Tuesday 2nd May 2017

Despite Recession, Banking Sector Loans to Customers Rise to N16.372trn Industry profit after tax rises to N452bn Banks bar power Discos over bad debts Obinna Chima in Lagos and Chineme Okafor in Abuja The audited results of 2016 for 14 banks quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange

(NSE) have shown a 22 per cent increase in total loans and advances to their customers from N13.315 trillion in 2015, to N16.372 trillion in the year under review.

The financial results of the banks reviewed by THISDAY showed deliberate efforts by the banks, mostly to support operators in the real sector of the economy.

Similarly, the total profit after tax (PAT) of the 14 banks rose marginally to N452 billion in 2016, up from the N442.451 billion recorded the previous year; just as their total gross

earnings climbed to N4.007 trillion in the reviewed year, as against the N3.441 trillion recorded in 2015.

The banks' results reviewed were Zenith Bank Plc, Access

Bank, FBN Holdings, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank, Continued on page 8

FG Resumes Payment into Excess Crude Account with $87m…

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Tuesday 2 May, 2017 Vol 22. No 8048. Price: N250

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Adeniyi Clarifies Encounter with Jonathan Fresh account says Osinbajo was nominated by govs, senators Olawale Olaleye The author of the book, Against the Run of Play, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, has clarified his encounter with former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying that he took adequate care to ensure a fair and accurate presentation of the former president’s views in the book.

Continued on page 8

A NEW HEALTH CENTRE FOR WOMEN…

L-R: Consultant, International Radiologist and Fibroid Embolization Specialist, Birmigham Heartlands Hospital, UK, Dr. Paul Crowe; CEO, Reddington Hospital, Dr. Adeyemi Onabowale; Ondo State governor's wife, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu; wife of Vice President, Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo; Mrs Onabowale and wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, during the inauguration of the Breast & Gynea Centre, a new addition to Reddington Group in Lagos… yesterday abiodun ajala

Angry Workers Protest as Oshiomhole Explains Tough Economic Conditions

Former Edo gov says APC-led FG pro-poor Labour demands implementation of new minimum wage Saraki, Dogara, Ngige, leave Abuja rally FG to set up minimum wage committee Omololu Ogumade and Senator Iroegbu in Abuja, Chinedu Eze in Lagos Angry workers yesterday

protested the tough economic conditions in the country, disrupting the rally organised to commemorate the May Day at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

The workers complained about what they described as the insensitivity of the Federal Government to their plight, describing the absence

of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the rally as ample evidence of their disregard for labour.

Their protest forced very important dignitaries, including the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu

Dogara; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige; and former governor Continued on page 8

Oando Posts N1.7 Billion PAT, Raises Revenue By 116%…

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PAGE EIGHT ANGRY WORKERS PROTEST AS OSHIOMHOLE EXPLAINS TOUGH ECONOMIC CONDITIONS of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to leave the event abruptly.

Many of the workers told THISDAY that while they could understand the absence of Buhari, who was presumed ill, they objected to Osinbajo’s preference for honouring an invitation to attend a lecture in Lagos instead of honouring them at the May Day rally.

What was more annoying, they said, was the decision of the Labour minister to ask Ms. Biola Bawa, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry to read his speech.

But speaking on Arise TV, a sister broadcast station of THISDAY, yesterday, Oshiomhole, also a former labour leader, asked the workers to exercise patience, saying the Buhari administration was doing its best to attend to their welfare needs.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he said, was pro-poor and willing to ensure that the fortunes of the nation’s work force changed for good.

He, therefore, pleaded with them to engage rather than confront government, explaining that the economic crises was a direct consequence of the mismanagement of the economy by past governments.

Notwithstanding the protest at the rally ground, cheery news came to the workers from Buhari that his administration would approve the final recommendations of the committee comprising government and labour representatives for the constitution of a new national minimum wage committee to set a new minimum wage for workers.

The committee, he said, would start work on the workers’ demand within the next three months.

He made these pledges in his May Day speech which was made available to journalists in Abuja

yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

He promised to take steps towards providing palliatives to workers with a views to ameliorating their living conditions.

While enjoining the workers to co-operate with his government in its commitment towards building an egalitarian society, Buhari assured the workforce that his government would deploy every power at its disposal to improve the welfare of workers.

He said: "Government will take necessary steps to implement the final recommendations of the main government/labour committee as it relates to the setting up of New National Minimum Wage Committee and needed palliatives in order to reduce the discomfort currently being experienced by the Nigerian working class.”

Buhari who said the government stood in solidarity with workers all over the world, also commended what he described as the steadfastness of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) "in ensuring that this year's celebration is observed under peaceful and harmonious industrial relations' atmosphere."

He said the commemoration of the workers' day reminded everyone of the sacrifices and contributions of workers towards the economic growth of the nation.

He described the theme of this year's May Day anniversary, "Labour Relations in an Economic Recession: An Appraisal," as apt in view of the recession being witnessed by the country at the moment.

He also said the careful selection of the theme underscored the concern and commitment of the organised labour in working with his administration to bring Nigeria out of recession.

Problems had started at the Eagle Square event centre, where the NLC expressed the workers' frustration that no concrete step had been taken by the federal government on the demand for the harmonisation and implementation of a new minimum in the country, at around 12. 05 noon when the distraught workers refused to listen to Bawa, who wanted to read the speech on behalf of Ngige.

They insisted that the minister who was to represent the president must read his as well as the president’s speech.

Ngige was scheduled to read Buhari's speech but could not as the workers, feeling slighted disrupted proceedings despite appeals from him, Oshiomhole and labour leaders, including the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba.

The workers demanded that the federal government must begin the immediate implementation of the minimum wage.

An attempt by Ngige to address them on their demand was rebuffed by the workers, who started chanting “ole, ole ole, ole ole” or “thief, thief, thief, thief.”

Subsequently, the workers walked out of the venue, leaving Saraki, Dogara, Oshiomhole and other dignitaries with no other option than to be evacuated, while policemen were quickly deployed to restore law and order.

"Federal government has been fair to workers and it showed it by releasing bailout funds to state governors," Ngige told a scanty crowd that was left at the venue, adding: "Part of this government's fairness has been demonstrated by our firm commitment in making sure that no worker is laid off.

What happened today is simply that this place was infiltrated by non-workers.”

Ngige condemned the action of the workers, saying it did not

represent the mind of Nigerian workers he knew.

He said: "What happened today is simply that this place was infiltrated by non-workers.

And as you know, there are some factionalisation within the Labour federation in Nigeria. So what is playing out here today as I was made to understand from intelligence report is that this May Day gathering was infiltrated by people that do not belong to the Labour Union.”

The minister urged workers to be patient with the minimum wage demand, assuring that the minimum Wage Negotiating Committee will start functioning within the next quarter which is in the next three months.

He also assured the workers that the backlog of promotion arrears and repatriation allowances, relocation allowances and other allowances that are due to them as emolument will be paid soon.

"My message for the workers is that they should be patient, they should give us some time.

Within the next quarter, the Minimum Wage Committee will start functioning within the next quarter which is in the next three months. The backlog of promotion arrears and repatriation allowances, relocation allowances and other allowances that are due them as emolument will be paid," he assured.

Earlier, the NLC President Wabba painted a gloomy picture of the Nigerian worker.

In his address titled: "Labour Relations in Economic Recession: An appraisal," he accused the Federal Government of reneging on its promises for palliatives after the fuel subsidy removal.

He also called for immediate implementation of the national minimum wage, the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan, as well as the revival of the Ajaokuta

steel plant.

Wabba said: "As we all already know, Labour relations in times of economic crisis are often turbulent.

We have had continuing crisis of non-payment of wages, allowances and pensions almost across board.

Even with two bailouts by the Federal Government and Paris Club loan refunds to states, as at this May Day, about 12 state governments still owe their civil servants several months of unpaid wages, pensions and gratuity.”

He regretted that the debtor states had deliberately sought not to prioritize payment of workers’ salaries and entitlements, adding that reports at the NLC's disposal indicated that part of the problems of states was their debt burden.

Wabba said cutting down on cost of governance and keeping security vote at not more than 5% of the state’s revenue, would go a long way in making resources available to address the current situations in most states.

On his part, former Edo state governor, Oshiomhole told Arise TV that Nigerian workers were facing very difficult times due to the present economic recession in the country but noted that the situation was a response to the mismanagement of governance by past governments.

He noted that what the Buhari government was trying to do was to check the excesses of the past and make sure that Nigeria was not made a dumping ground and to ensure prudent management of resources so that the workers and other Nigerians would enjoy better economy and improved welfare in future.

He lamented that most of the states' workers were owed, some up to 12 months. “So people are hungry and angry, but no matter whatever your grievances are, you must listen to your employer,” he said.

Oshiomhole said that the Nigerian workers are trying to determine their wages through the demand and supply mix, but noted that it was not the salary demanded by the workers that was paid to them but what they were able to negotiate with their employers.

He said that workers celebrate May Day to remember those who have lost their lives fighting for the welfare of the workers and noted that in capitalism the economy is characterized by boom and burst.

He explained: “But when there is crisis everybody is expected to make sacrifices but who and who should make these sacrifices and for how long is yet to be determined. Many factories have closed up and many workers have lost their jobs, but you have to realize that there was a government when Dunlop and Michelin relocated from Nigeria despite the huge demand for tyres in this country.

“And ironically these companies left at a time when there was a boom. So what we are seeing today started a long time ago, but the present administration wants to ensure that Nigeria is no more a dumping ground. When they dump their goods here they create jobs for their own people.”

On the question of minimum wage, the former governor said that N18, 000 was not a living wage and that was why as governor, he increased the minimum wage in Edo State to N25, 000 but noted that such amount was not a living wage too.

He however remarked that no one actually earned a minimum wage because no worker was on grade level 1, adding that those who earned such low income were the vulnerable that should be protected, noting that responsible employers should pay a living wage.

Bukola Saraki and Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai frustrated his desire to emerge the running mate of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election, a combined team of northern governors and senators of the party actually truncated his ambition.

The same team of governors and senators, and not Tinubu, according to sources, also suggested Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora and former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as suitable choices for the offices, thus putting Buhari in a difficult situation.

Tinubu had in a book, Against the Run of Play: How an Incumbent President Was Defeated in Nigeria, written by the Chairman of THISDAY Editorial Board, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, said that Saraki and elRufai denied him the vice presidency, following which he single-handedly nominated Osinbajo for the position.

According to sources, however, the party’s governors and senators did.

They had first met to discuss serious and relevant issues preparatory to APC's presidential primary and one of the issues that came up at that meeting was the need for a suitable running mate.

At the meeting, it was agreed that it would be suicidal politically to head into the election without agreeing on certain preconditions.

Particularly, the governors had expressed reservations about a Muslim-Muslim ticket and had warned that it would affect the votes in their states, since they all have sizeable number of Christians in their states. Thus, they agreed to

meet with the president and resolve the matter.

Sources, however, said that the first indication that the governors and senators were going to move against Tinubu, started right in one of Tinubu’s guest houses somewhere in Ikoyi, a few hours before the party’s presidential primary held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The meeting, which allegedly started a few minutes to midnight had practically all the northern governors and their senators in attendance, whilst Tinubu personally went to fetch the then presidential aspirant, Buhari, as he was meant to be present.

Sources said the meeting had barely settled down to business when the Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari, stood up and said whoever was advocating for a Muslim-Muslim joint ticket should bury the idea, including you, pointing at Tinubu.

By opening up the discussion, sources said other governors started getting up to speak, repeating the same thing in a manner that did not go down well with Tinubu, who was by now visibly angry, according to sources.

Although the meeting could not agree on other issues, everyone was said to have left with the understanding that a Muslim-Muslim ticket was not an option in the 2015 general election.

Immediately after the meeting, however, Buhari was said to have mandated the governors and senators to go and come up with three names for him from the South-west, from amongst whom he would choose

a running mate, this of course was without Tinubu’s knowledge.

A few days after, the governors comprising Governor Yari; former Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko; former Gombe State governor, Senator Danjuma Goje; and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, among a few others visited Buhari with a list of three nominees, Osinbajo, Mamora and Oyinlola.

According to sources, soon after they left Buhari’s house, the president who had by this time emerged the candidate of the APC reportedly went straight to Tinubu’s house in Abuja, the nation’s capital, to present him with the list as put together by the northern governors, senators and other stakeholders privy to the development.

But Tinubu, sources said, refused to accept the list and flared up to the point of walking Buhari out of his house, a situation believed to have marked the lingering feud between them.

With Tinubu was a former chairman of the party and two serving governors – one from South-west and the other from South-south. The South-south governor was the only one said to have walked Buhari to his car.

But Buhari, sources said, did not leave Tinubu’s house without telling him two things: that he would not run on a Muslim-Muslim ticket and would not consider him as running mate on whatever grounds, even though there was an understanding before the creation of APC that they

ADENIYI CLARIFIES ENCOUNTER WITH JONATHAN Following a barrage of attacks on Jonathan by critics for some of the views he expressed in the book about his defeat at the 2015 presidential election, he had issued a statement through his Facebook page, suggesting that he might have been misrepresented.

“I have just read Segun Adeniyi’s new book, ‘Against the Run of Play,’ which has so far enjoyed tremendous reviews in the media. My take on it is that the book as presented, contains many distorted claims on the 2015 presidential election by many of the respondents. There will obviously be more books like that on this subject by concerned Nigerians. However, I believe that at the right time, the main characters in the election including myself will come out with a true account of what transpired either in major interviews or books,” Jonathan said.

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Several comments on the former president’s intervention gave the impression that Jonathan was disputing the accounts of Adeniyi.

But the author, who is also the chairman of the Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers, told Arise TV, a sister broadcast station of the newspaper, that some sections of the social media's interpretation of the former president’s reaction was misconceived.

“The respondents President Jonathan was referring to are the people who spoke to me and whose claims he apparently disputes or disagrees with,” Adeniyi said, adding: “This should be clear enough to those who did not choose to read his statement with a tendentious accent.

But apparently it is not. President Jonathan did not say I distorted his views and the fact that others may have presented him in ways he doesn’t like cannot be taken as an indictment of me or of my work.”

He explained his encounter with the former president: “For the record, after my first conversation with President Jonathan, I asked for his email address and promised to send him the raw text of our conversation which he could then amend as appropriate. I sent it to him that very day. When I went for a second meeting, I took along a printed copy which we both went through line-by-line. Whatever he wanted removed, reworked or rephrased was done while in some areas he provided further context to what he said.

“Incidentally, a few hours after our second conversation, President Jonathan called me that he felt uncomfortable about a certain

response he gave to a particular issue. He told me what to do and I reflected it immediately. I went into all that length because he is a man for whom I have tremendous respect and my intention was/is not to embarrass him or anybody. I just wanted his side of the story told in a way he is comfortable with.

“I went through this same process with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Senate President David Mark, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, former NGF Chairman and current Transportation Minister, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, former Niger State Governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu and a few other principal actors who all have in their emails the raw text of our conversations.”

He said the reason he went through that process was to ensure he did not misquote, misrepresent or distort the views of any of the people who spoke to him on trust.

“My intention was not to ambush or set up anyone. This is why I gave them the opportunity to go over what they told me again before putting it in print. Fortunately, none of them has come out to say I distorted their views,” he said.

Meanwhile as the book continues to generate controversy a fresh account of how contrary to the narrative provided by a former governor of Lagos State and one of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu’s, vice presidential ambition was scuttled has emerged. Sources close to the intrigues told THISDAY last night that contrary to his claim that the duo of Senate President

Continued on page 9

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017

PAGE NINE

FG Resumes Payment into Excess Crude Account with $87m

Obinna Chima

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, said yesterday that the federal government has commenced payment into the Excess Crude Account (ECA), in line with efforts to rebuild fiscal buffers.

Adeosun said for the first time since the administration took over, the federal government last month paid $87 million into the ECA. “Even though things are difficult, we are saving. As you know, when we came in, we gave the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) an extra $500 million and we are still going to do more. We cannot afford to waste because we don’t have money to waste,” Adeosun said while speaking at The Platform, a programme organised by Covenant

Christian Centre in Lagos yesterday.

She said a lot of foreign investors were interested in investing in the country.

Adeosun told her audience: “When I leave here (The Platform), I am going to meet a group of investors that came in from America.

Long-term investors are now looking at Nigeria and saying it is time to come in. On Thursday, we had a group of Japanese.

“We are not talking about people that are bringing in sachets of things to come and sell here, we are talking about people that want to set up factories to manufacture transformers. We are talking about industrialists. They are coming back into Nigeria because Nigeria is showing that it is serious.

“We have taken the pains. Often,

the medicine that does it the best is the bitterest medicine and we have had very bitter medicine in the last one year. But now, we would have the long-term benefits in terms of growth and jobs.”

According to Adeosun, in terms of entrepreneurship, the federal government recently revived the Development Bank of Nigeria saying it was a development finance institution project that started under the previous government, adding that the bank would have $1.3 billion of capital that would be lent to microfinance and banks, specifically for on-lending to SMEs. “Actually, our economy is 50 per cent driven by SMEs and only 10 per cent of them have access to loans. So, if you begin to improve their access to capital,

you can rapidly grow jobs and businesses,” she said.

Furthermore, the minister said the policy direction of the federal government would help lay the foundation for a sustainable economy.

She said: “We are going to build an economy that really doesn’t care about what the price of crude oil is.

There are 180 million of us in the country and we have two million barrels of oil per day.

“Kuwait has 3.9 million people and three million barrels of oil per day. So, we can’t afford to continue to behave like an oil economy. An oil economy simply pumps the oil out, then use the dollars to buy everything they need.

“That is the economic model that Nigeria has largely been

following. We export crude oil and then we buy everything. We don’t add value, we don’t get any of the by-products and that means that Nigeria has become a very unproductive economy. That is not the intention of the Nigerian dream.”

The minister reiterated that a recent study showed that only 214 individuals pay tax in excess of N20 million, saying that the government would take measures to broaden the tax base.

“Oil has made us extremely lazy. The truth is that what we spent monies on in the past were all on wrong things. We are now suffering the effects of the things that were done three years ago.

“When we started the whistleblowing policy, people were saying

why should we pay somebody five per cent? But our argument was that, what about the person who stole 100 per cent? Why fixated on the person that is getting five per cent to bring the money back.”

Adeosun justified the federal government’s increased borrowing, citing the case of the renovation of the runway of the Abuja airport.

“If you spend money on the right thing, you get the right results. We do have to borrow because if we have to wait for oil price to recover, we would be in recession for a very long-term and use the money to develop capital projects.

“One of the things we have been trying to do is to improve our revenue so that we can’t continue to depend heavily on crude oil sales,” she added.

Oando Posts N1.7 Billion PAT, Raises Revenue By 116% Alike Ejiofor The storm appears over for one of Nigeria’s oil giants, Oando Plc as it posted N1.7 billion profit after tax (PAT) in the first quarter of the year.

A statement by the company’s Chief Strategy and Corporate Services Officer, Mr. Ainojie Irune, yesterday said the profit came on the heels of its turnover growth by 116% to N138.4 billion and gross profit by 53% to N13.4 billion compared to the first quarter of 2016.

It attributed the good performance to proactive measures taken by management to enable the company cushion the effect of the economic headwinds in the country.

“We are pleased with our Q1 2017 results, which reflect a

return to normalcy and growth in spite of continued security challenges, economic headwinds and a fluctuation in crude prices,” Mr. Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of the company, said in the statement, explaining that this was made possible by the successful restructuring of the company in 2016.

The result showed that the company had continued to reduce its net debt, quelling any concerns of critics. As at March 2017 it stood at N225.9 billion a 29% reduction from N316.6 billion in March 2016.

According to Tinubu: “In the upstream, production in the first quarter of 2017 decreased to 38,125 bpd compared to 49,365 bpd in Q1 2016. However, due to decreased

production expenses Oando Energy Resources (OER) recorded a profit of N4.96 billion in the first quarter of 2017 compared with a profit of N815.5 million in the prior year comparative period.

“In the midstream, following the partial divestment of Oando Gas and Power (OGP) to Helios Investment Partners, we successfully concluded the sale of Alausa IPP for a transaction price of N4.6 billion.

“In the downstream, our trading business through Direct Sale & Direct Purchase (DSDP) and Offshore Processing Agreement (OPA) yielded N115.6 billion compared to N4.4 billion in 2016.”

The Nigerian oil and gas industry and the economy had been plagued by low oil prices,

production disruptions, reduced oil exports and the attendant economic recession, forcing most oil and gas companies, particularly upstream players to struggle to navigate the difficult terrain that translated to lower revenues and operating cash flows.

But the company said its strategy of growth across its business operations; deleveraged through the divestment of non-performing assets; and profitability, by focusing on dollar denominated export earnings paid off as it recorded the Q1 N1.7billion profit.

It said through its upstream subsidiary, Oando Energy Resources (OER), the company adopted a hedge mechanism that ensured the business was protected from

fluctuating oil prices, saying the subsidiary, however, recorded a production shortfall due to significant reductions in gas production and delivery caused by a ruptured Gas Transmission System (GTS-4) gas line at OMLs 60 to 63.

It regretted that the Trans Forcados pipeline continued to suffer downtime, resulting in reduced production from its Ebendo field.

Oando said despite these operational challenges, OER recorded a 608% increase in profits; N4.96 billion in the first quarter of 2017 against a profit of N815.5 million for same period in 2016.

It explained that its Downstream Oando Trading (OTD) witnessed a 150% growth in traded volumes and

a significant increase of 1718% in turnover to N115.6 billion compared to N4.4 billion the comparative year, adding that it also increased its secured credit lines by N76.6 billion to a total of N214.4 billion, giving it added leverage to further grow the business.

“The first quarter earnings from OER and OTD underscore our proactive decision to focus on our dollar denominated export businesses,” Tinubu said, adding: “Our resilience is evident in our capacity to grow via a diversified model, and as we continue to chart our deliberate path in this challenging business environment, we look forward to better performance in the quarters to come.”

was heated, with the South-west caucus also reminding Tinubu that a Muslim-Muslim ticket would not fly and that the matter should not be pushed beyond what it had become.

They, however, resolved to work on a soft-landing that would assuage Tinubu by asking him to choose from the list, just one person as against presenting the three names to the president to choose from, and that whomever

he chose would remain the choice of the zone and by implication, he would have been seen as having chosen the nation’s vice-president, which was what happened.

The name of Osinbajo naturally appealed to him, having worked with him for eight years as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Lagos State and the name was taken to Buhari without an option.

Hence Buhari had to accept what had been foisted on him,

when indeed Osinbajo was the only person he did not know on the list.

According to a party source, while it is true that majority of the stakeholders in the party had opposed a Muslim-Muslim ticket, which unfortunately prevented Tinubu from becoming the nation’s vice-president, sources claimed it was not correct and rather misleading to say Saraki and El-Rufai thwarted his chances of becoming the vicepresident.

settle the debts incurred by the electricity market within the interim rule periods, as well as legacy gas supply debts owed gas suppliers by defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) but now transferred to the Nigerian Electricity Liabilities Management Company (NELMCO).

According to Oduntan, the breakdown of the fund’s disbursements so far shows that N58.45 billion which is about 27.8 per cent was designated for the Discos, while N152.16 billion (72.3 per cent) was for the power generation companies (Gencos), gas suppliers and other service providers.

He stated that only N49 billion has been received by some Discos from the N120 billion the CBN had disbursed since it commenced in 2015.

Oduntan, also claimed that the N152.16 billion written in the name of the Discos were not for them, but that it was in their financial books.

“The debt encumbrance is a significant impediment to the Discos’ ability to borrow money to finance their capital investment,

and their financing of the entire value chain,” said Oduntan.

He also spoke about the recent N701.9 billion approved for the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) to pay the Gencos for power that would be supplied from January 2017 to 2019, saying that if the retail end of the market would be ignored by the government in its intervention, the N701 billion may not sustain the electricity market.

“It is a good first step towards resolving the market liquidity challenge and ensuring that the upstream operators are not financially distressed, but it is not a complete solution to the problem.

“As long as the retail end of the value chain continues to underrecover its cost, any possibility of the government recovering its intervention or fixing the ailments of the sector is an illusory one,” Oduntan stated.

ANED also claimed that the market still has an outstanding shortfalls of over N800 billion which it added must be addressed urgently to ensure that the N701 billion loan to the NBET would be recovered.

ADENIYI CLARIFIES ENCOUNTER WITH JONATHAN would contest on a joint ticket.

An obviously livid Buhari, sources said, immediately sought a breakfast meeting with Saraki the next day.

When Saraki got to his place, he was said to have complained to him that he had never been spoken to so rudely and embarrassed in his life the way that Tinubu did the day before and that it seemed Tinubu was ready for a battle, which he (Buhari) said he was equally prepared for.

But Saraki, sources said, persuaded

Buhari, saying that was not the way to go. As a way of further calming frayed nerves, Saraki was said to have called the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, informing him that there was a problem and that he needed to come immediately before the situation got out of hand.

As advised, Amosun was said to have flown into Abuja and another meeting held amongst the three of them - Amosun, Saraki and Buhari - with Saraki, informing the Ogun

governor of what had happened.

Saraki and Amosun then decided to strategically manage the situation in a manner that would manage Tinubu’s ego and not rock the boat, while at the same time achieving the resolve of the president not to run on a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Amosun, it was said, then convened a meeting of the Southwest caucus, where he informed it of the latest development.

His meeting with the caucus

DESPITE RECESSION, BANKING SECTOR LOANS TO CUSTOMERS RISE TO N16.372TRN Unity Bank, Wema Bank and

Union Bank.

Others included Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Diamond Bank and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI).

But one of the listed banks, Skye Bank had notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) that its results would be released next week.

A breakdown of the figures, however, showed that while FBN Holdings' loans and advances increased to N2.084 trillion in the reviewed year, up from N1.817 trillion the previous year; Zenith Bank Plc's financial statement also showed the bank gave out N2.289 trillion as loans and advances to its customers, compared with the N1.989 trillion recorded the previous year.

Similarly, while UBA loaned customers N1.505 trillion in 2016, up from N1.037 trillion the previous year; Access Bank recorded N1.809 trillion in 2016, from N1.368 trillion in 2015; GT Bank recorded N1.589 trillion in 2016, up from N1.372 trillion in 2015; ETI also posted N2.824 trillion in 2016, from N2.232

trillion in 2015; Diamond Bank Plc also posted N995.334 billion as customer loans and advances in 2016, up from N763.635 billion the previous year, while Fidelity Bank also posted customer loans and advances of N718 billion in 2016, higher than the N578 billion it gave out in the previous year.

In terms of profit after tax, the breakdown also showed that while GT Bank recorded N132.281 billion in 2016, higher than the N99.437 billion posted the previous year; Zenith Bank earned PAT of N129.652 billion in 2016, from N105.663 billion in the previous year; UBA's PAT was N72.264 billion in 2016, from N59.654 billion the previous year; Access Bank's PAT increased to N71.439 billion in 2016, from N65.869 billion; while FBN Holdings' posted PAT of N17.141 billion, from N15.539 billion.

The International Monetary Fund, (IMF) recently affirmed that Nigeria will this year recover from economic recession, projecting that the nation’s economy will grow by 0.8 percent in 2017.

Citing increased crude oil production due to security improvement, the IMF stated that

Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 0.8 percent in 2017 and 2.3 percent in 2018.

The Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, expressed optimism that developments in the macro economy would be positive.

Also, the Managing Director, FBN Holdings, Mr. U.K Eke, described 2016 as a year characterised by significant uncertainty in the operating environment.

“We expect an improved economic environment through 2017 and are confident that the foundations we have put in place will drive improved financial performance and consequently enhance shareholders' returns,” he said.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Bank, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, said in the months ahead, the bank would continue to deploy new technologies and digital applications to drive financial inclusion and convenient banking amidst a decline in the pace of economic activities and weak economic fundamentals.

The bank will also continue

to deepen its retail strategy to mop up low cost fund, expand its credit creation structure and increase market share in all market segments, he added.

Banks Bar Power Discos From Loans Meanwhile commercial banks have reportedly barred the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) in Nigeria’s power sector from obtaining financial facilities to support their operations, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), has disclosed.

ANED said in a statement in Abuja on Monday, that the banks took this decision on the back of a N152.16 billion financial package from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) allegedly written against their accounts, but which they have received only N49 billion.

ANED’s Director of Research and Advocacy, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, who signed the statement, stated that the loan was from the CBN-backed Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilization Fund (NEMSF) worth N213 billion.

The financial package was designed by the apex bank to

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

SEC NIGERIA S E C U R I T I E S A N D E XC H A N G E C O M M I S S I O N

Happy Worker's Day

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) wishes to congratulate the Nigerian workers on this day set aside to celebrate the workers and is pleased to remind workers on the under listed initiatives introduced by SEC towards addressing their concerns on investing in the Nigerian Capital Market:

s

Once again, the Securities and Exchange Commission wishes to congratulate the Nigerian workers on this important day.

Signed Management HEAD OFFICE Plot 272 Samuel Adesujo Ademulegun Street, Central Business District, FCT Abuja.

Tel: +234-9-4621095.

LAGOS ZONAL OFFICE NO.3 Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

KANO African Alliance House (4th Floor), F1, Sani Abacha Way/Airport Road, Opposite KLM Airlines, Kano, Kano State

PORT-HARCOURT 31 Woji road, GRA phase 2 Port Harcourt Rivers State

www.facebook.com/page.securities and exchange commission www.twitter.com/secnigeria E-mail:sec@sec.gov.ng Complaints@sec.gov.ng

12

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

www.riversat50.ng

RIVERS STATE GOLDEN JUBILEE COMMITTEE

Welcome

His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON, Governor of Rivers State

to the TRADITIONAL RULERS’ DAY The Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee is pleased to welcome invited guests and the public to the Golden Jubilee Traditional Rulers’ Day on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017 as part of the activities marking Rivers State at 50.

The Traditional Rulers’ Day will feature the ground breaking ceremony of the new Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers’ Secretariat Complex by His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, Governor of Rivers State at the present Council Secretariat (3, Asarama Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt) at 10am.

This will be immediately followed at 12 noon by other activities including an exhibition and a lecture under the theme: Traditional Institutions in Nigeria and the Challenges of Re-engineering Viable Local Economies.

GUEST SPEAKER: His Eminence

Alhaji Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, mni, CFR,

Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

CHAIRMAN: His Imperial Majesty

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife

VENUE: Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre, G.U. Ake Road, Port Harcourt

May God bless you as you come.

Signed:

Prof Joseph Ajienka

Chairman, Media and Publicity Sub-Committee

His Royal Majesty

King Dandeson Douglas Jaja

Jeki V, Amanyanabo of Opobo and Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

COMMENT

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

BIAFRA, BUHARI AND THE CHILDREN OF OJUKWU

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The detention of Nnamdi Kanu, despite court orders to the contrary, enhanced the profile of the IPOD leader, argues Chido Nwangwu

ince April 25, 2017, millions of Nigerians, international security and diplomatic monitors of Nigeria have been witnessing two contrasting images of the country of an estimated 170 million.

One image is that of President Muhammadu Buhari. The other is the controversial profile of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) movement. Ironically, Buhari’s government detention and refusal to respect lawful orders of the courts for almost two years regarding the release or granting of bail escalated Kanu’s profile, globally. It sharpened the contrast with implications.

First, it sent a historic reminder to all students of history and power that demands for equity/fairness in Nigeria’s geo-politics and nationalities questions cannot be swept aside as the high-noon rantings of a few, misguided chaps possessed and jaundiced by youthful impetuosity!

Such snotty, condescending nonsense and arrogance have combined to show the evident limitations of some of Nigeria’s leaders at the state and federal levels.

Second, since January 19, 2017, when Nigeria’s President Buhari began his “medical vacation” to London, we’ve all seen the images of a very ill and absent commander-in-chief; plus increasing talk about the likelihood of his quitting due to his complicated, frail health. Essentially, those images fit the current shape of the country’s weakening political economy. Like my made-in-Aba suits and trousers, they fit perfectly.

Third, the dominant message seems to me to be the escalating demands against Nigeria’s 1914 colonial borders as imposed and implemented under The Amalgamation of the Northern and Southern regions by the British soldier of raw materials and minerals named Lord Lugard. I hear the familiar demands approximating the historical agreement at Aburi in Ghana, as reflected in the official minutes, dated January 4-5, 1967. I hear the cries of some young men and young women whose siblings and parents were murdered in the routine killing and genocidal slaughter of the Igbo and the ethnic groups/communities who constituted Biafra. I hear a demand on all those who profit from the militarised impositions of a perpetual, non-negotiable “national unity” since 1960s to date, circa 2017. It seems to me a demand against domestic agents and foreign corporations whose actions have turned the once evergreen Niger Delta into a decimated, polluted environmental nightmare. I hear a demand for economic security and against 10 years of unemployment after graduation. I hear, loud and clear, a stand against discrimination in admissions and employment. I hear....

THE IDEOLOGICAL CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN OF ODUMEGWU OJUKWU, OF CHINUA ACHEBE, OF GEN. EFFIONG, OF CHRISTOPHER OKIGBO, OF WOLE SOYINKA HAVE KEPT A MESSAGE OF NATIONAL IDENTITY, UNAPOLOGETIC ZEAL AND UNBOWED RESILIENCE REGARDING THE 19671970 WAR

Fourth, many of the older generation Igbo who fought in and for Biafra caution the youth against pushing for another Biafra, even with the peaceful agitation. For all that it is worth, we note that Nnamdi Kanu was born after that war. It is the dominant demographics and a benchmark to appreciate/understand/critique the younger generation’s interpretation of Biafra and trans-continental agitation for Biafra.

Fifth, Kanu-led IPOB and its affiliates distribute information and mobilise across more cities in the world more than any other Nigerian or African organisation. USAfrica news index January 2014-April 2017 also show that the Pope Francis, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu, U.S President Donald Trump know, the British Prime Minister Theresa May, and many world leaders are, at least, aware of their activism and agenda.

Sixth, without a doubt, there are aspects of the new Biafra movement which reflect a certain level of operational and tactical recklessness. On the other hand, the non-dramatic fluency with which they sorted and settled -- within 30 hours-- the harsh reality of the mountain high jump, stringent and extremely difficult to meet conditions ordered on April 25, 2017 as required bail terms for the temporary release of the leader of the IPOB, by the Federal High Court Justice Binta Nyako, a wife of a former top military officer and governor, showed the credibility and clout of IPOB . She required Kanu to provide three sureties; one of whom must be a serving Senator in Nigeria, a Jewish religious leader and highly respected person, who own land anywhere in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The bail bond was set at N100 million, for each surety. Kanu was also ordered not to grant any interviews to the media/press, pending the outcome of his trial and should not be seen in a meeting/gathering of more than 10 persons.

Finally, what would Ojukwu (the Head of State of Biafra) have said about these events? I interviewed him three times; one at his house in Lagos and twice in the U.S. One thing is certain: the ideological children and grandchildren of Odumegwu Ojukwu, of Chinua Achebe, of Gen. Effiong, of Christopher Okigbo, of Wole Soyinka have kept a message of national identity, unapologetic zeal and unbowed resilience regarding the 1967-1970 war. Especially, those who swear “citizenship” under the golden yellow colours of the Land of the Rising Sun! Biafra.

Dr. Nwangwu is the Founder & Publisher of the first Africanowned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com

I’M THE HOPE OF MY PEOPLE

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Adeolu Akande pays tribute to Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba, a distinguished journalist and administrator

met him for the first time in April 2001. It was at the office of Mr Chris Mammah, the ebullient Special Assistant (Media) to the then Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar. However, the reputation of Dr Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba preceded the meeting. I had known of him for about two decades. As an undergraduate at the University of Ibadan in the late 1980s when holding a copy of The Guardian was a sort of status symbol, Onukaba’s reports in the newspaper were a joy to read. He brought drama into reporting.

His ability to do a compelling story, for instance, out of the refusal of General Olusegun Obasanjo to grant him an interview was truly ingenious.

Then came the breaking news of the controversial suitcases cleared from the Murtala Muhammed Airport during the change of national currency by the military government. Onukaba created a niche for himself as a man at the forefront of the theatre of history as that episode remains a reference point in the undercurrents of national politics as dramatis personae in that controversy stake claims to national political leadership many decades after. Perhaps the most dramatic in such influences of Onukaba on my young mind was the publication of the biography of Dele Giwa, the iconic Nigerian journalist killed in a bomb blast in October 1986; which he authored with his friend, Dele Olojede. The old guards of Nigerian journalism, especially in the Newswatch, considered the book a “sexed” biography but the budding young Turks of Nigerian journalism like Dele Momodu and Kunle Ajibade rose in an engaging defence of the young authors, creating an excitement which aspiring young journalists on the nation’s campuses feasted on.

Onukaba had travelled to the United States after his exploits in journalism in Nigeria to secure a doctorate degree and had worked at the United Nations. He returned in 1999 to work briefly as Special Assistant (media) to the Vice-President before being moved to the Daily Times conglomerate as Managing Director. By Nigerian standards, Onukaba fell in the category of “Big men”. But there was nothing about him that fateful morning in 2001 that betrayed that. And never did he carry himself as a big man. He had the gift of putting you at ease in his presence by acknowledging little achievements other people had recorded.

Onukaba occupied a unique position while he worked in the Presidency. He had years of close relationship with President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. His friendship with the duo dated back to his years as Airport correspondent of the Guardian Newspapers. Abubakar headed the Customs Department at the Airport and itinerant Obasanjo was a regular traveller through the airport. Onukaba authored the book, In the Eye of the storm, a biography of Obasanjo as part of the campaign to free the General from the gulag of General Sanni Abacha. He also authored Atiku, the biography of Atiku Abubakar, dwelling on his early years until his election as vice-president in 1999.But Onukaba never flaunted these close relationships and it is a testimony to his integrity that while the duo had their celebrated conflict in the Villa, neither of them accused Onukaba of snitching on him.

Onukaba was too decent for that. He was indeed considered frank to a fault by many of his colleagues. As former Vice- President Abubakar acknowledged in his tribute, Onukaba took delight in “telling truth to power”. He never shied away from saying so when he felt the government was not doing well, most times to the discomfort of many of his colleagues. Outside such meetings, Onukaba would go into further arguments, insisting on calling a spade a spade. He exhibited such frankness in his books on Obasanjo and Atiku. He was fond of recalling how he once sauntered into the hotel room of General Olusegun Obasanjo in New York, in the United States , happy that his book, In the Eye of the Storm, had played some role in the release of the general from prison. He said it was an enraged general who hauled a copy of the book at him, querying some contents of the book. Yet, Onukaba felt he did his job as a writer by including the content the general was not comfortable with.

Onukaba would argue years after that if he had not written what he believed was the truth in the book, he would have lost the respect of the general who remained his friend, until death. He had the same experience with the content of his biography on Atiku Abubakar. Abubakar did not complain but some of Onukaba’s colleagues felt he should not have included such unflattering content in the book. ”Which one is your own?” Onukaba retorted.

“Why are you taking Panadol for another person’s

headache?” explaining that rather than complain, Abubakar had actually commended him for the boldness to include such material in the book.

It was for this frankness that many of Onukaba’s colleagues and friends felt he would not make a successful politician when he ventured to be governor of Kogi State. But Onukaba was driven by a passion to serve his people. In the Atiku Media office, Onukaba sustained a regular traffic to the banks, transferring money to his townsfolks for sundry purposes- school fees, payment to learn or to complete a trade, payment to start some small business, payment of hospital bills….The list was endless even as many of his Kogi folks daily thronged the office seeking introduction to individuals and organisations for one assistance or another. He was never tired of offering such help.

Onukaba made friends easily and was on first name basis with many of Nigeria’s top government officials, entrepreneurs and businessmen. But he despised exploiting such friendships for personal gain. He used the goodwill to help others. He was never tired of explaining that his people were disadvantaged because they were late starters in the acquisition of western education and that the lot fell on trailblazers like him to help others up the ladder of social mobility. ”I am the hope of my people”, was his refrain.

As he always lamented when getting frustrated with the deluge of request for financial assistance - being a person of modest means himself - Onukaba believed only a responsible government that focuses on education, skill acquisition, job placement and provision of social services will reduce the pressure on conscientious trailblazers like him. It is indeed tragic that he died in circumstances involving some young armed robbers. As a member of the Atiku Abubakar Policy Team, Onukaba always advocated a holistic appreciation of insecurity challenges in the country, arguing that unless the youths are provided good education, skill acquisition and assisted to earn decent living, all approaches to insecurity in the country would be scratching at the surface of the problem.

One of Onukaba’s greatest attributes was his ability to laugh at himself. He was fond of making light of serious issues such that his friends who

would have thought of sympathising with him will forget their mission to him. When he was sacked alongside other aides of the vice-president in 2005, Onukaba regaled some of his visiting friends of his immediate reaction to the news: “When I heard the announcement, all the money I had in my accounts, home and abroad, was less than a month’s salary”. His friends who had come to sympathise could not control the laughter that trailed the disclosure, led by Onukaba himself.

When he contested for the governorship of Kogi State in 2016 on the crest of a robust programme that would change the Confluence State for good, Onukaba received only one vote. On return to Abuja, his friends paid him a sympathy visit.

As we entered his living room with remorse, he shouted, “they beat me silly!” The account of his defeat was more hilarious but a tragic commentary on the politics of Nigeria. It is better told in Onukaba’s words: “I was getting set for the congress venue when my coordinator rushed inside the hotel room with excitement. “Excellency (the title Nigerian politicians call everyone who aspires to the office of governor!), I have found out how much the aspirants are giving the delegates.

They are giving each delegate between N100, 000 and N250, 000. It will be nice if we can give more than N250, 000 per delegate to be sure of their votes”. Onukaba stopped midway as he guffawed loudly, apparently because of what he was to say next. Then he continued, amidst spasms of laughter. ”At the time he was saying that, all the money I had on me for the election was less than N250,000”. The company joined in the laughter and the sympathy visit turned into a session of commentaries on the realities of politics in Nigeria.

As Onukaba’s friends gather today to honour him with an endowment programme for his family and literary works, there is no better testimony that he deserves the effort than one of his last earthly ventures. Back in 2015, a publisher from Kogi State had approached the APC campaign team about producing a magazine to promote the party for the election.

Akande is a Visiting Professor of Political Science and Director, Centre for Presidential Studies at the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State

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T H I S D AY •TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

EDITORIAL WESTERN EDUCATION IN THE NORTH

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There is urgent need for all stakeholders to invest heavily in education

he revelation credited to the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, that while Lagos State has the highest number of candidates (24,816) for the 2017 Common Entrance Examination, Kebbi State has just 63 candidates, should ordinarily be a matter of great concern. The greater challenge lies in the fact that it is not an isolated issue as it falls into what is fast becoming a dangerous pattern. The minister’s revelation came at a time other stakeholders in the North have been painting a picture of socio-economic condition that could come back to haunt the nation.

At a recent Kaduna State Investment and Economic Summit (KADINVEST), Governor Nasir el-Rufai, after a brutal assessment, said the north has been pulling Nigeria backwards, warning that unless the leaders from the region came together to address common challenges, the future would remain bleak for a vast majority of the people. But it was the speech by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II which assessed the prevailing situation within the region that attracted the EDUCATION REMAINS THE most attention.

STRONGEST WEAPON In his keynote FOR THE NORTH TO address titled ‘ProTACKLE MANY OF THE moting Investment SOCIO-POLITICAL AND Amidst Economic ECONOMIC CHALLENGES Challenges’, the emir said the abhorrence of CONFRONTING THE Western education in REGION TODAY the name of practicing Islam has made the northern part of Nigeria to become the poorest region in the country. He advocated the embracement of western education while urging the people to stop using religion and culture to set the region backward. “We are fighting culture, we are fighting civilisation. You tell me that you should not write love books in northern Nigerian… What is the crime of those books?” he asked.

While there seems to be a subtle attempt to muscle

Letters to the Editor

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the emir for saying the inconvenient truth, we believe it would be more productive if the authorities within the region took into account the message even if they don’t like the messenger. As we have consistently reiterated on this page, education remains the strongest weapon for the north to tackle many of the socio-political and economic challenges confronting the region today. And until leaders within the region begin to fix the challenges within the sector by getting the millions of children who are out of schools back to the classrooms and putting in place the necessary infrastructure, the index of misery will not change.

F T H I S DAY

EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITORS BOlAJI ADEBIYI, JOSEph UShIGIAlE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOlA BEllO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOlAfE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OlUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

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or sure, we understand that the deadly terrorist group, Boko Haram, has undermined the progress made in the region in the past few years, especially in the area of education. But the growing disparity between the region and its southern counterpart is a serious national security threat that needs to be addressed by all critical stakeholders in the country. The low level of enrolment in primary, secondary and post education levels is strong evidence of that threat.

However, it must be stated that the north is not a region that could be labelled as “illiterate” as some ignorant commentators have been doing. It has a large number of people who can read and write, even if it is not English. And they are probably more informed than their counterparts in other regions given the popularity of the radio among them. The real challenge is in western education without which progress is difficult in the world in which we live in today. That is where there should be investment by many of the states with support from the federal government through deliberate and consistent efforts.

Apart from lack of commitment, weak implementation of policy, inadequate political will, budgetary allocation for basic education must be addressed urgently. But such a root and branch reform cannot succeed unless all the strategic stakeholders take clear ownership.

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 (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAS DELIVERED ON HIS PROMISES

hree actions taken by President Muhammad Buhari in the past few days that have attracted admiration from Nigerians are kick-starting appointments into federal agencies and parastatals, delivering the Abuja International Airport on schedule and probing some indicted top officials of his government. The effective strategy in curbing wanton waste of public funds, in recovering looted funds and in tackling enemies of public interest is fantastic.

Those who doubt the sincerity of the government in fulfiling its campaign promises and its fight against corruption should now have a rethink and join hands in making the Nigeria which true Nigerians love to have. Mr. President always insists that it is better to be slow than to rush and make regrettable mistakes. The tortoise, as slow as it is, is associated with cleverness, wisdom, smartness and success.

And verily, the burden on the shoulders of President Buhari is heavier than the Aso Rock itself – (re)building a broken nation as well as hungry, angry and nearly frustrated people. Physical strength via dynamites and cranes can pull off the rock. But to tackle and defeat Nigeria’s multi-faceted and rocky loads demand extra-ordinary patience, wisdom, tactfulness, selfless sacrifices, dedication, commitment, humanity, patriotism and above all fear of Almighty God. Most of these abstractions were lacking in the past leaders of Nigeria. That is why since the creation of Nigeria, the sour stories of underdevelopment and heartless sabotaging of national interest were epithets associated with the nation. Let us discuss briefly the three points of admiration.

Since the inception of this administration in 2015, there have been

wide criticisms from different citizens and ethno-political interest groups over appointments into positions of trust in the country. Three viewpoints are critical. One is that the earlier appointments favoured one part of the country over the others. Specifically, the Igbo who stand as the third major ethnic group in Nigeria have cried loud. The second is that appointments have favoured those who did not work for the emergence of the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) led by the president himself. Most of the positions in government, APC has insisted, are occupied by non-party loyalists or overnight defectors who were appointed by the president into sensitive positions. On this note, the APC stalwarts groan over neglect. And that has been the cause of the intraparty rancor. The third is that the religious minorities of the southeast have cried of political exclusion since the creation of Nigeria.

Muslims of the region claim that they have never been carried along in the political appointments of the country despite their counterparts from the northern part of the country have had it better throughout the military and past democratic federal governments.

Now that the appointments have gradually begun, it is hoped that the three voices would be heard as promised by the president. Just before the nation had its Easter break, heads of 23 federal government agencies were announced. More appointments follows immediately after the Easter break. Director of Press in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) Bolaji Adebiyi said the appointments were with immediate effect. The appointees, analysis showed, were drawn from all parts of the country, an indication that there will be gradual balancing and appointments of qualified citizens from all parts of the country.

The good news is that new young and vibrant citizens are making the list. This is a welcome development and it is going to be a fulfilled promise by the president for the youth of Nigeria. It is also going to be additional force for the re-election of the president in 2019. However, the reconstitution of the federal boards should open opportunities for new faces rather than the old tradition of recycling appointees as was done by past governments since 1999. .

From Femi Fani Kayode to Felix Hyatt to Babatunde Omotoba to Stella Odua to former Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Corps Marshal Osita Chidoka, Nigerians had not had it better in the aviation sector. Under the incumbent administration, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as Minister of Transportation and Senator Hadi Sirika as Minister of State, Aviation are turning around the nation’s transportation system, delivering projects on schedule to easy movements for the citizens and boost the nation’s economy. It is sorrowful to recall the mess the aviation sector witnessed from 1999 to 2015 in terms of air mishaps, contract mismanagement and series of corruption allegations.

The rehabilitation project was overdue but successive past governments had no political will to do it. The Buhari government promised to deliver it within six weeks and kept the promise.

Some top government officials accused for a long time of corruption were axed on April 19. The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), David Babachir Lawal, and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ayo Oke, were relieved of their appointments to face investigation into the allegations against them.

Muhammad Ajah, Abuja.

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017

POLITICS

Group Politics Editor Tobi Soniyi Email tobi.soniyi@thisdaylive.com 08033146139 SMS ONLY

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING

Time to Engender Peace is Now Last week’s release on bail of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Nnamdi Kanu could not have come at a better time. With the president’s health causing disquiet, there is urgent need to further defuse tension in the polity . But government has to do more to achieve lasting peace, writes Tobi Soniyi

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very Nigerian has one reason or the other to protest against the government. The fact that we are not protesting does not mean that we are satisfied with the state of affairs. As simple as this sounds, however, the government does not seem to understand.

Rather than kick against protest or lock up those who choose to carry placards to express their grievances, the government should seek to, first understand why they take to the streets, and secondly should engage them.

The relative peace in the Niger Delta today came when the Federal Government jettisoned military approach to dialogue. If dialogue could restore peace to the Niger Delta with all the complication, the agitation for a Biafra Republic can also be resolved by dialogue.

In this while, the judiciary deserved commendation for refusing to toe the same path withe the executive when it granted bail to IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Sometimes, charges are drafted to exaggerate the real offence for which the accused person should stand trial. More often that not, those acused of treason have only committed some minor offences but because governent would not want such accused persons released on bail, it make treasonable felony the main offence.

The proper approach for the court would be to consider the charges alongside the proof of evidence to ensure that those entitled to bail are not denied bail.

In this regard, the decision of Justice Binta Nyako to grant bail to Kanu, despite attaching stringent conditions deserves commendation.

However, the same gesture should be extended to those charged with him, otherwise the desire effect of granting him bail will not be achieved.

Before admitting Kanu to bail, the judge had earlier determined that six out of the 11- count charge were not supported by the proof of evidence. This finding, further supports the claim that some of the charges were aimed at keeping Kanu in jail perpetually.

Sometimes in February, some prominent people from the South East asked government to release Kanu.

They included a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Charles Soludo who described the continued detention of Kanu as unacceptable and an abuse of his right to ‘legitimate agitation”.

Soludo said Nigeria could not thrive in an atmosphere devoid of the “democratic freedom of speech”.

Weeks later, governors of the five southeast states also lent their voice to the call for Kanu’s release. Prior, to the governors’ inteervention, the leadership of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo led by Chief John Nnia Nwodo had called on government to find a lasting solution to the dispute.

Nwodo had asked government to find ways of addressing the root causes of the increasing spate of agitations not only in the south east zone but across the country.

Before then, traditional rulers from the south east had met President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. One of the requests they tabled before him was that he should listen to the demands of agitators from the south east.

In his response, Buhari assured them that the south east would also benefit from the new railway architecture being put in place by his administration.

On their request for more representation

Yakubu...confident INEC will deliver

for the south east in his government, the president said that he was “very conscious of the sensitivities of the South East”, on

No one can claim not to know that it is the only geographical identity that has yet to produce the president.

It appears the present administration is punishing the south east for voting for former president Goodluck Jonathan.

These are real issues that can be addressed by the government to restore the confidence of the south east people in the federal government.

account of which, he gave the region’s four out of five states Senior ranking Ministers in the Federal Cabinet.

The intervention of these prominent rulers and organisation provided a perfect opportunity for the government to step in by seeking to extract commitment from the south east leaders and the governors. Notwithstanding the offences contained in the charges, no one is left in doubt that Kanu’s trial is political and that the best solution to it should be political.

When the governors asked the federal government to release him, a government with strategy should have sought audience with the governors and demonstrate its willingness to release Kanu if the governors could persuade him not to further cause a breach of the peace or if they can come up with any other feasible solution to the crisis.

But the thinking in government, unfortunately, is that force would resolve all disputes.

At a time when the nation’s security apparatuses are overstretched, there is sense in embracing peace when such an opportunity presents itself. The north east crisis is far from over. The herdsmen onslaught is almost consuming the whole nation.

Although, the Biafra agitators are asking for secession, there are a lot the government can do to address injustice in the south east.

No one can deny the fact that the south east is marginalised in terms of distribution of appointment.

No one can claim not to know that it is the only geographical identity that has yet to

produce the president. It appears the present administration is punishing the south east for voting for former president Goodluck Jonathan. These are real issues that can be addressed by the government to restore the confidence of the south east people in the federal government.

However for government to continue to feign ignorance of this neglect is to continue to push forward the evil days.

Kanu was reportedly arrested in Lagos on October 18, 2015 by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) upon return from the United Kingdom.

He was initially charged with eleven counts alongside Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi. Out of these charges, six were struck out. However, counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8 of the charge were sustained because according to the judge, the prosecution was able to place some elements of offences before the court.

In striking out the charges, Justice Nyako stated that the prosecution had not placed evidence before the court to show that Kanu and Onwudiwe are managing an unlawful society or that IPOB was unlawful.

She also ruled that some of the charges against the defendants that bordered on intentions to commit crimes would be better handled at a magistrate court and not a federal high court.

Kanu and his co-accused, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, remained in DSS custody until January 20, 2016, when they were arraigned at the Federal High Court on a six-count charge of treasonable felony and illegal transmission of a radio transmitter preferred against them by the federal government.

Count one of the charge reads: That you Nnamdi Kanu ,’m ‘Onwudiwe Chidiebere ‘m’ Banjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawuisi ,’m’ and others now at large on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015 in Nigeria and London, United Kingdom, did conspire amongst yourselves to broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and other areas within the jurisdiction of this court preparations being made by you and others at large, for states in the South-east and South-south zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue States to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into a Republic of Biafra and you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Act CAP. C38 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2000.

Count two reads: That you Nnamdi Kanu,’m’ being the leader of IPOB on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015 in London United Kingdom did broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and other areas within the jurisdiction of this court preparations being made by you and others now at large, for states in the South-east and South-south Zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue States to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into a Republic of Biafra and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 41 (c) of the Criminal Code Act .CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

They were initially detained at DSS’ facility but were subsequently remanded in Kuje prison on the order of Justice James Tsoho.

They were taken before several judges but Kanu objected to the trial. Justice Ahmed Mohammed had to recuse himself from the trial. The case finally landed on Justice Nyako’s table.

17

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017

POLITICS

A Scapegoat Named Babachir Lawal Since President Muhammadu Buhari launched his anti-corruption campaign in 2015, the question has been how far is he willing to go to sustain the battle, especially in the face of allegations that he is protecting his own loyalists. Segun James looks at the suspension from office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. David Babachir Lawal in the context of the anti-graft war

O

ne of the first steps taken by President Muhammadu Buhari after he was elected president to purge the military of some of the high profile military brass who had stolen the money meant for the purchase arms and ammunition to fight the fundamentalist and terrorist organisation, the Boko Haram. Many soldiers lost their lives as a result of corruption among top ranking military brass.

That was how Buhari was willing to go as far as the fight over corruption was concerned.

Understandably he had also caused to be arrested some opposition politicians from whose homes and bank accounts millions of ill-gotten sums of money had been exhumed.

Yet, many Nigerians still demanded that he could do more, and should do more, especially among his own political party where some kleptomaniac fat cats abound. It was also alleged that some of the president’s loyalists who funded his campaign had also stolen from their states and that it was from such alleged stolen money that they sponsored the president’s election and ensured that he won.

How do you arrest or incarcerate such persons? Wouldn’t that show ingratitude of the highest order? Besides, since such money was used to bring him to power, is he not a beneficiary of the process and as such culpable also? So many questions begging for answer.

But then, many people dismissed his war on corruption as a political subterfuge to cow and witch hunt his enemies and opponents. It was in the middle of this that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. David Babachir Lawal was suspended from office and is now undergoing interrogations for his role in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).

The purging of the military by the president was not surprising to anyone as that was the primary constituency of the president and he has firsthand knowledge of the atrocities perpetrated in the section under the guise of security which had been locked in secrecy for many years. But the unexpected removal of Lawal from office has sent a signal to the political class that the president is willing to scotch even the biggest and most well fed of any sacred cow in the political arena. Yes, Lawal is the perfect scapegoat and sacrificial lamb as events toward the 2019 election start to take shape.

Although, the allegation has been in the news for some time, and quite a number of petitions had reached the president about the activities of Lawal and allegations of violations of law and due process made against him in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).

The president initially would not believe it. He in fact ordered a statement be made absolving the SGF of any complicity in the the contract deal. The allegations, however, would not go away. Preliminary investigation soon proved that there was substance in the allegation.

It was at the point that the president ordered him suspended with immediate effect. A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also had it that the president has equally ordered a full scale investigation into the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a residential apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, over which the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) had made a claim.

The investigation is also to enquire into the circumstances in which the NIA came into possession of the funds, how and by whose or which authority the funds were made available to the NIA, and to establish whether or not

Lawal....suspended pending investigation

there has been a breach of the law or security procedure in obtaining custody and use of the funds. The president also directed the suspension of the Director General of the NIA, Ambassador Ayo Oke, pending the outcome of the investigation.

A three-man committee comprising the Hon. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the National Security Adviser, headed by the Vice President, is to conduct

Yet, many Nigerians still demanded that he could do more, and should do more, especially among his own political party where some kleptomaniac fat cats abound. It was also alleged that some of the president’s loyalists who funded his campaign had also stolen from their states and that it was from such alleged stolen money that they sponsored the president’s election and ensured that he won

both investigations; and is to submit its report to the President within 14 days.

The most senior Permanent Secretary in the SGF’s office, and the most senior officer in the NIA, is to act, respectively, during the period of investigation.

Until the new chain of events, Lawal had been a law unto himself. He never respected anybody but noted for shunning invitations from the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. When the allegation of his private companies involvement in the Presidential Initiative on the North East contract activities became public, he refused to appear before a Senate Committee on Humanitarian Crisis in Northeast. Like most persons appointed by the Buhari government, Lawal see going before the senate as below him even though he had earlier been indicted for alleged fraud by the committee and the Senate, who called for his removal.

The road to infamy for the SGF began soon after the federal government decided to create the PINE committee to look into the rehabilitation and resettlement of people who had been displaced through the activities of the dreaded fundamentalist and terrorist group, the Boko Haram in the northeastern part of the country. But no sooner had the committee began work than the SGF was found culpable by the Senate for his alleged role in a grass-cutting N200 million contract to clear “invasive plant species” in Yobe State!

But surprisingly, Buhari, in a letter to the Senate, defended Lawal saying he was not given a fair hearing, thus necessitating a new summons by the Senate. He cleared the embattled SGF from the allegations of corruption leveled against him over the mismanagement of funds earmarked for IDP camps in the north.

In the letter to the Senate, in response to a call for the removal of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Buhari stated that Lawal was not given a fair hearing, citing other reasons the SGF could not do as the senate had demanded.

However, instead of heeding the summons, Some of the SGF loyalists went before the courts to challenge his summon and indicated he would not appear before the Senate. This was the situation when his suspension was announced.

It would be recalled that in December 2016, the Senate had asked Buhari to sack Lawal and ensure his prosecution over an alleged breach of Nigerian laws in handling contracts awarded PINE. An interim report by the Senate’s ad-hoc committee on the “mounting humanitarian crisis in the North East” led by Sen. Shehu Sani, indicted Mr. Lawal for receiving N200 million contracts to clear “invasive plant species” in Yobe State through a company, Rholavision Nigeria Limited. Lawal was said to be a director in the company until September 2016, a year after his appointment. This was a breach of the code of conduct for public officials as stated in Nigeria’s 1999 constitution.

Soon after his suspension, Lawal was at the Presidential Villa where he was confronted by newsmen over his suspension. But as usual with him, in his disdain, he stocked his tongue out in a video in mockery of Nigerians who think anything will come out of his “suspension” and “investigation.

He then mockingly asked the reporters: “Who is the presidency?” before departing Aso Rock after his suspension.

In a Facebook post, Prof. Farooq Kperogi wondered: “How did we end up with a man like this as Secretary to the Government of the Federation? The man clearly doesn’t have his head screwed on right--literally.

“In this photo, Lawal is sticking his tongue out in mockery of Nigerians who think anything will come out of his “suspension” and “investigation.”

He had earlier mockingly asked reporters “Who is the presidency?” Judgment day for this boor can’t come soon enough! Let’s wait and see.”

Scandalized by the action of the suspended SGF, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC), Prof Itse Sagay (SAN), while reacting to Lawal’s suspension by the Federal Government made it clear that he was gone for good and no longer a part of the Buhari administration.

“I think the suspensions are inevitable, and in my view, they are a journey to total disengagement.

“The SGF is a top member of the administration.

He should have known that for him to award a contract to his own company is absolutely prohibited by the Code of Conduct and the Constitution. What he was doing was illegal and unconstitutional.

“The worse is that he didn’t even award the contract for relevant activity such as for food, rather it was for grass cutting, which is totally unrelated to the needs of this people for very basic life-saving materials.”

On the suspension of the NIA DG, Sagay said: “This one is even worse in my view. How can you hold over $40million of state money in a private apartment, without the knowledge of the head of state to whom you’re responsible?

“So they’ve turned themselves into a government of their own. They didn’t inform the present administration that they got this money from the Jonathan administration and this is what it was meant for and this is what is left. “Once they didn’t do that, then they were all on a criminal conduct which should lead to what has happened now. It’s very clear that they intended to convert it to their private use. That’s why I said everything is inevitable.”

With the removal of Lawal, at least one of the president’s men person has bitten the dust in the presidential war against corruption.

But with the 2019 elections looming near and the president’s state of health, will the battle be terminated midway? This is the question that will be answered by time as the nation moves on.

18

TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

FEATURES

Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

The Honest Guard Solomon Elusoji writes about a security guard who found and returned $10,000 to the admiration and wonder of many

I

t was another regular hot Wednesday in May 2016 and, as usual, Lagos was boisterous with a lot of activity. At a United Bank for Africa (UBA) branch in Oba Akran, Lagos, where Ibrahim Mohammed Ogbonago, worked as a security guard, a lot of customers streamed in and out. In the midst of the flurry of activities, a man walked into the branch to transact some business and left some 10 minutes later. It was soon after he exited that Ibrahim, who manned the gate on that fateful day, noticed something on the floor.

He quickly walked the few metres to find out what it was.

As he bent to look further, he noticed that it was some currency notes. “Wow!!!

Dollars,” he thought to himself. “One of our customers must have dropped this mistakenly.”

On counting, he found out it was $10,000, and without even thinking twice, he quickly took the money to his supervisor, who then passed it to the Branch Operations Manager. Not long after, the customer, who had been paid the sum of $84,500, rushed back to the bank claiming that $10,000 was missing from the money he was paid; due investigations were carried out, and the missing money was finally in the hands of the rightful owner. He was indeed full of praises for Ibrahim and the bank, especially as he was sure that the teller had paid him correctly a few minutes before.

There is no doubt that Ibrahim displayed core values of honesty and integrity despite the unfriendly economic situations in the country. In fact, not a few Nigerians, including some youths who took to Social Media, condemned him, saying that was his stroke at good fortune, and that he was hasty in his decision to return the money. Others said he should have picked the money and ran away.

But apparently, the tenets that were instilled in him as a child by his parents as well as his tutors at the Young Muslim College, Ankpa, have remained with the young man from Kogi State.

“I wasn’t tempted to take the money, even if there were no cameras around, I wouldn’t have taken it,” Ogbonago said.

“I have always known since I was a child that what is not yours is not yours, and that if you picked something that was not yours, that is stealing, so it never crossed my mind to do away with the money.”

On hearing the news, UBA’s Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, himself a strong proponent of the culture of integrity, invited Ibrahim about a month later to meet with him, and to praise and reward the uncommon gesture of honesty he had displayed.

Going all out to celebrate this meritorious act on his social media accounts, including Instagram and Twitter, Elumelu said, “Mohammed Ibrahim Ogbonago, a security guard at the UBA Group branch in Oba Akran, found $10,000 outside on the ground at his branch. In an unparalleled display of integrity, he decided to return the money.

When I heard about this story, I knew I had to meet the man who despite facing rising petrol and transportation prices and “tomato ebola” returned such a huge sum of money without recourse to himself. It was a pleasant surprise to hear him tell this story and about how he came to be in the board room with us.

Even more surprising was hearing him speak about his passion for governance and integrity in leadership.”

Continuing, Elumelu said, “Mohammed Ibrahim Ogbonago is an exemplary ambassador of the UBA spirit and it was fulfilling to meet and reward him for his conduct. The UBA Group management is proud to have this calibre of staff at all levels. Congratulations to Mohammed and

Ogbonago...the honest UBA guard

keep up the good work.”

Even though a flurry of commendations followed Elumelu’s praise, not a few felt the security guard should have been given

I wasn’t tempted to take the money, even if there were no cameras around, I wouldn’t have taken it. I have always known since I was a child that what is not yours is not yours, and that if you picked something that was not yours, that is stealing, so it never crossed my mind to do away with the money

a greater reward than what he got. “If it were me I would take the money and cater for myself. What is a handshake going to do? This bank will eventually eat this money by themselves – they will not use it for anything tangible; just for their selfish pleasures alone,” an online commenter wrote on a popular blog.

However, little did people know that a lot more was coming to this staff, who demonstrated a high level of uprightness to the admiration of many.

Every year since 2008, UBA holds an annual award ceremony, tagged the UBA CEO Awards, to recognise, celebrate and reward staff for their various contribution to the growth of the bank in the area of ingenuity and creativity, as well as their industry, experience and passion to deliver excellent service to customers and continue to achieve exceptional results within the Group.

This year, over 10 Awards were given; there were winners who had excelled in innovation and execution across Africa, as well as those who were rewarded for their entrepreneurial abilities. However, the Award which stole the show – the Award for Excellence - went to Ibrahim, this same security staff who found and returned $10,000 cash belonging to a customer.

The UBA’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, talked about how the $10,000 Ogbonago saw

‘could have changed his life and how he could have taken it’, but his upbringing, as well as UBA’s value and focus on integrity would never have allowed him to do so.

He received a standing ovation, as well as rewards from dignitaries in the audience who came on stage to acknowledge him.

The Governor of Adamawa State, Alhaji Bindo Jibrilla pledged the sum of $5,000 and he also received a personal commitment of $10,000 from the Governor of Bauchi state, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who was also present at the event, said that Ogbonago’s name will be announced at the floor of the Senate during plenary and will be given the sum of N5,000,000 by the Senate. In the end Ogbonago received N11m as a reward for his integrity.

Elumelu who went on stage to congratulate Ogbonago personally, said that for a man who earns less than N2m as annual salary, Ogbonago exemplified someone who is committed to excellence in the execution of his duties.

“This is an example to us all. Today, we stand here to celebrate a junior UBA staff member, who returned money that was misplaced and who, through this action, gained much more than he could ever have imagined. As a leading pan-African bank, this is what we stand for and we commend Ibrahim Ogbonago for living the principle

19

• T H I S D AY TUESDAY, MAY2, 2017

FEATURES

L-R: Bauchi State governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar; Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; UBA CEO awardee, Mr. Ibrahim Ogbonago; Group Chairman, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Adamawa State governor, Alhaji Bindow Jibrilla; Directors, UBA Plc, Mrs. Onari Duke and Alhaji Ja’afaru Paki, during the presentation of UBA CEO Awards for Excellence to Mr. Ogbonago, a UBA Security Guard who returned $,10,000 belonging to a customer, at UBA’s 2017 CEO Awards ceremony held in Lagos…recently

Uzoka presenting his address at the UBA’s 2017 CEO Awards ceremony held in Lagos

of integrity.”

Indeed, it was a night to remember, an evening of reward and celebration, and perhaps, exceptionally, the story of how the integrity and honesty of a UBA security staff could become the role model of an African group with a staff strength of over 25,000 people and a symbol of the paramount

commitment of UBA to its customers.

The GMD, Kennedy Uzoka, said: “We recognise and appreciate that there are so many staff members who have demonstrated aspects of each of our core values, but we have had to single out the very best. We celebrate our Lions and Lionesses who used their ingenuity and creativity, as well as

their industry experience and passion, to work tirelessly to deliver excellent service to our customers and to continue to achieve exceptional results within the Group.”

The CEO of UBA Ghana, Mrs. Abiola Bawuah was chosen in the special award category of “Business Leader who defied all odds and opened up new opportunities

for the Bank. ” Bawuah was described by the GMD as “a relentless CEO who breaks barriers, extends the horizon and motivates, inspires and encourages others”, while the Managing Director of UBA Zambia, was also recognised at the event. But Ogbonago stole the show; the dividends of honesty.

20

IMAGES

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos Staye Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; his counterparts in the Agriculture Ministry, Mr. Toyin Suarau and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Food Security, Hon. Ganiyu Sanni Okanlawon, during the 2017 Ministerial press briefing of the ministry in Lagos........recently KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: Company Secretary/Legal Director, GSK Nigeria, Mr. Uchenna Uwechia; HR Director, Mr. Adediran Aderemi; Head of Finance, GSK Pharmaceuticals Nigeria, Mr. Cesar Marval and Sales Director, GSK Pharmaceuticals Nigeria, Bunmi Adimula, during a walk organized by GSK to commemorate the 2017 World Malaria day, in Lagos......recently KOLA OLASUPO

L-R Former acting Director-General,National Directorate of Employment, Mr. Olakunle Obayan(left) and Incoming Director-Genera,l Directorate of Employment, Dr. Nasiru Mohammed,during the handing over ceremony in Abuja..recently KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

L-R: Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator, Mid-West, Mr. Augustus-Ndu Offor; Glo ambassador, Olamide Adedeji, and actor, Stephen Odimgbe, who plays the role of îFashî in the TV drama series sponsored by Globacom, at the Asaba edition of the Glo Mega Music nationwide Tour in Asaba...recently.

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R; L-R; President/Founder, Big Church Foundation, Dr. Olakunle Churchill; and the King of Kagoro Kingdom, Kafancha, Kaduna State, Chief Dr. Ofuwai Bonet, during the presentation of relief materials to the people of Kagoro community Kafanchan, Kaduna State by Dr. Olakunle Churchill, in Kaduna... recently

L-R: Head, Productive Medicine Unit, University of Paris XIII, Prof. Jean-Noel Hugues; Country Manager, Merck Nigeria, Mr. Charles Ajibo and Founder/Executive Vice Chairman, Nisa Hospital Abuja, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, during the official launch of CONAL family of pens, in AbujaÖrecently ENOCK REUBEN

L-R; The National President of Nigeria Union of Journalist Waheed Odushile; a former NUJ Chairman, Hon Sanni Zoro, winnier of NUJ performing Governor of the year, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Permanent Secretary FCT, Tope Ajakaiye representing the FCT Minister at the NUJ National Award/ dinner in Abuja... recently JULIUS ATOI

L-R: Associate Director, Advisory- Deals, Pricewater House Coopers Ltd (PWC), Mr. Bray Muyambo;Unit Head, Branding/ Marketing Communications, Sigma Pensions, Mrs. Adaora Ude; Deputy Country Senior Partner, PWC, Mr. Tola Ogundipe;and Partner, PWC, Mr. Darrell Mcgraw, at a forum oganised by PWC in conjunction with London Stock Exchange in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

R A T E S 166.7500 18.5671

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Quick Takes Onnoghen, Malami for Workshop

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), among other dignitaries, will from June 20 2017 grace a two-day Third Annual Judges’ Workshop on Petroleum and Power Sectors with the theme : “Law and the Changing Face of Petroleum and Power Sectors in Nigeria”.

The workshop, put together by the International Institute for Petroleum, Energy Law and Policy (IIPELP), is in collaboration with National Judicial Institute (NJI).

In a statement by the Founder and President of IIPELP, Niyi Ayoola- Daniels, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. SMA Belgore (GCON), who is the Chairman of the Governing Council of IIPELP, will also attend.

Other speakers expected are Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).

Global LNG Prices Rise on US Outage

A WARM WELCOME

L-R: The acting Managing Director, Keystone Bank, Mr. Hafiz Bakare with the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during a business meeting with the governor in Benin, Edo State…recently

Huge Debt Burden Stalls Gencos’ Expansion Projects Stories by Chineme Okafor in Abuja The 26 power generation companies in Nigeria’s electricity market have linked the slow pace of investments in the expansion of their generation capacities to the huge debt figures in their respective financial books.

The Gencos said the development was scaring away potential investors, and also keeping others who had committed to invest in them, from going ahead with the conclusion of negotiations on the expansion plans.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generation Companies

ENERGY (APGC), Dr. Joy Ogaji, this has been aggravated by the poor financial positions of the Gencos as contributed by the huge debts owed them by the market for electricity supplied.

Ogaji stated this at a press briefing in Abuja where the Gencos also called out the 11 electricity distribution companies for opposing a fresh move by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to introduce a model central revenue management system, which would enable all players, transparent access to the revenue position of the sector.

She noted that the huge debts

in the books of the Gencos have become major setbacks to their capacity expansion plans, adding that while their lenders frequently write to them on this, investors have also stayed away from advancing negotiations on financing future capacity expansions.

“Lenders have written to our members on debts owed them, in fact, our auditors find it quite difficult to deal with the debt figures in our books, they are caught between writing them off as bad debts on carrying them over to new accounting years,” said Ogaji.

Speaking other challenges of the Gencos, Ogaji explained that they were not consulted by the government in drawing up its

recent N701 billion intervention fund for them.

According to her, the fund would not meet up the payment obligations to the Gencos within the periods it was planned to cover.

She also noted that past debts to the Gencos was about N500 billion, while requests for foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enable Gencos buy spare parts for repairs have not been met by the apex bank.

Also, on the Genco’s call on the government to quickly declare the eligible customers’ clause in the market, Ogaji said: “The move by the regulator to Continued on page 22

Nigeria, World Bank Inch Closer to Sealing Deal on Electricity Recovery Plan Chineme Okafor in Abuja Nigeria and the World Bank have taken further steps to close out a harmonious deal on a recovery plan to bail out the country’s ailing electricity market.

Accordingly, both the Federal Government of Nigeria and the World Bank Group held a high level consultation meeting to discuss World Bank Group support for the government’s power sector recovery programme during the last Spring Meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, United States.

The programme was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on March 22, 2017,

ENERGY A statement from the World Bank stated that the current status of Nigeria’s power sector was characterised by poor service and lack of liquidity, adding that it was a source of macro-economic imbalances and a binding constraint to the revival of growth for Nigeria.

The Bank thus stated that power sector recovery programme would focus on supporting the implementation of power sector reform, reducing losses in the electricity distribution companies (Discos), enhancing the sector’s financial viability, increasing access to electricity services, and mobilising private sector investment.

It in this regards indicated

that a deal on this was imminent and that both parties were committed to seeing it out soon.

The statement quoted the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, to have said that: “The approval of the power sector recovery programme by the Federal Executive Council demonstrates that the Federal Government is committed to the sustainable development of the power sector. The implementation of the program is critical to achieving the objectives of the government’s Economic Growth and Recovery Plan.”

Similarly, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, reportedly said at the meeting that: “There is need for welldesigned derisking in order

to attract private investors to the sector. All the agencies of government will work in concert to ensure implementation of the power sector recovery program.”

According to the statement, the plan also got a legislative backing with the Senate Committee Chairman on Power, Steel and Metallurgy, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe allegedly saying that: “The legislative arm of the Nigerian government is fully committed to the successful implementation of the power sector recovery program.”

Also giving further legislative backing to the plan was the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Power, Hon. Continued on page 22

Asian spot LNG prices rose over the past week, supported by Korea Gas Corp buying up to seven LNG cargoes in its latest tender while an outage at Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass export plant in the United States squeezed supply.

Spot prices for June delivery, assessed on April 28, rose to $5.80 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), up 10 cents on the week.

Korea Gas Corp agreed to purchase between five and seven LNG cargoes as part of its tender for June and July supply, one trader said, with traders estimating the price at between $5.50 and $5.80 per mmBtu. Prices were also supported by the sale by Russia’s Sakhalin II export plant of two cargoes loading across June and July.

Elsewhere, Japan’s Tohoku Electric purchased at least one cargo via a tender this week and Thailand’s PTT is seeking two cargoes for June delivery, traders said.

The Thai tender closes on May 2 and is valid until May 3. Delivery slots are for June 5-9 and June 19-22.

Notwithstanding the Sabine Pass outage, global supply was generally steady, though Australia’s emerging policy to cap LNG exports at times of domestic gas shortages could restrict output from one of the world’s biggest producers of the fuel.

OPEC to Extend Output Cuts

Iran’s Oil Minister said on Saturday that OPEC and non-OPEC countries had given positive signals for an extension of output cuts, which Tehran would also back.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meets in May to discuss oil supply policy. Oil prices fell last week though they closed higher on Friday on growing hope that OPEC might agree to extend production cuts long enough to reduce a global crude glut.

“During these last days we received a positive signal from OPEC members and non-OPEC contributors in this agreement for cutting the production for extending this agreement for the second half of 2017,” minister Bijan Zanganeh told reporters.

Zanganeh blamed the United States for lack of foreign investment in Iran’s energy sector, citing political pressure on international oil companies.

“They (US) cannot stop us, anyone cannot stop our activities for developing oil and gas but ... they can reduce the acceleration of our activities,” he said.

Under a deal reached in 2015, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for lifting of most international sanctions imposed on the country.

“We are working to see how the CBN can provide us with a fairly subsidised FX for products priced in dollars” Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu

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BUSINESSWORLD HUGE DEBT BURDEN STALLS GENCOS’ EXPANSION PROJECTS

bring about transparency in the market and also the plans to declare eligible customers would bring about better performance in the electricity value chain which in turn would raise sustainable cash flow for all market participants and reduced tariffs due to competitiveness.”

According to her: “Eligibility would introduce competition on the demand side and complete the liberalisation of NESI and improve efficiency, promote national economic development through supplying electricity to the productive sector of the economy, support economies of scale through bulk purchase of electricity, and reduce technical and non-technical losses for bulk high voltage supply.”

She equally added that eligibility would: “Stimulate investment in the sector as generators can sign long term contracts, send a powerful signal that the electricity sector is evolving towards full retail competition, and allow greater variety of suppliers to find innovative ways of discovering and providing what different groups of consumers want in economical ways.”

NIGERIA, WORLD BANK INCH CLOSER TO SEALING DEAL ON ELECTRICITY RECOVERY PLAN

Dan Asuquo, who said: “We will make sure our oversight functions focus on the completion of projects and initiatives that support the effectiveness of the power sector recovery program.”

On the art of the World Bank Group, the statement noted that it congratulated Nigeria on its commitment to the program, and stressed the critical importance of the power sector to Nigeria’s development and for restoring macroeconomic resilience and growth.

The meeting, it explained discussed the action plan set out in the program, as well as indicating the need for strong interagency coordination to ensure that it attains its aims.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Linda Eroke (Labour) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) Ejiofor Alike (Energy) James Emejo (Nation’s Capital) Obinna Chima (Money Mkt) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Cap Mkt)

NEWS

NEITI Begins Audit of Oil Companies, FG’s Revenues in 2015, 2016 Stories by Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has disclosed that it has started the processes of a comprehensive independent audit of the oil and gas sector, as well as revenues earned by Nigeria in the sector in 2015 and 2016.

NEITI stated in a statement, which was made available to THISDAY in Abuja that the independent audit would be conducted in line with the principles and standards of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

NEITI said its Executive Secretary, Mr. Waziri Adio, disclosed this in Lagos at a workshop for major oil companies and relevant government agencies expected to participate in the exercise.

Adio, the statement added, explained that the workshop was designed to acquaint the participants with the structure and content of the template, the kinds of questions that NEITI would ask and the answers expected to be provided by the covered entities.

“This workshop is to seek your views, suggestions and inputs as well as listen to your concerns on how to make the exercise hitch-free,” Adio said.

NEITI equally stated that it will introduce a ranking reward system to incentivise participation of covered entities.

Under the ranking system,

companies will be graded based on their efficiency in populating the audit templates including the quality and depth of information and data provided, quick response to set deadlines among other considerations.

Adio in this regards, said that the ranking system will be shared with over 51 member countries of the global EITI and multi-lateral organisations to serve as reference points on

adherence to business ethics for major investment decisions in Nigeria.

“NEITI is committed to working closely with the companies under the EITI framework to create good business environment that is conducive for the inflow of more foreign direct investments into the extractive sector. For this to happen we encourage all companies to embrace

transparency, accountability and corporate governance in conformity with the EITI standards,” said Adio.

He however, warned that NEITI will not hesitate to invoke relevant sanctions under the law on companies and other covered entities that fail to cooperate with it during the exercise.

According to the statement, all major international oil and

gas companies operating in Nigeria, as well as relevant government agencies such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (NLNG), were at the workshop.

FOR THE LOVE OF ART

L-R: Members, Panel of Discussants, Open House Lagos, Mr. Tuoyo Jemerigbe; Mrs. Titi Adeleye; Mrs. Kofo Adeleke; Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Henry Bassey and Moderator, Mrs. Annetie Fisher, at the launch of Open House Lagos 2017 aimed at celebrating past, present and future architectural buildings in Lagos...recently

Renewable Energy Operators Seek Funding Support The Sustainable Energy Practitioners Association of Nigeria (SEPAN) has urged the federal government to extend the many financial interventions it has created in the power sector to the renewable energy sub-sector, stressing that one megawatt of renewable energy could create over 300,000 job opportunities.

They also stated that if given the kind of support which the government extends to operators in the fossil fuel sector, they could make more impacts than their contemporaries.

Though SEPAN said its members were not in competition with the fossil fuel power operators, its President, Dr. Magnus Onuoha, however told journalists in Abuja that if the government could allocate about N250 billion from the many funding pools available to the sector to the renewable energy operators, they would be able to generate and deliver about 10,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Nigeria in a few years.

Onuoha explained that deployment of renewable technologies was an investment in carbon credit, adding that the country stood greater chances to make more returns on investments in renewable energy than it does from fossil fuel power generation.

He also pointed out that claims that the renewable energy was expensive to deploy were untrue because unlike their fossil fuel counterparts,

they do not enjoy any form of support from the Nigerian government.

“We want government to be proactive. Government should give us a level playing ground. T he interventions that nonrenewable people are enjoying should be extended to the renewable energy practitioners.

It is not as if the cost of renewable energy is very high, it is because who do not have the framework to drive the sector,” Onuoha said.

“If those interventions from the CBN, 50 per cent of them are deployed in renewable, we can generate 10,000MW by 2020,” he added.

According to him, the association was working with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to rid the sector of quacks and sub-standard equipment to boost consumers’ confidence in the offerings of the renewable energy sector.

Speaking on the future plans of SEPAN,Onuoha disclosed that the 2017 SEPAN award and lecture series would be held in Kaduna in July, to honour those pushing for the growth of the renewable energy sector in Nigeria.

He explained that the choice of Kaduna, was to encourage the work done in renewable energy sector by the state government which he stated has ensured that three out of the 14 developers that signed the Power Purchase Agreement

(PPA) with the government to generate over 1120MW of solar power are cited in Kaduna.

The award, Onuoha

explained would be held in collaboration with the Nigerian chapter of Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced

Environment (GLOBE Nigeria).

Fertilizer Plants to Produce One Million Tonnes to Boost Farming John Shiklam in Kaduna Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fertiliser and Governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru have disclosed that one million metric tons of fertilizer would be made available to farmers from 11 fertilizer blending plants in the country this farming season.

Speaking with journalists over the weekend, shortly after the committee inspected the three fertilizer blending plants in Kaduna, Badaru said the 11 plants will produced 20 million of 50kg bags of fertilizer to be sold to farmers during the farming before the end of June.

According to Badaru, with the production from the plants, the era of hoarding fertilizer is gone, as the 11 fertilizer blending companies are producing across the country at a rate that the market will be saturated with the products.

“The project is working very well and the farmers are happy; they are getting fertilizers at a very good price and very available too. Nobody believed

we will get to this stage when we started, but you have seen the development so far, how fertilizer has started becoming available everywhere. And we intend to continue because there is no subsidy element as the private sector is involved in this, it is well sustainable and it will continue” he said.

The governor explained that from the plant,” fertilizer is being sold to the agro dealers at the rate of N5,000 per bag, and after deducting transport, it shouldn’t sell for more than, N5,500. “ He also disclosed that telephone numbers were printed on each bag for whistle blowers to raise the alarm if any agro dealer sells the product for more than N5,500.

“Such dealer will be prosecuted. This project is going to distribute one million metric tons of fertilizers, which amount to 20 million bags.

This is a great improvement, because last year, all the fertilizers consumed in Nigeria was 300,000 metric tons. So, this year we are producing 700,000 tons over what was consumed

last year” he warned.

Speaking on the fertilizer project, Managing Director, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), one of the collaborative agents, Mr. Uche Orji said, 1.3 million bags of fertilizers have already been sold across the country, while another 1.6 million bags have been released.

“We have materials on ground to deliver more than eight million bags. And next week, more materials will come for another four million bags. This programme targets 20 million bags for this year, it has never been done in this country. So, there will be enough fertilizer for everyone. So anyone hoarding is just wasting his time because more is coming”, he stressed.

Other members of the committee that toured the plants were the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mallam Abba Kyari, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

Claims of Illiquidity: The Burden of Proof is on Discos With the opposition to the decision of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to centralise the revenue generated by the country’s financially-troubled electricity market, the 11 electricity distribution companies may have raised doubts among other market operators about their sincerity, writes Chineme Okafor Within the legal context, the burden of proof which is also referred to in Latin as onus probandi, entails the responsibility of a party in a trial to show evidence that could shift a decision away from a default position to a position that would be favourable to it.

Such occasion usually would mean that one party is initially presumed to be right or truthful and as such gets the benefit of the doubt while the other party is left with the burden of proof, and expected to bring forth unassailable evidence to switch the table against the other party or parties. Situating this with the current financial challenges of Nigeria’s electricity market, the 11 electricity Discos seem to now have such burden to deal with, given the manner they reportedly undertake their operations, and their stiff resistance to the new plan by the government to instil probity in the management of the market’s fund.

For the first time in its interactions with operators in the market, the 26 generation companies (Gencos) last week openly condemned the Discos’ operational practices in the sector, especially their opposition to a central transparent revenue management system for the sector.

Literally, the Gencos asked the Discos to come clean on their opposition to the new model which they said would be good for all market participants.

Damaging systemic blame games Dating back to 2015, which was a little over a year after the federal government concluded its power privatisation programme in 2013, the practice of blame games for the troubles of the sector started with the Discos accusing everyone but themselves for aggravating the challenges. The Gencos have however stayed away from such practices.

In the blame trading, the Discos frequently accused the government for breaching extant pacts it signed with them in the privatisation exercise. They claimed the NERC for instance had failed to provide cost effective tariff to fund their investments in the sector.

They were however reasonable to an extent because the NERC repeatedly made regulatory blunders that eventually contributed to the huge shortfalls in the sector’s revenue base, and at a point stopped the application of electricity tariff on certain consumer classes, in addition to expunging collection loses from the tariffs’ methodology. Similarly, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) was at some point equally blamed by the Discos with some of them reportedly refusing to activate their vesting contracts and Letters of Credit (LC), as well as filing a class action against NBET’s attempt to escrow their respective accounts in line with the market’s contractual terms.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on the other was the Discos’ punching bag. It was frequently accused and labelled the weakest link in the sector and lacking of adequate capacity to efficiently transmit electricity generated by the Gencos to them. These blames were however repudiated by all the concerned entities as they came from the Discos, yet, it never stopped, or at the minimal improved the fortunes of the sector.

A sector in financial tatters, needing corrections On the back of the blame games and other irregular operational practices, the financial status of sector has however continued to recede with the Discos reportedly at the centre of it.

Alleging that remittances from the Discos have consistently dwindled and no longer meeting the minimum mandated remittance thresholds, the market pointed accusing fingers at the Discos claiming they have been untruthful with their revenue collections and remittances.

Operators thus claimed that a larger part of

Buhari the sector’s financial troubles were prompted by the Discos’ poor remittance practices. They in turn sought the intervention of the regulator to restore confidence in the market by getting the Discos to pay for volumes of electricity sold to them or at best openly declare what they collected at various periods.

Responding to this call, the NERC thus announced at the last monthly meeting of the operators in Osogbo, that it would centralise the industry’s revenue to allow for transparency and probity, a move the Discos said they would not support.

The Discos described such move as an attempt by the NERC to nationalise their operations, stating they would stand against it. According to them, the government has failed to create a conducive operational atmosphere for their operations to grow, and as such lack the standing

In the blame trading, the Discos frequently accused the government for breaching extant pacts it signed with them in the privatisation exercise. They claimed the NERC for instance had failed to provide cost effective tariff to fund their investments in the sector

Fashola to interfere in their internal affairs.

Gencos challenge the Discos to come clean In response to their opposition to NERC’s proposed transparent revenue management model, the 26 Gencos in the sector subsequently called out the Discos, and requested that they come clean on why they are opposed to the open revenue management model.

The Gencos alleged that the Discos were increasingly creating lots of suspicions amongst sector operators on their operational integrity, and then for the first time since taking over the generation assets in 2013, made such sweeping attack on them.

They in fact, openly blamed the financial troubles of the power market on the Discos, alleging that they have remained financially irresponsible in their obligations to the market.

The Gencos’ entry in the blames game provided a new dimension that is different from what previously obtained when the buck-passing practice was often shared between the Discos, government, and TCN. Addressing the development through their umbrella body – the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC) in Abuja, the Gencos stated that the Discos opposition to NERC’s central revenue management initiative suggested that they might be hiding something from other operators.

The Executive Secretary of APGC, Dr. Joy Ogaji, said in this regard that claim by the Discos that the proposal was an attempt by the government to nationalise their operation was unfounded. Ogaji also explained that concerns raised by the Discos on the proposal were worrying especially on the basis that the revenue in question belonged to the entire market and not just them. According to her, “The recent development to escrow the account of the distribution companies is not just a welcome development but also a wake-up call to all participants in the electricity market.

“About a fortnight ago, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) likened such move to centralise their revenue accounts to nationalisation of the Discos. The electricity sector is a value-chain which needs to be remunerated as applicable covering the cost of generation, transmission and distribution.”

Market revenue not Discos personal funds Speaking further on the worries of the Gencos

with the Discos’ opposition to a transparent market revenue cycle, Ogaji explained that the Discos were less impacted by the decision of the NERC, and thus wondered why it was a huge problem to them.

“The Gencos are entitled to 60 per cent of market remittance as they not just generate power but also pay for gas supply and gas transportation. Transmission charge cost 11 per cent, distribution gets 25 per cent while the remaining four per cent is meant for regulatory charges and NBET. “The revenue referred to by the distribution companies are not their personal revenue but market funds to which they were made trustees to collect and remit. The poor remittance of market funds by the Discos has prevented the rest of the electricity value-chain from meeting up with their operations and also service their liabilities which include gas payments,” she explained. While buttressing the Gencos backing of the new proposal, Ogaji said: “The need to monitor the flow of market funds has become necessary as this will enable transparency in the market and also give the regulator the ability to identify issues that will progress the sector and act accordingly in advising the government and stakeholders where funds actually needs to be plunged into in order to bring about self-sustenance and competitiveness.”

She noted that this would also send the right signals to potential investors and licensed generation investors to advance their commitments to the sector.

She further questioned the Discos’ mindset on the development, saying: “The issue of everyone crying wolf should be fast gone.

There have been blame games being played by the various players in the sector; it does not matter whose voice is loudest.

“The truth is, the generation companies have in keeping to the terms of their contract, generated power which has been sold by NBET to the distribution companies. What the generation companies want is to be paid fully for power received and sold. If one claims electricity consumers are not paying, let us see the payments transparently.”

“If the Discos claim they are not collecting enough, then they should open their books to make it plain for all to see and confirm their story. He who asserts must prove,” she added.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

Discos Workers’ Protests Reflect Worsening Power Crisis The recent blackout in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers States as a result of protest by the workers of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company has further exposed the dangers posed to power supply by the increasing financial weakness of some distribution companies, which was evidenced in earlier protests in Abuja, Kaduna, Enugu and Ikeja Discos. Ejiofor Alike reports The liquidity crisis in Nigeria’s power sector, which has affected the capacity of all the members of the electricity value chain to boost power supply, has also impacted on the capacity of these power companies to sustain their workforce and cater for their welfare, potentially worsening the power supply situation.

The widespread protests by workers of the various distribution companies are indications that the Discos are the worst hit by the liquidity crisis. Only recently, workers of the Port Harcourt Disco caused blackout in four states when they grounded activities of the company in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The workers’ under the aegis of Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) and National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) had picketed PHED offices in protest against poor conditions of service and the outrageous estimated electricity bills slammed on customers.

The President of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Mr. Martin Uzoegwu, who spoke during the demonstration by the workers, accused the company of disobedience to the rulings of the National Industrial Court.

“We are saying that enough is enough for this injustice meted out on these people. The court is saying that PHED should allow workers to unionise and the company owes us check-off dues since 2013. The check-off dues have been deducted and they have not submitted it. That is a criminal act and that is why we are here to tell them to do the right thing,” Uzoegwu reportedly explained.

Deputy President, South-South of NUEE, Chris Omonei, had also argued that it was an act of injustice for customers to pay for electricity without getting the service.

“Our reason for being here is that the masses want electricity. The people cannot be paying for darkness. We are made to understand that the company is rejecting load from the national grid. The company has been giving consumers estimated bills. If there is no meter, consumers will not pay estimated bills,” Omonei explained.

Rivers State Chairman of NUEE, Charles Eletu had also accused the company of denying the workers opportunity to belong to workers’ union.

“The way PHED has been treating the workers and the consumers are not acceptable. All of us are aware that consumers pay for meter, but it will always take PHED time to issue out meters that have been paid for. Both of us are also witnesses to the outrageous bills given to consumers,” he was quoted as saying.

“The Federal and the State Governments should come and ensure that these companies (electricity distribution companies) are called to order. Why should PHED not provide meters paid for by consumers? Outrageous bills every now and then, illegal men working for them.

Workers working for them are not recognised.

Allow them to unionise; no way. We are not happy about it”, Eletu added.

The protest resulted in electricity blackout in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states, which is the franchise area of PH Disco.

However, the company’s head of corporate communication, John Onyi had explained that the blackout of the four states was as a result of forceful shutdown of the company’s offices and facilities by protesting workers.

“The shutdown has made it impossible for power to be wheeled out to all our customers and exposed our prepaid customers to difficulties in vending (payment),” he said.

Kaduna Disco in crisis Earlier in February, the NUEE and SSAEAC had demanded for the immediate sack of the Managing Director, Kaduna Electric, Garba Haruna for alleged gross incompetence.

Disco workers’ protest The unions had also declared what they described as “a non-working relationship” with the management of the company over the sack of 530 workers.

North West Zonal General Secretary of NUEE, Moses Amedu, had told a joint press conference in Kaduna that the two unions had written to the company’s Board of Directors demanding for the sack of the managing director and recall of all the 530 sacked workers.

Amedu said the unions had made eight demands to the board for immediate action, According to the unions, the MD’s immediate removal is “in the interest of the company, the Board of Directors, staff and the four States of their coverage namely, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States.“ The union also demanded the immediate release of staff tax deductions to state boards of internal revenue, to enable the workers get tax clearance and tax identification numbers.

“We demand immediate release of all pension payments deducted from staff salaries to their various Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs),“ Amedu said. However, the company’s Head, Corporate Communications, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, said the company had confirmed more than 90 per cent of the workers it recruited in 2015.

He said those laid off had failed to measure up to the basic requirements of the company.

He however said that the management was still awaiting the unions’ response on to the draft condition of service forwarded to it about a month ago.

Crisis rocks Enugu Disco Before the PH protests, a similar incident was witnessed in Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) as the workers picketed some of the offices of the company in Enugu and Owerri, Imo State, over what they described as “anti Labour policies.”

Some of the EEDC offices that were shut down in Imo State include that of Royce Road, New Owerri, Orlu and Mbaise.

Speaking on behalf of the workers, the leader of the protesters, Augustine Mbakwe, had identified the “de-unionisation of workers in EEDC” as one of their grievances.

“We are out here today to protest the refusal of EEDC to install metres for Nigerians, arbitrary

and crazy billing, indiscriminate sack of workers, intimidation and harassment of workers with security agents. In this place, we do not have job security and we are suffering from so many anti labour policies,” he had said.

The workers of EEDC in Enugu, had at the same time, marched through Enugu metropolis, protesting against the arbitrary sacking of staff.

The protesters, comprising United Labour Congress (ULC); Trade Union Congress, (TUC); NUEE and SSAEAC, moved around the major streets of Enugu metropolis before stopping at the EEDC office, Okpara Avenue, Abakaliki Road, Enugu.

The leader of the NUEE, Mr Joe Ajaero, who spoke on behalf of the protesting workers, said the union was on picketing exercise against EEDC for arbitrary sacking of staff.

Also the leader of SSAEAC, Christian Okonkwo, alleged that the new management was not competent to run the company.

“They were not qualified to manage the company. They were just collecting money from people without service,” Okonkwo reportedly said. Some of the placards read: “We say no to indiscriminate sacking of workers, arbitrary and crazy billing, poor working condition, ritual of burning live cows, high bill, more darkness, no metre for customers,” among others.

However, the Head of Communication of the company, Emeka Eze, condemned the protest, saying they should have embarked on dialogue rather than embark on street protests.

Labour shuts Ikeja Electric In March last year, the organised labour had also crippled the operations of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, over the alleged sack of 400 workers, including a deputy president of NUEE, among other grievances.

But in a swift response, the company claimed that only 229 employees were affected in the disengagement exercise after they failed to meet the required parameters for the company’s performance assessment.

The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Felix Ofulue said between January 2015 and February 2016, the company had employed 603, and promoted 74 others.

However, Ajaero had explained that IKEDC had refused to negotiate the conditions of service

with the union since the privatisation in 2013, and had also embarked on redundancy at will.

Also, the President of NUEE, Martin Ozugwu said: “They have been violating the Act which stipulated that every condition must be stipulated before you sack any workers. That means condition of service must be put in place.

General Secretary, SSAEAC, Umar Abubakar had also argued that “By the time IKEDC gets away with this, other companies will follow suit”.

Turmoil in Abuja Disco NUEE had also protested against Abuja Disco for what they called poor remuneration of the workers. Deputy President, northern zone of the union, Mr. Isaac Abegye, alleged that the privatisation of the sector had brought untold hardship to the electricity employees.

“Our workers are not properly taken care of. They are collecting peanuts as salaries, compared to when we were in PHCN. The casualisation of workers that we fought against is being brought back and people are collecting N50,000, while others in the same company are collecting N1.9 million. Medical care is not there. Workers are using their bare hands to work; no tools; no materials. Vehicles are not there and ladders are being carried on the neck. It is deadly; it is dangerous; we are in pains,’’ he reportedly alleged.

Abegye said that it was imperative for the Federal Government to review the privatisation policy. The Zonal Organising Secretary of NUEE, Mr. Temple Iworima had added a dangerous dimension to the allegation when he accused Abuja Disco of procuring substandard equipment for its operations, which had caused the death of workers on high tension cables.

“AEDC workers are like slaves and we came out this morning to say enough is enough. If this thing continues, we will shut down and there will be no light in the FCT,” Iworima added. As electricity consumers are grappling with power blackout occasioned by the Discos’ inability to replace obsolete equipment, provide prepaid meters and also carry out comprehensive upgrade of assets as result of the liquidity crisis, electricity workers’ restiveness over poor remuneration has also added to the challenges fueling the power deficits.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

SUBJECT ON CORRUPTION SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN NIGERIAN SCHOOLS

02.05.2017

2/DASHBOARD

2.05.2017

Validity of Evidence Given by Company Staff Uninvolved in Transaction PAGE 4

As a Lawyer, Be Sure of What You Want in the Profession PAGE 6

In Memory of a Leading Woman PAGE 7

QUOTABLES

SBL Conference Will Address Global Evolution Of Legal Practice PAGE 11 'I personally favour some percentage, maybe 5% or so, of any funds recovered by an agency, being ploughed back into that agency. But we have to be very careful that it is not misused, that it is actually ploughed back into the operations of that agency, rather than going into individual pockets.' - Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption

'Everything about the whistleblowing today, is unconstitutional. This era that you whistleblow and you get a certain percentage of the proceeds of your whistleblowing, there is no law backing it because Section 80 of the Constitution clearly provides that every revenue of the Federation must be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Account, and no withdrawal shall be made except in accordance with a law made by the National Assembly.' - Ikechukwu Ikeji, Legal Practitioner, Lagos

COLUMNIST ABUBAKAR D. SANI

Abubakar D. Sani holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Maiduguri, and has been in active private legal practice since he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987.He is the Principal of Abubakar D. Sani & Co., which has offices in Abuja and Kano. " INSIGHT" aims to unravel, analyse and proffer solutions to numerous anomalies in Nigerian law and practice, particularly statutes, vis-a-vis the Constitution, International Treaties and Conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory, Judicial Precedent and other relevant statutes and issues.

'Law is subject to different interpretations.

Section 15 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act says where you use or are in possession of proceeds of an offence, it does not say that if you are a lawyer, you should be exempted from it. It is not saying that if you are a medical doctor, you should use the proceeds of an alleged offence.' Rotimi Oyedepo, EFCC Counsel

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE EDITOR JUDE IGBANOI DEPUTY EDITOR AKINWALE AKINTUNDE REPORTER TUNDE BUSARI GROUP HEAD OCHI OGBUAKU II ART DIRECTOR

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Lamentation of Ikepo

I

In our edition of 14/3/17, we published an article written by Don Ukaegbu, titled “Open Letter to Governor Ambode: Lamentation of the Voiceless”. The article was about how Lagos State Officials cum thugs and touts, have constituted themselves into bullies and terrible public nuisances, harassing and extorting money from shop owners, motorists, etc in Lagos. Little did I know that my own first-hand experience was just round the corner.

My VIO Experience About two weeks ago, I was on my way to Orile Iganmu to buy something called ‘Magic Waste’.

My driver, Lawrence, was at the wheel, while Abdulazeez (Azeez), one of our staff members, was co-piloting. As we got to Mile 2, I decided to count some money and give it to Azeez to put into his pockets, as I had decided to leave my handbag in the car when we got to Orile.

"WE THEN ENCOUNTERED ANOTHER GROUP OF EXTORTIONISTS, OFFICIALS OF THE NATIONAL UNION OF ROAD TRANSPORT WORKERS (NURTW) WHO SET UP THEIR OWN ILLEGAL PRIVATE TOLLGATE AND MOUNTED A ROAD BLOCK USING TYRES, DEMANDING FOR THE SUM OF N100 FROM US AND ALL MOTORISTS PASSING THROUGH THAT ROUTE, FOR US TO BE ABLE TO EXIT VIA A PUBLIC GOVERNMENT ROAD"

My mistake! Unfortunately for me, while I was counting the money, we came upon a little bit of traffic, and so we had to slow down. Despite my feeble attempt to hide the money by sitting on it, the eagle-eyed Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) saw the money. Shi ke nan (that was that). Owo yen wo won loju (literal: the money entered their eyes, that is, they were attracted to the money). That was the beginning of our ordeal.

Before I could say “Jack Robinson” or “Orile Iganmu”, the VIO pounced on our vehicle, and the harassment started. Firstly, there were over 10 seriously battered cars that went by us, so battered that one wondered how they could move or even be on the road.

Of course, they were not stopped, because they were not counting money. Meanwhile, my research showed that one of the things that the VIO is meant to check, is the general body condition of a vehicle, to ensure that it is in good condition. My car did not have a single dent on it; nothing that would warrant us being pulled over.

They checked our vehicle documentation (“particulars”, as we refer to them in Nigeria), and found them to be complete. Lawrence also had his driver’s licence. But nevertheless, they asked him to get out of the car and open the boot. That was the day I heard that a fire extinguisher, which has NAFDAC approval boldly printed on it and no expiry date stipulated, could expire and must be replaced annually! Assuming that we have to replace our fire extinguishers every year, why has this information not been made public knowledge?

I had made up my mind not to part with even N5 to these VIO people. As usual, they jumped into the vehicle, ready to haul us down to their VIO office. I insisted that only Lawrence would drive the car; off we went to their office. I knew that there would be palaver, especially because of my resolve not to part with any money, so I immediately put a call through to an old friend of mine, a high level Lagos State Official, to inform him about what was going on, so he could come to my rescue.

On getting to the VIO office, some touts working with the VIO proceeded to leak one of our tyres. I stayed in the car with Lawrence, while Azeez went into their office with the ‘arresting VIO’. Eventually, Azeez materialised with a long list of alleged infractions commanding a fine of N40,000 or N70,000 (I can’t recall the exact amount). How many people even have N70,000 or walk around with it in their pockets just like that?

We had reached the point of negotiation and settlement! To their utter disappointment, they received a call from above, and were

asked to release us immediately. I insisted that our tyre had to inflated free-of-charge.

The thugs/ touts and the arresting VIO were not too happy about this turn of events.

NURTW After the drama, which set us back about one hour, we saw the VIO engaged in a deep conference with his cohorts, the thugs, probably trying to fashion out a better harassment and extortion strategy, as we were exiting.

We then encountered another group of extortionists, officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) who set up their own illegal private tollgate and mounted a road block using tyres, demanding for the sum of N100 from us and all motorists passing through that route, for us to be able to exit via a public government road. Can you just imagine? extorting money from innocent motorists, outside a government establishment for that matter. I asked the guy “Se Baba e lo ni titi yi ni?” (“Is it your father that owns this road?”). We insisted that our vehicle was a private car plus we have a right to ply government roads and so on. All our explanations fell on deaf ears, as the NURTW official was having none of it. Eventually Azeez said “Madam, ejo, e je ka fun won ni N100, afi ti e ba fe ka sun si bi”(“Madam, please, let us give them the N100, unless you want us to sleep here”).

Grudgingly, we parted with the N100, and we were allowed to exit. Extortion! Which law allows the NURTW to do this type of thing?

Proper Documentation for Motorists What are the requirements for a motorist to be on the road lawfully? Who is allowed to check motorists, what is each traffic body allowed to check for? The Police check vehicle particulars, so do VIO, Road Safety too. Are they all permitted by the law to do so? Why have these requirements not been made popular by radio and television announcements? Why can bulk texts not be sent out by phone to the general public listing the requirements to be a lawful motorist on the road, so that everyone is in the know? Why does one feel that instead of educating the citizenry, government officials prefer to lay ambush and harass people, in order to make money?

Well I am still not sure about all the requirements. Apart from vehicle licence, insurance certificate and vehicle papers that came with the car when it was purchased, some of them include things to do with the brakes of the car, lights, horn, emission, number plate, windshield wipers, rear view mirror, general body condition, tyres, engine, jack, C-Caution, and fire extinguisher. Is all this covered by the certificate of road worthiness, which every

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE

THE ADVOCATE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive.com private car over the age of 4 years, is meant to renew on a yearly basis?

Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991 This is also a relatively unknown law, which prohibits the use of vehicles with tinted glass or any glass that obscures or makes invisible or not seen with the naked eyes, the people or objects inside a vehicle. The law was never really enforced until the time of Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, in 2012. One requires a tint permit for a vehicle that has factory-fitted darkened windows. Another way that the police extorted money from motorists.

The tint permit was supposed to be free, but in the past, policemen made money from processing this document for motorists. Nigerians (motorists) must be educated on what the law requires them to have. All relevant information must be placed in the public domain. People do not exactly buy the Laws of the Federation and study them for light reading!

Government should be striving to build a society where people at least, know about the laws that concern their daily lives and abide with such laws, not one where the laws are kept practically secret, so that Government officials then use the lack of knowledge to their advantage to make money from the citizens by extortion.

Dear Editor

Re: 'Secret Seven': Mystery of the Osborne Dollars Dear Editor, Your brilliant write-up in today's Thisday is very succinct. In addition to it, which true and proper intelligence agency would use mint notes for covert operations?

Mint notes are easily traceable. Any person who knows anything about Intelligence Operations, should know that it is cash that has passed through several hands that are used, even Nick Carter taught us that. What is Nigeria turning into?

Emmanuel Umoren, Lagos Dear Editor, I just managed to read the piece having taken it out from yesterday's newspaper.

Thugs that leaked our tyre

NURTW Official, N100 in hand

Thank you for raising those

questions so succinctly. I really do hope that those in authority read your piece, such that they may begin to question the investigative and prosecutorial capacity of their appointees and employees in this regard.

Moving forward, may I suggest that you consider engaging a couple of bright young lawyers to begin a series on evaluation of proposed legislation before they are enacted by our legislators, such that the public is better informed, and even they, are better guided.

In this way, your effort will also assist in reshaping legal and socio-economic considerations prior to enactment - another area of serious concern.

Owolabi Salami, Chief Responsibility Officer, Ensure Insurance Plc, Lagos

4/LAW REPORT

2.05.2017

Validity of Evidence Given by Company Staff Uninvolved in Transaction

T Facts

he Respondent granted the 1st Appellant an overdraft facility guaranteed by the 2nd Appellant.

As at 2nd February, 2001, the facility amount was N17,835,802.67 (Seventeen million, eight hundred and thirty-five thousand eight hundred and two Naira, sixty-seven Kobo).

Owing to the 1st Appellant’s default in repaying the facility sum, the Respondent filed a suit against the Appellants under the Undefended List Procedure for the sum due and interest. The Appellants filed a notice of intention to defend and the trial judge, upon being satisfied that there was a defence on the merit, transferred the suit to the General Cause List.

At the trial, the Respondent called only one witness and several documents were tendered through him.

The Appellants were not represented on the day they were scheduled to open their defence. Subsequently, the trial Court foreclosed their right to defend the suit and adjourned for delivery of judgement. Attempt by the Appellants to arrest the judgement was unsuccessful. In its judgement, the trial Court dismissed the Respondent’s claim, holding that although the 1st Appellant collected and utilised the said sum on the basis of banker/customer relationship between the parties, the Respondent could not prove interest on the sum. The trial Court further stated that “…the court will however attach no weight to the evidence of PW1 in view of his evidence under cross-examination that he was not employed when the transaction was made nor did he depose to the said accompanying affidavit.”

The Respondent was dissatisfied and appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and set aside the judgement of the trial Court. The Appellants consequently appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issues For Determination The Supreme Court adopted the following issues for its determination of the appeal: 1. Whether the law that any agent or servant can give evidence to establish any transaction entered into by a juristic personality is applicable to affidavit evidence.

2. Whether the Court of Appeal was right when it held that the Respondent proved interest and the entire indebtedness of the Appellants to the Respondent, having regard to the evidence led.

Argument Counsel for the Appellants submitted that affidavit evidence is a special evidence which can only be proved by the deponent. According to Counsel, even in matters involving juristic persons, only the deponent can give evidence in proof of facts in an affidavit.

He relied on the cases of BOOTHIA MARITIME INC v FAR EAST MERCANTILE CO LTD (2001) FWLR (PT. 50) 1713, 1714; CPC v INEC (2011) 18 NWLR (PT. 1279) 493, 571. Responding on the 1st issue, the Respondent’s Counsel submitted that the case of BOOTHIA MARITIME INC v FAR EAST MERCANTILE CO LTD (supra) was not applicable in this case. He pointed out that the Respondent’s sole witness (PW1) testified that he was in the employ of the Respondent as a Business Officer, and that this evidence was unchallenged at the trial Court. He submitted that the Court ought to attach probative value to same.

Counsel opined that the approach of the trial Court occasioned a miscarriage of justice. He relied on KATE ENTERPRISES LTD v DAEWOO (NIG) LTD (1985) 2 NWLR (PT 5) 127 and on SALEH v BANK OF THE NORTH LTD (2006) 6 NWLR (PT 976) 316, 326 – 327.

Chima Centus Nweze, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday the 10th Day of March, 2017 Before Their Lordships Olabode Rhodes Vivour Musa Dattijo Muhammad Clara Bata Ogunbiyi Chima Centus Nweze Amiru Sanusi Justices, Supreme Court Between Interdrill Nigeria Limited Mr. Joseph Bogwu … Appellants 4. Samuel Dima (By Substitution) … Respondents And United Bank for Africa PLC … Respondent SC. 4/2007 Lead Judgement delivered by Chima Centus Nweze, JSC

"OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY INVOLVED IN TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE COMPANY AND SOME OTHER PARTY, ARE COMPETENT AND COMPELLABLE WITNESSES IN A COURT OF LAW, IF AND WHEN SUCH TRANSACTIONS BECOME SUBJECTS OF LITIGATION. THIS IS ALSO THE CASE WHERE AN OFFICER IS EMPLOYED AFTER THE TRANSACTION WAS CONCLUDED, PROVIDED SUCH AN OFFICER IS FULLY BRIEFED AND DOCUMENTS RELEVANT TO THE TRANSACTIONS, ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO HIM BY HIS EMPLOYERS"

Court’s Judgement and Rationale The Supreme Court observed that it is the contradictory posture of the trial Court that initially prompted the Respondent’s appeal against the judgement of the trial Court. Their Lordships found that the trial Court held that the defence of the relationship of partnership put up by the Appellants, was an attempt to defeat the transaction entered into by the parties; it nonetheless refused to attach probative value to the unchallenged testimony of PW1. The Supreme Court faulted the reasoning of the trial Court on the question of the probative value of the testimony of PW1. The Court held that a company is an artificial person. Decisions for, and actions by it, are taken by natural persons such as the Board of Directors, individual directors, employees and agents. That is to say, the company acts through these people.

Officers of the company involved in transactions involving the company and some other party, are competent and compellable witnesses in a court of law, if and when such transactions become subjects of litigation. This is also the case where an officer is employed after the transaction was concluded, provided such an officer is fully briefed and documents relevant to the transactions are made available to him by his employers. The Court relied on KATE ENTERPRISES LTD v DAEWOO (NIG) LTD (1985) 2 NWLR (PT 5) 127 and SALEH v BANK OF THE NORTH LTD (2006) 6 NWLR (PT 976) 316, 326 – 327.

A limited liability company is an abstract body that only exists in the eye of the law. In many ways, it has always been likened to a human body. The law ascribes to a limited liability company, the possession of a brain and a nerve centre which controls what it does. The Supreme Court held that even though PW1 was not in the employment of the Respondent when the Appellant was granted the overdraft facility, since he gave unchallenged evidence that he is the Business Officer of the Respondent, whose duties included managing the relationship between the customer and the bank, he easily qualifies as one of those who acts on behalf of the company. The mere fact that he was not in the employment of the Respondent when the overdraft facility was granted to the Appellants does not make his evidence worthless. The Court thereby, resolved issue 1 against the Appellant.

On the second issue, the Supreme Court held that PW1 whose testimony on oath was not challenged, also supported his evidence with documentary evidence in Exhibits STB 1 and STB 2. STB1 states the interest payable on the overdraft facility while STB 2 is the Guarantee and Indemnity Form. The Respondent and a Director of the 1st Appellant signed STB1 while the 2nd Appellant signed STB 2. The Apex Court reasoned that since none of the signatories to both STB 1 and STB 2 complained that they signed under undue influence or under duress, and neither of them denied their signatures, the contents of both exhibits are binding on them.

Finally the Supreme Court held that once documentary evidence supports oral evidence, oral evidence becomes more credible as documentary evidence always serves as a hanger from which to assess oral testimony. The Court relied on KINDLEY & ORS v M.G. OF GONGOLA STATE (1988) 2 NWLR (PT 77) PG 473 and OMOREGBE v LAWANI (1980) 3 – 4 SC P 117. The Court also resolved the second issue against the Appellant.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation: I. Ehighenlua for the Appellant A. Etuwewe for the Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Law Publishers Limited (Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (N.M.L.R))

2.05.2017

NEWS/5

Standing Fifth from left Dr. Mohammed-Wali in red cap standing close to Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Nasiru Ajanah with other members of the Institute for Security Studies Course 10 during a courtesy call on the Chief Judge of Kogi State recently

Oluwagbemileke Joy Jegede

Annual Punuka Lecture Tackles Infrastructure Deficit in Nigeria

Jude Igbanoi

One of Nigeria’s greatest developmental challenges is the dearth, decay and deficit in the nation’s social infrastructure which if not drastically tackled could potentially deprive it of its developmental growth.

At the Annual Punuka Lecture which held at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos last Thursday, speaker after speaker agreed that time is ripe for Nigeria to grow its infrastructural base exponentially, through the synergy of public private partnerships.

The theme of this year’s

lecture was ‘The Role of Public Private Partnership in Infrasturctural Development’ with three distinguished Guest Speakers, Anthony Ross, QC, Frank Walwyn, both from Canada and Managing Director of Planet Project, Mr. Biodun Otunla.

The event was chaired

by Mr. Bolaji Balogun,Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, Founder, E. Anthony Professional Corporation, while Nestle Nig Plc Chairman, Mr David Ifezulike, was the Special Guest of Honour.

In an address by the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, which was delivered on his behalf by the Deputy

Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, he said more public private partnerships (PPP) in infrastructure funding, including the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge, was needed to make the State a preferred destination for investment.

He said that the State was determined to explore the PPP model in areas such as road network expansion, transportation, housing and environment.

“Some critical projects we have identified to be implemented through collaboration with the private sector, include the Fourth Mainland Bridge, the

Security Challenges Made Judiciary Proactive – Says Chief Judge of Kogi State Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Nasiru Ajanah, has said that security challenges in the State has made it incumbent on the Judiciary to be proactive in ensuring that those who deserve to be punished under the law, are so punished, to deter others from perpetrating crime in the State.

"We have had to increase the number of Courts in the State to cover as many places as possible, in our desire to bring justice to the door steps of the citizens. " Justice Ajanah made this known when the management of the Institute for Security Studies Course 10 Syndicate, paid him a

courtesy call in his office.

He noted that Kogi State was surrounded by nine neighbouring states such as Anambra, Benue, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Kwara, Nassarawa , Niger, Ondo and the Federal Capital Territory, stressing that due to the proximity of Kogi to some of these states which are faced with security challenges, such ugly situations had spilled over into the State.

The Chief Judge lamented that the State has been facing serious cases of homicide, kidnapping, armed robbery and most recently, the Boko Haram issue.

According to him, as stakeholders in security affairs, the Judiciary in a Democratic environment should not only interprete the

law and dispense justice, but it must also make the provision of security for lives and property, which he said are critical in all its endeavours.

"At the inception of the State in 1991, there were only seven High Courts, less than 14 Magistrate Courts and about 35 Area Courts, but as at today I am bold to say that we have 38 Magistrate Courts , 148 Area Courts and 9 Inspectorate Officers that supervise the Area Courts, while there are seven Directorates headed by the Chief Registrar, that take care of the general management of the High Court in the State" Justice Ajanah enthused .

He noted that, as Judges,

Oluwagbemileke Joy Jegede She is the Youngest First Class Graduate from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone, since its inception in 1827.

Joy Oluwagbemileke Jegede recently graduated with First Class Honours in Law from Fourah Bay College at age 18.

At age 17, she graduated with a First Division in Bachelor of

Business Administration from Amity University, India (Distance Learning).

Oluwagbemileke attempted the private WASSCE Exams at 13+ and she got distinction aggregate (3 As 4 Bs and 1 C).

She got an outstanding Basic Education Certificate Exams (Junior WASSCE) results at age 12+ (7 distinctions (A1) and 1 B2;

an aggregate of 7).

She became the youngest person to be admitted into the Law Department of Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, at age 14, and today she is the youngest first class graduate (if not the youngest graduate), that Fourah Bay College has ever produced in its 190 years of existence.

Okokomaiko road expansion project, Oko-Oso-Itoikin road dualisation and the IkoroduAgbowa-Itoikin-Ijebu-Ode road project,” he said.

The Governor said that the government was not abdicating its responsibilities, but essentially releasing scarce resources for other important projects.

He said an advantage of bringing the private sector into governance, was the efficiency it brings to project management, and minimising the issues of waste, delayed delivery and abandonment associated with public projects.

Ambode said that the government revenue can-

not be relied upon as the only source of funding for developmental projects.

“The reality of this fact is becoming clearer as a result of reduction in government revenue occasioned by dwindling oil prices and increasing need of the people,” he said.

The Governor said that the State has already effectively used the PPP model in the delivery of critical infrastructure, such as the Bus Rapid Transit system, the ongoing Eko Atlantic Project, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, among others.

Senior Partner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN,

said government alone cannot be saddled with investing tax payers’ money in otherwise commercially viable infrastructure projects, in the face of other social needs.

“Consequently, private participation is needed for the enhancement of infrastructural development and indeed are required as, perhaps, a matter of social commitment, to step up their game to fill the infrastructural funding gap.

"In addition, they can bring private sector experience to conceptualisation, design, execution, operation and maintenance of infrastructure", Idigbe said.

IP Lawyers Advocate for National IP Policy Jude Igbanoi The non-availability of a National Intellectual Property Policy, has deprived Nigeria of a huge source of revenue accruable from intellectual property, given the nation’s untapped enormous potentials in the creative industry.

This was the consensus of intellectual property law experts who gathered in Lagos last Wednesday to mark the World Intellectual Property Day. The World Intellectual Property Day was established by the World Intellectual Property Organisation in the year 2000, and has since been observed and celebrated on April 26, of every year, a day said to be chosen because it coincides with the date the WIPO Convention came into force.

At a joint media briefing in Lagos, Chairman Anti-Counterfeiting Collaboration, Opeyemi Adeola, Chairman NBA-SBL Intellectual Property Committee, Afam Nwokedi, President, Association for Protection of Intellectual Property, Justine Anosike, Secretary IPLAN Otu Okeyem, decried the state of the nation’s intellectual property laws, which are no longer in tune with modern day reality.

They pointed out that Nigeria’s intellectual property laws are so obsolete, that they require very urgent amendments, review or outright discarding.

While commending the Nigerian Copy Right Council on its efforts so far at ensuring appropriate legislations are put in place to protect the intellectual

property rights of Nigerians, they said that it is regrettable that the 1938 British Legislation is what is still in operation in Nigeria, but that the cheering news is that the Trademark Act and the Industrial Property Commission Bill are before the National Assembly and have gone through the Second Reading.

They also urged the Government to revisit the Orojo Commission Report of 1991 which extensively made recommendations on intellectual property laws in Nigeria.

It is on record that the Nigerian Institute of Advanced legal Studies now offers courses on intellectual property law, but unfortunately, Nigeria is yet to domesticate the various international IP treaties.

CJN Onnoghen, AGF Malami, Others for Energy Law Workshop in Abuja Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Walter Samuel Nkannu Onnoghen, Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami, SAN among other dignitaries, will from June 20, 2017 grace a two day Third Annual Judges' Workshop on Petroleum and Power

Sectors, with the theme : "Law and the Changing Face of Petroleum and Power Sectors in Nigeria". The workshop put together by the International Institute for Petroleum, Energy Law and Policy (IIPELP), is in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI). In a

statement by the Founder and President of IIPELP, Niyi Ayoola- Daniels, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice SMA Belgore, GCON who is the Chairman, Governing Council of IIPELP will be in attendance.

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2.05.2017

2 .05.2017

TRIBUTE/7

In Memory of a Leading Woman LP Solicitors & Alumni of Abiola Morgan & Associates pay tribute to the late Abiola Morgan Anyakwo, who joined the saints triumphant in the early hours of Saturday, April 8, 2017. May her soul rest in peace with the Lord. Amen

A Her Education

King, King of the Kosoko Dynasty of Eko. She grew up in a small, close-knit family. The daughter of Olusanjo Morgan, a chartered accountant and

biola Anyakwo was a corporate lawyer for almost 35 years before she passed on suddenly in Canada in the early hours of Saturday, April 8, 2017.

Abiola had secured a Bachelors Degree in Law from the University of Lagos in 1981 and a Masters Degree in Law from the University of Cambridge, England in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982 and admitted to the roll of Solicitors of England and Wales in 1998.

immigration and business consulting services to Nigerian and Canadian nationals/businesses. She was also the Executive Director, The International Learning Network, providing Canadian High School education to Nigerian students, through a partnership with Virtual High School, Ontario. Abiola was renowned for her professionalism and excellent delivery of service to her clients. In the BUSINESSDAY interview under reference she said “Finally, I am passionate about what I do and I go over and beyond my clients’ expectations. I am constantly seeking to add value and to improve on my product and on my clients’ experience”. This is evidenced by her clients' testimonials at morganconsultancy.com where her service was described as "a vision of truth and integrity", "excellent work" and "true professionalism and world-class customer service!" to mention a few.

IN MEMORY OF A LEADING WOMAN 2 | Oluyemi Morgan (née Doherty), an administrator, and later an entrepreneur. Her late uncle, Justice Adeyinka Morgan, the first Nigerian Chief Justice of the old Western Region, was her inspiration for studying law and her late mother, her inspiration for entrepreneurship. Abiola said “as children, we never lacked for anything”. “Nevertheless, my parents brought us up to work hard and to have a strong faith in God. This has impacted my life tremendously. I am never afraid of hard work, and I strive to succeed in whatever I do. Failure is not an option. I have also learned that, every challenge in life will eventually pass. I have kept prayer journals for about eight years now, and when I read through them, it never ceases to amaze me how God has provided a solution to every seemingly intractable problem”.

She attended Queens College (QC), Lagos, between 1972 and 1976, where she made life long friends. The QC class of 76 paid its tribute to her: "Biola Morgan was a natural achiever, who set and achieved her goals effortlessly. She was highly accomplished, with a pedigree that money could not buy. A fiercely loyal friend and woman of integrity" After she graduated from QC, she studied for her Advanced Level qualifications at Queen Margaret's School, York, England.

Abiola married Immanuel Anyakwo on April 15, 1993 and the marriage was blessed with 3 adorable children, Evita, Nonso and Chifum.

In the summer of 2003, she traveled to Canada with her three children to visit her husband, who was studying for his Master’s degree in Theology at Regent College in Vancouver.

Little did she know that the short visit would turn into a permanent stay. “Two weeks after I arrived with the kids, we found out he had cancer.” He passed away six months later. “What should we do?” the mother left with three young children to care for, asked herself.

The answer came from her oldest daughter who requested that they stay in Canada. The family eventually moved to Ontario and all four members became Canadian citizens in 2009. That achievement, was a reward for the tough period of adaptation they had gone through. “It was difficult for all of us, because we used to have a nice home, many relatives and help from the neighbourhood around the house back in Nigeria,” she said. In Canada, her loss was gradually compensated by the support of new friends and of course, new career achievements. For those who set their hands on the plough and look back, Abiola encouraged them never to lose heart. “If Christopher Columbus had turned back, no one could have blamed him, but no one would have remembered him either. You must push ahead, against all odds”.

Her Life Born in Lagos on the 11th of February, 1961, Abiola was the progeny of illustrious families. Her paternal grandparents were the Reverend Canon Morgan and his wife Rebecca, nee Loluko. Her maternal grandparents were Prince Merchant, Oga Josiah Henryson Doherty and Madam Victoria Adetola

IN MEMORY OF A LEADING WOMAN 3 | In 2010, she returned to Nigeria to set up a branch of Morgan Consultancy Services, and she continued to deliver excellent service to her clients in her various sectors of interest.

Abiola loved her family unconditionally, the ones she’d loved and lost and the ones who still remained.

Her Expertise Abiola had extensive experience in providing legal and business advice to clients. She specialised in the area of international commercial law, joint ventures and strategic alliances. She acted as retained counsel to several multi national and joint venture companies involved in various sectors of the economy, and sometimes served as representative of these foreign investors on the board of their respective Nigerian subsidiaries and affiliated companies. Her notable assignments included acting as retained local counsel to the foremost British international airline; counsel to a Canadian technology firm in its supply of US$15 million telecommunications equipment and significant investment in a Nigerian company; and counsel to an international telecommunications company in its application for vendor financing.

Her Career and Accolades Abiola started her legal career in the law firm of George Etomi and Partners. She was a Partner in Legal Partnership Consult (LPC Solicitors) and the Principal of Abiola Morgan & Associates. Abiola Anyakwo trained several successful legal practitioners, including a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, who paid tribute to her thus: "How do I write a tribute about someone for whom words cannot effectively describe how good a human being she has been. A good soul. A Boss, friend, sister and colleague.

Mrs. Abiola Morgan Anyakwo has gone to join her Creator (April 8, 2017) Where else would such good people bebut with God Almighty. That is what our faith tells us. 'Biola' as she is affectionately called, epitomises that which is noble about the human spirit; and that, which makes one aspire to live a good life in the real and sustainable sense of the word.

She was humble and good to all she came across. She was a good wife, a good mother to Evita, Nonso and Chifum.

A good sister and friend, Biola was to many. Biola's mark of excellence would be seen from her earthly awards and honours, including the Federal Government of Nigeria Merit Award for academic excellence at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, Best student in graduating set (June 1981) from the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Nigeria, and the TOS Benson prize (second place) for the overall performance at the Bar Final Examination held in May 1982.

Others include international Federation of Women Lawyers prize for the best performing female student at the Bar Final Examination held in 1982; Cambridge Commonwealth Scholarship Award for students of outstanding academic merit at the University of Cambridge; and Fellow, Cambridge Commonwealth Trust. We have indeed lost a gem, and will definitely miss Biola. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. Mrs. Abiola Anyakwo (Requiescat in pace)."

She was special. Although, first and foremost a lawyer, the best of the best, she was a combination of talents. She moved seamlessly in commercial law practice, education and Canadian legal immigration practice. When she was interviewed by BUSINESSDAY on the 30th of August, 2013 she said “I am always reading and taking one course or the other. I organise and speak at seminars and continually seek to identify and deploy tools that people can utilise to develop themselves”. She studied Canadian Immigration Law and Policy at the University of British Columbia and Seneca College. Abiola worked as Strategic Legal Consultant with Lowe and Company, a leading business and immigration law firm in Vancouver, Canada, gaining exposure and practical experience. She was a member of the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council. Abiola was the Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Consultancy Services, providing education,

Abiola Anyakwo

"BIOLA MORGAN (ANYAKWO) WAS A NATURAL ACHIEVER, WHO SET AND ACHIEVED HER GOALS EFFORTLESSLY. SHE WAS HIGHLY ACCOMPLISHED, WITH A PEDIGREE THAT MONEY COULD NOT BUY. A FIERCELY LOYAL FRIEND AND WOMAN OF INTEGRITY"

Testimonies “Mom’s faith in God was unmatched. She gave love freely to all and exemplified what it meant to love God and to love your neighbour as yourself. She was our greatest fan and will be sorely missed” - Evita, Nonso and Chifum Anyakwo.

Jimi, Remi and Seye Morgan remember "Our Dearest sister, Ever-So Faithful, Ever-So Loving, Ever-So Caring, Ever-So Family Oriented, Ever-So Concerned, Ever-So Jovial, Ever-So Hardworking, Ever-So Patient, Ever-So Missed". "You were such a wonderful person, and you will forever remain in our hearts". Nnodu Anyakwo and Family “Sister Biola was more than a sister to us. She was loving, kind, generous and a down to earth person, who doted on all her nieces and nephews. She was a very hard working woman, a pillar of strength and an inspiration for us all. We shall miss her dearly” - Beatrice, Yinka and Sade Morgan.

Although, Abiola Anyakwo’s death is an unspeakable loss for her family, friends and clients, she was the perfect combination of intellect, integrity, humanity and humility, and her life is to be celebrated.

–LPC Solicitors & Alumni of Abiola Morgan & Associates

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Subject on Corruption Should be Taught in Nigerian Schools Nigerians in the diaspora have distinguished themselves in every imaginable field of endeavour, including science, medicine, law, business, academics, etc. It is common knowledge that Nigerians constitute the highest number of academics and skilled professionals in both Europe and America. Professor Mashood Baderin is one of Nigeria’s brightest minds at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, where he has been teaching and researching on Islamic Law, Human Rights, and Public International Law for over a decade. As SOAS alumni marked the institution’s centenary in Lagos last week, Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi sought Professor Baderin's views on a myriad of issues, including Nigeria’s unwavering anticorruption war, allegations of abuses in IDP camps and the implications of government’s disobedience of court orders

P

rof, the rule of law is crucial to the development of any nation. Even economic reform strategies cannot really succeed if there is no cohesion with the rule of law, legal and judicial reforms. Why is this so? Kindly, tell us some of the consequences of the non-existence of the rule of law in any society.

Yes, the best route to the development of any nation is through good governance, and adherence to the rule of law is the first principle of good governance. The concept of the rule of law demands that governance must be conducted in accordance with set rules that bind everyone equally. It ensures accountability and prevents arbitrariness and impunity. The absence of the rule of law in any society only leads to arbitrary rule, which then promotes inequalities, impunity and non-accountability, especially of the elite. Lack of the rule of law actually leads to tyranny, as expressed by John Locke in his Second Treatise of Governance published in 1689, that tyranny begins wherever law ends. Governance is carried out through two main processes, namely: decision-making and decision implementation.

To ensure good governance both processes must be conducted through due process and rule of law, which ensures certainty and accountability.

But the rule of law also demands that the general populace should respect and abide by the law.

We also need to understand that rule of law has two elements, namely (i) the procedural element or formal rule of law, and (ii) the substantive element, or substantive rule of law. The formal rule of law is the rule of doing things with rules, which is the element often emphasised by everyone.

But more importantly the rules have to be good rules to provide good results. It is not just about having rules, because doing things in accordance with rules may not necessarily lead to good governance, if the rules themselves are bad rules.

This is why we must also emphasise and ensure the existence of substantive rule of law, which is the rule of law as a law of fair and reasonable rules, that ensures equality and fairness for all.

Ensuring substantive rule of law lies principally with the legislative arm of government. Where there is no substantive rule of law, what usually happens is “rule by law” and this could be by bad and unfair laws. We see the consequences of the lack of both elements of the rule of law in different parts of Africa and elsewhere today, which has led to bad governance, impunity

"WHERE THE STATE ESTABLISHES THE PRACTICE OF DISOBEYING COURT ORDERS, THEY ARE EFFECTIVELY SETTING BAD EXAMPLES TO INDIVIDUALS TO DO THE SAME. THE RULE OF LAW MUST BE SEEN TO BIND BOTH THE STATE AND THE CITIZENRY"

Prof Mashood Baderin

and inequalities, countered by peoples’ negative reactions, uprisings and, sometimes, recourse to rebellion in many places. I think the best reminder of the importance of adherence to the rule of law in contemporary society is the statement in the 3rd preambular paragraph of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948 which states that: “... it is essential if Man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.” This is not only in relation to human rights, but to every other aspect of governance, whether it be in the conduct of public affairs, or management of public resources.

How would you rate the rule of law as it stands today in Africa? We have seen what happened for example, in the recent case of former President Jammeh and the Gambia, and how the rule of law or should we say external pressure, prevailed in that circumstance. What really is the problem with African leaders and non adherence to the rule of law?

It is difficult to give a general answer for Africa as a whole or in relation to all areas of rule of law, as the concept of the rule of law is not restricted to only one sector of society. It applies not only to the executive, the legislative and the judicial arms of governments, but also to other public institutions with regard to administrative rules, as well as to individuals with regard to respect for and compliance with law and order in society.

In these respective areas, some African countries

are doing better than others.

With regard to former President Jammeh’s case, it is important to say that the doctrine of constitutionalism is important, in relation to adherence to the rule of law by the different arms of government. Constitutionalism is the commitment to abide by constitutional provisions, and not to “move the goal post” or unilaterally manipulate the constitutional provisions, as some African leaders have tried to do, in order to stay in power.

Although the concept of democratic rule is now well established in Africa, most African leaders have not fully appreciated that governance is based on social contract theory and that no one has a natural right to govern others, so the only justified authority is the authority that is generated out of constitutionalism and the rule of law, as agreed by the people. This concept of constitutionalism has been incorporated into African regional law by the African Union, through the adoption of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance in 2007. The Charter totally rejects unconstitutional changes of government in African countries, which includes a refusal by an incumbent government to relinquish power to a winning party or candidate after free, fair and regular elections. Article 24 of the Charter empowers the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to exercise its responsibilities in sanctioning an erring state, and also restoring the constitutional order in accordance with the constitutive powers conferred on it by the Protocol establishing it.

So the AU leaders were acting in accordance

with rule of law under African Regional Law to which the Gambia is a State Party, in preventing former President Jammeh from holding on to power unconstitutionally. So in my view, it is right that where adherence to the rule of law fails at the domestic level, the rule of law at the regional level should take over in appropriate circumstances, as was demonstrated in the case of Gambia.

Many, especially members of the legal profession, believe that the Government of Nigeria has little or no respect for the rule of law, as Government seems to breach the Constitution at will, while its agencies have formed the habit of ignoring and disobeying court orders. Do you agree? What steps must the Nigerian Government take to entrench the rule of law in the nation? Why is it important to do so?

This can be viewed from two perspectives. The first perspective relates to those I will describe as speculative opinions on some actions of the Government, which some argue are in breach of certain constitutional provisions, but which are countered by alternative views arguing to the contrary. Two good examples of these sort of speculative opinions are the legal debate about the delayed confirmation of the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and the continual retention of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, despite his non-confirmation as the substantive Chairman by the Nigerian Senate, as required under the Nigerian Constitution. While some have argued that there was a breach of constitutional provisions

on the part of the Executive in both cases, others have argued to the contrary. These would remain speculative views on the interpretation of the respective constitutional provisions, until there is a decisive judicial pronouncement on the issues.

These types of speculations cannot be definitively classified as violations of the rule of law, until there is a judicial pronouncement on them one way or the other.

The second is in relation to non-compliance with court orders by the Executive, which clearly amounts to a violation of the rule of law and contempt of court. There are procedures within the legal system to deal with such breaches. In my view, non-compliance with court orders by the Government or its agencies, lays very bad example with regard to respect for the judiciary, which can come back to haunt the government with respect to maintenance of public law and order. The morality of law lies in its obedience by both the State and individuals. Where the state establishes the practice of disobeying court orders, they are effectively setting bad examples to individuals to do the same. The rule of law must be seen to bind both the State and the citizenry.

There have been many allegations of abuses in the IDP Camps in Nigeria, ranging from rape by men in uniform and camp staff and prostitution to starvation of the IDPs. There has also been an increase in the rate of HIV infection in the camps.

Complaints galore, even from International NGOs that Government’s response to these allegations

have been less than adequate. Can you comment on this? With your wealth of experience in these matters, what advice can you give on the best way to handle this situation?

The problem of abuses in IDP Camps is particularly concerning and problematic, not only in Nigeria but in many other African countries. It is sad that Africa has the largest number of countries affected by internal displacements, than any other continent in the world. Most of this is due to conflict and violence that eject people from their homes.

First, I must say that the ultimate solution to this problem is for African countries, including Nigeria, to be seriously committed to prevent conflicts and violence that creates IDPs in the first place.

Nigeria has both regional and international legal obligations to ensure the safety and well-being of the peoples in the IDP Camps within the country.

Nigeria is a State Party to the AU Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention) adopted in 2012 by the African Union. The Convention places an obligation in its article 3(1)(b) on the State Parties to prevent political, social, cultural and economic exclusions and marginalisations, that cause displacement of populations. Article 5 of the Convention also places a legal obligation of protection and assistance of the IDPs on State Parties. This also relates to adherence to the rule of law at the regional level, through compliance with obligations under regional instruments ratified by Nigeria. Furthermore, the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, which provides guidance to States faced with the phenomenon of IDPs. Although this is not a binding instrument, it places a strong moral obligation on all States, including Nigeria, to ensure the protection and respect for the human rights and dignity of all IDPs in the country, without discrimination. There is no other way to deal with this, than for the government to rise up to its responsibilities on this. The government must take the allegations of abuses of the IDPs seriously, and institute investigations and bring any culprits to justice. I am aware that President Buhari has ordered an investigation of sexual abuses at the IDP camps, which is the right thing to do and must be pursued assiduously and effectively, to bring any culprits to book. There are many Nigerians with international expertise on dealing with IDP situations, based on their experience in addressing these issues in different parts of the world. The government could constitute a Committee of Nigerian experts who have relevant understanding of the Nigerian situation, to advice on how to best handle the situation based on the international experiences.

What is your opinion about the Fight Against Corruption launched by the Buhari Administration in 2015? Has Government shown enough commitment to the Fight? Do you believe that this fight has recorded any successes? Has Government adopted the correct approach to fight this battle?

What pointers or advice can you offer the Nigerian

Prof Baderin

Government to make the Fight Against Corruption more effective and successful?

Corruption is one of the biggest impediments against development in Nigeria. It is a pest in the grains of development in Nigeria, that must be certainly removed. In my view, the fight against corruption by the Buhari administration is a step in the right direction. Evidently, most Nigerians voted for Buhari in the belief that he had the moral integrity to take a strong stand against corruption, and sanitise the nation in that regard.

From what we have seen so far, I think that the Government has shown great commitment, even though there are views that the fight is being used as a witch-hunt against political opponents, which the government has contested. In my view the fight has to start from somewhere, as long as due process is followed.

I believe that the fight has recorded significant social successes, in the sense that the recovery of huge amounts of money from unimagined locations, has created a strong psychological impact in the minds of Nigerians about the integrity of Nigerian politicians and elites. From discussions on social media on this subject, I have the feeling that Nigerians have become wiser in relation to the level of trust they can impose in their political leaders, and this may have some positive impact on the next elections hopefully.

The legal successes have however, been minimal based on the technical requirements of criminal investigations and prosecution. It is particularly important for the EFCC to improve on its investigative and prosecutorial practices, to ensure better legal successes. Currently, the fight

"THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO DEAL WITH THIS, THAN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RISE UP TO ITS RESPONSIBILITIES ON THIS. THE GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE THE ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSES OF THE IDPS SERIOUSLY, AND INSTITUTE INVESTIGATIONS AND BRING ANY CULPRITS TO JUSTICE"

against corruption is being pursued as a crime mainly through criminal prosecution, which could be quite difficult as the onus is on the prosecuting authorities to prove every allegation of corruption beyond reasonable doubt. There is no onus whatsoever on the culprits to show that the wealth in question is not a proceed of corruption. I think the government should think of alternative legal approaches for fighting corruption apart from the current criminal approach. One possible approach is through the concept of Illegitimate Gains. Under this approach proceeds of corruption would be considered as illegitimate gains recoverable through civil proceedings, whereby accumulated wealth would be tied to a person’s legitimate income.

There are two possible ways of doing this through legislation. Where persons suspected of corruption are not able to justify their accumulated wealth against their legitimate income, the government could bring a civil action against such persons to recover the illegitimate gains, which will then be decided through civil proceedings on balance of probabilities based on evidence adduced by both the government and the individual concerned.

Alternatively, this could be done through the promulgation of an Illegitimate Gains Tax Law, whereby, where a person is unable to justify their accumulated wealth against their legitimate income, this will be considered as illegitimate gains that would automatically attract 99% income tax on the accumulated wealth, which would be subject to judicial review, where such taxation is contested by those subjected to it. Also it is important to emphasise that the fight against corruption cannot be won only through legal processes but must be complemented by social processes, whereby there is public campaign to enlighten the populace about the direct and indirect effects of corruption on society and the future generation. A subject on corruption should also be introduced into the Nigerian educational curriculum from primary school level up to the tertiary educational level.

Inspite of Section 10 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which provides that no State in Nigeria nor the Federation itself shall declare a State or National religion, most of the Northern States are now Sharia States.

Can you explain what exactly these States have

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SUBJECT ON CORRUPTION SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN NIGERIAN SCHOOLS' CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 done and whether their action complies with this constitutional provision? Is Nigeria’s membership of the OIC not a breach of this constitutional provision.

I think Zamfara State, which first to adopt a Sharia Code in 2000 justified its action by reference to Section 4(7) of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides that 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 any matters not included in the Exclusive List, any matters included in the Concurrent List and any other matters with respect to which it is empowered to make laws in accordance with the Constitution.

Some have argued that this is in contravention of Section 10 of the Constitution which provides that no State shall declare a State religion in Nigeria. It is legally debatable whether or not the adoption of the Sharia Codes has literally turned the States into “Sharia States” or amounts to declaration of a State religion. I think this is a question of constitutional interpretation upon which there would continue to be different legal opinions until the Courts of competent jurisdiction have pronounced on it. I wonder why those challenging the adoption of the Sharia Codes as a violation of Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution have not sought for a decisive judicial resolution of the question. There is also the debate about whether Nigeria’s membership of the OIC is a breach of Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution. In my view, there is nothing in the old OIC Charter of 1972 or the revised Charter of 2008 stating that the members of the OIC automatically become Muslim of “Islamic” States. Actually, some of the member states of the OIC such as the Republic of Benin (with 27.7% Muslim populations), Cameroun (with 20.9% Muslim population), Cote d’Ivoire (40.2% Muslim population), Gabon (6.4% Muslim population) and Uganda (13.7% Muslim population) amongst others are neither Muslim-majority states nor states that have declared Islam as State religion.

I think these non Muslim-majority countries have joined the OIC not because they wanted to become Muslim or “Islamic” states but apparently because of some national interests or benefits they hope to derive from the Organisation.

Presently, does Nigeria have a good human rights record?

With respect to ratification of human rights instruments and creation of necessary institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria has performed well, but when it comes to practical implementation of human rights on the ground there is still much that needs to be done. The different organs of the state, such as the police, the military need to enhance their human rights practices. A few months ago there was a youtube video of two soldiers beating a disabled person mercilessly publicly for no legitimate reason.

Although the culprits were brought to book by the military authorities, this highlights the need for these organs of government to strongly instil human rights culture into the personnel.

You have authored several books including the one titles ‘International Human Rights and Islamic Law’ which examines whether international human rights law and Islamic law are compatible. What was your conclusion? Did you find any common ground between them?

There are two main perspectives on the relationship between human rights and Islamic law. The first one I call the “adversarial perspective”, which holds that the two are incompatible and the second one I call the “harmonistic perspective”, which holds that the two can be harmonised. The adversarial view perceives that human rights and Islamic law are generally incompatible, which is I disagree with.

Generally, the promotion and protection of human rights is underpinned by respect for human dignity, which is also very much acknowledged by Islamic law. My research reveals that there are provisions in both the Qur’an and Sunnah emphasising human dignity as a God-granted right inherent in every human being without distinction. There is also evidence that a concept of “huquq adamiyyin”, which translates as “the right of humans” had been used in Islamic legal thought as early as the 11th Century by Islamic jurists, in similar ways as the use of the concept of the “rights of Man” within natural rights theory. Certainly, there are significant areas of differences when it comes to specific rights, such as the scope of the rights of women, minority rights and the application of Islamic criminal punishments. However these areas of differences does not necessarily create a general state of discord between the two legal regimes. I have analysed in many of my writings on the subject that the areas of differences can be harmonised through legitimate interpretational rules within Islamic law and appreciation of cultural differences within international human rights discuss. The possible harmonisation of some of these areas of difference has been demonstrated by countries such as Morocco in its Muslim Family Code of 2004, which has been commended within international human rights circles in that regard.

Prof Baderin

How has Brexit impacted on Nigerians in the European diaspora positively or negatively, especially in the United Kingdom?

Well, the impact and consequences of Brexit in the United Kingdom is yet to fully emerge. Everything being discussed currently about the possible impact of Brexit are speculations. Theoretically, I would argue that there may be no specific direct negative impact on Nigerians who are legitimately resident in the United Kingdom. There is actually a view that as the UK starts searching for new trading partners outside the EU common market after Brexit, strong economies in Africa such as Nigeria would actually benefit from stronger trade relationships with the UK, which might impact positively on Nigerians in the European diaspora, especially in the UK. We just have to wait and see for now.

What lessons are there for Africa to learn from Brexit, given the heightened agitation in the West African sub-region for a common currency and borderless transactions?

It is interesting to note that less than one month after the Brexit referendum came to pass, the African

‘IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR THE EFCC TO IMPROVE ON ITS INVESTIGATIVE AND PROSECUTORIAL PRACTICES, TO ENSURE BETTER LEGAL SUCCESSES. CURRENTLY, THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IS BEING PURSUED AS A CRIME MAINLY THROUGH CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, WHICH COULD BE QUITE DIFFICULT, AS THE ONUS IS ON THE PROSECUTING AUTHORITIES TO PROVE EVERY ALLEGATION OF CORRUPTION BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT"

Union demonstrated its pursuit of closer integration between African States with the launching of a common African passport that will grant free movement for citizens of the different African countries across all the 54 member States of the African Union. The Africa passport was launched on 17th July 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda with the issue of the first batch of passport of heads of state and other senior officials, with the aim to make the passports available to all African citizens by 2020. This is part of the AU’s Agenda 2063 action plan, which promotes greater continental integration among African nations.

In my view, this is better for African countries in the spirit of the Pan African vision perceived by the early African leaders such as Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana during the decolonisation period. While the stay of the United Kingdom in the European Union has its costs, I am of the view that the advantages it brings to the United Kingdom far outweighs the costs in many ways.

I believe that the African Union’s move towards stronger African integration would provide wider opportunities for economic, socio-political and human development for the different African countries and their citizens. One problem that would need to be addressed, however, is how the proposed AU wide economic integration and common market would relate with the different subregional groupings already existing in the continent such as ECOWAS, SADC, EAC, COMESA ECCAS, and the AMU. The situation in Darfur, in the Sudan has become such a huge concern for all other African countries, and Omar Bashir remains as elusive as ever. What is your suggested panacea to the problems? The International Criminal Court, the African Union and the Sudanese themselves have so far been unable to find a solution to the crisis.

I visited Darfur many times in my role as the UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan from May 2012 to November 2014. Although the situation in Darfur has improved relatively from the situation about 12 years ago arising from the Darfur conflict in 2003.

Nevertheless there are still serious humanitarian and human rights issues needing attention and international oversight to prevent a reversion to the bad old days. In my different reports on the situation, I propose different recommendations to the Sudanese government, the UN and other stakeholders to ensure the situation was improved.

We were also able to agree on a 10-year Human Rights Action Plan to be implemented by the government of the Sudan to enable it improve on its international human rights obligations, with particular reference to the Sudan and the other conflict areas. With regard to the indictment of President Omar Bashir and referral of his case to the ICC, there has been differences of opinion on what impact this has had on improving the situation in the human rights situation in the Sudan. During my mandate as UN Independent Expert, I had discussions with some UN officials, and diplomats of different States who had the personal view that the indictment of Omar Bashir as a sitting president has not helped the

situation in the Sudan much. The position of the African Union and most African countries is also very well known on this. Sudan is still subjected to the Special Procedures mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council and they continue to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan under Item 10 of the Human Rights Council Agenda, which provides technical assistance and capacity building as a form of oversight on the situation. First I am of the view that the government of the Sudan has the primary responsibility of improving governance particularly in the Darfur region and other conflict areas. If Sudan summons the necessary political will to do so with supplementary international support and oversight from both the UN and the African Union, the situation would improve significantly.

The number of Nigerian academics in the diaspora has grown astronomically in the last few decades, that some have said that the nation’s best minds are presently outside Nigeria. What in your view can be done to attract these professionals back to the country? Other African countries have done it.

It is true that there is a large number of Nigerian academics in the diaspora contributing significantly to the quality of education and academic development of different countries in the Diaspora. This is what used to be called “brain drain”, caused principally by the lack of facilities in most of our tertiary institutions in Nigeria, which has not improved very much till today. Evidently, Nigerian academics perform excellently well in conducive research environments with adequate facilities to work with.

From my perspective, these are the two principal factors that attract Nigerian academics to teach and research in overseas universities. I think the government of Nigeria needs to accord the educational sector its necessary priority by providing needed facilities in our different universities to create an enabling and conducive research environment necessary for producing cutting edge research. I believe that if the research environment and facilities could be improved, most Nigerian academics in the Diaspora would be willing to come back to the country.

Nevertheless, in the interim, most of us do have different collaborative activities and partnerships with academic colleagues in different Nigerian universities through which we share experiences and contribute to projects and initiatives in different Nigerian universities. This is actually part of what I am in Nigeria for as a senior academic member of staff at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London to celebrate our centenary year with our Nigerian alumni in Lagos.

SOAS has been engaging with Africa, particularly Nigeria for the past 100 years and we intend to strengthen that engagement into our next century.

For example, in Nigeria we are currently discussing on a collaboration project with the Faculty of Law of UNILAG to initiate a new area of learning and research on “Law and Development in Africa”, which will hopefully lead to the establishment of a Centre for Law and Development in Africa at the Faculty of Law in UNILAG as the African hub, which will eventually incorporate other interested African universities into the project.

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SBL Conference Will Address Global Evolution of Legal Practice The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (SBL) shall hold its 11th Annual Business Law Conference themed“Law and The Changing Face of Legal Practice”, from June 18, 2017 to June 20, 2017 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.The Chairperson of this year's Conference Planning Committee, Olubunmi Fayokun, a Legal Practitioner who specialises in Capital Markets, spoke to Onikepo Braithwaite and Jude Igbanoi about the details of the upcoming Conference and issues concerning Lawyers and Capital Markets, including the limited role that Nigerian lawyers play in the Nigerian Capital Market, as opposed to the more robust role played by our colleagues in other jurisdictions The Annual Business Law Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (SBL) will take place from June 18 - 20, 2017. How far has the Conference Planning Committee gone with the preparations for the event? n Annual Business Law Conference has been organised by the SBL every year since 2006 and is an important event in the legal calendar.

The Conference Planning Committee for the 11th Annual Business Law Conference was constituted in November 2016 and has invested a significant amount of time, effort and resources towards ensuring the success of the Conference.

This year’s Conference is themed “Law and The Changing Face of Legal Practice” will focus on the vital importance of law in the business community, as well as the critical need for innovation, capacity building and change in the legal profession, with a view to enhancing the quality of legal services provided in Nigeria.

The Conference Planning Committee has been and continues to work closely with its various sub-committees with the aim of putting Olubunmi Fayokun together an interesting, relevant, and truly exceptional progamme. It is expected that surpass the very high standards set at our this, along with the support and goodwill previous conferences. of our sponsors and partners, will enable us What are the details of the Conference – venue, registration, programme highlights, those that have been invited to be Speakers at the event? What kind of Conference should we expect this year?

The Conference is scheduled to take place from Sunday, 18th June, 2017 to Tuesday, 20th June, 2017 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Conference will commence on Sunday, 18th July 2017 with an Opening Ceremony/Dinner at which a Key Note Speech will be delivered by a highly interesting Key Note Speaker.

The Opening Ceremony will be followed on Monday and Tuesday, by two days of plenary sessions, interactive panel discussions, a debate and networking opportunities.

Over the three-day period, the Conference will seek to address the global evolution of legal practice, the future of the profession, innovative trends and the impact of disruptive technology on the practice of law. There will be sessions on globalisation and the prospect of open borders vis-à-vis the provision of legal services, how the practice of law is changing at a rapid speed in other jurisdictions, and examine how prepared Nigerian firms are to embrace this new facet of the profession. There will also be discussions on the deployment of technology to improve service delivery, the pros and cons of the current architecture for legal education and training, reforms to the justice delivery system, as well as the need for lawyers to embrace a lifestyle of health and wellness.

It is envisaged that the Conference will include a distinguished faculty of knowledgeable speakers, thought leaders, panelists and other resource persons from within and outside Nigeria, who will discuss thought provoking

A

"THE CONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE FROM SUNDAY, 18TH JUNE, 2017 TO TUESDAY, 20TH JUNE, 2017 AT THE EKO HOTEL AND SUITES, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS. THE CONFERENCE WILL COMMENCE ON SUNDAY, 18TH JUNE, 2017 WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY/ DINNER AT WHICH A KEY NOTE SPEECH WILL BE DELIVERED BY A HIGHLY INTERESTING KEY NOTE SPEAKER"

topics centred on the theme. This year, it is expected that the Conference will plant seeds of innovation, and promote discussions that will be sustained long after the conclusion of the Conference.

The Theme of this year’s conference, ‘Law and the Changing Face of Legal Practice’ suggests that law practice in Nigeria has some catching up to do, in comparison with other jurisdictions. What specific sessions at the Conference are intended to deal with these issues?

The theme of this year’s Conference was carefully chosen to address this issue. It is clear that Nigerian lawyers do have some catching up to do. Consequently, a session has been earmarked to consider how Nigerian law firms can prepare for the globalisation of their practices.

In a changing legal landscape, the Nigerian lawyer must embrace technology and innovation in order to catch up with his peers in other jurisdictions, especially in an era where other service providers like the accounting firms, are adapting and innovating to provide more efficient and cost effective service.

The SBL is at the forefront of providing training programmes that assist Nigerian lawyers to meet these challenges, and move their practices to the next level.

The world is now gradually becoming one global market for legal services, and while many foreign jurisdictions have high barriers to entering their legal markets, Nigeria appears to be an attractive inroad into developing a presence in the legal industry in Africa for some top law firms in Europe and North America. Do you see this as an opportunity or a threat to the growth and advancement of law practice in Nigeria?

Legal practice in Nigeria is currently at a

crossroad, with the ongoing debate on whether to open up the sphere to lawyers from other jurisdictions, as is the case in jurisdictions like South Africa.

The interest of international firms in Africa is a welcome development for two reasons.

Firstly, it demonstrates the attractiveness of the Nigerian and African market for partnerships with global law firms. Secondly, if international firms end up entering into a formal arrangement with local firms, it will encourage local competitors to improve on the already high quality of legal services being provided. International law firms can aid in capacity building, by sharing their experience with Nigerian law firms and through training, internships, and seminars.

Having said this, Nigeria maintains a high barrier to entry of foreign law firms into the country, compared to some other African Countries like South Africa. While the law permits foreign trained lawyers to be called to the Nigerian Bar after going through the Nigerian Law School, foreign law firms per se, are not allowed to set up law practice in Nigeria. Given recent developments in South Africa, where almost all the major international law firms have set up “Africa practices”, it appears that the time is ripe for the Nigerian Bar Association to revisit this issue and possibly commence the process of legal reform in this area.

I believe that most foreign law firms do not want to practice local law. Their primary interest is in providing support to their foreign clients in relation to (usually cross-border) commercial transactions involving the target jurisdiction.

This should give Nigerian law firms some comfort. Our experience is that collaboration with these international law firms is usually synergetic, not parasitic.

Due to globalisation and the stagnation of growth in the global economy, there appears to be a move towards emerging markets, with investors seeking opportunities in developing markets like Nigeria.

What effect will this have on the legal profession in Nigeria?

Lawyers in today’s world have to be innovative. With the volatility in the global and local economies, Lawyers have had to re-strategise and adapt to survive. For instance, Lawyers involved in corporate finance have had to learn restructuring skills to equip themselves to assist banking clients to restructure impaired loan portfolios. As businesses evolve and re-focus, so must the law practices that service these businesses.

Nigerian law firms should strive to develop capacity and expertise in key sectors and industries, and provide more cost effective service. Combining specialisation and innovation, will enable law firms take advantage of emerging opportunities and assist them in overcoming new challenges in the legal industry.

This year’s Conference will discuss the role of technology in legal practice. What advice would you give to Nigerian lawyers in dealing with the increasingly important role of technology in their practices?

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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SBL CONFERENCE WILL ADDRESS GLOBAL EVOLUTION OF LEGAL PRACTICE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 Irrespective of what industry you are in today, your firm or company cannot survive without technology. Legal practice is no exception. According to Richard Susskind, who has made some remarkable predictions in connection with law practice: “Law firms need to radically rethink their business models in order to compete with emerging competitors… by 2025 the pre-eminent legal service providers will be those that have outstanding and genuine experts in complex areas of law and also have outstanding technology systems for the routine and repetitive work.”

The SBL recognises the fact that information technology already plays a major role in the provision of legal services. This year’s Conference has been packaged to address the position of Nigerian lawyers in the technology-driven legal profession.

It is expected that the Conference would set the scene for these discussions, and spur legal practitioners to transform their practices to a model that is aligned to what is expected of “tomorrow’s practitioners”.

Technology has revolutionised the way in which we practice law. In an increasingly globalised world, technological tools continue to be a bonus in our operating environment.

It is pertinent for lawyers and law firms to note that if they do not utilise technology to create a competitive advantage, others will.

With the pace of the development in the economy and the legal sector, it has become pertinent for professionals in general and lawyers in particular, to embrace information technology for the provision of improved, diversified and more inclusive legal services.

Lawyers are increasingly expected by clients and other stakeholders, to embrace the use of information technology to simplify processes relating to the provision of legal services.

Lagos has always presented a logistics nightmare when it comes to hosting conferences of this nature. To what extent has this been taken into consideration?

Especially given the fact that Victoria Island particularly has huge traffic issues.

It is extremely important to take logistics into consideration when planning an event of this magnitude. With this in mind, careful consideration has been given to our choice of venue and the timing of events. We have made provision for pre-registration via online registration and have also made provision for registration tags to be collected between 12-6pm on Sunday 18 June, 2017 ahead of the actual commencement of the Conference. This should go a long way towards alleviating the difficulties that could be faced by Conference delegates, as traffic around Victoria Island on Sunday should be minimal. The venue itself has ample conference and parking facilities.

What measures have you put in place to make the upcoming SBL Conference affordable for young lawyers? What percentage discount are you giving them on the registration fee? How will you assist them with issues like accommodation and inexpensive feeding for those coming from outside Lagos?

The attendance and participation of young lawyers is critical to success of the Conference.

As such registration fees for young lawyers have been significantly discounted. Discounted registration fees are also available for online and ‘Early Bird’ registration. Refreshments and lunch are included in the registration fee. Consequently, these would not be an additional expense to be incurred by young lawyers. Another measure that we have taken, is to negotiate discounted hotel rates with a number of hotels that are in close proximity to the Conference venue.

2016 was seen as an extremely difficult year by investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The Nigerian economy went into a recession, and there was a negative multiplier effect of that recession in every sector of the economy, including the capital market, which is said to have experienced over a N1 trillion drop in market capitalisation. Is this really the true picture of events and how does it affect the appetite for doing business in Nigeria?

It cannot be denied that the Nigerian

Olubunmi Fayokun

economy went through a difficult time in 2016, and the current state of the capital market, is a reflection of that general economic outlook.

The economic downturn had a direct impact on the capital market in Nigeria and market capitalisation declined significantly.

There was also a sharp decline in the volume of mergers and acquisitions in the country, as foreign investors were hesitant to invest in Nigeria, without a clear picture as to the country’s economic direction. However, by the end of the year, the capital market had begun to recover, with some of the Stock Exchange Indices picking up.

As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria has the prospects of developing a robust capital market. The country’s population offers it up as an attractive and lucrative market, but

"I BELIEVE THAT MOST FOREIGN LAW FIRMS, DO NOT WANT TO PRACTICE LOCAL LAW. THEIR PRIMARY INTEREST, IS IN PROVIDING SUPPORT TO THEIR FOREIGN CLIENTS IN RELATION TO (USUALLY CROSSBORDER) COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE TARGET JURISDICTION. THIS SHOULD GIVE NIGERIAN LAW FIRMS SOME COMFORT. OUR EXPERIENCE IS THAT COLLABORATION WITH THESE INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRMS IS USUALLY SYNERGETIC, NOT PARASITIC"

a lot depends on the policies implemented by the Federal Government. It is, therefore, encouraging that the Federal Government has commenced the implementation of several measures aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria. At the same time, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Ministry of Finance, are currently working together to align the monetary and fiscal policies of the current administration. The Naira strengthened significantly over the past month, and we witnessed GDP growth at the end of last quarter, technically signalling the end of the economic recession. Given the foregoing, I believe that this is a great time for foreign investors to be optimistic and take a chance on Nigeria.

Warren Buffet, who has probably been the most remarkable investor in the world over the last 50 years, once said that the market rewards optimism.

As we all know, the capital market plays a crucial role in economic growth and development, since it is an important facilitator and mobiliser of investment and savings. We are now in the second quarter of 2017. Has there been any improvement in the capital market? Has the improvement, if any, impacted on the Nigerian economy? I am optimistic that the Nigerian capital market has great potential to achieve the same success as those of the capital markets in Europe and Asia. We should be mindful that the capital markets in Europe and Asia, took a long time to evolve and the markets grew as these regions developed economically. As mentioned above, capital market activities are slowly picking up in Nigeria but it will take a while for the economy to feel any substantial effects.

What type of roles can lawyers play in the Nigerian capital market? Are the roles that Nigerian lawyers play in our capital market at par with those played by lawyers in other jurisdictions, like the UK and South Africa?

A lawyer’s role would vary, depending on the nature of the transaction. In a typical capital market transaction, a lawyer would advice on the legal aspects of preparing for listing, review and negotiate transaction documents,

review corporate/constitutional documents, ensure that all corporate approvals have been obtained, conduct legal due diligence on the issuer and ensure compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

The unique role of a lawyer, is to ensure that capital market transactions are conducted seamlessly and brought to a successful conclusion.

The role that capital markets lawyers play in Nigeria is slightly different to that played by our colleagues in jurisdictions such as the UK, US and South Africa. In those jurisdictions, lawyers are often charged with more extensive roles than those carried out by Nigerian lawyers. For instance, in the UK, US, Canada and South Africa, lawyers have primary responsibility for drafting the documentation required to implement capital market transactions. The lawyers are responsible for drafting the prospectus and other offering documents as well as the agreements between the issuer and the issuing house or financial adviser, advising on transaction structuring and managing the entire transaction process. These roles in Nigeria, in particular, the drafting of the prospectus are performed by investment banks, with the lawyers providing input on corporate and legal issues. Consequently, the role of lawyers in capital market transactions is much more extensive in other jurisdictions, than in Nigeria.

Do you have a word for intending participants at this year's conference? Although Nigeria is experiencing very challenging times, we cannot allow these challenges to stop us in our quest for a better future. There are vast commercial opportunities in Nigeria, which we can only gain an insight into and learn about, from individuals who are actively involved in the creation of such opportunities. As the SBL Annual Conference is a convergence point for such individuals, participants will have the privilege of learning directly from these individuals. The conference also presents excellent networking opportunities. In view of the rich content of the 2017 conference, every participant will have a chance to gain new knowledge and greater insights into various aspects of Nigerian commercial law. Therefore, the conference will provide participants with an opportunity that should not be missed.

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INSIGHT ABUBAKAR D. SANI

xL4sure@yahoo.com

Kano Emirate Probe: Can The Law Reprieve Emir Sanusi?

T

Introduction

he Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II and the Kano Emirate Council are under investigation by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, over allegations of financial recklessness.

The Council has since issued a public rebuttal. Under the law which established the Commission it is charged with investigating “allegations of corrupt practices against any person”(see Section 15(1)(a) of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corrupt Commission Law, 2008, as amended).

The Emir is on the spot for alleged irregularities, if not outright corrupt practices, in the management of the Emirate’s finances. To my mind, however, the probe will be legitimate only to the extent, if any, to which the said law which established the investigating agency is valid. I shall presently demonstrate the grounds, which I believe deny the Kano State House of Assembly of the requisite competence, under the Constitution, to enact the said law. But, first . . .

Legal Construct of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Law 2008.

This Law was enacted by the Kano State House of Assembly, and it came into effect on the 11th day of December, 2008.The functions of the Commission are contained in Sections 9(3) and 15(1)-(d) of the Law, while Sections 22 -28 thereof create offences under the Law. The side notes to the latter provision read as follows, respectively: “Gratification by an Officer”; “Corrupt Offers to Public Officers”; “Obstruction of Investigation”; “Making False Statements or Returns”; “Gratification by and through Agents” and ‘Bribery and Giving Assistance in Regards to Contracts”. With regard to the specific allegations against the Emir and his Council, however, I believe that Section 26 of the Law is most apposite. It provides thus: “Any person who being an officer charged with the receipt, custody, use or management of any part of the State/Local Government’s revenue or property, knowingly uses any part of the revenue or uses or mismanages or furnishes any false statement or return in respect of any money received by him or entrusted to his care, or any balance of money in his possession or under his control, is guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be sentenced to imprisonment for a period of not less than two (2) years”.

In addition, Section 9(1) & (3) also provide as follows: (1) “The Commission shall have power to investigate either on its own initiative or following complaints lodged before it by any other person on any administrative action taken by: (a) Any Department or Ministry of the State Government or Local Government or such other Government Agencies and Parastatals; (b) Any Statutory Corporation or public institution setup by the State Government or any Company incorporated under or pursuant to the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 owned by the State Government; or (c) Any officer or servant of any of the afore mentioned bodies (3) The Commission shall ensure that administrative action by any person mentioned under this Law will not result in the commission of any act of injustice against any indigene or the State or any other person resident in the State and for that purpose it shall investigate

Emir Sanusi

with special care any administrative act which is or appears to be: (a)Contrary to any law or regulation: (b) Mistaken in law or arbitration in the ascertainment of fact; (c)Unreasonable, unfair, oppressive or inconsistent with the general institution of administrative organs; (d) Improper in motivation or based on irrelevant considerations; (e) Unclear or inadequately explained; or (f)Otherwise objectionable and a member shall be competent to investigate administrative procedure in any court of law in Kano State”.

I believe the foregoing outline of the remit of the Commission, is imperative for the sake of accuracy.

Is the Kano State Anti-Corruption Law Valid?

The answer to this question, will invariably determine the fate of the probe which the Commission is presently undertaking into the finances of His Royal Highness and the Kano Emirate Council. The power of a State House of Assembly in Nigeria to legislate on any matter depends on two factors: (i) The subject-matter of the legislation; and (ii) The existence or otherwise of any legislation enacted by the National Assembly on the

same subject: ATT-GEN OF ABIA STATE v ATT- GEN OF THE FED.(2006) All FWLR pt. 338 pg. 604 @ 710H, per Musdapher, JSC. By virtue of the 1999 Constitution, legislative power in Nigeria is shared between the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. See the HON. MIN. OF JUSTICE v ATT-GEN. OF LAGOS STATE (2013) All FWLR pt. 704 pg. 1, where the Supreme Court, per Galadima, JSC, held that: “The power of the State Government to legislate on a given matter must be traceable to the body of the Constitution, either in the Exclusive Legislative List or the Concurrent List or the Residual List and any matter outside the ambit of the said constitutional provisions is null and void” The obvious question now is whether the subject-matter of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Law is contained in any of these Lists. In my view, nothing in the Concurrent List of the Constitution justifies the said law.

The Exclusive List is however another matter, as Item 60(a) thereof specifically provides that only the National Assembly may establish and regulate authorities for the Federation or any part thereof, to promote and enforce the observance of the Fundamental Objectives and

"TO THE EXTENT THAT THE KANO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IS INCOMPETENT TO ENACT THE SAID LAW, THE SAID PROBE BY THE KANO STATE PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AND ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL, ULTRA VIRES, NULL AND VOID. ACCORDINGLY, IN DEFERENCE THE CONSTITUTION, THE PROBE OUGHT TO BE TERMINATED FORTHWITH AND THE COMMISSION ITSELF SCRAPPED"

Directive Principles contained in the Constitution.

Those objectives and principles are contained in Sections 13-24 of the Constitution(Chapter II). Among those provisions, Section 15(5), in my view, is key. It provides that “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power”.

The National Assembly has exercised the power conferred on it by Item 60(a) of the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution to enact the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, which established the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission cannot co-exist with the said ICPC established by the National Assembly, for the simple reason that the Constitution has reserved that power for the National Assembly alone vide Section 15(5) and Item 60(a) of the Exclusive Legislative List aforesaid. See ATT –GEN. OF ONDO STATE v ATT- GEN. OF THE FED. (2002) 9 NWLR. pt. 772 pg. 222 and ATT-GEN OF LAGOS v ATTGEN OF THE FED.(2003) 9 SCM 1. To that extent, the said Kano State Anti-Corruption Law, 2008 is ultra vires the Kano State House of Assembly, unconstitutional, null and void.

However, assuming without conceding, that the Kano State House of Assembly (or any State House of Assembly for that matter) possesses power concurrently with the National Assembly to establish an anticorruption commission (as provided by Section 15(5) of the Constitution which enjoins the abolition of corrupt practices and abuse of power), to the extent that the provisions of Sections12, 13, 18, 19, 20 and 25(1) of the ICPC Act are similar, virtually word for word, to those of Sections 22-28 of the Kano Law, the National Assembly is deemed to have covered the field. Accordingly, the said provisions of the Kano State Law are otiose and invalid: ATT- GEN. OF ABIA STATE v ATT GEN. OF THE FED., supra, per Uwais, CJN (as he then was).

As for the public complaints provisions (Section 9(1) & (3)) of the Law, I submit that they don’t fare better than the anti-corruption aspects thereof discussed above. This is because, Public Complaints Commissions are expressions of the power given to the National Assembly under Item 60(a) of the Exclusive Legislative List of the Constitution to effectuate the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles contained in Chapter II of the Constitution. A similar law enacted by the National Assembly, the Public Complaints Commission Act, Cap. 37 LFN 2010, has been in place across the country since 1975. In any event, those provisions of the Kano Law are, in my view, merely directory and not mandatory, given the absence of any sanction for their contravention. See IFEZUE v MBADUGHA (1984)15 NSCC 314 @349, per Eso, JSC. Conclusion The legality of the on-going probe into the finances of the Kano Emirate Council and HRH Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, wholly depends on the constitutional validity of the enabling Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Law 2008. It has been shown above that by virtue of the Constitution, the power to establish an anti-corruption or public complaints commission/agency vests exclusively in the National Assembly. To the extent that the Kano House of Assembly is incompetent to enact the said law, the said probe by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission is unconstitutional, ultra vires, null and void.

Accordingly, in deference the Constitution, the probe ought to be terminated forthwith and the Commission itself scrapped.

2.05.2017

IMAGES/15

HE, Mrs Olutoyin Saraki, wife of the Senate President, Alumni and Centenary Ambassador of School of Oriental & African Studies, University of London (SOAS), to mark the SOAS Centenary, hosted a dinner party themed "SOAS Questions Worth Asking " on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Red Restaurant, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Below are some of the personalities that PHOTOS: KOLAWOLE ALLI attended...

L-R: L-R: Editor, This Day Lawyer, Mrs Onikepo Braithwaite; Professor of Law, Director of Centre for African Studies, SOAS, Professor Mashood Baderin and Baroness Valerie Amos, Director, SOAS

L-R; Lydia Pistis; Yasameen Hussein and Harris Laspas

L-R: Mr. Harris Laspas, SOAS and CEO, Shoreline Energy International, Mr. Kola Karim.

Prof. Amidu Sanni of LASU and his wife, Alhaja R. Toyin Sanni

Mrs. Toyin Saraki

L-R: Mrs. Bimbola Wright; Ms. Ify Oji; Mrs. Olufunke Oduwole and Mrs. Gbemi Shasore

L-R: Mr. Charles Adeogun Phillips; Director, London School of Oriental and African Studies, Baroness Valerie Amos and Pai Gamde

L-R: Managing Director, Sahara Energy, Mr Tonye Cole and Mrs. Ekua Abudu, Proprietress, Greenwood House School, Ikoyi, Lagos

R-L: Mrs. Oluoyin Saraki; Director, London School of Oriental and African Studies Baroness Valerie Amos and......

L-R: Dr. Simeon Obidairo; Director, Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Mrs Aisha Oyebode and Dr Emilia Onyema, SOAS

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Parminder Vir. Obe; Mrs. Olutoyin Saraki and Editor, This Day Lawyer, Mrs. Onikepo Braithwaite

L-R: former MD, Access Bank, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Baroness Valerie Amos; Vice Chairman, FAMFA Oil, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija; Mrs Olutoyin Saraki; Mr Adeyinka Ojora

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

ExxonMobil Earns $4bn in Q1 2017 Stories by Ejiofor Alike ExxonMobil Corporation at the weekend announced estimated first quarter 2017 earnings of $4 billion, compared with $1.8 billion a year earlier, resulting from improvements in commodity prices, cost management and refining operations.

The company had earned $7.8 billion in the whole of 2016, representing a 51 per cent decline from $16.2 billion in 2015. However, for first quarter of 2017, capital and exploration expenditures were $4.2 billion, down 19 per cent from the first quarter of 2016.

Oil-equivalent production was 4.2 million oil-equivalent barrels per day, also down four per cent from the prior year.

Excluding entitlement effects and divestments, oil-equivalent production was also down one per cent from the prior year.

The new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Darren W. Woods said the results reflected an increase in commodity prices and also highlighted the company’s continued focus on controlling costs and operating efficiently.

“We continue to make strategic acquisitions, advance key initiatives and fund longterm growth projects across the value chain,” he said.

According to the results, upstream volumes were 4.2 million oil-equivalent barrels per day, a decline of four per cent compared with the prior year,

primarily due to the impact of lower entitlements due to increasing prices, and higher maintenance.

The results showed that upstream earnings of $2.3 billion improved on higher liquids and gas realizations while downstream earnings of $1.1 billion benefited from increased refinery throughput.

Capital and exploration expenditures totaled $4.2 billion as the company advanced investments across its integrated businesses.

During the period, the company distributed $3.1 billion as dividends to shareholders, while earnings of $4 billion increased 122 per cent from the first quarter of 2016.

Also cash flow from operations and asset sales was $8.9 billion, including proceeds associated with asset sales of $687 million Dividends per share of $0.75 increased 2.7 percent compared with the first quarter of 2016.

During the quarter, ExxonMobil completed the acquisitions of InterOil Corporation and companies with oil and gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin.

ExxonMobil and Eni S.p.A. signed a sale and purchase agreement to enable ExxonMobil to acquire a 25 percent indirect interest in the natural gas-rich Area 4 block, offshore Mozambique, for approximately $2.8 billion. The acquisition will be completed following

satisfaction of a number of conditions precedent, including clearance from regulatory authorities The company secured additional high-potential exploration acreage in Papua New Guinea, Cyprus and the US Gulf of Mexico.

ExxonMobil announced positive results from the Snoek well offshore Guyana,

confirming a new discovery on the Stabroek Block.

The company announced plans to expand the production of high-quality lubricant basestocks at the Singapore refinery.

The investment will increase the supply of lubricant basestocks designed to maximize the performance of all major automotive engine oil grades

and to enhance the performance of finished lubricants used in multiple industries.

ExxonMobil launched Mobil 1 Annual Protection, which offers consumers the convenience of driving one full year or up to 20,000 miles between oil changes.

Mobil 1 Annual Protection has been specifically formulated to offer maximum wear

protection, as well as increase resistance to oil breakdown and protect engine parts from harmful sludge and deposits, resulting in extended engine life.

Synthetic Genomics, Inc. and ExxonMobil announced they have extended their agreement to conduct joint research into advanced algae biofuels after making significant progress in understanding algae genetics.

Nigerdock Graduates Professionals for Egina Project, Injects $500m into Capacity Development Nigerdock has graduated the first batch of professional trainees for the Egina deepwater project and injected $500 million into the development of local capacity to support the increasing demand for local manpower and facilities in the oil and gas sector.

Speaking at the recent graduation of the first batch of the professional trainees at the Nigerdock Training and Development Academy, the head of the Academy, Mr. Emeka Anazia said the Egina on-the-job training programme was intended to graduate 50 graduates and 50 vocational trainees. He said the journey, which started 15 months ago, would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts all the stakeholders and the invaluable support of the Nigerian Content Develop-

ment and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). According to him, over 350,000 man-hours without lost time injury were recorded in 313 training days.

The head of the training academy further stated that 125,200 man-hours without LTI were expended in training the professionals, while 125,200 man-hours without LTI were used to train the vocational trainees. He noted that the Academy is the first private entity in Nigeria to be made Authorised Training Body (ATB) by the International Institute of Welding. Also speaking the Nigerian Content Manager at Nigerdock, Mr. Ifeanyi Chime stated that most of the fabrication jobs for the Egina deepwater project were done in Nigerdock. In his remarks, the Nigerian Content Manager at Samsung Heavy Industries

Nigeria Limited, Mr. Imo Kalu Imo said the training was conducted by subject matter experts. “For the graduands, the journey started 15 months ago with three months classroom training. Samsung has keyed into the NCDMB’s aspiration of training Nigerians not only because of the advantages but also to contribute to local capacity development in Nigeria,” Imo explained. On his part, Total’s Nigerian Content Coordinator for Egina Project, Mr. Taiwo Oshikoya commended Samsung for putting together the training programme, in collaboration with Total and Nigerdock.

Oshikoya also congratulated the graduands for completing the programme.

“The safety record is quite remarkable with zero lost time injury (LTI). It shows that you took safety as top priority. In

this industry, safety is the most important,” Oshokoya added.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, disclosed that the agency had approved the training programme as part of its mandate to close gaps in capacity development in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Wabote, who was represented by the Nigerian Content Manager at NCDMB, Mr. Iwhiwhu Maurice, commended Nigerdock for not exceeding the targeted man-hours in executing the training programme.

In line with its commitment to enhance Nigeria’s local capacity and provide competent indigenous workforce for the energy services sector, Nigerdock recently unveiled

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017

BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

Private Sector Renaissance in Edo Crusoe Osagie in this report highlights the strategy to promote enterprise development and private sector job creation in Edo State “Given our location, the land we occupy and the resourcefulness of our people, Edo State has no reason to be poor.” This quote by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has actually been at odds with the reality of the condition in which most people have lived for years.

Apart from people who work for the government or have one form of contract or the other with it, there has hardly been another thriving industry in the state.

Most of the 3.2 million people in the state have mainly been sustained by relatives who live outside the state in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt among others, as well as those in the diaspora.

It had been a sorry state of affairs before Adams Oshiomhole took office and delivered modestly in the area of infrastructure and refurbishing of primary and secondary schools.

Although Oshiomhole’s performance dwarfed that of his predecessor in office to the extent that there can be no basis for comparison, it still did not quite deliver the goods as much as was necessary in the most critical area of need: vast unemployment and poverty.

Obaseki however came into office striking all the right notes. He was intelligent in his analysis of all the major areas that needed to be fixed by the state government.

He promised 200,000 jobs and realised that jobs cannot be provided for the unskilled, so he also simultaneously initiated programmes to build the people’s capacity.

As for the unmistakable problems of power dearth, technical barrier to investment flow and access to market, he took them all into account.

The Power Question Obaseki kicked off the Azura-Edo IPP, a 450MW Open Cycle Gas Turbine power station being constructed near Benin City. It is Phase one of a 1,500MW IPP facility located on a 100 hectare site. It is said to be large enough to accommodate future expansion of the power plant.

With this coming on stream in a few years, the state is guaranteed of sufficient power to support enterprise development which will produce the jobs he has promised.

Capacity Development To promote capacity development, Obaseki said his government was partnering the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to develop human capacity of workers in the state.

He noted that his administration was committed to the development of human capacity and skills which could be exported to other parts of the world.

“We are pleased to partner with ITF and we see you as a veritable tool to develop our human capacity. ‘’We seek inner capacity building of our people in the civil, public and private services. ‘’The civil service is even more urgent, let’s see how you can help us rebuild the core of our training structure ‘’Our goal is to train young people and support them with credit,’’ he said.

Speaking about the partnership, the Director General, ITF, Mr. Joseph Ari, stated: ‘’We are here to solicit for your funding in what we are doing and we want Edo government to key into our flagship programme, ‘’We want the state government to collaborate with us to set up a modern skill training centre for Edo people. ‘’We want to identify the domestic trade in the state and impact skills into youths in line with the National industrial skills development programme,” he said.

Ease of Doing Business A key factor in easing the business environment for free flow of capital is land reforms and transparent land acquisition and ownership system.

In the regard, Obaseki has since signed the Community Development Association (CDA) Bill into law. It prohibits forceful and illegal occupation of landed property by CDAs in the state.

Shortly after signing the bill into law, the governor proceeded to the palace of the Oba of

Azura power plant Benin, Oba Ewuare II, to present a copy of the law to him. The monarch had in his coronation speech, decried the bloodshed in communities perpetrated by land grabbers under the guise of CDAs, and vowed to move for a law that will decisively deal with such people and ban the CDAs in the communities.

Obaseki described the law as historic, adding that it would make the state more receptive to investors and set it on course for more development.

“My administration believes that the way to sustainable development is to unleash and nurture our productive energies and those of investors. Investment will not thrive in a lawless environment. It is a thing of pride that we signed this bill into law.” On his part, Oba Ewuare II said the new law signified a major milestone in the Obaseki-led administration and commended the governor and the state House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the Bill into law. “I want to say that today is historical and I am overwhelmed. I was really upset with the activities of CDAs in the state. I saw the need to tackle the issue of CDAs as their actions became destructive.

The governor bought in the idea and decided to draft a bill to criminalise their activities. I want to commend him for this step as many people expressed doubts about his willingness to work with the palace, but he has dispelled such fears,” he said.

He commended the Oba for his support in making the law a reality. “Our land tenure system before and during the colonial era was rated as the best, but it had been turned around by some nefarious activities of CDAs. It was therefore, a thing of joy during your coronation that you undertook the task to pull down the CDA structure.” Obaseki urged the Chief Justice of the state and security agencies to support the implementation of law in the state, adding that a task force chaired by a former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, had been constituted to drive the enforcement of the law and supervise all matters related to the law.

Agripreneures Unleashed As one of the silver bullets to ensuring the achievement of the promise of 200,000 jobs,

Godwin Obaseki Obaseki, recently, inaugurated 1000 hectares of cleared field in Sobe Farm Settlement in Owan West Local Government Area in the state for maize production.

He said the maize cultivation, which could directly empower 200 agripreneurs to become millionaires, was part of his administration’s Accelerated Agriculture initiative to create jobs in the state. Explaining the execution plan for the initiative, he said the phase would target job creation for 1, 000 agripreneurs through the cultivation of 5,000 hectares of maize farms across the LGAs in the state.

He said: “Today is the first step towards actualising the 200,000 jobs promised by my administration. If we invest in Agriculture, we can do more than 200,000 jobs in Edo and Nigeria as a whole. We had an agricbusiness workshop to brainstorm on the challenges in our agriculture sector and we discovered that land preparation was a major challenge in the state. This initiative is to make land preparation easy via mechanisation for our farmers,” he said.

He continued that the initiative was in partnership with Saro AgroSciences ltd, which would provide technical support for

the programme.

Meanwhile, he added that mechanisation centres would be situated close to the proposed 5000–hectare maize field to enable the agricpreneurs manage the 5 hectares that would be allocated to each of them effectively.

In addition, the governor urged the farmers to follow the recommended cultural practice for maize production to ensure optimal yield.

For his part, the Group Managing Director of Saro AgroSciences, Mr Oluwole Adeyegbe, said the scheme targets a minimum of 4 metric tonnes of maize yield per hectare, which would be bought directly from the agripreneurs (farmers).

According to Adeyegbe, the company was also collaborating with the state government for the second phase of the initiative, which would feature the use of green houses, pig production and Cocoa Yield Enhancement Programme.

The agripreneurs, he however explained, who would be beneficiaries of the scheme, must be able to raise 10 per cent of the capital and would be linked to the CBN Anchor borrower’s programme for easy access to credit.

Commending the governor for the initiative, the secretary of Sobe Farm Settlement Cooperative, Mr. Anthony Aibor, appreciated the prospect of employment creation for people in the area.

He however appealed to the government to tackle infrastructure decay in the community and the scourge of Fulani Herdsmen.

Frowning at the scourge of Fulani Herdsmen, which is one of the challenges encountered by farmers in the area, Governor Obaseki revealed that the state government was concluding strategies to curb the menace.

He said a Response Mechanism Team (RMT) would be formed among the farmers in the community to allow for intelligence reports, which would help in monitoring the herdsmen’s activities.

“The success of the programme depends on how well the government tackles the menace of Fulani herdsmen as no farmer has recorded great success for the past five years due to the activities of the herdsmen,” he said.

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

27

e ”

28

T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT FG Advised to Establish Legal Body to Enforce Standards in Block Industry Operators in the nation’s building and construction industry have determined that a major cause of building collapse is poor quality blocks. They, thus, want the federal and state governments to institute legal bodies to enforce standards in the block making industry. Bennett Oghifo reports

T

he Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) Lekki, after preliminary investigation of the site of the building that collapsed in Lekki last Thursday, gave their verdict. “Assessment of partially collapsed building that killed two casters yesterday (Thursday) at Nicon Town Estate, Lekki, indicates inappropriate formwork propping, excess load on walls of substandard blocks and wrong construction.”

Regrettably, the nation still does not have a Building Code that should prescribe standards in types of building materials used in construction, among others. In the absence of this, stakeholders in the building and construction industry are demanding that government at the federal and state levels institute legal bodies that would ensure that blocks used in construction meet acceptable standards for specific types of work.

Having an enforcement body in the block industry, they said would prevent, to a large extent, incessant cases of building collapse that bring with them avoidable deaths and loss of valuable property.

Stakeholders in the nation’s building and construction industry reached the consensus, prior to the latest building collapse in Lekki, at a meeting called by the Building Collapsed Prevention Guild (BCPG) Igando-Ikotun Cell, held within Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), Ikotun, Lagos.

In his keynote address, the President of BCPG, Mr. Kunle Awobodu noted that in the

past, quality of blocks used for construction was not in doubt, but that the story was not the same today.

This unwholesome development, he said was now a source of concern to construction professionals, “who would not want their reputation dented, and for the overall safety in the Nigerian built environment.”

Awobodu, a builder lamented the absence a regulating body for blocks’ production, saying the time had come for the governments to rise the occasion.

According to Awobodu, “Lack of regulation in the production of blocks has been the major source of this problem. Block making business has become an all-comers affair.

The machine for manufacturing blocks is easily fabricated in all nooks and crannies without strict specifications and standard. There is no monitoring system for the quality of sand and water being used for block production.”

BCPG, he assured would not relent in its efforts towards having a safer building industry in the country.

Picking up the train of thought, the President, National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON), Alhaji Rasheed Adebowale said apart from regulation issue, some socalled professionals were also the bane of block moulders, “as some of them are in the habit of looking for cheaper blocks, which in turn leads to inferior block production.”

Former president, Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers, Dr. Victor Oyenuga listed specific details and processes required for production of blocks, stating that block production was an engineering business.

L- R: General Manager, New Town Development Authority, Lagos State, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola; National President, Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Mr. Kunle Awobodu; President, National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria, Mr. Rasheed Adebowale; Coordinator, BCPG IgandoIkotun Cell, Mrs. Adekemi Okusaga; and Head of Department of Building, University of Lagos, Prof. Godwin Idoro, during a workshop on how to improve quality of blocks, held in Lagos… recently

Oyenuga said “Block making is not an all comers affair, it is a serious engineering business and must be taken as such. It becomes imperative when the building is to be a load-bearing form of construction which is the most widely used method here for bungalows and two storey (one suspended upper floor) buildings.”

He added that all efforts should be made to meet the standard requirements of the Code in the production of sandcrete blocks.”

Head of Department of Building, University of Lagos, Prof.

Godwin Idoro identified four main processes that affect block making in the country and listed them as government-related

causes, design-related causes, construction-related causes and material-related causes.

Citing a study by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the professor said it was worrisome to know that only five per cent of blocks in Nigeria are produced (moulded) to specifications.

According to him, “This assertion implies that 95 per cent of the sandcrete blocks in circulation or that are used for construction are substandard.”

But to prevent the production of substandard blocks, Idodo said the combined efforts of all stakeholders were need, including governments’ and their Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs),

professional bodies, clients, designers and consultants, contractors, suppliers and block producers.

He added that there must be development of codes and standards on sandcrete blocks by government agencies in collaboration with research institutions and professional bodies, in addition to regular training of block manufacturers on standards.

He said, “Governments should make it mandatory for blocks to carry the name of producers, brand name, date of manufacture and expiration like other manufactured products.

Development and adoption of standard production flow chart by block producers. The issue

of task force is government responsibility and no private body can do that all alone.”

In her welcome address, the BCPG Igando-Ikotun Cell Coordinator, Mrs. Adekemi Okusaga, a quantity surveyor, said the theme of the workshop “Economic Recession and Inflation: Sustainable Quality in the Production of Sandcrete Blocks and Allied Products” was carefully selected to address one of the main challenges in the built environment.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Wasiu Akewusola, a quantity surveyor, who hailed BCPG for the event urged all stakeholders to close ranks and work to stem collapse of buildings in the country.

Black Pelican Introduces Technogym, The Oyo-Ita to Speak on Affordable Housing at Wellness Company IUHF Congress in Washington DC Fadekemi Ajakaiye Black Pelican has introduced Technogym, the Wellness Company, which is the world leader in the fitness and wellness solution sector.

Technogym, a sister company to IL Bagno, the home solution company, has equipped over 65,000 wellness centers and 100,000 homes globally. It is estimated that approximately 35 million people use Technogym products every day in over 100 countries.

Technogym was introduced at a networking event tagged, “An evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and design” at IL Bagno house at Elf bus stop on Lekki Epe Expressway, Lagos

recently.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Black Pelican, Mr. Michael Owolabi, Technogym promotes wellness in every aspect of human life; from organised exercise to staying healthy behind your desk at work.

Owolabi said Technogym Ecosystem aims to offer wellness solutions to keep people motivated and healthy, stating that it was an opportunity for governments, companies and individuals.

He discussed the Corporate Wellness Programme, which he said “is an organised program that assists employees to voluntarily make choices that improve health and productivity.

“Workplace wellness programs focused on prevention and intervention can benefit employees and employers by reducing employees’ health risk factors.”

The benefits of the Wellness Program, he said include reduction in healthcare costs, increase in employees’ level of physical activity, improves recruitment and retention.

Others are, reduction in absenteeism, improved productivity and employee satisfaction.

Black Pelican Limited Nigeria, trading as IL Bagno is the regional distributor for the world’s leading manufacturers of sanitary ware, bathroom fittings and accessories.

The 30th World Congress of International Union for Housing Finance holding in Washington DC on June 25-27 2017 will discuss opportunities and risks of investing in mortgage debt, including cross-border investments, funding alternatives to international finances capital, and tackling housing affordability challenge.

There will be high-level sessions with eminent plenary speakers drawn from different countries including Asia, Africa, America and Europe. Andreas J. Zehnder, President of the International Union for Housing Finance and managing director of the European Federation of Building Societies. Germany, Cas Coovadia, member of the Board of the African Union for

Housing Finance and managing director of the Banking Association, South Africa and Sebastine Fernandez, President of Uniapravi and Director at Infonavit, Mexico will lead discussions at the first session on Regional Developments in Housing finance and the Economy. Other sessions will look at Global development in Housing and Housing Finance, Market Integration, cross -border issuance and investment (leading the discussions are Michael Lee, Lecturer at the Corky McMillin Center for Real Estate, United States and Chung Chee Leong, CEO of Cagamas, Malaysia.

Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyoita, Head of Civil Service of the Federation Nigeria, and

MD/CEO, FHA Mortgage Bank, Nigeria will be speaking at the 7th session on the sub-theme ‘Tackling Affordable Housing Challenge.’With the recent Federal Government announcement, that it would wave an initial 10% payment on mortgages below N5 million ($ 15,700) administered by the state -owned Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) targeting homeowners, taking out mortgages in the low to midprice range. The move comes on the back of the creation of the government’s family homes fund. The mandate of the N500 billion ($1.57bn) fund is to keep mortgage rates for affordable housing well under the average 23% targeting 9.99% payable over 20 years.

29

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

S/N

CUSTOMER

ITEM OF IMPORT

DATE OF FUND PURCHASE

EXCHANGE RATE

USD AMOUNT

1

WORLDWIDE COMMERCIAL VEN LTD.

CHEPLPHARM PHARM PROD (ROHYPNOL TABLETS)

25-Apr-17

306.45

200,000.00

2

CBN

CBN SMIS RETURNS

25-Apr-17

357.00

1,000,000.00

3

FOLAWIYO ENERGY LTD

7000, METRIC TONS VAC +/- 10% GASOIL

25-Apr-17

321.50

4

CROWN FLOUR MILLS LIMITED

100% POLYESTER SEWING THREAD BLUE/PEACH

25-Apr-17

321.50

14,192.97

5

MONTANA INDUSTRIES NIG LTD

LLDPE RESIN METALLOCENE EXCEED

25-Apr-17

321.50

21,289.46

6

FOLAWIYO ENERGY LTD

7000, METRIC TONS VAC +/- 10% GASOIL

25-Apr-17

321.50

78,061.34

7

CROWN FLOUR MILLS LIMITED

POLYESTER SEWING THREAD BLUE/PEACH

321.50

14,192.97

8

MONTANA INDUSTRIES NIG LTD

LLDPE RESIN(MTALLOCENE) EXCEED 1018HA

25-Apr-17

321.50

21,289.46

9

OK FOODS LIMITED

GUM BASE (INDUSTRIAL RAW MATERIAL)

26-Apr-17

307.01

25-Apr-17

78,061.34

71.66

10

PROMASIDOR NIGERIA LIMITED

BULK MULTI-PLY BAGS MIKSI FAT-FILLED MILK MILK POWDER INSTANT FORTIFIED

26-Apr-17

307.01

365.15

11

PROMASIDOR NIGERIA LIMITED

Cartons of Cowbell Tina Follow up formula (6-12

26-Apr-17

307.01

444.14

12

VIK INDUSTRIES LIMITED

RAW MATERIALS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF INJECTION MOULDED PLASTICS - COPOLYMER

26-Apr-17

307.01

1,762.06

13

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

2,890.00 1,900.94

14

PROMASIDOR NIG LTD

BULK MULTI-PLY BAGS COWBELL INSTANT MILK POWDER FORTIFIED

26-Apr-17

307.01

15

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

16

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

812.03

17

VIK INDUSTRIES LIMITED

RAW MATERIALS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF INJECTION MOULDED PLASTICS - COPOLYMER

26-Apr-17

307.01

1,484.99

18

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

1,798.22

19

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

401.28

20

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

21

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

143.12

22

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

434.04

23

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

698.42

24

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

296.64

25

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

1,396.81

26

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

BANK CHARGE

26-Apr-17

307.01

1,396.81

27

CROWN FLOUR MILLS LIMITED

SPARE PARTS FOR MILLING MACHINES

26-Apr-17

307.00

28

WORLDWIDE COMMERCIAL VEN LTD.

CHEPLPHARM PHARM PROD (ROHYPNOL TABLETS)

26-Apr-17

306.40

90,739.30

29

WORLDWIDE COMMERCIAL VEN LTD.

MERCK PHARMACEUTICAL PERISHABLE COLD CHAIN PRODUCTS (CETROTIDE VIAL)

26-Apr-17

306.40

109,260.70

30

CORONATION MERCHANT BANK

SUBCRIPTION FEES

26-Apr-17

321.50

31

DANA PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

MACHINERY AND SPARES FOR PHARMACEUTICAL

26-Apr-17

320.50

9,933.00

32

DANA PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

VAR SPARES FOR PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY- (MESA PROCHEM

26-Apr-17

320.50

10,655.00

33

AVANTI INDUSTRIES LIMITED

MASTERBATCHES ( PIGMENTS AND PREPARATIONS

26-Apr-17

320.50

34

FAREAST MERCANTILE CO. LTD

EMBORG BRAND(Mozzarella Cheese

26-Apr-17

320.50

63,947.08

35

DE-UNITED FOODS

CHILLI POWDER FOR SEASONING

26-Apr-17

320.50

216,460.00

36

MINL LIMITED

HEAVY DUTY 1400MM CUT TO LENGTH LINE

26-Apr-17

320.50

461,200.00

37

CROWN FLOUR MILLS LIMITED

RUSSIAN MILLING WHEAT

26-Apr-17

320.50

1,100,000.00

38

ONI OLABISI IFO ONI AYODEJI

PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES

27-Apr-17

307.00

5,741.25

39

SUNRISE PRODUCTS

MACHINERY FOR INDUSTRIAL & RAW MATERIAL TOP FILM FLOW PACKING MACHINE

28-Apr-17

306.35

30,955.00

40

FRIESLAND CAMPINA

EVAPORATED UNSWEETENED FULL CREAM MILK

28-Apr-17

307.00

41

FRIESLAND CAMPINA

EVAPORATED UNSWEETENED FULL CREAM MILK

28-Apr-17

306.35

44,045.00

42

FOLAWIYO ENERGY LTD

7000, METRIC TONS VAC +/- 10% GASOIL

28-Apr-17

323.50

275,000.00

43

PROMASIDOR

TECHNICAL FEES

28-Apr-17

323.50

44

DANA PHARMA

PRIMARY PACKING MAT FOR PHARMACEUTICAL INDUS

28-Apr-17

323.50

11,368.17

45

CROWN FLOUR

GLUTEN PACKED IN MANITO PAPER BAGS

28-Apr-17

323.50

26,689.94

46

CROWN FLOUR

SUPPLY OF FABRICATED SILO PANEL WITH TOOL

28-Apr-17

323.50

48,310.06

47

SACVIN NIGERIA

GLUTEN PACKED IN MANITO PAPER BAGS

28-Apr-17

323.50

86,400.00

48

FOLAWIYO ENERGY LTD

7000, METRIC TONS VAC +/- 10% GASOIL

28-Apr-17

323.50

275,000.00

49

PROMASIDOR

TECHNICAL FEES

28-Apr-17

323.50

66,535.13

50

DANA PHARMA

VARIOUS SPARES FOR MACHINERIES

28-Apr-17

323.50

11,520.00

51

DANA PHARMA

PRIMARY PACKING MATERIALS FOR PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

28-Apr-17

323.50

4,889.61

52

BSV INDUSTRIES

PVC STABILIZER ZA-SF27-NF

28-Apr-17

323.50

55,960.00

53

CROWN FLOUR

POLYESTER SEWING THREAD BLUE/PEACH

28-Apr-17

323.50

9,310.60

54

CROWN FLOUR

SUPPLY OF FABRICATED SILO PANEL WITH TOOL

28-Apr-17

323.50

65,689.40

55

MONTANA INDUSTRIES

LLDPE RESIN(MTALLOCENE) EXCEED 1018HA

28-Apr-17

323.50

27,630.39

EXCHANGE RATE

USD AMOUNT

1

S/N

OTHER SOURCES 1

CUSTOMER

24-Apr-17

305.95

200,000.00

2

OTHER SOURCES 2

26-Apr-17

305.90

200,000.00

3

OTHER SOURCES 3

27-Apr-17

305.85

25,000.00

4

OTHER SOURCES 4

28-Apr-17

305.85

50,000.00

5

CBN

25-Apr-17

357.00

1,000,000.00

6

CBN

25-Apr-17

321.00

141,929.70

7

CBN

25-Apr-17

321.00

141,929.70

8

CBN

26-Apr-17

320.00

1,884,542.08

9

CBN

28-Apr-17

323.00

500,000.00

10

CBN

28-Apr-17

323.00

500,000.00

1

TOTAL AMOUNT

2

AVERAGE AMOUNT

DATE OF FUND PURCHASE

2,812.99

661.65

3,165.40

11,850.80

22,347.00

25,000.00

80,617.76

4,643,401.48 464,340.15

MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC

2017 1ST QUARTER UNAUDITED IFRS FINANCIAL RESULTS The financial statements for the 1st quarter ended 31 March 2017, have been prepared in conformity with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Statement of Financial Position as at 31 March 2017

Statement of Profit or Loss and other Comprehensive income for the Period ended 31 March 2017

March 2017 N’000

December 2016 N’000

18,323,032 26,168 719,359 347,922 19,416,481

18,402,454 29,920 578,073 347,922 19,358,369

Inventories Loans and receivables Trade and other receivables Witholding tax receivables Prepayments Cash and cash equivalents Total current assets

7,388,564 399,934 44,603,353 77,898 410,605 14,104,809 66,985,163

7,004,173 445,193 43,244,878 68,288 333,130 10,910,784 62,006,446

Total assets

86,401,644

81,364,815

Equity Share capital Retained earnings

126,994 22,436,844

126,994 22,036,847

Total equity

22,563,838

22,163,841

15,391 5,116,904 5,132,295

13,891 5,116,904 5,130,795

Security deposits Dividend payable Trade and other payables Short term borrowings Tax payable Total current liabilities

1,830,912 410,671 45,470,707 9,539,562 1,453,659 58,705,511

1,766,967 411,318 32,156,838 18,526,556 1,208,500 54,070,179

The Board of Directors are confident that barring unforseen circumstances, this trend would be improved upon considerably in the remaining period of the financial year.

Total liabilities

63,837,806

59,200,974

Total equity and liabilities

86,401,644

81,364,815

O.M. Jafojo (Mrs.) ACIS (UK) Company Secretary

Assets Property, plant and equipment Intangible assets Prepayments Trade and other receivables Total non-current assets

Liabilities Employee benefit obligations Deferred tax liabilities Total non-current liabilities

March 2017 N’000

March 2016 N’000

Revenue Cost of sales

37,581,449 (34,979,071)

Gross profit

2,602,378

1,755,704

66,434 (380,696) (1,364,880)

381,650 (207,893) (1,304,911)

Other income Selling and distribution expenses Administrative expenses Operating profit

25,071,122 (23,315,418)

923,236

624,550

Finance income Finance costs

88,212 (366,292)

169,516 (167,578)

Net finance costs

278,080

1,938

Profit before income tax

645,156

626,488

Income tax expense

(245,159)

(263,125)

Profit for the Period

399,997

363,363

Total comprehensive income for the period

399,997

363,363

1.57

1.43

Earnings per share (EPS) Basic and diluted earnings per share (Naira)

(BY ORDER OF THE BOARD)

FRC/2013/NBA/00000002311

Registered Office 8, Macarthy Street, Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria.

8, Macarthy Street, Onikan, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: +234 1 461 4500, Fax:+234 1 461 4602 www.mrsoilnigplc.net

30

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

LIST OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR THE 2016/2017 NNPC/TOTAL NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Total Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI), in pursuance of its Corporate Social Respectability under the OML130 Asset, is pleased to offer the under listed students, an award of the 2016/2017 NNPC/Total National Merit Scholarship following their performance at the Scholarship Selection Test conducted on Saturday December 3, 2016 at various centers across the Country

The list of successful candidates is also available on TOTAL website as well as the Scholarship e-Portal: https://scholarships.totalcsredu.com Successful candidates shall be contacted through their email addresses, while hardcopies shall be sent by courier to the office of the Dean of Students Affairs of their Institution Total will enter into correspondence with only the shortlisted successful candidates

S/N

CANDIDATE ID

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96

77889 77204 80791 80792 80997 81154 78973 81563 82229 79816 83170 85717 82503 79849 85644 86024 76966 76703 83960 80380 93184 78655 76502 77902 78605 79808 84354 85817 82270 83877 81436 81544 89423 90431 79029 89728 80690 81396 85445 92482 84907 87118 84282 78400 78364 82090 76989 78255 81227 89197 83603 93505 79768 85943 85529 91547 79555 92329 89398 83890 98119 88715 80778 77862 80217 86268 78313 86011 92724 83026 88045 79786 77816 86360 80544 81504 86007 77686 79192 80968 93420 89265 86178 76650 82632 77070 78396 87116 84820 98115 79723 88983 85020 82148 85381 83886

SURNAME

NAME (FIRST) NAME (MIDDLE)

Aanuoluwapo Abatcha Abdulaziz Abdulkareem Abdulmalik Abdulrasheed Abdulsalam Abiola Abisiga Abolarin Abubakar Abubakar Adah Adam Adamu Adedeji Adedigba Adegoke adegoke Adeoti Adepoju Adeyemi Adinoyi Afariogun Agbanusi Agene Agwamba Ahmad Aina Ajani Ajayi Ajayi Ajibade Ajisafe Akhagbosu Akinade Akindele Akinlose Akinola Akintola Akio Akor Akpan Akujobi Alabo Aleh Alimi Aliyu Aliyu Aliyu Alli Alogah Alonge Amala Amire Amunachugo Anaga Ananwuna Aniedi Animashaun Anosike Anthony Anwana Anyassor Aremu Arisah Asakome Atanda Attama Audu Awojobi Ayodeji Ayogu Azimi Azuike Babalola Babslawal Bakare Balogun Bankole Bashir Bassey Batare Bawa Bawa Bejide Bello Bello Bosikun Bukar Bwala Chidiebere Chilaka Chinenye Danbadan Dangana

Ogundana Abdulsamad Baba-Ali Maryam Muhammad Muhammad Abdulrazak Oluwatomilayo Mojeed Lekan Munirah Abdullahi Josephine Maryam Yakubu Karimat Muhammed Oluwaseyi daniel Emmanuel William Oluwafisayo Simeon Precious John Faith Chiamaka Abdulbaki Olawale Mofopefoluwa Oluwamayowa Aderonke Adedotun Damilola Jonathan Adedayo Tejumola Isreal Joshua Oluwaseyi Samuel Samuel udemeobong Maryann Ugwushichika Peter Ibrahim Mudassir Abubakar Ahmad Nofisat James Lolade Evidence Adebobola Prince-Paul Amanda Nnagozie Simeon Jamiu Angel ovye Edikan Kelechi Peter Glory Oshorhenoya Saidat Chinweokwu Ibrahim Rayhan Boluwatife Onyedikachi Joachim Philnamaris Joshua Mubarak Hafeez Taiwo Olajumoke Najibullah David Priscilla Farida Kefas Oyeyinka Damilola sumayya Kehinde Babakura Hyeladzira Wisdom Chiebuka Raphael Natacha Joshua

Ayotunde Ohiani Tolohuntomilade

Dorcas Damilola Michael Laila Awhobiwom Muhammad Omosalewa Adeyemi John ifeoluwa Olayinka Olorunfemi Mfonobong Oyisi Opeyemi Kenechukwu Onyemowo Marian A. Matthew Akindiran Ilerioluwa deborah Daniel James Oshokhai Samuel Abiodun Modioluwamu Pamilerin Akintoye Great Eneojo James Chidinma Blessing Adedeji Magaji Sambo Opeyemi Owoicho Esther Osinachi Christopher Emeka Nnenna Paul Ekemini Abayomi Kelechi Emmanuel Umoh Jedidiah Seyi Onyeka Ferdinand Abiodun Godfrey Abdul Oladapo Elizabeth Joshua Oshokenoya Akunna Oluwadamilare Oluwanishola Omotayo Semiat Ibukunoluwa Ishaq Asuquo Augustine Mohammed Esla Abraham Ibrahim Abubakar Sunday Amos Chibueze Oscar Udokamma Elohor

MATRICULATION GENDER NUMBER

Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Female Male Male Female Male Female Female Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Female Male Male Male Female Female Male Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Female Male Male Male Male Male Female Male Female Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Female Male Female Male Male Male Female Male Male Female Male Male Male Female Female Male Male Female Female Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Male

CLI/2015/061 1511000082 SCI15CSC001 15/30GM003 1511000057 U15CH1036 UJ/2015/MD/0018 15/30GM006 140806059 ARC/2015/001 150201176 56108981GH 2016/232360 U1/15/LAW/0216 UG15/PHPH/1007 193431 15/30GB020 ARC/2015/005 192587 ARC/15/2734 CSC/15/4031 15CN03211 15/30GM020 192621 192624 BSU/MS/ACC/14/5619 2016/233320 UG15/ELEE/1035 192149 193578 SMS/015/14993 150705048 MTS/15/4159 158973043 192641 20142696 150201105 CHE/2015/017 193581 145520 2016/4697 15BC1018 MEE/14/7994 140201112 15/ENG06/009 MAC/2015/091 140404038 1310704092 U15VM1108 U15cv1018 150323003 16/37269/UE 184079 68164 1400482 192666 20151010233 2015/199068 16/CS/MB/1048 150405029 16/3023 2015/1/54272EH 2015/198305 PSC1506194 184648 20151018953 ARC/15/2745 140811005 2015564209 2015/1/56186CI 2016/1/60685ET 15/48KC053 2015/195968 150501034 OPC/16/464 193004 150901152 140201005 150401053 NSC/2014/026 ENG/15/CIV/00039 16/EG/ME/965 UG15/MDMD/1031 U15MC1055 UJ/2015/MD/0176 184656 150808044 U15AC1104 185775 15/05/06/002 15/07/01/004 2015/203764 LSC1504870 20141922473 PSC1506397 BHU/15/01/02/0018

UNIVERSITY Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.

Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria University of Jos, Jos. University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

University of Lagos, Akoka Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Lagos, Akoka Bayaro University, Kano.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina.

Gombe State University,Gombe University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Ibadan, Ibadan Federal University of Technology, Akure Federal University of Technology, Akure Covenant University, Ota. University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Ibadan, Ibadan Benue State University, Makurdi.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Ibadan, Ibadan Bowen University, Iwo Osun State University of Lagos, Akoka Federal University of Technology, Akure Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

University of Lagos, Akoka Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Ibadan, Ibadan Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.

Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State.

Kogi State University, Anyigba.

Federal University of Technology, Akure University of Lagos, Akoka Afe Babalola University , Ado-Ekiti, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Lagos, Akoka Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria University of Lagos, Akoka Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Uyo, Uyo. University of Lagos, Akoka Caleb University Federal University of Technology, Minna.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Benin,Benin City.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Federal University of Technology, Akure University of Lagos, Akoka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Federal University of Technology, Minna.

University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Lagos, Akoka Madonna University, Okija University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Lagos, Akoka University of Lagos, Akoka University of Lagos, Akoka Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Bayaro University, Kano.

University of Uyo, Uyo. Gombe State University,Gombe Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria University of Jos, Jos. University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Lagos, Akoka Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Benin,Benin City.

Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

University of Benin,Benin City.

Bingham University, Karu

DEPARTMENT Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Pharmacy Computer science Chemical Engineering Pharmacy Chemistry Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Chemical Engineering Mathematics Architecture Accountancy/Accounting Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Civil Engineering Law Pharmacy Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Civil Engineering Architecture Food Science and Technology/Engineering Architecture Computer science Petroleum Engineering Chemical Engineering Electrical/Electronics Engineering Electrical/Electronics Engineering Accounting Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Electrical/Electronics Engineering Chemistry Petroleum Engineering Accounting Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Industrial Mathematics/ Statistics Economics Industrial Production and Engineering Mechatronics Engineering Accountancy/Accounting Chemical Engineering Electrical/Electronics Engineering Electrical/Electronics Engineering Electrical/Electronics Engineering Biochemistry Mechanical Engineering Accountancy/Accounting Mechanical Engineering Accountancy/Accounting Mechanical Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Veterinary Medicine Civil Engineering Arts and Social Science Education Mechanical Engineering Russian with French/German Computer science Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Surveying and Geo-Informatics Microbiology Chemical Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Computer science Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Electrical/Electronics Engineering Architecture Marine Biology Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Information and Communication Science Mechatronics Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Environmental Engineering Optometry Economics Economics Accountancy/Accounting Chemical Engineering Nursing/Nursing Science Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Microbiology Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Physics and Applied Physics Accountancy/Accounting Geology Mechanical Engineering Accounting Mechanical Engineering Optometry Petroleum Engineering Industrial Mathematics/ Statistics Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine)

EMAIL ADDRESS Ogunsnoni@yahoo.com bachagon2@gmail.com babaali196@gmail.com mokeey1999@gmail.com muhammadabdulmalik87@gmail.com muhammadabdul035@gmail.com bdlrzk97@gmail.com abioladorcas765@yahoo.com abisigamojeed2@gmail.com michaelwest505@gmail.com moeshalaila@gmail.com muhdabubakariggi@gmail.com bajoski1234@gmail.com aadammaryam95@gmail.com usmanmusa21@gmail.com karimat241@gmail.com adedigbamuhammed@gmail.com oluwaseyiadegokeprosper@yahoo.com dannyville587@gmail.com Emmanueladeoti96@yahoo.com wyze97@gmail.com fisayoa33@gmail.com simeonadinoyi@gmail.com afariogunope@gmail.com jagbanusi624@stu.ui.edu.ng agenefaithonpoint@gmail.com agwambachiamaka@yahoo.com abdulbakibbd@gmail.com myfuturehold@gmail.com amofopefoluwa@gmail.com o.ajayi@ahmedzakari.com ajayiaderonke9@gmail.com divinedotun@gmail.com ajisafedamilola2013@gmail.com juvenyoung@gmail.com akinadeadedayo1@gmail.com akindeletejumola@gmail.com akinloseisrael@gmail.com jpakinola@gmail.com akintolaoluwaseyi34@gmail.com onjainz@gmail.com akorsamuel155@gmail.com jayudy9@gmail.com akujobimaryann@gmail.com alabougwushi@gmail.com alehpeter03@gmail.com alimiibrahim8@gmail.com saadaliyu90@gmail.com asquare4n@gmail.com ahmadsambo00@gmail.com allinofisatopeyemi@gmail.com alogahjamesowoicho@gmail.com jesusbaby1998@gmail.com evido20@gmail.com Amirchris97@gmail.com Amunachugo56@gmail.com anagaamanda@gmail.com nnagozie.ananwuna.199068@unn.edu.ng ekeminisimeon@yahoo.com Jamiu99@gmail.com vicit_angel@yahoo.com ovyeanthony9@gmail.com anwanaedikan@gmail.com fortgmg@gmail.com peteorite22@gmail.com ijeomarisah@gmail.com Oshorhenoya@gmail.com bcpumpin25@gmail.com ugwuanyisuccess@gmx.com talk2ibrahimaudu@yahoo.com Rayhanawojobi@yahoo.com ayodejiboluwatife@gmail.com ayoguonyedikachi2000@gmail.com azimijoachim7@gmail.com akunnaa@yahoo.com joshuababalola51@gmail.com babslawalmubarak@gmail.com bakarehafeez005@gmail.com semiataiwo@yahoo.com olajumokebankole10@yahoo.com najibash00@yahoo.com davidbassey36@gmail.com priscillabatare@gmail.com linksmb4ryme@yahoo.com bawakefas00@gmail.com oyeyinkabejide@gmail.com damilolabello4real@gmail.com hauwabello8@gmail.com bosikunkehinde@gmail.com Babakura2587@gmail.com hyeladziraamosbwala@gmail.com wisdom.chibueze@yahoo.com oscarjoseph7991@gmail.com Chinkymores@ymail.com danbadannatacha@gmail.com joshuadangana7@gmail.com

TELEPHONE 0817 097 8774 0706 2365423 0801 419 1324 0805 439 4163 0706 204 3272 0814 657 2517 0813 670 6165 0803 185 9091 0701 318 6508 0814 962 3760 0905 538 0424 0803 916 1397 0817 870 9186 0814 529 7428 0903 112 2862 0903 437 6946 0905 362 5027 0806 515 9465 0816 456 9743 0703 976 7265 0816 901 6831 0803 324 4246 0703 197 1251 0812 301 374 0807 397 5086 0818 755 1711 0809 307 1035 0806 531 4679 0902 188 5942 0701 690 2732 0705 758 5943 0818 701 1261 0703 749 1437 0810 068 7295 0902 435 1158 0816 375 1034 0903 420 0534 0806 642 6708 0706 826 9049 0809 550 9979 0905 287 6382 0903 457 1785 0810 548 1997 0705 539 6261 0701 197 7944 0803 971 3888 0803 184 4086 0816 187 2948 0806 419 7782 0815 105 4240 0706 434 5566 0810 594 2038 0813 783 4301 0816 528 1961 0810 709 3763 0703 565 3726 0703 211 8140 0703 373 4858 0809 802-9880 0805 936 0922 0816 442 2941 0817 619 7570 0808 312 8991 0703 375 4594 0701 029 8722 0813 970 2232 0816 617 2895 0802 643 6448 0818 146 0329 0809 143 6587 0818 979 9151 0703 375 7436 0816 930-2235 0813 267-3580 0803 777-0819 0816 483-0042 0905 360-9605 0909 118-2375 0814 278-5368 0806 004-5573 0806 095-5195 0813 189-3991 0810 901-9697 0703 925-4624 0807 906-5721 0814 807-3098 0810 538-9434 0810 654-9006 0816 415-4528 0809 058 0463 070 639 7044 0706 356-4478 0818 265-4320 0703 823-0105 0813 596-9622 0902 622-2338

31

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

LIST OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR THE 2016/2017 NNPC/TOTAL NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD (Cont’d) S/N 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211

CANDIDATE ID

SURNAME

83137 88687 91553 87245 98768 84530 79980 80681 87140 80759 80926 91214 93754 83375 78814 85238 77800 92354 79727 91773 84777 83665 77458 89077 93739 78043 80408 85378 83683 82869 88754 81172 86966 91861 98111 91891 81888 90564 82065 78055 82407 83122 78520 88233 88810 76693 78143 93154 84192 89578 77827 89284 93762 85023 84912 80497 98123 83840 77928 86114 88626 78243 83428 85986 86546 82286 93521 81603 85210 78242 80150 87600 81573 83701 93760 91858 78568 77662 83068 80272 87239 93764 90594 83123 85839 87439 90665 82598 84801 82585 87032 88651 83366 78523 86122 83110 88360 87907 77735 79579 81442 80293 81963 81735 80958 81816 93748 81096 76642 79957 89377 86865 79044 84859

Dapo-Kale Dauda Dents Duniya Ebube Ebudola Edet Egbo Ehiagwina Ehiorobo Ekpenyong Ekpo Ekpo Ekpotu ekpunobi Ekpunobi Ekwueme Ekwueme Elemide Eleojo Emiola Emmanuel Enaibre Eniayewun Enyiazu Eze Ezeamii Ezendu Ezenwanne Fabunmi Fabusuyi Fadipe Fafiola Faniyi Fannami Fatuase Francis Frank Gabriel Gbadamosi George George Goni Guda Haruna Hassan Hassan Hassan HEMBE Ibidapo Ibrahim Ibrahim Ibrahim Idagu Idemmudia Idris Ifeanyi Ihensekhien Iliya Iliyasu Isa Isaac Isah Ishaq Jacob Jagiri Jeremiah Jiburu Jimoh Jolaade Julius Kabiru Kamji Kassim Khalid Kianen Kiiseti Kolade Kowobari Kwaknat Kyakkyes Lamiri Lawal Linus Luwasi Mabuike Macpepple Maduka Maibasira Maigida Mekunye Michael Modekwe Monday Moore Motunarayo Muhammad Mukhtar Musa musa Mutiu Nde Ndubisi Nekabari Nkadi Nnachi Nnaji Nnebuo Nwabuisi Nwachukwu Nwafor Nwala Nwankwo Nwankwo

NAME (FIRST) Shalom Musa Miracle Caleb Ifeoma Ayodele Goodnews Richard David Evans Ekpenyong Promise Blessing Precious nzube Nwachukwu Ajuluchukwu Chukwuebuka Olawunmi Victor Samuel Kester Onome Aderayo Roseline Samuel Paul Ang Ebubechi Oluwatoba Ayodeji Oluwole Omotola Oluwatobi Bukar Fiyinfoluwa Shekotayami George Emmanuel Fahidat Obed Ayebasikigha Amin blessed Ibrahim Aliyu Nuradeen Joshua Emmanuel Samuel Muhammed Taofiqah Yusuf Shalom Stanley Shafa'un Chukwudozie Richard Manasseh Bello Isa Mercy Rahma Firdausi Simon Daniel Victory Amarachi Muhammed Adewale Victor Salisu Bamaiyi Oluwasolamidotun Maryam Yimanu Sam-Kayode Taiwo Israel Moses Peter Yahaya Oluwafemi Hapiyati Nansat Faith Tamunoibienye Confidence Mubarak Dorcas Francis Victor Gift Victor Joshua Dorcas Aisha Almustapha Susanna suleiman Halimah Utibeka-Theresa Chibuzor Favour Ebubechukwu Favour Joshua Marlene Praise Emmanuel Chinaza Bright Derek Chukwunonso

NAME (MIDDLE) GENDER MATRICULATION NUMBER Remilekun C Bitiyong Anita Oluwaseun Nwabuawele Omozojie Eshiofune Eyo Osaine effiong Fidelis favour Chibuzor Nestor Vitus Omoniyi Joseph Babatunde Chukwuemeke Favour Grace Uloma O. Chukwuemeka Chiamaka Emmanuel Adedamola Solomon Ayodeji Josiah Ayodele Muhammed Adebayo Dorcas Gbalti Etim Adedamola Samuel Mohammed

Ahmad Musa Okhumode Terkuma Ifeoluwa Lawal Temitayo Idoko Osagie Idah Anthony Osasogie Zhinom Mustapha Sulaiman Okiremute Muhammad Nana Ijuai Seun Edesiri Elsie Ayoade Ahmed Oyindamola Gusau Benjamin Esther Hamza Gbaradere Marvellous Deborah AYOMIDE Daniel Francis Ezra Moses Homoweto Dabiyak Ebere Ijeoma Idris

Agbonavbare Okwuchukwu Jonah Oluwaseun Taiwo Suleiman Muhammad Salamatu Toluwalase Raymond Paul Haniel Ebubechukwu Chukwubuikem Nchedoka Chizuruoke Chukwuemeka Ofobike Chimeziem Chidera Michael

Female Male Female Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Female Male Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Female Female Female Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Male Male Female Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Female Female Female Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Female Female Male Male Female Male Male Male MALE Male Male Male Female Female Female Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Female Female Male Female Male Female Female Male Male Male Female Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Male

1600101 U15EC1053 72764 2015/1/54570EM 15AF02177 142525 15/CS/MB/937 150402033 SSC1506772 150805035 DE.2015/0247 ENG1403451 15/BM/BC/1308 16/PH/1269 150807008 2015/198023 2015/199100 2015/195345 140561034 U15CV1078 20140057 CFC/15/16/231160 CMS/FBM/MLS/15/21606 190988 FUO/15/HIS/1735 2015/200958 186303 150710042 1601081 MEE/15/4561 65673967DH 191435 140402034 140710025 16/01/04/086 MNE/15/2668 65631081HD MCB/15U/2902 16/CS/MB/978 185846 PSC 1506400 MOUAU/CMP/14/23890 15/39584U/2 2015/1/54395CP 15/41996U/5 ENG/14/AGE/00182 U15CE1088 65950437HE 16/37156/UE MEE/15/2520 1510410106 150710049 URP/16D/2050 DE.2015/0795 SSC1506787 66364021EJ 2016/236975 MED1505185 2015/1/56026EH 2016/183080 UG14ICT004 ENG1403380 AHS/15/PHY/00189 DEN/15/DEN/00021 15/41392U/2 150601050 FOS/15/16/232308 2015/201005 192752 15/ENG07/026 150203015 15/39672U/2 2015/1/56030EH 192761 1410713027 U2015/6060241 192889 193077 192768 UJ/2015/NS/0818 UJ/2015/MD/0142 2015/1/54614EM MAC/2014/120 UJ/2014/MD/0007 UJ/2014/MD/0085 150201154 16/AR/EE/222 65374311AJ 1410704060 15/05/07/027 ENG1503994 150401060 2014214284 16/EG/ME/992 MEE/2014/028 150902087 BMS/15/PYS/00134 55394308JF UJ/2014/AR/0117 U15CH1158 MAC/2015/183 13/CS/MB/744 2015/197845 1600192 MCB/2014/125 150601005 65616367IA 2016/231686 2015/202566 187034 UJ/2014/MS/0006 U2014/3070009 150205125 2015364030

UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT

EMAIL ADDRESS

TELEPHONE

Covenant University, Ota Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo.

Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Covenant University Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.

University of Uyo, Uyo. University of Lagos, Akoka University of Benin,Benin City.

University of Lagos, Akoka Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Phc University of Benin,Benin City.

University of Uyo, Uyo. University of Uyo, Uyo. University of Lagos, Akoka University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Lagos State University, Ojo Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Delta State University, Abraka.

Ambros Alli University, Ekpoma.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan Federal University, Otuoke.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan Lagos State University, Ojo Covenant University, Ota. Federal University of Technology, Akure Federal University of Technology, Akure University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Lagos, Akoka Lagos State University, Ojo UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI Federal University of Technology, Akure Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola.

University of Uyo, Uyo. University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Benin,Benin City.

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

Bayaro University, Kano.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria University of Benin,Benin City.

Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

Federal University of Technology, Akure Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.

Lagos State University, Ojo Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Phc University of Benin,Benin City.

University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

Univesity of Nigeria - Nsukka University of Benin,Benin City.

Federal University of Technology, Minna.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Northwest University, Kano.

University of Benin,Benin City.

Bayaro University, Kano.

Bayaro University, Kano.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

University of Lagos, Akoka Delta State University, Abraka.

Univesity of Nigeria - Nsukka University of Ibadan, Ibadan Afe Babalola University , Ado-Ekiti, University of Lagos, Akoka Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

Federal University of Technology, Minna.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Jos, Jos. University of Jos, Jos. Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Jos, Jos. University of Jos, Jos. University of Lagos, Akoka Bowen University, Iwo Osun State Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.

University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri University of Benin,Benin City.

University of Lagos, Akoka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

University of Uyo, Uyo. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Lagos, Akoka Bayaro University, Kano.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria University of Jos, Jos. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Uyo, Uyo. University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Lagos, Akoka University of Lagos, Akoka University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Jos, Jos. University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt.

University of Lagos, Akoka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Architecture Economics International Studies and Diplomacy Mechanical Engineering Economics Applied chemistry Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Civil Engineering Economics and Statistics Computer science Chemical Engineering Computer Engineering Biochemistry Pharmacy Microbiology Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Microbiology Civil Engineering Accounting Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Medical Laboratory Technology/Science Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) History/International Studies Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Electrical/Electronics Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Electrical/Electronics Engineering Mechanical Engineering Computer science Adult Education Civil Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) MBBS Mining Engineering Biochemistry Microbiology Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Industrial Chemistry Industrial Mathematics/ Statistics Computer science Computer Engineering Computer Engineering Information Science Technology Agricultural Engineering Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Electrical/Electronics Engineering Mechanical Engineering Biology Education Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Urban and regional planning Marine Engineering Economics Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Pharmacy Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Chemical Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Computer science Chemical Engineering Physiotherapy Dentistry and Dental Technology Mechatronics Engineering Law Industrial Chemistry Medicine & Surgery Petroleum Engineering Petroleum Engineering Business Administration Mechanical and Production Engineering Chemical Engineering Industrial Production and Engineering Radiography Sociology Civil Engineering Economics Petroleum Engineering Computer science Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Accountancy/Accounting Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Accountancy/Accounting Economics Civil Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Food Science and Technology/Engineering Petroleum Engineering Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mass Communication Physiology Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Language and Linguistics Chemistry Accountancy/Accounting Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Microbiology Law Electrical/Electronics Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Civil Law Mechanical Engineering Accountancy/Finance/Accounting Gas Engineering Finance Computer Engineering

sharonkale40@yahoo.com zakieee666@gmail.com daniel_dents@yahoo.com Calebduniya45@gmail.com ebubechibuzo@yahoo.com dolaayo20@gmail.com edklinsmann227@gmail.com egborichard7@yahoo.com davidjamesomoh@gmail.com ehioroboevans@gmail.com ekpenyong.ekpes@gmail.com promisevekpo2@gmail.com Berlive15@yahoo.com preshfidel@yahoo.com nzubefavour34@gmail.com nwachukwuekpunobi95@gmail.com ekwuemeajuluchukwu@gmail.com vitusneyo007@gmail.com fairyjaba@rocketmail.com josepheleojo@gmail.com Emiola_samuel@yahoo.com kestoblast97@gmail.com rhodahope@ymail.com derayo98@gmail.com enyiazuroseline@gmail.com asogwachristian6@gmail.com ezeamiip@gmail.com angelezendu@gmail.com ezeebube5@gmail.com fabunmitoba@yahoo.com fabgraphicsng@gmail.com wolefadipe@gmail.com tolafafii@gmail.com faniyioluwatobi5@gmail.com mohammedbukarfannami@gmail.com fatuasefiyinfoluwa@gmail.com francis.gyiwodeyi@gmail.com georgegbalti009@gmail.com emmanuelgab03@gmail.com dammyg198.ag@gmail.com obedient26@gmail.com nezenwa60@gmail.com Ameen.m.goney@gmail.com guda.blessed@st.futminna.edu.ng iharunahardawa@gmail.com aliyuahmadhassan@yahoo.com nuramusamh@gmail.com Cutejosh2@gmail.com emmahembe@gmail.com samibidapo99@gmail.com ibrolaw05@gmail.com ibrahimtaofi@gmail.com yusufibraheem30@gmail.com exentrikadonis@gmail.com stanleyide@gmail.com dreesha01@yahoo.com ifeanyianthony17@yahoo.com richardihensek@yahoo.com iliyamanasseh324@gmail.com abubakar.murtala55@gmail.com isasulaimanisa@gmail.com mercyisaac435@yahoo.com rahmereesah@gmail.com firdausiishaq@yahoo.com simonjacob496@gmail.com jagirifox@gmail.com victory.jeremiah@yahoo.com amarajiburu@gmail.com Muhammedjimoh47@gmail.com adewalejolaade1@gmail.com joviunique@gmail.com biscuitxa2@gmail.com chemisbam@gmail.com Kassimdotun@gmail.com Radmaryam0012@gmail.com wizdokianen6@gmail.com marvelloussamkayode@gmail.com teekaytk4@gmail.com eezraelayomhide@gmail.com mosesdaniel98@yahoo.com peterkyakkyes@gmail.com yaalamiri@gmail.com phlawalmoses@gmail.com linushapiyati@gmail.com nasser4jc@gmail.com faithab18@gmail.com dmacpepple@ymail.com madukaconfidenceij@gmail.com abumaibasira@gmail.com talk2dorcasmaigida@gmail.com mekunyefrancis@gmail.com etiosa15good@yahoo.com giftmodekwe@gmail.com 081vicmon@gmail.com joshuamoore.mj@gmail.com taiwodorcas123@yahoo.com abbasginsau@yahoo.com Almustaphamukhtar@yahoo.com suzysalamatu@gmail.com musasuleiman716@gmail.com toluwalasehalima@gmail.com evojournals@gmail.com ndubisichibuzor@gmail.com n.agbeb@frsc.gov.ng haniel.nkadi666@gmail.com ngo.lovejsu@gmail.com nnajinwokoma@gmail.com oganmarlene@gmail.com praisenwabuisi@gmail.com emmanwachukwu034@gmail.com chinaza37@gmail.com nwalabright8@gmail.com ricknoel73@gmail.com michael4sure20@gmail.com

0803 309-4091 0818 350-8058 0907 131 5310 0706 231-4249 0803 326 2893 0705 618-8844 0817 480-0663 0812 142-0855 0909 109-3188 0809 280-1404 0903 765-6708 0818 628-1254 0816 616-6695 0817 410-5128 0817 081-5462 0813 743-4259 0803 669-4321 0706 355-9703 0903 904-4841 0818 899-6388 0816 469-7504 0807 944-5198 0816 163-2290 0818 229-8179 0812 024 5960 0806 745-5484 0816 064-8706 0812 454-8983 0810 635-2911 0817 964-5474 0810 156-3800 0705 478-6272 0817 639-3885 0812 785-5728 0806 814 2360 0806 645-2010 0803 589-9374 0909 325-5551 0706 245-4655 0816 011-7045 0809 600-5883 0814 956 5340 0806 112-9423 0708 704-1629 0703 980-4998 0802 331-0305 0803 597-6005 0818 233-6574 0817 516-2677 0909 038-0904 0805 426-3694 0807 182-3285 0706 419 0743 0816 382-4200 0803 633-0119 0805 628-9213 0908 373 6527 0705 402-7776 0909 912-5110 0812 478-4837 0817 626-1476 0806 789-9011 0703 432-6397 0909 636-9653 0708 002-2021 0817 020-3216 0810 402-2602 0905 187-9881 0706 286-1768 0903 764-5875 0805 888-5670 0816 741-3920 0706 187-6900 0903 667-5481 0703 243 3624 0812 953-5672 0816 375-2417 0810 999-8218 0903 914-1799 0818 990-7791 0810 088-2435 0806 419 5669 0809 441-0583 0703 494-8465 0814 008-6228 0909 934-7028 0803 312-5923 0806 774-0738 0814 130-1709 0810 600-7819 0909 135-0357 0818 534-1243 0813 366-2393 0809 918-6982 0903 286-9837 0802 694-6044 0803 273-3515 0816 480-5435 0902 255-1397 0813 264-4698 0817 142-3824 0708 569-6197 0818 233-0852 0806 372-4396 0706 280-2298 0802 600-2876 0802 782 9252 0808 931-0265 0706 595-3675 0812 159-4994 0806 388-2792 0806 312-5047 0810 298-6860 0806 069-7123

32

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

LIST OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR THE 2016/2017 NNPC/TOTAL NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD (Cont’d) S/N

CANDIDATE ID

SURNAME

NAME (FIRST) NAME (MIDDLE)

212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 166 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322

78262 93735 82822 78883 81967 81653 80953 84108 90461 93753 86034 78957 83846 84389 77834 78324 79955 80024 77190 78411 85104 79279 83415 93752 84052 86052 93525 93282 79619 82350 83910 88712 85427 78590 81650 93749 91395 87080 79821 82103 87179 89084 78197 86029 79859 93452 87909 89907 88340 88529 91740 88284 83091 89889 78512 82495 85206 84584 83731 84919 83094 98121 82361 87722 93747 84317 81137 85881 93344 92236 76627 77760 81057 76859 91947 79425 93370 77100 87163 81726 80095 85964 88160 82627 82805 84759 86332 78775 87533 79585 88900 88430 77377 80772 87438 92636 82673 78208 93763 88817 93743 93769 76658 92146 80767 84015 80661 92202 80495 98117 77581 87191

Nwayor Nzelibe Obadiah Obieze Odang Odeniyi Odey-Osha Odidi Oduguwa Odunze Offorbuike Ofili Ogbodo Ogbonna Ogechukwu Ogunbiyi Ogundimu Ogundoju Oguntola Oguntoye Ogweda Ojo Ojo Ojo Ojukwu Okafor Okemuyiwa Okike Okonkwo Okonkwo Okonkwo Okonkwo Okorie Okoro Okoroego Okpala Okpara Okundaye Okunoye Olaiya Olaiya Olasunkanmi Olawoyin Olawunmi Olopade Oloto Olowojolu Olowolagba Olusanya Olutayo-Irheren Oluwaseun Oluwaseyi Oluwayomi Omirinde Omolayo Omotuyi Onah Oni Onibudo Onietan Ononiwu Onuoha Onyeleonu Onyemaechi Oreoluwa Osuagwu Oti Owieadolor Owotorufa Oyefolu Pimeh Poloma Rahman Randle Roy-layinde Rufai Sa'id Salami Salau Salihi Salman Samuel Samuel Sanni Sanni Sanusi Sanwoolu Shehu Sulaimon Suleimam Tahir Tatasumbu Timilehin Toheeb Tsokwa Udeani Ugwoke Ugwuja Ukomadu Umar Umar Umar Umar Muktar Uno Uzodinma Wakili Yahaya Yohanna Yunusa Yunusa Yusuf Zagha

Isioma Somtochukwu Emo Nwosu Omoha Ojo Inokarare Blessing Ifeoluwa Elizabeth Chiamaka Paul David Chukwuemeka Uchechukwu Eyitayo Oluwasegun Elijah Qudus Rachael Haruna Elijah Oluwatobi Joseph Chidiebere Israel Olawale Martins Mathew Ugochukwu Ifeanyichukwu Chiamaka Chika Daniel Oluchi Divine Promise Oluwasemiloore Olayinka Oluwatobi Fatimat Timilehin Faith Oluwafisayo Tofunmi Nkemakonam Ashley Zainab Fountain Joshua Kayode Akanbi Emmanuel Adewale Isaac Oluwadamilola Cecilia Daniel Oluwatofunmi Ibukun Ononiwu Chideraa Macdaniel Confidence Abiodun Oluchi Chukwuka Osatohanmwen Mieye Peter Daniel Joy Mariam Emmanuel Ayoola Salim Ilham Femi faruq Adamu Bilaal israel Kabari Mardhiyah Abdurrahman Habeeb Toluwalakin Jibril Abdullahi Yahaya Balarabe Stephen Adeleye Toheeb Kebou Chukwuebuka Albert Collins Chijioke Munir Adamu Fari Rabiyatu Joseph Fortune Bilkisu Hafsat Christopher Surajo Alhassan Omogbolahan Akeerebari

Jessica Onyinyechukwu Ernest Philip Marvelene Atinuke Oluwasegun Oluchi Bianca Onyedikachi Friday Peter Oluwadurotimi Ayotunde Oluwatobi Omogbolahan Jesutofunmi Ozemoya Ayodele Ebenezer Toluwani Basil Chiwendu Oluwaseun Chinedu Okwudilichukwu George Gregory Umeadi Stephanie Joseph Ugochukwu Uchechi Mmesoma Chukwuemeka Jude Simon Abiodun Abeke Taiwo Olamide Anthony Joseph Agartha Inioluwa Tofunmi Moyanoluwa Omobolarin Esther Precious Kehinde Francis Temiloluwa Deborah Karen Opemiposi Ahmed Gift Chiamaka Sandra Ogechukwu Ngozi Oluwakemi Chizorom Emmanuel Lois Kayode Menege Adesola Iyanuoluwa Elias Mohammed Hope Dolapo Adamu Olaoluwa Oluwatobiloba Olamide Eniola Olawale Victor Aliyu Olalekan Ohinoyi Abubakar Ayingatu Adekola Emmanuel Louis Olisaeloka Kanayochukwu Bashir Mohammad Maimuna Edet Chizurum Ali Hikon

Muiz Leniye

GENDER Female Male Male Male Male Male Female Female Male Female Female Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Male Male Female Female Male Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Female Female Female Male Male Female Female Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Female Female Female Male Female Female Female Male Female Male Male Male Female Female Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male Male MALE Male Male Female Female Male Male Female Male Male Male Male Male Male

MATRICULATION NUMBER GPY/2014/027 2014105007 56395625ea 2014/1928495 15/32813/UE 191033 15/38962U/2 191037 184721 MOUAU/FST/14/20857 191039 150403041 MAC/2014/137 140901080 2014/194557 150408005 ARC/15/2764 186363 191044 150201137 140806019 185482 150402058 PIE/16/8301 BMS1502055 U14CE1044 150401020 20151936003 20151017293 COT/1272/2015 2015/197234 150803019 2015544010 192818 BD/14/69935 15AH02446 192429 ENG1503926 MME/14/8159 EGL/2015/414 150561142 150901528 186396 191069 150409053 2016/1231375 15/30gb110 ECN/2014/079 LAW/2015/238 16/ENG06/058 20140075 CLI/2015/020 15/77JD155 150710085 EEG/2015/097 MEE/2015/063 15/39156/UE 65599603CJ 150501013 191084 65847677II FUNAI/B.SC/15/1811 2015/198781 2014/159143 16/AR/EE/222 20151017384 2015/199969 15CF02668 20151928615 ENG1503538 ENG1503870 UJ/2015/MD/0136 150501009 150402017 150401006 141792 JM0178345043 2015/201839 192525 UG15/MDMD/1011 20151318 150501005 U2015/5565075 EEG/2014/102 193594 192892 150408021 CLS/15/MBB/00215 150813015 150403031 15/52HA018 15281098 140404013 14/77JA056 U15CO1030 2015/199872 2015//198098 2015/200011 15/LAW01/195 AGR/15/AGR/00374 15/08/06/092 GLY/16U/4859 15/05/05/006 15CI02779 20151015073 bayer 35197256AH UR201501627 U15NS1037 U15HU1042 140901041 U2015/5565002

UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT

EMAIL ADDRESS

TELEPHONE

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University, Uli. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Federal University of Technology - Owerri Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Ibadan, Ibadan Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Lagos, Akoka Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Lagos, Akoka University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Lagos, Akoka Federal University of Technology, Akure University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Lagos, Akoka University of Lagos, Akoka University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Lagos, Akoka Federal University of Technology, Akure University of Benin,Benin City.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria University of Lagos, Akoka Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Lagos, Akoka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Benin,Benin City.

Federal University of Technology, Akure Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Lagos State University, Ojo University of Lagos, Akoka University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Lagos, Akoka University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Afe Babalola University, ADO-EKITI. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

Lagos State University, Ojo Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

University of Lagos, Akoka University of Lagos, Akoka University of Ibadan, Ibadan Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Federal University, Ndufu Aleke, Ikpo, Abakaliki University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Enugu State University of Science & Technolgy Bowen University, Iwo Osun State Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Covenant University, Ota. Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

University of Benin,Benin City.

University of Benin,Benin City.

University of Jos, Jos. University of Lagos, Akoka University of Lagos, Akoka University of Lagos, Akoka Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.

Al-Qalam University, Dutsinma.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Ibadan, Ibadan Gombe State University,Gombe Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

University of Lagos, Akoka University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Ibadan, Ibadan University of Lagos, Akoka Bayaro University, Kano.

University of Lagos, Akoka University of Lagos, Akoka University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

University of Abuja, Gwagwalada.

University of Lagos, Akoka University of Ilorin, Ilorin.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Afe-Babalola Ado Ekiti Bayaro University, Kano.

University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri Modibbo Adama University of Technology University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri Covenant University, Ota. Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Bayaro University, Kano.

Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.

Federal University, Wukari.

Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria University of Lagos, Akoka University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt.

Geography Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering Geology Electrical/Electronics Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Mechatronics Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Food Science Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Electrical/Electronics Engineering Accountancy/Accounting Economics Geography Computer Engineering Architecture Mechanical Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Accountancy/Accounting Mathematics and Statistics Pharmacy Civil Engineering Production and Industrial Engineering Physiology Chemical Engineering Chemical Engineering Petroleum Engineering Petrochemical Engineering Chemical Engineering Physical Sciences Botany Pure and Industrial Chemistry Electrical/Electronics Engineering English and Literary Studies International and Comparative Politics Chemistry Mechanical Engineering Metallurgical & Material Engineering English Language Microbiology Economics Electrical/Electronics Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Petroleum Engineering Law Civil Engineering Economics Law MECHANICAL Accounting Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Sociology Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Electrical/Electronics Engineering Mechanical Engineering Botany Electrical/Electronics Engineering Architecture Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Chemical Engineering Dept. of Accountancy Mechanical Engineering Pharmacy Economics Petroleum Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Chemical Engineering Geology Chemical Engineering Electrical/Electronics Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Architecture Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering Geology Computer science Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Microbiology Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Mechatronics Engineering Architecture Geology Electrical/Electronics Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Computer Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Applied Geophysics Electrical/Electronics Engineering Computer science Biology Mechanical Engineering Economics Computer Engineering Electrical/Electronics Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Medical Laboratory Technology/Science PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LAW Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics Microbiology Geology Electrical/Electronics Engineering Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Medicine and Surgery (Human Medicine) Mathematics and Statistics Nursing/Nursing Science Hausa Economics Geology

starishjinc@gmail.com nzelibes@gmail.com Jagzyemoobadiah@gmail.com hendrixenoxy@gmail.com matrixcoil@yahoo.com philipodeniyiojo@yahoo.com odeyinore@gmail.com bodidi4real1@gmail.com ifeoluguwa@gmail.com Oluchielizabeth80@gmail.com biancepeace98@gmail.com paulofili16@gmail.com Ogbodo_david@yahoo.com emekaogbonna49@gmail.com ucheoge@gmail.com tayooluwadurotimi@yahoo.com Panshegman@gmail.com dgee3261@gmail.com oguntolaqudus@gmail.com jbeautygty@gmail.com hogweda@yahoo.com sirea482@gmail.com Thobs.ebenezer.101@gmail.com toluwanio88@gmail.com ojukwuchidiebere86@yahoo.com easybozz@gmail.com okemuyiwaseun@gmail.com olotolivinus@yahoo.com oparakuemmanuel@gmx.com General.g999@yahoo.com ifeanyiokonkwo40@gmail.com chi.amy90@yahoo.com chikaokorie38@gmail.com ugookorodaniel620@gmail.com successsilas4real@gmail.com jndibeokpala@yahoo.com okparapromise60@yahoo.com osamuyimen28@gmail.com olayinkaokunoye@yahoo.com tobiabiodun126@gmail.com olaiyafatimat45@gmail.com olasunkanmitimilehin@gmail.com Olawoyinfaith1998@gmail.com olawunmioluwafisayo@gmail.com titoplus99@gmail.com EZINNECHIDIOBI@GMAIL.COM olowojoluashley@yahoo.com zainab.olowolagba@gmail.com familytent@yahoo.co.uk jolutayo13@gmail.com kayodeesther1995@yahoo.com oluwaseyip05@gmail.com oluwayomiemmanuel277@gmail.com omirindeadewale@gmail.com iomolayo2541@gmail.com omotuyidharmie@gmail.com karenisgreat2016@gmail.com quaver.ph@gmail.com bobbyonibudo@gmail.com onietangift@gmail.com chinwenducecilia1@gmail.com veronicalivinus@yahoo.com ogechukwumacdaniel7@gmail.com onyemaechiconfidence@gmail.com yinkaabiodun@yahoo.com oparaahuekwe@yahoo.com chukwukaemmanuel12@gmail.com oghosaowieadolor@yahoo.com nwachukwuchijioke33@yahoo.com oyefolukaypeter@gmail.com pimehD@gmail.com polomamenege@gmail.com olasubomir@gmail.com peonyngltd@gmail.com Roylayindeay0@gmail.com salimahmadr@gmail.com umkoolsaid@gmail.com alphawing2009@yahoo.com faruqsalau@yahoo.com salihiadamuadamu@gmail.com mbilaalme@gmail.com timisamuel204@gmail.com buzzdudu@gmail.com sanniolamide821@yahoo.com abdurrahmansanni@gmail.com Habeebsanusi25@gmail.com sanwoolutolu@gmail.com jibril.abs@gmail.com Abdulsulaimon1000@gmail.com yahaya.suleiman2204@gmail.com tahirbalarabe3@gmail.com Rhapsodyesoteric@gmail.com timilehin4real@yahoo.com Aminu.toyeeb@yahoo.com keboutsokwa@gmail.com udeani96@gmail.com anthonymunachi@gmail.com evaristuseze24@gmail.com ukomaduchijioke@gmail.com munirbash355@gmail.com adamumar411@gmail.com maimunatumarfari@gmail.com bintabshehu@yahoo.com Unojoe99@gmail.com fortuneuzodinma@gmail.com ameererhalee@gmail.com hafsyahaya@gmail.com christopheryohannahikon@gmail.com abusumayya1037@gmail.com Yunusaalhassan2015@gmail.com youngman.gg@gmail.com kescozagha@gmail.com

0818 485-1174 0903 324-6824 0708 594-2578 0803 074-5591 0703 015-4207 0706 881-6592 0813 627-3794 0813 187-9266 0708 866-5434 0816 957 7069 0703 781-5959 0813 196-1968 0812 681-5496 0817 188-1345 0803 836-0163 0708 366-5033 0708 324-7806 0814 322-7700 0816 297-2354 0816 896-5322 0905 734-1574 0706 789-8311 0903 204-2797 0701 075 6831 0706 192-3392 0810 306-0870 0909 642-2955 0903 113-9647 0706 284-5254 0902 629-1984 0803 611-4558 0806 039-3023 0810 736-3777 0817 572-7192 0806 887-2198 0909 216 9840 0703 910-6733 0817 382-6499 0907 724-1120 0803 280-6708 0803 887-4991 0818 369-3327 0810 722-1377 0814 788-4991 0903 367-8670 0903 072-8706 0810 974-6845 0706 833-1296 0813 056-1063 0807 118-3882 0810 529-7892 0809 057-4982 0816 899-7229 0810 316-3450 0902 947-0035 0809 388-3522 0706 308-5100 0810 258-7711 0908 071-1448 0814 599-1355 0909 362-5806 0808 220 8250 0803 836-2538 0813 496-7346 0809 701 5999 0813 765-0935 0817 038-1042 0803 333-1232 0813 454-5045 0703 431-8431 0808 272-1473 0703 856-7496 0902 367-4651 0802 312-3300 0701 289-3071 0703 345-4846 0809 886-9964 0809 477-9944 0909 806-7300 0703 266-2217 0806 832-8574 0817 746-5185 0806 242-4770 0903 212-2679 0814 110-7321 0809 138-6421 0817 759-2013 0803 252-1959 0809 669-3312 0909 679-4908 0706 826-5470 0817 813-6167 0814 655-2089 0813 864-0705 0706 899-2052 0813 769-5552 0706 388-0325 0813 474-8058 0818 630 0156 0703 465-9514 0706 914 4717 0806 295 7929 0803 228-8032 0803 349-5186 0816 209-3572 0816 935-6096 0902 333-7965 0816 495-7987 0818 471-5296 0703 558 0378 0818 927-5995 0806 887-9608

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA NIGER DELTA BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 21 AZIKIWE ROAD, P.M.B 5676 PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE

INVITATION FOR SUBMISSION OF TECHNICAL BIDS FROM INTERESTED BIDDERS FOR PROJECTS AND SERVICES UNDER 2017 APPROPRIATION ACT 1.0 INTRODUCTION Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA) is a Parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources charged with the responsibility for Comprehensive Development of Surface and Ground Water Resources, Flood and Erosion Control etc in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States. The Authority intends to carry out Procurement for the various Projects and Services under its 2017 Appropriation.

b) c) d) e)

1.1 Niger Delta Basin Development Authority hereby invites submission for Technical bidsfor prequalification from interested and competent Contractors and Consultants for the Projects and Services in the 2017 Appropriation under the following categories;

f) g)

WORKS    

h) i) j) k) l)

LOT 1: Water Supply Works LOT 2 : Construction of Agricultural Infrastructures LOT 3: Civil and Rehabilitation Works LOT4 : Power Installation Works

CONSULTANCY SERVICES  LOT4: Project Monitoring / evaluation and capacity building.  LOT5: Farm management  LOT6: Study and Design of Agricultural Machinery GOODS 

m) n) o)

(i)

LOT 7: Supply of Agricultural Services Machinery, Laboratory and Water factory Equipment

2.0 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Interested Companies are to provide the following as minimum technical requirements for the project and services of their choice.

2.1 a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) l) m) n)

For Consultancy Services Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by inclusion of certificate of Incorporation and Article of Association.

Last 3 years, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Tax Clearance Certificates with Tax Identification Number (TIN) Evidence of Pencom Compliance Clearance Certificate for 2017.

Detailed Company Profile with evidence of possession of adequate personnel with curriculum vitae (CV) and the ability to perform the obligation of the contract and the Project with least 10years experience in the study and design of project that were similar in nature.

Evidence of experience in at least five (5) jobs of similar nature , completely executed or ongoing within the last ten (10) years with verifiable letters of contract award, evidence of payment and certificates of job completion.

For Joint Venture (JVs), include Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Evidence of Company Registration with relevant professional bodies such as ARCON, COREN, ICCON and IPAN. Possession of satisfactory Quality Assurance/Quality Control manuals.

Evidence of qualification of key staff and their registration with the relevant regulatory professional bodies.

Annual Audit reports for the last 3 years (2014, 2015 & 2016).

Verifiable Evidence of compliance with the Industrial Training Fund Amendment Act 2011 by inclusion of Compliance Clearance Certificate from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for 2017 Verifiable evidence of registration on the National Database of Consultants, Contractors, and service Providers (NDCCSP) with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) as evidence of compliance.

Evidence of National social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Clearance Certificate for 2017.

A Company bid document with the following:(i) Sworn affidavit in line with provision of part iv section 16 sub-section 6(f) of the public Procurement Act 2007 stating that all documents/ information presented are genuine and verifiable. (ii) The director(s) of the firm has/ have never been convicted in any Court of Law within or outside Nigeria. (iii) None of the company's directors or the Company itself is bankrupt. (iv) None of the officers of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority or Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present staff of the company. (v) The company is not in receivership.

NB: Original of documents 2.1 (a c, k- n) above should be produced for sighting on request/during the opening session. PLEASE NOTE THAT SUBMISSION OF FAKE DOCUMENTS IS A FRAUDULENT PRACTICE WHICH IS PUNISHABLE UNDER THE RELEVANT LAWS. All companies will be assessed strictly on proofs of documents submitted.

2.2. a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k)

For Goods Evidence of registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by inclusion of certificate of Incorporation and Article of Association.

Last 3 years, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Tax Clearance Certificates with Tax Identification Number (TIN) Evidence of Pencom Compliance Clearance Certificate for 2017.

Detailed Company Profile which should include list of key personnel, their qualifications (certificates and cvs) and experience in similar work) Evidence of experience in at least five (5) jobs of similar nature and completely executed or ongoing within the least three (3) years with verifiable letters of contract award, evidence of payment and certificates of job completion.

Evidence of financial capability/reference letter from a reputable bank.

For joint Ventures (JVs), include Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Possession of satisfactory Quality Assurance/Quality Control manuals.

Full account details including sort code.

Annual Audit reports for the last 3 Years (2014, 2015 & 2016).

Verifiable evidence of compliance with the Industrial Training Fund Amendment Act 2011 by inclusion of compliance Clearance Certificate from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for 2017

l)

Verifiable evidence of registration on the National Database of Consultants, Contractors, and service Providers (NDCCSP) with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) as evidence of compliance.

m)

Evidence of National social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Clearance Certificate for 2017.

n)

A Company bid document with the following:(i) Sworn affidavit in line with provision of part iv section 16 sub-section 6(f) of the public Procurement Act 2007 stating that all documents/ information presented are genuine and verifiable. (ii) The director(s) of the firm has/ have never been convicted in any Court of Law within or outside Nigeria. (iii) None of the company's directors or the Company itself is bankrupt. (iv) None of the officers of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority or Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present staff of the company. (v) The company is not in receivership.

NB: Original of documents 2.2 (a c, j - n) above should be produced for sighting on request/during the opening session. PLEASE NOTE THAT SUBMISSION OF FAKE DOCUMENTS IS A FRAUDULENT PRACTICE WHICH IS PUNISHABLE UNDER THE RELEVANT LAWS. All companies will be assessed strictly on proofs of documents submitted.

2.3 a)

For Works Evidence of Registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by inclusion of Certificate of Incorporation and Article of Association.

Last 3 years, 2014, 2015 & 2016 Tax Clearance Certificates with Tax Identification Number (TIN) Evidence of Pencom Compliance Clearance Certificate.

Detailed Company Profile which should include list of key personnel, their qualifications (certificates& CVs) and experience in similar jobs Evidence of experience in at least five (5) jobs of similar nature and completely executed or ongoing within the last ten (10) years with verifiable letters of contracts of award, evidence of payment and certificates of completion.

Evidence of financial capability/reference letter from a reputable bank.

Evidence of verifiable list of major construction equipment and facilities including registration numbers, location (where they can be inspected) and remark on whether these are owned, hired or leased.

For Joint Ventures (JVs), include Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Full accounts details including SORT code.

Possession of satisfactory Quality Assurance/Quality Control manuals Annual Audit reports for the last 3 Years (2014, 2015 & 2016) Verifiable evidence of compliance with the Industrial Training Fund Amendment Act 2011 by inclusion of Compliance Clearance Certificate from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for 2017.

Verifiable evidence of registration on the National Database of Consultants, Contractors, and service Providers (NDCCSP) with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) as evidence of compliance.

Evidence of National social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Clearance Certificate for 2017.

A Company bid document with the following:-

(ii) (iii) (iv) (v)

Sworn affidavit in line with provision of part iv section 16 sub-section 6(f) of the public Procurement Act 2007 stating that all documents/ information presented are genuine and verifiable.

The director(s) of the firm has/ have never been convicted in any Court of Law within or outside Nigeria.

None of the company's directors or the Company itself is bankrupt.

None of the officers of the Niger delta Basin Development Authority or Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present staff of the company.

The company is not in receivership.

NB: Original of documents 2.3 (a c, l - o) above should be produced for sighting on request/during the opening session. PLEASE NOTE THAT SUBMISSION OF FAKE DOCUMENTS IS A FRAUDULENT PRACTICE WHICH IS PUNISHABLE UNDER THE RELEVANT LAWS. All companies will be assessed strictly on proof of documents submitted.

3.0 i ii

COLLECTION OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS All contractors must renew their registration with the Authority.

Technical (Standard Bidding document) Documents will be available for collection from 12 Noon on Tuesday 2nd May 2017 upon the presentation of evidence of payment of non-refundable tender fee of N20,000 .00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) only, for Works) only , Nil for Consultancy Services and N10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Naira) only, for Goods and General Services into the Authority's Central Bank Account as follows: Account Name: Niger Delta Basin Development Authority Remita E- Collection IGR Account Number 0120179561013 (alternatively, collect Remita Reference Retrieval (RRR) Number from the cashier before paying through commercial bank) at the Authority's Conference Hall Headquarters premises , Port Harcourt

iii

All terms and conditions in the collected Technical Documents must be strictly adhered to, please.

4.0 i

SUBMISSION OF COMPLETED TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS Two (2) hard copies of Completed Technical document with 'project category and Lot Number” at the top right hand corner of the envelope and addressed to: THE MANAGING DIRECTOR NIGER DELTA BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY P.M.B. 21 AZIKIWE ROAD, 5676 PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, and drop in the bidding boxes at the Authority's Conference Hall, Headquarter premises, Port Harcourt.

ii

All Technical bid documents MUST be accompanied with duly signed submission letter by the bidders.

iii

All bidding documents submitted shall be subjected to Due Diligence in accordance with the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007.

5.0

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF BIDS The closing date for the submission in respect of all projects is on or before 12 noon, Tuesday 13 June, 2017. Any bid submitted after this date and time will be rejected.

6.0 i

OPENING OF BIDS Bids shall be opened same day immediately after deadline of submission at the Authority's Conference Hall, Headquarter premises, Port Harcourt.

Only Companies whose Technical bids fulfill the minimum requirements will be contacted to collect financial tender for the project of their choice.

All Companies bidding are expected to bring along the ORIGINAL COPIES of all relevant documents for sighting.

Non Governmental Organization (NGO) and the general public are hereby invited to witness the bids opening

ii iii iv 7.0

ENQUIRIES All enquiries should be directed: HEAD OF PROCUREMENT NIGER DELTA BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY P.M.B. 21 AZIKIWE ROAD, 5676, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE Phone: 07035288650 E-mail: nkesekatey@yahoo.com OR: visit AUTHORITY'S WEBSITE www.ndbda.gov.ng

8.0

DISCLAIMER AND CONCLUSION

8.1

This announcement is published for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer by the Authority to transact with any party for the project and services listed, nor does it constitute a commitment or obligation on the part of the Authority to procure/ concession services.

8.2

The Authority will not be responsible for any cost or expenses incurred by any interested party(ies) in connection with any response to this invitation and or the preparation or submission in response to an inquiry.

8.3

The Authority pledges fair and equal treatment of all participants but is not bound to shortlist any bidder and reserves the right to annul the selection process at any time without incurring any liability whatsoever.

SIGNED THE MANAGING DIRECTOR NIGER DELTA BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.

40

TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

France Election: Le Pen Attacks Macron As ‘Candidate of Continuity’

Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has accused her pro-EU centrist rival Emmanuel Macron of being the “candidate of continuity”.

She linked Mr Macron to the unpopular current President, François Hollande, in whose cabinet he once served.

Ms Le Pen trails Mr Macron in the polls by about 20 percentage points ahead of Sunday’s second round of voting.

Mr Macron, who will hold a rally later, earlier told the BBC the EU must reform or face the prospect of “Frexit”.

Meanwhile, clashes have

Defiant North Korea Hints at Nuclear Tests to Boost Force ‘To the Maximum’ North Korea suggested on Monday it will continue its nuclear weapons tests, saying it will bolster its nuclear force“to the maximum”in a“consecutive and successive way at any moment”in the face of what it calls U.S. aggression and hysteria.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said a“major, major conflict” with North Korea is possible over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, while China said last week the situation on the Korean peninsula could escalate or slip out of control.

In a show of force, the United States has sent the nuclear-powered USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier group to waters off the Korean peninsula to join drills with South Korea to counter a series of threats

of destruction from North Korea, formally known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

“Now that the U.S. is kicking up the overall racket for sanctions and pressure against the DPRK, pursuant to its new DPRK policy called ‘maximum pressure and engagement’, the DPRK will speed up at the maximum pace the measure for bolstering its nuclear deterrence,” a spokesman for North Korea’s foreign ministry said in a statement carried by its official KCNA news agency.

North Korea’s “measures for bolstering the nuclear force to the maximum will be taken in a consecutive and successive way at any moment and any place decided by its supreme leadership,” the spokesman said.

broken out between police and protesters on the sidelines of a traditional May Day labour march in Paris.

Three officers were hurt when masked demonstrators threw petrol bombs at police who responded with tear gas, authorities said.

The violence happened near Place de la Bastille as the march, led by three trade

unions, headed towards another square.

Although five major unions have urged their members not to vote for National Front (FN) leader Ms Le Pen, only two have expressed their support for Mr Macron.

Earlier, Ms Le Pen’s estranged 88-year-old father and the founder of the FN was at a rally by the statue of Joan of

Arc, a long-time symbol of patriotism for the FN. This is where Jean-Marie Le Pen traditionally held his May Day rallies but this year’s event was attended by only a couple of hundred of the party’s old guard, the BBC’s Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield reports.

Marine Le Pen has sought to modernise the FN in recent

years and at her rally in Paris, she called herself the candidate of change, belief and action.

She launched a full-throttled attack on Mr Macron, calling him the candidate of “a morbid continuity, littered with the corpses of jobs transferred offshore, the ruins of bust businesses, and the gaping holes of deficit and debt”.

Hamas to Soften Stance on Israel, Muslim Brotherhood in Policy Document – Arab Sources The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas will drop its long-standing call for Israel’s destruction as well as its association with the Muslim Brotherhood in a new policy document to be issued on Monday, Gulf Arab sources said.

Hamas’s move appears aimed at improving relations with the West, Gulf Arab states and Egypt, which label the Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation.

Many Western countries classify Hamas as a terrorist group over its failure to

renounce violence, recognise Israel’s right to exist and accept existing interim Israeli-Palestinian peace agreements.

Israel rejected the reported document, calling it an attempt by Hamas to delude the world that it was becoming a more moderate group.

The Gulf Arab sources said Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, will say in the document that it agrees to a transitional Palestinian state along the borders

from 1967, when Israel captured Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem in a war with Arab states.

Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005.

A future state encompassing Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem along 1967 borders is the goal of Hamas’ main political rival, the Fatah movement led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. His Palestinian Authority has engaged in peace talks with Israel on that basis, although the last, U.S.-mediated round

collapsed three years ago.

The revised Hamas political document, to be announced later on Monday, will still reject Israel’s right to exist and back “armed struggle” against it, the Gulf Arab sources told Reuters.

“Hamas is attempting to fool the world but it will not succeed,” said David Keyes, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “They dig terror tunnels and have launched thousands upon thousands of missiles at Israeli civilians,” he said.

TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017• T H I S D AY

41

NEWS

News Editor Davidson Iriekpen Email davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081

Executive, Senate Face-off May Linger over Magu Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The disagreement between the Executive and the Senate which deepened following the decision of the upper legislative chamber not to confirm Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may worsen in the coming weeks.

This is because almost six weeks after Magu’s rejection based on the report of the Department of State Services (DSS) which indicted him for “criminal and unprofessional conduct”, President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to formally respond to the Senate memo, which conveyed the rejection to him.

The Senate, in response, placed a two week suspension on the screening

process for the confirmation of 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as on ministerial nominees.

The two-week suspension has since expired.

Sources told THISDAY that since the president had refused to take any action despite the two-week suspension, the lawmakers might be in a dilemma over the next step to adopt.

“There was no official communication from the president. We only heard the Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, say the appointment of Magu does not need legislative approval. So why send him to us in the first place. So we need a clearer interpretation of Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution,” a lawmaker

said.

He added: “We take those comments seriously coming from the VP, echoing a lawyer like Falana. As things are, a good number of senators are pushing that the Senate takes the media reports of the Presidency’s position on Section 171 as government’s position since the reports have not been refuted.

“Recall that the famous motion called Doctrine of Necessity was passed based on a broadcast from the British Broadcasting

Corporation (BBC), which was taken as communication from the then late President Umaru Yar’Adua.” Another lawmaker noted that the position of Osinbajo, which might translate to that of the presidency, officially indicated that former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, late Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, might have acted against the Constitution.

“It would also mean that Buhari himself erred by sending nominees to us for confirmation before

now. We would, therefore, need clarification on whether legislative approval is needed for the RECs, the ministers and the nominees for the board of Central Bank and the NDDC (Niger Delta Development Commission, and the nomination of the Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), before we know how to proceed,” he added.

THISDAY gathered that the Senate may have also been buoyed by the position of the House of Representatives,

which urged the President to seek an interpretation of Section 171, from the Supreme Court.

Attempts to seek further clarification from the Senate spokesperson, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, failed as his mobile numbers could not be reached.

It would be recalled that THISDAY had reported that the reconciliation committee set up by the Executive and headed by Osinbajo, to resolve all issues regarding nominations and confirmations, is yet to formally contact the Senate.

Don’t Drag Nigeria into Avoidable Doom, Bisi Akande Warns Those ‘Exploiting’ Buhari’s Health A former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bisi Akande, has said some people in the corridor of power are feasting on the health condition of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement yesterday, Akande said the president’s ailing health is taking a toll on the country.

He expressed fear that the country may be thrown into anarchy if Nigerians did not learn from history.

“These are two great red flag dangers that have the potential of plunging the country into unprecedented chaos and of destabilising the gains of democracy since 1999,” Akande said.

“The greatest danger, however, is for political interests at the corridor of power attempting to feast on the health of Mr. President in a dangerous manner that may aggravate the problems between the executive and the national assembly without realising if, in the end, it could drag the entire country into avoidable doom.

“Let me warn today that those who wish to harvest political gains out of the health of the president are mistaken. This is not Nigeria of 1993.

“We are in a new national and global era of constitutionalism and order.

We hope Nigerians have enough patience to learn from history.

“My greatest fear, however, is that the country should not be allowed to slide into anarchy and disorder of a “monumental proportion.”

Akande, according to TheCable, also spoke about a personal encounter he had with Buhari in December,

recalling the trip he and Bola Tinubu, national leader of the APC, made to London see Buhari.

He said he felt so bad that Buhari could not attend the wedding of his grandson in Kaduna on Saturday.

“I did not see President Buhari at the wedding of his grandson in Kaduna last Saturday. I was sad, and I wept,” Akande said.

“When last we met at the wedding of his daughter in Abuja last December, I complained to him that I was not happy about his stressful looks.

“His reply connoted some allusions to circumstances where an honest man fighting corruption is surrounded mostly by unpatriotic, greedy ruling class. He felt painfully frustrated.

“He assured me he would soon be going on vacation.

I then knew that corruption had effectively been fighting back. And I prayed for Nigeria.

“That was why Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and I rushed to meet him in London in February this year when he was sick and could not return as scheduled from his vacation.

“The rest is history, but we must appreciate that his poor health is already taking a toll on the health of Nigeria as a polity.”

He urged all Nigerians to pray for the president’s recovery, saying it was necessary to prevent Nigeria from being thrown into confusion.

“To avoid the ugly consequences of letting President Buhari’s ailments throw Nigeria into confusion, I am urging all Nigerians to begin to pray for his divine healing and perfect recovery,” he said.

TIME TO UNWIND

L-R: Chairman Tulip Cocoa Processing Limited, Mr. Segun Olugboyegun; Mr. Demola Akinrele (SAN); Managing Director/CEO, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje; and Mr. Jide Coker, at the closing ceremony of GTBank Food and Drink Fair in Lagos ....yesterday MUBO PETERS.

N7.2bn: N’Assembly to Re-Open Investigation of Misappropriation by IG Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

misappropriating the sum of N6 billion which was appropriated for There are indications the rehabilitation and 102 that the Senate and reconstruction of House of Representatives police stations to other Committees on Police uses without approval from Affairs are set to re- the National Assembly. He open investigations is also being investigated into allegations of the for using N1.2 billion misappropriation of approved for the purchase N7.2billion in the 2016 of 10 Armoured Personnel budget by the Inspector Carriers (APCs), for the General of Police (IG), purchase of 64 Toyota Hiace commuter vehicles.

Mr. Ibrahim Idris.

The expenditure The House committee had criminal begun the investigations constitutes last January with Idris offences as they were appearing behind closed done without virement, doors, but would now indicating contravention be joined by the Senate of the Appropriation Committee on Police Act, Fiscal Responsibility Affairs. Idris had however Act 2007 and the Public appeared before the Procurement Act 2007.

The investigation had committee after shunning its invitation three times, been stalled as relevant prompting the House at committees and lawmakers plenary to threaten to issue got busy with the budgetary a warrant for his arrest. process towards the passage Idris is accused of of the 2017 budget, initially

scheduled for March 2017.

It would however continue now that the committees are done with their work on the budget.

A member of the Police Affairs Committee who spoke with THISDAY off record, noted that the joint committees would revisit the matter due to its gravity.

“We’ll re-examine the issue to ensure proper utilisation of funds. As a parliament, we frown at any kind of diversion or misapplication of appropriated funds without recourse to the National Assembly. In fact, it is an impeachable offence.

Virement was requested for by the president let alone an IG,” he said.

Another lawmaker said it was merely a coincidence that the probe is being revisited after the raid by the police

on the Abuja home of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Danjuma Goje.

“It is just a co-incidence.

We are yet to conclude the probe, it was stalled because of the budget. Now we are about to continue, so it is not fair to say it is because of the raid. We are just doing our job, which we were elected to do,” he said.

THISDAY had reported last week that Idris was forced to return the documents and items seized from Goje’s house, after he was confronted with details of the misappropriation under his leadership.

The Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Halliru Dauda Jika (Bauchi APC), confirmed that the investigations would continue, but declined further comment on the investigation.

TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017• T H I S D AY

42

NEWSXTRA

PDP Seeks Unconditional Freedom for Lamido, Aliyu, Suswam Party warns against likely consequences

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under Senator Ahmed Makarfi has cried out to the international community, seeking its help to secure the immediate release of four of its former state governors who have been arrested and detained by security agencies.

The party said the excesses of the security agencies have now reached alarming proportions, warning that “If this ugly trend is not stopped forthwith, it may lead to breach of peace and public disorder.”

In a statement issued by the spokesman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Dayo Adeyeye, the party urged members of the international community to call the All Progressives Congress (APC) government particularly the APC governors whom it described as “overexcited and autocratic,” to order.

“We are therefore calling on the security agencies in the country to release unconditionally, Governor Sule Lamido; the former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam; former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, and all other political detainees in their custody. We are in a democracy and not a Gestapo state,” it said.

The opposition which said its attention has been drawn to the unwarranted arrest and detention of the former Governor of Jigawa State, Lamido, by men of the

Nigerian Police Force in Kano State, described the action as outrageous and anti-democratic.

It alleged that Lamido was arrested and detained last Sunday on the frivolous allegation of ‘inciting the public.

The PDP said the true reason for Lamido’s arrest had to do with the forthcoming local government elections in Jigawa State.

It also alleged that the long incarceration of Suswan is also linked to the forthcoming local government elections in Benue State.

“The APC-led administration is fast losing the confidence of the people because of its nonperformance, high handedness and lack of empathy for the suffering of the people. The only option left for it is to prevent the opposition from effectively campaigning and mobilising the people for the elections.

“The whole strategy of the failed APC government is founded on the assumption that if there is no opposition, then they cannot be defeated.

Hence the intimidation, harassment and incarceration of popular opposition leaders like Lamido. We are aware that we in the opposition will be in for a hard time in the run-up to the 2019 general election with more arrests and intimidation of our prominent leaders.

“For the record, President Muhammadu Buhari, before the 2011 general election, made several inciting statements against the rigging

of the elections with grave consequences thereafter. He was never arrested or detained.

“Nigerians cannot also forget some inciting statements credited to President Buhari ahead of the 2015 general election. Especially, Buhari, while addressing Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) members in Niger State, incited his audience in Hausa language that translates thus: ‘...If what happened in 2011 should again happen in 2015, by the grace of God, the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood.’

“For this statement and others as well, he was never invited,

arrested or detained by any of the security agencies under the PDP administration. It was not a sign of weakness by the PDP-led government. It was in deference to freedom of speech, democracy and peace.” PDP said.

It further accused APC of unleashing the Nigerian Police, the DSS and the EFCC to harass and intimidate court judges, opposition leaders, social media influencers/bloggers and other Nigerians who speak against the APC-led federal or state governments on fabricated charges just to cow them.

According to PDP, Lamido merely asked the people to

defend their votes against rigging, which is not a crime.

“If you are not planning to steal the peoples’ votes, why should you be afraid if the people are advised to defend their votes? Of course, no thief would want the owner to guide his house against burglary.

“The excesses of the security agencies have now reached alarming proportions. If they must be reminded, their mandate is to defend all Nigerians and not to act as a willing instrument of oppression of the people by the autocratic APC government.

“We want to also use this

opportunity to invite members of the international community to call the APC government particularly the overexcited and autocratic APC governors to order. They are the ones who are instigating the lawlessness as we saw in Kogi, Niger, Benue and now Jigawa State.

“If this ugly trend is not stopped forthwith, it may lead to breach of peace and public disorder. The APC leaders and governors should be held responsible for whatever is the outcome of this continuous intimidation of opposition members in the country,” the party stated.

WORKERS’ DAY RALLY

National Vice President, United Labour Congress of Nigeria (ULC), AlhaJI Kasimu Kadiri; National President,ULC, Joe Ajaero; Deputy Osinbajo Disagrees with Lai R-L: President, Achese Igwe; Chairman, ULC, Lagos State Council, N. A. Korodo; and Treasurer, ULC, Ocheme Aba, at the 2017 Workers’ Day ETOP UKUTT Mohammed, Says Nigeria’s rally organised by ULC at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos....yesterday.

Jollof Rice is the Best NCAA Conducts Alcohol, Drug Test on Airlines, ATC Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo Nobel prize to the Pulitzer.” has said Nigerians make the According to the TheCable, Personnel best jollof rice anywhere in the Osinbajo further said: “Only Suspends cabin crew who tested positive to marijuana world. last year, a Nigerian girl won Last week, while responding to a question by Richard Quest, CNN International Business Editor, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said Senegal makes the best jollof rice.

This led to an outrage on social media, and a correction by Quest. The anchor said the minister misheard the question and answered in error.

“No no no the minister misheard and thought I asked which country first created jollof rice. By bad mumbling of the question,” Quest tweeted.

Speaking at the Platform convened by Poju Oyemade, Senior Pastor of the Covenant Christian Centre, Osinbajo said Nigeria has the best talents across the world.

“We have everything, and our people are doing incredibly innovative things. For example, we are at the moment developing the most sophisticated animation technology in Africa,” he said.

“Our music and entertainment industry is the fastest growing in the world. Nigerians have won every prize in literature, from the

a gold medal at the Olympics, Morolake Akinosun. Last Saturday, a Nigerian boxer won the world heavyweight title. Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua won the WBA becoming the boxing champion of the world.

“Last year Oluyinka Olutoye, a Nigerian surgeon successfully took out a baby from her mother’s womb, operated on the womb, and put the baby back in, and the baby was carried full term and was born naturally — a feat previously unheard of.

“And of course, nobody is as funny as Nigerians, whether professional or amateur. We even have a member of the national assembly who recently launched a CD; Aje kun iya ni o je. Who hasn’t heard of Aje kun iya ni o je.

“We are the most innovative entrepreneurs. The other day someone showed me a text; the young man had invited him to a book launch titled: Seven Steps to Becoming a Professional Whistleblower.

“And by the way, we all know that Nigerian jollof rice is the best!

We beat the Ghanaians and the Senegalese hands down.”

Chinedu Eze The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that it conducted a random alcohol and drug tests on licensed technical personnel of two airlines and Air Traffic Control of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

The agency said the objective of the exercise was to ensure safety, and that it was directed by the Director General, Capt.

MuhtarUsman, in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulatory standards.

The spokesman of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye said the directive duly communicated in an Advisory Circular NCAA – AMS – 004 titled: ‘Drugs and Alcohol Policy for Air Operators Certificate holders, Air Navigation Service Providers and other aviation stakeholders,’ issued to the aviation industry on July 1, 2016, by the authority.

The agency said a total of 87 personnel from two airlines;

Air Peace, Medview Airline and Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) of NAMA were tested and they were randomly tested as they were about to embark on flight operations and air traffic control duties.

“There were 10 pilots and 19 Cabin crew from Air Peace Ltd while nine pilots and 32 Cabin crew were from MedviewAirlines.

Those tested include 10 pilots and about 19 cabin crew from Air Peace; nine pilots and about 32 cabin crew from Medview and 16 Air Traffic Controllers from NAMA. Others were from Air Navigation Service Providers, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), 16 of licensed Air Traffic Controllers and Trainees. 10 Licensed ATC and six Trainees are from the Control Tower and TRACON Centre.

However, out of the 87 personnel tested, only one crew member tested positive to psychoactive substance, Tetrahydro – Cannabinol

(Marijuana) and was immediately suspended by the Authority from carrying out further flight operations.

It carried further investigations to ascertain the quantity of the substance in the urine sample of the crew member.

“Quite clearly, the crew member violated the provisions of Part 2.11.1.7. (a) and Part 8.5.1.5(a) (3) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs 2015) NCAA has therefore sanctioned the offending aircrew in accordance with the provisions of Part 2.11.1.8(f) (i) and Part 2.11.1.7(c) of Nig.CARs 2015.

“The Medical Certificate and License of the aircrew members has been suspended for 180 days from April 5, 2017. Accordingly, the respondent shall cease to exercise the privileges of the license for the period of his suspension,” the agency directed.

In addition, NCAA said the crew member “shall within seven days of receipt of Letter of Sanction, hand over the license to the authority’s Director of

Licensing (DOL).”

It said the aircrew member “shall undergo a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation for psychoactive substance abuse during the suspension period under the care of a Consultant Psychiatrist.

“At the end, the report of the Consultant Psychiatrist shall be reviewed by the Authority’s Consultant Psychiatrist Adviser.

This is to enable NCAA consider possible restoration of the suspended Medical Certificate and License,” NCAA also directed.

The regulatory authority noted that the random drug and alcohol tests for licensed aviation personnel would be carried out periodically to rid the industry of menace of crew members and ATCs conducting flight operations under the influence of psychoactive substance which could jeopardise flight safety.

The exercise was conducted by medical assessors from the Aeromedical Department of the NCAA.

TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017• T H I S D AY

WORKERS’ DAY....

43

WORKERS’ DAY.... WORKERS’ DAY....

Promises, Anger, and Boycott Trail Celebrations Across States Our Correspondents As Nigerian workers yesterday joined their counterparts across the world to mark the Workers’ Day, promises of better welfare for them and anger characterised the celebration across the country.

While promises were made to some workers in the states where activities marking the day were celebrated, in some, the workers boycotted the events, expressing anger over unpaid salaries and poor conditions of service.

LASG: We’ll Phase out ‘Danfo’ Buses to Create More Jobs The Lagos State Government yesterday explained its new public transportation reform which it said would phase out all yellow commercial buses (a.k.a. Danfo) from the metropolis to generate more jobs.

Consequently, the state government disclosed that it would deploy over 5,000 air-conditioned high occupancy vehicles to replace the commercial buses, noting that the reform would really address the challenges of public transportation confronting Africa’s model megacity.

The state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, shed more light on the initiative at the May Day rally held at the Agege Stadium, noting that the reform would rather create more jobs than cause job loss.

Ambode explained the gains of the reform after the state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Idowu Adelakun, and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Francis Ogunremi, expressed concern that the reform might make thousands lose their means of livelihood.

Imo Govt to Lift Ban on Promotion Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has told workers in the state that his administration will lift the ban on promotion as soon as the sanitisation exercise going on in the system is completed.

He stated that the government would like to know the status of those to benefit from the promotion exercise.

The governor spoke while addressing the workers in the state during Workers’ Day celebration yesterday at the Hero’s Square Owerri, where he charged workers to appreciate all that his government has done for them since 2011 when his administration came on board.

He reminded them that they are the greatest beneficiaries of the free education programme in the state because there was no more pressure on them or on their salaries for the payment of school fees of their children and wards especially when the free education policy spread across board from primary to tertiary Institutions.

I Will Not Owe Workers, Obaseki Assures TUC, NLC Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State yesterday vowed that his administration will not owe workers salary, assuring them of cordial relationship between government and the labour force.

Obaseki made the pledge when members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TLC) mark the annual International Workers’ Day at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Outlining his plans to rejuvenate the civil service, the governor appreciated the strategic place of workers in the wealth creation process of the state, disclosing that he would stand with both unions and their affiliates to improve working conditions and reward systems for workers in the state.

He said:“I have no doubt that working together and putting the interest of our state first, we can rapidly reposition our state for peace and progress.”

El-Rufai Commends Workers for Contribution to Development.

Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has commended workers in the state for their immense contributions to the development of the state.

The governor in a statement by his spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, yesterday to mark Workers’ Day, said his administration would continue to support the workers by improving on their welfare.

The governor congratulated the leadership and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Member, state House of Assembly, Hon. Adedayo Famakinwa; Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Dr. Akintola Benson Oke, and Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, during the 2017 Workers’ Day rally, at the Agege Stadium, Lagos....yesterday (NLC) in the state on the commemoration of Labour’s Day, commending workers for their doggedness and dedication to the development and unity of the state.

Bayelsa Govt: Why Primary School Teachers Remain Unpaid

The Bayelsa State Government yesterday stated that it pulled out of the joint payment of primary school teachers in the state due to the biting effect of the economic recession.

A statement by the state Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, noted that the government had hitherto shouldered between 60 and 80 percent payment of the teachers salaries, which he said is not its constitutional responsibility.

“The payment of the salary of the primary school teachers and non-teaching staff as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the responsibility of the local government areas.”

Amosun Pardons Dismissed Workers, Pay Withheld Salary As workers all over the world celebrate International Workers’ Day, otherwise known as May Day yesterday, the Ogun State Government has announced the pardon of three out of the remaining four workers earlier dismissed for acts that were in flagrant disregard of the civil service rules.

Announcing the pardon in his address at the ceremony to mark the event, the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said: “The dismissed workers are pardoned; they will now proceed on retirement from the public service with full terminal benefits in accordance with the extant public service regulations.”

Those pardoned are Messrs Dare Ilekoya, Eniola Atiku and Nola Balogun.

Lalong Charges Workers to Partner Govt to Fight Corruption Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to partner the state government in the fight against corruption, noting that members of NLC must imbibe patriotism to curb all corrupt practices in their work places.

Lalong, who made the call while addressing members of the NLC at the 2017 Workers’ Day celebration in Jos, assured the union of government transparency and openness in dealing with labour issues.

He charged workers to reciprocate the goodwill and sincere effort of the government with a greater commitment to duty and discipline.

Emmanuel Plans Low Cost Housing Scheme for Workers As part of its improved welfare packages to the state work force, Akwa Ibom Government

has planned a low cost housing scheme for civil servants in the state.

The state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, dropped the cheering news at a rally held at the Uyo township stadium to celebrate with the state workers as part of activities to mark the World Labour Day in the state.

The governor noted with concern that most workers retired without owning their personal house, hence the decision for the state governmentassisted accommodation for workers in the state.

Emmanuel stressed that the intervention would help workers to retire with high expectation in life as they gracefully retire into their homes; while effectively diverting their pensions and gratuities into other productive ventures, instead of using it to build new house.

Akeredolu Promises 10,000 Jobs through Reforestation

The Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, yesterday said his administration would create 10,000 jobs through reforestation in the state.

The governor made the promise during the May Day celebration which was held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Square in Akure, the state capital.

Akeredolu said rather than wasting the state resources in the name of reviving moribund industries, the administration would rather establish new ones.

Specifically, he ruled out reviving Oluwa Glass Industries in Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area and the Nigerian Romanian Wood Industries (NIROWI) in Ondo in Ondo West council area of the state, both of which he described as dead.

Unpaid Salaries: NULGE Boycotts Rally in Kwara

Workers under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), in Kwara State boycotted the 2017 May Day rally held at the Ilorin Metropolitan Square.

The rally was jointly organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress(TUC).

Workers in the 16 local government councils of the state are being owed over nine months of unpaid salary areas.

But the state government said it was not owing any workers saying that in the past it has been augumenting the allocation of the council to enable them pay their workers.

The leadership of the organised labour in the state have been accused of selling out by failing to make case for the council workers who have been languishing in penury.

Sheriff Urges Workers to Vote out APC in 2019 The National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has asked Nigerian workers bear the difficulties the nation is going through at the moment, and be ready to vote out the government of the All Progressives

Congress (APC) in the 2019 general election.

In a message issued by Sheriff’s Deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh yesterday, on behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party the party leadership congratulated the nation’s workers on the ceremony marking this year’s workers’ day.

Sheriff also assured the workers that a PDP government would address the issued of a new minimum wage when it come to power in 2019.

FCT Minister Tasks Workers On Patriotism, Improved Service Delivery Workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been urged to use the occasion of the Workers’ Day celebrations to reflect on the virtues of patriotism, selflessness and improved service delivery to residents of the FCT in particular and the nation in general.

The FCT Minister, Malam Mohammad Musa Bello, made this appeal in Abuja in a message marking the 2017 May Day celebrations in the territory.

The minister who described the workers as the heroes, whose sweat and sacrifices oil the wheels of national development, noted that the crucial role of workers in the task of nation-building cannot be over emphasized saying it can only be likened to the goose that lay the golden eggs, which deserve the best the nation can give.

He remarked that as part of efforts to enhance the welfare of workers, the FCT administration recently commissioned a fleet of 25 number high capacity staff buses intended to assist the staff with easier and cheaper means of movement to work and back home.

I Feel Your Pains, Faleke Tells Kogi Workers The deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the last governorship election in Kogi State, Hon. James Faleke, has sent a message of solidarity to the state branch of Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and other affiliate unions on the untold hardships being experienced in the hands of the state government by the workers as a result of unpaid salaries and allowances spanning not less than 14 months.

In a statement issued to journalists in Lokoja yesterday on the occasion of the Workers’ Day otherwise known as May Day, Faleke lamented the agonies of workers and pensioners in the state despite the fact that bailouts were made available for payments of their outstanding salaries and allowances by the federal government but which the state government has failed to do for upwards of 14 months.

According to him, the multiplier effect of the very unfortunate saga of unpaid salaries spanning more than one year has spiralled to an unprecedented height leading to the virtual collapse of the economy of the state.

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TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2017• T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

MTN Nigeria Downsizes, Sacks over 280 Workers Emma Okonji MTN Nigeria has laid off over 280 workers, from its workforce in a major job cut that affected about 15 per cent of the company’s entire Nigerian workforce.

According to Premium Times, those affected by the move include some 200 permanent employees and about 80 contract staff across various cadres, ranging from new graduates to senior managers.

Most of the affected workers were the pioneer staff of MTN who joined the telecoms company in 2001 when MTN started business in Nigeria and they have been with the company till they were sacked on Friday.

But a source close to MTN who confirmed the exit of some staff, however said it was not a sack, but a voluntary exit by the affected staff, based on the Voluntary Severance Scheme (VSS) packaged by MTN and

presented before its staff.

The source also said the number of affected staff was far less than 280 as reported by online media.

“Nobody was sacked, it was a Voluntary Severance Scheme put together by MTN for any of its staff that want to retire voluntarily. It is a new scheme introduced for the first time, based on staff feedback,” the source said.

THISDAY gathered that most staff that have served the company for more than five years and were willing to retire, were asked to apply for the voluntary severance scheme package and they did so on their own volition.

Based on staff feedback, MTN Nigeria had early last month introduced a voluntary severance scheme for its staff members that were willing to leave the services of the telecoms company, but were afraid to do so because they were not going to get their gratuity paid. So most preferred the

scheme, which comes with some good package to fall back to when they exit the services of the company. But just as some staff members are exiting, MTN Nigeria is also opening job opportunities for managerial positions in its employment, THISDAY learnt.

Those who decided to leave under the VSS were to be paid

the equivalent of their three weeks gross salary for every year they worked with MTN. But according to the report, the affected workers were given a dismal severance of 75 per cent of their gross monthly income multiplied by the number of years with the company.

“Given that the company is

about 16 years old in Nigeria, the severance package brought pain and discontent among the affected staff,” a source said.

“With the payoff structure, senior managers with 15 years of service were left with about N15 million. Most of the staff got less than N5 million.”

MTN Nigeria recorded

nearly $1 billion in profit in 2016. However, the telecoms firm was heavily fined N1.04 trillion by the Nigerian government for failing to disconnect 5.2 million unregistered subscribers. The fine was however negotiated to N330 billion, and MTN had since commenced installment payment.

Osinbajo: Breast and Gynae Centre will Save Nigerian Women from Dying Martins Ifijeh The establishment of Breast and Gynae Centre in Nigeria will help to address the several health challenges peculiar to Nigerian women, and aid the reduction of medical tourism in the country, the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo, has said.

She said the centre, which is the first state-of-the-art medical and wellness centre dedicated to women’s health in the country has been designed to address not only the clinical needs of women, but the emotional, psychological and physical needs of the Nigerian women, who are often times unable to get all required therapies in one place.

Osinbajo, who spoke during the inauguration of the centre, which is a new addition to the Reddington Hospital Group, said every woman deserves the care the centre hopes to address.

“There are many women who need help in areas of breast cancer, fibroid, gynaecology, among others. Reddington has taken a bold step to address this. We should all follow suit and help women in need of healthcare.

“Doctors and health workers are like soldiers, they fight for us so we can live. But like soldiers, they need equipments to work.

Reddington Hospital team has fulfilled this by providing world class facilities needed in helping our women,” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer, Reddington Hospital Group, Dr. Yemi Onabowale, said the centre is a one-stop women’s health facility dedicated to caring for women throughout all stages of life.

“The idea is to offer the most advanced, comprehensive and personalised care available. And

then put everything under one roof. This is what is lacking in the country, even though there are hospitals focusing on women.

Ours will focus on everything woman.

“This centre will give an all-round services in advanced breast care, gynaecological care, primary care, and other specialties such as cardiology, general surgery, ear, eye, nose and throat care,” he added.

He said all the equipment at the centre were advanced technologies with the right expertise carefully selected from the United Kingdom, United States and Nigeria to man them and manage the centre.

“Apart from the world class facilities at the Breast and Gynae Centre, Reddington Group, has pioneered a lot of achievements in this country, among which is the fact that we were the first hospital to do a closure of a hole in the heart by a non surgical procedure. We were the first to establish a fully integrated radiology centre, among others.

On her part, the wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, who survived breast cancer 20 years ago, called on Nigerian women to do self examination on their breasts often, adding that the best way to beat cancer was to detect it on time.

“I was able to defeat cancer because of early detection. Do not say it is just a lump. If you take it for granted it will continue to grow into cancer cells and then spread. By the time you are be ready for treatment, it may be too late,” she said.

She called on the hospital management to make the facility affordable so that an average Nigerian woman can access and afford the centre.

WE WANT TO SEE THE PRESIDENT

A cross-section of workers protesting the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari at their rally at the Eagles Square in Abuja.... yesterday

Soldiers Kill Militant Leader, Gang Members Suspects planned abductions, killings in Lagos, Ondo, Ogun One soldier killed, three wounded during operation

Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

The military disclosed that Ibori also planned and executed In what the military designated the kidnap of three school girls to fight criminalities in the Niger at Babington Macaulay Junior Delta described as a major Seminary School in Ikorodu, the victory yesterday, ‘General’ Ossy abduction of four landlords in Ibori, a wanted criminal suspect, Isheri, that of Oniba of Ibaland, and several of his lieutenants Oba Goriola Oseni and several were killed in a gun duel with others in Lagos. soldiers attached to the Joint “Troops of Operation Delta Task Force, Operation Delta Safe in line with its mandate Safe. to rid Niger Delta of all The leader of an inter- criminal acts of militancy state gang which operated and kidnapping in a special from the creeks of the Niger operation repelled an attack on Delta through Ondo, Ogun troops location around Ajakpa and Lagos States, it was community in the creeks of gathered, died from bullet Southern Ondo State last night. wounds during the encounter “The attack was led by one when he attempted to attack notorious gang leader, Ossy a military location in Ese-Odo, Ibori, with a hideout at Ajakpa, Ondo State.

Ese-Odo Local Government Ibori, 40, THISDAY learnt Area of Ondo State. yesterday, planned and “The leader was gunned executed the much publicised down during the gun duel abduction of some staff and along with some of his gang students of Lagos State members. His body was Model College, Igbonla, Epe; identified by some of the locals masterminded others in Ogun in the area,” Major Abubakar and killed a pregnant woman Abdullahi, spokesman of the and her child in Festac Town Joint Media Campaign Centre, last year. told journalists in Yenagoa Among several other yesterday. operations, Ibori’s gang was Abdullahi added that the also said to have planned to search for several other bomb the Third Mainland suspected criminals who Bridge in Lagos, before some jumped into the water of his boys who confessed to with gunshot wounds was the crime were picked up by ongoing, noting that troops the police in December and had recovered one AK-47 rifle flown to Abuja. and four magazines.

In October last year, the deceased suspect, who contacted a national newspaper, told one of the editors that he hailed from Kaima in Bayelsa State, disclosing that he had been into the criminal enterprise since 1998.

He admitted attacking a police station in Lagos, because the law enforcement agents continued to arrest his boys after he allegedly had a deal to shield his gang.

The late Ibori said his group attacked pipelines, Federal SARS and civil defence in the creeks of Lagos, and Ogun States in Irekpete, Gburumu, Arepo, Ibafo, Majidun, Ajegunle and Abule Egba.

While boasting of a strong army of 21 ‘generals’ and 7, 800 foot soldiers , ‘General’ Ibori had insisted that if the “federal government fails to dialogue with us, we are ready to bring down the economy of Lagos and Ogun States.”

In addition, Major Abdullahi, the JTF spokesman, said the deceased and his gang carried out several bank robberies in Lagos and Ogun States, and threatened more violence if they were not given pipeline protection contracts.

“It could be recalled that

criminal gangs led by late Ibori have been terrorising parts of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo States prior to this operation. They committed many atrocities threatening the peace and security of the general areas. “ Last month, the gang killed an army captain and two policemen at Ikorodu.

Also, late last year, they abducted students and staff of a secondary school.

The criminals in addition, carried out several attacks on Ese-Odo community around Ajakpa,Safarogbo and Balowo areas.

“The need to flush them out from their hideout became necessary to ensure peace and security in Ondo State,” the JTF said.

Unfortunately, he said, the military lost a soldier while others were wounded.

“Sadly, in the process, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price while three others sustained gunshot wounds. They have since been moved to a military hospital for proper medical attention.

He said the operation was still ongoing and advised the affected communities to remain calm, vigilant and support the troops with valuable information on the whereabouts of other criminals.

45

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

Advertorial

Re: Kogi and Problems of Leadership

EDUCATING THE HYPNOTICS OF THE WADA ERA OF FAILURE

O

ur attention has been drawn to a spin job on page 15 of May Day Edition of ThisDay newspapers, in which one Abdulmajeed Hassan tried to paint the current administration black as a labour-enemy government. His efforts at inciting the organized labour against government by whipping up sentiments hit the brickworks when he made a strenuous attempt to arrogate the failed era of the Wada Administration, a modicum of goodness as regards workers’ welfare.

In as much as we know Abdulmajeed Hassan is a shade constructed to protect an already bad eye, his write-up has offered us the opportunity to free those still hypnotized by the worst regime in the history of the state, an era in which the state was perpetually hibernated, abused, misgoverned and its people taken for a ride. No matter how we dress a monkey, its tail will always make it different from a human.

Those who were in Kogi State between 2012 and 2016 January will attest to the communication gap between labour and government.

Workers were owed salaries without explanations. Workers were paid as low as 10% of their monthly wages without the Courtesy of been made to know why. Democracy is about constructive engagements and government owes a sector as critical as labour, explanations for her actions.

The Governor Yahaya Bello-led administration has continued to engage labour in discussions. He has continued to pay workers that have been verified to be genuine.

Abdulmajeed Hassan should help us unravel the whereabouts of the over 10 billion naira generated between September 2015 to December 2015. The Wada Administration collected the allocations, refused to pay salaries, refused to pay contractors and refused to leave a dime in the coffers of the government. Governor Yahaya Bello did not only clear the salary arrears on assumption of office, but also ensured cleared and genuine workers were paid up to March 2017. The April salary will be paid in a couple of days.

Because of the need to clear all doubts, the State Government has published all salaries paid to each civil servant on her website, month by month, worker by worker, from September 2015(before the Governor assumed office) to March 2017. Those who are yet to be paid are people who were recently verified to be genuine and whose payment are been processed right now.

Bringing the Mecca Pilgrimage to the political turf is unfortunate. Kogi State under Governor Yahaya Bello is one of the most frugal states in the federation. State officials have been banned from frivolous tripe abroad due his determination to allow state’s resources flow into capital projects that could impact positively on the public. Compared to other States, Kogi has one of the lowest pilgrimage sponsorship.

The Staff Verification Exercise remains the only way to defeat the ghosts of corruption in the civil service. The high foams of criticism of the exercise were constructed by those who felt hit by the reforms. This category of fraudulent individuals had hidden behind the hills of corrupt ex-leaders to turn the civil service to a toxically debased sector, grossly incapable of serving the good people of Kogi State. The last four months of the Wada Administration would remain darkly indelible in the minds of the workers of Kogi State. As a responsible Governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello will restore the confidence of workers in their government. The ongoing reforms will be of multi benefits to the government, workers and the people civil servants are paid to serve.

Abdulmajeed Hassan didn’t tell Nigerians how his party leaders loaded our payrolls with names of their children who were still in Primary or Secondary schools as of the time they were employed. He didn’t tell the world how his adored heroes made away with billions of our allocations without paying workers. His disingenuous piece fell flat under the weight of logic and facts.

Wada’s desperation to cover his track may not yield fruits as the people are witnesses of how he awarded contracts to companies and pay them for doing nothing. It is no more news that Wada’s government made away with the over 2 billion naira SMEs development loan.

Such can never be a hero in a state that is witnessing tremendous transformation under the present administration.

Governor Yahaya Bello has done better in two years than what Wada did in four years in terms of road development, healthcare improvement, educational advancement and agricultural renaissance. The proofs are everywhere to see.

Since Wada became jobless, his thoughts are expected to be fixed on 2019. The Governor of Kogi State is preoccupied with his determination to deliver democracy dividends to the people of the state and will never be distracted.

Kogi will never go back to the years of the locust.

Fanwo Kingsley is the Director General on Media and Publicity to the Governor

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TUESDAY, may 2, 2017 • T H I S D AY

TUESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Real Targets 12th Title as Atletico Aims for Payback

Ronaldo

Griezmann

Europe’s hottest strikers from record-breaker Cristiano Ronaldo to potential heir Kylian Mbappe take centre stage this week in two tasty Champions League semifinal first legs.

Ronaldo and Real host Atletico Madrid today while Mbappe’s attacking Monaco welcomes Juventus the next evening as Europe’s biggest club competition approaches its climax.

Revenge will be on the menu at the Santiago Bernabeu for Atletico and their feisty Argentine coach Diego Simeone, while in Antoine Griezmann they have one of the deadliest marksmen around.

Atletico will be desperate to banish the memories of gutwrenching Champions League final defeats in 2014 and 2016 to their city rivals.

They have lost Jose Maria Gimenez to a groin injury meaning three key defenders miss the short trip across town.

While Simeone’s side have forged their reputation on a measly defence, they are in fine attacking form – a Kevin Gameiro double sealed a 5-0 rout over Las Palmas at the weekend.

But Zinedine Zidane’s Real, hoping to become the first side to retain the Champions League, are formidable opponents at their stadium, where they earned a last-gasp winner Saturday to remain on track in a tight fight with Barcelona for La Liga.

“With the fans behind us we are hard to beat here,” match winner Marcelo said after a nervy 2-1 victory over Valencia.

Ronaldo opened the scoring against Valencia but also saw a penalty saved.

In their last Champions League outing the prolific Ronaldo bagged a hat-trick in the quarterfinal defeat of Bayern Munich, taking his tournament tally above 100 goals and another record.

The Portuguese is likely to line

up with James Rodriguez after the Colombian played in place of the injured Gareth Bale at the weekend.

“He played very well and did the job asked of him, as they all did. I’m very happy with his performance and with the performance of the team as a whole,” Zidane said of the back-in-favour Rodriguez.

Monaco are the surprise package in the semis and coach Leonardo Jardim has moulded a thrilling team around the resurgent Radamel Falcao and the break-out teenager Mbappe, whose goals saw off Man City and Dortmund in the last two rounds.

Mbappe, 18, who has been compared to Thierry Henry at the same age, delivered another crucial goal at the weekend as Monaco close on their first French title since 2000.

It was his 14th league goal of the season.

Monaco’s clash with Juventus will be a study in contrasts: the tyros against the Italian champions whose defence is backed by the inspirational Italy captain Gigi Buffon, 39, in goal.

Influential midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko broke his nose in training on Friday, but looks to be the only key player in doubt for Monaco.

Beaten 2015 finalists Juve were held to a 2-2 Serie A draw at Atalanta this weekend after conceding a last-gasp goal.

“We’ll learn from our mistakes and be mindful for Wednesday’s match,” said coach Massimiliano Allegri, who will be looking to Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain to fire them into the June 3 Champions League final in Cardiff.

TUESDAY

Real v Atletico

WEDNESDAY Monaco v Juventus

LMC Confirms May 21 as Resumption Date for 2nd Stanza Second round matches of the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have now been scheduled to commence on Sunday, May 21, a shift from the earlier date of May 7.

The Chief Operating Officer of the League Management Company (LMC), Salihu Abubakar, in a notice to clubs

communicating the new date, explained yesterday that it was to allow Rangers International and Rivers United complete their rescheduled fixtures.

“We also have deemed it right to accommodate states’ Federations Cup finals which obviously will feature some of the NPFL Clubs,” Abubakar added.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Sports, Daniel Danawuta (2nd right), being introduced to Oluyole Babes shortly before the dunk off of the 2nd phase of the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League in Kaduna yesterday. On the right is President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Tijani Umar

Dogara Congratulates Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has congratulated British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua, on clinching the unified world heavyweight title.

This was made known via a statement released by his Special Adviser on media and publicity, Turaki Hassan, in Abuja on Monday.

“I would like to congratulate the world heavyweight champion, Anthony Olaseni Joshua, for this great feat that he has achieved.

His dedication, discipline and commitment to boxing has paid off, as his is now a household

name.”

“The young man’s affinity for Nigeria is also apparent and commendable, as he has acknowledged his Nigerian roots in interviews and fully embraced the Nigerian identity.”

The Speaker then called on sports development authorities in the country to seize this challenge as impetus to identify and develop home grown talent so that Nigerian athletes may compete on a global scale.

“Anthony Joshua’s success should be taken as an indication of what’s possible if we devote the required resources to training our athletes and offering all the support that they need. Many athletes of Nigerian origin

represent and win medals for other countries because the environment which we offer is not very conducive, and now is the time to change that.”

“Tales of our athletes being owed what’s due to them and the gruelling circumstances in which they have to prepare for tournaments discourage many from engaging in sports, and in cases where they do, we lose such talents to other countries, which are serious about capacity development.

“This calls for deep introspection on our part, as there are career opportunities for our teeming youth population outside academic institutions and white collar jobs that corporate entities

have to offer.

“Young Nigerians have excelled in entertainment, for instance, and gone on to build enviable careers in the creative industry. This, they have managed to achieve without deliberate effort on the part of government and one can only imagine the heights which our youths would attain if we took deliberate steps towards genuinely supporting them in their chosen fields.”

“I would like to, once more, congratulate Mr. Joshua, while calling on the Executive (arm of government), through the relevant agencies, to implement policies which would help greatly with developing home grown talent,” concludes the Speaker.

May Day: Lagos Workers ZENITH WOMEN B’BALL LEAGUE Dazzle in Novelty Game First Bank Continues Good Run in Kaduna Hundreds of workers in Lagos gathered at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Sunday for a novelty game between the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the National Union of Petroleum Workers (NUPENG) to mark the May Day celebration which took place yesterday.

The game, which was decided at the Legacy Pitch produced four goals, with NUPENG beating her opponent 3-1 to the admiration of everybody, who had come to watch the pot-bellied workers entertain their fans.

Speaking on the the importance of sports in the creation of unity in the country, the National President of Nigeria Union of

Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Igwe Achese said the game was one of the activities lined up for the celebration of this year’s Labour Movement, adding that sports was listed as part of the activities because of its importance in making workers stay healthy.

“Sports does not only unite Nigerians, it provides entertainment, and at the same time keeps workers fit.”

NUEE Secretary General, Joe Ajaero on his part said taking to the pitch was one way of bringing workers together under a convivial atmosphere, even as he added that workers welfare would remain a priority of organised labour.

First Bank Basketball Team continued its good form as the second phase of this year’s Zenith Bank Women Basketball League dunked off yesterday in Kaduna.

The Elephant Girls from Lagos walloped AHIP Babes 97 - 48 in a rather one-sided encounter.

Speaking after the clash, First Bank Coach, Peter Ahmedu, said his girls would have done better than they did if not for the harsh weather of Kaduna.

“The weather affected our performance while the slippery floor accounted for our slow movement,” he explained.

The Coach however said he aims to increase the tempo in

the team’s next game against Taraba Hurricanes as soon as they acclimatize well.

Ahmedu said he would take each match as it comes and ensure his girls retain the crown at the end of the league.

AHIP Coach, Wilson Idanwekhai, said his girls lost to a better side and learnt a lot of lessons from First Bank.

“We did our best against the defending champions, but our best was not enough,” he said.

In the other matches played yesterday, Plateau Rocks defeated Taraba Hurricanes 81- 42 while Zamfara Babes outplayed Coal City Girls 48-97.

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 2, 2017

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Tuesday May 2, 2017

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Price: N250

MISSILE Ogbia Forum to Federal Government

“If it was cool for Buhari to express gratitude to those that helped him during the last general election, why then will it be a sin for Jonathan to say the same thing from his own standpoint?” – President of Ogbia Political Forum, Chief Azibaodusi Aduba querying the rationale behind the swelling criticisms over former President Goodluck Jonathan’s allegations that some western leaders deliberately influenced the 2015 presidential election in favour of the opposition.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI In Defence of Titilayo Momoh abati1990@gmail.com

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n March 24, one Ms Taiwo Titilayo Momoh, attempted suicide at the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos.

Both the police and concerned citizens rescued her from killing herself. The said Ms Momoh was arraigned on April 21, at the Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate Court on a one-count charge to wit: “That you, Titilayo Momoh on the 24th day of March 2017 at about 10.00 hours at the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos did attempt to commit suicide by jumping into the river and thereby committed an offence under Section 235 C.17, Vol. 3 of the Criminal law of Lagos State 2015.” The accused person has since been granted bail in the sum of N500, 000, with two sureties in like sum. She is also required to undergo psychiatric evaluation. Her case has been adjourned till June 2017.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State is hereby invited to take special notice of this case and to enter a nolle prosequi to ensure its discontinuance. The exercise of the power of nolle prosequi as spelled out in Sections 174(1) and 211 of the 1999 Constitution has been a subject of much debate. This is in spite of the Supreme Court’s position in The State vs Ilori, due to the tendency of some AGs to abuse such powers. But there is not a scintilla of doubt in my mind that by discontinuing the Titilayo Momoh case, the AG Lagos would have acted “in the public interest, the interests of justice and the need to prevent the abuse of legal process.” I state this with due regard to the right of the court to be seized of the matter in question, attempted suicide being an offence in the statutes. The key issue, nonetheless, is that there are related matters of public interest, beyond legalism.

Section 235 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State under which Ms Titilayo Momoh has been charged for non-fatal suicidal behaviour is in pari materia with Section 326 and 327 of the Penal Code and Criminal Codes respectively. The Criminal Code states expressly: “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is liable to imprisonment for one year.” Thus in letter and spirit, the extant law on pari-suicide in Nigeria criminalizes the act. The only problem is that the law sounds like the law that is applied to the act of coup making.

If you plot a coup and you succeed, you get away with it, but if you make the mistake of failing, you find yourself in very serious trouble.

The extant law on suicide deals with you if you fail, but the same law is helpless if you succeed.

The only difference is that whereas a coup is an act of treason against the state, suicide is a coup against the self. Government exists because there is a society composed of people, living people who are happy to be alive and contribute their own quota to society. When people begin to kill themselves at will, and at the slightest provocation, the responsibility of government should be to inquire into the causes of such demolition of the right to life, and therefore make amends - so the cause of being-ness and the welfare of the people can be better addressed.

For this reason, the Nigerian legislature, including the State Houses of Assembly, should take a second look at the extant law on attempted suicide. In truth, the law has been rarely applied, the last

Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Lagos State, Adeniji Kazeem publicized application being the case instituted against certain persons by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) in 2013, persons who had formed the habit of travelling on the rooftop of trains, instead of buying tickets and taking proper seats.

The NRC took some of those persons to court for attempting suicide. They ended up getting a slap on the wrist, they were asked to pay fines. It must have been obvious to the court that these were not suicidal cases, but persons who just wanted a free ride on the train, and could only do so from the roof.

The arraignment of Titilayo Momoh is however a serious matter. If she goes to trial, she could in fact be convicted, since hers is a clearly straightforward case. She had confessed with her own mouth that she wanted to die because she had too many financial debts to pay, a Bureau de Change also swindled her, she sought help from everywhere, including her church but nobody was willing to help her, and so, she decided to end it all. When she was rescued from jumping into the Lagoon, everyone sympathized with her. She suddenly got the help that society had previously denied her. She returned to her textile shop, and was beginning to pick up the pieces of her life again, only for the police to invoke the law and take her to court.

Her arraignment exposes the problems with the law. She now probably wishes she had actually committed suicide. The legal matter she is now battling with, could throw her into even greater debt: paying lawyers, sorting out logistics, and as the wheel of law still grinds slowly, she could experience worse depression. The same travails that drove her to the edge of the cliff have not been made any lighter. The other thing to note is that the relevant statutes in gender terms refer to “himself”. Can we possibly interpret the law strictly and literally and insist that the law on suicide only has the male gender in mind? So why is Titilayo, “herself”, being charged when the law says “himself”? I know what the canons of the rule of interpretation say, and how genderinsensitive the phrasing of the law is, so, may be I need not stretch this further. But another reasonable response by a common man to the Titilayo Momoh case would be to ask why she

is the only one being targeted.

In the first quarter of 2017 alone, there were more attempted suicide and suicide cases than there were in the whole of 2016, and the figures keep increasing. Ms Momoh was rescued the same week alongside one Abigail Ogunyinka, who actually jumped into the Lagoon and was fished out by divers. In Mazamaza another woman, Emerald, was also rescued after she had jumped. Much earlier, Tiwa Savage’s husband, Tee Billz, was dissuaded by friends and concerned persons from jumping into the Lagoon. There have also been persons who succeeded in their suicide efforts and can no longer be reached by the long arms of the arm.

There was Dr Allwell Oji, and reported cases from Ogun state (25), Ebonyi (10), Delta (4), Oyo (4), Kano (6), the latest case being that of a University of Lagos young undergraduate who killed herself after she was accused of stealing make up kit worth N2, 000 (the current equivalent of $5 or $6!).

The court of law is not under any strict obligation to embark on a hunting expedition for cases by itself and it is no defence in law to play the victim by asking why the neighbor who committed the same offence has not been charged to court: the court deals only with what is duly brought before it. But even if there is a case to answer, Ms Momoh, the accused in the present case is likely to wonder why she is the only special target for litigation. Research on para-suicide informs us that persons who failed in the first attempt are at a high risk of a second attempt. By seeking to put failed suicide attempters to trial, is government encouraging all such persons to succeed by all means? The shaming and trial of such persons may even drive them underground, away from public places where the attempt may be noticed and stopped.

It is partly for this and other reasons, principally the recognition that persons who attempt suicide need help rather than vilification, and that prevention is better than cure, that many countries of the world have de-criminalized suicide attempts.

The latest country to do so is India. In 1961, the British who offered us the common law origin of our own law on suicide attempts de-criminalized non-fatal suicidal behaviour. Other countries where suicide attempt is no longer a crime include Egypt, Botswana, Cameroon, Angola, South Africa, Eritrea, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The World Health Organization recognizes depression as the leading cause of suicide in the world. Globally, more than 300 million people are suffering from depression and related disability.

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has also disclosed that 90% of reported suicide cases in Nigeria are traceable to depression. At the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 10% of all referrals are attempted suicides. This year, WHO chose as the theme for the World Health Day on April 7: “Depression, let’s talk”. Persons suffering from depression are advised and encouraged to talk about their problems within the community and seek help from existing institutions and from professional counselors including psychologists, psychiatrists, mental hospitals and sociologists. Depression is a form of mental psychosis, attributed to such existential issues as drug abuse, alcohol abuse, sadness, low self-esteem, poverty, marital crisis, indebtedness, loss of a loved one, and so on.

In Nigeria and other African countries where mental ill-health is regarded as lunacy simpliciter, most persons who are depressed find it difficult to talk about it. Any form of mental ill-health in Nigeria is still covered by the colonial law, called the Lunacy Act, 1958. That law dehumanizes anybody that requires mental healthcare. A Mental Health Policy 1991 has tried to state the basic principles in line with international conventions, but the Act of 1958 remains the enabling law. Since 2003, three attempts have been made to introduce a Mental Health Bill, but each time it was tabled, the National Assembly did not consider it important enough.

Further, there are just about eight mental health hospitals in Nigeria, some psychiatric units in major hospitals, and less than 150 professional psychiatrists to a population of nearly 200 million.

Similarly there are no enough psychiatric nurses or professional counselors. Out of the few psychiatrists we have in the country, some have since left the profession to go into politics. The hospitals are poorly staffed, poorly equipped and poorly referenced in popular culture and conversation. And at the few mental hospitals that we even have, those who are expected to help other people are busy fighting among themselves - the internal politics at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Uselu, Benin City for example is worse than the politics of Nigeria!

As it were, anybody who is depressed in Nigeria is at the risk of suicide. “Lunacy” is a taboo subject, and yet the people face more problems daily that require mental health counseling.

The sudden increase in attempted suicide cases in our country should provide the needed impetus for review and introspection, not the vilification of persons who are already society’s victims. It is even surprising that The Lagos State Police Command will choose to scapegoat Titilayo Momoh and take her to court. In 2016, Ms Dolapo Badmos, the Lagos State Police PRO (as she then was) had announced that the police was not interested in taking any person who attempted suicide to court out of the recognition that such persons needed help. In line with this, the Lagos Police Command set up a special unit to patrol the bridges in Lagos, to prevent people from jumping into the rivers.

The Lagos State Government also set up an Aquatic Rescue Unit, and it is this unit that helped in rescuing at least two reported cases between January and March 2017. Two hotlines have also since been announced to assist persons in need of urgent help (08062106493, 08092106493). Is it likely that the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the police, and civil society groups has taken these preventive and emergency rescue steps in order to capture persons who attempt suicide so the courts can have cases to handle? If true, it is ill-advised because this will neither reduce cases of suicide, nor prevent people from committing suicide. Governments at all levels should “talk about depression” and help the people - through good governance - to reduce the number of people seeking to die at the slightest emotional provocation.

Titilayo Momoh’s place is not in the court-room.

She should be set free and assisted. The extant laws on attempted suicide should be revised. Para-suicide should be de-criminalized and de-penalized. I do not include in this appeal however, all such attempted suicides related to terrorism or incidental to other expressly criminal activities.

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