The Nation Newspaper

Tag: 2014

  • NDLEA destroyed illicit drugs worth N542b in 2014

    NDLEA destroyed illicit drugs worth N542b in 2014

    The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), at the weekend, said illicit drugs and cannibis destroyed in 2014 was worth N542 billion.

    The  illicit drug seized weighed 106,897.18 kilogrammes.

    The agency also disclosed that 8,826, comprising 8,322 males and 494 females were arrested or questioned under the period in review.

    Chairman of the agency, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, spoke in Abuja at the launch of National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2015-2019. The master plan was done in collaboration with United Nations Office on  Drug and Crime  (UNODC) and funded by the European Union.

    Giade said: “This huge amount is mind blowing and has the capacity to derail the most credible election. Such proceeds can either be used to subvert the wishes of the electorates or instigate upheavals. We shall therefore continue to financially incapacitate and dislodge drug cartels.

    “In Nigeria, we have fought very hard to eradicate illicit drugs from our society. The agency recorded unprecedented success in cannabis farm destruction. A total of 4409.15 hectares of farmland representing 53,719, 342.32 kilogrammes of cannabis were destroyed and prevented from causing untold harm to Nigerians.”

  • 2014, a chequered year for film censorship

    THE year, 2014, witnessed developments on several fronts in the regulatory sphere of Nigeria’s film industry where the National Film and Video Censors Board, led by Ms Patricia Bala, holds sway.

    The highpoint of these from the point of view of a media landscape driven by a pathological craze for ‘front page’ and ‘sensational’ news was the spat over the movie, Half of a Yellow Sun.

    It’s quite edifying that the Board capped the year with a pioneering search for common grounds in the classification of films across national boundaries in Africa. This came in the form of the First International Conference on Film Classification in Africa, hosted by the Board, at the prime Tinapa Resort, in Cross River State.

    The spat over the movie adaptation of the epic novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Half of a Yellow Sun, far from diminishing the Board, did much to project and position it as a serious, watchful, diligent and competent media watchdog.

    What should have been a straightforward compliance issue got enmeshed in the pervasive distrust and suspicion of public sector motives by private sector stakeholders. The Board’s simple clear directive that was dutifully communicated to appropriate individuals concerned became a ploy to stir up a buzz around the said film, since as they say, no publicity is bad publicity.

    It’s not out of place to draw attention to how The Interview, a movie by Sony Pictures, almost brought the US and North Korea to conflict. Hence,  the Censors Board’s pre-emptive stance in the Half of a Yellow Sun saga can even be better appreciated.

    The hacking of Sony and the threat to moviegoers over The Interview had shown what could happen where no formal safeguards over movies exists. In such cases, an offended party without any formal channel to remedy the injury can take the law into its hand like North Korea whose leader’s assassination is the subject of The Interview.

    With respect to Nigeria, here is a film adaptation of a novel set around the 1966 crises and the subsequent civil war in Nigeria. These are emotive subjects. Chinua Achebe’s There Was A Country had earlier touched a raw nerve by recalling the events of that period and then came a movie set in that painful era making potentially inflammatory remarks about the conduct of the Nigerian Army.

    The glee with which moviegoers flocked to the cinemas in August to watch the film belies the socio-political disruption that might have followed its unfettered release given the military campaign in the North-East of the country.

    The West may choose to downplay the provocation inherent in plotting a serving president’s assassination as in the case of The Interview and focus only on the resultant hacking and threats, but the crises have re-opened the debate over whether censorship has become anachronistic and out dated.

    That same argument reared its head at Tinapa Resort, Cross River State, during the First International Conference on Film Classification in Africa, organised by the NFVCB.

    Ms Patricia Bala, the Director General, had given the objectives of the conference to include:  the development of a template for region-wide criteria for movie classification; the building of consensus on movie classification standards among African nations; projecting the core values and norms of African societies through movie classification and protecting the young and vulnerable from harmful consequences of dysfunctional classification practices

    The 2-day gathering which lasted from 27th-29th October, brought together intellectuals and film practitioners to try to chart a course for film ratings in Africa. The speakers included Prof Zana Akpagu, the Dean of the Arts Faculty of the University of Calabar who gave the keynote; Prof JK Obatala, the popular astronomer and newspaper columnist; Tunde Onikoyi of Kwara State University, Dr Cas Onukogu from Enugu, Prof Andrew Uduigwomen, Abakedi Dominic Effiong and Mr. Tam Fiofori.

    A three-man strong Kenyan delegation was present to underpin the international nature of the gathering while greater international attendance was dampened by the Ebola Virus scare from which Nigeria was just recovering then.

    The need for the harmonization of movie ratings across national boundaries in Africa had been underscored by a Benin-based filmmaker, Mr. Peddy Okao, who spoke of how a particular film is differently graded by different countries as well as the continent’s major satellite broadcaster. A film rated “18” for adult viewership in Country A can get a “G” for general viewership in Country B. With cross-border trade, this differential ratings of the same movie later ends up in one country with substantial confusion for the consumers.

    The highlight of the many postulations from the eggheads was in Prof. Obatala’s paper, where he canvassed the view that “the main criterion for classifying African film must be biological” premised on the primacy of the reproductive system and supported by the Evolutionary Psychology that man is driven by the pressure to survive and reproduce himself. As Earth’s aboriginals according to Obatala, African films should promote fertility rites and cooperation since no group can survive alone.

    While urging a paradigm shift away from morality in film plots to power, he also deplored the portrayal of human sacrifice in African movies, pointing out that though the practice was huge in Hindu Indian traditions, it didn’t feature in Indian films. According to Obatala, film is not all about entertainment which it only uses to draw attention to its message.

    Other insightful postulations came from Tam Fiofori, the ace photojournalist and filmmaker, who held that videography, the art of shooting for home video release, is, by nature, venal unlike cinematography for the big screen. He traced the original motive of Nigerian filmmaking to the need to uplift our culture which the White colonialists portrayed wrongly in their own films. He pooh-poohed videography as a simpler art form which has engendered laziness in Nollywood, unlike Nigeria’s first generation filmmakers who were intellectuals. Fiofori posited that nudity is not un-African but it should be portrayed in non-erotic ways. He emphasised that where there was self-censorship, the formal one will not be necessary.

    Other speakers touched on issues surrounding censorship and classification of movies in contemporary Nigeria. Prof. Tunde Onikoyi, in his paper on “Politically Committed Films in Nigeria: Toward a Standard Classification Framework in Africa”, stated that older film cultures in Africa despised Nollywood because of its use of the home movie format. He classified the general political themes in Nollywood to include: traditional rulership, crime thriller, melodrama and core political films. He also advocated the enlargement of preview panels to include journalists/film critics, film teachers, parents, psychologists and lawyers.

    In his paper on Impact of Film Classification and Censorship on Film Business in Africa, Dr. Cas Onukogu canvassed for a general agreement on the philosophy behind Nollywood as well as a research-based classification regime and the listing of common values. He suggested that censorship be de-emphasized while concentration should be on classification and monitoring.

    In the communiqué, the Conference among others, advocated the listing and promotion of cherished African values by filmmakers and sustenance of the initiative to deepen the ideals of pan- African integration.

    The forum also agreed that film in Africa should emphasise message above entertainment, given the subliminal underlying potentials of artistic production and consumption and that since film is a knowledge-based industry, the filmmakers should challenge themselves not to lose sight of creating desirable value chain.

    The Conference also advocated a research-based classification system in Africa to identify with viewer preference.

    – By Mike Ekunno

  • 2014: Slow, bumpy path to creativity

    2014: Slow, bumpy path to creativity

    But for some private sector operators, the last one year would have been too slow and bumpy for any significant growth in the creative industry, reports Assistant Editor (Arts) Ozolua Uhakheme.

    THE winner of 2012 ANA Poetry Prize, Mr. Karo Okoko, writes on poetry and drama. At the close of a stint at the Ebedi International Writing Residency at Ebedi, Iseyin in Oyo State, last September, he wrote in Ebedi Review his feelings and experiences. “I have learnt quite a lot from my colleagues. They see me as a loner who is always indoor, which is not strange because that is what people think of me…and that is what I am. But, when we commune, I learn a lot of things from them. Within those weeks, I was able to write and finish a novel from the scratch, title Letter; from Her, and a play title; Pellets of Power.

    In Washington DC, United States, a Nigerian designer, Ms Patience Torlowei was honoured by the Smithsonian Museum of African Arts for winning the Earth Matters Fashion competition in September. Her entry, Lady Esther, a hand painted dress named in memory of designer’s departed mother, is an illustration of the historical situations across Africa, such as apartheid South Africa, oil spillage in Nigeria and diamond mining in Congo. It was exhibited by the museum.

    On November 5, the founder, Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation (BOF), Dr Bruce Onobrakpeya, was also honoured by the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, US in recognition of his significant achievement in the arts over six decades. The institute held its 50th anniversary gala during which Onobrakpeya was special guest.

    These are examples of efforts of by some individuals in the creative industry that shone like stars in their chosen fields despite seemingly lack of government support. But for the significant contributions of  individuals and corporate bodies, such as gallery owners, moviemakers, artists, publishers, writers, musicians, designers among others, the year would have ended on a very sour note for the industry.

    Rainbow Book Club, Port Harcourt, is one of the leading private bodies that shaped the industry in the preceding year with Port Harcourt winning the United National Educational Scientific Cultural Oragansation  (UNESCO) World Book Capital 2014 in April. This was in recognition of the club’s successful hosting of a book festival  yearly since 2008 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The festival has impacted on the reading culture of the people, especially the youth who have been exposed to writing workshops led by renowned writers. It has also attracted great literary scholars from across the globe.

    Other key players include NLNG Nigerian Prize for Literature, Etisalat Prize for Literature, African Movie Academy Awards, (BOF) Omooba Yemisi Adedoyin Shyllon Art Foundation (OYASAF), Terra Kulture, Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA), Ake Arts and Book Festival, Muson Centre, Plateau International Film Festival, Olu Ajayi Studio, Unilever, Nigerian Breweries Plc, MTN and African Artists Foundation.

    The Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation’s core mandate is to promote culture and tourism as a foreign exchange spinner, income distributor, major employer, a catalyst for rural development /poverty reduction and fostering peace. But, the implementation of these is often hindered by paucity of funds, policy somersault, poor planning, red-tape and corruption.

    Yet, its vision is to position culture and tourism as leverage for economic growth and development.

    How much of these have we witnessed in the sector? How effective are the nine parastatals, departments and agencies charged with implementing of policies of the supervising ministry? How far did they fare in 2014?

    Some of the flagship events, such as Abuja Carnival, Art Expo, ARESUVA, NAFEST, National Visual Art Competition, Nigerian Visual Art World Tour (NIVATOUR), annual distinguished lectures and symposium are either dwindling in terms of regularity, participation and content or gone moribund. The National Theatre, Lagos is still a monument  bedevilled by unclear agenda of outright sale or concession of its landed property.

    Former Deputy Editor, The Guardian, Mr. Ben Tomoloju described the sector in the outgoing year as a bag of mixed blessing. He noted that most of the positive developments were driven by the sheer gut of private sector stakeholders. “The Committee for Relevant Art continued to give a good account of itself in terms of consistency in quality programming. Private production outfits came up with stage hits, such as Kakadu and Saro. The Soyinka and J.P Clark at 80 events filled a huge vacuum for literary scholarship, theatre production and their multifaceted cultural dimension. The Macmillan Literary events remain on course. The Nigerian Prize for Literature sponsored by NNLG and the Wole Soyinlka Prize for Literature in Africa organised by Lumina Foundation sustains a heritage of literary excellence at the national and continental frontiers respectively. Outfits such as the Jos Repertory Theatre, Arojah Productions in Abuja and Crown Troupe in Lagos offered great promise,” he said.

    From the states, he said Cross River, Rivers, Lagos, Osun and Ondo were exemplary in  state-funded carnival, literary and heritage events. According to him, federal cultural agencies are still on the average altogether, though there are a few with a rising profile.

    Proprietor of Terra Kulture Arts Centre, Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters identified theatre as a major boost in the sector with productions such as Saro the Musical 2 creating new audiences and breaking barriers. “The visual arts remained relevant with art auctions and exhibitions organised by the various galleries and auction houses. New auction houses sprung up within the period with younger clientele showing interest in art collection. There was also a significant interest in Nigerian art by foreigners hence an increase in the number of exhibitions of Nigerian art outside the country,” Mrs Austen-Peters said.

     

    Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC)

    Expectedly, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) held its conferences and colloquiums across the country and the Diaspora during the year under review. As early as January 14 it held the 8th Pan African Congress at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It was collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Studies of African Society, Cape Town, South Africa.  Theme was Mobilizing Global Africans, for Renaissance and Unity: The Social and Economic Conditions of Global Afro-Descendants.

    It also partnered Pan-African Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG)and the Nigerian Mission in Washington DC to organise a roundtable in Washington DC, USA on January 17, 2014. The roundtable with the theme: Culture as instrument of the Nigerian Foreign Policy in America and the Americas, was held at the Nigerian Chancery, Washington DC. Other conferences included the Black History Month at Ibadan, discussion and exhibition marking the international women day, CBAAC annual colloquium at Kingston, Jamaica and the festival and colloquium at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State in December.

     

    National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC)

    Apart from the yearly hosting of its  events, National Festival for Arts and Culture NAFEST and African Arts and Crafts (AFAC) Expo, the council led by Mrs. Dayo Keshi completed and inaugurated the National Research Centre on Textiles Traditions Osogbo in Osun State, the National Research Centre for Masquerade Traditions in Enugu, Enugu State, the Crafts Development Centres in Ikare, Ondo State, Kano and Sokoto in August last year. It is glad to know that these centres have been inangurated but the effective utilisation of the facilities remain the concern, especially equipping them for the local craftsmen.

    Eighteen countries and 12 states participated in the AFAC expo while only 18 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) out of 36 also participated in NAFEST last year. This drop in participation is being linked to the ongoing political campaigns towards the general elections in February.

    But the council also held the National Culture Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools at Awka, Anambra State with little or no publicity. The council honoured nine Nigerians, including Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, former National President, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered, Dr. Sally Nkem Adukwu-Bolujoko and Prince Adetokunbo Kayodeat its honours lecture/awards in Abuja.

    Observers say the council should among others overhaul its marketing strategy to make NAFEST and AFAC expo attractive to states and private bodies in the industry.

     

    Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC)

    Mrs Sally Mbanefo-led NTDC kept faith with its three strategic imperative focusing on rebuilding the corporation, growing the tourism value chain for revenue generation and re-inventing the tourism industry through PPP programmes.

    “The National Tourism Policy thrust is to develop sustainable tourism by capitalising on heritage diversity as the basis for promoting domestic and international tourism. This is aimed at competitive sustainable tourism development within the confines of the world tourism market and open up Nigeria as a major tourist destination in Africa,” she said.

    But most importantly, NTDC began campaign for domestic tourism with the authentication of tourist sites in the six geo-political zones and covered 20 states.

    Mrs Mbanefo stressed that Nigeria must put in place mechanisms through which benefits can be derived from all departures and ‘‘we must develop tourism not just for paid travel’’ but leisure infrastructure in various communities for citizens who cannot afford to travel.

    To achieve these, the corporation called for the establishment of a tourism development fund, implementation of the 2007 tourism master plan, inclusion of tourism in concurrent list of the constitution and increase funding.

    NTDC in the last one year collaborated with diplomatic community from Mexico, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Cuba, The Gambia, Turkey, Venezuela and Israel on the need to market Nigeria in their home country. In line with the spirit of PPP, the corporation signed Memory of Order Understanding (MOUs) with VISA, ABC Transport, Arik Air, Redington Hospitals, Heritage Bank, British Airways, Nigeria Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nigeria Football Federation, Jovago (hotel bookings on NTDC web portal) and the Gambia Tourism Board for best practice exchange.

    Expert say beyond the signing, the corporation must ensure that it translates the collaborations into actions that would engender tourism growth. All the collaborations must be appraised regular to keep with the spirit of the understanding as well as to maximise the benefits.

    Unlike in the past, the corporation scaled its participation in travel markets to when necessary and affordable. It maintained international profile at major travel markets such as World Travel Market, London, ITB Berlin, World Travel Market, Cape Town, South Africa as well as the hosting of Nigeria Fans Village at the FIFA World cup in Brasil.

     

    National Gallery of Art (NGA)

    Going by records, the outgoing year was not particularly eventful for the National Gallery of Art (NGA) as it could not hold some of its major programmes such as Art Expo, Nigerian Visual Art World Tour (NIVATOUR), ARESUVA, annual distinguished lecture and symposium. In its place were new programmes such as Art of Friendship, Nupe Art Conference/Exhibition held at Bida, Niger State. It featured traditional artists from the old Nupe kingdom exhibiting different works ranging from paintings, sculptures and textiles.

    This was followed by the annual NGA Children’s Day Art Competition, which drew pupils and students from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to the Women Development Centre. Then came Art of Friendship initiated in 2012 as a platform for Nigerian artists to cross-fertilise ideas with their counterparts from other nations through their embassies in Nigeria. The Art of Friendship 2 featured artists from Nigeria and four countries- Republic of Czech, France, Italy and Korea showcasing about 40 works of art comprising paintings, mix-media, drawing, sculpture and printmaking. Is Art of Friendship a replacement of NIVATOUR?

    The National Visual Arts Competition/Awards, NGA in-house exhibition, tagged, Together Again, and the unveiling of the Abuja Biennial logo were the other programmes NGA executed in the preceding year.

    Observers wondered what has become of the old programmes that have been abandoned for new ones. If it is difficult for NGA to improve on Art Expo, Aresuva and NIVATOUR, distinguished lecture and symposium what guarantees the success of the new ones such as Art of Friendship, Abuja Biennial? Or is it a problem of name or location of event? And if poor funding is the bane of the old programmes, NGA must look beyond the box to source funds for the success of these new programmes otherwise high turnover of events may not give the gallery a good image.  In the year under review, apart from NCMM, other culture agencies seemed to be less concern in executing capital projects that will provide the enabling environment for the thriving of the artist s and the arts.

    Specifically, museum and gallery deserve befitting national edifice that should serve as a home for the display of their collections. Nigeria has priceless works of art that

     

     

  • 2014 discontents and lessons

    Finally 2014 delivered a fine baby despite all the pre-natal problems and apprehensions. We should congratulate   citizens for being patient witness to the turbulent pregnancy and birth and pray God for our collective good and prosperity. There were genuine grounds for much apprehension in 2014 about the fate of the country in 2015 especially because of the general elections and the predicted end time for the country.

    The year was difficult and testy in many respects but with useful lessons that helped to define right way forward. What about the ceaseless insecurity worsened by sectarian revolts in the North and kidnapping in the South? What about the extremely rough political tackles, the highly provocative words and actions that threatened to tear us apart even before the arrival of 2015-the predicted end time for the country?  There were so many discontents that deepened fear about survival. Our greatest worry was that the elites were not working hard to prevent or cure the ills that could lead to the predicted doom.

    Generally our collective memory ran short. Sinking primordial values were revived:  Tribalism, ethnicity and religion were wrongly mobilized and deployed to selfish end to deepen hatred and division. A President who shattered the myth of tribalism with a pan –Nigerian mandate in 2011 was hijacked by a few who declared him as their own- regionalizing him in the process to the consternation and alienation of many Nigerians who voted for him earlier.

    Such supporters forgot three critical points namely; that no region can produce a President  without due support of other regions; that a Nigerian president becomes automatically the ‘father of all’ the moment he wins an election; and that the pan-Nigerian Mandate of 2011 was a reaction to perceived sense of oppression and injustice and thus a  reminder that Nigeria belongs to all  and a strong message of hope  by the electorate  that any Nigerian no matter the circumstances of birth and belief can be President in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

    With 2015 general election in mind such dream and aspiration was almost shattered in 2014 by wrong support of one cause or the other to our collective detriment. The lesson for progress is simple: let’s learn to support a cause for the right reason and allow our President be the FATHER of all.

    The year 2014 was a solidifier of evil and bad habits. Insecurity remained deadly with many people becoming more vulnerable.  Children were seized and are not found, many youths were wasted – some of them executed in their colleges and through road accidents and hostile flags flown in some parts of our land. Courage rose from within in form of youth vigilante including hunters to check insecurity to point the correct way: empower the youths and community members for security assignments, invest more on relevant technology for intelligence gathering and embark on mass ideological education to win souls for the nation. The armed forces and other security agencies will continue to be useful but they need the active support and collaboration of the community to fight  a WAR OF THE MIND  and faceless group of no fixed location such as Boko Haram and kidnappers.

    Incessant reports of corruption dominated the news media –perhaps the most sensational being the N20 billion or N10b reportedly missing from our oil account. The allegation might be false or true but nothing was heard about the outcome of investigation. This is the point 2014 made very evident-the inability to punish evil thereby sending the wrong signal. There were spirited efforts to fight corruption but it simply refused to budge- perhaps because the consequence management process was weak.  No nation is corruption free but empirical evidence shows that the ability to detect and punish crime is the greatest deterrence. Most criminals do not like exposure.

    Perhaps the greatest source of discontent was the economy. It was harsh to majority citizens. But this was not for lack of action but the wrong choice made. The economic policy was not people-friendly but elites’ bias.  This explains why otherwise pleasant news about the rebasing exercise which made Nigeria Africa’s biggest economy became suspect and controversial. Critics observed that progress made did not reflect on the quality of life of majority of the citizens. Instead of prosperity and well-being, poverty, corruption unemployment, under-development of infrastructure, neglected rural areas etc remained as acute as ever.

    The year witnessed unprecedented fall of price of oil to an all time low at the global market,  the announcement  of planned increase of electricity tariff  by the electricity regulatory agency for the new year- an election year,  complaints of non-payment of December salaries by Labour Unions, heightened piracy of oil etc. Any lesson?  Yes it was time to show patriotism, sensitivity to the plights of the consumers by some agencies and to rethink and redirect our economic policy. It must be stressed that the economic thrust of the mid-1980s days of SAP through to the privatization drive under Obasanjo to the present has failed to deliver the country to the Promised Land. Year 2014 reaffirmed this reality.

    Some institutions were misused and violated. The National Assembly was barricaded and tear-gassed thereby making the theory of separation of power meaningless. A court was invaded and sacked. According to foreign observers human rights were abused.  New meaning of arithmetic emerged: those who scored lower marks were declared winners over those with higher points.  Some minority but powerful politicians sacked the majority members in some states House of Assembly. It is needless to say that some of these depressive stuffs made one to look unto 2015 with gloom and trepidation.

    The year 2014 was bad and difficult almost throughout but it was also an eye opener to the vast opportunities around and a pointer to what can be done to become a better nation.  As usual there was the tendency to blame the leader for nearly everything bad under the sun as though one man can do it alone. It was forgotten that the leader had a vision to transform society but lacked the right elites to actualize the dream. He was weighed down by a most debilitating leadership culture ever. Wrong notion of leadership and the absence of development –oriented elites fouled the air and hindered progress. Whoever wins the presidency must reckon with the hindering leadership culture- the unclean environment and grossly incapable elites around the leader. The past year reminds us that the superman theory of leadership is wrong. While a leader is one person, leadership is a process of collective action of a group-some seen, others not. The leadership culture in Nigeria has been poor and putrefied since Independence and it remained so in 2014.

    Many more sad developments can be recalled but these are sufficient to show the hardship and attendant discontent of year 2014. But they offer useful lessons which resulted in self-discovery and general awareness on the way forward in 2015. For instance we must fight corruption with greater vigour, instal morality, sound ethical conduct, discipline and pearl integrity in our national life and evolve better leadership culture. We must reorder the economic system with a good mix of state and private capital to promote employment and reduce poverty, build more refineries to meet local demands and settle domestic debts, diversify the economy to reduce dependency and enhance infrastructure including rural development. We must promote patriotism with the interest of the individual subordinated to that of the country, selfless service and good governance. However for its pains and attendant self –discovery and heightened awareness, we would continue to appreciate 2014 for lessons to navigate our way to a better future.

    • Dr Abhuere writes from Uromi, Edo State

  • The good and bad stocks of 2014

    The good and bad stocks of 2014

    The immediate past year saw a major reversal for the stock market. With average return of -16.14 per cent, quoted equities loss a whooping N1.75 trillion during the year.  Aggregate market value of all quoted equities closed 2014 at N13.226 trillion as against its opening value of N11.477 trillion for the year.

    The All Share Index (ASI), the value-based common index that tracks prices of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), indicated average full-year return of -16.14 per cent, implying that an average investor lost some 16 per cent of the opening value of his portfolio.

    Sectoral review indicated that most investors recorded higher losses than the average benchmark. All the major group indices at the Exchange, with the exception of the NSE Oil and Gas Index, closed on the negative. The NSE 30 Index, which tracks the 30 most capitalised companies, recorded a full-year return of -18.03 per cent. The NSE Banking Index, which tracks the most active sector, recorded average loss of 21.53 per cent. The NSE Consumer Goods Index, which tracks large manufacturers of fast moving consuming goods, recorded above-average return of -17.88 per cent.

    The NSE Lotus Islamic Index, which tracks Islamic compliant ethical stocks, recorded average loss of 21.63 per cent. Meanwhile, NSE Insurance Index recorded the lowest loss of -2.11 per cent while the NSE Industrial Goods Index posted average return of -15.98 per cent. The Oil and Gas Index rode on the back of gains by Forte Oil and Seplat Petroleum Development Company to retain a positive average return of 11.84 per cent.

    The performance in 2014 contrasted sharply against the exceedingly bullish performance in 2013. Investors pocketed some N4.25 trillion in capital gains in 2013. The 2013 business year set the stock market on a new high with average full-year return of 47.19 per cent, its best performance since 2007.

    Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed 2013 at N13.226 trillion as against its opening value of N8.974 trillion for the year. This represented a whooping increase of N4.252 trillion.

    The main index at the NSE, the ASI recorded full-year return of 47.19 per cent rising from its opening index for the year of 28,078.81 points to close the year at 41,329.19 points.  The performance in 2013 significantly surpassed the much applauded return in 2012 when equities posted average return of 35.45 per cent, equivalent to capital gains of N2.44 trillion.

    Stock-by-stock analysis of the 2014 pricing trend showed that Caverton Offshore Support Group, upstream oil and gas services company that was listed during the year, recorded the highest loss of 63.26 per cent. Champion Breweries followed with a loss of 58.7 per cent while National Salt Company of Nigeria placed third with a loss of 58.51 per cent.

    Other top losers included UACN Property Development Company, with a loss of 50 per cent; Jos International Breweries, -53.91 per cent; Dangote Flour Mills, -55.61 per cent; Flour Mills of Nigeria, -54.94 per cent; United Bank for Africa, -51.69 per cent, Academy Press, -53.73 per cent and UAC of Nigeria, which recorded full-year return of -49.25 per cent.

    The Nation’s check indicated there were 61 stocks with above-average loss. Meanwhile, 18 stocks recorded double-digit positive return during the period. Premier Breweries recorded the highest capital appreciation of 392.2 per cent. It was followed by Ikeja Hotel with a gain of 374.36 per cent. Forte Oil placed third with a gain of 133.15 per cent. Seven-Up Bottling Company trailed with full-year return of 131.65 per cent while Beta Glass recorded a gain of 92.52 per cent.

    With the New Year starting with a loss of N241 billion on Monday, the market is still suffering from the hangover of the previous year. Analysts were less optimistic about the prospects of the stock market in 2015. Analysts said equities will remain on the downtrend in the months ahead as quoted companies grapple with macroeconomic challenges and investors gauge the continuing impact of the declining crude oil price and political transition on the economic outlook.

    Investment pundits said quoted equities would in the immediate months continue on the downward trend, although share prices may recover in the latter months of the year.

    Analysts at Bismarck Rewane’s Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) in their latest review stated that quoted equities would struggle with local and global challenges this year, leaving the market mostly on the negative in the first half.

    “The stock market may be in for a prolonged stay in the bear territory due to mounting global and domestic uncertainties. In 2015, a lower return trajectory is anticipated since the market is in for a bumpy ride and some companies would be left behind,” FDC stated.

    According to analysts, the stock market is expected to dwindle further all through the first half and subsequently bounce back in the second half of the year.

    Analysts noted that the likely increases in the United States and euro zone interest rates raises the threats of capital flow reversal and erosion of funds from the equity markets, which, in addition to growing macroeconomic risks, may result in a series of adjustments and prompt a cohesive movement of sectors and stocks prices.

    “The year 2015 is expected to be a mixed year for the equities market as the outcome of a plethora of external and internal events unfold. A possible interest rate hike in the United States and the possibility of a sustained period of low oil prices are significant risks. The outcome of the 2015 elections would also determine investors’ participation and sentiments. The anticipated loosening monetary stance of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) post elections will also have its impact on price and currency stability,” FDC stated.

    They pointed out that returns in 2015 will depend on selecting the right companies in the right sectors, rather than relying on a broad-based approach that depends on the gathering momentum of the overall market position.

    They said the performance of the market might be coloured by the general elections starting on February 14.

    According to analysts, in addition to the global oil market dynamics, the prospects of the Nigerian economy in 2015 hinges on the electoral calendar, and this will mainly determine the macroeconomic outlook during the year.

    “With stocks currently trading at their multi-year lows, we expect an upward trend in the beginning of the year. The anticipated loose monetary stance will be expected to channel additional liquidity to the stock market. However, Investors sentiment will be weighed down by political tensions leading to the 2015 general elections. The tension between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its major opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) is expected to lead to a lull in the equities market as investors, mostly foreign evaluate the electoral process and outcome whilst fearing post-election violence. Foreign portfolio investors are expected to remain wary of the local bourse until the elections are concluded and possible violent fallouts curbed,” analysts pointed out.

    They noted that with oil prices projected to trend between $50-$70, the global crude price will be negative for the Nigerian economy and in turn the capital market, with the oil stocks expected to bear the brunt of declining oil prices given the thinning out of the sectors profitability.

    Besides, analysts noted that as the US economy gains traction, there could be an increase in interest rates in 2015, which is expected to have a negative effect on emerging and frontier economies. This will lead to heavy portfolio reversals, as investors will opt for safety and security in a much developed market. This may lead to a selloff in local equities as foreign investors exit. However, this may be cushioned by increased participation of local investors as stocks become increasingly attractive.

    “The state of security in the country especially in the north eastern part of Nigeria continues to be worrying. Its effect continues to weigh on the profitability of consumer goods companies as consumer spending in these areas remains weak. It has also in-creased the cost of doing business in these areas. Profits that will be declared, if any, in the financial year 2014 by most companies are likely to be below investors expectation. Most sectors; banking, consumers, oil and gas, conglomerates will not be insulated,” analysts said.

    Analysts said the macroeconomic outlook will likely change significantly depending on the outcome of the general elections pointing out that 2015 will be distinctly divided into different phases including pre-election phase, handover phase and post-election phase.

    In the pre-election phase, policymaking will be overshadowed by political campaigns and the elections in this period. As a result, most macroeconomic indicators are likely to be influenced by speculative market activities to hedge any unfavourable outcome. The intensity of political activities towards the election could increase security concerns and result in the hike of consumer prices, dampen economic output as well as growth. This is likely to have negative impact on investors’ confidence and increase dollar demand pressure.

    Analysts noted that the immediate period after the elections would still be overshadowed by concerns as parties debate the election results. These challenges will likely affect the macro environment and policies options while the level and intensity of uncertainties will heighten the level of insecurity in most part of the country. Hence, movement and transport of goods and services become difficult leading to an uptick in the inflation rate to above 10 per cent and poor economic output. Investors’ confidence is likely to also decline and lead to an increase in currency pressures as the naira slides to N190-195/$ at the interbank market.

    “In general, the Nigerian macroeconomic environment is expected to be mixed and highly influenced by developments in the global oil and financial markets. However, the medium and long term prospects of the Nigerian economy depend on developments in the oil section, political events as well as enforcement of tax compliance to boost revenue,” analysts stated.

    One of the positives apart from the obvious that the Nigerian economy has to be less dependent on oil is that prices in the stock market may have hit rock bottom. Current stock prices appear attractive at the moment, but we advise cautious investing with a focus on long term value as opposed to speculating and searching for short term gains. We also expect some volatility over the coming months until after elections. A return to normalcy, the stability in oil prices and the Naira will return some calm to the markets.

  • Nigerian artistes who pulled their weight in 2014

    Nigerian artistes who pulled their weight in 2014

    As a pointer to the fact that Nigerian music artistes ruled their game and dominated the global music scene last year, the organisers of the prestigious Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards announced 10 nominees in its Best African Act, five of which were Nigerians.

    Like every other industry, music in Nigeria is getting more competitive by the day and after all the dust has settled, it ends up as a win-some-lose-some situation. But by their very nature, artistes come and go and while some lived up to the expectations of their fans, others fell short by not a few points.

    While some argue that receiving awards is not a confirmation of an artiste’s talent, one cannot deny the fact that it not only serves as an acknowledgement of success, it also recognises an artiste’s other qualities which include ability, struggle for excellence and reputation. Below are some of Nigeria’s biggest artistes who stood out among their peers in 2014.

    DAVIDO: “I’m only 21 years old and I’m living my dream.” With those words Nigerian hip hop artiste, Davido received his Mtv Africa Music Awards (MAMA). Going by the number of sold out shows he embarked on in the European, African and American capital towns, attracting millions of spectators during his shows; it is safe to say that David Adeleke, aka Davido won the admiration of his fans last year.

    His cache of awards last year brimmed over earning him, not just respect but also envy in some quarters.

    Some of the awards received (which he says numbers 22) include; Best International Act Africa (BET); Best Male Artiste in West Africa, Artiste of the Year’ and Song of the Year (AFRIMA); Song of the Year and Artiste of the Year (Headies); Artist of the Year, Best Male (MAMA); Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year (HiphopTv Awards); African Artiste of the Year (Ghana Music Award) among numerous others.

    To add to his achievements, his song, Aye ranks with Say Yes by the trio of Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and William, former Destiny Child, as the most viewed video on YouTube with more than 8 million views.

    Tiwa Savage

    With the year almost marred by tales of a failed marriage that is barely a year old, Mavin’s First Lady Tiwa Savage also reaped a bountiful harvest of awards. She draws her strength on the fact that some of her biggest nominations were international awards. That includes MOBO which she eventually didn’t receive.

    Like her counterpart, Davido, she took home the Best Female award at this year’s edition of MAMA. She also registered her presence at the Chanel O Music Video Award, clinching the Most Gifted Female at the ceremony.

    She dedicated her MAMA award to her husband, stating; “I just want to thank God, fans, 323 Entertainment, my label, Mavin my producer and boss, Don Jazzy and finally, I want to say thank you to the most handsome and amazing husband in the whole wide world, TeeBillz who has put so much to make our story a success thank you and I love you very much.”

    In her kitty also are the R&B Artiste of the Year and Female Artist of the year awards (Nigeria Entertainment Award) and Artiste of the Year Female Award (City People Awards) among others.

     Oritse Femi

    By all standards, his hit-song, Double Wahala can be called the anthem of the year. Gigs were not complete without Oritse Femi’s presence, whether to entertain or just as a guest. This artiste can best be described as one of the wonders from the entertainment scene this year. Though he is yet to prove to his fans that his’ is a case of a one-hit-wonder, the artiste is still basking on the success and recognition the song, Double Wahala has and is still garnering him.

    Among his list of awards this year are Best Music of the Year Award (City People Awards); Best Street-Hop Artiste (Hip-hop TV awards); Best Afrobeat Video (NMVA) as well as Hottest Song of the Year and Best Indigenous Artiste of the Year (NEA).

     Flavour

    Gradually, as a highlife artiste, Flavour N’abania has come to establish himself as a darling of music lovers, especially since the release of the video of his wedding themed song, Ada Ada. To his credit, the artiste has been pulling his weight in the Nigerian music scene.

    He was the biggest winner of this year’s edition of the Nigerian Music Video Awards carting home four categories; best Indigenous Concept, Best use of Costumes, Best Highlife Video and the overall, Video of the Year.

    He also won the Best Video of the Year 2014- Flavour, the Best Traditional Artist 2014 at this year’s African Music Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) as well as the Best Live Act (MAMA) last year. These are among other awards he bagged in the course of the year.

    Kcee

    His’ can best be described as a story of resilience. After going under, following the split of his group, Kcee Presh, Kingsley Okonkwo buoyed back to life last year with the song, Limpopo. Limpopo was a huge success but to prove that it was no fluke, he quickly followed it with other hits like Pull Over, Ogadinma among others.

    His award pool this year shows that his stay in the music scene is far from over. With his song, Pull Over tying the Hottest Single of the Year category with Davido’s Aye at this year’s NEA, Kcee can be said to have had a good year. He also bagged the Song of the Year 2014 (AFRIMMA) and Hip Hop World Revelation (Hip Hop TV awards). Kcee also won the Most Gifted Duo for his song, Pull Over which features one of Nigeria’s best-selling artists, Wizkid.

  • 2014 rewarding for DeadlDey

    2014 rewarding for DeadlDey

    • To lift over 500, 000 entrepreneurs 2015

    2014 has been a phenomenal year for DealDey and our merchant partners. We thank you for being the fundamental reason as to why this has been possible.”

    This was the submission of the duo of Kehinde Orila and Etop Ikpe both of DealDey, the frontline online sales merchant in Nigeria.

    In a statement issued on behalf of by the company, the duo said merchant base increased by 176 per cent, just as coupons sold increased by 359 per cent while orders shipped increased by 602per cent.

    Besides, they said the total savings made by customers was estimated at N2,105,689,148,translating to a total discount of 639,248 per cent.

    The revenue, the statement said, also increased by 288 per cent.

    While giving its projection for 2015, the company hinted of plans to spread its tentacles across the country.

    “We will be taking our services into many more states across the country and expanding our category offering as we plan to support over 500,000 entrepreneurs in promoting their products and services”, adding: “This means we will have many more fantastic deals. We are also investing substantially in our order fulfilment network and infrastructure to bring you even quicker deliveries.”

     

  • Inspenonline unveils nominees for 2014 award

    The Management of Inspenonline, an insurance and  pension online medium, has released the names of nominees for the 2014 Nigerian Insurance and Pension (Inspen) Award.

    A statement by its Editor, Chuks Udo Okonta, said the awards presentation is billed to hold by February 2015 in Lagos.

    He said the yearly award, which is in eight categories, will be contested by underwriting firm, Pension Fund Administrators, broking firms and individuals, who distinguished themselves in 2014.

    He noted that nominees for the Insurance Man of the year category are, the Managing Director Mansard Insurance Plc, Mrs Yetunde Ilori; Managing Director Leadway Assurance Limited, Mr Oye Hassan-Odukale; Group Managing Director, Custodian and Allied Plc, Mr Wole Oshin; Managing Director AIICO Plc, Edwin Igbiti and former President Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Fatai Lawal.

    Those for Insurance Company of the Year are, Mansard Insurance Plc; AIICO Plc; Leadway Assurance Limited; Custodian and Allied Plc; Royal Exchange Plc and Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc while those nominated for the Excellence Award are, Mr Oladipo Bailey; Professor Joe Irukwu and Mr Osaka Ogala.

    He said institutions nominated for Best Professional Group Award are, Nigerian Insurers Association; Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers; Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria and Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria.

    Companies for Corporate Brand Award according to him are Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Leadway Assurance Ltd and Mansard Insurance Plc.

  • 2014: Year of judicial sledgehammer

    2014: Year of judicial sledgehammer

    The sacking of the governors of Adamawa and Taraba states, the attacks on judges in Ekiti State, the citing of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for contempt, the coming of Mahmud Mohammed as the 14th indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the appointment of Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade to succeed her sister Justice Ayotunde Phillips as Lagos State Chief Judge and the death of frontline lawyer GOK Ajayi (SAN), among others, defined 2014.  ADEBISI ONANUGA, ERIC IKHILAE, JOSEPH JIBUEZE and PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU report.

    Tambuwal goes to court

    House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal on October 31, sued the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and others at the Federal High Court, Abuja over the withdrawal of his security aides and threat to declare his seat vacant. Justice Ahmed Mohammed, on December 16, stayed proceedings in the case indefinitely pending the determination of an appeal filed against his ruling refusing the application for joinder by Chairmen of Kebbe and Tambuwal Local Governments in Sokoto State – Bala Konkani and Sambo Modo.

    Bankole freed

    Former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji  Bankole succumbed to emotion and wept on February 14 this year when the Federal High Court in Abuja  discharged and acquitted him of N874 fraud charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Evoh Chukwu, in a ruling on a no-case submission by Bankole, held that the prosecution “failed woefully” to establish a prima facie case against the ex-Speaker.

    Adamawa’s Acting Governor sacked

    Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal Hugh Court, Abuja on October 8 sacked Acting Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri on the ground that ormer Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari did not resign from office in accordance with the Constitution. In a ruling, Justice Adeniji held that Ngilari did not resign in accordance with Section 306 (1) (2) and (5) of the Constitution. The judge declared Fintiri’s occupation of the governor’s office as illegal and ordered the Chief Judge or President of the Customary Court of Appeal to swear in Ngilari.

    Taraba Acting Governor sacked

    The Supreme Court, on November 21, sacked the Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Garba Umar (who was also the Acting Governor). In a unanimous judgment, it declared that the process leading to the impeachment of his predecessor, Sani Abubakar Danladi, was unconstitutional. It voided Danladi’s impeachment and ordered that he be reinstated.

    Umar had been acting as governor since the October 25, 2012 plane crash that took Governor Danbaba Suntai out of circulation.

    Setback in Farouk Lawan, Emenalo case

    The over two-year-old trial of  Farouk Lawan and Boniface Emenalo, former Chairman and Secretary, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Regime was stalled on November 18 when the erstwhile Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gudu, withdrew from the case following Lawan’s allegation that she was biased. Lawan and Emenalo were accused by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) of receiving bribe $620,000 from businessman, Femi Otedola, whose company was named in the petroleum subsidy controversy. The case would begin afresh before a new judge.

    Suits on Jonathan’s eligibility

    The Supreme Court, on December 16 faulted an appeal by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Ardo, who sought to join a suit challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest next year’s presidential election. He had gone to the Supreme Court to challenge an earlier decision by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which refused his application to be made a party in a pending appeal. Also, Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja on December 16, fixed January 12, 2015, for ruling on whether or not to refer to the Court of Appeal, some questions raised  in a suit challenging the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest  next year’s election. The judge has equally fixed January 15 for further hearing in another suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/661/2014 filed by Mase Acho, Sadeeq Sarki and Murtala Abubakar. They are also challenging the eligibility of President Jonathan and his deputy, Namadi Sambo to seek re-election next year.

    Diezani’s N10b jet hire probe

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on December 17 faulted the invitation sent to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and some of its officials by a committee of the House of Representatives in its bid to investigate allegation that Mrs Alison-Madueke misappropriated public funds, estimated at N10billion, in hiring aircraft for her private use. Justice Ahmed Mohammed held that the House failed to comply with the legal requirement that it first publish its resolution to set up a committee to investigate the allegation in either its journal or the Official Gazette of the Federal Government.

    Five defecting governors

    Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out PDP’s suit seeking to sack the four governors who defected from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The judge held that the suit’s originating processes were invalid, on the ground that they were wrongly issued and served on the defendants. The governors are former Adamawa State governor, Murtala Nyako (whose name was removed following his impeachment), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) and Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara).

    Obasanjo cited for contempt

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja on December 10 held that former President Olusegun Obasanjo was in contempt of court for flouting its orders restraining him from publishing his autobiography My Watch. Justice Valentine Ashi, in a ruling, gave Obasanjo 21 days (from the day of service of the court’s orders on him) to show cause why he should not be punished for going ahead to publish  the book, in spite of the ex-parte interim order made by the court on December 5 and a pending libel involving him (Obasanjo). Hearing in the substantive suit has been fixed for January 13, while Obasanjo has appealed.

    Tussle over Ojukwu’s property

    The Federal High Court in Lagos in January struck out a N100 million suit against the family of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The suit was filed by Chief Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu, who claims to be the warlord’s first son. He sought the sum as damages for allegedly being excluded by some family members from participating in the burial rites of his late ‘father’. Justice Okon Abang held that the court lacked jurisdiction to determine whether or not the applicant’s rights were breached. The suit is one of several others over the late Ojukwu’s property.

     Autonomy for Judiciary

    The Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the disbursement of funds for the judiciary by the executive arm of government. A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) sued the Federal Government challenging the practice of passing funds for the judiciary through the executive. He had argued that the practice was in breach of Sections 81 (2) (3) (c) and 84 (2) (7) of the 1999 Constitution. Justice Ahmed Mohammed declared the practice unconstitutional.

    Bode George acquitted

    The Supreme Court quashed the conviction of PDP Chief Olabode George for corruption by a Lagos High Court. The court discharged and acquitted him on the basis that the EFCC had no evidence of his intention to commit fraud at the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) where as chairman of the NPA board he was allegedly caught presiding over a contract bazaar that bled the nation. A panel of judges headed by Justice John Afolabi Fabiyi ruled that the charge of “contract splitting” was unknown to law.

    ‘Shell must pay’

    An Asaba High Court ordered Shell Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) to pay N305,637,381.60 as special and general damages to no fewer than 400 people in the fishing community of Okia in Burutu Local Government Area of the State. The money was special and general damages for the destruction of the plaintiffs’ properties and capital value for temporary loss of income in fishing rights. The plaintiffs averred that sometimes in August 1998, there was crude oil spillage from the defendants Forcados Offshore loading terminal, in which some barrels of crude oil spilled into the Forcados and Ramos rivers, spreading to Okia community and resulting in the extensive damage to fishing gears, ponds, farmlands, crops, fishing channels swamps, among others.

    New number-plate case

    The plan by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to impound vehicles without the new number plates from October 1 crashed as the Federal High Court in Lagos declared the move unconstitutional. Delivering judgment in a suit filed by a lawyer, Emmanuel Ofoegbu, Justice James Tsoho held that the commission had no right to impose new number plates on motorists without an existing law to that effect. FRSC has appealed against the verdict.

    Sanusi’s cases

    The Federal High Court in Lagos awarded N50million damages to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Justice Buba held that his arrest and detention as well as the seizure of his international passport by security agencies acting for the Federal Government violated his right. In May, Sanusi won another major legal battle against the Federal Government as the court restrained the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) from probing him. Justice Tsoho held that FRCN’s declaration in a Briefing Note dated June 7 and submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan was conclusive; therefore, it could no longer conduct any investigation on the same matter.

    Igbo discrimination against women smashed

    The Supreme Court voided the Igbo law and custom which forbade a female child from inheriting her late father’s estate. The court held that the practice conflicted with section 42(1)(a) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution. The judgment was on the appeal marked: SC.224/2004 filed by Mrs. Lois Chituru Ukeje (wife of the late Lazarus Ogbonna Ukeje) and their son, Enyinnaya Lazarus Ukeje against Mrs. Gladys Ada Ukeje (the deceased’s daughter). Gladys had sued the deceased’s wife and son before the Lagos High Court, claiming to be one of the deceased’s children and sought to be included among those to administer their deceased’s father’s estate. Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour held: “No matter the circumstances of the birth of a female child, such a child is entitled to an inheritance from her later father’s estate. Consequently, the Igbo customary law, which disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her deceased father’s estate is breach of Section 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution, a fundamental rights provision guaranteed to every Nigerian.”

    Okada riders sue Lagos

    Operators of commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okada, under the All Nigerians Automobile Commercial Owners and Workers Association (ANACOWA), sued the Lagos State Government for N1 billion at the Federal High Court, claiming damages for alleged arrests, detention of their members and confiscation of their motorcycles without due process.

     Boko Haram members jailed

    The Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced three Boko Haram members to 25 years’ imprisonment each. The suspects were first charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism, illegal possession of firearms and being members of a proscribed organisation.

    They allegedly committed the offences on March 21, last year, at Plot 5, Road 69, Lekki Phase I Housing Estate, and No. 24, Oyegbeni Street, Ijora-Oloye, Apapa-Iganmu, Lagos.

    They were alleged to have in their possession three packets of explosive construction pipes, 15 detonators and 11 AK-47 rifles with 30 rounds of live ammunition. Other items also allegedly found on them include 200 rounds of 7.6mm calibre live ammunition, two suitcases containing explosives and a water container filled with explosives. The offences contravenes sections 13(2) and 17(b) of the Terrorism Act 2013 and Sections 1, 8, 27 (1) (a) and (b) of the Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation, 2004, and punishable under Section 8 of the same act.

    Court frees Ikuforiji

    The Federal High Court in Lagos discharged and acquitted the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, of money laundering charges. He was arraigned by the EFCC with one his aides – Oyebode Atoyebi. They were accused of receiving over N600million from the House between April 2010 and July 2011, without passing through a financial institution. Justice Buba, while ruling on a no-case submission made by the defence, held that the prosecution did not sufficiently prove its case against the defendants.

    AMCON vs Babalakin

    The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) appealed against the ruling nullifying an order appointing Agbakoba as the receiver/Manager over the assets of Bi-Courtney Limited, its Chairman Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN) and three other companies.

    Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos held that the order by his colleague, Justice Okon Abang, was made in error. He said the order should not have been made when there were pending cases and subsisting orders on the same case.

    According to Justice Buba, the true facts were not disclosed to Justice Abang. “This court has no doubt it has been misled,” the judge held. Dissatisfied with the ruling, AMCON, through Agbakoba, filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos based on four grounds, including that Justice Buba erred in law and misdirected himself when he heard and granted the oral application of lawyers to the Bi-Courtney Group to vacate the receivership, possession and freezing orders made by Justice Abang on September 22.

    Lekki toll suit

    Justice Saliu Saidu, on March 27, held there was no law backing toll collection on the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge. He delivered the verdict in a suit filed by human rights lawyer Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa. The state has appealed the judgment.

    Fani-Kayode’s case

    Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Lagos discharged and acquitted a former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode of 38 of the 40 count-charge of money laundering. On November 17, the judge held that the commission did not prove the other counts sufficiently. She partially upheld Fani-Kayode’s no-case submission and directed him to open defence in two counts (25 and 26).In the discharged 40-count charges, the former minister was said to have laundered about N100,219,500 by paying them into his account through an associate.Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia adjourned till February 23 and 24 next year for continuation of trial.

    Inquest on Synagogue building ‘collapse’

    The coroner inquest on the September 12 collapse of a Synagouge Church of All Nations (SCOAN) building generated headlines. Lagos State government on September 26 instituted the Coroner’s Inquest under the Lagos State Coroner’s System Law No. 7 of 2007 and appointed Chief Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, to sit on the matter as the Coroner. The church and its founder Prophet T.B. Joshua filed a prohibition suit before a Lagos High Court presided by Justice Lateefa Okunnu, urging the High Court to issue “Order of Certiorari” to quash the inquest proceedings. The Federal High Court in Lagos had also dismissed a suit filed by a lawyer, Mr Olukoya Ogugbeje, seeking to stop the inquest.

    NBA vs CBN, EFCC

    The NBA won a major legal battle during the year under review as the Federal High Court in restrained the Federal Government, the CBN and the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) from enforcing the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (MLA) against legal practitioners. Justice Gabriel Kolawole gave an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from enforcing Section 5 of the MLA against legal practitioners.

    APC vs DSS

    Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court ordered the immediate release of five detained All Progressives Congress (APC) workers. He restrained the Department of State Security Services (DSS) from further arresting Chinedu Atuche, Fayemi Olaposi, Chika Augustine Onochukwu, Ebun Ilori and Esther Enemuwe, who were held since the DSS raided the party’s data centre on November 22. The court also ordered the DSS to unseal APC’s data office/warehouse located at 10, Bola Ajibola Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, forthwith. “A remand order is not issued indefinitely,” the judge said, adding that the DSS should have applied to a High Court within jurisdiction for a “review” of the remand order.

    Braithwaite’s N10b suit

    The N10 billion suit instituted by elder statesman, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, against Standard Chartered Bank at a Lagos High Court also made headlines. He is challenging the construction of a 14 storey building with a multi-level car park opposite his residence in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Rivers judicial crisis

    The Supreme Court dismissed three appeals filed by suspended ‘Chief Judge’ of Rivers State, Justice P. N. Agumagu. He was suspended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) following his controversial appointment by Governor Rotimi Amaechi. NJC said it did not recommend him for appointment. Agumagu had sought a judicial review of NJC’s decision. The crisis, coupled with workers’ strike, crippled judicial activities in the state.

     

    Other major developments

    G.O.K Ajayi dies

    Nigeria lost of one its greatest legal minds on March 28 when Godwin Olusegun Kolawole (GOK) Ajayi, a chief and one of the legal profession’s giants, who practised for 59 years, died in a Lagos hospital, aged 82. The late Ajayi represented the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Chief Moshood Abiola and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi. He also handled landmark cases, including the deportation of the late Abdulraham Shugaba, the Second Republic Majority Leader of the Borno State House of Assembly, which he won. Tributes poured in following his demise. A former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) said Ajayi’s death was a great loss to the legal profession.

    Aturu dies

    One of Nigeria’s most prominent human rights lawyers, Bamidele Aturu, died on July 9 after a brief illness. He was known for his commitment to championing human rights and constitutionalism. He came to prominence as a fighter against power abuses when, as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he refused to shake hands with the military administrator of Niger State, Col. Lawan Gwadabe, in 1988 during a passing out parade in protest against military dictatorship. The late Aturu studied law at the University of Ife, and devoted much of his legal practice to representing marginalised or oppressed individuals and groups. His death came as a blow to many.

    Mukhtar retires, Mohammed steps in

    President Goodluck Jonathan, on November 20, swore in Justice Mahmud Mohammed as the 14th indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). He took over from Justice Aloma Mukhtar who retired at the statutory age of 70.

    Alegeh elected NBA President

    After a hotly contested election and intrigues over zoning of the presidency to the Southwest, Mr Augustine Alegeh (SAN) of the Midwest Bar was elected Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president on July 15.

    Judges attacked in Ekiti

    Prior to the swearing-in of Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, the group E-11 and others challenged his eligibility to contest the election. In a determined bid to stop the case from being heard, judges, lawyers, court officials, and journalists felt the brutality of thugs.

    The first attack occurred on September 22. Thugs allegedly loyal to Fayose invaded the Ekiti State judiciary headquarters where Justice Isaac Ogunyemi was to deliver a ruling on the case. The thugs beat workers black and blue while the presiding judge and lawyers had to run for dear lives. They smashed windows and furniture. On September 25, Fayose again led thousands of people and thugs into the High Court premises, beating and maiming the staff.

    Wali kidnapped

    Immediate past NBA President Okey Wali (SAN) was abducted in Port Harcourt on October 11 and released on October 23 after 13 days in captivity.

    History-making sisters

    Arguably for the first time in the history of the judiciary, one sister, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, succeeded her sibling, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, as the Chief Judge of Lagos. Justice Atilade was sworn in as the first female CJ on August 20 following her sister’s retirement on July 26.

    Abia finally gets CJ

    After operating without a substantive Chief Judge for a long time, Governor Theodore Orji swore in Justice Theresa Uzoamaka, who had been in office in acting capacity. She is arguably the first non-indigene to be appointed a Chief Judge.

    Lagos DPP appointed a judge

    Amiable and soft-spoken Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs Olabisi Ogungbesan, was among those appointed judges of the Lagos State High Court. She played a major role in high-profile criminal trials such as those involving the late Kudirat Abiola, the late Abraham Adesanya, among others.

     

  • 2014: Difficult year for Nigerian tourism

    THIS year is supposed to be an epoch year for Nigeria being 60 years since Nigeria, through the Nigerian Tourism Association (NTA), joined the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 1964. Many expected much within the years,but unfortunately, not much was achieved.

    In January, Nigeria, through the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, was expected to participate in the FITUR tourism expo to market the country. Unfortunately, the NTDC failed to attend, having earlier promised to participate.

    The next event was the ITB-Berlin in March.  It is the biggest tourism fair in the world where virtually all the top players, countries and corporate organizations participate. It was an embarrassment for the country as the organizers left a space for Nigeria. Unfortunately, the Nigerian stand at Berlin was left empty. Many Nigerians at the fair were disappointed.

    Ebola and Nigerian tourism industry

    Nigeria’s hospitality industry is the fastest growing in Africa. Annually, bed spaces  above 1,000 are being added by new international hospitality brands. Although the hospitality industry is still growing with new hotels springing up,  2014 turned out to be the most difficult year for the hospitality industry in recent times.

    The biggest single event that impacted on tourism in Nigeria was the Ebola virus disease. Ordinarily, most hotels in Nigeria’s two major cities, Lagos and Abuja run at an average room occupancy of 70 per cent, but 2014 was different.

    It all started on July 20 when an Asky Airline flight originating from Liberia landed at the Murtala Muhammed International  Airport, Lagos. One of the passengers, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, collapsed and was rushed to the First Consultant Medical Centre, Obalende, Lagos. It turned out  Sawyer had contracted the dreaded Ebola disease. The ripple effect sent the Nigerian hospitality industry crashing. Because of the failure of the late Sawyer to disclose his health status, some  health workers were infected. There was genuine fear that the country would soon see an outbreak of Ebola. This sent the country into panic. Many foreigners took the next available flight out of Nigeria. Many airlines cancelled flights to Nigeria and many countries treated visitors from Nigeria with suspicion. Countries like Australia outrightly denied visitors from Nigeria visas.

    It was a nightmare for international hospitality brands in the country, as they saw the occupancy rate crashing overnight from 70 to 90 per cent to less than 10 per cent.  Suddenly, hoteliers were faced with the problem of survival. Many were forced to cut down their budgets and devise means of survival. They had empty rooms with fixed costs.

    It was an industry on the verge of collapse that heaved a sigh of relief when on September 21  Nigeria was declared an Ebola-free country by the World Health Organisation (WHO). However, four months after this declaration, the hospitality industry is yet to recover from the effect.

    Appointment of new Director-General for NIHOTOUR

    When the tenure of the former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Alhaji Munzali Dantata,came to an end, President Goodluck Jonathan approved the appointment of Mrs. Chika Balogun  as the new Director-General. It was a new dawn for the NIHOTOUR.

    In her maiden meeting with stakeholders recently in Abuja, Chika unfolded her agenda for the industry, promising to reposition the institute to be more responsive to the industry and attuned to the needs of the industry.

    The Brazil misadventure

    Nigeria also lost the opportunity to burnish the country’s tourism profile in Brazil during the 2014 World Cup mundial . Prior to the World Cup, there were plans to set up a Nigerian village to showcase Nigeria’s tourism and culture and also use the opportunity to invite visitors to Nigeria. However, the plan was scuttled when the NTDC and its partners led by Mr. Azania Omo-Agege entered into a serious disagreement.  At the end of the day, it was a show of shame as Nigerian tourism  made little or no impact in Brazil.

    The  Synagogue hostel

    Outside business tourism, the biggest tourist attraction to Nigeria is religious tourism and a large chunk of this tourist traffic  comes from the followers of T.B. Joshua, the man in the Synagogue.  Before the collapse of a building belonging to the church, every week, tens of tourist visitors flocked to Nigeria for spiritual experience. It is rather  unfortunate that Nigeria is bereft of a Tourism Satelite Account (STA), it would have captured and given the specific figure of the number of tourist arrivals that flock to Synagogue Church of All Nations, Ikotun.  The  hostel of the church  killed more than 100 religious tourists to the church. Since then, the number of tourist visitors has shrunk. The church has a very effective bus shuttle service that caters for these inbound visitors. Despite this, many of the visitors still provide big business for the airport  car hire service. Many of them complained of low patronage with the dwindling number of tourist visitors.

    Many stakeholders  complained that the handling of the information after the collapsed building by the NTDC, from a tourism perspective, was very poor. They complained that there was no publicized visit by Director-General of the NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo, to visit the site for on-the- spot assessment. They  pointed out that disasters do occur in distinations, but the aftermath is very critical. The country, through the tourism board, ought to keep tourists within and outside the country abreast of what was happening. This is done by telling the truth about the situation and then going on to say what the country of the tourism board would help solve the situation. This, they say, was never the case. Tourists in and outside the country were left with no assurance and what was being done would be expected by any tourist organization on top the event.

    The effect, they say, has made many  ruled out coming to Nigeria.  It was double jeopardy for Nigerian tourism industry,having lost heavily as a result of the hurried departure of business tourists due to the Ebola scare and the country heavily lost in the area of  religious tourism as a result of the Synagogue hostel collapse.

    Akwaaba 2014

    October saw the hosting of the 9th edition of the Africa Travel Fair, Akwaaba. It was a success. This year’s event was heavily affected by the Ebola crisis. Many international participants withdrew at the eleventh hour. However, this did not affect the quality of  the attendance as many from within and outside the country trooped to the venue. Among those honoured at the fair were Africa’s first female pilot of Boeing Dreamliner.

    In the first week of November, Nigeria, for the first time in 2014, put up a stand in a major tourist fair to promote Nigerian tourist. Unfortunately, due to the past experience, many boycotted it. The tour operators boycotted the stand. One of the leading travel personalities in the country described the Nigeria’s performance at the fair as the worst from Nigeria since Mrs. Omotayo Omotoso, the former Director- General of the NTDC. However, the NTDC was quick to explain that they had a financial constraint.

    Generally, 2014 was welcomed with high hopes in the industry, but a series of events, including self-inflicted ineptitude conspired to stop the country from making progress in the industry.