Tuesday 23rd May 2017

Iraqi Minister: OPEC May Ask Nigeria to Cut Oil Output India seeks ‘responsible prices’ from cartel Explosion rocks NGC gas pipeline in Delta Ejiofor Alike in Lagos and Sylvester Idowu in Warri with agency report Iraq’s oil minister, Jabar Ali

al-Luaibi has indicated that Nigeria and Libya may be asked to cut oil productions in the new supply cut deal to be reached by the Organisation of

Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Speaking at a press conference in Baghdad, Al-Luaibi expressed Iraq’s

readiness to join Saudi Arabia and Russia in the proposed extension of the oil deal by another nine months.

According to Reuters, OPEC

heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Iraq agreed yesterday on the need to extend a global cut in oil supply by nine months in an effort to prop

up crude oil prices, removing a potential stumbling block as producing countries prepare Continued on page 10

Fayose Seeks to Extend Tenure Aborted by Impeachment ... Page 12 Tuesday 23 May, 2017 Vol 22. No 8069. Price: N250

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Kachikwu Promises to Resign If Nigeria Does Not Stop Petrol Importation in 2019... Page 43

Osinbajo, IBB, Abdulsalami, Dangote, Others Save Sanusi from Kano Assembly Probe Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State House of Assembly yesterday suspended the probe of the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II, following the intervention of several prominent Nigerians including acting President Yemi Osinbajo, former military rulers, General Ibrahim Babangida, General

Abdulsalami Abubakar, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. The prominent Nigerians were reported to have prevailed on the Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje to ask the state assembly to let go of the probe in the interest of peace in the state.

Continued on page 10

Tinubu: Nigerians Will Resist Military Rule Legislature is first casualty of coup, says Ambode Gboyega Akinsanmi The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bola Tinubu has joined the multitude of Nigerians warning against military incursion into politics, vowing that any attempt at staging a coup d’etat will be resisted by Nigerians.

Also, in apparent reference to speculations of a coup, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said

the military’s incursion into governance was antithetical to constitutional democracy.

The duo made the remarks yesterday at a special parliamentary session organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly to mark the state’s 50th anniversary.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence from the country over an undisclosed medical ailment has fuelled Continued on page 11

House Commences Investigation into Presidential Arms Probe Panel ... Page 41

A NEW ACCESS ROAD FOR RIVERS STATE… Rivers State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo; Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; and a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, during the commissioning of a road project in Gokana, Rivers State… yesterday

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Supreme Court Reserves Judgment in PDP Leadership Tussle Says Makarfi’s appeal competent Alex Enumah in Abuja The Supreme Court yesterday reserved judgment on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership tussle, even as it declared that the appeal of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the party was valid.

The Makarfi-led PDP is challenging the validity of the Court of Appeal’s judgment, which affirmed Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the authentic National Chairman of the party.

However, after taking the submissions of counsel in the matter yesterday, the Chief

Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, who presided over the hearing of the appeal, announced that the date for judgment would be communicated appropriately to the parties.

In an oral argument in support of his written brief, the counsel to Sheriff’s group in the PDP, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN), had urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal filed by the Makarfi-led group on the grounds that the appellant did not have the authority to initiate an appeal in the name of PDP, having lost so in the Port Harcourt judgment, which pronounced Sheriff as the

authentic chairman of the party.

According to Olujinmi, by reason of the judgment delivered on February 17 by the Appeal Court, Makarfi’s side lost every right and privilege to act on behalf of PDP. He stated that the National Legal Adviser as well as the National Secretary of the party, had in their motion, applied for withdrawal of the appeal, noting that the party cannot initiate a legal action against itself.

But the counsel to Makarfiled side of the PDP, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), in his own argument, urged the court to

dismiss the objection made by Sheriff’s group on the grounds that it was incompetent and lacked merit.

His argument was that at the Port Harcourt judgment, Makarfi’s group was the appellant in the name of PDP while Sheriff joined issues with the group in that capacity.

He maintained that until the Supreme Court, being the highest in the land, pronounces which of the factions is the authentic camp to lead the party, the Makarfi-led PDP has the right to initiate an appeal.

Olanipekun also drew the court’s attention to Rule 29 of the court and consequently

urged the court to invoke the rule on those representing Sheriff.

Earlier in a ruling, the Supreme Court had dismissed the application filed by Sheriff challenging the competence of the appeal filed by Makarfi, claiming that the appeal was filed outside the stipulated period by law.

The CJN, in dismissing the application, upheld the argument of the counsel to Makarfi that the appeal was filed within the time limit.

Justice Onnoghen upheld Olanipekun’s argument that the said judgment, having been delivered on February 17, and the notice of appeal having

been filed at the Supreme Court on April 24, met the appeal timeframe, making it competent.

After listening to the arguments presented by both parties, the CJN announced that the judgment day would be communicated to them.

The court had at its last sitting ordered counsel in the matter to file their written briefs and adjourned to May 25 for hearing of the applications.

However due to the work load of the court, coupled with the approaching recess period for all courts in the country, the matter was rescheduled for yesterday, three days earlier than the adjourned date.

Kano State Government’s anticorruption agency suspended its probe into the financial dealings of the Emirate Council.

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anticorruption Commission said it was investigating the alleged misuse of N6 billion.

But the state’s House of Assembly had launched a separate investigation of the emir, following allegations of funds misappropriation, “defamation of character, breach of oath of office/ oath of allegiance, abuse of office privileges and protocol, and political and religious interference�.

The chairman of the anticorruption body, Muhyi Gado, said the commission was suspending its probe “indefinitely�.

He said the commission could not continue as the

House was also conducting an investigation.

Outspoken Sanusi has come under fire in recent weeks for criticising northern leaders and the establishment in the region for holding on to conservative Islamic values, which he said had stunted development in the region.

He also advocated against child marriage and counselled against Muslim men marrying more than one wife when their finances cannot support a polygamous set up.

He was also critical of the Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari after the governor had said God was punishing people in his state for their sins through the meningitis outbreak. Of the six northern states that recorded meningitis cases, Zamfara was the worst hit.

Even though Yari fired back at the emir, the Kano Emirate

Council, which Sanusi chairs by virtue of his position, came under the search light of the state’s anti-graft commission.

When word got out that the council was being investigated, it issued a statement clarifying that contrary to the allegation that it had misappropriated N6 billion, it had spent N4.3 billion since the enthronement of Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.

It said when Sanusi ascended the throne in 2014, it had the sum of N1 billion in its coffers.

Sanusi, who was the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has also defended his lifestyle, which has been criticised for being ostentatious and flamboyant.

He said the two Rolls Royce he uses were given to him as gifts, while his friends in the banking sector had provided the private jets he uses for his foreign and local travel.

raised the issue of the “Asian dividend not Asian premium�, adding that the issue of Asian premiums still continues to exist with Indian companies paying billions of dollars on this account. “They still don’t understand the rationale of this crosssubsidisation of the tariff between West and the East.

Coming to the India-OPEC dialogue, it is crucial for us as we import about 86 per cent of our crude, 70 per cent of natural gas, 95 per cent of cooking gas from the OPEC countries. “OPEC should treat Asian markets as primary markets.

Its strategy of incentivising Western markets in the past did not result in retaining those markets. “I am fully aware that OPEC member countries are in the business of selling oil and not subsidising it. However, my purpose of raising this issue again today is to say don’t subsidise others at our expense. “I urge OPEC and through you also to Non-OPEC countries to purposefully consider this. The other issue I have been raising is that OPEC should work towards responsible pricing, which would allow major consuming countries to provide energy to the common people. “Higher prices would force them to go for alternative forms of energy which would be slowing down the demand

for crude oil,� he explained.

He also stressed the importance of India’s expanding refining and petrochemicals sector.

His delegation included India’s seven chief executives from both the public and private sectors, who head the 23 refineries in India that process around 4.7 million barrels of crude oil per day.

The high-level meeting saw presentations from OPEC on short-term oil market developments, as well as the long-term energy outlook.

But even as OPEC member countries prepare to meet in Vienna on oil cuts, an explosion at the weekend rocked the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) pipeline close to Kurutie in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State The explosion, according to sources, appeared to have been caused by yet-to-be identified saboteurs.

The gas pipeline is located near Camp 5, which was once the base of ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemukpolo, better known as Tompolo, at the height of the first round of militancy experienced in the Niger Delta eight to 12 years ago, but was taken over by the military that established a base there.

THISDAY gathered yesterday that the explosion, which occurred between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. last Saturday,

was already impacting NGC’s capacity to meet its gas supply obligations to customers.

Commenting on the incident, the spokesman of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, said the explosion might have been the result of a rupture on the pipeline, as no community or interests in the kingdom had any reason to attack any

OSINBAJO, IBB, ABDULSALAMI, DANGOTE, OTHERS SAVE SANUSI FROM KANO ASSEMBLY PROBE Accordingly, the House resolved to drop the probe following a plea through a letter by Ganduje, which was read by the speaker, Kabiru Alhassan Rirum, on the floor of the assembly yesterday.

On Sunday, a coalition of civil society groups in the state had also joined in calling on the legislators to stop the exercise.

In his letter, Ganduje said he was calling for the investigation to be dropped as a result of intervention by highly placed personalities in the matter.

These personalities, according to the letter, included the acting president; party leaders; former heads of state, Babangida and Abubakar; the Sultan of Sokoto; and businessmen and indigenes of the state, Aliko Dangote and Aminu Dantata.

Ganduje said though he

was reluctant to interfere in the activities of the state’s legislative arm, he was appealing to the lawmakers to “temper justice with mercy� and allow peace to prevail. “Much as I recognise your independence as a separate arm of government and which has the right to investigate the emir, I am pleading with you to allow peace to prevail,� he stated.

Ganduje’s letter also recalled the peace meeting with Emir Sunusi in Kaduna, where the emir had admitted his mistakes and apologised to him. “There is no gainsaying that Emir Muhammad Sunusi II has admitted all his faults and mistakes and agreed to make adjustments. I think at this juncture, we should allow peace as has been achieved to continue,� the governor said.

After the speaker read the

letter, the Kano assembly unanimously approved the governor’s plea, except the plan to repeal the law establishing the emirate.

THISDAY learnt that the House’s plan remains in the pipeline, through which the lawmakers intend to create additional emirates in the state.

Kano, being the largest northern state by population, has only one emirate council, which is run by Sanusi.

However, a lawmaker who spoke with THISDAY on the condition of anonymity, expressed dissatisfaction with the intervention by prominent Nigerians in the probe of the emir.

He said: “I am not happy at all because we were set to get to the bottom of this issue before this sudden intervention by prominent personalities.�

The decision to suspend the probe came a week after the

IRAQI MINISTER: OPEC MAY ASK NIGERIA TO CUT OIL OUTPUT to meet this week.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said he did not expect any opposition within OPEC to extending the curbs for a further nine months, speaking after he met his Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad.

Al-Luaibi, however, added that the production cut be increased from the current 1.8 million barrels per day, hinting that “small oil producing countries� who were excused from the initial deal be made to participate in the new deal.

When OPEC and non-OPEC countries made an historic deal in 2016 to cut global crude oil supply, Nigeria and Libya were excused on the basis that both countries were experiencing low production due to geopolitical unrest.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had also recently said Nigeria would be seeking another six months exemption from the OPEC deal.

OPEC oil ministers will be meeting in Vienna on Thursday to discuss the future of the global crude oil market and prepare for fresh cuts across board.

A cut in production for Nigeria could jeopardise the country’s 2017 budget, which has been benchmarked against an oil production of 2.2 million barrels per day.

In a related development, the Secretary General of the oil cartel, Mr. Mohammad

Sanusi Barkindo has stated that with the rebalancing of the oil market, the organisation was beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

His statement came as India’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan called on OPEC to ensure “responsible prices� for crude oil, stressing that the cartel should treat Asian markets as primary markets, as its strategy of incentivising Western markets in the past did not result in the retention of those markets.

According to Pradhan, higher crude oil prices would force consuming countries to go for alternative forms of energy, which would slow down the demand for crude oil.

Speaking yesterday at the second high-level meeting of the OPEC-India Energy Dialogue held in Vienna, Austria, Barkindo appreciated the bold economic reforms undertaken by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

According to a statement by the OPEC Secretariat, Barkindo applauded what he described as the de-monetisation and the General Service Tax initiatives and the way India has managed to overcome the global economic slowdown.

He also highlighted the fact that with India’s high growth rate and its dynamic services and strong manufacturing sectors, the country has become a global economic

powerhouse.

Barkindo said he saw tremendous value and substance in the energy dialogue, particularly when looking at the ever-expanding co-operation between India and OPEC member countries. “With OPEC, which is home to over 80 per cent of the world’s proven crude oil reserves, and with many of its member countries wellpositioned for exports to India, it is clear that this co-operation will expand further,� Barkindo added.

In his remarks, India’s petroleum minister underlined the importance of the energy dialogue, as well as the cooperation between OPEC member countries and India, with 86 per cent of the country’s crude oil imports coming from OPEC nations.

He called on the cartel to guarantee responsible pricing, as its strategy of incentivising the Western markets in the past did not work.

According to Pradhan, it was expected that the dialogue mechanism would be a useful tool to convey his country’s position to the OPEC member countries.

He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has the most stable political environment with a solid macro-economic base that is largely insulated from the global slowdown.

He noted that he had

Continued on page 11

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˾ TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

NEWS

Akiolu Says He’s the Bona Fide Oba of Lagos in Obaship Tussle Suit Fourteen years after his installation, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, yesterday appeared at an Ikeja High Court as a defendant in a suit challenging his emergence as the paramount ruler of Lagos, saying he is the bona fide traditional ruler.

“I am here to justify my appointment, you cannot build something on nothing, it will be broken.

“By native law and customs and by law, I am the bona fide Oba of Lagos,” said Akiolu, who was accompanied to the court by 10 white cap chiefs.

Akiolu’s installation as the Oba of Lagos is being challenged by Princes Adedoyin Adebiyi and Rasheed Modile, two members of the Lagos royal family, reported the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Joined as respondents in the suit are the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, the AttorneyGeneral of Lagos State, Prince Babatunde Akitoye and Chief Junaid Eko. Both Adebiyi and Modile are claiming that Akiolu should not be on the throne, because he is not a member of a ruling royal family by not being a direct descendant of Oba Ado, the first Oba of Lagos.

According to the claimants, only members of the Ologun Kutere and Akinsemoyin ruling houses are entitled to the throne.

They also alleged that proper customary rules and procedures were not followed when he was appointed Oba in May 2003.

But in his defence, Akiolu who was in court with his counsel, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni, told the court of the procedure he followed before his installation as the Oba of Lagos.

“After I made my intention known to my family that I wanted to be Oba of Lagos, I applied for the throne.

“In May 2003, the head of the kingmakers and the then Sole Administrator of Lagos Island Council called at my residence.

“At that time I was preparing to go to the mosque and I was told that I had received a letter from the state government and the State Executive Council.

“The letter accepted my nomination that I have been approved to be a worthy successor to the late Oba of Lagos.

“It will be exactly 14 years tomorrow (May 23) that my appointment was approved.

“By the grace of Almighty Allah, there is nothing like rotation in the succession to the throne of Oba of Lagos,” Akiolu said.

Before cross-examining Akiolu, the lawyer to the claimants, Mr. Babatunde Fashanu (SAN), told the court that for the purpose of the trial, Akiolu should be addressed as the defendant and not as the Oba of Lagos while in court.

“I apply that all referrals to the defendant as the Oba of Lagos should be expunged from the records of this honourable court.

“Within the walls of this courtroom, he is a defendant and when we step out of the courtroom, I will lie down

Akiolu and greet him as ‘Kabiyesi’ because I am like a son to him,” he said.

Akiolu also told the court that he had a prior relationship with Fashanu’s father when he was working as a lawyer during his early years of legal practice 32 years ago.

“I know your father, I used to carry files for him when we were working together,” the traditional ruler said.

Fashanu’s request to expunge referrals of Akiolu as Oba of Lagos was, however, not granted by the court.

In responding to Fashanu’s question seeking to know whether proper customary procedure was followed when he became Oba, Akiolu said he was installed according to the customs of Lagos as Oba by kingmakers.

“Akiolu is a direct descendant of Oba Ologun

Kutere, there is no registered declaration for the throne.

“It is the old customs and the recommendations of the Price Commission which is over 100 years ago that are still valid till today.”

Akiolu also debunked claims that the Akiolu royal family was not one of the ruling houses because it was non-existent.

He said: “Despite the letter from Lagos State Government confirming

my appointment as Oba and stating that I am from the Akiolu royal family, I want to make it clear that a royal family and ruling house means the same thing.

“My appointment as the king is the first time in history that kingmakers will be unanimous in selecting an Oba of Lagos.”

Justice A. Candide-Johnson adjourned the case till June 19 for continuation of the trial.

the executive and legislature co-operated.

“This has continued from Babatunde Fashola to Akinwunmi Ambode.

This cooperation does not erode on your oversight responsibility.”

Similarly, Ambode cautioned against military incursion into governance, which he said would make the legislative arm its first victim, with the suspension of the constitution against the wishes of the people.

He said: “It is on record that military incursion into governance has always made the legislature its first victim by suspending the constitution with all powers against the wishes of our people.

“Therefore, the legislature could be said to be the most exposed in the governance model in the current democratic dispensation, if we have to give its true meaning and relevance in a representative government.

“We are celebrating the contributions of the state House of Assembly, particularly the Eighth Assembly in the last two years, to the true principles of democratic governance through the passage of bills that advance the principles of

governance and promotion of social welfare of the people within the ambit of the law.”

Ambode said in spite of the chequered history, the First to Eighth Assemblies of Lagos State have been the benchmark for assessing legislative business in governance of the Nigerian state.

He said the Eighth Assembly, particularly, has been responsive and innovative in fulfilling its constitutional obligations and meeting the aspirations of Lagosians for the dividends of democracy.

“The performance of the Eighth Assembly, including previous assemblies, can be attributed to the quality of leadership that has been produced through a mature and democratic process with the purpose of providing a democratic process that would benefit our people.

“Over the years, the legislative arm of government in Lagos State has been a shining beacon of democratic independence and responsiveness. It has never shirked its assigned role or responsibility even in the face of provocation.

“It has continuously engaged the electorate in the process of making

laws through interactive engagements and contributions to the making of laws,” the governor noted.

Ambode said the synergy between the three arms of government, particularly the executive and legislature,

has become the benchmark of the democratic process in Nigeria, saying that as government celebrates the last fifty years of the creation of Lagos State, it has laid the building blocks for the next fifty years.

TINUBU: NIGERIANS WILL RESIST MILITARY RULE speculations of a military plot to overthrow the democratically elected government in the country.

The speculation was given legitimacy last week, when the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Tukur Buratai raised the alarm of attempts by politicians to influence his officers and soldiers to carry out acts against their professional calling.

Reacting to the unfolding developments, Tinubu said Nigerians would never allow the military to rule the country again, adding that Lagos and indeed Nigeria would resist any coup attempt.

He said: “I want to lend my voice to this speculation.

The news was everywhere that some people were trying to entice the military out of the barracks to stage a coup. Such move would be resisted.”

He said those who think they can scuttle the democracy for which many had died and sacrificed their lives, are surely mistaken as Nigeria has gone too far for such a thing to happen.

Tinubu noted that Lagos State, in particular “will never provide a fertile ground for coup plotters to hatch their evil ideas”,

adding, “Lagos will resist coup plotters.”

He said such antidemocratic forces would not find the fertile ground “to plant their seeds in Lagos”.

“We will not buy their product. It is a bad product.

In Lagos, we will definitely reject it. Lagos will resist it and move away from it,” he said, The former Lagos State governor also charged the state House of Assembly not to neglect its oversight functions, noting that the assembly should ensure that no money is spent without due approval.

He said all executive actions must have the authority of the law. “Before any money is spent, the assembly must approve it.

The assembly must exercise its power within the ambit of the law.”

During his tenure as the governor of the state, Tinubu said the interface between his administration and the House was very cordial, which he pointed out was one of the reasons his government succeeded.

He said: “We succeeded in taking Lagos to enviable heights. We set the agenda for progress and today that progress is being felt because

IRAQI MINISTER: OPEC MAY ASK NIGERIA TO CUT OIL OUTPUT government asset in the area.

However, the Community Relations Officer of the Nigeria Gas Processing and Transportation Company (NGPTC), Violin Antaih, said visuals from the site of the incident suggested an act of sabotage.

Antaih, who spoke on the phone to newsmen last night, said the incident had all the trappings of deliberate sabotage on the facility, causing a serious breach in the daily operations of the company.

“It’s been confirmed, even by the community people, that it was a third party sabotage.

If you have a picture of the blast you will know too well that’s exactly what happened because the pipeline was cut into two, a ruptured pipeline will not have such effect.

“It’s a case of a blast that has left the pipeline the way it is at the moment. If you see

the pictures, you will see that this is not just an equipment failure, it was a blast.

“We are still doing our investigation anyway, although it has been confirmed that it was a sabotage because it occurred a few meters from Camp 5, a military base, without even the military being aware of it and we are still trying to get their own input on the attack.

“But investigations are still ongoing and I am sure at the end of the day we’ll have a position on it.

“The pipeline was active when it was attacked. Our people have been sent to the site to ascertain the state of things. We are already feeling the impact on our operations because I understand pressure is completely out because that line is supposed to feed some areas and such areas are already complaining,” Antaih said.

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TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

News Editor Davidson Iriekpen Email davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081

Fayose Seeks to Extend Tenure Aborted

by Impeachment Sets up panel to probe Fayemi Governor chasing shadows, says minister

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Plans to hold governorship election in Ekiti State in 2018 may be a mirage, as the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, yesterday said he might seek extension of his tenure beyond 2018 in court.

He stated that he was not allowed to complete the four-year tenure in his first term.

Fayose was abruptly impeached by the state House of Assembly in 2006.

But the Supreme Court in 2014 nullified the impeachment about seven months to the end of his first term.

The apex court described the said impeachment as null and void.

Speaking on the state television in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Fayose said his decision to seek tenure extension would be to complete his first term that was truncated through an illegal impeachment.

The governor, who was explaining why he chose to put his image on the campaign posters currently circulating in every nook and cranny of the state, said since the apex court said his impeachment in 2006 was illegal,

he would then have to approach the same court to interpret what that ruling means and also consider seeking a re-election in 2018.

“The ‘continuity’ poster you see my image in and which is spreading across the state can be interpreted in two ways. First is the need for me to ask the apex court to explain its 2014 ruling that my so-called impeachment in 2014 was illegal, null and void and consider a re-election in 2018 so that I can complete my term.

“Second is for me to get our own, one who is like Ayo Fayose to continue after my tenure in 2018.”

Speaking also on the lingering non-supply of petrol to the state by the Independent Petroluem Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN), the governor alleged that the decision of the fuel marketers to stop supply to the state days prior to the burial of late Major Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo was politically-motivated and done in conspiracy with the opposition so as to ensure that the burial of the late governor of the old Western Region fail as he planned.

Meanwhile, Fayose has set

up a panel to probe the former Governor of the state and his predecessor, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, who is equally the current Minister of Mines and Steel Development over alleged allegation of financial mismanagement under his (Fayemi) administration as the governor of the state.

The eight-man panel, inaugurated in Ado Ekiti yesterday and headed by a retired high court judge, Bamidele Oyewole, is saddled with the responsibility of ascertaining how much Ekiti State Government received as statutory allocations during the period under review and how same were disbursed and to ascertain the amount the Ekiti State Government took as loans during the period under review and how they were utilised among others.

“In compliance with the resolution of the Ekiti State House of Assembly passed on May 10, 2017, urging the governor of Ekiti state to look into the financial transactions of Ekiti State under the administration of Fayemi, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, acting pursuant

to Section 2 of the Ekiti State commission of inquiry law cap C10 laws of Ekiti State 2012, has constituted a judicial commission of inquiry to look into the financial transactions of Ekiti State between 2010 and 2014.

“The terms of reference of the commission are as follows: ‘To ascertain how much Ekiti State Government received as statutory allocations during the period under review and how same were disbursed.

‘To look into the financial transactions of Ekiti state between 2010 and 2014.

‘To ascertain the amount received on behalf of the state from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

‘To investigate the allegation of fraud/loss of funds, including the diversion and conversion of the State Universal Basic Education Board Fund.

‘To ascertain the amount the Ekiti State government took as loans during the period under review and how they were utilised and all other issues relating to the finances of the Ekiti State government within the period

under review and; ‘To make appropriate recommendations to the Ekiti state government.’

“The judicial commission of inquiry has three (3) months to submit its report to the governor,” a statement issued by the state government said.

Members of the panel are: Silas Bamidele Oyewole – Chairman.

Gbemiga Adaramola (State DPP/ Chairman, NBA Ado-Ekiti)Secretary Bolawale Awe Idowu Ayenimo Omodara O. Vincent Oladele Blessing Adesoba Oluremi S.B.J Bamise.

However, Fayemi has described Fayose as embarking on an exercise in futility.

He said he didn’t flout the appropriation law or breach the fiscal laid down regulations to warrant the judicial panel, branding Fayose as a leader who sees governance as a tea party, rather than a real business.

Fayemi, in his reaction by his Special Assistant on Media, Yinka Oyebode, said the governor’s action was at variance with the laws of the land which makes it subjudice for anyone to entertain a matter

that is already before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Oyebode said Fayose’s decision to go ahead with the inauguration of the panel, while two cases arising from the planned probe were still pending in court is presumptuous and ill-advised.

“It is obvious, Fayose is desperate to probe the administration of his predecessor in office, Fayemi, for personal vendetta. Yet, he is advised to be guided by the rule of law and decency in this wild goose chase.

“The governor and members of the panel are reminded that the two cases involving the House of Assembly, its leadership and top officials of the present administration are still pending In an Abuja High Court and a Federal High Court in Ado, thus making it an act of illegality for another panel to look into the matter.

“The governor is advised to concentrate on the serious task of governance and refrain from shadow chasing which the current pursuit of personal vendetta through a kangaroo committee clearly represents,” he added.

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

COMMENT

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

IS CONTENT REALLY KING? It is, broadly speaking, argues Tenu Awoonor

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ecently I was thinking of the increase in adoption Over-the-Top (OTT) players have gained and the consequent dilemma it’s wrapping around operators who now have to grapple with the concern of who owns and influences the consumer. This also got me thinking about something else we tend to hear a lot, that term “Content is king” which has become a catchphrase in telecom parlours. It therefore begs the question of who owns/controls the (mobile) content consumers voraciously consume on a daily basis. Certainly not the operators but rather the likes of Youtube, Instagram, Snapchat for user generated content, to Iroko, Apple, Showmax for your movies and TV shows, to mention a few.

After all, operators simply provide the pipe much like a highway with a toll booth giving one access to a destination.

Consumers invariably will cease to care which pipes are feeding the content, and would rather, as they should be only interested in making decisions about which show, news or user generated clips they seek. In almost all markets in Africa there are several alternatives available for consumers to pick from and not just with the major operators but also new 4G entrants that are still small, and independent ISPs, all providing access-ways to content.

Is it therefore better to own and manage access to the pipe or control of the content? I believe that ultimately whoever controls the content will own and influence the consumer to pick whichever pipe they want to use as an access point.

AT&T by acquiring Time Warner (if approved) will have control of the content and the pipe thereby giving them a stake in both arenas. It is already offering access to premium cable channels for free with certain mobile packages to tie in consumers. Other MNO’s are realising the shifting consumer

WHOEVER IS ABLE TO FIGURE IT OUT FIRST AND LOCK IN PROVIDERS AND CONSUMERS WILL LEAVE THE REST PLAYING CATCH-UP

behaviour and are appointing digital officers who will primarily be responsible for developing their content ecosystem.

Now why is mobile content relevant for Africa? If you think about it, most individual’s primary source of entertainment in Africa is their mobile device. Very few have access to flat screen TVs, which is still a luxury by the way, to watch movies and shows. However pretty much everyone has a mobile phone of some sort that is used for listening to music, news, sports, movies, etc. As a result, mobile content is fast becoming the channel of choice for consumers that like to access their shows on-demand and not be subjected to TV schedules.

For instance, my son and his friends consume most of the content they like on smartphones. Their smartphones have eclipsed television as the entertainment tool of choice where they can share clips, movies, music and chat amongst themselves through various apps. This group hardly ever uses voice; their preferred mode of communication is chat and video calling. They really do not care which network their friend is on, it is irrelevant. For this group it is what content they can consume, access, or share amongst themselves and the service (OTT) that allows them to do it that matters most.

Some operators are beginning to look beyond infrastructure and experiment with digital models; however many are yet to adapt to the shifting landscape. Whoever is able to figure it out first and lock in providers and consumers will leave the rest playing catch-up. Content (in the broader sense), therefore really is king…or is it not?

Awoonor is a telecommunication and turn-around specialist in mobile and financial services arena

WILL GLOBAL POLITICAL UPHEAVALS RESONATE IN NIGERIA? Alexander Ifeanyinchukwu argues that the registration of new political parties by INEC generates fresh hopes

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here is a growing swirl of political hurricane sweeping through the Americas and Europe in a manner that is urgently eroding and reducing political party leadership establishments to redundancy and irrelevance. First was the United States of America, where in its Presidential elections November last year, Donald Trump, an unorthodox and outsider to Americas mainstream political actors against all odds and regardless of little or no support from the leadership of the Republican Party, not only picked the party’s ticket but beat the Democratic Party candidate and favourite, Hillary Clinton in a manner that completely left pundits and political commentators star gazing, helpless and confounded.

Next was France, where Emmanuel Macron, 39, whose political party was formed barely one year ago, swept formidable opposition aside to become the new French President in an election French people are asking : What happened?.

In both cases, resentment and rejection of the establishment was total and decisive. Citizens are not only disenchanted and thoroughly frustrated by global political leadership failure but are standing up resolutely to express with voting vehemence the totality of their disappointment. Voters across the globe are now willing to move from the known to the unknown, from political party membership and allegiance to zero-party experiments in the hope of getting desired results. What is completely dizzying in some of the cases already cited is that the principle of the silent majority especially amongst non-committed voters is at play.

Back home in Africa, no one appears prepared for the political upheaval that is leading to a popular revolt against incumbent President Jacob Zuma in South Africa. His party’s massive defeat in last year’s local elections in the Pretoria and Johannesburg areas have been the best indicator yet that the upcoming national elections in South Africa portend

a disaster movie in the making for Jacob Zuma and his ANC. Nigeria’s case is not too different either.

The two leading political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are in dire straits. For the APC the situation is particularly pathetic. Coming to power in the general elections of 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory over incumbent PDP President Goodluck Jonathan had all the trappings of a nation seemingly under a hypnotic trance. Nothing could go wrong for Buhari as indeed nothing went wrong. Buhari’s time had come as his corruption-free credentials swept him to power in a manner that left the country and its citizens breathless.

Today and after two years in office this May 29, President Buhari must be wondering what went wrong. Nigerians too are wondering aloud how they got themselves into this political entrapment.

The APC machinery is just not working as a government. The war against the Boko Haram insurgents in the North East of the country has undeniably recorded success in the manner the insurgents have been degraded. But like a bad penny that will not go away, allegations of unbridled and untoward corrupt sharp practices have continued to dodge the heels of very senior government officials.

Without doubt, the APC’s major problem is the inability of the amalgamating political parties that gave birth to it - the ACN, CPC, ANPP and the APGA - to subsume individual and respective identities and interests for the wellbeing of the mother party. They have simply refused to dissolve. And so cleavages are still very deeply entrenched in the ruling party so much so the ill health of Mr. President is giving amplification to the robust but underground alignments and realignments of forces within the APC towards 2019. This sad picture has been made worse by the APC’s inability to hold any NEC meetings, conduct congresses at the ward, local government and state levels for fear that any attempt

to carry out any of the exercises could lead to an implosion.

The case of the PDP cuts an even more pathetic picture. To be sure, the party has been the dominant political party in power since 1999 and like fish out of water now finds it hard to understand its new environment of opposition, alien to its disposition and orientation. It is now fragmented into two main factions that persons of critical and discerning political knowledge are hard put understanding. If we claim that the cause of quarrel in the APC stems from disagreements over the spoils of political victory, what shall we then say of the PDP? Those who know say that by the time the Supreme Court gives judgment on the PDP dispute and decides which of the factions of Senator Ahmed Makarfi or Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has a right to the leadership structures of the party, rebranding may very well have become impossible as the name will be near toxic in the nation’s political lexicon. The PDP can only emerge from this crisis, a very well spent force having expended positive political energy in negative direction.

Which is perhaps why a surge of political relief swept through the nation last week following newspaper reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission was set to register five new political parties towards the 2019 general elections. Without doubt this development will change the context and flavour of the 2019 elections and widen the scope of options for voters. The question is now whether like their counterparts in the USA, France and The Gambia, Nigerian voters are prepared to take the plunge and give the APC and the PDP the shove and rejection they deserve.

According to newspaper reports, the five political parties billed for registration are the Advanced Democratic Progressive Movement (ADPM), Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), New Generation Party of Nigeria (NGPN), Young Peoples Progressive Party (YPP) and Action Democratic Party (ADP). The

newspaper quoted INEC’s director of voter education and publicity, Oluwole Osagie-Uzi as saying that 16 of the 91 associations had paid the statutory fee of One million naira while 12 of them were undergoing verification.

Aside the excitement the development has elicited from across the country, questions pundits are asking are many and varied. Will the newly registered political parties be different? Will they have learnt from the mistakes of those before them?

Will they connect with the people and give power and voice to their yearnings and will they be driven by visible ideologies and philosophies directly related to programmes that can take the nation where it wants to be?

Not a few Nigerians believe that democracy is at risk in Nigeria following the instability and negative attitudes of politicians to issues of national interest.

They readily point to the fact that after 16 years of democracy, successive governments have through crass incompetence been unable to provide stable and regular supply of electricity, rehabilitate the nation’s poor road network, not to mention the sorry state of potable drinking water in our urban and rural areas. They point to the opulent and exuberant living styles of the political class to the neglect of the millions of Nigerians who live in penury and abject poverty.

To this extent pundits are already speculating that the new political parties will be better managed, connect more with people and generally usher in a new era of political party focus and determination not so much because the politicians are going to be neophytes and newcomers but essentially because there is so much to learn from and correct in the manner the existing parties have been run. Whichever way one looks at it, the registration of new political parties

by INEC will generate fresh hopes and expectations in a country where political parties hardly inspire confidence at the moment.

Ifeanyinchukwu wrote from Lagos

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EDITORIAL BURATAI’S WARNING AND MATTERS ARISING The Army should investigate, arrest and prosecute all those involved in the security breach

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he Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, last week warned army ofďŹ cers and soldiers to steer clear of politics, claiming to have information that some persons had been making moves to incite the military against constituted authority. “This is to inform the public that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General TY Buratai, has received information that some individuals have been approaching some ofďŹ cers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons,â€? a statement by Brigadier-General Sani Usman, Director of Army Public Relations, said, adding: “On the basis of that, he has warned such persons to desist from these acts.â€?

Reminding the ofďŹ cers and soldiers that the army was a professional, disciplined, loyal and apolitical institution that has clear constitutional roles and responsibilities, Buratai said that those among them interested in politics should resign their commission or apply for voluntary discharge forthwith. Yet when pressed by THISDAY to name the individuals involved and clarify if arrests had been made, the army authorities declined.

Coming against WE ASK THE ARMY the background of the AUTHORITIES TO sickness of President URGENTLY INVESTIGATE Muhammadu Buhari THIS BREACH OF and the uncertainty that SECURITY, ARREST THE it has generated in the CULPRITS AND VISIT THE polity, Buratai’s stateFULL WEIGHT OF THE LAW ment cannot be easily dismissed because of ON THEM its far reaching implications. It is, however, curious that an army chief received information on a breach of security by some of his men and all he did was to issue a threat and an advisory. Even in a democratic society that Nigeria is, this is an unusual procedure for handling high treason.

As Buratai has rightly said, the 1999 Constitution that is in operation clearly subordinates the military to the civil authorities elected by the people and mandates the institution

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THE DSS LOPSIDED RECRUITMENT

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n online news portal Premium Times published on April 28, 2017, a report detailing a strange recruitment exercise by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The agency had commissioned 479 cadet officers after their passing-out parade in Lagos on March 5, 2017 after a nine-month training programme under the agency’s Basic Course 29/2016/17. The listing of those recruited into the service has now become a subject of concern to Nigerians who are confused as to what the DSS aimed to achieve by the disproportionate nature of its recruitment.

The exercise was expected to award five slots to each state of the federation but the final listing shows a huge disparity in allotment of cadet officers from each state.

For example, Katsina which is the home state of the President produced 51 cadets while Lagos had just seven; ditto for Kano which had 25 while Abia got seven slots. In aggregate, the North had more slots than the South. This is a clear violation of the principle of federal character of the Federal Republic. But this is not its first occurrence under the Buhari-led presidency.

On March 15, 2016, Sahara Reporters and Premium Times reported the illegal recruitment of 91 individuals who are relatives and wards of political office holders into the Central Bank of Nigeria. The recruitment was done in secret by the apex bank, devoid of the necessary due process. The job was not advertised for public participation, rather the individuals were handpicked and the federal government kept mum on the issue.

Also in 2016 the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr Babatunde Fowler, illegally recruited people into the agency as reported by the media. The presidency kept

to be apolitical. Indeed, our constitution and military laws regard the kind of security breach Buratai hinted about as high treason and the seriousness with which the offence is viewed is weighted by the punishment prescribed for it. While the former awards life imprisonment, the latter prescribes death penalty for the offence.

Buratai’s handling of this matter, therefore, makes light of a serious issue that requires ďŹ rmness. This is particularly so because of the nation’s prevailing delicate political circumstances. Since President Buhari’s illness and frequent medical vacations abroad became subject of public discourse, reckless permutations have taken the centre stage so much so that some sectional politicians are already speaking of the possibility of an extra constitutional resolution of any dispute that might arise in the unlikely event that the president would be unable to conclude his tenure.

Although the constitution envisages the current political situation and has adequately provided remedial measures, we cannot pretend to be unaware of the high stakes and how far some desperate politicians could go to undermine the ground norm and precipitate a national crisis. Without a doubt, Buratai’s statement conďŹ rmed this tendency towards the use of high treason as a weapon for the resolution of political disputes. This, obviously, would not be acceptable to the vast majority of Nigerians who toiled to institute democratic rule in the country.

Meanwhile, it has been suggested in many quarters that given Buratai’s slap-on-the- wrist handling of what would amount to a clear act of treason by some political misďŹ ts and unscrupulous military ofďŹ cers, the army chief might be ying a kite. We think this is speculative and unhelpful.

However, we also think it is important to send unambiguous signals to persons who might be misguided to believe they could trample on our constitution with impunity, that they will not only be vigorously resisted by the Nigerian people, but would also be brought to justice.

To deter such people, therefore, we ask the army authorities to urgently investigate this breach of security, arrest the culprits and visit the full weight of the law on them.

silent on the issue and a terse statement was released by the SA on Media and Publicity to the Vice-President, Laolu Akande claiming that no such recruitment took place. As we know, the media won’t report what they don’t know, but it has become the norm for the government to deny every allegation against it, however compelling they may sound.

However the current skewed recruitment by the DSS is one that has cast blight on the transparency and accountability being championed by the federal government. It lends credence to the statement attributed to the president after his election that he would pay more attention to those who voted for him than those who gave him no votes. The statement was rebuffed by Nigerians, as it contradicts his inaugural promise of “I belong to everybody, I belong to nobody.� The presidency has carried on by implementing the statement through its actions as seen in the recent DSS recruitment.

The future implication of this is that a time will come when the DSS will be seen as an ethnic fiefdom, belonging to one part of the country. Already the southerners have expressed concerns about the “northernisation� of Buhari’s appointments and the president has not done much to assuage their fears.

One of the greatest mistakes of President Goodluck Jonathan was the promotion of an Ijaw-based agenda which was roundly criticised and which eventually backfired. Buhari is doing the same at the moment. It has shown that the continuous ethnic agitations in the south against the Nigerian state won’t end anytime soon unless the south is given a sense of belonging.

Adesina Tosin Nathaniel, www.donteewrites.blogspot. com

OGUN STATE GOVERNMENT AND ANTHONY JOSHUA

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ddie Hearn, the promoter of Anthony Joshua (AJ), recently advised AJ to invest in an English countryside mansion worth about ÂŁ5 million.

AJ, in his characteristic humility, politely declined the advice by pointing out that “I was not brought up in a mansion.â€? Did AJ have Sagamu or Ijebu-Ode in mind when he brilliantly replied to the investment advice of his promoter? But the key idea in Mr. Hearn’s advice was “invest.â€? That ÂŁ5 million investment window was when AJ had not fought Wladimir Klitschko; now, the sum of the investment bar could be raised for AJ. Fortunately for Nigeria and the Ogun State Government, AJ still thinks highly of this country; there is no convincing proof of this fact than the tattoo of the outline of Africa with Nigeria that is etched on AJ’s top right

arm. What the Ogun State Government can do right now is to allot prime location to AJ at the centre of Abeokuta (in synch with Gov. Amosun’s City Centre Development) and then invite AJ to develop this lot into highrise residential condominiums targeting clients as far away as Lagos who may wish to lease these condos for weekend family gatherings, etc. Shopping malls could also come into the package as added advantage.

When this investment window from AJ has been swung wide open, Nigerians would not need the business wisdom of Donald Trump to remind us that this is “one hell of a damn win-win situation.â€? We should also remind ourselves that AJ is a potential ÂŁ1 billion earner in the very near future.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

POLITICS

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

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING

In the President’s Interest Despite all the denial, it is beyond doubt that the president’s ill health is hampering his ability to run the country. Davidson Iriekpen thinks that the president will be doing himself a great favour if he graciously resigns to attend to his health

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ne of the co-conveners of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) campaign group, Aisha Yesufu, last week added her name to the long list of those urging President Muhammadu Buhari to resign on health grounds in order to reduce tension in the country and move the country forward. In a two-minute video posted on her twitter account last Friday, she also advised the National Assembly to impeach the president if he fails to step down. Yesufu in the video, said that the idea of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo acting as president was not working and that governance was stagnated in the country.

She called on Nigerians to ‘wake up’, adding that the acting president would not be able to do much because he wanted to be seen as a good man. “For crying out loud, the president is sick, the president is not capable of discharging his duties as president, why can’t he resign?

Sickness can be on anybody, nobody is wishing the president bad. The fact that he is sick doesn’t mean he is going to die today or tomorrow.

Somebody that is as healthy as I am now can drop dead. It is life! How long are we going to wait and keep watching everything go in disarray? Who is going to sign the budget, we don’t know. The report on Babachir, what is happening to it? Why are we being held to ransom?” she said.

Continuing, she said: “Buhari, you have gotten the best in this world. A lot of things that you have, most people cannot even dream of. You have been president twice, you said it yourself, you have reached the peak of your career as a military man and as a politician. Can you allow each and every one of us as Nigerians be able to reach the peak of our careers? Can you just take some time off, take care of yourself?

May God give you good health.

“We need to take our country back, let the president resign, if he can’t resign, let the National Assembly do the right thing and let’s have another president. It is not about President Buhari, it’s about Nigeria, and right now Nigeria is suffering and we cannot continue to allow this.” The president penultimate Sunday left the country for the United Kingdom for medical treatment. A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the duration of Buhari’s stay in London would be determined by his doctors.

“The president wishes to assure all Nigerians that there is no cause for worry. He is very grateful for the prayers and good wishes of the people, and hopes they will continue to pray for the peace and unity of the nation.

The length of the president’s stay in London will be determined by the doctors. Government will continue to function normally under the leadership of the vice-president,” he said.

Before the president left the shores of the country, his health was one of the most discussed issues in the polity. Worried by his frequent absence from public functions and the tension over his failing health, some human rights and pressure groups had advised him to resign or take time off to attend to his health.

To many Nigerians however, Buhari’s current situation did not come as a surprise. After winning the nomination of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to run for the presidency in 2015, reports on the fickle state of his health became one of the campaign issues for the opposition and of course, other concerned Nigerians.

A majority of those in the opposition had maintained that Buhari was ill, and had been on medication for some time. Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose voluntarily led the campaign and at a point placed an obnoxious advertorial on the then aspiring president. Former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan once declared

Buhari...hampered by ill health

Buhari brain dead too during one of the PDP campaigns.

But this narrative was vigorously contested and denied by Buhari’s handlers. His supporters believed and shared the view that he was as fit as a fiddle. But the concerns did not go away and shortly after his victory at the polls, Buhari had to travel to the United Kingdom for medical attention, confirming to those, who doubted his state health that something was actually amiss.

To many Nigerians however, Buhari’s current situation did not come as a surprise.

After winning the nomination of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to run for the presidency in 2015, reports on the fickle state of his health became one of the campaign issues for the opposition and of course, other concerned Nigerians

The height, perhaps, was when at the beginning this year, Buhari went on what was supposed to be a 10-day vacation to London, the United Kingdom and ended spending some 51 days.

Since, his return from the vacation, the issue of his health has gained more prominence, with many wanting to know if he was physically and mentally fit to run the affairs of this country with.

This question gained even greater validity against the backdrop of the president’s failure to be physically present in some crucial events.

Since his return from London, Buhari has not attended any public function and was unable to attend the last three cabinet meetings and was also absent at the last two Jum’at services, with last Friday’s being at exception.

The president was also absent at the May Day rally organised by the labour unions for the second time since assuming office in 2015, a development that caused commotion at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

From the look of things, it is becoming clearer to many that the presidency and its kitchen cabinet are trying hard to shroud the health of the president in secrecy.

As a democratic nation, the belief is that Nigerians not only have a right to know the true state of health of the president, but to also assess whether the constant distraction by his physical health affects his mental ability to carry on with the enormous task of governing the country, especially at a time Nigeria is battling to get out of difficult economic and political transition.

It was against this background that some prominent Nigerians like the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade (rtd); and APC former National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, among others have expressed worries over the way the presidency is shrouding the president’s health in secrecy.

This, perhaps, also prompted a meeting of three former leaders of the country, Chief

Olusegun Obasanjo, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), at the Minna Hiltop residence of Babangida on the way out of the situation the country has found itself.

But a day after the meeting, there was a report that the president came out and held a meeting with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and the Managing Director of the Nigerian National Corporation (NNPC). Many analysts viewed the meeting as a ploy to deceive Nigerians and cover up the president’s true state of health. The interpretation to this was that it was when the presidency heard that the three former leaders met that he managed to come out.

Till date, nobody knows what the ailment the president is suffering from and how bad the situation is. While some of his aides and associates had at various time told the country that Buhari would need time to recover from his first treatment abroad, others said he would stay at home and perform all his official duties.

While many observers have admitted that the president’s graciousness in transmitting a letter to the National Assembly on the two occasions he had travelled abroad for medical treatment, something the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua did not do, they want him to display that same grace and courage by resigning since it is becoming clearer that he is unable to concentrate on the job for which he was elected due to ill-health.

With the Yar’Adua scenario still fresh in people’s memory, many are asking: For how long is the country willing to tolerate an ailing president? For how long will his aides handle statecraft on his behalf? At what point will those saddled with the responsibility summon the courage and apply the provisions of Section 144 of the 1999 Constitution?

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

POLITICS

Why Kwara Can’t Hold Council Elections Faced with inadequate financial resources to hold elections in the 16 local government areas in Kwara State, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed turned to the House of Assembly for a resolution to constitute a transition implementation committee for the councils, writes Hammed Shittu

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ocal government administration remains the only system of government that is so close to the people of the grassroots in the country. Apart from being the system of government that involves the full participation of local people, it remains a system of government that allows views and opinions of the local people to be gauged for the purpose of providing good leadership and service oriented programmes to the doorsteps of rural populace. This is the reason that every government, be at the state or federal level has been working round the clock to ensure that local government administration is administered with good leadership in order to enhance the well being of the people of the grassroots.

It is against this backdrop that the Kwara State Government under the leadership of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed inaugurated a new transition implementation committee for 16 local government councils in the state as part of the efforts at re-engineering the local government administration for effective and efficient day to day administration of the local government councils in the state. Before now, the state government had appointed transition implementation committee for the councils two times which ran the 16 local government councils for six months.

The inauguration of this transition implementation committee became imperative in view of the dwindling federal allocations to the state which would not allow the state government to conduct local government councils polls due to the financial implications that may accompany the conduct of such elections.

In order not to create a vacuum in the local government council administration, and to avoid the financial implication of an election, the state government chose to put in place the transition implementation committee.

The inauguration of the committee in the local government councils was backed up with a resolution of the state’s House of Assembly which empowered the state government to embark on such exercise for the effective delivery of dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the rural populace. This is so important for the state as a way of adding values to the lives of the rural populace because the agitations for good governance at the local government level has remained in the front burner in the past few months.

Speaking at the swearing-in of members of the committee at the Government House, Ilorin recently, the governor said: “As the closest tier of government to the grassroots, where the bulk of our people reside, local governments are uniquely positioned to deliver inclusive and impactful governance”.

According to him, local governments are also expected to facilitate a strong relationship between the government and the governed and guarantee sustained grassroots development.

He said: “It is perhaps for this reason that the 1999 Constitution provides for effective local government administration under the supervision of respective state governments.

“Yet the structural and economic deficiencies in Nigeria’s local government system continue to retard the capacity of local governments to perform the roles envisaged by our laws.” He explained that developments in the national economy necessitated the constitution of the committees. The governor said , “Today’s swearing-in of newly appointed Chairpersons of Transition Implementation Committee (TICs) for the 16 local government councils, therefore, underscores our resolve to sanitize our local government system as a prelude to full-fledged councils. “Clearly, the economic realities of local governments, and indeed the country, remain unfavorable to the enthronement of executive council chairpersons.

“While I congratulate the newly-sworn in Transition Implementation Committee members, the truth is that your appointments, like those of your predecessors, come at a time of great difficulty for all levels of government in Nigeria, especially governments.

Ahmed....can’t hold council elections due to lack of fund

“As you assume the mandate of leadership, therefore, remember that your appointment is a call to service. You are expected to continue to give priority to the payment of salaries and pensions and strive to clear the backlog of arrears accumulated over the years.

“You must equally prioritize low hanging infrastructure that will bring meaningful relief to the people. Furthermore, you need to stay clear of new appointments and instead make prudence and probity your watchwords”.

He urged them to distance themselves from ostentation and avoid any conduct capable of calling their integrity to question even as he assured them of continued support of the state government. “Our government is also determined to bequeath a local government system that is robust, efficient, autonomous and inclusive.

“Despite current structural challenges, local governments will be strengthened to exploit all economic opportunities available for their

While the current agitation for local government autonomy enjoys a degree of support among Nigerians, the truth is that the desired autonomy will yield little fruit unless the local government system is reformed and strengthened along economic lines

long-term sustenance and viability”, he added.

Ahmed noted further that, ‘Following the completion of the verification of staff at state and local government areas, our ongoing sanitization of payrolls will continue with a certificate authentication exercise.

“This is to ensure that only those with legitimate and appropriate qualifications remain within the system.

“While the current agitation for local government autonomy enjoys a degree of support among Nigerians, the truth is that the desired autonomy will yield little fruit unless the local government system is reformed and strengthened along economic lines. “In other words, granting autonomy to a local government with highly limited economic potential is more likely to complicate rather than resolve the challenges confronting such local governments.

“What we need is a reform that provides tangible opportunities for local government to meet salary and project obligations.”

Responding on behalf of the committees, the Chairperson of Ilorin South Local Government Area, Hajia Funmilayo Salahudeen expressed gratitude to the governor for giving them the opportunity to serve.

She assured the governor of their resolve to justify the confidence reposed in them by being steadfast, dedicated and committed to their statutory duties. She said the committee would add values to the people of the grassroots so as to move the state forward. With the inauguration of new leadership at the local government councils, the expectations of the residents of the rural populace are high especially in the areas of health, potable water, quality education, opening of rural roads among others.

Hence, it now behoves on the new leadership to come up with new blue print that would usher-in good governance at the local government so as to bring new lease of life to the doorsteps of the rural populace. The main challenge facing local government administration in the state is non payment of salaries of workers and gratuity of those workers that had served the councils and retired from the service as at when due.

As at the time of filling this report, some of the workers in the local government councils are owed about nine months. The ugly development has continued to have a serious effect on the

socio well being of the immediate families of the affected workers.

Some of the workers could not pay the school fees, foot medical bills, rent and cannot even meet other immediate needs of their families.

In a chat with our correspondent, the Secretary of the state chapter of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees(NULGE) Comrade Hotonu Rafiu said that, the non payment of the council’s workers posed a serious threat to the development of rural populace.

He said that, the development was due to the high deductions of local government revenue through Joint Account Allocation Committee policy in the state.

He also said that, the heavy burden put on the local government councils was the payment of primary and junior primary schools teachers.

This, he said, had continued to pose a problem to the revenue accrued to the local government every month in the payment of salary of council’s workers in the state.

He therefore appealed to the state government to look into this challenge in order to bring new lease of life to the residents of the state.

Also, the non payment of retirees in the local government councils has become a serious challenge as the affected retirees has been owed of about N4billion .

The retirees had staged a peaceful protest to the state house of assembly to express their displeasure at their neglect which hitherto has continued to affect their lives.

The Secretry of the Local Government Pensioners Association, Alhaji Saidu Oladimeji who led the pensioners to the assembly recently in Ilorin explained that conditions of most local government pensioners in the state were pathetic following the indebtedness. He noted that, the shifting of payment of teachers’ salaries in the Junior Secondary schools in Kwara to councils had further compounded the financial predicament of the Local Government authorities in the state.

Oladimeji said non payment of members pensions and gratuity had incapacitated them to meet their medical and domestic obligations at home.

He appealed to the members of the state house of assembly to assist the local government pensioners with the unpaid pension and gratuity which now stands at N4 billion.

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TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

Alleviating the Suffering of IDPs TGI Group, an international investment and holding company, recently donated a lorry load of milk, pharmaceutical and agriculture products to the Borno State Government in support of the humanitarian needs of internally displaced persons in the state. More companies need to emulate this gesture, writes Solomon Elusoji

L-R: Executive Chairman of Borno SEMA, Engr. Satomi Ahmad, Head of Public Health/Institution, Pharm. Ikenna Orakwue and General Manager, Corporate Affairs, TGI Group, Sadiq Kassim, presenting products to some of the IDPs

T

he humanitarian crisis in the North-eastern part of the country occasioned by the activities of the dreaded Boko Haram insurgency group is still very much with us. Although the activities of the insurgents have been largely contained by the Nigerian Military, many Nigerians dislocated from their homes and families are still living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

When people flee their homes, they often hope to return within days or weeks. In reality, for most of them it takes years or even decades as the conflict, destruction or occupation drags on; or due to fear of harassment or attack, or lack of economic opportunities, among other factors. Many soon slide into poverty, having sold jewelry or other assets, with little or no avenues to support their families. They become particularly vulnerable to extortion, discrimination and abuse. Internal displacement often marks the beginning of a long struggle at the bottom and the margins of society.

This ugly phenomenon started like a child’s play in 2009 with the arrest and killing of some of the leaders of the Boko Haram sect in Maiduguri, Borno State, by Nigeria’s security agents. What was deemed to be a reprisal attack by members of the sect against Nigeria security agencies gradually snowballed into mindless and indiscriminate killings of thousands of innocent souls as well as destruction of private and government owned properties worth trillions of Naira.

The aftermath of the internecine ‘religious’

war is the displacement of millions of people from Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States.

According to Wikipedia, of the 2.3 million people displaced by the conflict

In this period of economic hardship, this is our own little way of saying that we remember and care for them, to let them know that they are not alone and assure them of our continued support. TGI Group is committed to bringing succour to all IDP camps in North-eastern Nigeria. We want to help reduce the suffering and pains of as many families affected by insecurity and violence in the North-east

since May 2013, at least 250,000 have left Nigeria and fled into Cameroon, Chad or Niger. Boko Haram killed over 6,600 in 2014. The group has also carried out mass abductions, including the kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in April 2014, an incident which sparked worldwide outrage and condemnation of the group’s nefarious activities within the country and beyond.

In mid-2014, the militants gained control of swathes of territory in and around their home state of Borno covering 20,000 sq miles in January 2015, but did not capture the state capital, Maiduguri, where the group was originally based. In September 2015, the Director of Information at the Defence Headquarters of Nigeria announced that all Boko Haram camps had been destroyed.

However, victory over the insurgents remains a pyrrhic one as thousands of Nigerians have been rendered homeless and desolate as a result of the conflict, and are confined to living in camps which dot the North-eastern region. Many of the inhabitants of the camps are the most vulnerable members of the society – children and women. Regrettably, several of the children are orphans while the women are mostly widows. According to the Executive Chairman of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Engineer Satomi Ahmad, there are 69,000 widows and 54,000 orphans in its camps.

Ahmad disclosed this last weekend when a team from TGI Group, an international investment and holding company with diversified interests and investments in Africa, Middle East and Asia, donated a lorry load of evaporated milk, pharmaceutical

and agricultural products to the Borno State Government in support of the humanitarian needs of internally displaced persons in the state.

According to Ahmad, “SEMA is responsible for the coordination of humanitarian activities in the state. Prior to the crisis which was about to consume us, Borno State was the Home of Peace. We however thank God that lately things have improved tremendously.

It will interest you to know that the human crisis we are managing here is the third largest in the world after Iraq and Syria.

The level of destruction, the quantum and magnitude of displacement is inconceivable.

Borno State alone accommodates 89 per cent of the Nigerian IDPs. It is the support of good Samaritans like your organisation that has partly been keeping us going.”

Also speaking during the occasion, Mr. Sadiq Kassim, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, who represented the Group Managing Director of TGI Limited, Mr. Rahul Savara, said that the company was committed to reducing hunger and alleviating suffering in the IDP camps and other indigent communities not only in the North-east but all over the country “In this period of economic hardship, this is our own little way of saying that we remember and care for them, to let them know that they are not alone and assure them of our continued support.

“TGI Group is committed to bringing succour to all IDP camps in North-eastern Nigeria. We want to help reduce the suffering and pains of as many families affected by insecurity and violence in the North-east.

19

Ëž T H I S D AY TUESDAYËœ Í°ÍąËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

FEATURES

Some IDPs with products from TGI

A cross section of some displayed kids

“TGI Group is the parent company of Chi Limited, WACOT Limited, CHI Pharmaceuticals Ltd, CHI Farms, CORMART, and many other companies in the country. “We are here because our Group is interested in offering support to what the state government is doing to alleviate the pains of the victims of insurgency. We feel that whatever affects one part of the country affects the whole as well and we must empathise with the state government and the people in particular,� Kassim said.

Continuing, he disclosed that “Sometime last year our Board took a decision that we should do something for people in IDP camps in Borno State which is the most ravaged by insurgency and so WACOT Limited was mandated to supply 600 bags of maize to be used for feeding members of the IDP camps and recently also, Chi Limited was told, you produce evaporated

milk and other milk products, these are children and people who are malnourished, you need to also do your own. So 3,000 cartons of evaporated milk have been brought while Chi Pharmaceuticals was also mandated to do their own and they have also supplied certain numbers of OTC drugs for use particularly in the camps to help maintain the health status of individuals in the camp. “So, our objective today is actually to formally meet with you, discuss with you because TGI Group is interested and will continue to assist you. It is an engagement we want to take further and the other companies within the Group will want to contribute whatever little they can do.

We want to be part of your success story; we want to be part of whatever will bring people to their normal lives.�

Commending the kind gesture of the

different companies in the TGI Group – Chi Limited, WACOT Limited and Chi Pharmaceuticals, Ahmad called on other corporate organisations to emulate the Group because government alone cannot shoulder everything. “When I received the first consignment of maize about six months ago, I was very happy and personally discussed it with His Excellency, the Governor of the state, Alhaji Kashim Shettima. He is very thankful and appreciative of what you are doing. You can see for yourself that many of the children are malnourished, I therefore appreciate your donation of evaporated milk and pharmaceutical products.�

Donations such as these are sorely needed in the camps. There have been incessant reports of widespread starvation and poor health facilities in IDP camps across the country. Last year, an international medical

humanitarian organisation, Doctors Without Borders/MÊdecins Sans Frontières (MSF), visited a camp in Borno and raised an alarm that a catastrophic humanitarian emergency was unfolding, due to poor medical facilities and nutrition. The MSF medical team discovered a health crisis, referring 16 severely malnourished children at immediate risk of death to the MSF in-patient therapeutic feeding centre in Maiduguri. A rapid nutritional screening of more than 800 children found that 19 per cent were suffering from severe acute malnutrition—the deadliest form of malnutrition.

So, like Ahmad urged, one can only hope that other corporate organisations can take the initiative from TGI and move to lessen the weight of tragedy currently carried by thousands unfortunate to live in these times.

20

IMAGES

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Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

Managing Director, Retail and Investment Company Ltd., Ejimofor Akah(middle);anked by Sales Director, Gary Shen (right) and, Board Chairman, Cheng Saiping both of Shenzen Jizhao Information Technology Co Ltd China at the MOU signing to build a smart phone/tablet assembly plant in Nigeria by both companies in Lagos... recently.

L-R; Company Secretary, Caverton Oshore Support Group Plc, Ms. Amaka Obiora; Chairman, Aderemi Makanjuola; and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Olabode Makanjuola at the General Meeting of Caverton Oshore Support Group Plc, in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Chairman, Board of Directors, Draiklinas Limited, Dr. Tunde Ayeye; Pioneer Sta and Long Serving Sta, Mr. Sina Ogunbona and the Country Manager, Mr. Afolabi Abraham, during the presentation of long service award and cash prize to Mr. Ogunbona, by the management of Draiklinas, at UBA House, Lagos‌‌ Friday 19-05-2017 KOLA OLASUPO

L-R; Zonal Head, South-west 2, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Babatunde Onadeko; Executive Director, Business Development, Mrs. Bukola Smith; a customer of the Bank, Barrister Wole Ogungbeje; another customer, Mr. Temitope Olowofoyekun; Executive Director, Finance, FCMB, Mrs. Yemisi Edun and Regional Director, South-west, Mr. Adelaja Adeleye, during the Business cocktail organised by the Bank for customers in Akure, Ondo state...recently

L-R; House of Representative member rom Osun, Hon. Adeyinka Ajayi; Leader, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; BeneďŹ ciary of Gbaja Tab/ Student of Government Senior College, Surulere, Odelabi Sulaimon and Lagos State House of Assembly member, Hon Desmond Elliot during the presentation of Gbaja Tablet to 500 Secondary School Students in Surulere 1 Federal Constituency at the lCT Empowerment ceremony in Lagos...recently ABIODUN AJALA

L-R: Discussant, Wale Olokodana; Director, Payment Sytem, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dipo Fatokun; and President, ISSAN, David Isiavwe, during the Cybersecuritty Summit 2017 jointly organised by Imformation Security Society of Africa-Nigeria (ISSAN)and Microsoft in Lagos..,recently YOMI AKINYELE

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Aairs, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Wife of Lagos State Governor and Chairman, Committee of Wives of Lagos State OďŹƒcials (COWLSO), Mrs. Bolalanle Ambode; Guest of Honor, Erelu Abiola Dosumu and President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Guest Speaker, Chief (Mrs), Nike Akande, during a Symposium Marking Lagos @ 50 ĂŤĂ­theme; Contribution of Women to the Development of Lagos State in the Past Fifty YearsĂ­Ă­, in Ikeja

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

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Group Business Editor ChikaAmanze-Nwachuku Email: chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157, 08057161321

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Quick Takes Enugu Disco Nabs Two for Vandalism Two under-aged vandals, identified as Nnaemeka Azuna - 16 years, and Ugochukwu Malachy -13 years, were arrested by the members of the Neighbourhood Watch in Owerri, Imo State, as luck ran out on them, while they were cutting aluminium conductor cable belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

According to a statement by the Head of Communications at EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, both have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Imo State for further investigation.

Ezeh added that in another related development, Solomon Nwafor, an indigene of Ebonyi State, arrested early in the year for being in possession of intermediate core cable vandalised from an EEDC distribution substation located at Kano Street, Coal camp, Enugu has been sentenced to two years imprisonment.

According to him, Mohammed Isa, who hails from Jigawa State, in company of two unidentified accomplice has attacked EEDC distribution substation located at Orji Community, Owerri, Imo State.

He also disclosed that Ifeanyi Anyanwu and Kelechi Ahuruonye, both from Mbaise town were apprehended while attempting to vandalise a distribution substation at Umu-Awuka community in Owerri North.

8TH GATEWAY TRADE FAIR

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and Iyalode Alaba Lawson at the opening ceremony of the 8th Gateway Trade Fair in Abeokuta...recently

TCN: Discos Reject Generated Electricity Loads Allocated to Them Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has disclosed that the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) have not stopped the practice of rejecting generated electricity loads allocated and sent to them for onward distribution to customers in their distribution networks.

The company also said that the Discos’ monthly financial remittances to the electricity market are still far below what is expected of them by the market, a development it said is affecting the liquidity status of the market.

TCN explained that the Discos’ now remit only about

ENERGY 35 per cent of their monthly invoices, which represents a marginal rise by five per cent when compared to the 30 per cent that it reported was the case in 2016.

The Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, TCN, Mr. Sunny Iroche, told journalists on the sidelines of a recent market participants workshop in Abuja that the load rejection practices of the Discos often made the TCN to direct power generation companies (Gencos) to reduce the quantum of electricity they generate. “We do this because generation must balance utilisation and that is very important to

avoid collapse of the system,�

Iroche said.

Similarly, the Executive Director, Market Operations (MO) Department of the TCN, Mr. Moshood Saleeman, stated that the MO had decided to ensure that henceforth, the Discos remit what they get from the market to participants, according to the Market Rules, which stipulates 100 per cent remittances of their invoices to the market.

Saleeman stated that more than three years into privatised electricity market in Nigeria, and after over two years of operating the Transitional Electricity Market, liquidity and infrastructure challenges were still holding the market from growing to its potential.

He said operators in the sector must work towards harnessing the huge unutilised generation capacity, accelerate completion of critical transmission projects, reinforce and expand distribution network and deploy meters to consumers. “These will enable the market meet the need of end-users as well as the revenue recovery for the entire value chain.

Also critical for success of the market and the entire industry are issues of transparency and compliance with relevant rules/ codes in the market,� Saleeman explained.

When asked whether there Continued on page 22

Downstream Operators: Price Threatens $5bn Investments

Regulation

Ejiofor Alike

to the Federation Account. You must buy at arms’ length and if your product yield is not paying for the crude and the cost, you have no business being in refining because what you are doing is what we call value destruction,�

Stanley explained.

The former PPPRA boss disclosed that refining business is so tough that 28 refineries shut down in Europe within the last five to six years because of the volatility of their margins. “As I speak to you, Europe is in crisis with their refining system because they have barrage of assaults from efficient refineries in the US

Operators in the downstream sector of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry have raised the alarm that the continued regulation of petrol price by the federal government has put investments with yearly turnover of $5 billion in jeopardy.

Speaking at a special panel session chaired by a former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Mr. Reginald Stanley, the operators who gathered at the recent conference in Lagos, argued that with regulation of the price of petrol, margins would continue to be under pressure, thus hampering the

ENERGY needed investments.

Chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Managing Director of Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa urged the federal government to concentrate on policies and allow the market forces to drive the downstream sector, otherwise investments would continue to be under threat.

He noted that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) used to be the sole importer of petroleum products in the 1980s and 1990s but when the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) scheme was introduced in 2006 to allow marketers to

import, the initiative led to massive investments and job creation. “But now, we have moved back to the era when the NNPC dominated importation of petrol, thus stifling investments,� he added.

On his part, Stanley, who chaired the session, urged the NNPC to let go of the refineries so that they would be run by private sector initiatives, stressing that the refinery business is tough with low margins. “The problem is absolutely the structure of the management and let me tell you, refining business is tough. First and foremost, it has to be run as a commercial business; there are no kickglods; the crude belongs

Continued on page 22

US Drillers Add Rigs for 18th Week US energy companies added oil rigs for an 18th week in a row, the second-longest such streak on record, as expectations of higher crude prices have motivated drillers to boost monthly shale production to its highest level since mid-2015.

Drillers added eight oil rigs in the week to May 19, bringing the total count to 720, the most since April 2015, energy services firm Baker Hughes Inc. said at the weekend.

That is more than double the same week a year ago when there were only 318 active oil rigs.

It was the second-longest run of weekly additions, according to Baker Hughes data going back to 1987. Drillers added rigs for 19 weeks in a row through August 2011.

US crude futures rebounded last week to trade around $50, putting the front-month contract on track for a secondstraight week of gains. Investors expect the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producing countries to extend output cuts into next year.

OPEC and other producers will meet on May 25 to decide whether to extend the cuts aimed at reducing a global crude glut.

Global LNG Demand May Rise Asian spot LNG prices held steady this week with little fresh activity, but fresh demand is expected after South Korea outlined plans to close ten old coal-fired power plants next month.

Spot prices for July delivery were assessed at around $5.50 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), broadly in line with last week’s levels, according to trade sources.

A month-long shutdown at Train 1 of Chevron’s giant Gorgon export plant in Australia, announced on Monday, had little impact amid weak shoulder-month demand in Asia. News of South Korean coal plant closures, however, could help support prices if Korea Gas Corp launched another tender for summer supplies, trading sources said.

The company - via its last tender in April - purchased around 10 cargoes for June and July delivery, temporarily helping to shore up a weak market. “The Koreans seem more active with coal power plants shutting down,� a Singapore-based trader said.

Angola launched a tender to sell a cargo loading on May 21-23, while South Korea’s POSCO seeks a cargo for delivery in late June.

“I am focussed at more on operational headquarters (of IOCs) than administrative headquarters and on physical presence�

Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu

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BUSINESSWORLD TCN: DISCOS REJECT GENERATED ELECTRICITY LOADS ALLOCATED TO THEM

had been any improvement in the revenue remittances of the Discos, Saleeman stated: “We have experienced a marginal increase of about 35 per cent; we are not yet there but it is gradually improving.�

He added that due to the Discos’ failure to make the required remittances to the market, the MO was working with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to escrow their accounts. “Yes, aside escrowing their accounts we have other things in the pipeline that we are going to work out to ensure that the liquidity of the market is being improved upon. By the market rule, the MO has the power to escrow the accounts of Discos that have not made payments,� he added.

DOWNSTREAM OPERATORS: PRICE REGULATION THREATENS $5BN INVESTMENTS

Gulf Coast, the Middle East and Asia Pacific,� he added.

In his remarks, a former Managing Director of Oando Marketing Limited, who is now the Chief Executive Officer of Service Liquids and Gas, Mr. Yomi Awobokun, raised the alarm that with regulation, a sector with $5 billion yearly turnover was under threat.

On her part, the Executive Vice Chairman of Technoil Limited, Mrs. Nkechi Obi called on the federal government to fully deregulate the downstream sector to attract the needed investments to create jobs and boost the economy.

She was optimistic that the Petroleum Industry Bill would guarantee deregulation when passed into law.

The Technoil boss, who identified Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a sector with a lot of opportunities, accused the international oil companies (IOCs) of not doing enough to promote the downstream and midstream of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. “I thought that by now, the IOCs should have refineries in Nigeria,� she said.

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

House of Reps to Extend Local Content Act to Power, Construction in 2017 Ejiofor Alike The members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Local Content have restated that the lower chamber would pass the bill extending the Nigerian Content Act to other key sectors of the economy before the end of 2017, so that Nigerians will enjoy the benefits.

The committee has also commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for its diligent implementation of the Nigerian Content Act and speedy execution of its headquarters building project and the Polaku Pipemill project Speaking when the committee members embarked on a recent oversight visit to the NCDMB’s premises and project sites in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Emmanuel Ekon listed sectors to be covered by the extension to include power, construction, information communication technology and telecommunication According to him, “the first reading has been passed and we are fine tuning it�. “I believe the bill will be passed this year,� he added.

Ekon, who commended the NCDMB for its diligent implementation of the Nigerian Content Act and speedy execution of its headquarters building project and the Polaku pipemill project, enumerated the requirements for citing such a pipe mill facility, including proximity to natural gas needed to generate electricity for the plant’s operations,

access to road and river for transporting raw materials and finished products.

Speaking at the Polaku pipemill site, Ekon dismissed insinuations that the Board was acting beyond its mandate in promoting the pipemill, insisting that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act empowered the Board to woo investors and prepare locations, especially difficult terrains so that prospective investors would be convinced

to commit their funds.

Ekon also lauded the Board and its main contractor, MegaStar, for the speedy execution of the building project. “I was here when this land was acquired in 2015. Then this place was bare ground. It is not even up to two years and 8 floors are already standing.

We need to sell construction companies like this because it is 100 per cent indigenous.

This company has invested resources in machines, personnel and construction equipment.

Nigerians, multinationals and the federal government should patronise these kinds of companies,� Ekon explained.

In his welcome speech, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote explained that the Board’s mandate is hinged on promoting, monitoring and evaluating Nigerian Content compliance in the oil and gas industry and serving as a catalyst to attract and drive needed investments, so as to grow the economy and create jobs.

He restated the Board’s preparedness to assist any local or foreign investor seeking to develop facilities, stressing that the Nigerian Content Act provided that goods manufactured in-country would always get patronised by the industry ahead of foreign alternatives.

On the Polaku pipemill, Wabote informed that the Board had completed the sand filling of the site, conducted environmental impact assessment and embarked on the construction of the access road.

COURTESY VISIT

L-R: Executive Director, Commercial, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC), Mr. Abu Ejoor; Managing Director/Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Mrs. Funke Osibodu; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; the Deputy Governor, Barrister Yemi Agboola and the Secretary to Ondo State Government, Hon. Sunday Ifedayo Akintunde, during the courtesy visit by BEDC Management to the Governor in Akure...recently

NNPC: Military Options No Longer Effective in NEMSA: Power Sector’s Maintaining Peace in N’Delta Electrocution Record Peaked Mohammed, stated that apart and Gusau, to improve its Stories by Chineme Okafor in April from the upbeat in the refineries distribution of products across in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that none of the actions, including military options, deployed by the federal government to suppress militancy in the Niger Delta and halt disruptions in crude oil production, has been as effective as the non-violent dialogue initiated by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

The corporation also said the peace initiative had raised the capacity utilisation of its three refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna in recent times. According to the NNPC, refining activities peaked at 10 million barrels of crude oil in the first quarter of 2017, as against eight million and 24 million barrels they recorded in the entire years of 2015 and 2016, respectively.

NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated this when he hosted a delegation from the United Kingdom Royal College of Defence Studies in Abuja.

Baru, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power of NNPC, Saidu

activities, the rate of attacks on oil installations have also lowered with crude oil production rising to to two million barrels per day in recent times. “As a nation, we have tried all available options, including military, to tackle the security challenge. We have discovered that guns are not as effective as the engagement option.The peace we are enjoying now is as a result of the engagement with stakeholders in the region led by the Acting President.

We intend to build on that to achieve a lasting peace,� said Baru in a statement by the Group General Manager, Public Affairs of NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu.

He said having been satisfied with the prevailing respite in the Niger Delta which has engendered a conducive environment for oil and gas production in the past few months, NNPC would do all it could to build on the gains of the government’s engagement with stakeholders in the region to deepen and sustain the peace.

In a related development, the corporation has also disclosed plans to reopen four of its existing petroleum products depots in Jos; Gombe; Suleja;

the country.

It stated this when it reopened its Kano depot, a part of its System 2D pipeline Network, which was knocked down for three-and-half years by vandals.

Baru, said the re-commissioning of the Kano depot was aimed at restoring petroleum products supply and distribution in the northern axis of the country.

He noted the government had mandated the NNPC to revamp all of the country’s national oil assets. “Today’s re-commissioning is also strategic as it is one of the several strides embarked upon by NNPC under its 12 Business Focus Areas (12 BUFA) programme aimed at repositioning the corporation towards sustained profitability,� said Baru.

He explained that the NNPC spent about N1.6 billion between January and December 2016, to secure and maintain the vandalised points of the Kaduna to Kano pipeline, adding that this had a huge cost impact on the NNPC. According to him, NNPC has over the last few months re-commissioned the Port Harcourt to Aba and Atlas Cove to Mosimi pipelines.

Nigeria’s power sector recorded its worst monthly electrocution record in April 2017, when it reported 17 deaths across the country, the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has said.

NEMSA disclosed in its monthly safety report and ranking of the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) which it presented to operators at their last monthly meeting in Jos, that the accidents involved staff of operators and third parties.

It explained that these occurred on the back of failures of system protection equipment; poor response to monitored networks and use of substandard materials; and non-adherence to safety rules and regulations.

The company also identified total absence of protection devices; and inadequate knowledge and ignorance on the part of operators and consumers as some of the causes of the accidents.

According to NEMSA, Abuja; Ibadan; Kano; Port

Harcourt; Enugu; and Jos Discos accounted for eight of the accidents, which resulted to 17 deaths within the period under review.

The Discos, it stated also recorded major injuries with Port Harcourt, leading in this, and subsequently ranking as the worst performing operator.

NEMSA also explained that between January and April, the sector recorded as much as 34 electrocutions, adding that Eko; Ikeja Discos and TCN recorded zero occurrences so far.

It said it observed a prevalent practice where the Discos connected unsafe structures; buildings; and premises to collect revenue from them.

It equally noted that all illegal structures under power lines or within right of way should first be disconnected from public power supply, followed with demolition nationwide.

In a related development, the Market Operations (MO) department of the TCN has decried the continued disregard of existing rules guiding the operations of the market by its participants.

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ Í°ÍąËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ

23

BUSINESSWORLD

ENERGY

Raising Local Content in NNPC’s Oil Swaps The involvement of more Nigerian companies in the $6 billion deals signed by the NNPC and oil traders to exchange about 330,000 barrels per day of crude oil for imported petroleum products has deepened indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry, writes Ejiofor Alike The emergence of more Nigerian indigenous downstream companies in the latest Direct Sale-Direct Purchase (DSDP) arrangement by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and oil traders to exchange crude oil for refined products is a strong indication that indigenous manpower and facilities are increasingly deepening their participation in complex oil and gas deals.

Like in the yearly lifting of Nigerian crude for the NNPC, indigenous downstream companies have also been given a chance under the new dispensation to prove their mettle in the crude-for-product swaps, which only a handful of local companies had handled under arrangements shrouded in secrecy, during the past administrations.

Though the previous administrations demonstrated commitment to Nigerian Content in the oil and gas sector, the area of focus was in the provision of services for the upstream sector.

Instead of allowing Nigerian companies to dominate the crude lifting contracts and oil swap deals to compensate for their low participation in the E&P sector, the previous administrations anointed only few downstream companies to participate in these areas under opaque arrangements that allegedly shortchanged the country.

Before this new dispensation, the NNPC had over the years split the crude lifting contract almost 50:50 between Nigerian companies and foreign players.

Local participation in the NNPC yearly contracts later improved, but feelers from the industry showed that only local companies should have handled the multi-billion dollar deals, given foreign dominance in other sub-sectors of the industry, especially in crude oil production.

But the participation of indigenous companies in the oil-for-product swap deals was even more abysmally poor as the various probes conducted by the federal government revealed that the previous administrations used only few Nigerian companies to connive with foreign oil traders that took Nigerian crude without supplying equivalent value of refined products.

Direct sale, direct purchase When he was combining the portfolios of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had early last year disclosed that the crude-for-products exchange arrangement, popularly referred to as crude swap, under which few Nigerian downstream companies and Swiss traders shortchanged Nigeria, would be replaced by a Direct-Sale–Direct-Purchase (DSDP) arrangement.

Before Kachikwu became the Group Managing Director of NNPC, and later Petroleum Minister, the crude-for-products arrangement was shrouded in secrecy as only top echelons of the NNPC knew the details of the deals and the identities of the companies that benefitted between 2010 and 2015, thus fueling the massive allegations of corruption that charaterised the scheme.

Kachikwu said he adopted DSDP to replace the Crude Oil Swap initiative and the Offshore Processing Arrangement so as to introduce and entrench transparency into the crude oil for product transaction by the NNPC in line with global best practices.

During the previous administrations, crude oil was exchanged for petroleum products through third party traders at a pre-determined yield pattern.

But Kachikwu argued that the DSDP option would eliminate all the cost elements of middlemen to give the NNPC the latitude to take control of sale and purchase of the crude oil transaction with its partners and save the country $1 billion. “When I assumed duty as the GMD (Group Managing Director) of NNPC, I met the Offshore Processing Arrangement (OPA) and like you know there is always room for improvement. I and my team came up with the DSDP initiative with the aim of throwing open the bidding process.

This initiative has brought transparency into the crude-for-product exchange matrix and it is in tandem with global best practices,� Kachikwu had reportedly said.

He added that DSDP would whittle down the influence of the Petroleum Minister in the selection of bid winners as it would allow all the bidders to be assessed transparently based on their global and national track record of performance before the best companies with the requisite capacities would be selected.

It was gathered that unlike the 2016 contracts, which included only companies with refineries so as to cut out middlemen, this year’s beneficiaries include international trading houses, and not Tifase just refineries. Some of the companies that benefitted in 2016 also made this year’s list, including Varo Energy, Societe Ivorienne de Raffinage (SIR), Total and Cepsa

Kachikwu had insisted that the new policy would reduce the gaps inherent in the OPA and the losses incurred by the NNPC under the old order.

According to him, the new arrangement would help NNPC to grow indigenous capacity in the international crude oil business and generate employment opportunities for indigenous companies that would emerge successful.

He added that the DSDP initiative would give other government agencies such as the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and Nigeria Extractive Industry and Transparency Initiative (NEITI) the opportunity to be a part of the bidding process in order to engender adherence to due process.

2017 direct sale, direct purchase deals With the country returning to the era where the NNPC assumed almost the sole responsibility for importation of petroleum products, the corporation has almost concluded the $6 billion worth of deals with local and international traders to exchange about 330,000 barrels per day of crude oil for imported petrol and diesel, as part of measures to sustain the supply of petroleum products across the country.

In line with Kachikwu’s target to ensure that the NNPC uses the DSDP arrangement to grow indigenous capacity in the international crude oil business and generate employment opportunities for indigenous companies that would emerge successful, more Nigerian companies were selected in the 2017 deals.

The signing of the deals earlier scheduled to take off by April, it was learnt, was delayed for three months to allow the NNPC and the oil traders negotiate the fuel specifications, among other issues.

This year’s beneficiaries also exceeded those of last year by three consortiums, indicating the country’s increased dependence on the NNPC for fuel importation.

Kachikwu had stated in Lagos last Wednesday that with the rise of crude oil price above $52 per barrel, the country finds itself reverting to the position it found itself in, in the first and second quarters of 2016 when NNPC was the sole importer of petrol.

It was gathered that unlike the 2016 contracts, which included only companies with refineries so as to cut out middlemen, this year’s beneficiaries include international trading houses, and not

just refineries.

Some of the companies that benefitted in 2016 also made this year’s list, including Varo Energy, Societe Ivorienne de Raffinage (SIR), Total and Cepsa.

However, Italy’s ENI and India’s Essar, which were in the 2016 list did not feature this year, while Socar and Mercuria, which were not in last year’s list, won this year’s contracts.

NNPC had previously said this year’s contracts would exchange up to 800,000 bpd of crude oil, but the figure, representing 40 per cent of Nigeria’s peak production, was seen to be unrealistic in view of production outages.

However, this year’s contracts are worth 330,000 barrels per day, and each of the 10 oil traders/refineries partnered local Nigerian companies to win 33,000 barrels per day allocations.

According to the list, Trafigura partnered AA Rano to clinch 33,000 barrels per day; Petrocam paired with Rainoil and Falcon Crest to win 33,000 bpd; Mocoh partnered Heyden Petroleum to get 33,000 bpd; Cepsa paired with Oando to win 33,000 bpd; while Sahara is partnering Societe Ivorienne de Raffinage (SIR) for 33,000 bpd.

Five other groups that also got 33,000 bpd each include: Mercuria and Matrix/Rahamanniya; Socar and Hyde; Litaso and MRS; Vitol and Varo; and Total, which is partnering its Nigerian subsidiary.

It was also gathered that the 2016 contracts, which were initially planned to begin in April, were delayed as the 2016 deals were extended at least twice, in order to give NNPC more time for negotiations with the traders.

The fuel specifications in the final agreements were not immediately clear, but the July 1 take off date for the importation of higher grade, lower sulfur fuels have been shifted to September 1.

Sulphur levels were said to have been a major sticking point in the negotiations, as the Ministry of Environment and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have pushed for a reduction in the sulfur content of imported petrol and diesel with effect from July 1.

However, with the participation of more Nigerian companies in the new DSDP arrangement, which is also perceived to be transparent, local content is seen to be working for the downstream players.

24

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BUSINESSWORLD

INDUSTRY

Tackling Malnutrition through Micro-nutrient Fortification The emphasis on safe and nutritious food as well as the ultimate goal to ensure an active and healthy life, calls for a broader, though more complex, analyses of people’s diets. It is against this backdrop that Nestle’s vision to reach millions of families with fortified foods and beverages needs to be applauded. Jonathan Eze reports Micronutrients are nutrients dominantly vitamins and minerals required by humans in order to carry out a vast range of physiological functions. The primary causes of most micronutrient malnutrition are inadequate intakes of micronutrient-rich foods and impaired absorption or utilisation of nutrients in these foods due partly to infection and parasitic infestation, which also increases metabolic, needs for many micronutrients.

Poverty is often at the root of micronutrient malnutrition and it is also linked to inadequate access to food, sanitation and safe water and to lack of knowledge about safe food handling and feeding practices.

Micronutrient deficiencies are a major obstacle to socio-economic development in many countries. They have an immense impact on the health of the population (with high social and public costs), learning ability (with a vast loss of human potential) and productivity (with greatly reduced work capacity). These deficiencies contribute to a vicious cycle of malnutrition, underdevelopment and poverty affecting already underprivileged groups. Children are often the victims of malnutrition, which further jeopardises the future of their country. Solving micronutrient malnutrition may therefore be seen as a precondition for rapid and sustainable development. Preventing such malnutrition can make possible redirection of funds previously devoted to curative health care and social welfare needs to other development activities.

The importance of micronutrient fortification is becoming glaring amid report indicating that an estimated two billion people suffer from deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like iron, iodine, Vitamin A and Zinc. It will therefore amount to stating the obvious that micronutrient deficiencies disproportionately affect infants, young children and women, preventing them from achieving their full potential in life.

The consequences of this, according to a Nestle in-house journal published to celebrate its 150 years of existence are that it leads to mental impairment, poor health, low productivity, and, in severe cases, death. It added that as a company, it is a responsibility and an opportunity to improve the nutrition status of people at risk by adding relevant micronutrients to food and beverages consumed regularly by vulnerable populations.

In order to achieve this, Nestle Nigeria management under the leadership of Mr. Mauricio Alarcon reiterated the global food company’s determination to add to its products, at least 750 million portions of vegetables, 300 million portions of nutrient- rich grains, pulses and bran, and more nuts and seeds. It added that by 2020, in addition to whole grain already being the number one ingredient in their ready-to-eat breakfast cereals for children, it boasted that all their cereals will be a source of fibre, with as much fibre as possible coming from whole grain.

However, the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager of Nestle Nigeria, Victoria N’dee Uwadoka told THISDAY that in Nigeria alone, it recorded seven million daily servings of NestlĂŠ fortified products in 2015 while over 157 million portions of fortified foods were served to consumers in 2016. According to Uwadoka, “We are aware that the most urgent impact of micronutrient deficiency in our region is anemia so we focused mostly on fortifying our products with iron. Fortified products include: Golden Morn Cereal – iron, Cerelac infant cereals – Iron, Maggi – Iron and iodine while Pure life has Zinc According to the Nestle in society journal, the leading food company said that it will continue to adapt their level of fortification to address the nutritional status and deficiencies prevalent in specific markets. “The global popularity and market reach of our Maggi product range give us a solid platform for helping address

Nestle Nigeria MD/CEO, Mr. Maurico Alarcon micronutrient deficiencies at scale. “Almost 103 billion individual servings of Nestle soups, condiments, seasonings and noodles were fortified in 2016, of which 59 billion were fortified with iron. We also fortify cereals and milk to provide additional nourishment for school age children and expectant mothers�.

The food and beverage company also opined that bio fortification can make crops more nutritious by selecting and breeding plant varieties that are naturally rich in micronutrients and that which can contribute to the nutrient density of diets that are based mostly on staple foods and for those people who may not have access to fortified processed foods. This, no doubt supports its yet another goal towards 2020 to continue to develop the supply chain for biofortified crops and expand its fortified portfolio. Uwadoka submitted that it is working with agricultural research institutes such as the ‘HarvestPlus’ programme. “For example, in Nigeria, Nestle has worked with IITA to develop vitamin A fortified cassava stems distributed to farmers in its supply chain.

It is also working with HarvestPLus to develop fortified grains, cereals and legumes.� Our R and D centre in Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire, is also exploring opportunities in biofortified cassava, wheat, rice and maize with partners in Madagascar, Turkey, Brazil and India�.

However, in spite of Nestle ‘s excellent way and methods of contributing its quota to the nation’s well-being, Mr. Brian Thompson of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation, noted that addressing malnutrition in a sustainable way requires a coordinated approach including food and agriculture systems as well as other sectors such as water, health, education, employment and social protection.

According to Thompson, there is need to adopt a nutrition enhancing approach to food systems to address both the immediate as well as the underlying or structural causes of malnutrition.

These policies however include having improved

diets and raising levels of nutrition as explicit objectives, targeting the most vulnerable and at-risk communities, involving multi-sectors including food and agriculture, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, education, employment and social protection, a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaboration with investment from both public and private sectors among others.

Recognising the dire consequences of micronutrients deficiencies on foods and beverages, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recently said that it remains a huge problem in the country despite its enormous implications for economic growth and human development.

To this end, the agency resumed its routine post market surveillance for Vitamin A fortified foods nationwide.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, the Chief Regulating Officer, Food Safety Nutrition Directorate, Mrs. Benedicta Obaseki said NAFDAC’s programme on food fortification was to reduce the prevalence of micro-nutrient deficiency among the most vulnerable and at risk population by 20 per cent. Obaseki, who stated that micronutrient problems are usually hidden and silent, said the 20 per cent can only be achieved through compliance by manufacturers.

She added that one out of four children under age five suffers from Vitamin A deficiency. : “Correlation between suffering, death and malnutrition is real. A child dying as a result of a common childhood illness is a casualty of vitamin A deficiency. “A child that is away from school as a result of poor learning ability is suffering because he lacks iodine. With these facts, it is unimaginable to question or doubt the importance of vitamin A to achieving socioeconomic stability of any country.� She further explained that post market surveillance was to ensure that the products they inspected in the factories are of the same quantity of Vitamin

A recommended levels of 20,000 International Units, IU. “We want to ascertain the quantity of Vitamin A in the market, so that we will be able to advise them on how to store these products rightly. “We have gone to their factories to audit their processes to see where the problem is coming from, even the fortification line to see whether they are dosing properly and whether they are buying the right vitamin premix, which they are using to fortify their products. “We have analysed some products today, some are meeting up but some are not meeting up to standard.� On why some of the products failed the on- the- spot assessment, she explained that handling of the product could also be a major contributor. She announced that the Agency will be ‘mop up’ products that failed the tests “Vitamin A in fortified products depletes when stored under the sun.

There is need for traders to store fortified products away from direct sun because sun affects the quality of vitamin A in fortified food products. We are also here to let the public be aware on how to identity fortified food products.

On his part, NAFDAC’s Chief Technologist, Mr. Gregory Omiyi blamed some of the products that failed on exposure to sunlight, stressing the need for traders to learn about good storage practice. “When you expose products to the sunlight, it is a non- conformance to Good Storage Practice, GSP. As a consumer, when you see products that are not well stored, do not buy, because storage condition is our guideline regulation for labelling. “It is very important,� he said, adding some of the Vitamin A fortified products tested include, vegetable oil, salt, sugar and flour, among others.

For the wellbeing of all Nigerians, it is pertinent for industries and brands to emulate the determination and initiatives of Nestle in ensuring adequate fortifications of its micronutrients products.

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

23.05.2017

River Niger Bridge, Onitsha

CHALLENGING THE PERCEIVED MAGINALISATION OF THE SOUTH-EAST

2/DASHBOARD

23.05.2017

Land Use Act: Foreigner Owning Land in Nigeria PAGE 4

Lagos at 50: Ambode Commends Judges, Magistrates PAGE 5

Hogan Lovells in Strategic Partnership with Nigerian Law Firms PAGE 5

Efficient Dispute Resolution, Essential to Attract Foreign, Local Investment, says Lagos CJ

QUOTABLES

PAGE 6

'The money is safe. There is a specific fund into which this recovered money is paid, and it is being managed by an agency which in effect is headed by the Vice President, but operationally, by the Minister of Finance.

It is being managed at a very high level, in which all the anti-corruption agencies are represented.'

– Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption

'Persons that lose elections, should not continue to drag their States like in Abia, and other people around the courts, wasting time and distracting governance.

What you have just seen since 2015, is distraction of governance in Abia.'

– Paul Ananaba, SAN, Counsel to Governor Ikpeazu of Abia State

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.

EBF Lawyers’ Football Competition Concludes Round 2 Finals PAGE 6

‘A Lawyer Must Read Extensively’ PAGE 6

Police Infrastructure in Nigeria PAGE 14

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

/3

Census and Other Matters

T

oday, May 23rd, is my birthday. Unlike quite a few of our government officials, I will not do a false declaration of age!

I am 52 today. Thanks be to God.

May 23, 2016 – May 23, 2017 So much has happened in the past 1 year, between my 51st and 52nd birthdays – the recession, my humble self being appointed as the Editor of this esteemed publication, the DSS raids on the Judges, the proposed sale of national assets that did not seem to take off, the proposed loan of $30 billion that also seemed to fade into obscurity, Donald Trump being sworn in as the 45th President of the USA, Honourable Justice Walter Samuel Nkannu Onnoghen GCON being sworn in as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Magu not being confirmed as the substantive Chairman of the EFCC, Rtd Col Ali and the Customs Uniform saga with the Senate, the suspension of Senator Ali Ndume from the Senate for 180 days, Lawyers being nominated for the position of Supreme Court Justices, President Muhammadu Buhari travelling on at least 3 medical vacations (the ear ache trip, the one in January and this present one), Vice President Osinbajo as acting President twice, stolen/mysterious loot being recovered in all nooks and crannies of the country, the suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Babachir Lawal (also known as “who is the Presidency?”) on allegations of a contract scam in connection to grass cutting of the IDPs, the suspension of the DG, NIA, Ambassador Ayodele Oke in connection with the mystery of the recovered “Osborne Dollars”, release of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu on ‘bail’ after almost 2 years in detention, the freeing of 21, then 82 Chibok girls

by Boko Haram, the rehabilitation or renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway, the nullification of the Nigerian Bar Association Constitution by the Court, the outbreak of meningitis in some parts of the country, hopefully not the re-emergence of the Ebola epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo (the Governor of Zamfara may say its a punishment from God against Kabila for refusing to hold elections!) and the deaths of David Bowie, Fidel Castro, Muhammad Ali (the Greatest), Obi Okwusogu, SAN, Fred Agbaje,

Chief Eze Duruiheoma, SAN,Chairman, NPC

former Supreme Court Justice, Niki Tobi, Nigeria’s 6th Inspector-General of Police, Etim Inyang and Major General Adeyinka Adebayo (former Governor of the Western Region). The list of occurrences is endless.

Urgent Need for a Credible Census Just as so much has happened, a lot more has not occurred. I was in the office the other day, having a discussion with one of my colleagues, Chinedu, and we both agreed that Nigeria was in dire need of a credible census, so that for example, certain myths like whether there are more people in the North or South and whether there are more Christians than Muslims or vice versa would finally be laid to rest.

The first census that took place in Nigeria was in 1886. The United Nations recommends that countries ought to carry out a census every 10 years. It is essential, imperative that countries have accurate statistical data of their citizens, for good planning and development, that is, knowledge of demographics, knowing how many men, women, boys, girls, age brackets, religion, tribe, educational qualifications, employment, marital status etc for urban and budget planning, rural development, health and educational planning, proper apportioning of constituencies and seats for the national assembly, transportation and housing needs, to mention but a few reasons for the need for a credible census.

About the National Population Commission (NPC) The NPC was established by the Federal Government in 1988. It was reconstituted in 2011. It has a Chairman and 37 members, representing each State of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The NPC's establishing statute is the NPC Act, 1988 (see also Section 153(j) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria).

Presently, the Chairman of the NPC is Chief Eze Duruiheoma, SAN, while the Director General is Dr Ghaji Ismaila Bello Myths that need to be Laid to Rest Chinedu, who is from Enugu State, believes that even if the land mass in the Northern part of the country, is larger than that of the Southern part, there are more people in the South than the North. Over the last 50 years, people have come to blows on this

Dr Ghaji Bello, Director General, NPC

argument alone, and it is high time that it is laid to rest.

My own experience is that I travelled from Kaduna to Maiduguri some years ago with my friends, husband and wife. We went by road and it was quite a long journey. Over 6 hours.

What struck me was that, along the way, sometimes we went for 1 hour without really seeing people on the road, just a couple of thatched roofed huts for many miles. A few years ago, however, my husband and I travelled from Lagos to Offa to attend a relative’s funeral. The road was densely populated throughout our 5 or so hour journey, especially the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Chinedu also believes that just as Kano may be densely populated, so also are Lagos and Ibadan! That of all the cities in Nigeria, Lagos has the largest population.

The 2006 Census Many cried out that the 2006 Census was a fraud, with inflation of the population in the North. The census put the population of Kano State at 9,383,682, while that of Lagos was said to be 9,013,534! It worked out that the population density of the Fulani/Hausa 9 states for every kilometre you travel, was higher than the rest of Nigeria. How can this be? I personally travelled through some of those states, seeing no one along the way for long periods. Furthermore, the 2006 census, just like that of 1991, did not include questions like religion and ethnicity. How ridiculous! For the record, it really does not matter to me if there are more people in the North than the South, or vice versa, what matters to me is having a reliable, unambiguous and accurate population figure, for the various reasons that I have already outlined.

What am I trying to say? Instead of all these needless, endless debates, assertions, speculations and counterspeculations, we need to ascertain the true position of our population.

How can we achieve this goal? By conducting a credible census with the appropriate questions included in the questionnaire. Chinedu also felt that as long as the Director General of the

"CHINEDU, WHO IS FROM ENUGU STATE, BELIEVES THAT EVEN IF THE LAND MASS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE COUNTRY, IS LARGER THAN THAT OF THE SOUTHERN PART, THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE IN THE SOUTH THAN THE NORTH. OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS, PEOPLE HAVE COME TO BLOWS ON THIS ARGUMENT ALONE, AND IT IS HIGH TIME THAT IT IS LAID TO REST"

ONIKEPO BRAITHWAITE

THE ADVOCATE onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive.com National Population Commission (NPC) is of Northern extraction, we would never get an exact canonical position of things. Is Chinedu right My dear readers, what do you think? Do you agree with Chinedu on this particular point? Kindly, let me have your views on this issue, and that of the census issue as a whole. Thank you.

Festus Odimegwu and NPC Chinedu was particularly bitter that someone whom he considered to be eminently qualified for the job, Festus Odimegwu, was relieved by former President Jonathan of his job as Chairman, NPC, due to nothing more than political reasons, especially because of attacks from the Northerners, including a then Governor of one of the largest Northern States. Chinedu feels that Odimegwu had a wholesome and unimpeachable blueprint for the upcoming census, which obviously did not go down well with some people, who maybe did not want the truth to be revealed.

Some Suggestions for Conducting a Credible and Successful Census That said and done, we concluded that discussion by identifying some issues that need to be addressed in order to conduct a credible census:- Disabusing the minds of the populace and our politicians that census is not an ethnic or religious battle for supremacy and dominance, and orientating people about the advantages of a credible census, its aims and objectives; disabusing the minds of our people regarding superstitions, eg about counting the number of children a person has (won o kin ka omo fun olomo!)

- Healthy allocation of funds in the budget for the census exercise - Proper planning (not the slap dash emergency preparations that are usually made) - Proper preparation with modern geographical techniques, location maps etc - State of the art equipment which will be able to foil any attempt of multiple counting of one individual, biometric census - Good transportation system, especially to ensure access to the remotest parts of the country (location and identification of all parts of the country before the census is undertaken) - Using skilled and educated people as census officials - Proper training of census personnel - Employment of ample female census personnel who will have access to women in ‘purdah’. Possibly, sending them for training in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia to learn how the census exercise is successfully conducted for women in purdah over there - Conduct of a mock census in advance to serve as a test run

4/LAW REPORT

23.05.2017

Land Use Act: Foreigner Owning Land in Nigeria

I

Facts n 1975, the District Head of Kajuru in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, acting on the instruction of the Emir of Zaria, granted permission to the Appellant to build a temporary weekend hospitality resort on a hilltop in the Village. This was later converted to a permanent structure which he named “The Kajuru Castle”. In a bid to expand the business, the Appellant commenced negotiations through the agency of the District Head, for purchase of the land surrounding the hill. He was at the final stage of the negotiation when he was appointed the Managing Director of the Respondent in 1986. Being a German, the Appellant was advised to purchase the land in the name of the Respondent as it was unlawful for him to hold a legal estate in Kaduna State. The Appellant heeded the advice and the receipt evidencing the purchase was issued in his name and that of the Respondent. A certificate of occupancy and a subsequent statutory certificate of occupancy were issued in respect of the land in the name of the Respondent (Exhibits A1 and A3).

When dispute arose over legal title to the property, the Appellant approached the High Court of Kaduna State, seeking inter-alia, a declaration that the Respondent holds the legal estate in the land at Kujuru, bought by him in the Respondent’s name, upon a resultant trust to his benefit and as such, the Respondent is obliged to comply with his instruction in respect of the transfer of the legal estate in the land. The Respondent joined issues with the Appellant, contending that he was not entitled to the reliefs claimed.

After reviewing the issues and the applicable laws, the trial Court found that the Appellant failed to prove his claims and dismissed same. The appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed; the Appellant then appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issue for Determination The Appellant and the Respondent formulated two issues each, for determination of the appeal. However, the Supreme Court, having read through the record of appeal and briefs of argument filed, distilled the lone issue below for the determination of the appeal: Whether the Court of Appeal was right when it dismissed the Appellant’s appeal for failure to adduce sufficient evidence in proof of his claim that the Respondent is holding the legal estate upon an implied trust in respect of the disputed property for his benefit by implication of law.

Arguments In support of his case, learned Counsel for the Appellant, submitted that the evidence before the trial Court established that the subject property was purchased and developed with private funds of the Appellant. He argued that the certificates tendered, were for the purpose of establishing the capacity of the Respondent as an implied trustee for the benefit of the Appellant. He stated that the lower Court was wrong, when it relied on Section 132(1)(a) of the Evidence Act to hold that the testimonies of PW1 – PW14 cannot vary exhibits A1 and A3 issued in the name of the Respondent.

Counsel faulted the advice given to the Appellant about holding legal estate in Nigeria, and contended that the provision under the Land Tenure Law which prohibits aliens from acquiring legal estate in land in Northern Nigeria, was abrogated by the Land Use Act, 1978. Counsel submitted that implied trust is an equitable conversion of the holder of the property into a trustee by operation of law and as such, the question of leading evidence to prove a “grant” and “acceptance” does not arise.

On the other hand, learned Counsel for the Respondent, submitted that the oral testimony of the Appellant cannot vary the contents of Exhibits A1 and A3, which were glaringly issued in the name of the Respondent. He posited that the Appellant failed to meet the legal requirements laid down in the case of UGHUTEVBE v SHONOWO & ANOR (2004) ALL FWLR (Pt. 220) 1185 at 1212, Paragraph E-A, to establish the existence of a legal relationship between him and the Respondent, so as to be entitled to judgement in his favour.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale The Appellant did not set out a claim for declaration of title to land. His principal claim, was for a declaration that the Respondent holds the legal estate in the land at Kajuru bought by him in the Respondent’s name upon a resulting trust to his benefit. In the Black’s Law Dictionary, 7th Edition, trust is defined as the right enforceable solely in equity to the beneficial enjoyment of property to which another person holds the legal title. Where a party claims certain property is held in constructive trust for his own benefit, he has a duty to prove that the title document in possession of the trustee is valid and in proper custody.

Hon. Paul Adamu Galinje, JSC

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja On Friday, the 7th Day of April, 2017 Before Their Lordships Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs Amina Adamu Augie Paul Adamu Galinje Justices, Supreme Court SC. 198/2006 Between Gerhard Huebner.............. Appellant And Aeronautical Industrial Engineering and Project Management Co. Ltd (AIEP/DANA) ......Respondent Lead Judgement delivered by Hon. Paul Adamu Galinje, JSC

Where he successfully contradicts and renders the title document in the name of the Trustee invalid, his claim automatically fails, since the success of his claim depends largely on the validity of the documents of title in the name

"SECTION 1 OF THE LAND USE ACT, 1978 SPECIFICALLY LIMITS ITS BENEFITS TO NIGERIANS, AND THAT A NONNIGERIAN CANNOT APPLY FOR A STATUTORY OR CUSTOMARY RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY, BECAUSE SECTION 36(1) WHICH PROVIDES FOR ANY PERSON, DOES NOT INCLUDE ALIENS WHO ARE NOT NIGERIANS"

of the Trustee. In this case, the evidence called at the trial Court was not meant to contradict Exhibits A1 and A3, but to strengthen them and justify the role played by the Appellant in the acquisition of the property in issue. Thus, the provision of Section 132 of the Evidence Act was not applicable to the situation at the trial Court.

Still on the issue of Trust, the Apex Court held that a constructive or implied trust is the formula through which the conscience of equity finds expression. Where property is acquired in a circumstance that the holder of the legal title may not in good conscience retain the beneficial interest, equity converts him to a Trustee.

BEATTY v GUGGENHEIM EXPLORATION CO. 122 N.E. 378; KOTOYE v SARAKI (1992) NWLR (PT. 264) 156, (1992) 11/12 SCNJ 26. An implied trust does not require an agreement between the Settlor and the Trustee. Constructive trust is neither granted nor accepted but foisted on the parties by operation of law. It follows that the question of whether the Appellant produced evidence of the resolution of the Board of the Respondent authorising such trust is of no moment. The elements of trust are: i. A trustee, who holds the trust property and is subject to equitable duties to deal with it for the benefit of another; ii. A beneficiary to whom the trustee owes equitable duties to deal with the trust property for his benefit; and iii. Trust property which is held by the trustee for the beneficiary.

The evidence before the trial Court shows that the property in dispute, was acquired by the Appellant with his own money in the name of the Respondent. This fact is supported by the evidence of purchase of the property in 1976 and 1985, before the Appellant became the Managing Director of the Respondent in 1986. The salient question however, is whether the Appellant was qualified and had the legal capacity to hold legal estate in land in Nigeria?

The applicable authority in this instance is the case of CHIEF S.O. OGUNMOLA & 6 ORS. v HODA EIYEKOLE & 9 ORS. (1990) 4 NWLR (PT. 146) 632 at 647 Paragraphs B – D. In this case, Their Lordships of the Supreme Court, OLATAWURA, JSC; OBASEKI, JSC; KARIBI-WHYTE, JSC and WALI, JSC agreed that Section 1 of the Land Use Act, 1978 specifically limits its benefits to Nigerians, and that a non-Nigerian cannot apply for a statutory or customary right of occupancy, because section 36(1) which provides for ANY PERSON, does not include aliens who are not Nigerians.

However, His Lordship, AGBAJE, JSC held a dissenting opinion in the judgement thus: “... a non-Nigerian who is a holder of land is entitled to the benefits of Section 36(1) of the Act provided the non-Nigerian in the words of the definition section of the Act is a person entitled to a right of occupancy or a person to whom a right of occupancy has been validly assigned.” Counsel for the Appellant urged the Court to adopt the dissenting view in this case and depart from the majority decision of the Court. Their Lordships nonetheless, held that the majority decision of the Court constitutes the decision of the Court, which is binding. The law under which the decision referenced was reached has not been repealed or altered; it is still the extant law which regulates land administration in Nigeria.

Hence, the call for the Supreme Court to depart from its earlier decision is baseless.

The law remains that an alien has no legal capacity to hold interest in land in Nigeria and as such, the Appellant cannot own the land in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. By the principle of nemo dat quod non habet, the Appellant cannot benefit from property which he was incapable of owning. The principle of implied trust on the basis of equity, does not enure to the Appellant either. The acts of the Appellant, knowing that he was not qualified to own land in Northern Nigeria, and going ahead to make the purchase wrongfully and illegally, amounts to approaching equity without clean hands, which cannot be encouraged. The flip side would be that he made the payments with his funds, not being aware that he could not have such ownership; then his action would have been caught up by the principle that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. It follows that whether in law or in equity, the Appellant would have lost out, having lacked the capacity to enter into the purchasing transaction for land as a foreign national.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation: Mr. R.A. Oluyede with Kate Okoh (Miss) for the Appellant.

Mr. S.A. Adeniran with B.E. Gwadah Esq., Mrs. W. Agyo and A.S. Agbu for the Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited (Publishers of Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR))

23.05.2017

NEWS/5 Lawyer Advocates African Solution to Energy Problem on the Continent Akinwale Akintunde

L-R: Hon. Justice S.B.A Candide-Johnson, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, Lagos State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, Hon. Justice Opeyemi Oke and Hon. Justice Doris Okuwobi at the Special Court Session in comnemoration of the Lagos @50 held at the High Court Foyer, Igbosere Lagos, last Thursday

Lagos at 50: Ambode Commends Judges, Magistrates Akinwale Akintunde Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has commended judges and magistrates in the State, for building public confidence in the judiciary.

Ambode, who gave the commendation at a special Judiciary session to mark Lagos at 50 held at The Foyer of Igbosere High Court, last Thursday, also reassured the State Judiciary of his continuous support with the provision of needed necessary materials, which will enable it to continue to work efficiently and effectively.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, said he was particularly happy with the quality of their judgements, which most superior courts have upheld. ”On behalf of the good people of Lagos state, I say well done and more grease

to your elbows.

“Due credit must be given to the successive leadership of the judicial arm, for their vision and commitment. Special mention must also be made of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, whose tenure as the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, witnessed the introduction and implementation of far reaching reforms that have to a large extent, improved access to Justice and this effort has been consistent with subsequent Attorneys-General.

“More significantly, as a result of these reforms and the commitment of the Judiciary to upholding the tenets of the rule of law, our State is fast becoming a preferred destination for both local and foreign investors”, he stated.

The Governor, however, noted that the journey in the last 50 years has not been rosy for the judiciary.

He said notwithstanding the achievements of the judiciary, more still needed to be done in view of the fact that Lagos, as the commercial nerve centre of West Africa, presently caters for about 20 million people which continued to grow by the day. ”This means more work for the State Government in the area of security, infrastructure, social welfare and for the judiciary, more and more litigation which would require the quickest dispensation of justice, more especially as it affects investors within the State, to continue to encourage them to invest in the Lagos dream and project”, he added.

Earlier in her welcome address, Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, said the State Judiciary is fully aware of their constitutional role as the third arm of Government.

Justice Atilade pointed

out that their commitment to dispense justice as an independent and unbiased arbiter, has been reinforced by their resolve to ensure justice to all who approach the temple of justice. She said the outstanding performance of the State Judiciary, has over the years been compelled by their desire for excellence.

She said this explained why the State Judiciary has produced jurists of immense qualities most of whom are still serving the nation.

Atilade promised that the judiciary would continue to invest in human resources, to improve service delivery and statutory duties.

The event was attended by former Chief Judges of the State, including Justice Ade Alabi, Justice Segun Ilori and Justice Ayotunde Philips, retired Judges of the State, Supreme Court Justice RhodesVivour, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, and Members of the State House of Assembly.

Hogan Lovells in Strategic Partnership with Nigerian Law Firms Jude Igbanoi One the world’s largest law firms, Hogan Lovells LLP with branches across the globe, has for the past few years, continued to demonstrate that potential huge opportunities abound when foreign law firms partner and interface with Nigerian counterparts professionally.

With offices in London, Washington, Singapore, South Africa, Paris and 2,500 lawyers on six continents, the firm has proven its capacity to provide practical legal solutions wherever needed, and has identified Nigeria with its vibrant legal industry, as crucial in its desire to build strategic alliances with African law firms.

In a breakfast meeting with the media last Thursday at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, head of the team, Mr. Andrew Skipper with Nathan Searle and Ms. Abena Poku who is the Africa Marketing and Business Development Manager at Hogan

Lovells, London, told judicial editors that the firm has in the past few years, been involved in mutually beneficial relationships with selected Nigerian law firms with which they have exchanged ideas, skills and legal knowledge on Nigerian viable transactional work.

Andrew Skipper, who heads the firm's London Office, is currently in charge of the Africa practice of the firm, which is a global law firm with offices in more than 45 countries, including 11 offices in the USA. He divides his time between managing some of the firm's largest clients and developing relationships with African businesses, law firms and government contacts. In leading the Africa practice, Andrew Skipper is committed to pursuing a policy of understanding, operating, investing and respecting Africa. Nathan Searle is a Partner in the firm’s London office, and an expert in International Arbitration, acting for large multinationals in complex and high-value

international arbitrations and cross-border disputes.

He has extensive experience in African related disputes and is an active member of the firm's cross-practice Africa group. Nathan Searle was key speaker at the recently concluded ICC Conference in Lagos.

He has higher rights of audience in the English Courts and regularly appears as an advocate in international arbitrations. He also advices clients on risk management and strategies to avoid or resolve disputes at an early stage. He is also a consultant to the Association of Young Arbitrators, Nigeria.

The team, at the media parley, expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s ability to get its Private Public Partnership initiative right, despite the pervading influence of corruption and government’s lack of political will to push this through.

Andrew Skipper took the position that the Nigerian

Government must however, be ready to de-risk PPP projects, especially where financing is sourced from hitherto uncharted areas like pensions funds.

He also expressed concerns over the rapid encroachment of China into the African continent, saying that the Chinese indeed, have a clear strategy and politics.

He praised the quality of Nigerian lawyers, which informs why Hogan Lovells is partnering with leading Nigerian law firms, to build capacity and deepen legal knowledge on both jurisdictions.

It could be recalled that last year, the firm sponsored a high level art exhibition featuring the paintings of Prof Bruce Onobrakpeya. This year, it also co-sponsored the African Finance Corporation Summit in Abuja and its currently involved in an ambitious project of empowering village women to provide electricity to over 20,000 homes in Africa.

The Legal Adviser to the Federal Government’s Advisory Power Team (APT), Mr. Dapo Akinosun, has stressed the need for a homegrown solution to solving Africa’s energy problems and needs.

Akinosun, who made this observation at the African Utility Week Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, said Africa Energy Sector, provides very good business opportunities for investors, despite its huge challenges.

Speaking on the theme, “What is the Best-Cost and Optimal Mix in Africa?”, Akinosun noted that the Nigerian Power sector is on a peculiar learning curve, the realities of which are better appreciated when put in proper perspective.

“My vision for Africa in the energy sector is one that is independent and interdependent, Independent by national design and perspective; and Interdependent by international choice and focus.

“It should be understood that Nigeria’s power sector is the only privatised power system on the continent. That in its self, poses management challenges, as there are no Africa specific benchmarks to use in comparison.

This becomes important when we realise that all development is achieved based on comparative models, which in our case, we do not have. It is therefore, axiomatic that for every major achievement, we need to dig within to find a solution”, he said.

APT is made up of experts in various areas of the power sector, including: Gas to Power; Solar Power; Transmission; and Generation, among others. The mandate of the team, is to provide technical support to the Federal Government on power and to harmonise the direction of all MDAs (Ministries, Departments & Agencies), involved in the power sector.

The team also reviews proposals from investors and foreign governments interested in participating in the power sector, with a view to advicing the Government accordingly.

The team's mandate, makes it interface with participants in all areas of the power sector. The team regularly conducts physical assessments of various power facilities across the country. It is strategically placed under the office of the Vice President, who supervises many of the MDAs in the power sector.

Akinosun is the Principal Partner of Simmon Coopers Partners, a top rate Nigerian law firm. He is responsible for the Energy and Infrastructure Practice in the chambers. He has advised governments, and organisations who are participants at all levels of the energy sector, in ensuring optimum effectiveness in their activities, investments, and regulatory compliance.

The lawyer acknowledged that the privatisation process in the sector has a few imperfections, which have lengthened the learning curve in the industry. He further mentioned the fluctuation of the Nigerian naira vis-à-vis the major currencies of the world.

“Given that most of the components of the Nigerian power sector are imported, fluctuation in the value of the Naira makes business planning a nightmare.

“It’s not all gloom and doom.

The challenges in and of themselves, are business opportunities.

Equally important, is that the liberation of the sector has shed light into a previously opaque sector. The light that has come helps to itemise in verifiable terms, the opportunities in the sectors. This becomes good news to entrepreneurial interests and the investor community. In summary, the power sector is a case of half empty and half full.

“My message will revolve around developing home grown solutions to the energy challenges", he said.

Alleged Products Counterfeiting: Manufacturer Knows Fate Today Akinwale Akintunde A Federal High Court sitting Awka, Anambra will today, May 23,2017 deliver its ruling on an application filed by a manufacturer, Benjamin Nwizu, seeking to quash the charge preferred against him by the Federal Government, over alleged products counterfeiting.

Nwizu, who is the Managing Director of Bendusco Nigeria Limited, Onitsha, is being prosecuted before Justice I. B. Gafai on a four-count charge.

The charges border on manufacturing, storing and distribution of fake toothbrush, breaking of seal order and non-compliance to regulatory standard of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

His counsel, Mr. Chuka Onyali, in the application filed on May 16, had asked the court to quash the charge for being an abuse of court process.

Onyali also argued that, the amended charge filed by the prosecution should be discountenanced, as it was the same with the one already in process.

Responding, the prosecutor, Mr. Joseph Olofindare, argued that the charge was valid, and that the application to quash it, should be dismissed by the court.

Following their submissions, the Judge consequently, adjourned the matter till May 23, 2017 for ruling.

Gafai had also granted Nwizu bail, following his earlier remand in prison custody at his arraignment.

The Judge ordered him to produce a surety, who must not be lower than a Grade Level 8 Officer in the Anambra State Civil Service.

In the charge, Nwizu was alleged to have committed the offence in October, 2014.

A part of the charge against him reads: "That you engaged in the manufacturing of Tooth Brush, Hair Brush, Shoe Brush, Plastic Hangers and packaging of Dorco disposable safety razors did sell or deliver the said products for consumption to the public without complying with the mandatory industrial standard thereby committed an offence", among others", among others.

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Efficient Dispute Resolution, Essential to Attract Foreign, Local Investment, says Lagos CJ Akinwale Akintunde Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, has identified an effective and efficient dispute resolution regime, as a key factor to attracting local and foreign investment to Africa.

Atilade said this so, because investors must be satisfied that where there is disagreement, it can be quickly and efficiently dealt with, so that business can continue.

The Chief Judge made this observation at the opening of the 2nd International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Africa Regional Arbitration Conference held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos last week. The theme of the Conference, which held between Sunday, May 14th to 16th, 2017

was "Arbitration: Catalyst for Economic Growth".

The Conference, which focused on the relationship between inward foreign investments in emerging markets in Africa, the types of dispute which may arise, and the African experience in arbitration proceedings, kicked started with an official launch of the ICC new Expedited Rules, under the auspices of the ICC Nigeria Commission on Arbitration.

Already launched in other countries, the new Rules, which is aimed at furthering increased efficiency and transparency of the ICC Arbitration Rules, became effective from March 1, 2017 incorporating provisions for the Expedited Rules for cases of lower value, including substantive and procedural aspects.

Speaking at the Conference opening, Justice Atilade noted that the ICC has remained the largest most representative world business organisation, with over six million members spread across over a hundred countries.

According to the Chief Judge, the role of the ICC in promoting international trade, responsible business conduct, a global approach to regulation with its dispute resolution services, is worthy of note.

She said the Conference is timely, as the arbitration market keeps growing, with Africa becoming a destination of choice for foreign investment, adding that it could not have been hosted in Lagos at a better time than now that the State is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

EBF Lawyers’ Football Competition Concludes Round 2 Finals Jude Igbanoi Lawyers of the Eastern Bar Forum last week in Port Harcourt, concluded the second round of the Chief Arthur Obi Okafor/ EBF Unity Cup, with Port Harcourt Branch coming tops in this round, with a defeat over the Okrika Branch team.

Chairman of the Sports Committee of EBF Unity Football Tournament, Mr. Steve Ononye said: "The tournament has achieved the desired peace and unity in the EBF. All the times that we have been playing these matches, from what we have gathered, unity, peace and love are now in the EBF, and if this continues the way it is going, EBF will be stronger; it has achieved the main purpose which is to unite lawyers within the EBF family".

On the call to make the tournament a national event for the NBA, Mr. Ononye said: "I think that it is a good idea, because if it goes on a national level, more branches

will join and more States will also see the health benefits of this tournament, because we as lawyers, cannot be going to court only, we cannot only keep ourselves busy with our work as lawyers, we also need to play football, relax and also entertain ourselves, which is very important. I also think that it will enhance commitment at the national level".

43 teams started the tournament, 42 played in the 1st round, then 22 teams played in the 2nd half, and there are 11 teams remaining.

2nd Vice-President of the NBA Mr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani said: "I thoroughly enjoyed myself today, especially the match between the Okrika and Port Harcourt Branches. The match was so exciting, and you saw professionalism with the Port Harcourt team; they played according to instructions and I am so excited, it is getting better and better, and let me tell you the truth, this football match is good for us, because it fosters unity, it fosters love within the circle of the EBF. This provides us

opportunity to exercise and interact, because it is now obvious that no matter who you are, no matter your professional calling, you must not live a sedentary lifestyle. You must do one form of exercise or the other in order to remain fit and alive, it has actually solved a lot of our problems and I am so happy that a lot of us are here.

"It will be fine to take this wonderful tournament to the national level, it will keep lawyers fit and proper to practice their trade.

A lot of us have been dropping dead, and if you look at the current quality of lawyers, they eat, they drink and they have time for exercise, and so if they embrace football, a game that interests lawyers, I tell you that it will go a long way to improve our health condition.

"I am totally in support of the idea of making football one of those games that the NBA introduces at the national level, because I know that there is golf tournament which has been on for a long time".

“It is an honour indeed, for Lagos to be hosting this Regional Arbitration Conference, for the 2nd time in a row. The first one held in June 2016. This clearly underscores the significance of Lagos, Nigeria, which we expect will become the hub for arbitration activities in sub-Saharan Africa.

“Coming at this time in our socio-economic development, especially when we are celebrating Lagos at 50, this Conference could not have come at a better time.

“The theme of this event - "Arbitration: Catalyst for Economic Growth", is topical and critical to sustainable economic and human development in Africa. An effective and efficient dispute resolution regime, is essential, if we want to attract investment, local or foreign into Africa”, she said.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Babatunde Savage, Chairman ICC Nigeria, said the theme of the 3-day Conference, was selected to create a platform to address factors that influence the use of international arbitration by African parties, the need for more African venues to be used for international arbitration, the pros and cons of an African State seat and ways in which African States can benefit from all factors surrounding the development of international arbitration.

Mr. Savage said, “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, exploring the economic benefits of arbitration to African parties and African State venues, is the reason for this Conference. Let us look for ways that International Arbitration can render to African States and parties the same economic benefits that we have witnessed in different parts of the world like Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates".

Prof. Gabriel Olawoyin, SAN, Chairman of the Arbitration & ADR Committee, ICC Nigeria, also noted that the need to look beyond the problems of arbitration in Africa to exploring how to make arbitration work for Africa, was

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Legal Personality of the Week Ayokunle Adetula

‘A Lawyer Must Read Extensively’ I am Ayokunle Adetula. I had my University education at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile- Ife before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar. I had my first practice experience as an NYSC in-house counsel with Kakawa Discount House Limited after which I proceeded to work with Stillwaters Law Firm. I am currently an associate in the law firm of Aluko & Oyebode and a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department.

Have you had any challenges in your career as a lawyer and if so, what were the main challenges?

I had several challenges in my career as a lawyer. Starting out, I found it difficult getting employed in a good law firm after my National Youth Service Corps. I was rejected at several interviews after passing several tests. I remembered vividly that when I finally passed an interview, and the Managing Partner of the firm told me to meet the person I would be reporting to the next day, the person flatly told me that she cannot work with an albino. Obviously that was the end of that opportunity.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

My worst day was at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi before a very seasoned judge. I was then working with Stillwaters Law Firm I had prepared my court processes for the day, and done the necessary research for the motion I was to move in Court. I had thought after reviewing my files, that the other party was not going to oppose the motion as he had not been attending the court. When I got to court and the matter was called, the court requested that parties announce appearances and after that I moved my motion in that matter. The other party opposed the motion.

The court requested that parties should canvass arguments. The other party was ready to go

Ayokunle Adetula

on but I simply was not, yet the court insisted that the matter should go on as I was the party who wanted to move the Court. I was totally caught off-guard, and I had to appeal to the Judge profusely, to allow me canvass arguments in the matter at a later date. My self-confidence was shattered; that experience of inadequacy in open court never left my memory.

What was your most memorable experience?

It was also a court matter at the same Federal High Court before another judge, about a year after my worst day. I was to argue a preliminary objection that predated my call to bar. Parties had been filing processes and attending court sittings in the matter, and I had become accustomed to the Counsel on the other side, who I considered to have no better knowledge after several interactions.

On the date slated for arguing the application, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria suddenly showed up in Court to argue the matter. I checked the Cause List and when I saw his name against

the matter I was literally scared.

However, as a result of my previous experience, I was properly prepared for the matter this time.

The colleague who usually came for the matter, sat next to me and taunted me about how the matter would be struck out. I almost called my senior to come to my rescue, but I summoned courage and went to sit directly behind the silk and my young lawyer friend who had previously handled the matter, followed me there and still taunted me. So I told him in a tone so clearly audible to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria that I had already prepared and that I was very happy I would be defeating a Senior Advocate of Nigeria for the first time in open court. I sounded so confident.

Shortly after, the Senior Advocate requested for his file and cursorily glanced at the pages.

Few minutes before the matter was called up, the Senior Advocate bowed and exited the court and passed a note to the younger colleague. To my surprise, the younger colleague announced the withdrawal of the preliminary objection and I asked for costs. That was the first time I was ever awarded costs from the Court too.

Who has been most influential in your life?

The most influential person till date was my late father. We were literally the best of friends, and he was always available to offer words of advice at very critical times. He was also willing and eager to pray for and with me, even for long hours at midnight.

Why did you become a lawyer?

Growing up, I had a desire to help people who were oppressed and cheated. It was a burning desire then. And my parents also believed in me choosing what exactly I loved to do. I recall my father asking when I resumed for SS2 whether I wanted to be in the sciences or the arts. Initially

I joined the sciences because I wanted to be a doctor. And I had performed well in the sciences in SS1, but after a week in the sciences in SS2, I switched to the Arts. It has been a remarkable journey since then.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?

There is need for serious perseverance, for anyone who wants a career in law. Aside from the fact that such person may spend a longer time becoming a lawyer due to the unstable academic environment in the country, the rewards do not come as quick as many are made to believe.

Furthermore, law is all about books. A lawyer has to keep reading, to be on top of his game.

Anyone who wants to join the profession, must be ready to read extensively too.

If you had not become a lawyer, what would you have chosen to be?

I possibly would have been a psychologist. At a point in the University, I became obsessed with psychology and read lots of psychology texts.

I picked interest in that area of social sciences, and I still look forward to having a shot at it as much as it is compatible with law in the long run.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I envision that in ten years from now, I will be a reference point in the Nigerian Intellectual Property (IP) Law space. I made a decision, fuelled by my earlier work experience, to follow a career in IP. At the time and even now, despite the statistics on how IP is a big money spinner for many developed economies, IP in Nigeria is relatively undeveloped. The extant IP laws in Nigeria are almost obsolete. However, in ten years, I believe I will have played a role in defining and developing both the law and the practice of IP in Nigeria as a practitioner and as an academic.

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and a violation of Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

3. A DECLARATION that in view of the provisions of Section 162(2) Constitution of the Federal Republic Nigeria 1999, which prescribes not less than 13% of federal allocation accruing directly from natural resources to be paid to the area from where same is derived, the neglect by the 1st Respondent of the huge Oil/Gas reserves in the Anambra Basin in relation to the Applicant and the Group/Class he represents, of its exclusive responsibility under Item 39 in the Exclusive Legislative List, Part I Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, to extract the same Oil/Gas for commercial purpose in accordance with Section 16(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, while extracting and exploring same in other Geopolitical Zones, is discriminatory and a violation of Section 42 of the Constitution of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

4. A DECLARATION that the neglect by the 1st Respondent of the Federal Roads in the South- East Geopolitical Zone, the neglect of the Niger Bridge which is nearing collapse and failure to put in place a Second Niger Bridge to connect the SouthEast with other parts of the 1st Respondent, in accordance with Section 15(3)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, when the 1st Respondent does so in other Geopolitical Zones, is contrary to Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

5. A DECLARATION that the over-policing of the South-East highways with numerous check- points by operatives of the 1st Respondent’s Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at every stretch of road wherein sums in excess of N9 Billion annually are extorted from the South-East people, while kidnapping and other crimes still go on unchecked in violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; when such extortion and high level of crime are not obtainable in any other Geopolitical Zone, is discriminatory and a violation of the provisions of Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

6. A DECLARATION that the 1st Respondent’s failure to develop friendly ports and customs policies to assist traders from the South-East Geopolitical Zone to do better in trading and on a higher scale; failure to have an operational international cargo airport at Owerri to aid trading and failure to dredge the Lower Niger and establish a Port at Onitsha to aid trading, in accordance with its constitutional obligations under Section 15(4), 16(1)(a) and (2)(a) and 17(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, when it responds to the people of other Geopolitical Zones in respect of their areas of strength in the economic map of the 1st Respondent, are discriminatory acts which violate Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

7. A DECLARATION that the poor revenue allocation rate foisted on the South-East Geopolitical Zone by the 1st Respondent as a result of failure to exploit Oil/Gas and Coal in the Zone and as a result of the structural imbalance of the States in the South-East vis-à-vis other Geopolitical Zones where the 1st Respondent is mandated under Section 16(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to promote “a planned and balanced economic development”, is discriminatory and contrary to the fundamental right of the Applicant guaranteed

by Section 42(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

8. A DECLARATION that the worsening menace of Erosion in the South-East Zone generally and in particular in Agulu, Nanka and Obosi in Anambra State, under the watch and neglect of the 1st Respondent, who responds to similar or lessthreatening ecological problems in other Zones with dispatch and commitment, is discriminatory and a violation of the fundamental right of the Applicant and the Group/Class represented guaranteed under Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

9. AN ORDER directing the 1st Respondent to forthwith prepare and release for immediate execution a comprehensive South-East Development Master Plan (SEDM) for urgent turn- around of the infrastructure in the South-East Geopolitical Zone, and the phased execution of such Master plan to be pursued with dispatch and vigour; which Master Plan must include immediate relief in the following

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, GCFR, President of Nigeria, October 1, 1963 January 16, 1966

Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Head of State, Nigeria, January 1966 - July, 1966

Challenging the Perceived Maginalisation of the South-East For decades, South Eastern Nigeria has complained and subtly protested what some perceive to be the marginalisation of the zone. In the past few years, these protests have begun to assume such ethnic and political dimensions, that the nation may no longer be able to ignore them. This may have informed the reason why foremost human rights lawyer and a citizen of the South East Zone, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN sued the Government of Nigeria, seeking redress on behalf of the people of the region. Against the backdrop of the agitation led by Nnamdi Kanu, who recently regained his freedom, Udo Jude Ilo sifts through the legal, economic and political issues in the underlying complaints of marginalisation, real or perceived Discrimination Against the South Eastern Nigeria RE: SUIT No. FHC/EN/M/301/2010 DR. OLISA AGBAKOBA v FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA & ATT-GEN OF FED r. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, filed a Fundamental Rights Class Action against the Federal Republic of Nigeria for himself and on behalf of the South East Zone on grounds of discrimination pursuant to Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution. The action was by Originating Summons supported by an affidavit of 99 paragraphs and a statement.

The grounds of the application are summarised as follows; (a) Total neglect of the Applicant’s Geopolitical Zone by the 1st Respondent in terms of infrastructure and general federal presence making the Applicant feel not part of the 1st Respondent. (b) Abandonment of the Niger Bridge to collapse and failure to build the ‘Second Niger Bridge’ making the Applicant feel isolated from other parts of 1st Respondent and causing him apprehension about disaster on crossing the existing bridge. (c) Abandonment of Federal Roads, which are death traps and robbery baits and occasioning and constraining on the Applicant gruelling road journeys within the Geopolitical Zone. Failure to develop strategic new roads especially the AnamNzam Federal Road linking the South- East with the North-Central at Idah in Kogi State to give the Applicant easy access to the northern part of Nigeria. (d) Failure to exploit the Oil/Gas Reserves in the Anambra Basin and stalling the Applicant’s legitimate expectation from employment and derivation funds for development of the Applicant’s South-East

D

Zone. (e) Abandonment of the Enugu Colliery and depriving the Applicant of his legitimate expectation from employment and derivation funds for the development of the Applicant’s South-East Zone. (f) Failure to develop trade-friendly ports and customs policies and establish ‘ease-of-business’ platforms to assist the Applicant’s trading brothers and sisters to do better and operate on a higher and modern scale in trading, which makes the Applicant to spend money to support relatives. (g) Failure to have an operational international cargo airport at Owerri to aid trading, which causes the Applicant to spend huge sums of money to support trading relatives to haul airborne goods by road from Lagos, with the attendant risks. (h) Failure to dredge the Lower Niger and establish a Port at Onitsha to aid trading which causes the Applicant to spend huge sums of money to support trading relatives to haul seaborne goods by road from Port Harcourt or Lagos, with the attendant risks. (i) Disparity in States structure which puts the Applicant’s South-East Zone behind every other Geopolitical Zone in political and judicial appointments and representation at the National Assembly, as well as in revenue allocation. (j) Foisting low revenue allocation status on the Applicant’s South-East Zone as a result of failure to exploit Oil/Gas and Coal and as a result of the said structural imbalance. (k) Over-policing and police menacing of the South-East with an alarming number of police ‘check-points’ at which massive extortion of billions of naira annually go on, even while violent crimes continue as if there were no police operatives.

(L) Abandoning the South-East to be swallowed up by erosion; failing to respond to calls to check widening gullies in the South-East, especially in Agulu, Nanka and Obosi all in Anambra State,

River Niger Bridge

which have claimed expansive farmlands and homelands and levelled homes, displacing people.

The reliefs sought are: 1. A DECLARATION that the Structural Composition of the States in the 1st Respondent in this distribution: North-West, Seven States; North-Central, Six States; North-East, Six States; South- West, Six States; South-South, Six States; and South-East, Five States; creates a structural imbalance against the Applicant and the Group/Class he represents to their political and economic disadvantage in federal legislative representation, ministerial/political and judicial appointments, and revenue allocation contrary to Section 14(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which requires reflection of federal character in conduct of public affairs, and accordingly a violation of Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which prohibits discrimination against the Applicant and the Group/ Class represented based on Ethnic Grouping and place of origin.

2. A DECLARATION that in view of the provisions of Section 162(2) Constitution of the Federal Republic Nigeria 1999, which prescribes not less than 13% of federal allocation accruing directly from natural resources to be paid to the area from where such is derived, the neglect by the 1st Respondent of the huge Coal reserves under the rocky hills of Enugu and the environs in relation to the Applicant and the Group/Class he represents, of its exclusive responsibility by Item 39 in the Exclusive Legislative List, Part I Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, to extract the said coal deposits in commercial quantity in accordance with Section 16(2)(b)of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, while extracting solid minerals in other Geopolitical Zones, is discriminatory

"TOTAL NEGLECT OF THE APPLICANT’S GEOPOLITICAL ZONE BY THE 1ST RESPONDENT IN TERMS OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND GENERAL FEDERAL PRESENCE MAKING THE APPLICANT FEEL NOT PART OF THE 1ST RESPONDENT"

COVER/9 "THE QUALITY OF GOVERNMENT IN MOST OF THE STATES IN THE SOUTH EAST IN THE LAST 17 YEARS, HAS BEEN ANYTHING BUT STERLING. HOWEVER, THE GREATEST TRAGEDY IS NOT THE UNFORTUNATE VISIONLESS LEADERSHIP THAT HAS BLIGHTED THE REGION, BUT RATHER, THE DOCILITY OF THE CITIZENS OF THE REGION IN TOLERATING THESE SET OF LEADERS"

identified areas of neglect: (a) Complete overhauling of all Federal Highways in the Zone and designing and construction of new ones, including the Anam-Nzam Federal Road linking the South- East with the North-Central at Idah in Kogi State (b) Exploration of Oil/Gas Reserves in the Anambra Basin (c) Reinvigoration of modernised mining activities in Enugu (d) Re-engineering of Niger Bridge at Onitsha and construction of a Second Niger Bridge at Onitsha (e) Dredging of the Lower Niger and construction of a Lighter Berth at Onitsha, and (f) Developing a modern international cargo airport in the Eastern Heartland at Owerri 10. AN ORDER directing the 1st Respondent to forthwith prepare and send to the National Assembly for enactment, a bill to establish the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and for ancillary matters, which body shall be charged with the execution of the said Master plan and the general development of the South-East Geopolitical Zone.

11. AN ORDER directing the 1st Respondent to forthwith put all its machinery, including but not limited to legal and political apparatus, in motion, with a view to urgently creating TWO ADDITIONAL STATES in the South-East Geopolitical Zone to balance with the Seven States in the North-West, and thereby bring to an end the discriminatory practices against the South- East Geopolitical Zone in terms of legislative representation, political and judicial appointments and net federal allocation accruing to the Geopolitical Zone.

12. AN ORDER directing the 1st Respondent to take immediate steps to check the excessively aggressive and nefarious, yet ineffective policing of the South-East Geopolitical Zone and putting an end to the extortion going on at the ubiquitous police check-points on the highways in the South-East Geopolitical Zone.

13. PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the 1st Respondent, whether by itself, its agents, servants or privies, or otherwise howsoever from further acts of discrimination against the Applicant or any member of the Group/Class represented.

14. GENERAL DAMAGES in the sum of N1,000,000,000,000 (One Trillion Naira) against the 1st Respondent to be shared among the Five States of the South-East Geopolitical Zone.

The key arguments in support of the application are contained in the written brief to the summons.

Section 42 of the constitution provides thus; (1) A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person:(a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions are not made subject; or (b) be accorded either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any such executive or administrative action, any privilege or advantage that is not accorded to citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religion or political opinions.

(2) No citizen of Nigeria shall be subjected to any disability or deprivation merely by reason of the circumstances of his birth.

The main point of the case is that everyone is entitled to equal treatment.

The application was filed at the Federal High Court Enugu and is now pending before Honourable Justice Liman.

10/COVER

23.05.2017

Rethinking South East “Marginalisation” Udo Jude Ilo

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Agbakoba's Suit he release of Nnamdi Kanu, has energised conversation around the “neglect” of the South East and the increasing sense of isolation that a lot of youths face in the region. The feeling of victimisation, has sustained the agitation for resurgence of Biafra and a mindset that the South East’s problem cannot be solved within the current arrangement of the Nigeria State. Agbakoba’s suits presents a legal tilt to the conversation, by its meticulous documentation of the neglect of the South East and its compelling case to have these wrongs redressed. These events, reinforce the growing frustration of many Nigerians across every ethnic divide, with the effectiveness of the Nigerian state and the need for deep and honest reflection on how we can create an equitable state that gives Nigerians a sense of belonging.

Destruction of Hope Nigeria is a unique state where every tribe, ethnic group and clan claims marginalisation. It is a marginalisation that is often rooted in expectations from the State, and not obligation to the State.

It is about how fat our share of the national cake is, and not how well we have contributed to the national cake.

The mentality that Nigeria is owes us so much and we owe her so little, has almost nearly destroyed patriotism in the country. Understandably, the quality of governance from the local government to the federal level, has left Nigerians with no hope, no future and no voice. The greatest disservice government has done to Nigerians over the years, and which has climaxed under the current administration, is the destruction of hope. Under this environment of hopelessness, our frustrations seek outlet in the nostalgia of an ‘ideal’ past or utopian dreams. We often misplace our anger and misdirect our activism.

Bad Leadership in the South East Collectively, the South East Nigeria may have received Trillions of Naira since 1999. While this may pale in comparison to the resources received

Erosion in Onitsha, Anambra State

Erosion in Enugu

by other regions in Nigeria, it is in my view, enough to uplift the region. Sadly that has not been the case. The quality of government in most of the states in the South East in the last 17 years has been anything but sterling. However, the greatest tragedy is not the unfortunate visionless leadership that has blighted the region, but rather the docility of the citizens of the region in tolerating these set of leaders. The comparison here is not that we have done better than some region, but that given our immense human resources, we cannot excuse the quality of leadership we produced or our inability to hold them accountable.

As important as it is for us to demand our fair share from the Nigeria State, we must first live up to the guiding philosophy of our forebears- Ana esi na uno amaram mma puwa iro- meaning that 'charity begins at home'. Under the Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution, it our duty to hold government accountable not only at the federal level, but also at the local level. What mechanisms have we put in place, to ensure that local governments in the South East are performing their constitutional functions for the benefit of the community? How have we held our State Governors

accountable? How are our resources being managed? Politicians are happy when we trumpet marginalisation at the national level, while overlooking the rot that is perpetrated at home. They are distracted by making us believe that our problems are from Abuja. We find reasons to demonise the Nigeria State very quickly, without paying close attention to the missed opportunities that face us at home. The greatest source of marginalisation for the South East are her leaders. Even when they had occupied influential positions to right the ‘injustices’ against the South East, they have been more involved in self ‘packaging’ than watching out for the people they represent.

We cannot address national marginalisation, without confronting economic and political marginalisation imposed on us by our leaders in the South East. The inability of our Governors over the years, to work together and develop an economic plan for the region that harnesses our local strength and uniqueness is inexcusable. The sacking of non-indigenes by the government of Theodore Orji in Abia state was embarrassing- an example of how we destroy ourselves. Those were individuals

"IT IS, IN MY VIEW, A DEEPLY FLAWED ARGUMENT TO ASSUME THAT AUTONOMY SOLVES OUR PROBLEM, OR THAT BIAFRA WILL SWEEP A MAGIC WAND TO TAKE AWAY OUR FOUNDATIONAL INADEQUACIES. WE NEED TO DO MORE THAN JUST AGONISE ABOUT WHAT COULD, BUT MUST FOCUS MORE ON WHAT IS POSSIBLE WITHIN OUR TROUBLED SYSTEM" whose only crime was that they belong to other Igbo speaking states that are not Abia. This kind of discrimination within a block that claim the same ancestry, demonstrates the complicated nature of our challenges and questions the rationale in locating our problems only at the federal government.

Biafra, Autonomy Is Not the Answer It doesn’t matter what restructuring we achieve or what autonomy we construct, as long as we cannot get involved on how we are governed at the local level, our marginalisation will persist. The Nigeria State is deeply flawed, but not enough to assume that we cannot lift our people and by extension, lift Nigeria.

It is, in my view, a deeply flawed argument to assume that autonomy solves our problem, or that Biafra will sweep a magic wand to take away our foundational inadequacies. We need to do more than just agonise about what could, but must focus more on what is possible within our troubled system.

There is urgent need to interrogate the Nigeria project. I firmly believe that, Nigeria’s diversity is actually its greatest strength. However, we cannot gloss over the wounds of the past nor the systemic marginalisation that has been wrought on the South East. As true as this may be, the South East is much bigger than just a victim. It must look inwards to address its internal inadequacies, and build a unified platform that will enable it to take its rightful place in the Nigeria project.

Udo Jude Ilo, Nigerian Human Rights Lawyer, Abuja

23.05.2017

THE LIGHTER SIDE/11

LEGAL HUMOUR

We Hold Your Brief

JUDE IGBANOI jude.igbanoi@thisdaylive.com

Dear Counsel, Kindly, advice me on what I should do. My neighbour has been in police custody for the past three weeks. He is a truck driver with a small construction company.

He said his motor-boy fell off from the truck and killed a person while they were travelling along Lekki-Epe Express Way, on the way to a building site. He didn’t know what had occurred, until he was flagged down by a motorist, some kilometres away from the scene of the accident, who notified him of the incident.

He later turned back and discovered that the police had taken the body to the hospital. This was the beginning of his problems. Now he is being made to face all sorts of interrogations, even after the police have established that it was purely an accident. He was initially released on bail, before he was again taken into custody on the excuse that he would have to appear before a Magistrate Court on June 29.

What can we do in this situation? There is virtually no one to help, as the construction company claims my neighbour is not their staff.

O. Aire, Oko Oba, Lagos

Dear Mr. Aire, I am surprised that your neighbour is still being kept in custody even after his initial release. If he had been released on bail earlier and he didn’t breach any of the bail conditions, there is absolutely no reason for his re-arrest.

However, I would like to believe that your neighbour is being made to appear before Magistrate in the course of a Coroner’s Inquest. This is often carried out where a corpse is discovered and the cause of death cannot be immediately ascertained.

Under the Coroners Law of Lagos State (2004), a specially designated Magistrate is empowered to conduct an inquest into the death of a person who died in certain peculiar circumstances.

I have no doubt that your neighbour may only be asked a few questions in relation to the death.

Essentially, it is a post-mortem examination that is mostly required in such inquests.

All the same, I would advice that you get a lawyer to be present at the inquest and also to arrange for his immediate bail.

A man was sent to Hell for his sins. As he was being taken to his place of eternal torment, he passed a room where a lawyer was having an intimate conversation with a beautiful young woman. "What a rip-off," the man muttered. "I have to roast for all eternity, and that lawyer gets to spend it with a beautiful woman." Jabbing the man with his pitchfork, the escorting demon snarled, "Who are you to question the woman's punishment?" ˾˾˾ An attorney telephoned the governor just after midnight, insisting that he talk to him regarding a matter of utmost urgency. An aide eventually agreed to wake up the governor. "So, what is it?" grumbled the governor. "Judge Garber has just died" said the attorney, "and I want to take his place." Replied the governor "Well, its OK with me if its OK with the undertaker." ˾˾˾ A woman was being questioned in a court trial involving slander. "Please repeat the slanderous statements you heard, exactly as you heard them," instructed the lawyer. The witness hesitated. "But they are unfit for any respectable person to hear," she protested. "Then," said the attorney, "just whisper them to the judge." ˾˾˾ A red-faced judge convened court after a long lunch. The first case involved a man charged with drunk driving, who claimed it simply wasn't true. "I'm as sober as you are, your honour," the man claimed. The judge replied, "Clerk, please, enter a guilty plea. The defendant is sentenced to 30 days." ˾˾˾ Despitehisbestefforts,thelawyer'sclientwasconvicted of murder and sentenced to die in the electric chair. On the eve of his execution, the convict called his attorney for lastminute advice. He was told, "Don't sit down." ˾˾˾ A man went into a local Chamber of Commerce, obviously desperate. He asked the man at the counter, "Is there a criminal lawyer in town?" The man replied, "Yes - but we can't prove it yet." ˾˾˾ Two schoolgirls were having an argument. "My dad's better than your dad. He's a carpenter and makes buildings." The other girl replied, "My dad does better than that. He's a lawyer, and makes loopholes." ˾˾˾ A golfer hooked his tee shot over a hill and onto the next fairway. Walking toward his ball, he saw a man lying on the ground, groaning with pain. "I'm an attorney," the wincing man said, "and this is going to cost you $5000." "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry," the concerned golfer replied. "But I did yell 'fore'." "I'll take it!," the attorney said.

Court Fixes June 22 for the Ruling in PSP Operators’ Suit against Lagos Govt.

Akinwale Akintunde Justice Taofiquat Oyekan-Abdullahi of the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square, has fixed June 22, 2017 for the ruling of a suit by the Incorporated Trustees of Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria, otherwise known as Private Sector Participation (PSP) Operators of Wastes, against the Lagos State Government.

The judge fixed the date at the resumption of the case last Wednesday, at after hearing the PSP operators’ application for an interlocutory injunction filed by their counsel, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, against the defendants as well as the defendants’ counter-affidavit in opposition to the application.

The Waste Managers Association, comprising over 350 PSP operators, had dragged the Lagos State Government and others to court, to stop the government from displacing them or replacing them with new operators.

The association, comprising over 350 PSP operators, asked the court to restrain any foreign operator, and their local agents, from taking over the collection, disposal and management of domestic solid waste in all areas of Lagos State.

Listed as defendants in the suit are the Lagos State Government, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Commissioner for the Environment, the proposed foreign operators and their local agents – that is Visionscape Group, Visionscape Santiation Solutions Limited, and ABC Sanitation Solutions Limited.

In the suit, filed by 30 operators on behalf of others, they are praying the court to restrain the Lagos State Government and its agents from terminating their right to collect, dispose and manage domestic solid wastes in all areas of Lagos.

The waste managers also want the court to stop the State from taking over the role of managing solid wastes in the State from them and giving it to a foreign company, Visionscape Group, which is operating in partnership with two Nigerian companies – Visionscape Sanitation Solutions Limited and ABC Solutions Limited.

At last Wednesday’s proceedings, counsel for the PSP operators, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, informed the court that the Lagos State Government had rebuffed the court’s intervention for the resolution of the controversy between both parties.

Justice Oyekan-Abdullahi had on February 21, directed the State Government and the private waste operators, to settle their dispute within two weeks.

Adegboruwa, however, moved the two applications for interlocutory injunction earlier filed in the court, since the amicable settlement encouraged by the court to the parties, failed.

He had in the application urged the court to “make a finding from these exhibits, that there is an existing franchise between the 1st to 3rd defendants deserving an interlocutory injunction".

He argued that contrary to the claim of the defendants; there was an existing contract and franchise between his clients (the PSP Operators and the State, which deserved to be protected,

EFFICIENT DISPUTE RESOLUTION, ESSENTIAL TO ATTRACT FOREIGN, LOCAL INVESTMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 the rationale behind the theme for the Conference.

While encouraging participants to actively participate at the sessions and feel free to make suggestions, Olawoyin called on various African Chambers of Commerce to strengthen their relationships and collaboration with the branches of the ICC, in their respective countries.

According to him, such cooperation would help to develop literature on international arbitration in Africa, encourage the use of arbitration in domestic and foreign commercial

disputes, and provide a platform for the development of indigenous talent in this vast and dynamic field.

This year's conference had in attendance the President, ICC International Court of Arbitration, Paris, Mr. Alexis Mourre, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN, a Vice-President of the ICC Court of Arbitration amongst others.

pending the final determination of the main suit.

Adegboruwa urged the court to order the parties to maintain status quo until the final judgment in the suit, in order to ensure that Lagos was kept clean.

He said his clients had continued to follow the judge’s advice to continue to manage wastes in the State, even when they were not being paid.

In response, counsel to the 1st and 3rd defendants, Mrs. Olubukola Adeshina, urged the court to dismiss the claimants’ application, on the ground that it was an abuse of court process.

She said that there is no more legal relationship and contract, between the claimant and the 1st to 3rd respondents.

“In specific response to claimant counsel, we’ve shown that there is no more legal relationship and contract between the claimant and the 1st to 3rd respondents", said Mrs. Adeshina.

“The said contract they are relying on has expired, and the fact that they are cleaning Lagos State, does not mean Lagos State employed them, they are doing so on their freewill.

“It’s our contention that why the claimant brought this matter to court, is to foist that relationship on the Government, as you can force a willing agent but you cannot force an unwilling principal."

“The Lagos State Government is willing to make Lagos a mega city, and you don’t go to mega cities with dirt around", Adeshina submitted.

Adesina claimed that Lagos State was sacking the PSP operators, to take up foreigners, because the State was planning to make the state a mega city, and could not afford to have waste around.

She alleged that the PSP operators had “not been carrying out their duties properly and diligently".

But, in an affidavit filed in support of their application, the Chairman of the Incorporated Trustees of Association of Waste Managers in Nigeria, Olabode Coker, said it would be unjust for the State to take the responsibility of managing wastes in the State from the PSP operators, who had been managing wastes in the State since about 1981, and give it to a foreign company.

“The claimants have invested huge sums of money and time in the business, and some of them have bank facilities which they are servicing regularly from the income generated from the business of waste collection and disposal", Coker said.

12/IMAGES

The 2nd Annual International Chamber of Commerce Africa Regional Arbitration Conference themed "Arbitration: Catalyst for Economic Growth" took place at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos from May 14th - May 16th, 2017. Here are some of the personalities that attended the photos: Kolawole Alli three-day event

23.05.2017

L-R: Chief Judge, Lagos State, Hon. Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, Chairman, ICCN Commission on Arbitration and ADR, Professor Grabriel Olawoyin, SAN and NBA President, Mr. A B Mahmoud, SAN

L-R: ICCN Chairman Emeritus, Chief (Dr.) Olusegun Osunkeye, Chairman, ICC Nigeria, Mr. Babatunde Savage, Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, Mrs. Boma Ozobia, Mr. Chidi Ilogu, SAN, Professor Grabriel Olawoyin and Vice-President of the ICC Court of Arbitration, Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN

President, ICC Court of Arbitration, Mr. Alexis Mourre and Chairman, ICCN Commission on Arbitration and ADR, Professor Grabriel Olawoyin, SAN

Secretary General, ICC Court of Arbitration, Paris, Mr. Jose Ricardo Ferris and Mr. Edward Fashole-LukeII

Mrs. Boma Ozobia and Director, Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration, Dr. ISmail Selim

Mr Dele Belgore, SAN (left) Mr Olumide Sofowora, SAN

L-R: Mr. Gaston Kenfack Djouajni, Rose Rameau from Ghana and Mr. Maurice R. Garbor from Sierria Leone

Advocat, Paris, University of Lille, Mr. Pierre Daureu, General Secretary, ICC Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi, Senior Associate, Herbert Smith University, Paris, Mr. Gregory Travaini and Attorney at Law, London, Mr. Solomon Ebere

Dr. Konyin Ajayi, SAN (left) and Chief Anthony Idigbe, SAN

23.05.2017

IMAGES/13

Mrs. Boma Ozobia and Senator Godswill Akpabio

L-R: Mr. Jose Ricardo Ferris, Mrs. Boma Ozobia, Mr. Dele Belgore, SAN, Mr. Babatunde Savage, Professor Grabriel Olawoyin, SAN, Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN, Chief (Dr.) Olusegun Osunkeye, Regional Director, ICC, Sami Houerbi, Counsel, ICC Headquater, Mr. Tunde Ogunseitan and Mrs. Olubunmi Osuntuyi

Mr. Harry Matovu, QC and Mr. Olumide Sofowora, SAN

L-R: Mrs. Yejide Osunkeye, Mrs. Morenike Obi-Farinde and Mrs. Josephine Akinwunmi

L-R: Mr. Isaiah Bozimo, Dr. Emilia Onyema, Counsel, ICC Headquater, Mr. Tunde Ogunseitan and ICC Nigeria Honourary Treasurer, Mrs. Dorothty Ufot, SAN

L-R: Director ICC Africa and Middle East, Mr. Sami Houerbi, Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN, Mrs. Boma Ozobia and Mr. Julien Fouret

L-R: Mrs. Dorothty Ufot, SAN, Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN and Senator Godswill Akpabio

Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN (left) and Dr. Ime Ekpoattai

Mrs. Folashade Alli (left) and Mrs. Onikepo Braitwaite

Mr. Gaston Kenfack Djouajni and Mrs. Sola Adegbonmire

Mr. Adeniran Adetoye (left) and Mr. Edward Fashole-LukeII

14/

23.05.2017

Police Infrastructure in Nigeria Jide Ogundana, in this article, discusses the Nigeria Police Force, it's inadequacies, the erosion of several of its constitutional functions by the creation of various public institutions like the EFCC, NDLEA, FRSC, and the NSCDC. He however, concludes that Nigeria does not require State Police as some have been clamouring for, and makes suggestions on how to improve policing and security in the country

P Introduction:

olice infrastructure is the cornerstone of every organised society because it is the adhesive that binds other infrastructures, which are the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a society to function properly. The hallmark of a modern society is the safety of citizens from the aggression of others over life, limb and property, which in the Nigerian parlance is euphemised as “security”.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), by virtue of Section 4 of the Police Act (Cap. P19, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004), is inter alia, responsible for the prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of criminals, preservation of law and order, protection of life and property, and law enforcement in Nigeria.

The general duties of the police in Nigeria, as enumerated, appear to be a direct response to the provisions of the Chapter IV of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantee fundamental human rights, such as the right to life, dignity of human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, etc. This chapter is the core essence of the exercise of sovereignty by the Federal Republic of Nigeria on behalf of the people of Nigeria. Take away the police in any society and what you will have is instant anarchy, where might is right, which will not engender civil life and make investment an impossibility.

Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency

private arrangements ranging from what obtains Fund Law 2007, to provide a pool of funds in most traditional settings such as age-group from which the Lagos State Government would cults, Egiri, Egbesu etc., who are mandated to provide money to the Nigeria Police Force maintain law and order, and enforce justice. in the State, to procure equipment and other There are also vigilante groups formed, partly resources, to combat crime. The Trust Fund is in response to the patent inability of the public administered by a Board of Trustees, which institutions to prevent crime. Individuals do renders account of its stewardship annually engage the services of day and night watchmen, at a Town Hall meeting on Security. The Trust popularly known as “mai-guards”, to guard Fund is funded on a public-private partnership Police Inadequacy: premises. basis through monies and other donations from Nigeria is manifestly under policed. The The largest chunk of the private security effort, the public, private persons – both corporate Nigeria Police Force has staff strength of is provided by the private security companies and individuals.

371,800 to police 190 million people, and a governed by the Private Guards Act, CAP. P30 So far, the model has been a runaway territory of 923,768 km2. Section 214 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (PGA), success, raising multiples of billions of Naira 1999 Constitution provides that there shall which inter alia provides that no organisation annually in cash and kind, with the Lagos be no other police force established for the shall perform the service of watching, guarding, State Government being a generous donor; the Federation or any part thereof other than the patrolling or carrying money for the purpose system is being replicated in some other states Nigeria Police Force. Paradoxically, the posi- of providing protection against crime unless of the Federation. Novel as the intervention tion of the police, rather than be bolstered, the organisation concerned is: registered as a is by the Lagos State Government, there are is continually eroded by having many of its company under or pursuant to the Companies concerns about its sustainability; the chiefest constitutional functions hived off to motley of and Allied Matters Act; granted a licence by reason being that the currency for the process public institutions such as: the relevant Minister in accordance with the is the sheer goodwill of the donors, which is r UIF &DPOPNJD BOE 'JOBODJBM $SJNFT $PN- provisions of the PGA; is wholly owned by expendable. Likewise, it is foolhardy to sustain mission (EFCC) under the EFCC Act 2004, to Nigerians. a situation where the fundraiser has little or no combat economic and financial crimes; Private Security Companies (PSCs) are circum- control on the deployment and maintenance r UIF /JHFSJBO %SVH -BX &OGPSDFNFOU "HFODZ scribed by the PGA, since they are prohibited of the resources generated by the fund.

FTUBCMJTIFE VOEFS UIF /JHFSJBO %SVH &OGPSDFNFOU from the use of firearms and ammunition. They Agency Act 2004 to enforce laws against the are also precluded from the use of the expresNeighbourhood Safety Agency Bill cultivation, processing, sale, trafficking and use sion “detective” in describing their activities.

Lagos State House of Assembly recently of hard drugs and to empower the Agency to Nonetheless, PSCs provide extensive services passed a bill for a law to establish the Lagos investigate persons suspected to have dealings to Nigerian companies, especially in the oil State Neighbourhood Safety Agency. The in drugs and other related matters; and gas sector, where some foreign companies objectives of the Agency are to establish a r UIF 'FEFSBM 3PBE 4BGFUZ $PNNJTTJPO operate at the high-end of the sector. PSCs uniformed Neighbourhood Safety Corps within (FRSC), established by the Federal Road Safety complement their services by engaging the the State, and to assist the police and other Commission (Establishment) Act 2007 to keep Nigeria Police Force in private arrangements, security agencies within the community to the highways safe for motorists and other road to provide armed policemen to provide the maintain law and order. users as well as checking road worthiness of firearms and ammunition components in their The functions of the board of the Agency vehicles, and educating motorists and members operations. inter alia include: the taking over of all existing of the public on the importance of road discipline responsibilities of the neighbourhood watch on the highways; Lagos State Security Trust Fund and absorb all eligible watchers into a corps; r UIF /JHFSJB 4FDVSJUZ BOE $JWJM %FGFODF The Lagos State Security Trust Fund was establishment of uniformed neighbourhood Corps, established by the Nigeria Security and established in 2007 by the Lagos State Govern- safety corps in all Local Government/Local $JWJM %FGFODF $PSQT "DU UP inter alia assist ment, through the Lagos State Security Trust $PVODJM %FWFMPQNFOU "SFBT JO UIF 4UBUF BOE in the maintenance of peace and order in the protection and rescuing of the civil population during the period of emergency; inspect the premises of private guard companies and their "THERE IS CONVENTIONAL WISDOM IN THE 1999 training facilities; maintain twenty four hour CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION DECREEING A SINGLE POLICE surveillance over infrastructures, sites and projects of the government at the federal, state FORCE FOR NIGERIA; THAT HAS BEEN THE SITUATION and local levels.

THROUGH THE POST-INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTIONS, %FTQJUF UIF NVMUJQMJDJUZ PG QVCMJD JOTUJUVUJPOT in providing security, the level of security in ALBEIT THE 1963 CONSTITUTION ALLOWED THE Nigeria is a far cry from an ideal situation.

LEGISLATIVE ARM OF A REGION, TO PROVIDE FOR THE Private Security Security is complemented by an array of

MAINTENANCE BY ANY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY OF A POLICE FORCE WITHIN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT"

formulating guidelines, regulations and policies for the day-to-day operations of the corps; and other local vigilante groups in Lagos State.

State Police – to be or not to be?

Each time the question of police reform enters public discourse, in response to the exasperating inadequacies of the Nigeria Police Force, the argument inexorably leads to the worn out clamour for the creation of State Police in each State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – thirty six in all! The quixotic clamour only gets dulled by the contemplative horror of replicating the “federal might” in thirty states, which at best, might as well just amount to spreading the NPF muck, especially as it relates to turning it to a political tool in the ready hands of exuberant principals. There is conventional wisdom in the 1999 constitutional provision decreeing a single police force for Nigeria; that has been the situation through the post-independence constitutions, albeit the 1963 Constitution allowed the legislative arm of a Region, to provide for the maintenance by any local government authority of a police force within the local government. However, subsequent constitutions have been eerily silent on a localised police force and State police has since become an anathema and rightly so.

The Way Forward Two core issues need to be addressed urgently: recruitment into and funding of the NPF. There is an urgent need for a rethink on how the NPF is funded, and the sooner a bottom-up approach is adopted, the better. Serious consideration should be given to sourcing the funds from where security is needed, which gives the communities a greater say in policing. Consequently, the oil and gas sector, for example, could devote a certain percentage of its income towards funding the NPF, which is deducted at source via taxation, and also expended directly (or otherwise) on the sector. Rather than having a fixation on establishing state police forces, focus should be on community policing, communities are heavily involved in the recruitment into, and the management of the NPF. Public Private Partnership (PPP) may only work vis-à-vis the reform of the police force in Nigeria, if it is deployed towards the development of the physical infrastructure of the Police such as building stations, training schools, and maintenance of infrastructure etc., but never in terms of the services rendered by the police for obvious public policy issues.

Jide Ogundana, Legal Practitioner, Partner, Austen-Peters & Co., Lagos

23.05.2017

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INSIGHT ABUBAKAR D. SANI

xL4sure@yahoo.com

Emir Sanusi: Is The Kano House of Assembly’s Probe Valid?

T

by virtue, merely, of his status, would be discriminatory and invalid.

Introduction

he Kano State House of Assembly has reportedly constituted a Committee to probe the Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammad Sanusi II over allegations of misappropriation of funds, defamation of character, breach of oath of office/ allegiance, abuse of office and political/religious partisanship. This prompted the State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, to suspend its own earlier inquiry into similar allegations against the Emir. For reasons which I shall presently outline, I believe that the House lacks the requisite competence to undertake the inquiry.

Investigatory Powers of the House The powers of State Houses of Assembly to undertake investigations are not at large, but are delimited by Section 128(2) of the Constitution which provides that they are to be exercised only for the purpose of enabling it to make laws or correct defects in existing laws and to expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution/administration of laws or the disbursement/administration of funds appropriated by it. Accordingly, the said probe can only be valid to the extent to which its subject-matter is within the aforesaid provisions of the Constitution.

This necessarily calls for a review of the terms of reference of the committee visà-vis the law.

1. “Misappropriation of Funds”.

Section 8 of the Emirate Council Special Fund Law 2004 provides that the expenses and emoluments of the Emirate, shall be met from the Special Fund established under the Law into which shall be paid, inter alia, contributions and grants from the State and Local governments, as well as monies appropriated by law. It is alleged that the Emir misappropriated funds in excess of N6 billion, given to the Emirate by the Government. This is obviously, a very serious criminal allegation. To that extent, the best that the House can do, if it establishes a prima facie case against the Emir, is to refer it to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

By virtue of Section 6(b) & (c) of the EFCC Act 2004, the Commission is the only body competent to investigate all financial crimes. Besides, the Supreme Court has consistently held that where misconduct alleged against a person amounts to a criminal offence, it must be tried by a court of law and no other investigating panel, committee or tribunal will do: See SOFEKUN v AKINYEMI (1981), All NLR 153.

2. “Defamation of Character” It is alleged that the Emir maligned the Kano State Governor and his entourage, which included members of the State House of Assembly, during a recent trip to China, by falsely claiming that the trip lasted a whole month and was purposeless. According to the House, the trip only lasted four days and its purpose was to determine the capability of the company that would handle a proposed rail project in the State. The House claimed that the Emir’s allegation “caused a lot of insult to the State Government, as well as the House of Assembly, by the general public in and outside the State”. For this reason, both the Assembly as an institution and the State Governor are, ipso facto, disqualified from probing this allegation or – in the latter

5. “Breach of Oath of Office and Allegiance” Section 6 of the Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law provides that any person appointed as Emir shall take or subscribe to the oath of office and allegiance set out in the Schedule thereto. In my view, this charge cannot stand alone without the others or, at least, one or some of them. This is because the other charges constitute instances, when the Emir is alleged to have breached the Oath. To that extent, this charge is a duplicitous overkill.

Therefore, it stands or falls along with the others, as its fate depends on the outcome of the others. As the foregoing arguments demonstrate, the other charges are wholly untenable. Accordingly, this charge is similarly incompetent.

Emir Mohammed Sanusi II

case – reviewing any decision taken on it by the former.

This is because they are both interested parties and doing so would violate the principle that no man should be a judge in his own cause. See Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution. The rule applies to any body of persons by whatever name called, which is vested with authority to hear and determine issues or disputes: L.P.D.C. v FAWEHINMI (1985) 2 NWLR pt. 58 pg.586. Any decision taken in violation of this principle is null and void: ADIGUN v ATT-GEN of OYO STATE (1987) 1NWLR pt. 53 pg. 678 3. “Abuse of Office Privileges and Protocol” This charge alleges that the Emir delegated one of his daughters to represent him at a public function, even though there were capable members of the Emirate Council, who could have done so. The House claimed that this was unprecedented, adding that the dressing of the Emir’s daughter to the event, was “an embarrassment to the Emirate Council and the tradition of Kano people”. The Emir is a public officer for the `purposes of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in the Constitution. I believe that this charge, is consistent with Paragraph 9 of the Code which states that “a public officer shall not do or direct to be done in abuse of his office, any arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of any other person knowing that such act is unlawful or contrary

to any government policy”.

To that extent, only the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Code of Conduct Tribunal are competent to investigate and adjudicate over this allegation. See OKOYA v SANTILI (1994) NWLR pt.338 pg. 256 @ 323, Paragraph 12 of Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule, Section 153(1)(a) and Paragraphs 1 and 3(d)&(e) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution.

These provisions of the Constitution are specific, whilst those of Section 128 thereof deal generally with investigations by the House. To that extent, the former are applicable and not the latter: ATT-GEN OF THE FED. v ABUBAKAR (2007) All FWLR pt.375pg. 405 @ 524.

4. “Political and Religious Interference” In my view, Articles II & IX(2) of the African Charter provide the Emir with a complete defence to his charge.

They provide as follows, respectively: “Every individual shall be entitled to the enjoyment of the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the present Charter without distinction of any kind, such as . . . political or other opinion or . . . status” and, “every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law”. The African Charter is superior to all other laws except the Constitution: I.G.P. v A.N.P.P. (2007) 18 NWLR pt.1066 pg.

457@ 500C. Any law which purports to impose restrictions on the Emir’s freedom

"IT IS ALLEGED THAT THE EMIR MALIGNED THE KANO STATE GOVERNOR AND HIS ENTOURAGE, WHICH INCLUDED MEMBERS OF THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, DURING A RECENT TRIP TO CHINA, BY FALSELY CLAIMING THAT THE TRIP LASTED A WHOLE MONTH AND WAS PURPOSELESS. ACCORDING TO THE HOUSE, THE TRIP ONLY LASTED FOUR DAYS, AND ITS PURPOSE WAS TO DETERMINE THE CAPABILITY OF THE COMPANY THAT WOULD HANDLE A PROPOSED RAIL PROJECT IN THE STATE"

Are the Hands of Governor Ganduje Tied?

The position of Governor Ganduje in all this, in my view, is very tenuous, for two reasons. Firstly, he is a victim of, and possible witness in the inquiry into, at least one of the allegations against the Emir - that of defamation arising from his trip to China.

This makes him an interested party. Secondly, by virtue of his position as the Chief Executive of the State under Section 176(2) of the Constitution as well as Section 5 of the Kano State Emir (Appointment and Deposition) Law. The latter provision empowers the Governor to depose the Emir after due inquiry and consultation with the Kingmakers. This point might be considered premature, but it is not irrelevant, given the widespread belief that the inquiry is but a pretext for the Emir’s deposition.

If that, indeed, is the case, the Governor is disqualified by the legal bar against being a judge in one’s own cause discussed earlier.

This principle was restated by the Court of Appeal in YAKUBU v GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE (1997) 7 NWLR pt.511 pg.66 where the court considered a provision similar to Section 5 of the Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law, and held that the inquiry required under the law is vitiated where the principle that a man should not be a judge in his own cause, is violated. The inquiry in the instant case is vitiated by the fact that a victim of one of the subjects of that inquiry - the Governor - would have to review its findings, albeit in his official capacity, in deciding whether or not to sanction the Emir, either by deposing him or otherwise. This should not be. In NWAMARA v OKEAHIALAM (1999) 1 NWLR pt.588 pg.590 @ 602, the Court of Appeal held that “a person who has a duty, legal or administrative, to take a decision which affects others must not have an interest in the subject matter one way or another as to make him a judge in his own cause”.

Conclusion Few observers believe that the probe of the Emir by the Kano State House of Assembly, is not politically-motivated. If it is a smokescreen to achieve the predetermined objective of deposing the Emir, the members of the House, as legislators, should be keen to be seen to be above board. Unfortunately, as the foregoing analysis shows, the probe is anything but bona fide, especially because the gravest of the allegations – spending without appropriation – reportedly commenced in 2004, ten full years prior to the Emir’s ascension. Suffice it to say that, in my opinion, the probe is legally ultra vires the Assembly, invalid, null and void.

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23.05.2017

EXAMINATION QUESTION - IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF THE “SEAPORT”IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS BELOW (30 MARKS):

A) SAM MBAKWE CARGO OWERRI RUNWAY B) NNAMDI AZIKIWE INTERNATIONAL ABUJA RUNWAY C)MURTALA MUHAMMED INTERNATIONAL IKEJA RUNWAY D) AMINU KANO INTERNATIONAL KANO RUNWAY

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Chambers: Through TEXEM, Nigerian Executives Could Develop Strategic Leadership for Change Management Professor Andrew Chambers is a Professor Emeritus and former Dean, Cass Business School. In this interview, he spoke on how leaders can develop skillsets to better govern their organisations and about the forthcoming programme organised by TEXEM on Strategic Leadership for results driven change management scheduled to come up between 24th and 25th May in Lagos. Excerpts: You are a Professor Emeritus and former Dean at the Cass Business School; what business models can Nigerian entrepreneurs adopt to improve their businesses?

To some extent it depends on the nature of the innovative business idea. Behind every successful entrepreneur you will find audacity, dexterity in maximising ambiguity, long hours, and passionate dedication – what sociologists would call ‘deferred gratification’. The gratification is in the obsession to make a success of the venture-All these skill-sets are encompassed by strategic leadership and optimising performance which TEXEM’s forthcoming programme on Strategic Leadership for Results Driven Management at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos on 24 & 25 May would cover-Please visit www.texem.co.uk for more information. One reason start-ups may fail is that the entrepreneur becomes distracted by other interests. At a practical level, you must watch your cash flow with the eyes of a hawk.

You are likely to need mentoring and financial support – maybe in the shape of a business angel or venture capital. Listen to what they say, but be cautious of accepting advice and support you are uneasy about.

of whether management is implementing the board’s policies and the agreed strategy. This reporting must also be designed to notify the board of other significant things happening within the business which may amount to unacceptable risks.

Many boards will find they need advice from independent parties – such as external auditors, law firms and other consultants. Reporting to the board by the executive may on occasion not be sufficiently independent or reliable.

The responsibilities of the board are not the same as the responsibilities of the executive.

As I have said, the board adopts strategy and oversees that the executive is implementing that strategy as intended.

Yes, how does a board make sure it knows its policies and strategy are being implemented by management, and that there are no banana skins around the corner (known or not to management) over which the organisation is likely to slip? A very good question which would be covered at the forthcoming training on Strategic Leadership for Results Driven Change Management on the 24th and 25th of May 2017 in Lagos. Please email exec@texem.co.uk for details of this programme.

How can our leaders come up with fresh ideas to move the nation’s economy forward?

There are multiple examples elsewhere in the world of novel business ideas that have succeeded recently or are set fair to succeed soon: look hard at them and learn from them. You don’t have to be completely original with your ‘fresh idea’. Bear in mind that good marketing persuades potential customers they need your product or service – even if, to start with, they don’t see the point. We can think of many good leaders today who have the charisma not only to motivate their staff, but also to persuade their potential customers. Attend training programmes organised by TEXEM where you would have the opportunity to challenge assumptions, learn from over nine hundred years of participants’ experience and gain insights into how organisations in other industries in Nigeria and beyond are generating fresh ideas and converting these to superlative performance.

How can a leader turn a negative situation to a positive result?

First, quality and timely information which analyses the reasons for the negative situation is a prerequisite for being able to identify the problem and take remedial action. Decisive action will then be needed – and good leaders need to be able to be decisive while carrying the organisation with their decisions. A good leader will select the right method by which courses of action will be determined - which involves deciding on the level of consultation and participation by colleagues and staff.

And consider carefully whether there are new opportunities inherent in the negative situation.

What steps can be taken to inspire leaders within an organisation in a recession?

Leadership cascades down an organisation and expands laterally across it. If top leadership succeeds in inspiring across the organisation at all levels, productivity will be enhanced – so long as there is a strong sense of direction. If the organisation has its back to the wall because of the recession, top leadership will need to be incisive in implementing measures which are ‘quick wins’, painful thought they may be.

The question remains – how does the very top leadership get its inspiration, especially in difficult times? Many top leaders avail themselves of one-to-one mentoring off-site.

Industry bodies need to provide succour for top leaders. Government rhetoric needs to be accompanied by practical action to encourage organisations to raise their game. Again, some of these themes would be covered by Clive Carpenter and me at TEXEM’s forthcoming programme on Strategic Leadership for Results Driven Change Management in Lagos.

How can leaders develop skillsets to better

Chambers govern their organisations?

There are short-term and long-term issues here.

At any one time a top leadership team needs complementary skill sets. If the chairman is good at negotiating with government but no good at being the public face of the organisation in front of the media, then the organisation is likely to need a CEO who is good at that. But it could be vice versa. So, in the sort-term you need to know the skill sets that are needed and make sure they are present within the team and that responsibilities are aligned to these personal strengths. Training and development requirements must be identified to ‘top-up’ on expertise and to develop expertise from scratch when individual leaders need new competencies.

Nobody is beyond the need for continuous professional development. I recall when I chaired the audit committee of a FTSE company how aghast the chair of the board and the CEO were when I asked to company to support me attending a training and development course. They should not have been aghast – training needs at all levels should be proactively identified and budgets available where necessary to give effect to these needs. On-the-job training is part of it.

The long-term issue is to develop staff with an eye on their future careers and the long-term needs of the organisation. Many executives have latent potential to exercise skills which their current roles give them little opportunity to display-Trainings such as those by TEXEM which has a repeat participation of about 60% would equip leaders with the requisite skill-sets that they require to successfully govern their organisations.

Too few organisations invest in developing their staff, at all levels.

What can a leader do to achieve superlative business growth in turbulent times?

Eliminate unnecessary costs so that you are as competitive as possible. Listen carefully to the

market so that your products and services are aligned to the constrained market needs.

Consider where the new opportunities are, arising from the turbulent times. For instance, are there distressed companies who will be looking to outsource much of what they have previously done in-house? Consider whether your organisation should outsource more, and whether you could become an outsourced service provider.

Ask yourself whether there are new business opportunities your organisation could exploit which arise from the turbulent times.

How can boards inspire change at a time of low morale, finite resources and crises?

The right starting point is for the board to focus on ensuring that morale stays high. Transparent communication with staff and other stakeholders is part of this. Implementation of appropriate board policies is another part of it. Lead by example: it may the case that if there is no pain there is no gain. But the pain should be fairly applied and top management, together with the board, should be seen as sharing the pain.

High morale will be so important but will not be kept if there are illogical and extravagant decisions emanating from the board and top management.

How could the board leadership ensure that strategy conceived at the board gets implemented?

The board is responsible for determining the policies of the organisation and its strategy. Then the board has the responsibility to oversee that management is implementing the board’s policies and the adopted strategy. And the board is responsible to ensure that the executive has the resources needed to implement the adopted strategy. The board needs to meet sufficiently frequently to do this. Reporting through to the board needs to tell the board, in a timely way, what the board needs to know in terms

What is your opinion on organisational challenges in Nigeria?

These are linked to the wider Nigerian social and economic context. Many challenges for Nigerian organisations are to do with currency weakness, a skewed economy, governmental issues, high unemployment and challenges apparent in the social fabric – such as corruption and civil unrest. All countries have their particular challenges and Nigeria’s potential is huge. A distinct feature of TEXEM’s programmes is that the trainings incorporates the contextual realities that organisations face in developing country contexts.

How do you think these challenges can be resolved?

To start with, look to see what opportunities accompany these organisational challenges. Every ‘negative’ may have a potential ‘positive’ for organisations. For instance, high unemployment provides a reservoir of labour, subject to employability and measures within organisations to train new staff.

Secondly, organisational leaders must engage with wider society to engineer social and economic change for Nigeria. This is an important part of Nigerian corporate social responsibility.

Continued on page 26

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

TCN Boosts Transformer Capacity in Abuja, Borno, Gombe, Lagos States Ejiofor Alike The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has supplied new transformers in Katampe area of Abuja, Damboa in Borno State, Gombe in Gombe State and Alagbon area of Lagos State.

TCN’s General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, Mrs. Seun Olagunju, said in a statement at the weekend that the company had successfully completed the installation of 30MVA, 132/33kV power transformer in its Gombe State Transmission Substation.

According to her, the instal-

lation of a 30MVA, 132/33kV power transformer was in response to the continued increase in load demand from the distribution company supplying electricity to the state capital and its environs.

She stated that the newly installed 30MVA 132/33kV power transformer, which was moved to Gombe 132kV Substation from Yola Transmission Station, increased the station’s capacity from 105MVA to 135MVA. The increase in capacity, she added positively impacted power supply to distribution load centres in Gombe and

its environs.

In a related development, TCN has also successfully installed two 66MVA 132/33kV power transformers in its Katampe and Alagbon Transmission Stations in Abuja and Lagos respectively, increasing bulk load wheeling capacity of Katampe Transmission substation at 132kV voltage level, from 120MVA to 126MVA and Alagbon Substation capacity to 312MVA on 132kV voltage level.

The transformer capacity in Damboa Transmission Substation was also increased by 40MVA with the installation

of a 40MVA, 132/33kV mobile power transformer which has been energised.

Olagunju said the Damboa Substation, previously a 60MVA 132/33kV capacity transmission station with fully equipped control room and staff quarters was completely destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents on July 4, 2014.

As a result of the incident, she said bulk power transmission to Damboa and environs reduced by 60MVA. “Notwithstanding the volatile nature of the area however, TCN initiated the process for procurement and installation

of a 40MVA 132/33kV mobile power transformer, in an attempt to bridge the shortfall in bulk electricity transmission to distribution load centers that supply the electricity to Damboa and environs,� she added.

She further noted that installation works on the new mobile 40MVA 132/33kV power transformer commenced on April 4, 2017 and was completed as well as energised onMay 7, 2017, adding that the Mobile power transformer was installed in-house by TCN engineers. “The entire transformers

installation processes including civil works,were carried out wholly by TCN in-house engineers.

The transformers are all fully loaded and efficiently wheeling power to various distribution load centers within the country.

TCN reiterates its commitment to continue to expand its transmission capacity to ensure that it continues to stay above the generation curve while efficiently moving bulk electricity from generation companies to distribution load centers nationwide,�

Olagunju explained.

Companies in Niger State Downsizing, Says Leadway Assurance Supports African Sales NACCIMA Academy’s Entrepreneurial Business Hub Laleye Dipo in Minna The Niger State Chamber of Commerce Industries Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) on Monday raised the alarm that most companies and business outfits in the state are now downsizing as a result of the downturn in the economy.

NACCIMA said the situation had been compounded by the lack of patronage of local industries and companies by governments.

The Director General of the organisation, Alhaji Adamu Salihu, who made this known

while fielding questions from journalists, said: “Some businesses now run one shift instead of three shifts, meaning that they have laid off some of their workers.�

He added: “Lack of patronage by all tiers of government is worsening the business environment. Governments prefer to deal with companies from other places, which is why most of these companies are downsizing.

We have not seen total closure of these companies, what we are witnessing is downsizing�.

He said if governments

changed their policies and patronised local industries the companies will expand and engage more workers and in the process reduce unemployment in the state. “The biggest spenders in the country are the states; if there is synergy between governments and the companies the operating business climate will improve. “Industries and other companies in the state and the country are not growing, they are stagnant, governments have to do something about this dangerous trend�, he advised.

A leading underwriter Leadway Assurance is joining hands with leading sales and coaching academy, Africa Sales Academy (ASA) to recruit 1,500 young enterprising entrepreneurs over the next three years.

The ASA Business Hub is a mentally challenging boot camp that has been designed according to its leading facilitator, the renowned sales guru, Segun Akande, to amongst others prepare its graduates for the highly competitive and challenging business terrain.

The boot camp will also focus on capacity building and business discipline, whilst entrenching entrepreneurial

skills that will be immensely useful in building self-sustaining and profitable businesses; and in the long run impacting very positively in the gradual reduction of unemployment in the country.

Leaning heavily on an interactive module as preferred by internationally acclaimed business institutions, the Hub will parade some of the most successful entrepreneurs as coaches and guides, whilst also leaning on the basic tenets of Creativity, Hard Work, Integrity and Focus, in achieving its fundamental goal of building the most prolific and dynamic Sales/Business force across Nigeria and Africa.

Successful candidates will in the first instance be automatically inducted into the famed Leadway Independent Business Associates Scheme.

This is a Franchise Scheme that enables young and serious minded individuals to leverage on the Leadway Brand in order to build successful businesses whilst trading on its brand equity.

This initiative, according to Leadway provides them the opportunity to further contribute meaningfully to the economy by creating opportunities for the continuous identification, nurturing, and development of young entrepreneurs.

CHAMBERS: THROUGH TEXEM, NIGERIAN EXECUTIVES COULD DEVELOP STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP FOR CHANGE MANAGEMENT What are some of the things an executive would pick up at the forthcoming executive development programmes?

You will benefit from networking with other impressive leaders and future leaders – both during the executive development programme and afterwards when you keep in touch with those you meet-This assures of bumper return on investment. You will have the opportunity to challenge and debate with the faculties who have a wealth of leadership experience-For example I have delivered executive development programmes in sixty countries globally, I have practical management as we all as board level experience and Clive Carpenter has advised many boards across Africa and in Europe.

The executive development programme focusses on leadership challenges in difficult times, but much of its content will be just as relevant when the recession is over. Thus, executive would have the opportunity to come up with fresh strategic insights, enhanced motivation and actionable frameworks that they would require to develop sustainable competitive advantage, grow and be successful in the short, medium and long term.

How could organisations strike the right balance between risk management and innovation in a recession? ‘Cars have brakes so that they can go faster’.

There are fewer risks to be managed in an organisation that isn’t innovating – other than the major risk inherent in the lack of innovation.

Innovation requires an organisation to understand and mitigate the risks associated with being innovative. But risk management is not just a matter of identifying and managing the threats to the organisation; risk management is also about identifying future possible opportunities and putting in place now what will be needed

expected results of future changes, these should be measurable, and the board should monitor these results.

Chambers for the organisation to be able to exploit those opportunities should they occur (and should the organisation decide then to exploit those opportunities).

How can leaders optimise their decision making process?

Leaders should always strive to make optimal decisions, but more usually must settle for ‘satisfactory’ not ‘optimal’ decisions. Long ago, the Nobel prize winner, Herbert Simon, called this ‘satisficing’. Today we can get closer to optimising our decision making – for instance by modelling different scenarios making use of I.T. – in ways which were previously impractical because they were too time-consuming.

How could organisations achieve Strategic Leadership for Result driven change management?

They should attend the forthcoming executive development programme organised by TEXEM on this topic. Also, especially in large organisations, a good working relationship between the board and the top executive team is important.

They should work as a team to develop future strategy. They should set aside quality time, most probably off-site, off-site to brainstorm about strategy, perhaps making use of outside experts.

It is often said that what can’t be measured doesn’t get managed. Most, perhaps all, strategies involve making changes and achieving changed outcomes. We need clear predictions of the

What are some of the highlights of your forthcoming presentation at TEXEM’s Strategic Leadership for Results Driven Change Management?

We look hard at what makes a good leader and how organisations need to be led. We consider how different organisations need different leadership approaches. A thread woven through the executive education programme is leading organisational change for optimal results. Those who attend the executive development programme will also get a good appreciation of how successful organisations work and thrives in austerity and prosperity, which is a prerequisite for understanding how they need to be led. Specifically, the following themes would be covered: Enabling personal and organisational change, Optimising Change and decision making, Organising for innovation, Leading the politics of change, Engaging internal and external stakeholders and Amalgamation as well as, Developing an action plan for change.

How can business owners effectively handle competition since more entrepreneurs are coming on board on a daily basis?

Most new organisations will fail. Failure may be due to the business idea being unviable, to poor management and bad early decisions, to poor customer relations and marketing, to too rapid expansion, to inadequate capital; and poor cash flow, to a lack of commitment – and so on.

The best way to handle the competition that comes from so many entrepreneurial start-ups is to make sure that none of these causes of failure can be put at your door. Then, much of the competition will wither away in time.

BIODATA Professor Andrew Chambers is a Professor Emeritus and former Dean, Cass Business School, UK. Chambers has always had a foot firmly in the business school world and the business world – both in leadership capacities. At Cass he taught a highly acclaimed double module on organisational behaviour (including leadership) to 200 executives and he has delivered executive development programmes in over sixty countries. In the business world he has been a board leader of a FTSE250 financial institution, and a number of charities and private companies. He also chaired the board of a fast-growing software company and had served under good and bad chairs of boards, observing what has made them successful or not.

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT NigerianBanksMustAidInvestmentsinRenewable Energy Sources, Says Italian Investors An Italian investor in solar systems and other renewable energy sources, Mr. Roberto Fontana believes the Nigerian banking sector must play its natural role of boosting the economy for the nation to develop.

The Chief Executive Officer of Insiemer, a multinational solar systems company, wants the banks to enable Nigerians so that they can leverage on the abundant sunshine to power their homes and businesses.

Bennett Oghifo reports

N

igerians can live better, away from all the noise and fumes from electric power generators, to be free of pollution that has caused so much ill-health and needless deaths, according to Roberto Fontana, an investor in renewable energy sources, who hails from Verona, Italy.

Fontana spent a week in Nigeria, casing the investment environment, and came away with positives but remarked that the nation’s banks must do more to encourage business growth.

Fontana, who had with him the Nigerian partner of the company, Mr. Mark Nebo said he has a company in Italy, Switzerland, Egypt, and Spain in renewable energy sector, including solar, wind and energy efficient systems.

He said, “I have a company that specializes in air compressors, chillers, and machinery like forklifts for big businesses. My interest is to bring to Nigeria high quality energy efficient and solar power systems. These will improve the lives of families, increase their wellbeing and to give them opportunity to stop using generators that make people to be sick from pollution. It is one week that I have been here but I am already feeling the effect of the pollution.”

He said his company would bring in longlasting high quality solar systems that would dissuade Nigerians from buying cheap and poor-quality systems that are prevalent in the nation’s market today.

According to him, the products he intends to import would resolve people’s energy problems, and advised Nigerians to look forward to a bright future like it is experienced in other countries in Europe where quality products are used for their energy needs.

Fontana said he believes that even the lowincome people should have energy sources to power their electrical systems like refrigerators, televisions, and not spend hard-earned money buying petrol for their generators. According to him, his products would have an average of 20 years’ life span, adding “this is what obtains in every part of the world and must be done in Nigeria. They will resolve the problems of families and this is my company’s motto: Resolving Problems.”

He said he is will to take a step and let the market judge, adding that people would be given an opportunity to judge whether it was

be a country that is less polluted to improve people’s lives. I am not a banker but if I were, then I’ll change the banking politics.”

Import challenges...

Shipping his goods into Nigeria, Fontana said should not be much of a problem because after discussing with some big shipping companies in the country, he got to realise that the system is the same as in other parts of the world.

He said he would establish his presence in Nigeria as he has in other countries, adding that he had talked to some people in the country who deal in these products. “I have commissioned people to produce the systems that would suit people in the villages and rural communities, but there is need for the assistance of the banks. I see their willingness to do business and they appreciate my initiative a lot but I don’t know if they would play their part. I will play my own part.”

He said if the banks do not reduce their interests for financing the purchase of these products, then it may not work. “All developed countries are maintained with the assistance of their banks. In Italy, we buy telephones by installment payments. Buying goods outright here is not good for the economy and it is also not good for families.”

Roberto Fontana

more economical to buy a product that would absurd taxes/interest rates. Besides, interests last a long time or to buy one that would be charged by banks in Nigeria are too high and replaced often because it breaks down often. this will not make the nation’s economy to grow. The banks are prepared for my type of business, but they need to review downward Banks and economic growth...

Fontana said his company would sell to whole their interest rates/taxes.”

Giving an example of where this hostile sellers/distributors but that “One big problem that I have seen since I have been here, is operational environment had posed a problem that while in the rest of the world people/ in the past, he said, “In 2003, Romania was families pay for goods in installment, people at the level of present day Nigeria in terms of bank taxes/interest rates, but as the banks here pay in full.

“I have been trying to get the banks involved changed their system/politics, Romania has to have financing agreement but I see a great changed to a very beautiful country with unwillingness or resistance and their desire to topflight economy.

I suggest that the banks help Nigeria to stick to their usual operational format and their

Solar systems...

According to Fontana, there is a big market in Nigeria for solar systems, adding that sunshine is free and that he would bring in equipment that are simple to use even in villages and that there are complex ones for both medium and big businesses.

There are also small solar plants for all strata of society, permitting them to exploit sunshine during the day and use the stored energy during the night and as such there would be no need to use public electricity or petrol for generating sets. “This money that families will save from not using public electricity and buying petrol, will be used for installmental payment to the banks and after about five years they will complete payment and for the remaining 15 years, the product will work free of charge.”

He intends to set up a complete office in Nigeria just as he has done in other countries, adding that he is comfortable in Nigeria because of the warm welcome that he received.

Residents, Estate Executives Disagree on N145,000 Levy to Rehabilitate Government Road Residents and the executive members of the Residents Association of His Grace Pavilion Estate in Wumba District of Apo in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have disagreements over the decision of the executive to rehabilitate a government road linking the estate to the Kabusa – Lokogoma - Galadimawa highway.

Some residents of the estate also believe the flat-rate of N145,000.00 imposed on all residents, including tenants and homeowners is absurd, noting that it was not their responsibility to reconstruct government road for which

the FCDA must have voted public funds or is at the verge of repairing.

They wonder if there was an element of corruption in this affair through criminal collusion between the executive and officials of the FCDA, who may have knowledge of the amount voted for the rehabilitation of the vital link road.

They have also complained about their being physically stopped from driving outside the estate, describing it as highhanded and unconventional.

“Three other estates are involved in the project but they are not using the same

method of fundraising,” said an aggrieved resident, Mr. Paddy Ezeala.

“There has been deep-seated disenchantment over the way and manner the Executive of the Residents Association of the Estate has been going about raising the funds.

On Thursday and Friday, 18th and 19th of May, 2017 respectively, the executive barricaded the entrance and exit gates of the estate with the support of heavily armed policemen in full combat gear without name tags and numbers, insisting that every resident showed his or her receipt or any other evidence

of having paid the said sum before going to work in the morning of those days.

Some residents stayed back while others resorted to other means of transportation leaving their vehicles behind.

The question is: Do members of the executive of the Residents Association have the powers to stop people from going about their normal businesses? This is the height of impunity and lawlessness,” said Ezeala, one of the residents who had to leave their vehicles behind in the two days of siege on the estate.

“It is most unfortunate that executive members elected to

ensure the welfare of residents have turned into a band of intemperate and implacable extortionists,” Ezeala said.

He decried the “inequitable approach whereby tenants and landlords are being made to pay the same amount of money when they all do not have the same stake in the estate.”

He also questioned the chances of accountability and probity “when some of the people who barricaded the gates have surreptitiously appointed themselves as contractors for the completion of the project in the guise of direct labour.”

Ezeala said, “We have had enough of this reign of megalomania and groundless impunity”, and vowed to draw the attention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and that of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to this ugly development. “This physical and psychological intimidation of law abiding citizens must stop,” he said.

The Chairman of the estate’s executive (name withheld) declined to comment on the issue when he was called on telephone and did not respond to a text message requesting explanation from him.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

Developers Rollover Profit for Lack of Estate Loans Shred estate developers now resort to rollover of profit from existing projects to fund new ones. Taiwo Ogunbodede, the Chief Executive Officer of Cross & Churchill Estates Ltd., says it is an indispensable funding mechanism that he is employing in his two new projects, Orangeville and Shepherd IIApartments.

Bennett Oghifo reports The harsh economic environment has introduced a near unbearable cash crunch, even in banks, and this has raised interest rates that make borrowing very unattractive. The situation is getting bleaker with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria not providing estate development loans.

There are ways round this, said Mr. Taiwo Ogunbodede, “Our company is a going consign that has been on for over nine years and we have done projects overtime. The company has its own internally generated revenue. It is not our first project. What is done over time is that you enter project A and in real estate business what you do is move the profit of project A to the next project to start it and once you start the next project and with the sale off-plan you keep on building.”

On bank loans, he said

“Another option is to go to the banks. The interest rate in the banks today is about 30 per cent per annum but I don’t know how you’re going to do it. Of course, you can go to the bank for a bridge loan for two to three months but today banks are not willing to lend to real estate.

Orangeville and Shepherd II Apartments…

Cross & Churchill focuses on the development and sale of serviced plots and residential property. Ogunbodede said the poor financial environment and market survey had made it imperative for his company to scale down their project type.

The market, he said was no longer suitable for mansions and villas. “What the market needs now are small size, well-finished apartments that are not only functional, but also affordable.”

Cross & Churchill is employing venture capital and other funding arrangements in its two new projects, Orangeville and Shepherd II Apartments, said Ogunbodede. Orangeville is located in Okun Ajah while Shepherd II is at Ibeju Lekki.

Orangeville has a block of 24 apartments, comprising 12 units of 2-bedrooms and 12 units of 3-bedrooms; Shepherds II has 16 units made up of 8 units of 2-bedrooms and 8 units of 3-bedroom apartments.

He said Orangeville, also known as The Berkshire Apartment, is designed as an iconic development and that

its location is in ‘mid-town Lekki’ with easy access from the mainstream neighborhoods of Lekki Phase1, Ikate, Jakande and Chevron and the Central Business District of Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Marina and Broad Street. The property is built on three floors, and according to the concept, “blends modern attitude with traditional delight to create contemporary living with high specification facilities.

It has bespoke living and dining rooms which were crafted with residents’ extra coziness in mind.”

Other facilities include visitors’ toilet, maid room,

storage room, spacious living room, dining area, comfortable master’s bedrooms, fully-fitted kitchen with heat extractor, contemporary bathroom, toilet designs and fittings, beautiful floor design with vitrified tiles, spacious and carefully conceived floor plan, and massive headroom allowance in every space.

Shepherds II Apartments, the promoter said is a “well-crafted luxury home that offers a blend of modern attitude with traditional neighbourhood comforts that bring a new meaning to urban living.”

The project is located shortly after Adiva Plains/Beechwood

Estates, Lakowe Lake Resorts and Mayfair Gardens. It is about 5 minutes’ drive before the Amen Estates and about 8 minutes’ drive before the junction of the proposed new Lagos Airport.

It also has visitors’ toilet, maid room, storage room, spacious living room, dining area, comfortable master’s bedrooms, fully-fitted kitchen with heat extractor, contemporary bathroom, toilet designs and fittings, beautiful floor design with vitrified tiles, spacious and carefully conceived floor plan, and massive headroom allowance in every space.

OPIC Begins Construction of NMRC First Phase Mortgage Housing Units Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) has started the construction of the first phase of OPIC’s affordable housing units in New Makun City, Ogun State that would deliver 400 houses before the end of the year through technologically based building method under the NMRC mortgage scheme.

Addressing journalists on the commitments of his organization at piloting the scheme in Ogun State, the Managing Director, OPIC, Mr. Babajide Odusolu made this known as part of the progress made by his Corporation to offer quality housing under a mortgage system with no accessibility barriers to aspiring home owners; saying people crave for ease of purchasing houses.

“Despite the economic recession, we will have new development in New Makun City. Exclusive growth, Exclusive development,” he reiterated.

This new development no doubt will align with the approved master plan of the City which zones, integrates existing system, operations, communities and indeed everything.

The OPIC boss noted that the Corporation had mobilized competent contractors, private developers and accredited mortgage banks for successful accomplishment of the NMRC/OPIC mortgage scheme in the State, for speedy completion of the First Phase of the project.

“These institutions have come to terms with OPIC to make housing affordable through highly subsidized mortgages by the government, enabling the general populace to explore the single

digit interest mortgage loans spread over a long period of time, in line with the OPIC/ NMRC/Family Homes Funds (FHF) mortgage plans,” said Odusolu.

He, however, re-assured the people of the State that with the support and technical expertise of the project partners, the mortgage scheme would provide quality housing that would be the envy of other States.

Beneficiaries will enjoy among other things, proximity to Lagos axis, serene and scenic environment, recreational facilities, especially ones that will gainfully engage the youths and aid healthy dissipation of energy in an industrial hub that already attracted 5 different companies that have chosen New Makun City as preferred operational base.

He reiterated that, under the proposed mortgage scheme, all that is required of a prospective buyer is to open an account with a partnering mortgage bank, save for over 6 months to reach the minimum equity, qualifying beneficiary for housing allocation.

The balance he said will be gradually liquidated monthly, until it is redeemed fully over a period of 20 years. The housing units are available in 1 bedroom apartment, 2-bedroom semi-detached and 3-bedroom detached bungalow.

Odusolu said there is also ‘quasi rent to own scheme’, tagged ‘OPIC Advantage’ designed for people with income not as predictable but consistent.

This allows a minimum of 30% deposit, with the balance spread over a period of 3-4 years for lessee. This is for those who do not want mortgages.

Wharf Road, Apapa, Lagos worsens

Ogun Begins 12km Six-Lane Buildcon Promises to Uphold Road, 600 Metres Bridge, in Standard while providing matchless Atan-Agbara Fadekemi Ajakaiye services to customers.

Ogun State Government has begun the construction of a six-lane 12km road and a 600-metre bridge in Atan/ Agbara, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area.

This is part of measures to put an end to the suffering experience by motorists and other road users due to the bad state of the road, according to the Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite.

Adegbite said, in a statement that the road would be completed before the expiration of the tenure of the present administration in 2019. After the demolition of some structure that would give way for the construction of the bridge, the commissioner said the contractor handling the project had been mobilised with substantial amount of money for him to start the construction and meet the delivery period.

“The contractor has been mandated to start work at two locations. He is going to start the road from Atan and there is a great separator at Lusada

and the contractor will start the bridge at the same time Lusada junction.

We have given it careful planning, the contractor have been mobilised with substantial amount of money so I think all things being equal we should complete it before the expiration of the second term,” he said.

Reacting to the issue that the road in question is a federal road, Adegbite assured that the state government would continue to lay emphasis and priority on the comfort of the people irrespective of where they were from, adding that as far as government was concerned there were no federal people when it came to the issue of road construction.

The commissioner pointed out that most of roads that are classified federal roads have even become township roads, so there was no point referring to it as federal anymore adding that Ogun state government was in consultation with the federal ministry of works on the need to release these roads to it.

The Managing Director of Buildcon Global Services Limited, Mrs. Bukunola Gadzama, has affirmed that the real estate company is delighted at the commendations made on the company’s products at this year’s CEMCS exhibition in Lagos and promises to maintain standard that would surpass subscribers’ expectations.

She stated that the company is driven by passion to offer subscribers’ value for money and to surpass its competitors in order to have a large market share in the lucrative real estate sector. With this, the company is well prepared and positioned to uphold quality standard with state-of-the-art facilities in the construction of its housing projects in view of the increase in commercial and high-end residential real estate development, particularly in key cities such as Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.

This is in line with its mission of executing unique strategies in creating home ownership solutions in a dynamic real estate market,

Gadzama stated that this would not be restricted to the Pracht Gardens Estate, but also in other projects such as the Pracht Court in Ajah, Pracht Clusters at Chevron and another at Sangotedo in Lagos.

The company which made entrant into the real estate sector in 2013 has created a niche for itself through competent engineers with architectural skills and interior designs.

The accolades on the company’s products were from subscribers, visitors as well as stakeholders who commended the architectural design and focus, particularly on quality and affordability.

Those that have seen Pracht Gardens Estate particularly praised the company for the state-of-art facilities used in its construction and the layout which they agreed “shows what a dream home should be.” “In creating these luxury apartments, we took into consideration the need for affordable housing, security, space optimisation, comfort, child-friendly environment and quality,” Gadzama said.

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Moody’s: Nigeria, Other Countries’ Recovery from Foreign Currency Shortages Will Take Time Obinna Chima While foreign currency shortages in sub-Saharan Africa stemming from lower oil and commodity prices are easing, it will take time for Nigeria and other countries in the region as well as banks and non-financial companies to restore their financial health, Moody’s Investors Service said in a report yesterday.

The report was titled: ‘Foreigncurrency shortages are subsiding but will take time to overcome.’ Moody’s Vice President -- Senior Analyst and co-author of the report, Lucie Villa, noted that falling oil and commodity prices over the past two years had led to foreign currency shortages in numerous sub-Saharan African countries, with oil exporters hit particularly hard. “The stabilisation in oil and commodity prices over recent months will help to ease the pressure, but any recovery will depend on continued higher prices and could take some time,� Villa said.

According to the report, managing foreign currency shortages will remain a key policy challenge for sub-Saharan oil exporters.

In recent quarters, dollar rationing, currency devaluation and foreign currency borrowing by governments have stemmed the fall in foreign exchange reserves in Nigeria and Angola.

But this has been to the detriment of the non-oil economy, price stability and government balance sheets, the report added.

In Gabon and the Republic of the Congo, which are members of the Central African Monetary and Economic Union (CEMAC) and where access to foreign currency borrowing is limited, the common local currency is pegged to the euro and foreign exchange reserves have collapsed, Moody’s expects reserves to continue falling through 2017, but at a much slower rate.

Furthermore, the report showed in the region’s banking sector, banks in Angola, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo remained the most affected by foreign currency shortages due

to their economies’ high reliance on dollars.

Their foreign currency deposits have been depleted and they have limited capacity to source new foreign funding. “The resultant currency devaluations have also eroded banks’ loan quality, profitability and capital,� Moody’s Senior Vice President and co-author of the report, Constantinos Kypreos added. In Nigeria and Angola, pressures appear to be receding somewhat as their central banks are now injecting more dollars into the economy on the back of higher oil prices and related revenues. Banks in South Africa are the least affected, reflecting the system’s limited dollarisation levels and low reliance on foreign funding.

Although a gradual increase in commodity prices over recent months had been supporting foreign currency liquidity and helping to ease currency shortages, Moody’s argued that it was too early to conclude that pressures on banks have reversed.

MARKET INDICATORS

CIBN Boss Supports CBN Forex Market Forays The President/Chairman of Council , Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Segun Ajibola has said the aggressive intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will help stabilise the naira.

Ajibola, said this in an interview with journalists, on the sidelines of the institute’s 2017 annual general meeting that took place in Lagos recently.

According to the university don, the forex market in any part of the world is a very sensitive market and as such requires effective and constant “policing.�

He stressed that the intervention of the CBN is inevitable. “What is happening in the market normally is a function of the forces of demand and supply. So, with the intervention of the CBN, we have seen some

improvement in the foreign exchange rate in terms of naira and dollar, because supply has improved. “We only pray that Nigeria as a country would continue to generate more foreign exchange, either from oil and gas, or from non-oil exports, so that the intervention would be sustainable and we begin to feel the positive impact of the intervention in the economy.

So, it has been very helpful, but sustain ability remains the concern,� he added.

The CIBN boss also expressed optimism that the Nigerian economy would record positive growth this year. “I believe the economy is recovering from the recession it found itself last year. The global oil market is recording

some improvements and some other sectors of the economy are growing and making waves. “With all these put together, we expect some modest improvement in the overall performance of the economy in 2017. And when this happens, it would rub off positively on the banking industry. “As at today, there are still a lot of challenges in the industry, such as in the area of performance, by borrowers in particular, honouring their obligations as at when due. “But, as the economy improves, we expect the improvement to positively impact the banking sector and financial institutions generally,� Ajibola added. At the meeting, the institute’s 2016 annual reports and accounts were considered and approved.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS Broad Money (M2)

23,840,392.42

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,520,166.67

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,820,415.90

---- Demand Deposits

9,699,750.76

-- Quasi Money

12,320,225.75

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

9,353,504.03

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,486,888.39

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

26,774,684.47

---- Credit to Government (Net)

4,595,579.89

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

7,436,917.79

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

were recently endowed with a financial aid of N50,000 each to enhance their various trades which ultimately translates to a boost in the local businesses in the state and the economy at large. Speaking at the event which held at the city square in Enugu, the Governor of the state, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, lauded Keystone Bank’s commitment and support of the crusade for MSME growth in the State.

The acting Managing Director of Keystone Bank, Mr. Hafiz Bakare, represented by the Head, South Directorate, Mr. Rowly Isioro, said: “Keystone Bank has been at the forefront of empowering MSMEs as they drive economic growth from the grass roots of the society.

This he said also “helps to boost our drive for financial inclusion of the un-banked in Nigeria which is in line with Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive.�

-2,841,337.90

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

22,374,718.08

--Other Assets Net

-12,483,409.58

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,837,322.41

--Currency in Circulation

2,179,174.28

--Banks Reserves

3,318,344.71

Keystone Bank Empowers 100 SME Operators in Enugu Keystone Bank Plc has partnered Enugu State government through its Ministry of Commerce & Industry to support 100 micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

The latest partnership, according to a statement from the bank was in line with its continuous economic empowerment campaign aimed at raising the bar of small businesses. In the partnership, 100 entrepreneurs

(MILLION NAIRA)

DECEMBER 2016

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MONEY MARKET INDICATORS (%) December 2016 Inter-Bank Call Rate

10.39

Monetary Policy Rate (MPR

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

13.96

Savings Deposit Rate

4.18

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.53

3 Months Deposit Rate

8.80

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.23

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.76

Prime Lending rate

17.09

Maximum Lending Rate

28.55

Artisan Wins Car in Skye Bank Promo Skye Bank Plc said it recently presented an Aluminum Fabricator, John Paul with the keys to a brand new car he won in the just concluded MoneyGram/Skye Bank ‘Receive N Win’ Promo.

Two other winners - Chinedu Lucky, a Trader in Alaba Market and Ademola Abayomi, an Event Planner respectively also picked up N1 million and N500,000 respectively among other 49 winners who won different

cash prizes and other material rewards in the promo.

Presenting the keys to the car to Paul, Skye Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Tokunbo Abiru, was quoted in a statement to have congratulated him for emerging the grand prize winner and a proud owner of a brand new car in a recession, even as he solicited for continued patronage of the bank. According to the CEO, “It is a privilege to talk

to you on how we have fared as a bank in the Moneygram business which spans over five years association. And within that period, we have competed keenly with other banks and today we are number two in terms of volume and value and have our eyes firmly on reaching our goal - to be number one in this business- and we can only get to the number one position only.

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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT FRIDAY 19, MAY 2017

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $50.87 a barrel on Friday, compared with $49.87 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

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MARKET NEWS

AXA Mansard Insurance Shareholders Get Five kobo Dividend Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie One of the leading insurance companies in Nigeria, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has announced a dividend of five kobo per share to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2016. Speaking at the annual general meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos last Friday, the Chairman, AXA Mansard

Insurance, Mr. Olusola Adeeyo said the company recorded a 25 per cent increase in gross written premium from N16.6 billion in 2015 to N20.7 billion in 2016. He also noted that net premium income of the company grew from N9.9 billion in 2015 to N10.9 billion, while profit before tax rose by 50 per cent from N2.02 billion to N3.1 billion in 2016. “In spite of the adverse eco-

T H E

nomic situation experienced in 2016, we had a successful business year with growth in almost all measures of performance.

We performed even better as profit after tax went up by 63 per cent to N2.7 billion from N1.7 billion in 2015. Our balance sheet remained robust in 2016, experiencing moderate growth of seven per cent in total assets to N55billion from N51.21 billion in 2015. Insurance liabilities in

N I G E R I A N

2016 rose to N14.4 billion from N12.9bn in the previous year, while Shareholders’ Funds remained well in excess of regulatory requirements at N17.51 billion,� he said.

The company has vision to be the leading African financial services provider, delivering superior solutions to our customers while exceeding stakeholders’ expectations.

Shareholders of AXA Mansard Insurance

STO C K

commended the board and management of the company for the results. “We commend the resilience of the board and management of AXA Mansard Insurance for recording growth in virtually all the performance indices but the level of patronage by Nigerians in the insurance industry is too low when compared to the advanced economy, hence the need to encourage the insurance

E XC H A N G E

companies through favourable policies and actions by the regulators. We equally appreciate the five kobo per share dividend given and want to encourage you to do more,� they said.

However, the shareholders of the company expressed their frustration over the delay in the approval of financial results in the industry as a whole by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

34

˾ TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2017

MARKET NEWS

Dangote Flour Mills Explains Non-payment of Dividend Goddy Egene The Chairman of Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Asue Ighodalo has assured shareholders of the company that the board and management would continue to work hard in order to enhance the value of their investment. He explained that the company’s inability to pay dividend was due accumulated losses, put at N23.1 billion.

Speaking at the annual general meeting (AGM) of the company in Lagos last

Friday, Ighodalo said the key focus areas in the near future are sustaining the company’s high product quality, customer engagement strategies and strengthening supply chain capabilities.

According to him, despite the good performance of the company for 2016, the directors were unable to recommend a dividend payment.

“You will recall that the company recorded continued losses in the preceding four years as a result of which accumulated losses stood at N23.1 billion as at September

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

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

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

30, 2015.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of your board and management, the accumulated loss position was not fully extinguished by the current year’s results. We are therefore unable to declare any dividend because financial standards and regulatory considerations only allow payment of dividends from accumulated profits,” he said.

On the performance of the company for 2016, Ighodalo said turnover during the period was N105.7 billion, representing an increase of

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 19May-2017, unless otherwise stated

120.2 per cent above the N48.0 billion recorded in the 2015 financial year.

“Gross profit improved by 556 per cent during the period, rising to N29.3 billion from N4.4 billion in the prior period. As a result, the company effected a complete turnaround on its bottom line, recording a profit after tax of N10.6 billion compared with a loss of N12.7 billion in the prior year,” he said.

Meanwhile, some shareholders, who spoke at the AGM commended the board and management

for returning the company to profitability after years of losses. They urged the management to create more awareness for the company’s products range as they are of high quality and compare to global standards.

For instance, Alhaji Muktar Muktar said that with return to profitability after years of losses, shareholders are encouraged that the board would recommend dividend payment in the coming years.

He said that the turnaround in the fortunes of the company was not surprising as any

investment associated with Dangote produces results.

He tasked the management not to relent in ensuring that the profit recorded in the 2016 financial is surpassed.

“I want to commend you for this result. It clearly shows that this board is highly proactive and ready to tackle the problems of this company.

You have significantly reduced the accumulated losses and reduced borrowings, I believe that under your leadership we should be able to receive dividends in the next couple of years,” he said.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 146.75 147.65 15.68% Nigeria International Debt Fund 218.62 219.86 3.11% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.73 0.74 5.09% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.06% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 12.82 13.21 3.83% ARM Discovery Fund 299.51 308.54 4.29% ARM Ethical Fund ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 15.62% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 117.34 118.17 11.56% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.07% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.00% Paramount Equity Fund 10.46 10.73 11.78% Women's Investment Fund 90.29 92.61 6.73% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.48% FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,071.23 1,072.35 6.02% FBN Heritage Fund 121.79 122.65 9.16% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.62% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $108.88 $109.25 5.60% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $108.24 $108.60 5.70% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 126.05 127.72 11.88% FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Equity Fund 1.08 1.10 15.96% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.72 2.72 5.95% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,384.77 2,415.45 8.01% Coral Income Fund 2,248.12 2,248.12 6.84% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 17.18% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.39% Vantage Balanced Fund 1.85 1.87 10.29% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 17.63%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.04 1.06 5.03% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,022.52 1,022.52 3.93% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.01 11.10 13.94% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 15.60% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.11 1.13 11.94% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.55 10.61 1.49% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 14.41% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 117.71 118.24 15.40% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.30 1.30 4.43% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 1,939.62 1,949.88 5.90% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 158.19 158.19 2.75% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.82 0.83 7.14% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 197.97 197.97 5.93% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 137.49 139.40 5.95% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.40% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,938.20 8,029.13 4.67% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.22 1.23 10.79% United Capital Bond Fund 1.31 1.31 15.55% United Capital Equity Fund 0.73 0.74 2.86% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.16 1.16 11.20% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 11.11 11.30 14.87% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.79 11.91 7.88% Zenith Income Fund 17.81 17.81 7.74%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 126.87

1.01% 2.34%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.75 83.01

8.85 84.54

-0.34% 9.52%

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

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.34 7.07 13.47 16.71 129.13

3.38 7.15 13.57 16.91 131.13

21.07% 0.57% 12.05% 4.74% -0.57%

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

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

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T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

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TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

40

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Trump Tells Middle East: Step Up in Fight against ‘Islamist Extremism’ U.S. President Donald Trump called on Arab leaders to do their share to fight “Islamist extremism” on Sunday in a speech that put the burden on the region to combat militant groups while urging unity

among religions.

Trump, who generated controversy with his push to ban many Muslims from entering the United States, described the fight against terrorism as a battle between

Rouhani: Iran Ready to Promote Relations with the World Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, after securing a decisive reelection, has pledged to open the country to the world and deliver freedom its people have yearned for.

Rouhani sealed a second term in office after he won Friday’s election with more than 57 percent of the vote.

His principlist rival, Ebrahim Raisi, won 38 percent.

“Iran’s nation chose the path of interaction with the world, away from violence and extremism,” the 68-yearold reformist said in a televised speech on Saturday.

“Today, Iran - prouder than ever - is ready to promote its relations with the world based on mutual respect and national interests,” he said.

The election was seen by many as a verdict on Rouhani’s

policy of opening up Iran to the outside world, including the 2015 nuclear deal that won the country relief from international sanctions in exchange for limits on its contested nuclear programme.

Iran “is not ready to accept humiliation and threat”, Rouhani continued.

“This is the most important message that our nation expects to be heard by all, particularly world powers.” Saturday evening saw tens of thousands of his supporters celebrating by pouring into the streets of downtown Tehran, setting off fireworks, and singing and dancing until the early hours of Sunday morning.

“I’m happy and a bit relieved after a month of stress,” said 27-year-old Afshin as he joined a large crowd gathered in Vali Asr Square of central Tehran.

good and evil rather than a clash of civilisations.

“This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life, and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it,” Trump said in the speech, according to excerpts of the speech released by the White House.

“That means honestly confronting the crisis of Islamist extremism and the Islamist terror

Western missile experts say the claim is exaggerated.

An official traveling with U.S. President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia said the White House was aware of the latest launch and noted that the missile had a shorter range than the three previous missiles that North Korea had tested.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said economic and diplomatic pressure would continue to be applied to North Korea.

“The ongoing testing is disappointing, disturbing and we ask that they cease that,” he said in an interview with “Fox News Sunday”.

The two missile tests in a week complicate plans by South Korea’s new President Moon Jae-in to seek ways to reduce tension on the peninsula. Moon took office eleven days ago after winning an election on a platform of a

A German aid worker and an Afghan guard were killed and a Finnish woman kidnapped as gunmen stormed an international guest house in central Kabul, officials said Sunday.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack late Saturday on the guest house run

by Swedish charity Operation Mercy.

In further violence roiling the country, 20 Afghan policemen were killed early Sunday when Taliban fighters stormed their outposts in the southern province of Zabul, as the insurgents escalate their annual spring offensive.

more moderate approach to the North, with which the South is still technically at war since no peace treaty was signed at the end of their 1950-1953 conflict.

South Korea’s foreign ministry said the tests were “reckless and irresponsible actions throwing cold water over the hopes and desires of this new government and the international community for denuclearisation and peace on the Korean peninsula”.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the latest missile test by the reclusive North was “a snub and a challenge to international efforts for a peaceful resolution”.

Abe told reporters after a meeting of Japan’s National Security Council that he wanted to raise the issue of North Korean missile launches at the Group of Seven leaders’ summit in Italy this month. China had no immediate comment.

Ankara Police Kill Two Suspected IS Members Planning Attack, Says Governor Turkish police on Sunday killed in Ankara two suspected members of the Islamic State jihadist group believed to have been planning an attack in the capital, the regional governor said.

The two were killed during a police operation on their residence in the Etimesgut district of Ankara after a gunfight with officers, state-run news agency Anadolu quoted regional governor Ercan Topaca as saying.

The raid was launched on the basis of testimony from a suspected Azerbaijani IS member who was detained by Istanbul police after allegedly driving the

two men to Ankara.

“This (police) operation was quickly planned after this suspect said they and the two others he left in Ankara were Daesh (IS) members and planning an attack,” Topaca said. He said police opened fire after the two suspects themselves fired on the security forces.

After “neutralising” the two men, guns and hand grenades were found, Topaca said.

Although the identities and nationalities of the two men have yet to be confirmed, Topaca said they believed they

political scandal at home, made clear in his address that Washington would partner with the Middle East but expected more action in return.

“Terrorism has spread across the world. But the path to peace begins right here, on this ancient soil, in this sacred land,” he said in Saudi Arabia, the first stop on a nine-day tour that includes Israel, Italy and Belgium.

The speech is part of an effort to redefine his relationship with the Muslim world after Trump frequently attacked Muslims on the campaign trail last year and tried to ban many from entering the United States.

The approach was also designed to contrast with former President Barack Obama, whom Trump has criticised for his handling of the fight against Islamic State.

German and Afghan Killed, Finnish Woman Kidnapped in Kabul

North Korea Tests another Missile; Seoul Says Dashes Hopes for Peace North Korea fired a ballistic missile into waters off its east coast on Sunday, its second missile test in a week, which South Korea said dashed the hopes of the South’s new liberal government for peace between the neighbors.

A South Korean military official said the missile appeared to be an upgraded, extended-range version of the North’s solid-fuel submarine-launched missile. The missile fired a week ago flew was liquid-fuelled, and flew further.

North Korea has defied all calls to rein in its nuclear and missile programs, even from China, its lone major ally, saying the weapons are needed for legitimate self-defense.

The reclusive state has been working to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of striking the U.S. mainland. On Saturday, it said it had developed the capability to strike the U.S. mainland, although

groups it inspires. And it means standing together against the murder of innocent Muslims, the oppression of women, the persecution of Jews, and the slaughter of Christians.”

Trump’s “America first” philosophy helped him win the 2016 election and has rattled allies who depend on U.S. support for their defense. The president, who is struggling to contain a brewing

were aged between 25 and 30.

“We believe they were planning an attack likely in the next few days. The weapons, explosives were effective and powerful,” he said.

During the past 18 months, Turkey has been hit by a wave of attacks blamed on IS and Kurdish militants, killing hundreds in cities like Istanbul, Ankara and the southeastern city of Gaziantep.

The raid comes nearly six months after an IS gunman killed 39 people in attack on the elite Reina nightclub during New Year celebrations in Istanbul.

The interior ministry confirmed the brazen Kabul attack, the latest in a series of assaults on aid workers in Afghanistan.

“A Finnish lady was kidnapped from police district (three) last night at 11.30. A German lady and an Afghan guard were killed,” interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said on Twitter.

Authorities in Helsinki confirmed that a Finnish citizen had been kidnapped, adding that they were investigating the incident in coordination with their counterparts in Kabul.

“At the moment, the identity of the kidnappers in not known.

Finland urges immediate release of the kidnapped person,” the Finnish foreign ministry said in a statement.

Operation Mercy’s director Scott Breslin told Swedish news agency TT that he was holding a crisis meeting over the incident.

“We know that she’s missing, we will send out a press release later,” Breslin said in a brief statement.

Operation Mercy works with local Afghan communities in areas such as reducing infant mortality and women’s empowerment.

The kidnapping of foreigners has been on the rise, but the threat of abductions is even greater for Afghans.

Kabul is plagued by criminal gangs who stage abductions for ransom, often targeting foreigners and wealthy locals, and sometimes handing them over to insurgent groups. The violence underscores the worsening security in Afghanistan, which is in the grip of an insurgency waged by the Taliban and other groups.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack in Zabul’s Shah Joy district, another stinging blow to NATO-backed Afghan forces.

TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSEXTRA

House Commences Investigation of Presidential Arms Probe Panel Barring any further hitches, the Joint Committee of House of Representatives investigating the Jon Ode-led Presidential Arms Probe Panel will commence public hearing tomorrow at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

The Chairman of Public Safety, National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, told PRNigeria that arrangements had been concluded to conduct the hearing.

Jaji said the joint committee comprising Committees of National Security and Intelligence and Public Procurement was set up after a lot of petitions were received by the lower chamber against the presidential investigating panel established by the government.

He said: “The presidency set up a presidential committee on armed procurement and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) also set up another verification committee to ascertain some of the claims.

“So far, what the committees have submitted, based on the information in the public domain, are preliminary reports rather than full and comprehensive report.

“Findings have further shown that very few claims of the firms involved in arms procurement have so far been verified while nothing is being done on others.

“As you are aware the National Assembly has received a lot of petitions and complaints over the conducts of the panel and activities of the firms being probed. We are also inundated with complaints that the inability of the panel to submit its reports has led to the failure of the government to pay arms contractors for their work and is affecting military operation.

“Meanwhile there are also allegations that some of the contracts awarded to the firms were outrageous, apart from the

fact that many did not follow due process and yet others received payment without carrying the job.”

PRNigeria recalls that the lower chamber of the National Assembly mandated a Joint Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Public Procurement to investigate the Ode led Presidential Arms Probe Panel which was recently disbanded by the federal government.

The Joint Committee chaired by both Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji of Committee on National Security and Intelligence and Hon. Oluwole Oke of the committee on Public Procurement had recently called for submission of written memoranda/position papers from top government officials and 241 firms.

Those officially invited to make submissions of their memoranda included the Chairman and members of the Jon Ode-led Arms Probe Panel, National Security Adviser (NSA), defence minister, finance minister, interior minister, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Accountant General of the Federation and Auditor General of the Federation.

Others invited were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), service chiefs and ex-service chiefs from 2010 to 2016, Director General, Department of State Service (DSS), Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), acting Chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Director General Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Director General of the Pension Commission (PENCOM), Director General Industrial Training Fund and Managing Director Social Insurance Trust Fund.

The arms probe panel was inaugurated in 2015 by the presidency to investigate

CBN Injects Fresh $205m into Forex Market Obinna Chima The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday injected over $205 million into the foreign exchange market.

A breakdown of the intervention revealed that while the sum of $100 million was released for the wholesale segment of the market for both spots and forwards; Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) and other invisibles got $50 million while the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME) segment got $55 million.

However, the naira closed at N381 to the dollar on the parallel market yesterday, lower than the N380 to the dollar it closed last Friday.

The Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, Isaac Okorafor told reporters in Abuja that the Investors and Exporters segment of the market had so far recorded a trade volume in the sum of $1.1 billion from both the CBN and autonomous windows which according to him, was an indication of the appreciable level of confidence in the foreign exchange management by foreign investors and autonomous suppliers of foreign exchange to the market.

The CBN recently restated its

resolve to converge the multiplicity of exchange rates in the forex market.

A Deputy Governor of the CBN, Dr. Joseph Nnanna, told Bloomberg at the weekend that the aim of the new forex window for investors was to “achieve the convergence” between the different exchange rates.

“If we achieve convergence, I don’t think the window will be necessary anymore because you’ll have one exchange rate for the economy,” Nnanna said.

One advantage of the foreign exchange shortages is that they have forced Nigerians to buy more local products, including food such as rice, Nnanna said.

“The craze for imported goods has declined.

“Our consumption pattern is changing. We are producing what we used to import before.

The central bank will boost lending to agricultural businesses through its intervention funds, he said.

“We won’t lose sight of our developmental function, in the sense that if there’s a sector where we need to intervene, we will do so.

“We are more bullish with the agriculture sector,” he said.

procurement of hardware and ammunition in the armed forces from 2007 to 2015 and to identify irregularities and make recommendations for streamlining the procurement process in the military.

The panel had submitted its first interim report in November 2015 while it presented the second report in January 2016 following which President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate some serving

and retired military officers, mainly from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The president also directed investigations on the roles of the officers as well as some companies and their directors in fundamental breaches associated with the procurements by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the NAF. During their investigations, some members of the arm probe panel were accused of receiving bribes from individuals and companies that were being

probed by the same panel.

One of the members was later arrested and detained

by Department of State Service (DSS) for money-laundering and illegal possession of firearms.

Meanwhile, some serving security officials also accused the panel of merely criminalising critical institutions and indicting groups and individuals through media trials without being arraigned of competent jurisdiction where the accused could defend themselves.

Apart from Jon Ode who was the chairman, other members of the disbanded arms probe panel were Rear Admiral J.A. Aikhomu (rtd.); Rear Admiral. E. Ogbor (rtd.); Brig.-Gen. L. Adekagun (rtd.); Brig.-Gen. M. Aminu-Kano (rtd.); Brig.-Gen. N. Rimtip (rtd.); Cdre T.D. Ikoli; Air Cdre U. Mohammed (rtd.); Air Cdre I. Shafi’i; Col. A.A. Ariyibi; Group Capt C.A. Oriaku (rtd.); Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu and Brig-Gen Y.I. Shalangwa as its Secretary.

PROJECT INAUGURATION

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; his deputy, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; wife of the Speaker, Mrs. Falilat Obasa; Speaker, state House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; All Progressives Congress (APC), National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu; and members of the state House of Assembly during the inauguration of the new L-shape building of the Lagos State House of Assembly complex at the special parliamentary session to celebrate Lagos @ 50 in Ikeja....yesterday

$5.7m Forfeiture: Court Hands off Suit against Patience Jonathan’s Pending Appeal Justice Mojisola Olatoregun of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered s stay of proceedings in the case seeking permanent forfeiture of $5.7million belonging to the former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan.

The judge stayed proceedings pending the outcome of an appeal filed by Mrs. Jonathan challenging the money’s temporary forfeiture.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is praying the court to order that the cash be permanent forfeiture to the federal government.

Justice Olatoregun on April 26 made an interim order forfeiting the money based on an application

by EFCC which said the money was suspected to be “proceed of crime.”

Justice Olatoregun had also ordered the temporary forfeiture N2,421,953,522.78 found in an

Ecobank Nigeria Ltd account numbered 2022000760 in the name of La Wari Furniture and Baths Ltd. The commission said the money is also linked to Mrs. Jonathan.

EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo told the judge yesterday that he was ready to move his application for the money’s forfeiture. He said the respondents had filed counter-affidavits.

However, Mrs. Jonathan’s lawyer, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), said he filed an application for stay of proceedings pending the appeal’s determination.

Counsel for La Wari Furniture and Baths, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), added that once an appeal had been entered, the lower court ought to stay proceedings.

Besides, he said the Court of Appeal had already fixed the case for hearing on July 5.

Citing nearly 20 judicial authorities and Court of Appeal rules, he said it would amount to disrespect for court hierarchy for the judge to proceed with the case where there is a pending appeal on a decision.

“The entire proceedings will be an illegality if it goes on. After an appeal had been entered, the Court of Appeal shall be seized of the entire proceedings any application to be made shall be to the Court of Appeal and not to the court below.

“It’s not for this court to remove the carpet from the foot of the Court of Appeal. It will be an affront to the authority of the Court of Appeal,” Ozekhome said.

He further argued that the lower court ceases to have jurisdiction once an appeal is entered and records transferred.

“It’s the law that once a party

to a matter has filed an appeal and the records of proceedings transferred, the lower court ought to wash its hands off the case like Pontius Pilate.

“The Supreme Court said it will amount to judicial impertinence to entertain the matter when there’s a motion pending at the appeal court.

It will amount to embarking on an illegal judicial voyage of discovery,” he said.

Ruling, Justice Olatoregun held that it would be in the interest of justice to await the Court of Appeal decision.

“I have seen the hearing notice issued by the Court of Appeal. I believe it will be in the interest of justice for parties to ventilate their views at the Court of Appeal.

“I will, therefore, adjourn this case until September 20,” the judge held.

Obasanjo, Osinbajo to Speak on 50 Years after Biafra A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Acting President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo and seven other leaders will on Thursday speak at a conference on the ‘Memory and Nation Building - Biafra: 50 Years After.’

At the one-day conference, which would hold at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja by 9a.m., Osinbajo is expected to deliver a keynote address.

A statement by the

Foundation listed other speakers as a former Permanent Secretary, Ministries of Information, Education and Industry, Alhaji Ahmed Joda, President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, and Professor John Stremlau of the University of Witwatersrand will serve as lead speakers.

Hon. Chudi Offodile and Nkoyo Toyo will chair panel

discussions and Professor Pat Utomi will serve as the conference moderator.

The statement said: “The 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Republic of Biafra in 1967 offers an opportunity for sober reflection on a number of issues including lessons learned that may be useful in dealing with contemporary challenges confronting Nigeria.

A Cultural Night will feature performance poetry and a

screening of Afia Attack – the untold “survival stories of women during the civil war.

“The Yar’Adua Foundation was established to honour the legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost leaders.

“The foundation’s mission is to promote national unity, good governance and social justice by creating platforms to engage citizens, policy makers and stakeholders in national conversations that foster an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria.”

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Atiku: How Nigeria Can Overcome Political, Economic Challenges Hails Lagos, Kano at 50 Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said for Nigeria to get over current challenges facing it, there must be a change of approach in political and economic field.

Atiku who spoke on a topic: ‘Building a Nation that Works’ as part of his acceptance speech of the ‘Hero of Nigeria Democracy Award’ conferred on him by Hall of Grace Magazine in Lagos, said things are not functioning as it should be at present.

He said the feedback from an interface he had with ordinary Nigerians showed that they desire transparency and basic things like power, roads, railways, ports security, employment and job creation; accountability and less corruption.

“When you talk to ordinary Nigerians as I do regularly, what they profess to be at the top of their priority list include the provision of and access to high quality education and training; infrastructure such as power, roads, railways and ports; security; employment and job creation; and accountability and reduced corruption.

“They also call for a reorientation

of values, which I think will come mainly from the change of behaviour by leaders. A Nigeria that works would be the one that effectively and efficiently meets these needs. But there are two huge impediments to doing that,” he said At the political level, the former vice president said for the country to get things right, it must have to restructure the federal system in such a way that it will devolve more powers and resources to the federating units.

This he said would encourage states to compete to attract investment and skilled workers rather than merely waiting for monthly revenue allocations from Abuja.

He also said the country need to reform her politics by reforming the electoral system.

According to him, such reform must ensure that whoever emerges as winner after an election is really the one freely chosen by the people.

“The electoral reform should largely be along the lines recommended by the Justice Mohammad Uwais panel on electoral reforms. For example, funding the electoral umpire from the first line charge

in the Consolidated Revenue Fund is critical; transferring the power to appoint the chairman of the electoral umpire from the president to the National Judicial Council (NJC) will help as efforts to curb the role of money and godfathers in our elections.

“We must be open to changing the nature of the federating units such as using the existing geo-political zones as federating units rather than the current 36, of which only a few are financially viable,” he said.

On the economic front, Atiku who first contested the presidential election in 2007 on the platform of the Action Congress (AC) said

political decentralisation must have to go with diversification of the economy.

He reemphasised the need to diversify the economy away from the dependence on oil and to create opportunities for the people to engage in diverse economic activities which government will then tax for revenues.

The former vice president said: “We also need to reform the anti-corruption agencies to help depoliticise them and make them really independent. This will help to strengthen the fight against corruption, which is critical in renewing our people’s belief in the integrity of public institutions

and officials.”

Meanwhile, Atiku has scored Lagos and Kano States high for their proven ability to maintain the status of cosmopolitan and historical states.

He said the states are first among equals and golden examples which others should emulate and surpass in the federation.

In goodwill message to mark the 50 years of the creation of the two states, Atiku, said he “admires the socio-economic and political dynamism, innovation and evolution of both Lagos and Kano States from primordial to contemporary times.

“Both states have wonderful

and memorable historical heritage that dates back to centuries of rich cultures, plural dense population, immense socio-economic networks and versatile political consciousness.

“Aside, both have remained true homes where all Nigerians of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and business orientations continually strive and thrive happily together,” he said.

In a congratulatory message issued by his Media Office in Abuja yesterday, Atiku said he heartily felicitated with the governments and people of Lagos and Kano States on the auspicious occasion of their golden jubilee anniversary.

Ibori Awarded £1 as Damages for Unlawful Detention A High Court in London has awarded former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, a nominal £1(about N400) as damages over his claim of unlawful detention by the British Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb agreed that Ibori, who spent years in a UK jail for money laundering, was unlawfully held for one day, 18 hours and 10 minutes between December 20 and 21 last year.

She however ruled, in a way that mocked Ibori’s claim, that he is only entitled to a nominal £1 of the sum.

Ibori had claimed £4,000 in damages.

She said the Home Secretary “failed to have regard to her limits to detain” as attempts were made to claw back millions from the fraudster.

But in rejecting Ibori’s bid for thousands in compensation, the judge ruled: “There is no compensatory loss to Mr Ibori and I fix nominal damages at £1.”

Ibori was extradited to the UK for trial in February 2012 and prosecuted on the basis of evidence from the Metropolitan Police. He pleaded guilty to 10 serious criminal charges over the appropriation of massive amounts of public funds during his two terms as governor of Delta State, Nigeria.

He was sentenced in April 2012 at Southwark Crown Court to 13 years imprisonment, and an order for his deportation as a foreign criminal was made in May 2015.

Having spent time in custody in the United Arab Emirates, he was due to be conditionally released from prison on December 20, 2016.

But the Home Office indicated that there was no intention to deport Ibori to Nigeria until he handed over at least £57million “proceeds of crime.”

An email stated: “We cannot

deport Ibori until the confiscation matter has been resolved”.

On December 21 last year, the day after his due release date, High Court Mrs Justice May ordered Ibori to be freed on conditions, describing the attempts to detain him as “quite extraordinary”.

The judge said: “You don’t hold someone just because it is convenient to do so and without plans to deport them.”

A Home Office application that Ibori be electronically tagged and subjected to strict curfew conditions was also rejected after the judge accepted arguments that the Home Secretary was attempting to misuse her immigration and deportation powers.

Ibori left the UK under his own steam on February 3, 2017, but also launched his claim for damages for false imprisonment and breach of his rights under the 1998 Human Rights Act not to be unlawfully detained.

Ruling yesterday that Ibori had been held unlawfully for almost two days, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said it followed a failure to hold effective confiscation proceedings.

It was in the context of awaiting the making of an assets confiscation order, and likely subsequent efforts to “recoup” a sum estimated to be at least £57m, that the decision to detain Ibori was made.

The judge ruled: “In this case, the secretary of state has been wrong-footed by the failure of the prosecution to achieve determination of its confiscation proceedings against Ibori prior to his release from prison on licence.”

Ibori, a former London DIY store cashier, was jailed for fraud totalling nearly £50million in April 2012.

He evaded capture in Nigeria after a mob of supporters attacked police, but was arrested in Dubai in 2010 and extradited to the UK.

SCHOLARSHIP FOR NIGERIANS

L-R: National Secretary, Rhodes Scholarships for West Africa, Ike Chioke; CEO Rhodes Trust, Charles Conn; Strategic Adviser, Rhodes Scholarships for West Africa, Tope Folarin; and Director of Strategy and Development, Rhodes Trust, Alasdair Maclay, at the official launch of the Rhodes Scholarships for West Africa in Lagos...recently

BPE Oblivious of Agip/Oando Planned Concession of P’Harcourt Refinery Experts query selection process Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is ignorant of the proposed rehabilitation and operation under a concession arrangement of the 210,000 barrels per day (bpd) Port Harcourt Refinery by oil firms - Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Oando Plc, THISDAY yesterday learnt from top sources in the privatisation agency.

It learnt in Abuja that despite the BPE’s listing of the refinery along with Warri and Kaduna refineries on its privatisation schedule, it has however not been involved in plans by the federal government to concession the Port Harcourt refinery to Agip and Oando on a repair, operate and maintain basis, a transaction oil and gas business experts have faulted.

One of the top sources within the privatisation agency confirmed to THISDAY that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have carried on the refinery concession plan without its involvement. He explained that the agency was in the dark on the concession

arrangement, thus claiming that negotiations with the firms have been without it.

The sources stated that even though the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) which is statutorily responsible for signing off on the privatisation and concession of such national assets has not been constituted by the government, the BPE should have been involved in the refinery concession which the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, disclosed would be concluded in September.

Kachikwu had earlier in May stated in Houston that the government had got bids from investors to revamp the three refineries, and would make known the preferred offers by September, however, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oando, Mr. Wale Tinubu, subsequently disclosed that his firm had been selected to takeover Port Harcourt refinery, thus raising questions about the transparency of the selection process and the overall transaction.

Similarly, experts who spoke to THISDAY on this stated that the process could be considered unlawful without the approval of the NCP. They also asked the

ministry of petroleum resources and NNPC to show evidence of a transparent and competitive selection process from which Agip and Oando emerged as the best candidates to take over and repair the refinery.

One of the experts, Mr. Dan Kunle, specifically queried the choice of Agip for Port Harcourt refinery, stating that Agip built the 125,000bpd Warri refinery and should have opted for it instead of Port Harcourt.

Kunle said: “In 2015, I remember vividly the visit of the then GMD of NNPC which happens to be the minister of state now, Emmanuel Kachikwu, to Port Harcourt refinery, and he stated that they had spent $10 million to rebuild it and it was going to come on stream. What has happened, we need to know the truth.”

He alleged that: “The interest of ENI/Agip in Port Harcourt refinery is a manifestation of the long vested interest of Oando in the refinery because they put in bids in the past for it but failed.

“Agip has no technical record in Port Harcourt refinery, they built the Warri refinery and the propane plant in Warri refinery was built

by Technimont. I would have

expected the minister to look at that history and tell Agip/Eni, that even though they have rights to bid for Port Harcourt, they should look at Warri where they already have a technical record.”

Speaking on the need for the approval of the NCP in such cases of assets’ concession, Kunle stated: “NCP is a life act, and I am surprised that they have not constituted it because they have the mandate to privatise the assets.

“The NCP has to become conscious and wrestle the country from the politics of the petroleum ministryovertherefineries.Theministry cannot sell or concession the refineries without the NCP represented by the BPE, and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

Besides, those companies are already scheduled in the privatisation timeline.”

“If you are doing selective bidding, what makes Eni/Agip to qualify because it is Warri that they should be qualified for?

What is the basis, how did they come about the people, where is the advert and prequalification criteria? They must be subjected to ethical corporate governance.

This transaction has to be open and clear, otherwise nobody can take it over,” he added.

TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

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FG Hikes Interest Rate on Unpaid Taxes Slates July 1 as take off date Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja As part of measures to enforce tax compliance, reduce tax evasion and deter late payments, the federal government has announced a hike in the interest rate on unpaid taxes for the year 2017.

The new rate, which was approved by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun is five per cent higher than the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Minimum Re-Discount Rate (MRR) for the

year 2017.

Section 32(1)(b) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, she explained, empowers her to approve the new interest rate.

The minister said the review of the interest rate on unpaid taxes was one of the necessary measures adopted by the federal government to enhance tax compliance, eliminate tax evasion and serve as deterrence on late payments.

The minister has therefore

directed the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Tunde Fowler to commence the implementation of the new interest rate on all unpaid taxes from July 1, 2017.

“Majority of Nigerian tax payers (PAYE) have taxes deducted automatically. However, those who do not and are required to file their taxes like companies and business

enterprises must understand that there are financial consequences for late payments.

“We believe that this will support our efforts to ensure that people pay their taxes promptly, thus providing a sustainable source of revenue for the government to finance infrastructure and other projects,” the minister was quoted to have said in a statement issued by the Director (Information)

in the ministry, Mr. Salish Na’Inna Dambatta.

Adeosun had during the finance ministers’ meeting convened by the G24 Group at the 2017 IMF/ World Bank Spring meetings in Washington, stressed the need for Nigeria to embark on aggressive tax revenue generation in order to drive economic growth.

She emphasised that with a tax

to GDP ratio of only six per cent, one of the lowest in the world, the country has to intensify efforts at tax collection in order to build a sustainable revenue base that will deliver inclusive growth.

The focus of the federal government in 2017, she added, was to improve tax revenue by ensuring voluntary compliance with tax laws.

Benue Bans Open Grazing as Ortom Signs New Bill Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State yesterday signed the Anti-Open Grazing and AntiKidnapping, Abduction, Cultism and Terrorism bills into law.

Ortom, in a brief speech at the ceremony in Makurdi, said the anti-grazing law would put an end to incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

The governor lamented the destruction of lives and property in clashes involving farmers and herdsmen over the years, and promised to promote ranching since it had proved to be the best way of rearing livestock globally.

“Now that the bill has been signed into law, the law will take its course on anyone that goes against it,” he said.

He warned that violators would serve a jail term of five years or a fine option of N1 million, or both.

The governor, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), particularly warned farmers and herdsmen against carrying arms, saying that security agents had been

directed to arrest and prosecute anyone caught.

Ortom also warned owners of livestock against allowing them to roam the streets, saying that they would pay a heavy fine for each one caught.

“The fines for roaming animals will be heavy; such animal will be auctioned if the owner failed to pay the fine within seven days,” he said.

Ortom said the law would descend heavily on cattle rustling and destruction of crops by cattle, and warned those concerned against daring the state government.

On the anti-kidnapping, abduction and cultism bill, the governor said that it would rid the state of criminality.

“Kidnappers will, henceforth, be sentenced to death upon conviction, while volunteer hostages will be jailed 10 years,” he explained.

Quoting the law further, the governor disclosed that cultists would be jailed 10 years without any option of fine, on conviction.

Eko Disco Announces Five-day Power Outage in Lagos Island Electricity supply would be disrupted in many parts of Lagos this week as Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) yesterday announced five days power outage in the city.

EKEDC’s spokesman, Godwin Idemudia, said in a statement that the outage would affect Ikoyi, Victoria Island and parts of Lagos Island from Wednesday to Sunday.

Idemudia said the outage was to enable maintenance crew from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) address technical and maintenance issues at Alagbon transmission station.

“We want to inform our

esteem customers that from Wednesday, May 24 to Sunday, May 28, there will be an outage within Ikoyi, Victoria Island and parts of Lagos Island.

“This is to enable TCN maintenance crew resolve some technical issues within Alagbon transmission stations,’’ EKEDC said.

The EKEDC spokesman, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the company highly regretted any inconveniences caused by the five-day outage.

He promised that supply would be restored to the affected areas as soon as the maintenance was successfully completed.

Late Aminu Kano’s Wife, Shatu Dies at 89 Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The surviving wife of the late Malam Aminu Kano, First Republic politician and statesman, Malama Shatu Aminu, has died at the age of 89.

Shatu died at her residence in Goron Dutse in the wee hours of yesterday, according to information from the late sage’s loyalists.

Shatu died 34 years after her

husband, Aminu Kano, a radical politician and founder of Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) joined his ancestors in April 1983.

She disappeared from public view two years ago following an ailment that struck her and had remained incommunicado till her last breath.

Shatu was buried according to Islamic rites attended by prominent personalities in the state.

ON THE FLOOR OF THE MARKET

Director, Product Development, Mr. William Ezeagu, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC); Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo; Director, Export Development and Incentives, NEPC, Mr. George Enyiekpon; and Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo- Waziri, at a special Non-Oil Zero Oil Plan presentation and ringing of the gong to close business on the floor of the NSE in Lagos....yesterday

Kachikwu Promises to Resign If Nigeria Does Not Stop Petrol Importation in 2019 Says govt did not pay militants money to ceasefire Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, yesterday said he would ‘walk’ (away) from his appointment as a minister of the federal government if in 2019 Nigeria does not quit importation of petrol.

Kachikwu, who spoke in a BBC talk programme, ‘Hardtalk’ in London, United Kingdom, stated that he was absolutely certain his plans to get Nigeria to stop importation of petrol in 2019 would work out fine.

He however explained that if in any case it failed, he would resign, adding that it was an honourable thing to do as a public office holder.

A podcast of Kachikwu’s interview on the programme anchored by Stephen Sackur, was obtained by THISDAY in Abuja.

He also disclosed that the government did not involve any monetary incentive in its ongoing negotiations with militants in oil-rich Niger Delta.

The negotiations, he added, was being conducted on mutual respect and understanding of the positions of parties involved, and had also ensured that oil

production in the region has remained uninterrupted for a couple of months now.

Accused by Sackur of making quite a lot of promises, but yet to really fulfill them, Kachikwu refuted the claim and posited that every promise he had made since he assumed office, he had achieved them.

Asked when Nigeria would be self-sufficient in terms of refining petroleum Products as well as how concrete the targets are, Kachikwu said: “I have targeted 2019, that is the target that I gave.”

He was also reminded that time was running out on the target and that a failure could perhaps come with a costs, but the minister interjected: “Don’t worry, I put the date, I will work it.”

The anchor further asked him: ‘And if you don’t achieve it, you will walk (away)?’ to which he said: “Yes, of course, that’s the reason why you are in government.”

He said on Nigeria’s continued importation of petrol and the plans of the government to end the practice: “It is wrong, we ought to process rather than ship out crude oil.”

“If you look at the efforts

I have made in the last few months, it include major efforts working with investors to begin to reshape the refineries that were comatose for many years.”

“Since coming, we have been able to get them (refineries) back to produce seven million litres versus zero that is not the 90 per cent template, we are now refurbishing the refineries, I have just signed an agreement with Agip to build a new refinery in Nigeria, we are focusing on multinationals,” he added.

He further stated: “I have delivered on everything I promised when I took office.

First, I took NNPC and moved it to a profit-making organisation, first time in history, I reshaped the organisation and I removed cash call deficit of over $6 billion and have re-negotiated it; everything that I have promised, I have delivered.

“I will deliver on the refineries and I am committed to that, and I will also deliver a future of oil that makes sense for Nigeria, but bear in mind that one is being there for one and half years, the president is being there for two years, I can’t pretend that we are going to solve in one day all the problems that happened in Nigeria in the past; we will

solve the Niger Delta militancy problem, it was there, we sorted it out in one year.”

On the question that the government perhaps paid militants in the Niger Delta to ceasefire on disruption of oil production, Kachikwu said: “We don’t even have the money to feed anybody. I have always said that what the situation demands is simple engagement and respect. I have been very intensive about engagement since I was appointed and the vice president has joined me on that recently; the president has authorised it and we’ve seen a dramatic volte-face as soon as we did that.

“What has happened in previous times is that the militants felt nobody was taking them serious; nobody was listening to their complaints, and I am going to be doing that engagement continuously in terms of providing some economic blueprint.”

He said Nigeria had not focused enough in terms of long terms plan, long term investments, long term infrastructural rebirths for her oil industry, hence, its poor contribution to her Gross Domestic Products (GDP) ratio.

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99 Pro-Biafra Agitators Arrested in Three States Groups hold successful rally in Ebonyi Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu, Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki and Bassey Inyang in Calabar About 88 suspected pro-Biafran agitators were yesterday arrested by the Enugu and Cross River State Police Commands for attempts to commemorate what they called ‘New Biafra’.

While the 41 agitators arrested in Enugu were members of the Chief Ralph Uwazurike-led Biafra Independent Movement (BIM), the 47 members arrested in Cross River State were members of the Movement for the Actualisation for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

The police also prevented no less than 1,000 others said to belong to the Uwazurike-led BIM from storming the Enugu State capital for the celebration of the 17th year anniversary of the hoisting of the Biafra flag.

Members of the group across the state had planned to converge on the state capital to mark the anniversary, but hundreds of them were stopped at the Opi junction in Nsukka council of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the arrest of the 41 persons in a statement, said they were

picked up from various parts of Enugu metropolis in the morning “based on intelligence information that they were about to conduct themselves in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace.”

He said the attention of the command was drawn to the alleged plan by some group masquerading under the aegis of BIM, among others, to embark on violent protest within the state and its environs which is capable of disturbing the already existing peace in the state as hoodlums may as well cash in on that to wreak havoc on law abiding citizens of the state.

“In view of the above, the command advises members of the public to be law abiding by shunning any act capable of bringing them in conflict with the law as any one caught will be made to face the consequence in accordance with the relevant sections of the law.

“The command advises members of the public to go about their normal lawful businesses.

“Investigations into their alleged activities have begun,” he said But the Zonal Leader of Enugu senatorial zone of MASSOB- BIM, Mr. James Omeke said reports reaching him had it that 55 members

of the group were arrested in various parts of the state as they were preparing to enter the state capital to celebrate their 17th year anniversary of the hoisting of Biafra flag by Uwazurike.

In Cross River State, the police command announced that they arrested the pro-Biafra agitators while carrying out a street protest in Odukpani Local Government Area.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Irene Ugbo, said they were arrested at Odukpani junction and brought to the state command headquarters in Calabar for interrogation.

“We had information about the rally at Odukpani and our

men swung into action and arrested them for questioning to ascertain their mission and objective. Once that is obtained, they would be released to go because no weapon was found on them,” Ugbo said.

A member of the group who pleaded anonymity, said they were only carrying out a peaceful march to create awareness about their existence in the state.

However, members of MASSOB/BIM), Ebonyi State yesterday held successful rally in the state capital, Abakaliki, to commemorate what it called ‘New Biafra’.

MASSOB/BIM leader in the state, John Nwifuru, explained that they matched peacefully

from the popular Spera-In-Deo junction to Presco junction Abakaliki to commemorate Biafra independence as Biafra flags flooded the capital city during rally which saw policemen at strategic locations.

He said the group was guarded by a team of policemen to ensure it was not high jacked by hoodlums.

Nwifuru said: “Our rally was very successful and we don’t have any problem despite the policemen that disturbed earlier when we were converging for the rally.

They arrested about 11 Biafra security personnel at Ohaukwu and others in Nkwegu and other areas.

“I have discussed with the commissioner of police and he

assured me that those arrested would be released immediately and I want to thank him for supporting our event because policemen marched with us, wherever we got to ensure that we have no problem with anybody, as we conducted ourselves orderly.

The police spokesman, Jude Mmadu, noted that no such procession took place in the state as the command was fast to disrupt the planned rally, stressing that he has not also received report of arrest of any of the agitators.

He stressed that there was no way the police would have allowed the outlawed group to hold procession in the state.

Akabueze: IMF Advice Often Ignores Political Side of the Economy Eromosele Abiodun The Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze, has stated that the federal government has did not ignore the advice of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as currently speculated, stressing that the government takes cognisance of the advice, but acts in the best interest of the country.

Akabueze, who stated this in a interview with ARISE Television, a THISDAY Newspaper sister broadcast network, stated that sometimes the advice that the IMF gives ignores the political side of the economy.

He said foreign investors remain interested in Nigeria, adding that the federal government frequently interacts with several investors.

Speaking on the late passage of the 2017 budget, he said the federal government was engaging with the National Assembly to ensure that in the near future the country can be returned to a fiscal period that begins on January 1 and ends on December 31 every year.

He added that Nigeria cannot continue with the current situation where every fiscal year is uncertain.

Akabueze added that what gives him joy about the 2017 budget was that capital expenditure that has been projected.

According to him, “The

N2.3 trillion budgeted for infrastructure is the highest Nigeria has ever provided to spend on infrastructure.

What is more is that we are really determined to spend the money in the critical sector of the economy.

“Most importantly, the federal government is looking at every sector of the economy to ensure growth. A lot is going on in the agricultural sector, same as the mining sector, manufacturing has turned the corner with the increase availability of foreign exchange.

“The restoration of peace in the North Eastern part of the country is beginning to contribute to the increase in local output. Our 2.1 per cent rate is conservative, and oil price is beginning to firm up.

“The rising oil price can only be positive on the budget on two fronts: one, it means that the contribution of the power sector will be higher and it also means increased foreign exchange to the economy. This will spur growth in foreign exchange dependent sectors of the economy.”

On what the government was doing in terms of taxation, he said it is looking at it, but stressed that people need to have income before they can be taxed.

While admitting that Nigeria has one of the lowest tax to GDP ratios in the world, he said the government would ensure that everyone pays its fair share of taxes.

FARE THEE WELL PAPA

L-R: DeputyGovernorofOsunState,Mrs.GraceTitilayoLaoye-Tomori; Wifeofthedeceased,Mrs. ModupeAdebayo;Sonofthedeceased,NiyiAdebayo; Wife of the deceased, Mrs. Felicia Adebayo; and Mrs. Nike Makinde (Nee Adebayo), during the outing/ thanksgiving service in honour of the late former militaryGovernoroftheoldWesternRegion,MajorGeneralRobertAdeyinkaAdebayo(rtd),atAllSaintAnglicanChurchIyin-EkitiState.....Sunday EtopUkutt

Lagos Terminates N844bn Fourth Mainland Bridge Concession Agreement Laments FG’s delay on approval of Oshodi-Airport road Gboyega Akinsanmi The Lagos State Government yesterday disclosed that it had terminated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it entered into with a consortium of firms to construct the Fourth Mainland Bridge at N844 billion.

Likewise, the state government disclosed that the federal government had not approved its proposal to take over the Oshodi-Airport road and upgrade to a ten-lane highway befitting the state’s megacity status.

The state Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Adebowale Akinsanya, made the disclosure at an annual ministerial briefing he addressed alongside the Permanent Secretary, Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Temidayo Erinle, and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde.

The state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, had on May 25, 2016, signed a concession agreement with consortium of

domestic and foreign firms to construct the Fourth Mainland Bridge with a length of 38 kilometres.

The consortium comprised Visible Asset Limited, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc., Hi-tech Construction Limited, J.P. Morgan, Eldorado Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Westminster Dredging and Marine, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Access Bank.

After the concession agreement was signed, an Advance Engineering Consultant, Mr. Ger Horgan, put the actual cost of the bridge at N790 billion, though the 10-year follow-up programme for structural pavement between 2018 and 2033 would gulp N5 billion.

Aside, the consultant put the cost of overlay with line and refurbish between 2055 and 2061 at N10 billion; valued the five-year refresh programme along the route between 2030 and 2061 at N19 billion and the annual operating cost between 2021 to 2061 at N20 billion.

But at the ministerial briefing,

yesterday, the commissioner explained the rationale behind the termination of the concession agreement, citing the slow pace at which the concessionaire was working.

He said the reason the state government terminated the contract of former investors was mainly “due to slow pace of work. We are now looking at many investors, though interest is very high.”

The commissioner, however, disclosed that investors had started scouting for the project from different parts of the world, though the state government had not decided on the proposals it had received.

He said the state government “has started the proposals. We have such investors from South Korea, Europe and the United States among few others. What we are doing now is vetting the proposals. We do not want to waste any further time. So works are in top progress on the Fourth Mainland Bridge.

Akinsanya, therefore, said the

investors would be named very soon, assuring Lagosians that the state government would enter into concession agreement with appropriate investors that deliver the project.

On Oshodi-Airport road project, Erinle said the state government was yet “to obtain the federal government’s approval on the airport road project. We want to assure residents that whenever there is approval, our engineers will move to site.

“However, we are still collaborating with the federal government to get things resolved.

The road is not in good condition; hence, we need to move fast. Also, Apapa road, like Airport road, is a federal road. We are collaborating with the federal government to get them done.”

He said the state government “has designed the reconstruction of the road project and the funds to embark on the project, but the federal government is yet to grant approval. But we are still talking on it.”

TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSEXTRA

Senior Lawyer: N’ Assembly Has Power to Tinker with Budget Asks Osinbajo to sign Appropriation Bill Tobi Soniyi A senior lawyer, Mr. Sebastine Hon (SAN), has called on the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) to sign the Appropriation Bill into law.

Hon, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, disagreed with Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, who had advised Osinbajo not to sign the budget into law.

Hon said: “I have read the comments credited to my learned brother of the Inner Bar, Falana, asking Osibanjo not to append his signature to the budget as passed by the National Assembly. His reason for this advice is that the National Assembly acted illegally in increasing the budgetary estimates earlier submitted by the President.

I beg to disagree with Falana.”

Hon, who has written many books on the constitution explained that under section 81(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the President of Nigeria is obligated each year to cause budgetary estimates to be ‘laid’ before each house of the National Assembly, and the National Assembly becomes obligated under section 59 of the Constitution to deliberate on the estimates and pass same into law as an appropriation bill.

He said: “The word ‘laid’ in section 81(1) of the constitution, therefore, if read subject to the legislative powers of the National Assembly under section 59, has given the National Assembly some level of powers over the estimates

sent by the president.

“Indeed, the word ‘laid’ in the subsection suggests about two things: (a) ‘put on the legislative table for deliberation and passing into law;’ and (b) ‘consider the estimates as human beings and not as robots.’

“Clearly, from this interpretative reasoning, the National Assembly has power to tinker with the estimates sent to it by the President – and this includes subtracting or adding to those estimates.”

He argued that if the framers of the constitution had intended that the president alone should have power over budgetary proposals, they would not have enacted sections 59 and 81(1) of the constitution.

“I make bold to state that these are some of the provisions intended by the lawmakers to act as checks and balances in the power sharing arrangements of the constitution as between the executive and the legislature,” he added.

He also said it was not fair for a court to read into an enactment an exception which had not been included in such statute and which would have the effect of depriving the person intended to be protected by that provision or statute. He cited the case of Fajimolu vs. University of Ilorin (2007) All FWLR (Pt. 350) 1361 C.A. The statement reads further: “Besides, it is a settled principle of statutory interpretation that what is not excluded by the express words of a statute is to be interpreted as being included therein.

“The National Assembly is further backed by section 10(2) of the Interpretation Act, 2004, which provides thus: 10(2) An enactment which confers power to do any act shall be construed as also conferring all such other powers as are reasonably necessary to enable that act to be done or are incidental to the doing of it.

“Also the US Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, in a February 17, 2016 publication entitled ’Policy Basics: Introduction to the Federal Budget Process,’ listed several items on the US budget – like ‘almost all defense spending; and ‘budgets for a broad set of public services, including environmental protection, education, job training, border security, veterans’ healthcare, scientific research, transportation, economic development, some low-income assistance, law enforcement, and international assistance’ – as some of the items the US Congress exercises discretion on the amounts to be pegged, in spite of the estimates from the presidency.

“Finally, it will be suicidal now to delay signing into law the 2017 budget, given that we are at the threshold of the 2nd quarter of the year. What we should be encouraging the Osinbajo-led Presidency to do is the implementation of the executive orders it recently passed, one of which has to do with establishing by force of law the timelines for submission of budgetary estimates by government agencies and parastatals.”

EFCC, Former Chief of Naval Staff in War of Words over N600m Alleged Fraud Paul Obi in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Jubrin (rtd), were yesterday involved in a war of words over an alleged N600 million fraud.

The former naval chief had in a strongly worded letter to the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, sort to know why his properties were raided by the anti-graft agency for up to eight different times without any search warrant.

The letter added that unknown elements were observed loitering around the premises of the former naval chief states clearly that his life is at stake, his dignity and also his integrity are also at stake.

Jibrin also claimed that the EFCC has been hijacked by a cabal, many of which are out on a vendetta mission especially considering the fact that the navy during his watched had made life unbearable and difficult for them as it put a stop to efforts aimed at sabotaging the nation’s economy through illegal oil bunkering He questioned the anti-graft agency to explain the location of over 60 vessels arrested during his watch which were handed over

to the agency but none of those arrested have been prosecuted till date with the wheareabouts of the suspects unknown.

Jubrin said: “I regret to state that my life has been under threat by operatives of the EFCC since my retirement from active service of the Nigerian Navy on the 14 July 2015.

But in response, EFCC Head of Media and Information, Wilson Uwujaren, urged Jubrin to face his trial squarely.

He said: “You mean Vice Admiral Jubrin? He is an accused person in a case of N600million Fraud being prosecuted by the commission.

“He should face his trial and not dissipate energy chasing shadows.

“EFCC has no reason to plant anything in anybody’s house least of all an accused person already facing trial for fraud.”

Uwujaren stated: “If Jubrin believes ships are missing he, as former naval chief, is the one that owes Nigerians explanation.”

Meanwhile, Peter Oguebie, Managing Director, Petrus Ogu Nigeria Limited, who is also a witness in the trial of Jibrin, yesterday, told Justice A. S. Umar of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama,

Abuja that his company sold a property worth N600million to the former naval chief through a family company, Harbor Bay International Limited.

Jibrin is facing trial alongside Rear Admiral Bala Mshelia, Rear Admiral Shehu Ahmadu, all retired, and Habor Bay International Limited on a fourcount charge of criminal conspiracy preferred against them by the EFCC. It was also alleged that, the documentation for transfer of ownership of the property was done such that a private company owned by the family of the first defendant (Jibrin) became the buyer. The offence is in contravention of Section 26 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Act 2000.

At the resumed trial today, Oguebie, who was led in evidence by counsel to EFCC Faruk Abdallah, as PW3, stated that, “payment for the property located at Plot No. 2717 Cadastral A06, Maitama, Abjua was made into our company account, Petrus Ogu Nigeria Limited, domiciled at Diamond bank, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja by Naval Engineering Services.”

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

TUESDAYSPORTS ‘Presidential Amnesty Can End Niger Delta Restiveness through Sports Initiative’

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Presidential Amnesty Programme is committed to using sports to rein militancy in the restive Niger Delta region, the Coordinator of the programme who is a Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (rtd) has declared.

He offered his support at the Sia-One Academy’s Niger Delta Football Talent Hunt programme which held at the weekend in Uyo. Six states from the Niger Delta region that featured in the tournament include; Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states respectively.

It was a collaboration between the Presidential Amnesty Sports for Peace Initiative and the Sports Academy owned by the former Super Eagles Coach Samson Siasia.

“This initiative started a long time ago. I was born into soccer as well. I play football and table tennis very well. So when I was given this appointment and before now I thought of what to do that will unite the youths of the entire Nigeria and sports came to my mind.

“Then sports came to my mind and I now discussed it with Garba Shehu (Senior Special Assistant on Media

and Publicity to the President) and former Super Eagles Chief Coach Samson Siasia. Until now it has come to fore that sports is the major unifying factor in any conflict,” Boroh recalled.

As regards sustainability of the talents that would come out of the project the retired general assured stakeholders that everything would be done to ensure that Nigeria utilise these football talents that would be discovered in the screening exercise.

“I can assure you that anyone among the repented militants (ex-militants) interested in sports generally and most especially football will be fully supported to exhibit and utilise their football talents. The youths of Nigeria always use sports as a platform to excel in life and we are ready to assist them in fulfilling their ambitions,” pledged Boroh.

He also vowed to use other sports like basketball, boxing, and swimming that Niger Delta indigenes have abundant talents in and other sports to transform the militant youths to very productive and positive men and women in the society.

“My own policy is that whatever time you have to achieve peace in the country, utilise it. It is better than conflict. We will use everybody that have interest in sporting

events and want them to be available. There are some people that just want to be

involved (in the programme).

They just want to participate and advice. So, different roles

will come out of what we are doing and we are going to embrace all so that we can

achieve lasting peace in the region,” Boroh concluded on a positive note.

L-R: First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Seyi Akinwunmi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; Osun State FA Chairman, Taiwo Ogunjobi; and Former Super Eagles Head Coach, Adegboye Onigbinde at the presentation of the trophy for the South-west Grassroots Youth Tournament in Ile-Ife, Osun State …yesterday

Polo: Access Bank Donates N10m to UNICEF Odua Youth Tourney to Unite South-west, Says Ooni The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye all the people from the region according to the organisers, as Leighton Kings Wins Charity Shield Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has to come together and chart a is to identify talents, develop The prestigious Access Bank/ UNICEF Charity Shield International Polo Tournament came to a befitting climax on Sunday with the presentation of the N10 million donation by the sole sponsors, Access Bank Plc to UNICEF. The donation was presented at the Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club in Kaduna by the Group Managing Director/ CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, in support of UNICEF campaign against HIV/AIDS pandemic among Nigerian children.

Wigwe who led other top officials of Access Bank to the grand finale of the tournament, expressed delight that the polo event was achieving its main objective of reaching out to the less privileged children in the society.

Wigwe disclosed that the bank has maintained its yearly donation of N10m to support UNICEF towards its projects for orphans and vulnerable children. Besides, he said Access Bank is continually seeking avenues through which more resources can be pooled towards supporting the children.

“We have been working in Kaduna, in collaboration with Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Resort and UNICEF to elevate quality of lives. We need to do a lot more in support of these orphans and vulnerable children to enable them look forward to a better tomorrow,” he added.

UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Pernille Ironside who received the donation, commended Access Bank for

the assistance, pointing out that through the donation, UNICEF would be able to provide care and support service to orphans and vulnerable children in focus areas of Kaduna State.

The cheque presentation which was witnessed by the Emir of Kano, HRH Lamido Sanusi, Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello and diplomats, was the major highlight of the closing ceremony.

In the final game, Leighton Kings defeated Keffi Ponys 10-7 to win their fifth Charity Shield title.

Other winners of the weeklong polo fiesta include Sao Paolo, Tavia, STL-Titans and Keffi that carted home the Access Bank Cup, WAPIC Cup and the Argentine Ambassador Cup respectively.

Ex-MotoGP Champion Dies after Collision Former MotoGP champion, Nicky Hayden, has died aged 35, five days after being involved in a crash while cycling.

The American suffered “serious cerebral damage” after colliding with a car on the Rimini coastline in Italy on Wednesday, May 17.

The 2006 MotoGP championship winner had been in the intensive care unit of Cesena’s Maurizio

Bufalini Hospital.

“We would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest - riding a motorcycle,” his brother Tommy said.

A hospital statement issued on Thursday said Hayden had suffered “a serious polytrauma”, which is a medical term to describe the condition of a person who has multiple traumatic injuries.

Hayden, who was nicknamed the Kentucky

Kid, had competed for Red Bull Honda in the World Superbike Championship in Italy on May 14.

Older brother Tommy, who was also a motorcycle racer, said the family had many “great and happy memories” of Hayden.

“He dreamed as a kid of being a pro-rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport,” he said.

described the upcoming South-west grassroots football tournament as an opportunity for the states within the zone to unite as one.

Speaking during the meeting of the FA chairmen of the six states within the region; Osun, Lagos, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti states, in his kingdom, the Ooni revealed that it has been an embarrassment for him not to see players from the region dominating the national teams.

“I am happy with this gathering because it afforded

way forward,” he said.

“The competition will afford all to come together as a big family and move sports especially football forward in the region,” stressed the Ooni.

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles Head Coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, is the arrow-head of the project that will witness the participation of all the six states in the region in the South-west Youth League expected to be followed by the South-west Women League and later the Southwest FA Cup. The aim of the competitions,

such talents and later expose them to become future stars.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) First Vice President, who also doubles as the Lagos State FA Chairman, Seyi Akinwumi, is the chairman of the South West Forum while Osun State FA Chairman, Taiwo Ogunjobi, is one of the coordinators of the project.

The trophy casts in the mode of Oduduwa, was presented by the Ooni to the FA chairmen while logistics for the competition are to be unveiled at a future date.

Moyes Dumps Relegated Sunderland David Moyes has resigned as Sunderland manager following their relegation from the Premier League, the club announced on Monday.

The 54-year-old Scot succeeded Sam Allardyce last July and oversaw a desperate season that saw Sunderland finish 16 points adrift of safety at the foot of the table.

“I would like to thank (chairman) Ellis Short and the board for giving me the opportunity to manage Sunderland and the fans for always being so passionately supportive of their club,” Moyes said in a statement.

“I wish the players and my successor well in their efforts

towards promotion back to the Premier League.”

Sunderland’s relegation to the Championship after 10 years in the top flight was confirmed following a 1-0 home defeat by Bournemouth last month.

Moyes informed Sunderland officials of his decision to leave at a meeting in London on Monday.

His departure completes a sorry few weeks for the former Everton manager, who has been charged by the Football Association after jokily threatening to “slap” a female reporter.

It is his third successive short-lived stint at a

club, following previous disappointments at Manchester United, where he lasted just 10 months, and Real Sociedad.

“I pursued the services of David Moyes for a considerable period prior to his appointment last summer, which makes the announcement of his departure difficult for everyone concerned,” said Sunderland chairman Ellis Short.

“Having worked tirelessly throughout the campaign to avoid relegation from the Premier League, David has chosen to leave the club without compensation, which is testament to his character.”

T H I S D AY TUESDAY MAY 23, 2017

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Tuesday May 23, 2017

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Price: N250

MISSILE Yari to Traducers

“So I am waiting for them to tell me where the plot is, where the hotel is and how they came about it. Above all, I am preparing with my lawyers to go to court to prove my innocence” – Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara state denying allegations that he bought a $3m hotel in Lagos from monies he illegally deducted from the Paris-London refunds to states

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Buhari And The Marabouts “H

ave you read Lauretta Onochie’s latest post?”

“Lauretta. Lauretta. Who is she?”

“She is a social media assistant at the Presidency. She shoots straight and direct. She defends President Muhammadu Buhari with the passion of someone the President treats like a daughter.”

“Not a son, this time, a daughter! Interesting. Of power, fathers, wives, sons and daughters….”

“She spits fire, particularly if the person involved is in any way related to either the People’s Democratic Party or former President Goodluck Jonathan.”

“I see…”

“I try to pay attention to the many battles of the spin community in Nigerian politics.”

“Well, I have tried to tune off for a while. Now that the social media is dominated by all kinds of ghosts and malcontents, I just don’t always take everything that I read there seriously. I should pay attention to this your Lauretta though. She is likely to provide a lot of comic relief.”

“You call it comic relief?”

“You never know. What is she saying?”

“I have just read a piece she wrote saying some politicians are now hiring marabouts, pastors and Bishops to pray for President Buhari’s death.”

“Pastors? Praying for someone to die? Contrary to the miracle of Lazarus and the fact of Resurrection?”

“Yes, some pastors are shamanists. Fact.”

“Some journalists are pastors” “So?” “Wrong syllogism. Not all pastors are shamanists.”

“I said some…”

“You sounded as if…”

“We are not talking logic. It is not everything that happens in society or in the corridors of power that is logical. If Lauretta says politicians are hiring marabouts and pastors to pray for the President’s death, she must know what she is talking about.

Have you not seen how the Buhari Media Centre has been very busy raining curses on anybody who wishes the President dead? They have even chosen a song: Baba oh Baba oh, Baba o, oluwa da Baba si fun wa.”

“I see there is a singing competition in Abuja now between the Senate and the Villa. It is good to sing.”

“She says certain politicians are attacking President Buhari because he is still alive, despite their prayers.

She insists they just don’t want him in power. They robbed him of victory in three past elections, and now that he has won, and is in charge, they are recruiting marabouts and soothsayers to pray for his death.”

“Hmm, these demons and principalities…”

“She even pointed out that those who wish the President dead travel to Niger and as far as India to recruit evil spiritualists.”

“She should name the persons involved so they can be charged immediately for high treason, or at worst attempted murder, or spiritual assault with intent to kill.”

“How do you prove spiritual assault?”

“The security agencies can start with the investigation of anybody who has travelled to Niger and India in the last six months to determine if such persons had any contact with a marabout, a pastor or a bishop in those countries.”

“You think this is a joke? I know these things.

The only thing I don’t understand is why Niger and India. There are more marabouts, pastors and bishops in Nigeria.”

Buhari “I think the President’s enemies travel abroad because walls have ears. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should summon the ambassadors of Niger and India and any other country that may be identified to shed light on the relationship between the Nigerian political elite and the marabouts in their countries.

This is a matter for the Foreign Affairs Ministry.”

“But under what law will the Federal Government try the marabouts and their clients? Or prove that they are praying for the President’s death?”

“They’d create one. That is easy. And they can start with social media. There is a website for example that announced what did not happen. Then there is a British politician who is already sending condolence messages, and writing opinions about what does not concern him.”

“Are there marabouts on social media?”

“Ha. Plenty” “And that Oyinbo man, is he a marabout too, hired by Nigerian politicians? You see, then, Lauretta knows what she is talking about. Too many things in this country are remote-controlled by remote forces and marabouts. The most dangerous ones are the marabouts who call themselves clerics, with big titles.”

“But I really don’t know why anyone would wish the President dead. That is wicked. It is a much better business to pray for the President to get well soon. We can organize prayer rallies and receive sponsorship from the private sector, government at all levels and their contractors. I am even surprised that holidays have not yet been declared for prayers yet.”

“You are right. Government can neutralize the wickedness of the marabouts by recruiting prayer warriors. Pastors and Bishops who can preserve, protect and promote with the sacred power of the Word. Imams who can talk directly to God and make things happen.”

“And the people who pray will smile and receive praise.”

“Candidly, I would love to recommend some Pastors and Bishops who will counter the marabouts and the other pastors with prayers that will destroy demons and principalities, fire-for-fire, back to sender!”

“We can even do a book, you know?. Powers, Demons and Principalities: A History of Nigerian Politics.”

“Where will you find the empirical evidence for that?” Sounds somehow.

“Don’t worry. Someone once got a Ph.D with a dissertation titled “A History of the Penis.”

“What? Strange things happen in this world.”

“Like what happened in Ibadan yesterday. That’s what I wanted to discuss with you before you brought up this matter about marabouts.”

“What happened?”

“First, let me ask you, how is that your Madein-Oyo-state cousin? Where is she? She stands the chance of making a fortune before next week” “How? She is fine. She is in Lagos.”

“Very good. I think she should just start going to Ibadan right now and get ready for a beauty pageant.

I know her. She is beautiful and I am sure she will win the top prize.”

“I am lost. Free me.”

“The Oyo State Government is organizing a beauty pageant for ladies with tribal marks to celebrate the 2017 World Culture Day and to promote cultural tourism. The lady with the most beautiful tribal marks will go home with good prizes. In fact the state government declared that on Monday, May 22, civil servants and other persons in the state should wear traditional attires to work, play traditional games and eat traditional food.”

“Amala and gbegiri day.”

“You should ask why the pageant is only for beautiful ladies with tribal marks. Where are the men?”

“My cousin is over 40. She can’t go for a beauty pageant.”

“There is no age barrier. And your cousin is hot.

She has the best tribal marks I have seen although I don’t understand why your Uncle, who is educated, should subject her to such violence.”

“Identity. Tribal marks indicate your place of origin. It was used in the age of slave trade and inter-tribal wars to properly identify persons who were sold into captivity or captured as prisoners of war. With their tribal marks, they could easily trace their way back home.”

“And that is what Oyo state is promoting in the name of cultural tourism in 2017? Nonsense. Who needs tribal marks in the age of the millennials? There are modern means of identification: your passport, driver’s license, national identity card, even your fingerprint and iris. So, what is Oyo state planning to celebrate - that tribal marks are good?”

“I just hope they will not insist on female genital mutilation or leviration as part of culture.”

“Certain aspects of our culture have been overtaken by modernity, science and technology. You can promote local fashion, but tribal marks? Made-in-Oyo state? Oh no. I hope they don’t end up at that beauty pageant with fake tribal marks, straight from Nollywood.

Make-up artists are so good these days, they can inflict fake tribal marks on a face, the person wins and she walks away.”

“I hope that happens. As for my cousin, no, I am not even sure she is proud of the bold scars on her face. Not even the United Nations which declared a World Culture Day will be happy.”

“Tell them in Ibadan. If they want to promote culture, they owe the people good governance. That’s all. Culture is about the way we live, and the way we see the world as a people, community, group, society and government. It is a broad, dynamic, living organism. The Constituted Authority in charge of Oyo State should know that.”

“Yes. Yes. Yes oh. I was surprised though to see that they also have culture in Saudi Arabia.”

“There is culture everywhere.”

“Apart from Islam, I mean. I was surprised to

see dancing, drumming and sword-waving at the reception for US President Donald Trump. The Americans seemed happy with Arabian culture.”

“You really believe that? I don’t think President Trump and his team give a damn about Saudi Arabian culture. The Secretary of Commerce danced, the President swayed awkwardly, and bowed to the king because the Americans were able to secure good business deals. Natural resources, construction contracts and sale of military equipment to Saudi Arabia worth $110 billion which Trump described as tremendous investments. The State Department celebrated how this could create tens of thousands of new jobs in the US.” “I get your point. I saw Trump’s son-in-law highfiving the National Security Adviser, H.R. McMaster.”

“And did you hear Trump talk about radical Islamic terrorism, human rights, or openly disparage Muslims the way he did during the campaigns? He didn’t. ” “He mentioned something about radicalization and fanatical violence but he was obviously careful with words, and he played the politics of the region in a pragmatic manner.”

“You get it. Business is far more important than ideology or campaign rhetoric. In fact, Trump was practically sucking up to the Saudi Sunnis. That is a man who came to power condemning Muslims.

That was sheer hypocrisy and opportunism at work.

He played the same politics in Israel.”

“It is a fake world we live in. Fake Trump. Fake speech. It is sad though. While other countries are going round the world, looking for investments, Nigerian leaders are travelling here and there looking for marabouts and beautiful ladies with tribal marks!”

“And to think the social media is used to promote the fakery?”

“Social media?”

“Yes. It is a positive vehicle for democracy.”

“It is also a veritable vehicle for fake news. I am uncomfortable for example with the rise of twitter ghosts and masquerades.”

“I know what you mean. But there are remedies when people overdo things and violate other people’s rights. Twitter just sacked one twitter account called @SubDeliveryMan. The account has been used we are told, to invade people’s privacy, malign them and expose them to ridicule and yet the person behind the handle is totally anonymous.”

“Social media anonymity does not enhance democracy or free speech, it promotes mischief and the politics of hate. I am glad Twitter is doing something about it.”

“You know sometimes when I read what some people post on twitter. I wonder about their upbringing.

I cringe. They just set out to hurt other people’s feelings.”

“Twitter has a responsibility to ensure that its platform is not abused by persons who have indecent motives.”

“The next account they should delete is @ PObahiagbon. It is a fake account and Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon himself has said so. Identity theft is a crime.”

“You are sure it is not a parody account?”

“No. I also don’t like the idea of a parody account.

It is easily abused. Free speech must be backed by a sense of decency and responsibility” “The whole thing sounds like this marabout matter.”

“I think the real marabout matter in Nigeria is the on-going fake, auto-suggestive coup talk.”

“It shall be well with Nigeria.”

“A-a-a-a-men”.

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