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i-M’ I The Grand Strategy Final Step in Campaigns to ‘draft’ Abacha C Newswatch OVERSEAS SUBSCRIPTION)

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MARCH 9,1998 NIGERIA’S WEEKLY NEWSMAGAZINE VOL. 27 NO. 9

;’mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Nigeria: 15

Cover: 7 Journalists in Ondo State fight for their colleagues in ODTV in trouble with military administrator* Nigerian postal service ca rries out internal house -clearing The Grand Strategy in its determination to improve its service and ensure safety of mails. Is all set for General Sani Political Update: 23 Abacha to succeed Disqualifications mar primaries himself? conducted by UNCP; four other parties wait for reply from A so Rock.

Africa: 25

Sierra Leone prepares for the return of ousted President Kabbah but his own mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmwÆ/m, men fight for positions.

Special Report: 19 World: 26

A new American policy on Nigeria yet to emerge but conferences suggest ways to The Narrowing help Nigeria. Gates Business + Economy: 32

New NUC directive on Federal government re-introduces IDR, other measures to shore up value of the admissions puts naira. universities, prospective students in quandary 4. Letters Business + Economy: 28 5. Editorial Suite They lose the war 6. Preface To Cover

Finance minister, Anthony 34. Culture Ani's opposition to tax consultants pays off. 37. Technology Federal government says no to them but state governments are worried 39. Sports

Newswatch (ISSN 0189-8892) is published weekly by Newswatch Communications Limited, No. 3 Billings Way (off Secretariat Road), Oregun Industrial Estate, Oregun, P.M.B. 21499, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Telephone: 4960950. Fax: 962887. Telex: 27874 NE WCOM NG. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part without permission, is forbidden. Printed in Nigeria by Academy Press Pic, Ilupeju. LETTERS

■ Outrageous! the Gambia where military dictators can any failed coup attempts. easily manipulate their ways through The politicians have advised our first It is simply outrageous and insulting electoral rigging. The heterogeneous and set of leaders into other people's graves. that a few Nigerians who are leaders of volatile nature of Nigeria will not give They have advjsed our nation into parties whose activities are teleguided by room for self-succession. senseless war; they have advised many government officials, should have the Ayuba Hassan, into exile and yet they have advised others audacity to choose a consensus candidate Kalorgu-Kal tun go, Gombc State. into prison. Abacha must be careful in for us and denying Nigerian voters their case they advise him to an unknown right to vote for the presidential candidate This is a clear confirmation of our fear destination the end result of which may of their choice. What type of democracy that from the onset the transition not be good for him as a person and are we trying to introduce in our country, programme was programmed for the Nigeria as a nation. where political parties instead of progress of the head of state from military ]oel Da go no, nominating their own presidential to civilian head of state. This regime owes Kaduna. candidates, are prevailed upon to endorse us a little bit of respect and courtesy. I had one person as a consensus candidate? expected them to encourage the ■ Still on The Tapes (Cover February 16). Our present crop of Iwuanyanwus, Sarakis and Jakandes to politicians are a disgrace, because they a re I will like to commend the entire being led sheepishly. They are afraid to members of Newswatch magazine for your express their free will in order not to tread accuracy and well-researched journalism on some powerful toes. What a shame! on the COUP TAPES (January 26). Though Ifeka Okonkwo, I a m not in support of any form of military Awka. rule in our great country, I must commend the government for making the contents According to the politicians, their of the tapes available to the obas and action was informed by the need for selected media executives. continuity, peace, unity, etc. But must it The way the government mishandled only take General Abacha in a country of the 1995 coup plot made both Nigerians over a hundred million people to achieve and the international community to arrive all that. Are there no men and women 8 at a conclusion that there was never a who,given the same opportunity and right plot. They learnt their lesson and decided environment, will do even better? to prove their point this time. Nigerians General Abacha has indeed succeeded should learn to stand by the truth, even in in areas where others before him were time of difficulties. Any government found wanting. No one can ta ke that a way functionary, the affluent or whoever, that from him. Nevertheless, is that enough is against the presentation or making the vie for the presidency. reason for the party leaders to give him 4 tapes available to the public is an enemy such a clean bill? Even though the bottom Peter'Agba Kalu, of Nigeria's progress. line for that Nigerian who is managing to Aba, Abia State. Ben Oregodo, eke out a living is a guarantee for food, 25 Moland Mead London SElb 2RH. shelter and other basic necessities of life, Well, it does not surprise me much the fact still remains that the party leaders' because when I saw this move first was in As far as one is concerned, the respect choiceof Abacha asa consensus candidate 19% during the party registration. I told and esteem for the Nigerian Military will is far from being a true reflection of the some friends then that all these parties continue to wane on a daily basis even if collective wish and aspiration of majority may not maintain the tenets of democracy the audio and video tapes of the alleged of Nigerians. Abacha should not be because they were designed according to coup plot by Diya and eleven others are unmindful of that. History is replete with the image of the master. shown to the greater Nigerian public. It people who shouted hossanah today and Chukwuesilo Victor lhie, may not be only military generals that metamorphosed tomorrow to ensure Enugu. would call or address a major "Sir" and crucifixion. even prostrate as in Yoruba tradition, Ukefi Onuoha Ukefi, Our politicians are on their normal one day our traditional rulers, prominent Aba, Abia Stqte. errand and so there is nothing new about individuals who are strong members of their calling on Abacha to succeed himself. Any Government In Power (AGIP) will These political prostitutes clamouring Since independence, politicians have choose to prostrate before their subjects for "Abacha 98" should, in their best constituted themselves into demi-gods. to plead forgiveness for teaming up with interest, desist before the wrath of They brought about the first coup in 1966 the military to bring the Nigerian nation oppressed Nigerians falls on them. Abacha and they have assisted in institutionalising to disrepute. should also take cognisance of the fact tha t coups in Nigeria. They are the first set of Uche Sylva A. Ebcrc, Nigeria is not Republic of Niger, neither people to congratulate any successful Owcrri. coup leaders and the first to condemn Typed reactions to the content:; of Newswatch, should be addressed to Newswatch Letters, 3 Billings Way (Off Secretariat Road), Oregun Industrial.Estate, P.M.B. 21499, Ikeja, Nigeria. All letters must bear the correct names, addresses and signatures of the writeirs. Newswatch resems the right to editletters for clarity and brevity.

Newswatch, March 9,1998 Æ ES, THE TRANSITION ^ ^ JL for, they will get on with the next step programme is on course. I 1 W11 1 LI It? that takes us nearer the ultimate objective

Everything is working m .m — a brand new republic, the fourth in JL according to the transition p fj 3 I IJ jfp the series of our periodic births. time-table. Last week, according to the Even as the parties were trying to

primaries to choose candidates for the some powerful men who were disquali­ national assembly elections. That fied, a bigger drama, as this week'scover statement is not quite correct. It would appear that only the story by Mike Akpan, editor, shows, is playing itself out in UNCP dutifully went along with the time-table. The party Abuja this week. Nigerian youths, two million of them, are conducted its primaries in all the states. Not quite. Election holding, well, a carnival to finally persuade General Sani was not necessary in most of the states. In some states, Abacha that there is just no alternative to him as the next disqualifications left only one candidate. In other states, president of the country after himself. It is not unlike young favoured men and women were simply returned as people to be in a hurry. The general himself has asked all of us consensus candidates. These men and women are now to pray for him so that when the'time comes, he will take a ready to take on their opponents from the other political decision that is in the best interests of this nation. The young parties in the real thing next month, right? people believe they can force him to make up his mind right Indications are that it would all be a walk over for UNCP away. I am waiting to see how the head of state can resist the candidates. The other four political parties, as of last week, enormous pressure of two million young people. The weight did not appear to be aware that NECON wanted the of the pressure must be pretty heavy. Will the general make primaries to be conducted last week and results forwarded his decision during this two day carnival? We are keeping to it this week. Impolite. Take that back. The parties knew. our fingers, well, fully exercised for the next story on this They did not conduct their primaries because they were long-running drama. We know we have not heard the last waiting for answers to certain vital questions from Aso from the youths either. Nor from the political parties which Rock. This should not lead anyone, even neophyte political did not conduct V S' commentators, to conclude that the other parties boycotted their primaries last the primaries. When they get the answers they are waiting week. / ' Editor-In-Chief watch AbvunThe International Awa rd-winning Magazine Founders: DELE GIWA (1947—1986), RAY EKPU, DAN AGBESE, YAKUBU MOHAMMED

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Newswatch, March 9,1998 5 PREFACE TO COVER And T omorrow Comes By Dan Agbese

OMORROW HAS ARRIVED. IT IS RATHER off the fingers of the old people from our political pies because of disconcerting, this sudden arrival of tomorrow. what the eaglets had achieved. So, why let them wait on the sidelines Nigerians must be fairly used to this sort of for their tomorrow to crawl along on the back of a tortoise when they disruption with tomorrow arriving when it is least cantake up the leadership of the nation now and do to its politica 1 and expected. To be sure, we pray for and expect tomorrow because all economic problems what they did to their soccer rivals in China — the best things in the world happen tomorrow, what with life not defeat them? being permanent. The poor man today becomes a richman tomorrow. As we know, that grand decision came to grief not because the And the rich man becomes much richer. Without tomorrow, tilings young people did not prove their mettle but well, in politics, some would remain the same — the poor man remains poor and the rich obvious additions do not add up. The general called the papas back man can never be filthy rich. And yet, sometimes when tomorrow into the ring. The rest, as Grouch Mark would have said, is history. comes, we wonder if it is tomorrow or today deceptively dressed to The Abacha administration which, truth be told, has been look like tomorrow. Thirty eight years ago, our first tomorrow arrived. preparing the country for another tomorrow — a civilian We called this independence. We sent the British packing. Or rather, administration — has never had too much help from the papas of to put it more politely, the British, having politics. If you would care to check, you trained our first crop of political leaders and would see that all the members of N ADECO technocrats, felt their task had been done and are papas. And most of those human rights decided to return home to their little island. activists can no longer be enlisted in the With tomorrow in our hands, our own moved National Youth Service Corps. One Is not too sure if this is a good or a bad thing but into the GRA where, before that tomorrow s came, we were scared off by dogs kept by the | there is reason enough to suspect that British for the express duty of keeping black jjf denied of fresh, hot, bubbling blood of the people away from the somnolent £ young, the activities of these people are surroundings of the important people. o bogged down in the morass of verbiage. On the night of January 15, 1966, five | And that leads us to this. For a couple of young majors in the Nigerian Army, felt that i. years or so, the youths of this country came tomorrow had become tardy and decided to | together and decided they must have a help it along with their guns. We did not quite | hand in the delicate construction of the know what to make of this but we borrowed country's tomorrow. They fonned several a French word to give it a name—a>///> d'etat. groups to pursue this singular self-imposed The eaglets had arrived. mission. The best known of them until Since then, we have passed from one quite recently goes by the unlikely name of tomorrow to another endlessly. Never mind. Youths Earnestly Ask Abacha. The acronym All nations are built not only with the sweat of is YEAA, one letter longer than the their citizens but more importantly with the American word for yes but homonymie. bricks and mortars of hope and aspirations so This week marks the climax of their that tomorrow will look like the work of campaigns. Gennan engineers — perfect and pleasing to As you read this, two million youths, the eyes as in Mercedes Benz cars. Nations the leaders of tomorrow are either in Abuja that tire of passing from one tomorrow to or on their way there where the most another suddenly find themselves nations of yesterday. The great momentous political event of our time - a mammoth rally by the empires of the ancient days collapsed for that reason. Nigerians, be not leaders of tomorrow will be held March 3 and 4. It is no big deal that tired of our national progress, even if, sometimes in moment of the rally will be propped up, as all such rallies are, by words, pious, national confusion, we are nostalgic about yesterday and look forward beguiling words spoken to the strident effusion of sincerity with the to tomorrow with dread and fear and alarm. colour of faded ash. Every nation builds its tomorrow for its young people. For their The import of this rally is that it marks a break between yesterday tomorrow, remember? We plan and work and sacrifice today's comfort and today. Ouryouths, thank goodness, havetaken our political future for their tomorrow. Tomorrow belong* to the young. Tliey are the into their own hands. No one can blame them. They will live in that leaders of tomorrow. The shape of tomorrow, like every good piece of future. Their singular objective Is to force, note the word, General Sani art, Is designed today. Tomorrow cannot take care of itself. Abacha to become our next president after Ills current tenure as head Since the military came, they have been trying to promote of state expires October 1, only seven months away. revolutions of some sorts. In 1985, help came from an unlikely source The country belongs to the youths, erratic power and fuel supply — the world of soccer. Our young people, all of whom were, if the and all. They want to ensure that when that tomorrow arrives, it will whole truth is not to be told, under seventeen, went to China and be a good tomorrow. They are unwilling to trust anyone but Abacha conquered the world. Their victory was not as much of a national to do the job for them. Seen anything more persuasive? Once again, achievement as it was a demonstration of the ability and the capacity the eaglets have done it. I have a sneaking feeling that Arthur of young people to spring healthy surprises on the papas and mamas. Nzeribe, who tried to do for Babangida with his ABN what Daniel There is no proof of tills but there is enough reason to suspect that Kami with his YEAA Is doing for Abacha, must be biting his fingers President Ibahim Babangida hit on the controversial decision to take because he came into this game not young.

6 Newswatch, March*9,1998 u ' / ' ' -

Abacha: Will he succumb to the pressure from the people? The Grand Strategy

Is all set for General Sani Abacha to succeed himself?

By Mike Akpan

he campaign to from various groups and individuals to advertisements urged Nigerians to be draft General Sani contest the August 1, presidential election. part of the big event starting March 3. Abacha, head of state, Throughout last week, the National The venue of the two-day carnival is into the forthcoming Council of Youth Associations of Nigeria, the new parade ground, Abuja, which presidential race NACYAN, ran full-page advertisements last week, assumed a new look. When reaches a critical stage in some national newspapers to sensitise Neivsivatch visited the parade ground last this week. A forum has been created for the general public on the two-day Tuesday, Julius Berger's workers were him to make the much expected "carnival" in Abuja this week which will busy putting up the necessary structures. announcementT yielding to persuasion feature processions and mass rallies. The Ten podiums were under construction Newswatch, March 9,1998 Pro-Abacha campaigners having a field day while new flood lights were being would pick the bills. For most of last only a forum to persuade Abacha to make installed. The organisers expect two week, Ilya Ibrahim, national chairman of up his mind, he is expected to use the million people for the rally. NACYAN, and Daniel Kanu, NACYAN rally to flag off his presidential campaign. Said Ahmed Bature, chairman of the vice-chairman who also doubles as Some gift items aimed at influencing the mobilisation sub-committee of national executive chairman of Youths behaviours of voters will be distributed. NACYAN: "We have targeted two Earnestly Ask for Abacha, YEA A, could These incl ude 3( ),( X X ) T-Sh irts, key holders, million youths for the rally, but at worst, not be reached because they spent long badges, pencils, exercise books, stickers, we should be able to mobilise 5()(),()tH) hours at the presidency to straighten out banners, caps, among other items. Chris people to attend and participate in the all arrangements regarding the two-day Adiene, national public relations officer rally." carnival. of YEAA, confirmed this arrangement. From all indications, the rally will Altogether, more than 150 He refused to say whether the gulp several millions of naira going by organisations and youth councils from government was providing the several the publicity given to it. About 36 foreign all the local government areas in the millions of naira needed to purchase the and local performing artistes, including country, including YEA A '98, Nigeria gift items. Sunny Ade, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, and Youth Organisation, African Youth This week's rally will be the climax of Victor Uwaifo are billed to entertain the Congress, Nigeria Economic Network a campaign which started sometime in crowd in the 48-hour carnival. It is Support Organisation, Current Affairs Î995. At that time, the government expected to attract all members of the Association of Nigeria, National Youth pretended it did not* support it. Said Provisional Ruling Council, service chiefs, Vanguard and National Council of Oladipo Diya, a lieutenant-general and senior military officers, ministers, state Women Societies are to be effectively then chief of general staff: "We as a military administrators, top civil servants represented at the rally. government, will ensure that we do not at federal and state levels and local Proclaimed Ibrahim and Kanu in their do anything that will tamper with our government chairmen. jointly sponsored advertisements in some credibility. We will implement every The organisers claimed that four national dailies last week: "No school!! word, every letter of that transition former heads of state, namely Shehu No Work!! No Sleep!!!" The implication programme. We will ensure that the Shagari, Ernest Shonekan, Yakubu is that the federal government has not confidence the people of this country Gowon and Muhammadu Buhari would only given the NACYAN permit to stage repose in us is not in any way tampered address the crowd on Abacha's self­ the rally at a time when opposing groups with..." succession. are denied same, it has also approved Diya then lashed out at the Although NACYAN were the that the two days should be work-free in campaigners: "Some sycophants are still organisers of the rally, all indications last Abuja. out again to deceive. Some are even week were that the federal government Critics say this week's rally is not floating parties now. They are floating it

8 Newswatch, March 9,1998 COVER for the military. We have to be careful extend his rule beyond October 1,1998. achievements of this administration. with these sycophants. We assure you as Abacha has maintained that posture ever What I urge you to do is to continue to a government that if these sycophants since. When members of the traditional pray to God that whatever decision or and all anti-democratic elements continue rulers' forum finally endorsed his action we take will be in the interestof the to behave as they have been behaving in candidacy for the August 1, presidential entire natioh." the past, we will deal with them election on February 12, the head of state He also equivocated in his response ruthlessly. This is a fact." did not betray his emotion in his response to the request of some traditional rulers The campaigners seemed to have got to their request. Said he: "I would like to from the eastern states last October when the message and packed up. They express my appreciation for the challenge they urged him to succeed himself. resurfaced after Mohammed Bello, you have thrown to me." Abacha told them that it was a difficult former chief justice of Nigeria, innocently He considered the request as "heart­ decision for him to make and assured answered a question put to him by a warming" and "inspiring" adding "it is a them he would think about it. He was reporter who wanted his legal opinion recognition and appreciation of the also ambiguous when a correspondent of on whether Abacha, under the current political transition programme, could contest this year's presidential election. Bello said Abacha, as a free citizen of Nigeria, had equal rights as any other person to contest any election and that there was nothing in the constitution barring him. Since then, that answer had been understood to mean a call on Abacha to retire from the army and contest the forthcoming presidential election. The campaign gathered more steam after David Attah, chief press secretary to the head of state, said he was surprised that Nigerians were not exercising enough pressure on Abacha to make up his mind to contest the presidential election this year. Although Attah said the debate on whether Abacha should contest the election or not was interesting, what he expected from Nigerians "is for them to exert sufficient pressure on the head of state to convince him to continue." Attah's radio interview was one of the strategies designed to present Abacha vv jmw .. f*.\\sl**î**îi as someone who was not anxious to Iwuanyanwu, Daboh: Rooting for an Abacha presidency

the Washington Times asked him in February last year if it was true he would contest the presidential election this year. Abacha's reply was that he saw nothing wrong in running for the presidency given the examples of other African states although he had not yet considered the matter. He, however, said it was up to his constituency to decide. Even when his wife, Maryam, added her voice to the debate, there was no categorical statement as to whether or not Abacha should enter the presidential race. The First Lady was equally evasive when she told Newswatch editorial team last March that her husband was eminently suited for the job if it was the wish of Allah and Nigerians. Sincié Abacha did not call Attah to order, ft was generally assumed that he had given his nod to die various groups Bello: Flew the kite that later mushroomed to campaign for

Newswatch, March 9,1998 9 ‘ ■ COVER

him. Among such groups were the displeasure of the federal government on "What Nas actually meant was th Movement for Abacha for President led the ways and manner the various pro- government has not mandated any groi by Orji Kalu, a United Nigeria Congress Abacha groups went about their nor does it give any official backing Party, UNCP, governorship aspirant in campaigns. Nas said the activities of the their activities. People are free to expre: Abia State; the National Mobilisation and "obscure" campaigners were clearly themselves and their hearts' desire fc Persuasion Committee for Abacha '98 prejudicial to the integrity of thepolitical the head of state, provided it is done wit led by Godwin Daboh, formerly a leader transition programme of the federal some decorum," Unaogu explained. in the Grassroots Democratic Movement, government as well as the sincerity of its The confusion was furthe GDM, in Benue State; the African Youth leadership in the pursuit of its avowed compounded the next day when Walt€ Council, General (Dr.) Sani Abacha '98 commitment to handing over to a Ofonagoro, then information and cultur Presidency and YEA A. democratically elected civilian minister, addressed a two-day workshoj Some of the groups sought national administration in October this year. He in Ilorin. He told participants at th relevance bv mnkine dubious claims of warned: "The federal government opening session of the workshop tha Abacha-for-President campaigner should ignore the statements of his tw< colleagues because they were expressing 4 their personal opinion. 4 "The head of state has never tolc anybody that he is contesting an election.' Ofonagoro said he was the only H authorised spokesman of the govemmenl and .that whatever any other minister said should not be regarded as authoritative." The official confusion encouraged the emergence of more pro-Abacha campaigners on the scene. As at today, there are nearly 30 of such groups. Most of them have converged on Abuja with lorry-loads of hired crowds. They have no problem in getting permits to hold rallies in any part of the country and are given adequate protection by law enforcement agents. In the last six weeks, several groups have organised workshops and symposia to convince Nigerians on why Abacha should continue as a civilian president. Arisekola, Adedibu: Actively mobilising support for Abacha Their leaders pay visits to ministers, state military administrators and traditional their strength. Kalu, for instance, claimed reserves the right to deal appropriately rulers as well as those that matter in his movementhas 32.25 million Nigerians with any form of threat to the smooth government at all levels. Such visits are as members and that they had already attainment of this onerous objective given undue prominence and airtime on endorsed Abacha's presidential ambition. without prejudice to the right and government-owned media, the network Daboh, on the other hand, published a responsibilities of the majority of law- news of Radio Nigeria and the Nigerian long list of names of those he claimed abiding and peace-loving Nigerians." Television Authority. were members of his National According to Nas, the federal One of the groups that have Mobilisation and Persuasion Committee government had not mandated any established presence in Abuja is the in some national newspapers. The list groups to campa ign for Abacha to become General Sani Abacha Movement for was discredited when some of thepersons a civilian president in 1998 and whoever Peaceful and Successful Transition, listed in the newspapers dissociated had made any statement to the contrary GESAM, led by Yomi Tokoya. The group themselves from the movement. was expressing a personal opinion. has published a book, Abachanomics The openness of the campaigns and Nas' statement contradicted the detailing the achievements of the head of the campaigners were said to embarrass earlier position adopted by Attah and state and why Nigerians should adopt the head of state apparently because they which Abacha did not react adversely to. him as their life president. Tokoya has were sending too early signals nationally More official confusion was to follow. On also organised book launches and and internationally. Abacha's strategists April 28, Lazarus Unaogu, another special seminars in the federal capital territory, decided to introduce official confusion duties minister, contradicted Nas. Abuja. into the campaign. According to Unaogu, Nas did not Another group that is struggling for Wada Nas, then special duties outrightly bar anyone from expressing relevance is the Abacha Solidarity minister, issued a two-page statement on his love in any form for Abacha, including Movement, ASOMO. The group whose April 13, last year which conveyed the a campaign for his self perpetuation. logo carries a handshake, has its

10 Newswatch, March 9,1998 COVER

Da boh's movement is also enjoying government patronage. The leader is given red carpet treatment by governments during his mobilisation tour of the states. He is currently on tour of states, enlisting the support of traditional rulers and military administrators for his programme. Before the nation-wide tour, his group had held rallies in Abuja, Gwagwalada, Kuje and other neighbouring districts. Government's tacit support for pro- Abacha campaigners has encouraged other groups to emerge. They include 21st Generation led by Babalade Oriwu from the Lagos axis, Vision '98, National Mobilisation for Abacha believed to be backed by Azeez Alao Arisekola a close friend of Abacha. Lamidi Adedibu, a leader of the Democra tic Party of Nigeria, DPN, is also said to be one of its backers. The Movement for Independent Democracy is led by Nya Eyoma Asuquo, former director of administration, finance and political affairs of the Congress for National Consensus, CNC. He said he Essien-lgbokwe: Set to entertain the crowd decided to quit the CNCjob to avoid role secretariat at Area "A" Nyanya, a suburb • money from the government. Money is of Abuja. Its slogan is: "ASOMO - Unity also responsible for the crises in their Unity ASOMO-ASOMO Abacha for fold. Lastyear, YEAA survived a coup by President '98. ASOMO is led by Abayomi some of its executives who accused Kami Owulade, a shipping magnate and a of overbearing personality and non­ Lagos titled chief. It was launched on accountability for the funds of the January 22, this year. association. Kami strongly denied that Before the launching, Owulade held he was receiving large sums of money a press conference in Abuja. He had from some government quarters. He problems reading his prepared speech claimed that so far, he had been financing and found it difficult to pronounce certain the association with his personal income. words. For instance, he called NDLEA From all indications, YEAA seems to N-delay. He tried to avoid answering have been well-equipped for the last stage questions because he could not express of the campaign. The group has acquired himself. Owulade harped on the over­ two new Toyota Hiace buses fitted with beaten argument that the alternative to communication equipment and very Abacha was chaos and war. He denied powerful external loudspeakers. that his campaign was bankrolled by the It has sunk several millions of naira federal government. into purchases of many gift items which Even as he was denying government it has started to distribute to Nigerians at sponsorship of his group, an ugly scene every campaign rally. Recently, the group was created. A Lagos chief threatened distributed YEAA exercise books to him with a showdown if he was not paid schools. It is importing 15,000 tonnes of the agreed fee for hiring him for the Abacha branded rice from Thailand for occasion. He told him: "You knew I am a the campaign. June 12 supporter but I agreed to come Last January, the group organised a here because you promised me money." symposium for para-military officers to That incident helped to explain one educate them on the role they should point. Most of those who are involved in play to ensure Abacha's self-succession the campaign for Abacha to succeed plan. Today, Kami is a known face at Aso himself do not believe in what they are Rock Villa. He enjoys 24-hour security doing but see the exercise as a gold mine. protection. Armed security men guard For this reason, several groups have his offices and hotel suite at the Agura emerged for the sole purpose of making hotels, Abuja.

Newswatch, March 9,1998 11 »

conflicts. Asuquo said the MID had already collected 10 million names all asking Abacha to enter the presidential race. He said the ultimate target was to collect 26 million names. "We hope to achieve this by June/' he said. Asked about his source of funds for the campaign, Asuquo retorted: "I have not received a kobo from government. I have a lot of political friends and they have been assisting. You know this campaign is the concerned Youth of Nigeria, COYON, its patron is said to be Arisekola. COYON has Lawal Adewale as national chairman and John Topeak as secretary. Although Adewale refused to reveal COYON's sources of funds, he claimed the god-fathers include Attah, Awalu Yadudu, legal adviser to the head of state, Umaru Shinkafi, a former security chief and Arthur Eze, a millionaire businessman. Apart from active encouragement to the campaigners, Abacha had apparently carefully planned and executed his presidential ambition. One of his earliest steps was to ensure that the constitutional conference worked according tohisplans. Diya: Warned against pro-Abacha campaigns He did not allow the conference to appoint its own chairman and deputy. The decree not meet the four-month deadline given empowered him to appoint the two to it to complete work on the draft principal officers of the conference. By constitution because of long implication, they were responsible to him. adjournments said to havebeen instigated Besides, the decree also empowered him by the executive. to appoint % of the 363 constitutional When in December 1994, the regime conference delegates. was given January 1,1996, as its terminal His critics suspected that government date, it used pro-military lobbyists at the had decided to nominate such a large conference to have a blank cheque to number of delegates in order to allow the determine when it is convenient for passage of unpopular decisions. The Abacha to go. Even though Abacha suspicion was fuelled more by the voluntarily chose October 1, 1998, the provision of the constitutional conference government is using sponsored groups decree on the number of members who of campaigners to persuade him to stay could form a quorum at any sitting. Said on. the decree: "The quorum of the conference Despite government's assurance that for the purpose of transacting any it would not alter the major decisions of business other than an adjournment shall the conference, the reverse was the case. comprise the chairman or deputy Government decided to dump the chairman and not less than one-third of recommendations of the conference the members of the conference." which favoured a presidential system The interpretation of that provision is with three vice-presidents in favour of a that 123 delegates could form a quorum. Nnaji: Supported Abacha till death system which provides for a president, a With 96 delegates nominated by the vice-president, a prime minister and a government, the conference would find government to manipulate the deputy. The powers of the elected officers it easy to pass controversial issues even deliberations of the conference with 96 are not known because the draft if more than a half of the elected members members appointed by it. His reasoning constitution is still undergoing pulled out. was that since only 123 delegates were amendments. Dan Suleiman, a retired air required to form a quorum, it would be Critics say the decision of the head of commodore and a member of National easy for government to find willing state to withhold the promulgation of the Democratic Coalition, NADECO, said delegates to make up the number. constitution is to enable him amend its then that Abacha had a hidden agenda As expected, the conference was provisions to suit his presidential arguing that it would be easy for manipulated by the government. It could ambition. They argue that the creation of

12 Newswatch, March 9,1998 ■ COVER

the post of prime minister is a deliberate design to divert the attention of southerners from the presidential race. For now, prominent southerners are scrambling to go to the senate with the hope of getting the prime ministerial job even though they neither know the powers attached to the position nor whether he must be appointed from the national assembly. Several measures have been adopted to ma ke sure there a re no good contenders for the presidency. One of them was the denial of registration to formidable political associations that were likely to produce tested presidential candidates. Instead, five little known parties were registered. Another measure was a total crack down on all forms of opposition from individuals and groups. The labour groups have been emasculated through draconian laws. The failed banks and failed contracts decrees have been used to scare away politicians with any Adesanya: Completely opposed to Abacha's presidency presidential ambition. Abacha did nothing to check transition programme. man. ministerial involvement in the running Thepressureon the traditional rulers' It was not clear how the unanimous of the parties, notably the UNCP an DPN. forum to endorse Abacha's presidential endorsement of the traditional rulers was As a result, the ministers had made the ambition was seen as a deliberate strategy achieved in Abuja after they had rejected a similar proposal in Ibadan on November 27, lastyear. Dependable sources sayjwry Useni, lieutenant-general and minister of FCT, who is also chairman of the traditional rulers' forum, "worked" on them to support the head of state to spite the political parties which had failed to co-operate with Sule Hamman, political adviser to Abacha. Hamman had worked on the party leaders to adopt one common candidate for the presidential election. Abacha's strategists had anticipated this development from the political parties. One of them was quoted as saying it is difficult to trust politicians. The thinking now in Aso Rock Villa is that the successes of the UNCP in the national assembly elections must continue despite protests from the other four political parties. This is to ensure that Abacha has no serious challenger in the presidential election, especially from M.D. Yusuf, a former police chief, who is likely to be the candidate of the GDM in the race. If the Nas, Unaogu: Issued conflicting statements consensus arrangement had worked, UNCP to be the only dominant party on to neutralise the lackof unanimity among Nigerians would be expected to accept or whose platform the head of state is the leaders of the five political parties to reject Abacha in a referendum which he expected to contest the August 1 adopt Abacha as,a consensus candidate. is very sure to win. presidential election. This preferential TheGDM had opted outof theagreement The head of state has made sure that treatment for the UNCP has evoked the at the all-parties' meeting in Abuja all existing laws and regulations that envy of other political parties who are February 10, insisting it was not going to would impede his presidential ambition now threatening to pull out of the amend its constitution for the sake of one are amended. For instance, public

Newswatch, March 9,1998 13 servants who want to contest any election of Champion newspapers agreed with Eze. army, navy or air force council. There is can stay on their jobs until two weeks to He told Newswatch that Abacha needed no way Abacha as a civilian head of state the elections. They can go back to their another five years to complete the would be able to influence those councils jobs if they are not successful in the programmes he had put in place as he does now. elections. It was not clear whether the otherwise the military might return since Moreover, there is no guarantee that relevant laws barring serving military it was easier to topple a civilian head of as a civilian head of state, he would officers from going into politics unless state than a military person. prevent coups. Only good governance they resigned a year before the elections Inwuanyanwu's argument holds no can prevent coups. Nor is there any have also been amended. water. If Abacha succeeds himself in guarantee that when he becomes a civilian One issue that will continue to be October, he will be like any civilian head president, the country will no more hotly debated from both sides of the of state. Apart from his ceremonial role witness ethnic strifes as it happened divide is whether Abacha as the midwife as commander-in-chief of the armed between the Ijaw and Itsekiri in Warri of the on-going transition programme forces, he will be a member of neither the and between the Ife and Modakeke in should enter the race at all. Sunday Osun State. Mbang, prelate of the Methodist Church Some of the pro-Abacha campaigners and president of the Christian Associa tion seem to have mixed up issues while of Nigeria, CAN, said morally and legally, recounting the achievements of the it is wrong for the head of state to allow present administration. For instance, himself to be dragged into the presidential Dupe Owulade Ojeniyi, leader of the race. Yoruba National Council, listed He argued. "I see Abacha as a referee uninterrupted academic sessions in in this game. He is like a midwife who is tertiary institutions as one of the pregnant. He cannot deliver himself. achievements of the Abacha regime Abacha should not follow the multitude forgetting that students spent more than to the devil. He cannot say because other nine months at home during the face-off military leaders have transformed into a between the federal government and the civilian president in other nations, he Academic Staff Union of Universities. must do it here. Are you saying that we Whatever the argument of the don't have enough leaders in this country? campaigners, Abacha must try to be a Those supporting Abacha-for-presidency scholar of history. Self-styled patriots are men of idle hands. They are working have misled military leaders in the past. merely to enrich themselves." Gowon danced to the tune of the Added Abraham Adesanya, Committee of Ten and Nigeria in NADECO chairman: "I have no doubt in Confidence to stay in power longer than my mind that those clamouring for necessary. He was kicked out of office in Abacha to contest, shouting the slogan a military coup. General Ibrahim never at any time love Nigeria. What is it Babangida was persuaded by the that Abacha would do which he has not Idahosa: Threatens to fight Abacha Association for Better Nigeria to extend been able to do all these years and what is his rule by another four years. He was the magic touch that would come when » disgraced outof office. Will Abacha allow he becomes a civilian president to ease the campaigners to mislead him? The the trouble and problems of the masses?" decision is his to make this week. Benson Idahosa, president of the Tunji Otegbeye, a member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, says it defunct constitutional conference, has a will be inimical for Abacha to succeed word of advice for him. "Any attempt by himself. He warned: "If he attempts to Abacha to succeed himself is a replace his military uniform with that of contradition of a pledge he (Abacha) a civilian president, the PFN will raise a made at the inauguration of the candidate to fight him in the political conference in 1994" game. The PFN will take the unfolding Mamman Abubakar Dan Musa, era as a campaign for righteousness former deputy senate president, in the against iniquity." Second Republic, shares the same view. But Eze feels there is no capable leader "If General Sani Abacha, another now to replace Abacha. Said he during an northerner is allowed to contest the interview with Newswatch last November: presidential election, the mischief makers "I have looked round, I have not seen any will say that the north is not willing to challenger... The fact is that we have no relinquish political power and this will alternative to Abacha. We have to draft jeopardise the present administration’s him. If other presidential candidates have efforts to resolve the national question of abandoned us, Abacha cannot abandon power-sharing once and for all," he said. us now." Reported by Wale Akin Aina, Olu Emmanuel Inwuanyanwu, publisher Suleiman: Salvo from abroad Ojewale, and MudiagaOfuokii

14 Newswatch, March 9,1998 NIGERIA

Fagbayibo and Yusuff expired at mid­ day last Wednesday, the state labour leaders appeared lost as to the next line of action. The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Nigeria Union Journalists, NUJ, were yet to agree on how to calm the We# Could tension in the state labour movement. Newswatch investigations in various ministries showed that workers were eager to go on strike to express their displeasure with the state government. On Tuesday, after a series of meetings, ODTV workers mandated their NUJ Be Next chapel leaders to get approval from the state council of the NUJ for an immediate strike action. But the NUJ state council was not in a hurry to take such action. At its monthly Journalists in Ondo State fight for their congress on Tuesday evening, the NUJ executive promised further deliberations colleagues in ODTV in trouble with on the issue so as not to run foul of the law. Also at the meeting, members called military administrator for a judicial commission of inquiry with labour leaders as members, to replace the By Olu Ojewale current probe panel headed by a military officer, to investigate the incident which led to the suspension of Fagbayibo and Yusuff. They similarly asked for an immediate reinstatement of the officers. The state journalists also asked for immediate removal of Bamidele Daji, a lieutenant-commander and chief security officer to the state military administrator. In a letter to the state NLC on Wednesday, the NUJ listed these demands in addition to pleading with the congress to call out workers on an indefinite strike action to save them from constant harassment of the military. The council further argued that the action would partially restore the dignity of Fagbayibo and Yusuff who suffered humiliation from the military men February 19. They argued that if the workers refused to act now, any of them could be the next victim. Fagbayibo and Yusuff were in their offices discharging their routine duties when trouble struck. Aji Okpe, a youth corps member attached to ODTV was Onyearugbulem: Gave suspension order finding it difficult to get his monthly allowance of N1,00() that day. The HE ATMOSPHERE IN Baba tunde Yusuff, director of finance payment of his stipend was delayed the home of Dunni Fagba­ and administration, ODTV was also because he was given a two-week break yibo, was sombre for most suspended. Both of them were beaten up for Christmas and new year holiday. of last week. Friends and February 19, by a team of military men Instead, Okpe, Newswatch learnt, did not relatives thronged her led by the driver to the military return to work until sometime in residence at No 18, Temidire Street, administrator. They were suspended on February. Oshinle quarters, Akure, to sympathise the orders of the administrator, Anthony The controller of finance asked him with her on her suspension as general Onyearugbulem. to get clearance from his bosses before managerofOndoStateTelevision, ODTV, As the 48-hour ultimatum given to getting paid. By the time he was cleared, February 19. the state government to reinstate there was not enough money to pay him.

Newswatch, March 9,1998 15 ■ NIGERIA

Sources told Newswatch that Okpe was victims were called into the office of offices. They broke into the office of tht told to be patient while someone went to Onyearugbulem who demanded to know deputy director of news and cyrren the corporation's commercial centre at why they were beaten up. The military affairs, from where they took a way Severn Oba-Ile, about three kilometres away, to men allegedly told him that Fagbayibo documents, including the recordec i bring money. and Yusuff had abused General Sani cassettes of Friday, February 20, sever That apparently did not please him. Abacha, the head of state. o'clock news in which the NUJ’s reactior Okpe allegedly stormed out of the Onyearugbulem reportedly flew into to the assault was broadcast. premises of the corporation, promising a rage and used most uncomplimentary The Dong Panel began its assignmen to deal with the bosses delaying the words to dress down the assaulted civil lastTuesdayatthe323airdefenceartillen payment of his allowance. At the servants. He then summoned the state brigade's officers' mess. Fagbayibo anc Government House, Okpe reported the commissioner of police, the director of Yusuff were among the first set of people matter to Onoche, the driver to the the state security service, SSS, and the it summoned. The panel also instructec military administrator, who is his relation. commanding officer of 323 air defence them to show up every day until i He, in turn, reported the matter to Daji. artillery brigade, to his office. concludes its task. The chief security officer, CSO, reportedly Nczvsivatch learnt that the military By mid-last week, seven other staf sent the MA's driver and a soldier back to administrator handed the two civil of the corporation, including the directe the corporation, to bring the controller of servants to them to be charged with of news and current affairs, wer finance. She was not at her seat. treason and felony, for their alleged summoned before the panel. Onoche anc The military men then accosted the uncomplimentary remarks against Okpe have also appeared at the hearing director of finance and administration Abacha. He allegedly accused them of However, the panel does not enjo; and told him that Daji wanted to see him being disloyal to the state and federal the confidence of the people in the statt at the administrator's office. Sensing governments. Thereare fears that theprobepanel migh trouble, Yusuff immediately alerted the Fagbayibo and Yusuff were then not be fair in its judgment. Newswatc general manger who intervened and taken to the SSS office for further learnt that Onyearugbulem had not bee: pleaded with them to leave him alone. interrogation and later released at 9:00 happy with Fagbayibo for trying to asser She promised to come and see the CSO p.m. the independence of ODTV. immediately. When they regained their freedom, The military administrator was sail Shortly after, Fagbayibo headed for Fagbayibo was admitted into Saint to have been displeased that ODT the administrator's office to see Daji. Michael Hospital, a private clinic, while maintained a daily broadcast on event When she got there, she was told that the Yusuff went to the state general hospital leading to the burial of Adekunle Ajasir CSO had gone out. She then left a message for treatment. She was treated for shock, former governor of Ondo State, who die that she would be back. On her way back blood-shot eyes and swollen face. Yusuff October 3, last year. He was particularl to the office, about a kilometre from the received about 16 stitches on his head. infuriated that the station showed face administrator's office, she sighted Yusuff The following day, the military of NADECO members in its broadcas sandwiched between two military men administrator summoned an emergency Besides, he was said to have complaine in front of a Peugeot 504 station wagon, state executive council meeting during about the ODTV story on the death c the military administrator's escort car, which the incident was reviewed. Sources Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, a retired majoi coming on the opposite side. Fagbayibo told Ncioswatch that he wanted the two general and former chief of staff, suprem immediately turned to follow them. civil servants dismissed outrightbut most headquarters, who died in prisa By the time she entered the office of the cabinet members disagreed with December 8, lastyear, while serving a lit compound, Yusuff was already being them. They warned that the issue could sentence for his alleged involvement i drilled and beaten up. Sources told cause serious industrial action. the 1995 alleged coup. Ncwswatch that about eight military men Onyearugbulem later agreed that the Some of the civil servants who spok — navy and soldiers — who arrested officials be suspended instead. with Newswatch alleged th; Yusuff took part in beating him right In their letter of suspension dated Onyearugbulem merely used the ever from his office. February 20, and signed by Alaba Isijola, of February 19 as an excuse to get rid c He was already a pitiable sight by director-general, political and economic Fagbayibo whom he did not regard as the time Fagbayibo arrived at the scene at department, the two officials were told fana tical supporter of his administra tioi the administrator's office. He was soaked that the action was "to allow for free and For most of last week, officials c in his own blood. Touched by the scene, fair investigation." The letter warned NUJ, ODTV chapel, were being hunte Fagbayibo pleaded with the military men them to keep away from "the premises of by the SSS. Rotimi Obamuwagur to stop the beating. ODTV until investigation is concluded." chairman of the chapel, told Newsuwtc On sighting Fagbayibo, Onoche was That same Friday, February 20, that he stopped sleeping at home sine said to have started raining curses and Onyearugbulem set up a five-man probe Saturday, February 21. He said SSS me abuses on her, for having the guts to panel to investigate the incident as well were shadowing his movementand tho* follow them. She replied the naval man as one-yea r ten ure of Fagbayibo as general of his colleagues. in the same manner. Onoche then manager of ODTV. The panel is headed Shola Akinuli, chief press secretar allegedly moved nearer to her, grabbed by T.E. Dong, a lieutenant-colonel and to the military administrator, refused t her by the throat and shoved her. One of the commanding officer, 323 Air defence comment on the whole allegations again the soldiers on the assault squad then artillery brigade, Akure. his boss. He insisted: "Let us wait for th allegedly slapped her in the face. On Sunday February 22, a group of panel's report on the matter. It would t Thereafter, the military men and their security men, led by Daji stormed ODTV prejudicial to comment on this matt»

16 Newswatch, March 9,199 I NIGERIA while the panel is still on, especially with labour leaders to avert such an action," to fight her cause. because of the grave nature of the action. But some civil servants and incident." Fagbayibo was not ready to comment journalists who spoke with Newswatch He, however, expressed the hope tha t either. She expressed her trust in God to argued that the issue has gone beyond an the labour leaders would not call workers take control of the situation. She also assault on Fagbayibo and Yusuff. They out on strike. He told Newswatch that appealed to Femi Akinlabi, Ondo State say if the Onyearugbulem administration government would continue to dialogue NLC chairman, not to take any "radical is allowed to get away with the incident, he could do worse things to them.

BRIEFS

■ Lagos the village hall of Idung Eyedok, Afaha Ekpenedi. The exercise follows over 30 days of collection and return of claims forms in Murderers the state's fouraffected local government areas of Eket, Onna, Esit Eket and Ibeno. The collection of forms will, however, Nabbed continue in Yenegoa for the spill's victims in Bayelsa State while a separate schedule By Obong Akpaekong is being worked out for Lagos and Rivers &Raphael Adeyanju states. Varied sums of money ranging from N100,000 - N340,000 are being demanded by individuals as compensation. Some of the victims have Abubakar Tsav, Lagos State engaged the services of marine, ecology commissioner of police, announced last and environmental pollution experts to week that four people had been arrested assist them assess the claims. over the murder of Hadija Lantana Obor, 38, a captain and the only female pilot with the Nigerian Airways. Peter Idowu, W Nigeria Prison Service a nightWeftch man and a runaway accomplice, allegedly strangled Obor, January 10, in her apartment while she 8,000 was cooking. They hid her remains in a Tsav soak-away pit. Tsav said that the case had remained her decomposing body in a soak-awn y Warders to a mystery to the police until February 3, tank. when a police constable on duty at No 40AA, Bourdilion Road, Ikoyi, saw Idowu Go coming out of an adjacent building with ■Akwa Ibom some personal effects including electronic About 8,0(X) officials of the Nigeria items. Idowu who could not explain how Prisons Service, NPS, may lose their jobs he got the items was arrested. He later Before Naira in the rationalisation exercise in federal confessed to the police at the state criminal ministries and parastatals. A committee investigation department, SCID, Panti, headed by an assistant comptroller - that he and another security man, a former Rain general of the service completed its employee of Obor, murdered her, Idowu assignment last week. told the police that his accomplice who is Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, However, sources said the list, already now at large made away with an MPNU, will, this week, begin verification being studied by Mohammed Jarma, the undisclosed amount, belonging to the of over 18,(X)0 claims it received from comptroller general of prisons was being late captain. victims of the Idoho Oil spill of January vetted to ensure that the workers were Tsav said that Idowu's confession 12. The committee which the company not victimised in the process. Sources prompted the police to arrest the other set up for the purpose will sit in nine said even though Jarma commended the three people who allegedly made away centres in Akwa Ibom State beginning committee for the successful completion with the deceased property including a Monday, March 2, at the primary school, of its assignment, he insisted on the Santana car. Afaha Efiat, Ikot Akpatek. It is expected vetting beca use of allegations of nepotism The suspects' confession also led the to complete the assignment March 14 levelled against members of the police to Obor's house where the found after its interview with the claimants at committee by some aggrieved persons.

Newswatch, March 9,1998 17 NIGERIA Tackling Image

1 !5M Aziza: Tackling mail-related problem;

Problem Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. Hussaina At NIPOST's public relations manager, sa; nine out of the eleven staff dismisse from the LFAO had been handed over I Nigerian Postal Services carries out internal the Task Force on Telecommunicatior and Postal Offences "for furtht house-clearing in its determination to interrogation and trial." She said oth* LFAO officials who were neith* improve its services and ensure safety of dismissed nor retired were beir transferred to other NEPOST stations ; mails the co un try. NIPOST isyettomakepubl names of the affected workers. NIPOST also relocated LFAO to By Fola Adekeye new complex within the internatioru airport. A to said in a press release th. arrison jallo, pre- continue their football careers as the airport basement "was not suitab sident, national asso­ professional footballers. The names of for mail operations." According to he ciation of Nigerian the five players were given as Garuba "in 1997 alone, NIPOST investigatior Footballers, NANF, is Ahmed of Kano Pillars; Ochuko Ofovbibi revealed that the basement was broke angry with the Nigerian Postal Services, of Shooting Stars; Alex Owhofosaj, into more than five times." NIPOST.H He accuses the organisation of Meshack Dickson, and David Aigboro of To prevent further incidents of ma negligence insisting that NIPOST is Concord Football Club, Lagos. theft, especially at the LFAO in Lago unable to safely handle mails sent through Jallo's court action is the high point of NIPOST is already facilitating th it. Jallo has gone to a Lagos Court, asking allegations of mail-dumping in a bush purchase of bullion vans to ensure ma for N25 million from NIPOST for losses near the Murtala Mohammed delivery and safety nation-wide. For nov he said NANF had suffered from International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, mails are moved in unmarked vehicle NIPOST's failure to deliver to him an December last year. Jallo drew media with additional escort back-up. On. invitation letter mailed to him, October, attention to over 2,000 letters he allegedly relevant and trusted NIPOST officia 16,1997 by the Professional Footballers' found dumped along the international now know when a delivery van leavt Association, PFA, based in England. airport road. The letters were suspected the Lagos NIPOST office from where mo Jallo said PFA had invited him to to have been dumped by men of NIPOST. mails from abroad are sent to other par attend its annual general meeting which Some of the letters were addressed to of the country. took place in England, November 1,1997. the head of state, General Sani Abacha, Patrick Aziza, major-general an The inability of NANF to attend the and some traditional rulers in the country. communications minister, has set up meeting, he said, was caused by NIPOST's Most of the letters were said to have come committee to address incessant inciden negligence to deliver the PFA's invitation from the United States, England, of mail dumping and theft in the countr; letter to him. He said the negligence on Netherlands, Canada, Trinidad and The committee held its inaugural meetin the part of NIPOST denied his association Tobago. The contents of someof the letters in Lagos, Thursday last week. Taiw the opportunity to conclude vital were found to be missing. Olukolu, the post-master general, sa» arrangements on football and financial NIPOST reacted to media reports on Nigerians should expect "isolated cast grants with the England-based the issue by dismissing 11 and retiring of clogs in the wheels of progress but th; association. seven of its staff working at the Lagos such cases should not be taken to mea He argued that the presence of NANF Foreign Air Office, LFAO, for being complete ineptitude of the organisation at the meeting would have enabled it to 'dubious' in handling mails. LFAO According to Olukolu, an average of 4£ conclude arrangement for the transfer of operates under the basement of the million mails are processed and delivere five Nigerian players to Europe to Muritala Mohammed International yearly by NIPOST.■

18 Newswatch, March 9,199 SPECIAL REPORT The Narrowing

New NUC directive on admission put universities' prospective students in quandary

By Fola Adekeye

ele akinyemi, 25, point fixed for the from Akure, Ondo University of Ibadan's State, is desperate to college of medicine. He gain admission to a scored 220 but the college university. In 1996/97, insisted on 243 and above. Joint Admissions and Matriculation Throughout last week, Board,D JAMB, examinations, he scored Osuji was at the 201 points. The cut-off point for his chosen Trenchard Hall where course - electrical electronics engineering successful candidates - was 208. Federal University of were obtaining matricu- Qoppyyaj^. Reduced students intake at UNIJOS Technology, Akure, FUTA, his choice, lation numbers. I don t therefore, did not admit him. know what exactly to do. Iam confused," not to overstretch their facilities. Said he: This year, he scored 226. With this he said. "The facilities are not adequate and, score, Akinyemi thought he had jumped Akinyemi and Osuji are among therefore, we cannot take the number the admission hurdle. How wrong he thousands of prospective undergraduates that will be in line with the yearnings of was. The cut-off point for electrical who have passed the 1997/98 JAMB but the people. It is not the fault of anybody. electronics engineering in FUTA is 238 would not gain admission into federal The economy has gone through turbulent this year. He left the senate building of universities of their choice. Their predi­ times. When the economy improves, the university last week, disappointed, cament was caused by the directive of the when we can get more infrastructure, frustrated, if not embarrassed. " What can National Universities Commission, NUC, then we can allow the universities to I do with a secondary school certificate I which some universities have started increase the percentage of intake." have been holding for the past four implementing. The NUC had directed all federal years?" he asked rhetorically. Dauda Birma, education minister, universities to reduce ad mission for 1997/ Anselem Osuji, from Owerri, Imo confirmed at an interview with newsmen 98 academic session by 60 percent. State, was similarly disappointed. His in Lagos, February 19, that the NUC had Neivsivatch was told in Abuja last week age-long ambition to become a medical directed all federal universities in the that the controversial directive wasissued doctor was scuttled by the higher cut-off country to reduce student intake in order

Newswatch, March 9,1998 19 SPECIAL REPORT by a director in NUC. What about these 80 percent children of directive in late January after we had Omololu Adegbenro, senior assistant labourers, farmers, workers who are given admission to the number of registrar, Federal University of qualified but cannot be admitted into the students which the facilities of the Technology, Akure, FUT A, confirmed the universities," he queried. university can accommodate," he said. circulation of the NUC directive. He told The minister warned against the Munzali Jubril, NUC executive Newswatch in Akure that FUT A received dangers of looking at tilings always from secretary, was said to have observed the directive in a memo. the viewpoint of elites who have made during his visit to the institution last year Birma, however, said NUC was not money and are now able to afford N50,0(X) that the cost of renovating the facilities of specific on the percentage of reduction. to get their wards into the universities UI would be more than what is required To enforce the directive, federal through pre-degree arrangements. to start a new university. universities have all raised their cut-off "It will spell doom for Nigeria" PUT A admitted 8(X) students this year. points. They have made credit passes in because when the children of the poor Adegbenro told Newswatch that the Mathematics and English language strike, "we would not be able to contain institution admitted 1, 200 last year. To compulsory for admission into any it. Therefore, we have to embrace the cut admission this year, he said, the undergraduate programmes. Until now, children of the common people who have authorities of the university raised the these institutions were accepting ordinary passed through the normal process. We minimum cut-off point from 180 to 205. passes in English and Mathematics for must facilitate their entry into Authorities of the University of Jos, some science and arts courses. universities," he said. UNIJOS, said the NUC directive on

Omole: Advocates deregulation of university systems Adegbenro: NUC directive is real

In addition to the NUC directive, Although only FUT A has reduction in student intake "is not a new Birma has ordered all universities in the acknowledged receipt of the NUC thing" to the institution. Steve Otowo, southern parts of Nigeria to stop running directive, some other federal universities principal public relations officer, UNIJOS, pre-degree programmes and "regularise have been constrained by poor facilities told Newswatch that the institution had the admissions of students/' because, to reduce student intake this year. been reducing its student population according to him, less than 20 percent of University of Ibadan published, in the since the inception of the administration eligible and qualified students who have Guardian of February 6, the names of of Nemfort Gomwalk, the current vice- passed through examinations conducted 1,524 students it offered provisional chancellor. by JAMB, are admitted into universities admissions for the 1997/98 academic Otowo said when Gomwalk assumed in the south. This, he said, means that 80 session. The university admitted more office, in 1994, he found that the campus percent of children of poor people who than 4,000 students last year. A senior was over-crowded. He reduced the have gone through JAMB cannot be lecturer at the university who spoke to population from 16,000 to about 12,000 admitted. "And these universities want Newswatch but did not want to be named, based on the facilities available. Otowo to tell me that they should go and run said UI concluded its admission before said that the university admitted students pre-degree preliminary courses for them January 15. mostly on merit and that cut-off points, to admit people who are disadvantaged. "We got to hear about the NUC were strictly adhered to.

20 Newswatch, March 9,1998 ■ SPECIAL REPORT

At the University of Nigeria, UNN, communications and head, mass He said that the problem of cultîSift Newswatch learnt that admissions for communications department of the can also be linked to those who come into 1997/98 academic session had been university, told Ncwsivatch that the school the university system without the completed. However, Newswatch could authorities only read about the NUC required qualifications. Said Goshie: "We not confirm whether the university had directive on reduction of student intake have many people around who ought received the NUC directive. Gimgene in the media. "We are yet to get any not to be in the university system; because Mbanefo, the vice-chancellor of UNN, official directive. We have since been they have not worked hard for admission was not in the office when Newswatch admitting students as before. There has through JAMB, they tend to mis-behave. visited. not been any reduction in intake." Most university dons Newswatch University of Lagos, UNILAG, ended The University of Ilorin, UNILORIN, spoke with on the NUC directive said the its admission and registration, February as at February 12 was still admitting order was ambiguous. "60 percent of 8. About 3,658 fresh students were students for its undergraduate and pre­ what?" Clement Awogbami, a senior UI matriculated three days after. Last year, degree programmes. A dean in the main lecturer asked. He said it could mean 60 the university reportedly admitted more campus of the university told Newswatch percent of students who took a university than 6,OCX) students. Jelili Omotola, the in Ilorin that the university has neither as their first choice: 60 percent of students vice-chancellor, said the 1997/98 received the NUC directive nor has the who met required cut-off points; 60 admission "enjoyed the peace and sanity minister's instruction terminating pre­ percent of students offered admission it deserves." degree programmes in federal based on quota considerations. Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, universities. He said the 1,524 students admitted Newswatch learnt, was directly ordered Tunde Balogun, UNILORIN registrar, by UI for the 1997/98 academic session by NUC to admit 2,000 students. The turned down Neivsivatch request for were taken on merit and based on the university traditionally admits about interview on the matter. A.O. Fajenyo, resources available to the university. "I 5,000. News watch sources said over 50,0(H) the public relations officer, of the univer­ don't believe NUC would have wanted candidates applied to the institution. sity to whom Balogun referred Neivswatch UI to admit only 40 percent of 1,524 and Wale Omole, OAU vice-chancellor, said he would need a written permission do away with about 944 students. That had suggested at the from appropriate would be ridiculous," Awogbami said. 26th convocation of authorities to speak to Ernest Ola Obe, dean, faculty of the university, the press. education, Unilag, told Newswatch that December last year, At Ahmadu Bello the NUC directive was quite logical. that the university University, ABU, "Take it that a university admits 100 system in the country Zaria, Joe Goshie, students every year. In the past, should be dean, faculty of social government was paying about N30 to deregulated. He sciences, told subsidise the cost of a bed space and argued that "deregu-. Neivsivatch February N100 on each student as tuition subsidy. lation would enable 16, that the school has For one student, government was paying each university not received any N130. On all of them, government was combat the problem instructions from paying N13,000." of funding currently NUC to reduce intake. He continued: "Now, let's say threatening the Goshie who is also the government has N20,000 with which to system. Omole said head of mass commu­ subsidise education of Nigerian youths. with deregulation, nications department, The subsidy required for a single bed each institution cited the example of space is N510.00 per student. Tuition fee would be able to his department which is now N2,000 per student. This means address its problems admitted 65 under­ that government now needs N2,510 to in a more pragmatic graduates this year. subsidise the cost of educating a single manner." He said he would student. So, if government has N20,000 At Bayero Uni­ welcome a directive to you are going to admit much less number versity, BUK, Kano, reduce student intake of students because N20,00() would only admission for the "if it eventually cover about 39 students." So what 1997/98 academic comes." government is saying by the NUC session was going on He described the directive "is that either students are ready smoothly when cancellation of pre­ to pay over and above what they have Newswatkh visited the degree programme as been paying in the past on tuition and school February 17. a positive step. Said accommodation or the admission should Over 5,00(1 students he: "Pre-degree be cut down." Obe said although have been given programme should government has budgeted about N26.7 admission, a figure not be the business of billion for education, "the amount that which, Newswatch universities. We would actually be spent on education learnt, is higher than should not have would not be up to half." that of 1996/97 undergraduates Babatunde Aliyu Fafunwa, former session. MikeEgbon, without the required education minister also expressed a professor of mass Oladokun: Feels for students school certificate." concern about how education budget was

Newswatch, March 9,1998 21 ■ SPECIAL REPORT

being utilised. He said January 28 that he with alternatives for students affected by admission fraud in the universities. "It would want the government to effectively the NUC directives. Kayode Ajala, will now turn university admissions into monitor the spending of the money so speaker, UI students' union, told a game of influence not of merit. that "it will not end up in a few pockets." Newsieatch that cutting down admission Desperate fathers, mothers and uncles Kevin Etta, vice-chancellor of into the universities would create more would resort to using their wealth to University of Calabar, is worried tha t late trouble for the nation. "The university is obtain admission for their wards," he release of grants to universities is a stabilising ground. It will cause an said. frustrating their smooth operations. He upsurge in crime wave unless NUC can This may already have started said in November last year that no federal create more football fields for the boys happening. Ten staff of U NIL AG were university in the country received its 1997 and more hotels for the girls." allegedly found guilty of admission fraud budgetary allocation, 11 months after the A senior lecturer in, UNILORIN, recently. They were dismissed February budget broadcast by the head of state, faculty of business and social sciences, 11. One of them was accused of collecting General Sani Abacha. He said the told Newswatch that the best place to start N50,000 from desperate parents. continued delay of the grants was reduction of candidates for university Reacting to the NUC directive last crippling the entire university system in education was in the secondary schools. week, Chris Ije, a medical doctor, asked. the country. He put the total number of secondary "Are we going forward or backwards? I Should universities don't think it is right." cut down their But a lecturer of the admission in line with Institution of NUC directives or raise Management and fees to retain their Technology, IMT, present level of Enugu, said the NUC intakes? The National directive was Association of Nigerian appropriate because Students NANS, is students' population opposed to any had outstripped the increase in fees in the facilities in many federal universities. institutions of higher After its meeting in learning. "Classrooms Kaduna, January 12, are swarming with 1998, the association students. Hostels are warned university jam-packed. Teacher administrators who can't cope with the would want to number of students. "capitalise on That's one of the reasons government's for falling standards in tolerance to introduce education," he said. arbitrary fees under the Gani Fawehinmi, a guise of self­ Lagos lawyer and sustenance." human rights activist, Babs Animashaun, filed a suit last week at a president, National federal high court in Parent/Teacher Lagos, challenging the Association of Nigeria, NUC directive. He is NAPTAN, has Fafunwa: Fears budget diversion Obe: Hails NUC directives asking the court for "a appealed to the federal declaration that the government to prevail on tile NUC to schools iii Nigeria at 10,436. Students declared policy of the federal government reconsider its stand to prune university from these schools yearly obtain forms recently announced directing that admission with effect from this year. He from JAMB with the ambition to read admission into Nigerian universities be said the idea "was demoralising and further in the 37 universities available in reduced by 60 percent is discriminatory discouraging," noting that education the country. and capableof retarding the development remained one of the measures to divert "If NUC now decides to reduce of education in Nigeria." According to youths from criminal tendencies. "Youths admissiou into these universities" the him, the policy is illegal and are very delicate materials; without lecturer asks, "what alternative ways unconstitutional, because it violated the education for them, the rate of drug would the commission open for these 1979 constitution. Named as defendants trafficking, armed robbery, prostitution struggling future generation? I foresee in the suit are the minister of education, and other social ills associated with an upsurge in crime waves across the the secretary to the government of the idleness, will increase," he said. country if these youths are left to roam federation, the attorney-general of the Julius Araba Oladokun acting our streets," he said. federation and the head of state. No date registrar, Ladoke Akintola University of Okoro Toyin, a 300 level FUT A has been fixed for hearing. Technology Ogbomosho, is worried that student, told Ncwsicatch in Akure that the Reported by Jossy Nkwocha, Yemi the federal government has not come up NUC directive would further encourage Adebowale and Emmanuel Ugivu.

22 Newswatch, March 9,1998 POLITICAL UPDATE

disqualified. Gambo Jimeta, former inspectors general of police, who contested in th£ Adamawa central senatorial district Party joined the party only a fter he was dropped from the federal cabinet last November along with Nwobodo and others. The result from his district was being awaited at press time but he was expected to emerge as consensus candidate. Okorie, a finance committee member Primary of the party and Okonkwo, both from Anambra State foundation are members. Okorie was campaigning for Abia North while Okonkwo was for Anambra Central. Okorie told Newswatch that his disqualification was plotted by Gbazuagu whom he said was bent on ensuring that Blue the Igbos remained maginalised in national affairs. He said Gbazuagu's plot was assisted by some highly placed people in Abuja who supported Ojo Disqualifications mar primaries Maduekwe, former special assistant to Baba Gana Kingibe, minister for power conducted by UNCP; four other and steel. Okorie said: "The people of the zone cannot vote for Maduekwe because he parties wait for reply from Aso Rock betrayed them when, at the last constitutional conference, he opposed the By Tobs Agbaegbu Igbo agenda of getting the next presidency zoned to the East. He is a pariah in the prominent politicians were eliminated area today." through disqualification from what When Okonkwo declared his would have been a stiff contest. Most of intention for the senatorial race three those that survived, emerged as weeks ago, he hinted of plans by a certain consensus candidates in almost all states. multimillionaire businessman from the In Enugu East senatorial district for state to get him disqualified. The man instance, Jim Nwobodo, former minister was speculated to be interested in clipping of sports, was disqualified without official Okonkwo's wings early enough because reason. His disqualification paved the he was the only one from the zone who way for Ken Nnamani, multi millionaire could give him a good fight. The man is businessman, to become the party's not a member of any of the parties but he candidate. is said to be sponsoring candidates for One possible reason for Nwobodo's various elections in the state to the federal disqualification was that he is not yet up capital city, Abuja. to one year old as a member of the party. Mark Okoye, former minister of state One of the requirements of the party for for the federal capital territory, and Salisu qualification is that the contestant must Yinusa were also disqualified. Laz have been a member of the party for at Unaogu, former minister for special least one year. That requirement must duties who was reportedly disqualified, also have-led to the disqualification of said he withdrew voluntarily. Left in the Chuba Okadigbo former political adviser race were Stephen Yepwi, Ahmed Okorie: Disqualified to Shehu Shagari in the contest for Abdulkadir and Rizkat Abdul-Rasak. No Anambra North district. He only joined official reason was given for the HOCK, DISBELIEF AND the party in November last year when he disqualification. confusion characterised last decamped from DPN. In parts of Imo, Lagos, and Rivers week's primaries of the The guidelines did not seem to have States, protests greeted the primaries, hi United Nigeria Congress uniform application. While some entrants Ehime Mbano-Uboma-Obowo federal Party, UNCP, for the into the party like Gambo Jimeta were constituency, the protest was against the selection of candidates for the Aprilnot 25 disqualified, some old members like victory of Chukwuemeka Nwajuba who Snational assembly election. A numberChekwjjs of Okorie and Ani Okonkwo were contested against Edwin Anyanwu. The Newswatch, March 9,1998 23 ■ POLITICAL UPDATE

protesters, led by one Ephraim Nwosu Plateau State. He is to represent UNCP in would not be part of the primaries until said Nwajuba was never a member of the Plateau South. Ibrahim Mantu, former they know the outcome of their call for party, but somebody sent from Aso Rock. national publicity secretary of the party the cancellation of last year's December 6 In Lagos central, the primaries were is the candidate for Plateau central. state assembly election. marred by fracas following a clash Ayo Otegbola, a second republic Festus Okubor, national publicity between the supporters of two senator was returned unopposed in Ogun secretary of the GDM said the parties will contestants, Babs Akerele and Hakeem West while David Salako got Ogun east want the government to respond first to Giwa in Lagos Island. Trouble reportedly through consensus. allegations of manipulation of the started with a purported declaration of previous polls. Such response, according Akerele as winner with 250 votes when to him, will lift the party's spirit, voting had not started in most of the preparatory to a better participation in wards. A repeat of the primaries was the electoral process." rescheduled in five councils - Lagos A similar view was expressed by Island, Lagos Mainland, Apapa, Ifako/ Kenny Martins, national secretary of Ijaiye, Ikeja and Surulere. The outcome NCPN. He said: "Yes, we have written to would determine the party's flagbearers NECON stating our position and for Lagos west and Lagos central districts. informing them of the promise of the Rivers State turned out a crisis spot as head of state to look into our complaints." earlier predicted. Factional The essence of the letter, according to disagreements affected early declaration Martins, was to remind the commission of winners of the contest. In the heart of that they would not participate until their arrangements for the election, a statement complaints were addressed. on the state radio station announced There were, however, isolated cases cancellation of the primaries in the state. of participation in the primaries by the It also said thatOmbo Isokrari, an aspirant CNC and DPN. In Osun State, for for one of the senatorial districts had instance, elections were held for Osun been disqualified. Party chairman, Ken central senatorial district of DPN. Sule Wobo-Okpara, later described the Onabiyi polled 288 votes to defeat Akin- statement as false and mischievous. Olugbade Onabiyi. The result for Osun Winning by consensus turned the East and Osun West districts are yet to be vogue in many states where candidates released. • emerged last week. Emmanuel CNC primaries took place in Kwara Iwuanyanwu, publisher of Champion Garba: Returned unopposed and Imo. Olusola Saraki, second republic newspapers was confirmed for Owerri senate leader emerged as consensus senatorial district in Imo State. Same goes Ogun central sena torialdistrict turned candidate for Kwara Central. Nurudeen for Anthony Adef uye, former Lagos Sta te out an exception to the rule of selection Sanni was Chosen to represent Kwara chairman of the party, for Lagos East, by consensus. A clear contest took place South and Ahmed Ndaman Baba Zuru and Edet Amana for Eket district in Akwa between WoleAdeosun, communications for Kwara North. Hajia Nimota, state Ibom. secretary during the Interim National secretary of the party who confirmed the Anthony Okpere, former Aviation Government of Ernest Shonekan, and result, said Saraki's senatorial seat "is minister in the Ibrahim Babangida Adegboyega Soboyede. Adeosun polled •very very sure and it is as certain as life administration was also returned 9,700 votes to Soboyede's 42,083 votes. and death." unopposed under UNCP for Edo Central The selection of almost all candidates In Imo State, Sam Mbakwe, second Senatorial district. It was the same story through consensus is believed to be based republic governor of the state is the party's in Edo south where Idada Ikponmwen, a on a directive given to the committees candidate for Okigwe senatorial district. retired brigadier general, emerged. that conducted the primaries that He was returned unopposed. Results for Actual voting took place in Edo North elections would be conducted if only the two outstanding districts, Owerri and leading to the defeat of Isa Braimoh, who efforts to produce consensus candidates Orlu are yet to be released. decamped from NCPN and Solomon fa iled. Moha mmed, na tional chairman of Last week, NECON said that it would Abekhe by a female aspirant, Remi UNCP told members of the party's not tolerate any postponement of the Agbowo. national assembly primary election party primaries. It said that it had no Bode Olajumoke, former deputy committee, NAPEC, February 23, "to intention of extending the deadline for national chairman of the party confirmed bend the rule where necessary but the conduct of party primaries, earlier reports that he would emerge as without breaking it." submission and screening of nominated consensus candidate for Ondo East. It Throughout last week! the position of candidates for the national assembly was the trend also in Ondo central and four parties, the Democratic Party of elections. Ondo West where Ehinla wo and Rasheed Nigeria, DPN, Grassroots Democratic The commission said that the list of Ladoja emerged respectively. Movement, GDM, the Congress for nominated candidates should reach it Joseph Garba, a retired major general National Consensus, CNC, and the not later than March 2 as screening would and Nigeria's former permanent National Centre Party of Nigeria, NCPN, commence from March 5 and end on representative to the United Nations was remained unclear about party primaries. March 19. among the two returned unopposed from GDM and NCPN officially said they Reported by Wale Akin-Aina. 24 Newswatch, March 9,1998 AFRICA Ready for The President

Sierra Leone prepares for the return of ousted President Kabbah but his own men fight for positions

By Paul Akuh

HARP DISAGREEMENTS will confront Kabbah on his return to Remnants of the among supporters of Freetown from Conakry, Guinea, where fleeing Koroma Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, the he has lived since his overthrow, is the fighters backed by ousted Sierra Leonean reconstruction of the social and economic their Revolu­ president, last week lives of his people dislocated by the tionary United threatened the preparations for hisKoroma return junta. Hunger, diseases and Front, RUF, allies, Sto power. The bone of contention starvationwas the descended on the land have continued to composition of the task force set up by following the imposition of sanctions on attack the people Kabbah to discharge that responsibility the Koroma government by ECOWAS and loot their after the fall of the nine-month regime of and the UN to get him to relinquish property. Reports Johnny Koroma February 12. power. Thousands of workers reported last Tuesday Kabbah According to agency reports, those for duty for the first time February 16, spoke of who remained in Sierra Leone throughout after nine months of civil disobedience thousands of people fleeing the eastern the Koroma regime had alleged that-the against the coup leader. part of the country across the border to membership of the task force, headed by The situation was so grave that Liberia. Bo, Zimni and Kenema are Solomon Berewa, the attorney-general, Lansana Kouyate, ECOWAS secretary- among the towns thathavebeen attacked was skewed in favour of those who fled general, had to appeal to the international by the rebels. into exile after the May 25,1997, putsch. community and humanitarian Kassim Dyang, the regional A spokesman of the group told the BBC organisations to resume immediate spokesman for the United Nation's last Monday: "We who stayed behind delivery of food and medicaments to refugee agency, UNHCR, said last week and bore the direct brunt of the nine Sierra Leone soon after Koroma was that over 140,000 Sierra Leonean refugees months of Koroma's government are now dislodged. Distribution of over 580 tonnes werealready in Liberia. "This has created being treated as if we no longer matter. of food which the World Food a very serious emergency situation for Those who fled the country and have Programme, WFP, a UN agency, us," Dyang lamented. now returned are behaving as the ultimate delivered to Sierra Leone in response to ECOMOG has despatched troop conquerors. This is unfair and unjust." that passionate appeal, began last reinforcements to the country from But Solomon Tejan Saye, one of Thursday. A WFP official said, however, Monrovia where it has its head­ Kabbah's spokesmen, promptly denied that "the food would first be shared quarters. Also on February 19,400 more the charge. Saye said that the question of among such institutions as orphanages Nigerian soldiers comprising majors, marginalisation did not arise because and homes for the handicapped and lieutenants and other ranks, were "both groups were fairly represented on elderly which are in very urgent need of flown to Freetown. the taskforce. Junior ministers who stayed the commodity". He commended As the sub-regional force was behind as well as others from outside the ECOMOG for making Freetown quite intensifying efforts to cleanse Sierra political spectrum are members of this safe for the ship that brought the food. Leone of remnants of Koroma's men, very important task force." He said that "Everything went smoothly and so we Kabbah last Tuesday, paid a thank- what the country needed now was did not have any problem to report," he you visit to General Sani Abacha for national cohesion and not division which, concluded. his prominent role in restoring his he warned, was capable of complicating The relative peace and security government. No date has been fixed the task ahead of the Kabbah government. prevalent in Freetown is in contrast to for his return to Sierra Leone.■ One of the immediate challenges that the situation in the hinterlands.

Newswatch, March 9,1998 25 WORLD

■ UNITED STATES Uncle Sam Waffles on Nigeria

A new American policy on Nigeria yet to emerge but conferences suggest ways to help Nigeria

By Soji Akinrinade, London bureau

NEW AMERICAN POL- icy in Nigeria still re­ mains elusive for the Clinton administration. Although a review of the old belligerent policy was started by the AState Department nearly a year ago, more pressing international issues, especially the Gulf crisis, have virtually pushed a conclusion of the process off the front burner. The lack of policy on an important African country like Nigeria has begun to worry US lawmakers. At a foreign relations committee hearing on a new US "Foreign Policy Framework" last February 10, Russell Feingold of Wisconsin expressed both his surprise and dismay at the lack of resol ution of the issue. He told Madeleine Albright, American secretary of state: "The (Clinton) administration has apparently been reviewing its Nigerian policy for at Abacha Clinton: Have now settled tor constructive engagement least the year you've been confirmed if 4 not longer. And I understand there is an it." seminars aimed at helping the options paper floating around the state When the meeting will take place government redefine its policy towards department, but there has not yet been a remains the issue. Thomas Pickering, Nigeria. At a conference put together by convening of the principal to make hard under-secretary of state for political the Council of Foreign Relations in New decisions that have to be made with affairs, who has been a key figure.in the York January 30 and attended by Hassan regard to coming up with a new policy. review of the US policy has, like his boss Adamu, Nigeria's ambassador to the US "So I have just to say for the record Albright, been preoccupied with the face- and Bolaji Akinyemi, former foreign that I am disappointed that I've yet to see off in the Gulf, between the United minister, now N ADECO's foreign affairs any result of this policy review. The Nations and Iraq over weapons spokesperson, Pickering spelt opt what a situation in Nigeria remains precarious inspection. With the threat of American new American policy in Nigeria will and and I am worried that the United States bombing campaign in Iraq receding, US will not do. doesn't really have a Nigerian policy." government sources expect the policy to According to him, US will encourage To which Albright replied: "I do not finally take shape within weeks. its new ambassador (Bill Twaddell) in disagree with you. And I have also been The Americans have in the past six Lagos to strengthen a two-way dialogue calling for such meetings. We will have months put together at least two major between the two nations. The views of

26 Newswatch, March 9,1998 the Americans will be presented strongly Institute of Peace declared General Sani not undertaken any process of negotiation to the Nigerian government, but the Abacha's transition programme in or reconciliation with the supporters of Americans themselves will be willing to Nigeria as "so seriously flawed that it is the June 12 (elected outcome). Nor has listen to the Abacha administration. "We not credible or legitimate" unless it is there been any public discussion of civil- want a continuing dialogue. Bill modified. It also suggested the use of military relations. Until political prisoners (Twaddell) was sent to Nigeria with that new sanctions and incentives to push are released and uninhibited, public goal in mind. To tell it like it is. To listen. Nigeria to improve the situation. discussion is permitted, dialogue and To learn. To encourage. To reciprocate The report of the roundtable held in reconciliation cannot begin. A civilian when the time comes," Pickering said in last October but released only recently, government elected under such the paper he sent to the conference. said Nigeria is on a downward spiral conditions may not enjoy democratic However, he was clear on America's and this might lead to continuing poverty legitimacy and is certain to be beholden insistence on good governance in Nigeria. and oppression "and even the possibility to the military early in its tenure, but it Said he: "...We will not abandon our of widespread communal violence." It could ntleastnotbeburdened by a history principled stand for human rights, for also declared 1998, the year the Abacha of repression and protracted tension with democratic freedom and for good administration has promised to restore opposition groups. governance in Nigeria. These are democracy to Nigeria, as "clouded in It was, therefore, argued that a fundamental components of Nigeria's uncertainty." primary American interest should be to future stability. They remain and will Thé roundtable brought together avert chaos in Nigeria, which could remain our agenda as priority concerns diplomats, scholars and non­ damage the whole West African region. which we will raise again and again with governmental organisation specialists A prosperous and democratic Nigerian whoever is in power until our concerns from the United States, Nigeria and the could have a positive influence on many are addressed. We will not relax existing United Kingdom and was attended by other African states. "For these and other sanctions against Nigeria until we have Pickering. The participants agreed that reasons, the bilateral relationship with seen the government take significant unless the international community takes Nigeria is the most important one for the actions to address the range of bold steps now, it would be hard to restore United States in Africa, aside from the fundamental concerns." democracy, revive the economy and relationship with South Africa," the Under what would be a "stick and preserve peace in Nigeria. They were roundtable said. While recognising that carrot approach," Pickering expects that however under no illusion that such dialogue and engagement are not if the Abacha administration releases action will guarantee change but said sufficient to achieve significant change in political detainees, the Americans will "without international involvement it is Nigeria, the roundtable urged the US find a way to reward the government for very unlikely that the situation will with other key African and European the gesture, although as he said, "...one improve." states to use "carefully calibrated" and predictable thing about Nigeria is its Julius Ihonvbere of the Ford phased set of pressures and incentives to unpredictability," adding "I would give Foundation, said at the conference that press Nigeria to accomplish certain a lot to know what will happen in the the Nigerian military has suffocated civil objectives before the elections scheduled coming months." society and constructed a "Hobbesian for later this year. Although he believes that such society where life is uncertain, painful Among them are: the release of developments as the commitment of the and short, even for the well-to-do." • political prisoners; establishment of a Nigerian government to adopt the Vision Although Chudi Uwazurike of the truly independent electoral commission; 2010 reform measures, the limited City University of New York, argued unfettered registration of political parties; economic, financial and privatisation that some aspects of the Abacha generation of an open political climate, measures already taken are harbingers of transition programme, especially the including the protection of free speech optimism, he recognises that more still rotation of presidency among the and press and a guarantee that a truly needs to be done as "progress on this different geo-ethnic regions, offer some civilian government will replace the front is overshadowed by the rumours of grounds for hope, it was generally agreed current military regime. attempted coups, the arrests of General that it will not succeed unless political The roundtable also concluded that (Oladipo) Diya and others under detainees are released, the new in addition to current restrictions on travel circumstances that appear dubious, the constitution which is already decreed is and military assistance, new sanctions death in custody of General Yar'Adua made public and Abacha makes an early should include freezing the accounts of and the questions that surround the declaration that he will not be a candidate Nigerian leaders. It recognised that an deaths or incarcerations of other for president. embargo on sales of Nigerian petroleum prominent persons... Any pretext that a According to Barnett Rubin of the would be difficult to implement and transition to democracy is under way in Council on Foreign Relations: "The would likely be ineffective, but said Nigeria stands challenged by physical current transition process does not allow incentives to Nigeria should include and verbal attacks on journalists, the for open discussion of many basic issues increased access to multilateral banks, arrests or harassment of NGO leaders, facing the country. The five registered phased relief of its external debt, and the continuing detention of so many political parties have all been approved other economic advisory assistance. political prisoners." by the military authorities, who refused Said the report: "These initiatives may The report of an earlier one-day to register those deemed to be opponents not succeed in getting Nigeria back on a roundtable discussion on the same of the regime. None of the five has any path, toward democracy and stability, but subject sponsored by the US State genuine public constituency and hence they are the only realistic options with Department and the United States power to govern. The government has any chance of success/'B

Newswatch, March 9,1998 27 BUSINESS + ECONOMY

Finance minister, Anthony Ani’s opposition to tax consultants pays off. Federal government says no to them but state governments are worried

By Nick Odeh

and half times the N656 million collected by government tax officials in 1994. Their initial contract for 18 months was renewed. By last November, the internal revenue of the state, for the 1997 fiscal year, hit an all time high of N3 billion. Pity. The states will cease to benefit from the services of tax consultants soon. The federal government has approved the Vision 2010 committee's recommendations to discontinue the use of tax consultants and task force on the collection of taxes. In their place, government is to train traditional tax administrators. General Sani Abacha said in the 1998 budget, that "efforts shall be made in 1998 to instal a strong and vibrant tax administration" at the federal, state and local government levels. He said "all tiers of government shall be enjoined to Ani: Opposed to use of tax consultants by states establish their own tax authorities in accordance with the tax laws". Such tax HEN NIGER STATE consultants. Before the appointment, the authorities, he said, would be government state's average monthly tax revenue was strengthened by qualified, competentand desperately wanted N2 million but with the consultants, it trained staff who will also be highly to boost its internal jumped to N14 million a month. motivated "to make them efficient irtihe revenue in 1994, it In Rivers State, the consultants in the administration of the tax laws." hired Olusola Adekanola andfirst company, year of operation, January-December If the measures are carried through, Wa firm of chartered accountants,1995, ascollected tax N2.1 billion, nearly three the services of the tax consultants will be

28 Newswatch, March 9,1998 ■ BUSINESS + ECONOMY

dispensed with by the year 20CX). This is discharge of their primary functions of have generated N6 billion last year, he consistent with the Vision 2010 tax assessment, collection and accounting said: "It is sad that based on 15 percent of committee's short-term action plans to for the tax collected." revenue generated, N900 million of taxes be implemented between 1998 and 2000. Ani lamented that state governments, that have caused some employees to lose But some analysts are already by paying large commissions to tax their job and caused discomfort to the predicting that the prospect of improved consultants, deny the states fund to enable citizenry, will be paid to some consultants tax authorities, in the end, would be them carry out their duties efficiently. by the government for a six-month job." illusive. They argue that the proposed His argument is that if adequate resources According to Adesola, "it would have training programme would drain rather have been made available to the officials cost the government much less to employ than improve government's tax revenue of the states board of internal revenue, willing, capable hands and reorganised because of bureaucratic nature of the civil SBLR, they could have performed as well the organs and agencies which it already service. as the tax consultants. has in place to do such jobs". "In the civil service," John Azike, an The tax consultants earn certain Despite the misgivings, the state accountant told Newswatch, "nothing is percentage of the revenue they generate governments prefer tax consultants to at stake." Mediocrity is at work, he said, for the states. What this means is that, continue with their tax administration. noting that "even those who are qualified whatever the state government was Mohammed Buba Marwa, a colonel and are spoilt by the system." Unlike tax generating before the consultants came m il i ta ry a dministra tor of Lagos Sta te, said consultants whose rewards are based on in, is taken as the base figure and in the 1998 budget: "I am not unaware of performance, he observed, civil servants commission is paid only on the the misgivings in some quarters within are paid salaries whether or not revenue incremental revenue. The percentage the state about this programme. Let me collection falls below targets which they differs from state to state. Olusola assure you all that government will themselves participate in setting. Adekanola and company takes 15 and 10 continue to ensure that the consultants Laments an analyst: "Just think of percent in Lagos and Niger states, work within the ambit of the law for the what damage the tax authorities can do respectively. overall benefit of all of us." to the wonderful job the consultants are Adegbesan Adesola, in a published The tax consultants gave Marwa a doing around the states. They will tear article, said the commissions are good reason to cheer: As at the end of the tax net, and taxes will slip through, prohibitive. In obvious reference to the 1997, N10.857 billion out of N12.382 making worse a problem that already Lagos State consultant, who claimed to billion targeted revenue was collected. exists." According to the analyst, "the tax Of this figure, taxes consultants were meant to be the end of a contributed N6.63 billion. trauma, yet the government seems willing For 1998, N14.750 to spend millions of naira exploring these billion was estimated as dead ends." revenue. Of this amount, Olusola Adekanola, managing N10.444 billion is to come consultant, Olusola Adekanola and from taxes. To achieve this Company, believes the recommenda tions target, Marwa said, "the of the Vision 2010 committee were put accelerated revenue together in a hurry. He said that the tax generating programme is consultants were not invited to make an expected to play a crucial input. role." Said he: "It is Said he: "The people went there with pertinent to note and a lot of personal agenda. They went there commend the contribution with their minds made up. So the of the accelerated revenue com m i ttee mu st ha ve been m is informed. " generating programme Adekanola's firm is currently and to urge the consultants implementing the accelerated revenue not to relent in their generation programme, ARGP, in 26 efforts." states and the federal capital territory, Revenue generation in FCT. Other firms of chartered accountants Lagos State before the and tax consultants are also operating in engagement of the consul­ some other states. tants in January 1997, Adekanola had expected that averaged N454 million Anthony Ani, the minister of finance, monthly. The collection has who many describe as "an implacable doubled to N900 million. privatisationist" would welcome the In Kaduna, Hameed initiative of any government to useprivate Ali, a colonel and revenue collectors. He was mistaken. administrator of the state Last year, Ani condemned the practice told the officials of the while giving the 1997 budget brea kdown. SBIR, last December 29 at a Said he: "The use of tax contractors by seminar organised by the some state governments has rendered board that the government some state tax authorities impotent in the Eze: Accused consultants of harassment would not disengage its tax

Newswatch, March 9,1998 29 contractors until the board attained the previously, while collection in Akwa residential accommodation for its eight collection of N100 million monthly. Ibom was raised to N60 million from N8 senior officers in Makurdi." Ali acknowledged the significant million monthly. The story is the same For any collection in excess of N7 improvement in the state's internal fv most state governments. million, the consultants are entitled to 10 revenue generation and urged closer However, those who are opposed to percent commission. The staff described cooperation between the SBIR and the the use of tax consultants argue that they a s un rea 1 i Stic th e ba se fig ure of N7 million tax consultants. The state's revenue figure are ripping off the states. Ani, reportedly, saying that the board was generating far was N272 million in 1995. The consultants said that government lost over N3 billion more than that, monthly, before the helped raised it to N420 billion in 1996. in 1996 due to the operations of the consultants came in. According to the Newswatch could not ascertain how much consultants. Although no details were staff, the state government was spending of the N632 million estimated for 1997 supplied, it is believed that Ani was more on the programme than it was was collected at the end of the year. referring to the "large commissions" getting in return. The achievements of the tax which the state governments paid to the Atlas Consultants Limited is also consultants have been so laudable that consultants for their performance. operating in Sokoto and Adamawa states. analysts are beginning to ask why their A director with the Kaduna SBIR told Its contract was reportedly terminated in services are being dispensed with. Many Neu'sieatch that "the consultants have Bauchi following what a source described doubt the ability of government tax created problems and they will leave as "professional incompetence and authorities to do as well as the problems for us." He accused the alleged fraudulent practices." The firm consultants. Those who subscribe to this consultants of "negotiating taxes just to was also recently enmeshed in view point to the experiences of states be able to get their commission." controversy in Adamawa over its mode of operation and allegations of corruption against some if its staff. Opposition to the use of tax consultants has been long. Ani opened the flood-gates, when, in 1996, at the26th annual senior staff conference of the federal inland revenue'service, FIRS, and the joint tax board, JTB, he condemned the use of tax consultants challenging the tax board to live up to expectation. Said he: "The indiscriminate use of tax contractors at the state level to perform the same duty you are required to do is a very sad development of our time. This must be seriously condemned." The JTB took up the challenge. In a press statement, April 8, 1997, JTB criticised the consultants and tax force acting for some states over the sealing up of some business premises on the grounds that such companies refused to pay tax. According to the JTB, "the action of sealing Marwa: Insists tax consultants play a crucial role up business premises is alien to the tax laws," where the consultants were recalled According1 to the official, if the N42 It argued that under the provisions of following the dismal performance of the million paid out in commission, by the the personal income tax decree, PITD, tax boards. If these are any guide most state government, to the consultants, in 104,1993, "it is only the tax collector who states, analysts argue, will resume their 1996, was made available to the board, has the power of distrain which is near-total dependence on statutory they would have performed better than different from the power to seal up allocations from the federation account. the consultants. business premises." Even then, it added, Kano State will be badly hurt. Within In Benue State, where «Atlas only "a duly authorised official of the the first 10 months of their appointment, Consultants Limited is operating, a senior state service or the FIRS," being the PITD January to October 1997, the consultants staff of the board said the revenue definition of a tax collector, can exercise generated N400 million. Only N180 consultancy was "nothing beneficial." the distrain power. million was achieved by the SBIR over Funds, he told Newswatch, were being According to JTB the power tô distra in the corresponding period in 1996. siphoned with reckless abandon. could only be used against an individual Newswatch investigations show that The consultants were engaged, who is the "taxable person" as defined by the consultants also made a world of August 29,1995 on a 2-year contract at a law. It noted that "though section 81 of difference to the revenue positions of sum of N8 million with an up front the PITD makes an employer answerable Delta and Akwa Ibom States. Revenue payment of N4 million. As part of the for tax deducted, where there is default, collection in Delta now averages N150 agreement, the state government is only action in court, under section 77, can million a month as against N40 million providing the consultants with "suitable be taken against the company."

30 Newswatch, March 9,1998 ■ BUSINESS + ECONOMY

At the opening of the JTB in Akure consultants is that they encourage the last September, James Naiyeju, chairman, imposition and collection, by state FIRS and immediate past president of the governments, illegal and multiple taxes. Nigeria Institute of Taxation, complained According to Ani, the multiplicity of taxes of "the arbitrariness, coercion and forceful "hinders free flow of goods and services closure of business premises and acts of from one state and local government to terrorism often adopted by the tax the other and discourages individuals consultants." and companies from meeting their In his mid-year review of the 1997 legitimate taxes and levies." national budget, July 30, 1997, Gbenga In 1996, government set up a Akinna wo, president, Business club Ikeja, committee which streamlined the various criticised the practice: 'It is disappointing taxes imposed by the states and local that armed security agents are still being governments. Last year, the JTB published deployed to chase corporate the approved list which Abacha said, in organisations over collection of taxes and his budget broadcast, shall be enacted levies," he said. into law this year. When the law comes Christopher Eze, managing director, into effect, it will be illegal for any levy or John Holt Pic, last August, at the tax to be imposed concurrently by more graduation of the first set of Executive than one tier of government in any state. MBA students of ESUT business school, Yet another source of resistance: "The protested "the incessant use of tax board was not consulted, so we do not consultants to harass companies and seal know why the consultants were brought up their premises." in," J.E. Okoro, director of internal Said Eze, "Guerrilla techniques like revenue, Enugu State, told Neivswatch these do incalculable harm to our much last November. He claimed total trumpeted commitment to establish an ignorance of the operations of the enabling environment for investors and consultants who were engaged by the private sector growth." state government between October 1995 Newswatch investigations found that and October 1996. several companies were closed over Okoro expressed the common demands for pay-as-you-earn, PAYE, sentiment among most officials of the deductions not remitted; demand for SBIR across the country. The boards felt withholding tax and development levies. the consultants had come to take over According to records of the organised Ali: Will not disengage tax consultants their jobs. An executive chairman of one private sector, eight companies were of the boards told Newswatch: "The sealed up in Rivers State between January of this law or by the use of task force set consultants arrived with all air to lord it and July last year. Nine were sealed up in up for the purpose and, in particular, over the staff. In such instances, workers, Lagos, while in Kaduna four were closed may seal up the premises of any defaulter rightly worried that the use of tax between last July and August. to compel compliance." contractors might lead to layoffs, have a The tax consultants may not be relying The consultants argue that once an strong incentive to resist." entirely on the provisions of section 96 of employer deducts PAYE or any type of Azike, however, believes that the the PITD for enforcement. Awa Ibraheem, tax, the deduction ceases to be a mere tax boards are hostile because the consultants an executive consultant with Olusola but becomes a debt in favour of have curtailed their excesses. He told Adekanola and company provided an government. The consultants say they Newswatch that in the past, some of the insight. "In all the states where ARGP is are mainly involved in establishing these staff of the SBIR were clearing cheques being implemented, relevant laws are debts and liabilities while the burden of and collecting revenue which were normally enacted or existing ones duly enforcing payment falls on the task force. diverted to personal uses. amended," he said to accommodate the Newswatch learnt that, in most cases Said, he: "there were many loopholes activities of the consultants and the task the companies being sealed up have held for siphoning government revenue. Now force. One example is the Lagos State on to such taxes for a long period of time the consultants have plugged such personal income tax (amendment) edict thus denying the state governments vital loopholes." He said that designated of 1996, which repealed some aspects of revenue. Take the first bank seal-up, revenue accounts have been opened and the Lagos State personal income tax law, April 24,1997, for example. For over five tax payers now pay directly to the PITL, of 1961 which prohibited a years, the bank failed to remit PAY E designated, banks. delegation of some functions of the SBIR. deductions and withholding tax Adekanola, whose pioneering efforts The Delta State task force which was amounting to N119,128,490.27 to the led to the emergence of ARGP in 1994, set up by the Delta State government Lagos State tax authority. But when the once referred to the programmes as a internal revenue (Miscellaneous task force on revenue enforcement, led "radical but unsung revolution." Give it provisions) edict, 1995, is another. The by Olufemi Abodare, a retired major to him: The ARGP has created a new edict provides that: "The person or sealed up the premises, the bank paid basis for the SBIR to improve upon. persons so appointed shall have power up instantly. Reported by Clarice Azuatalam and to enforce compliance with the provisions Another criticism against tax Janet Mba-Afolabi, Newswatch, March 9,1998 31 ■ BUSINESS + ECONOMY New Pills 3 ? For Naira r WH

Federal government re-introduces IDR, other measures to shore up value of the Naira

By Stephen Ubanna

HE FEDERAL GOVERN- Fitella World Agencies Nigeria Limited, ment has taken steps to a Lagos -based clearing agency, is one of Idris: Concerned about forex abuse shore-up the value of the such agents. His client's consignment has shortcomings. Last year, importers and naira at the autonomous been caught-up by government's policy their clearing agents had a running battle foreign exchange market, AFEM which reversal on pre-shipment inspection, with the company over the latter's delay fell to N84 to $1 last week. One of such issuance of IDR and Clean Report of in releasing IDR for cargoes that had measures is the re-introduction of Import- Funding, CRF. arrived the country. « Duty-Report, IDR, and the assessment of Newswatch learnt that the goods had Another effort to shore-up the value import duties by pre-shipment inspection arrived the country early February but of the naira is the policy on the remittance agents. due to the late release of the customs of sales proceeds by foreign airlines-at Anthony Ani, minister of finance, told guidelines for clea ring of imported goods, parallel market rates. Under the new members of the organised private sector, Ukwu could not commence the clearing AFEM regime released early last week, an umbrella organisation for process. Last Week, the NCS, told him the rem ittance of sales proceeds by foreign Manufacturers' Association of Nigeria, that he would not be allowed to take airlines at parallel market rates will be MAN, National Association of Chambers delivery of his consignment because it conducted through the same parallel for Commerce, Industry, Mines and was not covered by IDR. His explanation market rates while airlines whose fares Agriculture, NACCIMA and Nigerian that the goods arrived the country before are based on AFEM rate would be allowed Employers' Consultative Association, the reversal of the policy did not convince to patronise AFEM. NECA, that the re-introduction of pre­ the customs' personnel. He was asked to Ani said the government took the shipment inspection agents was await further directive from Abuja. decision to prevent round-tripping of necessitated by the sharp practices by Several other importers with their agents foreign exchange, a situation where some Nigerian importers who are bent face similar problems. dealers and forex end-users exploit the on frittering away the country's reserves Unconfirmed report said the differentials between the two rates: AFEM of $8 billion. government might give concession to the and parallel market. The airlines Ani was bitter the way $800 million importers who had cashed-in on the reportedly calculate and charge their was spent in the first five biddings at the government earlier policy to bring in their airfares at the parallel market rate, but AFEM, this year. This works out at a goods without IDR. Abacha announced source their foreign exchange from AFEM weekly demand of $148 million as against in the 1998 budget that IDR would no for repatriation of their sales proceeds. an average of $65 million per week in longer be necessary for goods coming One of the provisions of the 1998 1997. The minister reportedly accused from Australia, Bangladesh, Cyprus, budget which may have contributed to people using bills of collection at AFEM Britain, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, the increased demand for forex is the of recycling such bills. According to him Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, and*China. requirement that government officials such people would buy forex at AFEM Others are New Zealand, Philippines, and agencies should source forex for rate of N75.00 ‘to a dollar but would Singapore, Thailand and African estacodes, travelling and medical channel it to the parallel market for higher countries. expenses from AFEM. The government gains. The action, according to Abacha was issued a directive, January 26, thatofficials To forestall further abuse, he said all in response to importers' complaints travelling overseas would seek approval bills of collection would now be funded about the delays and the lethargy of the irrespective of the source of the forex for through the free fund market instead of PIAs. All these countries were under ISC such trips. Gidado Idris, secretary to the AFEM. The re-introduction of the PIA, Services Nigeria Limited a pre-shipment federal government said the measures have caught many importers and their inspection agency. The implication of the became necessary to check foreign clearing agents unawares. government's decision is that ICS Services exchange abuse. Festus Ukwu, managing director, has been reabsorbed despite its Reported by Nick Odeh

32 Newswatch, March 9,1998 BUSINESS BRIEFS

the companies said "they felt they should New Royco lend a helping hand to Nigerians wishing It’s a Rumour to watch Nigeria's national team, the Super Eagles. To qualify for the draw on By Stephen Ubanna May 9, the companies said, any customers Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Seme, last who patronise the Motor Ola 2-way radio week said there was no uniform duty rate product from now till May 9 would for second-hand vehicles as earlier reported. ever brothers Nigeria plc, receive a prize draw ticket which would The NCS advised importers to disregard has relaunched its Royco entitle them entry into the prize draw for the rumour in the maritime industry that it seasoning cube. At the launching all the matches. had adopted a uniform rate for all second­ ceremony in Lagos last week, the L Winners would get a free economy hand vehicles. Recently, government was customer-services and marketing class return ticket to France, free three reported to have approved and gazetted director, Olaniyi Babatunde, said "LBN uniform rates of duties payable on all is committed to the development of many nights hotel accommodation in France, free meals and free transport throughout imported used vehicles. consumer-goods relevant to the the duration of the world cup. Abdulkareem Bello, Seme customs customers' every day life." public relations officer, dismissed the report Fidelia Osime, the brand marketing as "the handiwork of mischief makers."® manager said the product relaunch was an outcome of several years of research. Royco seasoning cube was first MOVING UP launched in 1989, but a major reformulation was said to have been carried out in 1991 following widespread complaints from consumers that the quality was very low. Yinka Adedayo, a Lagos business woman, who launched the product said, "the new improved Royco seasoning cube meets customers' expectation this time around." Computer Age

IM OVIA, MANAGING DIREC- tor, Zenith International Bank, has called on the Nigerian Internet JGroup, NIG, for prompt implementation of the government policy on internet. Ovia said that "inadequate and poor information technology infrastructure had put Nigeria behind other developing countries like Ghana, Togo and Cote 'D Ivoire. He, therefore, called on the m government to provide necessary Nwachukwu Mohammed financial support to the local internet group. He is optimistic that electronic Cadbury Nigeria Pic has appointed Ike Stock Exchange) is a member of boards of commerce would take the centre stage by Nwachukwu, a retired major-general and many companies in Nigeria. the year 2000. Aliko Mohammed to its board. Christopher Kolade, chairman, Nwachukwu, 58, a former minister of Cadbury Nigeria Pic said the external affairs and one-time member, appointment of the two non-executive Try Your Luck AFRC in the General Ibrahim Babangida directors was "in pursuit of the imperative regime. He is also a former military to accelerate the advancement of the governor of Imo State. He is now the company towards the achievement of its ealers of motor ola 2- chairman of Santon Consultants. vision." He said the appointment of the WAY radios, R.T. Briscoe, Mohammed, 64, is a fellow of the two investors would further strengthen Danimex and Dizengoff have United Kingdom Institute of chartered the board and go a long way in began a promotional campaign for D accountants. A past president of the complementing the executive team® Nigeria's France '98. In a joint statement, Nigerian Stock Exchange (now Lagos

Newswatch, March 9,1998 33 CULTURE

first wife. From the proceeds of her business, she developed a low-cost house Egu won at Surulere. She erected lock-up stalls around the building and rented them out. After about 20 years of marriage, Egu died. And Isioma had the shock of her life. She was locked out of the house by the children of the first wife. She was subjected to all kinds of humiliating practices when she went for her husband's burial. Her husband's other children connived with the other members of the family and threw her out. It took the intervention of the police from Area 'D' station, Ojuelegba to recover some of her property locked up in her former house. She now lives in a rented house with her children. And the case is in court. There is the case of Ndidi Chinagorom (also not her name) from Imo State. She married at 26 under both customary and statutory laws. Her husband was the chief Akande: be courageous executive of an insurance company. They lived well and happily. Only trouble was that her husband did not own a house in their village. But that did not stop them from visiting the village during Christmas periods and other important events. During such visits, they stayed at Widows’ Concorde Hotel, Owerri, and visited their relations. Her husband died without laying even foundation fora house in the village. She was 38, with a daughter and two sons. She said her husband's relatives ridiculed and insulted her, calling her Burden "an irresponsible woman who did not allow our brother to build a house." After the burial, Ndidi was not allowed to stay at her husband's Cultural practices in Nigeria deprive compound for the mandatory confinement period. So she went to stay widows in Nigeria of right to their late at her parent's house. With the con finement over, shecameback to Lagos. husbands’property. One woman takes To her utter dismay and sorrow her husband's brothers had cleared the on the fight, wins property in their duplex apartment. Now she is left with nothing to take care of her children, who are still schooling. By Clarice Azuatalam There is yet another case of Ekwii Olisaemeke (not her real name) from ORBERTEGU(NOTHIS Two years later Norbert remarried Anambra State. Like Ndidi she was real name) is from Delta under the customary law. Isioma, his married under the customary and State. He was a bank second wife was into trading. Four years statutory marriage laws. Her husband clerk. He had a wife after their marriage, Egu lost his job with was a staff of a federal establishment and who bore him four the bank. From then on, he did practically a member of Deeper Life Church. They children - two boys and two girls.nothing When to support the family. Isioma had four children before a strange illness Nthe wife died, his eldest child, aautomatically boy, was became the bread-winner. afflicted her -husband. The illness, 15 years old. She also catered for the children from the Ncivsiuatch was told, started when the

34 Newswatch, March 9,1998 ■ CULTURE

man went to spend his leave with his widows but the common trend is that the take as many wives as he may wish." elder sister in Benin. Instead of taking widows are generally in a difficult Under customary law, a woman him to the hospital, she took him to a situation. inherits what the culture of the area prayer house first. No relief came. It was In Nigeria, three types of marriage permits. But then most of these cultures then she informed his wife and they took are legally recognised: statutory marriage are not fair to the women rights. In some him to a private hospital in Lagos. or marriage under the act; customary cases, the enforcement procedure is For the past five years the man has law marriage and Islamic law or sharia, abused. According tojadesola Akande,a been incapacitated, Ekwii, a nurse, has where marriage is applicable to only professor of law and executive director been the bread-winner of the family. Her Muslims. of Women Law and Development Centre, husband's relatives have never bothered According to a journal of Civil "in all customary laws a widow cannot about the feeding of the children, or how Liberties Organisation, CLO, statutory inherit her husband's estate." to pay the medical bills. And many of marriage is."conducted under terms of Akande explained to Newswatch that them stay in Lagos with her. the marriage Act 1914 and the a daughter can inherit her father's estate "When I complained and asked for matrimonial causes Act 1970. It is in Yoruba land. A wife can use her help from the family, I was branded a monogamous in nature and is defined as husband's property until she dies, witch. They said I was the cause of their the voluntary union for life of one man provided she agrees to marry one of the brother's illness," she told Nciosivatch. brother-in-laws to enable her to stay there, The major concern of her in-laws is to if she does not have a child for her take possession of their brother's house deceased husband. If she goes out, she at Festac, where the woman lives with loses the property." her children. When it comes to Chris Njoku, a lawyer also Ekwii refused to yield. They forcefully corroborated this view. He said a wife in took away her two eldest children aged inheritance, the Yorubaland does not generally inherit 10 and 12. Since that time, she has not her husband's property but that she can been able to reach them. Her husband's Igbo culture does enjoy the property indirectly through her people ignored police order to return the children with the man, since both male children to Ekwii. She has been practically not favour and female children can inherit their ostracised for not giving up the man's father's property. Usually in sharing the only valuable property - the house. women in any man's assets, Idi-Igi or ori-ojori methods The husband is still held in a big are applied. private hospital at Ikeja, Lagos, for way. It does Idi-Igi implies that the man's assets inability to pay up the medical bills. To are shared equally amongst the wives for worsen matters, his employers retired appear that a their respective children. In Ori-ôjori it him without benefits: is shared equally amongst the children, Ekwii is barred by her in-laws from woman's mission irrespective of seniority. seeing her husband in the hospital. Her To make the picture clearer in what is previous attempts were met with hostile there is to just go obtainable in Yoruba culture, Njoku cited treatment from them. What she now does the case of Akinnubi' vs Akinnubi (1997) is to sneak into the ward when none of and breed ISCN QR 223. The incident happened at her in-laws is around. Of course the Akure, Ondo State. Rufus Akinnubi had condition of her husband has deteriorated children, period! a wife and children. He also had a to the level he cannot talk again. He only property at Akure, being occupied by communicates in writing. Owena Bank. Rufus died leaving a widow There are many Ekwiis, Ndidis and and children who were minors. The wife Isiomas in our society. There are even knew that, by Yoruba culture, she could widows who have gone through more not directly inherit her late husband's agonising experiences than them. They and one woman to the exclusion of all property, nor could she be appointed an all portray the problems confronting other." administratrix of the property. She went Nigerian women when it comes to A woman married under the statutory and instructed Owena Bank not to pay inheriting their husband's property. law is entitled to inherit one third of her rent to her brothers-in-law any longer. It is imperative and cheering to point husband's property if she has a child for She further sued them as "guardian out that the Nigerian constitution does him. She takes half of his property if there adliter," giving the impression that she not discriminate against any sex. At the is no child unless there is a will to state had an already existing authority to same time, it is surprising that property otherwise. inherit the children. The court later inheritance is not spelt out in the same The customary marriage according amended this and she sued on the constitution. This loophole, whether it to the CLO journal is "governed by grounds of "next of friend." That is, she was deliberate oran oversight on the part myriad of customary laws, in Nigeria. It wanted to hold the property on behalf of of those who drafted it has made the is potentially polygamous in nature and her young children. On this grounds the issue a very knotty one. The cultural even though at a given point in time a court granted her the right to the property. differences in our society have also not man may be married to only one wife, the In Igboland, the customary law helped the position of widows. There are essential characteristic of this form of marriage favours the man and his male cultural differences in the treatment of marriage is the capacity of the man to children alone. A widow and her female

Newswatch, March 9,1998 35 ■ CULTURE

children do not inherit anything except 51 years old. On his death, Augustine, as lack, the courage to pursue the case. there is a will stating otherwise. the eldest male in the family and in Be that as it may, it is very sad that It is even more repugnant in places accordance with their culture, wanted to women are subjected to all sorts of ill- like Afikpo, Ohafia, Bende, Edda, inherit this property at Onitsha. treatment when they lose their spouses. Unwana, and Amasiri scattered in Ebonyi Caroline refused and the case went to No matter how blissful a marriage may and Abia States. Inheritance in these an Onitsha magistrates court in 1959. As be, it still has its seamy side. After places are ma trilineal. Njoku explained fate would have it, her only son died labouring jointly, it is expected that the to Newswatch that "on a man's death his during the civil war. The loss of her son couple reap their fruits together. But if by property are inherited by his brothers of and even the outbreak of the civil war did fate's design, one's spouse dies, the blow the same mother in order of seniority. A not deter her from following the case to is usually devastating. The surviving man's sisters of the same mother could the end. Newsu>ateli gathered that the case spouse certainly deserves some sympathy also inherit him, in order of seniority. Or lingered on for so long because Augustine from both in-laws and everybody around. he could be inherited by the children of always filed fresh grounds. Eventually It is not the time to humiliate her. Nor is his eldest sister by the same mother. the appeal court in Enugu passed it the time to scramble for the deceased's When itcomes to inheritance, thelgbo judgment in favour of Caroline last year. property. The situation calls for people to culture does not favour women in any Ncwsicatch gathered that amongst the make use of equity and good conscience way. It does appear that a woman's verre group of Adamawa State, the in handling the woman and her husband's mission there is to just go and breed Marghis of both Adamawa and Bomo property. After all the property is there children, period! States, inheritance is exclusively by the for the benefit of the children, who are Little wonder the inheritance case of youngest son of the man A wife is not their brother's blood. Caroline Mojekwu, a 90-year old widow entitled to inheritance. Nigerian men are almost never and Augustine Mojekwu, her nephew- According to Akande, Caroline's is a confronted with the inheritance problem in-law from Nnewi, Anambra State, "test case". It will help women to when they survive their wives. When it is attracted a lot of attention last year,. challenge cultural practices which deny otherwise, the woman is automatically Caroline and her late husband had a male them of their basic rights. Despite what is branded a stranger in the family she issue who was presumably much younger permissible for a woman to inherit under laboured to build up. She inherits than Augustine. Caroline's husband had the kind of marriage she contracts, virtually nothing from her deceased a property at Onitsha, Anambra State. sometimes it becomes very complex to husband. The husband died when she was about know exactly what a woman should In the three cases mentioned above, inherit under the kind no provision is made for the children of of marriage she the deceased . The women were left to contracts. For instance, bring them up on their own with almost in some situations a nothing. woman contracts The way out of this cultural bondage, customary and Akande suggested is for women to statutory marriage. Can acquire education and skill. This will she inherit what is enable them to be less economically permissible undeç the dependent on men. There should also be two types of marriage? public enlightenment to make them Not quite. Ncivswatch aware of their rights. And they should be gathered that inmost courageous, like Caroline, to fight for this cases the statutory rights. marriage is ignored by Christie Onyekachi, a project officer the relations of the late with CLO suggested that men should be husbands. encouraged to write their wills, no matter Kemi Olanrewaju, a the kind of marriage they contract. lawyer told Neivsivatch She also advised women to buy things that "in such situation, in their own names, "if possible in their a woman is supposed own maiden name." to seek legal redress. It Women in Nigeria, WIN, a non­ is not a time to be governmental organisation NGO, weighed down by according toChibuzo Agbasi, the national emotion." Like in the financial secretary, is organising case of Ndidi, she has enlightenment programmes, seminars every right to sue her and workshops to make women aware of in-laws, or even brand their rights. They also provide legal them robbers. assistance to women who are victims of Olanrewaju said that it this retrogressive cultural practices. WIN is regrettable that some is also involved in giving soft loan to women do not even women in the rural area, to make them know their rights. less dependent on men.B Where they know, they

36 Newswatch, March 9,1998 TECHNOLOGY Z for Nigerian Car

Nearly six months after a car said to be the first Nigerian car was launched, nothing more seems to be happening. Was it a hoopla and nothing else?

By Salif Atojoko

aze,asuburbofowerri University of Technology, Owerri, were business community to emulate the cuts the picture of a rustic both part of the development of the Z-600 example of Izuogu Motors which has the dwelling. It is blessed with saloon car. "They visited us more than potential to generate jobs for Nigerians. lots of palm trees and a ten times," Izuogu said. "I actually invited Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, an network of dirt roads. That rural setting them to monitor the project. The Nigerian engineer, businessman and politician, wasN to be the hub of Nigeria's indigenous Society of Engineers, NSE, also came described the launching of the car as "a auto industry where the Z-600 saloon here to inspect the project and agreed turning point in Nigeria's quest for car, acclaimed as the first made-in-Nigeria that it was excellent." technological independence." Sulaiman car, would be mass produced. Oladipo Diya, a lieutenant-general Talabi, head of department of mechanical The car has a 1800 cubic capacity and chief of general staff who launched engineering, University of Lagos, said engine, four cylinders and four pistons. the Z-600 last year described the occasion that without any doubt, the Z-600 saloon Its engine is an internal combustion as "historic, significant and unique." car was made here. However, he said engine which is air and water cooled. Before he agreed to be part of the launch there is no company or individual that With a high roof, wide back windows, four doors, deep black colour with yellow stripes round its body* the Z-600 saloon is a cross between a saloon car and a van. It was designed to be used as either of the two. Ezekiel Izuogu, an engineer and chairman of Izuogu Motors Limited, makers of the Z-600 saloon car, said the designs of the steering unit, the column, the brakes and the clutch were fabricated by his company using about 95 percent local input. The remaining five percent comprising the rim, radio, nuts, bolts and tyres came from other sources within Nigeria. Izuogu told Newswatch in Owerri recently that the entire body work and chassis frame were his design from first Z-600 Saloon: Nigerians await its mass production principles. The speed governor was designed on September 17, 1994, while on behalf of the federal government, can single-handedly produce a car. "For the crank case was designed September several teams of experts were sent to any given brand of car, there are many 24. Rough sketches of the designs are inspect and verify the claims that the companies that participate in the intact and are easily made available to basic components of the car were locally production of parts and a single company people to convince them that the designs produced. Once satisfied, thegôvernment cannot do everything," he said. were originally made by Izuogu Motors threw its weight behind the project. Experts say a complete car should Limited. At the launch, Diya said that transfer have, at least, 3000 different units. The Z- Eze Uzonaka, engineering professor of technology from the developed to the 600 saloon car has 20CX3 parts in the core at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and underdeveloped world was a mirage and areas, and Izuogu said 95 percent of them C.O.G. Obah, also engineering professor commended Izuogu for producing the were produced by his company. Olu and vice-chancellor of the Federal first made-in-N igeria car. Diya urged the Agunloye, former director-general of the

Newswatch, March 9,1998 37 ■ TECHNOLOGY

federal road safety commission, FRSC, tq. "If you didn't study engineering in the PRODA, Enugu, and Centre for expressed reservations on the claims by university it would be difficult to design Automotive Design and Development, Izuogu to have produced Nigeria's first a car," Izuogu said, underlining the CADD, Zaria, at different times car. He said that several companies complicated nature of the tests conducted announced some breakthroughs. In produce motor parts which no one person on the first made-in-Nigeria car. October 1989, the prototype of Nigeria's can lay claim to having the ability to But the car is not in the market yet. first indigenous vehicle was introduced produce in its entirety. The Naze factories of the Z-600 saloon car to the public during a national science Izuogu dismissed such observations. still lie dead quiet, six months after the and technology exhibition heldatTafawa "I pity those who disbelieve us. Nigerians car was unveiled to the public. Production Balewa square in Lagos, by PRODA. are mischievous. They hardly agree that lines are yet to be set up for mass PRODA had been given the mandate in we can achieve anything in this country." production. In fact, it will take between December 1987 to produce "a low-cost He said there was no reason for people five and seven years for the prototype to vehicle that will be good for rural to doubt his invention. "It is the first time • be fully commercialised. It is estimated dwellers." PRODA and Addis in Nigeria and indeed Africa, as I found to cost N200 million to produce an initial Engineering, Lagos, in 1990, developed out la ter, that the three major components 30,000 units of the car. Valued at between technical models of the Nigerian of a car are made locally. That is why Z- N180,0(K)and N2(X),000a piece, the 30,(XX) indigenous car. The project was lauded 600 has attracted jealousy. People who units can yield between N5.4 billion and nation-wide, but that feat ended up in the have worked on similar projects, even N6 billion income to the manufacturers. nation's automobile museums. with government funds, were not Izuogu is confident that mass In September last year, CADD successful." production of the car is possible within announced plans to commercialise one of For Izuogu, the Z-600 began as a the specified time — that is, in another its prototype low-cost tricycles. Clement dream some eight years before its launch. five to seven years. He told Newswatch Folayan, a professor of engineering, "How it would come to pass, we didn't that consultations were going on with University of Lagos, and director of the know." He said every stage of government and private organisations to centre, said components of the tricycles development was recorded on video. "We commence mass production and could be produced locally. CADD planned waited until we had some money. We commercialisation of the car. He said that to go into technical agreements with recognised that the banks and even though the production lines had not Nigerian Engineering Works, NEW, Port government would not listen to requests been set up, his company has the capacity Harcourt: Udofe Metal Works, Igara, Edo for advances." Fortunately, Radio Lab, to put them in place at short notice. "If we State, and Dunlop to finalise plans for the parent company, made money have assistance from government, we mass production. As yet, nothing tangible available." believe mass production is possible. There has come out of the centre. Newswatch learnt that at the time Z- are also private organisations speaking There are genuine concerns that the Z- 600 car was launched, Izuogu Motors to us. But I wouldn't like to mention their 600 car project might go the way of had spent N14 million on it. names," he said, previous attempts at developing "We are not proud but thank God for The idea of producing an entirely indigenous models of commercially viable making our contribution to the indigenous car has worried government, vehicles. But Izuogu is confident that Z- technological development of our industrialists and various professionals 600 will not be grounded because "we country." He said it is unfortunate that for a long time now. Several attempts have the technological know-how." For people are trying to discredit his effort. were made in this directiori. most of those grounded in the past, he "Modern attitude demands that if The Project Development Institute, said, expertise camefrom abroad. "In most somebody makes a breakthrough in cases, tlie foreigners didn't even want the technology, you congratulate him and projects to succeed. The only way such a try to surpass him. Our attitude in this project will succeed is if the technology countryisprimitiveandmightdegenerate involved is locally acquired," he said. into tribalism. Technology does not Izuogu may have inadvertently recognise tribe. Anybody who applies decided to use his Z-600 saloon car as a the correct principle of technology can plank for electioneering campaign. get something done," said Izuogu. Februa ry 2, when he declared his intention Newswatch investigations show that to vie for nomination for the governorship several tests were carried out to ensure election in Imo State as a United Nigerian that the Z-600 car complied with known Congress Party, UNCP, candidate, he automotive standards worldwide. The spent half of the time talking about Z-600. chassis frame was tested to determine the To his political opponents and critics, he strength of the materials used. Each had this to say: "Speaking personally as component had to be tested to know if it an engineer, I can only say that in designing would carry the strength of the load Z-600, I have made my humble attached to it, including speed. contribution towards the technological Izuogu told Newswatch that even the emancipation of our dear country. My body work had to be subjected to tests to effort may not be perfect. Those who say be sure the materials used were the right Z-600 is not good, should build even a kind and would withstand the pressure bicycle or motorcycle and exhibit to our and the stresses the car would be subjected Izuogu: Credited with the Nigerian car country."®

.38 Newswatch, March 9,1998 a

SPORTS

Siasia were in the USA '94 World Cup team. The introduction of Siasia in the second half helped Super Eagles greatly. B Mark His presence was felt all over the pitch with his creative passes and team co­ ordination. He also helped Super Eagles to pile pressure on the Jamaicans' defence which resulted in Nigeria's equaliser. Yekini's brilliant performance in Jamaica showed that he is still relevant in For B Team the Super Eagles. He was last invited to the Eagles in November 1996. He showed that he still has great attacking skills and can still take frightening shots at goal Super Eagles B Team draws with the posts. "Yekini is fast regaining his form. He still has a place in the Super Eagles," Reggae Boys of Jamaica but their said Olayiwola Olagbemiro, leader of Nigeria's delegation to Jamaica. performance was poor Ian Alexandro, the France-based manager of Yekini, said the player is good enough for France '98 and should By Yemi Adebowale not be ignored. Said Alexandro: "All he needs is a psychologist to lift his spirit bigeye-ope- against the formidable Jamaicans. Ganiyu because he feels dejected after being // ning match". Ajide, Henry Onwuruzuike, Garba "Yaro rejected by Nigerians for almost two That was Yaro" Ahmed, Gabriel Okolosi and years." Hassan Adamu, Nigeria's how Ayo Kingsley Obiekwu panicked when the ambassador to the United States, Ositelu, a Reggae boys mounted pressure on Super described Yekini and Siasia as "our sports analyst, described Super Eagles. golden boys." He watched the match live. Eagles' team B February 22 friendly match These players had impressed He gave each member of the team $500.00. A Charles Bassey, a coach with Mobil with Reggae boys of Jamaica in Kingston. Milutinovic during Carlsberg cup The match ended 2-2. tournament in Hong Kong in January. Pegasus, a second division Pepsi The brilliant performance of the "The opposition in Hong Kong was Professional league club, also wants a Jamaicans no doubt provided an obviously weak. These players have now radical change in Milutinovic's France opportunity for Nigerians to assess the shown that they will fail when the '98 preparation plans. Said Bassey: combination of home-based and grade B opposition is strong. Certainly, they are "Milutinovic must stop experimenting Europe-based professionals, who not world cup materials" argues Ositelu. with home-based players and settledown constitute Super Eagles team B. Bora Godwin Dudu-Orumen, another to the job of bringing together the Super Milutinovic, Super Eagles' coach, has sports analyst, said experimenting with Eagles regulars for future friendly been experimenting with these players home-based and grade B Europe-based matches." since the beginning of this year, with a players can't yield any fruits for Super But Emeka Omeruah, minister of view to picking some of them for France Eagles. Said Dudu-Orumen: "It isa waste youth and sports, is satisfied with '98 World Cup. In fact, team A players of time. Milutinovic Milutinovic's prepara­ are yet to play a single friendly match, a should be playing tions for France '98. He development most Nigerians find friendly matches with said the government is abnormal. players from Atlanta '96 committed to the The Kingston match also provided an Olympic and USA '94 programme drawn-up opportunity for some older members of World Cup teams. We and.being implemented the Super Eagles to show Nigerians and can't get any new good by Milutinovic and Milutivonic that they can still play good players from these fresh Nigeria Football football. Rashidi Yekini, Samson Siasia, legs". DaveEnechukwu, Association, NFA. He Ben Iroha and Uche Okafor are some of sports editor of Post also commended Super such players. They have, in fact, been Express also said home- Eagles' performance in clamouring for their inclusion in the based players have no Jamaica. Said Omeruah: France '98 Super Eagles team. business in Super Eagles "It is a demonstration of At the end of the 90-minutes match in build-up to France '98. Yekini: Bouncing back what Super Eagles are Kingston, Milutinovic knew that his Dudu-Orumen may capable of doing in France '98 World Cup preparation be right. But for the inclusion of Iroha and France '98". programme must be fundamentally Yekini in the first half and the introduction Fanny Amun, assistant coach of Super altered. The home-based and grade B of Siasia in the second half of the match Eagles, said the experimentation with a Europe-based players used in the match, with Jamaica, the Reggae boys would new set of players would continue until performed woefully. The players fumbled have defeated Nigeria. Yekini, Iroha and May.B

Newswatch, March 9,1998 39