Sunday 10th September 2017

NNPC Massively Stockpiles PMS to Sustain Price Crash 1.6 bn litres in stock, additional 1.1 bn litres expected in 25 days Nigeria’s crude blends maintain healthy price grades, sell at average of $52/b Chineme Okafor in Abuja A daily record of operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclosed the corporation’s plans

to sustain the petrol pump price crash it started last week with a healthy build-up of stocks.

Obtained by THISDAY yesterday, the records from both the Petroleum Products

Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and NNPC’s Crude Oil Marketing Department (COMD), indicated that, currently, the corporation had accumulated 1.640 billion litres of petrol,

enough to last the country up to 46 days of petrol consumption.

In addition to the existing stock level, the records also showed that 1.125.2 billion litres of petrol were being

expected for delivery to the corporation between September 5 and 30, 2017, thus suggesting the country would have an additional 32-day product sufficiency going by its

current 35 million litres daily consumption rate.

Last week, the NNPC Continued on page 12

Buhari Orders Security Operatives to Fish out Plateau Killers .... Page 12 Sunday 10 September, 2017 Vol 22. No 8179

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Amosun: Alhassan's Support for Atiku Will Affect Role in Govt Says minister should have resigned before backing ex-vp Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja with agency report The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday said the open declaration of support for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhassan, could affect the minister’s contribution to the vision and development of the Muhammadu Buhari government.

Amosun, who described

the situation as disappointing, however, noted that while he admired Alhassan’s courage for openly coming out to side with Atiku, she should have also followed through such an act of courage by honourably resigning her position as minister.

Alhassan had last week, during a Sallah homage to the former vice-president, said she would support Atiku and not Buhari in the 2019 presidential election, while at the same time reiterating her commitment to the Buhari

presidency.

But the Ogun governor, who spoke in Abeokuta yesterday found the development preposterous, saying while he saluted Alhassan’s courage, the minister should have first resigned before even making such statement.

According to him, "Though she is entitled to her own opinion at any point in time, she should have just resigned her appointment, because her loyalty cannot be in two places.

Her falling short of resigning takes everything away from what she said and it is clear that she will no longer be contributing to the development of the present administration.”

On whether or not the president would seek re-election in 2019, the governor said, "The only thing that can prevent President Muhammadu Buhari from contesting is if his health cannot take it.

"If not for this present administration, only God knows

where Nigeria would have been.

When the government came on board, it was like jumping into the pool at the deep end," he added.

It was against this backdrop that Amosun scored the federal government high in its fight against insurgency, insecurity, corruption as well as efforts at economic recovery through serious diversification drive.

In another interview with the BBC, Amosun insisted that since no one could faithfully serve two

masters, it would have been more honourable for Alhassan to resign after making that public statement.

The Ogun governor said the minister should have been courageous enough to quit, adding: “You cannot blow both hot and cold at the same time. She (Alhassan) is entitled to her opinion but I would have saluted her if she had honourably resigned her appointment, Continued on page 12

2019: The Atiku Challenge Vincent Obia, Olawale Olaleye, Onyebuchi Ezeigbo and Christopher Iziguso Even the politically naïve can tell that the tempo of political discourse is gradually scaling up with gripping tension and the reason is not far-fetched.

The current dispensation has begun to wind down, with less than two years to the next election. But at the epicentre of it all is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ambition – a presidential bid subtly launched almost immediately after the elections of 2015. He started by making it an issue-based subtle campaign. During some of the many speeches delivered at different times, he reignited the restructuring debate and today, it is the numero uno political issue in the country.

Quite unexpectedly, the tempo of Atiku’s journey to 2019 changed dramatically in the week that just ended, when Continued on page 9

Buhari

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͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚Ϳ Ëž T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

PAGE NINE 2 0 1 9 : T H E AT I K U C H A L L E N G E the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, not only openly declared her loyalty to Atiku and wished he would be president from 2019, when she paid him a Sallah visit. Later in an interview with the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation last Wednesday, she also stated for the record that she would support his presidential bid, whether or not her current principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, seeks re-election in 2019.

Nevertheless, she still claimed to be loyal to Buhari too, somewhat standing astride between both men. “Atiku is my godfather even before I joined politics, and again Baba Buhari did not tell us that he is going to run in 2019. And let me tell you today that if Baba said he is going to contest in 2019, I swear to Allah, I will go before him and kneel and tell him that ‘Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve your government as a minister.

But Baba, just like you know, I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather.’ (That is) if Atiku said he is going to contest; as we are talking now Atiku has not said he is going to contest,� she said in the interview.

With her comments on her preferences ahead of the 2019 presidential election, she has stirred up a hornets’ nest of political argument and tension.

But little did Alhassan know that her Sallah visit was going to unsettle the political space, stir avoidable discourse and ultimately set the 2019 presidential campaign in motion. There have since been many interpretations to Alhassan’s statement, chief of which is that there could be more of such men and women in the system that could pull the strings for the presidential hopeful, whenever the chips are down.

ALHASSAN’S VOICE, ATIKU’S HAND? Before she decided to push that political line, Alhassan, no doubt, knew she was touching a highly controversial issue. The 2019 presidential election was always going to be a potentially explosive topic. And Alhassan had been widely rumoured to be supporting Atiku’s presidential bid. The rumour heightened after a video of her visit to the former vice president during the last Eid-El-Kabir celebrations went viral.

Alhassan gave fillip to the allegations of indisposition to a likely Buhari second term bid when she was quoted by the London-headquartered international news agency, Reuters, as saying, “In 2014/2015 he said he was going to run for only one time to clean up the mess that the PDP government did in Nigeria. And I took him for his word that he is not contesting in 2019.�

In clever statements, visibly pushing the envelope of political aspiration in their common platform, just after Alhassan’s controversial remarks, Atiku accused Buhari of side-lining him after riding on the back of his influence and resources to win the 2015 presidential election.

The former vice president spoke in an interview with the Hausa Service of the Voice of America. “Honestly speaking, I’m still a member of the APC; I was part of all the processes, including campaigns until success was

achieved,� Atiku stated during the programme aired the same Wednesday that Alhassan made her comments. “But sadly, soon after the formation of government, I was side-lined. I have no any relationship with the government; I’ve not been contacted even once to comment on anything and in turn. I maintained my distance. They used our money and influence to get to where they’re but three years down the lane; this is where we are.�

Atiku said the Buhari government had achieved some success in the fight against the Islamic terror group, Boko Haram, but regretted that the insurgents were still active in many parts of his native North-east, “killing our people and many local government councils in Borno and Yobe are under their firm grip. People cannot dare go back to their dwellings. “This thing baffles me; I never imagined that Nigeria will fight a protracted battle with Boko Haram for five years. At a time, we fought the Biafra war, which was more complicated because of the terrain in the South but the Biafran soldiers were roundly subdued in 30 months. But here we’re, fighting an endless battle with the Boko Haram and there’s no end in sight.�

It was a clear attempt to explode the government’s consistent claims of significant success in the antiterrorism war.

Head of Atiku Media Office, Paul Ibe, followed up with a statement yesterday saying, “His Excellency, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stands by what he said. There is no point beating about the bush, how can anyone equate a private meeting with a meeting of party organs? “When was the last time the party organs held any meeting?

Has the Board of Trustees or what they call the Elders’ Council been inaugurated? When was the last time stakeholders and party leaders invited him to a meeting? The Wazirin Adamawa spoke as a lover of this country, democracy and the party. “People who are not too conversant with history as far as democracy is concerned in this country may cast aspersions on the former vice president for stating the obvious. The party should do the needful.�

A RULING PARTY’S ACERBIC TIRADES Atiku and Alhassan kicked a hornets’ nest, but it was the former’s responses that seemed to touch the final limit of APC’s patience. The party accused Atiku of making misleading claims about his contributions to the party’s 2015 victory. The APC national vice chairman for the North-west, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, who made the allegation during a press conference on Friday in Abuja, also told Alhassan to resign from the government for alleged divided loyalty.

Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai joined the developing verbal war over 2019, saying on Friday that Alhassan’s remarks against the president’s second term are unsurprising because she never believed in the Buhari ideals from the beginning.

Abdulkadir said Atiku contributed to APC’s success like other leaders of the party and advised him against comments that give the “impression of a crack� in the ruling party.

He said whether or not Buhari

Buhari and Atiku at a public function was going for another term was immaterial. “What is material is that a serving minister should not be seen making public statement suggesting that they are not on the same page with the team because she is a member of a team.�

On his part, El-Rufai stated, “The Minister of Women Affairs, Jummai Alhassan, had been in the student union. In the APC, she has never been in the Buhari camp. She did not support our candidate during the national convention. She didn’t vote for Buhari during the primaries.

But out of the largeness of the president’s heart and to encourage women in politics, he felt that even though she was never a supporter of his politics nor his beliefs or ideologies, but because of what she had tried to do in Taraba, he felt she had earned being nominated as a minister. “Many in Buhari camp did not support her appointment as minister.�

2019 RACE BEGINS Despite the comments of the APC apparatchik, the explosive atmosphere that pervaded the country last week, a week in which the economy’s exit from recession was announced, and effectively suppressed the good economic news, was an indication of intense internal struggles within the ruling party.

There are indications that the contending forces in the APC are mobilising their support bases, aligning, and realigning ahead of the presidential contest.

A close ally of Atiku, who did not want his name mentioned because of the sensitive nature of the issues, said the support for Atiku across the country was massive. He said most of the former governors that served when Atiku was vice president, from 1999 to 2007, were behind him.

The source said, "Before today, Atiku was the one looking for presidency but as at today, presidency is the one looking for him because the kind of support he has now is very massive across the country.�

He said many big names, including prominent members of the APC and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, and former governors in the North-central, South-south, and South-east were backing Atiku.

The deputy national publicity

secretary of APC, Timi Frank, also joined the fray at the weekend.

Frank cautioned the presidency not to fall to the antics of the governor of Kaduna State because of his "record of betraying all his benefactors".

In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, Frank stated that what Alhassan said was out of conscience and honesty and did not mean disrespect for Buhari.

THE ATIKU MEN Despite not currently holding any political office, Atiku still has a loyal support base and members of that base are widely spread. His support base has its origin in the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) inherited from his political benefactor, Late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

He however built on it during his eight-year in office as vice president, with a majority of PDP governors between 1999 and 2007 belonging to that fold. Even though some of his supporters now aptly fit the description of “yesterday’s men�, this does not in any way discountenance the fact that he still maintains a coterie of solid supporters across the political, religious, and ethnic divides and practically all of them are as loyal as Alhassan.

A quick look at some of these supporters would suffice, even though a majority of them would not like to be mentioned given the sensitivity of their current posting or the political import of such a move at this time.

Aisha Alhassan The first female AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice in Taraba State before retiring as the Registrar of Federal High Court, Abuja, Senator Aisha Alhassan is a strong political gladiator in Taraba. Her political sagacity is evident in the many battles she had fought in the state, a majority of which she won.

From Senator Anthony Manzo, to the late governor of Taraba State, Danbaba Suntai, another former governor of the state, Jolly Nyame, Alhassan battled many political heavyweights and emerged a tested political war veteran. She is a core Atiku loyalist and unapologetic about it.

Adamu Ciroma A former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Alhaji Adamu Ciroma is currently

a member of the PDP and a prominent northern leader with impressive record of public service. In 1979, Ciroma was one of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) presidential aspirants, who contested the party's presidential primary, believed to have been sponsored by the Kaduna Mafia, a group of northern intellectuals, serving officers and bureaucrats stationed around Kaduna.

He however came third in the primary, behind Alhaji Shehu Shagari and the late Maitama Sule. Ciroma was briefly the secretary of the NPN and later served at various times as Minister for Industries, Agriculture and Finance in the Olusegun Obasanjo government.

He however played a major role in the political life of Atiku, when as the leader of the northern elite group that presented a consensus candidate in the 2011 presidential election made it possible for Atiku to emerge the northern candidate ahead of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, former National Security Adviser, Aliyu Gusau and the then governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, the current Senate President. Although Atiku eventually lost to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Ciroma remains his ally.

Lawal Kaita Born on October 4, 1932, Alhaji Lawal Kaita was elected on the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) platform as governor of Kaduna State and was in office between October and December 1983, when the Nigerian Second Republic ended with the coup that brought General Muhammadu Buhari to power.

But he continued to be an active and influential politician in the Nigerian Fourth Republic, and was one of the founders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) party in 2006.

And sometime in 2010, he said the north was determined to bring up a president and that if Jonathan forced his way on Nigerians, then the north was determined to make the country ungovernable for him.

That statement was generally believed to have been made in defence of Atiku’s interest, especially that the North then was fighting Jonathan’s eligibility to contest the 2011 election. He is very close to Atiku.

Yahaya Kwande A former Nigerian Ambassador to Switzerland and member, Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Yahaya Shagayya Kwande is another staunch supporter of the former vice-president. The about 87-year-old northern leader, has always said at every given opportunity that he is a number one fan of Abubakar.

In a recent interview, he said “I am a die-hard supporter of Atiku yesterday, today and tomorrow‌I was very disappointed with political hypocrites in Nigeria.

I was disappointed in the sense that the people that cheated and misled other people to project Atiku as an evil, are those now benefitting and they know very well that it is Nigeria that is being cheated‌�. With this, you need no further education on where he stands.

Tunde Adeniran A Political Scientist and product of the first University in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan, Prof Tunde Adeniran saw himself becoming a staff of the United Nations in the mid-seventies and also taught in some American Universities before he took up appointment at the University of Ibadan, where he worked for 20 years before he retired to go into politics in 1998.

He had served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany and was the first Minister of Education (June 1999 - January 2001) in the Fourth Republic, where he made success of the Universal Basic Education Scheme. He came out with a policy banning satellite campuses and abolished the discretional list in the admission pattern of universities.

It is therefore interesting that a man with such enviable record, political and academic is yet another loyalist of Abubakar. An aspiring National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Ekiti State, the professor comes to the table with a lot of credibility and has remained with Abubakar over the years.

Dapo Sarumi Chief Dapo Sarumi is a onetime powerful politician from Lagos State. In 1991, he contested the Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial primary but was dis-qualified at the end of the day.

Continued on page 13

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 ˾ T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R

SUNDAY COMMENT

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

ISSUES IN NNPC APPOINTMENTS Lopsided appointments breed discontent and exacerbate tension in the polity

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he appeal by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to President Muhammedu Buhari on the recent reorganisation at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) should be taken more as another wake-up call for the administration on the necessity for fairness

and equity in a federal state. According to Ohanaeze President-General, Chief John Nwodo, the appointments of managers in the NNPC, as made public by the organisation, clearly favoured the North with the South-East totally ignored. Nwodo added that this has been a consistent trend since Buhari assumed power.

However, in debunking the claims of Ohanaeze, the NNPC argued that the appointments, when examined in The mode of thinking totality, actually that would throw up the cut across all the kind of appointments six geopolitical announced by the zones in the country. “There NNPC—even when we accept the excuse that it are 55 officials affected the shake-up; but is not a complete list—is in they (Ohanaeze) based squarely responsible for their reaction on the the upsurge of separatist statement that we repressure, hate speech leased earlier, where we and other divisive trends had only a few names.

They (Ohanaeze) in the polity should have called for the full list”, said Udu Ughamadu, NNPC Group General Manager, Public Affairs.

While it is comforting to know that the NNPC management is not discriminating against any section of the country, it is also important to put in context the misgivings of Ohanaeze which can be located in the disposition of the current administration. Aside the need for inclusiveness in a plural society such as ours, equity in appointments also helps to bridge the feeling of marginalisation. Yet statutory government appointments as well as the distribution of federally-funded physical and social infrastructure projects clearly suggest, even to casual observers, that the Southeast is not much in reckoning under the Buhari administration.

That essentially is the rationale for the statement by Nwodo, even if the current appointments and promotions

Letters to the Editor

in NNPC might not be as sectional as they are being made to look. “This brazen disregard, marginalisation and non-compliance with the federal character provisions in our constitution are the causes of lack of confidence which our youths have opposed in our present governance structure. As long as President Buhari continues to live out his speech abroad that his government will favour those who voted 97 per cent for him against those who voted five per cent for him, so long will the dissatisfaction and unrest in our polity subsist,” said Nwodo.

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

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

otwithstanding the explanation by the NNPC for the management postings, we must reiterate that the beauty of participatory democracy lies in creating equal opportunities, especially in a society as diverse as ours. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to suggest that the current administration is mindful of that diversity and the imperative of building an inclusive society. That accounts for most of the tension in the polity.

Given the foregoing, listing a few names that are mostly from a section of the country and presenting them to the public as those appointed and promoted in such a critical institution was bad judgement on the part of the NNPC. It should have been obvious to the discerning that any lopsided appointments or a perception of such in the NNPC would acquire added significance because the Petroleum Ministry has the distinction of sharing the same leadership with the country.

The mode of thinking that would throw up the kind of appointments announced by the NNPC—even when we accept the excuse that it is not a complete list—is squarely responsible for the upsurge of separatist pressure, hate speech and other divisive trends in the polity. It was a needless controversy that could have been avoided if some officials had taken into account public sensibilities.

Going forward, there must be an appreciation that the real challenge confronting the nation is how to evolve a leadership culture that underlines equity, merit and that sees the nation as the diverse whole which it is. Therefore, the best way for President Buhari to convince the nation that he sincerely wants to lead a united nation is for him, and those to whom he has delegated powers and responsibilities, to be mindful of those nuances, in the distribution of opportunities.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

O GUN AND L OPSIDED R EVENUE FORMULA

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gun State has always been alive to the need for an enabling and investor-friendly environment, able to attract capital and foster economic growth.

It has recorded many achievements over the past six years of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s administration.

Ogun is one of the five states that attracted fresh investments into their states between January and June this year, an analysis of a capital importation report obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has shown.

According to the report, Ogun State attracted fresh investment inflow of $5.31million. In its report for the first quarter of 2017, the NBS listed Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as the most investorfriendly destinations in the country.

It listed Ogun as an investment-

friendly state with a capital importation of $5.351 million in the first three months of the year, while Oyo and Rivers came next with $3.419 million and $550,000 respectively. According to the report, the largest chunk of the imported capital, $302.47 million, representing 33.5 per cent, came in from the United Kingdom, while the second largest, $215.66 million, came in from the United States of America.

The bureau noted that this year’s record showed a 27.75 per cent improvement over the country’s achievement last year.

Another data provided by the NBS showed that Ogun State has recorded the highest amount of mining activity in the country in the last three years.

The Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, recently noted that two of the 914 people who paid between N10 million and N20 million tax annually are domiciled in Ogun State. Regrettably,

while Ogun is among the few states that produce the wealth that sustains the country, it is among the states with the lowest allocations from the federal government.

Ogun State is next to Lagos State in terms of non-oil revenue generation such as VAT, among others, for the federal government.

Unfortunately, the state is still placed 25th in terms of revenue sharing in the country based on indices generated several years ago and not on present contribution to the federation account.

Last year, the internally generated revenue (IGR) of all the states in Nigeria for 2015 was released by the NBS. The statistics showed a decrease in the total IGR of all the states of the federation. The IGR of 2014 was N707.8 billion while that of 2015 stood at N683.6 billion. Even in the face of this decline, Ogun State still recorded

one of the highest increases in IGR (49.42%).

In 2016, the 36 states and the 774 local government councils shared a total sum of N2.6 trillion from the Federation Account in spite of the prevailing economic recession. The total figure was the payment made to the two tiers of government between January and December 2016 at the monthly meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The total gross federal allocation to Ogun state in 2016 was N57 billion.

The statutory revenue received by the Ogun State government for the months of January, February and March 2017 from the federation account has been put at N4.98 billion. The N4.98 billion revenue was paid to the state after deduction of N3.64 billion for debts and other financial obligations entered into by the previous administrations.

An acceptable formula that would foster a more balanced development and harmonious fiscal federalism among the component groups in the country is very

fundamental.

Governor Amosun, has, on several occasions, advocated an overhaul of the existing revenue allocation formula in the country to make it fairer and equitable. At a time most states are groaning because of dwindling resources and are unable to pick their wage bills, Ogun State has recorded an increase in internally generated revenue to the tune of N6 billion per month.

Although the governor is not in support of the restructuring of the country, but he welcomes anything that will allow for the equal distribution of projects and dividends of democracy.

Amosun’s request for a special status in the federal revenue allocation is borne out of the fact that Ogun State has been officially acknowledged as the industrial hub of the country, adequately remitting excise duties to the coffers of the federal government.

–––Rotimi Durojaiye, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta

T H I S D AY SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

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SUNDAYNEWS

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

NNPC Massively Stockpiles PMS to Sustain Price Crash Continued from Page 1

FOCUS ON MINING L-R: Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Commercial Manager (Africa), West Australia Trade Office, Filippo Raggi; and Director General, Curtin School of Mines, Western Australia, Dr. Sam Spearing; during a meeting with the minister on the sidelines of the Africa Down Under (ADU) Conference in Perth, Australia...weekend

Buhari Orders Security Operatives to Fish out Plateau Killers t Bodies of 20 murdered persons buried amidst tight security t State govt appeals for calm Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed law enforcement agents to apprehend perpetrators of killings on Thursday night in Ancha village in Plateau State, including their sponsors.

Buhari, according to a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, expressed the determination of the federal government to protect the lives and property of all citizens in all parts of the country.

No fewer than 20 persons were said to have been hacked to death in the reprisal attack on Ancha village in Miango district by suspected Fulani gunmen, with at least nine others severely injured.

Buhari’s directive came on a day the corpses of 20 persons murdered in the attack were given a mass burial, amidst tight security.

While the injured are recuperating at Enos Clinic in Bassa, the villagers, who wept openly at the graveside, lamented the loss of their loved

ones in such a gruesome manner that beat their imagination. They charged the state government and security agents to avenge their death.

President Buhari, in his reaction, said he was saddened by the senseless killings especially of women and children.

The president, the statement added, also said he was disappointed by the disruption of peace and normalcy that had hitherto prevailed in the state, and urged stakeholders not to allow this violent incident to alter the progress made so far. He said it was unlawful of anyone to resort to any form of aggression instead of following due process.

He recalled past efforts made by communities and security agents in the state to ensure peace and harmony among residents, saying it will be sad if the gory tales of the past return to the state.

“It is unlawful of anyone or group to take the laws into their hands in the name of revenge or reprisals, rather than follow due process by allowing law enforcement agencies to fish out any such aggressors who will be made to face justice. “The various communities in the state have taken many

steps, with the support of security agencies and mediators to pull the state back from the brink of anarchy and senseless killings warranted by attacks and counterattacks.

“It will be a painful loss to allow these unsavoury acts to return. I urge all our communities in the state and the other parts of the country to embrace peace and bring to a stop these painful and unnecessary killings,” he said. He prayed God to grant peace to the souls of the victims and comfort to grieving families and community.

Meanwhile, Plateau state government has appealed to citizens of the state for calm in the face of obvious provocation. In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Rufus Bature, the state, which condemned the heinous crime, stated that the act was capable of undermining the on-going peace consolidation effort of the government. “Government is shocked and outraged by the renewed sense of violence and thus call on all responsible citizens to remain calm in the face of this recent incident,” he said.

How We Foiled Terror Attacks on Abuja, 6 States during Eid-el-Kabir, By DSS Abimbola Akosile

The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed how it foiled plans by the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWA) terrorists to attack Abuja and other cities during the recent Ed-el-Kabir festivities.

The security agency, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its Spokesman, Mr. Tony Opuiyo, said the plans were to conduct gun attacks and suicide bombing on selected targets in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Niger, Bauchi, Yobe and Borno States.

Opuiyo said the mastermind of the operation was Hussein Mai-Tangaran, a well-known senior Commander who had been on the radar of the Service and the Nigerian Army since 2012.

The spokesman said Mai-Tangaran was also responsible for the deadly attacks against worshipers at the Kano Central Mosque as

well as an attack on a military formation in Yobe in 2015, which claimed hundreds of lives.

He said Mai-Tangaran, an IED expert, had been prepping and priming others for the perpetration of suicide bombing attacks carried out by the group in the past within the North-east region.

He said the suspect was arrested in Kano on August 31 and further exploitation led to the arrest of one Abdulkadir Umar Mohammed on September 2 at Kantin Kwari market in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano.

Opuiyo said Mohammed was a fighter of the sect who left the group in the Sambisa forest to team up with others towards carrying out the attacks being planned by the group.

He said another accomplice in the plot, one Muhammad Ali, was arrested on September 3, at Sheka area in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.

“Prior to his arrest, Ali was the financial

courier of the group in Kano. He was one of the conduits through which funds and other material logistics were channeled to the group from foreign extremist elements/sponsors.

“Like Mohammed, Ali was involved in the plot to perpetrate the planned attacks in Kano and other States in the North during the just concluded Eid-el-Kabir celebration”, he added.

In a related development, the service said it had arrested the duo of Yahaya Abatcha and Yusuf Mohammed on September 3, in Kano.

“The duo are the leading elements of a cell of the extremist group and have been hibernating and furthering the doctrines of the group in the city. They were also to be responsible for operations in FCT Abuja, Kaduna and Niger States,” the operative said.

He said the service had also arrested Abdulkarim Mohammed following credible intelligence report on August 29, in Ajilani Local Government Area of Borno.

disclosed its strategic intervention in the downstream petroleum sector of the country had resulted to some drop in the prices of petrol and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas, nationwide.

According to a statement signed by its Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, pump price of petrol had dropped from N145 to between N143 and N142 per litre across the country, while the ex-depot price dropped from N138 to N133.28 at its depot. The price drop has been effected in NNPC service stations, while other oil marketers still sell at N145.

However, a high-ranking official of NNPC told THISDAY that the price crash was occasioned by its large product stockpile, and a decision to continue to offload products to make way for those that are incoming.

The official, who craved anonymity, stated that NNPC was augmenting its importation of petrol with supplies from its refineries, majorly Port Harcourt refinery, which the records said produced about 2.127 million litres of petrol on September 5.

He noted that, the efforts would be sustained going into the yuletide season when Nigerians usually have challenges of stable petrol supplies.

Notwithstanding, the daily operational records stated that the corporation had steadily taken delivery of petrol and on September 5, received 145.1 million litres of petrol. It similarly had a total of 333,072.827 metric tons (mt) of petrol delivered into the country between August 20 and 31, 2017.

As regards petrol distribution, the records showed that 775 trucks distributed the product to states in the country on September 5, with 208 trucks sent to states in the North-central; 219 to the North-east; 225 to the North-west; 19 trucks to the South-south; and 104 trucks to the South-west.

Meanwhile, the records equally stated that the prices of Nigeria’s crude oil blends at the international market maintained healthy trends within the periods of September 4, with the lowest staying at $52.785 per barrels.

According to the document, the Bonny Light, Qua Iboe Light, and Forcados Blend traded for $52.785; $53.285; and $53.335 per barrels respectively, representing an increase of $0.440 from the prices of the previous day.

While Nigeria’s crude blends have maintained healthy price levels, Venezuela has again called for her and Libya to come under the oil production cap agreement reached between member countries of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC countries led by the Russian Federation. According to oilprice.com, Venezuela’s oil minister, Eulogio Del Pino, told reporters at an energy conference in Kazakhstan that oil inventories were still roughly 300 million barrels higher than normal levels. Del Pino suggested that the two African countries with exemptions from the production cap agreement should be put under quotas as well.

“Those 300 million barrels are going to impact speculation in the market. It (the level of inventories) is still very high,” Pino said, while disclosing that meetings with ministers from the Middle East and Russia on this had been planned for the near future.

Amosun: Alhassan’s Support for Atiku Will Affect Role in Govt Continued from Page 1

because you cannot blow both hot and cold at the same time.

“Yes, I would have saluted her if she had resigned but falling short of resigning has taken everything away from what she had said.” Asked if the president should sack her since he could no longer trust her loyalty, Amosun said, “Well, I am not Mr. President and I know that at the appropriate time, he will review things.

“For somebody to have come out and say such thing means clearly she is even working against the government and she will not want that government to succeed, yes, that is my own belief although I may be wrong, however, if I were in her shoes, I would have resigned after making that statement,” Amosun added.

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͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚Ϳ Ëž T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

PAGE THIRTEEN 2 0 1 9 : T H E AT I K U C H A L L E N G E Sarumi was the minister for Information during Obasanjo’s first term in office. However, in the late 2000, he was involved in an auto accident, during which two of his personal aides and a couple died. That development turned the tide into an ugly one for his political career and he never recovered therefrom.

Yet, he has remained an ardent supporter of Atiku and had used his political group then in Lagos, Primrose to foster the Atiku project. Sarumi remains one of the die-hard fans of Atiku.

Funke Adedoyin Hon. Funke Adedoyin was initially the running mate to former Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State and now Senate President. But her appointment as Minister of Women Affairs and later, the Minister of Youth by former President Olusegun Obasanjo took her to the federal level.

A native of Igbomina in Kwara South Senatorial District,Adedoyin, a known ally of Abubakar in Kwara State, is currently in the House of Representatives. She was believed to have been made minister by Abubakar, who was very influential as vice president during Obasanjo’s first term in office. She is particularly said to have been setting up structures for Atiku ahead of the 2019 elections in Kwara.

Timi Frank

The National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Timi Frank, is another outspoken Abubakar supporter, who has used every opportunity at his disposal to challenge the tide in the APC. He had at different times faced disciplinary committees for anti-party activities, because of the way and manner he has challenged the running of the party. He has spoken at different occasions about the way Atiku was being treated in the party.

Bimbo Daramola A former member of the House of Representatives from Ekiti State, Hon. Bimbo Daramola is another silent but strong supporter of Atiku except he has just switched camp as you read this. The governorship hopeful was one of the silent mobilisers for Atiku in the lead up to the presidential primaries of the party in 2014. It is believed that Daramola is projecting his governorship ambition in Ekiti side-by-side with Atiku’s presidential bid and might have been doing his bidding like he did some three years ago. He is a huge Atiku fan.

OPTIONS BEFORE BUHARI Political pundits have been wondering what options are available for the President in this current situation, particularly with the cacophony of voices calling for Alhassan’s sack or resignation.

There is also the emergence

of groups drumming support for his re-election and those canvassing for Atiku’s presidential aspiration. One of the options available to the President is to sack Alhassan, and send a strong message to those who might want to toe the same path among cabinet members. That option looks plausible because it could be hinged on the fact that it was necessary to put a stop to the distraction caused by Alhassan’s comments on 2019.

But then it could also send an unintended political signal that the President is actually nursing a re-election bid and that he had to act swiftly against Alhassan before her comments that he promised to do only one term put his chances at risk.

Another option before the President is to retain Alhassan in his cabinet so as to avoid the unintended political signal that her sack at this time may send.

That also has it own implication.

It would validate her claim that the president promised to do only one term and send another unintended signal that he would not seek re-election, since she has threatened to resign if he chose to, consequently making 2019 presidential election a free-for-all race.

The third option before the President is to effect cabinet reshuffle. Interestingly, this has been on the card since the beginning of the year, but may have been delayed by the medical vacations he embarked upon in

the first three quarters. While it was speculated that cabinet reshuffle would be one of the urgent actions the President would take upon his return from London where he went for medical treatment, Alhassan’s comments have now made the timing of such action an issue.

There are even insinuations that she is among those that have been penciled down for sack for poor performance and that she may have got wind of her impending sack, thus prompting her to quickly move to create a political explanation for her exit from the cabinet. Should a cabinet reshuffle come up at this time, it is unlikely that Alhassan would survive. Rather than the usual explanation of weeding out under-performing ministers and injecting new blood, political analysts would want to explain such changes as part of 2019 permutations. That is not the signal that a government that is racing against time to deliver on election promises would want to send.

The fourth option available to the President is to remain silent as he has done since the news broke. Again, that option could allow the discordant tunes trailing Alhassan’s comments to continue and could also present the President as weak and incapable of taking action on issues affecting his cabinet. Another option is for him to read the riot act to all cabinet members to desist from making political statements about

Odigie-Oyegun ...pondering the options 2019 or risk being sacked. That should have been the fist option immediately Alhassan’s comments went viral. But surprisingly, no official reaction came from the presidency, thereby creating a snowball effect with other political actors wading in, thus setting the 2019 race in motion.

Though, it is a fact that the President has the power to hire and fire cabinet members, how he wields such power in this current situation can send mixed political signals, even though a cabinet reshuffle still remains the most plausible option at this time.

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ÍŻÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍŻÍľ Ëž THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

OPINION Charly Boy Oputa, Politics and Activism Kennedy Emetulu argues that the ‘Bring Back Diezani Alison-Madueke’ protest is misdirected

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n my book, Charly Boy and all those who participated in the ‘Resume or Resign’ campaign, home and abroad, are heroes and patriots. But, now I’m at a loss over this ‘Bring Back Diezani Alison-Madueke’ campaign at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja. I just don’t get it. The more I think about it, the more I suspect that Charly Boy and co. fell for the ‘public objectivity’ scam where you’re criticised for doing something by one interest group and you go out to do another thing to win the sympathy or support of the group that criticised you in order to appear ‘objective’. What am I talking about? Those who led the ‘Resume or Resign’ campaign have been criticised as anti-Buhari, anti-APC, pro-PDP and all that, but rather than for them to publicly defend their position with information supporting the legality and appropriateness of their action and challenge opposers to public debates to show to Nigerians those truly playing the patriotic role, some of them, led by Charly Boy, are now asking for Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, the supposed PDP darling, to be extradited from the United Kingdom in an obvious attempt to appear as objective or even-handed in their protests. They want to show that they are not agents of the PDP. I think they’re trying too hard. In the end, what they are doing is playing politics with activism. I mean, isn’t it convenient to see one EFCC official, Emmanuel Aremo addressing the smattering of protesters and promising they would be working to extradite Diezani? More conveniently, there is no tear-gassing of any protester. It’s all Mickey-Mousey stuff, honestly. Of course, if the campaign is generally couched as a protest against the government’s less-than-impressive anti-corruption prosecution efforts, that would be fine. But to single out Mrs Alison-Madueke in the midst of scores of high-profile corruption cases against former and serving public officials smacks of nothing but desperation.

Now, here is the problem with the ‘Bring Back Diezani Alison-Madueke’ campaign and the difference between it and the ‘Resume or Resign’ campaign. The ‘Resume or Resign’ campaign was appropriately directed at the president who was the authority and person in a position to do either of the two things demanded. I have written enough to show that the demand was lawful and legitimate, so I need not get into all that again here. But the ‘Bring Back Diezani’ protest to EFCC is misdirected. They are protesting to the EFCC when the EFCC has no authority on its own whatsoever in the matter and when another appointee of the administration is indicating that they would prefer Diezani to be in London where the justice administration is likely to work better to convict her. Yes, this is actually the view of Professor Itse Sagay, the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption when he criticised the protest at EFCC. According to Sagay: “Their demand is not only unrealistic but it is not even being done in good faith. These people are hostile to the anti-corruption struggle and are hoping that if Diezani is brought here, there will be difficulty in getting her convicted.�

In Nigeria, the Diezani case is so far being fought with more heat than light. We read her statement recently making some claims against the EFCC and some of these claims fundamentally affect the justice of the situation. Basically, she’s accused the EFCC of orchestrating a media campaign against her based on lies while circumventing or manipulating the judicial and court processes in Nigeria. I haven’t seen or read the EFCC response to her, except this continued media claims of the courts making her forfeit this or that property or money where proof has not been made available publicly that she actually owns what is being supposedly seized or forfeited.

For me, it’s not about whether Diezani is guilty or not of all she’s being accused of, she might well be guilty of all and more; what this should be about is justice. Justice must be done and must be seen to have been done. EFCC and all those keen on prosecuting Diezani must come to equity with clean hands.

The way I see it, having followed the UK angle to the Diezani affair, I think the UK authorities have realised now that the Nigerian authorities are not very keen on the Diezani matter. They can see this in the shoddy way the EFCC is going about it through its media trial and half-hearted court processes.

The initial interest of the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) has since died down once they realised that it’s all noise from the Nigerian end.

For instance, they arrested Diezani in October 2015, seized her passport and confiscated the sum of ÂŁ27,000 found at her home.

At the prompting of the NCA, a UK court in September last year ordered some ÂŁ10 million assets supposedly belonging to her frozen under the UK Proceeds of Crime Act. Diezani has not said these assets, which include two properties in the UK do not belong to her. Of course, no criminal charges have been brought against her yet because investigators are yet to make such a case preliminarily through their investigation. Obviously, the UK investigators have to link the proceeds investigated to a crime or crimes committed in Nigeria and/or in the UK. The UK authorities who barred

If the campaign is generally couched as a protest against the government’s less-than-impressive anti-corruption prosecution efforts, that would be ďŹ ne.

But to single out Mrs Alison-Madueke in the midst of scores of high-proďŹ le corruption cases against former and serving public ofďŹ cials smacks of nothing but desperation

Alison-Madueke from leaving the UK until April last year had hoped to conclude investigations into the case (with the help of the Nigerian authorities) and charge Alison-Madueke before then, but that has not happened because they simply did not get helpful information. Therefore, the question is if the EFCC is so sure of the crime or crimes of Diezani and the government is keen for her to be charged and convicted in the UK, how much help are they offering the UK investigators in this regard? If indeed they are offering that help, by now Diezani would have been charged, but we see nothing indicating that she is going to be charged in the UK. I would, therefore, advise Charly Boy and co. to go do their homework first before joining this type of campaign. Extradition is a government to government action and if it’s going to happen, it is our Ministry of Justice that will be pursuing it, not the EFCC. From all we can see so far, Diezani is under investigation in the UK already and if there is a reason to charge her, they will.

What the Charly Boy group should be doing is to first seek information from the Nigerian authorities, if possible through a Freedom of Information application, as to what role the Nigerian authorities are playing over the British investigation of Alison-Madueke. They can also make a Freedom of Information request in the UK through their Information Access Team at the Home Office, which is located at the Ground Floor, Seacole Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF. Their email address is: FOIRequests@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. They’d want to find out if there is a live case or investigation still ongoing in the UK on the Diezani matter and if so, what is the stage now and what is the possibility that Mrs Alison-Madueke will be charged before a UK court? If the answer is that there is no case ongoing in the UK, then what are the Nigerian authorities doing with regard to the actual charges against Alison-Madueke at home?

I mean, every day, we hear she’s forfeited this or that through some EFCC court process, but we do not know whether in truth these things being ordered forfeited by the courts are actually linked to her. Yes, the EFCC says so but the EFCC has proved to be more a political vehicle than a proper law enforcement and prosecutorial agency. Where is their proof in the face of the documented denials by Mrs Alison-Madueke? Where is that singular comprehensive criminal case against Mrs AlisonMadueke in any court of law in Nigeria? They cannot just be running rings round Nigerians and getting people like Charly Boy to be out there with untrusted information.

Charly Boy and co. should not inadvertently make themselves political instruments in the hands of the real criminals and mischief-makers. If they do their homework and find that it is appropriate to extradite Mrs Alison-Madueke, they can then take their case to the proper authority, which is the Ministry of Justice, not the EFCC. ––kemetulu@googlemail.com

Angola And Africa (2) The continent has a lesson or two to learn from Angola in nation-building, argued Okello Oculi

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rolonged collaboration between President Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), and the American government - to promote opposition parties against the Movement for the Popular Liberation of Angola (MPLA) - did not earn him the love of its leaders. They hit back by supporting several invasions by former soldiers of Katanga who, after the fall of secession by Moise Tshombe, had fled with their weapons for refuge across the border in Angola.

American and French governments flew in soldiers from Morocco, Senegal, and Togo to repulse these efforts to overthrow Mobutu.

This tradition of inserting foreign troops into Mobutu’s affairs would in the late 1970s encourage Uganda and Rwanda to send troops to help put Laurent Kabila in power in Kinshasa. Kabila’s triumph may have sprouted aspirations by Yoweri Museveni in Uganda and Paul Kagame in Rwanda – rulers of two small countries on Congo’s eastern border- for a repeat of tiny Belgium’s colonial rule over a vast Congo.

The prospect of two countries supported by Euro-America becoming occupation powers in Congo, however, provoked intervention by Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia. In what was called “Africa’s First World War’’, Angola’s troops earned the reputation of being the most battle-hardened and disciplined.

Rwanda and Uganda were beaten back from repeating in Central Africa an ‘African colonisation’ event which Morocco had inflicted on Western Sahara following the end of Spanish colonial rule.

Jonas Savimbi’s Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA) influenced by Hutu violence against Tutsi in Rwanda and a mutiny by troops in Southern Sudanese with the onset of independence, resented “assimilated’’ elites in Luanda, Angola’s capital, who led socialist Popular Movement for the Popular Liberation of Angola (MPLA) ruling over ‘pure Africans’ elites from the up-country, including his home highlands in Huambo.

His resentment fed a civil war which devastated Angola from 1979 till his assassination in 2002.

In the elections of 2017, MPLA’s commitment to a vision of building a common political community animated by socialist values is reflected in their winning 175 seats in parliament compared to a total of 45 seats by four of the leading opposition political parties. The report that MPLA won only 50 per cent of votes cast in Luanda, supports its claim that it has support in the vast rural part of Angola. UNITA won 32 seats.

Jonas Savimbi’s son, Rafael Massanga Savimbi, repeated his father’s electoral war cry in the 1992 presidential election that the election was “rigged’’ in favour of MPLA. Following Jonas Savimbi’s exit, MPLA did not take the familiar route across Africa of working to annihilate UNITA. The lesson for Africa is that nation building does not crawl out of the rotting carcass of political silence born of repression.

President Agustinho Neto, a medical doctor and distinguished poet, was a man without inferiority complexes which Kay Whiteman claims that Europeans exploit in relations with African leaders. Neto’s successor, Eduardo dos Santos, trained as a Petroleum engineer in Azerbaijan, a former part of the Soviet Union. He became fluent in Russian and French.

Competence in French gave him easy access to views prevalent in its huge neighbour – Zaire/ Congo. He complained that the long wars for liberation slowed his strengthening state institutions or even carrying “out the normal processes of democratisation’’. This self- confidence flowed into putting emphasis on reconstructing a country terribly decimated by 27 years of civil war. Defending sovereignty at home; with his foreign relations , while avoiding hopping to capitals of Euro-American countries, were his menu.

That self-respect was reflected in rejecting insistence by the European Union that their election monitors would follow rules set by them. The Foreign Minister affirmed that only monitors

from the African Union and SADC (the Southern African Development Commission bloc of countries), have such a privilege. “These are the only institutions for which Angola must abide by the electoral processes’’, he said.

The passing of the baton of leadership to Joao Laurenco, former Defence Minister and deputy head of MPLA, has coincided with the country getting used to the collapse of oil revenue; a severe drought with echoes of global climate change; a whittling of the arrogance of the IMF and World Bank over Africa following the arrival of China as an alternative source of vital capital and market for natural resources. Angola’s relationship with China should mature into a focus on industrialisation with clean energy. Having a long coast on an open Atlantic combined with the Benguela Ocean current which support plankton and a rich fisheries zone, Angola must push for a collective African diplomatic and naval confrontation with countries whose huge fishing vessels loot with impunity the continent’s two fishing zones bellow and above the equator. A collective naval capacity is clearly the only route to the defence of these resources and their nutritional importance. The number of African countries with deposits of oil, natural gas and other resources onshore or offshore has increased in recent years. The funding of collective naval capacity should benefit from this development.

Eduardo dos Santos, a petroleum engineer, is leaving office when oil is under attack by vehicles run on sugar cane juice and electricity. On the eve of his exit he commissioned the hydroelectricity plant at Lauca; the third generating plant built on Kwanza River. Built by a Brazilian conglomerate at the cost of 4billion dollars, it shall be “one of the most powerful plants on the African continent’’; yielding 2070 megawatts. In the context of the politics of contracts, it is enough to provoke vitriolic media reports on Angola and dos Santos in Euro-American media; as befits the legacy of a resolute African patriotic combatant.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

LETTERS Flavoured Cigarette: Dealing With The Evil Weed

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here are clear pointers to the resurgence of illicit trading in tobacco.

For stakeholders, the resurgence represents a major setback given the huge successes recorded in reducing the volume of illicit cigarettes to less than 20 per cent in Nigeria in the last few decades, through multilateral collaboration and consistent clampdown on the trade by regulatory bodies. Prior to this period, the average volume of illicit cigarettes smuggled into the Nigerian market averaged 80 per cent of the product consumed in the country. However, the success recorded in stemming the trade is being rolled back as flavoured cigarettes flood the Nigerian market.

The sale and spread of flavoured cigarettes is, no doubt, an alarming dimension to the problem. They are outlawed in Nigeria and declared as contraband by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). Flavoured cigarettes give off a pleasant aroma when lit and have a strong appeal, especially for children, and may seem a safer alternative to conventional cigarette.

However, the flavouring masks the pungent taste of the tobacco, which is

Dr. Yetunde Oni, Acting Director General, NAFDAC

manufactured in flavours such as strawberry, vanilla, orange, cherry, chocolate, etc., that are particularly attractive to the target demographic.

For this reason, the health consequences for the youth and children can be very grave.

In different parts of the world, concerted efforts have been made through new regulatory provisions to discourage underage people from smoking. In the United States, for example, as part

of a national effort to reduce smoking in the country, on September 22, 2009, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed a ban on cigarettes containing certain flavours.

The ban was authorised by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA). This special rule for cigarettes prohibits cigarettes or any of its component parts (including the tobacco, filter, or paper) from containing, as a constituent

(including a smoke constituent) or additive, an artificial or natural flavour or a herb or spice, which is attractive to children.

FDA’s ban on certain flavoured cigarettes highlights the importance of reducing the number of children who start to smoke and who become addicted to dangerous tobacco products and should serve as a model for other countries where this menace is prevalent.

It is important to note that flavoured cigarettes are clearly outlawed via Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act (TCA). It is clearly outlined in Sections E and G of Part 1 of the TCA. Some of the major objectives of the act include “discouraging smoking initiation” and ensuring that “tobacco or tobacco products are not designed in any way that make them more addictive, especially to persons who are below 18 years of age.”

However, implementation of this regulatory provision is yet to gain weight.

Despite an alert by SON to the general public on the proliferation of the variants, importers of the brand have continued to trade the products. Quite worrisome is the extent to which some unscrupulous importers are

THE FUTURE OF THE PDP

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t would seem that the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has forgotten in a hurry what it passed through in 14 months of internal crisis, strategically sponsored by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to decimate the PDP. We thank God for showing mercy to the people of this great country and thank Him again for delivering the people through the landmark Supreme Court judgment on July 12, 2017, while President Muhammadu Buhari was away in London on medical vacation.

It is of note that the worst thing that could happen to any country is for the major opposition party like the PDP to be destroyed by a totalitarian, draconian, brutish, repressive and tyrannical government (characteristics of the ruling APC).

To be sure, the decision of the Supreme Court that affirmed the resolutions of the May 21, 2016, PDP National Convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which appointed the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee (NCC) and the events in the last few months in the party in particular and Nigeria in general, have shown to all lovers of democracy that the PDP is fully back as a major opposition and defender of the masses.

However, from what we are beginning to witness in the PDP and other po-

litical developments in the country, it appears as if it is about to commit another terrible blunder, which if not avoided as early as possible could mar its chances at the forthcoming general elections in 2019.

The same alarm was raised in 2016 when some party stakeholders and leaders mooted the choice of Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff as Chairman of the PDP to replace Dr. Adamu Muazu after the 2015 general elections, but the voices like those of some organs of the party were not heard. The rest is now in the dustbin of history and that singular action took us 14 months backward and cost the party the loss of Edo, Ondo, some Lagos State local government areas and with many members decamping to the ruling APC. It is therefore necessary to draw the attention of the National Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, CON, other members of the National Caretaker Committee and critical stakeholders in the party to the following before it is too late.

The decision to zone party offices as enshrined in the constitution is to allow for equal participation and equitable power sharing to all the zones and regions of the country. However, in view of the recent happenings in the party, especially the leadership crisis and its humbling outing in 2015, it is important that the

PDP allows eligible party members from the three zones in both the North and the South to contest for the offices of the President and the National Chairman respectively, since the two offices are zoned to North and South. This will give party members the opportunity to select the best and most competent hands to manage the affairs of the country and that of the party.

Micro-zoning the office of the president and the National Chairman will not only reduce participation but will also create loopholes for mediocracy.

It is no longer news that imposition of candidates was the major problem that led to the PDP’s electoral losses in 2015. The records of the gubernatorial elections, legislatures and other previous elections have shown that 80% of APC governors today were former members of the PDP. The same applies to other candidates that won elections in the ruling party who were former PDP members but left the party when they could not find a level playing field to run for elective offices.

We therefore wish to use this medium to call on party leaders to exploit the report and recommendations of the Professor Jerry Gana-led Strategy Reform and Inter Party Affairs Committee in order to ensure that our new internal electoral mechanism guarantees credible, free, fair and transparent

primaries. Our great party, the PDP must also guarantee the rights and privileges of any member to contest for any offices of their choice.

Tampering with delegates’ lists for PDP primaries or National Convention should be discarded completely if we must win elections going forward.

We again appeal to the leadership of our party not to impose any candidate either directly or by proxy into the NWC or any other party offices. Our governors and other PDP leaders/ elders should please ensure that they do not impose any candidate on the party both in the proposed December 9, 2017, National Convention and other party primaries/ elections either directly or by proxy.

What can excite and create positive ripples in the PDP at the moment will be a concerted and deliberate policy of ensuring a level playing field in all its internal elections must satisfy democratic norms and be seen to be free, fair and acceptable.

Finally, it must be stated that the party’s electoral fortunes and chances in the 2019 general elections will largely be determined by the success of the forthcoming December 9, 2017 National Convention. The way and manner it conducts primaries and congresses will also determine success at the poll in 2019.

–––Hon. Adigbo Stephen, Abuja.

willing to go in misleading SON and the general public by circumventing the law in a bid to hide the fact that their products are flavoured.

In the past, these importers had breached this provision through devious means by not properly declaring the products for which licence is procured; for instance, by using a licence for a nonflavoured brand to import a flavoured product. SON has repeatedly confirmed that the constituents of these brands of cigarettes are not in conformity with the regulatory requirements.

The danger of flavoured cigarettes becomes clearer when viewed through the prism of Illicit trade in cigarettes. Like illicit trade in conventional cigarettes, flavoured cigarettes are not licensed by regulatory authority and are usually trafficked illegally. The cigarettes have either been smuggled, counterfeited or have evaded duties after being legitimately manufactured in another country. They are priced much cheaper than approved cigarettes, and are not subjected to stringent regulation in the form of health warnings, product checks, or age verification before purchase. The greatest consequence is the fact that it robs government of its muchneeded revenue as importers of flavoured cigarettes usually evade taxes.

Moreover, compliance with prevailing industrial hygiene and safety standards is usually low. It is also important to note that proceeds from illicit trade in tobacco are used by criminal organisations to fund criminal activities such as global terrorism, human trafficking and money laundering. A 2012 Global Agenda Council of the World Economic Forum further affirmed that

“illicit trade is a big source of revenue for transnational criminal networks.”

Nigeria is losing grip on the battle against illicit trade in tobacco products as its porous land borders, poor intelligence network and corruption of due process have conspired to strengthen the sale of such tobacco products.

The problem requires concerted efforts by government, civil society groups and the private sector to tackle. There is a need for greater collaboration between agencies and stakeholders in the law enforcement business, which include the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigeria Police, the SON, and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), in ensuring that smugglers and dealers trading banned tobacco products do not compromise health standards. Lately, there has been a noticeable relaxation of the strategy adopted by a special task force set up by SON and CPC in the past, which includes constant raids on dealers in illicit tobacco products in some parts of the country as well as distribution of flyers with visuals for semi-literate and literate consumers for public enlightenment on flavoured cigarettes. No doubt, through this approach huge mileage was gained in curbing the proliferation and consumption of the product as it served as a deterrent to other offenders.

The increasing call for the implementation of the NTCA 2015 should not be limited to only the restriction of public smoking, but should also take into consideration this critical element of the regulation, which protects children from the allure of cigarettes.

––Nkemdili Nwadike, Lagos.

WHY JONATHAN IS RIGHT

W

hen former President Goodluck Jonathan claimed that Nigeria’s economy grew under his watch and Nigerians were better off in nearly all economic indices, it was no idle assertion and there is cause to agree with him fully.

The simple reason that buttresses this agreement is the fact that the word “recession” was not in the national consciousness prior to the termination of Jonathan’s tenure in 2015. When “recession” becomes part of the national dialogue it can only mean that the nation was coming from of an era of economic prosperity and now entering into economic slowdown with its attendant consequences of job losses, inflation, broken promises, and general degradation in standards of living.

The fact of job losses alone goes a long way to tell everyone that the govern-

ment that held fort prior to the period of onset of recession did well on many fronts. I think this is the point that former President Jonathan made in his speech at the Peoples Democratic Party’s convention held at Eagle Square, Abuja.

It does not do the moral position of the present government any good to try to colour the previous PDP administration as “corrupt” whereas the Jonathan team ensured material prosperity for Nigerians. Now, Nigerians would wonder if it would not be a good idea to be governed by a “corrupt” government that ensured that the price of a bag of rice was steady at around N7,800 compared to be governed by a “holy” government under whose purview the price of a bag of rice hovers somewhere between N18,500 and N19,500.

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

16

T H I S D AY SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

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INTERNATINAL

Self-determination and Global Peace: The Yoruba Standpoint on Restructuring

W

hen the principle of self-determination was initially conceived in international relations in the immediate post World War II era, it was specifically aimed at facilitating the independence of colonial peoples and territories. The United States was one of the leading factors that compelled France and the United Kingdom to grant independence to many colonial and dependent territories.

After independence, the concept of self-determination changed from seeking autonomy from colonial masters to the quest for autonomy from within existing States. While the quest for autonomy or self-governing status enjoys general international support, the quest for autonomy within existing states does not. In fact, several national Constitutions provide for national unity by force. The making of the OAU Charter made it also compulsory by adopting the principle of uti possidetis.

Explained differently, uti possidetis is the principle of sanctity of colonial frontiers, adopted in 1810 by the Latin American countries, according to which accession to national and international sovereignty must not alter existing international frontiers or boundaries of member states. Consequently, by signing or acceding to the 1963 OAU Charter, which provides for the principle, no member state of the OAU or the successor organisation, the African Union, could or can change its boundary.

Perhaps, more interestingly, wherever newly elected presidents were to be sworn in, they generally all pledged to defend and protect the territorial integrity of their countries. In an attempt to defend this principle, many governments opt for shooting wars. No country is favourably disposed to dismemberment of its constituent parts. In many cases, they also go to war when there are territorial disputes rather than accept diplomatic approaches to dispute settlement.

In the quest for the application of the principle of selfdetermination, different methods have been adopted: use of force by insurgency or secession; negotiation by consent, negotiation by ultimatum; by multilateral diplomacy. In the context of Nigeria, the proponents of Biafra are seeking self-determination by use of force while the Yoruba in the South-west are asking for the same by negotiated ultimatum. They have asked for restructuring and some other ethnic groups have indicated the possibility of noncooperation in the 2019 general election without restructuring as a fait accompli before then.

In this regard, how do we explain the quest for self-determination by ultimatum? In which way will this be helpful to peace in Nigeria and globally? The Yoruba People have been raising the need for restructuring for more than four decades now, but all to no avail.

What difference will it make this time by giving an ultimatum?

More importantly, will a post-restructuring era change the attitudinal disposition and the mental psyche of the people?

Vie Internationale observes that the quest for self-determination by ultimatum is largely prompted by the rigidity of policy pronouncement by President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB). The rigidity of the pronouncement is largely predicated on misperception, misunderstanding and misjudgement of the relevant provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, and especially the implications of the provision for international relations Without doubt, perception-induced policy can be right or wrong.

Aright policy may be good for the adopter while the targeted audience may consider it hostile. This is why in any given type of relationship – bilateral, trilateral, plurilateral or multilateral – perception largely determines the extent of warmth or goodness in it. It is in the way the advocates of restructuring perceive the polity, the way they perceive the incumbent government in the conduct and management of issues of good governance, particularly, issues dealing with fairness, justice, discipline and openness of mind, that more often explain general commitment to national unity.

Vie Internationale also observes that, because the Yoruba people have been calling for a stronger, a more functional federal system, and a more meaningful unity through restructuring for more than 40 years, their patience appears to have now reached its crescendo in the continuum of tolerance. On the other side of the story, the Yoruba are also climbing the first step of the continuum of intoler-

VIE INTERNATIONALE with

Bola A. Akinterinwa Telephone : 0807-688-2846

e-mail: bolyttag@yahoo.com

Buhari ance, the ultimate outcome of which no one can rightly predict for now.

And most importantly, Vie Internationale also observes that, unlike before, the mental disposition of Nigerians to Nigeria is also changing to the detriment of a virile and united Nigeria. Public officials steal hard-earned pensioners’ money with impunity.

PMB is fighting crimes and indiscipline, on the one hand, but also consciously encouraging it on the other hand by acquiescence. The role of the Ike-Nwachukwu-led Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in the generation of societal indiscipline is a good illustration.

We have drawn attention to it several times in the past but PMB is not interested in it. The supervisory authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly under the current Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama is keeping silent over it as well probably, because of ethnic solidarity and esprit de corps. Most unfortunately, the silence necessarily also militates against the attainment of the development objectives of PMB and why he is currently operating in a junction of conflicting anti-Nigeria interests.

By seriously and conclusively fighting corruption, he has effectively blocked all access road to embezzlement of public funds.

The thieves cannot be happy with him. Only non-thieving politicians will support PMB in anything he does or what he wants to do.

The thieving politicians do not and cannot want him alive.

Most unfortunately, however, the anti-corruption war has been unnecessarily very selective. When attention of PMB is drawn to the protection of crimes and encouragement of acts of serious misconduct at the NIIA, he kept quiet apparently in the spirit of ‘I don’t care.’ This is more than a double standard attitude in the war against societal indiscipline, which he even tenaciously started in 1984. It should be underscored at this juncture that it is the problem of a double standard-driven unfairness and injustice in the political

With the Yoruba standpoint on restructuring and PMB’s standpoint that national unity is not negotiable, Nigeria may after all be the ďŹ rst testing ground for the new nuclear and hydrogen bombs still being secretly kept by the major powers. The Ibadan Declaration is consistent with international law. It is quite silent on the use of force as a tactic. Nothing is known about the likely attitudinal disposition of the Yorubas in the event of a need to respond to eventual PMB’s use of force to suppress restructuring agitations

governance of Nigeria that largely explains the do-or-die quest for self-determination struggle in Nigeria. This self-determination struggle has the great potential to undermine regional and global peace and security, if it is not properly handled. It is within this frame of mind that the Ibadan Declaration of the Yoruba People is explicated here after.

Ibadan Declaration and Global Peace The Yoruba leaders met at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Thursday, September 7, 2017 to renew discussions on the need for political restructuring as a basis for political stability and unity. At the end of the meeting, a motion on the “Yoruba standpoint on Restructuring� was adopted. It is generally referred to as the ‘Ibadan Declaration’. The Declaration can be considered significant in many ways.

First, all the Yoruba leaders appeared to be more united than ever before on the issue. The Afenifere and the Afenifere Renewal Group, Oodua People’s Congress, Yoruba Council of Elders, leading Yoruba traditional rulers, academics, etc, were there. Second, other Southern leaders were represented. They included delegations of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which was led by Chief John Nwodo, and the South-south delegation, led by Chief Albert Horsefall. The support of the two delegations for the Yoruba Standpoint on restructuring necessarily makes the issue a North-South divide in which case, the North is against and the South is proponent. When this South versus North standpoint is considered in the context of conjectural projections, we may in the long run have Nigeria split into two main countries by beginning with regionalisation or zonalisation.

In this regard, the Ibadan Declaration is comprised of many interesting points, especially with the emphasis placed on the need to return to the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions and amending them, where necessary to respond to current challenges. One of the resolutions is that ‘a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria can only know real peace and development if it is run ONLY along federal lines.’ Besides ‘the greatest imperatives of restricting Nigeria is to move from a rent-seeking and money sharing anti-development economy to productivity by ensuring that the federating units are free to own and develop their resources. They should pay agreed sums to the federation purse to implement central services.

And perhaps most importantly, it was resolved that the ‘agreed positions of the Yoruba taken today shall form the basis of negotiations with our partners in the Nigerian project for a united Nigeria, based on justice, peace and fair play.

Some deductive major points are noteworthy from the foregoing.

By admitting that the only condition Nigerians or Nigeria can know ‘real peace and development is to engage in a true federal system, the Yoruba are also saying that there is no ‘real peace’ in Nigeria. In this case, what is real peace? When does real peace exist? Does the existence of real peace imply non-existence of kidnappings, armed robberies, political agitations, corruption?

There are also the conditions with other partners in the Nigerian project, such as 50% share of the ration of all revenues raised by means of taxation for the States, 35% to the regional government and 15% to the government of the federation, as well as the call for a special fund for the development of all minerals in the country in the next 10 years following the commencement of the operations of the new Constitution and that ‘each region shall have its own Constitution containing enumerated exclusive and concurrent legislative lists regarding matters upon which the regions and the states may act or legislate.’ Again, when the foregoing is reviewed against the background of the role of ‘perception,’ it is observed that it is how political governance is perceived, especially in terms of its inadequacies and how government has responded to them that is largely responsible for the restructuring agitation. For instance, Chief Afe Babalola, who chaired the one-day meeting in Ibadan, submitted that “restructuring ‘would enable each State to control its population, set internationally accepted standard for admission to tertiary institutions and bring back the glory of quality education to our Universities.� The main complaint inherent in this submission is that the standard of admission into tertiary colleges in Nigeria is below the normal international requirement. If there is to be real peace in Nigeria, there should be acceptable admission standard.

The perception of Chief Reuben Fasoranti is that the structure of Nigeria as at today is an impediment to the growth and development of the Yoruba nation, implying that it has become a desideratum for the Yoruba people to quickly vacate the world of under-development without any further delay. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, cannot but also admit that untruthfulness is one of the banes of political governance when he called for “truthfulness� among all the stakeholders.

And perhaps more interestingly, Chief Horsefall declared at the meeting that “we don’t want a federation run on unitary system of government.� This comment is actually the epicentral foundation for the various calls for restructuring. The belief is that the Abuja government is too powerful to the detriment of the operation of federalism at the level of the constitutive states of Nigeria. People want decentralisation of powers and only want the federal government to be responsible for the protection of limited common interests such as national currency, foreign policy, national defence, etc.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

19

͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚Ϳ Ëž T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

BUSINESS

FG August N135 Billion Bond Fails with 41.5% Subscription

An ongoing road construction project in one of the states

Kunle Aderinokun

The federal government’s N135 billion bonds issued by the Debt Management Office in August was 41.5 per cent subscribed as the agency could only raise N56.05 billion from the auction. The latest auction reflects a poor outing not experienced in the market in a very long time and is a sharp contrast to the January auction, where the bonds were sold at slightly higher rates but raised a total of N215 billion, 165.3 per cent of the amount that was on offer.

The auction for the N135 billion bonds, which proceeds the federal government plans to finance part of the deficit in the 2017 budget opened on August 23 and closed on August 25, 2017.

The bonds, floated in three tranches of N35 billion FGN Bonds, N50 billion FGN Bonds and N50 FBN Bonds were sold at 14.5 per cent, 16.2884 per cent and 16.2499 per cent respectively. They, respectively, have 5-year (July 15, 2021), 10-Year (March 17, 2027), and 20-Year (April 18, 2037) maturities.

The bond auction coincided with the open market operation (OMO) of the Central Bank of Nigeria and an FX auction also conducted by the apex bank. A total

ECONOMY

of N171billon in OMO bills was sold by CBN on Monday, August 21; Tuesday, August 22 and Wednesday, August 23 - all in the same week the DMO (Wednesday) auction failed.

The poor subscription to the bonds might not be unconnected with investors’ preference for the 1-year tenor OMO bills, which were more attractive at 18.549 per cent than the bonds that were sold at the rate of 16.80 per cent of at least 5-year tenor.

Besides, market sources reasoned that, “When you consider that over N200 billion of OMO bills were sold in the prior week, then one might argue that CBN took all the money from the system so nothing was left for the bond auction.� “Even if they had taken all the money offered at the maximum bid rate, they would have raised only N63.65 billion, a 47.1 per cent success rate. This abysmal level of interest has not been seen in a few years,� a treasurer lamented.

The results of the CBN OMO auction revealed that, a total of N171.072 billion worth of treasury bills were sold, broken down into N51.929 billion sold on August 21;

N60.866 billion sold on August 22 and N58.277 billion sold on August 23.

An industry source, who is a dealer in one of the major banks, noted: “With the 1-year tenor OMO selling for a discount rate of 18.549 per cent, this is actually a true yield of 22.60 per cent. With risk free 1-year rates at that level, there is no way long The poor subscription to the bonds might not be unconnected with investors’ preference for the 1-year tenor OMO bills, which were more attractive at 18.549 per cent than the bonds that were sold at the rate of 16.80 per cent of at least 5-year tenor

term bonds can sell in large volumes at 16.9 per cent yield. This inverted yield curve has been with us for over a year and shows no signs of normalising.�

On concerns raised on budget deficit financing, Director, Union Capital Ltd, Egie Akpata, reasoned that, “The low subscription levels of the August DMO bond auction were very unusual and so it is premature to say if it will have any impact on the FGN budget deficit funding.�

Cautioning that, “If we should have another month of such low performance this year, then a few more questions might need to be asked.� Akpata, however,

allayed the fears that the bond failure has left the government with scarce resources. “It is worth noting that in the January bond auction, DMO took up N215 billion as against an initial plan of N130 billion so there is some room to have sub par auctions and still raise the funds to finance the budget deficit.�

The director, who is a capital market operator, acknowledged that, “The CBN has successfully stabilised the exchange rate and is bringing down inflation by maintaining very tight liquidity conditions.� He, however, cautioned that, “Any deviation from that script could easily send the naira into a free fall, inflation could rise and the economy fall back into recession.� “However, it is very likely that this laser focus on liquidity management starved the August DMO bond auction of much needed demand. I would expect to see better coordination between the CBN and DMO around future auctions. At least now the FGN/DMO knows what other bond issuers face trying to issue long term debt into a market where CBN is paying up to 22.6 per cent for 1 year risk treasury bills,� he added.

LAST WEEK Economic Recovery Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udo Udoma, said the recovery of the Nigerian economy from recession was an indication that the government’s policies under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan were yielding fruit.The minister was reacting to the latest National Gross Domestic Product Report for the Second Quarter of 2017 released onTuesday by the National Bureau of Statistics. He added that this was also a confirmation that confidence was returning to the country’s economy.

NairaAppreciation The Naira appreciated against the dollar at the parallel market as it gained N1 to exchange at N364 to the dollar, stronger than N365 posted the previous Friday, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N470 and N430.Trading at the Bureau De change window saw the Naira closing at N362 to the dollar, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro traded at N470 and N430.

TaxRevenue The Federal Inland Revenue Service generated N2.11 trillion through tax collections from January to July, 2017.This was announced in a progress report of the FIRS from January to July.The aggregate revenue projected in the 2017 budget is N4.94 trillion, out of which oil revenue will contribute N1.98 trillion.This is based on an estimated crude oil production of 2.2 mbpd converted at an exchange rate of N305 to a dollar. Non-oil revenue for the year is projected at N1.37 trillion, which represents about 28 per cent of the budgeted revenue.

20

˜ ˞ SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

ECONOMY

Lagos Business District

With Positive Q2 GDP Data, Improving Business and Political Climates Necessary for Strong Growth While still basking in the euphoria of positive GDP growth, achieved in the second quarter, the federal government has been tasked to work harder to sustain the trajectory and translate the figures to tangible economic benefits for  ordinary Nigerians, reports Kunle Aderinokun

A

fter a protracted crisis, the Nigerian economy mustered its first growth in the second quarter. The economy, as reported  by the National Bureau of Statistics, at the end of the quarter, emerged out of recession, which it entered in the second quarter of 2016, having moved to the positive territory of growth, exactly a year after. According to NBS, the gross domestic product (GDP) in Q2 2017 grew by 0.55 per cent (year-on-year) in real terms, showing an increase of  2.04 per cent  over  the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2016 ( –1.49 per cent). The growth was also higher by 1.46 per cent points from rate recorded in the preceding quarter, (revised to –0.91 per cent from –0.52 per cent). Quarter on quarter, real GDP growth was 3.23 per cent.  BREAKDOWN Accounting for  a significant boost  to the GDP growth was the oil and gas sector, which the statistics agency pointed out, grew by 1.6 per cent year on year in Q2 2017 compared to the -11.6 per cent year on year of the corresponding quarter in 2016. The relative peace and stability in the oil-rich Niger Delta over a period of time provided the requisite fillip for oil production, in particular  and the economy, in general. During the review quarter, oil production was estimated to have averaged 1.84 million barrels per day (mbpd), which was 0.15 million barrels higher than the daily average production recorded in Q1 2017. Oil production during the quarter was higher by 0.03 million barrels per day relative to the corresponding quarter in 2016, which recorded an output of 1.81 mbpd.  Besides, the non-oil sector, which in real terms, represented  91.11 per cent share of  the GDP, grew by 0.45 per cent in the review quarter, which was 0.83 per cent higher than the rate recorded in the corresponding quarter in 2016 and -0.28 per cent point lower than in the first quarter.

The major drivers of growth in the non-oil sector were agriculture, finance & insurance, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply and other services. Agriculture  showed strong trend  of growth, increasing by 3.01 per cent in Q2 2017, from 3.39 per cent in Q1 2017 and

REAL GDP PERIOD

Q1

Q2

2016

N16.087 trn

N16.349 trn

2017

N15.919 trn

N16.450 trn

Q3 N17.775 trn

Q4 N18.439 trn

REAL GDP GROWTH RATE (YEAR ON YEAR) PERIOD 2016 2017

Q1 -0.36% -0.91% (revised)

4.53 per cent in Q2 2016.

Likewise, manufacturing  maintained its positive growth for the second consecutive quarter in Q2 2017, growing at 0.64 per cent compared to 1.36 per cent in Q1 2017 and -3.36 per cent in Q2 2016. While trade which has a dominant share of GDP remained negative at -1.62 per cent, the contraction in the sector decelerated from the -3.08 per cent recorded in Q1 2017.  Besides, electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, and financial institutions sectors also recorded strong growths, with electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning growing by 35.5 per cent in real terms, compared to -5.04 per cent in Q1 2017 and -10.46 per cent in Q2 2016 and financial institutions growing by 11.78 per cent in Q2 2017, compared to 0.60 per cent in Q1 2017 and -13.24 per cent in Q2 2016.

The results also showed that the industry sector grew positively by 1.45 per cent in Q2 2017, after nine consecutive quarters of negative growth since Q4 2014.

When measured as a percentage of GDP, services retained the bulk of the GDP at 53.73 per cent in Q2 2017, down by 1.94 per cent points (55.67 per cent) from the first quarter of 2017 and 54.80 per cent in Q2 2016. Industries accounted for 23.31 per cent of GDP, compared to 22.90 recorded in Q1 2017 and 22.65 per cent in Q1 2016 while agriculture accounted for 22.97 per cent of GDP in the quarter under review, compared to 21.43 per cent in Q1 2017

Q2 -2.06%

Q3 -2.24%

Q4 -1.30%

0.55 % and 22.55 per cent in Q2 2016.

BEYOND EXPECTATION For the 12 months that the economy was in the woods, several projections, estimations and postulations were made by experts on the fate of the economy. While most of them had predicted that Nigeria would finish the year with a positive GDP growth rate, the economy exited recession faster than they had calculated.  For instance, both the International Monetary Fund and the Economist Intelligence Unit had projected that the economy would grow by 0.8 per cent by the end this year. But the CBN had also forecast that the economy would exit recession in the third quarter of this year.

Indications that the economy would exit recession faster than envisaged were, however, rife with the improved capital importation figures for Q2 2017 released by NBS.  CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM The news of the economy emerging from  recession was greeted with cautious optimism by the federal government. The government was concerned that despite the positive feat  recorded, the growth remained fragile  and vulnerable.  The Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Yemi Dipeolu, cautioned that the economy remained vulnerable to “exogenous shocks or policy slippages.�

Dipeolu, who said the end of the recession

was welcome, reasoned nonetheless that it was imperative to intensify the implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) as well as diversification of the economy to achieve the desired results.

According to him, “Overall, the end of the recession is welcome but economic growth remains fragile and vulnerable to exogenous shocks or policy slippages. Accordingly, it remains essential to intensify efforts going forward on the implementation of the ERGP to achieve desired outcomes including sustained inclusive growth, further diversification of the economy, the creation of jobs and improved business conditions.� Dipeolu, who stated that the GDP figures gave cause for “cautious optimism� in the face of falling inflation, pointed out that unemployment and food inflation have remained high as a result of the cost of transportation and what he described as seasonal factors. “The GDP figures give grounds for cautious optimism, especially as inflation has continued to fall from 18.72 per cent in January 2017 to 16.05 per cent in July 2017. “Foreign exchange reserves have similarly improved from a low of $24.53 in September 2016 to about $31 billion in August 2017. “Unemployment, however, remains relatively high, but job creation is expected to improve as businesses and employers increasingly respond more positively to the significantly improving business environment and favourable economic outlook. “Besides, as key sectoral reforms in both oil and non-oil sectors gain traction, the successful implementation of ERGP initiatives such as N-Power and the social housing scheme will boost job creation.

Amid the caution also came the statement

by President Muhammadu Buhari that the real impact of the end of recession would be better felt when ordinary Nigerians experience a meaningful improvement in living standards.

According to the statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari spoke while receiving the President of Niger, Alhaji Mahamadou Issoufou, in Daura, Katsina State.

Shehu noted that Buhari was “very happy�

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͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚Ϳ Ëž T H I S DAY, T H E S U N DAY N E W S PA P E R

ECONOMY to hear that the country was finally out of the recession, adding that the real gain would be improved living standards for Nigerians.

He quoted the president as saying, “Certainly I should be happy for what it is worth. I am looking forward to ensuring that the ordinary Nigerian feels the impact.�

The statement added that Buhari commended all managers of the economy for their hard work and commitment, observing that more work needed to be done to improve the growth rate. “Until coming out of recession translates into the meaningful improvement in peoples’ lives, our work cannot be said to be done,� the president was quoted to have said.  NO IMPACT Following the latest GDP report, analysts have indicated that the figures did not represent or portray the reality on ground as the impact of the economic improvement and emergence from recession had not been felt by ordinary Nigerians. Offering reasons why the impact of the economic turnaround were yet to be felt,  the Statistician General of the Federation, Dr. Yemi Kale, explained  that growth in the services sector remained in the negative territory, making it difficult for the citizenry to feel the impact of the slight uptick in economic output.

Kale, who briefed the media in Abuja a day after release of the GDP figures, cautioned that the growth that ended the recession was fragile, calling for concerted efforts to sustain growth in diverse sectors of the economy.

According to him, “To say that there’s no growth because you don’t feel it is incorrect, there is growth. It’s up to the government to create policies to ensure that the benefit of growth is spread across properly. “The inability to spread it across properly doesn’t mean the growth doesn’t exist. At the time there is a recession, some people are making huge amounts of money, that is the truth. “The time we were growing at 6 per cent, a majority of the population did not feel it, but those who were feeling it did. “How many Nigerians entered the Forbes Rich List in the last ten years? Did we have Nigerians in Forbes before? It shows that there’s growth in economic activities, it’s just that there’s a problem with the distribution of the benefits across the country.�  ANALYSTS SPEAK In their assessment, economic analysts and market watchers have said Nigeria’s movement to the positive territory of economic growth was welcoming,  but not yet time to roll out the drums.  While stating that it might take a while for the impact of the growth to be felt by Nigerians, the analysts tasked the government to improve the business and political climates with a view to driving  accelerated growth. Managing Director and Chief Economist, Africa, Global Research, Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan, stated that, notwithstanding  the emergence of the Nigerian economy from recession in Q2 2017 was welcomed, the underlying picture still pointed to weakness.  “An acceleration in growth was almost expected, given the improvement in oil sector performance. However, the slowing of Q2 2017 non-oil GDP is a concern. It means recovery is not necessarily going to happen in a straight line. The pace of reform will be important,� Khan, however, indicated.

Khan added: “The move back into positive territory for Nigerian GDP growth will be welcomed. That said, growth of 0.6per cent y/y does substantially undershoot the consensus estimate. We ourselves had expected stronger growth, not least because of the extremely weak base (-2.06per cent y/y). While improved oil production has driven some of the recovery, the output numbers provided by NBS (1.84mn bpd) suggest that further upside from this source might be limited.�  “We also need to take into account that the revised estimate for Q1 GDP growth had an even sharper contraction in GDP at the start of the year (0.91per cent y/y from -0.52per cent previously). So while many will focus on the headline move back into positive territory, some of that optimism must necessarily be tempered. This is not at all a robust GDP print. It still falls far short of the growth rates the Nigerian economy should be achieving,� the chief economist pointed out.

Khan therefore expressed the optimism that, “an improved FX backdrop will see further acceleration in the non-oil GDP performance over the coming months. Improved execution of the capital expenditure budget should also help.�   Also, Director, Union Capital, Egie Akpata,  said the confirmation of the economy exiting recession was

Source: NBS

Source: NBS

largely expected, pointing out that,  “This expectation has probably been priced into the equities market.�

Akpata, who posited that, �The NBS confirmation that we are out of recession is a good psychological boost to the confidence of investors and key players in the economy,� however,  lamented that, “The immediate impact to the common man might not be felt for a few months as it will take a while for increased confidence to be translated to increased wages or job opportunities.�

According to him, “A GDP growth rate of 0.55per cent compared to a population growth rate of 3per cent implies reducing per capita income for Nigerians. Coupled with 16per cent inflation and astronomical interest rates, it is clear that the consumer is likely to be under pressure for a while.� The CBN, Akpata believed,  “will now be under increased pressure to do something about interest rates which are effectively 22.6per cent risk free.� “Clearly, productive investments cannot happen in a system where government paper is the most profitable investment around. How the CBN manages interest rate reductions without a negative impact on the current stable exchange rate is open to debate.�

For the CEO, National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria (NCCN), Matthias Chika Mordi, it was a positive development for capital providers. He, however, cautioned that, “the GDP growth was tenuous,� pointing out that, “a revision of Q3 figures down the line might reveal a slight contraction.�

Mordi noted that, “Of deep concern is the actual reduction in average income. Year-on-year population growth is 2 percentage points above the GDP growth which means average income for Nigerians declined 2 per cent in Q3.� According to him, “It will take consistent growth in excess of 7 per cent for 19 years to return Nigerians to the average income they had in 2015.� He, therefore, pointed out that, “The challenge for policy makers is to provide an improved environment for accelerated growth. The takeaway is that better business and political climates positively impact GDP.�

In his view, CEO, Global Analytics Consulting Ltd, Tope Fasua, maintained that, “the recession was unnecessary in the first place, and what caused and deepened it was not anything cyclical.� “Economists should not create excuses for

themselves. Even the prices of crude oil should not be so consequential to the economy if we were serious and were not in the business of self-protection.

We should think for the collective. The recession was caused by the mismanagement of the Naira.

There was a time the government decided it would stop providing for some legitimate transactions and that people should go sort themselves out. Of course people did. And the market was chaotic. “While we stopped funding foreign education (even for those studying online), and health tourism, our government officials did just that with public money, thereby eroding credibility from the system.

Since these spendings are emotive, we know what happened. Naira fell to N540 to the Dollar and that had immediate impact everywhere in our import-dependent economy. Workers lost jobs, banks, telecoms, manufacturing, services, all shed workers. Companies closed down outrightly. And those who remained afloat adjusted prices upwards, sometimes by 100per cent! Especially food and other basics. There was shut-in of productivity all over the economy,� he recalled.

Fasua advised government to learn to “be fair and never be that lethargic� towards what the people want. Besides, he added that, “We should also save the celebration for now and work harder to reposition the economy instead. “Finally we should move ahead of GDP; it is a weak and inefficient measure of economic performance. There are better measures if we are really serious, which will help us measure what matters - like access to education and health, food poverty, longevity, and the critical issues. It's galling that our economic managers keep ignoring these issues,� he suggested.  GOING FORWARD Realising that the dynamics in the economy have changed, some analysts have revised their projections.

Analysts at Renaissance Capital noted: �We are revising our 2017 GDP growth forecast up, to 0.7per cent vs 0.5per cent previously, owing to a more favourable outlook for oil output. They, however,  believed  “the non-oil sector’s recovery will be constrained by sluggish demand, which is reflected in YoY credit growth of -0.1per cent in July, vs 19.9per cent a year earlier (Figure

5). The downside risk to our growth outlook is a resumption in attacks on oil facilities that results in output falling.�

Analysing the Q2 2017 GDP data, the Renaissance Capital posited: “Nigeria grew 0.5per cent YoY in 2Q17 vs -1.5per cent YoY a year earlier. The oil & gas and financial services sectors pulled the economy out of recession. Outside agriculture, the non-oil sector remains weak. This is mainly because real estate and trade, which account for 25per cent of GDP, are still in recession. Owing to a more favourable outlook for oil output, we revise our 2017 growth forecast up, to 0.7per cent vs 0.5per cent previously. However, sluggish demand leads us to believe the recovery will be pedestrian. “Nigeria’s oil & gas sector grew in 2Q17, after contracting for six quarters. The extractive sector grew 1.6per cent YoY vs -11.6per cent YoY a year earlier, on the back of an increase in oil production to an average of 1.9mn b/d, vs 1.8mn b/d over the same period (Figure 4). We think the repair of the Trans-Forcados pipeline, which led to output of c. 200k b/d coming back on stream in June, and the tripling of the budget for the amnesty programme for Niger Delta militants, partly explain the improvement in oil output. We think it is too early to say whether the oil sector’s return to growth is the start of a trend; the last time the oil sector grew for longer than a quarter was in 2011. “The non-oil sector grew by a modest 1.1per cent YoY in 2Q17, compared with -0.4per cent YoY a year earlier. The sector continues to be weighed down by the underperforming services sector. Agriculture is the staple contributor to GDP growth, due to its size (23per cent of GDP) and consistent 3-4per cent growth. Manufacturing’s moderate recovery in 2017, following almost two years of decline, has been led by food and beverages. The sub-sector grew by 2.7per cent YoY in 2Q17 vs -5.5per cent YoY a year earlier. We believe the improvement in FX liquidity has contributed to the pick-up in activity in the manufacturing sector. Textiles has also shown modest growth YtD after declining for most of 2016. However, the cement sector continues to underperform; it declined by 4.2per cent YoY in 2Q17, vs a contraction of 5.5per cent YoY a year earlier. “Finance is the outlier from the services sector; it grew 11.8per cent YoY in 2Q17, vs a decline of 13.2per cent a year earlier. This made it the second-biggest contributor to GDP growth in 2Q17. This we partly attribute to banks investing in high-yielding government securities, which is profitable on a risk-adjusted basis. Finance’s performance was not strong enough to counter the decline in trade and real estate. Trade (a good gauge for the consumer – see Figure 3) contracted by 1.6per cent YoY in 2Q17 vs zero growth in 2Q16.

The real estate sector declined by a slower rate of 3.5per cent YoY vs 5.3per cent YoY over the same period. On the upside, public administration – the government – grew for the first time since 4Q14, when the oil price collapsed.�

Similarly, analysts at FBN Capital, an arm of FBN Holdings Plc, stated: “Turning to the Q3 2017 data, we see positive base effects: Q3 2016 was the low point in the recession of five quarters and saw particularly low oil output of 1.61 mbpd, at least according to the latest revised figures. We are looking for GDP growth of at least 1.3per cent y/y in the current quarter.� Reviewing the latest GDP data, they stated: “The NBS has released the national accounts for Q2 2017 to show an end to the recession with growth of 0.6per cent y/y (after a downward revision to -0.9per cent for the previous quarter).

Our expectation was GDP growth of 1.6per cent y/y in Q2 on the basis of some recovery in both the oil and the non-oil economies. That for oil did materialize but the data for the non-oil economy gave mixed signals. These include a contraction in telecommunications and information, and growth in public administration, which were both firsts for at least two years. “The GDP data for Q1 was adjusted because oil output has been revised downwards from 1.83 mbpd to 1.69 mbpd. Just three months ago, the NBS lowered its output figures for the four quarters of 2016. Any criticism should be levelled not at the bureau but at the failure of the authorities to produce a single trusted data series for oil output. We do not think this is too demanding a task. “Oil’s share of real GDP amounted to 8.9per cent in Q2 2017 and is now only the fifth largest in the economy: it is topped in descending order by agriculture, trade, information and communications, and manufacturing. Through its linkages across other sectors, however, the indirect oil economy may be as large as 40per cent of GDP. “The expenditure-based GDP series only runs to Q3 2016. Listed company reports and anecdotal evidence, however, point to still soft household demand.�

22

˜ ˞ SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

BUSINESS/ENERGY

Despite Completion of 10 Power Plants

by NDPHC, Gas Supply Still a Challenge Having successfully realised the mandate of building 10 medium-sized gas-powered plants worth $7.1 billion through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, the next step for the federal government is to incentivise investment in domestic gas aggregation, processing and supply to effectively fire the stations, which at the moment are largely gas-starved. Ejiofor Alike reports

N

igeria has grappled with myriad developmental problems and top on the list is the inability to guarantee reliable electricity supply to millions of its citizens for domestic and industrial use. The failure to provide uninterrupted power has been a major hindrance to the country’s industrialisation and economic prosperity.

The country had tried various measures to try to meet the power challenge; the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo initiated a most comprehensive scheme, the National Integrated Power Project, funded by the three tiers of government.

The NIPP, funded by the federal government and all the states and local governments in Nigeria, was to fast track power generation and delivery. With this project, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company was established as a special purpose company owned by the three tiers of government and tasked with the responsibility of implementing the NIPP.

GAS PLANTS The NIPP was a major key to bringing in steady and uninterrupted electricity supply with the construction of 10 gas- ďŹ red power plants, with seven of them situated in the Niger Delta for ease of access to gas feedstock. This $7.1 billion generation asset was to deliver 4,771 megawatts of electricity, which will be transmitted and distributed across the country.

NIPP, managed by the NDPHC, was a gas-for-power initiative, like the Marshall Plan, gas being Nigeria’s most reliable source of power ahead of hydro.

As the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said, “The simplest way to put it is that we do not have enough power‌power cannot be steady unless it is enough. Not only must it be enough, we must create excess capacity.’’ This is where the NDPHC’s mandate and purposeful leadership come to the fore.

Electrcity transformer

GAS SHORTAGE The NIPP scheme has succeeded in building power plants but without ensuring effective gas supply to them. The power plants include the 451MWcapacity Ihovbor Power Plant built by Maurbeni Engineering West Africa Limited in Benin, Edo State; the 561MW-capacity Calabar Power Plant at Ikot Nyong, near Calabar, built by Maurbeni Engineering; the 451MW-capacity Sapele II Power Plant built also by Maurbeni in Ogorode, Sapele in Delta State; and the 434MW-capacity Geregu II Power Station built in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, by Siemens Nigeria Limited.

Others are the 676MW-capacity Olorunsogo II Power Plant built in Olorunsogo in Ogun State by SEPCO III Electric Power Construction Corporation of China and the 451MW-capacity Omotosho II Power Plant built by China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State. The two other power stations, which were all built by Rockson Engineering, are 961MW-capacity Alaoji Power Plant in Abia State and the 225MW-capacity Gbarain Power Plant in Gbarain Ubie, Bayelsa State.

Also built by Rockson are the 338MW-capacity Egbema Power Plant located near Owerri in Imo State and the 225MW-capacity Omoku II Power Plant in Rivers State.

ONUS Though gas supplies to these plants are outside the mandate of the NDPHC, many believe it is the leadership of the company that should be put on the spot with regard to the task of ensuring adequate gas supply to the stations to launch Nigeria into economic boom.

There are individuals and companies, who want to invest in the domestic gas aggregation, processing and supply business. This huge market requires investment, and the present administration has assured investors of fair play. But there is need for a committed leadership to drive this goal, many analysts have said.

According to the Nigeria Vision 2020 Report of the Energy Sector National Technical Working Group, the energy sector should be the major engine of

Nigeria’s sustainable social, economic and industrial growth, delivering affordable and constant energy supply efďŹ ciently to other sectors of the economy to fuel growth.

Nigeria has enough gas reserves to power the economy. It is not running out of gas. It also has the wherewithal to build accompanying power plants.

Where then lies the problem? Analysts say what is needed is an efďŹ cient body of manpower, with considerable discipline and patriotic dedication by the country’s chief executive and leadership, to properly harness the abundant potential and power Africa’s largest economy.

The NDPHC, established with a mandate to implement the 10 gas-ďŹ red power plants to fast track power generation and delivery, should also be involved.

ENERGY SECTOR’S LINKAGE TO GDP The Nigerian economy has its various sectors linked and energy is a major input that should turn the whole wheel. The energy sector was strategic to the development of the Western world. In fact, it is the main determinant of the West’s progress, apart from constitutional rule, good national policies and efďŹ cient and dedicated manpower. If Nigeria is to rise to its expected position in world affairs, it must start with reducing its poverty level, improve productivity and enhance the quality of life of its people. The institutional framework to get all these achieved, apart from stable constitutional rule and good national policies, is the efďŹ ciency of the energy sector, especially capacity to successfully harness the huge natural energy reserves.

According to a former Federal Permanent Secretary, Chief Philip Asiodu,“There is a direct relation between total energy consumption and growth of GDP.�

Nigeria’s attainment of constant power will naturally shoot up its investment attraction and gear up a viable sector of small and medium scale industries and enterprises.

The attendant economic boom and prosperity will quadruple and poverty level will reduce. However, despite Nigeria’s large reserves of energy resources,

According to the Advisory Power Team, OfďŹ ce of the Vice President of Nigeria, only nine per cent of gas produced in Nigeria is domestically utilised for power generation.The team said in its report that 41 per cent of gas produced is exported to the international market, while 10 per cent of the gas produced is still being ared

the level of energy consumption and consequently GDP have remained low. In creating the NDPHC, the government aimed to merge the blessings of the country’s huge natural gas reserves with efďŹ cient power plants, which are to be turned on by gas. The intended result will be constant energy for accelerated development. But that has not been achieved.

OPPORTUNITY But Nigeria’s low levels of energy consumption and power deďŹ cit actually present an opportunity for the NDPHC. According to the Advisory Power Team, OfďŹ ce of the Vice President of Nigeria, only nine per cent of gas produced in Nigeria is domestically utilised for power generation. The team said in its report that 41 per cent of gas produced is exported to the international market, while 10 per cent of the gas produced is still being ared.

In fact, more gas is ared than used for power generation. It will take strong government policies and an efďŹ cient body to handle its allotted gas,

and provide power for Nigeria’s domestic energy needs. An optimal utilisation will lead to sustainable development.

FUTURE ROLE OF ENERGY The NDPHC, which is now conforming to international best practices, is surmounting its challenges and working to achieve results. It is working on a well-connected and functioning gas pipeline network, with corresponding uninterrupted supply of gas, to deliver the beneďŹ ts of energy as a springboard for economic growth. The company, Nigeria’s own Marshal Plan for the energy sector, is actively occupied with the optimal utilisation of the existing power plants built under the NIPP, funded by the three tiers of Nigeria’s government, to which the NDPHC is accountable under the board headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The company is working hard to meet the energy needs of households and the larger Nigerian economy’s demand for constant energy, especially for the major political and industrial cities.

In Abuja, for example, the aggregate infrastructural development since its inception over 35 years ago is put at about 25 per cent. Over 90 per cent of allocated plots are not developed. Getting to its full potential in terms of development will depend on energy. For modern infrastructure in transportation, telecommunications, hospitality, real estate, even the Abuja Industrial Park, to be optimally functional, power is key.

Since the amount of energy used determines productivity, the NDPHC has its work cut out and occupies a strategic place in the Nigerian political economy. The huge tonnage of goods produced by industries has to be carried by road, rail, water and air. The modern infrastructure for all these rests mainly on energy.

Nigeria has the proven gas reserves for adequate energy supply. But it requires the determination and collaboration of relevant stakeholders as well as political will on the part of the federal government to turn the enormous potential into a solution to the country’s huge energy deďŹ cit.

23

˜ ˞ SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

BUSINESS/ENERGY

$200m Local Content Fund Kindles Hope for Oil Industry Renaissance Nigeria moves to increase indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector with a $200 million local content support fund, writes Chineme Okafor

A worker on an oil platform

T

he Nigerian Content Intervention Fund, endowed by the Nigerian Content Development Management Board, was recently re-launched with an enlarged pool of $200 million. Available for lending to eligible indigenous players in the country’s oil and gas industry, NCDMB signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Industry for the management of the fund. The money is expected to strengthen the hands of indigenous companies and ultimately increase the proportion of the total activities in the oil and gas sector carried out by local operators. The $200 million intervention fund – also called NCI Fund – would be disbursed directly by the BoI at eight per cent interest rate and repaid within five years. Â

OBJECTIVEÂ

 The objectives include helping to keep indigenous service providers in the oil and gas sector busy with project execution, as well as reduce the costs incurred by operators in the course of carrying out projects.

According to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, the fund would, in addition to a condensed contracting cycle, contribute to efforts at driving down the cost of producing oil and gas in Nigeria.

At the MoU signing ceremony in Abuja, Kachikwu explained the relevance of the fund to the industry. He spoke of his target to drive the amount up to $1 billion soon, adding that with such capacity, indigenous service providers will be far better.

Kachikwu stated, “I congratulate you, it is a huge milestone. It is our hope that this, as small as it is –$200 million, in the purview of a $16 billion type activities is very small – will ginger everybody to begin to look at how to expand this fund. “My goal for this fund is $1 billion, and once it is launched today, I will have to set up a team that will work internally to first of all get to BoI and ask what their counterpart support for this is because the fund is not just going to sit in BoI. I expect the BoI to support as well as the oil industry.â€? Â

CLOSING THE FUNDING GAP

 Speaking on the government’s expectations from the fund, Kachikwu noted that it aimed to achieve geographical and sectoral spread, in addition to being used to fund projects that involve cutting-edge technologies, among others.

He explained that the fund should be able to provide indigenous players in the industry some cutting edge solutions to their challenges of finding cheap funds to execute their projects.

According to him, “Today’s event is significant for the oil and gas industry and the Nigerian economy because the NCI Fund being launched today has been long expected and will go a long way in addressing the funding challenges which hamper the growth and success of indigenous manufacturers, service providers and other key players in the sector.�

Kachikwu added, “Over the years, Nigerian companies have found it difficult competing with their counterparts from jurisdictions where funding is accessible for five per cent or less as compared

Over the years, Nigerian companies have found it difficult competing with their counterparts from jurisdictions where funding is accessible for five per cent or less as compared to our market where bank lending rates hover around 20 per cent‌.

It is a known fact that the exorbitant cost of funds in our market is partly responsible for the high cost of service delivery by Nigerian Oil and Gas Service Providers (NOSPs) and this feeds into the unacceptable high cost of our crude oil production

to our market where bank lending rates hover around 20 per cent.�

The minister explained that because Nigerian banks were unable to give out loans to service providers in the sector, as well as understand the operations of the industry, the BoI was chosen to manage the fund and give out loans at discounted rates to jumpstart the industry.

He stated, “Some Nigerian banks are still unable to provide long-term financing required by the local supply chain to build needed capacity; the banks also lack sufficient knowledge of the oil and gas sector. The pedigree and operating model of the Bank of Industry is expected to close this gap. “It is a known fact that the exorbitant cost of funds in our market is partly responsible for the high cost of service delivery by Nigerian Oil and Gas Service Providers (NOSPs) and this feeds into the unacceptable high cost of our crude oil production.â€? Â

IMMEDIATE TARGETS Â The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, disclosed that part of the immediate targets of the intervention fund was to support the efforts of the government to end importation of petrol by 2019, by providing the financial backbone for the fabrications of modular refineries in the country.

Wabote stated that already, the board had engaged Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on this.

He said, “We have also keyed into the drive of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources to put a stop to the importation of petroleum products. For us in the NCDMB, our strategic initiative is to achieve 100 per cent local fabrication of our modular refineries. “We have commenced discussions with OEMs and local fabricators to make this a reality. We have set aside areas in oil and gas back scheme for practical training on operations, maintenance and running of modular refineries as a sustainable business model and for fabrication of the units.�

Kachikwu stated that he expected an effective application of the $200 million fund to contribute positively to Nigeria’s plan to reduce the cost of producing oil from $32 per barrel to $15/b. He explained that at a single-digit lending interest, the fund will address the funding challenges which he said had hampered the growth and success

of indigenous manufacturers, service providers and other key players in the country’s oil sector.

Speaking further on the target of the fund, the minister requested oil companies in Nigeria to work hard to cut down their cost of producing oil from the average of $32 per barrel to $15. He maintained that with the availability of cheap finance for service providers, oil companies’ repeated excuses of militancy as part of the reasons for high production costs would no longer be tenable. According to him, Nigeria’s target to produce a barrel of oil at $15 is crucial for it to compete favourably with other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries for oil market share.

Kachikwu said, “A lot of debate about the cost of production is on. $32 was the figure quoted from me, and $23 which the NNPC has quoted.

The reality is that production in our offshore is in excess of $32 per barrel, no doubt about that, and production onshore was ranging about $28.

NNPC has done a good job of bringing it down to $23, but that is not over yet. Where we are headed is $15 and not $18. “We must be able to look at our OPEC brothers in the face and be able to compete favourably. If you look at it today, the rundown is that we are the second or third country with the highest production cost figure. “The issue of militancy and all that, we can no longer explain that. We have had militancy for so long that by now we must have alternatives in defence of that. Oil companies must rise to the challenges of producing oil in this country and we cannot produce oil in an environment we are unable to with certainty say what the pricing is going to be and continue to run a high cost model - it will not work. We must drive those numbers down and so for clarity on this issue, the target is $15 per barrel.�

The minister said that contracting cycle for projects in the industry must come down to within six months to reflect on the production cost, adding, “I have been very frank from day one that there is no reason why this country should have a contracting cycle that is in excess of six months. “Today, we have moved it from 18 to 24 months, down to 13 to 14 – it is still struggling, but we must put speed to this because it costs money and has a direct linkage with my philosophy that we must reduce the cost of production.�

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Dan Kunle: Reopening Ajaokuta-Abuja-KadunaKano Gas Pipeline Project is Uneconomical Mr. Dan Kunle, an energy finance expert, questions the rationale behind the decision of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to continue the 650 kilometres Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project. Kunle says the project is as uneconomical as it is ill-timed, in this interview with Chineme Okafor. Excerpts: How economically viable is the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline? am not very happy about the way some of these strategic national projects are being handled. AKK was a dream of the 70s; it was a gas pipeline that would have come long ago, that is Escravos to Oben to Ajaokuta to Abuja to Kaduna, and maybe later to Kano, because it was to follow the crude oil pipeline that was feeding Kaduna refinery. In those days, gas was not a priority in the energy mix of the world, and during the Shagari regime, the line got to Ajaokuta to feed the steel rolling mill there, which had a captive power plant. The line was to continue to Abuja and Kaduna for NAFCON, which was to produce ammonia urea, an active ingredient for fertiliser production. So Nigeria had a good comparative and competitive advantage as at that time because the international gas price was very low and its use was becoming very pronounced for industrial feedstock and energy mix.

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But down the line we missed the opportunity between 1983 and 1999. We didn’t move the gas pipeline to Abuja or Kaduna. There is also supposed to be Eket to Umuahia to Ajaokuta gas line to move about 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day to Ajaokuta, but where is that leg of the project?

Now, in 1999, President Obasanjo tried to continue the project, and got the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) to form a consortium with POSCO and KEPCO, to move the line from Ajaokuta to Abuja and Kaduna then Kano. He put two upstream assets in the hands of KNOC, and asked them to build the gas line as the midstream and downstream component of their investment, and MoU was signed and executed. KEPCO was to build 1, 000 megawatts power plant in Abuja and another 900MW in Mando, Kaduna, to take gas fuel from the pipeline.

In a way, the dream to build ammonia urea was played down because the cost of gas is a major factor for any fertiliser plants.

If the cost of gas is too high, the output would be too expensive and uncompetitive, and the government considered power generation a better option, and it looked politically and economically wise.

Today, I am not sure if we have evaluated the situation with AKK. Is it still viable enough today, tomorrow and 30 years down the line, or is it a transaction that would tie the government to paying subsidy for a long time in the future? And what is the cost of that subsidy? I still ask, should we take raw materials that are 700 kilometres away to the market and through what means, or should we take ďŹ nished products from that distance to the market?

If we take gas from Niger Delta to Ajaokuta and continue to Kano, and add up the Capex and production cost, what will be the unit cost of whatever product that would be produced. This transaction needs a serious calibration. For instance again, what is the cost of transporting wheat to the milling plants in the North as compared to transporting finished flour for bakeries in the North? Will this affect the prices of bread and other product from the bakeries?

Nigeria has comparative advantage in gas, but do we have competitive advantage to produce and distribute gas across Nigeria?

If we can localise gas processing industries within the gas province and utilise them properly, then we can take the products to feed the rest of the country.

Kunle

Are you suggesting that the demand for gas in the North cannot sustain the line’s construction and maintenance? Luckily, I am a northerner from Kogi, and grew up in Kaduna. We have vast and good land in the North, but we need cheap fertiliser in the North because we can grow food for Africa. If we can locate huge gas deposits in Borno or Bida basin, we can locate ammonia urea plant there and use the gas from there.

But as at today, to pipe gas from the Niger Delta all the way to Kano, and looking at the international price of gas, how would it give me a competitive advantage in agriculture.

I need cheap fertiliser but how will the gas that is already priced internationally feed the ammonia urea plant in Kaduna to give me cheap fertiliser and give me competitive advantage in agriculture?

It is better to allow a robust gas infrastructure developed by the government and private investors around the gas provinces, and then get the ďŹ nished products to support the competitive and comparative advantage of the North in agriculture.

Again, take the form industry, which uses polyol. Why should you truck huge volumes of polyol all the way from the seaport in the South to Kano when you can easily truck the ďŹ nished products and sell at reduced costs?

Why should gas be piped to the North and the subsidy that government could, perhaps, use to subsidise health or education would be used to subsidise gas supply up North? Â Beyond cost, how do you see the possibility of adequate gas supply to the AKK pipeline?

Who produces gas and at what cost? We must go back to these fundamental questions because at the moment, the gas reaching Ajaokuta is not enough. There are two big gas power plants of about 430MW each – Geregu 1 and 2 – which are owned by Forte Oil and Niger Delta Power Holdings. These are very good power plants but mostly under-producing because there are no sufďŹ cient and qualitative volumes coming to them. If Ajaokuta that is not more than 350 kilometres from Niger Delta cannot get sufďŹ cient gas, how would

Who produces gas and at what cost? We must go back to these fundamental questions because at the moment, the gas reaching Ajaokuta is not enough. There are two big gas power plants of about 430MW each – Geregu 1 and 2 – which are owned by Forte Oil and Niger Delta Power Holdings. These are very good power plants but mostly under-producing because there are no sufďŹ cient and qualitative volumes coming to them. If Ajaokuta that is not more than 350 kilometres from Niger Delta cannot get sufďŹ cient gas, how would gas get to Kano and at what cost

gas get to Kano and at what cost?

We must also amortise the Capex and Opex for the gas pipeline for a number of years, and then calibrate the price of, maybe, power that would be produced with the gas that it would supply to come to terms with the reality. As a northerner, I would advise the federal government to speed up the Mambila hydro plant and other hydro plants in the North.  Do you think the federal government has the funds for this gas pipeline?  My answer is yes; in afďŹ rmative because the government has all that it would take to build any project it wants. The question is not really about ďŹ nancial capacity but economic viability. If you run the numbers and it is good, I have nothing against it.

But we must really sit down to evaluate the project, is it really worth it?  What about the security issues, as the crude pipeline to Kaduna reďŹ nery is almost inoperative due mainly to such issues?

The crude pipeline was to carry heavy crude from Venezuela and Basra in Iraq because it is blend crude that the reďŹ nery needs to produce Linear Alkaline Benzene. And Gen. T.Y Danjuma built a petrochemical plant by that reďŹ nery to use the by-product from the petrochemical complex of the reďŹ nery as feedstock to his petrochemical complex.

But the project failed, and that is even a private venture. Crude never got to Kaduna reďŹ nery sufďŹ ciently and it never worked at an optimal level.  Are you afraid that the fate of the Kaduna reďŹ nery may befall the AKK even if it is completed?  Exactly! If you ďŹ nish the pipeline, you may not have enough gas to put on it because the problems that made us not have enough crude for the reďŹ nery are still there staring at us. No government has resolved them.

These problems include social problems – the communities and their relationships with the government and oil producers. Government is also still too much involved in the production of oil and gas because the two key companies involved – NGC and NPDC – are still owned by the government and it would be difďŹ cult for a third-party to come in and take up the project because when they run the numbers, they will discover the difďŹ culties.  What would you advise the government to, instead, do with the funds it has earmarked for the AKK pipeline project? I would rather they use the money to develop Mambila, build electricity transmission infrastructure and loop everywhere, and build rail network to connect people and places.  Do you suspect that NNPC is politically pressured on this project? No, I don’t think so because the NNPC is supposed to be a commercial entity and I expect them to analyse the numbers, run them over the next 30 years and show it to the political leadership to know what is doable and the tolerance levels because what is doable 10 years ago is no longer tenable today. Countries like Israel and Cyprus that had no gas before now have gas and may build oating LNG. I expect NNPC with its crop of brilliant personnel to run the numbers and advise the government appropriately because we really need to rethink this, especially, the cost of taking gas to the North and for what purpose. What is politically expedient may not necessarily be economically rational. Policy is about compromising here and there, give and take, but economic issues are not like that. So NNPC should sit up and analyse the issues.

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BUSINESS/INTERVIEW

Whitehouse: To Thrive, Africa Must Improve Her Inter-Border Relationships The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), South African Tourism, Ms. Margie Whitehouse, in an interview with journalists, says it is critical that African countries create inter-border relationships among each other to make the continent a destination of choice, given its beautiful culture and beautiful people. She also spoke on the Loeries Creative Award, among other issues. Abimbola Akosile brings the excerpts What has been the driving force of your marketing objectives and vision? ne of our great driving forces is to make sure that we are seen as South Africa, which is part of Africa and that we are seen not just marketing South Africa to the world but marketing the whole of Africa continent as one of the most desirable cases. In terms of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) statistics, we do not cover nearly enough visitors that we should and we know that as Africa, we offer very compelling tourism experiences for everyone in the world to experience it.

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What inspired the ‘We Do Tourism’ campaign being championed by South African Tourism?

The ‘We Do Tourism’ campaign is all about building the economic case for tourism not just South Africa but beyond that. It is about celebrating how important tourism is to the economy, not just in South Africa but to the whole of Africa, in growing and developing our beautiful continent.

What has been the landmark achievement of the Tourism Board over the years?

I think that whatever landmark achievement is not just about showing how beautiful Africa is because we have great beauty. We have incredible scenic wonders; we have all these kind of beautiful places to visit. But most importantly what we consider South African tourism’s great achievement is how we showcase our people. Our people have diverse cultures and are extraordinarily welcoming and that is what differentiates us. If I was to choose one thing that we have done and we will continue to drive, it is to showcase culture, and just watch it because the culture of Africa can teach the world; after all we are the birthplace of the world.

What percentage of the GDP does tourism contribute to the economy of South Africa?

At the moment in South Africa, tourism contributes three per cent directly to the GDP and indirectly as nine per cent and we created 700,000 jobs last year in what is a technical recession within South Africa. We are the one part of the economy that is working and this is true to the whole of Africa, because at the end of the day if you think about it, minerals dry up. The richness of what we offer as a tourism destination is what differentiates us and it is what we need to as a continent to focus on to grow our economies.

To what extent have you achieved results in the area of destination branding?

We haven’t even touched base in terms of what we can achieve. We are just starting to portray South Africa. In 2016, there were 1.2 billion travelers in the world and we as South Africa attracted only 10 million of which I must add close to 75 per cent are from the African continent, which is why it is so critical that we create this inter-border relationships between ourselves. We have only just touched the surface and we need to make Africa as a continent a destination of choice because of our culture, our people, and our beauty. When you look at the worldwide trend in tourism, the worldwide trends are around immersive travel, experiential travel and no way do you get it better than in Africa.

To get a South African visa is very difďŹ cult, is this not a disconnect while you try to encourage people to come into the country?

One of our greatest problems in government is the disconnect between the various departments.

Home Affairs focus on the security of the borders, we focus on attracting as many visitors as we can, and you are completely right, there is a disconnect.

In countries, there are different drivers in different areas of government and one of the campaigns that we are working on through ‘We Do Tourism’ is bringing us together..

I mentioned earlier that ‘We do Tourism’, which is working and bringing the various governments’ departments together to focus on what is really going to grow and develop our country while still keeping the fundamentals in place. We need to make sure that we actually welcome and recognise those people in the best possible way.

As the Chief Marketing OfďŹ cer of this board, what are your projections for the next two years?

We have a wonderful strategy in place. It is called 5-in-5. We want to welcome ďŹ ve million more arrivals in the next ďŹ ve years and that is a stated target. We want to make sure that in the next ďŹ ve years we have four million more international arrivals and we have one million more domestic travelers that are travelling within our country because domestic travel is also very important to us.

We have set a big target and the vast majority, that is from the continent of Africa, so we need to make sure, exactly what you are asking, how do we become more welcoming, how do we look at the visa regime, how do we have a conversation about opening up our borders and how do we make the most sought-after tourist destination and how do we also share our tourist views with other countries?

Are you having any relationships with other tourism organisations in other African countries?

We are in partnership with other tourism organisations in various countries, speciďŹ cally looking at ways of how we can develop sub-Saharan Africa’s overall tourism destination. We have always talked to other tourism partners within Africa to make sure that we will promote it singularly as the most attractive destination.

Nigeria and South Africa have not been on good terms, does it affect your effort to promote business relationship, and how are you resolving this?

We have an ofďŹ ce in Lagos, Nigeria, and the essence is to ensure that we focus on attracting more travelers to our country. From an economist perspective, the department of trade and industry, yes, there is this ongoing conversation. When you look at the kind of attraction that Africa has from a tourist perspective, we need to work and unite together, to see how we can promote this beautiful continent called Africa, how we can do that together. So, to answer your question, I am saying let’s rise above issues and ďŹ nd a way to work together and make things work for us as a continent.

The two should work together; we can’t compete with each other. We are a continent ďŹ rst. In fact, there is lack of understanding around what the continent is and what it offers; let alone the countries that are in them and then down to the provinces.

Which of the African cultures is so sellable to the outside world that gives you this kind of conďŹ dence?

What gives me the conďŹ dence is that we track what the international traveler is looking for. An international traveler is looking for a relationship with a people. He is not looking at coming to watch some people play music, he is looking to come around, seeing some people play music and then sit down and have conversation with them about, what they were playing, why they were playing it and how they were playing it.

Our country has about 11 ofďŹ cial national languages and a lot more cultures, so when people travel and come here, they have the conservation about all those cultures. We have that story right around the continent, which has real meaning to each and every person especially the millennial who do not want to travel to see beautiful things or places but they want to travel to understand themselves through engaging with others.

Whitehouse

How are you addressing the xenophobic attacks; are you making sure that the government tackle this?

Attacks on foreign nationals are devastating to us as a tourism body, they are devastating to us as a country, do not think that we are underestimating it. Our minister has been looking for ways to understand how he can best control the police presence to ensure that every one that arrives here remain safe. We make sure that we are a welcoming nation; 55 million South Africans welcome each and every arrival, regardless of where they are from.

the media to talk about your values?

South Africa is our brand. We are delighted to have you experience it. Let us know what you think, share it with your customers, your consumers, your listeners and your viewers and let them know what you think about it without giving you any dictate. We have a number of platforms that give you access to all our properties.You can have them, you can download them for free, and we have over 148 different videos that you can access. It is for you to show your own part of what you feel about South Africa, which as we know is more meaningful than anything else.

Why are you partnering Loeries Awards to promote Creativity Week?

The creativity that Loeries is offering is to the whole of Africa, than just being restricted to South Africa. We chose to work with some of the country’s partners to offer a broader South Africa and let all of you experience what South Africa has to offer not just Durban. We love Durban and we partner tourism authority, but it is just saying let us take this incredible opportunity to showcase the best of advertising throughout the African continent.

Who is Margie and how did you come into tourism?

Marketing for me started very long ago. I started with Unilever, which is part of your life as well in Nigeria. We all grew up in Unilever and for me it was ďŹ nishing school as a marketer. I then went into fashion for a number of years working on a wonderful brand called Sales House. I had the joy of introducing Naomi Campbell to Nelson Mandela, Now, I have been working with the government for a number of years and now I ďŹ nd myself in the best position of all: marketing the best brand in the world, South Africa.

How are you leveraging on this partnership and relationship?

We are very simple about it. We gave those partners the opportunity to experience South Africa and see how you really feel because we believe in authenticity. We are not going to dictate what you say or how you say it, we believe in authenticity, we will showcase South Africa to you, but it is ultimately about a real South Africa. We just say come here, experience and enjoy, and relate back to us. We respect you and your profession and we know that the input you give us will be meaningful to us no matter what.

Are you doing other things to project the award, and how are you positioning

Are you a South African?

I am African ďŹ rst and foremost, so I am a ďŹ fth generation African. I was born and bred here, and I am passionate about South Africa. This is my home and this will always be my home.

Can you describe South Africa as a brand?

Let me talk about Africa ďŹ rst. Africa is the most innovative continent. Africa is the most incredible success story. Africa is the place that creates from the best IT solutions to the best farming solutions in the world. South Africa to me is a place that has inspired us, that breaks new ground, in everything that we do.

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

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Access Bank Makes Strong Positioning Statement with Global Recognitions Raheem Akingbolu writes on the recent exploits by Access Bank Plc at the 2017 Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Awards in Germany as well as its upgrade by Agusto to Aa- in its new rating and concludes that the feats have further confirmed the international status of the brand

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becoming the world’s most respected African bank, and this requires us to do things differently to standout.

He thanked the bank’s stakeholders for their support and assured them of improved performance in the years ahead.”

Over the years, Access Bank has established a reputation as one of the most formidable financial institutions in Nigeria. This is not unconnected with its impressive growth trajectory and contributions to the development of the Nigerian economy through empowerment initiatives and practical SME schemes.

As an acclaimed innovative industry pioneer, the bank has remained the choice of international financial organisations and multilateral agencies seeking partnership in Nigeria.

For some of its pioneering initiatives and outstanding performance, the bank has earned a number of recognitions in the past months. The recognitions include the ‘Karlsrushe Outstanding Business Sustainability Award’, ‘ BusinessDay Banking Award – CEO of the Year’, ‘BusinessDay Banking Award – Best Bank of the Year’, ‘EMEA Finance Best Bank in Nigeria Award’, ‘EMEA Finance Corporate Responsibility Award (Pan-African)’, ‘EMEA Finance CEO of the Year (Pan-African’ and World Finance Most Sustainable Bank of the Year Award’.

n most cases, the strength of a brand is not only measured by how it has been able to rub off on the bottom line of the business but also its ability to sustain equity in the market place. For brands that operate in competitive sectors, achieving such objective is always a big task. This explains why some brands don’t stand the test of time before kissing the dust. In the Nigerian financial sector where competition is the order of the day, many banks have recorded low rating as a result of failure to withstand the heat. However, a few of the brands have not only sustained the tempo, they have actually done the country proud on the global scene.

Access Bank Plc falls in the second category. Like all breakaway brands, the bank has consistently formed an emotional connection with its audience as well as growing its brand equity respectively. The brand owners understand the rules of the game and the language of their banking public and have continued to pursue it with high level of professionalism. Of course, all these efforts have not gone unnoticed as the bank continues to attract laurels and recognition within and outside the country.

Fresh For the second time in a row, Access Bank recently won “Outstanding Business Sustainability Achievement Award 2017” at the 2017 Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Awards in Germany. In a related development, foremost rating agency in Nigeria, Agusto & Co, has raised the bank’s rating from “A+” to “Aa-”, with a stable outlook. The upgrade reflects Access Bank’s strong financial profile, resilient profitability levels and solid capital position. To analysts, the feat has simply confirmed the status of the bank as an outstanding brand in the nation’s financial sector.

Aside the upgrade, Agusto & Co also recognised Access Bank as an institution of very good financial condition and strong capacity to meet its obligations.

The rating is further supported by the bank’s strong domestic presence supported by extensive branch network, good liquidity profile as well as experience and skill of its management team.

Speaking on the new rating, Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, said, “The rating only goes to confirm our consistency over the years in delivering superior value to our stakeholders in line with our vision to be the world’s most respected African bank.The upgrade in the bank’s outlook reflects our commitment to the core values of innovation, professionalism and devotion to excellence in our operations and service delivery.”

The rating upgrade reflects Agusto & Co’s view that Access Bank has strengthened its risk profile, deepened its retail banking drive by creating a digital business and embracing a cost-reduction programme and the use of value chain to capture small businesses in the retail segment of the market.

This is further supported by the bank’s five year strategic plan to rank among the top three banks in its chosen markets and across financial metrics by the end of 2017. It has translated to a growth in market share for Access Bank with the bank becoming the third largest bank on the basis of its total assets and contingents of N3.3trillion as at 31 December 2016.

“We note positively, the bank’s proactive risk management measures such as frequent stress testing of the loan portfolio, the reduction in foreign currency (FCY) loan book exposures and the frequent review of its loan book played significant role in preserving asset quality,” Agusto & Co stated in its credit rating report.

Imports The uniqueness of the “Outstanding Business Sustainability Achievement Award 2017,” which was won at the 2017 Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Awards in Germany was the fact that it was the first African bank to receive this prestigious accolade.

The award conveners presented the accolade in recognition of Access Bank’s outstanding success in

Wigwe incorporating economic, social and environmental aspects into its corporate strategy and business processes. This prize also brings global recognition to the bank’s impressive success in holistically embedding sustainability across all aspects of operations within the financial institution.

The award ceremony, which held last week, was attended by CEOs of leading international financial institutions, senior executives of other winning institutions and top German government officials.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director/CEO of the Bank said the award validates the Bank’s continuous efforts and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Since we were here last year to receive the 2016 “Outstanding Business Sustainability Achievement Award,” Access Bank has continued to champion responsible investing, innovative health initiatives, environmental protection and financial inclusion. We are doing this profitably. So, we continue to encourage other institutions to embrace the same principles and practices,” Wigwe said.

“At Access Bank, we believe our operations; loan and project finance must have the barest environmental footprint. Indeed, we believe the net impact of our activities must be positive on the environment. As such, we are champions of climate change mitigation and adaptation” he added. He assured that the bank would be further motivated and maintain profitable growth while embracing sustainability.

The conveners said the 2017 awards focused on honouring organisations that have made outstanding contributions in the field of sustainable finance, stimulated the interests of financial institutions and other stakeholders in integrating sustainability in their core business strategy.

It also recognises candidates who promote growth of sustainable financial instruments and markets worldwide particularly in the fields of green finance and investments, financial inclusion and social finance, green equity and holistic integration of sustainability in the financial services institutions.

Like few Nigerian brands that have become household names in the market, the new Access

Bank entered the market humbly in 2002, but with the ambition of becoming a solid brand that would command respect in many sectors. Its handlers were able to know early enough that branding was much more than just a cool logo or well-placed advertisement.

Promoters of the Access brand followed a simple rule of branding; they started small with their branding and didn’t forget to focus on their target niche and audience first. They also crafted a clear expression of what their company was most passionate about. Within a short time, the bank turned to a major player in the banking sector focusing on four business segments: Personal, Business, Commercial and Corporate & Investment banking.

Others Few months ago, the innovation and creative ingenuity of its handlers paid off as it was named ‘Bank of the Year’ at the 17th annual Bank of the Year awards black-tie dinner in London. Again, observers didn’t believe the feat was by accident, considering various positioning tools deplored by the bank’s promoters in the last 10 years.

The award, which validates other nine international honors earned by the bank over the past one year for operational excellence, responsible business practices and innovation, is unarguably one of the most coveted awards in the banking sector globally.

Presenting the award, Michael Buerk, BBC News journalist, commented: “In spite of the challenging operating environment and rapid changes in the industry, Access Bank has remained a formidable institution. Specifically, the bank has been a purveyor of innovation in the Nigerian banking space and consistently outperformed industry forecast. It is firmly believed that its operational model, risk management and governance framework, which enable sustained superlative financial performance need commendation”.

Although this view is consistent with analysts’ opinion on the bank in the past one year, but Wigwe, who received the award for the bank said, “While innovation, excellent risk and corporate governance framework might be the advantage, we have over our competitors, the bank is propelled by a vision of

Innovation As a bank that is being driven by innovation, a lot is daily being invested in technology to make banking seamless in all the markets, where it operates.

Generally, things are happening so fast in the banking industry that many would think it is the only sector being driven by technology. The reason is simple; banking concerns all, whether old or young. But with many faces of online transactions that have been developed over time, the entire banking audience seems to be enjoying a kind of honeymoon. As the banking public continues to adjust positively to the new regime, promoters of various banks in the market have also seen the need to raise the bar in the area of innovation to give more value as well as having competitive advantage over others. To achieve a seamless mobile money services, most operators are re-jigging their mobile money strategies.

Several months ago, Access Bank broke a new ground in innovation by introducing PayWithCapture, a mobile payment solution that permits customers to make payments by scanning a merchant’s pre-generated QR-Code using the camera of their mobile device or via a one-step BeaconNFC System. This is happening at a time a consortium of six banks and Unified Payments inaugurated PayAttitude, an electronic payment scheme that allows transactions in both online and offline platforms. The two products, though share some features, they are different in many areas. The bottom-line however is that both are introduced to create a hitch-free transaction for consumers.

Recently, the bank launched the country’s first corporate-focused internet banking solution – “Primus” – to ease the complexities of daily supply chain and financial management of blue chip companies.

The multi-transaction management software dubbed “a 21st century-game changer,” is one of the 200 initiatives announced by the bank in July after the presentation of its 5-year strategy for 2013 to 2017.

According to Wigwe, the product “does not exist in the Nigerian banking industry” and “will make every bank in Nigeria to rise to the occasion.”

CSR According to the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility Report, its CSR philosophy was developed in accordance to relevant international standards and guidelines such as the AA1000 Assurance standards and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 sustainability reporting guidelines.

The report focuses on the group’s approach to sustainability with respect to specific environmental and social issues that were of interest to all our stakeholder groups.

27

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

BUSINESS/INSURANCE

Confidence Level, Unexciting Products Hindering Insurance Penetration Despite efforts to improve awareness of the need for insurance cover among Nigerians, the level of insurance penetration remains abysmally low, but operators are hopeful that things will change. Olaseni Durojaiye writes on the efforts to change the narrative around insurance

G

iven the importance of the insurance industry to any economy, particularly as a safeguard against business and personal risks, the low level of insurance penetration among Nigerians has continued to bemuse stakeholders and generate discourse.

Though, many stakeholders insist that some progress has been made in the insurance industry.

Available data indicate that the level of insurance penetration in the country is below one per cent, and the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product as of 2016 was a paltry 0.72 per cent, from 0.4 per cent in 2014.

Factors The low penetration of the insurance sector has been blamed on a number of factors. Among the major reasons are low awareness, poor purchasing power of Nigerians, poor market drive, and unexciting products from insurers. Besides, lack of government patronage of insurance has been identified as a major impediment to insurance growth.

Relative Improvement Confidence level among Nigerians is another cause of the low penetration. Findings reveal that many Nigerians shy away from taking insurance policies due to the cumbersome procedure for claims when hazards occur. But this has largely been addressed with the cooperation of operators and the regulators such that confidence level among both Nigerians and foreign investors has largely improved from what it used to be.

This has resulted in improved capital base, manpower and competency. An unprecedented number of foreign investors have shown interest in the insurance sector. They include Old Mutual, AXA Mansard, Prudential and Liberty groups, among others.

On its part, the National Insurance Commission has wielded the big stick on some insurance companies for different infractions.

Chairman of the Nigerian Insurance Association, Mr. Eddie Efekoha, said, “The indices are clear.

If you look around, you will see that a lot of our friends from outside Nigeria are looking at Nigeria and if they are doing so, then you don’t need anyone to tell you that there is something good about us or potential they are seeing.”

High Cost A major bane of insurance in Nigeria is the high cost of insurance packages.

Those who blame the government for the low penetration argue that government, which has the largest asset base, hardly insures and where it does, it often defaults with premium. Data from NIA reveal that government contributed only 25 per cent of the N300 billion gross insurance premium in 2012.

However, in 2014, government indicated its commitment to help drive the sector’s growth.

The then Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, announced at the annual Nigeria Insurance Summit held in Abuja, in December 2014, that government had set a target of N1 trillion in the next three years and N5 trillion gross written premiums for the insurance sector to achieve in the next 10 years. The minister stated that the target was for the insurance sector to grow its ratio of premiums to GDP by 1.6 per cent so that the sector could create more jobs and boost economic development.

While practitioners at the time noted that achieving the goal would be tough, it is hard to ascertain if the government kept to the target.

Unexploited Findings further reveal that the sector is grossly untapped because it is yet to appeal to the informal sector, which constitute over 80 per cent of the Nigerian population. This was one of the reasons that informed the introduction of Micro Insurance in 2015.

Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive, National Insurance Commission, Mohammed Kari Solution Before now, stakeholders in the industry had made several efforts to change the negative narrative around insurance. This resulted in a better regulated sector, more awareness regarding motor vehicle insurance, and rise in paltry.

To bring about significant change in the industry, experts have advocated a number of measures, which they say would improve the fortunes of the sector. They have advocated the introduction of retail insurance, micro insurance, and Takaful (ethical) insurance.

It would be recalled that the development of the micro-insurance market is one of the objectives of the Market Development and Restructuring Initiative of NAICOM, which the commission initiated and has supported as an enabling platform to continuously raise industry awareness on its development.

Experts also believe that introducing microinsurance would provide a platform for the insurance companies to enlarge their frontiers and increase their market share. It would also provide the insurance industry with the opportunity to enhance insurance penetration among the populace, most especially rural dwellers, many of who do not understand the basics and benefits of insurance.

Speaking on the introduction of micro-insurance, a former president of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Ayodapo Shoderu, said, “The licensing of micro-insurance is one of the best initiatives that could further move the Nigerian insurance industry forward. You will recall that close to three quarter or more of our nation’s population are domiciled at the grassroots

or undertake one form of small business or the other, which were not captured by the conventional insurance companies. This initiative will galvanise these new companies to break grounds, realising that their survival depends on it.

“If the practice of micro-insurance thrives in many developing countries, like Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, there is no reason why ours would be an exception.”

Shoderu added, “I see the initiative growing

Though, many stakeholders insist that some progress has been made in the insurance industry. Available data indicate that the level of insurance penetration in the country is below one per cent, and the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product as of 2016 was a paltry 0.72 per cent, from 0.4 per cent in 2014

the industry rather than shrinking it. We cannot fold our arms and wait because the industry is not as well received as expected. New grounds should be broken, and I think that is what the licensing has done.”

Way Forward Given the current narratives in the sector, many believe there is need for the adoption of more drastic measures if penetration must improve.

Some practitioners say there is need for a concerted effort among stakeholders. They maintain that NAICOM will need to drive the process even if it means that the commission has to bare some of the cost implications.

A practitioner with one of the second generation assurance companies, who spoke on condition of anonymity, argued that reducing the payable premium will encourage adoption of insurance policies. According to him, adopting the strategy would reduce the rates that underwriters remit to the commission.

He said, “NAICOM has done a lot to boost penetration among clients but there is need to do more. We should look at reducing premiums payable on some of the policies. For instance, rates payable on motor vehicle cover can be reduced to 2.5 per cent from five per cent. This will encourage more people to take insurance policies; but that means the rate that goes to NAICOM will have to reduce too.”

On whether the rate cut would be profitable to the insurance companies, he said, “Of course, we will still make profit. In fact, we will make more profit in the long term if more people take insurance policies.”

28

˜ ˞ SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

BUSINESS/ENERGY

Fuel Station assistant selling petrol at a ďŹ lling station

NNPC’s Controversial Petrol Price Crash Claims Chineme Okafor looks at the recent declaration of a petrol price crash by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, which is widely seen as controversial

I

n a statement recently in Abuja by Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, the corporation made glowing disclosures regarding a decrease in the price of premium motor spirit and gas. The revelation that NNPC had crashed the prices of petrol and domestic gas used in the country was, undoubtedly, good news to the ears of Nigerians.

According to the NNPC, the pump price of petrol, which was N145 per litre, had fallen to between N142 and N143 in stations across the country, while the prices of 12.5 and ďŹ ve kilogrammes of cooking gas fell to between N3, 800 and N2, 000, respectively.

The corporation equally disclosed that at its inland products depots and those of other private concerns, the ex-depot prices of petrol had dropped from N138 to between N130 and N131 per litre, indicating that it was making steady progress in its strategic intervention on efďŹ cient supply and distribution of petroleum products.

Oil and Gas Forum Basing its conclusions on a national survey conducted by its weekly television programme, the Oil and Gas Forum, NNPC stated that the pump price of petrol had fallen steadily in the last few weeks, from N145 per litre to between N142 and N143 per litre in some stations across the country. It explained that in its study, its mega and afďŹ liate stations were selling petrol for N143 per litre, while some major and independent marketers in Lagos, Abuja, Sokoto, Enugu, Delta and other major cities in the country sold between N142 and N145 per litre.

Quoting a respondent in the survey, Mohammed Abdullahi, who it said was a manager at an independent fuel service station in Abuja, NNPC noted that the station had maintained a N142 per litre price level. It said Abdullahi’s station opted to adopt the price policy because of the prevailing market situation, which demanded that it looked for ways to sustain its turnover

by keeping an attractive price band.

Similarly, another independent marketer, Emeka Ikechukwu, was quoted in the statement to have told the NNPC survey that at Mosimi, in Ogun State, ex-depot prices of petrol had dropped from N138 per litre to N133.28 in NNPC depots and between N130 and N131 per litre at private depots.

But, it reported that Aba and Umuahia in Abia, as well as Calabar in Cross River states, had most independent fuel stations and major marketers selling petrol at N145 per litre.

Equally, the corporation’s survey showed that the average price for cooking gas at ďŹ lling plants across the country had dropped from N2, 500 for 5kg cylinder, to between N2 000 and N2, 215.96, while that of 12.5kg was N3, 500.

NNPC’s Explanations for Price Crash Providing an explanation for the price decline it said the country recorded, the NNPC stated that it had ensured its interventions in the downstream sector through sustained improvement in the supply of products and remodelling of distribution channels to address issues of products sufďŹ ciency across the country. It also noted that it stepped up the resuscitation of some of its critical pipelines and depots, such as the Atlas Cove to Mosimi Depot Pipeline; Port-Harcourt ReďŹ nery to Aba Depot Pipeline; Kaduna to Kano Pipeline; as well as its Kano Depot, all of which it said had enhanced efďŹ ciency in products distribution in the country.

To sustain this, the corporation said efforts were also being made to revamp and re-commission other critical pipelines and depots across the country. But it never disclosed the economic details of the price crash, thus, raising concerns about the sustainability of the price crash.

Controversy NNPC did not state exactly when it conducted the survey on the price decline or the research tools it employed. It only stated that it was done a couple of weeks ago. But a July 2017 PMS Watch of the National Bureau of Statistics, an agency of the federal government saddled

with the job of researching, documenting and providing accurate national statistics for planning and policy purposes, stated that in July the average price paid by consumers for a litre of petrol was N148.2, with Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa paying the highest of about N170 per litre.

The NBS report also noted that on the average, petrol was sold in July in Bauchi, Ogun, Cross River and Ekiti, among others, at N145.4 per litre.

In preparing its report, the NBS stated that ďŹ eld work was done by 700 of its staff in all the states of the federation, supported by supervisors who were monitored by external and internal auditors. It also noted that fuel prices were collated from about 10,000 respondents in the 774 local government areas, including the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the instruments represented the actual expenditures of household on petrol, as well as suppliers’ price margins.

Similarly, oil industry experts who provided some explanations on the likely scenario for

Oil industry experts who provided some explanations on the likely scenario for such price drop stated that the global market fundamentals on downstream operations were quite incongruent with the corporation’s report of a steady pump price slump

such price drop stated that the global market fundamentals on downstream operations were quite incongruent with the corporation’s report of a steady pump price slump.

Providing an independent evaluation of these claims, Mr. Dan Kunle, an expert in global oil industry economics, told THISDAY that without clear economic explanations on the price drop, it would be quite difďŹ cult to accept the corporation’s claims. Kunle, in a telephone conversation explained that while the prices of crude oil hovered around the $50 per barrel band does not necessarily guarantee a decline in pump prices of petrol because the country still relied heavily on imported gasoline.

He, however, noted that the NNPC could afford to crash the prices of petrol if it found an efďŹ cient mechanism around the key factors that affect prices. They include the foreign exchange, cost of money and other distribution factors, in managing its importation, distribution, and sale of petrol in the country, Kunle said.

According to him,“We want to see whether it is a political crash or real economic crash.

A political crash would mean that they are subsidising petrol somewhere, but an economic crash can only happen if they have injected so much efďŹ ciency into the importation, in addition to the exchange rate advantage that they get directly from the CBN.â€?

Kunle further stated, “The factors that can lead to this include the level of efďŹ ciency in the import handling by NNPC, exchange rate from the CBN for the products they are importing, and level of efďŹ ciency in getting the product from the seaport in Lagos to the hinterlands. “If you put these factors against the current pump price and there is room for price crash based on the scientiďŹ c calculations, then it means their statement is not political but scientiďŹ c.

But if they cannot show the econometrics, that is how much they are importing petrol per litre, the time lag and turnaround time for vessels to ofoad and products to get to the distribution ends from the seaport, for us to determine the quantum of difference, then, I will still say it is a political price crash with no economic dimension.�

29

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž ͚͸˜ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

Guinness Nigeria Share Price Hits New High on Improved Results Goddy Egene The shares of Guinness Nigeria Plc rose by 27.5 per cent to close at N96.33 per share last week.   The stock had opened the week at N75.50 per share before increased demand by investors following the improved full year results ended June 30, 2017, lifted  it  to close higher at N96.33.

At the new price, investors  who participated in the just concluded Rights Issue, have recorded  a capital

growth of 66 per cent. The rights issue, through which the company intended to raise about N40 billion, was made to existing shareholders at N58 per share.

Market analysts said investors are taking position ahead of better performance by the company would record after   recovering  from loss this year.

Guinness last week reported a  revenue of N125.919 billion  in 2017, up from N101.973 billion in 2016. Net

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

finance cost increased from N6.763 billion to N7.524 billion, making the brewing to end the year with an operating profit of N10.186 billion, up from N4.415 billion in 2016. Profit after tax stood at N1.923 billion, compared with a loss of  N2.34 billion in 2016.

Explaining the results, Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Peter Ndegwa,  said that they were driven by a relentless focus on executing  their  strategy and

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 07-Sept-2017, unless otherwise stated.

keeping costs down. “Despite the challenging economic conditions, we have remained focused on executing our company’s total beverage strategy which gained further traction with strong growth in our international premium spirits portfolio following our first full year of distribution,� he said.

In December 2015, Guinness Nigeria Plc became the first total beverage alcohol company in Nigeria when it acquired the rights to distribute International

Premium Spirits (IPS) including Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky and Bailey’s liqueur in Nigeria.

This was quickly followed in January 2016 by the acquisition of the rights to distribute McDowell’s, a United Spirits Limited (USL) whisky brand.

And Ndegwa said: “Our gross profit of N48.3bn is as a result of volume growth, pricing benefit and a favourable sales mix as we continued to invest in our expanded brand portfolio during the year. Part of

that investment includes the N4.7billion spirits line for locally manufactured spirits which we commissioned in Benin. These strategic acquisitions and expansions have filled the gaps in the spirits brand base allowing us to compete across all categories of the alcoholic beverage market in Nigeria.

We remain committed to executing our productivity agenda with a strong focus on cost reduction, distribution and operational efficiencies.�

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 171.46 172.05 34.97% Nigeria International Debt Fund 230.55 231.22 9.01% 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 0.81 0.82 16.36% 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 18.74% 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 16.97 17.49 37.48% ARM Discovery Fund 358.85 369.67 24.96% ARM Ethical Fund 25.40 26.17 13.71% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.24% 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 142.03 143.03 35.04% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.70% 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 19.60% Paramount Equity Fund 11.50 11.80 22.89% Women's Investment Fund 93.23 95.62 10.21% 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 19.70% 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 1,123.71 1,124.80 10.83% FBN Heritage Fund 141.42 142.04 26.59% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.44% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional $110.92 $111.59 7.70% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail $109.93 $110.60 7.48% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 150.61 152.80 33.77% 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 1.33 1.36 43.09% Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund 2.86 2.86 11.13% 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 2,849.82 2,893.40 29.23% Coral Income Fund 2,348.10 2,348.10 11.59% 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 15.97% 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 18.31% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.06 2.08 22.29% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 18.02%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD ďŹ ncon@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 1.12 1.14 13.65% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,040.55 1,040.55 8.22% 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 12.68 12.78 31.16% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 18.96% 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 1.16 1.18 16.92% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 10.76 10.82 3.57% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 17.20% 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 119.17 121.35 17.64% 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 1.36 1.36 9.06% 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 2,150.66 2,162.34 17.44% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 163.00 163.00 5.87% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.95 0.97 24.68% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 208.63 208.63 11.63% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 168.86 171.04 30.06% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 18.67% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,362.97 9,464.50 23.42% 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 1.29 1.30 15.25% United Capital Bond Fund 1.38 1.38 13.43% United Capital Equity Fund 0.85 0.83 23.68% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 18.00% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.35 12.54 27.19% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.04 13.19 19.11% Zenith Income Fund 18.39 18.39 11.23%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.41 129.68

1.01% 4.61%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

10.63 104.23

10.73 106.19

23.22% 37.55%

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 GrifďŹ n 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

4.38 9.47 16.82 19.88 132.94

4.42 9.55 16.92 20.08 134.94

58.21% 34.51% 40.74% 24.49% 3.10%

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.

30

SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

INFOGRAPH TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

LIFE LESSONS WITH AYO AROWOLO

ayo.arowolo@thisdaylive.com

09067059433 (SMS only)

4

1

CAREER Be professional, develop competence on the job If you truly want to get to the top of your career, it is imperative that you develop competence on the job. Without being seen to be competent by those below and above you, you may face some ridicule at some point and you may not get to the top of the corporate ladder.

When I returned to Nigeria in 1967 after my professional accountancy qualification in England, I started with UAC and was posted to Lipton (blenders of Coffee. Tea) based in Apapa. The people I met on ground were just clerks and were far older than I was. On my second day, (I had an office to myself) and I was barely settling down when this elderly senior Accounts Clerk walked into my office; He said “Excuse me sir, it is time to calculate the Variances, and it is done by the Accountant.” I knew what books to ask for and he went to get them. He brought the books and stood there in front of me with his hands behind him, which I had thought was a mark of courtesy and respect. After 10 to 15 minutes, I gave the results to him and he brought his hands forward with a sheet of paper bearing the answers there. He compared my figures with his and said, “Yes, you are correct. We just wanted to test you”.

That is competence and knowledge. Imagine if I didn’t know?

You need to guide against conflict of interest This is where many CEOs miss it. When you are in a position of authority, you need to guide against everything that can weaken that authority in any form. When I joined Nestle, to avoid conflict of interest, I made two important decisions upfront: One, I told my wife from day one that she would not sell any product that Nestle is selling. Not only that, she would not sell any product that is competing with Nestle products. That still stands till today. Secondly, when I became an executive director of the company, I also said no member of my family would be employed at Nestle. I paid dearly for that decision. I would help members of my family find work elsewhere but not in Nestle. No sooner had I joined, in 1973/74, than the company wanted to hire medical delegates and a cousin of mine with the same surname was shortlisted by the MD on merit but I insisted she would not be employed based on the earlier principle.

The MD could not understand and tried to persuade me to allow them employ her but I stood my ground. Eventually the MD saw my point. My relationship with my cousin nosedived and even over forty years later, our relationship has not improved much even when we meet at family settings. If you have principles, be prepared to pay a price.

LESSON MONEY AND INVESTMENT Develop a savings culture from your youth On the advice of elder brother, I started saving from my first salary and this has continued till date. Apart from saving, I also invest particularly in shares. It was the proceeds from shares that I used to take care of my children’s education and the money saved over time has also helped me to retire with comfort.

LESSON

You need to remain focused on your career goal Many people cut their career journey to the top short by dabbling into so many things instead of focusing on their goals. When I joined Nestle (the Food Specialities) in 1972 - the same building that is home to Nestle in Ilupeju was originally a warehouse. Within a year the owners came to me and offered it to me to buy. I replied that I wanted to be a professional accountant and wanted to exercise my professional knowledge and so on. Apart from the fact that I couldn’t think of how to get the money to buy it, I had made up my mind even at that time what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a captain of industry. So they left me, came back and offered it to us as a company and we had a policy that “we are not in the property business” and that was the answer I gave. If I had taken the offer, maybe I would have had to do something on the side to get it and that would have got me distracted.

the Federal Government that Nestle was illegally bringing expatriates to the country without proper immigration papers and other documentation. I had to engage one of my contacts who had contact with the then number two man, General Diya and that gave us the opportunity to explain ourselves better and got us out of trouble. Networking can save you from trouble.

LESSON

5

MENTORING WILL SHORTEN YOUR JOURNEY TO THE TOP

FAMILY Maintain work/life balance You must understand that and strive for balance in your life. Assume you are juggling 5 balls in the air, you name them - work, family, health, friends, & spirit. Work is a rubber ball, if you drop it, it will bounce back.

But if you drop any of the other 4 balls - family, health, friends, & spirit, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same.

LESSON

6

HEALTH Health is wealth Health is wealth, you must look after yourself because many people depend on you.

Give time to rest, not just working 18, 20 hours a day and bragging about it. You should live a work life balance. Do things in moderation and of course exercise. Sleep, watch what you eat, do exercise and do things in moderation.

LESSON

–Olusegun Osunkeye 7 Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, former managing director and chairman of Nestle Foods Plc. is one of the few individuals in the country who have been able to make it to the pinnacle of their careers and also finished well without scandals. Interestingly, just as one our life lessons guests ( Dotun Sulaiman) has proved, by staying on Nestle for 41 years, Chief Osunkeye, a Chartered Accountant by training, has demonstrated that you can be wealthy and live a good life working for others. Enjoy his notes on the journey.

Don’t behave as heir apparent This is my counsel to people , from experience; no matter how good you think you are on the job, don’t behave as if the top position belongs to you. At a point in my career, I was promised that after returning from training abroad, I would be made the managing director.

My mind was fixed on that and I prepared very well for the exalted position. To my surprise and anger, however, when I returned, I was offered the position of the deputy managing director. I was infuriated and was considering a number of options.

All the explanations they gave did not enter my ears. They were disappointed with my reaction, and looking back, I really shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. But then I decided to seek the counsel of one of my mentors, Dr. Omolayole.

Here was the advice he gave me: “he who will be King cannot make himself King, just do your work, do not behave as heir apparent, be loyal to your company and be dedicated. The king makers are those who will write your appraisal”. I took that golden advice to heart, even though I had to wait another 10 years to 1991 to became the MD/CEO of Nestle Nigeria Plc. The patience paid off. I knew all facets of the business including the corporate culture and work ethics of the Nestle Group, and as the most senior Nigerian, I helped to inculcate the tenets down the line.

LESSON

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RELATIONSHIP Have Mentors, Mentor Others Without the influence and help of the mentors God brought my way, my journey to

the top would have been slow or even truncated.

The path to the top was prone to many errors but through timely and regular counsels from my mentors, I was able to navigate through. I have been blessed with great mentors like Chief Akintola Williams, Chief Omolayole, the late chief Justice Fatai Williams and a few others.

A ready example I can give of the effect of a good mentor was when I was to send my children abroad for their education, I didn’t have the money, I sold my shares, it wasn’t enough, I had to borrow money from the bank, but I was not comfortable borrowing money.

But his advice was that whatever it would take to give the children good education, including borrowing, I should do it. That resolved the issue for me : it amounted to transferring of paper investment into intellectual investment which is great.

So you need to get people above to mentor you, and get people below for you to mentor.

LESSON

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Networking You need to develop networking skills To get to the top, you need to develop great networking skills. The question to ask is how many people can you call successfully for help when you run into rough waters? By consciously cultivating valuable relationships you are building an emotional bank account from which you can withdraw in times of needs.

There was a time some people petitioned

SPIRITUALITY The Lord is my all Here is the summary: every success you ever achieved was made possible by the grace of God. What you are and the height you attain is through the grace and mercy of God. The race is not for the swiftest. Give Him all the glory and praise.

Please read the full article and the past editions of THISDAY LIFE LESSONS at http://tinyurl.com/y8bodjaa

BONUS FUN TIME Work hard, play hard Here is one lesson I learnt: there would be no time when you would be able to say I am now rich, let me enjoy myself. Take time to enjoy every bit of the process starting from where you are now and regardless of your financial situation.

BEST ADVICE As an Accountant, your word must be your bond. Make integrity your watchword –from (Elder) Mr. Akintola Williams (February 1959 to September 1960.)

ONE GREAT HABIT In the last few years I developed something for myself, I call it TEAM (Time, Energy, Added value and Money). If I get invitations, I subject them to that evaluation , what time is it going to take me, what energy, what value will I be adding to myself and the person inviting me and how much money will it cost me. Saying yes to too many things leads to failure

BOOKS (1) The Holy Bible It covers all dimensions of life and living, it is alive and never stale, always refreshing.

(2) Others are professional books and Journals by Peter Drucker, Covey, E.F.L. Brech, Charles Handy, Directors’ Handbook, Corporate Governance, The Director, Harvard

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

10.09.2017

ANIEKAN EKERE

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

BY DEFAULT

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ANIEKAN EKERE

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON BY DEFAULT In a freak irony, Professor Aniekan Ekere, a famed bone and muscular trauma surgeon who gets important reference from high profile persons like former President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Nyesom Wike, walks with a slight limp, but he does not encourage a pity party. Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports

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Ekere

ometime this month, Pauline will wear her wedding gown again; 30 years after she first said ‘I do’ to her husband, Professor Aniekan Ekere.

Formalities to re-enact the nuptial will take place in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State, a city replete with reminiscences of their marriage. Thirty years ago when they got married in Calabar, it was to Port Harcourt, the famed Garden city that they came for their honeymoon.

Four years after, in 1991, they returned to Port Harcourt and have made it their home since.

Acting out their wedding may not exactly follow the same pattern. Of course, it cannot be. After all, a lot has changed. For instance, Mrs. Ekere who studied English Language at the University of Ilorin is no more a starry-eyed young lady. She has assumed a matronly posture; bringing many spinsters under her wings for mentorship.

The couple now have six children-five biological sons and one adopted daughter.

The Ekeres preside over a very large household. Everyone calls them, ‘Daddy’ and ‘Mummy’. The family started multiplying even when they did not have their own children and has grown astronomically since. The Professor and his wife have never been alone since they returned from their marital holiday, 30 years ago. Their home is always brimming with people. Sometimes, the number of persons rises to 40, but it is never below 20. To accommodate them, Ekere has consistently chosen to live in big houses.

Today, he reserves the top floor of the threestorey building which houses the Rehoboth Hospital as his residential quarters. It may be necessary to explain that Ekere’s family include, his children and wife, his extended family, staff of the hospital and members of his church; for he oversees a Pentecostal ministry called Wings of Redemption. To all these people, he is ‘Daddy’.

Operations of the hospital are supposed to be confined to the ground, first and second floors, but it is not unusual to find a patient and staff, ‘straying’ into the family floor and Ekere does not particularly discourage them.

He believes in an open door policy that is largely influenced by kindheartedness which is founded on his Christian disposition and fueled by the natural empathy of caring for the sick.

Rehoboth is a busy medical practice. Six medical doctors are on the staff. They are complemented by a string of associates and consultants. A number of VIPs have sought relief for trauma in the hospital. On Page 34 of his memoir, former President Goodluck Jonathan references Rehoboth where he was treated when he was an assistant director at OMPADEC, the forerunner to NDDC. Ekere admitted that Jonathan sent quite a number of patients when he became Governor of Bayelsa State.

Incidentally, the present Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike was Ekere’s patient when he was the Chief of Staff to Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. The former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara has been examined by Ekere at Rehoboth. He said, “We have had a lot of high profile persons - from the military to politicians, civilians and business men. If all of them were to remember us, I am sure we will be very far from where we are now.�

Port Harcourt has also gifted Ekere a professional reputation that travels far.

The 62-bed Rehoboth Specialist Hospital is open for treatment of orthopedic problems, accidents and auto-trauma. On account of his

ethical diligence, Ekere is popular around the South-south and beyond. “I have been in this town since 1991.

I am still a consultant in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. A lot of patients have passed through my hands.

We started this practice in August 1992, over the years, we have gotten a good reputation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and nearby states in the South-south region. We have even had people from outside the country; from Cameroon and Ghana. We have a lot of foreigners in this city who use our services.

I think it is because one has been here for quite some time and we have been a little bit consistent. We have also had reasonable results. As God would have it, we have been able to delve into areas that are not too common in this environment. I think that is why we have had good patronage.�

Ekere was the 77th Inaugural Lecturer of the University of Port Harcourt in 2012. His inaugural lecture was on ‘Bone Mending: Orthodoxy Challenged by Tradition’. He chose this topic to address the alarming incidence of intervention in treatment of bone ailments by native doctors. He believes that since Nigerians are still largely rooted in traditional medicine and that trust can not be wished away overnight, it would be better if traditional bone setters submit themselves to guidance. He said the incident of bone and muscular trauma has reached an epidemic proportion in Nigeria. “There is a big syndrome that is known as Traditional Bone Setters Gangrene in orthodox medicine.

It explains the bad state of the leg by the time the patient is brought to us. By the time they come from the native doctor, the legs are already dead. Some of these legs could have been salvaged, if they came to the hospital directly. The treatment that the native doctor administers is to pull, massage and tie. When you have trauma the limb swells. If you tie it and it swells and there is no room to expand with the swelling, you develop what we call a compartment syndrome and when you have a compartment syndrome, the pressure within the compartment gets higher than the blood pressure. Once it is higher than the blood pressure, blood will not enter that area and once you give a critical time of about three hours, maximum six hours, that limb is dead. And there is nothing you can do to bring it back to life.�

Of all the specialties open to him, it is instructive to note why he chose to pay closer attention to the bones and the muscles. “I became an orthopedic surgeon by default. As a medical student, I wanted to be a Gastro-Intestinal Surgeon. However, I did my residency in Calabar. The problem in Calabar then was motor cycle accident.

We had a load of motor cycle accidents. The commonest problem that led to amputation was motor cycle accident. In my simple mind, I thought, if I want to do a research that I could easily get data on, it had to be a prevalent case. That was how I went into orthopedics and trauma. My research was on motor cycle accidents. That was how I became an orthopedic surgeon. But I don’t have any regrets at all. I believe my life is in the hands of God. And He orders my steps.�

It is a freak irony that Ekere, the famed bone and muscular trauma surgeon walks with a slight limp. Perhaps, it is the same Divine Hand that has shaped his career that saved him from what could have been a worse condition. He explained. “In 1982/83, I was on youth service with the military. I worked in Ogun State, 42 Battalion in Owode-Egbado. I was the only doctor. We used to go to 9 Field Ambulance which was in Ikeja for drugs. This day, we took that very sturdy, masculine army

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ambulance. I had a seat in front with the driver, but as we were leaving, an army officer who was my friend was going to Lagos. Trying to be nice, I left my seat for him and sat on the metal platform between him and the driver- from Ogun State to Lagos and back. I played football with the soldiers on my return. That night, I could not sleep. I had very bad waist pain. By the time I finished my specialty in 1990, I moved from Calabar to Lagos to work and I decided to screen my lower back, I saw that I already had arthritic changes in my lower back. Six years ago, I had some fellowship in India and I worked in hospital that was run mainly by a neuro-surgeon that did a lot of back surgeries. I was actually going to be exposed to a little bit more on back surgery. I went with the mind and money that I will do the fellowship and I will get myself operated upon but he said that if I did exercises I will get well. I did not have that operation. I diverted the money to buy equipment. When I came back, it got so bad to the point that if I travel through large airports I will ask for a motorized vehicle to move me around.

Two years ago, I had a narrowing of the space in the spinal cord that passes through the vertebrae. I went for a decompression where they had to remove the pressure on the nerve, so they removed part of my bone, but it was done with a microscope and unfortunately they injured one of my nerves.

The effect is that on one of legs-from the knee to the ankle, I am numb. If I don’t exercise, I have some discomfort. Apart from all I have said, I got used to walking wrongly. When I am not conscious, I walk wrongly. There are times that I am conscious, I walk better.”

Touching as this story may sound, you will be quickly stopped on your track if you take this as cue to sympathise with him.

“I don’t pity myself,” he shrugged.

For Ekere who is always looking for the good in every situation, the best thing that has resulted from his personal medical condition is that it allows him to appreciate what people go through. If a patient has a lower back problem and complains of pain, he can remember the amount of pain he endures. He knows what he needs to do. He can advise from personal experience.

Ekere argued that several factors including level of development, financial capability, infrastructural advancement, civilization and government intervention in health care, have limited the ability of Nigerian bone surgeons to acquire the capacity to replace all joints like their counterparts elsewhere in the world. The major joints that Nigerian surgeons are able to handle are hips and knees. “We are able to bridge the gap, mainly for people who cannot afford to travel abroad and for some who have the confidence that we are able to do it.”

If he had his way, the current situation that bans orthodox doctors from advertising but allows alternative medical practitioners that privilege should be discontinued. “You don’t allow somebody to tell you that there is a tablet that can cure infertility, cure infection, kill pain, remove leprosy and correct the eye. That is almost in the realm of a miracle.

They allow these people to advertise in the media and because of the gullibility, level of development and civilization and education, you will be surprised at what people believe.

In the university, we had a guy who worked with us in the teaching hospital. He was a theatre attendant, after some time he left the hospital and opened a clinic and lecturers in the university patronized his clinic. That is because the guy had a mechanism of advertising whatever he was doing. What I think might help people is that if you want native doctors to advertise their practices, allow doctors to advertise as well. That way, people may access correct information.

We might not have all the people go to the traditional people but by reason of the advert, some of them will come to the orthodox practice and they might be saved.”

Initially, Ekere had a concern about who will inherit his thriving medical practice.

That apprehension has been addressed.

His first son who studied Business Administration and International Relations manages Rehoboth. His second son is an IT expert. However, his third and fourth sons are medical doctors, while the fifth son is a Mechanical Engineer. His adopted daughter is an Accountant. However, in the larger Ekere family, there are more doctors.

Ekere and wife, Pauline

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With Lots of Stirring Music, Performance Poetry‌Bright and Anene Display Loads of Colourful Creativity at Renaissance Hotel A rare display of imagination pools visual and performing artists on one exciting platform.

Nseobong Okon-Ekong reports

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t is not every day that one find a house filled with exquisite pieces of art works and a flighty mood of cultured indulgence enhanced by the sounds of lovely music. Put it all together in a hospitality establishment with a global reputation for excellence like Renaissance Hotel, Ikeja and you cannot resist the pull to visit, at first. But once you are there, it is impossible to leave in a hurry.

On account of the two major promisesfrom Sylvester Aguddah’s Sylverscreen Productions-exhibition of unique art pieces and presentation of generous soul stirring music-the audience had more than they bargained for in the course of the fourday show under the broad theme: ‘Art on Canvas Meets Music Denim’.

Sylverscreen, a company that brings ideas to life, acquired the exhibition space in the hotel to put up a show once every two months. Aguddah who describes himself as a Collage Artist previously worked as a top marketing manager in some of Nigeria’s leading companies including, BAT, Procter and Gamble and Globacom, but he has put all that behind to concentrate on things like art, tours, photography and printing that fuel his passion.

As one who has a myriad of dispositions, Aguddah has no problem understanding creative people whose temperament allows a mixture of different personalities. This explains the assortment of characters and vocations during the four-day fair. He had previously exhibited his own works at the same venue, but this time, he was turning it over to two colleagues, Bright Igho and Ifeanyi Anene.

Each day ran its own course, but it largely featured the same staple: The 42 art pieces remained in their place like immobile trees in a forest with a steady stream of human beings wondering through this woodland of paintings, making a chatter from their comments and opinions. Like a well choreographed orchestra, this cacophony decreased and faded completely each time a performing artiste took centrestage; like the receding shriek of a flock of birds flying farther into the sky.

The attention could be on Cape Town, South Africa-based performance poet, Rez da Poet who had a way of taking the audience through high and low moods with his words and gesticulations. At

LAGOS CITY SUYA CARNIVAL TO PUT LAGOS METROPOLIS ON WORLD MAP The Lagos metropolis under the leadership of governor Akinwunmi Ambode will be put on the world map courtesy The Lagos City Suya Carnival.

The first edition of the edible-oriented carnival is scheduled to break the world record of the longest suya/steak with the production of a single 50ft suya.

This feat is to be achieved in conjunction with the Guinness Book of World Record in Lagos, Nigeria.

A brain child of Kehinde Talabi, an amiable businessman and CEO of Suya Stops, The Lagos City Suya Carnival, is organised in conjunction with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture.

The carnival, which is billed to wrap up the long month celebration of Lagos, Nigeria’s foremost state at 50, is billed to hold on October 1, 2017.

Speaking to media men at the press unveil of the highly-anticipated event, Mr Kehinde Talabi said The Lagos City Suya Carnival is poised to be an annual event. “Which better way could we have launched such a carnival with such magnitude? Where could we have launched this and when could we have launched the Lagos City Suya Carnival

Rapper Mtrill...performing at the exhibition another time, all eyes were on the soulful singers Xia and Chumah. But it was the Rapper Mtrill who moved the gathering with his song, ‘Aboh’ that never fails to stir an audience. As if under a robotic spell, everyone responds when Mtrill asks them to “clap, clap.� Of course, it doesn’t end there, from clapping they enter into a dance!

The music content at the exhibition was not just in the sounds of instruments and voices that floated in the air, much of the 23 pieces displayed by Bright revolved around musical themes. One was dedicated to the late great saxophonist, Groover Washington.

It was fittingly titled, ‘Groover’s Sound’.

Another honour was bestowed to a living legend through Bright’s creativity. It was in the form of a portrait of popular DJ Jimmy

Bright with DJ Jimmy Jatt Jatt done with pieces of broken vinyl. There is ‘Afrobeat Currency’, which is not only a dedication to Fela Anikulapo-Kuti but projects an ambitious prophecy that one day, Fela’s image will be on Nigeria’s N5000 currency note!

Bright, better known as B Elect, boasts of a profile that presents him as a Jack of many trades. He is a writer, recording artiste and visual artist who presently hosts the uptown hip hop show, the Boom Bap lounge and an upcoming production company, Life Cafe.

His style of art uses oil, acrylic and other elements like records, tapes and ultimately, jeans to create art that is functional deco for the home . He calls his style MusicDenim.

He is a graduate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka with a Bachelors Degree in Fine arts.

He was a founding member of the highly acclaimed rap group Thorobreds who won a maiden Headies award for their smash hit ‘Streethop’ along with Illbliss, Elajoe and singer, Obiwon. He also released few Eps and an album ‘Hard Listeners’ which had some notable tracks and rap videos.

He has also worked in Branding and Advertising. His creative style fuses the elements of pop culture, with traditional painting styles, combining hues and shades to achieve daring concepts, creating a thin line between the functional and the abstract. This is his first show. His artistic style, a pop culture influence which he calls ‘Musicdenim’ is based on using elements of jeans material, old vinyls, cassette tapes

Ambode through the Ministry of Arts and Culture, we are sure Lagosians and people in Lagos are in for a good ride. “Again, we thought about our culinary expertise as Nigerians and found out that one delicacy that could be served as a full meal or side effects for the main meal or even as a snack is Suya. Though Suya doesnt have its origin in Lagos but it would be agreed that Lagosians in particular have an undying penchant for Suya. “Interestingly, I run a Suya spot in Lagos and I can tell for a fact that that is one viable business with so much intrigues and much more to showcase and imbibe in our tourism export,� Talabi said.

AQUILA RECORDS UNVEILS NEW ARTISTE, BEEZY Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Hon Yomi Ojo, Mr Ashimi, Mr Kehinde Talabi and 9ice are the questions that ravaged our mind when this idea came to me. “No where better than Lagos and which better way to launch it than the commemoration of the Lagos at 50 celebration with the event rounding it off? Making a 50ft long Suya steak and breaking a record hence putting

Lagos state as a whole on the world map isn't a bad way to launch the event of this magnitude. “We have been working tirelessly behind the curtains in the past few months since we berthed this idea and with the full support of the Lagos State Government and amiable governor, Akinwunmi

With just an online material on Instagram that caught the attention of Aquila Records boss, AbiodunUsmanAzeez, stage name Beezy, has become the newest artiste on the record label.

Beezy, who was remarkably discovered for his uniqueness, is a Nigerian singer based in Dublin, Ireland. He brings the number of artiste on the label to four since inception two years ago.

Presenting the rap/Afro-pop artiste to

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ENTERTAINMENT

MI...entertaining the crowd

M.I Gives Abuja a Taste of the Real Deal Vanessa Obioha Rapper Mtrill...performing at the exhibition and traditional media like acyrillic and oil on canvas. He is highly experimental, seeing art as art and then as functional; hence creating a fusion of art as furniture pieces or elements of home aesthetics. He mostly prefers blue hues to push home his blue jeans themed works. He uses the ruggedness of jeans as a metaphor for the resilient spirit of the Nigerian. To be sure, Bright’s works were not all about music and jeans, there were intensely seductive and intimate statements made through works like, ‘She Works to be an Object’. He also showed his concern for the needy by donating a work titled, ‘Displaced but not Misplaced’, to the World Wrapperman for auction. The proceeds will be deployed to comfort flood victims at a charity run by the Wrapperman.

His co-exhibitor, Ifeayi Anene uses colourful hues to create interesting portraits and landscapes in oil and other media. A graduate of Psychology from the University of Lagos, he now works as a visual artist.

His art is highly influenced by activities in the society. He sees art as a mirror of society and tries to paint large vivid images of his environs, issues and situations that shape us

as a people. He said, “I enjoy painting large images on various mixed media, with palate knifes and flat brushes telling my story has never been a hard one.”

A self-taught artist, this was Anene’s first exhibition too. He is better known as Omooba. His works are bold and captivating. The imagery strikes a familiar chord and arrests you, rooted to the spot, just gazing at the strength of the piece. Whether it is in ‘Sisi Unilag’ rendered in pastel that comments on the seeming superficiality of a lady who is nonetheless very serious with her studies or the mixed media work, ‘Afi Suru’ that shows a group of market women who remain undaunted in the face of disturbing circumstances which apparently task their patience, they remain hopeful that customers are on their way, he shows himself a keen observer of his environment.

The exhibition attracted prominent industry heads from all spheres, including art, sports and music: Illbliss, former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Ambassador, Elajoe, Udy Umondak, Obiora Obiwon, Efe Omoregbe, Muma Gee, the legendary DJ Jimmy Jatt and art enthusiasts.

LAFFTA FEST FILLED CELEBRATION FOR KANO RESIDENTS It was a memorable Sallah celebration for the people of Kano on Sunday, as the mega comedy show, GloLaffta Fest, organized by Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications company,Globacom hits the densely populated city.

It was the 21st stop for the highly sought-after comedy extravaganza that parades some of the best comedians on the African continent. The cities the show has traversed include Port Harcourt, Abuja, Enugu, Owerri, Warri, Calabar, Uyo, Ibadan, Benin, Ijebu Ode, Lagos, Kaduna and Suleja, among others.

The Kano edition of the show, which was held at the Meena Event Centre, coincided with the annual Durbar ceremony which is usually the climax of the Muslim’s festival of Eid el Kabir in Kano. The show attracted Kano residents from all walks of life.

The comedian line-up included Bright Okpocha (Basketmouth), BoviUgboma, Godwin Komone (Gordons), IruvweOkiemute (De Don), Francis Agoda (I Go Dye), Patrick Onyeke (Mr. Patrick), and Saed Mohammad (Funky Mallam).

The evening of unlimited fun was kicked off by the drama sketch kingpin, Mr. Patrick, who thoroughly entertained the audience with jokes drawn from a wide range of topics, including politics, economy and religion. He was followed very quickly by De Don, who sent the audience reeling in laughter with hilarious stories around the harsh economic conditions of the country.

One of the most prominent Nollywood personalities from the north, Funky Mallam, picked the baton and entertained the audience with a combination of Hausa and English jokes.

the press at Quilox Club house recently, the Chief Executive Officer of Aquila Records, ShinaPeller said he was particularly fascinated by the way the artiste was able to turn an ordinary freestyle into an extraordinary content and immediately went ahead to shoot the video.

Impressed by the artiste’s effort, he would repost the video on his Instagram handle and asked if he should be signed to the label. Within hours, the post received thousands of positive reactions, including comments from notable Nigerian entertainers in music and movie, all asking that Peller signs the talented artiste to the label.

In his words: “I particularly admired the way he was able to turn an ordinary freestyle into an extraordinary content, went ahead and shoot the video. When it comes to signing an artiste for the label, talent is not the only thing we look out

for. We look for people that actually pay attention to details. Looking at Beezy, I was sure that he was somebody that I should not just put aside.”

Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Beezy moved to Dublin, Ireland at a young age. While residing in Dublin, he studied Mechanical Engineering and a post graduate degree in Business Management, while also entrenching himself in music, and making a name for himself within the Dublin community.

The young artiste moved back to his homeland Nigeria in May 2017, in order to take his career to the next level and build his audience with the people he loves.

Beezy presently has numerous tracks to his name. His defining freestyle visual “Life” featuring South African act Kaptain White, details his experiences in the industry.

There is no doubt that Africa’s number one rapper, M.I knows how to hold a crowd. He always have this Midas touch that gets his fans eating out of his palms.Therefore, it was no surprise when lovers of great fun and music in the Federal CapitalTerritory (FCT), Abuja started an unending sing-along with the star as he dished out back-toback hits at the Legend Real Deal Experience.

From the moment he was announced the headline act through various publicity campaigns, his fans anticipated the event with every breath.This was evident in the large number of persons who thronged the venue despite the heavy downpour of rain.With a loud ovation they greeted his appearance on stage as if they have been waiting for him all their lives.This indeed is a good testimonial to M.I’s popularity amongst the local fans.

Known for his smooth lyrics and energetic stage presence, alongside a full complimentary live band, M.I gave such an enthralling show that will be memorable in the hearts of the audience.

He interacted with them as they enjoyed an endless supply of Nigeria’s first locally brewed stout, Legend.

Speaking after the show, M.I commended the premium brand for putting up such a fantastic show. “All these wouldn’t have been possible

without Legend. For me, any opportunity to interact face-to-face with my fans is one I’ll never pass up on.We had great fun here today. At a time, there was practically no song I sang there on stage that the fans didn’t sing along. It’s pure joy man and I want to say a big Thank You to my Abuja fans for all the love.”

It was as if the audience didn’t want the show to end as they continued in the merriment after the curtains were drawn.

Legend in its unique tradition ensured that music wasn’t the only thing the fans went home with.

A cash prize of N50, 000 was awarded to the winners of its online talent competition, Rigid Emcee and Magic Steppers.The competition was held on the Brand’s social media pages and live at the event. Fans and consumers of Legend also got to experience the different unique elements of Legend stout in a live simulation room just as in previous editions, while many also went home with exciting prizes like flat screen TVs, generators, refrigerators, among other household items.

The Real Deal Experience tour by Legend Extra Stout brings Nigeria’s biggest music stars to various cities around the country to entertain fans and give them the wonderful experience they crave after .

Stylenest Hair Supports MBGN One of the largest human hair merchants in Nigeria, Style Innovations Limited is set to sponsor the upcoming Most Beautiful Girl Nigeria (MBGN) beauty pageant organised by Silverbird Group.

Speaking with the media in Lagos, the Managing Director of Stylenest Innovations Limited, Mrs. Goodness Okwu said “Stylenest prides its self as a company that promotes not just physical beauty but inner beauty of women across the continent.

For us to help women look and feel confident in their respective fields of

endeavour, Stylenest decided to add its voice by supporting the MBGN, the most prestigious beauty pageant in Africa.”

While affirming that the Stylenest brand will continue to support programmes designed to empower girl-child in the society, she urged the government to also create and support more initiatives that would give empowerment to the girl-child in the country.

The MBGN beauty pageant which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary will hold this Friday, September 15 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

L-R: Opeyemi Lawal, Arese Emokpae, Efosa Aiyebowvan, Adesoji Omoigui and Tope Oshunkeye

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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Pilar Abel is Not Salvador Dalí’s Daughter, DNA Test Reveals Vanessa Obioha After a decade of trying to prove that she is the result of a clandestine affair between her mother and the famous artist, Salvador Dalí in late 1950s, a recent DNA test revealed that Abel Pilar, a tarot-card reader is not an heir of Dalí.

Abel’s ambitious attempt to prove her relationship with the late eccentric artist had a headway in June when a court in Madrid ordered the body of the artist to be exhumed. Amidst reverie and sensationalism, experts entered the crypt beneath the museum Dalí designed for himself in his home town of Figueres, Catalonia in July to take DNA samples from his hair, nails and bones.

The result of that test according to the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation which controls the artist’s estate revealed that Abel and Dalí are not related in anyway. The Foundation said a report submitted to the court by the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic services had established the fact that

Dalí is not Abel’s biological father.

The paternity test result was good news to the Foundation which had frowned upon the enquiry right from the onset. However, Abel is still defiant in her ambitious pursuit of the truth. In previous encounters, she had claimed that she had a striking semblance to the artist, that the only thing missing was the moustache which was carved like clock hands at 10 past 10. The moustache was found to be intact when his body was exhumed.

She told a Spanish newspaper that she won’t accept the words of the Foundation yet because no one has reached her or her lawyers regarding the test results. She added however that the official outcome will not detract from her self-esteem.

Abel would have inherited a quarter of Dalí’s fortune which he bequeathed to the Spanish state Foundation if the DNA results have supported her claim.

Dalí the eccentric surrealist died in 1989 at age 84, seven years after his Russian-born wife Gala died. They had a childless relationship.

Salvador Dalí and Abel Pilar

Bob Iger

APPLE CANCELS ANNUAL LONDON FESTIVAL, JOINS RACE FOR JAMES BOND DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS The current rebranding going on the giant tech firm resulted to the cancellation of one of its most music events.

Originally known as iTunes festival when it debuted in London in 2007, Apple Music Festival became a mecca of some sorts to music lovers. Parading A-list music celebrities like Elton John, Ed Sheeran and Alicia Keys, the event is held annually in September with a free daily concert for prize-winners.

Perhaps, its reduction to 10 shows in 2015 when it changed its name to Apple Music Festival was a pointer that the festival would soon fizzle out. Going by the company’s recent focus on creating its own content, hosting music,TV and films to stream and buy, the company is expected to start creating music themed-content.

Apple also recently launched the TV series Carpool Karaoke and Planet of the Apps.

Meanwhile, the company recently joined the race for James Bond multi-billion dollar distribution rights. The rights are valued between $2 billion and $5 billion and includes co-financing and distribution. Other companies which have shown interest in the contract include 21st Century Fox, Universal, Warner Bros, Sony and Amazon which seems to be a great contender for Apple.

BETTE MIDLER IS LEAVING HELLO, DOLLY! GETS A REPLACEMENT By mid-January 2018, Bette Midler will be drawing her final curtain call in the Shubert Theatre. Her enigmatic role in the theatre’s production ‘Hello, Dolly! fetched her an award for lead actress in a musical at the last edition of the Tonys. It was her first Tony in a competitive category in her 50 years career.

The actress Bernadette Peters who will be taking the reins from her is equally capable. Midler said she is the right choice to replace her having seen her create more historic roles in more legendary musicals than any living Broadway Star.

DISNEY TO LAUNCH ITS STREAMING SERVICE IN 2019 The helmsman at Disney Bob Iger recently announced that the studio will kick of its direct-to-consumer streaming service in late 2019.

The scheduled date will allow Disney to pull Marvel and Star Wars Movies from Netflix. The two movies will be available on the upcoming app.

Disney had revealed its plans last month to disengage Netflix and launch its own ad-free streaming service. With the announcement of the launch date, things are really beginning to take shape. The studio also revealed that it will produce four to five original films for exclusive use on its app while about 500 films from its extensive library will also be available on the app.

However, Iger said that ESPN app which is a separate project will launch in 2018 and will include Major League Baseball games and other sport events.

Bette Midler

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inister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), was the guest speaker at the 2017 dinner lecture of Petroleum Club of Nigeria held at the Metropolitan Club in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Here are faces of guests at the event Photographs by Mubo Peter

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L-R: Mr. Kolapo Lawson, Mr. Egbert Imomoh and Dr. Ebi Omatshola

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L-R: Chairman HAYDEN Oil Plc, Mr. Dapo Abiodun and Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa

L-R: Otunba Tunji Lawal and Mrs. Funke Osibodu

L-R: Kayode Odukoya and Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju

L-R: Mr. Casimir Maduafokwa and, Seplat Development Company, Mr. Austin Avuru

L-R:Chairman and Amni, Mr. Tunde Afolabi and chairman Petroleum ร ร ร ห ร ห ร ร ร รกร ร ร ร ร ร ร

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THE RUSTIC BEGINNINGS OF A UNIVERSAL ARTIST A painting by Chidi Kwubiri

EDITOR OKECHUKWU UWAEZUOKE/ okechukwu.uwaezuoke@thisdaylive.com

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THE RUSTIC BEGINNI OF A UNIVERSAL ART

Back to his base in Germany after his participation in a group exhibition in Nigeria, C great moments of his art practice with Okechukwu Uwaezuoke

Fingers Crossed by Chidi Kwubiri , acrylic on canvas (2013)

Kwubiri at the Wanderlust exhibition

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his was one of those experiences anyone would wish to fastforward. What Chidi Kwubiri saw that Saturday, July 8 morning, as he peered out of his hotel window, gave him more things to agonise over than he cared for. It was as though the whole of Lagos was flooded. No car was in sight in the usually busy street. Not even the most powerfully-built SUVs ventured outside. Now and then, he spotted one or two people paddle their way through the streets.

All this was happening on the opening day of a group exhibition he was supposed to be a part of! And this was an exhibition he had so much looked forward to, on account of which he had reached out to the curator Sandra Obiago as soon the opportunity presented itself.

He closed his eyes in a bid to still the rising waves of anxiety surging in him. Was this how his pet project would flop? Who would venture out in this rain and flood, which could drown ducks and exhume corpses?

Aquick cut to the actual opening of the exhibition, titled Wanderlust. It turned out to be a full house at the venue, The Wheatbaker Hotel in the swanky Ikoyi neighbourhood of Lagos.

The place swarmed with news hounds, who came sniffing around. Then, a lot of works were bought. “The exhibition was successful in all respects,�

Kwubiri recalled.

He considered it “another new and great experience� for all the artists concerned. Even as a Germany-based artist, he had previously made several forays into the local art scene with his solo exhibitions. So had the others, three of whom were also based in Germany. The remaining two – who were incidentally the only two female and mixedrace artists in the lot – were well-known figures in the exhibition circuit. “We shared great moments, interacted and hanged out together,� Kwubiri continued. “I cherished this moment a lot, because it offered me the chance to get to know some of the artists better and the philosophy behind their art. It was a great pleasure for me to have had the chance to be in the midst of such unique artists, with a unified concept of unique artworks.�

Kwubiri’s regular visits to Nigeria also earned him enough recognition for slots in the ArtHouse Contemporary’s auctions. Indeed, his works had been consistently sold for mouth-watering hammer prices at the biannual event that has arguably become one of the most prestigious in Lagos.

For him, this should be one good reason to give

level of art patronage in the country the thumbs up. “The appreciation from my collectors in Nigeria is great and very encouraging.

I am happy whenever I have the chance to come back home to engage, not only with my strong circle of collectors in Nigeria, but also to feel the vibes.�

Besides, Nigeria was the place where his artistic odyssey all started. So, each homecoming for him was an opportunity for regeneration.

With each visit, he would savour the hustle and bustle of Lagos, the sights and sounds of his village festivals, the interaction with the people and culture and so many other things. “This is very important for me because... just like a tree supplied with water, minerals and nourishment through its roots by the soil, so do I draw my basic inspirations from the sources of my background. I like to come home to be inspired, to rejuvenate and to try to impact, and to pass on this encouragement over to the youths and the upcoming in any way I can.�

His recent penchant for inveigling installation works into his exhibitions would surely not have gone unnoticed. How have these been received by his pied-piper retinue of enthusiasts? “It depends on how one looks at it,� came his pensive reply.

Acceptance is a tractable word. If it is meant in the sense of passing the conceptual message of the installations across or having them admired, then the answer is: “Yes!� His installations have been well accepted. “My installations are always an important enrichment for the big art events and I feel like they are very interesting for the media and for museums. In the sense of collection, my paintings are doing better.�

Art practice for Kwubiri started at the age of five or six. Born and raised in a rustic

Nigeria’s south-eastern community, he knew no role models nor even anything about art. He was simply egged on by an inexplicable inner urge. “As a teenager, I even had to endure the punishments my parents meted out to me. They thought I was wasting my time when their dream was for me to become something else in the future like a doctor, a lawyer or an engineer. I just followed my dream against all odds. I felt very early, that this ambition was inborn and that I had to follow my destiny.�

Nonetheless, his people, culture and tradition formed the mosaic of his greatest influences. Of course, global events would sometimes have an osmotic effect on him.

Perhaps, the most aesthetically fascinating feature of his paintings are their mottled finish.

Critics sometimes confuse this technique with pointillism. But, Kwubiri explained that this was rather a “dripping� technique that afterwards looked like they were dotted. “There’s no doubt of course that there’s a small element of dotting, but generally I do ‘dripping technique’, not ‘pointillism’.�

This too can be traced back to Nigeria even when it would be further developed in Germany in the 1990s. That was a period he called his experimental phase in the art academy. Then, he was seriously groping for his own style – his own vernacular in art.

But the first years as an artist in Europe turned out to be disorienting. “I was lost and confused in the beginning,� he confessed.

How wouldn’t he be, after being overwhelmed by the standard and the variety of artistic expressions in Germany? He could see how art had become integrated as an essential element of common life. “There was art in the streets, in the parks, in homes and offices, public and private

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institutions. Just mention it, art is everywhere.�

He soon braced himself for the challenges ahead. His migration to Europe was spurred on by his inner yearning to broaden his knowledge about art. There was also the aspect of rediscovering his own culture and tradition from a distance.

Several visits to DĂźsseldorf’s Art Academy and discussions with some of the art students made his encounter with the late Professor Michael Buthe possible. The latter saw his works, encouraged, supported him and subsequently offered him an admission as “guest studentâ€?.

Recognition came knocking at his door a few months later. First, he was nominated and selected for “a very prestigiousâ€? organised by the DĂźsseldorf-based Hedwig and Robert Samuel Foundation. This exhibition had a huge media coverage. And he was not yet admitted a regular student! “Ayear later, I succeeded in gaining the highly competitive admission as a regular student at the Art Academy DĂźsseldorf.â€?

Then came the plethora of awards. This was in the early years of his studies. And before he knew it, his works were already finding their way into respectable collections. It was also during this period that he met a gallery owner in DĂźsseldorf, who was not only very passionate about his works, but also gave him his first ever “gallery solo exhibitionâ€?. “Unfortunately, this gallery owner died much too early before I really started my fulltime studio art career.â€? Anote of melancholy laced his words.

His integration into the European art scene was gradual. Hence, his profile morphed from the “exotic bonus� of being an “African artist� to becoming an “artist from Africa with a universal art language�.

The Inverted Pyramid; Adapted from a novel by Emeka Dike

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ARTS & REVIEW\\TELEVISION

BEHIND THE FIERY AMAZONS...

Olufunke Adepuji

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recently stumbled upon this Instagram post. This was while trawling through the Instagram accounts of some media personalities. Actually, I was interested in the current state of affairs of Nigerian electronic media. And, specifically, I wanted to find out all I could about Mo Abudu. That is the founder and CEO of EbonyLife TV. The post? It was entitled The EbonyLife Amazons and splashed the images of not less than 14 women of substance.

Yes, these women – besides looking glamorous – were all senior managers or producers of the channel’s patented glossy content.

Apparently, this was all about highlighting the number of women calling the shots. Recall that it’s one cause that’s way Mo Abudu’s street.

So, I set out to do some digging of my own. Was this, perhaps, an attempt at window-dressing? Or, does this reflect the behind-the-scene reality?

Well, this was no window-dressing, I soon found out. The only two male heads of department happened to be the Chief Financial Officer and Head of Technical. Also, there are two male directors on the board. But trust Mo Abudu to do some balancing act. The point is that women dominate the day-to-day running of EbonyLife TV. This is something its parent network, MultiChoice Africa (MCA) should be proud of.

I wouldn’t really know MultiChoice’s take on this matter But by throwing its weight behind Mo Abudu’s efforts to build a Nigerian entertainment powerhouse – one that churns out over 4,000 hours of highquality, original programming in its four years of existence – it has not only empowered these female media executives and producers, but also hundreds of young people, who are desperate for opportunities and training.

Recall also that MultiChoice Nigeria has in recent times been vilified for serial price hikes and for seemingly excluding the average Nigerian from gaining access to its best products.

Perhaps, one may wish to argue that this criticism is justified. Yet, can one

A scene from Sons of the Caliphate

discountenance the fact that success stories like EbonyLife would not have been possible without the platform and financial support of the South Africabased network.

There’s no doubt about it: EbonyLife TV has upped the ante with its slick TV dramas like The Governor, Sons of the Caliphate, Fifty (the series) and its cavalcade of talk, reality and general entertainment shows. The viewers’ expectations of high quality from the home-grown television have thus been raised in a relatively short time-frame.

The fallout of this is evident wherever one looks, even with online channels.

No one seems immune to the EbonyLife effect. Or...perhaps, with the exception of some change-resistant stalwarts of the terrestrial television.

An important aspect of my research was the awe-inspiring number of media personalities and actors, who owe much of their current popularity to EbonyLife TV. Many of these either launched their careers on the channel or gave their profiles a terrific shot in the arm through their work there.

There are even many, who work all over Africa and relish impressive social media followings as well as command eye-popping endorsement fees as brand ambassadors. These include Zainab Balogun, Stephanie Coker, Ebuka Uchendu, Tosin Odunfa, Mimi Onalaja, Tallulah Doherty, Bolanle Olakanmi, Toke Makinwa, Lamide Akintobi, Michelle Dede, Kwame Bonsu, Oreka Godis, Appeal Ofoh, Cynthia Kamalu, Denola Grey and Denrele Edun among so many others.

EXHIBITION

Adam&Eve Presents Its Second Art Exhibition Yinka Olatunbosun

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Olumide Oresegun's painting titled, "After Harvest".

he luxury store in the heart of Lagos capital, Adam&Eve has announced that the second art exhibition, titled The Content II, will open on October 15.

Dubbed the “Harmattan Edition”, the show is coming on the heels of the commercial success of the first show in June, which featured veteran artists while attracting members of the creative industry and some Lagos socialites who have great taste for arts and aesthetics.

This exhibition, which will run till December 15, features 10 artists out of whom are three guests artists drawn from the previous edition.

The guest artists are Bruce Onabrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo and Lekan Onabanjo.

Other participating artists include Francis Uduh, Juliet Ezenwa, Damola Adepoju, Olumide Oresegun, Emmanuel Stanley-Dudu, Ibe Ananaba and Josh Nmesirionye.

The line up of artists for

this show is a promise kept by the CEO, Adam&Eve, Mrs. Modupe Ogunlesi. She had said earlier in the year that more emerging artists would be embraced in the subsequent editions of the exhibition. Not predisposed to supplying the technical details of the show, Ogunlesi revealed that in selecting the works, attention was paid to visual appeal and the underlying message in each work. For her, most of her collectors are not thirsty for art nuances but what appeals to their eyes.

“The art will be like our music.

It will burst the charts. Our art will transcend reason,” she said.

Each artist is expected to showcase five works while the guest artists will present only two pieces each.

On November 12, Adam&Eve will hold its annual Festival of Carols simultaneously with the show as a way of reminding the public to buy Christmas presents in the festive period. During this event, there will be poetic and bible readings.

Meanwhile, the gallery plan is still in top gear. With good strategic location, just a few kilometres from the Muritala Mohammed International Airport, it is expected that the new art gallery will attract tourists, international art collectors and art patrons in general.

Maybe I’m the lone voice in the wilderness singing the praises of MultiChoice. But is it possible to crow about the achievements of Mo Abudu and her “Amazons” at EbonyLife without acknowledging the input of MultiChoice Africa?

Long may this continue!

-Adepuji writes from Lagos

TELEVISION TheReturnofWho Wants To Be A Millionaire Yinka Olatunbosun

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harles Oyakhilome entered the Ultima Studio and took his position in the hot seat area. He wasn’t there as a contestant but as the Chairman, Airopay Nigeria, the new corporate sponsor of one of Nigeria’s finest game shows, Who Wants to be A Millionaire.

The show ended its last season recently and Frank Edoho, the presenter for the show since inception gave a hint that he would be retiring from the show.

Having rested it for seven seasons, the producers of the show are basking on their record of enriching lives through the prize money. Among the beneficiaries of the show are many notable Nigerians, who even after having done noble deeds for their home land, soon became forgotten heroes and languished in penury.

Consistent with the game show's objective of enriching lives, the international payment operator, Airopay has partnered with Ultima Studio to continue the live television tradition while rethinking some aspects of the show. The show will likely get a younger presenter while some special editions such as “Who Deserves to be a Millionaire?” and “Celebrity Edition” will be retained.

According to Oyakhilome, Airopay’s offer to sponsor the game show is inspired by its mantra to make lives easy.

“Airopay is thrilled to partner with Ultima Limited,” he said. “Airopay is honoured by this partnership. Airopay and Ultima are convinced that the synergy between Airopay and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Game show will be mutually beneficial.”

Meanwhile, the sweetest part of this deal is the increase in the winnings of whoever makes it to the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Homeplay.

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REPORTING PUBLIC AFFAIRS: THE MISSING LINK Banji Ojewale

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ust as you don’t become a lawyer (a practising one) only upon studying law in the university or a teacher after graduating from a college of education, you don’t also answer to a journalist merely because you have undertaken journalism studies. You’d need to have been a practitioner of the profession and a subscriber to its lifetime discipline of keeping abreast of developments in the field through training, retraining and massive reading of literature churned out to update you.

This vision has led to the observation that practitioners of most of the professions in Nigeria are not growing.

We’ve been rooted to the same spot for ages while the rest of the world has moved on. The nation as the end-user of the dissemination of information has suffered where others in this global village have flourished. This isn’t a floored position on account of the empirical evidence attesting to the substandard and unethical values in the institutions manned by our bureaucrats and professionals.

Therefore, the sum of the argument in one of Jackson Akpasubi’s latest books, Practical Guide to Public Affairs for Journalists, is that these professionals would be better suited to contribute qualitatively to both the society and the vocation if they were exposed to new grounds in the field through books. It does not suffice, he insists, to flaunt a surfeit of academic suffixes. But, really, what is the point if you have all these good degrees and diplomas and they are of no functional application?

So in his 11-chapter 217-page book, Akpasubi establishes the view that the media, being the fourth estate of the realm, its members can only justify that role if they are able to handle their reportage of public affairs (i.e. public policy) tactically and admirably.

They must be exposed to specialised books like Akpasubi’s work under review. The author is able to draw on his own vast experience that has seen him operate in some of the country’s revered media houses (The Guardian, Concord Newspaper group, Sentinel etc., climaxing as the Director of News, TVC) to pontificate on a number of grundnorms.

The newsroom is the link between the people and public policy making, a relationship which is pivotal to healthy growth and development of society. Another: the place of public policy in journalism practice today is becoming extremely complex in our globally interconnected world. Still more: social policy news stories have more human interest perspectives and must not be played down. Akpasubi adds that as a result of the expansion of public services and the rise in political importance and their statutory objectives as stated in chapter 2 of the Nigerian constitution, it is binding on journalists to monitor the government on its discharge of its responsibility to the people. The constitution says the newsman must play the watchdog role. These newsmen then must be doubly kitted to perform that function if society is to exist organically.

Akpasubi reaches out to a host of classical definitions of public policy.

But, my pick is this: “Public policy is the process by which governments translate their political vision into

realities (programmes) and actions to deliver ‘outcomes’ (or) the desired changes in the real world. Examples of desired outcomes include clean air, clean water, good and affordable healthcare, high employment, decent and affordable housing, minimal levels of poverty, improved literacy, law, (low) crime rate, socially cohesive society, and, of course, high and qualitative educational system, among others.�

This sets the stage for the author to identify and zero in on areas constituting public policy. The checklist enumerated by the author includes almost everything under the sun.

They are to be handled by those the author calls “specialist reportersâ€? not “general beat reportersâ€? who “in the pastâ€? made “ministers and parastatal heads‌ frequently get away with not knowing very much.â€? To assist society understand issues and formulate helpful public policy, the reporter must “acquire the virtue of patience‌ It requires attendance at long, often boring, public meetings (especially when they are political) and court of public hearings. It requires poring over lengthy, often confusing, public documents‌ careful research‌ and of course, the ability to organise and compile information and to write precisely and accurately.â€?

But some observers would not allow a couple of Akpasubi’s postulations to go unchallenged. His tree of the different levels of Public Policy Process is one such bone of contention.

The author presents Genesis as the first; the second is the Development stage; the third is Implementation; and lastly, Feedback which the journalist does through reports and analysis. Critics of the radical Hegelian school would swiftly take Akpasubi to task. Why is he stopping at Stage 4? They would counter that there is more activity after that level. They would move on to proffer the famous dialectical argument: thesis, anti-thesis and synthesis.

Feedback stage would be overthrown to give way to a new Genesis that would also lead to new levels in an endless cycle of policies and further displacements. These are the dynamics of social growth and development.

Practical Guide to Public Affairs for Journalists has a word on reporting local governments. Correctly considered by many to be the key to reform and restructuring Nigeria, the book laments that the reporter has been sucked in by the jinx of viewing council administration as the home of “levy and tax collection.� If we have this attitude to the local government system in Nigeria, the nation and its democratic structure cannot ably evolve a progressive policy that serves the interest of the masses. But a relentless media scrutiny and reportage of council affairs can redress the situation. Just as there is too much power at the centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital, resulting in little development and empowerment of the people in the states, there is also, sadly, scant attention and resources in the local governments. This is responsible for the poverty of Nigeria despite our gargantuan potential.

Practical Guide to Public Affairs for Journalists has a word on reporting local governments. Correctly considered by many to be the key to reform and restructuring Nigeria, the book laments that the reporter has been sucked in by the jinx of viewing council administration as the home of “levy and tax collection.� If we have this attitude to the local government system in Nigeria, the nation and its democratic structure cannot ably evolve a progressive policy that serves the interest of the masses. But a relentless media scrutiny and reportage of council affairs can redress the situation. Just as there is too much power at the centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital, resulting in little development and empowerment of the people in the states, there is also, sadly, scant attention and resources in the local governments. This is responsible for the poverty of Nigeria despite our gargantuan potential.

Akpasubi’s second book is the 104page Dictionary of Media Terms. The idea for the project came when the author made his acclaimed transition from print to electronic (TV) journalism. He encountered a completely new world where he discovered that, like the

boy in an African adage, you must not boast too much about the size of your father’s farm until you’ve visited that of your friend’s father.

But given Akpasubi’s humble tradition and a habitual determination to always learn new things, he stooped to conquer and gobbled up all that was on offer on this new turf. This book is the outcome of his experience.

It is one of the few available for the public to learn about the shibboleth that those in the radio, TV, web, PR, adverts, etc., use in their day-to-day enterprise. The book’s beauty lies in its simplicity, one-liner definitions, and brief historical forays. Its resort to arcane technical explanations is unavoidable in some respects. But it is adroitly handled.

Now, although Jackson Akpasubi had his way in the two books with thoroughly researched presentation, he never could stop the printer’s devil from having its say many times over.

The photographs could have been reproduced in their original colour format. In the case of the Dictionary of Media Terms, there is no photograph at all. What saved the day are the colourful cover and the depth of discourse between the covers.

--Ojewale writes from Ota, Ogun State

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CICERO

Editor Olawale Olaleye Email wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com, SMS: 08116759819

IN THE ARENA

Fare Thee Well, Recession!

The news of Nigeria exiting recession is quite cheering. It is however too early to celebrate, writes Olawale Olaleye

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-––he federal government’s reaction to the news of the 0.55 growth in the economy, indicating a gradual exit from recession was a safe mode – smart and well-conceived.

Not oblivious of the unstable state of the other factors that could help put the economy on a guaranteeing pedestal, the federal government admitted that the nation’s economic growth still remained brittle and evidently susceptible.

This, of course, is in spite of the heartening news from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), some days ago, which had claimed that there was a 0.55 per cent growth in the second quarter of 2017, albeit after five consecutive quarters of contraction.

In August of 2016, the NBS released official Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the second quarter of that year and confirmed that the Nigerian economy was officially in recession.

The GDP, according to the statistics released, was contracted by 2.06 per cent in the second quarter of 2016, following a contraction of 0.36 per cent in the first quarter. This, it noted, officially placed Nigeria in a recession, which was defined by two or more consecutive quarters of negative economic growth.

Naturally, the news followed mounting criticism of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ability to manage the economy. And expectedly, Nigerians started to struggle with the cost of basic amenities as prices soared and the value of the naira depreciated significantly, compared to the US dollar.

Indeed, this particular decline in growth was believed to have marked the worst recession in Nigeria’s history since the Ibrahim Babangida regime, when the economy declined by 0.51 per cent and 0.82 per cent in two consecutive quarters in 1987.

It was for this reason that the news of the economy exiting recession was well received by many people but not with justified reservations from different quarters, a majority of which cautioned against premature celebration.

But as a smart administration, the federal government has also sued for caution. Economic Adviser to the President, Dr. Yemi Dipeolu, who called for measured caution, also noted that the economy remained vulnerable to “exogenous shocks or policy slippages”and that it was imperative to intensify the implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) as well as diversification of the economy to achieve the desired results.

But analysts have contended that although the Nigerian economy might have made a promising turn through an expansionary GDP growth rate in the second quarter (Q2) of 2017, the operators as

well as the Nigerian people should put the celebration on hold pending, when the effect is felt in all the relevant areas of the economy, including the informal sector.

There are still concerns that the growth could still stumble – perhaps – especially because of such factors as the nation’s increasing population growth rate of 2.7 per cent, the attendant low income per capita, uncertainty in the oil markets, poor consumer spending as well as high inflation and the unemployment rates.

The Q2 2017 growth rate of 0.55 per cent (year-on-year) was 2.04 per cent higher than the corresponding quarter of 2016 (-1.49%) and higher by 1.46 percentage points over the -0.91 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter, yet 1.95 percentage points lower than the South African economy, which like Nigeria, exited its recession about the same period, growing by 2.5 per cent.

Curiously, Nigeria’s economic recovery was said to have been driven principally by the performance of four major economic activities and they are oil, agriculture, manufacturing and trade. But like Obinna Chima, a reporter on the staff of THISDAY noted, “while the figures showed that the economic contraction appears to have petered out, Nigeria’s per capita income did not grow fast enough, because its population growth rate of almost 3 per

cent outpaced GDP growth.

“Of greater significance, the Q2 2017 growth rate was primarily oil sector driven, which should sound a note of caution to the managers of the economy and policy makers, because further growth in the sector would most likely be muted in subsequent quarters, and bring to the fore, the need to implement policies that would drive nonoil sector growth.”

By and large, it is good that the NBS which announced that the nation was officially in recession was the same agency that broke the news of her gradual exit from the web of that economic contraption. Therefore, while it is worthy of note that such a development is happening at all, notwithstanding at the twilight of the Buhari administration, cautiously celebrating this fragile success is germane to seeing how best to properly make a huge capital of this ephemeral success.

That the average man on the street is unable to connect to this economic literature yet makes elaborate celebration uncalled for, because for as long as it does not translate into significant changes in the prices of staple foods and other everyday needs of an average Nigerian with commensurate purchasing power like it was felt when the recession newly began, talk about exiting recession might as well remain in the books.

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

This Isn’t Time Yet for Riot Act

V

Osinbajo

ice-President Yemi Osinbajo, last week, spoke tough to separatist agitators in the country, saying enough of such dispositions that tended to undermine the nation’s unity. Osinbajo, who spoke at a feast in commemoration of this year’s eid-el-kabir celebration, had represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the occassion.

Quite frankly, as Nigeria’s number-two citizen and one who has a constitutional responsibility to ensure the protection of the nation’s unity in diversity, Osinbajo’s frustration was understandable, more so that it was

one development that had constituted huge distraction for the government of the day. But the truth is that at this stage, talking tough should not be on the card.

For now and a long time to come, continuous engagement through dialogue with these tendencies is the way to go. It could be frustrating more so when government could descend on them all in one fell swoop and end this at once, the very essence of democracy does not encourage such a threat to clampdown on dissents and so, for now, dialogue remains the most potent tool. It is in no way a sign of weakness, but rather an indication that one of the parties could see the bigger picture.

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Benue’s Devastating Flood

A flooded community in Benue

A devastating flood that is currently ravaging some communities in Benue State is a wakeup call to pro-active leadership, writes Anayo Okolie

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n estimated 110,000 people were reportedly left homeless while three were confirmed dead by the flood that sacked some communities in Benue State penultimate week. Apart from rendering thousands homeless, the disaster also washed away villages, farmlands and food storage facilities among others.

In 2012, some parts of Nigeria suffered disastrous floods, scores of people died, and some two million people were reportedly left homeless. The current disaster however sacked communities in Makurdi, Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Guma, Buruku, Tarka and Kasina-Ala Local Government Areas of the state.

The worst hit areas, according to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) include Achusa, Idye, Welfare Quarters, Mobile Barracks, New Kanshio Layout, Wadata market, Wurukum market, Gyado villa, Kucha Utebe, Breweries, Nyiman layout, Behind Civil Service Commission, Radio Benue, Industrial layout, BIPC quarters, Uniagric road, Katungu, Genabe, Behind Officon, Uniagric study centre, Behind GTBank, Wadata old prison, Agboughul- wadata and Demekpe communities.

A statement released by SEMA disclosed that in Achusa, about 200 houses were affected with 5,125 persons displaced. In Idye, 217 houses were affected while 5,200 persons were displaced. Also, behind the Civil Service Commission, 200 houses were submerged in flood and 5,777 persons displaced.

At Genabe, 200 houses were also affected with 5,021 persons displaced; 218 houses around the Wurukum market were affected with 1,000 persons displaced, and at Wadata market, 150 houses were affected and 4,300 persons were displaced. At Industrial Layout, 69 houses were flooded and 4,310 persons displaced; in Demekpe, 111 houses were affected while 7,820 persons were displaced.

The statement further revealed that 137 houses were flooded in Katungu with 6,031 persons displaced while at Agboughul-Wadata, 201 houses were affected and 5,728 persons displaced.

Although two camps have been set up in

Makurdi to accommodate those rendered homeless, a total of 4,776 people have been registered from 546 households. However, cases of malaria, typhoid fever and diarrhoea have been reported in the camps.

Commissioner for Health in the state, Cecelia Ojabo, said: “Five cases of diarrhoea had been reported. But we have no outbreak of any disease and officials working round the clock to ensure that everyone gets adequate care in this camp.”

Some residents have however accused the Benue State government of doing nothing to protect the citizens and the state from flood disaster over the years.

Floods could be caused either as a result of natural causes or human activities. Floods are caused by discharge of huge volume of water in a short span of time, at a rate, such that the water cannot be carried away from the scene of discharge.

Most often, the localised flooding is caused due to human activities but a natural phenomenon might trigger it. There are some places, which get flooded almost every year, and in most situations, flood prone areas are quite known and precautions are taken.

Sometimes, it might not be possible to prevent a flood, even if there was prior alert that it’s about to get flooded. But there are certain actions that could be taken to reduce the impact significantly, or to reduce the possibility of flooding.

The first step, according to disastermgmt.org,is to keep the drainage system clean. This allows water to be carried down very fast. Choked drains cause a significant reduction in the ability and speed of the water to be drained away. In most situations of urban flooding, this is a major cause.

The drains might get choked due to the throwing of solid-wastes inside storm drains.

These solid wastes might include construction material, plastics, paper etc. This is a clear example of how human activities can amplify the process of flooding. Drains might also get choked due to falling tree-leaves etc.

However, general clean-up of streets, disastermgmt.org disclosed, is also important. As rainwater falls down the street, it rushes into the storm drains. If the streets are not clean, the rain water trying to go into the drain carries solid wastes into the drain with itself, which then obstructs the flow

of water by the drainage system.

A rain water harvesting system, which enables the rain-water flow down the drains, has been suggested. But it has also been discovered to put a lot of stress on the drainage system.

So, if there are several rain-water harvesting systems, the rainfall in that much area would try to go to the sub-soil of the region locally, rather than straining the drainage system. Lower is the amount of water trying to go through the drainage system, the easier it is for the drainage system to drain off the water.

In order to prevent or reduce future disaster, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has said henceforth, refuse should be dumped only at designated areas to avoid littering the streets and blocking drainages. The governor assured the people that government would complete the drainage channel that was started in 2004 to empty water into River Benue, adding that if completed, it would go a long way in addressing the challenge.

The state government also called on the federal government to include Benue in the states to benefit from the N1.6 billion ecological intervention fund, saying since 2013, the state had not received any ecological assistance from the federal government. The state government believes that if adequate budgetary provisions were made, many disasters may be mitigated since natural disasters could only be controlled.

The George Akume-led administration awarded a N2.2 billion contract to CAD Nigeria Limited for the construction of water drainage channel that would control all the running waters down to River Benue, but the project was abandoned. Over 4000 households were submerged, property worth millions destroyed and scores died in the 2012 flood disaster. So, the need for the state government and people of the state to adhere to the preventive measures to avoid such massive disaster to reoccur is paramount.

However, unlike the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refused to politicise the matter but condemn the response of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the flood disaster.

Sympathising with the government and people of the state, PDP in a statement advised

the federal government to be more proactive and condemned the response of NEMA to the disaster.

“We condemn the slow response of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the disaster. We wonder why NEMA, an agency created by the federal government with the mandate to respond speedily in times of emergency will wait for the so-called “Presidential Directives” before performing its duties.

“In view of the above, we consider NEMA’s action unfortunate and unprofessional. We therefore advise all agencies of government whose duty it is to provide emergency services to do so promptly in order to save lives. We call on both the states and federal governments to be more proactive by taking adequate steps to put in place mechanisms that will curtail such level of disaster in other flood-prone areas across the country.

“Finally, we pray for the souls of all those that lost their lives to rest in perfect peace and console all the affected families to bear this irreparable loss.”

As part of moves to controlling the menace of flooding, the federal government has promised to dredge River Benue and construct additional drainage systems, even as President Muhammadu Buhari expressed optimism that the dredging of the river would provide permanent solution to the problem, hoping that the dredging would not only tackle flooding but also create job opportunities for the youth.

“We need to look at a realistic solution to this problem. The dredging of River Benue is very important in addressing this flood issue and we will do something about it. The intention of the federal government is not just to assist flood victims but also to find ways of providing real opportunities to help Nigerians improve their standard of living, Buhari said.”

To think that flooding and its menace have become a yearly challenge to deal with also suggests that government must be proactive in addressing the problems. While the natural influences can be mitigated to reduce the effect of the havoc, the human activities can be tamed significantly and this is where leadership comes to play. It is hope that the people and government of Benue will learn from this very ugly experience.

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No End in Sight for Kogi Workers, Pensioners’ Travails Despite the large sum of money received by the Kogi State government from the federal government as the London/Paris Club refund, workers and pensioners in the state are going through a horrible experience.

Yekini Jimoh writes

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hen the present administration of Yahya Bello of Kogi State came on board some 20 months ago, it made it clear that he had come to sanitise the state, particularly civil service. To achieve this, the governor quickly set up a screening committee for workers, both at the state and local government levels, pensioners inclusive.

The Auditor-general of the state, Mr. Yusuf Okala, and his counterpart at the local government level, Mr. Ahmed Ododo, were the two major actors that anchored the exercise.

However, after the screening of workers and pensioners across the state, spanning about 20 months, over 90 per cent of Kogi workers and pensioners are yet to be paid. Many of the workers and pensioners have lost their lives as a result of the non-payment of their salaries.

In fact during the screening exercise, some workers were kidnapped on their way to Lokoja, while others who were equally unlucky lost their lives in the kidnappers’ den.

During the administration of the immediate past governor, Captain Idris Wada, he paid workers and pensioners promptly. Sadly, Governor Bello, despite the alleged inflow of money, which included the bailout funds, the first and second tranches of the Paris Club refund, totalling over N38billion, still, over 90 per cent of the workers and pensioners are yet to get their salaries in the last 20 months. Apart from this, the governor has also collected loans from banks in the state. The latest is the N1.9 billion loan approved by the state assembly.

Today, Kogi workers and pensioners have literally become beggars due to their increasing hardship. Many parents have withdrawn their wards from school as a result of the unpleasant situation facing the workers. And efforts by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), led by the state chairman, Comrade Onu Edoka, for the governor to see reasons, had proved abortive.

Some of the workers, who spoke to THISDAY lamented that their situation was critical.

“We can no longer send our children to school. We can’t even afford house rent and even take care of our medical bills,” some of them lamented.

An 80 year old pensioner, Mallam Otu Damisa, said he retired as a Secondary School teacher but lamented that since the present administration came on board, things had become difficult for him.

“I lost my wife early this year. She died as a result of medical issue. I could not afford her medical care, because in the last 20 months, I have not collected a single penny from the state as pension,” he said.

Another pensioner from Kogi West senatorial district, Mr. Tunde Tanimola, while narrating his predicament noted that with the amount of money collected by the administration from the federal government, and the internally generated revenue, government should be in a position to

A Kogi pensioner being assisted by colleagues

defray all the outstanding arrears of pensioners.

He appealed to Governor Bello to make the payment of pensions and salaries a priority, noting that government’s attention was on things that have no bearing on the civil servants and pensioners.

“We are suffering. We are dying despite so many resources that came to the state within one and a half years of this present administration.

Some of us have not been paid for upward of 18 to 20 months. We believe that this government will give a listening ear to our appeal.”

Another civil servant told THISDAY in confidence that despite the fact that she was on the cleared list, she was yet to get a Kobo for over 18 months. She therefore appealed to government to consider her plight as all her children have been withdrawn from School.

Only recently, a group based in Abuja had accused Bello of mismanaging N30 billion bailout fund given to the state. The allegation was made by an Abuja-based civil society group, Egalitarian Mission for Africa (EMA).

The group has asked Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to probe the current

For a man who should have represented the younger generation in the political leadership of the country, Bello has turned out the biggest disappointment of this dispensation, thus making it more difficult for younger people to be trusted with power. He is largely considered as both clueless and lacking in requisite intellectual credentials to run any corporation let alone a state

administration in the state.

However, Bello’s major criticisms came from a member of the House of Representatives, Hon James Faleke, who recently accused the governor of plunging the state into debt. He said the governor borrowed over N35 billion from two different banks less than two years after assuming office, noting that the profligacy of the governor has plundered the state into a debt that would take between 15 to 20 years to repay.

Faleke, a governorship hopeful and major stakeholder in the state, lamented that despite the high indebtedness and huge resources that had accrued to the state under Yayaha’s watch, “there is nothing to show for it”.

A statement signed by him reads: “My heart bleeds for Kogi. I am constrained to step out once more to raise an alarm over the unmitigated profligacy of Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, leading the state currently reeling under the weight of some burdensome local bank loans with a repayment plan of more than 15 years.

“Rather than find ingenuous ways of liquidating the debt bequeathed to him by his predecessor, the governor is raising the state’s debt portfolio. The previous government of Idris Wada owed two or three months’ salary when he left office, and handed over a debt of about N800 million only.

“The total debt portfolio was about N45 billion, inclusive of pension arrears. With the intervention of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, Wada requested for N50 billion to enable him clear the salary arrears and another bail out of N10 billion for infrastructural development.

“Before the funds were released, Wada had left office. Eventually, N20 billion of the N50 billion was released to Governor Bello, while the N10 billion for infrastructure was also released fully. So, the total bailout to the state was N30 billion. Almost simultaneously, Bello’s government got monthly allocations for the state and local government areas with an average of over N5 billion monthly for 18 months running now.

“Surprisingly, the governor has taken loans

of over N35 billion from two commercial banks since his assumption of office. The state has also collected over N14 billion reimbursements from the Federal Government for infrastructure and environmental works done by the state under the previous administrations.

“On the heels of these is the Paris-London Club loan refund, the first tranche of which was N12 billion and N6 billion as the second tranche released last week. I have come to the conclusion that posterity would be harsh on critical stakeholders in the state, including me, if we fail to talk about the current free fall into a humongous indebtedness the state is being led to by its current manager.

“For record purposes, Yahaya Bello to my mind is a very lucky man. He came to office after we spent our resources to defeat an incumbent.

Just imagine the enormous resources as enumerated above and what Kogi should have achieved with a purposeful leadership.

“But alas! What do we get? Many workers (state and local governments) are still being owed a minimum of three months, and some councils a maximum of 17 months arrears, despite the allocations running in excess of N200 billion since 2016.

“May we ask the House of Assembly, which granted approval for the loans, what the governor has done with it? And since it is an open secret that no single road project has been completed among other things, why are the lawmakers quiet? Kogites demand answers from them as they are supposed to be their representatives.”

The unfortunate thing about the Bello governorship is that it has harmed greatly, the call for generational power shift. For a man who should have represented the younger generation in the political leadership of the country, Bello has turned out the biggest disappointment of this dispensation, thus making it more difficult for younger people to be trusted with power. He is largely considered as both clueless and lacking in requisite intellectual credentials to run any outfit let alone a state.

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Gathering of people at the demolition site

In Owerri, a Devt Exercise Goes Bad A recent demolition exercise in Eke Ukwu Market, Owerri, by the Imo State Government went out of control and has since pitted the people against the government, writes Amby Uneze

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hen Imo State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, first mooted the idea of relocating the ancestral Eke Ukwu Market, Owerri, the state capital, a majority of the people considered it a joke taken too far. However, as the governor intensified effort to take down the market, which is described as the biggest in the state due to the volume of traders and businesses that go on there, it was then it dawned on the people that Okorocha meant business.

Ironically, it was not only the traders, the indigenes and the owners of the market that were bothered about the possible relocation; the entire people of the state were vehemently against its relocation. Instead, they suggested to the government to fence the market area and continue with the urban renewal programme, which the government said it was aimed to achieve. Although it was not their call to dictate to government how to navigate an urban renewal project, government should have done a lot more of consultations before moving in, other reckoned.

Understanding the Concerns of the Natives The natives of Owerri Municipal Council, who are the owners of the Eke Ukwu Market, felt that if the ancestral market, which had remained at the centre of the capital city, where they also live is relocated, it then means that their ancestral home would also be affected, thereby making their village and ancestral home history.

To this end, the five villages that make up the municipality had informed the government on a number of occasions through various means of their unwillingness to accept the relocation exercise but their appeal seemed to have fallen on the deaf ears of the Okorocha government.

Another major point they raised was that the place, where the market was to be relocated was far from the old one and also in another local government council, Egbeada, which is in Mbaitoli local government. Not only that, other concerns as enunciated by a majority of the traders included that the new place was not even ready for relocation, therefore they should have been given more time before the demolition.

Battle Shifts to the Court Bearing in mind that government would eventually move to demolish the market without notice, the indigenes, under the aegis of Owerri Community Assembly (OCA) had approached the Owerri High Court before Justice Okpara, who gave an injunction restraining the Imo State Government or any of her privies from carrying out any demolition or relocation of the Eke Ukwu Market until the determination of the substantive case. While the injunction is still subsisting, the government, on Saturday, August 26, moved in and demolished the said market

to the chagrin of both the Owerri indigenes and the observing public.

…And Confusion Sets In The drafting in of security agencies not only changed the tide completely, it set in unprecedented confusion. According to eye-witnesses, while the people of Owerri and government official engaged in discussions as a result of the 24-hour quit order to the traders to vacate the market or risk their wares being destroyed by government, and as soon as the indigenes left the market square with the belief that they have had a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ then, bulldozers accompanied by stern-looking security personnel moved in.

“As early as 6.30am, over two hundred combined armed security agents including the Army, Nigerian Air force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Imo State Security Network and the Imo Community Watch had already cordoned off the Douglas Road, where the market is located, just as Mbaise Road, Emmanuel College junction and Fire Service Roundabout leading to Egbu/Mbaise Road were equally manned by armed security agents.

With braggadocio, government forceful entered Douglas road to carry out the relocation plan, unknown to both traders and indigenes. At the same time, confusion set in and the city erupted in fierce battle, which led to the death of a 10-year old Somtochukwu Ibeanusi, while over eight others were seriously injured from the shooting that ensued by security personnel.

Among those injured was a youth leader in Owerri municipal, Mr. Leonard Ebubeagu, and seven others, who sustained bullet wounds. It was also learnt that the security agents had shot sporadically into the air, supported by the Ohaji/Egbema youths, who bore cudgels in the bid to prevent the traders from retrieving their wares.

That action would later lead to a clash between the Owerri Youths and the Ohaji/Egbema youths with the security agents providing the latter with covering fire. It was in the process that little Somtochukwu, who was going to retrieve his mother’s wares was caught in the cross-fire and shot dead allegedly by one of the soldiers, while eight others sustained bullet wounds including Ebubeagu, who was shot on one of his legs.

National Vice Chairman (South-east) of the United Progressives Party (UPP), Chief Ejike Uche, reminded government that while they were denying the incident of any death in the process, “Soldiers are trained to kill. When you deploy them in a market place with Armoured Personnel Carrier and all combat gears, you have given them a licence to kill and you know what to expect”.

A Defence That Changed Nothing In the midst of the pandemonium, the state government

continued to defend its action, stating that it took the action to recover Douglas Road that connects the state to other neighbouring states and which had remained a refuse dump for the traders in the market, and therefore, resolved to deal once and for all, with the prevalent criminal activities in the area.

In a release by the chief press secretary to the governor, Sam Onwuemeodo, he observed that “It has come to our knowledge, the deliberate and concerted effort being made by some elements that do not love progress to use the relocation of the Ekeukwu Owerri Market, to blackmail the government of the day and perhaps cause undue tension in the state.

“These people who have refused or failed to appreciate the good of relocating Ekeukwu Market, Owerri to a more acceptable area have been dishing out rumours upon rumours including rumours of people being shot dead. These are wicked rumours.

“The truth is that the market is government’s property and it is the decision of the government to relocate it to a better place and such action could not have led to such incident. The security personnel around the market were there to ensure peace and they played that role professionally.

“We are also aware that before now, the hoodlums who have been using the market and environs as areas of their operations have been threatening fire and brimstone over the government’s decision to move the market. These hoodlums had also embarked on looting, which led to their being confronted by some of the traders and it took the timely intervention of the Security Personnel to restore order in that part of the market.

“Unfortunately, those who hate progress have gone out with certain disturbing claims and have also posted some photographs that have nothing to do with the Owerri issue on the social media just to see if they could discredit the government and the patriotic action taken in the overall interest of the state”, he stated.

Eyewitnesses’ Account Ugo Mere, one of the youth leaders from Umuonyeche Owerri, gave his account of the incident.

“By 6.30am today, we discovered that the police and other security agents, who are armed had blocked all the access road leading to Douglas and also noticed that the bulldozers – about four of them have arrived and before we knew what was happening the boys from Ohaji/Egbema had started smashing open the lock up shops at the market including those at Rotibi Street, across Douglas road.

“But the youths had to repel them and after a while, they reinforced and came back in larger numbers, this time accompanied by the armed security agents. And this resulted in the killing of one Somtochukwu, who was shot dead instantly.

Also, seven other persons sustained gunshot wounds including our former youth president, Leonard, who was shot on one of

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CICERO/ REPORT t */ 08&33* " %&75 &9&3$*4& (0&4 #"% t Continued on Pg. 72 his legs”.

Also, lamenting the situation, Madam Abigail Nkwo said she only got to know about the sudden quit order late Friday night as she had been away for about two weeks.

According to her, “I lost all my goods, because I deal in food stuffs and worst of all was that the army people would not allow anybody to get their items even when the demolition had not gotten to the place. I don’t know what kind of government is this, which has been causing the people pain. I learnt that the governor said he wanted to expand the road and that is why he has decided to demolish the place. Are we going to eat road?”, she asked.

It was the same sad story for Jonas Eke, who deals in clothing materials and decried the activities of the government, said no matter how well intentioned, the exercise had robbed people of their source of livelihood.

“I don’t understand what Okorocha wants us to do, because right now, I have lost all the materials I have in my shop, because before I came they had broken it open and looted the goods and I have just restocked it. The governor said we should go to Egbeada but that place is not even ready and now my shop has been demolished because it is located in one of the buildings that was first demolished by the bulldozers”, he lamented.

Cross section of leaders in the church

And Reactions Continue…

The President General of the Owerri Community Assembly, Sir Felix Ngoka, described the demolition as “an act of lawlessness” saying the matter was already before the court of law, which had earlier issued an injunction restraining the governor from interfering with the market until the substantive suit filed against the government is disposed of.

“The matter is still in court and the court gave an injunction restraining the government from interfering with the market but what the governor has done today is nothing but lawlessness, when the matter has not been determined by the court of law. We are law abiding people and you saw how the governor used armed security agents and thugs to forcefully eject the people of Owerri from their ancestral market”, he stated.

In their reactions, a former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, representing Owerri zone, and Hon. Uche Onyeagocha, a former member, House of Representatives, condemned government’s action. However, in their separate speeches, they had sued for calm, stating that the use of impunity by government to achieve her desire was generally outrageous and uncivil.

A former governor of Imo State, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, lamented the killing of 10-year old Somtochukwu Ibeanusi and regretted that the terror and disaster visited on the Owerri people were avoidable as he had earlier warned Okorocha against the demolition.

In a statement personally signed, Ohakim said, “Imo people, and indeed all Nigerians, should recall that in my letter to Governor Okorocha, dated 26 August, 2016, I advised the Governor in unmistakable terms against the demolition of the market. I drew the governor’s attention to the excruciating economic recession in the country, massive job losses in Imo State, the calamity of Mechanics Village demolition without compensation and alternative. In short, I told him that the timing was wrong and timing in leadership actions is of the essence.”

Agony of a Bereaved Father The bereaved father of Somtochuckwu was in tears at his No. 9 Oguamanam residence, close to the demolished market. His words: “I told my little son to come and assist me remove my goods from the shop before the people demolishing the market got to the place.

“When we were crossing the road, we all raised our hands up but these soldiers just drove by and opened fire and shot my son in the head. The bullet hit him in the eye and came out from the back of his head and he fell and died. I want justice. I don’t want the killers of my son to go unpunished. He was just a little boy, he was not armed. I don’t know if I can bear this”, he cried.

He therefore appealed to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Turkur Buratai, to help assuage the pains of the family by probing the gruesome murder of his son.

Okorocha...ignored court order

Traders challenging security personnel during the demolition exercise

Enter Owerri Elders

mood of the people in his remarks, when he said the market which was part of the cultural identity of the people and their veritable means of livelihood was put in place by their forefathers. He therefore regretted that efforts by the state government to relocate the market were resisted by the people with a subsisting court injunction, which restrained the government from enforcing the plan.

Iwuanyanwu, who also spoke and shared the views of other speakers like Chikwe, village heads, women and youth leaders and prominent politicians, noted that the people had continued to make sacrifices for the development of the Owerri capital city by not only donating part of their ancestral land for this but also have their cultures and tradition bastardised by the state government.

He declared those who lost their lives in the mayhem as martyrs and assured the people of the state that a committee would be put in place to investigate those behind the importation of ex-militants from the Ohaji-Egbema council of the state to smoothen the market relocation.

A former speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Nnaemeka Maduagwu, described the government action as lawlessness that had led to the desecration of the land and shedding of innocent blood, adding that, “We have come here, the ancestral home of Owerri people with the immediate victims to appease our ancestors and exhibit our sorrow”.

Condemning the action also, Uche Wisdom Durueke, President of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), said: “This act of executive lawlessness should be condemned by all who believe in democracy and rule of law.

It is disheartening to note that the Imo State Government is now reputed for having no respect for orders of court.”

While the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN) has already written to President Muhammadu Buhari, demanding an impartial investigation into the deployment

Angry indigenes of the Owerri zone in solidarity with Owerri indigenes Friday converged at their ancestral village square (Ugwu Ekwema) on Egbu road and angrily invoked the wrath of their ancestors to descend on those, who in one way or the other had a hand in the demolition of their ancestral market, even as they vowed that over their dead bodies would the market be relocated.

Led by their traditional prime minister, Chief Paul Nnawuchi, the Head of Oha Owerri, Nze Boniface Anokam, elders, village heads and other chiefs, the people who wore black attires alongside their female folks, prayed their fore-fathers to rise from their graves and defend their ancestral heritage which they said was now under threat of extinction by the Imo State government. This is even as the people, in liaison with the entire Owerri zone declared seven-day mourning for the market demolition and in memory of all those, who lost their lives in the mayhem that trailed the demolition exercise.

The mourning period, which commenced with a special thanksgiving mass at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri last Sunday, would be rounded-off with a commendation service at the cathedral church of the Transfiguration of our Lord (CATOL) Owerri, today.

Prominent among the dignitaries at the gathering were Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (member BOT of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Aviation Minister, Mrs. Kema Chikwe; APGA chieftain, Chief Martin Agbaso; a former governorship aspirant, Chief Ike C. Ibe; Barrister Ken Njemanze (SAN), while the senator for Owerri zone, Samuel Anyanwu, Ihedioha and a House of Representatives member for Owerri Federal Constituency, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, said to be out of the country, sent goodwill messages.

Njemanze, who was chairman of the occasion and assisted by a PDP chieftain in the state, Chief Ambrose Ejiogu, captured the

of the military and armed thugs to a market by the Imo State governor, the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri branch has also declared it would petition Buratai, the Nigerian Human Rights Commission and the National Assembly over the gruesome murder of Somtochukwu by soldiers from the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze.

The NBA chairman, Lawrence Nwakaeti, said the branch would petition and demand that the killers of the child be held accountable for their crime. Describing it as a crime against humanity, Nwakaeti said the Imo state government should be held responsible for the killings, especially that of the innocent kid.

Okorocha had long abandoned Douglas road, where the market was located, refused to evacuate refuse at a time and allowed refuse heaps to pile up such that made the area impassable. It took the combined effort of Owerri indigenes both home and abroad, particularly the ‘Dozie Owerri’ group, to evacuate the mountains of refuse and save their people from epidemics.

For the same reason, the governor is said to have abandoned all repair works on the Douglas road, leaving it in the worst state ever, dotted with ‘gullies’ and ‘potholes’. At this time, curiously, the governor explained that there was a court order restraining him from touching or working in the market and its environs. But when another order clearly restrained him for touching the market, he feigned not to have seen it and went ahead to cause mayhem.

Okorocha has probably conducted a popularity test with this exercise, especially given the peculiarity of the Imo State politics. The election of 2019, without much ado, might have been lost, although not won yet. Ohakim did not do as much before the people stood in his way and showed him the exit door. Thus, politically, Okorocha has committed a grave political hara-kiri, which neither time nor chance can remedy. It does not look good for the governor and his party, APC.

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Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; President Muhammadu Buhari, APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun and Senate President Bukola Saraki at a leadership meeting

Across the States, APC Battles Delicate Unity Except something urgent is done, the crises in some state chapters of the All Progressives Congress are serious enough to undo the party in the next elections, writes Onyebuchi Ezigbo

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has been managing intra-party crisis within its ranks for some time but it appears the situation is getting out of hand each passing day. From the South to the East, West and North, the national leadership of the party has not been able to completely wriggle out of most of the conflicts that have tended to pit its members against each other in the past. The case of the bitter squabble amongst the members of the APC National Assembly caucus comes to mind, ditto the power tussle amongst the political gladiators in the ruling party at the centre.

It took the leadership of the party rather too long before arresting the situation. The party also had battle with complaints and agitations over the handling of governorship primary in some of the states, where elections took place in recent times. Although such internal squabbles among the contending forces had not really caused much damage to the electoral interest of the APC, it nonetheless had put the ruling party on the edge.

The disquiet within the party has also been heightened by agitations trailing appointments made by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. A good number of the party stakeholders from the various states controlled by the APC have come up with complaints that the way the appointments were made did not favour those who actually laboured for the victory the party recorded at the polls.

In the same vein, the recent state congresses ordered by the party leadership as part of preparations for its non-elective convention had sparked off crisis and is compounding the already tense situation. At least, as at the last count, no fewer than ten states controlled by the APC are currently engulfed in one form of crisis or the other. Some of the states where the party is presently experiencing intra-party crisis include, Kano, Ondo, Rivers, Kaduna, Bauchi, Kogi, Ogun, Bayelsa, Edo, Lagos and Adamawa.

Kano State In Kano, the tussle is between the incumbent governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and his predecessor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. What started like a mere face-off between the governor and Kwankwaso later spilled over to the leadership of the state chapter of the party, leading to the suspension of the state chairman and Organising Secretary.

The suspension of the two men believed to be loyalists of Kwankwaso by the committee set up by the party’s National Vice Chairman, and headed by Senator Mohammed Magoro has since sparked off more trouble in the state executive.

Those loyal to Kwankwaso have rejected the committee report saying the men were being punished for supporting the former governor, now a senator from the state.

A group loyal to Kwankwaso, and led by the National Treasurer of APC, Alhaji Bala Muhammed Gwagwarwa recently petitioned the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, urging him to step into the crisis in the state chapter and reverse the sack of the state party chairman and the Organising Secretary. They accused the National Vice Chairman (North West), Inuwa Abdulkadir of bias in favour of the governor. In its response, the National Working Committee asked the warring parties to return to status quo ante to allow for further reconciliation.

Kogi State The crisis in the Kogi State chapter of the APC has three key actors: the governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, senator representing Kogi West district, Dino Melaye and the state chairman, Alhaji Hadi Ameato. The crisis has since snowballed into a major issue, recently leading to a plot

to recall Melaye from the senate by some members of his constituents, believed to have been sponsored by the state. It has also caused fracas in the state House of Assembly as loyalists from each side of the divide battled to control affairs.

In a bid to resolve the crisis in the state, the leadership of the APC set up a reconciliation committee headed by the former National Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Mr. Tony Momoh. In their report, the committee blamed the lingering feud on the absence of a cordial relationship between Governor Bello and the party in the state. The panel also attributed the festering crisis to alleged high-handedness of the governor in dealing with other party leaders.

Other reasons given by the panel included poor stakeholders’ consultations, lack of political reconciliation with Audu/Faleke group, arrears of workers’ salaries and internal security. The panel also said some members accused the governor of dictatorial tendencies and of carrying out continuous membership registration without consulting or relating to the party leadership in the state.

In the end, the Momoh-led peace committee failed to reconcile the warring parties in Kogi. Another committee was therefore set up and headed by Idris Garba with others like Umar Kareto (North east), Rufai Garba (North west), Don Etiebet (South-south), Paricia Etteh (South west) and Joseph Orji (South-east). This too is yet to yield positive result.

Kaduna State Similarly, intra party crisis has enveloped the Kaduna State APC. The arrow-heads in the conflict here are the state governor, Malam Nasiru el-Rufai, and Senator Shehu Sani. The two gladiators have been involved in a power tussle but what blew open the conflict was the recent conduct of state congresses in all the states.

Following alleged manipulation of the congress, some top leaders of the APC from the state stormed the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja to register their displeasure. The aggrieved stakeholders led by two serving senators, Sani and Suleiman Hunkuyi, met with the National Chairman of the APC and the National Working Committee behind closed doors, where they submitted a petition demanding the cancellation of the exercise in the state.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Hunkuyi said APC in Kaduna State was gradually collapsing and that unless the national leadership intervened urgently, the party might die.

“We, the leaders of the APC from Kaduna State, have come to the national secretariat to lay our complaints to the national leadership on the just concluded congress to elect ad hoc delegates for the national convention. Unfortunately, elections did not hold in Kaduna and this culminated in the manufacturing of results that were presented to the election committee chosen to conduct the exercise”. Kaduna is still battling with its problem.

Bauchi State Bauchi State chapter of the APC is presently witnessing a power tussle between two political heavy weights from the area, Governor Mohammed Abubakar of the state and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara. While the governor has most members of the state executives of the party on his side, Dogara has almost all the lawmakers from the state in the National Assembly to his side.

The two sides have accused each other of non-performance.

However, at the heart of the crisis is the tussle for the control of the party structure ahead of the 2019 general election. Like the case in Kogi State, the APC national leadership had set up a peace and reconciliation committee. The peace panel, chaired by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was mandated to identify reasons for the crisis and to reconcile the feuding parties.

The peace move is still a work-in-progress.

The Six Others…

Apart from the five states above, there are six others like Rivers, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Edo, Lagos and Ogun States, where the conduct of the state congress had triggered crisis and for which the party is battling to contain. For instance, the brewing crisis in the Rivers State chapter between a former governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and Senator Magnus Abe is caused by a clash of interest, which has been linked to the control of party structure ahead of the 2019 elections.

While speaking on the formation of peace committees, Oyegun said the calibre of personalities chosen for the assignment is a reflection of the seriousness with which the party takes the disputes in the states.

“It is clear that in a few of our states, we have fairly serious issues to contend with – Kogi, Bauchi and to some extent in Kano. There are differences in a few other states but probably not of the magnitude that we have in these states.”

In Bauchi State, Oyegun said that there are differences between the state administration and most of the representatives of that state in the National Assembly.

“Kogi is an equally very challenging assignment in the sense that it has a history behind it. The circumstances that led to the emergence of the Governor of Kogi State also have to be considered a factor. The unfortunate manner of the transition of the leader in that state also has a bearing on it.

“So, it is not only an emotional situation, it is also a highly sensitive situation that you are going to confront. It also has very serious implications for party discipline in Kogi, because we have the unusual situation of a party pitting itself against its own government.” The truth is that the crises in some of state chapters of the APC have lingered for a while and in some cases, threatening to engulf the national leadership. In addition, some notable personalities in the party have either been suspended or expelled by the local chapters of the party even without referring to the national leadership of the party, like the case in Lagos in which the ward executive recently announced the suspension of the party’s National Legal Adviser, Dr Muiz Banire, over alleged anti-party without recourse to the national leadership.

Sadly, the intra-party crisis have continued to defy solution at least at the moment as all the peace efforts including those of the reconciliation committees set up by the party have failed to reconcile the warring parties. This is certainly worrisome for the party as the situation is beginning to have adverse effect on the plan of the ruling party to organise its non-elective convention, which is already overdue.

Concerned by this ugly trend and as part of preparation for its non-elective national convention, the NWC has decided to set up a committee to resolve all outstanding issues in order to forge a united front, going to the convention.

In a statement issued by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it had also ordered a reversal of all actions taken as a result of the internal crises, leading to suspensions of party leaders and other members.

What this means is that the party is undertaking fresh intervention initiatives to resolve the disputes before going to the national convention. But with the huge threat posed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC leadership will no doubt be hoping to leverage on the image of President Buhari to put its house in order to catch up with lost grounds.

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2019 and Kano’s Festering Proxy War Supporters of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, last week clashed with those of his former boss, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in a development that left many worried about the fate of the state ahead of the 2019 elections, writes Ibrahim Shuaibu

T

he dust raised by the last weekend bloody clash between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the alleged supporters of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the Emir’s palace during a Durbar, to mark the Eid-el-Kabir is yet to settle, a week after. The clash, which marked the first physical engagement between the supporters of the two former friends and political associates, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Ganduje, left many with various degrees of wounds.

The two groups of supporters, it was learnt, had gathered at Emir of Kano Palace during the yearly traditional Durbar of Hawan Daushe, which the governor and his cabinet members attended to witness the Durbar day after the Sallah celebration, before the fight broke.

How the Crisis Started The clash allegedly erupted when members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, who were loyal to Kwankwaso thronged the venue in their thousands with their movement inscription of redcap and created a situation that provoked supporters of Governor Ganduje, who allegedly began the verbal attack that would later lead to the free use of weapons, which left many badly injured.

The clash which resulted in many top loyalists of Kwankwaso suffering serious wounds, including a former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Rabiu Sulieman Bichi; former Managing Director of Nigeria port Authority, Mr. Aminu Abubakar Dabo and several others.

Reacting to the development, a top official of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Alhaji Yunusa Adamu Dangwani, said 20 of their members were injured during the fracas and alleged that the attack was meant to eliminate the Kwankwasiyya leaders in Kano as part of the governor’s plan to stop Kwankwasiyya activities by all means possible as he allegedly declared during a recent prayer session.

Dangwani noted that, “It is worth mentioning that the unfortunate attack recorded many casualties, including their targeted Kwankwasiyya leaders, such as former SSG Rabiu Bichi, former Commissioners, Dr Yunusa Dangwani, Yusuf Bello Danbatta and other leaders, including Alhaji Yahaya Musa Kwankwaso, Comrade Baba Umar, Zainab Audu Bako, and other people, within the vicinity.

“As usual, we assembled to pay homage to the Emir, and in our tradition, we do not carry arms but unfortunately, as we were standing, some thugs believed to have been hired attacked

Ganduje (r) and Kwankwaso...a partnership completely gone awry our members, with the intent to assassinate some Kwankwasiyya prominent members as 20 of our members were injured,” he said.

He further disclosed that they were tear-gassed by security operatives, pointing out that it was unfortunate that the government that was elected to be the people’s government resorted to such acts.

Ganduje, Kwankwaso Tell Own Stories Kano State Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, said the governor condemned in strong terms, the ugly incident that occurred at the Emir’s palace and cautioned politicians against hate speeches and violent actions.

“It is entirely out of place to use a celebration like Eid-el-Kabir to foment trouble and destabilise peace in the state just to claim

political relevance.”

Garba added that the governor, who with his entourage were given a rousing welcome, when they visited the Emir’s palace to observe the Durbar, sympathised, with the injured and urged Kano residents to remain law abiding.

But the media aide to Kwankwaso, Hajia Binta Spikin, alleged that on arriving at the palace by the supporters of Kwankwasiyya, the police officers present there pushed them back, using teargas canisters and other unfriendly deterrent devices to force them to scamper to safety.

“We just saw people hitting us with cutlasses, heavy sticks and other dangerous weapons.

Then I fell down and my eyeglasses broke.

Somebody from behind hit the former SSG Rabiu Bichi with cutlass and another moved forward to stab him but Kwankwaso’s younger

brother used his hands to block and they nearly cut his hands,” she said.

What the Public Thinks Many political observers in the state believed that the clash was an ominous sign of the crisis between the Kwankwasiyya loyalists and Governor Ganduje supporters as the development had raised tension in both camps, a situation many reckoned could affect the possibility of reconciliation between the governor and Kwankwaso.

The Police spokesman in Kano, DSP Magaji Musa Majia confirmed the incident, stating that investigation had commenced to find out those behind the incident. It was also learnt that the police were yet to make any arrest despite the assurances of fishing out the perpetrators of the attack.

NOTES FOR FILE

A Season of Strikes Some of the developments that seemed to have subsumedthenewsofthenation’sendofrecession are the too many industrial actions going on about the same time and in some of the most critical and essential sectors. For many weeks running now, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on strike over the inability of the federal government to meet their demands.

Therehavebeenanumberofmeetingsbetween theassociationandthefederalgovernmentdelegations to see how to possibly resolve the impasse in collective interest, but all efforts have continued to be to no avail. Although talks are still on between the both of them, the situation is not looking any promising.

But while this continued, resident doctors in the countryalsoannouncedtheirstrikerecently.Operating undertheumbrellaofNationalAssociationofResidentDoctors,thedoctorshadmetwiththeMinister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, and the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, at ameetingwherethefederalgovernmentdelegation madesomeofferstothem,butwhichtheyrejected.

A one paragraph statement signed by NARD President, Dr. Onyebueze John in Abuja, stated: “RisingfromourNECmeeting,whichstartedby7pm

yesterdayandended3pmtoday,NARDhasresolved torejectthepromissoryofferfromgovernment,and proceedontotalandindefinitestrikeactionuntilall itemsinherdemandlistforstrikeactionareresolved by government.”

Without prejudice, it is evident that the federal governmentmighthavefalteredinitsresponsibilities to these crucial bodies, the very basis for their strike.

This is not to say, however, that these bodies may nothavebeenrelishinginsomekindofexcessestoo in view of their demands. It is for this reason that the concerned parties must have to shift grounds in collective interest and let the nation move past this needlessly avoidable stage.

ShortofremindingthedoctorsoftheirHippocratic Oath,whichrequiresthemtoupholdspecificethical standards,especiallyinsavinglives,ASUUtoomust realise the effect of this seemingly unending strike on the educational system of the country, knowing full well that blames would not be apportioned in isolation. Let all concerned come together as talks continue and agree on a common ground. So much is at stake than to stick to one’s ground at mutual detriment. The good news is that ASUU and the federal government have already found a meeting ground,itishopedthatthe doctorstoowillfollowsuit.

Doctors demonstrating against unpaid emoluments

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A Recipe to End Boko Haram Onslaughts Beyond the federal government’s claim of ‘technical defeat’, the Boko Haram sect is still very much on the prowl and would require a more coordinated strategy to defeat, writes Iyobosa Uwugiaren

I

n spite of the huge and consistent efforts by the Nigerian military to mobilise its services and resources against the bloodthirsty and murderous terrorist group, Boko Haram in its current war against Nigeria, reports from the theatre of war in the last few months is nothing to cheer about. While the military said it had dealt a heavy blow on the terrorists’ operational base in the past few months, the casualties on the part of the military and the civilians in the war zone are to say the least, fear-gripping.

To be sure, a global human rights organisation, Amnesty International (AI), said recently that Boko Haram’s several attacks and suicide bombings in Nigeria and Cameroun had left over 381 civilians dead since April 2017, with casualty’s figures more than double those of the previous five months.

The group also said across the Lake Chad region, millions of civilians were in need of urgent humanitarian assistance as a result of Boko Haram violence.

The data collected by the organisation shows a sharp rise in civilian deaths in the far North region of Cameroun, while the Nigerian states of Borno and Adamawa have been driven by the armed group’s increased use of suicide bombers, often using women and girls, who are forced to carry explosives into crowded areas.

“Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can,” Amnesty International’s Director for West and Central Africa, Alioune Tine, stated in a statement recently.

“This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence, propelled by a sharp rise in suicide bombings, highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians in the Lake Chad region. Governments in Nigeria, Cameroun and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror,” AI said.

In the North eastern Nigeria, for example, AI added that mass killings and abductions by Boko Haram had led to the killing of not less than 223 civilians since April, saying the real figure might be higher still as some attacks might have gone unreported.

The data further stated that between May and August, seven times more civilians were killed than in the preceding four months, while 100 civilians were killed in August alone. It said the deadliest attack came on July 25, when the armed group shot dead 40 people and abducted three others in an ambush on an oil exploration team in the Magumeri area of Borno State.

AI added: “Boko Haram suicide bombers have killed at least 81 people in Nigeria since April, while 67 people have been abducted – mostly women and girls – since the start of the year. There have been two reports of raids on villages in August, in which Boko Haram fighters rounded up and shot civilians, burned down homes and stole from people’s houses, shops and markets,” it stated.

In Cameroun, the global human rights group said the deadly terrorist group had killed at least 158 civilians since April, four times more than in the preceding five months, adding that the recent spike in casualties had been driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30 attacks at more than one per week carried out since the beginning of April.

Another deadly attack was said to have taken place in Waza on July 12, when 16 civilians were killed and at least 34 injured after a young girl was forced to carry and detonate a bomb in a crowded video game centre.

The town of Kolofata, in the Mayo-Sava district, has been especially targeted with nine attacks since April. Mora, the second largest urban centre in the Far North region, has also been hit three times. The group averred that the displacement of Boko Haram fighters from the Sambisa Forest in Nigeria to the Mandara Mountains in Cameroun, following operations conducted by the Nigerian military, may have explained some of the increase in attacks in Cameroun.

“A total of 2.3 million people have been displaced across the region. This includes 1.6 million internally displaced people and refugees in Nigeria and 303,000 in Cameroun. Another 374,000 are displaced in Chad and Niger. More than seven million people across the region face serious food shortages, including five million in Nigeria and 1.5 million in Cameroun.

“There are 515,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, more than 85% of them in Nigeria. The recent increase in insecurity has made humanitarian operations difficult, or even impossible, in some inaccessible areas of northeast Nigeria,” he said in the report.

The group advised governments across the Lake Chad region to increase efforts to protect the hundreds of thousands of civilians at grave risk of being targeted by Boko Haram violence, abductions and abuses.

“Meanwhile, the international community should also rapidly scale up its commitment to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to the millions in the region, who need it,” appealed Amnesty International, which has been documenting human rights abuses and serious violations of international

Nigerian Army special forces ready to combat Boko Haram. humanitarian law that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Boko Haram since 2010.

An international news agency, Associated Press (AP) also reported recently that Boko Haram killed at least 27 people by “shooting them and slitting their throats” as they attacked several villages in Borno State in the past week.

THISDAY checks revealed that such deadly attacks in recent months have pressured Nigeria’s government to increase its efforts against the terrorist group, which it last year declared to have “crushed.”

AP said Boko Haram fighters entered villages in the Nganzai area recently, “slitting throats and using guns” to kill at least 15 people, while injuring two others. The attackers were also said to have burned homes. The terrorist group attacked in the Guzamala local council area, killing 12 people and injuring at least four, said Mai Abatcha Monguno, the commander of the council’s citizen defence forces.

The Secretary of the hunters’ association, Bunu Bukar, was quoted by AP as saying that more government support and better equipment were needed to combat the terrorists, whose many years of deadly activities had displaced millions in Nigeria and killed over 20,000 people.

In a major broadcast to the nation on his return from 103 days medical vacation, President Muhammadu Buhari vowed to “reinforce and reinvigorate the fight” against the terrorist, which he accused of “attempting a new series of attacks on soft targets.” But security analysts said his promise was yet to be felt.

Buhari’s reassurance came when more people were being killed daily by Boko Haram in the North-east. Security experts said the daily deadly attack accentuated the tenacious threat posed by Boko Haram terrorists, in spite of government claims that they were a spent force and already decimated. Women and young girls, in particular, have been used against civilian “soft” targets such as mosques, as well as the University of Maiduguri.

Even though the Nigerian military described it as mere propaganda, Boko Haram recently taunted the Nigerian Army, saying it was celebrating Sallah in Sambisa forest after the 40-day ultimatum issued for the capture of Abubakar Shekau, its leader.

Lt. General Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, had given a 40-day ultimatum to his men to either capture or kill Shekau. But the deadline lapsed without any action and the deadline has since been extended. Shuaibu Moni, one of the commanders of the group, who was swapped with the 82 Chibok girls in May, appeared in a video mocking the military and issuing threats to the Nigerian authority.

“We have observed the Eid-el-Kabir prayers peacefully with our brothers, wives and children in Sambisa forest under the leadership of Abu-Muhammad -Ibn-Mahammad Abubakar

Shekau. We thank Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness this very wonderful day and good state of health.

“We want to tell the infidels of the world, infidels in Nigeria and even small ants like Buhari and his attack dogs like Kukasheka and Buratai, who gave 40-day ultimatum to kill our leader, Abubakar Shekau, that here we are celebrating Sallah in Sambisa. I also want them to know that killing Shekau is not the end of us. With or without Shekau, Boko Haram will remain. They should know we worship God and Shekau is only leading us on the path of service to the Lord,” he said.

Nearly a year ago, the military had said Boko Haram was a spent force, but its recent acts of terrorism indicated that the Islamic terrorist group is coming back powerfully while the gallant armed forces are struggling to contain the violence Boko Haram has continued to inflict on its targets. And some security experts are raising major questions of inappropriate diagnosis of the capacity of the terrorists.

The thinking is that the striking powers of the group may have been cut down considerably, but it should never be written off. The many recent attacks may have suggested that Boko Haram has regrouped. And security observers believe that a combined technique of intelligence, law enforcement and special operations may help in containing the resurgence of criminality.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, appears to still be living in denial. He stated recently that there was no resurgence of Boko Haram, contrary to the reality as rightly observed in some circles.

“The truth is that there is no resurgence of Boko Haram.

Cowardly bombings and kidnappings are some of the hallmarks of an asymmetric warfare that insurgencies are. And like I say all the time, such wars do not end by the signing off any truce. They taper off with time, as this one surely will,” he said The minister said to ensure that Boko Haram tapered off quickly the Nigerian troops were daily living up to their constitutional responsibility of maintaining the nation’s territorial integrity and securing its borders.

“They are ensuring that never again will Boko Haram take control of our territories, attack our major cities, including Abuja, at will and fly their flag anywhere in the country,” he added.

While it is important to commend the entire military for the feat of “largely defeating Boko Haram”, he identified certain roles played by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in the successes recorded, adding that with the support and the enabling environment provided by President Buhari, young and well-trained pilots were those flying the aircraft in the inventory of the NAF. Mohammed said unlike what was obtainable in the past, officers below 30 years of age were Flight Lieutenants flying the planes, including the C-130s and serving as Instructor Pilots.

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Alhassan’s Unflinching Loyalty The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, has since last week had to answer for the political correctness or otherwise of her statement, declaring support for formerVice-President Atiku Abubakar at the expense of her principal, President Muhammadu Buhari. But that is ‘vintage Alhassan’, the numero uno of Taraba APC, writes Wole Ayodele

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ince the video of her visit to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar went viral, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, has become the subject of political discourse.

In the video, Alhassan, who had led a delegation of APC leaders in Taraba State to pay Sallah homage to Atiku, addressed him as incoming president of Nigeria come 2019.

Her comments immediately generated mixed reactions from some chieftains of the ruling party, political groups, opposition parties and members of the public in general.

Many All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains, particularly supporters of President Buhari, were enraged by the comment and demanded for her sack as minister.

And while the dust raised by her comments was yet to settle, she was again quoted on a BBC Hausa service to have declared that Atiku was her godfather politically and her loyalty remained with him. She went further to disclose that her appointment as minister was at Atiku’s instance, saying she would resign as minister if the president decides to run for a second term since her loyalty would be to the former VP. Again, in a Reuters interview on Wednesday, Alhassan was quoted to have said Buhari told APC leaders before his election in 2015 that he would do only one term in office, a period he thought would be sufficient to clear the mess created by the Goodluck Jonathan administration just as she reiterated that she would resign as minister if Buhari decides to seek re-election.

According to her, “In 2014/2015, he (Buhari) said he was going to run for only one time to clean up the mess that the (previous) PDP government did in Nigeria.

And I took him for his word that he is not contesting in 2019. If today Mr. President says he is running in 2019, I will go to him respectfully and thank him for giving me an opportunity to serve and then tell him that I have to resign because my political godfather may be running,” said Alhassan.

However, when confronted by State House Correspondents on Thursday over her stance and what could be Buhari’s reaction to her comments, Alhassan remained unyielding, saying the President is not naive and was swift to add without any fear of contradiction that she was not afraid of losing her position in the cabinet and that everything that has a beginning must have an end.

“God gives and God takes. That is all and I have said it all in Hausa. You know that there is an end to everything. Let the will of God be,” she stated.

While Alhassan’s comments and stance have continued to confound many political pundits, considering the average Nigerian politician’s propensity for self-preservation, only a few people that are privy to her antecedents are surprised by her latest disposition.

Alhassan, who is the first female AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice in Taraba State before she finally retired as Registrar of Federal High Court, Abuja is known to be somebody, who doesn’t speak with tongue-in-cheek or shy away from battle for self-preservation. When she ventured into the murky waters of politics in 2011 by seeking the senatorial ticket of PDP for Taraba North, she was up against Senator Anthony Manzo, who was enjoying the support of the then governor, Danbaba Suntai.

She went ahead to defeat Manzo after a keenly contested primary election held at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo and after winning the primaries, she had the first

Aisha Alhassan civilian governor and political grandfather of the state, Rev Jolly Nyame, to contend with in the general election. Contesting senatorial election against Nyame in a district, where the Mumuyes are the dominant tribe is a herculean task any day, but with the support of Suntai, who already had a running battle with Nyame, Alhassan emerged victorious.

But barely after a year as Senator, Alhassan had a disagreement with Suntai and even when it was obvious that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to win a second tenure without state government support in a state like Taraba, Alhassan nevertheless remained resolute and their relationship broke down irretrievably before she later joined other Senators to form the New PDP from where she defected to the APC. Rather than seek a second term as Senator on the platform of the APC, she threw herself into the ring to contest the gubernatorial election even though she was not oblivious of PDP’s strong roots in the state. She ran a very strong campaign and gave the ruling party in the state a run for its money, forcing a run-off after the first election was declared inconclusive before Darius Ishaku of PDP eventually emerged winner. She later fought a legal battle unsuccessfully up to the Supreme Court to upturn Ishaku’s victory at

the poll.

However, while still pursuing her case in court, she was appointed minister by President Buhari, which was seen in many quarters as a plot to make her drop her legal battle. But to the surprise of many, she declared publicly that she would continue with her case though she remained grateful to the president for finding her worthy to serve as minister. At a point, she was jokingly addressed as ‘Your Excellency’ by Buhari before she finally lost at the Supreme Court.

At the home front, Mama Taraba as she’s fondly called by her teeming supporters has been having a running battle with the integrity group, a splinter group of APC. The group’s activity came to light after APC youths across local government areas in the state called on Alhassan to contest the 2019 gubernatorial election and the group is composed primarily of those opposed to her emergence as APC standard bearer.

Though the integrity group consists mainly of Senator Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf supporters, Senator Abubakar Tutare, Ambassador Ardo Jika Hassan, who was APC chairman in the state until his appointment as ambassador, the party’s machinery in the state still remain in the firm grip of Alhassan.

When the Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, visited Taraba State recently on a

working visit, he arrived in company with Alhassan and when he later held a meeting at the Unity House (owned by Alhassan) to reconcile members of the party in the state, including the integrity group, it was clearly evident that Alhassan is the Numero uno of the party in the state. With her declaration that Buhari had promised before election not to seek reelection, even while still serving in his cabinet, Alhassan has perched where angels fear to tread and for indicating her readiness to resign as minister in the event that the President changes his mind on his promise to do only one term, Mama Taraba is inadvertently writing a new code of conduct for Nigerian politicians.

And clearly, more than anything else, she has equally reinforced the very essence and meaning of political loyalty. In her case are two issues that distinctly stand out - service and political loyalty. Whilst the record of her service as a member of the Buhari government has never been in doubt, at least, since her appointment, the recent stand in view of her loyalty has also been properly situated without equivocation. She has proven to have a lot of guts, regardless of whose ox is gored and with such a disposition, people do not have to go far in search of what political loyalty really means – Alhassan is a clear epitome of one!

T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

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CICERO/INTERVIEW

Oluleye: Incumbency Factor Won’t Count in Ekiti In this interview with Shola Oyeyipo, the pioneer Executive Secretary, Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency and former Executive Secretary, Petroleum Trust Development Fund, Dr. Oluwole Oluleye, who recently joined the Ekiti State governorship race spoke about his ambition, how he intended to manage the state if elected and was of the view that Governor Ayodele Fayose would have no influence on the outcome of the election. Excerpts:

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Nigerians have been groaning under the present administration.

Poverty seems to be on the rise, though all thanks to recession. But how long do you think Nigerians should wait to get out of the woods?

We are gradually getting out of the woods. The indices are encouraging.

The good news is that government is looking at revenue beyond oil. Government is taking steps to ensure that we are back on our feet in appreciable time. I will urge Nigerians to be more patient and wait for the scorecard of this government. I have faith in the policy plans of this government as regards economic recovery.

hy did you join the Ekiti State governorship race?

Whatever height I might have attained in life, my roots cannot and will not change. The glory of Ekiti land is our collective glory and the shame of our heritage, a collective failure. I chose to step out so that history and the coming generation will be kind to me and absolve me for not taking action when I have solutions to the current challenge in Ekiti State.

Governor Ayodele Fayose rode on the back of ‘stomach infrastructure’ to attain power. How would you say the people have benefitted from the government and the stomach infrastructure?

I have taken pains to passionately review the events of those moments. I am sure Ekiti people now know better.

What do you think the President Muhammadu Buhari APC-led government should do to quickly ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians?

The government is trying its best.

But are the people doing their part? I can write volumes on how people can assist government in governance. I can write about how the society encourages bad governance. I remember the common cliché of “don’t wait for what your country can do for you, do what you can do for your country”.

Like I said, the work of ameliorating sufferings is made easier with the co-operation of the judiciary, executive and the legislative arms. I believe this government will, from time to time, review its strategies, own up to some flaws and re-direct its steps towards the common good of the people.

One fact remains, I emphasise, this administration means well.

Why do you think your people bought into the stomach infrastructure agenda?

I think it goes beyond food and gifts. If you know Ekiti people very well, you will know that we are proud people. We are people of integrity. We are people who want to be respected.

We are people who want to be heard.

We are highly opinionated people. I do not think food alone, or money was a determinant of their decisions. By the way, I am sure you know the results of that election are still in dispute. So, we cannot be too sure that the result of that election actually reflected the collective wish of the people.

Ekiti is surely not one of the biggest earners in what is coming monthly from the federation account, added to the global drop in the price of oil, what options are there for an administrator in such circumstance?

Beyond oil, agriculture is the new destination in investments and yield.

Nigeria is blessed. Indeed, Ekiti State is blessed with good, fertile land suitable for planting rice, maize and other food crops. In my farming business in Efon Alaaye, for instance, we do not have enough supply of maize for our feed mill.

We encourage local farmers to plant maize so that we can buy off them

Oluleye yet supply has not been able to meet demand. Up till now, we go all over the place to buy maize to produce our feeds. Imagine if we, in Ekiti, chose to plant maize in commercial quantity, I can assure you there will be ready buyers at all times. This applies to all other farm produce.

Remember, we used to have Igbimo Rice in those days. What happened to it? We will find out and bring back

The defining factor for the choice of the next governor will be the degree of transparency of the process and the intention of aspirants, truth, keeping faith with one’s promises and reaching the grassroots. Certainly, it won’t be power of incumbency

the lost glory. Agriculture will be the mainstay of the Ekiti economy. The fortunes generated will galvanize and propel other industries, speeding up the process of industrialisation in Ekiti.

With our resources, we have no business being poor.

As a seasoned administrator, are there things you think could have been done differently in Ekiti State?

It suffices here to say that I have come with a blueprint to address those missing gaps and make our party and Ekiti State great again. Just wait for the party/INEC guidelines on elections to be out, then, I will reel out comprehensive plans of what the problems are in Ekiti, what we will do to address these challenges, both on a short and long term basis and our yardstick for measuring progress.

What do you think should be the defining factors in the choice of who succeeds Governor Fayose?

The defining factor for the choice of the next governor will be the degree of transparency of the process and the intention of aspirants, truth, keeping faith with one’s promises and reaching the grassroots. Certainly, it won’t be power of incumbency.

Do you think Nigerians should continue to put their hopes in the APC government to bring about the much expected change?

Yes. The leadership is sincere and genuine. They are not unmindful of the discomfort this revamping process is causing. But we need to go through this storm to be able to anchor well.

I know the level of impatience from Nigerians. It is understandable. I plead that we allow them more time to right the wrongs. Some of these wrongs are fundamental wrongs that will require painstaking efforts to right. Let Nigerians keep faith.

What is your position on the sustained clamour for restructuring in Nigeria?

The potential of every region must be acknowledged. Each of these regions should also benefit from the wealth generated from their region.

We can then harness this commonwealth for the growth of the nation.

Restructuring to me, means that no region should feel short-changed in governance and administration of the country. So, on this matter, I want to align with the school of which postulated that “for all forms of government, let fools contend. Whatever that is best administered is best.”

I feel the pains and agitation of the South-east people, but I believe more in dialogue than violence. Nigeria is best united than divided. If there are issues of marginalisation, we should come to the round table and resolve our differences. A whole is better than part of a whole.

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 ˾THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

PERSPECTIVE

Oba Saliu Adetunji with Governor Ajimobi

The Palace Coup in Ibadan Festus Adedayo

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number of attempts have been made to reconstruct the events before and on the night of April 20, 1990 when a bloody attempt was made to overthrow General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida by Major Gideon Orkar and co at the Lagos Dodan Barracks fortress of the wily ex-Head of State. Two previous bloody attempts of that type – Col Bukar Suka Dimka’s and the putsch commandeered by the Five Majors – have also been repeatedly analysed in Nigerian history.

An unwritten code permeates all of them and the art of upsetting status quo, which can also be found in Floyd Mayweather, the pugilist’s world: critically study the Achilles heel of your enemy during the period of reconnaissance and hit him a mortal blow when he is distracted. Coupists, even if they don’t read the grim lesson books of Niccolo Machiavelli, pick straightjacket crumbs of his arts on the streets. One of these is that, you must keep your enemy in the dark and thereafter, hit him fatally. Machiavellianism is defined by a manipulative strategy which depends on using other people as tools of personal advantage.

In the dawn coup of a sudden and unprecedented installation of 21 kings by the Oyo State government last week, all the skills above got deployed with a clinical abidance by the teachings of Machiavelli. It is obvious that the highly envied and applauded Olubadan traditional chieftaincy system was complicit in the fate that befell its institution of Obaship due to its lending itself to distraction. It was also able to receive the mortal blow that has made its eyes black and blue because of the mutual tiff between the tripod of the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the certificated kings and extremely territorial wives of the monarch. The complicity of Ibadanland in this whole furore is that, though it saw symptoms of an impending fatal blow on its monarchy years back, it chose to look elsewhere. I will explain presently.

In an interview granted a national newspaper a few years ago, one Major Abubakar Mohammed, who claimed to be Babangida’s Chief Security Officer, had painted the picture of the closeness of Major Orkar to Colonel U.K. Bello, the Minna General’s ADC, who was assassinated in the putsch. According to him, Orkar was even closer to Zainab, U.K’s wife, was a regular visitor to U.K’s office and indeed, a few weeks before the coup, had bought U.K a model armoured tank which U.K. placed on his table. An account even

claimed U.K and Orkar were playing draught when the coupists struck.

Yes, they may have a whiff of the Mandarin powers of government and its runners in a primitive democracy like Nigeria, not many people know how awesome the powers are. The power can be used to turn night into day. Having been privileged to watch at close quarters the rentier relationship between governments and traditional system, especially in Oyo State, it was obvious to me that the monarchy is too exposed to abuse and misuse due to its unstructured dependency on government for its existence. This is worsened by the poverty and greed of the stools’ occupiers.

Unless a person in power constantly reminds himself of its finite nature (that ‘His Excellency’ has an expiry) and also his own gross humanity (that his poopoo smells like everyone’s and that he is a potential meal for an army of maggots someday), governmental power in a Third World can make its wielder think that he is ADC to God. How won’t he? Broken to its brass-tacks, God’s power is actually erasing and raising.

Power holders in Nigeria too can! At their touch, a hopeless, helpless and hapless man who had no wherewithal to purchase his breakfast can sleep that night a multi-millionaire. And they can wreck, within a jiffy, one who thought he was made for life. Governmental power in a Third World was probably what late Apala maestro, Ayinla Omowura, had in mind when he sang that, if you have no representative at the council, your innocence can officially transmogrify into guilt: Beeyan o leni ni’gbimo, boba ro’jo are, ebi lo maa je. Ask Chief Adewolu Ladoja, the Osi Olubadan, who today plays the card of a victim of power.

The paradox is, he was also once a captive of the monstrosity of that power and used it with same magistral relish. He once ordered that the roof of a church on Ring Road, Ibadan be brought down, among so many others.

Unique and envied across Yorubaland due to its peculiarly peaceful system of evolvement of monarchs, the Ibadan Obaship system, paradoxically, has within it what could make it implode.

It was obvious it had within it what made it old enough to die the very day it was born, just like the Yoruba aphorism of the offspring of a pregnant cobra which will ultimately lead to its death. A system which places about 43, most times senescent people, on a queue to ascend a throne, with the tendency of a natural and human anxiety by virtually all of them to occupy same throne, and with silent prayers everyday that those in the front pew may die quickly so that they can ascend the throne, only needed a powerful nihilist to activate the fuse that will

detonate it. Unsure of their fates at the probability of becoming the Olubadan in their lifetimes, many of the chiefs now certificate kings, broke to the hilt, with greed as wide as the nape of their agbada, frequented Government House like a diabetic visits the loo. Agodi was their place of financial refuge. It thus becomes a fait accompli that they would someday play Judases. They were potential recruits of any agenda that would assure them of a throne, fill their dry purses and reflate their personal esteems. You will be unfair to ask such desperate lots not to accept a Greek, yet sure gift, to become kings, instead of waiting, unsure, for Godot. Don’t also forget that promises of official cars and perks would follow. Only contented and rich monarchs insulate themselves from Government House’s impudence and insults.

It was obvious from the beginning that the State’s helmsman never liked the senescence that is always the lot of Ibadan kings at ascension.

He expressed this at many fora. Add this to the allegation by Ladoja that he was the target of the policy and you will realize that the Obaship system in Ibadan was ripe enough to die simply because the titular disliked it. But why a system would make the personal ego and whims of a single person become the albatross of millions of people is a systemic error that we all may live with, in the name of representative democracy.

After their election into office, holders of governmental powers suddenly realize the monstrosity of what they hold. Young and old do them obeisance; palace courtiers grovel before them, clergies and Imams sidle into their closets at dusk to proclaim them emissaries of God on earth and wealth of nations are crudely placed at their feet. Courtiers look into the faces of powerful helmsmen and lie to them that what the people say outside is that, aside Awolowo, Michael Okpara and the Sardauna, no one else had ever cloned the triad’s feats. So when the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), in a baffling spit on statistics, said 90% Ibadan supported the desecration of the Olubadan stool, it didn’t take anyone long to understand the geography of their grovel, neither did it take anyone a long time to plot the graph of this statistical assault straight down to their esophagus.

The greatest Achilles heel that ensured this fatal blow on the monarchy is the Olubadan himself and his palace. First, the governor does not respect anyone who capitalizes on their closeness to him to unabashedly demand to sip cash from his fountain. Kabiyesi might have ran foul of this rule. Between his coronation and this spat, Kabiyesi must have visited Agodi more

than 20 times, most times being kept waiting at the gate, each time allowed in after about an hour of waiting. Second, it is no longer a secret in Ibadanland that Kabiyesi’s harem, immediately he became king, partitioned the palace along the path of prebends and personal gains. They saw every incursion to the palace as threat to their Godordained season of harvest. In the process, they became rude to the chiefs, now certificate kings, so much that many of the chiefs stopped coming to the palace. Kabiyesi was powerless to rein them in.

So, when the poisonous offer was made to them to become kings, many accepted it as riposte blows to the Kabiyesi and his wives. The funniest of the lot was highly cerebral Chief Lekan Balogun who transmuted from being a highly critical ‘friend’ of the power holder to his monarchical appendage.

The power wielder, abreast of this internal palace dissent, merely woke Machiavelli up from his grave and sent his ghost to complete the job of tearing apart the palace and the erstwhile chiefs.

The clinical finish, zeal and dedication by the government to kingify – pardon the bombast – the chiefs are baffling. Great reason as its desire to make Ibadan truly modern is, the inherent slop in the modes of operation of the policy is suspect.

Many have also argued that if government devotes same zeal, same zest, same energy and resources towards combating the ills buffeting the state as it does to this Olubadan issue, an embrace with sanity would have come. On the slops, how will certificated kings who have no domain, govern? Why affix ‘His Royal Majesty’ to a stool which is not a historical seat of an empire? Why indulge in the unhistorical and strange procedure of giving Obas certificates rather than coronate them with akoko leaves? Ibadanland will be the first in Yorubaland to have its lesser Obas ascend to another Obaship throne. So when those ‘Obas’, who used to prostrate before the Olubadan, meet their ‘fellow king’ – Olubadan – what will they do, extend their hands to him for a handshake?

But, there is a good tiding for the good people of Ibadan and the Olubadan himself. While former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, Ladoja and Alhaji Lam Adesina were in combat with the Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, this writer wrote that the monarchy would soon outlive the awesome powers of Agodi. It did. The lesson that Obas themselves should learn from this fatal relationship is the wisdom in the ancient wise-saying which counsels that one should be close to the power-wielder by six feet, yet distant from him by seven feet, as close associates of power are always veritable objects of sacrifice.

–––Adedayo is an Ibadan-based journalist.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S U N D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ PTEMBER 10, 2017

PERSPECTIVE

From APC, Praises for Ugwuanyi Louis Amoke

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ecently, members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress gathered at the Convention Hall of Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, in solidarity with one of their staunch members from Enugu State, the Nigerian Ambassador to Republic of India with Concurrent Accreditation to Bangladesh and Nepal, Major General Chris Sunday Eze (rtd). Eze was accorded a befitting reception by Enugu State Government in respect of his new appointment.

The event attracted notable leaders of the APC, namely, Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Jim Nwobodo, Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Senator Fidelis Okoro, former governorship candidate of the APC, Chief Okey Ezea, former Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Eugene Odoh, Chief Gbazuagu Nweke Gbazuagu, and Senator Emma Anosike. It provided a veritable platform for them to appreciate the uncommon leadership style of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s Peoples Democratic Party government in Enugu State.

National Vice Chairman of All Progressives Congress in the South-east, Hon. Emma Eneukwu, in his goodwill message, commended Ugwuanyi for his bi-partisan approach to governance. Eneukwu said such an exceptional disposition had united leaders of the state, irrespective of their political affiliations. He stated without that the governor had created a peaceful atmosphere that had made it possible for everybody to unite when it comes to issues concerning the state.

“I want to thank God for today, because this thanksgiving signifies the fact that whatever we do in this state, we are one.

Whether you are PDP, you are APC; you are all these political parties, once any of us achieves anything that is worth commending, it is worthy of note that the kind of governor we have is one who appreciates your talent irrespective of your party,” Eneukwu said.

The APC chief also praised Ugwuanyi for the security in Enugu State.

Also speaking at the event, Nnamani, a former Senate President, said that Ugwuanyi had demonstrated political maturity by creating an ambience of peace and tranquillity where everybody is accorded his or her due respect irrespective of political divide. Nnamani applauded Ugwuanyi for providing quality leadership in the state, adding that the governor has through the reception for Eze reaffirmed that he is “a governor for everybody”. He called on other states to emulate what was happening in Enugu State, saying, “Our National Vice Chairman has alluded to the fact that we are enjoying peace in Enugu State, and we are enjoying somebody that has a large heart, not minding his political affiliation.”

Okechukwu also appreciated the governor’s bi-partisan disposition, saying the APC will not take such a rare gesture for granted.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the policy thrust of Ugwuanyi’s administration, anchored on peace and grassroots development initiatives, has yielded enormous progress and goodwill, resulting in the support the government enjoys

Ugwuanyi from the opposition political parties. The governor has through the above initiatives redefined governance and brought it closer to the doorstep of the people – the true heroes of democracy.

This uncommon attribute has gone a long way in reducing political tension in the state. It has provided the platform in which the government has thrived successfully in providing dividends of democracy to the people of the state, in spite of the daunting economic recession in the country. It has caused an enduring political evolution that needs to be distilled into the lexicon of other states and the country for the stability of the polity, as Nnamani noted.

It would be recalled that Ugwuanyi during his maiden media parley in June 2015 (shortly after his inauguration), organised to brief journalists on his plan for the state, disclosed his intention to run a peaceful, inclusive and purposeful government. He said that his administration will accommodate all former governors of the state and other leaders, stressing, “Everybody is our friend and the era of politics is over.”

As a man of peace and a God-fearing leader, Ugwuanyi restated his administration’s resolve not to engage in any act that would undermine the peace of the state, saying, “Where there is no peace, the people will not make meaningful progress.”

According to him, “The peace we enjoy here, we have to maintain that peace. It’s peace enmeshed in agape love, covered by the Holy Spirit…a situation where once there is

a change of baton, the new guard will start fighting the old guards is over. It is not worth it, instead we will move from strength to strength.”

It is pertinent to note that the recent verdict by leaders of the major opposition political party in the state, the APC, reconfirms that Ugwuanyi has kept faith with his peace and development initiatives. The APC’s kudos for Ugwuanyi has further affirmed that the governor has, against all odds, remained focused and steadfast in his vision to continue to entrench good governance in the state. He has maintained a peaceful relationship with all spheres of the society, both the poor and the rich, an enduring leadership legacy that has ushered in a new vista for aggressive development of the state.

Apart from commendations from the APC, the state chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, the umbrella organisation of all the political parties in Nigeria, had during the 2017 Democracy Day celebration scored Ugwuanyi high on good governance, peace and infrastructural development. IPAC was delighted at “the governor’s exhibition of vision, candour, humility, simplicity, inclusiveness and other uncommon leadership qualities that have endeared him to the people of the state”.

The body, in a statement signed by its state chairman and secretary, John Nwobodo and Ken Onyekaonwu, respectively, said regarding the governor, “Your Excellency, following our objective and dispassionate assessment, we are pleased to say that we appreciate your achievements in the areas of road construction and rehabilitation, including intervention on federal roads; rural access roads and rural interconnectivity through bridges; peace and security; regular and prompt payment of salaries of civil servants and release of subventions to government parastatals and institutions.”

It is also pertinent to note that the ruling PDP in Enugu State, where Ugwuanyi presides as the state leader, also enjoys the flame of the governor’s uncommon leadership style.

The governor has through the administration’s peace and development initiatives, systematically eschewed all endemic factors that had led to bickering, disunity or infighting in the PDP and has galvanised party leaders to work as one family for the progress of the party and its government in the state. This, no doubt, informed the recent well deserved endorsement of his re-election in 2019 by the PDP. The State Executive Committee of PDP, the highest decision-making organ of the party before the State Congress, had a few weeks ago “unanimously endorsed Ugwuanyi for second term in office in 2019 for his outstanding achievements and commitment to peace and participatory democracy”.

In all, it is explicit that Ugwuanyi’s disposition to peace, good governance and inter-party relationship has brought enormous benefits to Enugu State and has reshaped the political landscape for responsible and peaceful engagements in the governance of the state.

–––Amoke writes from Enugu.

Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility Henry Bassey

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agosFlood was a top trending hashtag on Nigeria ‘Twitsphere’ for more than two months. Yes, the fury of floods was global. It wreaked havoc in the United Kingdom, across Zimbabwe’s 37 districts and caused landslides in China but Nigeria has never had it that bad. The cities of Lagos, Suleja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan were the most affected among the 30 flood prone states in the country.

In July, after a heavy downpour which led to a flash flood in Suleja in Niger State, 500 people were declared missing while 90 buildings collapsed. At the same time, houses were flooded and cars submerged in upper class and lowincome Lagos neighbourhoods.

These recurrent floodings and the destruction they leave on their trail have kept a number of citizens on edge. Yet our worry stems from the fact that as bad as the situation may seem today, the worst is not over.

Science teaches that global warming is happening and causing the planet to get hotter. As a result, global temperature is rising at the fastest rate in 50 years with oceans getting warmer and expanding. This is causing climate change, expansion of deserts and a rise in sea levels. All of these are not without implications. The rising sea levels, expansion of deserts and climate change are creating a situation where too much water comes at an unexpected time, or in unexpected places and causing serious flooding and landslides in

urban and rural areas across the world.

However, global warming and its attendant flooding disasters are not primarily an act of nature. Human influence have been the dominant cause with the greatest impact coming from the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. These gasses collect in the atmosphere absorbing sunlight and cause the planet to get hotter.

Flooding, especially the types experienced in most urban neighbourhoods in Nigeria are not mainly an act of nature. They are caused by poor sanitation. Indeed, Nigerians largely determine the state of their immediate environment anytime it rains. Most drainages, canals and highway man-holes across the country are blocked due to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, plastic bottles, empty cans, pure water sachets and water nylons.

This is a challenge that has become far too complex for government and the public sector to address alone. Yet, among the very few corporations that can stand up to be counted as rising up to protect the environment, Sterling Bank clearly distinguishes itself.

Tenaciously, for more than eight years, Sterling Bank invested in the campaign against indiscriminate dumping of refuse and poor sanitation across Nigeria with Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) as the special purpose vehicle. Year on year, the campaign advocates sustainable living actions, promotes sanitation and reduces impact on the environment with the aim of making planet earth a clean and safe place.

Recognising Sterling Bank as a credible voice

championing the cause of hygiene, sanitation and care for the environment, 14 state governments have identified with STEM. This presently covers partnership with waste management agencies in all the 14 states, planting of over 1000 trees in Bauchi, Gombe and Plateau to combat desertification and an annual national cleaning exercise.

The unwavering commitment to the cause of the environment by Sterling Bank is fueled by its brand purpose of “Enriching Lives”. From top down, members of the Sterling Family believe that it is nearly impossible to live a healthy life, conduct business and create wealth amidst waste or in a toxic environment. And truly, without clean air, water, land and energy, our collective humanity is endangered. To safeguard humanity, it therefore becomes necessary for all to heed the clarion call to keep our environment orderly and functional through sustainable living actions and regular cleaning.

Remarkably, the need to care for the environment is becoming quite topical among Nigerians.

Series of grisly photographs of neighbourhoods overtaken by floating non-biodegradable dirt emerged on social media after the heavy downpour in July. The outrage and strident call by a cross section of Nigerians to residents of the affected neighbourhoods to shun indiscriminate dumping of refuse in their drainages were quite instructive.

By sheer coincidence, Skate & Clean, the preawareness campaign for the 2017 edition of STEM hit the streets at about the same time. It featured the STEM Brand Ambassador and popular artiste, Olamide Adedeji, and a youthful crew of street sweepers doing choreographed dances while

“cleaning” on the go. For three days, using the power of music and dance, Olamide and the crew toured Lagos on skates cleaning and dancing to a special theme song which implored Nigerians to keep their environment clean and shun dumping of refuse in drainages.

To amplify this message and ensure its uptake, a public enlightenment theme song and advocacy videos recorded by Olamide were flighted on Classic FM, Beat FM, Talk FM, Naija FM, Trace, CNN, Mnet Zone, Mnet 101, E!, AIT and Raypower, among other radio and television stations.

No doubt, STEM has gained acceptance and is a becoming a movement given its acceptance by Nigerians from all walks of life, the media, blue chip corporations, state governments and their agencies.

Similar to many things in life, there is strength in numbers which explains Sterling Bank’s collaborative approach towards the implementation of the 2017 edition of Sterling Environmental Makeover. It signifies the start of a trend where we will see more companies collaborating with each other, governments and NGOs to drive change at state, regional and national levels in the country.

In essence, every part of society has a role to play in making it work better. It also affirms that a corporate citizen, notwithstanding its line of business and regular tax payments, can be a force for good if it has courageous leaders who lead by example, and embrace their true responsibilities.

––Henry Bassey, Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Bank Plc, writes from Lagos.

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NEWSXTRA Wike, Okowa, Ibori Call for United Front for N’Delta Devt Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

AT OJUDE OBA FESTIVAL Owa of Okun Owa, HRM Oba Gabriel Akinyemi Abiodun (right); Princess Adeola Adenike Olukoya; APC chieftain in Odogbolu constituency, Hon. Olamide Olufunmilayo (2nd left); and Olori Toyin Abiodun (left) at Ojude Oba Festival in Okun-Owa Ijebu, Ogun State...recently

Hurricane Irma: Residents Race against Time in Florida Evacuation t 6.3m people ordered to evacuate Abimbola Akosile and Demola Ojo with agency report Florida’s state governor, Rick Scott, has told residents who were ordered to leave their homes to go to shelters and avoid the roads as Hurricane Irma approaches. The governor said it was now too late to drive away from the danger areas.

After devastating several Caribbean islands, Irma is lashing Cuba with strong winds and heavy rain, and is due to reach Florida on Sunday.

Some 6.3 million people, more than 25 per cent of the US state’s population, have been ordered to evacuate, the BBC has reported.

The hurricane made landfall on the SabanaCamaguey Archipelago, in Cuba’s north-east, late on Friday as a category five storm but has now weakened to a category three.

After moving slowly along the northern Cuban coast it is now heading out to sea towards Florida.

Irma is expected to strengthen once it moves away from Cuba, and will remain a powerful hurricane as it approaches Florida, the National

Hurricane Center says in its latest advisory at 00:00 GMT. It says Irma has maximum sustained winds of 120mph (193km/h). It was the first category five hurricane to hit Cuba in more than 80 years, and it is expected to strengthen again before reaching Florida.

At least 24 people are so far known to have died as Hurricane Irma progressed across the Caribbean throughout the week.

Irma is expected to hit the coast at around lunchtime on Sunday, but the outer bands are already affecting the south of the state and central Miami is being lashed by heavy rain.

The Florida Keys - a chain of small islands to the south - have suffered some minor damage and are expected to bear the brunt of the storm on Sunday morning.

The head of emergencies agency Fema, Brock Long, told CNN there were “no safe areas within the Keys�. “You put your life in your own hands by not evacuating,� he added. “If you’re in an evacuation zone, you’ve got to get to a shelter need to get to a shelter... there’s not many hours left�, Gov Scott warned

residents. “The winds are coming, there is not gonna be a lot of time now to be able to drive very far.�

Thousands of people on the mainland are currently without electricity, energy provider Florida Power and Light reported.

The western Gulf coast is expected to be worst affected, with cities such as Tampa and St Petersburg in the path of the storm.

The Tampa Bay area, with a population of about three million, has not been hit by a major hurricane since 1921.

And there are fears that storm surges combined with high tide on Monday could overwhelm some low-lying areas.

Gov Scott said that storm surges in coastal areas could be as high as 15ft (4.6m), adding that people “cannot survive this�.

Some 50,000 people have gone to shelters throughout the state, the governor said. Media reports say shelters in some areas have been filling up quickly and some people have been turned away.

Miami city and Broward county have imposed curfews to help clear the roads of traffic.

Leaders Validate AfDB’s ‘Feed Africa Strategy’ at Abidjan Forum t $24bn investment planned over next 10 years Abimbola Akosile and Temitope Omabegho African leaders and partners in the agriculture sector have validated the Feed Africa Strategy of the African Development Bank (AfDB) as a viable tool towards the transformation of agriculture on the continent.

President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and his counterpart from Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, hailed the AfDB initiative during the opening ceremony of the 2017 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) in Abidjan, the capital.

The AfDB is accelerating agricultural development through its Feed Africa Strategy with planned investment of $24 billion over the next 10 years.

Outtara highlighted the disconnect between the 60 million population of Africans in agriculture and the paltry 16 per cent contribution of the sector to the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP). He, therefore, called on partners to fulfil the $30 billion in commitments they made at AGRF 2016, stressing the need for more investment and focus on the sector.

At AGRF 2016, many of Africa’s steadfast champions of agriculture pledged more than $30 billion in investments to increase production,

income and employment for smallholder farmers and local African agriculture businesses over the next 10 years.

The Côte d’Ivoire President justified the need for greater emphasis on agriculture and expressed delight that agriculture was the number one priority on the Bank’s High 5s (AfDB’s development priorities to Light up and power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialise Africa and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa).

Ouattara congratulated AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina for his achievements at the AfDB. “When agriculture goes well, every other thing goes well. I would like to encourage other partners to join us,â€? he said, in a release made available to THISDAY by AfDB’s Communications Officer, Mr. Emeka Anuforo, On how agriculture could reduce poverty, the Head of State pointed to how CĂ´te d’Ivoire had expanded the annual growth rate to 9 per cent due largely to a new priority on agriculture since 2012. He then called for greater political will from African Governments and stronger international partnerships for agricultural transformation.

In her address, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stressed how important it is to turn

agriculture around qualitatively and quantitatively. Recalling how Africa missed the first green revolution, she emphasised the need to seize the moment and tackle food insecurity.

She applauded the AfDB for championing the responses and programmes that help in the actualisation of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa’s objectives and was optimistic that such support would accelerate the actualisation of the green revolution. “We also know that the Feed Africa Strategy [of the AfDB] seeks to support African agriculture for the next 10 years into a competitive and inclusive agribusiness sector that will create wealth, improve yields and secure the environment. We believe that we should continue to strengthen the establishment of partnerships among the states, research institutions, banks, markets,� she said.

President of AGRA, Agnes Kalibata, noted that the body’s most significant stride was its ability to bring leaders on board − including governments and investors willing to discuss what to do differently in order to uplift agriculture. “This year, we focused on how to galvanise smallholder farmers and how they can become the basis for creating jobs and food sufficient for Africa,� she said.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; his Delta State counterpart, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, have jointly called on Niger Delta leaders to unite for the rapid development of the geo-political zone.

The trio spoke yesterday at Oghara, Delta State when Wike led political leaders of Rivers State on a visit to Ibori at his residence.

Wike, who is also a co-chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, said unity is needed in the geo-political zone to check the current situation where outsiders take advantage of the disunity of the area to deny the people benefits of their resources.

Wike was accompanied on the visit to Oghara by former Acting Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; Senator Lee Maeba; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Austin Opara; former Minister of Sports, Dr. Tammy Danagogo; and the Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Chief Desmond Akawor.

Also present at the visit were Senator Peter Nwaobishi and other senior associates of the former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori.

Wike said: “Niger Delta must continue to be united. Whatever it takes, unity is still very key.

When we are divided, outsiders will come and exploit our resources to the disadvantage of our communities. We have to fight to protect the interest of the Niger Delta. We draw strength from people like former Governor James Ibori, a man who has variegated experiences.�

The governor said Rivers and Delta States are cooperating in the spirit of Niger Delta Development. “We must work as brothers. We must work as a team. We must not allow our united front to be divided,� he said.

In his welcome remarks, Chief Ibori commended the governors of Rivers and Delta States for their cooperation on developmental issues. He urged both governors to work towards building a stronger united force for all the Niger Delta States. “We need to be united to be able to serve our people better. We have to cooperate for the good of our people,� he said.

Federal Character Hampers National Devt, Says el-Rufai Ademola Babalola in Ibadan The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday in Ibadan said Federal Character in the nation’s body politic, is hampering national development.

El-Rufai spoke at the 2017 Founder’s Day Celebration in memory of Prof. Ojetunji Aboyade, which was organised by the Development Policy Centre (DPC).

According to the Governor, “How can we promote a national subscription to meritocracy?

How can we ensure that the imperative of reflecting federal character does not become the enemy of merit and quality of appointments?

Today, we don’t plan. We don’t have national plan and if we don’t plan, we are planning to fail.�

The governor said because Nigeria got ‘easy money’ from oil, the nation had lost its thinking initiative on how to develop other sources of revenue and diversify the economy. “Having suffered brain drain, how do we attract back our Diaspora and the brain-gain associated with it like the Chinese and Indians have witnessed? These are the questions a distributive mentality around easy oil revenues is dodging. The earlier the oil dries up the better for our national ability to think, be innovative and respect intellect and academic achievement. “We get easy money, we do not collect taxes and our taxes are six per cent of Gross Domestic Product; that is an average of 21 per cent. We stop respecting the intellectuals that we have in our universities because we get easy money.�

He also lamented that Nigeria was not adequately policed, just as he raised concern over the nation’s central policing policy.

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IMAGES

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riends, associates and family members last Sunday joined SenatorTunde Ogbeha to mark his 70th birthday with a thanksgiving service at The Basilica of

Grace (Anglican Communion)Apo,Abuja. Ogbeha later hosted guests at Dunes Intercontinental Restaurant, Maitama. PHOTO: Julius Atoi L-R: Senator David Mark, Mrs. Esther Ogbeha, celebrant, Senator Tunde Ogbeha and Mrs .Helen Mark.

HRH Dr John Eimonye and Her Highness Rose II

Prince Sola Akanmode with his wife, Princess Maryam

Engineer and Mrs. Godwin Abayonu.

Mr Kola Ologbondiyan and his wife, Lola

L-R: Senator Timothy Adudu and Sir Etekamba Umoren

Captain Idris Wada and his Wife

L-R: Simbabi Ogbeha, wife, Toru Ogbeha and Captain Bara Allwell-Brown

L-R: Abdulrazaq Isa-Kutepa and Prince Victor Ogakwu

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L-R: Engr D B Uduehi, Segun Adeniyi and Mrs. Uduehi

L-R: Mr. Patrick Mbu and wife, May

L-R: Rev. Dr. Peter Obadan and wife, Elder Mrs Gloria Obadan

L-R: Col C O Ekundayo and wife Shona

L-R: Senator Joy Emordi and Senator Nkechi Nworgu

L-R: Ex-governors Lucky Igbinedion and Achike Udenwa

R-L: Prof (Sen) O A Osunbor and wife, Lady Ussieh

L-R: Senator Ugochukwu Uba and wife Dr Mrs Ugochkwu Uba

L-R: Arc Yomi Awoniyi and Mrs Awoniyi

L-R: HE Adams Oshiomhole and Dr Chris Ngige

L-R: Gen Bulama Biu (L) and Captain Toju Ogisi

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SUNDAYSPORTS

Edited by Demola Ojo Email demola.ojo@thisdaylive.com

Nadal Eyes Third US Open Title against Anderson

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orld No 1 Rafael Nadal has vowed to “fight to win another title” at the US Open as he prepares to take on surprise package Kevin Anderson in today’s final.

The Spaniard is odds-on favourite to beat Anderson and win his first major title away from the French Open since the second of his titles in New York in 2013 and match Roger Federer by claiming two Grand Slams this season.

Nadal has played himself into sparkling form at Flushing Meadows and romped home against Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-finals as he recovered superbly from losing the first set, dropping just five games in the next three sets.

Ahead of his 23rd slam final, Nadal, the US Open champion in 2010 and 2013, said: “For me, what is more important, more than winning Grand Slams, is to be happy. I am happy if I am healthy, and happy if I feel competitive in most of the weeks that I am playing, and that’s what happened this year.

“So I am very happy about what happened, very happy to win Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Roland Garros. I am very happy to be in the final here in the US Open.

“Of course winning or losing that final is a big change, but I am very happy about all the things that happened to me and I am going

US Open: Stephens Beats Keys to Win Women’s Title

U

nseeded Sloane Stephens completed a spectacular return from injury by beating fellow American Madison Keys to win the US Open at Flushing Meadows yesterday.

Stephens, ranked 83rd, beat 15th seed Keys 6-3 6-0 in the final.

The 24-year-old was ranked as low as 957th six weeks ago, having only returned from 11 months out with a foot injury at Wimbledon.

She becomes only the fifth unseeded woman to win a major title in the Open era.

Both women were making their Grand Slam final debuts, and their combined ranking of 99 was the lowest for a US Open final since the rankings began.

Close friends since childhood, they shared a long hug at the net after Keys netted a forehand on the third match point, and Stephens then headed into the crowd to embrace her mother.

“I had surgery in January and if someone had told me then that I would win the US Open, I would have said it was impossible,” said Stephens.

“This journey has been incredible and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Nadal is gunning for a 16th Grand Slam title

to fight to win another title here.”

First-time finalist Anderson, was the man to take advantage of the open bottom half of the draw, beating American hope Sam Querrey in the quarter-finals and then 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta in the last four.

After becoming the first South African player

to reach a Grand Slam singles final since Kevin Curren made two in the mid-1980s, Anderson, who stands 6ft 8in, said: “It’s a very tough one. He’s a huge player with an unbelievable serve and he plays so well on these kinds of surfaces.

“He had some injuries so he’s a big example

EPL: City Pummel Liverpool, Kante Haunts Leicester

M

anchester City capitalised on Sadio Mane’s controversial red card to thrash title rivals Liverpool 5-0, while Arsenal eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger with a vital 3-0 victory over Bournemouth yesterday.

City goalkeeper Ederson was stretchered off in a neck brace after being caught in the face by Mane’s boot as he raced out to head the ball away, with the Liverpool winger dismissed for the clash late in the first half at Eastlands.

City already led 1-0 through Sergio Aguero’s opener at that point and braces from Gabriel Jesus and substitute Leroy Sane completed City’s biggest win over Liverpool since 1937.

City are unbeaten in 12 Premier League games, their best run under Guardiola, while Argentina striker Aguero is now the outright

Kante scored the winner for Chelsea against Leicester yesterday

leading non-European goalscorer in Premier League history with 124 goals.

With Liverpool having avoided defeat against

their top-six rivals last season, it was the first time Jurgen Klopp’s side had lost to one of their principal adversaries since a 1-0 loss at home to Manchester United in January 2016.

Meanwhile, Chelsea survived a tense finish as the champions made it three successive wins with a 2-1 success at Leicester.

Antonio Conte’s side took the lead through Alvaro Morata’s third goal for Chelsea as the Spain striker peeled away from Wes Morgan to meet Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross with a bullet header in the 41st minute.

N’Golo Kante was a key member of Leicester’s title-winning team two years ago and the Chelsea midfielder returned to haunt his old club with a 50th minute long-range strike.

Jamie Vardy gave Leicester hope in the 62nd minute when the England striker was brought down by Thibaut Courtois and picked himself up to drive home the resulting penalty.

Lucozade Boosts Eagles Energy Levels

A

fter the heartache of failed attempts to qualify for recent soccer tournaments, the Super Eagles of Nigeria seem to have found sure footing in the current qualifying rounds for the Russia 2018 World Cup. Displaying stamina and dexterity during their last two-legged tie against Cameroon who are the reigning African champions, it was gathered that the Eagles improved their fitness levels with Lucozade sports

drink, which helped the team secure a first leg victory and a precious second-leg draw against their familiar foes.

This was showcased by Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechuckwu Ezenwa, who replenished his energy levels during the cagey affair, after surviving a chest-clattering tackle from an overzealous Cameroonian attacker during the second leg in Yaounde.

The remarkable results by the Eagles have ensured continuous outpouring of tributes from soccer-mad and happy Nigerians.

Nice Thrash Monaco, Mbappe Scores on Debut

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Stephens

for the kids and for the rest of the tour, too.

He was able to be back and play his best tennis now in his career so I’m happy for him because I’ve known him since we were 12 years old.

“It’s great to see him in a final of one of the most important events of the year.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity.

I have worked really hard to get here. It’s great I have given myself a spot. I will be very excited come Sunday.”

Nadal and Anderson are both 31 - their birthdays separated by less than a month and they have known each other for nearly 20 years.Their paths since juniors have been very different, of course, Nadal winning his first Grand Slam title as a teenager and looking to add a 16th here.

Nadal has won all four of their previous meetings, Anderson managing just a single set, but the Spaniard is wary of his opponent’s aggressive game.

He said: “It’s a very tough one. He’s a huge player with an unbelievable serve and he plays so well on these kinds of surfaces.

“He had some injuries so he’s a big example for the kids and for the rest of the tour, too.

He was able to be back and play his best tennis now in his career so I’m happy for him because I’ve known him since we were 12 years old.“It’s great to see him in a final of one of the most important events of the year.”

ario Balotelli scored a brace as Monaco’s record 16-match winning streak in Ligue 1 was ended with a 4-0 thumping

by Nice at the Allianz Riviera

yesterday.

Balotelli’s early penalty put Nice ahead, before Alassane Plea made it two in the 18th minute.

Monaco tried to apply some pressure early in the second period, but Balotelli completed a brace to put the game beyond the reach of the reigningFrenchchampionsandteenagesubstitute

Ignatius Ganago finished the rout to leave the visitors shell-shocked.

The loss could prove costly for Monaco, as they slipped three points behind early leaders Paris Saint-Germain after their first match since teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe left for the capital club.

On Friday, Mbappe scored on his debut as PSG made it five straight wins to kick off the new season with a 5-1 thrashing of 10-man Metz.

Edinson Cavani’s double took him to seven league goals for the season, while world record signing Neymar also got on the scoresheet.

Ezenwa

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS & FIXTURES Man City Arsenal Brighton Everton Leicester Southampton Stoke City Burnley Swansea

5–0 3–0 3–1 0–3 1–2 0–2 2–2 vs vs

Liverpool Bournemouth West Brom Tottenham Chelsea Watford Man United C/Palace 1:30pm Newcastle 4pm

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High Life

͎͎͜;ʹ͜͜ͳ;ͳͰ

...Amazing lifestyles of Nigeria’s rich and famous

Hit by Hard Times, Business Mogul, Emeka Oor, Shuts Down Company

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ir Emeka Oor, the former billionaire businessman behind Chrome Oil Services, has encountered his tender state. He has ďŹ nally learnt that, while leaves of hope may thrive in his orchard today, blossoming and attracting abundant niceties to his name, tomorrow may dawn with famine and a killing frost. For him tomorrow dawns harshly and with unprecedented ugliness, causing his orchard to wilt and nipping his hopes of redemption from the roots to the bud.

The joke is on him right now; having scorned the subtle nudge of reason in prosperous clime, Emeka could not foresee his doom and eventual collapse of his company. You would recall that Oor’s reputation as a billionaire without precedents reached inglorious heights during the ďŹ rst coming of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo and Oor were reportedly very close.

Prior to that time, he had singlehandedly funded the election of former Anambra State Governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju. On assumption of power, Mbadinuju held tight to the locks of the State’s treasury, refusing to allow Oor burrow into it brazenly. They fell bitterly apart.

Their embarrassing fall-out remains one of the anticlimaxes of Nigeria’s third republic. He threatened that the governor would not come back to oďŹƒce like other PDP governors.

TEN YEARS AFTER‌TAYO AYENI, SIBLINGS REMEMBER LATE FATHER Yes, if Tayo Ayeni, the chairman of Skymit Group, would define his father, he would claim that the wall of his heart was lined with gold and silver; he would say that he lived by a moral code that dwarfed old England’s claim to chivalry and honour. Tayo loved Baba 10-10 as he was fondly called.

As the horizon is not the end of the ocean, the children of late Sunday Ayeni including auto magnate, Tayo, did not see their father’s death as the end of his life. Thus, as they have done every other year since he passed in

Tayo Ayeni

He made good his threat. Mbadinuju has been in political wilderness since then. Indeed, the many controversies of Oor would make for a compelling narrative any day. Just when you think the gangling Anambra native has been bueted enough by troubles, he recently took on a foe with the potentials to humble and consume him, opening yet another page in his pitiable romance with trouble.

In the build-up to the 2003 general elections, Mr. Oor was reported to have donated N200 million to the Obasanjo/Atiku presidential re-election campaign. Known for his interests in oil, gas, power and construction, the businessman and politician got juicy federal contracts, while the PDP reigned for 16 years.

Today, Emeka is down but not totally out. Some sta members of the company, in a letter written on their behalf by their lawyer, Femi Falana, say they are being owed N1.14 billion, representing outstanding salaries and wages between September 2016 and August 2017. But according to a report online, Oor blamed the “general economic meltdown and recessionâ€? for his company’s inability to meet its ďŹ nancial obligations to employees, saying his “businesses suered frustration commencing from March 2015 and grounded to a halt in September 2015â€?. Oor said the company had “no job to execute and closed oďŹƒce starting from September 2015â€?.

2007, the Ayenis gathered last Sunday to honour his memory and celebrate his life in a unique way.

Being the 10th year of his death, this year’s remembrance was of a different hue and form. Though there was no elaborate party, their native Ilesa in Osun State where they were all born and bred, shook to its fabric as Tayo and his siblings scattered all over the world made sure to be present for the 10thyear remembrance. After the church service, there was an entertainment of guests at the family house of the Ayenis. The Ayeni patriarch popularly called ‘Baba 10 10’was a prominent businessman back in the days. Perhaps the most prominent of the Ayeni children, Tayo founded Skymit Motors in the mid-80s.

Aside Skymit, which tends to the auto needs of the rich and powerful with showrooms across Lagos, he is also into properties.

DEATH SCARE! GOVERNOR ROCHAS OKOROCHA DEBUNKS SON’S RUMOURED DEATH Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, may have been the target of many bizarre and blatant attacks in is political odyssey, but none threw him off balance as the rumoured death of his brilliant son, Ahamefuna. Blogosphere was afire when the rumour began to gather momentum. Promptly, Governor Okorocha released a statement, denying the rumour, saying, “The young engineer is doing very well in his profession. How could anybody ever wish his fellow human dead?

Emeka Oor

Rochas Okorocha

This is strange and we all should discourage this kind of insinuation.

You can begin to ask why human beings created in the image of God would ever wish a promising young man like Aham death, no matter what could be their reason.� He added: “Those who authored the fake death story only showed the level of their frustration and we won’t ask God to help them out or forgive them. They must reap whatever they have sown. The bible says, ‘tell the wicked it shall not be well with them.’ And we do so to those behind this disturbing rumour.� The controversial governor went further by taking

his son around to inspect projects in the capital, Owerri. A first class graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester, Ahamefula Brendan Rochas was seen in public again later in the week to dispel the rumour. Many social media users contend that had the story been true, it would have meant that Okorocha got his comeuppance earlier than imagined. Following the demolition of the Owerri Main Market, popularly known as EkeUkwu Owerri and the drama that followed between the people of the town who believe they were treated unfairly and Governor Rochas, it was revealed that about three people died, including a 10-year-old boy, Somtochukwu Ibeanusi. Okorocha denied this however.

LOUIS MBANEFO AND OLU FAJEMIROKUN’S DAUGHTER, KIKE’S MARRIAGE IN TROUBLE? The romantic world, the manoeuvrings of Cupid, the dilemmas of conscience and egotism are the critical bane of most silver spoon marriages. The truth probably dawned on Kike Fajemirokun, like a blister of eternal damnation.

This aphorism has coloured another silver spoon union that promised bubbly cheers at the on set, instead it has delivered cheap, sour ciders.

Less than a year after their glamorous wedding in London, the marriage of Louis Jnr, son of successful maritime lawyer, Louis

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Like a Phoenix...Peter Obafemi Bounces Back

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ne of the lessons from the Darwinian world is that the excellence of an organism’s nervous system helps determine its ability to sense change and adapt to it, thereby surviving or thriving even in the worst conditions. In the same vein, Peter Obafemi’s knack for thinking on his feet and plying a visionary course may be described as suitable for the times.

Indeed, like a phoenix, that mythical bird that rose from smouldering ashes, aviation investor and serial governorship contender in Ekiti State, Peter Obafemi, is back to the front burner of social discourse. In a matter of weeks, smoothtalking Obafemi’s new venture, the Eagle Airways, would commence operations across the country. According to a source close to Obafemi, Eagle Airways would operate passenger, cargo and chartered ight services from Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt while work is on-going to add other cities in Nigeria and West Africa. For the past three months, we gathered that the airline had been on an intensive recruitment drive and is all set to start ying. His LinkedIn proďŹ le states that he is executive vice chairman at the Great Eagle Airways Limited. Before this rebound, the Uppsala University, Sweden, graduate of Humanities and Arts was the promoter of Ritetime Airways which partnership with World Airways tanked so badly it left many Nigerians stranded in the United States some years back. He practically disappeared into thin air when the heat threatened to consume him. He would return to make a failed bid for the Ekiti State governorship seat.

Even after a second failed marriage, Obafemi remains a hot catch among society ladies.

Louis Mbanefo and Kike

Mbanefo, and Kike, the daughter of billionaire industrialist, Olu Fajemirokun, according to reports, may be in trouble.

Among other reasons adduced for the hitch is Louis Jnr’s strong attachment to his mother. Though in his 40s, a source alleged that, “Trouble started for the couple shortly after the wedding when the husband’s mother began to issue orders to her son, Louis on how to run his home.� Much as she tried, Kike did not succeed in detaching her husband from his mother who kept pulling the strings. At a point, and having exhausted her patience,

reports have it that Kike may have moved out of the house. Louis’ attempt to appease his heavily pregnant wife, is at best described as feeble, since he is allegedly overwhelmed by his mother’s over bearing influence.

THE MYSTERY BEHIND GULDER ULTIMATE WINNER’S MURDER Other deaths only speak but murder shrieks out. Yet each man kills the thing he loves. Some do it with a bitter look, some with a flattering word. The coward does it with a kiss, the brave man with a sword; Hector Oluwaseun Jobarteh,

Peter Obafemi

winner of the 2006 Guilder Ultimate Search, GUS, reality TV, Season 3, murderers did it with a blazing gun. Few days after he was killed by unknown gunmen in Lagos, his family and friends are still mourning and agonising over the cause of his murder. They are at a loss about who could have been responsible for the gruesome act and why? Hence the matter remains a Gordian knot as no one can categorically trace his death to a specific person. But that Hector met his end in a gruesome manner that ill-fated Sunday morning is not in doubt. They stormed his house and pumped Hector’s body full of hot lead (bullets). He couldn’t get to a nearby hospital before he died.

In the wake of his demise, not a few friends and family allege that there is more to his death than meets the eye. Rumour is rife about how he got involved in some business deals with some unknown guys and how he came into quite substantial sum of money. Some claim his death might have been orchestrated by his business partners who have been known to do anything for money.

The Lagos Police said they had arrested three suspects in connection with the last Sunday’s assassination of Hector. He was buried last Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

BLISSFUL MATRIMONY! THE SECRET BONE IN IDOWU AJANAKU’S BACK There is harmony in the heart of Biodun Ajanaku; bliss activates and runs her soul as sweet nectar

intoxicates the two-tailed pasha. The beautiful wife of Idowu Ajanaku, one of the top aides of Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Only Biodun and Idowu know what it is about their union that drives them to perpetuate one of the most enviable and durable versions of love. It’s simply poetic to see the couple holding hands or sharing smiles in public, oblivious to the world and its many distractions.

You could mistake them for a newly wedded couple no sooner than you find yourself in their company. She has been sighted at a few upscale

Hector Oluwaseun Jobarteh

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˜ ˞ SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

HIGHLIFE

Shock, Surprise as Tax Expert, Olanike Disu, Dies Six Weeks after the Death of Her Husband

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gain, death has intruded the enamored world of the rich; it invaded the household of Disu, snatching the life of Olanike Disu. It was a miserable end to the life of one of the most acclaimed invigorators of Lagos’ social circuit and high society no doubt. A powerful director at the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), last Sunday, September 3rd, was her birthday during which she was bueted by a blizzard of well wishes especially on social media. A few friends even gathered at her house to felicitate with her. They partied and wished her long life before disappearing into the night.

Unbeknownst to them, it was an eternal send forth the small birthday get-together would turn out to be. About 24hours later, the woman popularly known as Madam Tax, was announced dead.

What could have happened? No simple or ornamental tribute could capture an essence of Nike’s extraordinary appeal. Men were swayed by her beauty and poise, but her hold on women was even more phenomenal; she stoked intense feelings of gratitude and contentment in most people privileged enough to have made her acquaintance during her 54-year spell on earth.

Since her sad departure from the mortal world, memories of

her assail her loved ones like a bittersweet gust of cold breeze after a discomforting heatstroke.

However, like the wave of the ocean, Disu has experienced the heights and depths of life and hardly knew joy and rest in her latter days. Indeed, within two years, she lost some of the men dearest to her. First, it was her brother-in-law, Mr. Tajudeen Disu, the Managing Director of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, who was shot dead during a clash between mobile police oďŹƒcers and youth of Okunraiye community, Lagos, October 12th, 2015. It was a most gruesome death that shook the Lagos social establishment. Few months after, she lost her father, Pa. Elkanah Olatunji Kobnah Williams. Earlier this year, she lost her husband who reportedly just slumped and died. Exactly, six weeks after her husband, Abayomi Disu, passed on in July, Olanike joined him. Her husband, Abayomi Aderibigbe Disu was born in 1961, and he was the C.E.O of Front Page Advertising Agency located in Ogudu area of Lagos. He got married to Olanike in 1989, and both are survived by two children. He reportedly slumped and died in the early hours of July 25 and was buried on July 26, 2017. He was 57 when he died, while his wife died at 54.

The mother of two never quite recovered from the shocking

Idowu and Biodun Ajanaku

shindigs, most times in company with her better half, Idowu. If friendship was rewarding for the duo, falling in love with each other was liberating. Ask Idowu. He will proudly tell you anyday that loving Biodun is invigorating. The passion and devotion he shares with her exposed him to priceless adventures in the meadows and everglades of love. They contend with all the force of their lives and for one thing only, to fulfill their heartfelt dreams of actualising a never-ending story of insurmountable love, forged by them, according to their own laws.

CITIZEN OF HUMANITY...

AS AWUJALE COMMENDS GLOBACOM BOSS FOR HELPING TO SUSTAIN OJUDE-OBA FESTIVAL FOR 11 YEARS If Dr. Mike Adenuga did not exist, who could invent him? Think. Yes, Adenuga, GCON, CSG, is something of a visionary. But at the core of his vision is a deep sense of scale; a profound passion for industry and respect for the universe, in their separate immensities. The Forbescertified billionaire nurtures abiding love and respect for fellow humans, particularly those whose minds can somehow span the depth of his

Olanike Disu

death which left her to take care of their two kids alone. A 1986 graduate of the Oklahoma City University where she bagged a industry and citizenship of humanity.

The Spirit of Africa, as he is fondly called, is indeed generous at heart. He embarks on a humanitarian odyssey like a kind of poet and painter whose imagination is unclipped.

He paints picturesque scenes in lives severely marred by squalor; he encrusts bleakness in shiny varnish.

That is the lot of Dr. Adenuga, the Chairman of telecommunications giant, Globacom. At the recent Ojude Oba festival, the paramount ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, commended Adenuga for sustaining the sponsorship of the popular cultural festival for the past 11 years. Although the Ojude Oba festival originated as a Muslim festival about 100 years ago, it has since evolved into a festival that Ijebu sons and daughters, whether they’re Muslims or not, unite to celebrate on the third day of Eid-El-Kabir every year. The influential monarch praised Adenuga to high heavens saying posterity would remember him for all his good deeds. In his goodwill address read by Folu Aderibigbe, the Coordinator, Enterprise Sales, Globacom, Adenuga said that the sustained partnership with the Ojude Oba Festival Committee was reflective of Globacom’s passionate commitment to being at the forefront of major initiatives to promote the best of Nigeria’s cultures, values, desires and traditions. According to him, “We are proud of our newlyacquired badge of honour as the biggest corporate promoter of the arts including celebration of traditions, cultures and desires of Nigeria and her peoples and the theme of this

BA in Mass Communications, the late Disu was a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria year’s celebration, Ojude Oba: A Rich Heritage For Ijebu Unity confirms that traditions, cultures and religious beliefs are basic ingredients which have united peoples and races throughout mankind.� The billionaire businessman added, “We also wish to appeal to all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic and religious persuasions to do all within their capabilities to strengthen that cord of unity that has always bound us together. We owe the present generation and posterity the responsibility to join forces with men and women of goodwill to sustain the renewed drive towards the historical and cultural Renaissance of our country.�

Oba Sikiru Adetona

Sunday September 10, 2017

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Price: N400

MISSILE Nwodo to FG

“Unless we restructure this country, we will slide into an uncontrollable crisis. Nigeria is a world power, but if it continues to be wrongly administered it will continue to be a laughing stock.”

–The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo advising the federal government to urgently address the issue of restructuring or be ready to face the consequences

SIMONKOLAWOLE SIMONKOLAWOLELIVE!

simon.kolawole@thisdaylive.com, sms: 0805 500 1961

Of course, Nigeria is Highly Negotiable

W

here do you stand in this ongoing debate on the state of the Nigerian union? I have so far identified four lines of thought (1) pro-status quo (2) pro-restructuring (3) pro-balkanisation and (4) “siddon look”. The first group thinks there is nothing to change, the second thinks there is something to change, the third thinks everything should be changed and the fourth is uninterested, change or no change. I wish I could do a census to know the population of each group and, in the spirit of democracy, announce the most popular desire of Nigerians.

But the way public debate is structured, it is those with the loudest voice and tallest platforms that get heard.

In the series of articles I have written since the resurgence of the seasonal restructuring agitations, I have made certain arguments which I will quickly summarise. One, I have argued that countries develop through quality leadership, although we seem to think in Nigeria that the tonic for development is to write a new constitution. It may need reminding that most of the countries we call “developed” today were built through competent and patriotic leadership, not some constitution. In fact, the British have never had a written constitution. Singapore, we all know, ran a dictatorship. South Korea was developed essentially by military governments.

Two, I have argued that the document we now deride as “military constitution” was actually written by civilians. (That is even assuming that the military is so bad that nothing good can ever be written by them.) The 1979 constitution, refurbished and repackaged as the 1999 constitution, was produced by some of the most brilliant legal and political minds Nigeria has ever had. The process underwent one of the most robust debates in the history of Nigeria. I argued that nobody ever gave the constitution as an excuse for poor governance in the second republic, although its 1999 clone is now classified as an evil and vile document fit only for the bonfire. So it goes.

Three, I have argued that there is no state in Nigeria that is not viable. We define viability in Nigeria on the strength of the oil-based federation allocation because of our weak imagination. The economy of the state of Nevada in the US is built around gambling, amusement and recreational services, not “our oil”. The Dubai emirate in the UAE is built around trade, real estate and tourism. Hong Kong’s economy is built around financial services. In 2016, Hong Kong, with a population of 7 million, recorded a GDP of $426 billion — compared to Nigeria’s $405 billion produced by 180 million people. Our brains are so filled with oil we think that is all there is to life. So it goes.

I have also made attempts to explain that buzzwords such as “true federalism” and “fiscal federalism” are becoming native to Nigeria. I don’t know of any country in the world that claims to be practising “true federalism”: in truth, no two federal systems are alike. Federalism in Mexico is not exactly as practised in Australia. More so, “fiscal federalism” — a concept proposed in 1959 by the late German-American economist, Richard Musgrave, to make a case for the redistribution of income among federating units for the overall economic health of the country — has been redefined in Nigeria to mean “resource control” and “derivation”. So it goes.

So where do I stand? Of course, I believe Nigeria is highly negotiable. You don’t have to be an expert in any subject to know that Nigeria is not functioning optimally. We all can see it.

We all can feel it. We all know the widespread poverty in the land, the poor state of physical

Buhari infrastructure, the failing system of education and the sickening state of health care. What we cannot agree upon is what caused the problems and the way out. Some think poor people in Delta, Benue and Yobe don’t have access to water and electricity because we don’t have the 1963 constitution, or because we don’t have regions, or because there is no resource control. Some of us beg to disagree.

I have written, time and again, that I am for restructuring, even though I will continue to say that we are underutilising the opportunities available under the current system. I easily admit that my agitation for restructuring is different in concept and in content from the popular brand, or should I say the conventional wisdom. I do not propose restructuring with the mindset that it is one part of the country that is the problem of another. I do not believe that roads are bad in Imo state because of the revenue allocated to Zamfara state, or that schools are without libraries and laboratories in Kano state because we don’t practise “true federalism”. But that’s me.

I think of restructuring with a mindset that the majority of Nigerians — irrespective of their ethnic, regional and religious backgrounds — are afflicted with poverty, viciously denied the basics of life by those they call their leaders. Development in modern times is built on the foundation of education, education and education. Looking at the number of children that are out of school today, and what this means for the future of Nigeria, breaks my heart more than the tragic death of the 1963 constitution. Looking at the number of private jets and chattered flights at the beck and call of governors depresses me more than the lack of “state police”.

Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that we need to restructure our federal system for greater efficiency.

We need to negotiate many things about Nigeria. To begin with, I have proposed — and will continue to propose — that the federal government should shed significant weight so that states can take on more responsibilities. That also means less money for the centre and more for the 36 states.

I find it incredible that the centre takes 52.68% of the federation revenue, leaving the 36 states with 26.72% and the 774 councils 20.60%. It is too lopsided. I team up with those who want the size of federal government drastically reduced.

For instance, I think federal roads should be transferred to states. The only roads that should be under the federal government are the ones linking states, and even at that, states should be legally empowered to maintain federal roads within their boundaries and get reimbursed. The

late Wahab Dosumu, as minister of works under President Shehu Shagari in the second republic, famously warned Alhaji Lateef Jakande, then governor of Lagos, not to repair Eric Moore Road, which was in bad shape, because it was a federal road! I find it bizarre that a road will be in Surulere or Apapa and it will be classified as a federal road. It makes no sense to me.

Furthermore, and this is a consequence of shedding weight, the federal government should transfer some tax handles and revenue to the states, since the states would be taking on more responsibilities. I believe states should begin to share from the company income taxes, while federal government should take a little from personal income tax and VAT. Having shed weight, the federal government would have fewer responsibilities to finance. As things stand, with a thousand and one parastatals to cater for, the federal government can justify taking more than half of the revenue. If it sheds weight, the responsibilities will reduce.

I have more proposals for restructuring than space would permit me to discuss, but I would like to underline two things. One, I have by no means claimed that the changes I have proposed today amount to “true federalism”. That is above my pay grade. Rather, my thought is how the states, which are socio-geographically closer to the people than the federal government, can become the locus for delivering development. They often blame the centre for obstructing them. Give them more responsibilities and more money — let’s cut out the excuses and spark off a process that could put them on the spot and energise the citizens to demand better performance.

Two, I know there are complaints that the allocation formula favours the north. But a critical look at the sharing principles such as landmass (5.35%), population (25%), terrain (5.35%) and derivation (13% for minerals, 20% for VAT) shows that things balance out in the end. What some states lose in landmass they gain in population or “IGR effort” (8.31%). More so, 45% of federation account is shared on the principle of “equality of states” — thus the smallest and the biggest states get exactly the same. Indeed, no non-oil state collects more allocation than an oil state.

But the impression remains that everything is skewed in favour of the north, and this perennially foments discontent.

I’m also aware of the complaints that the distribution of local governments disproportionately favours the north, which is maybe 60% of Nigeria’s landmass. Local governments were created principally on the basis of landmass.

This certainly favours the north. However, in June 2017 (the latest FAAC figures available to me), Kano’s 44 LGAs got N7.7 billion (N6.14 billion from statutory, N1.58 billion from VAT) while Lagos’ 20 LGAs got N7.4bn (N3.677 billion statutory, N3.822 billion VAT). That is not such a terrible gap. Things even out, although I agree that they could be more equitable to encourage and reward imagination, competition and productivity among the states.

But are northern states that are purportedly favoured now more developed than southern states? Is infrastructural development in Jigawa or Plateau better than that in Abia or Osun?

That is why I usually avoid seeing Nigeria’s underdevelopment problems along ethnic, religious and regional lines. Let us break Nigeria into pieces if we choose but as long as the constant factor of inept and unpatriotic leadership stays in the mix, we will remain underdeveloped. Trust me, I won’t stop making this point. I am confident that one day, we would come to agree, even if grudgingly, that the biggest set-back for Nigeria is the quality of leadership at different levels.

And Four Other Things…

RECESSION MAGIC Hurray! President Muhammadu Buhari has pulled Nigeria out of recession. How did he do it? Pardon my ignorance. I thought Nigeria exited recession mainly because (1) militants stopped bombing the pipelines and (2) crude oil prices recovered. Nigeria’s production increased from roughly 900,000bpd to about 1.8mbpd after militants decided to have mercy. And so, the GDP — doped by sniffing more petrodollars — grew by 0.55% between April and June 2017, halting a run of five successive quarters of negative results. Ladies and gentlemen, that is how the APC government “fulfilled another promise” by pulling Nigeria out of recession!

Hahahaha.

FICKLE FEC We’ve just been told that because of the Eid holiday, ministers did not have time to prepare for the weekly FEC meeting where policy issues and memos are treated. They were obviously overdosed on Sallah meat and jollof rice — and they belched so hard they forgot that there was still a country that needed their attention. I know the next thing they will tell us is that FEC meeting is not compulsory. On one occasion FEC did not hold because “the agenda was light” — in a country that has no light. In another instance, they said they were “on Easter break”. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry as the APC continues to demonstrate that it is just as amateurish as the PDP. Change.

ANTAGONISTIC AISHAS There must be something between President Buhari and Aishas. His sweetheart, named Aisha, threatened on international radio last year that she would not campaign for her husband in 2019 because of one reason or the other. Now, his minister, named Aisha (Alhassan), says she would campaign for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in 2019 even if Buhari decides to seek re-election. Those are two brazen body blows for the president. I have never seen a first lady attack her husband so openly the way Aisha did, neither have I seen a serving minister politically demarket the boss so openly since Nigeria was amalgamated in 1914. Startling.

FALLING OFF When the Egmont group suspended Nigeria’s financial intelligence unit in July, reports blamed EFCC for leaking sensitive information to sections of the media and also for fighting against making the unit independent. The attorney-general, Mr. Abubakar Malami, subsequently asked EFCC to forward to him the list of highprofile cases it is investigating — in line with the EFCC Act. EFCC sent the list to VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo and Malami. What happened next? The list, in no time, made its way to the media. Who leaked it? EFCC? Presidency? Office of the attorney-general?

Angel Gabriel? Whatever it is, the anti-graft war is becoming a laughing matter. Tragic.

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