira remained stable at the interbank market while it depreciated at the parallel market by 2.65per cent to close at US$/N491 from US$/N478 at the end of November. The depreciation in the parallel market led to an increase in the prices of imported consumer goods in Nigeria between the two months under review.”

Likewise, FDC analysts said “Nigeria’s headline inflation is forecast to slide to 18.3per cent in December, the first decline in 14 months.”

To them, “the direction of the inflation downwards will come as a relief to the monetary policy committee, which has been waiting for the change in trend for almost an eternity. After exhausting every arrow in its quiver, the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had almost given up on the war against the indicator.”

While the analysts pointed out that, “Even if estimates actualise and inflation declines, it is still a mile away from the CBN’s comfort zone of 6-9 per cent,” they however added that, “A December decline coinciding with a sharp increase in the PMI is good news.”

According to them, “It might be an indication that consumer resistance to retail price increases may be driving prices down. It might also project that a high inventory level and borrowing cost environment are coaxing producers to bring down their prices.”

“The change in headline trajectory may come as no surprise when some fundamental factors are considered. First when looking at drivers of inflation, apart from the Keynesian demand pull and cost push factors, monetary influences

Out of the three firms of analysts namely, FSDH Research, Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) and The Economic Intelligence Unit of Access Bank, which released their forecasts, only Access Bank analysts predicted the same inflation rate as the previous month

are another major factor to push up or contract consumer prices.

“There is a positive relationship between money supply growth and rising inflation. Therefore, a contraction in money supply will trigger a tapering of rising consumer prices.

“The income constraint and sustained increase in productivity in the agricultural sector, observed in the economy, also serve to reinforce the anticipated change in inflationary trend.

“While many other indicators have declined dramatically (e.g. purchasing power and the value of the naira) agricultural productivity has helped support gross domestic output with

the sector enjoying two consecutive quarters of sustained positive growth.

“The anticipated change in the inflationary trend can serve as good news to the Nigerian public who have sought respite from Nigeria’s economic woes.

“However, there are certain core components of the consumer basket that may increase. Diesel prices have maintained a persistent increase, which in turn feeds into costs of production and logistics (cost push factors). Diesel prices were selling at an average rate of N260/ltr in December, up 62.2per cent YTD,” the analysts added.

However, The Economic Intelligence Unit of Access Bank estimated that inflation rate (year-on-year) in December would remain at 18.5 per cent, the same as in November.

According to them, “Our methodology adopts an autoregressive analysis of past prices, while it recognises all the assumptions used by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its computation of monthly composite consumer price index (CCPI).”

Pointing out inflation forecast drivers, the analysts stated that, “The moderate easing of pressures on the parallel FX market in December following the central bank’s special intervention FX auctions in late November and early December contributed to the stability seen in the price index in December.”

They also indicated that, “Price movements for major commodity groups in the food basket remained unchanged, while the slight price increases in some commodities were offset by downward price adjustments in others. Based on an independent survey, vegetable oils, tomatoes, and noodles saw slight uptick in price, while the price of rice, plantain and potatoes trended downwards. Food commodities recorded mixed price changes due to combined effects of increased supply of certain domestically produced food items and increased demand generated during the festive season.”

The Federal Government has applied to the Central Bank of Nigeria for the issuance of an operational licence to the Development Bank of Nigeria preparatory to its commencement of operations. This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Director of Information in the Federal Ministry of Finance, Salisu Dambatta, The statement said the ministry had also completed the recruitment exercise for the executive management team of the DBN, adding that it expected the apex bank to grant the licence in no distant time. The statement read in part, “The Federal MinistryofFinancehasconfirmedthe completionoftherecruitmentexercise fortheexecutivemanagementteamof the Development Bank of Nigeria and hasformallyappliedfortheissuanceof itsoperationallicencefromtheCentral Bank of Nigeria, which is expected imminently.” The DBN was conceived in 2014,butitstake-offwasfraughtwith delays under the previous administration. The President Muhammadu Buhari administration had inherited the project with a determination to resolve all outstanding issues and set a target of this year for its take-off.

Investment

The Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi, has disclosed plans by the Chinese government to invest up to $40 billion in Nigeria as part of efforts aimedatdeepeningrelationsbetween the two countries.The amount, which was announced by the minister during a joint briefing with his Nigerian counterpartinAbujawasinadditionto othercontributionsChinahadmadeto Nigeria to support her developmental activities. He said his country had invested about $45 billion in various projects in Nigeria and is at the verge ofreleasinganother$40billion.“China hasalreadyinvestedorfinancedatotal number of $22billion projects here in Nigeria, another $23billion projects are on-going. In addition, we are also following up another over $40billion of investments, which are in the pipeline,” Yi said.The Chinese foreign ministerhadmetearlierinthedaywith President Muhammadu Buhari at the PresidentialVilla,wherethepresident pledged that Nigeria would honour all agreements signed with the People’s Republic of China.

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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 15, 2017

BUSINESS/MONEY

Adopting Uniform Exchange Rate for Naira Stability

With the drop in crude oil prices and foreign reserves comes the depreciation of the naira at both official and parallel markets. To achieve fair pricing and stability for the naira, the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) launched a Uniform Weekly Exchange Rate for Licensed Bureaux De Change portal to enforce same rate for operators. James Emejo reports

T

he foreign exchange (forex) market is driven by information flow and investors’ sentiments. The type of information available to local and international investors helps to swing rates. It therefore follows that positive information flow translates to better pricing for the naira and vice versa.

Having recognised these facts, the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), which is the umbrella body for all Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed Bureaux de Change (BDCs) last Tuesday, launched the Uniform Weekly Exchange Rate for Licensed Bureaux De Change Portal. The portal was meant to enable BDCs achieve same exchange rate for the naira against the dollar across all licensed operators.

The ABCON President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, who launched the portal at the maiden meeting with business editors last Tuesday in Lagos, said it would bring exchange rate convergence, eradicate currency speculation and ensure speedy recovery of the naira against the dollar. He said such feats were in line with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele’s plan to stabilise the naira and boost investor confidence in the economy.

According to Gwadabe, the purpose of the BDCs Weekly Rate was to make it a reference point for realistic rates in the market that would boost foreign investment inflows and displace the damaging effect of foreign media platform to the economy.

Gwadabe was confident that with the gradual recovery in crude oil prices, enhanced commitment of the CBN to economy diversification, which has led to rising production of local rice and drop in import bills, as well as political will of President Muhammadu Buhari to implement key economic reforms, the task of achieving a single determined exchange rate would be realised.

He urged the media to adopt a single rate in their reporting, and always quote rate on the ABCON website- www.abcong.ng for consistency and uniformity of reporting.

The ABCON chief reiterated the need for the public to deal with CBN-licensed BDCs only, and urged the public to report errant operators for necessary sanction. “ABCON wishes to reiterate its willingness to embark on a comprehensive media campaign on the roles, activities and location of members nation-wide so as to provide a guide to the public in dealing with only CBN-licensed BDCs and for the public to report any errant operator for necessary sanction,” he said.

The ABCON boss said there was need for the CBN and Federal Government to harmonise the multiple official exchange rates in the country and adopt a unified rate for transactions.

Calling for the adoption of a single forex market rate system, he said licensed BDCs would post an exchange rate each Monday on its website from January 16 to “highlight positive rate development in the market” and counter domains such as Abokifx.com, which publishes ‘high’ unofficial prices daily.

Trading in the parallel market became more regular since 2014 after the CBN strengthened capital controls as crude oil prices dropped. Dollar trades for about N490, compared with the official rate of about N315. The BDCs will initially quote a rate of N399, Gwadabe said.

Stakeholders React Former Executive Director, Keystone Bank, Richard Obire, said that ABCON implementing

and cost push inflation. Beyond that, export income diversification as well as reduction in imports of basic needs like food will, in long term, ease pressure on the forex market.”

Diaspora Remittances Nigerians in Diaspora had in 2015, sent home $21 billion which boosted the local forex market in 2016, figures released by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Matters, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, showed.

Dabiri-Erewa noted: “In 2016 they remitted $35 billion which is higher than what was remitted in 2015. This remittance by Nigerians living abroad is the highest in Africa and the third largest in the world.”

But Gwadabe disclosed that less than five per cent of the 2016 Diaspora funds were captured officially by the CBN because of exchange rate divergence, which discouraged Nigerians in Diaspora from sending their funds home through official channels. He said that harmonisation of the multiple exchange rates in the country, will make the rate for Diaspora remittances attractive to Nigerians in Diaspora.

“The single forex rate has succeeded in Egypt. Nigeria should block all forex leakages to make it work in the country. Forex market is an information-driven market. The type of information you release helps to swing rates and would also help the CBN’s plan to achieve single exchange rate,” he said.

He said ABCON was working very hard to build public confidence in registered BDCs because the forex market is driven by perception adding that the ideal rate for the naira is $400 to the dollar even as speculation is hurting the local currency. He wants the CBN to stop banks from selling Personal Travel Allowances and Business Travel Allowances to travellers and assign the role to BDCs.

Gwadabe

unified rate across all CBN- registered BDCs will bring sanity to the forex market. “I do not know how the group wants to achieve this but if well implemented, it will bring orderliness to the market. It is easier to achieve such feats as Personal Travel Allowance and Business Travel Allowance transactions. It is really a good initiative that will reduce the level of uncertainty in the market,” he said.

Associate – Research, Eczellon Capital Limited, Mustapha Suberu, said there was need to allow a transparent price discovery in the market, which he believed would stimulate dollar inflows into the economy and subsequently, lead to local currency stability.

He called for more transparent forex market that would allow foreign investors to invest in the economy, and bring about positive marketdetermined rate.

Besides, Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa, Ike Chioke, believes the incorporation of a long-term diversified strategy in fiscal policy is required to cushion shocks in various segments of the economy and revive the naira.

To him, the persistent pressure on the naira could have been minimised if a counter-fiscal policy had been developed, as the CBN cannot continue to defend the naira with foreign reserves.

“To reduce this pressure, an inward looking policy (tax incentives, infrastructure development and production subsidy) should be emphasised to reduce the dependence on imported goods”, he said.

He explained that apart from oil receipts, the development of the agricultural sector would in

the short term reduce the forex burden of food imports and on the long run, enhance foreign receipts if its comparative advantage in the sector is efficiently deployed.

In his analysis, economist and former acting Managing Director, Unity Bank Plc, Dr. Muhammad Rislanudeen, described the collaboration between BDCs and the CBN as crucial bringing stability to the naira.

But he added it was still not enough to put a peg on FX in the long run.

According to him, “It is a good proactive move

by CBN to have stakeholder engagement in finding solution to the volatility in the foreign exchange market. However we can only have stable, predictable exchange rate if there is market stability, where market determine rates. Naira is certainly undervalued in the BDC market even as it is overvalued in the official market where the foreign currency is scarce.

“A situation where we have multiple exchange rates will not support foreign direct and portfolio investments as well as diaspora inflows. BDC market operate based on dictates of market forces and because of lack of liquidity in the official sources, there is pressure on the BDC market.

Improved transparency in the market, avoidance of potential speculative demand and round tripping is what is needed to stabilise the foreign exchange market thereby having liquidity improved and allowing the market to correct itself.

“In so doing, we will begin to see improvement in the capital importation, improved performance of manufacturing sector in GDP growth, reduced unemployment rate and also easing up of imported

Building Economic Buffers Gwadabe urged Nigeria to build strong buffers, so its currency can withstand headwinds that come during economic crisis. For instance, the United Arab Emirates has over $400 billion in their reserves, and that is a very big buffer for them as it protects their local currency at any given time.

“But the Federal Government and the CBN have stood their ground for a very long time by not allowing naira to float freely. The advantage of the flexible forex regime is that the volatility you see, whereby naira everyday is getting weaker, once it goes up, another thing will bring it down,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “The fact is that when you talk of BDCs, there are parallel market operators and black market operators. The parallel market is the opposite of official market. So, the BDCs are not parallel market operators. There are over one million parallel market operators in this country and they have been here even before the coming of the CBN. They have been here even before the CBN licensing the BDCs in Nigeria”.

He said, “there is a big difference between a parallel market operator and a BDC operator. And if you look at it, last year, we were branded the black sheep in the industry. In India, the BDCs generate over $30 billion from the Diaspora remittances. In United Arab Emirates, the entire banking needs of banks are met by the BDCs. The working of the Lebanon economy is highly dependent on the activities of BDCs in that country.

I want stakeholders to support Nigeria BDCs in building the economy.”

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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 15, 2017

BUSINESS/INDUSTRY

Towards Recovery of Manufacturing Sector

Following the poor performance of the manufacturing sector in 2016, analysts are looking beyond the poor statistics to map out the way forward for the sector, writes Olaseni Durojaiye

A

s the managers of the nation’s economy continue in the efforts to set the economy on the path of recovery and growth, it has become expedient to interrogate the role of each sector of the economy towards the objectives. This has necessitated the need to take another look at the real sector on the strength of the potential in the sector, particularly in terms of employment creation, especially with the current economic recession.

This becomes more important given the argument of economists that the current recession is cost-driven and not productdriven, thus the need for fiscal, monetary and trade policy to be fine-tuned to help the sector get back on its feet and running.

Even the argument that the sector is not the highest contributor to the nation’s GDP bandied by opponents of the CBN directive on the allocation of 60 per cent of foreign exchange for the sector does not whittle down its importance to economic recovery and growth, even though the sector performed miserably in 2016.

It will be recalled that the sector’s poor performance in the last year was caused by myriad challenges. The challenges include scarcity of foreign exchange, infrastructure deficit, double-digit interest rate and lack of raw materials even with the adoption of the backward integration policy.

Manufacturing Sector’s Performance According to operators in the sector, the effects of the challenges manifested in the shutdown of about 272 firms, reduced capacity utilisation, reduced production, staff downsizing and downward review of workers remuneration.

Data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also corroborated this. According to the data, the industrial sector recorded a decline between January and November as revealed by the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI).

The PMI is an indication of the economic well-being of the manufacturing sector, and is based on five major indicators namely; new orders, inventory levels, production, supplier deliverables and the employment environment. The index, according to the CBN data, stood below 50 index point in the months of January and November which indicated decline in industrial production.

Stakeholders Point Way Forward A handful of stakeholders who spoke to THISDAY reiterated the need to revisit trade, monetary and fiscal policies believing if that is done, the sector would benefit and reclaim its lost glory. One analyst, however, adopted a holistic approach to the problems that the sector faced in the last year and argued that the sector shouldn’t be an isolated case.

President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Frank Jacobs, emphasised that the way forward was for government to revisit the foreign exchange policy. According to him, “The major challenges that majority of our members faced last year was inability to buy FX to procure raw materials, spare parts and machinery and that led to low capacity utilisation in the sector.

“Aside from that, the issue of infrastructure decay is very paramount. The 2017 budget proposal appears to have emphasised

One of the few surviving textile manufacturing plants

infrastructure development; it is our hope that government will implement that budget faithfully such that more funds could be poured into infrastructural development. ”Apart from roads and the railway, power is another issue that members of the MAN are complaining about. The recent increase in the price of natural gas, based on the United States Dollar, despite the fact that natural gas is produced locally is also another cause for concern and these are issues that we think government should look at seriously so that things will get better than it was last year,” Jacobs stated.

Another operator in the sector, Managing Director of Saclux Industries Nigerian Limited and Lubrisac Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited, Prince Emeka Urechukwu, confirmed the sector’s poor performance last year and re-echoed the effect of unfavourable policies even as he insisted that such policies stunt growth of local industries and the sector’s capabilities to generate employment.

According to him, the challenges of FX and power is well known and suggested that government should rethink some of its policy to encourage growth in the sector.

Urechukwu explained that, “Lack of raw materials, cost of generating power are some of the major problems that we’re faced with. The situation is such that operators can’t plan, you cannot really say this is what your price will be for the next couple of weeks because cost of FX was unstable; of course, nobody can claim to be unaware of the cost of generating.

As we speak, there is no kerosene in the country and that is a major raw material for some manufacturers.

“If you take the lubricant industry as a case, the major challenge is importation of lubricants and engine oil. There are over 1,000 importers of finished lubricant products into the country whereas there are lubricant blending plants in the country duly licensed by Department of Petroleum Products (DPR). How will the local lubricant industry grow when importation of lubricants into the country is allowed?”

Continuing, Urechukwu also stated that,“I can’t understand why government would allow importation of engine oil when we have companies like Mobil, Total, Texaco, Agip and other smaller indigenous players in that space. One lube plant can employ over 500 staff whereas all the importers need is his drivers and distributors.”

“The worst part of it is that many of the imported engine oil and lubricants are of low quality. What some of the importers do is go to Dubai, recycle condemned engine oil then bring it into the country,” he lamented.

However, in an interview with THISDAY, Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Muda Yusuf, explained that the challenges that the real sector faced in 2016 were not peculiar to the sector, stating that, what will get the sector back on its feet and running is the same strategy that will get the economy out of recession.

Yusuf argued that,“The economic recession experienced in 2016 was the consequence of several factors. There were external factors, which were principally the slump in oil price and other adverse developments in the global economy, and internal factors which

included attacks on oil installations which impacted negatively on oil production. The way out of the current economic contraction is to stimulate investment and spending.

This should happen at the public sector level, in the investment space and among the households. The expectation for 2017 is that the following policy options will be considered to accelerate the economic recovery process”.

A framework to ensure the liquidity of the foreign exchange market should be urgently put in place. This was a major problem for investors in 2016. Many investors could not access foreign exchange to procure raw materials and other inputs as and when they needed it, remittances were very difficult (the experience of foreign airlines was a good example). Foreign exchange inflows from autonomous sources were impeded because of the dysfunctionalities in the foreign exchange market. This impacted forex supply negatively – Diaspora remittances, capital importation and export proceeds declined. A credible forex regime is critical to the restoration of investor confidence, enhancing forex inflows, boosting FDIs and FPIs, and reducing the level of uncertainty in the economy.

“The tight monetary policy regime should be relaxed to spur domestic investment and consumer spending. High interest rate was a major feature of 2016. Domestic investment would thrive under a low interest rate regime.

I submit that the monetary authorities should review current monetary policy stance to reduce the cost of funds to investors in the economy.”

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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 15, 2017

INTERVIEW

Cohen

HERMAN COHEN I Forecast Trump‘ll Demand Reciprocity in Trade with Africa

Ambassador Herman Cohen is former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs under George Bush (Snr.), and now the chairman and CEO Cohen & Woods International, a Washington based Africa focused group helping Western companies doing business in Africa. A founding member of the Corporate Council for Africa (CCA), Cohen who spoke with Nduka Nwosu takes a look at the organisation and the achievements of its outgoing president Stephen Hayes, the prospects of the council under its new driver Florie Liser, the US-Nigeria relations in a future Trump administration and the expectations from the Buhari Administration moving the Nigerian economy forward. Excerpts:

Y

our nominee Stephen Hayes is retiring as Corporate Council for Africa (CCA) President after 17 years, what do you have to say about him and his tenure?

When Steve Hayes took over as CCA

President in 1999, the organisation was facing severe difficulties, especially in the financial sector.

He instituted reforms, recruited new personnel, and attracted many new American corporate members. As a result, under Steve’s direction, CCA became the

primary communications channel between US businesses and Africa.

Can we discuss the idea behind CCA at inception?

The original idea during the administration

of President George H. W. Bush was that development could be achieved in Africa mainly through the investments and growth of the private sector. CCA was designed to bring US investors and import/export entrepreneurs to work with their counterparts in Africa to increase business activities in

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 15, 2017

21

INTERVIEW Cohen: I Forecast Trump‘ll Demand Reciprocity in Trade with Africa Cont’d from Pg.. 20 the continent.

What do you have to say of Florie Liser, who is about to succeed Mr. Hayes?

Florie Liser is an old friend of mine who has extensive experience in US-Africa business relations. She was Assistant US Trade Representative under both Republican and Democratic Administrations.

She is chief administrator of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). I do not know of anyone with more experience and expertise than she has. She is an outstanding selection to succeed Steve Hayes. I would also want to wish Ambassador Bob Perry well in his future endeavours. Until December last year, Ambassador Perry was the Vice President of International Programmes at the CCA and a senior adviser to the president, Mr. Hayes. I gathered Mr. Perry is joining the Stevenson Group and I have no doubt he would be a good resource material given his rich background.

As January 20 approaches, what are your expectations of a Trump Presidency for Africa?

President-elect Trump has spoken of achieving “fairness” in international trade. He also wants American companies to increase their revenues, especially through exports.

I have the feeling that he will ask African governments to accept reciprocity in trade relations.

Right now, African countries can export their products to the USA duty free, while American exports to Africa pay customs duties. This is a one-way street relationship in bilateral trade relations. I can forecast that a future President Trump will ask for reciprocity. US exports to Africa should be duty free.

Do you think the appointment of Adebayo Ogunlesi as a member of his economic advisory team bodes positively for the continent and Nigeria?

I believe the appointment is positive because President Buhari wants to diversify Nigeria’s income stream away from total dependence on oil, toward exports of agricultural commodities, solid minerals and manufactured goods.

How do you rate the Buhari administration’s policy on agriculture?

It is interesting to note that President Buhari is stepping up President Jonathan’s very important initiatives on agriculture. There is no doubt this will pay off in the future.

Like I earlier stated in my previous interview with you, new agricultural initiatives like cassava and sugar production are products that will help alleviate the shortage of food and stop so much revenue wasted on food imports.

Cassava will definitely add value to the economy. Cassava starch is important to many end users. Five percent of the cattle feed imported by the European Union consists of cassava starch and it provides a tremendous value of revenue monopolised

by Thailand. African countries should be able to compete with Thailand. I see a good future for Nigerian cassava which is a normal product for Nigerians.

Do you see a rosy future for tropical Nigerian products in the international market?

In the 1950s to just after independence, Nigeria was a power house for tropical products exports-palm produce, groundnuts, cocoa, rubber and pineapples; it was the leading tropical export producer in the world but declined because of the degradation of infrastructure, maintenance, too much dependence on oil and less dependence on agriculture. The country was overtaken by Brazil and Malaysia. It can regain its position by investing on roads, irrigation, warehouses and other storage facilities, railways et al.

Oil revenue can be divested into investments in those areas; then agriculture will come back as a power house. Nigeria can regain its position as a power house for tropical agriculture.

According to Hayes there are new challenges for the CCA moving on, what do you consider to be those challenges and the way out?

The big challenge, in my view, is maintaining interest in Africa within the American

Cohen

business community. Will they throw up their hands and say, China has taken over?

Or will they say, we need to be aggressive in building new business relationships in Africa? The new CEO, Florie Lisier, will have to maintain a forward looking approach for US businesses in Africa.

Do you think the Trump policy of “America First” may mean less money spent to help Africa and more money devoted to rebuilding the US?

It is possible that President Trump will look toward reducing the foreign aid budget worldwide in order to find money to rebuild the US infrastructure which is badly in need of fixing. Nigeria does not receive US development aid because its income from oil is very high.

So, any reduction in development aid would not be applicable to Nigeria, but it would be applicable to Nigeria’s neighbors.

I imagine that President Trump would want to maintain full support to Nigeria for the fight against Islamic terrorism.

Do you think that AGOA that gives countries in the continent an almost duty free trade agreement could come under review under President Trump?

It will definitely come under review because it gives benefits to African exporters but gives no benefits to US exporters.

Is it lkelyTrump’s America First mantra will affect the Obama project on Power Africa?

I do not feel that “America First” will impact negatively on “Power Africa”. This project encourages US power companies, such as Contour Global, to invest in power generation and earn profits from the sale of power. This means there will be money coming into the US from the export of power.

“Power Africa” is a win-win project for the US and Africa. US companies make returns from their investments, and Africa gains badly needed power at economic prices.

Can a Trump Administration be disposed to supporting Nigeria in its war against terrorism, given the President-elect’s campaign promise to wipe away ISIS an ally of Boko Haram?

The Obama Administration is providing substantial help to the Nigerian security forces who are fighting Boko Haram, in the form of training, close-up support near the

front lines, and equipment. I would expect the Trump Administration to continue this assistance, or even increase it.

How is your recent book, The Mind of the African Strongman faring?

The book is selling well in both the English and French language editions. I hope that a Nigerian distributor will find a way to start sales in Nigerian book stores. Right now most of the orders are done through Amazon.

Given the book’s position on corruption and how it is impeding economic growth and the attraction of new investments into the continent, how would you assess President Muhammad Buhari’s fight against this malaise?

President Buhari’s anti-corruption policy is like a breath of fresh air in view of the situation before he was elected. I gather

President-elect Trump has spoken of achieving “fairness” in international trade. He also wants American companies to increase their revenues, especially through exports. I have the feeling that he will ask African governments to accept reciprocity in trade relations. Right now, African countries can export their products to the USA duty free, while American exports to Africa pay customs duties

that even the policeman on the street is reluctant to ask for a bribe when they stop motorists. I hope that President Buhari can keep the policy going.

You had spoken elaborately on the way forward transforming the Nigerian power sector, what improvements have you witnessed and what still needs to be done?

A lot of new generation equipment has been purchased and installed in Nigeria, but there appears to be a management problem in connecting the equipment with the transmission and distribution companies. Also, there are pricing problems.

Too much natural gas is being flared out in the ocean at the oil wells. The price needs to be lowered so that the oil companies will have the incentive to transport the gas to the land for use in power plants.

Do you still think appropriate pricing of gas will help to attract new investors to the sector?

Definitely, this is the problem. It is ridiculous for Nigerians to be importing diesel generators at high prices, when low cost gas could lower the price of electricity by a power of ten.

Some people advocate the naira exchange rate should be determined by the forces of demand and supply with minimum or no peg at an official exchange rate. What is your take on this?

If currency is maintained at an artificial exchange rate, the result will always be negative for the common man. Artificial exchange rates always generate a black market. Money traders know how to benefit from a currency black market, but the ordinary citizen always suffers.

How much have you achieved bringing other American companies to Africa till date?

I have helped a number of American companies go to Africa including Nigeria but there is a reluctance investing in these countries, in entering the markets and exploiting the opportunities. The hazards are a disincentive to potential investors. Our current entry into Africa is a Texas based oil company called Hyperdynamics, which is exploring for well in offshore Guinea. It has done one well and is exploring for a second well.

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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 15, 2017

INTERVIEW

Malize: Technology Innovation Has Changed the Dynamics for Enterprise and Economic Growth Globally

Greg Malize is the founder/executive director of ImpactGen, a visionary foundation that brings together like-minded millennials, who are driven by passion for impact, enterprise development, innovation and growth.

Malize speaks with Kunle Aderinokun at the recentlyconcluded ImpactGen TechnInnovation Summit on the emergence of technology and the changes that technology is driving in businesses today. Excerpts:

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echnology is arguably the greatest force driving change in today’s economy.

What are the implications for enterprise?

Technology plays a key role in enterprise development and management today. It has become very critical to the operations that businesses are hugely dependent on it. With the degree of dependency on technology, most business will experience a collapse, if technology is taken away from their operations.

The level of dependency on technology for businesses cut across basic research, product development, production, sales and Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

Both small and big businesses rely on one form of technology or the other. Technology is starting to drive the pace of change in the job market. Besides keeping some roles redundant, technology would determine the kind functions and roles available.

So how has technology changed human behaviour? With human capital at the core of businesses, what are the imperatives for organisations?

Technology has become very influential in the way we live our lives today. No matter the industry or sector everyone is experiencing an immense change in the way they engage.

With technology, the productivity level for an average person has increased both with work and personal goals. The future workplace might not be a physical workplace or an open plan office like we experience today.

It could be remotely connected systems and “workspaces” that are virtually connected even in different various regions.

A large pool of millennials has already joined or are preparing to join the workforce.

The millennial have been raised in the midst of the revolution technology has brought.

These changes are capable of affecting the way that businesses and employees engage.

In seeking to maximise the potentials of the millennials, which have become a major pool of the workforce in most enterprise today, businesses need to be adaptable to the new ways to maximise the inherent potentials.

The core focus of the ImpactGen Technology Summit is innovation. How critical has innovation mind-set become for businesses? How do enterprises remain ahead in an era of stiff competition such as today?

Companies that are prepared to break new grounds must understand that the major source of their innovation power lies in the mind of its employees. Organisations that empower and keep their employees equipped to discover new opportunities often times record a high capacity for innovation.

In developing an innovation mind-set, businesses should take strategic and deliberate steps in building that up. One way is to have

sufficient flexibility to query the status quo.

“Normal ways” cannot be “leading ways” in spotting innovation opportunities. Another way is encouraging collaboration and creative tension. Internal competition is as good as market competition. It is critical to mix up teams from different areas on projects and see how ideas and opportunities spark up.

To find smart solutions, we must think differently. Organisations should endeavor to encourage and reward creative thinking.

They must be methodical about building and stimulating creative habits. Again remember this is what the millennials are about. They are about creativity, flexibility, collaboration and teamwork. These inherent skills in the millennials must therefore be positively harnessed and maximised for positive impact for enterprises.

Innovation, they say, is vital in a digitally-driven world like we experience today. What are the links between innovation and economic growth?

Innovation and technology transfer are the key drivers of economic growth in today’s world. Innovation drives economic growth.

From the steam engines to search engines, the quest for innovation has driven the new opportunities we experience today.

The countries and regions that lead in driving technology and innovation are also the world’s economic leaders today. For them, technology and innovation were key growth factors and that has given them enormous advantage over others.

The ‘ImpactGen Tech Innovation Summit’ sounds clearly differentiated and dynamic. What was the focus of the recent Summit?

The theme of the ImpactGen Summit is, ‘Leading Growth through Technology Innovation’. Like we noted earlier, today, technology has penetrated into virtually all areas of life. We are at a phase where people engage differently with their friends and family; even consumers engage very differently with the brands they consume.

All of this is owing to the growing power of connectivity through an explosion of new technology tools. With this rise of technology and the innovative breakthroughs in Payment, Medicine, E-lending etc., there is a new shift that has impacted lifestyles.

The ImpactGen Tech Innovation Summit was focused on consolidating new knowledge and best practice across diverse areas with a view to aid innovation and drive enterprise development. The summit was designed to equip the participants who are largely millennials with contemporary trends and skills relevant in delivering positive impact in their organisations or personal enterprises.

Other opportunities from the summit came in form of networking as participants had the opportunity of one-on-one engagement with industry leaders and experts in diverse

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fields.

Given the speakers’ line up and the profile of participants, this seems like a well thought-out and broad-based programme? How did you achieve the recorded success with the summit?

The summit was, no doubt, a huge success. It exceeded expectations in terms of attendance, with a broad based participation from diverse background.

We give a lot of credit to the summit planning team made of the members of the ImpactGen Foundation core team for their selfless commitment to the planning process.

There were a series of presentations by subject matter experts. The summit speakers line up was rich and constituted individuals with proven track records of performance.

They were led by Mr. Mitchel Elegbe, the managing director/CEO of Interswitch Nigeria Limited as the keynote speaker. Beyond the millennials, who were the core target of the summit, every one benefitted from the great learning that came from the summit and equally important, the networking opportunities that the platform offered.

A lot of work went into putting together the truly unique programme, which addressed the opportunities in technology and innovation and we are very proud of the outing and the impact therein.

What is the driving force for setting up ImpactGen? What is the key focus?

Can you give some background to your vision? Why the emphasis on millennials?

Impact Gen is a foundation founded by millennials for millennials. It is committed to creating programmes for engagement, learning and networking that foster positive impact amongst millennials. We are driven by our vision of raising a generation of impactful youth as future growth catalysts. We develop programmes and create platforms that drive thought-provoking interactions amongst the youth making them impactful leaders and

To find smart solutions, we must think differently.

Organisations should endeavor to encourage and reward creative thinking. They must be methodical about building and stimulating creative habits

growth engines of the future. Our programmes facilitate knowledge sharing, practical toolkits and the appropriate environment for technology innovation, enterprise development, leadership development and social impact.

We believe that a positive shift in attitudes fostered by productive engagement with thought leaders and other millennials in various fields is a precursor to the level of self-development and dynamism required for impactful leadership. Therefore, with the right experiences and positive exposure, the millennials would be equipped with appropriate tools that enable them develop innovative solutions to society’s problems.

Most brilliant programmes such as this are usually concentrated in just one part of the country; Lagos is thereby depriving the greater population the opportunities it portends, how do you plan to take this to millennials across the country and outside of Lagos?

It is clearly different for us at ImpactGen. We understand the fact that the strong youth population of the nation is not restricted to any single region. We understand that today’s young adults have distinctive characteristics like no generation before them. We have developed programmes that are innovatively designed to reach this group beyond regions.

They include knowledge-based programmes such as seminars, workshops, summits, exhibitions, technology and innovation fairs, mentorship networks etc.

These platforms would be replicated across the keys regions of the nation. We would also reach the much younger ones through our on-campus programmes developed to start molding them up early in life.

How do you plan to sustain the success? What strategies would help to drive this vision forward and continuously?

We have built a very strong and sustainable structure that would keep us focused and value driven. The ImpactGen Advisory Board is made up of individuals of repute who are industry thought leaders with proven track record of performance. They support in shaping our initiatives through strategic direction and selfless commitment to the programmes. We continuously deepen and develop new relationships with key strategic partners whose vision of impact amongst the core target aligns with our vision. Their constant support makes it possible to execute our programmes. Our core team at ImpactGen is made up of very visionary millennials with passion for excellence, development and impact. They understand the vision and are selflessly committed to the goals of shaping a generation of impactful youths as future growth catalysts.

These structures were designed to see that we remain focused and committed in driving our vision and so far we have recorded tremendous success maximising them.

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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 15, 2017

BUSINESS/MONEY

Discouraging Financial Inclusion with Stamp Duties on Savings Account…

The reported extension of the stamp duties charge on savings account deposits without official notification poses a threat to current efforts by government and the financial services sector to enhance the savings culture and target the unbanked, with the attendant implications on investment and economic recovery, James Emejo and Dele Ogbodo write

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iting among other things, the need to support the federal government’s efforts to boost its revenues following the fiscal challenges, which stemmed largely from the falling price of oil, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last January directed the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in the country to comply with the provisions of the Stamp Duties Act, LFN 2004 by imposing a stamp duty of N50 on bank customers for money received into their accounts.

The directive had exempted salaries and savings account holders from the charge.

As part of efforts to boost its revenue base, the federal government of Nigeria is exploring revenue opportunities in the non-oil sector especially taxes and rates. It is in recognition of this fact that banks and other financial institutions are enjoined to support government’s revenue drive through compliance with the provisions of the Stamp Duties Act, LFN 2004 as reinforced by the court judgement in Suit No FHC/L/CS/1710/2013. In this regard, the CBN pursuant to the provisions of its enabling laws, issued a circular to all DMBs other financial institutions.

The CBN circular to bank’s had read in part: “With immediate effect, all DMBs and other financial institutions shall commence the charging of N50 per eligible transaction in accordance with the provisions of the Stamp Duties Act and Federal Government Financial Regulations 2009, that is, all receipts given by any bank or other financial institution in acknowledgment of services rendered in respect of electronic transfer and teller deposits from N1, 000 and above; “For all avoidance of doubt the following receipts are however exempted from imposition of stamp duties: payments of deposits or transfer by self to self whether inter or intra bank; and any form of withdrawals/transfers from saving accounts; It should be noted that these charges are only payable by receiving accounts; “Each DMB shall open an account designated as NIPOST Stamp Duties Account into which all charges collected shall be paid. The balances in such accounts shall be transferred monthly by the DMBs to CBN NIPOST Stamp Duty Collection Account No. 3000047517; “Other financial institutions shall remit their Stamp Duty collections to any DMB of their choice.”

However, a CBN source who spoke with THISDAY under conditions of anonymity said it is not the business of the apex bank to decide where the stamp duty applies adding that its circular to banks was only to make them comply with the court judgement in that regard.

The CBN source said:“We have absolutely nothing to do about it. We only asked banks to please comply with the ruling of the court but the details of where it should apply is NIPOST’s business and not for us.“ But the controversy which followed the implementation of the Stamp Duties charge had barely settled before the extension of the duty charge to savings account holders, without an official statement to the public.

Most bank customers allegedly realised the new order by debit alerts from the respective banks on their savings accounts.

If anything, the new development is bound to impinge on current efforts to encourage the people to inculcate a savings habit as well as lure the unbanked and financially excluded individuals into the financial system.

When THISDAY contacted NIPOST, the Managing Director, Mr. Bisi Adegbuyi, was said to have travelled out of the country. Attempts to get a response from the Deputy Managing Director in charge of Finance and Investment, Mr. Shaba Usman, was also not

Customers waiting to use an Automated Teller Machine successful, as he was in a meeting for the greater part of last Thursday.

However, in a terse response by SMS, NIPOST Public Relations Manager (PRM), Mrs. Simbiat Onize Lawal, admitted that the deduction of N50 being stamp duty charges or collection either through electronic transfer or teller deposit covers both current and savings accounts on N1000 transaction and above.

The federal government had frowned on the non-compliance with the provisions of the Stamp Duty Act and directed ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to comply accordingly. In a Federal Treasury Circular obtained by THISDAY, dated December 29, 2015, with Ref. No. OAGF/ TS/026/IV/350 of July 20th, 2006 and FR 620, the government had lamented that the implementation of Stamp Duty Act was not being complied with by many MDAs. This was followed by a CBN circular in January 2016.

Curiously, a recent report sponsored by the Centre for Finance, Law and Policy (CFLP), Boston University had stated that 70 per cent of bankable adults in Nigeria still preferred to keep their money away from the banks, citing corruption, instability and distrust within the banking system and lack of transparency in excess charges.

Authors of the report, Assistant Professor of Economics, Boston University, Kehinde Ajayi, and Researcher, African Studies Center, Boston University, Dr. Omale Ali Garba, said the objective of the study was to understand what factors influence people’s disposition to using the formal banking system for financial services.

Experts, who spoke to THISDAY believed imposing a stamp duties charge on savings deposit could further bring more hardship upon the people as well as affect expectations for early recovery from the current recession.

Economist and former acting Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, Dr. Muhammad Rislanudeen,

said the extension of stamp duties charge on savings account was ill-timed and ought to have been delayed pending the recovery of the economy.

He said: “In a period of recession, new taxes or increase in existing taxes ought to be minimised or at best avoided at least until the economy starts recovering from negative growth. That might have informed the statement of Honourable Minister of Budget and Planning to the effect that government will not increase VAT in 2017.

“Savings account customers are mostly poor and vulnerable, artisans and junior civil servants etc., who ought to be excluded from any form of tax increase and hence encouraging more smallholder savings available for investment to other needy sectors. Small savers of one million naira annual turnover and below should be exempted as another way of not discouraging savings especially in this period of negative interest rate with inflation at 18.48 per cent higher than monetary policy rate at 14 per cent, reduced taxes will also help increase financial inclusion.”

Also, an Associate Professor and Head, Department of Economics, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Dr. Uche Uwaleke, said though the new measure may boost government revenues, it’s bound to discourage savings attitude of Nigerians.

According to him,“The extension of the stamp duty to cover savings accounts at a time when the government is talking about strengthening the handshake between monetary and fiscal policies is, in my view, ill-timed. The CBN should not be seen to be discouraging savings when the government is worried about increasing disposable income in an economy struggling to exit a recession.

“The new measure will no doubt increase government revenue. However, given the current state of the economy, the extension to savings account should have been delayed till the economy is out

of the woods. The CBN and NIPOST argue it is in compliance with the Stamp Duty Act of 2004 and FGN Financial Regulation of 2009; there is also the temptation to assume that the N50 charge is insignificant since it is applied per transaction of up to N1000 and above and not per volume.

“Nevertheless, the point is that it made sense at the time the policy was introduced in January 2016 to exempt deposits or transfers by self to self, whether inter or intra bank as well as any form of withdrawals or transfers from savings accounts. To suddenly reverse this stance and include savings account barely a year after without prior notice and adequate communication does not augur well for bank customers more so when an Appeal Court in Lagos had ruled to the effect that imposing a stamp duty on electronic transactions was illegal.”

In the same vein, economist and ex-banker, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, contended the development could further worsen the effect of the recession and reduce the disposable income of the average Nigerian.

He said:“Already, the stamp duty charge on current account deposits is demotivating to account holders and to extend it to savings account is worsening the effect of the recession and reducing the disposable income of an average Nigerian.

“There are businesses that are affected more than others. Schools, traders and other business that receive multiple payments. Incomes and profits are depleted. This will discourage deposits and encourage warehousing of cash in the offices and homes. I recommend that such duties should apply to payments of about N1,000,000 and above. It should not apply to savings account.”

Banks have recently intensified their deposit mobilisation drive targeting the unbanked but the imposition of charges on their meagre savings or earnings could be a major turn-off for them.

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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 ˾ JANUARY15, 2017

BUSINESS/MEDIA

Four Agencies Flex Muscles at LAIF Award

Raheem Akingbolu, who was present at the 2016 edition of the Lagos Advertising & Ideas Festival (LAIF) held recently in Lagos, writes that it was another opportunity for agencies to show their creative strengths

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very year, practitioners look forward to participate in the Lagos Advertising & Ideas Festival (LAIF). In the last 11 years, LAIF has become the major creative platform, through which the industry separates the wheat from the chaff. No wonder, many industry analysts refer to it as ‘Nigeria version of Cannes Advertising Festival’.

At the 2016 edition held recently, four leading agencies; Insight Publicis, Noah’s Ark, DDB and Leo Burnett Lagos, dominated the night and won in various categories. Other agencies that recorded great height in the night were; SO&U and X3M Ideas.

Though the biggest haul of gold medals were won by DDB Lagos, Insight Publicis and Noah’s Ark, all of whom won four gold medals apiece, DDB Lagos topped the table as it accumulated more medal wins than rival agencies.

The Ikechi Odigbo-led agency won a total of 23 medals, including 11 silver medals and eight bronze medals. Insight Publicis came second with four gold medals, eight silver and 10 bronzes. Noah’s Ark had six silver medals and four bronze medals to seals the third position on the medals table.

Steve Babaeko’s X3M Ideas completed the top five slots with five medals, three of which were gold.

DDB Lagos was rewarded for its outstanding creativity on various MTN campaigns, especially the very successful MTN Pulse which won rave reviews from experts. The campaign was adjudged the best entry in the best use of production design and art direction category. The agency also got the ultimate prize for its innovative campaigns for Wakanow.

Noah’s Ark won gold medal for its works on Hypo- for whites only, Boko Halal: Bring Back Our Girls, as well as its impressive campaign for Three Crown, which won gold in the best use of photo manipulation and illustration category. The Lanre Adisa-led agency went home with a total of 18 awards translating into four Gold, eight Silver and six Bronze medals, once again being in the league of the top three.

The Lanre Adisa-led agency went home with a total of 18 awards translating into four Gold, eight Silver and six Bronze medals, once again being in the league of the top three. Though Insight did not occupy the first or second position, it occupied the

Odigbo

Babaeko

third position with 20 medals: four Gold, seven Silver and nine Bronze medals.

Again, beyond the local competition, three of the agencies –DDB, Noah’s Ark and Insight Publicis have also displayed their creative prowess award abroad and excelled. For instance, Noah’s Ark has won international awards like the Loeries and Cristal.

Like drama, the performance of 2-year-old Leo Burnett Lagos was the most unusual thing this year. Not many people saw the agency coming, but after the award, the two-year old agency showed that it has the capacity to do great works and it is ready to compete with the frontrunners in Nigeria’s advertising industry.

Leo Burnett wowed everyone at the award as it won three gold medals, against all odds, placing

it in a fourth position behind heavy weights like DDB Lagos, Insight Publicis and Noah’s Ark on the medals table. The agency also took home five silver and five bronze medals to round off an impressive night for the young agency.

“When we started, we said to ourselves that as quickly as possible we must be the best in the craft of marketing communications in Nigeria. We are less than two years in the business and we have come out with this kind of success,” Leo Burnett’s Chief Operating Officer Sam Osunsoko said.

One remarkable outcome of the 2016 LAIF is that winners are more widespread. Competition is not just limited to DDB Lagos, Insight and a handful of other older agencies. But newer agencies demonstrated an unusual creative clout that gave

even the big operators a cause for concern.

One of such agencies Up in The Sky which was one of the gold winners. Another young agency that had an impressive outcome was 7even Interactive, with three silver and five bronze medals. Majority of 7even Interactive medals came courtesy of a commercial it conceptualised for Fidelity Bank.

According to the Founder of O2 Academy, Ozone Mbanefo, who was also recognised for his contribution to the growth of the advertising industry, the outstanding performances of the newer agencies, is a function of the reinvention taking place in the industry. “The industry is expanding its tentacles.

The beautiful thing about it is that competition is healthy. These guys believe that there are better ways that things can be done,” Mbanefo said.

Constellation Sets Q1 Date for NLP PRNigeria Receives Global PR Licensed Practitioner’s Program, Coaching Award on Crisis Management

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onstellation (INL), an international consulting and coaching company has concluded arrangements for a nine-day long NLP Licensed practitioner Training in Nigeria.

A statement said its promises to be a landmark event in management executive training for corporate Nigeria.

The coaching programme which holds from March 2017 will see Constellation imparting knowledge from its flagship training course outline, the Neuro-Linguistic Programming Licensed Practitioner International Certification program.

“Geared towards imbibing a culture of coaching, people enhancement, communication, and change management skills in leaders of organizations, the programme is expected to benefit major top executives and senior H.R. Practitioners in corporate Nigeria and West Africa,” the statement said.

The statement reads: “This programme is in line with the global shift from classroom based training to other forms of experiential learning

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such as coaching.

“The NLP certification is targeted at helping leaders deviate from the traditional ‘carrot and stick’ and ‘threaten and train’ approach which causes several forms of negative results such as early burnout, low commitment, poor performance,

among others.

“Fit for this program are a wide array of persons in leadership positions such as Board Executives, Sales teams, Influencers, H.R Practitioners, Experienced Trainers, Teachers et al.”

Leading the Constellation (Formerly INL) is Oyejoke Coker (J.C.), a highly accomplished global executive with more than 25 years of success within financial services, telecommunications, banking and now coaching. She leverages extensive corporate leadership, both domestically and internationally.

She is a much sought-after Coach, Speaker and Trainer. She serves on various corporate and philanthropic boards.

She brings a unique combination of corporate experience into the Executive Coaching; Team Coaching; Life Coaching and Business Coaching arena.

As a widely recognized thought leader, she is a frequent keynote speaker on a range of topics including NLP, Coaching, Motivation, Team building and emerging markets.

She is a guest lecturer at the Lagos Business School where she analyzes business strategy case studies with MBA students.

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he International Public Relations Association (IPRA) has presented Golden World Award (GWA) in Crisis Management to Image Merchants Promotion Limited for its PRNigeria’s counterinsurgency and security consciousness campaigns.

The Golden World Awards (GWAs), often dubbed the ‘Oscars of PR’ , are the world’s most prestigious PR awards in various categories.

The IPRA President, Bart de Vries, described the PRNigeria’s campaign as one of the most successful crisis communication strategies that entails creative innovation, media relations, social media and event management to win the Golden World Award in Crisis Management.

The President added that in determining the winners of various GWA categories, which included Grand Prix and UN Awards among others, the IPRA judges spent the greatest parts of their sessions working in small teams.

According to him, “This year’s GWA entries saw a marked rise in using crossmedia approaches, including innovative and creative use of social media, video or animation. The 2016 IPRA GWA Winners

also showed progress in measurement, integrating varied research perspectives, adopting measuring models and applying an evaluation. Receiving the award, the founder of PRNigeria, Mr. Yushau Shuaib, dedicated the GWA to Nigerian Media and security agencies for their collaboration in ensuring a secured and safer society through timely and responsible information dissemination.

Shuaib said: “We dedicate this award to the Nigerian media and security agencies, especially the military, security, intelligence and response agencies for their efficient and mutual relationship towards enhancing synergy on the security consciousness and the war on terror campaigns. “We also acknowledge the heroism of many silent heroes whose names are hidden from the media spotlights including investigate journalists and security personnel who sacrifice their lives for our safety. We commend the gallantry of Late souls: Lt-Col Abu-Ali , Flt-Lt Onyeka Nwakile, Wing Commander Chimda Hadima and many others who died in the struggles and those that are wounded and nursing their injuries.

“The PRNigeria, which has been at the forefront of projecting the commendable efforts of our military counter-terrorism operations will add voice to ensure that their death and sacrifices will not be in vain.

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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 15, 2017

BUSINESS/TRANSPORT

The perennial gridlock on the Access roads to Apapa ports may be a thing of the past, if the plans of NPA materialise

The New Drive to Rejuvenate Nigerian Ports

Determined to improve on the efficiency level of Nigerian ports, the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority is embarking on a number of infrastructure rehabilitation, among others, to make the seaports compete with other international ports, writes Francis Ugwoke

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or the ports stakeholders, the year 2017, holds a lot of promises. This is considering the plan by the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to reposition the ports in line with global standards.

With the ban on importation of vehicles and rice through the land borders, the nation’s seaports are expected to experience both ship and cargo traffic. For the stakeholders, this indeed calls for improvement on ports infrastructure. Apparently aware of this expectation, the Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Usman, declared recently that the authority was prepared to improve on ports efficiency.

Describing the ports as a “critical artery of the economy” during a chat with newsmen, Usman assured that the management would ensure that the operators deliver port services at the standards of doing business in the 21st century. Under the landlord port model, the NPA has its own statutory role different from the concessionaires. Some of the responsibilities include ownership and administration, development of port operation infrastructure, leasing and concession of port infrastructure, setting benchmark for tariff structure, nautical/harbour operations, hydrographical survey, maintenance dredging, navigational facilities, quay wall and aprons. The terminal operators are however preoccupied with the task of providing equipment for cargo handling, including provision of spaces

for the goods until their owners come to take delivery. While the organisation tries to fulfill its obligation, it also acts as a technical regulator and expected to compel the service providers to provide services that would enhance service delivery. For an efficient service delivery in the ports, both NPA and the terminal operators have to be fully committed in infrastructure development.

Poor Road Network One of the major problems that stakeholders in the ports encounter is the poor state of the roads. Stakeholders have raised the alarm over this development to no avail. However, NPA is currently carrying out maintenance work on most of the access roads across the country.

Usman told newsmen recently that there are two contractors working on the access roads leading to Apapa and Tin Can Island ports. She also said that apart from this, the roads leading to the nation’s ports have been captured by the 2017 budget. She disclosed that the Ministry of Works had prepared the framework for the rebuilding of the Apapa-Tin Can road in this year budget. She added that a Holding Bay for trucks will be completed this year, adding that it would address the issue of trucks littering the roads leading to the ports.

According to her, when completed, no truck will be allowed on the port road unless it has been called to pick cargo.

Infrastructure Development The NPA has a lot of infrastructure to rehabilitate this year. This is in keeping with its statutory obligations in the area of dredging, maritime services, navigational facilities and quay wall and aprons. It would be recalled that a Ministerial Committee had charged the Authority about three years ago to intensify efforts in this regard as the landlord. In order not to be found wanting, the Authority has been carrying out regular maintenance dredging in the nation’s waters.

This has helped in deepening the draught for bigger vessels to come into the ports.

Eastern Ports The authority had during a visit to the Eastern ports by members of the Senate Committee on Maritime led by Senator Ahmed Sani, identified critical infrastructural projects in the Eastern ports requiring urgent rehabilitation for ease of trade facilitation. NPA’s General Manager, Eastern Ports, Alhaji Abdullahi Goje, explained that the port facilities which were 103 years old needed to be rehabilitated. While identifying areas where the NPA needed to carry out rehabilitation, Abdullahi blamed the terminal operators for failing to invest in developing infrastructure as contained in the ports concession agreement.

He identified Eastern Ports Headquarters of the NPA in Port Harcourt as requiring urgent rehabilitation to a befitting status as captured in this year’s budget.

He also identified berths 5,6,7 and 8 concessioned to BUA Terminal in Port Harcourt as equally requiring urgent rehabilitation. Other areas include Abonema Marine Police jetty, Port Harcourt, perimeter fencing and rehabilitation of the Bonny Radio/Signal Station, capital and regular maintenance dredging of the three pilotage districts. Goje also said installation of modern electronics system in all the Port locations to discourage unnecessary and unwanted movements to and from the terminals and jetties was very important. The NPA will also have to acquire additional operational tug boat, bringing the number to two.

The NPA is currently making frantic efforts to revive the comatose Calabar port. This will be through capital dredging of the port to be able to accommodate ocean liners. The Calabar port dredging has been lingering over the years unexecuted. Usman on a visit to the port described it as very economically useful because of its strategic location. Noting that the seaport is close to the North-east, she said with the revival of the seaport, mineral deposits in the North would be exported abroad through the port.

She disclosed that efforts were being made to dredge the seaport to accommodate bigger vessels, adding that the management held a meeting with the Calabar Channel management on the issue. Already, the organisation has called for the hydrographic survey carried out in the past. She said that there was the critical need to resolve the issue to make the draught deeper. It was gathered that the resolve to ensure that the NPA fulfills its statutory obligation was based on earlier complaints by the terminal operators two years ago about lack of dredging of the berths/channels of their terminals in line with the advertised depth. The terminal operators told a ministerial committee that this was affecting bigger vessels from coming into the ports. The Board Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Adesoye, during a recent visit to the Calabar port with members, said dredging of the port was the only way bigger vessels can patronise the seaport. Adesoye said, ‘’It will be one of the greatest incentives for the port if the channel is navigable as it will attract bigger vessels and investors who are ready to do business with us and after the dredging has been done”.

Automation Perhaps, in keeping with modern trade trends, NPA has done well on its automation programme.

All its transactions have been electronic. This has made things easier for the consumers, particularly the terminal operators and shipping companies. The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) had recently commended the leadership of the authority for contributing immensely in facilitating trade in the country through automation. Bello, who spoke glowingly in favour of the agencies shortly before end of last year said its various automation programmes have made it easy for ports stakeholders. The automation programmes, he said, have made goods clearance at the ports easier and faster, a development he said, has addressed the nightmare which shippers suffered in the past.

Deep Seaports One of the efforts of the management in port development is the plan to establish three deep seaports in the country. The deep seaports are located in Lekki, Badagry and Akwa Ibom.

Usman said NPA was promoting the projects for the private investors to key into. She said the three projects would be of immense benefits to the nation’s economy. Both Lekki and Badagry deep seaports when established will address the issue of congestion on the Apapa ports. The Ibom port will on the other hand capture the eastern market.

Challenges Although, the management of NPA is determined to improve on the ports efficiency by carrying out infrastructure rehabilitation, development projects, among others, its biggest challenge would be the state of economic recession which has also affected the ports industry. Even with rice and vehicles importation now limited to the seaports, many believe that the difficulty in sourcing foreign exchange for importation has remained the main issue. Other challenges include the huge debts being owed the organisation by terminal operators.

The debt being owed by terminal operators is put at N191.80 billion, out of which only N500 million was recovered as at December last year. Some of the debts are as old as 10 years. The debts were from lease agreements and tenancy payments that have accrued over the years.

26

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 15, 2017

NIGERIA’S TOP 50 STOCKS BASED ON MARKET FUNDAMENTALS

AXA Mansard Insurance PLC: Investment income and profit on investment contracts greatly drive profitability

M

ansard Insurance Plc. is a member of the AXA Group, the worldwide leader in insurance and asset management with 157,000 employees serving 102 million clients in 56 countries. The company was incorporated in 1989 as a private limited liability company and is registered as a composite company with the National Insurance Commission of Nigeria (NAICOM). The Company offers life and non-life insurance products and services to individuals and institutions across Nigeria whilst also offering asset/investment management services, medical insurance solutions and pension fund administration through its three subsidiaries Mansard Investments Limited, Mansard Health Limited and Penman Pensions limited.

The company was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange in November 2009 and has Market Capitalization in excess of N31 billion thereby remaining the biggest insurance company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The company released its third quarter results, for the year period ended September 30th 2016, an impressive performance in both top-line and bottom-line earnings.

INCREASE IN GROSS PREMIUM DRIVES NET UNDERWRITING INCOME For the third quarter period ended September 2016, AXA Mansard reported an increase of 25.48% in gross premium written to N16.94 billion from N12.48 billion in the corresponding period of 2015, despite stiff competition in the Nigerian insurance sector with regards to the sales of various insurance packages and products. The significant growth in gross premium was driven by an increase of 22.04% in gross premium income to N15.23 billion in September 2016 from N12.48 billion in September 2015. However, reinsurance expenses also grew by 31.09% to N6.78 billion from N5.17 billion over the period.

Despite the increase in reinsurance expenses, the strong growth in gross premium income resulted in a growth of 15.63% in net premium income to N8.45 billion from N7.31 year on year.

Furthermore, the company’s fee and commission income on insurance contracts decreased moderately by 1.87% to N728m in September 2016 from N742m in September 2015; however, net underwriting income for the period ended September 2016 grew by a significant 14.02% to N9.18 billion from N8.05 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

NEVERTHELESS, AXA MANSARD INSURANCE PLC DELIVERED AN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE DESPITE HARSH AND UNSTABLE BUSINESS TERRAIN

INCREASE IN UNDERWRITING EXPENSES WANES UNDERWRITING PROFIT The company’s gross claims expenses increased massively by 28.07% to N7.11 billion in September 2016 from N5.55 billion in September 2015 while claims expenses recovered from insurers also increased significantly by 32.58% to N1.80 billion from N1.36 billion over the period. Expectedly, net claims expenses also increased by 26.61% to N5.30 billion in the period ended September 2016 from N4.19 in the corresponding period of 2015. On the other hand, underwriting expenses increased by 12.07% to N1.54 billion from N1.38 billion over the period.

However, due to the significant rise in claims expenses and claims expenses recoverable, net underwriting expenses grew by 20.25% to N6.90 billion in September 2016 from N5.74 billion in September 2015. However, due to the higher expenses, the company’s underwriting profit decreased slightly to N2.28 billion in September 2016 from N2.31 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2015; reflecting a slight change of 1.47%.

INCREASED EXPENSES FAIL TO IMPEDE SURGE IN EARNINGS Finance cost for the period ended September 2016 rose slightly by 5.61% to N337m from N319m recorded in the corresponding period of 2015. However, other operating expenses increased by 7.93% to N1.47 billion from N1.36 billion over the period; despite the increase in operating expenses, pre-tax earnings increased substantially by 86.94% to N3.71 billion in September 2016 from N1.99 billion in September 2015.

Furthermore, income tax expense for the period ended September 2016 rose

to N673m from N209m in September 2015; net income also followed suit with a massive increase of 71.04% to N3.04 billion from N1.77 billion over the period.

Thus, the company’s net Income margin rose to 17.94% in September 2016 from 13.16% in September 2015 while pre-tax margins also rose to 21.92% from 14.71% over the period.

The company’s return on assets (ROA) grew slightly to 5.31% from 3.47% while its return on equity (ROE) also followed suit to increase to 16.95% from 10.21%%.

STRONG ASSET QUALITY The company’s balance sheet shows positive changes in total assets, net assets and total liabilities, as at September 2016, when compared to the corresponding period of 2015. Total assets grew by 11.78% to N57.24 billion in September 2016 from N51.21 billion in December 2015. The key drivers of the company’s total assets were a 127.15% increase in trade receivables to N1.56 billion from N686m, 48.70% increase in Reinsurance assets to N7.52 billion from N5.06 billion and a 42.18% rise in investment property to N13.09 billion from N9.21 billion in December 2015.

On the other hand, the company’s total liabilities shows a growth of 14.66% to N36.22 billion in the period ended September 2016 from N31.59 billion in December 2015. The key drivers of the increase in liabilities were an increase of 23.43% in insurance liabilities to N15.94 billion from N12.92 billion, and a 53.14% rise in trade payables to N2.51 billion from N1.64 billion during the year under review. Expectedly, the company’s net assets grew by 3.01% to N17.94 billion from N17.41 billion during the period under review.

WE RECOMMEND A HOLD Nevertheless, Axa Mansard Insurance Plc delivered an impressive performance despite harsh and unstable business terrain. The potential of the insurance sector in Nigeria remain relatively huge.

We believe that the Company’s management put in place an admirable structure in terms of compliance, customer acquisition, retention and capacity building to take advantage of the identified opportunities in the sector and towards delivery of efficient performance which strengthens earnings, income generation capacity and growth in liquidity base. This creates an opportunity where the company can deliver high level of product innovation,

Valuation Metrics 13-Jan-17 Recommendation

BUY

Target Price

1.65

Current Price (N)

1.60

Outstanding Shares (m)

10,500

Market Cap (N'm)

17,325

Rolling EPS (N)

0.28

Rolling PE Ratio

5.92

Forward EPS

0.33

Forward PE Ratio

5.02 Source: BGL Research

Q3 September 2016 unaudited Results Turnover (N’m)

16,942

Profit Before Tax (N’m)

3,714

Profit After Tax (N’m)

3,040

Pre-tax Margin (%)

21.92

Source: Company Data 2015 AC, BGL Research

2015 Full Year Audited Results Turnover (N’m)

16,574

Profit Before Tax (N’m)

2,023

Profit After Tax (N’m)

1,662

Pre-tax Margin (%)

12.21

Source: Company Data 2014 AC, BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Assur Africa Holdings Ltd

76.48

Public Float

23.52 Source: Company Data, BGL Research

operational excellence and create an opportunity for expansion, into other markets would boost performance significantly beyond current results.

Based on our review of the company’s financials, we revise our projected gross earnings and Net earnings to N20.02 billion and N2.92 billion respectively for financial year end 2016. This leads to a forward EPS of 0.33. Using a relative Price to Earnings Valuation (PE) and (NAV) Net Assets Valuation method, we arrive at a 3-month target price of N1.65.

Since this represents a downside potential of 3.13% on the current price, we therefore place a HOLD recommendation on AXA Mansard Insurance Plc shares.

27

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY 15, 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.

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

NON-INTEREST INCOME IMPACTS POSITIVELY ON TOP-LINE EARNINGS

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

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

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

The rise in non-interest income was driven mainly by other income which grew by an outstanding 229.68% and a 3.12% growth in trading income.

Unexpectedly, commission on turnover and credit related fees recorded declines of 15.08% in the 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 ninemonth 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.

Valuation Metrics 13-Jan-17 Rating

BUY

Target Price (N)

18.42

Current Price (N)

15.57

Market Cap (N'm)

440,493

Outstanding Shares (m) Rolling EPS (N)

3.91

Rolling PE Ratio

3.59x

Forward EPS

4.92

Forward PE

2.85x Source: NSE Data, BGL Research

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 nonperforming 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 nonperforming 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

31,396

Unaudited Third Quarter Results Gross Earnings (N'm)

380,352

Profit Before Tax (N'm) Profit After Tax (N'm) Pre-tax Margin (%)

121,275 100,074 31.88

Source: Company Data 2016, BGL Research

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

432,535 125,616 105,663 29.04

Source: Annual Report 2015, BGL Research

Shareholding Information Shareholders

% Holding

Jim Ovia, CON

9.38%

Stanbic Nominees Nigeria Limited/C011 - MAIN

7.38%

Stanbic Nominees Nigeria Limited/C002 - TRAD

7.24%

Stanbic Nominees Nigeria Limited/C001 - TRAD

5.75%

Free Float

70.25% Source: Annual Report 2015, BGL Research

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.

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 18.30% above the current price of N15.57.

28

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

MARKET NEWS

CSCS Plc Gains at OTC Market as Investors Increase Demand Goddy Egene The shares of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc rose significantly last week at the over-the-counter (OTC) market for unlisted securities operated by the NASD Plc. CSCS led the price gainers on the NASD OTC platform, rising 7.6 per cent from N5.55 to N5.97 per cent. Market analysts attributed the gains to investors’ renewed interest in the stock as they move to be partner owners.

A stockbroker told THISDAY that the renewed interest may not be unconnected with recent smooth leadership change at CSCS. Mr. Kyari Bukar resigned as the managing director of CSCS, ahead of his contract expiration to pursue other interests.

In his stead, Mr. Bola Adeeko was named as Interim Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company effective January 3, 2017. Adeeko has since

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

resumed. hands during this transition Commenting on the change period. The board is confident in leadership, Chairman of that Adeeko will serve CSCS CSCS, Mr. Oscar Onyema and its stakeholders well had said: “The board would during this interim period like to thank Mr. Bukar for as we search for a new CEO.” his service and wish him well In his comments, in his future endeavours. Bukar said: “I am grateful Mr. Adeeko is deeply to the board and the great familiar with the company’s team at CSCS for their strategy and leadership team, immeasurable support during which consists of highly my tenure. I am proud of accomplished capital market our collective achievements, thought leaders with long- which was made possible tenure in the business. We through vigorous pursuits believe CSCS is in strong of set goals over the years.

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 12-Jan-2017, unless otherwise stated.

I am particularly pleased that CSCS is in a very strong position for the future in the dynamic Nigerian capital market space.”

Also commenting, Adeeko said: “It is a great honour to have been asked by the board of CSCS to take on this interim role. I look forward to continuing the great work at CSCS as outlined by the board, by working with the management and staff of the company.”

Mr. Adeeko holds a Master

in Business Administration (MBA), majoring in Finance & Marketing from Hood College, Maryland (USA) and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Accounting from Ogun State University, Nigeria. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School at the executive education level. Mr. Adeeko is a lifetime member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria and a Board member of the IoD Centre for Corporate Governance.

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 129.29 Nigeria International Debt Fund 214.53 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.69 AIICO CAPITAL LTD Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price AIICO Money Market Fund ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name ARM Aggressive Growth Fund ARM Discovery Fund ARM Ethical Fund ARM Money Market Fund AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund AXA Mansard Money Market Fund CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Nigeria Global Investment Fund Paramount Equity Fund Women's Investment Fund FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name FBN Fixed Income Fund FBN Heritage Fund FBN Money Market Fund FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund

100.00

aaml@afrinvest.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 130.43 2.05% 214.61 0.36% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.70 -1.05% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

17.14%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.62 292.44 22.66

Offer Price 13.00 301.25 23.35

Yield / T-Rtn 2.20% 1.83% 1.45%

1.00

1.00

16.67%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 105.93

Offer Price 106.67

Yield / T-Rtn 0.80%

1.00 1.00 16.14% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.15 9.25 84.01

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 2.21 5.83% 9.49 -6.11% 86.16 3.57% invest@fbnquest.com

Bid Price 1,090.11 110.97 100.00 $103.89 $103.25

Offer Price 1,091.33 111.74 100.00 $104.10 $103.47

Yield / T-Rtn -0.02% -0.54% 15.00% -0.38% -0.31%

115.91

1.52%

114.36

FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Legacy Equity Fund 0.94 Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.58 FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Coral Growth Fund 2,187.95 Coral Income Fund 2,116.22 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Abacus Money Market Fund 1.00 Vantage Balanced Fund 1.69 Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.95 0.53% 2.58 0.44% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 2,212.49 -0.99% 2,116.22 0.57% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price 1.00 1.70 1.00

Yield / T-Rtn 17.20% 0.20% 15.72%

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 0.26% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,012.24 1,012.24 0.23% 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 9.83 9.91 1.74% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 15.98% 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 6.56% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.37 10.54 0.34% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.03% 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 108.46 109.34 6.52% 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 1.25 1.25 0.36% 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 1,836.36 1,846.63 0.28% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 153.83 153.83 -0.08% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.77 0.78 0.65% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 188.01 188.01 0.60% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 131.82 133.58 1.55% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.31% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,600.58 7,700.48 0.30% 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 1.11 1.13 8.56% United Capital Bond Fund 1.22 1.22 15.47% United Capital Equity Fund 0.66 0.68 -1.24% 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 9.84 10.01 2.21% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.19 11.30 2.58% Zenith Income Fund 16.78 16.78 1.56%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 124.03

1.01% 0.05%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.50 74.82

8.60 76.21

-3.17% -1.27%

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

2.73 6.86 11.86 15.41 125.54

2.77 6.94 11.96 15.61 127.54

-0.71% -2.40% -1.15% -3.36% -3.32%

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

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF

NOLLYWOOD

15.01.2017

30

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

,

COVER

Gov Ikpeazu and Okey Bakassi

CELEBRATING THE BEST OF NOLLYWOOD Nseobong Okon-Ekong captures the exciting moments of a reward platform that showcases homegrown creativity. Incidentally, its recent eight edition took place in Aba, a commercial city which shares a symbolic dynamism with Nollywood

T

he journey to Umuahia, capital of Abia State began early, particularly for many of us who travelled from Lagos. Expectedly, majority of guests heading to witness the 2016 edition of the Best of Nollywood Awards travelled out of Lagos, the assumed headquarters of the Nigerian movie industry, which is commonly known as Nollywood. The flight to Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri was smooth.

We arrived to waiting cars. As if on instruction, journalists flocked with their kind and the actors kept their own company. Even those who normally maintained acquaintance across board barely exchanged healthy courtesy and returned to their kindred. The floating wall of separation was beginning to sit pretty as the journalists and actors were not all quartered in the same hotel.

In the event that some of them had the privilege of sharing the same lodge and dining space, the unwritten rule of separation was observed. We had spent the first night in Umuahia which was initially advertised as the venue for the Best of Nollywood Awards 2016.

That night, the Lagos party invaded Umuahia and they would not go to bed.

Some of them wanted to go to a club.

It was Friday night. Others wanted an open type of entertainment with a live band. Somewhere in-between the carousing word filtered out that the ceremony had been moved to Aba, the infamous Nigerian city of commerce which continues to grow on its steam. It was a last minute decision by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to showcase this proud heritage. A source said this was due to the non-readiness of the international events centre being constructed by the

Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu-led government. Of course, this came with a huge logistical challenge. But it did not take the shine off the awards proper or debar movie stars and filmmakers for whom the award was being held from enjoying their day in the sun.

The change in city ensured that the ceremony started hours after schedule but this did not douse the palpable air of expectation and excitement hung thickly in the air.

It was debatable if many in the Lagos group would have preferred to remain in Umuahia, afterall, a few had settled in for one night and made acquaintances that they hoped to nurture for another night or two.

The drive to Aba was not particularly heartwarming. The hours before the awards were insignificant, many were holed up in their hotel rooms.

Similar time was wasted in Umuahia.

It was a period that the Abia State Government could have seized the privilege of showcasing the tourism and economic potentials in its two major cities to journalists from some of the leading media and popular Nollywood personalities, but this chance was lost.

The award proper at the Eldorado Events Centre, Aba opened on a hopeful note with Niran Adedokun, head of the jury, describing it as an evening to honour the resilient creative spirit of the Nigerian filmmaker. He harped on the difference between BON and other awards.

“This awards specifically aims at promoting the Nigerian cultural essence in movie making. This is why emphasis is placed on movies that are produced in the indigenous languages. We hope that more producers will come forward and venture into film in some languages

Pupular producer and director, Lancelot Imasuen (in Bini attire) to the cast and crew of a winning movie

other than Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba.

Our hope is that tonight’s honour will inspire greater passion and excellence in us. The creative industry is a fertile ground for governments and investors to sow in Nigeria, more especially in the period that our nation gravely needs to diversify. This jury hopes that our state governments especially will look at ways to raise the revenue profile of their states by investing in this industry.”

According to Adedokun over 120 movies and 1000 practitioners were assessed, out of which 40 movies from 100 practitioners were nominated. After his speech, he handed over an envelope containing the jury’s decisions to the prime-mover of the awards, Mr. Seun Oloketuyi.

Dressed in a floral shirt made in his beloved Aba, Governor Ikpeazu was one of the earliest arrivals at the event. And he took time on the red carpet backslapping and hugging the guests that milled round him. Without further ado, Segun Arinze, the artistic director for BON Awards, signaled the commencement of the event and introduced Okey Bakassi as host.

Curiously, Mercy Aigbe, who was announced as co-host failed to show up.

In spite of that, Okey Bakassi held fort perfectly and professionally and kept the show in perspective while ensuring there was no dull moment all through.

Homegrown rapper, Ruffcoin, gave the audience a foretaste of what was to come with his performance that got the governor singing and clapping along while comedian, Funnybone, took the event to a different level. Rapper cum singer, Skales closed the event with a pulsating performance that had everybody on their feet. For filmmaker, Fidelis Duker, who incidentally, started

his career in Nollywood from Pound Road, Aba, his Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Governor Ikpeazu was instructive. He said, “I remember with nostalgia that my first film titled ‘Skeleton’ (in Igbo Language) produced 23 years ago and how I went to the popular Pound Road, Aba, searching for a distribution deal. However, fast forward 23years later, I return to Aba to be honoured with a special recognition award for my contribution to the development and growth of Nollywood.” Duker dedicated the award to his late mum who raised the initial N3,000 he needed then to commence his foray into the makebelieve world.

But the biggest winner of the night was Something Wicked which won in six out of the 13 categories it got nominations; Movie with the Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (English), Best Supporting Actress (English), Movie of the Year, Director of the Year and Best Kiss in a Movie.

According to the producer, Okey Uzoeshi, also a fast rising actor, “It’s hard to believe that my first project could do all this. Thank God and everyone who has supported this journey. It can only get better.” The best actor gong went to Alex Ekubo while Judith Audu won in the Best Actress category for her self-produced movie, Just not Married, which got multiple nominations. Toyin Aimaku and Yomi Fabiyi won the Best Actor (Male and Female) Yoruba for their roles in Fabiyi’s ‘Metomi’.

In his short speech, the governor lauded the organisers for the initiative reiterating once again the global appeal and importance of Nollywood for being the largest employer of youths

JANUARY 15, 2017 • T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

31

COVER

L-R: Judith Audu, Daniel K. Daniel and Jumoke Odetola

HOMEGROWN RAPPER, RUFFCOIN, GAVE THE AUDIENCE A FORETASTE OF WHAT WAS TO COME WITH HIS PERFORMANCE THAT GOT THE GOVERNOR SINGING AND CLAPPING ALONG WHILE COMEDIAN, FUNNYBONE, TOOK THE EVENT TO A DIFFERENT LEVEL. RAPPER CUM SINGER, SKALES CLOSED THE EVENT WITH A PULSATING PERFORMANCE THAT HAD EVERYBODY ON THEIR FEET. FOR FILMMAKER, FIDELIS DUKER, WHO INCIDENTALLY, STARTED HIS CAREER IN NOLLYWOOD FROM POUND ROAD, ABA, HIS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTED BY GOVERNOR IKPEAZU WAS INSTRUCTIVE and the third contributor to Nigeria’s GDP while admonishing practitioners to ensure that their messages should be more positive. He likened Nollywood to Aba for striking out on its own and retaining its own originality.

“Nollywood shares this can-do, neversay-die spirit with Aba. Be it in shoemaking or any aspect of commerce, our strength lies in our people. The shirt I am wearing was made in Aba and I wear it proudly. We can no longer

hide. Whether they like it or not, we are proudly Aba forever!” He announced a N10 million endowment for any movie that would find an appropriate location in Abia State, while challenging local government chairmen at the event to identify locations in Abia that can be showcased to the world.

In the excitement of different activities, Ikpeazu offered to make three made-in-Aba dresses for each journalist and Nollywood personality from Lagos.

Omowunmi Dada, Winner, Best Kiss

32

SUNDAY JANUARY 15, 2017 T H I S D AY

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Finishing strong - Ministry, marriage, family

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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 •

nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com

Isale Eko: A Lagos Story of Romance, Intrigues

U

-

untapped. He decried the neglect of the tourism sector by both private and public sector operators especially at this time of harsh economic realities. He averred to the strong believe in the potentials of home grown tourism in attracting the necessary international attention working with the ever growing entertainment sector which this year hit N1billion in box office receipts.

With a 60-man cast and crew, Isale Eko will aggressively redefine the way we see ourselves. It will forcefully realign us with our rich heritage, our culture, our story telling, our people and our music. It will tie the strings of unity with the portrayal of the abiding link between our people, who though different in tongue have been brought together by history and cultural ties over time. Dances from all over the country would evolve on stage with a beautiful tie in to the story, making Isale Eko a must watch to the over one million targeted viewing audience spread over Lagos and the UK.

sing a mix of modern day music and pop culture, the story of ancient Lagos is told with the flair only a talented writer and stage director, William Benson.

Some of the most iconic actors like Jide Kosoko, Patrick Doyle, Abiola Atanda popularly known as Madam Kofo have signed up to be part of this production.

Others that have been approached and would soon be joining the cast include the very beautiful Adesuwa Etomi fresh from her box office smash, ‘The Wedding Party’ and the very much sought after, RIchard Mofe-Damijo whose good image has been recently through the Opa Williams film ‘The Three Wise Men’.

Isale Eko tells the story of Lagos in a way that has never been told. It leans lightly on historical facts while placing a fictional romance in the story, giving it it’s needed depth and comedic twists and turns. It is a story that will drive into the audience a rash of emotions as they would cry at the seeming tragedy that befalls Akitoye a leading protagonist, laugh at the comedic turn of Madam Tinubu as she strategically plays a balancing act between the warring Akitoye and Kosoko ruling families and then get touched by the wonderful romance between the aggressive yet soft Kosoko who finds a Bini damsel too ‘hot’ to resist. All these would be served to the audience with the sweet sounds of modern day Nigerian love songs allowing the audience to swallow this appetizing feast with the ease.

Isale Eko is the acknowledged downtown homestead of the indigenes of Lagos which now spreads across different communities with a variegated heritage of over 400 years in Central Lagos.

Executive Producer of the play Olisa Adibua said he believes that Lagos being the famed Centre of Excellence and Isale Eko deserve to be celebrated in this manner. To the producers, Isale Eko remains the bowl of our civilization, with its early contact with the Europeans. It is the womb that gave birth to what is today known as modern Lagos and as such its story and history must be preserved and celebrated in all its glory.

Already a British team of producers led by leading PR firm Coco Orange and frontline Nigerian-born British entertainment entrepreneur, Tola Ogunbola are working on staging the production in the UK in

November. The idea behind the UK show is to take an authentic story and heritage to the over two million second generation Nigerians who do not have any idea of their heritage or their story with a view to triggering inward tourism. By raising such awareness, there is possibility of pitching Lagos on the international tourism map using these Nigerians as the first trigger.

The producers of Isale Eko are also using the play as a ‘pull factor’ in these times of ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ campaign to boost international tourism into Lagos in particular and Nigeria in general thereby helping to broaden the revenue base of government with this inflow. For this reason, the producers have strategically placed and made mention of cultural sites in the play. Places like the Bight of Benin, the Palace of the Oba of Lagos, the Badagry Slave Port and a host of other interesting cultural sites have been sporadically mentioned in the play.

A media tour of Lagos by a team of mainstream UK-based journalists is being organized to take place at the same time the

play is being staged at the MUSON this Easter. The Media team would not only watch the production but would spend five days visiting interesting cultural sites and also visit the office of the Executive Governor of Lagos state and the Oba of Lagos in his Palace which would be getting more than passing mention during the production.

The producers of Isale Eko have also announced a working relationship with Ripples Nigeria, an influential online news media.

Ripples Nigeria would be supporting Isale Eko especially as it strives to reach our leaders in preaching the values of cohesion, unity and much more importantly the need to look inward by boosting the country’s tourism potentials.

Sam Ibeneme its Editor-in-Chief explained that Ripples Nigeria’s involvement with the Production and alluded to the fact that our heritage as Nigerians remains largely

INTRODUCING DREAM WEDDING Nigeria’s Largest Wedding Exhibition is set to give another couple, Toyosi Ilupeju and Wole Makinwa the wedding of their dream for free. Come February 14 the WED sponsored wedding will hold with a grand reception at the new prestigious Balmoral Convention Center, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The WED Dream Wedding is an initiative of WED Expo – Nigeria’s Largest Wedding Exhibition and it is a contest that gives a lucky couple the wedding of their dreams by bringing together industry leaders and top experts in different fields to make the

wedding free.

“This wedding promises to be the wedding of 2017 as only the best in different fields have been chosen to be part of the dream team.” Said the CEO of WED Expo, Mr Akin Eso. The birth of the WED Dream Wedding is an indication that Valentine’s Day will not be the same again. The WED Dream Wedding is an impossible feat for an individual or a single company considering the expenses involved but the strategic partnership with Cakes

by Tosan for cakes, Make up by Banke Meshida-Lawal, Décor by Nwando Signature, Planning by IPC Events, Special Effects by Innovate Media, Lighting by

Nelson Jack, Desserts by CDF Desserts, AsoOke by Molbaks, Wedding Dress

by Nuraniya and Imani Swank Bridals, Suits by TaryorGabriels, Beads by HRM Signature, Grooms 2nd suit by Bankole Thomas, Brides 2nd dress by MsMakor, 3rd dress by WeizDhurm Franklyn, Hair

by TasalaHQ, Bridesmaids by Samuel Noon, Robes by Beryl Bridal, Cocktails

by APlus Drinks, Q Band, Music by DJ Poppaey and DJ Skillz, Event Stationery

by RadedPH, MC Alex Osho and Funny Prince, Photography by Euclase and Diko, Videography by LanreEsho Films and Wedding box Office, LED Furniture

by Décor Kobo, Website by Ribonds, Photobooth by Photogenic, secured by

Olisa Adibua Golden events solution and After Party Hosted by Bizzle - The Plug.

BEN AFFLECK’S MOVIE COMES TO NIGERIA ‘Live by Night’, a 2016 American crime drama film written, directed, co-produced by and starring Ben Affleck had its first private screening in Nigeria recently. Based on a 2012 novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane, the film revolves round the volcanic life of a World War 1 veteran, Joe Coughlin (Ben Affleck) who is caught up in a world of crime, gangsters, women and the government.

An impressive feature of the movie

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

57 nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com

Isale Eko: A Lagos Story of Romance, Intrigues

U

-

untapped. He decried the neglect of the tourism sector by both private and public sector operators especially at this time of harsh economic realities. He averred to the strong believe in the potentials of home grown tourism in attracting the necessary international attention working with the ever growing entertainment sector which this year hit N1billion in box office receipts.

With a 60-man cast and crew, Isale Eko will aggressively redefine the way we see ourselves. It will forcefully realign us with our rich heritage, our culture, our story telling, our people and our music. It will tie the strings of unity with the portrayal of the abiding link between our people, who though different in tongue have been brought together by history and cultural ties over time. Dances from all over the country would evolve on stage with a beautiful tie in to the story, making Isale Eko a must watch to the over one million targeted viewing audience spread over Lagos and the UK.

sing a mix of modern day music and pop culture, the story of ancient Lagos is told with the flair only a talented writer and stage director, William Benson.

Some of the most iconic actors like Jide Kosoko, Patrick Doyle, Abiola Atanda popularly known as Madam Kofo have signed up to be part of this production.

Others that have been approached and would soon be joining the cast include the very beautiful Adesuwa Etomi fresh from her box office smash, ‘The Wedding Party’ and the very much sought after, RIchard Mofe-Damijo whose good image has been recently through the Opa Williams film ‘The Three Wise Men’.

Isale Eko tells the story of Lagos in a way that has never been told. It leans lightly on historical facts while placing a fictional romance in the story, giving it it’s needed depth and comedic twists and turns. It is a story that will drive into the audience a rash of emotions as they would cry at the seeming tragedy that befalls Akitoye a leading protagonist, laugh at the comedic turn of Madam Tinubu as she strategically plays a balancing act between the warring Akitoye and Kosoko ruling families and then get touched by the wonderful romance between the aggressive yet soft Kosoko who finds a Bini damsel too ‘hot’ to resist. All these would be served to the audience with the sweet sounds of modern day Nigerian love songs allowing the audience to swallow this appetizing feast with the ease.

Isale Eko is the acknowledged downtown homestead of the indigenes of Lagos which now spreads across different communities with a variegated heritage of over 400 years in Central Lagos.

Executive Producer of the play Olisa Adibua said he believes that Lagos being the famed Centre of Excellence and Isale Eko deserve to be celebrated in this manner. To the producers, Isale Eko remains the bowl of our civilization, with its early contact with the Europeans. It is the womb that gave birth to what is today known as modern Lagos and as such its story and history must be preserved and celebrated in all its glory.

Already a British team of producers led by leading PR firm Coco Orange and frontline Nigerian-born British entertainment entrepreneur, Tola Ogunbola are working on staging the production in the UK in

November. The idea behind the UK show is to take an authentic story and heritage to the over two million second generation Nigerians who do not have any idea of their heritage or their story with a view to triggering inward tourism. By raising such awareness, there is possibility of pitching Lagos on the international tourism map using these Nigerians as the first trigger.

The producers of Isale Eko are also using the play as a ‘pull factor’ in these times of ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ campaign to boost international tourism into Lagos in particular and Nigeria in general thereby helping to broaden the revenue base of government with this inflow. For this reason, the producers have strategically placed and made mention of cultural sites in the play. Places like the Bight of Benin, the Palace of the Oba of Lagos, the Badagry Slave Port and a host of other interesting cultural sites have been sporadically mentioned in the play.

A media tour of Lagos by a team of mainstream UK-based journalists is being organized to take place at the same time the

play is being staged at the MUSON this Easter. The Media team would not only watch the production but would spend five days visiting interesting cultural sites and also visit the office of the Executive Governor of Lagos state and the Oba of Lagos in his Palace which would be getting more than passing mention during the production.

The producers of Isale Eko have also announced a working relationship with Ripples Nigeria, an influential online news media.

Ripples Nigeria would be supporting Isale Eko especially as it strives to reach our leaders in preaching the values of cohesion, unity and much more importantly the need to look inward by boosting the country’s tourism potentials.

Sam Ibeneme its Editor-in-Chief explained that Ripples Nigeria’s involvement with the Production and alluded to the fact that our heritage as Nigerians remains largely

INTRODUCING DREAM WEDDING Nigeria’s Largest Wedding Exhibition is set to give another couple, Toyosi Ilupeju and Wole Makinwa the wedding of their dream for free. Come February 14 the WED sponsored wedding will hold with a grand reception at the new prestigious Balmoral Convention Center, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The WED Dream Wedding is an initiative of WED Expo – Nigeria’s Largest Wedding Exhibition and it is a contest that gives a lucky couple the wedding of their dreams by bringing together industry leaders and top experts in different fields to make the

wedding free.

“This wedding promises to be the wedding of 2017 as only the best in different fields have been chosen to be part of the dream team.” Said the CEO of WED Expo, Mr Akin Eso. The birth of the WED Dream Wedding is an indication that Valentine’s Day will not be the same again. The WED Dream Wedding is an impossible feat for an individual or a single company considering the expenses involved but the strategic partnership with Cakes

by Tosan for cakes, Make up by Banke Meshida-Lawal, Décor by Nwando Signature, Planning by IPC Events, Special Effects by Innovate Media, Lighting by

Nelson Jack, Desserts by CDF Desserts, AsoOke by Molbaks, Wedding Dress

by Nuraniya and Imani Swank Bridals, Suits by TaryorGabriels, Beads by HRM Signature, Grooms 2nd suit by Bankole Thomas, Brides 2nd dress by MsMakor, 3rd dress by WeizDhurm Franklyn, Hair

by TasalaHQ, Bridesmaids by Samuel Noon, Robes by Beryl Bridal, Cocktails

by APlus Drinks, Q Band, Music by DJ Poppaey and DJ Skillz, Event Stationery

by RadedPH, MC Alex Osho and Funny Prince, Photography by Euclase and Diko, Videography by LanreEsho Films and Wedding box Office, LED Furniture

by Décor Kobo, Website by Ribonds, Photobooth by Photogenic, secured by

Olisa Adibua Golden events solution and After Party Hosted by Bizzle - The Plug.

BEN AFFLECK’S MOVIE COMES TO NIGERIA ‘Live by Night’, a 2016 American crime drama film written, directed, co-produced by and starring Ben Affleck had its first private screening in Nigeria recently. Based on a 2012 novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane, the film revolves round the volcanic life of a World War 1 veteran, Joe Coughlin (Ben Affleck) who is caught up in a world of crime, gangsters, women and the government.

An impressive feature of the movie

58

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

ENTERTAINMENT is its peerless cast which include Elle Fanning, Brendan Gleeson, Chris Messina, Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana and Chris Cooper and follows an Ybor City bootlegger who becomes a notorious gangster.

The film has all the good feelings of an ‘old school’ movie while giving us a taste of what heaven looks like as seen in one of the scenes in the movie where a car was cruising in a place that can only be described as heaven.

Lauded by the selected guests at the private screening, the movie will debut in Nigeria’s cinemas on Friday, January 20, 2017.

Impressed by the exceptional storyline and positive reaction from the audience, Blue Picture’s CEO, Joy Ilibeno-Odiete said “We had always known that the audience would love this film but we didn’t envisage that the love would be this overwhelming. I am so happy right now and this shows how great this movie would do when it hits the cinemas across Nigeria on Friday, January 20, 2017.”

WILL SMITH GRAPPLES WITH GRIEF Collateral Beauty, a psychological movie that explores the essence of love, time and death shows a very griefstricken Will Smith grappling with the loss of his daughter.

Smith played the character, Howard, a creative, charismatic, advertising executive who spends lots of time writing letters, not to people but to “things” as a means of therapy. When his notes bring unexpected personal responses, he begins to understand how these constants interlock in a life fully lived and how even the deepest loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty.

His realisation of the essence was spurred by his colleagues, who in a desperate move to save the advertising

The wedding couple company hired actors to portray Death, Love and Time in an effort to show that Smith’s character has gone off the rails. In sum, his peers strive to steal the company away from him. Through it all, Smith’s character has some heart-toheart conversations with Death, Time and Love.

While the movie dwells heavily on the emotional and psychological side of life, comical relief is provided by the bubbly thespian Helen Mirren who played Death.

At the end of the day, Smith was not the only recipient of the collateral beauty but his colleagues as well as the paid actors.

Directed by David Frankel, the film

features an ensemble cast of Will Smith, Edward Norton, Keira Knightley, Michael Pena, Naomie Harris, Jacob Latimore and Kate Winslet.

Its first private screening at Genesis Deluxe Cinema, The Palms, Lekki, Lagos in December 2016 witnessed a large turnout of people ranging from filmmakers, distributors of the movie to the average movie goer.

CEO of Blue Pictures, Mrs. Joy IlibenoOdiete said, “I am hopeful audiences will discover this terrific film that is well done and uplifting and has a great message of hope and connection.”

The movie is currently showing in cinemas across the country

Joseph Edgar

Big Brother Nigeria Returns with ex-Housemate as Host Media personality, Ebuka ObiUchendu has been announced as host for Big Brother Naija reality TV show.

The former housemate in Big Brother Nigeria show back in 2006 will make a re-appearance at the reality show’s revival but this time as the host. The lawyer turned media personality with his infectious laugh and charismatic persona will usher the housemates into the Big Brother Naija house and will take up the task of announcing the evictees week-after-week.

“We are particularly excited to have Ebuka as host of Big Brother Naija.

This was the platform that unearthed his potentials and propelled him to stardom”, said John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria.

In just less than a decade, Ebuka has risen to become one of the most loved and admired personalities in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Ebuka’s hosting gigs include Friend or Foe on NTA, the GLO Show, also on NTA, as well as Guinness’ Greatness TV. He is currently the host of Rubbin’ Minds, a youth-focused TV show on Channels television. While on EbonyLife TV on DStv channel 165, he is one of the cohosts of The Spot, a show that combines a bit of reality TV with talk show and sitcom, and more recently, Men’s Corner, a talk show with an all-male ensemble who strongly air their opinions on a range of topical issues.

Big Brother Naija reality show starts Sunday, 22 January at 7pm and will run for 11 weeks on all DStv packages on channel 198 and GOtv Plus on channel

Ebuka with wife, Cynthia

29.

BBN, a spinoff of Big Brother Africa, created an easy entry point for the housemates to make easy inroads into Nollywood. Beside its entertainment value, BBN also provided an opportunity for the ex-housemates to pursue their ambitions.

After a 10-year hiatus, the popular reality TV show is making a comeback, and is now brandedBig Brother Naija, sponsored by PayPorte, Nigeria’s online store. Days after its launch, throngs of youths took to the BBN portal to register for the re-invented BBN which promises to create fun and exciting moments.

Managing Director, MultiChoice

Nigeria, John Ugbe, speaking on the return of the show, said this is another remarkable way of delighting customers through enhancement of the company’s product offerings. “The addition of BBN to our content is a demonstration of our commitment to consistently meet the needs of our customers through innovative, qualitative and varied content available on DStv platforms.”

The BBN auditions took place simultaneously in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. Thousands of youth besieged the audition venues to have a chance of being selected to compete for the star prize worth N25 million and a KIA Sorento car. Twelve housemates will slug it out by showcasing their best

selves, while also avoiding possible eviction by voters.

Before their gracious entry into the house, a few of the contenders shared their experiences after making it through the first stage of the audition.

It was a tale of excitement, fun, anxiety and passion. The auditions were marked by displays of unique fashion, weird hairstyles, exceptional beauty and allure from the youths who were all eager to make it into the house.

Okon Emmanuel, an undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, who was auditioned in Lagos, said: “This is one of the best auditions I have attended in recent times. The screening process is both transparent and fair as we were called in groups and interviewed in the presence of other contenders. I am excited that I am able to make it to the second stage.”

Jessica Mbajuka, a film graduate from Anambra State, who is based in South Africa but flew into Nigeria for the Lagos audition, said “The return of the TV reality show is a unique opportunity for me to showcase my talent and make myself more relevant to my country.

“I was extremely excited when I got wind of the BBN audition through my younger sister. As a film graduate from a university in Johannesburg, it was an opportunity to tell the rest of the world that Nigerians are immensely talented. From what I have seen today and my interactions with a few of the contenders, I believe Nigeria is Africa’s hub for great talents,” she said.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R • JANUARY 15, 2017

59

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Ava DuVernay Ba

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Mariah Carey

Seven Entertainers to Watch in 2017 Vanessa Obioha BEYONCE The 35 year-old singer had a Lemonade year in 2016, scooping awards and making history as the first artiste to be nominated in the rock, pop, R&B and rap categories of the Grammys in the same year. Janet Jackson and Paul McCartney had been nominated in these categories but not in the same year. Beyonce clinched a total number of nine nominations at the 2017 Grammys, setting a record for the most nominated woman in the history of Grammy. Will she continue her winning streak at the music event coming up in February?

Another aspect of her that is worthy of observation is how she will keep up with her campaign for feminism and Black Lives Matter, considering the volatile views of president-elect, Donald Trump on such matters. Will her voice be cowered or rise above the hatred?

KIM KARDASHIAN Social media queen has definitely upped her game in the new year. Instead of satisfying the insatiable lust of her fans with flashy diamonds, expensive designer wears and seductive birthday suits, Kim decided to look inwardly to keep her brand relevant in the online space. Tongues wagged when she suddenly disappeared from social media following the Paris robbery in October 2016. Accusing fingers blamed the celebrity for bringing the ugly incident upon herself due to her ostentatious lifestyle on social media. Her husband’s hospitalisation and rumours of split in her marriage ignited more buzz on Kim’s Omerta.

But all that negative reactions changed the moment she posted a video of her happy family on Instagram this new year. In the video was a new Kim who wasn’t baring her body for all to see or displaying her latest fashion fantasy. Even her husband was not ranting.

With that homely video,

Kim won back the hearts of her fans and haters too. Maybe, it’s all part of her publicity strategy as Vanessa Friedman argued in New York Times, to make us believe that we are seeing more, a happy family behind all the gloss and rumours, whereas we are seeing what they actually want us to see.

Will 2017 see the end of the flamboyant lifestyle of the glamorous reality and social media celebrity?

KANYE WEST In his wife’s first Instagram video of the year, controversial rapper looked tamed and ready to embrace a new life. It all looked too good to be true that Kanye will abstain from controversies. He made headlines last year with his ‘Famous’ hit where he threw a shade at pop singer Taylor Swift. “He made her famous”, he sings on the song. In addition, his video which content displayed a motley group of ce-

Beyonce

lebrities sleeping on the same bed made headlines. But the climax of his rumpus was his rant at one of his tours that led to hospitalisation. Will Kanye West stay out of trouble this year? Will he find a new pet or will he still keep Taylor Swift on a leash?

DRAKE Will the Canadian rapper finally settle down in 2017? He’s been linked to many women including Tennis star, Serena Williams, Tyra Banks, and his on-andoff relationship with singer, Rihanna.

Recently, Jennifer Lopez was added to the list. The rumour of their relationship started last Christmas and the pair spent the New Year Eve together. The veracity of their relationship is still unclear since J-Lo is promoting her upcoming album.

Not a few think it’s all a publicity stunt.

Perhaps, Drake may finally pop the question to J-Lo or any other damsel he fancies this year. Who knows.

MARIAH CAREY Mariah Carey started the new year with headlines. Her poor live performance at the Time Square’s New Year’s Eve celebration cast a gloom on her music career. Her futile defense so far worked against her and critics are having a field day making vile remarks and commentar-

ies about her performance and career.

How will she bounce back to positive fame?

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA 2016 was a year for the ‘Hamilton’ creator. He dominated the Tony Awards and went on to scoop other awards and gain more nods including the American Film Institute Award. He is one of Oscars favourites. Certainly, Lin-Manuel Miranda will have a fantastical 2017.

AVA DUVERNAY The Selma director made history last year when she became the first woman of colour to direct a live-action film worth over a $100m. The film is a Disney production entitled ‘A Wrinkle in Time’.

She also directed the Netflix documentary ‘13th’ adjudged as one of the best films of 2016. What other ceilings will DuVernay shatter in 2017?

RYAN REYNOLDS If all things go as planned, Ryan Reynolds may get his wish to have a Deadpool and Wolverine team-up film. His persistence to make Hugh Jackman still wear his claws seems to be working as Jackman is harbouring second thoughts on retirement. Jackman had earlier hinted that he will hang his claws after the latest flick ‘Logan’, but Reynolds is bent on changing his mind. However, for the Deadpool star who recently earned a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it is an expansion of his career. And who knows, he may fill in the shoes of Jackman’s Wolverine, that is, if the latter retires.

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Onoshe

Nwabuikwu

airtimeplus98@gmail.com

76

Mofe-Damijo

T

The Return of RMD

oday everywhere you turn, you are bound to bump into Richard MofeDamijo, RMD. Or so it seems. Either on billboards promoting telecoms company Glo as its ambassador. Or any of his new projects. He is on Television as Bem Tsenugo HRH (his royal hotness) and head of House Of Tsenugo (HOT). All this is happening on Africa Magic’s Hush (dstv channel 151, 8 pm, weekdays). Of course, you can’t escape him at the cinemas. This week alone, he is in The Wedding Party, The Three Wise Men, Dinner.

And I’m sure a cinema somewhere is still running Oloibiri, The Grudge…

Not to mention the many other projects ‘Coming Soon’. It’s officially raining/reigning RMD and must be the RMD Season!

Richard Mofe-Damijo is a Theatre Arts graduate from the University of Benin. He also has a Law degree from the University of Lagos. He’s been a journalist, actor, publisher, PR consultant and in recent past a political appointee/politician.

But as far as his entry into the national limelight is concerned, he came into national consciousness

sometime in late 80s (through to the early 90s) in his role in the Amaka Igwe directed TV series Checkmate as Segun Kadiri. He would go on to ‘blow’ as the slang goes with the birth of Nollywood in films like Violated (1996), Out Of Bounds, Hostages (1997) and Diamond Ring (1998) and others too many to list here. All that culminated in an Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA, Best Actor Award in 2005.

Then politics came calling. Talk of leaving the stage with a bang. First as a special adviser to the then Delta State Governor Uduaghan and later commissioner for Culture and Tourism.

All this is interesting. One, that RMD unlike many an entertainer turned politician chose to return to acting after many years. Never mind that he always said he didn’t quit acting. Still, the seeming seamlessness of it all especially when you consider that the man/the brand is arguably bigger than ever, is noteworthy.

How did this happen? I don’t have a sure answer. But do not dismiss this as something to be taken for granted. In these parts, we like

to make such random declarations like: “What do you expect? He is a Theatre Arts graduate. A graduate!”

Or any version to this effect. Not many would be willing to dig deeper, to see what that person may have done right. We like accidental or ‘un-explain-able’ reasons.

Anything but.

I’m sure we know a few graduates, well-trained and all, who can’t get it right? In fact, that very fact may be the reason-the fact that they are graduates, have degrees, experience-they’re stranded. Who knows, they may even be veterans.

Perhaps consider themselves too good. In Nigeria, it isn’t that difficult to think yourself better than whatever is available.

So, there must be something Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo is doing right.

It might be as mundane as good old humility judging by his willingness to take direction from much younger directors while some people are still stuck in ‘the good old days’. Not that his talent is in question. But without a platform to show it to the rest of the world, it’s useless.

Well, now we can say for sure: RMD is back!

Keeping Up with the Joneses Director: Greg Mottola Starrring: Zach Galifianakis, Isla Fisher, Jon Hamm, Gal Gadot.

The Joneses Tim (Jon Hamm), a travel writer and his ultra glamorous wife Natalie, a social media consultant, cooking blog writer plus the improbable tale of being a champion for Sri Lankan orphans have just moved into an otherwise quiet neighbourhood in the suburbs.

They blend into the neighbourhood as a lit lamp in a dark room.

Naturally, next door neighbours Jeff Gaffney (Zach Galifianakis) and his wife Karen (Isla Fisher)

are curious. Soon enough Karen discovers that the Joneses aren’t who they claim to be. And she has enough free time, what with their kids away to camp, to prove her worst fears right. And you can guess that the Gaffneys’ supposedly boring life gets an injection of excitement. Except that Isla Fisher as Karen Gaffney is no dowdy suburban housewife.

Switch costumes and she won’t have such a hard time keeping up with Mrs Jones.

Keeping Up With The Joneses is a lightweight action film (at best) which just happens to have one

funny man (Zach Galifianakis) in it.

But even a funny man needs a ‘funny’ script to act out to come out funny.

And some. For a film to qualify to be described as comedy as Keeping Up With Joneses is, you need a generally funny storyline. Plugging in a comedian doesn’t light up a film with rib cracking laughter.

Keeping Up With The Joneses may be a lot of things. But funny isn’t one of those things. Except for diehard fans of Galifianakis who may want to Keep Up With His Weight Loss (thus far), Keeping Up With The Joneses is more like Keep Off The Joneses!

Director: Izu Ojukwu Starring: Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme,Adonijah Owiriwa, Daniel K Daniel, Ibinabo Fiberesima.

Captain Joseph Dewa (Ramsey Nouah) is an otherwise patriotic solider wrongfully roped into a failed coup d’etat in 1976. Historically, there was a famously failed but bloody coup d’etat in Nigeria in 1976. However even though much of this is fictitious, Captain Dewa’s tribulations as an accused coup plotter was no fiction.

Being in the wrong place could end up with an unlucky officer facing the firing squad. Now, in this age with the noise about human rights, many people may find it difficult to understand how just being in the company of a fellow officer implicated in a coup attempt could automatically make that person culpable with almost no chance to prove innocence.

76 isn’t just a military movie. It deals with the intricate play involved in the expression of human emotions like love and betrayal.And the attendant impact. Most of this plays out through Capt. Dewa’s relationship with his wife Suzie (Rita Dominic) who is pregnant for most of the film. We also see that her family is not in support of their marriage.

To understand Suzie’s family’s position, the viewer would need to go back to the historical basis of 76.

1976, marked six years after the end of the Nigerian civil war. Loosely summarised, the war began because the Igbos, in the newly redefined South Eastern part of Nigeria, wanted out of Nigeria to live their own country Biafra. That demand came as a result of the killings of Igbos in the Northern part of Nigeria.And during the war, soldiers fighting for Nigeria especially those from the then Middle Belt region reportedly killed or presided over the killing of a good number of Igbos. Mind you, I’m not writing or re-writing any history. This is just to give you a background to the animosity that Suzie’s family exhibited towards Capt. Dewa. He is from the Middle Belt and Suzie is Igbo.

Anyhow, Suzie insists on standing by her man.

But something would happen to make her doubt his love for her: Is her Joe really a man that can be trusted? More importantly, is she the only woman in his life? Then who isAngie? Just how far would a woman who feels scorned go?

To answer these questions, you’ll obviously need to see the film-76. I know there’s already been a lot of noise about 76. So, it’s unlikely you would have missed news about it. But for those who think 76 is a historical rehash of the 1976 coup attempt, this is an opportunity to clarify that it isn’t.

What 76 is, is a story of love, of envy, of betrayal.

I may have already said that. The film grows on you because of its believability. Some of this comes from its environment and the fact that it was shot on location in an actual barracks, etc. But largely, it’s the actors in 76 who carry the film. Ramsey Nouah and Rita Dominic successfully interpret their roles.

Somewhere in there is an almost unrecognisable Daniel K. Daniel who fits into his role as a lower ranked soldier.

And even the actors I come off disliking, I recognise later that it may just be because they portray their characters so believably.

T H I S D AY SUNDAY JANUARY 15, 2017

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ARTS & REVIEW A

PUBLICATION

TOBI SMART-COLE FOLLOWING IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS

TEN YEARS AFTER, FRACTURES RETURNS TO LAGOS PAGE 66

15.01.2017

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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• THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

ARTS & REVIEW\\PHOTOGRAPHY

TOBI SMART-COLE FOLLOW IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEP

Far from the regular label of “a chip-off-the-old-block”, Tobi Smart-Cole’s blossoming career in p opened a window of conversations on peddling a family trade. Yinka Olatunbosun reports

H

is father’s name is in itself a top brand in photography. For Tobi Smart Cole, a personal venture into photography is not an attempt at continuing a family tradition. It’s like an expedition to ascertain the shape of the earth some centuries ago where the early discoverers found themselves back at the same port of departure where their voyage had begun.

Tobi, son of the legendary Nigerian photographer, Sunmi Smart-Cole, didn’t set out to be a photographer.

Interestingly, his father didn’t try to persuade him to do otherwise. After his secondary school education at the International School, University of Lagos, young Tobi relocated with his family to the United States of America in 2003 and attended Montgomery College. His family moved around various cities while in the US so he had to change schools occasionally. He went from Maryland to New York and returned to Baltimore. Once, he was at the City University of New York which had different campuses with different names. His first choice in course of study at the campus called Queen’s College was Computer Information Systems.

“I was so interested in computers since I was a child and I was very skilled at computers,’’ he recounted.

“I believe I have a God-given talent at computers. I changed my major when I got to New York. In America, it is very easy to do that. It is not like Nigeria.

You can change as many times as possible. There was even a time when I changed it to Hebrew language and culture,’’ he said.

Till now, he couldn’t fathom why he did so but the repository of knowledge that he possesses is of immeasurable value. For instance, he took classes in art history and appreciation, which provides a good background for his profession which began officially in 2009, a year after he returned to Nigeria.

At Baltimore City Community College, where he changed his major to Business management and took classes in Business Writing as well as Mathematics, he began his own business of selling computers and mobile phones.

For him, the educational system in the US allowed for self-discovery and so did his father.

When a family vacation to UK was planned, Tobi and his brother received the gift of cameras from their father to capture the beautiful moments. Invariably, his father put the work tool in his hand without much ado.

“I didn’t want to practise photography for personal reasons. It was later on that I developed interest. I made a presentation at school based on the first book that my father wrote. The class seemed very interested in my dad’s work because the collection had a lot of interesting pictures that featured public figures such as Nelson Mandela.

The instructor then was very interested in the work and began talking about

Works of Tobi Smart-Cole organizing an exhibition for my dad. But that didn’t happen. Perhaps I didn’t take it very serious, though I told my dad about it,’’ he recalled.

During the UK holiday, he took some interesting pictures of statues at Hyde Park and people at their everyday chores. Even with his professional eye, he assessed his early photography as “very good’’. Upon his return to Nigeria, he enrolled at the University of Lagos to study Geography and toyed with the idea of photography. He asked his father to lend one of his cameras to him but the father bought a professional camera for him. Seeing that he was unable to use the

gadget, he instructed one of his employees to guide his son.

“The camera was a very professional one. While I was learning, I felt this joy inside of me. Mr. Muyiwa, the son of I.K. Dairo, taught me how to use the camera.

He is a mentor to a lot of people such as Kelechi Amadi Obi. Right now, he is in the US practising his photography,’’ he revealed.

As a very devout Christian, Tobi prayed to God about his foray into photography. Coupled with his love of nature, he sought a new path for himself. Though his father is usually, if not erroneously, dubbed as a celebrity

photographer, his works cover a wide variety of themes. Tobi’s penchant for environmental themes provides a surge of energy running through his latest body of works.

“I see God in nature. There is order and tranquility in nature. I enjoy watching nature; it is like an escape for me from noise and urban civilization. I have been studying the work of Ansel Adams. He took a lot beautiful landscapes pictures in black and white and he was a very good photographer. He is regarded as one of the best photographers,’’ he said.

Some of Tobi’s works had been published in THISDAY and MEDIA REVIEW

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER •

WING EPS MAGAZINE. Part of his dream is to see them in National Geographic. Even as a child, he was reading it. He would collect insects and put them in a jar filled with sand. He even kept a chameleon but later released it into the garden.

“Maybe, I couldn’t take care of it,” he said, reflecting on his childhood days.

It is inevitable that sometimes, Tobi is judged by his father’s standards. But he is not bothered. Rather, his focus is on developing his video artistry while keeping abreast of the latest trends in photography. He revealed that many international photographers have returned to the use of film photography which has some unique picture quality that digital method cannot match.

After watching his short videos on his mobile device, while crunching the plantain chips served by his pleasantlooking wife, this reporter asked how Tobi is able to cover fresh grounds in nature photography without the attraction of other lucrative aspects of photography.

“Nature photography requires a lot of travelling to get closer to nature. I have not been travelling a lot lately,’’ he said. His new video titled, “Revelation” is an artist’s statement against the gradual cultural erosion caused by urban development. Tobi considers video art as a way of expressing self and communicating artistically just the same way a painter expresses his thoughts through his works.

“Before I went into video art, I was working on project called the Kids’ chef project with Mr. Mike Ijiekpe who is the head of the project. It is about using culinary skills to improve learning in children. The performance of children at examinations has become worse.

We are trying to promote the learnercentred pedagogy in Nigerian educational system. Ghana has adopted this method for over three decades so you can see how far behind we are. That was when I started working on videos.

I have been doing the editing and I have also been the director of photography for the project,’’ he said.

When Video Art Network and Goethe institute organised a workshop for video artists in Lagos, Tobi was one of the selected participants who tapped freely from the stream of experienced video artists. Right now, he is training over 15 photographers every month on how to refine their skills in communities around his Akute residence.

Tobi believes that art should be a tool for reorientation. Hence, his works are always centred on social issues such as corruption, tribalism, climate change and other issues affecting humanity.

“When immigration was at its peak in America from Europe, it became a subject for photographers who documented the poor living conditions of immigrants.

Art helps to draw attention to important issues. I specialise in industrial, architectural and food photography in my commercial work. Since photography has been approved by the government to be taught in schools, I also teach photography in private schools,’’ he said.

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The Inverted Pyramid; Adapted from a novel by Emeka Dike

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JANUARY 15, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

ARTS & REVIEW\\STAGELIGHT Etisalat Prize for Literature Announces 2016 Shortlist Stories by Yinka Olatunbosun

Etisalat Nigeria, has announced the names of the three shortlisted authors for the 2016 edition of its pan-African flagship literary prize, the Etisalat Prize for Literature.

This edition has the purpose of selecting a work that portrays “African sensibility”. The three shortlisted books are Jacqui L’Ange’s The Seed Thief ; Jowhor Ile’s And After Many Days and Julie Iromuanya’s Mr & Mrs Doctor.

The authors were shortlisted by a three-member judging panel comprising Nigerian novelist and poet, Helon Habila (Chair of Judges); South African writer and activist, Elinor Sisulu; and Ivorian writer and Africa39 laureate, Edwige Renée Dro.

A scene from Aboriginal production of Fractures

TEN YEARS AFTER, FRACTURES RETURNS TO LAGOS Stories by Yinka Olatunbosun

T

he Aboriginal Theatre has announced that this weekend, at the Agip Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos will experience four performances of Fractures, an African adaptation of Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge.

The play, which is directed by Kenneth Uphopho, features seasoned actors such as Tunji Sotimirin, Patrick Diabuah, Funmi Eko Ezeh, Ropo Ewenla, Bola Haastrup, Gideon Okeke and Beverly Naya.

At a recent briefing in Lagos, the produc-

P

icture a scenario where cocktail is served to the delight of guests who gather at a cool garden to appreciate some fresh and exciting art works by four emerging artists. It’s called Pop The Cherry At The Grill, an exhibition organised by the founder of Backyard Garden and Grill, Lekki, Mr. Temitayo Abolade.

The show featured young Nigerian artists such as Chinedu Uzoma, Habeeb Andu, Aromire Wahab Oladehinde and

Nero Asebuwa and Olu Ajayi

tion company revealed that the play which had its first performance ten years ago will address socio-economic issues such as immigration, identity, cultural fidelity.

The producer of the play, Okhai Akhigbe explained that the play is both entertaining and relevant especially with the cultural values embedded in the plot. The story centres on the plight of immigrants in a host country as well as parental care-gone-toofar.

The CEO, Aboriginal Theatre, Nike Taylor, scores the play high on its treatment of African family dynamics.

“The challenges the family faced turned them into something else,’’ she said with an

effort at arousing curiosity in theatre-goers.

On the choice of the play, Ropo Ewenla remarked that the play is a reflection of the global discourse on socio-political structures.

“There is a delicious dialogue going on in the world and art cannot be left behind. Artists that want to be in touch with their reality should not be boxed in their territory. The story has moved from being an American play to become more globalised,’’ he said.

Arthur Miller is regarded as the father of modern tragedy for his use of common man in place of nobles who experience tragic fall as a result of a tragic flaw.

Grills, Pop and Art

Ekpetorson Elizabeth Chioma featuring works with different expressions and styles.

The exhibition was organised to bridge the gap between for art collectors and young artists who may have limited opportunities to showcase their works.

One of Uzoma’s paintings, Sought After, made of oil on canvas, shows a mother and child exuding confidence and happiness in

spite of the economic situation. Reflecting maternal love, this artist draws upon his keen interest and strength in human forms and anatomy as seen in The Reminiscence.

Uzoma graduated from Lagos State Polytechnic with a distinction in painting in 2014. He had an informal art training in Universal Studios of Art, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos before he gained admission into art school. He believes ‘art is a tool to

The winner for the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature will be unveiled at the Grand Finale in Lagos, scheduled to take place in March 2017.

Commenting on the success of the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature, Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, commended the judges for their diligence in selecting the top three books out of the tens of titles that were received following the call for entry.

“This is by no means a simple task. The role of the judges is quite enormous and we want to thank them for the attention and dedication to the entire review process which birthed the top three finalists,” he said.

The winner of the Prize receives £15,000, an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück pen, an Etisalat sponsored book tour to three African countries as well an Etisalatsponsored fellowship at the University of East Anglia, mentored

by Professor Giles Foden, author of The Last King of Scotland. In addition, all the shortlisted writers will also enjoy a sponsored multi-city book tour while Etisalat will also purchase 1,000 copies of their books for distribution to schools, libraries and book clubs across Africa with the objective of promoting the reading culture and the publishing industry at large.

communicate what words cannot tell’.

Andu who also featured in the group show graduated from Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State where he had his ND and HND in Painting. His works, largely made of mixed media, charcoal as well as pastel on paper have titles such as The Projection and Homage. A versatile painter, Andu believes in the timelessness of art. The only female artist at the show is Ekpetorson Elizabeth Chioma. She graduated from University of Port Harcourt and had her industrial training at Universal Studios of Art, Lagos. She specialises in drawing and painting. In Concentration, she captures the concentration level of a mobile male tailor at work using pen on paper. The drawing shows minute details such as folds, bends, stress and strains of both the clothes and the tailor. Her other drawing On the go meal shows a female snack hawker sporting half hijab by the road side. Olasehinde also featured The counselor and The perfect man in pastel on paper.

The founder, Backyard Garden and Grill, Lekki Lagos, Mr. Temitayo Abolade is a trained architect with a passion for the art. He acquired his first Bruce Onabrapeya’s work in February, 2007 and has since built a rich collection of artworks.

According to Abolade, the grill attracts a customer base with served interests in arts and a more humane lifestyle. Hence, the art exhibitions are a natural progression of activities.

“The gallery hopes to continue to provide an avenue for the identification, development and celebration of Nigeria artist especially with the renewed calls for diversification,’’ he remarked.

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CICERO

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

IN THE ARENA

On the Monitoring of Budget Support Fund in States The decision of the federal government to monitor the utilisation of the budget support fund by states is a good attempt to promote transparency and prudence, but such monitoring should not be allowed to further weaken the federating units and pose fresh problems for the country’s federal structure. Vincent Obia writes

A

t the heart of the on-going effort by the federal government to monitor the use of the budget support fund it has provided for the states is a simple logic: he who pays the piper calls the tune. Following widespread allegations of misapplication and diversion of the fund in some states, the federal government has decided to pay close attention to the utilisation of the loan facility it created to help cash-strapped states meet their financial obligations to the citizens. It has appointed firms to audit states’ utilisation of the support funds.

While the monitoring policy of the federal government is a logical step that would help to ensure transparency and prudent management of the loan facility, utmost precautions should be taken to avoid anything that can further weaken the states. The ignominious level of dependence on federal support by the states is bad enough. It is another terrible statement of the politician-made contradictions in Nigeria’s style of federalism. Yet, the authorities should be wary of extremes – hidden and unhidden – that may cause a further erosion of the autonomy of the states at a time when more and more Nigerians are calling for restructuring in the direction of true federalism.

The financial support facility for the states, variously called bailout or budget support fund, started since 2015 in the wake of the record fall in crude oil prices, which resulted in a huge drop in federal revenues. The fall in federal revenues meant a further impoverishment of the states, which are almost wholly dependent on federal revenue allocations under Nigeria’s pseudofederal structure. At the peak of the financial crisis, only a handful of states were able to meet financial obligations as basic as payment of workers’ salaries.

The federal government gave the states bailout funds, which many of them allegedly misused.

But it continued the financial assistance to states with the establishment of a N510 billion budget support facility, which all the 36 states of the federation, except Lagos, started accessing since June last year.

The federal government says the fund is a standby loan facility designed to bring immediate financial relief to state governments any month the distributive fund for sharing among the three tiers of government is less than N500 billion.

Qualification for the facility is dependent on adherence to a 22-point Fiscal Sustainability Plan, which includes publication of audited annual financial statements within nine months of the end of each financial year, compliance with the international public accounting standards, quarterly publication of budget performance report online, and development of a feasible plan for

ezeibe.aguwa@thisdaylive.com 08093842953

improvement of internally generated revenue.

Other conditions for accessing the budget support fund involve implementation of the Treasury Single Account, sharing the database of companies within each state with the Federal Inland Revenue Service to enhance collection of the Value Added Tax and the Pay As You Earn tax, reform of the legal framework for revenue collection, reduction of wastages through the establishment of efficiency units, introduction of the biometric payroll system, and domestication of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. The government has been monitoring the states’ adherence to the conditions for the financial aid.

But last week, the Federal Ministry of Finance announced the appointment of some private accounting firms to appraise the implementation of the Fiscal Sustainability Plan by the states.

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, says the firms are “expected to vigorously monitor, evaluate and verify the performance of the states against the agreed milestones set by each state government under the Fiscal Sustainability Plan.”

She says state governments that fail to implement the conditions would be taken off the loan facility, which is essentially meant to help them pay the salaries of their workers.

The measures adopted by the federal govern-

ment to ensure adherence by states to the conditions of the budget support fund are, certainly, a step in the right direction. Apart from following the maxim that the one who pays for something determines its use, the measures would help to enhance financial accountability.

The protest in some quarters against the idea of federal monitoring of the budget support fund in the states, based on the argument that only the Houses of Assembly of the respective states have the right to oversight the executive in the states, does not hold water under the circumstances of the loan. It was the states that signed on to the facility under the established conditionality and they are obliged to respect the various agreements. Be that as it may, the federal government should avoid the temptation of manacling the federating units and pulling the country down to more unitarianism.

The central government should, instead, use the opportunity to help in building the capacities of the states and enhancing their fiscal autonomy.

Surely, the employment of independent auditors to assess compliance with the loan conditions would help to reduce accusations of political bias. But President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress should ensure that the reports of the audit firms are implemented impartially.

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

Stolen Assets Recovery and Western Hypocrisy

C Sagay

hairman of Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Professor Itse Sagay, and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, addressed a forum on asset recovery on Thursday where they decried the difficult conditions for the return of Nigeria’s stolen funds and assets recovered in the West. Sagay and DabiriErewa said Nigeria was about to lose another $550 million of the recovered loots

to the United States alone, after an earlier $480 million forfeited to that country in August 2014 following a court judgement.

The United States, United Kingdom, and other Western countries have always pledged their support for Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive. They have made commitments to the fight against money laundering. But Nigeria has got to put its foot down and make sure these countries respect their obligations in the global war against corruption.

– Vincent Obia

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OBAMA PRESIDENCY: 2009–2017

CICERO

Obama in his office at the White House

A Consequential Era Comes to a Close As the first America’s black president departs the White House this Friday Adeola Akinremi in Washington DC, reviews the Barack Obama years

B

arrack Hussein Obama, the 44th American President with unrivalled record as the first black president of the most powerful country finished the race where he started, but without turning the baton over to a single individual as successor.

At the Grant Park, Chicago, where Obama started his campaign for the Oval Office of the United States eight years ago, he gave a farewell speech that reminisce about the past with a strong connection to where he hopes to see the country, though he exits the White House to become an ordinary resident in Washington DC. It was his idea of exchanging the baton not with an individual, but with all Americans, believing that someone somewhere will make music out of his soul stirring speech to engage with the Americans for a future he didn’t see in the man who will take over from him on January 20.

Farewell speech is a tradition started by George Washington, but no American president has made it a call-to-action the way Obama did last Tuesday in Chicago.

“This is where I learned that change only happens when ordinary people get involved and they get engaged, and they come together

to demand it... If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Stay at it.

Sometimes you’ll win. Sometimes you’ll lose.”

With tears welled up in the eyes of those who gathered to hear him speak and approval for his words with alternating applause, Obama closed the night with “Yes, we did. Yes, we can,”—his signature phrase.

But Mr. Obama, who leaves the stage as president of the United States this Friday will still perform the real ritual of handing over to his successor, the President-elect, Donald Trump, a Republican from outside Washington, who has been a thorn in the flesh for Obama and his legacies.

The well-travelled son of a Kenya senior bureaucrat and a white American mother, Obama struggled with one issue throughout his time in the White House. It was race.

At first glance, the election of the first black president in America history after 230 years will signal equality, better education and socioeconomic progress for the minorities, where institutional racism will come to a complete end.

But Obama’s reluctance to confront race issue based on his race-neutral policy, the consequence

of a few racial protests and comments that greeted his presidency has made even him to return to the issue at the end of his presidency.

“I think there’s a reason why attitudes about my presidency among whites in Northern states are very different from whites in Southern states,” Obama told Fareed Zakaria in an explosive legacy interview aired by CNN. “Are there folks whose primary concern about me has been that I seem foreign, the other? Are those who champion the ‘birther’ movement feeding off of bias? Absolutely.”

From one funeral to another that forced Obama to look over the crowd and sang the famous “Amazing Grace,” to work the crowd into an emotional atmosphere during the funeral for South Carolina State Sen. Clementa Pinckney, a pastor killed along with eight others in Charleston, S.C., church shooting by white supremacist Dylann Roof in June 2015, he surely found his voice on race issue that dogged his presidency.

All the same, the African-American communities and police departments have had continued broken relationship with high-profile shootings of unarmed black men, women, boys, girls and unjustified stop and search as witnessed in many black communities.

The growing movement of Black Lives Matters that organizes people to confront racial

US criminal justice system from Baltimore to Florida explains the deep division between whites and black during Obama presidency.

The race issue that Obama battled throughout his presidency noticeably defeated the historic value of the 2008 election that brought the first black president to the office.

In his farewell address, Obama acknowledged that race issue has worsened, though he hid behind statistics to scale it down, yet Obama spoke frankly.

“There’s a second threat to our democracy — and this one is as old as our nation itself.

After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America. And such a vision, however wellintended, was never realistic. Race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society.

“So if we’re going to be serious about race going forward, we need to uphold laws against discrimination — in hiring, and in housing, and in education, and in the criminal justice system. That is what our Constitution and our highest ideals require. But laws alone won’t be enough. Hearts must change,” he said with undivided attention.

Peniel Joseph, a professor of history and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy explained in piece why no one person, regardless of influence and position

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CICERO “If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history. If I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran’s nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, take out the mastermind of 9/11. If I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens. If I had told you all that, you might have said our sights were set a little too high. But that’s what we did.

That’s what you did” – President Barack Obama in his farewell speech to Americans of office can remedy the shape of inequality, saying “Obama’s presidency elides important aspects of the civil rights struggle, especially the teachings of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. King, for a time, served as the racial justice consciousness for two presidents — John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Many who hoped Obama might be able to serve both roles — as president and racial justice advocate — have been disappointed. Yet there is a revelatory clarity in that disappointment, proving that Obama is not King or Frederick Douglass, but Abraham Lincoln, Kennedy and Johnson. Even a black president, perhaps especially a black president, could not untangle racism’s Gordian knot on the body politic.”

But Obama’s footprints in other areas are hard to erase. For instance, on the eve of his inauguration several American families had already lost their houses and jobs to a global recession that held America’s economy by the throat. The recovery from recession that placed America economy back on track and returned it to the global first position was the first success of Obama’s presidency.

Statistically, the United States witnessed economic gains under Obama more than the previous presidents as poverty fell, income increased, health insurance coverage ballooned for everyone in all categories of social strata.

The US median household’s income in 2015 according to the Census Bureau was $56,500, up 5.2 percent from the previous year.

It was the largest single-year increase since record-keeping began in 1967, the Bureau confirmed.

On foreign policy and terrorism, Obama arrived White House as a war-weary president who wanted American boots out of Iraq and Afghanistan so quickly. He did.

Besides, it was Obama who ended the 10-year manhunt for Osama Bin Laden, America’s worst enemy and the world most wanted terrorist.

With an elite team of Navy SEALs that crossed into Pakistan and precariously landed in a compound in Abbottabad, where CIA

Barack Obama takes the oath of office administered by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. at the Capitol, Washington DC January 2009. His wife, Michelle, holds the Bible operatives had tracked Bin Laden to a hideout, Obama and his security team in Washington DC watched the mission progressed and saw the end of Bin Laden in real time through drone footage and radio communication. The world became a restful place. It lasted until Islamic State bared its fangs.

So as Obama departs White House, the situation in Syria continues to worry him.

After he decimated the Al-Qaida terrorist group with the killing of Bin Laden, the world truly heaved a sigh of relief, but no sooner had that happened that the world saw the rise of Islamic State (ISIS) taking territories in Syria and recruiting fighters from around the globe, providing fresh global challenge for the United States in counter-terrorism efforts.

Of course, Obama leaves the White House this Friday with American boots still in Syria as US army battles ISIS on one hand and President Bashar al-Assad with worst human rights record, and protected by Russian’s Vladimir Putin, a situation he didn’t envisage at the start of his presidency.

Russia’s determination to keep its significant economic and military interests in Syria, such as a Mediterranean naval base at Tartus made al-Assad regime important regime for Russia to build alliance with. Russia has had a naval facility in Tartus since Soviet times and it is Russia’s only base in the Mediterranean.

Obama’s signature healthcare reform dubbed Obamacare may have been a subject of controversy, but it is something of legacy for Obama. For the first time in the history of America, Obama implemented healthcare reform that provided coverage for some 10.4 million people already. The government anticipated that 13.8 million people will be using the coverage by 2017.

Surprisingly, despite the opposition currently faced by Obamacare with the election of Donald Trump who has promised to repeal and replace the policy, more than 100,000 people rushed to add their names to the insurance days after Trump was elected.

“Today’s enrollment numbers confirm that some of the doomsday predictions about the marketplace are not bearing out,” said Health Secretary Sylvia Burwell. “American people don’t want to go backwards. They don’t want to gamble with their healthcare during a repeal and delay.”

On another front, Cuba was thought to be an impossible mission for several American presidents for decades, but Obama broke the barrier travelling down to Havana for a handshake with Raul Castro to cement new America-Cuba relationship.

Obama’s steady dancing steps with Castro in Havana stunned everyone around the globe, but provided a clear message of hope to Cubans who had long been kept at arm’s length by American government since decades. Mr. Obama’s engagement and dialogue policy during his eight years stay in the White House and Mr. Castro’s amenability to free-market

President Obama being sworn-in for a second term in January 2013. His wife, Michelle, holds the Bible ideas broke down the old battle line.

And despite the challenge faced in the hands of Republicans in getting immigration bill passed and the blocking of his executive action at the court by mostly Republican states who filed lawsuit against his plan to keep a category of immigrants in America, Obama reminded Americans in his farewell speech that change has come to America.

“If I had told you eight years ago that America would reverse a great recession, reboot our auto industry, and unleash the longest stretch of job creation in our history. If I had told you that we would open up a new chapter with the Cuban people, shut down Iran’s nuclear weapons program without firing a shot, take out the mastermind of 9/11. If I had told you that we would win marriage equality, and secure the right to health insurance for another 20 million of our fellow citizens. If I had told you all that, you might have said our sights were set a little too high. But that’s what we did. That’s what you did.

“You were the change. You answered people’s hopes, and because of you, by

almost every measure, America is a better, stronger place than it was when we started.”

The Obamas are music fans with electric and fervent energy, and they like artistes of all kinds. With performances by highly-rated American musicians such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Chance the Rapper and Frank Ocean Swizz Beatz, Busta Rhymes, and Ludacris, among others, at the White House, the super couple and their lively daughters will surely be missed in the Oval Office.

For the first black family in the White House, family values, integrity and commitment to a united country made the Obamas a cynosure of all eyes.

From a mammoth crowd that listened to his moving speech with pleasure in Berlin, Germany, days before his election in 2008, to everyone around the world who shed joyful tears to see a black man become president and the commander-in-chief in America, the emotion will be the same on Friday when Obama withdraws his feet from the gas for his presidency to come to a full stop. Obama has defied history and despair to give America change and hope.

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CICERO

Obama… behind him is the seal of the President of the United States of America

The Historic Obama Years The tenure of the first African-American president in US history will come to an end in a few days. Demola Ojo, with agency reports, highlights some of the key moments

O

n Friday January 20, US President Barack Obama will hand over the reins of government and the keys to the White House to Presidentelect Donald Trump.

It is easy to underestimate the positive change Obama brought to the US with progress made on issues like the economy, affordable health care and immigration, making US a more inclusive country.

However under his leadership, the US witnessed an upheaval of racial tensions that spread throughout the country, starting from the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the shooting of an unarmed African-American teenager, Trayvon Martin. This among other similar events has prompted a “Black Lives Matter” movement.

Nationwide protests against police brutality have escalated into riots, including a shooting of five police officers at an anti-violence rally in Dallas, with nearly 90% of African Americans believing they do not have recourse to equal justice.

Eight years ago, Barack Hussein Obama made history as the first African-American President of the US. Winning an election emphatically on the twin promises of “hope and change”, he entered the White House with the US deeply embroiled in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. On the home front, his country faced the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

2009: Peacemaker, Peace Prize

A fresh President Obama promised to close Guantánamo Bay, the contentious US facility

in Cuba used to detain terror suspects, many of whom are held without charge. To this day, it remains open.

Early that same year, Obama signed $787bn stimulus bill designed to save and create thousands of jobs to boost the beleaguered US economy.

With violence escalating in Afghanistan, Obama pledged an extra 17,000 military personnel, doubling the US presence there. Days later he promised to end the war in Iraq: “Let me say this as plainly as I can: by August 31, 2010, our combat mission in Iraq will end.”

Still early in his presidency, he went to London for the G20 summit where he met the British prime minister, Gordon Brown, and other world leaders to discuss the global financial crisis.

Leaving the UK, Obama visited Turkey where he proclaimed: “The United States is not, and will never be, at war with Islam.”

In July 2009, President Obama acted as peacemaker by holding a “beer summit” at the White House with a black Harvard professor arrested for alleged disorderly conduct outside his home in Massachusetts and the white police officer who took him in.

President Obama later won the 2009 Nobel peace prize. The Nobel committee said the award was given in honour of “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”.

2010: Obamacare, WikiLeaks

In 2010, Obama’s healthcare reform bill, also known as Obamacare, was passed by Congress. Bitterly opposed by Republicans, the policy, estimated to cost $940bn, aims to bring

near-universal health coverage to Americans.

In another landmark deal, Obama and then Russian leader, Dmitry Medvedev, signed the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New Start). The treaty was to cut US and Russian strategic nuclear warheads from 2,200 to 1,550 over seven years.

As 2010 wound down, details of American diplomatic cables, some marked “secret” or “confidential”, from the WikiLeaks whistleblowing website were published by some major news outlets.

In response, the White House said, “President Obama supports responsible, accountable and open government at home and around the world, but this reckless and dangerous action runs counter to that goal.” The founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange, then replied that the US authorities were afraid of being held to account.

Later in the year, the Arab Spring began.

Obama lauded the uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa as “a moment of opportunity” for change in the region.

2011: “Birther” Questions, Osama Termination

The “worst mistake” of his presidency is how Obama described his lack of support to Libya after Muammar Gaddafi was deposed. The UK, US and France had attacked Gaddafi’s forces in Libya to enforce a UN-mandated no-fly zone.

In the same month as Obama announced his bid for re-election, he also yielded to “birthers” and Donald Trump, who insisted he publish his birth certificate, to quash rumours that he was born outside the US.

On May 2, President Obama secured a massive PR boost after he oversaw the mission that led to Osama bin Laden, the world’s most wanted man, being killed by US Special Forces in a night-time raid of his secret compound in Pakistan. Obama and his top advisers, including Vice President Joe Biden and then Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, watched a live feed of the mission from the White House Situation Room.

Later in the year, Obama formally declared the Iraq war over and that the US would pull out. In a speech at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the president was careful not to say the US won the nine-year conflict.

2012: Racial Tensions, Re-election

The fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, in Florida by an armed neighborhood-watch volunteer prompted Obama to say: “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.”

The man who shot Martin, George Zimmerman, was found not guilty of second-degree murder and acquitted of manslaughter, a lesser charge.

The judgment caused an upheaval of racial tensions that spread throughout the country with some protesters claiming Martin was only stopped because of racial profiling.

In May that year, Obama became the first sitting US president to back the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry.

In September, the Democratic party convention backed Obama as nominee for the 2012 presidential race. Despite his popularity waning, he won re-election, beating Republican challenger Mitt Romney. In his victory speech, he said: “I have never been more hopeful about America.

And I ask you to sustain that hope.”

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CICERO In December, Obama had to wipe away his tears when addressing the nation about the 20 children and six adults who died in a mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut. Promising meaningful action, he said, “As a country, we have been through this too many times.”

2013: Snowden Revelations, Cuban Relations

The year started with Obama pushing through a compromise bill which prevented the US falling off the “fiscal cliff” – a set of scheduled tax rises and sharp spending cuts likely to trigger a new recession.

In March, Obama warned President Assad of Syria about the use of chemical weapons, telling the regime that there is a “red line” that must not be crossed.

Within the US itself, three people were killed after two brothers planted homemade pressure cooker bombs near the finishing line of the Boston Marathon. One of the bombers was killed when cornered by police, the other captured and put on trial, found guilty and sentenced to death in 2015.

Again, leaked documents from whistle-blower Edward Snowden about the clandestine activities of the US National Security Agency, for whom he had previously worked, were published. In what was regarded as one of the most significant leaks in American political history, Snowden had evidence that the NSA maintained a number of mass surveillance programmes over its own citizens, including accessing information stored by some of the country’s biggest technology companies.

Responding, Obama said: “You can’t have 100% security, and also then have 100% privacy and zero inconvenience.”

The year was also when Obama unveiled the country’s first-ever climate change strategy, which included cutting power plant emissions and protecting coastlines. It also witnessed the first federal government shutdown in twenty years after Congress failed to pass legislation lifting the debt ceiling.

In December, Obama shook hands with Cuban leader, Raúl Castro, at the Nelson Mandela memorial service in South Africa, proving relations between the two countries had improved. Obama’s decision to pose for a selfie with David Cameron and the Danish prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt later on was not particularly well received.

2014: ISIS Intervention, “Black Lives Matter”

In February 2014, the White House accused Moscow of orchestrating a “military invasion and occupation” of the Crimea peninsula in southern Ukraine, putting the Kremlin and the West on a collision course.

In June, an Isis-led insurgency prompted Obama to send approximately 275 armed personnel to Iraq to help put down possibly the worst threat to the country since US troops left in 2011. Within months, he also authorized airstrikes against Isis positions in Syria.

Protesters chanting “black lives matter” clashed with police in the St Louis suburb of Ferguson after Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old, is shot and killed by the police officer Darren Wilson.

As an Ebola virus outbreak claimed about 4,500 victims in West Africa, Obama said the US must respond much more aggressively to prepare at home and confront the outbreak abroad.

In November, the Republican Party took control of Congress following midterm elections, leaving Obama with a bigger headache when passing new laws.

Later In the month, Obama said he would use executive powers to bypass Congress’s opposition to his controversial plan to allow four million undocumented US immigrants to apply for work permits.

In December, Obama declared the “end of the combat mission in Afghanistan”.

2015: Iran Deal, Kenya Visit

President Obama was criticised in January for not attending a peace rally in Paris to remember 17 people who died in a wave of attacks that included the Charlie Hebdo offices.

In March, the New York Times revealed that Hillary Clinton, when serving as Obama’s

Obama wIth President Muhammadu Buhari at the White House

Obama with former President Goodluck Jonathan at the White House secretary of state, broke official rules by using a personal email instead of a government one for official correspondence. Clinton would continue to be dogged by the revelation.

In July, the Obama administration succeeded in getting Iran to make drastic cuts to its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions.

In the same month, Cuba and the United States restored diplomatic relations, ending over 50 years of hostility. Obama also travelled to his paternal homeland of Kenya.

In November, Obama hailed the Paris climate change agreement as “a turning point for the world”. Months earlier he had announced his clean power action plan to get the US to curb carbon pollution.

2016: Trump Transition, Russian Expulsion

At a joint press conference in April with then British Prime Minister David Cameron in London, Obama warned the British public that a vote to leave the EU could put the UK at the “back of the queue” when negotiating trade deals with the US. The next month, Obama called for a “world without nuclear weapons” during a visit to Hiroshima.

In July, Obama gave a rousing speech at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia, willing Hillary Clinton to triumph over the “home-grown demagogue” Donald Trump.

In September, Obama suffered the humiliation of having Congress override his veto for the first time. The president tried to block a law that allowed 9/11 families to sue Saudi Arabia for its alleged role in the September 11 attacks.

In November, Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in one of the biggest upsets in US political history. Trump will be sworn in as the 45th president of the United States in a few days. Both the House and Senate will remain under Republican control.

Obama, having congratulated Trump by

Obama with Cuban Leader Raul Castro telephone, then met the president-elect at the Oval Office to discuss the transition of power between them. Obama had previously called Trump “unfit” for high office. Later in the month, he set off on a final international trip as president, landing first in Athens.

In December, the US abstained from voting in a UN Security Council resolution that declared Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory illegal.

Previously, the US could always be counted on to veto such a bill.

Obama later designated two new national

monuments, protecting over 150m acres of land, including sacred Native American sites, in Nevada and Utah. During Obama’s presidency, he had federally protected over 550m acres with his executive powers.

At the end of the year, Obama placed sanctions on Russia and expelled 35 Russian diplomats from the US in retaliation for a cyber-attack against the Democratic National Conmittee during the 2016 election that according to US intelligence agencies was intended to help Trump win the election.

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Corporate Governance Code: The Intrigues, Politics and Untold Story The conversations generated by the controversial corporate governance code are still trending. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, who has been following the issue, writes on the intrigues, the politics behind it and the untold story

T

he swiftness at which President Muhammadu Buhari moved to exonerate himself defines the sensitivityofthedivisiveNationalCodeofCorporate Governance (NCCG) by the Financial Regulatory Council, created by the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Citing the controversial code, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, had announced his stepping down as the leader of the church in Nigeria. The 75-year-old well-regarded minister of God announced his retirement from the leadership of the Nigerian church last Saturday during the Annual Minister’s Thanksgiving at Shimawa area of Ogun State. The announcement was made in the presence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, alongside other senior pastors of the church.

Pastor Adeboye, who took over the leadership of the RCCG from late Pa Josiah Akindayomi, who founded the church in 1952, had named Pastor Joshua Obayemi as his replacement. But, the call by Pastor Adeboye at the event on his huge followers and members of RCCG to show keen interest in the nation’s politics, may have forced many of the Church members to change the narrative, suspecting that his resignation as ‘’General Overseer’’ was politically motivated. And it has since then generated huge controversy, different burning conversations and mixed feelings, mostly in the social/traditional media and in churches.

Gradually, the issue was taking precarious political/religious narrative; President Buhari was concerned and acted very fast by announcing the immediate removal/replacement of the Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), Mr Jim Osayande Obazee, whose enforcement of the code caused Adeboye’s resignation.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, said the president had appointed a new chairman and a new Executive Secretary for the council. The new council as approved by the president has Mr Adedotun Sulaiman, as chairman. Mr. Sulaiman is a former Managing Partner/Director of Arthur Anderson and later, Accenture.

He is a Chartered Accountant and a product of the University of Lagos and Harvard Business School.

Apparently to further exonerate Buhari-led government of any complicity and ease tension, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, also announced the federal government’s decision to suspend the divisive Code.

The minister based the suspension on the need: to allow for a detailed review and extensive consultation with stakeholders as well as reconstitution of the board of the FRC.” “Government remains committed to restoring and enhancing market confidence and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria”, the minister stated in a statement by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Ms Constance Ikowkwu.

He further said that government was committed to strengthening FRC and enhancing its capacity to fulfil its core mandate.

FRC is one of the parastatals under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. It is responsible for setting and promoting compliance with standards for accounting, financial reporting and auditing in Nigeria. It also regulates the practices of professionals involved in financial reporting and promotes good practices in financial reporting and corporate governance in Nigeria.

However, against the reason given by the minister, many observers believe that the code was suspended following mounting concerns over its content and implementation. And it is also believed that the recent resignation of Pastor Adeboye - as the General Overseer of RCCG Nigeria was a direct fallout of the code, which limits the tenure of heads of non-governmental organisations - including churches to 20 years.

Before then, Obazee had warned religious bodies, chiefly churches, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as ‘NonProfitable’ organisations that they may be stripped of that status and listed as profitable entities - should they fail to make their financial transactions public.

He had further told THISDAY in an interview in Abuja that religious institutions currently opposed to making their financial conducts public, were violating sections of the CAC Act, which they had signed at the point of registration that they would hold Annual General Meetings (AGM) and submit their financial conducts for public scrutiny.

But religious bodies and leaders who felt it was wrong to compel them to disclose their accounts publicly, had gone to court against the FRC to seek redress. But, Obazee had insisted that the churches lacked strong grounds not to make their financial statement public.

“You have to render stewardship and that’s our major challenges with the churches. We are insisting that non-profit organisations should prepare their accounts and send to us and churches are in court fighting us’’, the former FRC’s boss had insisted.

“But we are wondering why ordinarily people who are teaching

Obazee... enforced a contoverial code that cost him his job

you how to account to God, how you run your life, are refusing to account to stakeholders how they managed funds that are reviewed from people who believe in the objectives that they are pursuing.”

He added in an interview with THISDAY: “Government business is to protect its citizens and citizens are the ones putting money in all these non-profit, and so we want to know how accountable they are. And if they pursue non charitable activities like running schools, hospitals, airlines and all of that, we want them to account for those ones separately.”

Obazee had said that organisations that were talking of not bringing their accounts were churches-religious organisations; but that they didn’t really have a very strong platform to stand on, saying FRC was ready do one more workshop to educate them and thereafter call on the Corporate Affairs Commission to start delisting them.

“They are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission because if you are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission under part C as a non for profit organisations and you refuse to be accountable, because when they do their registration, they put within the registration document they give to CAC that they’ll be holding annual general meetings and presenting to their members audited financial statements”, he had further stated.

“So if they refuse to prepare their accounts, and we lay this before the CAC, they’ll delist them and once they delist them, they cease to be non-for-profit, they become with profit and so every of their collections will now be subject to tax.”

A Case of Insurbodination

Since 2013 when the Council initiated the unified NCCG, the policy had been enmeshed in controversy, leading to a court case initiated by some aggrieved private sector operators. A public hearing on the code billed for May 2015 was postponed following an interim injunction against FRCN granted by a Federal High Court granted.

However, the case was later struck out on the grounds that the claimant lacked the locus standi to institute it. That court victory was all Obazee needed to roll out the controversial code last October with a commencement date of October 17, 2016. Not oblivious of the controversy and several unsettled issues surrounding the code, the Federal Government suspended the enforcement of the code until all outstanding issues were resolved and the buy in of stakeholders received.

The Council however went ahead with the implementation of the code insisting that it derived its powers to enforce corporate governance code from Section 50 of the FRC Act, 2011, which among other things requires the directorate of Corporate Governance to develop the principles and practices of Corporate Governance applicable in Nigeria.

That was the beginning of what could be described as the power tussle between the council led by Obazee and the Minister of Trade and Investment Mr. Ekechukwu Enelamah, whose ministry supervises the council. Enelamah was said to have viewed this as insubordination and disobedience of lawful directive and was

said to have issued a query to Obazee to explain why he should not be disciplined. The controversy and disaffection caused by the resignation of Pastor Adeboye as RCCG Nigeria general overseer based on the implementation of the code was however the last straw that broke the camel’s back which led to the sack of Obazee.

The Politics

But those who know the politics within the church said that the issue between Obazee and Pastor Adeboye may not be too far from ‘’personal’’ matter.

An insider had claimed that Obazee was a senior pastor in the RCCG about four years ago. They were said to have fell apart when Obazee was suspended from the RCCG over moral issues; Obazee later left the church and joined the Latter Rain Church. ‘’When the issue of the Code started coming up, GO (Pastor Adeboye) sent for Obazee; but Obazee told the GO to come to his office if he wanted to see him. And at that time Obazee was now with Latter Rain Church - as a senior pastor’’, the insider stated.

The source, a pastor in the RCCG, suspected that the code provided a huge opportunity and strong weapon for Obazee to get back at Pastor Adeboye.

However, ingenious as Buhari and his men were in handling the vexed and controversial issue, the conspiracy theory surrounding the enforcement of the code by Buhari Administration is still piping hot.

Some have argued that Obazee was a sacrificial lamb of Buhari’s mismatch political action.

Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has described the sack of the Executive Secretary of the FRC, in connection with the implementation of the controversial Code as an ‘’afterthought and cover-up’’ to stem the tide of negative public reactions to the implementation of the code that stripped Pastor Adeboye and others of their positions.

In a press statement by the governor’s Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor said that “when they realised the implication of their action on President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 ambition, especially the personality like Pastor Adeboye that is involved, they quickly sacked an innocent man who must have acted on instruction.’’

Fayose added: ‘’Obviously, their attention is more on 2019, not on justice and any love for the sustenance of Christianity in Nigeria.

Mind you, they have only suspended the implementation of the regulation, they did not abrogate it.’’

He said it is obvious that they have an agenda, saying the president’s pattern of life, has always suggested that he is a sectional leader, whose appointments reflect sectionalism and nepotism.

The tough-spoken governor said it was funny that a president that is over 70 years would be the one to implement a regulation limiting the age of General Overseer(GO) of Churches to 70 years, asking “if men of God like Pastor Adeboye, Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, Bishop David Oyedepo, Bishop Mike Okonkwo and others cannot be GO of their church beyond 70 years of age, how do we now justify a man like President Buhari who is over 74 and still willing

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 15, 2017

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Buhari...promptly doused tension

Enelamah...announced suspension of the code

to be president beyond 2019 that he will be 77?”

Governor Fayose, who described those defending President Buhari by claiming that the law was made when Dr Goodluck Jonathan was President as hypocrites. And asked: “Even if the law was made before President Buhari assumed office, who is to blame for its implementation? Could President Buhari have implemented a law he does not believe in and could the sacked FRC boss that they have now used as the sacrificial lamb have implemented the law without the consent of the presidency?”

He questioned the speed at which the President reacted by sacking the FRC boss: “Why was there no such swiftness in his action on Southern Kaduna killings - where a race was almost wiped out, with people killed like goats? Why didn’t the President react swiftly to the Senate indictment of the EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu?”

But, against the lawyer’s argument, the House of Representatives Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, said that Section 50 of the FRC Act 2011 provides the agency with powers to set guidelines for commercial entities and not for not-profit organisations.

Raising the issue as a ‘’matter of urgent importance’’ at plenary Tuesday, he argued that the regulation was a pure creation of the agency and not the National Assembly, noting that the FRC had gone beyond its mandate.

He added that the outrage, which greeted the enforcement of the regulation, had caused national embarrassment.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday while adopting the prayers of the motion sponsored by Hon. Ogor directed its Committee on Delegated Legislation and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to investigate the activities of FRC and thoroughly examine its regulations. The lower chamber noted that the corporate governance code enacted by the FRC was not ratified by the National Assembly which empowered the agency to set regulatory guidelines for commercial entities and not-for-profit organisations.

Barrister Frank Tietie, the Executive Director, Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights (CASER), shares the lawmaker’s position.

He maintains that the said provisions of the Governance Code for not-for-profit organisations regarding the tenure of a founder or leader of a not-for-profit, amounts to a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of thought conscience and religion, together with the fundamental right to associate freely as provided for respectively

by Sections 38 and 40 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution.

His argument: ‘’Whereas, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is competent at law to make regulations guiding financial issues, it becomes ultra vires where any of its regulations covertly attempt to derogate from the right of a group of people to decide the way and manner their association would be governed based on their religious beliefs.’’

He added that the FRC cannot dictate to any set of religious adherents when their founder or leader should cease to perform governance or management roles, saying that the competency of the FRC is seriously restricted especially in matters regarding these fundamental rights to freedom of beliefs/ religion and association. ‘’The FRC can give guidelines as to enhancing accountability and transparency but it goes too far to a serious point of illegality where any of its regulations becomes an attempt to stifle the freedoms of religious people as to the tenure of their founder or leader or to who he would appoint as a successor’’, the legal practitioner further argued. ‘’There is nothing wrong or illegal if a people by their religious freedom believe and are convinced that their founder or leader should exercise management and control of their church or mosque for life. The choice must be that of the religious adherent and not that of any authority.’’

He views the rights violations as an unnecessary interference of state authorities in the sphere of religion which would have grave consequences in the long run in matters of faith.

The lawyer urged the highly revered Pastor Adeboye to change his mind and rescind his resignation as the General Overseer of the RCCG because the said provision of the Code upon which he made his decision contravenes the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria and to that extent, it is null and void.

S

Divergent Views

On the contrary, a constitutional lawyer - Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the controversy, which the code generated was unnecessary. ‘’Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation etc are strictly regulated by law in the United States. Mrs Hilary Clinton had to explain to the American electorate that the Clinton Foundation had not violated the law. Mr. Donald Trump has announced that the Trump Foundation can no longer raise funds to avoid conflict of interest’’, the SAN argued. ‘’Leaders of religious institutions and foundations are tried and jailed regularly in the United States. A pastor who currently operates in an atmosphere of impunity in Lagos ran away from London when he was going to be jailed.’’

He added that all branches of Nigerian churches in the UK, USA and South Africa are regulated by law in those countries, because churches are registered as charity institutions, saying that funds belonging to them cannot be diverted to establish investments cornered and privatised by any cleric.

The constitutional lawyer added: ‘’In Nigeria, private jets are bought by pastors with church funds, but registered in the names of private individuals. ‘’The other day, a jet was bought by a church for the purpose of spreading evangelism. But the pastor in whose name it was registered decided to lease it. To the embarrassment of the nation the jet was used sometime in 2014 to smuggle millions of dollars from Abuja to South Africa. ‘’In Nigeria, universities are established with tithes and registered in the names of pastors and their family members. NGOs also collect millions of dollars annually to execute projects but the funds are diverted. Not too long ago, banks in Nigeria were converted into family businesses until the law had to intervene to check the gross mismanagement of those financial institutions.’’

Drawing example from the Catholic Church, the SAN further argued that the compulsory retirement age for Bishops is 75 years, adding that in the wisdom of the leadership of the church young bishops and cardinals are no longer made Popes. ‘’A few years ago, a General Overseer in Nigeria almost destroyed one of the Pentecostal churches when he wanted a third term whereas the constitution of his church provides for a maximum period of two terms’’, he stated. ‘’Another one who ought to have retired at 70 defied the constitution of the church and decided to remain in office for life. Those who say that the government cannot insist that the constitutions of churches and mosques be complied forget that these religious bodies are registered under part C of the Companies.’’

The argument of the senior lawyer is that regulating private societies to operate within the ambit of the law of the land and their registered constitutions is not a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of association.

Obazee’s Other Controversial Battles

Obazee first came into national consciousness when the FRC under his leadership wrote a report that indicted the then CBN governor, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. The FRC report was viewed as a desperate move by President Goodluck Jonathan to ease Sanusi out of office following the CBN governor’s allegation that $20billion oil revenue was unaccounted for. It was on this basis of this controversial report that Jonathan asked Sanusi to proceed on suspension. After Sanusi

Pastor Adeboye...his resignation as GO RCCG Nigeria led to the suspension of the code

was removed, he had thought he would be made governor of CBN, but he was not. Godwin Emefiele was appointed. He made attempts to control him, but when he was rebuffed by Emefiele, he tried to undermine him by writing nasty report about CBN. It was not long before Obazee was in the news again. This time, his agency announced the suspension of the registration of the chairman, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr. Atedo Peterside, the chief executive, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, and staff of KPMG Professional Services for alleged infractions in the “2013 and 2014 statements of financial position of the company. His agency also urged the CBN and EFCC to investigate the affected officials. The investigation by the CBN however absolved them of any wrong-doing. The CBN report specifically expressed concern about the “apparent failure” of FRC to “follow due process as laid down by its own FRC Act and Regulations, in arriving at the Regulatory Decision.”

The National Code of Corporate Governance

Referred to as the National Code of Corporate Governance for the Private Sector in Nigeria 2016, it is a product of a directive given to the steering committee on the National Code of Corporate Governance on January 13, 2013 by the Minister of Trade and Investment under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The focal responsibility of the committee chaired then by Mr. Victor Odiase, was to synchronize and coalesce all the existing sectorial corporate governance codes in Nigeria. The codes discernible at the commencement of the steering committee’s work were: the Code of Corporate Governance for Banks in Nigeria Post-Consolidation 2006; Code of Corporate Governance for Licensed Pensions Operators 2008; Code of Corporate Governance for Insurance Industry in Nigeria 2009; SEC Code of Corporate Governance in Nigeria 2011, and CBN Code of Corporate Governance for Banks and Discount Houses 2014. The need for harmonization and unification, according to the then Jonathan-led government, was the fact that there were not too many nations, and in fact none was observed during the steering committee’s very extensive corporate governance literature reviews, that have adopted this sectorial multiplicity of governance codes. ‘’These Codes later became very confusing in view of their conflicting provisions on apparently same subject matters’’, the government had said.

The terms of reference given to the steering committee include, the development of a National Code of Corporate Governance that will enable the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, among other things, to: promote the highest standards of corporate governance; promote public awareness about corporate governance principles and practices; act as the national coordinating body responsible for all matters pertaining to corporate governance in both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy.

It was also intended to encourage sound systems of internal control and information systems control to safeguard stakeholders’ investment and assets of public interest entities; promote sound financial reporting and accountability based on true and fair financial statements duly audited by competent independent auditors; and ensure that audit committees of public interest entities keep under review the scope of audit and its cost effectiveness, the independence and objectivity of the auditors.

According to the document, ‘’The code shall be applicable to the following: All public companies (whether listed or not); all private companies that are holding companies or subsidiaries of public companies; and regulated private companies including non-governmental and charity organisations Compliance with the provisions of the Code, according to the document, is mandatory; and violations of the provisions of the Code will occasion both personal sanctions against the persons directly involved in the violation, and sanctions against the companies or firms involved in such violation.

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RCCG and the FRCN-induced Storm in Churches Bisi Daniels

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any religious faithfuls around the world panicked on January 7, 2017, over the sudden news that Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), had retired.

Were they have waited a bit longer, they would have known that the revered pastor remains the Spiritual Leader and Global Missioner of the Church, and was therefore much around.

In a memo by Assistant General Overseer, Admin and Personnel, Pastor J.F Odesola, to all Assistant General Overseers, SATGOS (Home and Abroad), Pastors in charge of Regions, Pastors in charge of Provinces, and Country Coordinators, later that day, he wrote “We refer to the 2017 edition of the Annual Thanksgiving Service for Ministers in the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the issues concerning the new structure of RCCG Nigeria during the meeting and therefore wish to reiterate the following for your proper information and attention: •Sequel to some legal provisions guiding the operations of registered Religious Organisations and Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, RCCG Nigeria now has an Overseer, a General Secretary and a Treasurer.

•Pastor Joseph Obayemi, the Assistant General Overseer (Finance) will be the Overseer for RCCG Nigeria •Pastor Funsho Odeyemi, the Assistant General Overseer (Admin) will be General Secretary for RCCG Nigeria • Pastor Joseph Adeyokunu, the Financial Controller, will be the Treasurer of RCCG Nigeria “Kindly be informed that this new structure will be peculiar to Nigeria alone, as Pastor E. A. Adeboye, Daddy G.O., remains the Spiritual Leader and Global Missioner of Redeemed Christian Church of God. “Kindly pass down this information to Ministers and Church Workers in your domain to further enhance their understanding about the new structure.”

But people, especially those in the 192 countries where the church has strong presence, panicked. Even some of the ministers at the Thanksgiving service panicked and started sending messages out with their phones immediately Pastor Adeboye broke the news.

Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Anglophone West Africa, Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, told the News Agency of Nigeria that Adeboye’s decision dominated discussions on the Internet, with many Nigerians searching the subject from January 4 to 11.

On my part, I disbelieved it when the message of a pastor of the church was forwarded to me by someone who is not an RCCG member.

At the Holy Ghost Service the day before, I felt in the spirit that some things were a bit unusual. I love the green colour, and when I saw Pastor Adeboye and his wife, Mummy G.O., dressed in deep green attires for the first time, I suspected a spiritual message I couldn’t decode. I let it pass, especially because I had not been at all the services over the years to know what they wore. However, I still felt that the green was particularly striking.

I also sensed that the service was a bit hurried. As a collector of Pastor Adeboye’s personal testimonies, which he uses to illustrate his sermons, I take particular note of them. There weren’t too many that day, but he had expressed the need to close early because of the Thanksgiving Service to hold later that morning. He had also repeated his 2017 prophecies he presented during the Cross-over Service, dwelling a little longer on the part that the year will be one of surprises; and also that people who oppressed the poor would be “relocated.”

But at that moment nothing about those observations suggested to me that the big news was coming.

It did, later that morning, and it was a classic case of a news item travelling faster than the news makers. In the Corporate World, especially among quoted companies where the effect of leadership changes have immediate impact on image and share price, such an announcement would have been planned far ahead of time, a media statement with anticipated questions and answers made ready for the big day.

A church like RCCG doesn’t have any of such issues to worry about. Beside the possible choice to prevent a leakage of the news, this was seen purely as a God issue, and once things were done in obedience to Him, the fallout didn’t matter much. RCCG does not indulge in image laundering.

When I broke the news of the magnificent ultra modern Mount Carmel Prayer Mountain in Ifewara, his hometown, it was because I was lucky to stumble on the facility during a working visit to the town, and kept monitoring it. On the day it was opened, there were no pressmen there, but I tried to get the important story.

The announcement of the new leadership structure was made in a church to Ministers, but it got out too fast and the world panicked. Why not? The day before, a Pastor had testified to the hearing of millions of people around the world how he had used a handkerchief blessed by Pastor Adeboye to wake up the dead.

Pastor Adeboye

Pastor Obayemi, new GO, RCCG Nigeria

I was there at the December, 2016 Holy Ghost Congress when he announced that because he could not possible anoint the millions of people in the auditorium, out of logistic expediency he had blessed handkerchiefs for pastors of the church to use to anoint everybody. After that he said the pastors could keep the handkerchiefs. It was one of the handkerchiefs that raised the dead in another location. RCCG is noted for miracles signs and wonders!

So why would anybody be happy about the news of Pastor Adeboye’s sudden retirement? All what most people heard, ignoring that other part of the news, was that he was retiring.

And they couldn’t take it.

There are stories of some groups planning to sue Pastor Adeboye to get him back in the saddle he has vacated.

In a quick reaction to the panic, a press release was issued to allay fears of the people. But even as at today many people are more concerned about what precipitated the changes and the effect on members in Nigeria. Not many people know that Pastor Adeboye’s designation remains Spiritual Leader and Global Missioner of Redeemed Christian Church of God. Indeed, most of the 192 countries where the church is present have Country Overseers, except in countries where the number of parishes is so small that they have Regional Overseers.

Growing a church with 40 parishes, including a Headquarters in Nigeria, from when Pastor Adeboye took over in 1981 into one of the fastest growing churches in the world is no mean feat.

The church has spread to over 192 countries, and counting, with over 32,000 parishes in Nigeria alone and at least 540 branches in the UK and Ireland.

Millions of people from all over the world attend the church’s Conventions and Congresses; and the monthly Holy Ghost Congress at its Redemption Camp.

With the numbers surging out of available space, the Church had to go for a new auditorium called the Arena. Located on Simawa Road, a few kilometres from the current one-and-halfkilometre by one-kilometre auditorium, the three-kilometre-bythree-kilometre Arena has capacity to seat 12 million people.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) hailed the Federal Government for suspending the enforcement of the Corporate Governance Code.

The PFN’s commendation was contained in a statement issued in Benin by its National President, Rev. Felix Omobude, who said, “The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has consistently expressed its concern at the non-inclusive process that brought about the code and the all-pervasive nature of it.

“This is more so, especially, as it relates to the activities of the non-profit sector whose activities are already regulated by the provisions of the law under which they were registered.

For Jim Obazee, the former Executive Secretary of the FRCN, who was ironically a zonal pastor, and who was reported to have once snubbed Pastor Adeboye over an invitation for a meeting, nothing captures his fate better than the headline of THISDAY Newspaper on the story. It screamed “He Flew Too Close to the Sun and Melted, Obazee Sacked.”

According to RCCG Head of Media and Public Relations, Pastor Segun Adegbiji “Obazee was a teacher at the School of Disciples, but he voluntarily resigned. Afterwards, he started attending RCCG Province II Parish on Acme Road, Ogba, Lagos. He was neither suspended nor sacked by the church.

“There was no feud between him and the church that I know of, although I can confirm that I heard the story that he vowed to get Pastor Adeboye out,” Adegbiji added.

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria

With the Governance Code of the Council cited as the immediate cause of leadership changes in churches, the FRCN has come under heavy criticism. The latest is the position of the House of Representatives, which on Wednesday stated that no agency of the Federal Government is empowered by any law passed by the National Assembly to determine how long a religious leader should serve in office.

This was as it ordered a “detailed” public hearing on the activities of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

The Council had earlier been dealt some blows for its excesses. Its board was promptly reconstituted and the controversial Governance Code suspended by the Federal Government.

How He Become General Overseer

Pastor Adeboye must be familiar with the heat generated by leadership changes in the church, and may not have been unduly worried about the confusion caused by the current changes in RCCG. In God-fearing churches, leaders are chosen and empowered by God. He was the least qualified to be a GO when God chose him to be one. According to him, “One eventful day in 1975, my Father-in-the-Lord (the founder of RCCG) called me to his office and said, “God has told me to ordain you as a pastor.”

I said, “What kind of problem is this? I didn’t come to church to become a pastor, I came to church to have problems solved and in the process my soul was saved. Beautiful!”

For fourteen days and fourteen nights, my wife and I fasted and prayed that I will never become a pastor. This is one of the prayers God didn’t answer. Then I became a pastor, and years after that my Father-in-the-Lord called me and said you are going to succeed me.

Haaaa! Being a pastor was bad enough. General Overseer, no way!

I couldn’t say no to him in his presence. So I made sure I got to Ilorin where I was lecturing before I wrote him a letter, a beautiful letter. “Please sir, get somebody else. I will support that fellow to the best of my ability.”

Papa couldn’t read, so another pastor read the letter to him.

I didn’t want to be General Overseer but God compelled me.

That was the most challenging aspect of my Christian life,

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JANUARY 15, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

PERSPECTIVE

Key Drivers of Change Series (1): Land Reform

Tunji Olaopa

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his piece commences a series on policy discourse which the Ibadan School of Government and Policy (ISGPP) lines up through its 2017 flagship programmes; Seminar Series, Book Reading Events, Policy Dialogue, etc. Apart from Land Reform, other topics that will feature would include among others, Internet Policy and Governance, Youth Unemployment, Public Service Reform, Unraveling the Fundamental Gaps in FGN Growth and Recovery Strategy and Budgeting, Getting Governments into the art of Strategic and Development Communication, etc.

In the popular discussion of the elements that serves as the condition for national development in Nigeria, there is often a deserved focus on socioeconomic issues and ideas relating to infrastructure, capital utilization, power, human capital development, and other economic dynamics we could regard as constituting major development framework tried and tested everywhere around the world. The issue of national development is a multidimensional matrix around which the progress of any nation is calibrated. And very often, attention is usually directed at other factors of production—capital, labour, and entrepreneurship—except land. The critical nature of land as a significant factor in national development is not a popular topic for discussion.

The transformation of the development profile in Nigeria is often hinged around a paradigm shift in productivity. I have equally written a lot on the imperative of recalibrating Nigeria’s productivity paradigm through the reform of the public service institution. Productivity, for instance, is often stalled when government invest enormous cost on administrative activities without requisite returns in terms of productivity. And labour, for instance, automatically becomes the focus of such increased productivity. The bloated nature of the public service in Nigeria has remained a source of concern for many successive governments as well as reformers and scholars of public administration. Yet, there are only few reformers who have staked their reputations on the transformation of existing legal architecture concerning land use in Nigeria.

That land has not received the deserved attention it deserves as a critical element in national development is best demonstrated

by Nigeria’s stubborn fixation with the Land Use Act of 1978, and the political intrigues that have stalled any serious attempt at connecting the dots between the legislative intelligence that went into the crafting of the Land Use Act thirty eight years ago and the exigencies of development that confront Nigeria in the twenty first century. Land use in Nigeria is enmeshed in a lot of factors, beginning from the principle of primogeniture down to the idea of kinship. While the modern state in Nigeria exercises immense control over most dimensions of people’s lives, land use in Nigeria is still essentially a community and customary affairs. More than this, land use in Nigeria has been integrated within the dynamics of political economy and the struggle for socioeconomic relevance that dictates how, for instance, the state governors in Nigeria have been reacting to proposed amendments of the Land Use Act in consonance with the imperatives of socioeconomic development.

At a superficial level, it is very easy to be incensed at the continued existence of an Act, since 1978, which contradicts all essential lessons of land use everywhere on the globe. It is even very easy, but more frustrating, to interpret the governors as mere political obstacles who are content to sit as lords of the manor and collect revenues accruing from the exiting state of land use in Nigeria. One’s frustration will definitely be compounded with the awareness that in the Ease of Doing Business Index for 2016, Nigeria is 169 out of 190! However, no matter how frustrated one might be, there is a need to see the big picture in order to be able

• rCCG and the

rCn InduCed stor

especially with so much opposition in the church from those who felt that I was too young. I joined the church only in 1973, even though it had been in existence since 1952. Some foundation members had been pastors even before I was born again.

They inquired, “Where is this young man coming from who has suddenly become our leader?” They regarded my promotion as too rapid! Some of them had become very influential because they had been pastors for a long time.

Fortunately, the majority of the congregation, particularly the youth, supported me because they realized that it was not what I wanted myself. They discovered this because the letter fell into the hands of one of the youths. God also helped me in many ways. This is how the events unfolded: The old man couldn’t read anything other than the Bible. Therefore, he had to ask somebody to read the letter to him. The young boy who read the letter told everybody about the incident and the older pastors thought I was manipulating the old man.

However, it soon became clear that the situation was the exact opposite.

Since then I have kept the faith. Keeping the faith is one of the most important aspects of Christian life and this has been my life.”

The Changes Remain

Olaopa

to achieve a composite understanding of what is on ground and what needs to be done.

The Land Use Act and all the political drama that has attended its proposed amendments fall squarely within the ambit of a lopsided federalism with a unitary intent. The promulgation of the Land Use Act undermines the very spirit of federalism because the Act is a federal law which overrides any peculiar customary or legal dynamics existing within the states. In a true federal situation, land belongs with the local communities, and hence with the state governments. In this context therefore, the reluctance of the state governments to actively get involved in the amendment of the Act should be seen as one of the fallouts of a controlled reaction against a “federal” legislation which has consigned all sources of revenue to an exclusive constitutional list. The Land Use Act ought to be on the concurrent list which permits some levels of flexibility in the relationship between the government at the federal and state levels.

Such a structural hindrance to the insertion of land use into the socioeconomic calculation of national development in Nigeria has even a bigger implications. In The Mystery of Capital (2000), Hernando de Soto, the Peruvian economist, explores the question why capitalism is triumphal everywhere else in the West but its development charm has so far failed to rub off on the third world. Why, that is, has capitalism failed to deliver the kind of development wealth it has given to western societies? His answer: third world countries have all that it takes to reproduce the trappings of capitalism, but they lack the most essential requirement in capitalism—capital. According to de Soto, the non-Western societies may have huge resources, but they mostly “hold these resources in defective forms.”

One example he gives is relevant to our discussion on land.

In most third world societies: “houses built on land whose ownership rights are not adequately recorded, unincorporated businesses with undefined liability, industries located where financiers and investors cannot see them.” When, as is the case with Nigeria’s knotty land use dynamics, lands are not properly documented, then they cannot be turned into capital for investment and other purposes. Elsewhere, a house on a parcel of land together constitutes a huge investment capital for the owner because the government has already mapped out the

The church confirmed during the week that the changes announced by Pastor Adeboye remain unchanged.

Pastor Joseph Obayemi is the Overseer of RCCG in Nigeria.

In ChurChes

procedural requisites for purchasing, leasing or owning lands.

It becomes immediately obvious to the discerning that the achievement of capital for development purpose requires sustainable institutional capability and capacitation. I remember that in his autobiography, Prof. Akin Mabogunje dedicated a chapter to his concern about the land reform in Nigeria.

He narrated the enthusiasm with which the late President Yar’Adua inaugurated the committee on land reform and how that led to the establishment of a larger commission that was to take up the herculean task of a cadastral mapping and registration of all lands in Nigeria. His narration documented the political hindrances the committee witnessed in the attempt to put together the initial institutional conditions for the possibility of land reform.Could we then infer that the reason the chapter in Mabogunje’s autobiography ended so abruptly on the land reform initiative is that the enthusiasm for that critical reform apparently died with the late president” Whether we know it or not, the land use act, and the structural hiccups it keeps engendering, continues to negatively affect individual and national socioeconomic growth and development. If de Soto’s argument is correct, Nigeria cannot replicate the conditions that will allow for the generation of developmental wealth. The administrative encumbrances that come with registering a business or obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy alone explains why the ease of doing business in Nigeria is so frustrating that it frustrates capital inflow into the country.

Institutions matter. And where institutions are dysfunctional like they are in Nigeria, then a reform dynamics is facilitated by the urgency of the demands that development is making on the nation. Land reform begins as an administrative and legal engagement with the Land Use Act. If such a legal engagement with the Nigerian Constitution seems daunting, the preliminary cadastral mapping fieldwork, the type of which was assigned to the Mabogunje Committee some ten years back, signals the type of robust reform blueprint that the Buhari administration requires enormous political will to push the change agenda through to a successful transformation of Nigeria.

Change does not often speak to a gigantic project of comprehensive development. On the contrary, a change dynamics only requires that a government picks up from where another government stops. It requires also the committed government to outline specific elements of national development whose reform could be set in motion in creative ways that will ignite short-term, mid-term and long-term development objectives.

The land reform project involves a long term objective of registering all the land in Nigeria for the purpose of generating enormous revenue for the government as well as injecting capital investment into the country. Putting in place the institutional procedures that will make deeds and titles to land easy to obtain and the land blueprint of Nigeria ready at hand is an arduous project. But then, one of the mandates that Nigerians gave the Buhari administration is not only to intend some good policies, but to also put in place the administrative dynamics that will translate good intention into good policies.

Just as in many endeavours in life, success in achieving the objectives of the land reform project must commence with a step. Let the Buhari government deploy the necessary political will in instigating that first step. It is heartening that even though the land reform issue will benefit quite a lot from the repealing of the Land Use Act of 1978, a genuinely committed government which is ready for change can commence the land reform without getting bogged down in protracted legal hairsplitting.

Dr. Olaopa is the Executive Vice-Chairman, Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP), (tolaopa2003@gmail.com; tolaopa@isgpp.com.ng)

• Continued from Page 74

Until his appointment, Pastor Obayemi was the Assistant General Overseer in charge of Finance and also Pastor in charge of RCCG Region 2 (Shomolu, Lagos). He is also a Member of the Governing Council amongst other offices he currently occupies. Although the RCCG headquarters in Nigeria is in Ebute-Meta, Pastor Obayemi will, for the time being, perform his functions from his RCCG Somolu Parish in Lagos.

Pastor Funsho Odesola is the Secretary of the Church. He was the Assistant General Overseer in charge of Administration and Personnel, Member of the Governing Council of RCCG and also the Pastor in charge of RCCG Region 1 (Ebute-Meta).

Church Treasurer is Pastor Joseph Adelanke Adeyokunnu.

He was a financial controller and Pastor in charge of Lagos province 8.

Sources say a common feature of all three is their extreme humility. Pastor Obayemi for example is said to address people as “Sir” or “Ma” irrespective of their status.

The new structure means that all regional pastors will report to the Nigeria Overseer, Pastor Obayemi, who will in turn report to Pastor Adeboye. Considering the latter’s increasing role worldwide, this comes as a relief.

Adegbiji explained: “The newly appointed country overseer, Pastor Joseph Obayemi may remain the overseer in charge of Nigeria operating from his current regional headquarters in Somolu in Lagos.

“The national headquarters of the church remains in Ebute Metta, Lagos, while the global headquarters is at the Redemp-

tion Camp, but the new country overseer, Pastor Obayemi may not immediately move to the Ebute Metta headquarters because it will be administratively inconvenient for him to operate from the headquarters of another region.”

According to him, “The new development does not affect Daddy GO’s status, functions or powers. He will continue to preside over RCCG programmes such as Holy Ghost Congress, Conventions, the monthly Holy Ghost Service, Shiloh Hour, Divine Encounter, etc.”

Top sources in the church explain that although the changes may have been precipitated by the Governance Code because of the need by the Church to set a standard in obeying the laws of the nation as demanded by scriptural teaching that all constituted authority should be respected, they were cleared

by God. “Daddy GO will not do anything like that without consulting God, who speaks to him directly,” an official of the church said. “Remember Vice President Osinbajo, a senior member of the church, was privy to all these, but even if he wanted to stop it as Peter attacked one of the people who arrested Jesus to stop them, Daddy wouldn’t have changed his mind over what God had authorised.”

Corroborating, another source said, God had even revealed to Pastor Adeboye an anthem on the need for unity in the church ahead of the changes. The 5-stanza anthem reads in part: ––Daniels is an author, writer and journalist

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The Senate Agenda for 2017 Bukola Saraki

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t is heart warming for me to see you, Senators, back in good health, refreshed and energised for the work ahead. Let me on behalf of the entire leadership wish you and all Nigerians a very happy new year. 2016, was a very challenging year for all of us. I assure you that the work we have done so far is gradually setting the stage for a greater and better 2017. Let me therefore, begin this address by thanking every one of you for the hard work and dedication exhibited in the last quarter of last year to keep the promise we made to all Nigerians that we would pass laws that would make the difference in their lives.

It is already historic that within the last quarter, which incidentally is the second quarter of this session, we all rolled up our sleeves, with sweat on our brows and successfully passed 49 bills through 3rd reading and 68 bills through second reading. This is a record setting feat, which has never been matched in the history of the National Assembly. That within a period of four months in the middle of the term of any past National Assembly, 49 bills are passed in a single quarter. I want to especially thank all the committees who worked tireless to help us achieve this milestone. Let me also thank President Muhammadu Buhari for showing faith with the work we are doing here at the National Assembly as he has by today signed into law 16 of the bills we have passed.

As long as our economy is still in recession, our work is not done. Because our people are still being laid off; so long as factories are closing shop, for as long as the hardship in the land continues to bite harder, investment continues to dwindle and the foreign exchange market remains fragmented, I will be demanding even much more from us to get all our economic reform bills passed. Ideally, we would like to see them pass together with the 2017 budget. Let me therefore urge all our committees involved with our priority bills to double efforts to ensure that by the end of the first quarter of this year we will have these bills ready.

We promise to pass our priority economic reform bills to help aid our economic recovery. This is a promise we must keep. There are already, new NASSBER research findings projecting that our priority bills, will have an output impact equivalent to an average of 6.87 percent of GDP over a 5-year period on the economy. The average annual growth in jobs is estimated at approximately 7.55 million additional employment as well as an average of 16.42 percent reduction in Nigeria’s poverty rate. Over the projected 5-year period, it is suggested that the reforms, which these bills would engender, may add an average of N3.76 Trillion to National income (National Disposable Income was N85.62 trillion in 2014), equivalent to 4.39 percent of 2014 figures.

These statistics make the delivery of these bills imperative and confirm evidently that we have got our priorities right so far. It is hoped that as we begin to turn our focus now towards the passage of the 2017 budget, these bills will be implemented simultaneously with the budget to enable us exit the recession quickly.

It is therefore imperative that we immediately begin work earnestly on the MTEF to ensure passage by the end of the week. In this way, consideration and debate on the 2017 budget will immediately follow in the three “sitting days” of the next week. It is our hope that we will with this budget begin the implementation of the report of the Committee on Budget Reforms, which has since submitted its report. This will enable more Nigerians participate in the budget consideration process, deepen the review and create the necessary efficiencies we expect from our budget implementation.

There is hardly a point reiterating the importance of making the 2017 budget the most successful budget we have ever passed, neither is it important to emphasise the need to have this budget back on the desk of the executive on time for implementation. As you may be aware, based on the recommendations of the Budget Reform Committee, we are working towards ensuring that budgets are prepared and submitted timely, so that implementation will follow a regular fiscal circle. In this regard, the National Assembly will not tolerate agencies of government not submitting their budgets within the budget period. This is why I urge all agencies yet to submit their budgets to do so quickly as budgets not received within time may have to wait for the next budget circle.

The budget is the most critical instrument within our public context for economic reordering. It is an effective tool to stimulate the economy, ensure an even distribution of development across the country; and give the “Made In Nigeria” initiative the impetus to survive and in the long term, sustain itself. In this particular regard, the Senate has played its part by passing the amendment to the Procurement Act for which we are awaiting concurrence by the House and for the immediate assent of the President. Once this happens, we will not rest at simply assigning it back to the relevant committee but rather, we all will play our part to ensure that all government agencies comply with the law.

I for one, intend to put the full weight of my Office behind

Saraki presiding over a Sente session this initiative to build the trust and ensuing patronage of Nigerians in goods and products made by our own people.

I truly believe that this is the singular policy that can play a key role in getting out of this recession, provide the needed jobs; and keep the economy going.

The issue of policy inconsistencies remains an issue that continues to challenge our business environment. I have in the past argued and still hold the view that for a private sector-led economy to thrive, we need to reform our policy environment to give investors and our businessmen and women ample adjustment time to make informed investment decisions rather than have uncertainties. This is especially important in the agriculture and solid mineral sectors where we have significant economies of scale and opportunities for diversification of our economy. In view of this, we shall, in consultation with stakeholders across board, be looking at legislative measures that could increase the potential for a more stable policy environment starting with the agricultural businesses and solid mineral resources sectors of our economy.

Before we left for the break, I and a few others met with stakeholders in the power sector to get an understanding of why no progress has been made thus far despite the best intention; and the revelations were mind-boggling. There had been errors in the privatisation process and the model by which the power sector is being operated—whether at generation or distribution—will never take us where we need to be. It has failed and nobody appears willing to tackle the issue head-on towards a permanent resolution.

I have mandated the Senate Committee on Power to continue the consultation with the relevant parties to forge a path to solving our crippling power deficit. After all, if we are going to drive Nigerian industry, we need to resolve this and fast.

While we have our attention on the economy and are working with sweat on our brows to improve it for the betterment of our people, we cannot lose sight of the callous and growing circle of violence across the country, especially now in southern Kaduna. We condemn in totality to depravity being exhibited on the streets of Kafanchan. This Senate will not pay lip service to it neither will it sit idly by and watch innocent Nigerians being slaughtered on the basis of their religion, ethnic group or political persuasion.

No, we will not stand aloof. Let me therefore; use this opportunity to call on the leadership in the state to use its authority and constitutional mandate to bring to immediate halt the growing orgy of violence that has enveloped Southern Kaduna.

This new theatre of conflict is one too many and must be nipped in the bud. Thankfully, a motion to this effect is already before us. We will ensure a thorough investigation is carried out to unravel the issues and advise government appropriately on the matter in order to ensure that all those

found culpable are severely dealt with irrespective of who may be behind them. This will ensure there is no repeat of this madness and assure the people of Kaduna that injustice and impunity will not be allowed to triumph over our collective will to maintain our national unity and coherence.

The Petroleum Industry continues to be critical to the health of our economy. This is why, the Senate is urging the Executive to take positive steps to begin open and meaningful dialogue with those aggrieved in the Niger Delta to proffer lasting solutions that will help us take advantage of the emerging international oil market outlook to revamp our economic fortunes. The proposed engagement we suggest must be sincere, constructive, open, and aimed at confidence building. This Senate is willing to assist and play whatever role necessary to facilitate a successful agreement that would help us see to the end of the lingering conflict.

I would want us during this session to also pay attention to the protection and preservation of consumer rights.

The current situation where consumers’ rights are violated and treated with indignity must stop. We are prepared to defend the right of the Nigerian to receive a superior quality of product or service purchased with their hard-earned resources. We will not stand for the exploitation of consumers and we have already shown that we are unafraid to tackle such issues whether perpetrated by public or private sector service-providers; as was the case of the intended data tariff hike proposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) which we moved swiftly to prevent.

We want people to know that they can run to us and we will in turn rise in defence of the Nigerian consumer who should be respected as a driving force in the economy.

I cannot end this brief remark of mine without emphasising on the need for us to pursue and conclude the on going constitutional review process which we will conclude by the end of this session in March. We must do this to ensure that our people begin to enjoy the benefits of the intended reforms which will help strengthen our unity, increase our prosperity and opportunity as well as expand our liberty and happiness across the country.

Finally, let me thank you all for your unflinching focus and perseverance in the way you have conducted yourself as we march towards the attainment of most of our laid priorities. Though there have been many distractions on the way and unmerited traducers unleashed at you to weaken your resolve, you have remained resolute and un-detachable to our collective goal. This is a reflection of what can be achieved if we keep the focus before the end of our tenure.

Like I said when we started this journey, history beckons and we cannot afford to lose sight of the goal.

––Saraki, President of the Senate, delivered the welcome address to Senators on their resumption from their 2016 end of the year recess on 10 January

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Wike, The Man of the Year Simeon Nwakaudu

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espite the daily struggle by enemies of Rivers State to divert the attention of Governor Nyesom Wike from delivering on his pledge to recreate the state, he has remained on track, emerging as Nigeria’s Governor of the Year, 2016. The story of Wike’s outstanding performance in the current political dispensation is legendary in all ramifications. He has ensured that the people of Rivers State experience the benefits of voting for a focused leader, who has the interest of his people at heart.

Wike has turned his leadership into an impregnable love story between the leader and his people. It is a traditional love story, exemplified by the African virtue of “you scratch my back and I scratch yours”.

The governor has proved to be an inspirational leader, leading from the front as he transforms Rivers State. The transformation of the state is right on track, making the state an envy of all.

It is not by chance that Wike is seen as the best performing governor in Nigeria for the year, 2016. From the very beginning, Wike set out to make a difference. His footprints of performance are spread across the length and breadth of Rivers State. From defending democracy to reviving the economy of Rivers State through to the improvement of security down to the unprecedented massive infrastructural development in the state.

Three major national newspapers in the course of 2016 pronounced Wike as Governor of the Year, 2016 and Man of the Year 2016. The three newspapers are: Independent Newspapers, Sun Newspapers, and Authority Newspapers. The three newspapers have already presented their nomination letters to Wike Managing Director of Sun Publishing Limited, publishers of the Sun titles, Mr Eric Osagie, explained that the award was extended to Wike for his outstanding performance in the areas of infrastructure, security, agriculture, health and education.

Osagie said, “This award is not for sale. It is based on contributions to the development of the state. This is the most prestigious award in Nigeria. This category is for those who have performed. We stake our reputation on this. In recognition of the remarkable transformation that Governor Wike has brought to bear on development, the Sun Publishing Limited gives him the award of Governor of the Year 2016.”

To Managing Director of Independent Newspapers, Mr Ted Iwere, Wike was voted Man of the Year 2016 because of his exemplary giant strides in the areas of developmental projects.

Iwere said, “We believe that Governor Wike richly deserves this honour. We are conversant with his giant strides. We take note of the growing network of roads to facilitate the movement of goods and services.

Managing Director of Authority Newspapers, Mr Madu Onuorah, spoke in a similar vein. He said Authority Newspapers resolved to vote Wike as its Man of the Year 2016 because of his courage to stand for the people of Rivers State and ensure that they are not conquered.

Onuorah said, “Governor Wike has ensured that Rivers State is not conquered by its enemies. Governor Wike has shown that we can all walk tall in the face of intimidation. In the case of infrastructure, Governor Wike never gives excuses. He has been committed to the work at hand, delivering on all fronts. The difference is there for all to see.”

On December 12 last year, a terrible thing took place at the Rivers East Senatorial District Collation Centre. Rivers SARS Commander, Mr Akin Fakorede, and other SARS personnel, allegedly, invaded the collation centre and beat up electoral officials. It was obvious that

Wike Fakorede was working for the authorities. The news of Fakorede’s political robbery filtered into the town and Wike led from the front to defend democracy.

To many Nigerians, this action in defence of democracy sets Wike aside as Nigeria’s Man of the Year. His action served as a reality check to political criminals that Rivers people will not stand aside and watch the desecration of the democratic temple.

Wike’s action has served as an inspiration to other Nigerians to stand up for democracy. They now understand that peacefully, people can stop the rigging of elections, irrespective of the number of security personnel deployed by the ruling party.

Indeed, Wike became outstanding because he led Rivers people to stop the use of security agents to manipulate the electoral process. This he did without destroying the fabric of state security.

The Rivers rerun poll marked the beginning of a new phase in the country’s democratic experience. Wike preached vigilance and peaceful resistance.

In 2016, there was no governor in Nigeria that delivered the number of projects that Wike brought on stream for the people of Rivers State. The governor redefined governance, making projects delivery the centrepiece of his engagement with the people. Like he pledged during the campaigns, the governor spread development projects to the three senatorial districts of the state.

His road infrastructure delivery programme is considered the very best in the country. More than 200 roads have been delivered across the state, with 50 other roads in the works.

In the urban areas of Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre and Eleme, critical road infrastructure have been delivered to rejig the state’s economy, empower the people and set the state on the part of growth. The urban renewal programme in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt City has witnessed the reintroduction of traffic and street lights.

Several feats have been recorded in the health sector. Seventeen hospitals are being completely rehabilitated across the state. The

Not Just a ‘Grass Cutter’ Mohammed Alkali

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ontrary to the opinion of the Senate, the Presidential Initiative on North-East (PINE) under the watch of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. David Babachir, is not just a grass cutter but a worthy predecessor of the Lt. Gen Theophilus Danjuma-led Presidential Committee on Northeast Initiative (NCNI).

The Senate would have had a different opinion if it considered the real work done by PINE within the short time it operated under the SGF. It must be noted that at inception, the Goodluck Jonathan administration domiciled PINE in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). And most of the initial works and attendant expenditure were done under the supervision of ONSA. It was Buhari that reorganized it and placed it under SGF in last year for ease of coordination since most of the agencies working on the North-east are government ministries and departments.

Its mandate was to mobilse targeted resources to provide emergency assistance to people and communities displaced and adversely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency; jumpstart and stabilize the region’s economy; and strategically position the region for long-term prosperity.

It had 24 members, including representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies, Victims Support Fund (VSF), a representative of the North-East Economic Summit Group (NEESG) and the Nigerian Red Cross working with many development partners.

Upon its inauguration, it quickly developed a three-prong implementation strategy for delivering its mandate. First was the short term plan that was designed to provide emergency assistance and economic

stabilization to the victims of the insurgency. This programme covered 11% of the projected 150, 000 households targeted by PINE’s Comprehensive Relief Program across the six states in the region. The second was the medium term plan, aimed at restoring lost livelihood and engaging the region’s youth population in productive works. The third was the long term plan that focused on the development of basic infrastructures: Agriculture, Health, Education, Safety and Security, good governance, international trade and regional economic growth.

In fulfillment of its first implementation strategy of providing emergency assistance, PINE intervened massively in the provision of relief assistance, including food and non-food materials to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the peak of the crisis till the Senate intervention. Specifically, the initiative procured relief materials comprising 960 tons of food items, 450 tons of non-food items, including 17,500 bundles of roofing sheets (zinc), 300 tons of cement for IDPs across the region and 360 tons of food items for IDPs in Niger Republic. It also provided 2,005 tents for IDP families in Borno State.

In pursuit of it second implementation strategy of restoring lost livelihood; PINE began the process of rehabilitation of destroyed infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. It was hoped that this would not only help to begin to resettle the displaced but would also provide some jobs as the rehabilitation works begin. In specific terms, the initiative rehabilitated or renovated 28 schools burnt down by the insurgents. It also face lifted 32 police stations and two police barracks that were burnt down by Boko Haram in Adamawa and Yobe States.

It upgraded and equipped the Burn Centers at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Federal Medical Center, Yola.

PINE also provided two ambulances to the Federal Medical Center, Yola and the State Specialist Hospital, also in Yola.

As part of its core mandate of restoring economic activity to the

objective is to reposition the health sector to serve the people better.

The 17 General Hospitals being rehabilitated are spread across the three senatorial districts of the state.

To ensure that more residents of Rivers State have access to quality healthcare, Wike introduced the private hospitals loan scheme. In the first batch of the scheme, 37 hospitals in the state have accessed N500 million to upgrade their facilities and improve their service delivery to the people. Seven of the beneficiaries are non-indigenes, while 30 are from Rivers State.

In Education, Wike has reintroduced model boarding schools.

Eleven prominent schools across the state have been earmarked for total rehabilitation. At present, work is on-going at three secondary schools, namely, Nyemoni Grammar School, Abonnema; Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori; and Government Girl Secondary School, Rumuokwuta.

Today, the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, the first of its kind in West Africa, is nearing completion. It is a modern recreational facility that will generate foreign exchange for the state and boost tourism.

Within this period, Wike completed the ultra-modern NBA Law Centre, remodelled the Diete-Spiff Civic Centre and is building a brand new Federal High Court Complex in Port Harcourt.

Wike has promoted the independence of the judiciary all through the period under review. However, he has taken pragmatic measures to improve the welfare of the judiciary. Official cars were distributed to High Court Judges and Magistrates.

Today, Rivers State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, despite the negative propaganda, obviously, sponsored by the opposition.

Rivers State is now the preferred destination for national and international conferences. The Nigerian Guild of Editors National Convention, the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference, West African Architects Conference, International Polo Tournament, PDP National Convention and other high profile events were hosted in the state in 2016.

However, the most outstanding achievement of Wike in the security sector was the successful Amnesty Programme. It led to hundreds of cultists and militants embracing peace. They are being rehabilitated by the state government.

To achieve a peaceful state, Wike invested heavily in the state’s security architecture. Over 150 patrol vans have been distributed to security agencies, more than 50 armoured personnel carriers and gunboats bought and rehabilitated and security agencies funded on a monthly basis.

Wike made outstanding impact in different other sectors. Marine transport in the state is being repositioned through the reconstruction of jetties. The ATC Jetty in Okirika was commissioned by the governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, and the Bonny Jetty is nearing completion.

The governor’s systematic empowerment programmes have been hailed across the country. He invested N2 billion for the empowerment of small and medium sized businesses through direct grants. Wike is not a man to rest on his achievements. He has already declared 2017 as the state’s year of unprecedented roll out of projects.

On May 27, Rivers State will celebrate its Golden Jubilee. The Jubilee Governor of Rivers State has planned a budget that will revolutionise development in the state. In 2017, Wike said, “The total projected capital expenditure for 2017 is N329 billion, which represents 70% of the capital estimate to the projected budget volume and gives a capital to recurrent expenditure ratio of 70:30.”

––Nwakaudu is Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.

ravaged communities, it removed invasive plant species on River Kumadugu and channeled the river in order to provide irrigation for communities along its banks.

Interestingly it was the award of the contract for the removal of the invasive plants and the channelization of the river that created the uproar at Senate. Yet the contact was not only awarded in compliance with the procurement law, but was also duly executed. The people have since started enjoying the fruits of the project as farmers returned to their farms using water from the irrigation scheme of PINE. Fishing had also returned as the invasive plants had been cleared. It is worthy of note that there is already a large scale production of onions along the banks of the river, so much so that an international market has been created with traders coming from far and wide, including Ghana and Niger to trade.

But by far the most important work that PINE did was the development of a Marshall Plan for the resettlement and reintegration of the communities ravaged by the insurgents.

Developed by a 22 member special committee, including representatives of relevant government ministries, departments and agencies, Victims Support Fund, North East Economic Summit Group, Nigerian Red Cross Society, some large companies in the region and several development partners, the plan contained the assessment of needs of the affected part of the region, the specific strategies to address these needs, the framework for monitoring and evaluation and cost estimates for specific interventions.

-Alkali, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Damaturu (See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ JANUARY15, 2017

Edited by Vincent Obia Email vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com

Special Status: A Fresh Hope for Lagos

Twenty five years after the federal capital was relocated from Lagos State to Abuja, the state has been left without federal support, with a bill seeking to accord it special status rejected three times in the Senate. But the bill has been presented again in the upper chamber, raising fresh hope. Gboyega Akinsanmi reports

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s the Senate resumed last week after a three-week vacation, two critical bills waited for attention.

They are the 2017 appropriation bill and the bill seeking a special status for Lagos State.

For many Nigerians – and foreigners – who have for decades found Lagos to be a crucial melting pot, the bill for an Act “to make provision for federal grants to Lagos State in recognition of its strategic socio-economic significance and other connected purposes,” takes pride of place.

In the last decade, the Senate has rejected the bill three times without clear reasons. When the bill was rejected for the third time on October 5 last year, it drew angry reactions from many Nigerians. The decision of the Senate incurred public disapproval for two main reasons. First, the lawmakers did not really debate the proposal on its merit, but threw it out on the altar of sectional politics. This was evident in the explanation of Senator Binta Garba, when she recently said some senators “are agitating that other regional headquarters should be looked into.”

Second, the bill had been proposed twice in the seventh National Assembly and was rejected. The lawmaker representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, initiated the last version, which only sought one per cent special economic assistance for the state. Like the two others, the proposal was suspended at the second reading.

But the chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Yerima Sani, assured that the bill would be revisited, when he visited the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, in November last year. True to Sani’s assurance, the bill was presented less than one month after he visited Ambode with other members of the committee. Undoubtedly, the representation of the bill offers the Senate another opportunity to ensure justice in the matter.

VAT Contribution Like other versions, the proposal stoked a wild plenary at the Senate. At the plenary, the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, provided a strategic background, which he argued, made the bill compelling and imperative. He cited its economic significance to Nigeria. He also cited the case of 13 per cent derivation, which oil-producing states are getting.

The chief whip also cited Lagos State’s huge contribution to the value-added tax. In 2014, the Federal Inland Revenue Service generated a total of N4.6 trillion, out of which VAT contributed over N690 billion. FIRS said Lagos alone contributed about 50 per cent of the N690 billion.

Expatiating on the VAT contribution, Adeyeye gave the example of a state governor who “banned alcohol in his state. If my own people consume alcohol, that governor should not enjoy a kobo of VAT from my area. If it is 13 per cent for Bayelsa, Delta and other oil-producing states, it should be so for Lagos State from VAT.” However, a lawmaker from the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Philip Aduda, did not see the need to grant Lagos State special status. The senator argued that if special consideration “will be given to Lagos State, the same thing should be extended to Abuja.”

But Adeyeye responded that unlike Lagos, Abuja does not pay tax to the federal government.

The reason for the rejection of the special status proposal for Lagos State seemed evident in the words of Senator Binta Garba during the committee’s visit to the state last October. Garba, who is senator for Adamawa North, said some senators opposed the bill because there “are other regional headquarters that the federal government needs to look into and possibly accord special economic status.” She said such regional headquarters included Lagos in the South-west, Kaduna in the North-west, Borno in North-east, Enugu in South-east, and Port-Harcourt in South-south.

But many believe that position does not hold water because, historically, Lagos was never a regional headquarter. Before the relocation of the federal capital to Abuja, Lagos was the capital of Nigeria.

Observation The visit of the committee was revealing, according to Sani.

Before members of the committee eventually had a private meeting with the state governor, they had visited Lekki Deep Sea Port and Lekki Free Trade Zone. Also, they had visited Apapa Central Business District, which hosts Nigeria’s three most strategic seaports.

So, crisscrossing the state from its eastern part to the central zone revealed a lot of things to the visiting senators. The outing, according to Garba, opened the eyes of the senators to massive the transformation taking place in Lagos. She said the senators “have a cleaner Lagos. We have also seen safer Lagos. We have

Ambode

equally seen beautification in Lagos.

“With what is happening in Lagos, it shows there is hope for Nigeria being the first federal capital. The government of Lagos State is doing well. We believe Lagos will be another hope, not just for African countries, but also in the entire global community.

In the last 17 years, the handling of baton from government to government has paid off. It shows that there is continuity in the vision that has been set aside for Lagos State.”

The visit also revealed huge challenges, which Sani acknowledged, qualified the state for special status. To him, Lagos is a mini-Nigeria. He said people from all states of the federation “are earning and living here. Anything we do for Lagos, we are not doing it for Lagos indigenes alone. I will call Lagos a mini-Nigeria.”

The committee observed the near total collapse of strategic infrastructure in Apapa and its environs. It noticed the deplorable state of federal roads in the state. In the last 16 years, the state has provided strategic interventions to maintain and rehabilitate federal roads at the cost of over N55 billion.

Expectedly, the committee took cognisance of derelict assets of the federal government, which dotted several parts of Ikoyi, Lagos Island, Obalende and Victoria Island, among others. Under different administrations, the state had sought to take over some of this federal property with the intention of turning them around for the public interest.

Justification The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has added his voice to the demand for a special economic status for the state. The royal father believes there is a compelling justification for the state’s demand for special status. He argued that the Senate should have looked at these compelling reasons.

Globally, the monarch said, Lagos “is one of the previous capitals,” which has not been accorded special status. He cited New Delhi in India, Rio in Brazil and New York in the United States, all of which have been granted special status given their economic significance. With about 22 million residents, Akiolu said there is no reason to deny Lagos this request.

Beyond what the monarch said, a 2014 survey by City Mayors Foundation classified Lagos as the seventh fastest growing city in the world, with the average annual growth rate of 4.44 per cent.

Lagos comes only after Beithai, China; Ghaziabad, India; Sana’a, Yemen; Surat, India; Kabul, Afghanistan; and Bamako, Mali.

Of these cities, according to the survey, Lagos is the only city-state without a constitutionally recognised special status in terms of development attention. Among others, the survey showed Beithai “is designated as a Special Economic Zone and

Oluremi Tinubu

marine protected area by the Chinese government. Ghaziabad is a National Capital Region.

“Sana’a is the capital of Yemen, seat of governance and the largest city in the country. Although the seat of the internationallyrecognised government moved to Aden, as a provisional capital after coup in 2014.” But Lagos has not been accorded special status despite being a former capital of Nigeria and still her economic centre.” Ambode classified Lagos as a city-state with vast potentials.

For him, Lagos does not just mirror Nigeria. It is Africa’s model megacity. Aside, it is Africa’s fifth largest economy, which according to him, has positioned it to take Nigeria out of economic recession.

Fresh Assurance On December 12, 2015, it was exactly 25 years since the federal capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja. On February 3, it will be 41 years since the Mohammed Murtala regime announced the decision to move the capital from Lagos. Under the regime, the Supreme Military Council did not relocate the national capital without making a provision for Lagos State.

Murtala had then admitted that Lagos “will, in the foreseeable future, remain the national commercial capital and one of its nerve centres. But in terms of servicing the present infrastructure alone, the committed amount of money and effort required will be such that Lagos State will not be ready to cope. It will even be unfair to expect the state to bear this heavy burden on its own.

“It is, therefore, necessary for the federal government to continue to sustain the substantial investment in the area. The port facilities and other economic activities in the Lagos area have to be expanded.

There is need in the circumstances for the federal government to maintain a special defence and security arrangement in Lagos which will henceforth be designated a special area.”

Already, four decades have gone by. And this pledge has not been transformed to reality. Rather it has been entangled in the web of sectional politics. However, Sani said it was time “to reconsider the proposal to accord special status to Lagos State.”

He admitted that many factors determined things that happened at the National Assembly. Now that the Lagos State government has appealed, he assured, things will be different.

With what the committee observed in Lagos, Garba observed the Senate would look at the proposal “to grant the state the statutory allocation of one per cent t. We believe Lagos is a mini-Nigeria, where everyone has a dream. We cannot reject the request of the Lagos State towards one per cent special economic assistance.

“Once Lagos is given that one per cent, we hope that it will enhance the status and pride of Nigeria. The government of Lagos State is doing well.”

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GAVEL TO GAVEL/ BILLS, MOTIONS, ET AL.

Exit of Ndume

The removal of Senator Ali Ndume as Senate Leader on Tuesday was a major event that generated attention during the week. Omololu Ogunmade writes

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he ousted Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume, arrived the Senate last Tuesday as the upper chamber resumed from its three weeks recess, being totally oblivious that he would return home that day with a different status. As it is the tradition, he had walked into the White House arm of the Senate President’s office where principal officers usually assemble before their procession into the Senate chamber and, indeed, joined the procession into the chamber, unknown to him that it would be his last experience in the procession.

The proceedings took the normal shape that day as Ndume, in his capacity as the Senate leader, set the tone for the day’s plenary not bearing in mind that he was carrying out his last assignment. As he led proceedings that day, those who had perfected his ouster must have been yelling at him in their hearts and bidding him farewell as far as the business of the Senate leader was concerned.

Twenty four hours before then, a register had been opened for his removal without his knowledge and no fewer than 38 All Progressives Congress senators had signed the list for his removal. As Ndume led proceedings on that fateful day, Senate President Bukola Saraki was clutching his removal letter and only watching out for a conducive atmosphere to read it.

That conducive atmosphere eventually came when Ndume left the chamber for the mosque and asked his deputy, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, to hold the fort. He had hoped to return to the chamber to take his place after prayer, unknown to him that he would not return to the seat any longer.

Before he could return to the chamber that day, plenary had come to an end.

But that was not going to be a serious matter as that should ordinarily imply that he would only proceed to his office and look forward to the next legislative day. However, that was not to be as he was not only confronted with the news of adjournment but also with the information that he had been removed and replaced with his colleague, Senator Ahmad Lawan, who had been the party’s choice for the office since inception.

Change His removal came to him as a rude shock, as Saraki at the twilight of proceedings that day read a letter signed by 38 members of the APC caucus, informing the Senate of a meeting they held on Monday, January 9, where they agreed to replace Ndume with Lawan as their leader. Ordinarily, an APC caucus meeting ought to be convened

by Ndume, as the leader. But because he was the target of the meeting, he was not aware that his colleagues were deciding his fate on Monday while he was preparing for Tuesday’s proceedings.

In the letter, entitled: “Notice of Change in Leadership,” APC senators said: “This is to inform Your Excellency and the Senate that after several meetings held on Monday, 9th of January, 2017, and upon due deliberation and consultation, the APC Caucus of the Senate, hereby wish to notify you of the change in the leadership of the Senate - that the new Senate Leader is now Senator Ahmad Lawan, representing Yobe North Senatorial District. Kindly accept our esteem regards and best assurances.”

THISDAY was told that day that following the decision to replace Ndume, his colleagues had assigned the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, to advise him to resign to save him from the pain of removal. There were also claims that when the two men wanted to discharge the responsibility, Ndume was nowhere to be found.

There were also insinuations that he might have left the chamber because of

leadership, the APC and the Presidency.

Ndume had had battles with his party since his emergence as Senate leader. He had rejected several efforts by the party to compel him to step down.

APC Commendation Little wonder that few hours after the news of his removal broke, APC, which had been campaigning for his exit from the office since inception, quickly launched into celebration, saying it was glad that the new found love between the party and the Senate in recent times had eventually yielded a fruitful result. According to the party’s spokesman, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement, Ndume’s removal was a right step in the right direction.

Abdullahi said, “We believe this is a major step forward in our efforts to reunite the various interest groups in that Senate election, thereby presenting a common legislative front for our great party.

“We are particularly delighted that the consultations that were initiated towards the end of 2015 between the party caucuses in the National Assembly and the party executives as well as other leading stakeholders of our party has yielded these results and the Senate has demonstrated its willingness to finally submit to the will of the party in this regard.”

Ndume

premonition of what had been planned against him. But Ndume said he never had any fore knowledge of the action but only went to observe prayers as he had done several times in the past.

Reason Ndume was removed for two main reasons. First, he was accused of bringing the Senate into disrepute through a series of behaviours and utterances which senators considered as embarrassing to the institution. Prominent among such perceived embarrassing acts which eventually consumed him was the interview he granted State House correspondents in the Presidential Villa on December 19, 2016 where he debunked Senate’s earlier official position which had rejected the confirmation of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the substantive chairman of Economic and Financial Commission on December 15 last year.

Whereas the Senate had announced on December 15 that in view of a damning security report against Magu, it had resolved in its closed-door session not to confirm Magu as the EFCC boss. Senate’s spokesman, Sabi Abdullahi, said the Senate rejected Magu and advised President Muhammadu Buhari to send another candidate as his replacement.

However, while the news of Magu’s rejection was yet generating controversy in the polity, Ndume announced at the Presidential Villa that Magu had not been rejected. He emphasised that Magu could not be rejected in a closed-door session of the Senate where the decision was taken.

Ndume also dismissed Senate’s call for the resignation and prosecution of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, over alleged mismanagement of internally displaced persons funds in the North-east.

Second, THISDAY also learnt that the Senate found Ndume’s removal this time to be appropriate in view of the recent rapprochement between the Senate

Ndume was removed for two main reasons.

First, he was accused of bringing the Senate into disrepute through a series of behaviours and utterances which senators considered as embarrassing to the institution

Reaction The following day, Ndume in his official reaction to his removal, described it as a breach of parliamentary norms because he was never confronted with any allegation of wrong doing before the action was carried out. He therefore warned against sustained violations of parliamentary procedure as allegedly reflected in his sudden removal, warning that Ekweremadu might be the next victim.

Ndume, while raising Order 43 in Senate Standing Rules, had said the Senate was a national institution whose sanctity must be protected by members, insisting that he had done nothing wrong to warrant the manner of his removal.

He stated, “Having said that, I want to say that this Senate is an institution that we must protect. How you protect the institution is to obey the rules and the tradition. If today, just like that, without telling somebody and he goes out and he’s removed...If it is Ndume today and it’s ok, it may be God forbid Ekweremadu tomorrow.

“So, what I am saying is that anytime our colleagues err in one way or the other, we should be given the chance to say ‘look, this is what you did and therefore, we have lost confidence in you but I thank God since there is nothing, I am grateful for that. So, I want to once again say thank you very much for the opportunity given me to serve as the Senate leader and I wish my brother, the new Senate leader well.

We have been struggling for this for a long time. I hope and I wish you the best of service to this important institution.”

In his own reaction, the new Senate Leader, Lawan, described his emergence as the act of God. Lawan made this remark while seeking his colleagues’ support at the commencement of Thursday’s plenary.

He said, “I thank the APC Caucus for having confidence and trust in my judgement and ability to serve as leader of the Senate. I ask the opposition that what the APC caucus has done is for all of us. I am not a leader for the APC caucus. I am a leader of the Senate. It is the will of God. And we as religious people believe in destiny. We have accepted our fate and we have accepted to work for the betterment of Nigerians.”

Reacting to Lawan’s call, the Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said the PDP caucus believed that with the elevation of Lawan as Senate leader “all the grumblings and disaffections affecting the Eight Senate would be brought to an end.”

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he Obele of Igbara-Oke, Ondo State, Prince Ezekiel Abiodun Agbede, turned 90 on Saturday January 7, 2017. Thanksgiving service took place at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Igbara Oke, while a reception was hosted in his honour at Premier Hotel and Holiday Resort, Igbara-Oke. Here are some of the personalities at the event Photographs by Sunday Adigun The celebrant, Olori Omitade Agbede and Mrs. Ezekiel Abiodun Agbede and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi

L-R: Alara of Aramoko Ekiti, Oba Dr. Adegoke Olu Adeyemi and The Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe

L-R: The Elerimo of Erimo Ijesa, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi, Arowotawaya, and the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado

L-R: Chief Mrs. Kemi Adenusi; Prince Adefarakanmi Agbede and Mrs. Bose Agbede

The Olubuji of Ibuji, Oba Folagbade Ojo and the Oliyere of Iyere Kingdom ,Oba Alaba Adako

L-R: Olori Yetunde Agbede and Olori Adejoke Agbede

L-R: Chief (Mrs.) Morenike Komolafe and the Vice Chairman, Ifedore Local Goverment, Hon. Tope Akomolafe

L-R: Jumoke Fagbohunlu and Labake Adeola

L-R: Mrs. Funmila Adekoge and Olori Funmiloa Alagbado

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUA

IMAGES

L-R: Chief Ade Ojo and Deji of Akure, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi

L-R: Olori Jumoke Agbede and Mrs. Moji Fasae

Mrs.Sola Ijogun and Mr. Siji Ijokun, chairman, Igbara-Oke Development Council (IDC)

Mrs. Olayoonu Ijogun and Prince Adebanjo Adejuwon

L-R: Prince and Mrs. Adebambo Agbede Arch. and Mrs. Ade Abdul

L-R: Yeye Oba Bolatito Alabi and Mrs. Bola Aderoju

A cross section of Igbara Oke High Chiefs at the ceremony

L-R: Yinka Faboyiwa and Yetunde Osobiya

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SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by Demola Ojo Email demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

High Stakes as Man United Host Liverpool Demola Ojo

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erennial rivals Manchester United and Liverpool clash today in a high stakes match at Old Trafford.

Apart from bragging rights, crucial points are up for grabs as sixth place United can get within two points of Liverpool who started the weekend in second place.

United’s morale is high but they started the weekend 10 points behind Chelsea, so José Mourinho’s men need to win to have a chance of taking the title. Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool can lose and still be in the race even though both Tottenham and Arsenal have leapfrogged them in the table with resounding 4-0 wins against West Brom and Swansea respectively, yesterday.

United hope to have Zlatan Ibrahimovic available after the striker missed the 2-0 EFL Cup semi-final first-leg win over Hull last Tuesday due to illness. He will be assessed before the match at Old Trafford.

Without the talismanic Swede in midweek, United extended their winning run in all competitions to nine games as goals from Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini secured victory.

Klopp’s side have not won in three matches in all competitions and have failed to score in their last two. They were held to a goalless draw at home by Plymouth in the FA Cup and then beaten 1-0

by Southampton in the first leg of their EFL Cup semifinal.

Klopp says United are “better” than they were earlier in the season when a defensive display led to a stalemate at Anfield.

“They are more used to each other,” he said. “To use only one example, but I think Henrikh Mkhitaryan is an important example, it took a little bit of time – that’s normal. Now they can use his outstanding quality. “[They are] more confident. It’s a different side, if you want. There was no doubt about the quality of the players when they played here. But it was not that tuned, maybe. [Now], it is. So that’s a different thing.”

Liverpool captain Jordan

Henderson and defender Joel Matip are back in training and could be in contention to start today.

Henderson has missed the last three matches with a heel problem while Matip has been sidelined for a month with an ankle injury.

Playmaker Philippe Coutinho could be in line to start after making a 30-minute comeback appearance against Southampton in midweek after ankle ligament damage, while Simon Mignolet will return in goal.

This will be the 50th Premier League meeting between Manchester United and Liverpool – United have won 27 of the previous 49 (D9 L13). Liverpool have lost 11 of their last 14 visits to Old Trafford in the Premier League, winning the other three.

Liverpool have lost more Premier League matches (27) and also the most overall league matches (67) against United than versus any other opponent.

This clash has seen 16 red cards shown in the Premier League - only Everton v Liverpool (21) has produced more dismissals.

United had just 35 per cent possession vs Liverpool at Anfield in October, their lowest total in a Premier League match since Opta began recording this data in 2003/04.

4–0 1–0 3–1 1–3 0–4 0–0 0-3 5–0 1–0 1-1 v v v v

Shameful Start to Nigeria Premier League as Ifeanyi Ubah FC Abandon Opener

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he new Nigeria league season got off to a disgraceful start after FC Ifeanyi Ubahabandonedthe opening game with hosts Kano Pillars leading 1-0. Ifeanyi Ubah protested when they appeared to

AFCON 2017: Gabon Held By Guinea-Bissau

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uinea-Bissau continued their fairy-tale run by holdingGabontoa 1-1drawinthe2017 Africa Cup of Nations opener at the Stade de l’Amitié in Libreville yesterday. TheAfrican minnows, playing in their firstAfcon, scored a 91st minute equaliser through Juary Soares to claim a point in the Group A clash.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looked to have secured all three pointsforthePanthers,buthaving switchedoffinthefinal10minutes of the clash the hosts were duly punished.

LikeplentyofNationsCupopeners in years gone by, this particular clashalsogotofftoaratherlethargic startwithneithersideshowingreal impetus nor rhythm in the early

RESULTS Tottenham Burnley Hull City Sunderland Swansea Watford Leicester Barcelona Atl Madrid Gabon Everton Man United Algeria Tunisia

Pogba surrounded by Liverpool players in the reverse fixture earlier in the season

West Brom Southampton Bournemouth Stoke City Arsenal Middlesbrough Chelsea Las Palmas Real Betis Guinea-Bissau Man City Liverpool Zimbabwe Senegal

exchanges.

Gabon’s first chance of the match felltoMalickEvounaon20minutes, but the China-based forward was unabletodirectAubameyang’spinpoint cross past the Guinea-Bissau goal-minder.

Zezinhothenfiredthevisitorsfirst shotinangeroverthecrossbarinthe 31st minute before Mario Lemina sawhisheadergowideofgoalatthe otherendofthepark.TheJuventus man,havingflunghimselfatafreekick was not rewarded for what would have been a quality goal.

The home side came out firing afterthebreakwithDenisBouanga forcing Jonas Mendes into a good saveinthe49thminuteoftheclash, anditwouldbetheStrasbourgman to play a key role in the first goal of the showpiece.

Aubameyangpoppedupatthefar post to poke home a precise cross

by Bouanga three minutes later.

TheBorussiaDortmundforward squandered a glorious chance to double the hosts lead in the 69th minute.

Leminadidexcellentworktokeep the ball in play before supplying the Panthers captain, who sent his volley attempt over the crossbar.

CHANGE OF NAME

2:30pm 5pm 5pm 8pm

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUBUNMI ADEBIMPE ADEOYE. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLUBUNMI Adebimpe Adeoye-Adeyemo.

All former documents remain valid.

General public and management of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria should please take note.

have drawn level from a free kick just before the end of the first half.

And three minutes after the restart, the Nnewi club walked out on the game apparently on an order from a top club official.

“This is a disgrace,” lamented Pillars coach Kadiri Ikhana. But

we must commend the Kano fans thattheydidnotallowhelltobreak loose as a result of Ifeanyi Ubah abandoning this game.”

Kano Governor Ganduje, chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) Shehu Dikko as well as several NFF executives

were all at the game played inside packed Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

FIFA-badged referee Folashade Ajayi from Oyo State appeared to be overwhelmed by the occasion as she made several questionable calls.

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...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Highlife! Sahara Energy Boss, Tonye Cole, Throws a Classy 50th Birthday Party

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he unforgettable chime of anniversary bells, the spectacle, pomp and grandeur of the delightful ceremony among other things, evoke the awe and enthusiasm of Lagos and high societies as eminent personalities relive the memorable shindig that marked the celebration of Tonye Cole’s 50th birthday.

Not a few people were astounded by the lavish celebration as he attained the golden age of 50.

The event which held at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, last Friday, had in attendance top dignitaries from all sectors of the Nigerian high society including an assortment of Nigeria’s leading businessmen, bankers, politicians and socialites.

Expectedly, the Sahara Energy’s co-founder was visibly excited and appreciative of the large turnout and display of love and goodwill towards him by his friends, family and business associates and he minced no words in acknowledging that.

Despite the inconveniences of dwindling oil price and declining economy, Tonye sees only the motions of joy and the effervescence of bliss

in everything. This is why he celebrated his birthday party with so much fun and fanfare.

The theme of the party is “Old School-Bringing the 70s Back”.

It was a classy birthday party that had in stock the best and most expensive assorted wines.

Tonye surely knows how to stage a great party. Indeed, there are no hard times in the world of Cole.

At 50, Tonye Cole treads in the footsteps of illustrious men. Like the fabled genius and leader of men, his sojourn from birth through adolescence to the present, while towards the stars, leeves the vivid air signed with his honour and exploits. Tonye Cole is humble to a fault.

The oil magnate, despite his wealth and status, carries himself like a mushroom, on whom the dew of heaven drops now and then.

Tonye has carved a niche for himself among the country’s richest men no doubt. Beyond his aristocratic birth and noble upbringing, Tonye Cole is an accomplished manager of resources whose rise to the zenith of his entrepreneurial exploits is one success story that cannot be disentangled from sheer self-motivation, hardwork, industry and foresight. patriarch. She also lost the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, and her estranged husband, late Chief Deinde Fernandez. Erelu Dosunmu was undoubtedly devastated by the deaths of the three men. Though she was never married to Oba Sijuwade and Okoya-Thomas, both men and her estranged husband, Fernandez, were an intergral part of her life. Their sudden deaths caught her unawares leaving her broken and bereft of joy. However, her femininity is sturdy enough to withstand anything; even desolateness and grief. But for all the misery she has had to endure, thankfully, Erelu has waded out of the sinking sands of grief with well healed scratches and scars of defeat. She is looking radiant as she plans her 70th birthday this year.

Abiola Dosunmu

TRAGIC! HOW ERELU ABIOLA DOSUNMU LOST THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT MEN IN HER LIFE IN SIX MONTHS Like an ill wind that blows no good, death afflicted Erelu Abiola Dosunmu in the strangest of ways, in 2015.

It claimed the three most precious men in her life in six months. News of their death filtered to the ears and consciousness of the foremost

Tonye Cole

socialite as the wind chime spreads its stillness on a joyous homestead, wiping out all traces of gaiety and love. The year, 2015, was undoubtedly Dosunmu’s most horrendous year. She was afflicted by deaths of the three men she cherished most in her life. She lost her confidant and soul mate, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, the business titan and society

REVEALED! LAGOS CHIEFTAINCY UNEARTH OANDO BOSS, WALE TINUBU’S EDO ROOTS In time, old beef simmer like spent tiff. And the raucous of feuding fiends peter to an inaudible clatter.

Such is the situation among dissenting chieftains of Lagos. The latter that previously kicked against the investiture of Alhaja Bintu Tinubu as the Iyalode of Lagos by paramount

monarch, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, have learnt to swallow their dissent and accept the leadership of the mother of Oando boss, Wale Tinubu.

The event which took place at the Iga Iduganran, the palace of Oba Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, drew the ire of several chieftains and families across Lagos, particularly folks who felt she had no right to the title and honour. Findings revealed that most Lagos indigenes were indignant at the choice of the new Iyalode

Wale Tinubu

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Hosa Okunbo! How He Conquered the Land, Sea and Air at 59

t is often said that if you can actually count your money, you are not really a rich man.

Captain Idahosa Okunbor can’t actually count his money.

And very soon, he will lose track of his achievements too.

He is indeed a very rich man.

Captain Idahosa Okunbor cuts an inspiring portrait of class and peerless entrepreneurship. For instance, in a move considered to be in alignment with the federal government’s bid to diversify the nation’s economy, he recently packaged a N150 billion ($750 million) agroenterprise, named Wells Sam Carlos Farm, a 9,000-hectare concern, in Edo, his home state.

The farm will provide 25,000 direct jobs and 60,000 indirect jobs to the youth. This is besides a 20-hectare greenhouse, (by the Benin by-pass) also in Edo, which is calibrated to produce 600 tonnes of vegetables monthly.

Between the agro-enterprises and the companies he owns, Captain Hosa, as he is fondly called, is responsible directly for the employment of no less than 30,000 Nigerians. If his interests in other companies are factoredin, his businesses have created no less than 100,000 jobs in the last 30 years.

“This is what I call my vision, what I call my legacy, something that has been in my dreams for some time. I have been

nurturing it, working on it for over five years now. We have just started. This is very important to me because at my very young age, as a pilot, I conquered my profession at the age of 30 and I left. I went into business and by the grace of God, I have done well. With over 60 vessels in the seas, I think I have conquered the sea. And coming to land, I said that before the land takes me, I want to conquer the land.

I have started already with a 20-hectare green house at the bypass,” said Idahosa.

He celebrated his birthday last week, as usual quietly. A man of humble beginnings, Idahosa was born in Benin to the family of late reverend Robert Amos Okunbo, a clergyman and teacher. He attended Government Primary School in Benin city, after which he proceeded to Federal Government College, Warri.

As a youngster he had always wanted to be a pilot thus he followed up this desire when he went to study at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre, in Zaria. Subsequently, he became a professional and commercial pilot at the age of 21 after graduation. He later attended Acme School of Aeronautics, Fort Worth, Texas, in 1983, where he obtained his airline transport pilot license. He is married to a beautiful woman, Nosa Okunbo. that Pero’s mother also battled breast cancer about nine years ago but she miraculously got healed and was cleared of the cancer.

Predictably, Pero’s bold move to save her mother has been eliciting showers of adulation from family , friends and well wishers. Pero’s mother was indeed, shocked and overwhelmed at the depth of her daughter ’s love for her.

of Lagos because the title was an exclusive preserve of true Lagos indigenes, and one that should be conferred on women who have impacted positively on the state. Alhaja Bintu, the new Iyalode is however, a native of Benin city, Edo state, but she was married to Wale Tinubu’s father, Kafaru, for over 45 years before his death in 2003. But they have since accepted Alhaja Bintu’s leadership as the new Iyalode of Lagos. Pundits aver that she won them over by her humility, compassion and constant readiness to always help the needy.

EXPENSIVE LOVE! PERO ADENIYI DONATES KIDNEY TO SAVE MOTHER’S LIFE •HOW TUFACE IDIBIA’S BABY MAMA SHOWED PRICELESS LOVE TO MOM

She wears in her heart, the inextinguishable fires of love. Indeed, no degree of affection beats a daughter ’s undying love for her dying mother. Ask the vessel of life that brought Tuface Idibia’s baby mama, Pero Adeniyi, into this world. The latter ’s mother recently enjoyed a second shot at life by her immeasurable sacrifice and steadfastness to keep her alive.

Pero recently saved her mother ’s life by donating one of her kidneys to her.

Hosa Okunbo

Pero Adeniyi

Pero’s mother, Princess Biola Adeniyi, had been suffering from kidney failure for more than a year before her body’s immune system began to attack her kidneys. Faced with the possibility of losing her mom, Pero who had three kids for Tuface, went to Maryland to remove one of her kidneys to save her mother. It was learnt that Pero’s siblings also offered to donate their kidneys for their mother but it was Pero’s organ that matched the requirement. It is noteworthy

BIMBO ASHIRU LOSES MOTHER…PLANS HIGH-OCTANE FUNERAL CEREMONY If Bimbola Ashiru, the Ogun State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, had his way as he is wont to in governance, he would have negotiated with death to name its cost and spare the life of his mother, Madam Moradehun Ashiru who died days ago. Bimbo was devastated and inconsolable.

He raved and ranted about his loss, tearing and tugging at his hair. If Bimbo would define his mother, Madam Moradehun Ashiru who passed away last Sunday night, he would claim that the wall of her heart was lined with gold and silver; he would say that she lived by a moral code that dwarfed old England’s claim to chivalry and honour. Then he might say that even in her absence; that old diffident virtuosity

she left behind, resonates poignantly like the timeless lyric of a heavenly chant.

There are too many ways to describe Bimbo’s mother, and even the best couched adjectives couldn’t do justice to the task. At the burial last Monday in Ijebu, the deceased definitely turned in her grave for the honour and unrivalled show of love that her beloved son attracted for her sake. It was like a state event; there were in attendance, Ogun state governor, a presidential

Bimbo Ashiru

T H I S D AY, T H e S U N D AY N e w S pA p e r • JANUARY 15, 2017

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HIGHLIFE

His Several Run-ins with Nigeria’s Power Bloc…

What You Don’t Know about FRCN Boss, Jim Obazee

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ayback’s a bitch. Ask Jim Obazee. The ousted boss of Financial Regulatory Council of Nigeria (FRCN) had his ego brutalised and smashed to smithereens like badly cast figurine caught in the wheel of a garbage truck. There is no gainsaying President Muhammadu Buhari treated Jim like garbage by giving him the boot on the day his ego hopped on steroids.

Buhari sacked Obazee soon after he implemented a law that forced RCCG founder and General Overseer (GO), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to step down.

The controversial law requires that religious leaders retired from their leadership posts 20 years after they assume headship and that they must not transfer leadership of their organizations to their wards or other family members.

In the wake of public outcry against Adeboye’s resignation, Buhari sacked Jim and suspended the controversial law. Jim is certainly not new to controversy. It would be recalled that he was responsible for the sack of the Emir of Kano, HRM Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, while he served as the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Prior to his sack, Sanusi had made weighty allegations against the government of former delegation, members of the National Assembly and prominent moguls of the business community. Already, preparations are in top gear to give his mother a befitting 40-day funeral ceremony in few weeks; a committee has been set up to make sure the A-list party goes according to plan.

STILL ON ADEBOYE SAGA...

IS PASTOR DAVID OYEDEPO STEPPING DOWN OR UP FROM HIS POSITION?

•FOREMOST CLERIC DISPEL RUMOURS OF RESI ATIO

David Oyedepo

President Goodluck Jonathan alleging that billions of dollars accruable to the federation were being diverted by some persons in the management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). In the heat of the storm following Sanusi’s allegations, Jonathan, relying on a recommendation of the FRCN, which accused Sanusi of financial recklessness, sacked him. After his sack, the FRCN began to probe Sanusi, but he shunned several invitations of the council.

He later sued the council for defamation. In October 2015, the FRCN, under Jim’s leadership, suspended the number of Atedo Peterside, chairman of Stanbic IBTC, implying that for the period of the said suspension, he would be unable to append his signature on financial reports.

The council cited infractions in the 2013/2014 financial statements of the bank as the reason for its decision. It directed the bank to restate and to re-issue its 2013-14 financial statements. It also imposed a fine of N1bn on the bank. Besides Peterside’s, the FRCN numbers of Sola David-Borha, group managing director, and two other directors of the company, were also suspended.

As the storm gathers and wild wind blows echoes of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, founder and General Overseer (GO) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s alleged resignation, across the social and political landscape, Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, has reiterated that he is very much in charge of his church thus dousing speculations that he has also stepped down and appointed a successor to his post.

Oyedepo recently reacted to a law by the Financial Regulations Council of Nigeria (FRCN), which requires that religious leaders quit leadership of their organisations after spending 20 years in leadership position. Reacting, Oyedepo said: “If you heard or saw anything in the newspapers or anywhere that the G.O has retired, it’s a lie of the devil. In our spiritual family tree we don’t retire. Someone asked Kenneth Copeland “are you stepping down?”, he replied, ‘No I’m stepping up.’

Copeland ministered for six hours straight at 80 years of age. Men and brethren, settle down and enjoy my being here. I’m going to be here for a very long time. I spoke to my father in the Lord (Pastor Adeboye) in person and he said “Let them enjoy the confusion for a moment.”

Jim Obazee

THE ABACHA CRUCIFIX...LATE SANI ABACHA’S DAUGHTER, FATIMA, LAMENTS CITIZENS’ ANIMOSITY ON TWITTER

•WHY SHE WA TS I ERIA S TO O EASY O HER FAMILY

The gods, it is often said, visit the sins of the fathers upon the children. Little wonder Fatima Gumsu, daughter of ex-military president, late Sani Abacha, is on the receiving end of the brute end of Nigerians’ animosity to her family due to her father ’s ‘sins.’ Fatima recently took to twitter to lament the pains of being attacked for her father ’s sins.

In an Instagram post, @G_ sparking, Fatima revealed that dealing with what Nigerians say about her family has not been easy. She made this known after a user, @ dapoprince said a prayer about citizens’ need to desist from visiting the sins of past leaders on their children on twitter. He wrote: “NIGERIA will be 57 next year, may we not continue to visit the sins of our past “perceived bad” leaders on their innocent” children. Reacting to the prayer, Fatima said, “Amin to your prayers. May Allah open special doors for you. Happy New Year.

“It definitely has not been easy dealing with this for almost two decades. “Our family has been called all

Fatima Abacha

sorts of names.

“We have been under so much attack. It definitely doesn’t feel nice.

“I used to cry so much at the beginning, I had no choice but to develop crocodile skin.

“It still hurts so much even though I have learned to live with it. “I was not the head of state. “I did not receive a monthly salary neither did I choose to be Fatima Gumsu Sani Abacha.

“May Almighty Allah make it easy for us all. Happy 2017,” she said.

Sunday January 15, 2017

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MISSILE PDP to Buhari “It is obvious today to all and sundry in Nigeria and in the Diaspora that those under trial by the court on corruption charges are the perceived enemies of President Muhammadu Buhari; his party, the APC; and political enemies and rivals of some APC leaders in the country.”

– The Peoples Democratic Party faulting President Muhammadu Buhari’s style of fighting corruption.

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Tell-tale Signs of Underdevelopment

W

e were stuck in traffic along Lagos-Ibadan road. Then we started hearing a familiar wailing — a police van had decided to announce its importance by blaring its siren at full volume.

The van was snaking its way through the thick traffic, harassing motorists out of the way — as usual. I was curious. I wanted to know the identity of the VIP that was terrorising us this afternoon. What I saw when the van overtook us was quite amusing: the VIPs were actually rams. It was Eid-el-Kabir.

The rams, sitting majestically at the back, deserved VIP treatment in their final days.

And who could do it better than the police, who spend most of their working hours protecting VIPs? When I saw the rams, I turned to my driver and said: “Didn’t I tell you this is an animal kingdom?” He laughed in conspiracy. We spent the next 30 minutes discussing the animalistic behavioural patterns among Nigerians. That discussion inspired today’s discourse. I will list some of the tell-tale signs that prove we are grossly behind, caused largely by Nigeria’s human and economic underdevelopment. We are a society that is evidently below what is widely considered to be acceptable in a normal human community in the 21st century. I must warn that I believe these tell-tale signs are mere symptoms. I discuss the root problems in the context of our underdevelopment.

Use of siren by VIPs. In a civilised society, siren is reserved for emergency services. If you hear a siren sound in such societies, it is either from an ambulance or a police van.

It is to alert other road users that there is an emergency and they should be given the right of way. A life is most likely at stake. If there is no emergency, the siren stays quiet.

What is the origin of use of siren by VIPs in Nigeria? I keep suspecting it started during the military era and it is part of the baggage that we inherited. The root cause of the continued misuse of the siren, I would think, is this pompous posture by government officials that they are not in the same category as the rest of us.

Tin-god leaders. David Cameron, then British prime minister, was campaigning ahead of the 2015 general election. He visited a hospital with a camera crew to showcase the success of the National Health Service (NHS). As he was talking to a patient, the doctor came out and started protesting. “You are invading my space,” the doctor said. Cameron quietly left.

If that happens in Nigeria, his security aides will first brutalise you before you are arrested and dismissed from service for “disrespecting constituted authority” (apologies to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state). Our leaders think that they are gods. In civilised societies, they see themselves as servants.

Driving against traffic. A European, who came to Lagos a few years ago, observed motorists driving against “one way” (as we put it here) and concluded: “Anywhere people drive against traffic, there is a fundamental problem in such a society.” I would say not just fundamental but mental. The root cause is that law enforcement is weak and road users do not have value for their own lives and the lives of others. Law enforcement is weak not because the agencies don’t know what to do, but they also stand to benefit by extorting from offenders. Whatever the case may be, driving against one way is not what you expect in a sane human society — except

Ajimobi in emergencies.

Open defecation. The natural state of man, before civilisation kicked in, was very similar to the lives of lower animals today: they could urinate and defecate anywhere. Goats don’t build toilets or hide their shame when passing waste. Human beings have learnt to build and use toilets. So when you see a human being passing waste by the roadside, then it is not fit to be called a civilised society yet. The animalistic instinct has refused to leave the community. You would say it is because the government did not build decent, functional public toilets, but then you are only agreeing with me: a civilised government would know that people need public toilets.

Open drain. In all the civilised societies that I have visited, drains are covered. Why would a normal human society leave the drains open — exposing people to putrefying smells, sickening eyesore, threat of diseases and even danger of physical harm? We’ve been rolling malaria back and forth for decades, spending billions of dollars and ending up with more malaria patients every year. Malaria is vectored by mosquitoes, and mosquitoes are bred in stagnant water and open drains. A normal human society will target elimination of mosquitoes, not distribution of nets, as the

A European, who came to Lagos a few years ago, observed motorists driving against ‘one way’ (as we put it here) and concluded: ‘Anywhere people drive against traffic, there is a fundamental problem in such a society.’ I would say not just fundamental but mental

ultimate antidote to malaria. But remember I said a “normal” society.

Rotten roofs. I remember when I was growing up in the village, my grandfather used to change the roof of the house from time to time. He also repainted the house at least once in two years, particularly at Christmas.

As the economy entered rough weather, it was no longer priority. These days when I am in an aircraft and it is about to land, I look down to see the condition of roofs.

Many old houses have “rotten” roofs (and, well, faded painting). This has nothing to do with civilisation — it is just that aesthetics is not a priority for a hungry person. In fact, I would suggest that the condition of roofs and painting can tell you the economic wellbeing of home owners.

No queuing. One of the things that distinguish the human race from other animals is the ability to organise society intelligently — with law and order. Any society where the culture of queuing is virtually absent, where people think survival is always for the fittest, is very similar to an animal kingdom.

Animals don’t queue, as we all know. In Nigeria, you will see three people scrambling to enter a bus that still has 10 vacant seats.

You will also see dozens of people on the queue and some guy will just walk straight to the front as if others are idiots. I do not know the root cause of this, but I guess there may also be a cultural angle to it.

Stomach infrastructure. Any society where voters need to be induced with rice and bread is patently backward. We give excuses for the inducement, like saying the voters are impoverished and hungry, and would rather eat their tomorrow today. The leaders they elected into office soon begin to distance themselves from the people. In fact, the leaders use their official cars and siren to chase the people off road. They implement oppressive policies that deprive the masses of their livelihoods, thereby worsening their poverty. The ultimate sign of underdevelopment, though, is that after four years of misrule, the people collect rice again and vote for their oppressors again.

Conclusion. I have by no means exhausted the list of the tell-tale signs of an underdeveloped society that manifest daily in Nigeria. As I was listing them, I guess you too were compiling your own catalogue. I prefer to see all these signs as the symptoms of deep-rooted problems. In any society where these things are prevalent, there are fundamental problems. Many will argue that our inability to address political and economic problems is responsible for these chronic symptoms, while some will say, rather, that these are the problems responsible for our underdevelopment. It is not an argument that will end today, but it is a conversation worth having all the same.

Most of these issues are around governance and leadership. If the country becomes developed, civilisation will come as part of the package. We can stop the misuse of siren. Mr. Babatunde Fashola, as governor of Lagos state, successfully did it. He didn’t die.

His successor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has not been using siren and it has not affected his performance. We can build decent and sufficient public toilets, can’t we? We can re-orientate Nigerians to embrace civilisation, can’t we? We did not develop a culture of using seat belts until 15 years ago. Today, we do it with ease. It proves that we are just one step from civilisation — with a little push. Good news.

And Four Other Things...

SAINT OR SINNER? These are my condensed thoughts on the corporate governance code (not law, as generally believed) for churches, over which Mr. Jim Obaze was fired as the CEO of FRC. One, it is in the best interest of church leaders to submit themselves to transparency and accountability. Too much power is temptation in itself. Thumbs up for Pastor EA Adeboye for implementing a new leadership structure at RCCG. My own pastor, Rev. Sam Adeyemi, started devolving power at Daystar Christian Centre in 2014.

Two, I think it is too much for government to want to determine who church leaders can’t appoint as successors. No. These are spiritual matters. #MyTwoCents.

BOKO BOMBERS Now that the Nigerian military has done a good job of ending Boko Haram’s insurgency — meaning the militants no longer hold any part of our territory — the next, and I would say the most deadly, frontline is the “asymmetrical” warfare which terrorism thrives on. Dislodging them from holding territory may end up looking the easiest part: suicide bombing is the most difficult to tame. This is the time for intelligence agencies to step up their game (and stop prosecuting APC’s political fights). Citizens must be properly enlightened on how to spot strangers and strange movements in their neighbourhoods, and where to promptly report to. Proactive.

MEDICINE AFTER DEATHS The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said 204 people were killed in the southern Kaduna clashes. This is way below the 808 casualty figure given by the Catholic Church. What really saddens me is that the clashes between Fulani herdsmen and locals went on for months and threw up hundreds of dead bodies before the Nigerian state began to perform its primary duty: securing the lives and property of Nigerians.

If your country cannot offer you basic protection, what else should you expect? The military has launched Operation Scorpion to tackle the killings — after the sting of death had sent hapless Nigerians to their graves.

Depressing.

ALL HAIL ADEBANWI! Our own Wale Adebanwi has been appointed to the prestigious Rhodes Professorship in Race Relations at the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies, University of Oxford. He is the first black African scholar to be appointed to the endowed chair since it was created some 60 years ago. Adebanwi, who is currently a professor at the University of California, US, has two PhDs — one in political science from the University of Ibadan and the other in social anthropology from the University of Cambridge. And, if I may brag a bit, he was my classmate at the University of Lagos in our undergraduate days. I am so proud of him. Congratulations!

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