The Nation Newspaper

Tag: war

  • Australia’s treasury wines estates in bidding war

    The world’s biggest listed winemaker, Australia’s Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), has received a second multi-billion-dollar takeover bid for its business.

    The offer is worth A$3.4billion (£1.88billion; $3.17billion) and has come from an as-yet unnamed global private equity firm.

    Earlier this month, the US private equity giant KKR launched a renewed bid for the winemaker.

    TWE owns brands such as Wolf Blass, Rosemount and Lindeman’s.

    It is also behind Australia’s most recognised winemaker, Penfolds.

    The second investor to make a bid for the winemaker has requested that its identity remain confidential for the moment.

    KKR’s bid earlier this month is a joint venture with fellow US private equity firm Rhone Group.

    It has been closely watched by private equity firms since it was spun out from Fosters group in 2011″

    TWE has a turbulent history and is currently undergoing restructuring that will see 175 job cuts.

    Last year, the firm sold 385 million bottles and recorded revenues of A$1.76billion.

    “It has been closely watched by private equity firms since it was spun out from Fosters group in 2011,” said market strategist Evan Lucas at IG Markets in Melbourne.

    “Drinking habits globally have also seen wine moving up the list in liquor consumption, while brands such as Penfolds and Seppelt demand premium on the global stage.

    “And that is where private equity firms see value,” he said.

    TWE was formed in 1995 as the wine division of Australia’s Foster’s group

    In June last year, the group was forced to destroy A$34million worth of unsellable wine.

    The move was a result of disappointing sales in the US, where domestic crops performed well and where wine does not demand the premium price it does in Asia.

    The firm has also seen disappointing results in Australia, with falling volumes domestically and lower-than-expected sales in China amid the government’s austerity drive there.

    But Mr Lucas said the mainland remained a strong market for Australian and New Zealand wine and that markets including Japan and South Korea would help offset any slowdown in China.

    “The wine industry continues to see growth despite global downturns,” he said.

    “Drinking habits in Asia have continued to drive demand for Australian and New Zealand wines, plus both countries still derive most of their earnings from the domestic market, which remains a constant for the bottom line.”

  • Daniel: I won’t engage in war of words

    Former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel has said he is a statesman and would not descend low to engage ordinary citizens in a “war of words” because of 2015 politics.

    Daniel, in a statement yesterday by his media aide, Mr Ayo Giwa, said he has observed the frustrated attempt by some politicians to drag his name into a desperate political chess game for reasons best known to them.

    The former governor, who was reacting to a report describing him as a political prostitute, said he would rather busy himself with policies and political administration to make life more meaningful for the citizens and improve the state than engage ordinary people in an unproductive war of words.

    The statement reads: “We note the frustrated attempt to drag Daniel’s name into a desperate political chess game by some politicians for whatever reasons known to them, but definitely not far from seeking to perpetuate relevance.

    “We need to sound it that Daniel, after serving eight years of two terms as governor, has become a statesman and so cannot descend low to the level of engaging ordinary citizens in the war of words the originator of the story seeks to achieve.

    “Let it be noted also that Otunba Gbenga Daniel is a businessman and engaging some of those who had been his subjects in the past would not compliment his busy schedule.

    “Rather, as a statesman, Daniel is more concerned about statements and issues of policies and political administration that will make life more meaningful for the citizens and move the state forward. From this, he will not be distracted.”

     

  • The economics of terrorism, war, and security

    Lastly the activities of the Victims Support Fund in Nigeria as well as the required payment of allowances to recall our legislators to approve the president’s expenditure to fight terrorism are economic and funding issues and are really two sides of the same coin

    IT was Chinese Communist Party Leader Mao who was credited with the saying that ‘a revolution is not a tea party.’ I hasten to agree with that timeless piece of wisdom today even though the word ‘revolution’ is not in vogue or currency, in today’s global politics and diplomacy. Yet, Mao’s long sighted definition of an insurgency or war against the status quo or establishment – which is what a revolution is all about, is quite relevant in considering the issues of war, terrorism and security that are confronting the world right now. In the US in Washington DC next week on August 4 , the 2014 US- African Conference coordinated by the US is taking place involving 50 African nations to discuss US partnership in tackling the menace of both Boko Haram in Nigeria and the Sahel and that of Al Shabaab in East Africa. The theme of the confab, the first of its kind, with more to follow according to the US Under Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas Greenfield is – ‘Investing in the Next Generation‘. Also with effect from August 1 this week EU sanctions prohibiting finance for 5 major Russian banks came into effect with regard to the role of the Russian backed rebels in shooting down a Malaysian plane in Ukraine recently. EU nations have also banned arms sale to Russia as well as the export gas equipment to Russia. Russia of course is the largest exporter of gas in the world and the second largest exporter of oil and can cut off their supplies to the EU nations in retaliation . Yet the Europeans are punishing Russia because they believe that the Pro -Russian rebels in Ukraine shot down the Malaysian Airlines plane killing 295 people in a flight from Amsterdam very recently. Similarly in Nigeria, where reports on daily Boko Haram killings are the vogue, the news is that the government must be ready to foot the bill to recall legislators to come from their recess to debate the $I bn military expenditure proposal from the presidency. The expenditure is to buy new equipment and upgrade some for the military to confront Boko Haram and really this lawmakers’ demand for recall expenses is evidence enough that there is no free lunch even in fighting terrorism in Nigeria. Also Nigeria has launched the Victims Support Fund to provide for victims of Boko Haram bombings and their dependants just as the news broke that young girls of an age as low as 10 have been used to detonate bombs in Kano killing several innocent Nigerians. Starting with the US –African Confab this week in the US there is no denying that the concern of the US on the matter is a good and legitimate one to help Africa fight terrorism given the US exposure and experience on the matter. In addition the theme – ‘Investing in the Next Generation ‘ is quite apt although a bit futuristic and advisory rather than being pragmatic. The aim of the organisers, from the theme, is to show that providing jobs for African youths will make them less opportune or available to be lured by terrorists to join their ranks. My contention is that almost all the leaders from the 50 African nations at the confab already know this but are simply not doing anything about it. The US organisers should research for the manifestoes of the political parties of the African nations attending. These will show that these African nations have pledged employment for their youths during political campaigns and have been elected on the basis of such promises which they have subsequently not implemented. The US- African Confab should therefore focus on making these nations fulfil their election promises to their masses of unemployed youths to stem the high flow of such people into the recruitment ranks of real and budding terrorists. This alone will make a success of the US /Africa conference which I fully support. In addition I urge the US not to be distracted by hostile criticism that it is creating business and jobs for its military industrial complex or that it may even be funding terrorism in Africa. Such criticisms are based on Cold War animosities between leftists and laissez faire capitalists and such views are stereotypes to be ignored in the face of the new frontiers of modern terrorism, the containment of which requires urgent regional and continental cooperation and vigilance. Certainly the US Africa Confab is such a problem solving platform for the wave of terrorism unleashed on African nations by Al Shaabab in E Africa and Boko Haram in Nigeria. Next Russia has described the EU sanctions against it as ‘destructive and short sighted.’ Yet Russia has not shown any remorse on the downing of the Malaysian plane nor has it been able to persuade its Ukrainian rebels to allow international observers to have access to the Malaysian plane crash site. Neither has the Russian strongman President Vladmir Putin shown any remorse at least in terms of his body language in condemning the terrorist act. All the same the EU is not unaware that its 28 – member nations will suffer when Russia targets some trade links with EU nations such as food imports to Russia which is expected to adversely affect weak EU nations like Greece already in dire economic straits with attendant political uprisings and discontentment on EU financial palliatives. The EU nations are however united in their resolve that Russia should not get away with murder for its role in the downing of the Malaysian jet. The EU nations have described their sanctions as capable of inflicting the ’maximum pain on Russia’ and the ‘minimum pain on the EU’. That to me is vintage economic pragmatism in confronting terrorism at least in world airspace or global aviation. Lastly the activities of the Victims Support Fund in Nigeria as well as the required payment of allowances to recall our legislators to approve the president’s expenditure to fight terrorism are economic and funding issues and are really two sides of the same coin. The legislators can maintain their stand and call inevitably into question their sense of patriotism. The government on its own cannot watch idly while it is being made ineffective and toothless in the face bloody terrorism. Already there was news that the legislators have not been able to cash their huge monthly and quarterly allowances as and when due. It is therefore a ding dong tussle between the Executive and legislature although this time around the Presidency is winning the contest of wills in the court of public opinion as the death toll on terrorism rises on a daily basis and the law makers are not on their seats. Even the argument on diversion of funds for 2015 elections does not jell this time around. On the Victims Support Fund alone the personality of the Chairman of the Committe former Minister of Defence General Theophilus Danjuma speaks for itself in terms of accountability. Danjuma in accepting responsibility has stated that the insurgency is a war that is taking too long to put down. This week the Council of States made up of governors and former heads of state offered similar sentiments and went on to give a deadline of December for the war on terror to be concluded. That is how it should be. Surely, people like Danjuma should have been recalled to advise on how to end the war NOW. Rather than being called to raise funds for victims of a war they know is expensive and protracted in terms of time, and human lives while such people are being used to raise money for victims of a war without end running on a daily basis into an avoidable pyrrhic victory at the end, hopefully by December. It may sound wicked but to me putting all hands on deck to end the war is far more important than the opportunity cost of running the Victims Support Fund which seems to be a priority right now. Having a large such fund is like prolonging the war and that again is like treating terrorism with kid gloves or making money like a funeral parlour which is not in any way desirable in this nation at least for now.

  • The tobacco war rages

    The tobacco war rages

    Tobacco business is a money spinner globally. Only the ‘big boys’ play in it. The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) ruffled feathers when it banned tobacco advertising. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is leading a campaign to get the ban lifted. Will it have its way? ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI reports.

    To promote what it describes as trade communication,the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is pushing for the lifting of the ban on tobacco advertising. At a public hearing on the Tobacco Control Bill by the House of Representatives Committee on Health. MAN argued that the ban was not good for business. MAN was supported by Habanera Limited, an affiliate of Japan Tobacco International (JTI), which described the ban as disheartening.

    The Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) imposed the ban on medical ground. It said smoking was dangerous to health, adding that the ban would ensure the protection of the environment and non-smokers.

    Some groups, such as the National Tobacco Retailers Association (NTRA) and Environmental Right Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) back the ban.

    MAN, NTRA, ERA/FoEN and others made their input to the bill during the hearing, which was held with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

    Over 100 presentations were made by anti- and pro-tobacco groups, including tobacco farmers, distributors. To MAN, the clause on tobacco advertising should be ratified to comply with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) treaty to which Nigeria is a signatory.

    Since the ban, the industry, which hitherto was the highest advertising spender, has lost its place to its telecoms and brewery counterparts.

    MAN is urging the lawmakers to review some clauses in the bill to ensure that tobacco advertising is regulated and nit banned. The ban, it noted, has prevented trade communication among manufacturers, distributors and adult consumers.

    In its presentation signed by its Director-General, Mr Remi Ogunmefun, MAN urged the committees to ratify Section 15 (1) of the bill, which warns that “no person shall promote tobacco or tobacco products in any form except in manners prescribed by the bill.” MAN suggested that as a legally traded product, a  total ban is not realistic.

    “As a legally traded product, and if the intention is not a total ban of the product; then this omnibus and absolute ban is not realistic. MAN is of the view that the industry should be allowed what is called trade communication; this is usually business-to-business communication. This would allow the manufacturer to be able to communicate with the distributor, wholesaler, and retailer and even with the informed adult consumers,” MAN said.

    MAN also frowned at Section 24 (1) of the bill, which deals with the proposed ban on sales promotion of tobacco. The section states: “No tobacco manufacturer, distributor or retailer shall offer or provide any consideration, whether directly or indirectly, for the purchase of a tobacco product, including a gift to a purchaser or a third party, bonus, premium, cash rebate or right to participate in a game, lottery or contest.”

    The section also bans manufacturers from furnishing a tobacco product without monetary consideration or in consideration of the purchase or service or the performance of a service.

    MAN said: “Our view here aligns with the argument in respect of allowing business-to-business communication. While the provision can apply to consumers to discourage initiation and encourage rescission, it should not apply to the relationship between the manufacturer and his wholesaler or distributor.”

    Ogunmefun described the ban as anti-industry, adding that it is capable of stalling the regeneration of the industrialisation of the country. “We collectively make the above request to save the affected manufacturers in the overall interest of the economy and in tandem with the laudable transformation agenda of the Federal Government,” he said.

    JTI’s General Manager Mr. Grant Mowat submitted that there is no need for the ban because of “existing restrictions”.

    “This ban is rigorously enforced, sufficient and complies with all of Nigeria’s obligation in terms of Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC). Despite this, the Bill proposes new measures. No justification has been presented for why they are needed, in light of the existing restrictions, nor has there been any assessment of whether they will be effective or what the negative consequences might be,” Mowat said.

    The WTO described some of the challenges to promotion of tobacco products and investment as trade barriers experienced in some countries. The NTRA, in a jointly signed proposition to the lawmakers, described the ban as laudable, urging the government to ensure that investors and non-smokers are protected.

    ERA/FoEN insists that tobacco remains a killer and should not be advertised. In a statement, the group said: “We support a complete ban on smoking in all indoor and designated outdoor public places. We reject the inclusion of designated smoking areas in the bill since such measure negates the spirit and intent of the bill which is the reduction of smoking.”

    To ensure that people are not exposed to the marketing gimmicks of tobacco firms, ERA suggests that tobacco advertising should be banned.

    Hajia Mariam Uwaise, an anti-tobacco advocate, suggested that indirect marketing and advertising methods by tobacco firms should be prohibited.

    The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance argued that the right to use of a trademark by tobacco firms be removed. But, the President of Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria, Prof Bankole Sodipo, said brand owners should be allowed to distinguish their corporate brands from product brands. He urged the National Assembly to amend the bill in line with the Constitution and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.

     

     

  • APC: Jonathan has begun war against opposition

    APC: Jonathan has begun war against opposition

    Five more governors on sack list, says party

    PDP dismisses claim

    The battle line was drawn yesterday between the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Goodluck Jonathan presidency.

    APC Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun accused President Goodluck Jonathan of declaring war against the opposition with state-sponsored impeachment proceedings.

    He said the impeachment of Admiral Murtala Nyako as the governor of Adamawa State was “unacceptable”.

    He alleged that members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly were induced with $300,000 as part-payment to impeach Nyako.

    He said a N500 million offer had been dangled before Nasarawa State lawmakers to remove Governor Tanko Al-Makura and N75million per lawmaker to sack Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Odigie-Oyegun alleged that Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were out to remove APC governors in Borno, Nasarawa, Edo, Osun and Rivers states.

    He said the President, who had become “obsessed” with his re-election aspiration in 2015, was ready to destroy the country.

    Odigie-Oyegun, who spoke at a crowded press conference in Abuja, said the APC will resist any moves by the President to return Nigeria to the “dark days”.

    He said: “Events in Nigeria in the past few weeks point to a return to the dark old days of state dictatorship, lawlessness, impunity and repression.

    “Our freedoms are being emasculated, our economy being run to the ground, and our only hope of bringing about change – our democratic expression – is being smothered before our very eyes all because President Goodluck Jonathan is so obsessed with re-election in 2015 at all cost that he is destroying not just all our key institutions but indeed the entire country.”

    The APC National Chairman said the party was being pushed to the wall and would fight back.

    He added: “At this critical juncture of our history and despite our desire for restraint and mature engagement with President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), it is evident that inaction is no longer an option and we must resist.

    “Indeed keeping quiet in the face of the ceaseless and unrelenting reckless violations of all known laws of the land and the Constitution will amount to complicity in the lawlessness and impunity that has become the norm under President Goodluck Jonathan. We know it has been the dream of the ruling PDP to rule for 60 unbroken years, not minding if Nigeria becomes a desert land in the process.

    “Their evil machination has manifested in Ekiti. It manifested yesterday in Adamawa. They have carried it to Nasarawa, and they have Edo, Osun and Rivers in their sight.

    “In the states mentioned, all of them opposition strongholds, President Jonathan and his party have abused national institutions, resorted to a crude use of force and engaged in unprecedented financial inducements to achieve their objectives.

    “All these anti-democratic tactics come under the umbrella of power with impunity!”

    Odigie-Oyegun said: “But there is a bigger problem. President Jonathan is obsessed with his re-election in 2015, and he does not mind if Nigeria is destroyed in the process.

    “He does not care whether every institution of state, be it the military, the courts, INEC or any other one, is destroyed. All that matters now is his re-election.

    “This explains why he has embarked on this war against the opposition, this war against all of Nigeria.

    “Having bastardised the army, the police, the courts, aviation and the electoral commission, he has now moved to the next level: Impeachment. Every impeachment or threat of it in recent times has the imprint of President Jonathan.

    “As we speak, the Governor of Adamawa, Murtala Nyako, has been impeached at the instance of the President and his party. They have moved to Nasarawa, their next stop, while Rivers, Edo and Borno, all APC states, are not being spared the destabilisation that precedes their new-found weapon.”

    He attributed Nyako’s impeachment to the ex-governor’s defection to the APC.

    He said the President was guilty of allegations of extra-budgetary expenditure with which Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State is being threatened with impeachment.

    He added: “What was Nyako impeached for? Offences he allegedly committed five years ago. Those offences were not impeachable when he was in the PDP. But the moment he decamped to the APC, they became impeachable.

    “The entire ‘impeachment’ of Governor Nyako is so fraught with irregularities, bias, judicial contradictions and in violation of every procedural and constitutional provision that it is the worst manifestation of impunity.

    “We intend to mount an immediate and rigorous challenge to this gross injustice to the party and people of Adamawa State.

    “What is Governor Al-Makura of Nasarawa being threatened with impeachment for? Allegations of extra-budgetary expenditure, the same offence that President Jonathan has committed many times.

    “In fact, on only on the 10th of July 2014, the Senate passed a resolution asking President Goodluck Jonathan to prepare and submit to the National Assembly supplementary budget to cover the over expenditure in the sum of N90.693 billion (US$585 million) for PMS subsidy 2012 and the sum of N685.910 billion (US$4.430 billion) for Kerosene (DPK) subsidy expended without appropriation by the National Assembly in 2012 and 2013!”

    A livid Odigie-Oyegun gave insights into mass bribery of lawmakers in Adamawa and Nasarawa states to impeach their governors.

    He said: “In Adamawa, each member of the State House of Assembly was allegedly given US $300,000 as part payment to impeach Governor Nyako; some N500 million has allegedly been moved to Nasarawa to induce the state’s lawmakers to impeach Governor Al-Makura, and in Edo, each lawmaker has allegedly been offered N75million to impeach Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    “Now, who is guiltier of gross misconduct than a President who is frittering away our commonwealth to induce perfidious legislators to impeach state governors? Who is guiltier of gross misconduct than a President who deploys troops to harass, intimidate and arrest the opposition during an election?

    “Who deserves to be impeached for gross misconduct more than a President who uses national institutions against the opposition, and shuts airports arbitrarily?

    “President Jonathan’s desperation knows no bounds, and he is willing to set a record of presiding over the greatest number of impeachments under his tenure.

    “Before Nyako’s impeachment on Tuesday, a total of five impeachments have been carried out in all of the 15 years of the Fourth Republic. But between now and 2015, President Jonathan is championing five impeachments, in Adamawa, Nasarawa, Edo, Rivers and Borno.”

    Odigie-Oyegun expressed concern that the military had been compromised to do the President’s biddings.

    He said: “In doing so, he is subverting hitherto respected national institutions. The Army has been so compromised that it can no longer be trusted by anyone to be neutral. The army has been so abused that it now carries out police duties.

    “Soldiers were deployed to guard the residence of the Chief Judge of Adamawa while the impeachment proceedings were on. Soldiers were deployed to guard each member of the impeachment panel. Soldiers were also deployed to guard the venue where the panel sat.

    “In Ekiti, soldiers were deployed to hunt down the opposition and prevent them from moving around freely, in contravention of the nation’s constitution.

    “In Osun, soldiers are again to be deployed to shut down the state and go after the opposition.

    “By using the military for election duties, President Jonathan is clearly disobeying a court order as the Court of Appeal had ruled as far back as 2005 that the involvement of the military in the conduct of elections is an aberration and, therefore, unconstitutional. Indeed in the words of Salami, JCA on page 176 in the case of Yusuf v Obasanjo (2005) 18 NWLR (Pt. 956 96@174-5)

    “It is up to the police to protect our nascent democracy and not the military, otherwise the democracy might be wittingly or unwittingly militarised. This is not what the citizenry bargained for after 1999. Conscious step or steps should be taken to civilianise the polity and thereby ensure survival and sustenance of democracy.”

    “The Akure airport was suddenly slammed shut just to punish opposition leaders who had converged on Ekiti for Governor Kayode Fayemi’s campaign rally. They had to travel all night by road to Lagos.

    “In Borno, under the guise of ensuring security, the Maiduguri Airport has been closed for several weeks; hence the Borno Governor and the people of the state, including the pilgrims heading for lesser Hajj, have been forced to travel by road to Kano to board their flights.

    “However, the reason for shutting the airport has suddenly vanished as the private plane bearing former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff was allowed to land at the airport on Monday, the same day the governor had to travel by road to Kano to see his brother who was involved in an accident on the same road.

    “Obviously, President Jonathan is fast turning Nigeria into George Orwell’s Animal Farm, where some animals are more equal than the others.

    “Welcome to Nigeria of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, where the only people who are deemed to be true Nigerians are those under the umbrella of the PDP, where the only people worth protecting are PDP members!”

    The APC National Chairman reminded President Jonathan and the PDP that political greed had always derailed the nation’s democracy.

    He called on all friends of Nigeria to prevail on President Jonathan to apply the brakes in his “obsessive” quest for power.

    Oyegun said: “We have raised the alarm several times that President Jonathan’s obsession with his re-election is a clear and present danger to our democracy.

    “Today, we say this President’s obsession with re-election is threatening the very existence of our nation.

    “Never in the history of our dear nation has any President waged war on the country the way this President is doing. Never in the history of our country has any President desecrated national institutions like this President is doing to the very institutions that sustain democracy.

    “Never in the history of our country have our people been so divided along ethnic, religious, political and social lines, with poverty rising astronomically in the backdrop of a claimed rapid growth in the nation’s GDP.

    “We warn that excessive political greed will always have its consequences. Any student of Nigeria’s contemporary history will realise what acts of impunity and desperation to win elections at all cost did to the country in 1965, 1983 and 1993, just to mention but a few.

    “We call on all friends of Nigeria to prevail on President Jonathan to apply the brakes in his obsessive quest for power, because every action has consequences.

    “It is time for those who can still get the ears of this President to remind him that his ambition is not worth the destruction of a whole country. All those who can must act now before it is too late!”

    The briefing was attended by party bigwigs, including Deputy National Chairman Shuaib Lawal; National Secretary Mai Mala Buni, one-time Minister and former National Chairman of PDP Chief Audu Ogbeh; a  former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Senator Bukola Saraki; Minority Leader in the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila; ex-Deputy Governor of Bauchi State Alhaji Mohammed  Garba Gadi, National Vice-Chairman (North-East) B. D. Lawal;  National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed; National Organising Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso; National Publicity Secretary of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties(CNPP) Osita Okechukwu; anti-corruption crusader Dino Melaye and other members of the party’s National Executive Committee.

     

  • ‘We are not at war with LASU management’

    ‘We are not at war with LASU management’

    The lingering faceoff between academic staff and management of the Lagos State University(LASU) does not seem set to end soon as the university’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chairman Dr Adekunle Idris has accused the Vice Chancellor and his team of not telling the truth to the state government on the situation of things at the institution. He spoke with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA against the backdrop of some allegations levelled against the teaching staff by the management.

    The coming of Prof Obafunwa-led administration in the university coincided with Lagos State government’s improved infrastructural development in LASU. Don’t you think this, among other things, should signpost a new era of peace in this university?

    There is no doubt on the fact that the Lagos State government is spending a fortune on infrastructural development in LASU. We now have a new auditorium; faculty of management building is about starting, while the science building is almost concluded. These, among others ongoing projects, are investments government has made and we thank them for it. However, let me say these are plans that had been on and approved in the past even before the current administration came on board.

    The fact is that the university management is not providing true picture of the situation to government, and examples abound. We have seen lots of distortions and misinformation being fed to government and it is incumbent on government and the Governing Council to use other sources to gather information other than the management alone.  What we are seeing on ground is very clear with respect to the position of staff unions.

    The strike has dragged for some time now, and there seems to be no hope in sight yet. Why is this so?

    Simple! We have an administration that does not listen otherwise we would not have had this ongoing strike action.  We contend that the management is not listening to people that it’s supposed to be leading. There is no contest between the union and the administration.  There is a system establishing a university and we are supposed to be working under that system, and that is the committee system. Let the vice-chancellor allow the committee system to run without manipulation as it is being currently done. The Governing Council also needs to stamp down its feet and ensure the system runs the way it ought to, and not to be misled by this administration to run the university aground.

    Let’s talk about the school fees which have just been reviewed. The vice-chancellor said the increase was not a ‘hike’ as most people assumed, but a ‘review of the value of goods’

    First, let’s make a correction here. We are not selling goods in LASU. We are providing services which are intangible. Therefore we cannot be revaluing goods. However, if we say that hike in fees is a revaluation in services, it therefore means services available must have increased before the price of such services are increased. Anybody that is familiar with this university, and has also moved around LASU in recent times, will they admit if there is a justification of these services?  ASUU-LASU says no justification and a wrong pricing policy. In the past the vice-chancellor used to tell us that the issue of school fees is a no go area. But after much struggle, we are now hearing that government is doing something about the school fees.  It simply means when people agitate for their rights, our leaders have no choice but to do what is right.

    The Vice-Chancellor also claimed the current crisis in not a bilateral war between management and ASUU, as the former has continually opened itself for dialogue

    ASUU-LASU has not declared any war. For the record, we cannot declare a war in a system where we earn our livelihood. If you remember, we have been talking with the management since March last year and up to the point when ASUU national strike started. At a point, we brought ASUU national to meet with the management, to no avail.  So to say ASUU-LASU declared unilateral war is unfair to us.

    The university management also accused ASUU of personalising the school fees issue, saying it is the concern of students and parents.

    We want to take that as a commendation to ASUU. We are a union, and as the conscience of the nation, we are committed to pursuing anything that is going to be helpful to this nation. Besides, we are a pseudo parents to these students and therefore we are on the right course. What ASUU-LASU is doing here is being replicated in other universities.  ASUU-LASU will continue to champion this. As ASUU, we will not allow the university to be turn into a business school. With the recent review of school fees, you can see we are beginning to get results and we shall not rest on our oars.

    But the management said ASUU through the Senate also supported and endorsed the tuition when it was introduced two and a half years ago?

    The Senate does not represent ASUU. Though it is the highest academic organ in the university, yet we cannot specifically say that that was passed in the Senate. We are yet to see the minutes of meeting of the Senate to confirm that. We have asked several senators that said it was not a Senate approval. We have also heard from one or two that said the Senate actually saw it. Regardless of whatever happened, should we say because Senate saw something, and that policy turned out (to be) bad, then we should fold our arms? ASUU will not; that policy has to be changed.

    The ‘No vacancy; No promotion’ issue has been over flogged; yet the vice-chancellor said ASUU coined the term as management has always declared vacancies every year.

    The truth about the ‘No vacancy, No promotion’ policy is that management says it is the coinage of ASUU. But we will show you letters.  We have our members whose letters stated that ‘they have been found promotable; but that they cannot be promoted’ and some others say ‘they have been found promotable subject to vacancy’.

    Imagine, somebody sent his papers overseas for APPA (pls emphasise this acronym) since 2011. The papers were found to be okay. The university conducted the interview bringing in experts from outside. After that, they were issued letters that they’ve been found promotable but cannot be promoted because there is no vacancy. Now the question is: If there were no vacancy, why was the process put in place in the first instance?  The issue is not about declaration of vacancies. ASUU is saying that portion in the Condition of Service that is being misinterpreted to mean that our members cannot be promoted except a vacancy exists should be abrogated. That portion is capable of being used by any mischievous vice -chancellor to stifle the growth of our members in future.

    We are not concerned about what transpired within the current management but the future. Mind you, this portion has been in the Condition of Service for years but has never been used by anybody until the current administration came on board.

    I’ve always heard that in the law of Nigeria, members of staff should not have more than one third of their salaries deducted particularly when they get loans from the administration. The idea is to ensure that people have enough to spend from their salaries. This law has been there for ages until recently, our management came up to say members cannot get cooperative loans beyond one third of their salary regardless of how much they have in the cooperative. it’s like somebody just came, look for a way to create trouble within the workforce by bringing such a law into effect. This is why we are saying that portion that says promotion should be subject to opening should be expunged because it is currently being abused by the management.

    We are not saying our members should be promoted every year. In the academia, there are conditions you must meet before being promoted. We have seen people that have used five or 10 years on a level before they are qualified to be promoted; and sometimes they are qualified, but yet are not promoted.  In the academia, it is not easy to get promoted every three years if you don’t do things you are supposed to do, and sometimes you are not able to do them because of the standard.  ASUU is simply saying follow the rule. Our members should spend a minimum of three years on a line and it could be more; but once you are able to do what you ought to do with respect to research, you should not be suppressed.

    In his attempt to further curb corruption, the management said it has reduced the university’s monthly imprest from N13 million to N5 million currently

    The running of a university goes beyond cost reduction. Cost reduction is a good thing to do for any administration. So when the vice chancellor said he has been able to reduce imprest, we say the idea is a normal thing to be done. Aside from that, an administration is also expected to generate revenue.

    We asked the current management to show us one single programme it has put in place to generate revenue since its assumption? The University Consult has never taken off. Take a trip to any institution be it public or private in Nigeria today, most of them produce sachet and bottled water in their institution’s name, which to me, is the easiest.

    LASU once had a programme called Foundation programme in Badagry. The programme was meant for students to spend one year before they enter the university’s mainstream. Today, that programme is gone. The pre-degree programme is also dead. The sandwich and the MBA programs are almost gone because the lecturers and resource persons that worked there are not paid. The LASU external system has since been wound down without thinking of proper replacement. Why is it taking so long for LASU to do the Distance Learning Programme which can be used to recoup all that LASU lost in the external system? So the current administration has done next to nothing about IGR.

    The one single term of five years for principal officers as contained in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act 2012 is one of the demands of ASUU; but it is not the prerogative of the management. Why is it so important to ASUU?

    The issue of one term for principal offices is so germane to LASU. If you look at our history, we have always had crisis anytime there was a second term bid. We know this require the amendment of the LASU law, and we are simply saying the government should give an executive bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly so that this thing can be done. A similar law has already been done in LASPOTECH. It is within the purview of government. Nevertheless, if the Governing Council and the university administration are convinced, they should be able to convince government about the usefulness of that law as it will help stabilize universities and LASU in particular.

    The second arm of the Act which now recommends 70 years retirement age for academics in professorial cadre is also important to LASU, especially with respect to the ability to attract the best hands into the system.

    Most of the professors that we have now were trained using LASU money. Why would LASU use its money to train people on research,  conferences and all that and when they are at the peak, you now let them go for onward employment in private universities. LASU is competing with 129 universities in Nigeria and the best brains will gravitate to where they can get the best condition of service. You know the idea is that these professors are meant to reproduce themselves by producing PhD holders. It is incumbent on the system to float programmes that will make them produce PhDs in various departments. The issue is that we had an agreement dated and signed by the Lagos State governor who is also a SAN on December 31, 2010. We also believe the issue of retirement age is under the purview of the Governing Council.

  • Price war among retailers as year enters second half

    Price war among retailers as year enters second half

    As the second half of the year begins, competition in the retail landscape is getting more intense. With pricing as key determinant of who attracts more patronage, savvy retailers are dangling mouth-watering discounts to remain competitive and avoid losing sales, reports TONIA ‘DIYAN.

    The retail environment has literarily become a theatre of price war among retailers. The retailers most of who are eager to remain competitive and avoid losing sales, are offering irresistible discounts to existing and prospective customers as the second half of the year begins.

    For instance, Sixth Sense, a furniture outfit, is launching what is called a ‘significant’ reduction in prices of often-purchased items, saying the decision is to satisfy customers and possibly entice new ones.

    Contenders in the Home and Furniture section are already seeking to win back budget-minded customers who have migrated to discounters such as Life mate and Bedmate who recently started lowering the prices of over 7, 000 items and giving out discounts on. It is the same thing atthe clothing section where, Mr Price,a South African clothing outfit, is doing a round of price cuts despite the increased competition among retail stores who sell similar items. Mr Price,which tops the list of clothing stores, and is theanchor tenant at Leisure Mall in Surulere, Lagos, is also stepping up in advertising and mail promotions. The firm has already announced a 10-15 per cent reduction on items beginning from the 1st of this month.

    The General Manager, West Africa, Mr Price, David Botha, said his store has stepped up its game to satisfy customers this second half of the year by slashing prices with generous discounts. According to him, the strategy will help the store sell all old stocks to allow new ones come in. “We also want our customers and prospective customers to experience sales of cheap but quality items, which we always make available. We encourage shoppers to buy from our store today instead of our competitor’s website or store tomorrow,” he said.

    Also, grocery chains that are stand alone or high street stores are giving a face-lift to their price structures and customer reward programs to grab back market share from their competitors in the same category. Most of them have lowered the prices of perishables and products that are among the most purchased items in their stores.

    Maku Oladele, who sells baby items at Alade Market in Ikeja, Lagos, confirmed this. He said: “It’s not more than a month since the last price war. This year alone, there has been one price war after another without making profit. For me, it’s difficult to sustain.” She, however, said big retailers still seem fully prepared for price battle as conventional festivals like Christmas and Valentine’s Day are no longer enough to keep up with the demand for discounts. “So they create event out of nothing, just to initiate new price wars,” she said.

    Oladele added that price wars may soon become a battle for survival for small retailers most of who aren’t making much profit. She may not be far from the truth. A shopper who was seen patronising a clothing retailer, said he has been saving money by concentrating on discount periods and that he always plans his shopping around ‘what is on sale by the time.’

    A retail analyst, Modupe Shopeju, attested to the fact that price is the number one factor consumers consider when they pick where to shop. According to her, it is the reason why more people are found in shopping places during promotional periods. “People actually look forward to times like this to make the best of it. Some save towards sales period, some follow the trend and are able to know when sales are on, some do constant check on items in-store to find out if these items are discounted aside finding out what is trendy or new in the market,” she explained.

    Investigations by The Nation Shopping show that retailers who refused to be part of this second half strategy are likely to experience a drop in demand and low sales. This is so because price conscious shoppers are already moving to discounters or are purchasing less-expensive items from such stores as substitute for items they are used to buying or would like to patronise.

    The Centre Manager of one of the Lagos malls, Sander Norman, confirmed this trend. He said retailers decided to lower prices because they are aware that the consumer is price-conscious and because it is one of their many strategies to improve sales at strategic times. “Price reduction has to do with timing, planning and sacrifice; being ready to give out at cost price or below cost price most times,” he said.

    Sander cited Shoprite, saying that the store is priced about three per cent below the other grocery retail, and that is one reason it has gained a fraction of a point in market share since it entered the country in 2005 at the Palm in Lekki, Lagos where it tops the grocery market. Other retailers who already enjoy the advantage of traffic drivers such as groceries and clothing retailers have said they won’t end their use of promotions to drive sales until the month is over.

    Indeed, in the market, the retailer’s value is determined by how well he can satisfy shoppers, even the tech-savvy ones. With price wars being waged all through the year, retailers struggle to make consumers happy and fulfilled by ensuring they get value for their money. This explains why retailers are bracing to the reality of the pricing trend as the second half of the year begins.

    Some retailers have already taken their prices to an all time low, leaving competitors in the cold as they brace up with the need to adjust their price tags in favour of price conscious shoppers. Even online stores woo customers daily with constant price changes to teach their ‘brick-and-mortar’ (traditional retail shops) competitors the need to use price intelligence solutions if they want to compete.Savvy retailers also monitor their online competitors’ prices every day to remain competitive and avoid losing sales.

    Experts say today’s hyper-competitive, omni-channel landscape compels retailers to incorporate all sources of competitive pricing data in their pricing and competitive positioning strategies. Industry experts even say that ‘brick-and-mortar’ shops should expect online gurus to continue to escalate their price war tactics in the future.

    However, one thing is certain: As the price war rages, consumers are the ultimate beneficiaries.

  • War against our collective freedom

    When we trace the history of terrorism in Africa, we may recall that it all began when the Al-Qaeda in Maghreb (AQIM) started its activities in Sudan under the directive of the late Osama Bin Laden.

    While Bin Laden held sway, the militants under his tutelage were reported to have masterminded many terrorist attacks in the war-torn country.

    The activities of the terrorists were extended to countries in the Middle East, such as Yemen, which had the criminals bombing parks and hostels. They also planned an assassination against the embattled former Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak. With these unabated terrorist activities, it appears Africa is now the safest haven for terrorists to operate.

    In 2004, there was a report of the presence of terrorist group in Nigeria, but the Federal Government dismissed the reports and failed take urgent steps to suppress terror tendencies in the country. In the same year, the former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mike Okiro, raised an alarm over impending Al-Qaeda attack on Nigeria. Okiro reportedly made the statement at a conference for senior police officers in Obudu, Cross River State.

    This, perhaps, led to the creation of the anti-terrorist squad, which borne out of the mission to safeguard our environment against terrorist attacks, even when the nation had not witnessed one. But the squad was ill-equipped to contain threats and terrorist action against the country. Today, we have full-blown insurgency in northern part of the country, claiming lives in high magnitude.

    Assuming the ex-police boss’ opinion was taken seriously and drastic steps were taken to nip terrorist attack in the bud, we would not have been so much troubled the way we are presently. If the spate of bombing and killings of the people is allowed to continue, the end result may be too disastrous for the nation.

    As the situation calls for great concern, many are still wondering how we got to this stage. How did Boko Haram become our home-grown terror? What is the level of its link with Al-Qaeda? Many Nigerians had thought Al-Qaeda could not have establish its presence in Nigeria but the terror group started its bloody campaign with the heinous Boxing Day bombing in Madalla, near Abuja, leaving scores dead.

    It is instructive to note that the activities of Boko Haram sect increase after the controversial killing of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, in 2009. The insurgents have good supply of sophisticated arms from AQIM and other sponsors. The terrorists are cashing in on bad leadership, poverty and greed of a few to disrupt peace in the country. Now, this is threatening national unity.

    In 2010, when the sect declared their association with Al-Qaeda, Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud, the then commander of AQIM, hinted that the group would provide Boko Haram with weapons to defend Muslims in Nigeria. What other evidence do we need to know that we are in dire straits?

    In 2011, a Thisday ex-columnist, Simeon Kolawole, wrote a piece titled: The Metamorphosis of Boko Haram in which the writer reminded us the genesis of the sect. Kolawole wrote that the sect started its activities by preaching a form of Islam that was not in consonant with teachings of the religion and described their fellow Muslims who didn’t share their belief as infidel.

    The Boko Haram sect members were banished from mosques and they had no option than to set up a small country, where their bloody activism started. They preached about bad government and immorality in high places. Western education to them became a sin, while their other objective was to Islamise Nigeria.

    Many of the fighters have been arrested in some covert operation of the State Security Service, but the sect members seem determined to pursue their skewed belief.

    Abubakar Shekau, leader of the sect, in one of his videos, demanded the release of its members in prison in exchange for the 276 girls abducted from Chibok in Borno State. The government is, however, not disposed to the idea openly, saying it is impracticable and impossible to give in to the sect’s demand. Opinions are divided on whether the government should negotiate the girls’ release or not. Some have said the girls must be brought back home alive, whichever way government wants to use to secure their release.

    But it appears majority are disposed to negotiation; we may likely agree that government should exchange the girls for Boko Haram fighters in prison, even as the consequences of such undertaking are yet to be known. There is a tendency that after this, Boko Haram may kidnap another set of people and also demand for exchange, maybe, this time, islamisation of Nigeria. Then, the same set of people putting pressures on the government will have their heads bent in shame. We cannot win the fight against terrorism in a day, but we can win the fight by the collective will and effort of all.

    Although, government has failed in the past to deal with the issue, but the frequency of killings in the country has given it a nudge to change tactics and act pro-actively. We must know that terror activities are against our collective existence. Therefore, there is need to join hands with the government’s effort in dislodging the sect out of Nigeria. We must be ready to complement the efforts of our armed forces and international forces to rescue us from the bloody campaign of the terrorist. We have no other country apart from this one.

    Mark, a final year student of Business Education, YABATECH

  • War against sport

    The actions of some key functionaries of government, especially at the state and local government level in some states in Nigeria is likened to a declaration of war against the development of sport in their locality and by extension the Nigerian nation.  I am disturbed at the way and manner we administer sport in some states in Nigeria. The reason for such is simply because I believe that we have been paying leap service to the business of sport over the years and this is not good for us as a country.

    We need not to kill sport by our actions and inactions rather; we need to understand that sport has the capacity to transform the economic space of a given state if it is managed properly. Sometimes one wonders what the perception of some states are as regarding sport economy, sport and healthy living, sport competitions etc. From my observation thus far, most of what is done is the organisation of sport competitions for different age groups and also preparation of state athletes for the National Sports Festival and I ask the question that after the competitions what next?

    Sport has been known to be a transformer and catalyst for economic change and we should begin to look at how we can use sport to create jobs rather than organising competitions alone. We need to develop structures that will enhance the development of sport business in our various localities and am sure some people will be reading this piece with the intention of asking me how possible is my postulation in Nigeria and to such people I say that you need to look beyond your current state.

    First things first, we need to see state and local governments develop the needed structures and infrastructures that will promote sport business. A serious state or local government must be seen investing in sport facilities construction both at designated centres as well as all schools within their domain. There must be a state policy that will encourage a compulsory school sport competition every year.

    Secondly, governments must take steps to employ professional coaches and train them in their chosen sports and also make these coaches accessible to kids and the youths of their respective states and local governments. Our sport councils and state ministry of sports should be compelled to carry out a facility audit and personnel audit. Also, the schools should be made to carryout both facility and sport staff audit.

    After the audit has been concluded then an evaluation of the actual financial cost should be made towards addressing the deficiencies observed. Now any state that succeeds in overcoming its deficiency will now need to go into the stage of enforcement of policies of sport participation by all schools and youth groups. Then we can talk about the development of a year round competition calendar for the state.

    I can assure any state government that tries this that sponsors will identify with their sport programmes because as soon as it is observed that there is a state championship in all sports every year meaning a window is opened for companies to come and partner with the organisers. Gradually the event can become self-sustaining as time goes on if properly managed.

    Just for the purpose of citing an example, a state like Lagos State has seen the potential in sport and is working very hard in ensuring that these potentials are harnessed to the fullest. The Lagos State Football Association has developed a brand called EKO Football this brand over the years has grown into something great as sponsors are now associated with the brand and many activities are seen going on courtesy of Eko Football a creation of Lagos State Football Association.

    A visit to Lagos State Football Association will show you how best to invest in sports and get the needed return on investment. Eko Football has its staff, vehicles, playing field and its fan base. However, when we look at the example above and compare it with other states in Nigeria you will be shocked to know that there are some state football associations that have not organised any competition for years. They don’t even have an office address talk less of having staff or vehicle or playing field. Such state football association leadership are in my opinion not supposed to be where they are in fact if I have my way they should be showed the way out.

    I am also aware that in Enugu State there is some sort of activities going on in the State under the guidance of the Enugu State Football Association whereas, in other places I have not heard of the State Football Association doing anything yet. One only hopes thatother states should be busy building the next generation of athletes for their respective states if not, outsiders will come and be paid for their services.

    Most times we find the appointment of Sport Commissioners to be given to people who neither have the passion for sport nor knowledge on how to develop sport. Hence, I think our various state governors should please look at having people with the prerequisite knowledge on sport to be so appointed or those with the passion for sport like Cross River and Lagos State Sport Commissioners. If not we will keep having people that are all out to wage war against sport. (Please send me a mail or text me if sport is doing well in your state. Write your name and state).

  • BRAZIL 2014 fifa world cup: War in Glass House

    BRAZIL 2014 fifa world cup: War in Glass House

    • No Keshi, no meeting, members vow         • Technical committee insists Big Boss must defend Eagles’ 40-man list

    • NFF kept in the dark over Coach’s arrival    • Tacitian expected in TomTom Go To Brazil media launch in Lagos, Tuesday

    A major crisis threatens Nigeria’s 2014 World Cup preparations if Super Eagles chief coach Stephen Keshi fails to attend Tuesday’s tehcnical committee meeting slated to hold at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s secretariat in Abuja from noon.

    SportingLife gathered from those who should know at the Glass House on Tuesday that letters have been dispatched to members of the body’s technical committee to attend the meeting where Keshi’s 40-man list would be discussed, along with his other plans geared towards ensuring that Nigeria has a hitch-free World Cup tournament in Brazil, beginning with Nigeria’s first game against Iran on June 13.

    A decent member of the technical committee informed SportingLife on Sunday that his members have resolved not to hold any discussion if Keshi chooses to snub them, pointing out that: “I have just gathered that Keshi would be at the TomTom Go To Brazil media launch on Tuesday on a day slated to iron out details of Nigeria’s World Cup particiption.

    “We don’t care what other arrangement Keshi has. It is imperative for him to be at that meeting to tell us his plans. The meeting starts at noon on Tuesday and could drag on for hours, like it used to be. But if he fails to be at the meeting, nothing wil take place in Keshi’s absence. It is about time we stopped this trend of disregarding the technical committee.

    “Do you you know that the technical committee has two former national team coaches, three renowned players, in fact ex-internationals who were Keshi’s team mates, a competent media guru who is highly regarded in FIFA, as members? Yet, Keshi will tell the media that he doesn’t think that the technical committee is knowledgeable enough to discuss anything about his team,” he said.

    When SportingLife contacted the General Secretary of the NFF Barrister Musa Amadu over Keshi’s arrival date, he said: “I think Keshi should be in the country on Tuesday. I really cannot tell you when Keshi would be in town.”

    SportingLife’s discussion with Amadu was terminated by bad network connection and several attempts to get in touch with the NFF General Secretary failed as he couldn’t be reached on phone to continue the discussion.