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L124P90 aapn0026 Outline Newswtâdi APRIL 24,1995 ’S WEEKLY NEWSMAGAZINE VOL. 21 NO. 17

Nigeria:

Cover: 12 The Emir of Laf iagi, dethroned by his people, returns to the throne • Former president of Nigeria Labour Not Yet Freedom Congress, Pascal Bafyau, wants his job back • Six journalists begin a legal struggle to make Oni- 's accep­ Okpaku pay for wrongful detention tance of conditional release • Kayode Soyinka, former staff of Newswatch, launches his own raises hopes of his freedom magazine but government shuts the door on his face Africa:

A cease-fire hammered out in Sudanby former US president, Jimmy Carter, is threatened

Nigeria: 18 World: 27

French presidential candidates are Not the Right time set to test their strength in a first round ballot

Tom Ddmi says the Abacha Business & Economy: 30 administration requires more time to put in place Efforts to stop gas flaring in Nigeria structures for an enduring depend on the availability of funds democracy Letters Cartoon Momah Business & N CO O) r CM v Editorial Suite Economy: 28 T- Essay CO A Winning Dialogue Formular Passages

CBN's intervention at the Cover: forex market may be the Design by Tunde Soyinka magic to stabilise the value of the naira

Newswatch (ISSN 0189-8892) is published weekly by Newswatch Communications Umited, No. 3 Billings Way (off Secretariat Road), Oregun Industrial Estate, Oregun, P.M.B. 21499, Ikeja, , 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, Ilupeju. LETTERS

Elusive Solution Ours is a long journey indeed. asks for N50.00 "dash". Food, a basic Callibest Chiemeka Durunwa, human necessity, could be responsible. Orlu Town, But the puzzle comes when a man on a Many thanks for your patriotic stand Imo State. monthly income of N20,000.00 demands on the explosive coverage in Corruption gratification of hundreds of thousands or Incorporated (March 13). When Buhari/ Corruption is within the bones of millions of naira. Certainly, the. most Idiagbon came out openly to tackle many Nigerians and not in the blood basic necessity of life - food - cannot be indiscipline inherited from Shagari's because if it is in their blood it can easily said to be responsible. So, the problem is regime with the birth of WAI, majority of be washed away through blood transfus­ greed. And that is why there can hardly us resisted the drastic approach. Our sion. be a workable solution to corrupt practices outcry paid off via a coup d'etat. Ozor Osmund, in the country. Babangida came on stage and lowered Enugu. E.O. Ogbon, the tempo of WAI campaign and we hailed him. During his regime, a new Sapele, "What the cutting locust left, Delta State. word, settlement was coined to replace The swarming locust has eaten, corruption. Abacha came in and being a Someday, all things "must" surely key player in Babangida's team, gave the come to pass away and the corrupt shall social anomaly a rethink by officially corrupt no more. Corruption like wealth, adding C to the already buried WAI. is mere vanity. And now Wole Soyinka, the self- Aniefiok Etukudoh, styled representative of the people, is Owerri. deterring Abacha in the fight against corruption by his trivial revelation that Corruption will continue to thrive in the latter has a mansion in Kano. Soyinka Nigeria as long as those who ruled this should equally extend his investigation country at one time or the other since to our past leaders, past public officers 1966, including public and private and even incumbent public officers - the servants, who have acquired properties properties they have in countries like far above their legitimate earnings, are America, Europe and Asia inclusive of allowed to keep such ill-gotten wealth. huge accounts in Swiss banks. Then will As long as no genuine efforts are made to his role to Nigerians be better understood. recover such properties from this group Abacha is bold and daring. So many of Nigerians and appropriate punishment untouchables have been touched as a meted out to them to serve as a deterrent result, career fraudsters and criminals Anatomy of Corrupt to others, as long will Nigerians indulge are jittery. But how he intends to bring to in corrupt practices, knowing that at the a reasonable end the issue of corruption Practices in end of their careers and with the right in both the high and low places in Nigeria Nigeria connections, they will be allowed to enjoy especially among the ordinary Nigerians their wealth in relative peace for the rest like myself who regard corrupt practices What the swarming locust left, The hopping locust has eaten, of their lives. as an escape route from the prevalent Ifeka Okonkwo, What the hopping locust left, social/economic hardship, I do not know. Awka. Sam Matu, The destroying locust has eaten." Aba, Abia State. Joel 1:4 I call for the dissolution of W-A-I-C J. O. Obarijima, that can bark but cannot bite. Your story did not bring out any new Port Harcourt. Alalibo, B. Ken Douglas, information on corruption. The unfortu­ Port Harcourt. nate part of the efforts at reducing corrup­ We used to shed tears for our dear tion (because it cannot be eliminated) is country when we read stories like this. What a remarkable coincidence. I that the two pillars on which any attempt However, we no longer bother ourselves, was reading my copy of your issue on at controlling corruption in any society rather we are waiting for our turn maybe corruption inside a mini bus on Tuesday lies, that is, the press and the judiciary, then we might be able to sell Nigeria and March 7,1995, from Ogba to CMS when have become the major beneficiaries of stash away the money in our "Swiss two policemen co-passengers started discussion on "Roja". Their discussion corruption. Until the judiciary is cleansed account". centered on the recent misfortune of one Osegi I.O. Precious, and the press is not afraid of "assassina­ of their colleagues over a small Roja. At tions", any attempts at controlling corrupt Benin City. the beginning, I did not pay serious practices in Nigeria will be in vain. attention to their private discussion. But Steve Oboh, It may be fairly understandable when when the more vocal corporal started to Lagos. a man who earns Nl,000.00 per month narrate his wealth of experience on the

Typed reactions to the contents of Newswatch, should be addressed to Newswatch Letters, 3 Billings Way (Off Secretariat Road), Oregun Industrial Estate, P.M.B. 21499, Ikeja, Nigeria. All letters must bear the correct names, addresses and signatures of the writers. Newswatch reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and brevity.

4 Newswatch, April 24,1995 merits of fewer but bigger Rojas over the Aluko's suggestions about the We Are Disappointed small ones that caused trouble for their Nigerian economy although quite colleague, I realised that they were desirable are coming a bit too late and out In your story, War of Nerves (March discussing new trends in corruption. of place for the Nigerian situation. Where 13) your reporter alleged that "the sole When I asked whether Roja is the same has he been since the 1980s when we administrator of congress, Mr. Ason Bur, thing as Egunje they started laughing at started going about begging for loans, met with northern state councils in Jos, me. and what is he saying about the various the Plateau State capital, last month, a R. Zaibe, government organisations that are still move seen in labour circle as an attempt Y aba, Lagos. rushing to receive loans from these World to split the workers". We wish to state emphatically that this report is as false as The promotion of the WAI-C crusade financial institutions. As it is written in it is incorrect. The fact of the matter is by the Abacha government has confirmed the Bible "The borrower is servant to the that, NLC's sole administrator, as part of my doubt that Abacha cuts down a cedar lender." One would only expect that the tree and stands upon its stump to preach likes of the World Bank, the Paris club his assignment met with officials of the against deforestation. and the IMF would always want to 31 state councils of the NLC in Jos, Plateau State, on the 2nd February, 1995, to discuss Nwaby Onwudinjo, suggest economic measures and policies matters affecting the councils, brief them Enugu. that would safeguard their investment. on progress made on his assignment and All this clamouring for Economic and lay to rest the growing anxiety gripping Aluko Is Wrong Political emancipation, I would like to the councils concerning whether they put down to patriotism clouding the sense were dissolved or not. It is, therefore, Sam Aluko's essay January 9 was an of reason. What we need now are very unfair for your magazine to insinuate uncoordinated flow of everyday government policies that will encourage that this meeting was held with only a economics, lacking in a credible macro- increase in agricultural and industrial section of the state councils. economic anchor and inevitably drawing output, encourage export, build up our In fact, the said meeting was attended contradictory lessons of experience. His foreign reserves which would strengthen by all the state councils but two, as well as treatise on the economics of centralised the Naira and thus make the black market some representatives of the leaders of the planning and control and fixed exchange less attractive and not artificial, radical, 41 industrial unions. The outcome of the rates is hollow as it is a mere throwback dogmatic, inflexible, backward, ill- meeting was contained in a communique at the bankrupt economic philosophy of conceived short term surface-scratching which was well publicised by the media. yesteryears whose building blocks have policies like pegging interest rates and The bias of your magazine becomes crumbled leaving in their stead a spectre exchange rates. more glaring by taking a cursory look at of deceit and graft. His copious reference the picture used on page 25, showing S.O. Oke, to the success of the four Asian tigers and placard-carrying workers allegedly . the three NIEs debunked his love for protesting the decision of congress to economic controls and clearly move its secretaria t to Abuja. The picture, demonstrated the fact that a currency's It is not comforting that upon all the which we have in our pictorial library exchange value reflects its level of actual economic acrobatics proffered in the essay was actually depicting workers at a May (not potential) production, and unlike a no definite posture is taken to the effect Day parade. At no time did workers national flag, the relative value of that that the military should go, because stage any protest or procession anywhere currency must change over time. Such an economic progress does not thrive in a against the decision of the sole adjustment cannot be tantamount to dictatorship, not even with the eight administrator to move the NLC National debasement. Asiatic countries adumbrated who Secretariat to Abuja. We therefore, find it Indeed, the economies of such African performed economic feats. And yet, extremely disturbing that your magazine, countries as Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, current experience shows that the which has an enviable reputation for Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Kenya, international business community, adherence to facts, objectivity and Cote dTvoire, and to a lesser extent Ghana, indeed the whole world, is increasingly fairness, should resort to this gross have responded to the therapy of current isolating Nigeria on account of military distortion of facts, calculated to bring the economic development thoughts good image of the NLC to ridicule and rule. There is only one style in a dictator­ premised on "transparency, market sow discord in the labour movement. ship and that is, dictate the tune and pricing and social responsibility" and S.N. Muhammad, enforce compliance. This has not solved promoted by a respect for the rule of law, Head, Information Dept. Nigeria's economic problems and there disciplined application of policies, a ' NLC, Lagos. credible reward/punishment model and is no promise it will. In tune with Aluko's admonition, let us get our priorities right, overall leadership accountability. Newswatch regrets the wrong caption but in the different context that only Nigeria, with its wealth of enviable to the said photograph. resources, has no option but to follow democracy can provide the environment suit and should not allow itself to be for the practical elucidation, and efficacy, confused by the discredited economics of of economic principles. To RMRDC the past as parroted by Aluko. Emeka Ojiegbe, Lawson A. Omokhodion, Warwick, I like your courage in continuing to ADB, Abidjan. . pinpoint those wastages that could have

Newswatch, April 24,1995 5 been avoided; (Business, March 13). These manner required by international law. throw some light to our understanding conduits through which national income The supremacy of international law in of the subject. The case concerned a lady becomes national losses are devised by the international field (not domestic field) who arrived London Airport from our people. Think about the "technology does not entitle a judge in municipal Pakistan with two small children saying villages", "mechanics villages", "pilot courts of a state to override local law (no that she was married to a man who was projects", "model (unity) colleges" and matter the character of the local law) and resident in Britain and who met her at the now the RMRDC wants to add to the apply international law. It is simply airport. She was refused entry to Britain lexicon with "catalytic model factories". wrong and unethical for any municipal and she appealed against the decision on One only hopes the council is not judge to act against the dictates of the ground that she ought to have been presenting a thesis to justify another domestic law. treated as the wife of the man who met imminent but avoidable wastage. The human rights provisions quoted her at the airport. What is relevant to us in Enyinda N. Okey, in Akinjide's essay are valid provisions. that case is that during hea ring, a question Ikeja. For instance, Article 7 of the African arose as to the impact of the European Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Convention for the protection of human which states that "every individual shall rights, particularly Article 8 concerning Akinjide Is Right have the right to have his cause heard" is the right to private and family life. In his for all time and place a valid and judgment atp984, Lord Denning MR said I enjoyed reading Limits of the Principle enforceable provision. It is valid and that "the position as I understand it is of Necessity by Richard Akinjide (February enforceable in the international plane and that if there is any ambiguity in our statu­ 27). I hope it would be the beginning to a could be valid and enforceable on the tes or uncertainty in our law, then this period when our respected magazines domestic plane. For the treaty to be treated court can look to the convention as an aid like Newswatch would promote discourse as valid and enforceable by a municipal to clear up the ambiguity and uncertainty on useful concepts instead of interviewing court, however, it would have been made —but I would dispute altogether that the and publishing people who have obvious­ part of the laws of the country in which convention is part of our law. Treaties and ly exhausted useful ideas. I am happy the municipal court is situated. It can be declarations do not become part cf our law that Akinjide realised that his postulation made part of the law either by decree or until they are made law by parliament." on human rights would provoke debate. some other form of legislation. It is not I believe that the point has been made. Domestic law of whatever character The chief did a lot of make-up for his sufficient that the convention has been including customary international law is essay by justifying, through historical ratified by the country concerned. I have supreme on the domestic plane and references, the doctrine of necessity and said that these issues are not new to our posited international law (treaty, the consequent lawfulness and supre­ world and I believe that, that should be conventions, charter etc) is supreme on macy of decrees over all other laws in demonstrated. the international plane. For posited Nigeria. He suggested that though It is well settled that provisions of international law (whether on human decrees may be supreme over all laws in conventions may be deployed for the rights or not) to be enforced by local the domestic plane, as expounded by purpose of the resolution of an ambiguity courts, it has to be made into domestic Chief Justice M. Bello, in the case of in domestic legislation even if they have law by the making body (be it Parliament, Attorney -General ofAnambra State etc. V. not been made law by local parliament. SMC, AFRC, PRC and what have you) of Attorney-General of the Federation etc The case of Regina V. Immigration Officer, a given time. (1993) NWLR at p714, the provisions of Heathrow Airport and another, Ex Parte Overaye Akpotaire decrees containing deprivative clauses Salamat Bibi (1976) 1W.L.R. 979 would Teshie, Accra, Ghana could not override in Nigeria specific provision of treaties entered into by IN YOUR SPECIAL EASTER EDITION OF QUALITY Nigeria, particularly when such treaty is ♦The Christians have just concluded a 40-day fasting regimen. Before on human rights. This is what I believe he then, the Muslims went without food and drinks for 30 days. Everyone is called "the unexplored virgin land in this fasting but are they doing it right? We bring you a complete guide on the area of jurisprudence" which he related right way to fast. to the marriage of municipal law and ♦Jesus Christ In whose honour we celebrate Easter died a violent death. international law. But more and more, people are falling vic tims to gruesome murders. Who is doing it and why? How do their families cope? Read our special report on The marriage of municipal law and people Killed Violently, international law in the area of human ♦Jesus gave his life for us all. How many men would give theirs up if armed rights may be an unexplored virgin land robbers gave them the difficult choice; Your wife or your life? The men in Nigeria; it is certainly not unexplored choose. in the rest of our world. I do not intend to •Q-Sexpert reveals the secret to solving problems arising behi nd the closed bore readers with the theories of monism, bedroom door. dualism and what have you on the •More mysterious than the virgin birth of Jesus, Rev. Ezekiel of the Christian Pentecostal Mission Church says God fulfilled an earlier promise, relationship between international law and delivered a live baby to him at his bedside. and municipal law. The practice still •All the other regulars — Zesty Susan, Fitness with Angie* Money Matters, remains that international law and Crossfire, Health and Beauty etc, municipal law as systems can never come into conflict in the same plane. There may ON SALE NOW be conflict of obligations or an inability of a state on the municipal plane to act in the PRICE N80J

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For further information, contact: The Advertisement Manager, Newswatch Communications Limited 3 Billings Way, Oregun Ind. Estate, Oregun, P.M.B. 21499, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. COLUMN t^Ê^KÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊIÊÊÊKimSBÊÊHÊÊÊtÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ^ Tyson’s Return

NDERSTANDABLY, made from thait fight. Tyson's declir the entire world is excited Chuka Momah was exposed in fights against Fran k! over the release from jail Bruno, James Smith and Tony Tucke of Mike Tyson and the Although he won these, he was badl Umouth-watering prospect of renewed rocked in each one. After losing th competitiveness in the heavyweight title, he fought two brutal ring battle division. Indeed, the public against Razor Ruddock, th anticipation of Tyson's return to the murderous punching Canadiar ring is reminiscent of the return of Tyson won both fights but declare Muhammed Ali in 1970. that Ruddock punched "like a fuckin; In announcing his decision to mule kicks". Ruddock was never th continue his boxing career, Tyson same after those needless low incom looked sober, meek and almost fights and was later knocked out b; sombre. Tyson who now calls himself It is doubtful that in Lennox Lewis. by his new muslim name of Malik the ring, Tyson will A fighter is as old as the numbe made his terse announcement and of punches that he takes. It is doubtfu took no questions from reporters. Not ever again be the that Tyson will be the same after th< surprisingly, he made it clear that the ferocious monster that punches that he received fron maverick promoter, ex-convict now Ruddock. The ironic thing abou turned multi-millionaire, Don King he was before going to Tyson's career is that although hi would continue to promote his fights. jail was the youngest heavy- weight That effectively removed possibilities champion in history, he was also ont of title fight with the superannuated of the youngest heavyweight and seemingly superanima ted heavy hails from Brooklyn like Tyson. He is champions to be dethroned. There weight champion, George Foreman considered by many to be the best are other possibilities for Tyson. who has made it abundantly clear heavyweight in the world. His only Former champion, Larry Holmes was that he would only fight Tyson if Don loss in a glittering professional career beaten by Oliver Maccall. Maccall King was not involved. Tyson's was to the great Evander Holyfield. knocked out Lennox Lewis. Both decision to go along with Don King is Holyfield suffered a heart problem Maccall and Tyson have King as their understandable. King knows how to and was dethroned by Michael promoter. This makes a bout between generate money. He worships the Moorer who was later knocked out both men a real possibility. dollar. King in a seeming moment of by George Foreman. Holyfield has Though psychologically and spiri­ poetic inspiration once declared that since visited a psychic over his health tually more mature, it is doubtful Martin Luther King came to take the problems. He later announced that that in the ring Tyson will ever again black man to the promised land, while he had experienced spiritual healing. be the ferocious monster that he was Don King had come to take the black Cynics were stunned when doctors before going to jail. His dilemma must man to the bank!! , attested to the fact that Evander's be whether to take a few warm-up The problem with all the hype ailment had ameliorated. Evander fights with the real possibility of and hoopla that attend Tyson's return has since been cleared to fight again. losing and blowing a big money pay is that if care is not taken, the bubble How potent he will prove on his come day, or to take an outright chance on may burst in an anticlimatic fit. The back is yet to be seen. a megabucks title fight while still media razmatazz over Tyson's future The main difference between Ali's ring rusty. Without doubt, Tyson's fights is understandable. Riddick and Tyson's return to the ring is that financial resources have dwindled Bowe who owns the WBO title and is Ali was stripped of his title while he badly. For him, the situation must a friend of Tyson, visited the ex­ still.dominated boxing. In contrast, present the proverbial Hobson's champion in jail shortly before his Tyson was already on the decline choice-like being between the devil release, assuring Tyson that a fight before his incarceration. He had lost and the deep blue sea. Even the between them would generate not his title to James Buster Douglas who maverick King must find it tough to less than 135 million dollars. Bowe is also looking for a big money sort out this one. Maybe only Tyson's who recently knocked out Britain's rematch with Tyson. He has Allah can properly advise him on Nerbie Hide (originally Nigerian) squandered the 25 million dollars he this one.

8 Newswatch, April 24,1995 TAT E ALL THOUGHT THE rrAn ^ jl way for freedom for Abiola now in his TO #TO Ê story this week would be | | O ||1 111 v? tenth month in detention. We were wrong, different. We could see innocently so. W W the headlines in the j| I lilt Q So much everyone look forward to newspapers and magazines: MKO Regains ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ his release that when an evening paper,

Abiola Back Home. We prepared for this. Abiola Freed, there was a scramble for it. Editors and reporters were assigned to The story turned out to be untrue. Earlier man various important observation posts for the return of in the afternoon of the same day, Abacha had met with a Abiola. Kayode Olaokun was persuaded to briefly abandon delegation of traditional rulers from Abiola's home state, Ogun. sports for the more interesting developments in politics. He They had come to plead for the release of both Abiola and prepared himself for long nights at Abiola's residence in Ikeja. former head of state, , a general. The obas, Wale Akin Aina watched the Abuja front. Soji Akinrinade, the from what we heard, had expected the head of state to hand deputy editor-in-chief, pitched his tent where he could monitor over Abiola to them. They were disappointed. Abacha how the rest of the world would react. Janet Mba-Afolabi and maintained his stand that the matter was for the court and not Sam Olukoya kept their eyes on lawyers and the courts. Even the government to decide. Joy turned into sadness. And our big Yakubu Mohammed, the deputy chief executive officer, was co­ cover story became the story that must wait for another day. opted into the reportorial team. You could almost touch the Few people were as sorely disappointed as Wale Oladepo anxiety of reporters and editors. who wrote last week's cover story on the terms for Abiola's But Nigeria's most famous detainee did not return home. release. He had looked forward for nearly a week to anchoring What went wrong? Nothing. Apparently, we built our the story. He had read various cover stories done on the man expectations on the sands of naivety. We had expected that the since his political problems started with his self-declaration as only road-block to Abiola's freedom was his refusal to accept a president of the Federal Republic June 11, last year. As he saw conditional release on bail. Meaning that if he accepts those it, it was going to possibly be the biggest story of the year. By conditions, he will be set free. Last week, Abiola did so through Monday, he pronounced himself and his team ready. , the Anglican Archbishop of South Africa, who Unfortunately, the long wait for was sent by , the South African president, to see Godot was not about to end. The ^ . the head of state, , on the political problems in the next best thing became this week's country. The road-block, we thought, had been removed, paving cover, Road-block to Freedom. * $ewswatch The International Awa rd-winning Magazine Founders: (1947—1986), RAY EKPU, DAN AGBESE, YAKUBU MOHAMMED

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Newswatch, April 24, 1995 9 Abiôla: Government is afraid to let him off the hook Tutu: Raised hopes of release

crisis in Nigeria. His announcement that Abiol. ready to accept conditional relea rejected last year ignited a flur activities across the country and ou Not Yet Tutu was about to write himseli history as the man who made it ha and increase his rating as a winner « Nobel Peace Prize. But thathope was dashed lastTu* in Abacha's first official reaction t( development. Six days after Tutu t the news, Abacha said Abiola's re Freedom was a legal issue which should follow due process of law. He was address delegation of council of led by Oba Adekanmbi Tela, the O Egbadoland (Abiola's home state) Moshood Abiola’s acceptance of said at present, that "the due proce law is taking its place and I don't t anyone of us should do anythin conditional release raised hopes of his undermine or subvert the due proce law." freedom but government shuts the Abacha said it was in the intere, all Nigerians to ensure that the judic door in his face and insists only the was respected, adding: "That is the < way law and order can be m a in ta in e courts can decide a nation." He recalled that in deferent the persistent pleas for his release many Nigerians, Abiola was granted By Wale Oladepo which he rejected. Said the head of st "Even at that time, it would have b SHE WAS LEAV- himself that Moshood Abiola, detained one of the most dangerous preceden ing Abuja Thursday, politician, would soon be released. The the bail had been taken since there w April 6, at the end of hope he raised on the outcome of his similar cases in the past and bail was his two-day visit, meetings with Sani Abacha, head of state, offered because treason was not a bails Desmond Tutu, the on one hand and Abiola on the other, offence. And if bail was offered, you Anglican archbishop gave the impression that there was an imagine what will happen in futur* ofA South Africa, must have convinced imminent end to the lingering political somebody else commits a similar offer 12 Newswatch, April 24,1! ESSAY Of Clay Feet and Leadership

By Chukwuemeka Gahia T IS TYPICAL OF THE POLITICAL CLASS TO RESORT in and outside the conference is quite remarkable in this sense to feverish constitutional tinkering to stem destabilisation for it shows that the legitimacy of national leadership, if it has resulting from its own internecine struggle for power. truly evolved, is as tenuous as ever. Deflected from the path of Such a routine is afoot in Abuja at the moment. As usual, true national aspirations by its own ethnic divergences and there will be a great intellectual exercise on how to distribute factional politics, the entire stratum of what we have always constitutional power and administer the country. had as the national leadership, has remained unable to inspire In the past, such exercises yielded some of the most detailed any national sense of purpose and to mobilise the people to constitutions produced anywhere. Still, the basic crises of achieve national objectives. political leadership that have kept the country unstable and There were certain positive trends in the past, of course, that ever in search of the ideal constitution have remained. As were not allowed to develop. One sees for instance, that if the Obafemi Awolowo, the late sage and stateman explained in his contradictions of the development of party politics had been Thoughts on Nigerian Constitution, to have political stability, it is allowed by the military to reconcile themselves over time, our not enough to have just a good constitution. There must also be political culture and leadership would have been richer for it. a good form of government and the right type of political The political parties in the formative years may not have been leadership both in government and outside it. truly national in orientation and certainly failed to play what In 34 years of independence, the country has witnessed nine William Tordoff in Govern ment and Politics in Africa describes as changes of government, most of them through military coups. "integrative role." There was only one orderly succession - Obasanjo to Shagari. But this by no means foreclosed the possibility of their These problems are indicative of the scope of elite cleavage and providing the training ground fora future detribalised national rivalry and lack of clarity in the pursuit of goals, even where leadership. At least, there were attempts to build cross-regional such goals can be said to derive from a commitment to a alliances in electoral struggles for the control of power at the common ideological direction. Such cleavage and rivalry are centre. This was an advance of sorts. The important thing was also atimes the result of confused leadership orientations within that the parties no matter, how crude they were in the the political class arising from the subjective pull of self-interest formative years, were already serving as institutional on the common need to use political power to maximise the mechanisms for the evolution of national leadership. collective good. Frustrated with the gap between leadership Military intervention aborted this process. In place of the fragmented leadership of the political class, it imposed one that aspirations and the pursuit of the collective good, most Nigerians is a t best ambivalent, not knowing how far it should go, according remain indifferent to the political leadership. to En were Dike, in re-affirming the status-quo "on which it had A second source of indifference derives from the issue of the acquired considerable material stake." upkeep of leadership. This issue is both moral and practical. The average military dispensation is at best a fascist Said Marx Weber "Under normal conditions, the politician must be leadership placed in the service of capital and bourgeois rule economically independent of the income politics can bring. This faced with radical opposition and imminent collapse. It is a means, quite simply, that the politician must be wealthy or must have "party of order" preoccupied, as Robert Dahl would say, with a personal position in life which yields income" power and toughness. In the ensuing repression of "radical Weber was understandably worried about the implications pressure groups" and clampdown on elements of the over­ of this formulation for the "plutocratic recruitment" of thrown political class, the rhythm of the democratic development leadership. But that need not detain us here. The threat posed to is breached and the nation is thrown into political decay. public good by the absence of requisite material base for a life This systematic assault on the civilian wing of the political of politics among many politicians has remained a source of class, has taken its toll on its courage and competence. The concern. Official corruption is rampant and renders tenuous the attempt to fill the vacuum led to the creation of a hybrid called moral authority for governance. newbreed whose members lacked experience and tutelage and Most leadership syndromes prevalent in the country have, were in politics purely for the sake of it, not as principled agents of course, remained interconnected with the historical of currents, tendencies or movements. It was obvious in most polarisation of the country. They go way back to the cries of cases that they had neither assumed clear positions on the nationalist leadership. Nationalist leadership won the struggle issues of the moment nor were they for that matter armed with for independence through a rather compulsive pacifist method any cognitive map of the future. of constitutional negotiations. But it paid dearly for it in the At this time, what the country needs above all is a destabilising ethnic and regional antagonisms that were injected competent political leadership which can ensure effective into the struggle for power. The result was the rise of ethnic and governance. If governance is effective—if leaders can perform regional mistrust in national politics that is still very much alive or deliver as expectations exist for them to meet — the today. The wave of ethnic and regional agitations that preceded leadership's competence will not be questioned and it will not the constitutional conference and still survives in diverse forms be weighed down by crises.

Newswatch, April 24,1995 11 COVER

Tutu: Raised hopes of release

crisis in Nigeria. His announcement that Abiola wa.‘ ready to accept conditional release hi rejected last year ignited a flurry o activities across the country and outside Not Yet Tutu was about to write himself intc history as the man who made it happer and increase his rating as a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. But that hope was dashed last Tuesda) in Abacha's first official reaction to this development. Six days after Tutu broke the news, Abacha said Abiola's release Freedom was a legal issue which should follow the due process of law. He was addressing a delegation of Ogun State council of obas led by Oba Adekanmbi Tela, the Olu of Egbadoland (Abiola's home state). He Moshood Abiola’s acceptance of said at present, that "the due process of law is taking its place and I don't think anyone of us should do anything to conditional release raised hopes of his undermine or subvert the due process of law." freedom but government shuts the Abacha said it was in the interest of all Nigerians to ensure that the judiciary door in his face and insists only the was respected, adding: "That is the only way law and order can be maintained as courts can decide a nation." He recalled that in deference to the persistent pleas for his release by many Nigerians, Abiola was granted bail By Wale Oladepo which he rejected. Said the head of state: "Even at that time, it would have been SHE WAS LEAV- himself that Moshood Abiola, detained one of the most dangerous precedents if ing Abuja Thursday, politician, would soon be released. The the bail had been taken since there were April 6, at the end of hope he raised on the outcome of his similar cases in the past and bail was not his two-day visit, meetings with Sani Abacha, head of state, offered because treason was not a bailable Desmond Tutu, the on one hand and Abiola on the other, offence. And if bail was offered, you can Anglican archbishop gave the impression that there was an imagine what will happen in future if of South Africa, must have convinced imminent end to the lingering political somebody else commits a similar offence.

12 Newswatch, April 24,1995 ■ cover

I don't know if that person will have a way (but) no one man's fate surpasses the subjudice." different type of justice. As at nçw, it is peace and security of a nation." The govemmentharps on thejnale of completely a legal issue and due process Ikimi took on his diplomatic audience, law and the judicial process but ignoré of law is taking place." saying: "It is a matter of regret that some the fact that the rest of the world sees Abacha went on: "That is the only among the international community have Abiola's case as strictly political, hence way the ordinary citizen who is subject to been misled by a small but vocal section the appeals from the various countries' the law of the land will have the necessary of our society to ignore the positive world leaders and international confidence as far as the due process of developments achieved by the institutions have been based purely on law is concerned and as far as the security administration and to focus instead on political considerations. is concerned." Abacha made no reference issues such as the arrest and trial of Chief T utu placed a great store on the second to any discussion with Tutu. Newswatch M.K.O. Abiola." He reminded his meeting he was to have with Abacha. He sources said the obas were stunned. listeners, most of whom come from told the press that "when Abiola told me At the meeting with Tutu Wednesday, democratic settings, that "one of the he was ready toaccept conditional release, April 5, Abacha was quoted as having pillars of a viable democracy is the rule of I tried to get another meeting with the said that responsibility for Abiola's law and a functioning judicial system," head of state through the foreign affairs continued incarceration rested on Abiola adding: "The judicial system has minister, but that was not possible." himself who opted to stay in jail when he remained a key institution in our society." Observers interpreted that to mean that turned down a conditional release he He expressed surprise that "even some of there was no serious commitment on the was given last year. When Tutu conveyed those with whom Nigeria shares a part of the government to let Abiola out this to Abiola, who is in his 10th month of common judicial system a re among those even if he accepts a conditional release. detention, he told Tutu he was ready for who have urged the government to Despite the optimism raised by Tutu's freedom even if it was conditional. circumvent the judicial process and, by announcement, it was clear that Emerging from the meeting with Abiola, executive fiat, determine a matter that is something was amiss when the Tutu told newsmen, that the man who government issued no statement on the was detained for declaring himself Tu tu-Abacha and T utu-Abiola meetings. president one year after the annulment of A senior government official had told the June 12,1993, election which he was Newswatch then that the government had believed to have won, was now ready to not discussed the matter. accept his release conditional. Tutu also The official told Newswatch last week: said that Abiola was very sick and had "It was not as if Tutu, Abiola and losta lotof weight. In confirming Abiola's government sat down and agreed that ill-health, T utu lent credence to the efforts Abiola should go conditionally." He said by Ore Falomo, Abiola's personal the government only told T utu that Abiola physician, and the Nigerian Medical rejected the terms last year, "so, there Association, NMA, to ensure the release was no agreement with government that of Abiola for medical treatment. he should be released. Tutu merely Tutu wanted a second meeting with announced what Abiola told him and the Abacha to brief him on Abiola's response. press latched on to that to conclude that But before he was through with Abiola, it the government was ready to release seemed the hawks in the government Abiola." He said "the question of were already flapping their wings. Tutu's government reneging on its stand does road to Abacha was blocked. He had to not arise." The source also said there was convey Abiola's decision to accept no meeting in government to discuss conditional release to Abacha through Tutu's visit. Tom Ikimi, the foreign affairs minister. It is possible government did not Ikimi was the first chairman of the expect Abiola to have changed his mind National Republican Convention, NRC, and accept a conditional release. So, when a rival party to Abiola's Social Democra tic he did, the government was surprised. A Party, SDP. source close to the Abiolas told Newswatch At his first meeting with foreign last week that Abiola told Tutu that he envoys at the Nigerian Institute of would accept conditional release to prove International Affairs, NILA, Lagos, last to the outside world that he was not the Thursday, Ikimi showed that the one delaying his own release as was government would not shift its position claimed by the government. "He wanted on Abiola. Said Ikimi: "Whether Chief it known that the government is not Abiola is innocent or guilty of the offence sincere at all," the source said, adding for which he is standing trial is a verdict that right from the beginning, Abiola for the courts to determine. His case is knew he would not be released by the before the constituted courts of the land." government under any conditions. He argued that "no one delights in the Sources close to the government said circumstances in which he (Abiola) now it was in a dilemma. The government, finds himself. That is not the Nigerian Abacha: Agreement was blocked according to the sources, was afraid

Newswatch, April 24,1995 13 shortly after and drop­ led to Abiola's rejection of the ba ped out of sight for The original decision by Must eleven days. The police which he rejected Abiola's appl declared him wanted for bail was challenged at the c and placed a N50,000 appeal, Kaduna. In a unanimous d< price on him. Although the court overturned the lower he remained in Lagos, decision and granted Abiola bai the police could not find was in November last year. B him until he emerged government appealed to the Su from hiding June 23 and Court and asked the court of ap] drove to his house in a grant stay of execution of the bail long motorcade. He was This was granted. picked up only later that Rotimi Jacobs, deputy to night and has remained Fawehinmi, a Lagos lawyer and in detention since. the counsels to Abiola, told New Critics of the govern­ last week that Abacha was not ac ment say Abacha really good faith in Abiola's case. He sai< never wanted to release the charge of treason was institu Abiola. Abdul Oro, his government, the head of state executive director, Civil liberty to withdraw from prosecu Liberties Organisation,. "No court can prevent the head of s CLO, told Newswatch the attorney-general to withdraw tl last week that it was as stipulated under section 161 obvious there was no constitution," he said. He said it wj plan to release Abiola. that treason is not a bailable offenc "They only succeeded in I know the law, sections 118of the cri deceiving Tutu and code is very clear. Even on murder President Nelson Man­ the court has the power and discret dela to get the two men grant bail," he said. He said that the off their back. Our belief of appeal considered sections 111 is that this regime does 123 of the Criminal Procedure Act t not believe in dialogue deciding to grant Abiola bail. despite all pressure to Jacobs argued that Aba that effect. The govern­ statement was prejudicial. "There ment is acting deaf. They appeal to the Supreme Court on th< want to see the crisis This is why it is even more dangero continue so that they can the head of state to make continue to stay in pronouncement. Since the Supreme < Ajayi: Back to court power. If the govern­ is yet to decide on the case, his comr ment releases Abiola will surely affect the mind of the cc Abiola would not abide by the terms of and other political prisoners, normality Godwin Ajayi, SAN, Abiola's \a\ his release once he gets out. Abiola is would return. But this government does went to the Supreme Court last we regarded as a loose cannon. "How do not want that and that is why it even challenge the stay of execution of th you control what he says?" a source asked, began to arrest people alleging that they granted by the court of appeal for w< adding: 'If he goes abroad for medical are coup plotters." diligent prosecution. In the motion 1 treatment, won't he wage a campaign Abacha's assertion that Abiola's for hearing this Thursday, Ajayi rec against the government?" This source offence was not a bailable one has been that by a majority decision Decernt said suspicion was strong that Abiola severely criticised by lawyers. Last year, last year, the Court of Appeal gran would adopt the strategy of Jean-Bertrand after Abdullahi Mustapha, who was stay of execution of the bail it gra Aristide of Haiti who, assisted by the hearing the case, refused Abiola's Abiola November 4 of the same ye* United States, fought the military junta application for bail, the government, it is the condition that the order would 1 which ousted him and eventually believed, influenced the court to hold a if the appeal of the federal govemi regained power. special session in the afternoon of August was not entered by February 6, this ] The government, another source said, 5 to hear a fresh application for bail. In the supporting affidavit dep> was not sure it could successfully keep Jibola Olanipekun stood in as Abiola's to on behalf of Abiola, Ajayi recalled Abiola under house arrest. "How would lawyer and applied for bail. The bail was the government filed the record of ap the government prevent him from granted with the conditions that Abiola in respect of the appeal in the Supi reaching out or even escaping if he is kept was not to travel out of Nigeria, organise Court November 18, last year, from w under house arrest in his Ikeja home?" or address any political rally or do day the time within which the source asked. Last year, Abiola beat anything that would induce the security government was allowed to file its 1 scores of policemen. He sneaked out and or peace of the country. Those conditions began to run. That period which that night declared himself president and the circumstances surrounding them government was allowed to file its 1

14 Newswatch, April 24, ' ■ cover

expired on or about January 31, this year. matter that was of interest to the had at one time or the other secured The affidavit recounted the various government. In a statement by Jegede, injunctions for their re-opening from the legal battles Abiola had fought to regain CDHR recalled that only last year, two court which till today were being flouted. his freedom. It recalled that Abiola was courts, the federal high court and the Therefore, added the statement, neither first arraigned before the federal high Appeal Court, granted Abiola bail but the government with its accomplices nor court Abuja, July 6, last year, on a three- the government violated them. CDHR its agents "has the moral right' to talk Of count charge of treasonable felony which said that all the proscribed newspapers law or judicial processes which they have was substituted on July 28 with a five- killed." count charge of treason and treasonable N ADL urged the head of state to order felony. On that same day, Abiola applied the immediate release of Abiola and for bail but it was opposed by the federal withdraw thecriminalchargeagainsthim government. The court refused the if he was sincere about his claim of respect application for bail. On November 4, the for judicial process. In its statement last court of appeal allowed the bail, set aside Wednesday, the association said Abiola's the ruling of the high court and said he continued detention was at government's could be released in self-recognisance. instance, contrary to the impression being The federal government, dissatisfied created that Abiola was the architect of by that decision, appealed to the Supreme his own ordeal. NADL said the respect Court and filed a notice and grounds for the independence of the judiciary as appeal. In that appeal filed by Tochukwu claimed by Abacha was disputable in the Onwugbufor, solicitor-general of the light of the regime's record of federation and director-general, federal disobedience to court orders, citing the ministry of justice, the government government's disobedience to the court argued that the appeal court erred in law order allowing Fawehinmi to travel in granting Abiola bail when no relief abroad for medical check-up and Turner was asked for by the accused in his notice Ogboru whose release order was and grounds of appeal. Onwugbufor did disobeyed by the government. not canvass the argument put forward Aluko called on all parties involved last week by Abacha, that treason was in the country's political problem to seize not a bailable offence, in all his argument. the opportunity provided by the outcome That raises doubt as to whether the head Ikimi: Harps on rule of law of Tutu's visit to Nigeria to enter into of state was properly briefed on the dialogue and find a lasting solution to position of the law on this matter. Doyin Abiola, one of Abiola's wives, told Newswatch last week that "he (Abacha) is not ready to do anything about him (Abiola). He just wants to keep Bashorun Abiola in detention. He is the law and the interpreter of it. So when it pleases him, he says it is what he meant it to be." A former SDP governor, who requested not to be named, told Newswatch that the head of state "was contradicting himself (in saying Abiola rejected bail) since the government appealed against the bail decision." He blamed Abacha for trying to become "the accuser, the judge and the jury," adding: "I don't know where we are going but it seems to me the head of state has no regard for anybody." The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, NADL, Akanni Aluko, publisher of Third Eye and Lai Balogun, a politician, are among those who have reacted to the new development. Segun Jegede, administrative secretary, CDHR, said that he did not believe the law would ever be m l i - allowed to take its due course in any Doyin Abiola: Not hopeful Falomo: Insists on treatment

Newswatch, April 24,1995 15 ■ cover

them instead of maintaining a hardline 12.3 and 37.3 respectively and magr posture. Said he: "Nigerians need a new of 1.3." Continuing his repot beginning and Bishop Tutu and Mandela Washington-based medical practi have given the country the way out of the stated further that "the perception, stalemate which all parties must grab time was uncontrolled hypertei without further delay." Aluko, noting probable venous insufficiency, and < that there was an uneasy calm in the salt intake with hypokah country expressed, surprise that Abacha hypomagnesemia and an elevated 1 failed to grab the opportunity provided glucose. I placed the patient on proc by Tutu's visit. XL 30 one q per day and quest! Balogun told Newswatch that the whether he might have hyperglycei decision by Abiola to accept conditional Fein man said he was alarmed to release raised the hope that he would that Abiola "has been incacerate soon get his freedom and have the Nigeria under very unfavour, opportunity to go for medical treatment. conditions," adding: "In view of Balogun, a former SDP presidential patient's history of uncontroi aspirant, said that since neither Abacha hypertension and lower extren nor Abiola had confirmed Tutu's oedema, I fear that if he does not rec< statement, he did not place much value his medications on a timely basis, he i on it. His pessimism, he said, was risk for an early stroke or myocarc confirmed by Abacha's statement last infarction." Furthermore, he said, he v Tuesday. But he said that "now is the unable to test Abiola during the two vis ideal time for a transitional government for diabetes and because his blood su{ of one type or the other. A transitional was elevated initially, he needed government of about two years, he said, perform those tests. "This could be qu would move the nation forward, with a potential problem if undiagnosed ai Abiola playing a very prominent role in not treated. His risk would be coma ai it." Aluko: Sues for dialogue even death," he wrote. He confirmed th If the government maintains its this diagnosis was in line with tl hardline posture that Abiola would have diagnoses made by members of the NM/ to go through the judicial mill to be The report was circulated by Randa released, it was not clear what it would Echols, Abiola lobbyist on Capitol Hil do about his failing health. Would Washington DC. It was not clear why th government allow doctors to properly report is just being made public. But it i examine and treat him? Falomo and the not unconnected with local anc NMA have pressed unsuccessfully for international efforts to free Abiola or the release of Abiola for treatment health grounds. preferably in an overseas hospital where Government is worried about whai facilities are available to perform a has become a daily bashing in many parts number of tests, including a chest X-ray, of the world, especially in Europe and the X-ray of the theracolumbo-sacral spine, a United States. Newswatch learnt that a CT-Scan of the lumbo-sacral spine and directive has been sent to embassies that myelogrphy. The examinations are any pro-democracy programmes and required to determine extent of nerve activities and anti-government reports root compression and the neurological should be sent directly to Aso Rock and damage Abiola is believed to have'- the ministry of foreign affairs. The suffered during a scuffle with Lawal government, Newswatch also learnt, is Kaita, a police officer, August 23, last angry with an international publicity year, over newspapers. agent who was awarded a contract to Outside the treatment of the injuries polish its image abroad. He is said to to his back bones (radiculopathy), Abiola have produced no results for what he has has been a hypertension patient with a been collecting on a regular basis. complication of oedema. If the hope for the resolution of the But last week, Mitchell C. Feinman, a crisis rests with the judiciary, then Ajayi's rheumatologist in the US, released a motion to be heard by the Supreme Court medical report, dated March 17, this year, this week may close the current chapter, on Abiola. Feinman said that he saw maintain it or open a new one. Balogun: Political solution needed Abiola on March 8 and April 28, last year, Reported by Soji Akinrinade, for his complaints of high blood pressure pressure initially of 140/100. "I ordered Wale Akin Aina, Sam Olukoya, and pitting oedema of the lower laboratory tests which revealed a Janet Mba-Afolabi, Olu Ojewale, extremities. He said a physical potassium of 3.2, glucose of 138, a mildly Kayode Olaokun, Dotun Oladipo, examination of Abiola revealed a blood decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit, and Kolarele Sonaike

16 Newswatch, April 24,1995 How to Manage Your Money

The times are hard. Every kobo you spend counts. Or, it should. So, you have N50.00 to buy a newsmagazine to keep abreastof important national and international news. Vendors confrontyou with an array of magazines and newspapers on your way to and from work daily. Newspapers and magazines with sensational headlines are pushed in your face. Like most people, you can't resist. You pick a magazine or newspaper with the sensational headline. The vendor puts your hard-earned N50.00 in his pocket. Five minutes later, a strangled cry escapes from your throat. You have been had. Sorry.

Here is how to manage your money to get value for it:

• Don’t always accept the vendor's judgement on what makes nèws. • Pick the magazine of your choice, not what tire vendor shoves in your face. • Go for facts, not faction (Faction = a drop of facts mixed in ten buckets of fiction) • Shun sensationalism. You can't get value for your money. • Don’t buy headlines. Big headlines do not important stories make,

This advice is given free by Newswatch. Because we care how you spend your hard-earn money.

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did not imply that the administration was digging in by hinging its disengage­ ment on the outcome of the constitutional conference. According to him, the Not the administration will implement its transition programme gradually and orderly, based on the recommendations of the conference. Ikimi said government was yet to know what recommendations the constitutional conference would make Right Time regarding the creation of states and local governments. But he emphasised that the creation of states and local governments was a major item in the Tom Ikimi, foreign affairs minister, says disengagement programme. Besides, the minister said, "it is reasonable to surmise the Abacha administration requires more that the emergent political parties will require a period of party sensitisation of time to put in place structures for an the electorate before the electioneering campaigns. enduring democracy Ikimi argued that a "carefully considered programme of disengage­ By Emmanuel Ugwu ment is not a quick-fix process." He said it would be wrong for observers and analysts to think that the time left for the he abacha adminis- include the promulgation of a new administration can be easily determined. tration ha s not yet worked constitution after a careful study of the But protagonists of an early military out a time-table for a constitutional conference report, the disengagement argue that the structures return to civil rule. Tom establishment of new political parties, which the government wants to set up Ikimi, the minister of delimitation of new electoral consti­ before handing over can be accomplished foreign affairs, said in Lagos last Thursday tuencies, creation of new states and local within a short period. thatT the administration needs time to governments, registration of voters and Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a execute what he called "major election into the various tiers of conference delegate and a proponent of components of the disengagement government. the January 1996 terminal da te for Abacha, programme" which it "must successfully In his address to the diplomatic has argued that a period of six months is implement to ensure a firm establishment community in Lagos, Ikimi said, however, enough for any-administration with of an enduring democracy". that the desire for enough time to genuine design for democracy to The major components, he said implement its programme successfully accomplish the task. Last month, Jimmy

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BTT5 18 Newswatch, April 24,1995 ■ NIGERIA

Carter, former United States president, deadline unrealistic, some delegates continuation of the economic diplomacy said after a visit to Abacha, that it was not including Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, the pursued during Ike Nwachukwu's era. necessary for government to implement chairman, have consistently said the For this reason, he said, Nigeria's all the planned programmes before conference had exceeded its brief in fixing economic relations with Asia, the Pacific ushering in a democratic government. the terminal date for the administration. and Latin America will be strengthened. Although Ikimi insisted on an open- Ikimi's address last week showed that Heexplained that thediplomaticdirection ended tenure for the administration, he the administration was not in a hurry to would assist Nigeria to learn and copy left no one in doubt that Abacha has "a go. It also confirmed the statement of the economic models that have led to a firm and unequivocal commitment and David Mark, a retired brigadier-general, resurgence of the Asian continent determination to ensure a successful in the interview he granted to Newswatch internationally. I implementation of a programme for a and published in the April 11,1994 edition One area which the foreign policy \ fully démocratisation process as well as of the magazine that Abacha would stay objective may witness a slight shift is in the ultimate return to civilian rule." in power till December 31, 1999. Mark Africa which, hitherto, had been the The terminal date for the present played a major role in the coup that centre-piece of Nigeria's foreign policy. administration has remained a contentious brought Abacha to power on November Successive administrations in the country issue since November 1993 after Sani 17,1993. have pursued this objective vigorously Abacha, head of state, refused to state the On domestic economic policy, Ikimi but Ikimi said since Nigeria is the most tenure of his administration in his maiden said the increasing globalisation of the populous black nation in the world, its broadcast to the nation. All he said was world economy has given Nigeria no foreign policy will go beyond Africa to that the tenure would be brief. Later, senior alternative other than pursuing "the embrace all the black people everywhere government spokesmen said the tenure diversification of the economy". The new in the world. He said that this policy is a would be determined by the constitutional economic thrust, according to him, will role which history has forced on Nigeria conference. When the implication of that be based on the exploitation and and which the nation has accepted with position dawned on the government, development of solid minerals and the pride. Aminu Saleh, secretary to the federal boosting of agriculture to de-emphasise According to him, Nigeria demon­ government, changed gear saying the dependence on crude oil export. But the strated this "negro-centric" foreign policy conference had no such powers. foreign minister gave what appeared as a recently when it intervened and Some members of the constitutional hint that the current prices of petroleum negotia ted a better deal for the indigenous conference thought otherwise. Last products for domestic consumption black population in Bouganville, Papua December 6, the conference passed a might be increased once more. He said New Guinea. The blacks in that country resolution fixing January 1, 1996, as the that a total of N61 billion is tied up in the have been traumatised and humiliated terminal date of the Abacha regime. Since hidden subsidies in the oil sector and that by multinational corporations and other then, the presidency has mounted intense there is "an imperative necessity for us to groups who exploited their land rich in pressure on the conference delegates to move steadily towards market-oriented gold and diamond. The issue was brought reverse the date. prices for petroleum products. Some to the attention of the The pressure has started to pay off. observers regard this as a pointer to Commission on Human Rights by Apart from several adjournments and another price adjustment. Nigeria. The government of Papua New deliberate delay of the proceedings of the The foreign policy objective which Guinea has commenced negotiations to conference to render the January 1996 Ikimi outlined for his ministry is a improve the lot of the black community .■

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Newswatch, April 24,1995 19 ■ NIGERIA

Haliru: A bloody revenge Umaru: Shared out controversial land

and women have spent shells from police rifles to make their case against the emir. And while the emir shows broken Tit For Tat windows, doors and smashed vehicles, the people parade scores of victims of police brutality with bandaged heads, plastered faces and broken legs and arms. The people of Lafiagi in Kwara State dethrone In addition, they have a list of property allegedly destroyed or removed by the their emir and sack the palace. The emir fights police during their raid. They also have a list of women who were stripped naked back and returns to his throne with the help of publicly before they were allegedly thrown like paper dolls into police lorries. anti-riot policemen The people of Lafiagi also have a list of names of relatives allegedly killed by By Wale Oladepo the Fulani cattle rearers who constantly drive their animals into their farmland with, according to them, the tacit support HERE IS NO PEACE IN subjects. The entire town was sacked by of the emir. The activities of the Fulani Lafiagi, a town in Kwara State. the policemen who allegedly shot or beat cattle rearers which in the past resulted in The emir and his town's people up their victims, apparently violent clashes between them and the are locked in a battle over the indiscriminately. There were also reports town's people, who are predominantly Fulani cattle rearers. It started as a war of of raping and looting by the policemen. A Nupe farmers, triggered the current war words early in January this year. But by number of people, mainly old men and between the emir and his people. January 23, the problem between Saadu women, who were unable to escape the When Newswatch visited Lafiagi late Kawu Haliru, the emir of Lafiagi, and his police onslaught, were arrested and last month, the signs of the gulf between subjects, had developed into a full-scale detained. the two parties were obvious. Contrary assault on his palace during which Haliru Both the town's people and the emir to the practice in the past whereby had to escape to safety by scaling a 10- are accusing each other of brutality. Each everybody queued behind the emir at the foot wall surrounding his palace. party is assembling evidence to make a central mosque in this predominantly A month later, the emir returned to case against the other. While the emir has moslem town, there are now six Jumaat his palace ivith lorry loads of anti-riot a heap of stones used by the people during mosques—an indication that everybody policemen to avenge the attack by his the sacking of his palace, the town’s men is going his own way. Series of meetings

20 Newswatch, April 24,1995 ■ NIGERIA

were going on in several quarters in the policemen were emirate when Newswatch visited. The detailed to patrol purpose of the meetings was mainly to the area to ensure compile evidence against their emir. In that the Fulani fact, one of the unproven charges against cattle rearers did the emir was that he had contacted a not take their herbalist at a near-by village to use his cattle to graze on power to hold back the rain and the farmland. consequently bring about a repeat of the Unfortunately, drought which ravaged the area lastyear. when the police Last year, some natural disasters patrol team was swept through Lafiagi. First, there was not on duty, the no rain for several months and as a result Fulani rearers I the rice the farmers planted withered. took their cattle to Rice is the chief cash and food crop of the the river bank. people. When the farmers replanted the Consequently, rice, a swarm of soldier worms invaded the cattle ate up the area and ate up the crop. Their third all the crops. Yusuf: Attacked by Fulani cattle rearers attempt to grow the rice was also When Amuda frustrated by flood which came with the Yusuf, a farmer, who was at his farm on as the state security service. The meeting, heavy rains later in the year. All the a particular occasion, challenged the cattle he said, came to the conclusion that all farmland together with their crops were rearers, a fight broke out. Yusuf received the Fulanis living in the Gbasa area should washed away by the flood. matchet cuts on his head and left thigh. vacate the place. The only option left for the farmers to Aliyu Etsu, the Benu of Lafiagi, a But the town's people, he said, avert an imminent famine in the area was Fulani, however, said that the farmers misunderstood this to mean that all the dry season farming along the local came to the emir to report that the Fulanis Fulanis should leave Lafiagi. Etsu said river bank. As Musa Baba Umar, in Gbasa area were destroying their crops. the Fulanis did not leave Gbasa area but chairman of Edu local government, told The emir, according to him, summoned a were pushed to their new settlement by Newswatch, the fertile parcel of land along meeting of the elders of the town the fa rmers who destroyed their property the river bank had to be shared out to including the divisional police officer, and insisted they must leave the local ensure that everybody was Mamman Anchau, and representatives government area. It was during the clash, accommodated. And to ensure peace, of the local government authority as well he added, that Yusuf received his injuries and eventually lost his leg. Jibril Abubakar, a spokesman of the Lafiagi people, denied portions of Etsu's story. He said that when a Fulani drove his cattle into the farmland and clashed with the injured farmer, the emir to whom the matter was reported did not take any action. The people, he said, concluded that the emir must have been bribed by his Fulani brothers to overlook the case. Abubakar said such feeling prompted the people to march to the emir's palace where they were told the matter had been taken over by the police and that the cattle rearer had been arrested. On January 23, the emir invited three representatives from each of the six wards of the town. But the people, fearing it was a ploy to arrest the town's leaders, marched en masse to the palace. The sight of policemen stationed around the palace carrying teargas canisters convinced them the emir was set to do what they feared. The people then began chanting war songs demanding that the emir must go. Stones were thrown into the palace and the police replied with teargas canisters. They were, however, fey overpowered after they exhausted their Eminfolayan, Mohammed, Umar: Bearing brunt of the emir's anger stock of teargas. Nine-cars in the palace

Newswatch, April 24,1995 21 ■ NIGERIA

and other valuables were vandalised by came to his house. "At the police station, these cases, the argument against the emi the mob. The emir was helped across the I was not even asked any question. I was was that he did not take action to dete fence climbing a drum and a ladder simply asked to lie down and the the Fulanis. hurriedly put together by his private divisional crime officer began to flog me The people are also angry with th secretary. The police ran into a nearby with electricity cable. Thereafter, I was emir for selling 400 acres of their land t< magistrate court to hide. But the people tear-gassed. The gas powder was poured Moshood Abiola between 1982 and 19& pursued them there, destroying and on my genitals as well. I was tortured this on which the detained politician nov burning vital documents in the court in way for four days before I was transferred runs a rice farm. They accuse the emir o the process. to the state police headquarters, Ilorin. keeping all the N40,000 Abiola paid foi Once the emir returned, the people of There, I was told I was the ring-leader of the farmland which they said belongs tc the town started putting together other the people who vandalised the emir's the people of Funti, Zara, Lupete and strategies to help ease the emir out. One palace." Ajayi, however, denied Liman's Guduzuru villages. The village head oi such strategy is thedecision to unilaterally claim when Newswatch talked to him on Guduzuru, Etsu Enpa, reportedly took boycott the Jumaat mosque the emir telephone. the matter up with Abiola who again attends and the springing up of four new Abubakar Mohammed, a herbalist gave the villages N20,000. When the emir ones. The traditional homage usually paid and farmer, told Newswatch that since got to know of this, Newswatch was told, the emir, especially on Fridays when he Haliru became emir in 1976, he has not he again collected the money from them. goes round the town, is now non-existent. been of much help to the people. "For Haliru denied all the allegations Disturbed, the emir got his chief imam, example," he said, "most of the river levelled against him. He told Newswatch: Usman Hamidu, to invite the grand kahdi banks have been sold to non-indigenes." "I must tell you I am not happy. They are of the Kwara State court of appeal, He also recalled that long before the latest my people. I don't like what happened; it Abdulkadir Orire, to stop the new clash with the cattle rearers, similar is the devil's work." The emir said he mosques since they were not established clashes had taken place in the past during would continue to pray to Allah for in a peaceful atmosphere. which a number of Nupe farmers were forgiveness if at all he offended his people. Orire summoned a meeting of the killed. He said 11 years ago in Gondangi Similarly, he said, he would pray to Allah heads of the new mosques — Magajin village, the cattle herdsmen killed a to forgive his people if they offended Yahaya, Shaaba Liman Sonmasun, Sakari student in Lafiagi township. Four years him. He asked: "Will any right thinking Yau, Audu Taki and Audu — but they ago, another farmer named Mohammed emir not want prosperity for his people?" did not show up for the meeting. By this was killed in Zambufu, a suburb of The emir regretted that some of his time, more anti-riot policemen were sent Lafiagi. A policeman who was injured in subjects were so superstitious that they to the town. The situation deteriorated the fracas was only recently discharged believed he could go to a herbalist and when the police sought to arrest the anti- from service because he was arrange with him to stop the rain from emir ring leaders on February 23. As it incapacitated, Mohammed said. In all falling in Lafiagi.B turned out, mostof the 77 people arrested were old men and women. One of them, Ladan Gabi, of Gabi compound, in his In your way ahead Eko Weekly late 50s, suffered an eye injury. He was referred to the University of Ilorin tabloid this week Teaching Hospital, UITH, for further treatment. Samuel Ajayi, the divisional crime ** Read all about Abiola’s new strategy to humiliate officer in the local government area, denied allegations of brutality against the Abacha regime. Plus Nelson Mandela’s the police. On the contrary, he said, it was the people who assaulted the police connection. during their January 23 attack on the palace. Saliu Mohammed, the state police public relations officer, said the timely ** Ogoni people look set to rattle the Abacha regime intervention of the police prevented the Check out the intelligence report mob from burning down the palace and damaging vital government installations. He confirmed the arrest of 77 persons in ** Plus all the regulars: Only in Lagos, Whispers, the town among them six women. Perhaps, the people would not have Refreshing entertainment stories, and Sports. insisted anymore on the dethronement of the emir if the police raid had not continued until about three weeks ago Eko, for the biggest news around. when Amodu Liman, one of the middle- aged men in the town, was arrested and Available nationwide for only allegedly brutalised by the police. As Liman told Newswatch, he was invited to the police sta tion by three policemen who I NIGERIA Bafyau Schemes To Return

Former president of Nigeria Labour Congress, Pascal Bafyau, wants his job back

By Chukwuemeka Gahia

ASCAL BAFYAU, FORMER everything was all Traditionally, NLC president of the Nigeria right until it was too i state chairmen were Labour Congress, NLC, wants late. leaders of state bran­ his old job back. He told Despite the ches of the industrial Newswatch last week that the old executiveopposition of many unions. But under dissolvedP last year by the government, unions, Bafyau has Bafyau, a good number should be allowed to serve out its term enough resources to of the unionists became before the next delegates conference. pursue his goal. His NLC st*te chairmen Bafyau has the support of the Railway point-man is a former without belonging to Workers Union, NUR W. But other unions secretary of the NLC what a source called oppose him. They want a delegates in Kano who is said to "the leadership cadres conference to be convened to elect a new wield much influence 1 of the unions at state NLC executive. among northern state level." This was Bafyau's campaign has been targetted councils. Bafyau also I , -^ i particularly the case in at the 14 northern state councils. He has the support of the . j Benue, Plateau and masterminded the meeting of the "hawks" among the I Ondo. Without a base chairmen and secretaries of the northern chairmen and secre­ Bafyau: Opposed by unions in the state branches of councils in Jos and Sokoto March 3 and 24 taries of northern state the unions, the "hawks" respectively. He attended the Jos meeting councils. Some of them are the chairmen have found it difficult to control workers. but sent representatives to the Sokoto of Benue, Plateau, Bauchi, Adamawa and Ironically, it was the government that meeting. Kano state councils who are pressing for helped exaggerate the influence of state Newswatch learnt that the eastern and the dissolution of the Central Working - chairmen when it started, after the western councils do not want to meet Committee, CWC, which was not proscription, to treat them as if they were with the former NLC leader. A meeting proscribed. The CWC is made up of more important than the industrial unions of the western councils convened in chairmen and secretaries of the 41 whose state branches constituted the Ibadan, was reportedly attended by industrial unions constituting the NLC. affiliates of the NLC. It was erroneously delegates from Oyo and Ondo only. Still, They are also pressurising the believed that the state branches of the Bafyau said that "anybody who said it government to dissolve the executive industrial unions were under the control was only Ondo State labour leaders that committees of all the unions. This strategy of the state council chairmen who attended is a liar. Labour leaders in the is intended to do away with Bafyau's exploited this ignorance to get many state west attended and we had useful opponents in the CWC and state administrators to deal directly with them, discussions." executives of NLC. by-passing the industrial unions. Labour leaders who spoke to A dependable source said the The "hawks" have been facing a stiff Newswatch doubt that Bafyau would get government was unlikely to agree with opposition from the former chairmen and the support of most of the unions. His those demands because of the recent secretaries of the northern state councils. closeness to Babangida administration is inability of those chairmen to stop the The strength of this group showed clearly still regarded as one of the causes of workers' strikes in their states. In fact, most in the decisions reached at the Sokoto labour's present credibility crisis. "Our of the "hawks" are simply referred to as meeting. The "hawks" lost out in their greatest error of judgment was to allow "floating chairmen" by union members bid to push through a decision to bring Bafyau to be our link to the former because they are not part of the executive back the last NLC executive. If the move president," a union leader said. He said committees of the industrial unions and had succeeded, it would have paved the Bafyau kept telling his colleagues that their state branches. way for Bafyau's return.®

Newswatch, April 24,1995 23 I NIGERIA

the matter at hand because she acted outside her jurisdiction by ordering the detention of the journalists in a case she Echoes of had no powers to try. This, he said, was the view of the Supreme Court in the case of Egbe vs Adefarasin where the court ruled that judicial immunity is applicable only under three circumstances. None of Police Cell these circumstances, according to Amechi, was applicable in the case at hand because Oni-Okpaku acted extra- judicially. He said in this circumstance, no remedy can be claimed from the state. Six Newswatch journalists begin a legal struggle He cited section 32,33 and 38 of the 1979 to make Oni-Okpaku pay for detaining them constitution to back up his argument. On Williams' argument of time wrongfully limitation, Amechi said section 32 of the constitution authorises the chief justice of the federation to set a time limit during By Sam Olukoya which any one who feels his fundamental rights have been violated can seek redress. The time limit set by the chief justice, he AN FUNMILAYO ONI- was defective because it did not comply said, is one year. This, according to him, Okpaku, former chairman, with order 27 rule 1 which requires that overrides the three-month-period currency and miscellaneous an application for motion on notice be provided for under the Public Officers offences tribunal, claim accompanied by an affidavit. But Protection Act. He asked the court to judicial immunity for ordering the detentionC of six Newswatch journalists last May? Yes, her lawyer, Rotimi Williams, told a federal high court in Lagos last Tuesday. Arguing a motion in a suit filed against Oni-Okpaku by the journalists, Williams, SAN, urged the court to dismiss or strike out the action because Oni-Okpaku, being a judge, could not be held liable for any action carried out in the course of her official duties. The common law, according to him, confers immunity on judicial officials to enable them carry out their duties effectively. He cited section 42 of the constitution which, he said, allows any one who feels his fundamental human rights have been violated by any action Oni-Okpaku: Claimed immunity Fawehinmi: Motion is faulty taken by a judicial officer to sue the state. Williams argued further that even if any Babatunde Belgore, the presiding judge, dismiss the application with costs. The action lies against Oni-Okpaku, it is the ruled that the application was properly court has set May 23, for ruling. state that should be sued because she brought before the court. The Newswatch journalists went to merely carried out a duty for the state. Amechi said Williams failed to court in November last year claiming Williams also argued that the court establish the existence of any law that N38 million as damages for their had no reason to entertain the action provides for judicial immunity for Oni- detention between May 27 and May 30 because it was not commenced within Okpaku. He observed that one of the last year on the orders of Oni-Okpaku. three months of Oni-Okpaku's order that cases Williams cited was applicable to a They had incurred her wrath over the the journalists be detained. This, he said, high court judge, whereas the journalists publication in Newswatch issue of March was contrary to the provision of section 2 were suing Oni-Okpaku in her capacity 7,1994, entitled: The Stinking Drug War. of the Public Officers Protection Act, 379. as chairman of a tribunal. The law The journalists were Ray Ekpu, the Nexvswatch lawyers, Nnameka Amechi establishing the tribunal did not provide magazine's chief executive officer, Soji and Festus Keyamo, both from the Gani her with any such immunity, he said. Akinrinade, deputy editor-in-chief, Mike Fawehinmi chambers, had tried to stop Amechi argued further that even if Akpan, general editor, Wale Akin Aina, the motioi) from being entertained by the Oni-Okpaku had been covered by any Sam Olukoya, assistant editors and Tunde court. Amechi argiied that the application judicial immunity, it could not apply in Asaju, a staff writer.® ■ NIGERIA Dream Come True

Kay ode Soyinka, former staff of Newswatch, launches his own magazine

By Jonah Achema

or many years, kayode continent where nothing good comes out migrations, war and genocide." Added Soyinka, until recently the except reports of political upheavals, coup Aminu "Africa Today demonstrates that London bureau-chief of something good can always come Newswatch magazine, was out of Africa". worried about the negative reporting Newton Jibunoh, chairman of ofF Africa by the western press. He Afro-Media, publishers of the dreamt of owning an international magazine, described Africa Today's medium that would keep the world mission as noble. "It will convey the properly informed about Africa. information and propagate the Soyinka's dream came true last week, aspirations required to assist both when Africa Today, an international the developed and developing news magazine which he publishes nations of the continent and further and edits was launched in Lagos. "I inspire friends of Africa who are am glad that this dream has translated prepared to participate in building into reality. We owe the world a duty the new Africa of our dreams". to portray Africa in its proper According to Soyinka, the perspective. And Africa Today has magazine has a firm private sector come to do just that," said Soyinka. support while it offers a mine of The launching enjoyed a good turn information "for any forward- out from the media community and looking enterprise to make the most other walks of life. The birth of the of that potential and expand its magazine had come at the right time. business." According to Jubril Aminu, former Apart from Lagos, Africa Today, petroleum minister and special guest is to be launched in some other major at the occasion, "in spite of the cities of the world including Dakar, existence of a few older, other African- during the All-African- directed magazines, some of them Kayode: Reporting Africa American summit, Atlanta, United quite ancient and somewhat spent, States, London and Johannesburg in Africa is fast becoming the forgotten d'etats and the misery of acute mass I South Africa .1

has raised the practice of journalism to unprecedented heights in this country. Not only did it blaze the trail for the genre of the weekly news magazine, it has also set an admirable standard of style within the profession at large through a conscious blend of brilliance and boldness envied by some, disparaged by others, but emulated by all

— Bisi Lawrence Veteran Journalist % and Columnist for Vanguard

Newswatch, April 24,1995 25 AFRICA On the brink Of Collapse

A cease-fire hammered out in Sudan by former US president, Jimmy Carter, is threatened

By Emmanuel Ugwu

HE CEASE-FIRE AGREE- of guinea worm and river not carried out guerrilla

ment signed by the Suda­ blindness worldwide.1 Mar- attacks inside the capital nese government and the char said the people of the and other areas in the north rebels fighting in the region had a chance of under government control. T South for the autonomy of reaping much benefit from Despite several peace the region is falling apart. Last Monday, the programme. efforts, the civil war has Rick Marchar, leader of the South Sudan SSIM/A lost Nasir, its lingered. During the 39th Independence Movement - Army, headquarters, in one of the independence anniversary SSIM/A, one of the rebel groups, accused offensives by government of the country on January the government of violating the agree­ forces on March 26. The 1, Bashir appealed to the ment. The government made a similar rebel movement said its rebels to lay down their accusation against the rebels when it said defenders later beat back arms. He also called on that a government military convoy attacks by government exiles to return home. Still, travelling from Juba, the southern forces on Lafon in the Carter: Negotiated accord Bashir warned that he was regional capital, to Kapoeta, was attacked eastern Equitorial region. It said it captured training a million loyalists in the use of and looted by the rebels on April 7. 69 soldiers, including Khalid Mohammed arms as part of his war efforts. While Omar El-Bashir, Sudanese head of Osman, a colonel and the commanding explaining that "we advocate peace," he state, declared a unilateral cease-fire on officer, two T-55 tanks, and other military said the training of the loyalists was aimed March 28 at the instance of Jimmy Carter, equipment. at preparing for a jihad or holy war to former president of the United States, who There have been no reports of attacks defend "the country and faith." was in the country last month to hold talks on areas controlled by the Sudan People's It was to challenge Islamic political with the warring.sides. Although Marchar Liberation Army, SPLA led by John and religious domination and achieve self- had accepted the agreement on March 26, Garang. Last month the SPLA announced determination for the mainly Christian it was not until April 3 that it was forming a new south that the SPLA took up arms in 1983. the SSIM formally stopped brigade to concentrate However, the rebels have not achieved fighting in compliance. guerrilla warfare in much on the battle field. The war has been The SSIM/A was ini­ government-controlled concentrated in the southern region with tially sceptical about the areas, including Khartoum, the government troops on the offensive. truce offer because of its the Sudanese capital. Lack of central and coordinated command weak position at the fronts. Observers said it was a has affected the rebels' fighting ability. It partly accepted the significant tactical change Besides, the SPLA which started as a single accord because Carter was for the SPLA in its 12-year- movement has been factionalised into three able to drive home the old civil war with groups, each with its own leader and areas point that the cease-fire Khartoum. All along it had of control in the south. would facilitate the work focused its military An estimatecLJ.3 million people have of the Global 2,000, his strategies on trying to seize died and about three million displaced in humanitarian agency, in government-held the war. The government estimates it the country. The agency is territories, towns and spends a million dollars a day tot fighting for the eradication El-Bashir: Ready for Jihad villages in the sa world

notable among them was the celebrated tapping of the telephone in December, of the father-in-law of a judge who was investigating an illegal campaign funding The First in a part of Paris controlled by the RPR. Jean-Pierre Maréchal, a psychiatrist and father-in-law of Justice Eric Halphen, was alleged to have promised to get the judge to drop the case if the party could pay a million francs ($190,000). On December 28, he was arrested after a Gaulist official handed him Hurdle a suitcase filled with cash. The affair was allegedly masterminded by Wharles Pasqua, Balladur's campaign strongman and interior minister, who got the whole affair taped in an attempt to discredit foe French presidential candidates are set to judge and get him to abandon foe case. A judge later ruled that foe phone-tap was test their strength in a first round balloting illegal and threw out foe case. Rather than fire his minister, Balladur said he had confidence in him. He also admitted thathis By Tunde Asaju, in Paris office ordered the wire taps. Jacques Franquet, head of foe police investigating team, retired because of foe case. HEN EDOUARD number two man of French government, he A couple of weeks later foe French paper, Balladur, the has been the mayor of Paris for almost 20 le Monde published a story that alleged that French prime years. He never had his presidential four American officials had tried to recruit minister, announ­ ambition. He gave Francois Mitterand a French civil servants to gather information ced his candida­ fight for the presidency in the 1981 and 1988 on aerospace, arms and telecommunication ture for the presidential raceelections January but18, losthe on each occasion. technology as well as foe economic and Wthought it was going to be a walk-over.In December He las t year when Abbe Pierre, commercial strategies of France. It turned was leading other aspirants comfortably in the French priest, forcefully occupied one of out that what was considered a diplomatic early opinion polls. The election comes up the overpriced houses in the heart of Paris affair was deliberately leaked by a Balladur's on Sunday but Balladur is not even sure of with a horde of homeless people, Chirac minister. In foe heat of foe controversy, scaling the firsthurdle.Thoughhe still draws was criticised as the mayor who excluded Balladur ordered his aides to make "no huge crowds at rallies, polls have had him the poor from decenthousing. But he turned further comments on foe subject." trailing his major opponent for quite the criticism into a campaign issue. Almost More trouble was to come when sometime now. immediately, he promised to requisition all candidates were asked to declare their assets. Bahadur's popularity rating dipped 29 office buildings, which have not been Again, foe past was Balladur's nemesis. He percent in January to 19 percent on March occupied in the past three years, from their was alleged to have bought shares in GSI, a 23. The man who blew out Bahadur's bright proprietors, for conversion into apartment former government-owned company now candle is Jacques Chirac, ex-prime minister buildings to house the poor. That decision privatised. He was also later made anadviser and current mayor of Paris. In January, has put the issue on the political agenda. while still in office and paid 100,000 FF a Chirac's popularity rating was only 16 Last year, when it was widely believed week according to a recent statement from percent but by March 23, it had risen to 28 that Jacques Delors, then European Union his campaign office. The office said there percent. He is closely followed by Lionel president, might run for the French was no irregularity, but foe length of time it Jospin, socialist candidate, a former presidency, Chirac became France's own took him to respond cost him support. economics lecturer and former education Eurosceptic, vowing not to support the Others in Sunday's presidential race are minister. controversial European economic and Robert Hue, foe Communist Party, CP, Chirac and Bahadur have a lot in monetary union. A couple of weeks ago, candidate, Philipe de Villiers of foe Struggle common. Sixty-two-year-old Chirac was Chirac jettisoned that label when he faced for France, SF, and Brice Lalonde of foe prime minister twice under Valery Giscard the European Parliament. In Strasbourg, he Ecologists. The rest are two women, Arlette dTstaing between 1974 and 1976 and to became a fanatical apostle of a European Laguiller, 54, a veteran and candidate of foe President Francois Mitterand 10 years later. Monetary Union, EMU, who believes that Trotskites Workers Party, TWP, and He was instrumental to the selection of the new European currency would become Dominique Voynet of the Green Movement. Bahadur as a finance minister during one of the world's strongest exchange currency by Also, on foe listis a man most French people his stay at the Matignon, the official residence the year 1997. Observers are now predicting have learnt to avoid, Jean-Marie Le Pen, of of the prime minister. Chirac is regarded as that Chirac will be French's most foe right wing National Front, NF. Le Pen the chameleon of French poli tics. As ayouth, unpredictable leader in decades if he wins. said his first priority as president would be he was a left winger vendor who sold Buthis supporters say his virtue is his ability to repatriate three million immigrants, L'Humanite, the communist mouthpiece. to yield to the changes that occur with time. mostly of African origin, living in France. Le He was elected into the parliament in 1967 Analysts attributed Balladur's fall in the pen's popularity rating is a lowly 12 percent at the age of 34 and became a minister that polls to a number of scandals which have but that is just slightly behind foe socialist same year. Apart from his stints as the rocked his office since last year. The most Jospin whom Delors is nowfoacking-M

Newswatch, April 24, 1995 27 ■ BUSINESS + ECONOMY

semblance of stability in the (Nigerian) forex market, one would expect the value of the naira to improve". Newswatch learnt that demand was about $69m higher than A Winning supply and that CBN might decide to sell more than the $200 million on offer. The CBN does not seem willing to make the timing of its intervention predictable. "We intervene from time to I time, depending on when we deem it necessary," Ede said. But it is apparent Formular that last week's intervention was timed to deal with the impact of the demand for forex by Nigerian Muslims going for the holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The CBN's intervention at the forex market may be timing may also have been aimed at dousing the effect of the expected release, the magic that will help stabilise the value of the last week, of an NI 1 billion capital budget by the federal government, an amount naira big enough to boost the liquidity of the banking system and enhance its ability to acquire more forex. The first intervention By Joseph Ode had coincided with Nigeria's loss of the hosting rights of the World Youth Soccer

fter a decade oftrial and error, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, seems to have found the "formular" for stabilising and strengthening the value ofA the naira. Known as intervention, the "formular", introduced in the 1995 budget and applied late February, brought the naira crashing from the pegged official

rate of N22 to $1, to levNel with the parallel and autonomous market rates of N82 to the dollar. Since then however, expectations of more interventions have prevented further fall of the naira and have, in fact, strengthened it by between N0.50 and N1.00. Last week, the CBN intervened for the second time, offering to sell $200 million to end users through designated banks at the rate of N80 to the dollar. This is an indication that the parallel and autonomous rates have fallen to about that rate because intervention guideline prescribed the sale of intervention funds at the prevailing market rate. Tony Ede, chief spokesman of CBN explains: 1 think the naira now hovers between N80 and N83. We feel that the CBN rate is the benchmark, and at N80, the market rate would fall further". Ede: The market rate would fall further The CBN, according to Ede, sold at N82 to the dollar, during the first naira should be appreciating is the Championship, which was a potential intervention, because it bought forex at movement of the dollar in the source of forex inflow. N81.18. This time, it bought forex at N79.2 international market. "You should Well-calculated timing may just be a dollar, to be able to sell at N80. "We are understand," said Ede, "that the dollar one factor that has made the intervention in the market too," Tony said. has not been doing well in the mechanism effective so far. Its success is Another reason, the CBN feels the international market. And since there is a a product of a deft deployment of

28 Newswatch, April 24,1995 ■ BUSINESS + ECONOMY

monetary, fiscal, demand and supply To check fraudulent practices like management instruments by the CBN. diversion of official forex to the parallel To begin with, the CBN brought back the market, multiple bidding and fictitious stabilisation securities a direct instrument demand, CBN put in place stringent of reducing or raising liquidity in the return requirements. These include: banking system, to join its indirect Evidence of the utilisa tion of forex within counterpart, the open market operation, one month of sale by banks, return of un­ OMO. Just before the first intervention, utilised forex to the CBN with interest the CBN withdrew N10 billion from the after 21 days. CBN stipulated also that banking system through stabilisation banks which failed to make such returns securities, an amount yet to be re-injected would be barred from further partici­ into the system. Segun Agbetuyi, pation in the intervention sales and that managing director of Owena Bank Pic, intervention forex was neither trans­ said that mop-up made it impossible for ferable nor saleable in interbank many banks, including Owena to raise transactions. enough naira to purchase forex. He said Having thus taken care of the demand the interval between the mop-up and side, the CBN proceeded to tackle the CBN's first intervention in the forex supply side by offering to sell $200 million market was too short to allow banks to at the first intervention. But by the time recover from the liquidity squeeze it Akingbola: Faults CBN all the applications were in, the CBN caused. found the amount offered for sale to be Further check on banks' liquidity has demanding strict compliance with cash less than half of the demand. It decided to been maintained through OMO, which reserve requirements and liquidity ratio, meet the entire demand by increasing has resulted in about N30 billion, being among others. Failure to comply with supply to $405 million. CBN's analysis of taken away from the system so far this these requirements led to the disquali- tha t exercise showed tha t the mal practices year. The CBN also curtailed the bank's fica tion of some banks from participation which were the bane of past efforts at foreign exchange demand potential by in forex sale during the first intervention. sanitising the forex market reared their heads. For instance, the bank found that many banks and their customers overbid for fear that the amount on offer might not go round. Some also submitted bids for their customers without authorisation, while others did not have enough naira cover for the forex they demanded for and got. Of the 18 banks guilty of these offences, 13 were able to comply with CBN's deadline to normalise their accounts while the remaining five were panalised. They lost their combined forex winnings in addition to being barred from further participation in intervention sales. In the end, only N403.5 million of the $405 million on offer was sold. The apparent fiscal prudence displayed by government has also complemented CBN's mesures. Govern­ ment spending which, in the past neutralised the positive impact of CBN's monetary measures, became more prudent in the first quarter of the year. For instance, it was only last week that government released NI 1 billion, the first installment of the capital budget of N44.5 million for the year. The delay was reportedly due to government's insis­ tence that its agencies fulfilled certain criteria. Two directors in the budget department who reportedly waived such requirements were suspended. Few had expected the intervention exercise to record any success. Erastus Osa-Afiana: Also faulted CBN lyanda: Naira will appreciate Akingbola, managing director and chief

Newswatch, April 24,1995 29 ! BUSINESS + ECONOMY executive of Nigeria Intercontinental baseline for intervention was faulty. Larry Iyanda, professor of economics and Merchant Bank, NIMB, for instance, faulted Osa-Afiana, managing director and chief director-general, Nigeria Institute of CBN's dual role as a regulator and a executive of Citizens International Bank Management, had predicted shortly after participant in the forex market. He also criticised the intervention mechanism. the first intervention that the exercise expressed concern in a recent lecture that "The CBN intervention has only one would fuel inflation momentarily, but rather than use its enormous leverage to purpose, to fund and not to bring down would in the long run, reduce it. Since the dictate the exchange rate of the naira, the the rates." naira equivalent of the forex demanded CBN has only been reacting to develop­ It is too early in the day to say whether had increased tremendously, he said, a ments going by the character and mode of the intervention can bring down the reduction in cash in circulation might its intervention so far. exchange rates to the current official rate result. The long-term effect, according to The manufacturers Association of of N22 to the dollar or to a level that meets him would be an appreciation in the naira Nigeria, MAN, also described the interven- the expectations of manufacturers. No value in that few naira would be chasing tionasa "prescription of deathfor manufac­ matter. The current trend portends good too much forex. turers" . It said the use of market rate as the news on the inflation front. Olakunle Reported by Jonah Acheina

contractors include Mitsui, a Japanese firm, leading a consortium of four other contractors to build the floating storage At The Speed and offloading, FSO, facility from which LPG would be exported. Kawasaki Heavy Industries will supply the compressors. The prospect of the project being completed by May 1997, depends on funding. Initially, the World Bank was to of Money finance NNPC's portion of the project while its private sector lending affiliate,

Efforts to stop gas flaring in Nigeria depend on the availability of funds

By Moffat Ekoriko

WO MAJOR be sold to the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) for the local market. The heavy oil Projects have from the plant would be blended with normal crude oil for the export market. The first phase of the project is been initiated by estimated at $569 million. The Nigerian Chevron and Mobil oil National Petroleum Company NNPC, T will be responsible for 60 percent of that companies to utilise at least 40 percent of the gas flared from their production fields. sum, while Chevron will take care of the This will eventually help government's remaining 40 percent under a joint- efforts to end flaring in Nigeria. venture agreement. Last month, Chevron Chevron's Escravos gas project signed four contracts worth $320 million expected to come on stream by May 1997 in respect of the project, including a $70 is expected to check the flaring of gas at million contract with ABB Randall two of the company's off shore fields in Corporation and Enterprise Montalev for Okan and Mefan. Gas reserves from the the construction of the onshore gas two fields account for 30 percent of extraction plant. Randall will handle the Chevron's total reserves of 17 trillion cubic engineering and procurement aspect of feet of gas. the job while Montalev will handle the The project involves the collection of construction. associated gas from the two fields and A consortium comprising Saipem, Spa depositing it at an onshore extraction and ABB Lummus Crest Inc will build plant for processing. The end product the offshore gas collecting facilities. Thek will include liquefied petroleum gas, LPG, dry gas and heavy oil. The LPG is targeted ■ BUSINESS + ECONOMY

the International Finance Corporation project may not be very profitable but its percent. Mobil will take the remaining IFC, was to finance Chevron's portion. environmental impact is an added value. 51 percent. The project is to extract natural Newswatch learnt that the World bank is "It is not one of the best projects this gas liquids, NGL, from associated gas no longer participating in the project. company has done. But because it is an produced by Mobil at its oil and This development is partly a fall-out of environmental project, it has value you compensate fields offshore Akwa Ibom the political crisis in the country which can't just quantify", he told Newswatch. State. It is planned to come on stream in has forced the bank to suspend a number Chevron is yet to sign a contract with 1997. of facilities initially planned for Nigeria. the Nigerian Gas Company, NGC, for the Mike Olorunfemi, group executive But beyond this,Newswatch learnt that marketing of the dry gas. NGC itself wants director of the National Petroleum the profitability of the project is even to pay about 75 cents per one thousand Investment Management Services doubtful. A study conducted by the Bank cubic feet of gas less than the cost of (NAPIMS), a subsidiary of NNPC, in 1993 under the Energy Sector production. The gas company has not believes the new gas projects are a by­ Management Assistance Programme, even secured the market for the gas it product of the fiscal incentives ESMAP said the project would only be would buy from Chevron. NGC was introduced by government to conserve "marginally viable". banking on exporting some of the gas to natural gas and enhance its utilisation. The study shows that while it would Ghana, Togo and Benin under the West The fiscal incentives strategy is a departure cost $120 to extract a tonne of LPG the African gas projects. However, an from the earlier policy of penalising oil product will sell for $127, free on board, agreement is yet to be signed between firms for flaring. The incentives include a providing an income of only seven dollars Nigeria and the other countries on the five-year tax holiday, guaranteed export per tonne. Even this income may be project, thus delaying the construction of earnings with permission to operate swallowed by the low value of the dry the pipeline. Also, the Lagos Industrial offshore accounts, attractive and flexible gas to be recovered along with the LPG. Gas project through which NGC intends capital allowance and preferential sale of The bank said the project would only be to sell the gas to industries in Ikeja area is Nigerian crude oil to the companies. more profitable if its output is sold in the yet to find enough potential customers. It is expected that 50 percent of the local market at a cost insurance freight, Yet another gas utilisation project 1,690 million standard equivalent to CIF, rate of $325. However, the local being executed by Mobil may also start 275,000 barrels of oil cubic feet of gas, market for LPG is still relatively small. off this year. However, to lessen funding being flared daily would be utilised by the Joe Anyibo, Chevron's general manager problems, NNPC has reduced its equity time all the oil producing companies take gas development admitted, that the in the project from 60 percent to 49 advantage of the incentives U

MOVING UP By Jonah Achema Progress Bank of Nigeria. Uche's head of delegation in Republic of Nigeria. appointment followed the forced exit of the Salzmann, 52, a Gennan national, replaces former managing director/chief executive Balduin Zimmer who was reassigned to the evcom Merchant Bank has officer, Casimir I Anyanwu. commission headquarters in Brussels late promoted 25 members of its A graduate of the Golden Gate last year. staff. The staff include A. O. University, San Francisco, California, United A macroeconomist and graduate of the Awoliyi, Tony Okocha, States of America, Uche holds a Bsc in Free University of Berlin, Salzmann had his Kabiru Mohammed and Bright Accounting (1974), MBA, Financial early education in Thuringia, the former East DOmokhodion. Awoliyi is now Senior Management (1975) and MBA Banking Germany. Manager. She joined Devcom in 1993 from (1976). Salzmann who joined the Commission Continental Merchant Bank Limited. She is He started his career 21 years ago as a of the European Communities in 1977, had a Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the financial analyst with the Bank of America, served in Sudan and Kenya as economic Association of Certified Accountants. World Headquarters, California in 1974 and adviser before returning to the commission Okocha is now a substantive manager. later joined Savannah Bank Pic in 1977, where headquarters in Brussels to the South African A holder of MB A degree from the University he rose to the position of Senior Manager in development cooperation conference desk of Lagos, Okocha worked with First Marina 1986. (SADCC). Trust Ltd before joining Devcom in April Uche joined Progress Bank of Nigeria A new managing director/chief 1991. Picas the area manager Lagos and Onitsha in executive officer has been appointed by Roy a 1 Mohammed and Omokhodion were 1986 and rose to become executive director, Merchant Bank. He is Frank G. N. Onuzo, both elevated Deputy Managers respectively. national banking operations. who succeeds Henry Elmasekha, now an Mohammed a graduate of Bayero University, The Nigerian Intercontinental Merchant executive director, United Bank for Africa. Kano started his banking career at the Bank has promoted three managers. They Onuzo until his confirmation was an Nigerian American Bank from where he are Samuel Olatunji, who is now deputy executive di rector in charge of Reta il Banking joined Devcom Merchant in 1990. general manager, Adim Jibunoh and Debo and Operations in the bank. An electrical Omokhodion who holds an MSC in Adeleye, who are now full managers engineer by training Onuzo worked as a mass communication is the Corporate Affairs respectively. petroleum Engineer and consultant for many Officer of the bank and also in charge of Olatunji, who joined the bank in 1991 as years with Shell Petroleum Nigeria, KPMG, Export Trade Finance. He joined Devcom a senior manager, is a member of its executive Peat Marwick, Ani Ogunde & Co, where he 1989 management committee. rose to the position of deputy managing IgnatiusKurumeUche hasbeennamed The Commission of the European Union partner in chargeof consultancy before going DIALOGUE ‘We’ve Been Successful’

Soyemi Sofoluwe, a colonel and director-general of the NYSC, talks to Wale Akin Aina, assistant editor, on the two decades of the national youth service scheme. Excerpts:

Neivswatch: How has the National Youth Service Corps, the NYSC scheme fared since its establishment 22 years ago? Sofoluwe: The mere fact that more than 500,000 corp members have been able to pass through this scheme is an achievement. Secondly we have been able to fulfil the objectives given us by the originators of thç scheme and that is in terms of provision of the required manpower to the federation, and the employment of this manpower for national integration, unity and harmony, especially among the youths.

Newswatch: How has the scheme been able to cope with increasing number of youth corp members over the years, what problems of logistics have been faced? The Sofoluwe: Well, I think the question of logistic backing has been the major obstacle. The number government of corp members keep increasing year in, year out but the logistic back-up is not increasing in line with the number of corp members and this of the fede­ has put available resources under stress and I ration has feel that is the major obstacle. been very, Newswatch: What is being done to overcome Also we have got a printing press in our it? headquarters in Abuja and we now produce very Sofoluwe: To be fair, the government of the most of our manuals ourselves. Apart from federation has been very, very generous those, we have gone into agro-allied ventures regarding the release of funds to the scheme. too. We now produce garri in our factory in generous Government has also encouraged the scheme to Kwara state. We also have an integrated farm in regarding look inwards and this is why we have decided to Iseyin, Oyo state, where we raise poultry. We embark on our own ventures which means we have a rabbitery there, we also raise fish. Again have also tried to generate funds for ourselves. we have a rice mill near Abakiliki; there is the the release feedmill at Ipaja. The feedmill produces feed of funds to Newswatch: What kind of ventures are those, for our farm at Iseyin. There is also a shoe can you be specific? factory at Benin. We have oil mills, one in Akwa the scheme Sofoluwe: For instance, we have in place now a Ibom, the other one in Osun State. By the middle garment factory in Minna. We have been able to of this year, we shall begin to produce in large produce about 50 percent to 60 percent of our quantities in Akwa Ibom so as to be able to requirement in terms of kits to corp members. produce palm oil and then the kernel oil which

32 Newswatch, April 24, 1995 ■ dialogue

would be sold to soap industries. training in arms and ammunitions. Are you thinking of this? Newswatch: Are you thinking of extending the Sofoluwe: When you talk about militarisation, scheme to cover secondary school leavers? There it is quite different. It's not that we don't give is a vast resource of manpower in this area. any military training to our corp members what For Sofolu we: For now I'm not thinking so because most people are interested in is weapon handl­ I had to work within the frame work of Decree ing and I would not support corp members now I am 61 of 1973 which specifically restricts my intake handling weapons. I think we have got a segmen t of corp members to products of institutions of of the country whose business it is to defend the thinking higher learning, that is, from Polytechnics and country both internally and externally. The corp Universities. So for now I don't have that power members may be used to form what I call the that the to extend it. reserve force if there is the need to have a reserve. relevance of Newswatch: Recently, the NYSC directorate hosted a youth global conference. What did you Newswatch: One of the biggest headache of the scheme achieve by that conference? corp members is employment after the service Sofolu we: Well, the mere fact that we are able to year. How involved is the NYSC in securing has to be successfully bring in 26 countries from the five employment for corp members? continents of this world is a big achievement. Sofoluwe: Now I know one of the biggest revisited in Apart from this, we have been able to make problems any corp member would face is em­ those countries that never had a national youth ployment immediately after service and terms of service scheme to think of ha ving such a scheme. therefore, there is a job placement unit in the Then we have been able to bring about the headquarters and in all the states' secretariat rural pro­ exchange of ideas between the countries that and their business is to scout and ensure tha t we have national youth service schemes. What I get places where the corp members can be gramme would call the global youth service is going to absorbed and once we get this places we make be in place pretty soon. These are the it known to the corp members. At the same time, achievements as far as the scheme is concerned. we try to encourage corp members to be self Apart from that one, when you look at it from reliant even a t the orienta tion camps we organise the national point of view we have been able to lectures whereby we now try to make them correct certain wrong impressions which other understand that they've to learn to stand on nations have about Nigeria; they want to study their own, at the same time there is the joint how we have been able to successfully keep on relationship with the NDE, that is the National track the mandate given us for the past 22 years. Directorate of Employment in terms of the In some countries they have been having both enterprenueurship development programme. military and civil youth service schemes but Then I also want to emphasise that our ventures they want to de-emphasise the military aspect, are part of the self employment programme. It's they want to move more in the civil direction as not just for us to become commercial but at the they want to come and study our own scheme same time we encourage corp members to so that they can align and this goes a long way partake in these activities. For instance in the in establishing that rapport. Apart from this, I garment factory, we train them on how to sew must tell you this fact and that is that we have and how to establish their own outfit. That's one been able to create, with this last global of the major reasons why we have these ventures. conference, that awareness of youth service for the world bodies, especially the United Nations Newswatch: One of the objectives of the scheme and this is a big plus. is to emphasise development in rural areas. But considering that service is only one year, how Newswatch: Is there going to be a kind of can rural development be sustained and made exchange programme involved with the global to grow? conference? Sofoluwe: For now I am thinking that the Sofoluwe: I have got invitations from some relevance of the scheme has to be revisited and countries now asking that we should meet and this is why I have been able to get the approval map out strategies whereby they would be able of the federal government in respect of what I to send in some of their youth volunteers and at would call the Integrated Rural Programme, the the same time we would send out an equal I.R.P., and through that we would be able to number to their countries but unfortunately make the community in which we serve I've not been able to exploit this for now but I appreciate the job we ( the youth service) are want to take it up this year with the appropriate doing. I know that eight states are going to start authorities in this country. up this pilot project. This in effect will also make me able to absorb the excess corp members that Newswatch: There has been a lot of suggestion are being rejected by employers.® that NYSC training should involve military

Newswatch, April 24, 1995 33 PASSAGES

politician, 53, April 21. He was honoured with Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic, OFR, in September 1979.

Rufus Giwa, chartered accountant, administrator, 53, April 24. He is the chairman/managing director, Lever Brothers Nigeria Pic.

Edd ie Iroh, journalist, novelist, publisher, * 50, April 21. Iroh, who was formerly the managing editor of The Guardian, is now editor-in-chief/ managing director of The Heritage, owned by former president, .

Patrick Koshoni, a retired naval officer, 52, April 17. He was chief of naval staff and member, Armed Forces Ruling Council, AFRC, in the Babangida regime.

Wk l- . : NlhdW Akinyele Kolade

Birthdays: Appointed: Alex Akinyele, industrialist, public Carol Bellamy, an American lady and relations consultant, former minister of director of the Peace Corps, as head of the information and later executive chairman United Nations Children's Fund, of the National Sports Commission, 57, UNICEF. April 24. Akinyele, who is an alumnus of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), is director and Retired: chairman of several companies, including Christopher Kolad e, executive chairman Cybele Cosmetics Nigeria Limited, of Cadbury Nigeria Pic, from the Industrial Metal and Plastic Products company. He is being succeeded as chief Nigeria Limited, Vitabiotics Nigeria executive officer by Bunmi Oni, the Limited and Newswatch Communi­ company's managing director. Kolade cation s Limited. He was a former national will, however, retain the chairmanship of president of the Nigerian Institute of the company. Public Relations, NIPR, and a member of the 1988/89 Constituent Assembly. Awarded: Akinyele is currently chairman of the Lateef Jakande, former works and fund-raising committee of the Lagos State housing minister, and Hassan Adamu, Family Support Programme which would president of the Manufacturers be launched soon. Association of Nigeria, MAN, fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism Yohanna Kure, a retired major-general, for their contribution to journalism and 53, April 16. He was a member of the media education in Nigeria. Armed Forces Ruling Council, AFRC, headed by General Ibrahim Babangida, former president. Died: Justice Ligali Ayorinde,Lagos State chief Hayford Alile, investment executive, judge, on Sunday, April 9, at a London university teacher, author and former hospital. He was 64 and was appointed director-general, the Nigerian Stock chief judge in 1989. Exchange, 55, April 24. He was honoured with the American National Honours Saka Fagbo, 58, Nigeria's consul-general Award in Economics and Mathematics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, in 1966. April 6. Until his appointment, he was director of commercials of the Nigeria Muhammed Arzika, administrator, Kure Television Authority. NTA.H