JUNE 12,1995 N50.00 'S WEEKLY NEWSMAGAZINE

Why Ajasin, others were arrested KING SIZE

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THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH WARNS THAT TOBACCO SMOKING IS DANGEROUS TO HEALTH Outline » AjUL (Ml JUNE 12, 1995 NIGERIA’S WEEKLY NEWSMAGAZINE VOL 21 NO 24

Nigeria: 17 Cover: 10 Obasanjo and Yar'Adua face Special Military Tribunal investigating their alleged involvement in the plot to topple the government • The death w Reign of Terror of an Igbo man in Kano has raised suspicion of ritual killing • Polytechnic teachers call off their Two violent incidents in two-week strike and return to classrooms • Having failed to Kano and florin have once destabilise the NLC, government changes gear % again set the nation on edge. Africa: 22 Charles Taylor, Liberian factional leader, holds peace talks with Sard Abacha, the Nigerian head of state, on Liberian civil war

World: 24

How to secure the release of nearly Nigeria: 16 400 UN peace-keepers held hostage by the Bosnian Serbs is a hard nut to Draft Controversy crack « Music: 32 The disagreement over the PMAN, Ideas Communications are printing of the draft consti­ back with the annual music awards but it's all ceremony, no glitter tution is still creating confu­ sion among government Sports: 33 officials and members of the Ghana's Starlets beat Nigeria's constitutional conference. Golden Eaglets to win the African maiden edition of the U-17 tournament in Mali Business + 4. Letters 6. Alubo Economy: 26 7. Cartoon 8. Editorial Suite Hand of God 9. Essay 28. Business briefs The survival of food, beverage 30. Dialogue 34. Passages and tobacco manufacturers in the past year has been attri­ Cover buted to divine intervention. Design by Taiwo Schulz

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

Save Our Oil At a time other publications vote to good of this present generation and for keep on expending on drab news that has generations yet unborn. It will be a tragedy, if the oil industry been over-reported and yet continually Ukcfi Onuoha Ukefi, (Cover, May 1) which is the goose that clothed in sensationalism, you elect, time Aba, lays the golden egg that sustains us as a and time again, to explore virgin lands . nation, is allowed to collapse, like and serve your far-flung readers education, health and other essential refreshingly fresh news item, thereby Your story did not say anything on services. We are in this sorry state of remaining notches ahead of others. It is in the greatest problem in that sector — affairs because the. priority of those who this vein tha 11 consider your report about CORRUPTION. Corruption and its twin have been in government since 1983, was the oil industry as a privileged brother — mismanagement — have how to cling to power through various information to all those concerned with continuously bedeviled that sector and experiments like the long transition this money-spinning sector, the nerve until these problems are addressed, there programme of 1986 to 1993, while the centre of the nation's economy. It is now will continue to be a rapid decline in the essential sectors like oil, education, health, that concerted efforts should be geared fortunes of this sector until one day 'the transport, agriculture, water and electri­ towards addressing head-on all the chicken will finally come home to roost'. city supply were relegated to the back­ Abari Tcrungzoa, ground. This misplacement of our priori­ Taraku, ties has led to the crisis in the oil industry, . the decline in education and health services, the chaos in our transportation We shall continue to have crisis in the system, the present unprecedented high oil industry until we set our priorities cost of food items and the erratic water right as a nation. For one, the present and electricity supply. government cannot expect the oil- The priority of the present federal producing communities to give it and its military government is the endless agents loyalty, co-operation and support constitutional conference tha t has gulped when it fails to recognise the fact that in millions of naira, the transition to civil an attempt to explore and exploit crude rule programme which could take years oil in their land, water, their major source and the Family Support Programme, of livelihood is polluted. Besides, for which is yet to support the poor families reasons other than political and in buying three cups of garri for N10.00, perpétuation of immediateand long term a cup of Nigerian rice for N10.00, a interest, many round pegs are made to be measure of grains for N35.00, not to talk in square holes in the oil industry. That of supporting the poor families in paying production is falling, revenue dropping school fees and clothing their children. and tough times ahead in the oil industry,, The collapse of the oil industry, which therefore, is not surprising. is the biggest foreign exchange earner for John A. Iwori, our country, will lead to the mass problems militating against the viability Port Harcourt. retrenchment of workers in local, state of this sector. Anything contrary is just and federal governments. The federal suicidal. But for selfish reasons, political "Abacha Resources of Canada" military government should endeavour exigencies and unfavourable economic should be "Abacan resource of Canada". to fulfil its financial obligations to the oil policies, those who hold the ace to do Abegbe, companies exploring for oil in Nigeria something positive at the nick of time A frieini ofNezoszoatch. and start now to invest the huge sums of may want to dismiss the reportas alarmist money being realised from crude oil sales and sensational only to resort to fire- • Nezuswatch regrets the typographic in useful ventures, like agriculture, which brigade action when the situation error. was the main-stay of our economy before becomes almost irredeemable. oil was discovered in commercial Tai Sanni, Yes, It’s Time for Renewal quantities in Nigeria in 1958 and in science Onipaanu, Lagos. and technology, so that when our oil Time for Renewal by Ogoh Alubo wells finally dry up, we could survive as Unlike King Belshazzar who needed (Column, May 1) was a scholarly treatise. a nation from the returns on such a Daniel to decipher the handwriting on Institutions, like men, have their growth, investments. Countries like Japan, the wall for him, our economic planners their manhood, their decrepitude, their Germany, South Korea, etc., are economic and administrators need not worry any decay. Our academic institutions indeed giants not through the sale of crude oil, more. The warning is loud and clear are at their very nadir. To put education but through science and technology. enough. Now is the time to jettison all in limbo as we are doing is like Ifeku Okonkwo, manner of redtapism and set our priorities deliberately extinguishing our lamp of Awka. right (not only in the oil industry) for the modernisation, the only torch and agent

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4 Newswatch, June 12,1995 ■ LETTERS

of civilisation we have. And as Abraham Churchill said to the British parliament I wish to commend Alubo's prophetic Lincoln said in his address to the on May 13,1940, "I have nothing to offer and sober analyses of the m ind-staggering American Congress on June 17,1865, "a but blood, toil, tears and sweat." condition of our citadels of knowledge. house divided against itself cannot Otherwise, those who are worried But the lingering problem remains: have stand". So our educational system will about the dilapidation which we call our those in position to save us from continue to remain a shadow of its academic institutions will only shout intellectual doom read this truism? If glorious past until NASU, SSA and themselves hoarse, to no effect. The they have, are they, with all sincerity, ASUU, decide to settle their rift and bury remedy lies not in shouting but in the will going to act? the hatchet over this lingering crisis. Only to make significant and positive changes. Mfotiiso Nkanang, then will they with an elevated sense of Ukonu Kalu Agbai, Uyo. dynamism re-echo what Sir Winston Aba, Abia State.

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Newswatch, June 12,1995 COLUMN For Their Tomorrow

INCH THE INDEFINITE children. adjournment of the Constitu­ Ogoh Alubo The fa te of the public school system in tional Conference on general and access to qualitative April 25, 1995, and with it a education in particular constitute a blight on early disengagement of the supreme irony of our post colonial Abacha regime, there has been a general development. That most, if not all, of lull on political activities. The those who have run our educational mushrooming political associations, system aground are themselves which in our experience constitute the beneficiaries of the public school system nucleus for political parties, have been is food for thought. In the present forced into what portends to be a long circumstance, whether and what time out. education the typical Nigerian child gets Without the excitement and depends more on the parents' economic incitement of party politics, the ability than the child's mental capacity. government might find it expedient to However, it is not morally or politically zero in on some crucial aspects of society Those who have run justifiable tha t education for the generality as a rallying point. Perhaps, there is no our educational system of children is in tatters while the children better rallying point than the concern of those who manage our sta te and public over children, the generation which will aground are themselves affairs are receiving good education in succeed the present one. The designation beneficiaries of the private schools at home and abroad. of May 27 as Children's Day provides an Poor, diseased and denied the opportunity to draw the world's attention public school system opportunities for good education, to needs of children. Nigeria's children take to the streets in Besides marking an international in Nigeria die before their first birthday. the hundreds variously as beggars, calendar, Nigeria has other reasons to Those who survive have to contend with barrow boys, porters, hawkers and pick­ celebrate Children's Day. Children are bouts of diarrhoea and malaria ànd other pockets. As things stand, we run the risk idolised and venerated in our society. childhood killer diseases. Even as the of being swarmed by street children The adult population flatter them former condition could be managed by before long. A timely investment in individually and collectively as leaders simple water - salt - sugar, the use of this children as children, irrespective of of tomorrow. But whether our children life saving innovation in Nigeria is only whether they are a je butter or a je kwaki live to become leaders of tomorrow 35 per cent, a full 12 per centage points can turn the tide and save the present and depends largely on what happens today. lower than the regional average. These future generations the social The reality of the three most crucial factors combine to make Nigeria the 19th repercussions of a large army of street institutions, namely the family health care country with the worst child survival children who have bright prospects of and educational system, which determine rate in the world. We are behind countries graduating into full "area boys". whether and how children live and what like Zaire, Haiti, Uganda, Ghana, Cote When the Nobel Laureate, Wole training they receive, gives little cause d'Ivoire and :- hardly a Soyinka, talked about the wasted for optimism. flattering position for the giant of Africa. generation a decade or so ago, he probably Across the land the family faces an The facilities for children's education had the adult population in mind. In the uphill task in feeding their children, are equally dismal. As part of the gospel present circumstance, it is more Carbohydrates have become the only that social institutions should be "self appropriate to describe Nigeria's children affordable staple as proteins, nuts and sustaining /financing", all sorts of levies as doomed. How else does one explain pulses are priced out of reach. are ranged againstparents in supposedly the wide gap between governments' - all Consequently, diseases of malnutrition free public schools. Those who can afford of them since 1960 - professed such as kwashiorkor and marasmus now the payments have to contend with commitment to children and the stare many parents in the face. Recent another systemic problem: irregular embarrassing reality of their existence? (1994) UNICEF statistics indicate that a payment of teachers' salaries. This The truth is that child survival, and full 54 per cent of Nigeria's children suffer untoward development compels teachers the related aspects of health, nutrition stunted growth because of nutritional to go on strike (even to ensure that they and education are proxy indicators of crisis, while another 36 per cent are can feed their children!) and the children true development. This is precisely why severely underweight. It is certainly too to roam the streets. For about the past many other countries refuse to surrender early but expectations are running high decade, the public school system has not this important yardstick of true that the new vigour and commitment to run a normal academic calendar. The independence to either market forces or the family through the Family Support most unconscionable aspect of this the individual's circumstances of birth. Programme will bring some relief; at least tragedy is that most of those paid to run In the end, development, however to spare the world the greasily sight of our public school system have withdrawn conceived, is measured not by the number some children scavenging refuse heaps their children to private schools or send of children trained in private schools or side by side with 4pgs and vultures. them abroad. In the not too distant future, abroad but by the capacity to give Children's health indices are equally these privileged children will return to functional education within the public grim: 191 out of every 1000 children bom lord it over the rest of Nigerians and their school system.

6 Newswatch/ June 12, 1995 NEWSWATCH CARTOONS "QUOTES" ■HU

IMAGING THE GOLDEN I’U SAV THAT Mi No one will invest in Nigeria in the present climate of uncertainty, and EAGLETS,OUR. OlriN Should 6e biSfeAWb&b- Nigeria cannot rise to its full potential unless she is part of the world financial JOHKK. Tam I-OSINÇ bV yes [the wttoue Ur. network. — Andrew Young, African- A S'l Toawti ftlfrl TW; frhüfâ [ American and former Mayor of Atlanta, USA, in a letter to the Anglican Archbishop cf Nigeria.

Let's face it, an Ogoni republic will be nothing. The surrounding areas in can walk in and take it over.

— Erne Awa, professor and former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission.

The search for truth is so demanding that it requires commitment, patience If and humility. — Matthew Hassan Kukah, Reverend-father, talking to journalists duHng the 29th World Communications Day.

I am just a private citizen now. The President of the Republic does not need to walk me to my car.

— Francois Mitterand, 78, immediate past French president, In that CASE ,THE

When confessing your sins, you do not adopt a holier-than-thou approach. All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of democracy.

— , politician and lawyer, and member of the Constitutional Conference.

Whether you like it or not, there is no way the next president in any dispen­ sation will come from the North.

— Muhammadu Kanti Bello, SDP senator from .

Newswatch, June 12, 1995 7 ______

NE OF THOSE WEEKS. developments some which looked like a First was the news of a riot From the bomb planted at the foundation of the in Kano — wild, wild city— nation itself. The man who was coasting on Tuesday afternoon. Most home with the victory at that election, peopleO first heard it on the BBC. Subse­ Editorial Suite , is in detention on charges quent information was sketchy. A few of treasonable felony. He declared himself minutes later, our sources in police head­ president June 11 last year. He was only quarters and other security sources added trying to reclaim his mandate. Something bits and pieces to what the BBC reported. The news was clearly the military authorities did not find funny. bad. Initial reports said five people were killed and that it was The second anniversary of that election comes up next a "war" between indigenes and non-indigenes of the state. Monday. People are apprehensive. On May 16, Wada Nas, There were usual looting and burning of stores and the minister for special duties, warned that N ADECO leaders were destruction of residential and office buildings as well as vehicles. planning to unleash terror and anarchy on the nation. N ADECO And churches. Inevitably. Kayode Olaokun was on his way to officials denied it and said government was looking for some Kano to report on the current probe into the administration of excuse for further repression. the former governor of the state, Kabiru Gaya when the news And then there was Kano. And . T error ism? Campaign came. Naturally his brief and his assignment changed. of violence? The goose pimples instantly grew to the size of And then came the news of a bomb blast in Ilorin, Kwara peanuts. Those who say Nigeria sits on a tinderbox can now State, on Wednesday afternoon at the venue forthe launching chuckle. Is their doomsday prediction here? There will be of the Family Support Programme. Again, the BBC was the first dangerous and easy conclusions. Adekunle Ajasin, chairman source of information. Again, details were sketchy. But again, of NADECO, hastened to condemn the Ilorin incident - in case the news was bad. Three people killed and as many as 50 were anyone felt inclined to accuse his coalition. We are in for a long injured. Wale Oladepo, associate editor, who is from Kwara, winter of wild speculations. The looming shadow of fear and rushed to Ilorin to see what happened and how it happened. insecurity won't grow any shorter. You may now turn the In normal times, these would have been treated as isolated pages to Terrorism, cases. But the times in Nigeria are not normal. Political tension this week's cover is more than skin deep. It has been so since former President story written by Nats 's administration annulled the June 12,1993, Agbo, associate presidential election. It has been exacerbated by several other editor. Nemmtdt The International Award-winning Magazine Founders: DELE GIWA (1947—1986), RAY EKPU, DAN AGBESE, YAKUBU MOHAMMED

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8 Newswatch, June 12, 1995 ESSAY The Beetle in June 12

By Ogbu Onah

AY, NEVER DIE! YOU CAN LIKEN JUNE 12 TO THE caused more to Nigeria's leaders in Aso i\ock both in the past flying mouse in Cartoon Network. Ever seen Cartoon and present. Remember when Comrade Chukwumerije was Network? It shows dummies of animals and people burying June 12 in the air through radios and television? Fie for in action. Mice don't fly, you know. But this one did shame! It did little to push the feather-weight power of Shonekan Sto the admiration of other animals. Yet the bull would not havegoing crashing. And Abacha came on the line. it. It trapped the mouse and swallowed it. Dead and buried, it June 12 met him at the door of Aso Rock with his chest thrust thought. But the mouse did not die. Rather it heaved and out in defiance. What a match! It was like the confrontation of shoved with vehemence inside the tummy of the bull. It could two powerful wrestlers staring at each other in the ring. In a deft not contain the force of the mouse and the bull let go. move to shove him out Abacha held stiff. June 12 ran round him, Recall also the power of Volkswagen Beetle in NT A adverts. fell a dummy fall on the ring rope which threw it off with its All attempts to kill it proved abortive. A man with a heavy heavy punches towards Abacha. He held it mid-air, grabbed it jackboot smashed and ground the Beetle to pieces. But just as by the neck and choked it. J une 12 writheddesperately in the air soon, it rose from the dust in defiance, shook its body and sped and stayed^still Abacha threw it out of Aso Rock to land in a thud off. There is no killing the Beetle. as if it had died. It did not. He became more angry and went for June 12 is as defiant and vigorous. It's amazing how June 12 its chief priest and custodian, Moshood Abiola and put him in has turned into a rhyme. Say this loud: "June 12, June 12, June detention. 12." There is a peculiar rhythm to it. And if maintained in June 12 rose up from the ground and felt its strength similar tempo, it could be danced to as well. Even, Segun Osoba, diminished with the absence of its grand custodian. And so it civilian governor of in the short-lived Third Republic, sought allies in Kokori of NUPENG, Pascal Bafyau of NLC and fell for the rhythm of June 12 and named a street so during the Anthony Enahoro of NADECO. These forces combined to force crisis of annulment. a heated battle on Abacha. Yet he defeated them.all. He threw June 12 is an albatross too. To the leaders, that is. Go just Pascal out of the ring, got hold of Kokori and Enahoro and whisper June 12 to Gen. 's ears and see what dragged them into detention. It was at this stage the remaining vengeful looks you'll receive back. followers of June 12, like , , June 12 has come to mean two different things to two Akinrinade,.etc., gathered in secret and decided to carry their different groups of people. To one formidable group, it is a god to safety abroad where they could solicit support from the watershed in Nigeria's history. And since it is a watershed, the super powers of Europe and America. Can you now see the group believes it cannot be "wished"/washed away just like genesis of the battle between Randal Robinson of Trans-Africa that. But that it has to be used/actualised, so to say. and Sani Abacha of Aso Rock? Yet the other equally powerful group says nay, entirely, that Still let's see how June 12 has affected the masses of this June 12 is not a watershed; it is part of history of Nigeria which country. Deeply in its heart, it wouldn't have been the intention would have to be studied in the country's institutions of learning. in June 12 to cause pain, suffering and death to Nigerians. On Trivialists amongst this group even go further to say it is the contrary, it meant to uplift them from penury to prosperity. nothing more than a date in the Roman calendar. Two parallel It meant to build houses for them, provide plenty food to their lines have been drawn. And in the rule of mathematics two tables, give their children education and health, and above all parallel lines don't meet. give them freedom to choose their leaders all of which they pine However, despite these two parallel positions, June 12 for now. But inadvertently June 12 took on the military and its continues to garner relevance within and outside the shores of allies on behalf of the masses and led them (masses) to a Nigeria. Randal Robinson stepped out for June 12 and/or its gruelling penance. So that since the ba ttle for or of J une 12 their crisis. He is the leader of Trans-Africa in the United States. He economic fortunes haveplummeted to near zero. Inflation had is on the neck of Bill Clinton to do something to save Nigeria galloped düring this period beyond economic definition. More from June 12 crisis. How? Push Abacha away from AsoRock via strikes paralysed education and industries. Fuel price increased sanctions. Who transported June 12 to America in the first several folds and people cannot travel freely anymore. Above place? That's another story. all, they cannot feed their families well again. But if June 12 has crept into the White House in Washington And yet June 12 will not die. and No. 10 Downing Street in London and tormenting Bill • Ogbu Onah is a reporter with Quality magazine Clinton and John Major as well as other European leaders, it has

Newswatch, June 12,1995 9 COVER s? 9 / ...... ' 4

k

^ 1 _ ■ 81 I O ww

Terror

A bomb blast in llorin, and ethnic strife in Kano city set the nation on edge once again

By Nats Agbo

WO INCIDENTS, LAST bomb blast «inside the main bowl of the week, heightened the llorin township stadium, in the Kwara political tension in the State capital, during the launch of a N100 country. The first was million appeal fund for the Family an ethnic clash in Kano Support Programme, FSP. Late last week, in which five people the government set up a 10- were confirmed killed. The otherman was panel a to probe the ethnic violence in Kazir: Witnessed the incident T10 Newswatch, June 12,1995 COVER

Kano City, while the Ilorin blast has led have some information about a possible activists. to the arrest of some politicians and many bomb attack on senior government A source who witnessed the ceremony pro-democracy activists. officials and establishments in the state. in the company of Ishaya Anthony At press time, more than 50 such But security officers were not sure where Anchie, a lieutenant-colonel and activists had been arrested in Akure, it was going to be. According to Baba commandant of the 2nd Mechanized Lagos and Ilorin. Among those arrested Ahmadu, the state commisskmer of Brigade, Sobi Hill, Ilorin, told Newswatch in Akure are Adekunle Ajasin, former police, on the basis of that information, that it was on the basis of à security report civilian governor of and the police swept the stadium with a mine that more armed soldiers and security chairman of the National Democratic sweeper on that morning. Nothing was agents were drafted from the Sobi Hill Coalition, NADECO, Kofo Bucknor- found. But just before the occasion started, barracks to the stadium. It was also Akerele, Jonathan Odebiyi, Remi there was a fresh alarm that some people decided that all the important guests Okuriboye, former senators and Olu should not use the state box since it was Falae, a former minister. Cornelius feared that if there was to be a terrorist Adebayo, a former governor of Kwara attack, it would be the target. The State, was picked up in Ilorin, while Beko organisers quickly sent for canopies from Ransome-Kuti, chairman of the government house and erected them at Campaign for Democracy, CD, was the centre of the stadium far away from arrested in Lagos. An Ajasin aide said the state box. when the police were taking him away, Just as the ceremony got under way, more than 50 people accompanied him to there was a loud explosion from shed 16. the station, where he was formally held Time was 11.30 a.m. under Decree 114 for holding an illegal The bomb, described by forensic meeting in his house. He denied the experts as Relay 17 antimagnetic, anti- charge. He wondered why the police were shock device exploded just a few metres harassing the Afenifere group whereas from the state box where all the senior other groups were holding meetings government officials and important without any interference. The former guests would have been seated. It tore civilian governor of Ondo State was said through the concrete floor and ripped the to have challenged the police to show ceiling. Spectators at the stand were proof that he was holding an illegal thrown off their seats. Many of them meeting. Ajasin, who was later asked to sustained serious injuries. There was total go home but refused, unless his political confusion. Some of the guests took to associates were freed, may be charged to their heels. There was no ambulance. court along with the others. Eventually, sympathisers and some Beko Ransome-Kuti, leader of the members of the Federal Road Safety Campaign for Democracy, CD, was, Corps, FRSC, took the injured to the however, released and directed to be hospital. reporting to the police everyday at 2 p.m. One of the injured told Newswatch There were indications that more that because he could not get any help suspected opponents of the government from anybody, he crawled to the road including university lecturers and other before he was taken by a good Samaritan political activists may still be arrested for to the hospital. Official reports claimed questioning. Those who have been that only one person was killed. Ayo arrested may not be released soon. Omotosho, the acting medical director, According to a police source, they are Adisa: “Battle line drawn” University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, being held for breaching decree 114 which UITH, said only one person was brought forbids illegal meetings. It is not clear were planning to disrupt the launching. to the hospital dead. Other sources, why two journalists, , Very senior government officials and however, said about six persons might publisher of The Sunday magazine, TSM, military officers, including state military have been killed. Omotosho admitted and Ade Alawode, editor of Eko administrator; Alwali Kazir, a major- that 22 people who suffered burns, newspaper were arrested last Thursday. general and chief of army staff and Abdul lacerations and. fractures were also Police were yet to make a statement on Karim Adisa, also a major-general and admitted. their arrests although those who picked minister of works and housing, had Some of the victims on admission at up Alawode claimed they were looking gathered for the launching of the N100 the UITH, were Lateef Oba, a butcher, for subversive documents. Police sources million appeal fund for the state's Family Sunday Olaitan, a barber, Jimoh Ajimoti at Panti where he is held said they were Support Programme. Because of the fears Babaata, the head labourer in Asa local interested in NADECO stories published expressed over the safety of the guests, government area, Muideen Salami, a by the newspaper. somegovemmentofficials suggested that primary six pupil of Ansar Islam primary Newswatch learnt that security agents the event be postponed. That suggestion school, Okekere, Ilorin, and Anafi Musa, were very worried about the bomb blast was discountenanced by some senior a driver with the Kwara Transport at Ilorin because it showed laxity in the milita ry officers who sa id they were ready Service. Momimi Safi, a school teacher at security system. The police were said to to coun ter the activities of pro-democracy Afon in Asa local government area, who

Newswatch, June 12,1995 11 ■ cover

also received serious injuries was treated the episode. But Ajasin told newsmen cause disaffection. The claim was that at the Alubarika Hospital, Ilorin and before his arrest that NADECO had no people would be recruited to distribute discharged. Also injured in the blast was hand in it. He said the group believes in inciting documents and to launch terrorist FausatLawal, a Junior Secondary School, dialogue as a better option for the attacks on Nigerians. JSS 3, student of United Commercial resolution of Nigeria's political crisis. Anothe- theory was that the bomb Secondary School, Ilorin. She and two Government sources said allegations was planted by some aggrieved civil others were admitted at Denik Hospital, of NADECO's involvement had been servants. The only reason for this a private hospital in Ilorin. made by security agents. Initial security suspicion is that Iyam has been engaged The state administrator, Baba Iyam, reports said NADECO members in exile in a running battle with civil servants and his wife, Sophia, visited the victims had sent large amounts of money to their who went on strike last February. Before at separate times last Thursday. Iyam contacts in various parts of Nigeria to the strike was called off, several civil servants were sacked. There were allegations that most of those sacked were from one senatorial zone. This fuelled speculations that such civil servants may have been sacked for political reasons. In fact, some of the dignitaries at the stadium during the bomb explosion saw it as the handiwork of those who want to discredit Iyam's government. Speaking on the episode, Adisa blamed it on enemies of the state government he alleged were angry because they were being probed. He said "the battle line is drawn (because) we know those who are doing this. "We support what the military administrator is doing (because it is) for the benefit of the state. Those who stole our money must return our money." The third theory was that the bomb was planted by agents of former public office Ajasin, Falae: Arrested holders in the state. Analysts see the reference to "those who promised financial assistance to the stole our money" as pointing to the power victims. He said those disabled by the struggle in the state between Olusola blast would be assisted with funds to set Saraki, former senate leader and up business. He also said all the bills Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi, former incurred by the victims would be settled civilian governor of the state on the one by thegovemment. Newswatch learnt that hand and members of the Ilorin Forum relations of some of the victims were, on the other. Some members of the however, advised by some medical judiciary and the present state executive personnel to buy some medicaments, council who want to check Saraki's especially intravenous fluid because they pervading influence are also in the battle. were out of stock in the hospital. The climax of the battle for power Sophia was accompanied on the visit was the release of a government white by AbikeKuranga, the state commissioner paper Wednesday May 24 which indicted for health. Lafiagi for misapplying part of the federal At press time, three theories emerged government grants of N76 million meant concerning the origin of the bomb blast in for ecological problems in the state and Ilorin. The first was that it was the another N120 million for the Ilorin National Democratic Coalition, township water expansion scheme. The NADECO. This explains the clampdown govern ment ordered the former governor on NADECO officials a few hours after Iyam: To assist victims to refund N32 million.

12 Newswatch, June 12,1995 ■ COVER

The manner the probe into Lafiagi's government was carried out had raised many questions. When the life of the Third Republic was terminated in November 1993, , a police commissioner who took over as acting administrator, set up a judicial

commission of inquiry headed by J.A. mk Ibiwoye, a judge of the state high court, to probe allegations of misappropriation of the N76 million and N120 million grants L **

from the federal government. The panel V did its job but it was never allowed to submit its report by Ismail. Iyam also refused to accept the report. Newswatch learnt the report exonerated Lafiagi. On April 5 this year, Iyam set up another judicial commission of inquiry headed by Issa Ayo Salami, a judge of the Court of Appeal. It is the report of the Salami committee that has now tom Kwara State apart. The white paper blamed Lafiagi for not awarding any contracts for the ecological problems. Rather, his government "diverted the entire N76.044 million to items other than ecological projects for which the grant was originally meant." The white paper did not say what the other projects were. But it explained that Lafiagi lodged N20 million Lafiagi: Facing probe Saraki: In power struggle* of the fund as fixed deposit with the distressed Innovative Finance Ltd. against the contractor. Still on how the were not better. He said thelbrahim Alkali "against a federal government directive N120 million water project fund was government under which most of his that the ecological fund or part thereof managed, the report said Lafiagi's opponents served awarded the Bode could only be lodged with commercial or government diverted N83 million to Sa'adu- road contract to a Lagos merchant banks." The government also "various items of expenditure that were construction company in December 1988 said Lafiagi used N4.666 million of the of no higher priority than the Ilorin at the cost of N47 million. The cost was said N120 million "to procure foreign township water scheme". It said further later raised to N81 million due to exchange for undisclosed purpose." On that "N14 million was traced in N12 increased scope of work which included the Ilorin township water scheme, the million and N2 million proportions construction of two bridges as well as government said Lafiagi flagrantly respectively to Lafiagi and Shehu A. surface dressing on the first 30 km. He violated established government Gafar, secretary to Lafiagi's government. said up-to-date only 30 percent of the procedure in the award of the contract for Said the white paper: "The claims by work had been done. The project has this project. It stated further that the the two former public office-holders that since been abandoned. "The contract has amount of work to be done by the N14.5 million was advanced to the been fully paid for in a breach of the contractor was never determined when contractor as additional plant and contractual agreement which stated that the contract was awarded. It said it was material advance was found by the the last instalment should have been paid also not handled by any tenders board commission to be false and incorrect". It in December 1992", he said. nor was any formal contract agreement therefore, asked both Lafiagi and Gafar He said the government issued an entered between the government and to refund N12 million and N2 million irrevocable letter of undertaking for the Vodokanal Projects Nigeria Limited, the respectively. deductions of the payment to the Central contracting firm. The white paper blamed The state government owed Bank of Nigeria CBN, for the money to be Lafiagi for stopping the contract only Vodokanal for some other projects. It deducted at source monthly from the after his government had disbursed N37 therefore, asked the firm to refund only federal allocation to the state. "But with million of the.N120 million given for it. N499.292 being the excess from the the connivance of top people in the federal The government said civil work on payment made to him on the Ilorin water ministry of finance and the'CBN, the construction of the filter bed of the water project. entire provisory notes were discounted project had reached only 30 percent before Saraki disagreed with the probe in one month and the CBN paid the whole the government called off the contract. In finding and the white paper. On May 28, money to the company". short, the government said a balance of he rose to the defence of Lafiagi, arguing The same method, Saraki said, was N19.979 million was still outstanding th a t p rev iou s m i 1 i ta ry reg i mes i n the s taadopted te in the contract for the rural

Newswatch, June 12,1995 13 I COVER electrification projects for and himself in the foot next day. Kaiama local government areas. He said when last Decem­ The last theory the original cost of the project was N34 ber he joined others was dismissed by million but it was later revised to N43.69 in the clamour that a member of the million. Except for the Igboho-Ilesha Abacha's govern­ state executive Baruba project in Baruten local ment should go in council, who told government which has been completed, January 1996. That Newswatch in the other ones were abandoned even statement publi­ Ilorin: 'It seems to though the payment, as in the road project, shed in the Nigerian me that somebody had been made in full to the same Tribune was said to is diverting atten­ company. have led to an order tion from the real He charged that the cabinet of the on Iya m to d isgrace - culprit". present administration was dominated him. But sources Who did it? by those who were defeated by the Social close to Lafiagi said Security agents Democratic Party, SDP, in 1991. Sule he was misquoted were cracking Ajadi, the state finance commissioner in the said state­ their heads over from Ifelodun local government area, and ment. Some other that question last Ibrahim Wuru from Baruten local sources which week. Newswatch government area, were both members of included journalists leamt that mem­ the National Republican Convention, in Ilorin who bers of the com­ NRC. Dasuki Belgore, the present honoured Lafiagi's mittee set up by education commissioner, an Ilorin man, invitation to his the state police is said to have blamed his retirement in house for wha t they command are the 1993 purge carried put by the Lafiagi called the "occasio­ confused about government on Lafiagi himself. nal banter" with their assignment. Newswatch also learnt that even the state them said he made Some of them attorney-general, Mur ta la Sani, an Of fa a passing remark in were said to have man, had lobbied for the same position in that regard but that complained that the administration. the former governor was embarrassed the public had refused to volunteer any Lafiagi is also believed to have shot when he saw the remark published the information that may lead to the arrest of those responsible for the bomb blast. The police however, confirmed last week that the wrist watch which was used in detonating the bomb had been found. Several prominent indigenes of the state have also been arrested in connection with the incident. The Ilorin bomb episode helped to reinforce the growing concern of senior security of ficers that security had become too lax in the country. Some of them were v still debating on what steps to take to combat the rising cases of armed robbery in Nigeria when violence broke out in Kano on May 27. Security agents are said to be confounded about the Kano riots which began almost as minor disagreement. According to a senior police officer, two women were driven to Abubakar Rimi market. When they and their driver werè in the market, two boys removed a bag from the car. When they returned, they discovered that their bag & was missing. Anlgbo trader who saw the two boys remove the bag told them who took it and where it was. The bag was returned to them. They drove off. The boys then confronted the Igbo trader on why he exposed them. A fight ensued. They were later arrested with a security man at the car park who said he Diya: Orders administrators to be at alert did not challenge the thieves because the

14 Newswatch, June 12,1995

l SI COVER

women did not ask him to guard the car. minister of internal affairs who reacted to Soon, words spread round that an the Ilorin episode, said there could be no Hausa trader had been murdered by an justification for planting the bomb. He Igbo trader. This led to the mayhem which said if the intention was for some people spread through Kano on May 30. Official to inherit Nigeria, those who planted the records said five people were killed but bomb should strive to inherit "a peaceful, Newswatch sources said the toll number united and prosperous country". ' mightbeashighaslOO. When Newswatch Information minister, Walter visited the mortuary of the Murtala Ofonagoro, was sent to Kano where he Mohammed Specialist Hospital on met with various ethnic groups. Govern­ Thursday morning, there were many ment sources said Ofonagoro was asked corpses, some burnt and others with fresh to visit Kano because of the Gideon wounds that were yet to be claimed. Yet, Akaluka affair. Akaluka was beheaded several other bodies had been claimed while in police custody for allegedly and buried. desecrating the Qoran. Yet as Yusuf Bala Nasir Zahardeen, press secretary to Usman, a lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello the military administrator said not all University, ABU, , told the BBC on the bodies found in the mortuary were Thursday, "no one has been prosecuted those of victims of the riot. "How can you for that dastardly act". judge the casualty by the number of The fear in government circles was corpses at the mortuary?", he asked, that if attempts were not made to pacify adding: "several other people who died the non-indigenous resident» of Kano, of other diseases are also kept there (in the riot could escalate beyond the control the mortuary)". Hundreds of people were of security agencies. Government was also injured. More than 100 shops were also worried that if the riot escalates, it destroyed would be difficult for the state Chijuka, a brigadier-general and govemiTfent to convince Igbo traders that director of defence information, told it meant well in trying to resolve the Newswatch last week that the two crisis. As one Igbo trader explained: "We incidents were embarrassing to the are very, very sceptical about what the Kingibe: Angry military authorities. , state government plans to do because when it happened in 1991, we were moved into the area. The Igbo mobilised promised compensation for properties themselves and faced the Hausa youths. lost. Until today, no kobo has been paid Patrick Enendu, president of Igbo to any of us". community in Kâno, quickly contacted Ofonagaro's visit was, therefore, to Wase, the state police commissioner and complement whatever plans the state the state security service, SSS. Policemen government had for resolving the crisis. were promptly drafted to the area and Mohammed Abubakar Wase, a colonel instantly quelled it. and military administrator of the state Aso Rock sources said the two has set up a 10-man panel to probe the incidents have proved that in spite of the disturbances. It is headed by Bashir Wali, relative peace in Nigeria, a small crisis a former ambassador. At the swearing-in may trigger off a serious security problem of the panel, Wase praised his for the government. Two weeks ago, administration for quelling the military administrators were given disturbances in 24 hours, a feat he said special directives to ensure peace and was a national record. He relaxed the security of lives in their various states. curfew he had imposed on the city They were asked to closely monitor the between 8p.m and 6 p.m. He said that the activities of politicians, especially curfew would now be in force only supporters of June 12. The directives from between 12 midnight and 6 a.m. the office of Oladipo Diya,. the chief of Six hours after the relaxation of the general staff, CGS, said each state curfew, trouble broke out again in the administrator would be held personally Sabongari area where the original responsible for any breach of the peace in disturbances occurred. Incidentally, this his sta te. Whether the bomb blast in Borin second outbreak of violence was caused and the civil disturbances in Kano would by another car. According to police a ffeet lyam and Wase respectively remain sources, a car knocked down a pedestrian to be seen. along Galadima Road. The man was an Reported by Soji Akinrinade, Hausa. Words quickly spread that Mike Akpati,Wale Oladepo another Hausa man had been killed in Sam Olukoya, Kay ode Olaokun Ofonagoro: Calmed nerves Sabongari. Soon, a group of Hausa youths and Dotun Oladipo.

Newswatch, June 12,1995 15 NIGERIA Draft Controversy

All is still not well with the printing of the draft constitution. Conflicting directives from the presidency may delay it

By Wale Akin Aina

he controversy over who should handle the printing of the draft consti­ tution is still on the boil. Newswatch learnt last week that the office of Aminu Saleh, secretary toT the federal government, wanted the job to be handled by the National Assembly Printing Press with the super­ vision of the National Constitutional Con­ ference Commission, NCCC. The office of the secretary to govemmenthad earlier directed the 18-man publications committee of the conference, set up by its chairman, Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, and headed by Clement Akpamgbo, a former attorney-general and minister for justice, to hands off the supervision of the printing of the draft constitution. Instead that role was to be played by the NCCC. Saleh's directive was given Wednesday May 31 to the National Assembly, which serves as the adminis­ Saleh: Favoured govt, printers Karibi-Whyte: NCC chairman trative arm of the conference. It appears to override an earlier directive from the The order has also forced Akpamgbo's no specific reference was made as to office of the head of state, May 29, that the publications committee which was to whether the Akpamgbo committee printing of the draft constitution should have gone to Enugu on May 30 to should supervise the printing. be suspended by both the National supervise the printing of ‘the draft Newswatch investigations last week Assembly Printing Press and the Enugu- constitution at the Fourth Dimension, to confirmed that the two printers are still based Fourth Dimension publishers postpone its visit. Sources close to the going ahead with the printing of the draft which had been contracted by Karibi- committee said that it was awaiting constitution. But the question generally Whyte to print the draft constitution. further directives from the presidency. asked in Abuja throughout last week was: Ibrahim Salim, the director-general of The visitof the Akpamgbo committee Which of the draft constitution would be the National Assembly, who is also the was said to have been scheduled after the submitted to the Provisional Ruling clerk of the conference, confirmed to order from the office of Oladipo Diya, a Council, PRC? Newswatch thathehad received theearlier lieutenant-general and the chief of general According to the decree setting up directive from the office of the head of staff May 27, directing that the draft the National Constitutional Conference, state. He said that by that order, no organ constitution should be printed by the NCC, the presentation of the draft is the would now print the draft constitution. Fourth Dimension. But sources said that responsibility of the conference

16 Newswatch, June 12,1995 ■ NIGERIA

commission. ButKaribi-Whyte insists that controversy over the printing of the draft the conference should take responsibility constitution. The delegates discussed for the presentation. That was why he set some of the decisions of the conference up the Akpamgbo committee to oversee concerning rotational presidency and the printing of the draft constitution. revenue allocation. According to sources Karibi-Whyte as the chairman of the close to the meeting, the delegates were conference gave the printing of the draft worried by the security arrangements for constitution to the Fourth Dimension the printing and expressed fears about Publishers. According to Alloy Nwoke, the likelihood of altering certain decisions his press secretary, the contract was given of the conference in the draft. at a cost of N1.3 million for 20,000 copies. Although the controversy has held Karibi-Whyte said that he feared that up the printing of the draft constitution, some decisions of the conference could arrangements are almost completed for be changed if the printing of the draft was its submission to the PRC. Six committees done at the National Assembly Printing — logistics committee, publicity com­ Press. mittee, planning committee, programmes Nwoke referred to some instances and venue committee, refreshment when the decisions of the conference were committee and the security committee, changed at the National Assembly are working hard to meet the June 27 Printing Press. There were allegations schedule, the anniversary of the inau­ that the conference decisions which guration of the conference. Abdul One barred the government from involvement Mohammed a brigadier-general and the in pilgrimages are missing from the draft. military attache to the conference is co­ Nwoke also said that the job was given to ordinating the committees. Fourth Dimension Publishers because the According to sources, Karibi-Whyte National Assembly Printing Press lacked and Mamman Nasir, a judge and the the facilities to print hard covers of the deputy chairman of the conference, draft constitution. With the conflicting would endorse the draft constitution on directives it was feared last week that behalf of the delegates. Saidu Kawu a two editions of the draft constitution are Akpamgbo: Postpones visit judge and the chairman of the conference likely to be submitted to the PRC. commission and Joseph Wayas, former Also last week, southern delegates at Southern Delegates Solidarity Forum, sena te president and Ka wu's deputy, will the NCC, under the auspices of the SDSF, met in Abuja to deliberate on the endorse it on behalf of the commission.®

where he was being taken to. Obasanjo has been confined to his farm since March 23. Did You...? The American Cable News Network, CNN, first broke the news of Obasanjo's movement from the farm May 31. But Walter Ofonagoro, the information Obasanjo, Ya r’Adua face special military tribunal minister, and Fred Chijuka, head of defence information, denied the story. investigating alleged coup plot against Abacha Obasanjo was returned to his home at about 9 p.m. the same day. An associate By Utibe Ukim of Obasanjo said the interrogation session began at about 9.15 a.m. and was "not too AY 30 WAS OLUSEGUN rogators told Obasanjo that an unnamed rigorous." The former head of state Obasanjo's date with his officer now detained for the same reason remained unruffled throughout, he told accusers. For about 20 had mentioned him as his godfather. Newswatch. Chijuka, told Newswatch that minutes, the former head Obasanjo reportedly denied any know­ if Obasanjo was actually moved to the of state, accused by government of com­ ledge of the plot. He insisted on knowing DMI office, "the guesswork is that he plicity in an alleged coup plot, faced tine identity of the officer involved but his must have been interrogated." Although members of the Special Military Inves­ interrogators refused to oblige him. he still maintained that he was unaware tigation Panel, SMIP, who interrogated Obasanjo was taken to the DMI, of the movement, Chijuka said that such him for the first time since his arrest Apapa, where the SMIP sits, at 4.30 a.m. movement "is a thing thathappens within March 13. when he was picked up from his Ota the security network." He would not Sources say the panelists questioned Farm house by four truck loads of soldiers. elaborate. Obasanjo about his involvement in the His request to ride in his personal vehicle Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, a retired coup plot. Newswatch learnt the inter­ was turned down. He was also not told general and chief of staff, Supreme

Newswatch, June 12,1995 17 NIGERIA

Headquarters, during Obasanjo's tenure, was interrogated four days before Obasanjo by the SMIP. Yar'Adua is facing similar charges like Obasanjo and has been detained since March 9. Tunde Abayomi, a Lagos lawyer and head of Human Rights Africa, HRA, said last week that the interrogation was an attempt by the government to justify its arrest and detention of the two former leaders. "Government is only desperately looking fora coup plotter called but has not, will not, and can never find one in him," he told Newswatch. He said government should have established minimum evidence against Obasanjo before locking him up. Obasanjo was arrested by the police on March 13, a day after he returned from Copenhagen, Denmark, where he attended the United Nations sponsored conference on human rights. The police said initially that the arrest was in Obasanjo: Remained unruffled throughout his interrogation connection with his "recent political activities." Following pleas by Nigerians showed that it was "chasing after the the current exercise creates a different and the international community, wind. How can government take four impression. The 1976 trial of Bukar Dimka Obasanjo was moved from Ikeja police months to .establish evidence against the and all those implicated in the abortive officers' mess where he was held to his coup plotters after their arrest?," he asked. coup of February 13 in which Murtala Ota Farm and placed under house arrest. Going by Nigerian military's history, Mohammed, the head of state, was Yar'Adua who is held at the Kirikiri with the handling of coup plots, the assassinated was carried out speedily and maximum security prison was arrested current investiga tion has been very slow. those found guilty were executed within at his official residence at the Consti­ The government is yet to name the 29 one month. tutional Conference Village, Apo, in officers and men arrested in connection In December 1985, nearly four months Abuja. Abayomi said government's with the alleged coup plot. In a country into the life of the Babangida adminis­ handling of the arrest and detention in where coup plotters are tried and tration, the government said it had connection with the alleged coup plot executed within two weeks of their arrest, uncovered a plot to overthrew it. The leader of the plot was Mamman Vatsa, a major-general and minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Vatsa and the accomplices were arrested, tried and executed within six weeks. The April 1990 coup attempt led by Gideon Orkar, a major, was disposed of with dispatch. The trials, appeals and execution of the officers and men implicated in the coup were handled within one month of the failed attempt. The delay in bringing the 29 military and civilian suspects to trial, so far, has helped to sustain the impression that government is unable to fihd enough evidence to justify its allegation of a coup plot. Chijuka has said that government will not be stampeded into a hasty trial of the suspects. But Abayomi said such ex- plana tions are not plausible insisting that the foot-dragging may be a pointer to a divided military. "The military should go and put its house in order," he told Newswatch.. Reported by Sam Olukoya Yar'Adua: Held in Kirikiri Chijuka: No hasty trial and Joshua Edogbo

18 Newswatch, June 12,1995 ■ NIGERIA WÊÊÊÊ^ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊBÊÊUBÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊKÊÊÊÊBBÊ Stranger Than Fiction

Suspicion of ritual murder surrounds the death of a young I g bo mart said to have died in Kano, embalmed in Nnewi and became an unknown old corpse

By Janet Mba-Afolabi

HEN SIMON ODIMBA, in order to identify Ejike s corpse before a forest officer of burial at Unadu. The coffin was taken Unadu village in Igbo- into Odimba's living room. All the doors eze South local govern­ and windows were locked by four hefty Wment area of , receivedmen a who prevented mourners from phone call on April 4 saying his son, entering the room. Ejike, an apprentice trader in Kano, was The villagers' suspicion grew when sick, he did not suspect any foul play. their request to perform certain traditional Odimba: Threatened Nor was he suspicious when he received rites were refused by Ikeokwu's men. another phone call from Emmanuel The excuse was that the five-day old unidentified corpse and inflicting injuries Ikeokwu, Ejike's master, that the latter corpse was already decomposing. on his men. was dead. Angry, Odimba and his kinsmen Odimba was consequently arrested Odimba and his kinsmen, however, forced their way into the room. They and detained for 10 days. He was released became suspicious when Ikeokwu and broke the coffin and discovered that the after police investigations proved that the 20 people who accompanied him corpse was that of an unidentified old the pistol, in fact, belonged to Ikeokwu's prevented them from opening the coffin man. There Was pandemonium. friend who has since been charged to The villagers attacked the visitors, cour' for illegal possession of firearms. one of whom pulled out a pistol and Newswatch learnt that many promi­ threatened to shoot any of the villagers nent Nnewi indigenes have been making who came closer to him. He was over­ desperate efforts to terminate the case powered by some youths who dis­ To prevent this the case has been possessed him of the pistol. transferred to Makurdi, headquarters of The police were called in but, they Nigeria Police Zone 4. But efforts to end could not contain it. They sought re­ the case are still on. A senior police officer enforcement from the Ibagwa-Aka in Makurdi spoke of "threats to the lives divisional police office. The combined of some of us since the case was trans­ team of police arrested some of the ferred from Nsukka". The threat has also villagers and the visitors and took them been extended to Odimba to drop the to the Ibagwa-Aka police office. case "if he wants to stay alive". But But in a twist, Odimba, the father of Odimba told Newswatch that he would the deceased, became the prime suspect, not abandon the case. "Even if they want Newswatch learnt that a senior police to kill me, 1 should be happier as a dead officer who is a kinsman to Ikeokwu man instead of staying alive to watch my assisted him to make a statement that son's murderers roam the streets as free implicated Odimba. In his statement men", he said. Ikeokwu claimed Odimba owned the Police and medical reports so far show pistol that was seized from one of the that Ejike might have been a victim of visitors. Ikeokwu also accused Odimba ritual murder. Police investigations have Ejike: Victim of ritual murder? of damaging the vehicle that brought the raised puzzles on the circumstances of

Newswatch, June 12, 1995 > 19 K NIGERIA

his death. A mortuary receipt which Odimba, told Newswatch last week his master until June last year when he Ikeokwu produced showed he died in that he regretted giving his son to came home and refused to go back, Kano, but curiously, the embalment was Ikeokwu. Odimba said Ikeokwu was his complaining that he no longer understood done in Nnewi. Moreover, a coaster bus friend. They met in Enugu. Ikeokwu,a his master who was not only behaving in which the corpse was conveyed to motor spare parts dealer requested that strangely but was also involved in Unadu belonged to the Nnewi local the deceased be given to him as an businesses he did not understand. He government council. Ikeokwu also fai\ed apprentice. Odimba agreed. The was, however, persuaded by members of to obtain a police report or even a death agreement was that after seven years, his family to go back since he had only ■ certificate from Kano. Doctors at the Ikeokwu would open a spare parts shop one year left. Bishop Shanahan hospital, Nsukka, also for the deceased. Said Odimba: "At the Odimba was not to see his son again, j said the disputed corpse could not have time of the agreement, the deceased was he said a few months later, "Ikeokwu been that of Ejike. Police investigations 18 years old. He was still fresh from Ovoko phoned that my son was suffering from have concluded that if the corpse was Boys' High School, Nsukka, where he typhoid fever and appendicitis. I told that of Ejike, there could have been no passed with six credits. With such a him to take him to the hospital." The need for it to be taken to Nnewi, a distance brilliant result, the natural thing to do following day, Ikeokwu phoned again to of more than 250 kilometres from Unadu. was to allow him further his studies since say that "my son was dead and he would The police said last week that the case file he was my first son. But I did not have the bring the corpse to my village on April would soon be sent to Enugu State means to do so." 5/\ director of public prosecutions for According to Odimba, Ejike left for That was when the tragical drama prosecution. Kano and for six years lived happily with began.I

for implementing most of its demands in the area of welfare after tripartite meetings between the Polytechnic, ASUP and Back in representatives of the federal ministry of labour and productivity May 22. Another meeting convened by the state ministry of education on May 24, was presided over by Anthony Odugbesan, director- general in the ministry. Classrooms ASUP appears to be playing a waiting game. But the senate believes that the academic union would not resume their Academic staff union of Lagos Polytechnic calls strike in compliance with article 10 of the peace agreement worked out by the off two-week old strike, life returns to normal federal ministry of labour and productivity. Omotayo Olabenjo, principal assistant By Emmanuel Ugwu registrar, LASPOTECH, claimed that ASUP had no reason to resume the strike fter two weeks of in- after the institutions accepted to suspend because 80 percent of their demands had dustrial action, life is back the interdiction letter served on Olutayo been met by the institution. According to to normal at the Lagos State Okulaja, chairman of the union. her, the remaining 20 percent were Polytechnic, LASPOTECH. A member of ASUP executive told problems that affect all polytechnics The Academic Staff Union of Polytech­ Newswatch\ast Wednesday that the crisis nationwide and LASPOTECH could not nics,A ASUP, went on a strike May 4 to could erupt again because the letter was solve its own in isolation. press for better welfa re package and good only suspended and not completely As a result of the strike, the 1993/94 administration at the institution. They withdrawn. Even the strike which was first semester examinations of the part- said deserving staff had not been called off is yet to get the full support of time students were disrupted. ASUP also promoted since 1992 and that competent all ASUP members, Newswatch gathered passed a vote of no confidence on the staff were kept on the same level for as that most ASUP members prefer to governing council, imploring the long as 11 years. continue the strike until all their demands commissioner for education to replace Other grievances were non-payment are met because LASPOTECH has a them. of meal subsidy and hazard allowance record of breaking its promises with Odugbesan told Newswatch that his and non-payment of a balance of the ASUP. ministry would not sack the Polytechnic's N3,000.00 being deducted for "an In its letter dated May 25, ASUP governing council on the request of ASUP. unfurnished 3-bedroom apartment at executive called off the strike and directed He said before taking such an action, the Ikorodu" as well as the building of staff "all members of the union to resume ministry would require time to carry out school. normal academic activities without investigations on complaints on any ASUP decided to call off the strike further delay" as a gesture to the senate wrong doing.H

20 Newswatch, June 12,1995 elected, do not belong to any of the unions. The chairmen, secretaries and other executive committee members of state The Joker councils were formerly executive committee members of the state branches of the industrial unions. The practice was changed during the tenure of Pascal Unable to penetrate the leadership of the 41 Bafyau, former NLC president. The affected state chairmen and secretaries industrial unions, government is working out a have found it difficult to control their councils. Reports say some of the recent new strategy to unsettle them strikes in the states were complicated by the rivalry between the "floating" Chukwuemeka Gahia chairmen and secretaries, as those who have no unions are called, and leaders of the state branches of the industrial unions. HAIRMEN AND SECRE- presidents and secretaries unions as well Leaders of the industrial unions had a foretaste of what to expect from Ahmed taries of state councils of as the chairmen and secretaries of the when their list of delegates to the 82nd the Nigeria Labour Con­ state councils in Lagos last week. gress, NLC, are likely to be According to the source, Ahmed has convention of the International Labour made a temporary national executivemade of up his mind to recognise the 31 Organisation holding next week in theC NLC pending the time a delegates Geneva was rejected at last week's state councils. Many of the current state conference will meet to elect a new body. chairmen and secretaries although meeting. The list, presented by Precious Newswatch learnt that the government, Kiri-Kalio, was said tohave emerged from which has found it difficult to penetrate consultations carried out by the unions. the leadership of the 41 industrial unions Leaders of the industrial But Ahmed subjected it to a vote by show is trying to use this arrangement to of hands. It was defeated because unions had a foretaste of members of the state councils out­ sideline their leaders. what to expect from Uba A source said the move is calculated numbered those from industrial unions to divide the ranks of labour because it Ahmed when their list of at the meeting. One of the labour leaders will not be possible for the state council delegates to the 82nd who spoke with Newswatch said it was an ominous development. According to him, chairmen and leaders of the industrial convenlion of the unions to avoid rivalry and several of the state chairmen and secretaries who were at the meeting were recriminations. He said he was also International Labour convinced that government will try to Organisation holding next branch leaders of the industrial unions, adding that it was unusual for them to play one group against the other. "They xveek in Geneva was have publicly rebuffed the list submitted are trying to create anarchy," worried the by national leaders. source. He was one of those who a ttended rejected at last week's Newswatch also learnt that the position the meeting Uba Ahmed, minister of ' meeting of appointed union leaders and labour labour and productivity held with bureaucrats was debated at the meeting. Ahmed was said to have told the meeting that he was ready to weed them out in a forthcoming restructuring of the unions. His reason was that they enjoyed too much authority without any compelling responsibility to be accountable to their constituencies. Earlier in his address Ahmed had dismissed charges that the government has completely taken over the running of the trade unions. He said some former members of the dissolved executive councils under Bafyau are currently serving as chairmen of various advisory committees of the NLC. This, he argued, meant that they were involved in the running of the NLC. The government has been under local and international pressure to give the unions a free hand to Ahmed: To recognise state councils? run their affairs.®

Newswatch, June 12,1995 21 AFRICA

election seven months after it: inauguration. Fred Chijuka, Nigeria's militarj spokesman, said recently that the mair preoccupation of the ECOMOG troop? Still f now was how to disarm the warring factions to ensure the workability of thi cease-fire agreement they signed, "Wher that is done, it will be very easy for participating countries to withdraw their troops," he said. Searching The Cotonou accord, which has ideall) put the country on the path to lasting peace, stipulated that only an enlarged ECOMOG would supervise the Liberian factional leader; Charles Taylor, disarmament. Section E, article 6 of the accord notes that "disarmament being the holds talks with Nigerian leader; Sani ultimate objective of the cease-fire, the parties hitherto agreed and expressed Abacha, on peace in Liberia their interest and willingness to disarm and under the supervision of the ECOMOG, monitored and verified by the By Inemesit Umoren UN observer mission." Section B states that by ECOMOG HARLES TAYLOR, LEADER leading to election in that country and of peace-keeping force is meant an expanded of the National Patriotic course, the final withdrawal of all the forces ECOMOG which includes the forces of Front of Liberia, NPFL, was contributed by participating nations." ECOMOG member states and African in Nigeria last week to * The most complicated element in the troops from outside the West African explore new grounds for ending the entire process remains the disarming of region. LiberianC conflict. The visit was at the So, in a way, all parties in the dispute the warring factions. The main factions in instance of Sani Abacha, a general and the conflict, including the NPFL, and the are now reasonably satisfied that there is the Nigerian head of state. Momodu Sirleaf, Taylor's foreign minister, said it was an attempt to take advantage of new grounds that‘were broken at last month's Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, summit held in Abuja. Taylor's arrival in Abuja was delayed. He was scheduled to arrive on the morning of last Thursday but by the evening, he had not. Abacha, who was to have opened talks with him, that evening was kept waiting. M. Saleh, NPFL's foreign affairs spokesman later said in Abuja that the delay was because he had to drive from Gbanga, NPFL's headquarters in central Liberia, to Cote D'Ivoire where he had to obtain permission to fly to Nigeria. Taylor, however, arrived Abuja Thursday night. His talks with Abacha were expected to focus on the process of winding up the current transitional arrangement in Liberia this year, the disarming of the factions, Taylor: Takes advantage of new grounds broken at ECOWAS summit and withdrawal of foreign troops. Nigeria has consistently said that the, ECOMOG United Liberation Movement, ULIMO, commitment to the existing framework troops would remain in the country until have formed a five-member transition for a final settlement. An agreement the transition to a democratic rule was Interim Government of National Unity, worked out by the United Nations, UN, completed. Nigeria's position is to uphold IGNU, on the strength of an earlier and the Organisation of Africa Unity,OAU, the Cotonou peace accord which "has agreement. It was also agreed that the in Geneva was recently endorsed by already worked out a gradual programme executive council should organise an warring factions.

22 Newswatch, June 12, 1995 Outcomes, a South African company, is reportedly involved in the prosecution oLtijjfe civil war in Sierra Leone on the Not Guilty government sides. Rwandan has already lodged a protest with the South African government. Officials said that names of South African South Africa calls charges that it is re-arming companies involved in the re-arming of the Hutu militia has been sent to Pretoria. Rwandan Hutu militias “nonsense" However, observers believe there is little that the Mandela government can do to stop the arms trade by private By Emmanuel Ugwu organisations since there is no law yet under which they can be tried. llegations that supplying arms to Hutu militia. The Both the Rwandan government and South Africa is re-arming government of Nelson Mandela the international community are worried the Rwandan Hutu announced a break with the external that the re-arming of the Hutu militia in government in exile has subversive activities of past apartheid exile and within Rwanda will spark off provoked denials from the authorities. regimes. And since the multi-racial another civil war in the country. Activities LastA Tuesday, Joel Netshintenzhe, government assumed power last year, of the armed Hutu militia are already presidential spokesman, described the the policy has been that its arms will not creating security problems in Rwandan claims as "nonsense." A defence be used in "countries that violate their refugee camps. On April 22, a clash spokesman also dismissed the accusation people's human rights, are involved in between the Rwandan Patriotic Army, as a rehash of "an old story which had no civil war or threaten the sovereignty of RPA, and Hutu militias led to the truth." their neighbours." But the government massacreof2,(X)0HuturefugeesntKibeho The official denials were prompted has been having problems abiding by the camp. The T utsi-dominated government by a Human Rights African Watch report policy dué to the activities of independent army had moved into the camp to force- in which the US based organisation organisations in South Africa which the refugees back to their homes thereby alleged that South Africa and other engage in arms sales and mercenary isolating the Hutu militias for disarming countries, including France, were activities. For instance, Executive and arrest.B

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UN Peacekeepers: Boutros-Ghali (right) is proposing a major review of their operations in Bosnia The Three Options

How to get nearly 400 UN peace-keepers held hostage by the Serbs is a hard nut Milosevic: No agreement with UN yet to crack Ghali said if the option is accepted, the UN protection force would have to be replaced by a multi-national force under By Olu Ojewale the command of countries contributing the troops and not the UN. he search for a on the UN's future role in the country. The third option, said Boutros-Ghali, solution to the crisis In the report, Boutros-Ghali, said the is for the Security Council to reduce the in Bosnia-Herzegovina existing role of the protection force has number of peace-keeping missions of the which worsened two become untenable. He offered three UN to make its role more realistic. It was weeks ago when the Serbs options. First, he said the UN could not clear which option the UN secretary- seized more than 360 United Nations, embark on a total withdrawal, but he general favours. Observers, however, said UN,T peace-keepers as hostages, is now reasoned that it would be seen as an the security council is unlikely to accept being pursued on many fronts. Last abandonment of people of Bosnia and any of the options wholesale. They said Thursday, the UN Security Council went admission of failure by the UN. The the council is likely to retain the current into a special session to discuss tine crisis second option is a change of the existing peace-keeping role but might enlarge the and debate a report submitted by Boutros mandate and the preparation of the force force for more effective operations. Boutros-Ghali, the UN secretary-general to implement a tougher role. Boutros- Analysts argued that the Haitian

24 Newswatch, June 12,1995 ■ world

experience is impressive enough for they believed in the need fora diplomatic adaptation, but the forces need freedom solution to the crisis, they would not rule to act promptly and more sophisticated out any military action to end it. equipment to act decisively. Both options were being pursued Prior to tabling the crisis before the simultaneously last week. Britain and Security Council, diplomatic efforts had France, the two countries which have the also been intensified to resolve it and get largest number of troops in Bosnia were the hostages released. In one of such making arrangements to bolster their war moves, Robert Frasure, a special United machines in the area. Last Tuesday, States envoy, again met with Slobodan Britain said it was ready to increase the Milosevic, the Serbian president in number of its current3,565 troops to 6,500. Belgrade, capital of Serbia, last It sent an advance group of reinforcement Wednesday. At the meeting, Frasure tried consisting of 24 well-armed soldiers to to persuade Milosevic to recognise the Goriyi Vakuf in central Bosnia. This was Bosnian State and Croatia. The Serbs in preparatory to the arrival of 165 British the two countries are against this. The artillery soldiers. All together, 1,200 aim is to isolate the Bosnian Serbs led by soldiers who are expected to provide Radovan Karadvic and put pressure on reinforcement for the 3,565 troops will their leadership to release the hostages. Hurd: Sceptical arrive Bosnia within three weeks. Warren Christopher, the US secretary France has also sent an aircraft carrier of state, confirmed this move last week, the implications of hostage-taking. The and an amphibious assault force to the saying: "We want to isolate Karadvic" foreign ministers of the North Atlantic Adriatic to protect its 3,835 soldiers adding: "We want him to think it is a Treaty Organisation, NATO, set the ball stationed in Bosnia. The US which has no rather lonely world out there if everyone rolling by demanding a stop to the ground troops in Bosnia, has also else is for the peace plan." But Douglas Bosnian Serbs' shelling of the UN increa sed its a ir support by sending more Hurd, the British foreign secretary, designated "safeareas" in Bosnia and the aircraft carriers to the Adriatic in remained skeptical. He said he was release of the hostages. "We condemn in preparation for another possible NATO unconvinced that the plan would do the the very strongest terms the utterly air raid. Speaking at the US Airforce trick. Milosevic lent credence to that despicable behaviour of the Bosnian Academy in Colorado, last Wednesday, concern when he insisted late last week Serbs," said Willy Claes, the secretary- President Bill Clinton said he was pre­ that the UN sanctions against Serbia must general of NATO, at the end of the pared to consider sending US ground first be lifted permanently rather than meeting. He said NATO will not be troops to Bosnia if such help was required suspended as promised by the US before blackmailed into submission warning: by NATO. But he insisted that such talks are resumed. It was not clear by the "We remain ready to use all means to assistance would be temporary. His poli­ end of the week if the two sides had support the UN." tical opponents frowned at the statement, reached a compromise. The 15 European Union, EU, foreign saying he should have contacted Con­ Western allies have made it clear that ministers came out with a similar stance gress first. they are not ready to compromise their at the end of their three-day meeting in Clinton has been under pressure to stand on the hostage issue. In separate Brussels, Belgium last week. They give a clear indication of how the US and collective statements, the allies condemned the Bosnian Serbs' "odious might be willing to help the beleaguered continued to warn the Bosnia Serbs about hostage-taking". The ministers said while UN operation. However, pressure on Bosnian Serbs' leadership appeared to be making an impact. Last Wednesday, a Bosnian Serbs' spokesman said the Serbian leaders were ready for immediate talk with the contact group, comprising the US, Britain, France, Russia and Germany, to discuss the freedom of the hostages. The Bosnian Serbs' current face-off with the UN followed the Serbs' shelling of Tusla, northeastern town of Bosnia on May 25. NATO then issued the Serbs with an ultimatum to handover, or remove all their heavy weapons near Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, by noon May 26. NATO planes went into the offensive before the expiration of the deadline, destroying five of the targeted six Bosnia Serbs’ ammunition depots. The Serbs quickly struck back, seizing about Clinton: May send USlroopsto Bosnia 360 UN peace-keepers.B

Newswatch, June 12,1995 25 BUSINESS + ECONOI

against the 44 percent recorded in 1993. Although industry and some individual company turnover and profits increased over 1993, Oshinowo and Olusegun Osunkeye, managing director of Nestle Foods Pic and AFBTE president, say they are misleading. Aggregate industry turnover, for instance, grew to N44.3 billion from N28.2 billion in 1993, and average turnover from N410 billion to N651 billion. Aggregate and average profit before tax also increased from N4.41 billion to N5.30 billion, and from N62.9 million to N77.9 million, respectively. The truth of the matter, says Osunkeye, is that the "good" results "are mostly inflationary without underlying growth." Inflation last year spiralled from the projected five percent to 70 percent. "This resulted in weakened purchasing power of the consumers and, of course, affected aggregate demand for the food, beverage Hand and tobacco industry as a whole," Osunkeye explains. In fact, the return on turnover (average profit before tax divided by average turnover) of 11.9 percent is the lowest in five years, according to Oshinowo. "We should, therefore, be careful in rejoicing over the Of God 44 percent increase in turnover." The poor performance of the industry resulted in job losses. Employment dropped by 3.1 percent from 603 workers Thanks to divine intervention, food, in 1993 to 584 last year. Worst hit are the tobacco and beverage sub-sectors where beverage and tobacco sector survives the the drop is as high as 34 percent, and six percent, respectively. harsh economic we it er of 1994 Osunkeye traces the problems of the industry last year to various factors such as high interest and exchange rates, re- By Joseph Ode introduction of excise duties in addition to the value-added tax, VAT. According MONITIE IMOISILI, FORM nnual general meeting, May 25. to him, lending rates were higher than executive secretary of thi The movement of economic indices the officially fixed ra te of 21 percent by as Association of Food, Bevera, m the food, beverage and tobacco much as 12 percent, while exchange rate and Tobacco Employers, AFB ta/ ufacturing sector last year bear pegged at N22 to $1 was sourced from hasneverbeen short of one-lin Oshinowo out. Capacity utilisation, for banks at between N30 and N40 to $1. todescribe the Nigerian economy. In 19instance, dropped by six percent from "This impacted on costs and prices of 1the economy was "unacceptable," b 8.77 percent in 1993 to 32.45 percent goods and services," he said. With the gradually became "unsatisfactory" ist year, the lowest in five years. Of the introduction of VAT, Osunkeye argues, 1984. By the following year, the econoi ) sub-sectors of the industry, only the it is clear tha t the réintroduction of excise was "challenging." However, wh i lour millers and the sugar sub-sectors duty, especially on such items as mineral Imoisili was asked last August to descr ^corded a slight improvement in their and aerated water, non-alcoholic the economy in 1994, he went blank 'Gc opacity utilisation from 27.14 percent in beveragès, including fruit or vegetable is in control," he later murmured 1993 to 27.64 percent in 1994, and 32.58 juice, beer and stout, wine, fermented It is truly by divine intervention, sa; ercent’ to 32.96 percent, respectively. beverages, spirits or liquors, cigars, O.A. Oshinowo, incumbent executi There was a sharp decline in capacity tomato paste, sweet and confectioneries secretary, thatmembers of theassocia'i isation in the cocoa, chocolate and tea etc., "is an overkill." This burden, he 72 companies in all, survived a year ' idi stries from 27.40 percent in 1993 to says, is in addition to "the long list of bad and terrible," it defies descriptk>; 23.48 percent in 1994. In dairies, the levies and fees paid to state and local "We cannot but owe our survival ai i line was from 34.2 percent to 18.9 governments." Ultimately, all these costs continued existence as a nation a ercent. For biscuits, bakery and are passed to the consumers in higher individual corporate body, to t on fectioneries, a capacity utilisa tion level selling prices of goods, he adds. For a Almighty God," he said at AFBT* )f 24.46pei cent was achieved in 1994 as start, Osunkeye says, "we call on the 26 Newswatch, June 12,1995 ■ BUSINESS + ECONOMY

government to reconsider the could not face the challenge of i in,: ! ti of administrative rationing of forex réintroduction of excise duty, cancel it substitutes for barley - sorghum a? : rding to Osunkeye, "are major altogether, in order to start revamping maize-folded up. On the other hanc . tin come developments. Government the economy. Excise duty is an old, crude wheat lobby was so strong that si uld sustain the policy of deregulation fiscal instrument which should give way government had to lift the ban. Many of ; irder to fully realise its benefit and to VAT which is a modem instrument of the big corporations that went into large- ev -ench a market-oriented economy collecting tax." scale farming to produce their own rav 1 w ch we are sure would usher in new era Two other problems confront the materials abandoned the farms. The rea­ nomic prosperity for the overall benefit sector. They are smuggling and the son for this, Felix Ohiw :ei, chairman o' of country and its citizenry," he adds.H unfavourable tariff structure. According Nigerian Bre­ to Osunkeye, many finished food, weries Pic, beverage and tobacco products attract has always much lower duties than certain inputs explained, is Utilisation 1990 -1994 used in their manufacture. Dairy that the com­ manufacturers, for example, pay as high panies are as 20 percent on some imported milk manufacturers inputs while imported milk itself attracts and not far­ only five percent today. For cigarette mers and so manufacturers, the headache is should leave smuggling. Fifty percent of the cigarette farming to in the Nigerian market today is said to be farmers. Osun­ smuggled. The implication of this keye in a developments is that local manufacturers recent inter­ of the products are being priced out of the view with market. Recently, AFBTE had to resort to N ewswa tch media campaign to get the authorities to says what the help avert the "imminent collapse of our food, beve­ industry." rages and to­ Many, however, believe that the bacco indu­ industry has done too little to save itself. stry is going Nigeria is rich in agricultural resources through to­ which form the bulk of the industry's day is the raw materials. Why, it is asked, do these consequence companies cry over foreign exchange for, of the negli­ or duties on, imported inputs when they gence and could be obtained locally? When the decline which Babangida administration banned the agriculture in ...... i » importation of malted barley and wheat Nigeria has 1992 1993 1994 flour, the major raw material for beer and suffered over bread, respectively, the manufacturers the years. rose in stiff opposition on the grounds All hope that local substitutes were unacceptable is, however, mployment (1990 - 94) to consumers. Many breweries which not lost, accor­ No of ding to Osun­ Workers 50 keye. He says ,000 the industry is encouraged 40 • by the imple­ mentation of this year's 30 • «4 * -7 Y budget so far, particularly the fiscal dis­ cipline which 20 - has yielded a surplus of N8.41 billion in the first 10* quarter. The return of the autonomous foreign ex­ 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 change mar­ Ohiwerei: We are not farmers ket and aboli-

Newswatch, June 12,1995 27 BUSINESS BRIEFS

Shares for Sale VAT Exemption

UINNESS NIGERIA HAS YIOLA ADELAKUN, MANAG- offered for subscription by ing director, Macmillan Nigeria its existing shareholders, Publishers, last week called for the 180,000,000 ordinary shares of 50k each Iexemption of books, paper, film, plates, at N8.50 per share. The board says the chemicals and printing materials from offer is to enable the company raise the value added tax, VAT. According to sufficient funds for its re-investment him, the publishing industry is very programme. essential to the educational development of the country, and all essential goods and services by law are exempted from VAT. Adelakun, who was speaking at the alumni lecture of the University, OAU, Ile-Ife, said that the combined effect of VAT and other new tariffs was the expected increase in the prices of production inputs and books and that government's present policy measures are bound to further stiffle the publishing industry and books develop­ ment efforts. He said if the publishing industry must grow, government should embrace theUNESCO recommendations of exempting "paper and printing Okon materials from import duties and taxes of whatever description and pretence. target shows that the airline has effectively Our goal of educating the Nigerian consolidated its position for enduring child must evolve from a deliberate policy profitability. With this result, earnings of liberation on essential factors necessary per share has gone up from 30.35 kobo in and required for viable publishing 1993 to80.58kobo in 1994. Okon attributes efforts," Adelakun says, warning that "a the performance of the airline to its ability nation that does not recognise the role of to maximise its profit potentials despite books in national development will the poor and difficult business climate remain a consumer society, stunted in witnessed in 1994.B growth and lacking in development." Danjuma Flying High , chairman of the Any important company, says the growing demand for DC AIRLINES' TURNOVER the company's products has called for "a rose by 101 percent from man who has major refurbishment and enhancement N541.471 million in 1993 to something programme through replacement of N1.089 billion in 1994. Similarly, profit existing plant and equipment." This, before tax for the year grew by 213percent important to say according to him "has called for further to N173.46 million from N55.421 million does so through significant capital expenditure." recorded in 1993. The company had earlier raised 12.8 Augustine Okon, chairman of the an important million pounds through the issue of a airline said "the performance has clearly medium: naira-denominated irredeemable conver­ established ADC as a leading, efficient, tible loan stock, as a counterpart naira professional and profitable airline in the funding to meet local elements of the re­ country." He said the 1994 operating investment programme. Danjuma result exceeded the projection of the NEWSWATCH explains: "given that the bulk of the company when it offered its shares for expenditure will be incurred in acquiring public subscription in December 1993. In equipment and spare parts from overseas, the offer prospectus, the company had Africa's No. 1 the company decided that part of the projected a turnover of N558.742 million Newsmagazine finance should be raised in foreign in 1994 with a profit before tax of N86 currency, so as to protect its value against million. fluctuations in exchange rates." Okon said the ability to exceed this

28 Newswatch, June 12, 199: NEWSWATCH ECONOMIC INDICES

Selected Economic Performance Indicators 1992-1995

Budget 1995 1994 1993 1992 Economic Indicators (Estimates) (Actual) (Actual) (Actual)

(1) Inflation rate (%) N/A 70 57.2 44.6

(2) Agric sector growth (%) 7.2 1.6 2.5 4.5

(3) Fiscal Deficit (NTb) 12.84 18 101.13 44.16

(4) Deficit as a % of GDP 4.16 9 12.3 9.8

(5) Total Debt Service (Ext/Int) (NT)) 57 60.0 36.3 47.2

•As at September, 1994.

N/A — Not available Source: Previous budget briefings and CBN Annual Reports.

LtiLi'frg Federal Government revenue

i Revenue from oil 200 5 1 Revenue from non-oil

400.00 Government actual revenue, expenditure I and fiscal deficit (N' Billion) I F7Z1 106.16 9611 I

300.00 j Actual Revenue 70S | Actual Expenditure 23 22 V//|.« —3 ^ 3 Fiscal Deficit la iu 0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

Official exchange rate (N) and reference oil price ($) Official Exchange Rate (N)

'91 *92 '93 '94 ‘95 ± 4-H4- Newswatch, June 12,1995 i turn ! 11 T'TJ m n h imnrri 11 t uirrmr • 29 DIALOGUE

, ■ ... • •• •' • : - •' ____ • ’ vV mn .> ; " * * June12Won’t IS' ^ s < - ' Blow Away

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu now-exile in London, wMmmMmmmmwmmiïte recently spoke with SojiAkinrinade, deputy editor-

i. : : ^ in-chief on NADECO’s attitude to the Abacha : • .. : V • •' • • •• ;, : x •; ; :••• x : • government. Excerpts: liiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Newswatch: With the anniversary of June 12 leadership suffered, our supporters were killed Bnf. near, what is your assessment of the impact of and their houses burnt. To retreat now is not the NADECO? fault of NADECO and it is not a failure. It is the .is Tinubu: For a non-violent pro-democracy orga­ result of the fact that Abacha is an insensitive

•^•x.vXxXy.'vXvX-XvXv'vXvXyXv nisation, NADECO has done well considering and unpatriotic military leader. The principle ; ...... '. '.V ' . the prevailing circumstance under which the of June 12 and NADECO's stance have already \ : : . . V; • umbrella organisation was put together. been vindicated by the divide and rule tactic of NADECO lacks the defensive weapon to face this government, and rampant official the Abacha government yet it has continued to corruption. Nigerians are only just managing to stand for justice, fair play and equity. Our survive now. They are struggling to preserve their lives in the face of a tyrannical regime. It is difficult to have a cohesive organisation lllfilllf when you have so many wantonly ambitious wwpw leaders ready to sell their souls to the highest bidder. Some of them are still being deceived 1111111 about the possibility of becoming president, if . Abiola is out of the way. Well, what NADECO ■ : needs now is to re-assess the situation, restructure and continue to lead a strong opposition that will prevent the unacceptable precedent of annulling a free and fair election.

Newswatch: What will the re-assessment and restructuring entail? Tinubu: It will mean the proper mobilisation of stance have Nigerians to oppose the tyranny imposed on them. The constitutional conference is an imposi­ already been tion. When you dissolve the Na tional Assembly vindicated by dully elected by 16 million Nigerians and you replace it with a group of which one third was the divide and appointed and two-third elected by 300,000 rule tactic people then you have to mobilise Nigerians to oppose the outcome of any election organised of this by few people, government and their agents. government Nexvswatch: Wouldn't the clock of democracy be turned back if opposition does not give way Tinubu: June 12 will not blow away to negotiation?

30 Newswatch, June 12, 199? DIALOGUE

Tinubu: Those who think that way are apologists community overseas, and the international for the military. Such people are ready to mort­ community. We have been able to debunk the gage their rights, the rights of other Nigerians claim by General Abacha that he was invited to and generations yet unborn. In other words, govern. The international community now they are asking NADECO to accept the annul­ understands clearly that if Abacha imposes a The longer the ment of the mandate given to a Nigerian who puppet he would be unable to govern. Secondly situation is Has not been prosecuted for electoral malpra­ the Nigerian community abroad is more ctices and are at the same time defending a man informed and better prepared to oppose the uncorrected, who is using the weapons meant for the defence military regime. the slimmer of the territorial integrity of the nation on the The Inter Parliamentary Union, EPU, is now people themselves. Abacha once said the mili­ better informed about our situation. They have the chance for tary should subordinate itself to a popularly written several letters of protest to Abacha. unity in elected democratic regime but turned round'to FIFA was not deceived about the Nigerian face that institution with the gun. How should situation, hence, it refused to allow Nigeria to Nigeria. NADECO react to such a man? The NADECO host the junior world cup. Those of us here have leadership has done the most honourable thing meagre resources, we've been living below our for the survival, peace and unity of the country. normal standards, yet we've not allowed a In 1983, Abacha made the announcement misguided junta to frustrate our efforts. thatoverthrew -citing corruption, NADECO abroad is doing very well. lack of drugs, transportation and deplorable standard of living. Not more than 24 months Newsivatch: Can you give more concrete later, he only brought out the same speech to examples of the support you have? announce the overthrow of another military Tinubu: Foreign governments are looking at regime that was supposed to reverse the 1983 the situation with care. They know their situation and put in Ibrahim Babangida. Then economic interests are in jeopardy but they are they took Nigeria on a roller-coaster transition listening. We are putting pressure on them not programme costing over N40 billion. What we to accept Abacha's government as the rightful had thereafter was an invalid, amputated, one for Nigeria. unconstitutional Shonekan government which was in a political incubator for three months in Newswatch: Life is going to become more care of Abacha who pulled the plug later. And unbearable for Nigerians if you continue to call then the chicken came home to roost when he for sanctions. How do you justify that? installed himself. What have we got? When do Tinubu: Is life not unbearable now? What is the you say stop? This is why NADECO wants to price of a tin of milk? Is life bearable when put an end to military incursion into politics. people cannot afford a loaf of bread and their People are no longer living, hospitals are now children are no longer in school? Can life be worse than dispensaries, transportation is dead, bearable when there are two exchange rates — everything is in total ruin. The same man who one for those favoured by the government and wants to keep the nation together is the one the other for Nigerians? Are the true Nigerians dividing the nation setting Yoruba against Igbo, making money accruing from petroleum sales? Yoruba against Hausa/Fulani. What manner of How worse can the situation get. The foreign government is that? investors are now winding up their operations because of corruption and bad management. Newswatch: How relevant will June 12 be if this Things can't get worse. At any rate, they may thing drags on? even have to get worse before they get better. Tinubu: June 12 is not a child of circumstance; not a cloud that will blow away. It is an Newswatch: Aren't you worried about being institutionalised event that has a contractual labelled unpatriotic for choosing this way to obligation between the people and the military oppose government rather than dialogue? leadership, the same group who failed to keep Tinubu: Who will dialogue with General their own end of the bargain. The issue is not Abacha? I was part of the inner-circle and I Abiola per se. It is an election and an unaccep­ know how they took power. What have Chief table precedent for millions of Nigerians and Anthony Enahoro and Papa Michael Ajasin their children. The longer the situation is brought back from dialogue? How canl dialogue uncorrected, the slimmer the chance for unity in with people who ran me out of Nigeria? Nigeria. It is our unity that is at stake. Personally I believe this government should be disgraced out of office because that's the only Newswatch: How is your organisation faring way to stop this military nonsense. What would internationally? have happened if Olusegun Obasanjo, a Yoruba Tinubu: The group has been able to debunk the man had annulled an election won by a deceptive propaganda being sold to the Nigerian northerner? Think about it.

Newswatch, June 12, 1995 31 MUSIC

the microphones and the two high definition television monitors worked at their own will. Under Its The shoddy organisation of NMA '95 was most glaring during the presentation of awards. Names of presenters were either missing or mixed up. Hosts and hostesses were often embarrassed. For Own Shadow instance, Tunde and Frances Kuboye of the Extended Family Jazz Band, who co­ hosted the first segment of the awards had a moment of uneasiness when they could not find the name of the presenter PM AN, Ideas Communications back with annual of the music video of the year award on music awards but it’s all ceremony, no glitter the list given to them. Tunde left the stage to consult with the organisers before Mike Okri, who apparently was not originally slated for the presentation came to By Emmanuel Ugwu perform the task. Ehi Braimoh, general manager of Ideas Communications, HE NIGERIAN MUSIC earlier. blamed the mix-up on the long break. Awards, NMA, the annual Then came NMA '95. From the stage What the award presentation lost in entertainment event which rewards excellence in the music industry was last held in. 1992. A contractualT dispute between the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, the organisers of the event and Ideas Communications the event marketers threw the award off stage for three years. The situation was worsened by the internal crisis within PMAN. But on May 20, the NMA was back sans the glitters. Mustapha Amego, president of PMAN, said that apart from the dispute with Ideas and the internal crisis within his association, the prevailing mood in the country contributed to the lull. He told Newswatch that there was Kimono: Four awards confirmed his class despondency in the country because of

the political crisis and r construction to the glamour it gained in general acceptability that this was not BBÉW presentation of the of the award winners. There was virtually favourable to the awards it was obvious no controversy over the choice of winners. hosting of the NMA. that the long absence The music stars who shone more than On January 10, had taken its toll on others were Ras Kimono and Sunny PMAN and Ideas "Africa's most exciting Okosuns. Kimono won four awards for addressed a joint press and glamorous enter­ the best reggae artiste, song of the year, conference to tainment event," as album of the year and artiste of the year. announce an end to promoters refer to the Okosuns, who abandoned his trade mark their dispute. Yemi NMA. For instance, the revolutionary songs for gospel music won Akeju, managing stage was bare and three- awards - the best gospel music, director of Ideas, said ordinary. Amego evergreen music and the grand star that "what needed to attributed it to time investiture. Two of his famous be proved has been constraints. According revolutionary songs, Fire in Soweto, and proved and what to him , the construc­ Papa's Land won the evergreen awards. needed to be establi- U’ tion of stages for The awards were not only for shed has been establi- ) previous awards took excellence in music. Honesty was also shed. "A new contract at least two weeks but rewarded. Umaru Tsamiya, a police between PMAN and for the NMA '95 the sergeant who returned N1 million he Ideas Communication stage was put up found at the scene of an accidentFebruary was signed two weeks Amego: Extending reach of NMA within 10 hours. Even 15 to the First Bank Pic, was presented to

32 Newswatch, June 12,1995 I MUSIC

the audience. The 29- year-old cop was all donated by some appreciative the star attraction. Tsamiya found the members of the audience. money at the scene of an accident along Despite the shoddy organisation of Gusau-Sokoto road. NMA '95, entertainers were at their best. Amego said that the NMA goes Daddy Shookey, I.J. Muoka, Mike Okri, beyond music awards to include "an Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Mohammed award of what is good about us." He told Danjuma, the comedian were delights to Newswatch that Tsamiya was honoured watch. By choosing "Reconciliation '95" to prove that "Nigerians possess good as the theme of the award ceremony, qualities." He said that future awards PMAN wants the federal government would recognise such qualities. Tsamiya "to share in the spirit of Reconciliation went home with N65,000, a car and two '95 and bring a new lease of life to our university scholarships for his children, people nation-wide."H sports WÊHÊÈÊËÊHÊÊÊÊMKKÈËÊmiÊBKSà Bright Stars Dull Gold

Ghana’s U-17 beat Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets By Dotun Oladipo

IGERIA'S GOLDEN The Eaglets defeated Mali 3-1 to qualify Eaglets lost 1-3 to the for the final against Ghana. Black Starlets of Ghana in Eaglets' defeat in the final match may the final of the Renaissance be a pointer to the beginning of a decline Cup at the Modibo Keita Stadium, Mali,for Nigeria in age-grade football in Africa MayN 28. However, they still qualified for where it has been the clear leader. Last the FIFA/JVC U-17 World Cup which February, the Flying Eagles, Nigeria's U- will be played in Ecuador in August. 20 national team, only managed to win a Nigeria and Ghana will be joined by bronze at the eighth African Youth Nwobodo: Wants team reorganised Guinea which won the third place match Championship in Nigeria. against Mali 2-1. Jim Nwobodo, minister for youths promised to put together a team that Ghana and Nigeria won all their and sports said there was need for the would conquer the world in August. preliminary matches, although the coaches to reorganise the team to ensure Among the players Salami intends to Starlets, were the superior team. They a successful game for Nigeria in Ecuador. ipvite are Chin wo Albert and Ibrahim scored 13 goals and conceded none to get He has instructed Ganiyu Salami, Golden Muri, the two Eaglets who were barred to the final. The Eaglets scored 11 goals Eaglets' coach, to retain the good hands by the Confederation of African Football, and conceded two. The Starlets defeated in the team and scout for more players to CAF, from play in the U-17 nations' cup Mali 1-0, Mozambique 2-0 and Tunisia 7- fill positions where lapses were noticed. in Mali because of conflicting claims about 0. In the semi-final, they defeated Guinea Emeka Omeruah, chairman of the their age. Phillip Gidado, the NFA 3-0. Nigeria Football Association, NFA, secretary attached to the team accepted The Eaglets, playing in group B with agreed with Nwobodo. Omeruah said responsibility for the mix-up in the ages Botswana, and Guinea, defeated the Golden Eaglets squad was "a team of the players but blamed it on Botswana 4-0 in their first match. Against that requires stamina, a team that requires administrative lapses. The two players Sudan, the team won 2-0 and defeated reconditioning". Salami said he was have however been cleared by CAF for Guinea 2-1 in the last preliminary match. already thinking along that line. He has the world cup .■

Newswatch, June 12,1995 33 PASSAGES

Birthdays: Molade Okoya-Thomas, accountant, president of the institute. He is taking Akinola Aguda, jurist and formr chief industrialist,- philantropist and over from Olutoyin Olakunri, the , justice of the Republic of Botswana, 72, sportsman, 60, June 8. A graduate of immediate past president. June 10. A former director-general of the Columbia University, New York, USA, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Okoya- Thomas is director or chairman Awarded: of several companies in Nigeria including Cadbury Nigeria Pic, the "Corporate CFAO, Nigerian Motors Industries, Citizen of the Year" by Pulse Marketing French- Nigeria Insurance Company Ltd, Communication Limited for "giving a Commercial Bank (Credit Lyonnais) new perspective to sports sponsorship in Nigeria Ltd, etc. He has also been Nigeria". president of the Lagos Lawn Tennis >\ A Tournament and Chairman, Lagos Island Club. Jailed: Arthur Eugene Flanders, an American, for five years by the Miscellaneous Offences Tribunal in Lagos. He was arrested last year at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport for

■ carrying 11 grammes of indian hemp. Died: Lewis Preston, president of the World \ Bank, at 68, May 4. He died at his home in Washington DC after being ill for several months. Preston had announced earlier that he would retire from the bank at the end of May. Richard Frank is now the Aguda acting president.

Studies, Aguda was in 1975, chairman of Okon Udo Utuk, chairman and chief the committee on the Federal Capital executive of Utuks Group of Companies, territory. April 23 at 64. His Utuks Motorscompany ran scores of buses between the former Arthur Mbanefo, chartered accountant, Okoya-Thomas and Lagos. He was administrator and businessman, 65, June withdrawn from school in 1945 to assist i 1. He is director of several companies Elected: the family business. He later teamed up and former pro-chancellor of the Simon Olusola Oguntimehin, as with his two other brothers to start Utuks . president of the Nigerian Institute of and Sons, a trading concern which later Chartered Accountant, ICAN for 1995/ diversified into construction, road 96. Until his election, he was the vice- haulage, produce marketing, vehicle sales and services, and insurance.

Oguntimehin Utuk

34 Newswatch, June 12, 1995