Each one of us has our own time and if we understand that it is an unending marathon, then we can only do our best and leave the rest for the incoming generation”.
He continued: “Banking is not a short-term business. We will leave, but the industry will remain. If we have that mentality, then the industry will be better for it,” he said.

Elumelu pointed out that, “in about 10 days, I will be officially hand over to my successor, and I am advising my colleagues in the banking sector to see banking as a marathon where each leader would play their role and leave for the incoming generation.”

He however, said the new branch of the bank would help as an avenue to empower the people of the town through employment, noting that the development would also assist in driving economic activities in the entire town.
Earlier, the governor of the state, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who disclosed that it was his first personal presence in the opening of a bank’s branch in the state, had said the new branch would encourage the growth of small scale businesses.
The governor also called on other banks to take advantage of the agro-financing opportunities in Kwara North.
He lauded the management of the Central Bank of Nigeria for pushing the passage of the asset management law, issuing prudential guidelines and the recapitalisation of the Bank of Industry, which he observed had helped in tackling the effects.

Source: http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=179070

THEWILL gathered that the Degree is being conferred on Mr. Elumelu, following the recommendation of the Senate of the University as part of activities lined up for the institution’s combined 6th – 10th convocation ceremony holding from April 22 to April 24, 2010 in Markudi, the Benue State capital. 

According to a document obtained by THEWILL, “the honor is in recognition of Mr. Elumelu’s remarkable achievements in the African banking space, outstanding philanthropy as well as contributions to nation building and humanity in general.” 

Elumelu has accepted to personally receive the award and thanked the Senate and Governing Council of the University for the recognition accorded him. He pledged to continue to serve as a role model and mentor to young African entrepreneurs.

The retiring Managing Director will institutionalize the “Tony Elumelu Prize” for the best graduating student in Economics in the University at the ceremony.

Mr. Elumelu is retiring from UBA having served as Managing Director for the mandatory 10 years going by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) new guideline on tenure limit for bank chief executives.

Source: http://thewillnigeria.com/business/4255-Benue-University-Honours-UBAs-Tony-Elumelu-Mark-Katsina-Alu.html

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201007121007.html

The dude, though trained as a lawyer, his stint with Obat oil where he is also the Director of Operations, carved him out as a rare being who can fuse and manage different businesses.

The recent gist about the well-dressed guy has sparked off interest in his area in Ondo State, as he is being touted by a group for an elective position in 2011

Some of his friends disclosed that he has a reservation when it comes to the issue of politics, though he is noted to be an admirer of Ondo State governor, Dr. Segun Mimiko.

According to sources close to Yomi, he has a link with his constituents and this he has had even before his intention to vie for a political post to help alleviate poverty. Another source disclosed that Yomi agreed to vie for the post after his people and respected politicians saw his zeal and interest to bring better life to people in his constituency and the state as a whole

According to him, “my coming into politics is for me to make use of the potential I have for the betterment of my people.”

Abayomi, who was welcomed by hundreds of indigenes of Igbokoda, also used the occasion to launch his foundation, Abayomi Akinruntan Foundation (ABAF), a project that would promote child care and rural development.

This trait are said to be apparent in the success he is making out of the operations of hospitality place, Febson Hotel, Abuja. Investigations conducted by man about town has it that friends and associates that believe in his capability against the backdrop of his pedigree are said to pressuring him to cash in on his good name by seeking an elective post with particular preference for the house of representative slot in one of the constituencies in Ondo State.

Those who should know maintained there are strong indications the loveable personality whose father has finally received official consent to attain he throne of traditional ruler in Ugbo Kingdom of the state might embrace the move.

According to a close source, his reason for his political ambition is to represent and speak for his people, a motive he had always nurtured since he was young. Yomi Obateru Akinruntan, who sits atop his father’s Abuja based Hotel, Febson, is a Law graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, and was at Command Secondary School, Ibadan, for his Secondary Education. He holds a certificate in ACMA.

At a private ceremony in Abuja where he launched his foundation, Abayomi declared that he was going into politics to make a difference. Present at the declaration were Femi Akinruntan, Isaac Fayose, Raymond Dokpesi Jr, Shuyi Oluwasegun and a lot more big players in the oil sector.

The declaration of the Prince of Igbokoda still remains the talk of the town as a spectrum of the youths ranging from the Ugbo Youths, Mahun Ahan Etikan Youths,Gwama boys and the Ex-militants led by the General Officer Commanding Oluwariokanmi Aseoluwa aka WAZOBIA gathered to show their appreciation towards the coming prince.

Addressing the mammoth crowd waiting to receive him, Prince Akinruntan stated I “feel highly honoured that all of you have come to receive me, I want you to be assured that my coming to participate actively in the politics of our area, I mean my contesting election is not for a self-serving motive but to contribute my quota to the development of my people. I am assuring you that this humble beginning is the beginning of good things in our area; just take it that you will not be disappointed.”

Responding on behalf of the youths, the GOC of the Ex-militants Oluwasunkanmi Aseoluwa said “Prince you are welcome to our midst, your father has been doing a lot of good works supporting people to get to power. Now that you have come whatever is your heart desire, you will look back and see us in our numbers. Be assured that we shall not disappoint you.”

The Erunna born Prince who by family inclinations bias and background had a been a member of the Labour Party since inception has been helpfulto members of the party who are either contesting election or found themselves in one problem or the other particularly before the reclamation of their mandate.

He is a member and principal sponsor and major contributor to the activities of Iroko 2007, Abuja an Abuja based organization of Ondo State indigenes resident in Abuja supporting Mimiko governorship project during its trying period.

Prince Abayomi Akinruntan is a shrewd business man, an astute politician who started his political career right from his days at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye where re read law

As a Student Union Leader at that time he distinguished himself in his discipline, dedication to duty and character.

Though a young man, he has been of immense assistance to indigent students from Ilaje/Ese-Odo. No wonder his foundation which is reputed for assisting not only students but also upcoming Musicians in the Riverine Area.

The young Prince later entertained the youths in their numbers as varieties of drinks and food was served and everybody ate adlibitum

In a similar development, the coordinator of Abayomi Akinruntan for Reps Campaign Organization Mr. Inspector Omogbemi has said that the Ugbo Prince would spring surprises during the party’s primary later in the year.

Addressing a group of youths at Igbokoda, Omogbemi said “this young man is under divine instruction to come and deliver our people from socio-political bondage and I am very sure that he will deliver considering the number of our leaders particularly the youths that have sworn to work for his candidature I do not see anybody getting the ticket from him in the Labour Party. I am also sure of victory for him during inter -party election because I am optimistic that the Labour Party is the party to………………………………

Son of Obat boss, Kabiyesi Obateru Akinruntan, Abayomi, got his business sense from his dad whom he enjoys a very close relationship with and he had since been applying this to get the best for Febson Hotel, Abuja where he does the yeoman’s job as the Executive Director, seeing to the affairs of the hotel.

The dude, though trained as a lawyer, his stint with Obat oil where he is also the Director of Operations, carved him out as a rare being who can fuse and manage different businesses.

The recent gist about the well-dressed guy has sparked off interest in his area in Ondo State, as he is being touted by a group for an elective position in 2011

Some of his friends disclosed that he has a reservation when it comes to the issue of politics, though he is noted to be an admirer of Ondo State governor, Dr. Segun Mimiko.

It was a day cast in style and drama. Prince Yomi Akinruntan sure knows what hospitality is all about as he attests to his genial nature. He spared no expense to make the day a never-to-be-forgotten one.

On the buffet table was a lavish spread of meals and chicken cuts, salads, pastas, salmon and delicacies of all kinds. The entire guests were treated to a lavish feast with choice drinks. It was an evening of good menu and an infectious atmosphere of camaraderie by A-listers guests who turned out in well tailored clothes

Welcoming the Executive Chairman FCC and his entourage, the Chairman FCSC, Amb Ahmed Al-Gazali (mni, OON) congratulated the Executive Chairman FCC and the members representing the 36 States of the Federation and FCT on their well deserved appointments. Ambassador Al-Gazali commended the President for his choice of Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem as the Executive Chairman of FCC. He said that with the likes of Prof AbdulRAheem, the lives of Nigerians will be positively impacted upon.

The Chairman of the Retreat Planning Committee, Alhaji Dahiru Bobbo, OFR (Danmadmin Adamawa) in his address welcomed the dignitaries to the retreat. He thanked the Commission for the opportunity given to him to serve in that capacity. He also explained the pattern the Retreat would take. Six papers would be presented and each section would be chaired by eminent scholars and well accomplished Nigerians. Commissioners would dissolve into syndicate groups to deliberate on the papers and other issues of interest. Communiqu? would be issued at the end of the Retreat with a media briefing, the Planning Committee Chairman stated.

The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem (Talba Ilorin) in his address expressed gratitude to the Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, GCON for honouring the invitation to perform the opening ceremony. He further expressed his appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Bauchi State and the good people of Bauchi State for their hospitality. The Executive Chairman had earlier, during the courtesy call to the Governor extolled the good working relationship enjoyed by the State office of the Commission from Bauchi State Government.

The Chairman explained the reason for the Retreat which he said was to enable the newly reconstituted Commission meet and interact in a very conducive environment and to come out with good ideas to reposition the Federal Character Commission for greater efficiency in the years ahead as well as tackle the challenges that may come across in the course of discharging their constitutional assignment. He was optimistic that the Commission would not be the same after the Retreat with the additional knowledge the participants would acquire.

The Retreat was finally declared open by the Representative of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Acting Governor, Bauchi State, Alh Garba Gadi Some important dignitaries present at the opening ceremony included: Hon Babayo Gamawa (Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly), Hon Justice Sabo Suleiman (Chief Judge, Bauchi), Alhaji Mohammed Bello Kirfi (Wazirin Bauchi representing Emir of Bauchi), Alhaji Ibrahim P. Machi (AIG Zone 12), Dr. Ibrahim Tahir (Talba of Bauchi, Former Minister of Internal Affairs), Hon Justice M. Umukoro (Representing Chief Judge, Delta State), George Ufot (Representing Hon. Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation), CSP Babayo Mai ? Sanda (Representing ACG Prisons) Mr. Olumoboye (Representing ACG NSCDC Zone C), Mr Sunusi Yusuf (Representing CG Customs) Alhaji Alliyu Usman (Bauchi State Auditor General). Other dignitaries were: Mr Kulu G. Yabilsu (Zonal Co-ordinator JAMB, Bauchi), Alhajio Gidado Muazu U. Jamare (Bauchi State Commissioner for Housing and Environment), Alhaji Shehu Barau (Bauchi State Commissioner for Budget and Planning) and a host of other dignitaries.

The Secretary to the Commission, Prof F.A. Durosinmi-Etti, OFR, in his vote of thanks expressed the appreciation of the Commission to all the dignitaries who found time to honour the Commission?s invitation inspite of their other appointments. He prayed to the Almighty God to grant everybody present journey mercy as they depart to their various destinations.

A four man FCC investigating team led by Mr. Vincent Onubun had examined the NBC records, nominal rolls and conducted oral interviews with staff and management to ascertain the magnitude of the breach of FCC principles.

The investigating team had found that the recruitment was skewed towards states that were already over represented in the NBC. The findings of the investigating team led to the summons issued on the NBC Management Team. Earlier, in his presentation during the hearing, the Director, Legal and Enforcements, Barrister M.O. Odusanya drew the attention of the panel to the provisions in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the supreme law binding on all Nigerians, the breach of which leads to sanctions. He said that the result of the recruitment exercises conducted by the NBC in 2004 and 2005 and the attendant recruitment of staff, the NBC had breached the provision of Sections 14(3) and (4) of the Constitution and the FCC Guiding Principles and Formulae. Barrister Odusanya argued that unlike in Civil matters, which could be statute barred for lapse of time, in criminal offences, the liability exists until the offender dies although subject to certain exceptions. The Director further submitted that the defence put-up by NBC in their response to the investigation report to the effect that persons who conducted the recruitment exercise were no longer in NBC was not tenable. He said as there are persons who were accessories before the act, after the act and that all those who aided and abetted the committal of the infractions no matter their status were still in the NBC and therefore they should be fished out for punishment.

The Chairman of the meeting Alhaji Muhammadu Ari Gwaska frowned at the practice where MDA?s employ new staff without due regards to the FCC Guiding Principles and Formulae. He said that in a situation where MDAs continue to recruit from sections of the country without regard for others in a pluralistic setting such as Nigeria was not healthy. At the end of the meeting, Alhaji Ari Gwaska led the D-G and the visiting management team on a courtesy call on the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Professor Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem.

In his response, Mallam Magawata acknowledged the enormous functions of the Commission which he described as the basis for Nigeria unity. He said that NTA has been very Federal Character compliant in all its recruitments and siting of stations. Geo-political zones were taken into consideration in establishing NTA stations, he maintained. He requested for FCC jingles to enable NTA play them as a way of public enlightenment at a subsidized cost.

Other members of the Commission in the Chairman?s entourage were Amb. Spiff M.K. Taribo, JP (River State), Alhaji Muhammad Ari-Gwaska (Nasarawa), Alhaji Haruna Mamuda Gadam (Gombe), Engr. Ahmad Ishaq (Kano), Barr. (Mrs) Amaka Ebenebe (Anambra) and Chief (Mrs) Sadat Onimole (Ogun). Others were Dr. Dele Afolabi (Ekiti) and Prof. F.A. Durosinmi-Etti, OFR (Secretary to the Commission).

In his response, the Director General assured the visiting team that the Securities and Exchange Commission will comply with the Federal Character Principles and observe due process in its recruitments. He said that observance of these rules will help to douse the pressure on them as a Commission. Explaining why some States are either over-represented or under-represented, he said some staff have either retired voluntarily or relieved of their appointments. The DG assured the team that an updated nominal role will be sent to the Commission for analysis.

The Governor is worried that because of the educational disadvantage of his state, the federal government has deliberately denied the people of the State some of their rights and entitlements. He lamented the absence of Federal presence in his State including a Federal Secretariat. He noted that it was only Bayelsa State that has no federal Secretariat. A parcel of Land provided for the Secretariat many years ago was abandoned by the Federal Government. The few federal establishments that assisted in the state were done in partnership with the State Government.

The Governor observed that, because of the waterlog terrain of the state; it always cost a fortune to put up a structure in Bayelsa State. He appealed to the Federal Government to take note of the topography of the state while making allocations for infrastructural development. He requested that additional fund be always given to the state because of the peculiar nature of the soil.

He requested the Commission to device a means of encouraging the youths to receive education even if it amounts to using force. He promised to provide a project vehicle for the state office as well as sand fill the water logged land where the FCC State office is being built.

The Executive Chairman was at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State to Lay the Foundation for the construction of Bayelsa State office of the Commission. Earlier in his address during the courtesy visit, Prof. Shuaibu Oba reminded the Governor of his Commission?s request for a project vehicle for the State office as contained in his earlier letter on assumption of office. He further requested for the Governor?s assistance in sand filling the site for the new state office. He also assured His Excellency, Governor Sylva, the cooperation of the Commission at all times in ensuring that Bayelsa indigenes are not cheated in any federal allocation, both in recruitments and appointments. He extolled the Commitment and contributions of Bayelsa state Representative at the Commission Elder Bob Francis Ozaka in ensuring fair representation of Bayelsans in all the Federal appointments and establishments.

The Commission has done so much and is still doing more to ensure that no state is short-changed in Federal appointments and will also do so in the distribution of social amenities and infrastructural facilities when the distribution and allocation formula is approved by the President and Commander-in-chief. He assured the Governor of the support and assistance of FCC in ensuring that Rivers State indigenes always get a fair share of all the Federal recruitments and appointments.

In another development, a key to a brand new 18-seater mini bus donated to the Rivers State Office of the Commission by the Governor was handed over to the Executive Chairman of the Commission by the Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi for the effective discharge of duties of the Commission in the State.

The Executive Chairman, while receiving the keys assured the Governor of the judicious use of the vehicle as well as thanked him for his prompt response to one of the two requests he made on assumption of office.

It would be recalled that on assumption of office, the Executive Chairman sent letters to all the state Governors and the FCT Minister requesting for Land and Project vehicles for the respective states. Four State Governors, Niger, Bauchi, Rivers and Oyo have responded in the area of project vehicles while a good number of Governors have made provision of land for building FCC State Offices.

Governor Amaechi also promised to provide a suitable parcel of land in a strategic location for the construction of FCC State office in Port Harcourt.

Meanwhile, the official commissioning of the new FCC vehicle donated by the Rivers State was performed by the Executive Chairman of the Commission who prayed for the safety and effective use of the vehicle while handing over the keys to the Commissioner Representing Rivers State in the FCC. Amb. Spiff M.K. Taribo JP at the vicinity of the Rivers State Government House.

The Executive Chairman and his entourage also visited FCC State office at the Federal Secretariat, Port Harcourt. They were welcomed by Amb. Spiff M.K. Taribo (Jp) who used the opportunity to state some problems faced by the state office, such as inadequate computers, office space and the lackadaisical attitude of some staff towards work. The State Coordinator Mr. Daniel Oputa also highlighted on some other problems being encountered in the state office.

The Executive Chairman had first hand information on all the problems and accordingly assured them that he will look into them as soon as he got back to Abuja. He advised every staff of the State office to be computer literate before the end of the year as the Commission may not accommodate those without Computer knowledge in the near future.

He further assured the staff of improved welfare package and also advised them to take their work very seriously and always be punctual to work.

Professor AbdulRaheem further stated that ‘the thrust of the new Guidelines is to engender voluntary acceptance and promotion of the fact that the issues canvassed by the Commission are intended for a more united and indivisible nation.’ The application and implementation of the new set of Guidelines is to enlist the co-operation of MDAs such that in all recruitment exercises, operators are convinced of the need to accommodate our diverse cultural backgrounds: physical disposition, religious persuasion, as well as gender and ethnic plurality. That way the Commission will not need to take recourse to prosecution as an alternative to persuasion in the execution of MDAs statutory obligations.

This is not to say that the Commission would shy away from prosecuting defaulting MDAs, but that the option would be the last resort. He added. Prof. AbdulRaheem ended his address with a request from the participants from the 75 MDAs to take the workshop seriously as well as make critical input, robust and warm participation such that at the end of the workshop, everybody would leave with conviction that the processes and procedures are worthy of implementation.

Elder Bob Francis Ozaka, the Honourable Commissioner representing Bayelsa State in his welcome address expressed his appreciation and that of the entire staff of Bayelsa State office for the prompt provision of Land by the State Government when the application was made. He further requested for the assistance of the state Government in sand-filling the swampy area where the office is being constructed.

The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Oba AbdulRaheem while unveiling the plaque to Commission the foundation reiterated the need for the Bayelsa State Government to assist the Commission in sand filling the water logged site. He disclosed that the Commission has spent so much money over and above what it used to spend in construction of state offices in other states.

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Opigo, who represented, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva in his speech promised to pass all the requests and appeals to the State Governor.

Mr. E.B.Orok, the Coordinator of FCC Bayelsa State office praised the Executive Chairman and his entourage for their physical presence at Yenagoa for the foundation laying ceremony. Mr. Orok also extolled the tireless effort of Elder Ozaka in securing the land where the new state office is being constructed. The Government of Bayelsa state was not left out. The prompt provision of the Land was appreciated. He finally prayed to God to grant journey mercy to everybody that graced the ceremony as they depart.

The Bank’s products/services allow customers to view their balances; print statement of accounts; transfer money to any bank account in Nigeria; buy airtime from any network and pay bills (i.e. DSTV, HITV, PHCN, etc) on-line; among others. Customers could also make fund transfers by using e-payment channels like Nept, Union galaxy, corporate pay and RTGS. These products include internet banking, Union Mobile Commerce, ATM services, Point of Sales (POS) services, etc

In addition, the bank would parade other impressive consumer credit and banking products, namely Union ever, Union lifetime accounts, Union plus and Union wealth designed to meet various desires of high net-worth individuals, enterprise owners and students.

Visitors to the Bank’s stand will also be offered free advisory services on various consumer products, agriculture financing options, as well as micro-finance schemes available in the Bank.

Meanwhile, the Bank had since the intervention of Central Bank of Nigeria, cleaned its books and placed high a premium on relationship management, business development and excellent customer service.  The management is optimistic that the future of the bank remains bright even as the result of different strategies initiated would manifest in its subsequent improved financial results.

It would be recalled that Union Bank has consistently participated in the Kaduna Trade Fair in the last two decades.  It is one of the only banks that have a permanent pavilion at the Kaduna International Trade Fair complex.

The bank therefore, expects its existing and prospective customers and stakeholders to remain steadfast in their continued support and patronage.

The recruitment of fresh staff will be a continuous exercise and it is part of the continued efforts to reposition the Bank and ensure that its esteemed customers gain from improved service delivery as well as customer-focused processes.

The Bank also disengaged 77 staff following decision on outstanding disciplinary cases. In addition, 46 staff were sanctioned for various acts of misdemeanour, while 19 others got letters of commendation for job excellence.

The Bank had earlier employed 500 fresh graduates as part of the efforts to regenerate its human capital, while the management has re-assured customers and other stakeholders of its commitment towards the positive and progressive transformation of the Bank to maximize the opportunities presented in the industry

The Group’s total assets grew from N1.215 trillion achieved in the preceding year to N1.329trillion in 2009, while the Bank recorded N1.197 trillion from the figure of N993.93 billion recorded in 2008, indicating a growth rate of 21 per cent. Also, Group’s deposits rose from N682.31 billion in 2008 to N772.13 billion, while the Bank’s deposits increased from N649.33 billion to N758.39 billion in 2009, representing an increase of 17 per cent.

However, the full provision made for bad loans and other non-performing credits in a full swoop impacted negatively on the Group’s profitability. The Group’s profit before provisions stood at N39.74 billion at the end of the 2009 financial year.

The increase in the provision for risk assets to N83.283 billion brought loss before taxation and exceptional items to N43.539 billion, compared to a profit of N33.012 billion in 2008.

The Bank’s management, led by Mrs. Funke Osibodu as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, remains very optimistic that Union Bank would again assume its rightful position in the banking industry now that its books have been cleaned up and is poised to exploit the business opportunities arising from the gradual recovery in the global economy.

Mrs. Osibodu also stressed the need for the esteemed customers to remain steadfast with the Bank and increase their patronage, as the Bank was being repositioned to provide excellent services to them, thereby guaranteeing better value for shareholders in the years ahead.

The Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, who presided over the draw, also used the opportunity to present three brand new Toyota Corolla cars, 20 motorcycles and other cash prizes to the lucky winners of the first regional draw held earlier in Owerri, Imo State.
In her speech, Mrs. Osibodu stressed that the Savings Bonanza was packaged to leverage on the Bank’s extensive branch network and strength in retail and consumer banking in order to mobilize deposits from widely dispersed savers, especially the small-scale savers to facilitate rapid economic growth.

She noted that the primary aim of the bonanza was to reward the Bank’s esteemed customers for their continued patronage and loyalty, adding that the promo had been extended to January 2010 to accommodate other prospective and existing savers as more cars, motorcycles were still up for grabs in the subsequent monthly and regional draws to be held across the country.

She also disclosed that the grand finale would produce winners of three Toyota Land Cruiser Jeeps, one three-bedroom luxury flat in Lagos and one three-bedroom bungalow in Abuja. So far, 260 savers have won prizes under the Savings Bonanza, out of which 237 customers won various cash prizes, while 23 won three Toyota corolla cars and 20 motorcycles.

Mrs. Osibodu further informed the customers that the recent change in the leadership of the Bank was to serve them better. According to her, “the change was effected to safeguard the interests of the shareholders and more importantly, the depositors”. She, therefore, advised the customers to continue to patronise the Bank as it was poised to emerge stronger and more reliable.

The winners, who could not contain their joy, heaped encomiums on the Bank for fulfilling its promises and pledged their continued patronage of the Bank.

The draw attracted notable customers of the Bank, traditional rulers and top government functionaries, among other dignitaries, including His Majesty, King D. D. Jaja, Jeki the 5th, Amanyanabo of Opobo; His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. G.B. Odun, JP, Paramount Ruler of Oginigba, who picked winners of the Toyota Corolla cars; Chief Dr. Clement Eke, Ezechimerum 1 of Woji town; Reverend E. A. Nicholas of the Anglican Diocese; and Honourable Briggs-Kuro, JP, Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State on Aquaculture/Deep-Sea Fishing.

Also in attendance were some members of the Bank’s top management, including Mr. Adekunle Adeosun, Executive Director (Commercial & Retail Banking-South & Consumer Banking); Mr. Philip Ikeazor, Executive Director (Corporate & International Banking, Investment Banking and Treasury); Sir Peter Aliogo, Deputy General Manager (Marketing) and Lady Chika Nwajagu, Assistant General Manager/Zonal Coordinator, Port Harcourt Zonal Office.

Alhaji Yusuf Abdullahi, a top businessman in Kano, explained that his relationship with Union Bank spanned several years, right from the time of Barclays Bank. He said he had even increased his deposits with the Bank to demonstrate his steadfastness and expressed the hope that the Bank would come out of its trying moments stronger.

Chairman of the Market Traders and Artisans’ Association in Bauchi, Alhaji Salihu Garba, expressed happiness over the services the Bank was rendering to the traders in Bauchi State and gave assurance that members of the association would stand by Union Bank in its trying moments.

Commissioner for Finance, Benue State, Honourable Omadachi Oklobia, assured that the State Government would seek to improve its relationship with Union Bank by exploring better opportunities that would be beneficial to both parties, especially in the area of project financing, among others.

He noted that Union Bank had a long history with Benue State, having established its presence in the State in 1954, about 55 years ago, and also contributed in no small measure to the development of the State. He added that the State remained willing to partner with the Bank in the implementation of the Government’s programmes aimed at socio-economic development of Benue State.

Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Plateau State, Mrs Hassana Ayika, and Executive Chairman, Jos North Local Government, Hon. Barrister Timothy Buba, acknowledged that Union Bank, as an institution, had a long history in Nigeria’s banking industry, and stressed that the hiccup was a clarion call on the bank to reinforce its core banking activities.
Both government officials stated that their institutions had enjoyed good working relationship with Union Bank over the years and they did not intend to shift their loyalty, hoping that the Bank’s present challenge would open new areas for stronger business relationships.

It would be recalled that the Bauchi State Governor, Mallam (Dr) Isa Yuguda, had expressed similar sentiments, when he stated that as a government, Bauchi State felt very strongly that Union Bank was still a strong and reliable Bank, with a crop of professionals that were still dedicated as well as honest and could still maintain the ethics of banking.

The governor stressed that he was very confident that the Bank had already bounced back, considering the structure of its debt portfolio, of which about fifty per cent should not have been classified as non-performing given the guarantee banking them.

He noted that Union Bank was the only commercial bank that had set aside the largest sum of money for agricultural financing to the tune of N500 million to encourage the State’s farming population.

The leader of the Bank’s delegation, Mr Tony Olufidipe, Deputy General Manager (Retail-Sales/Credit), who represented the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs Funke Osibodu, had told the customers separately that Union Bank’s management was currently pursuing strategies that would see the Bank emerging stronger and very reliable, especially in the areas of customer service, information technology satisfying meeting customer expectations.

While expressing the Bank’s profound appreciation to the customers for their support and patronage over the years, especially during its trying moments, Mr Olufidipe assured them of the Bank’s solidity and stability, saying they still had a bank that would continue to support their business growth at all times.

He explained that the management visit was part of efforts to sensitize the customers on the Bank’s financial health, especially following the Central Bank of Nigeria reforms, and to convey the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive’s goodwill to them, while also seeking for better ways to serve them and meet their expectations.

Mr Onazi Onazi Ogebe, Assistant General Manager (Risk Management and Control), accompanied Mr Olufidipe on the visits and were supported by the respective Zonal Coordinators and Managers of Business Development Centres (BDCs).

The raffle draw also produced a new millionaire, bringing to five, the number of millionaires produced so far by the Savings Bonanza. The lucky winner of the one million Naira cash prize is Mrs. Paulina Utoego Ezeocha of Okigwe road branch, Imo State.

Thirty-eight customers of the Bank also won various cash prizes ranging from N10,000 - N500,000, while twenty customers won the first set of twenty motorcycles at the regional draw.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Union Bank of Nigeria PLC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu informed the customers that the Savings Bonanza draw was designed to promote savings habit among Nigerians.

She noted that, “It was intended to mobilize the large amount of money outside the banking system, estimated to be in excess of N1 trillion as at the end of 2008,” emphasising also that the funds were to be used to support the productive real sector investments, thereby facilitating rapid economic growth in the economy.

Mrs. Osibodu informed the audience that the promo had been extended to January 2010 and is open to existing and new savers as more cars, motorcycles and cash prize winners will emerge in subsequent monthly and regional draws to be held across the country. She said that the grand finale would produce three Toyota Land cruiser jeeps, one three bedroom luxury flat in Lagos, and one three bedroom bungalow in Abuja.

The GMD/CE encouraged the customers to spread the good news to those who were unable to attend the draw with the view to convincing them of the need to continue to patronize the savings promo in order to boost their chances of wining the outstanding prizes.

She informed the customers that the new changes in the leadership of the Bank was intended to make the Bank, more “Time Tested, Bigger, Stronger, More Reliable”. The changes were therefore introduced to safeguard the interest of the shareholders and more importantly, those of the depositors. According to her, the Bank is being repositioned to provide excellent services to its highly esteemed customers, thereby guaranteeing better value for shareholders.

In his remarks, the Honourable commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Imo State, Dr. Chief Geff Ojinaka who represented the Executive Governor of Imo State, thanked the Bank for choosing the state to organise the first regional draw, attributing the choice to the investment opportunities inherent in the state. He congratulated the Bank for a very successful draw and encouraged the Bank to continue to do business with the state. He pledged the state’s readiness to partner with the Bank in its development strategies.

The regional draw attracted notable customers of the Bank, dignitaries, traditional rulers and top government functionaries namely, His Royal Majesty, Eze Emmanuel Njemanze, the Ozurugbo of Owerre; His Royal Highness, Eze Onaka, the Oburu of Abba; the Permanent Secretary Commerce and Industry Imo State, Mr. Evans Uzokwu; the Permanent /secretary ministry of Petroleum and Environment Chief Chidi Oguoma; the Vice Chancellor Imo Sate University Professor A. N. Okere; His Grace Archbishop Okorocha of the Anglican Diocese amongst others.

Also in attendance were some members of the Bank’s management, including the Executive Director, Commercial & Retail Banking, Mr. Adekunle Adeosun, Deputy General Manager, Marketing, Sir Peter Aliogo, Deputy General Manager, e-Business, Mr. Theodore Amagwu; the Business Development Manager, Owerri BDC, Mr. Bon Asinobi, amongst other top management staff.

Governor Yuguda stressed that Union Bank was the only commercial bank that had set aside a whooping sum of N500 million for lending to farmers in the state, and therefore, called on other banks to emulate the Bank to encourage the state’s farming population to grow farm produce and develop SMEs that could add value to the economy of Bauchi State and Nigeria, in general.

He stated that the State Government was convinced that Union Bank remained a strong and resilient Bank, considering its strong assets and customers base, as well as professional staff “that are still dedicated and honest, that can still maintain professionalism and ethics of banking”.

Mallam Yuguda also observed that, but for the banking consolidation that saw Union Bank acquiring other banks with different cultures, the current challenges facing the Bank could probably not have occurred.

“We are very confident that Union Bank will, or should I say, has already bounced back given the structure of the debt portfolio, of which about 50 per cent should not have been classified as non-performing considering the guarantee backing them”, the Governor stated.

He, therefore, called on the professionals in the Bank to assist the new management to manage the Bank as a growing concern and assured that the Bauchi State Government would continue to patronize the Bank.

Earlier, Mr. Olufidipe told the Governor and other top government officials including the Deputy Governor that the Bank’s delegation was on a sensitization visit to update them and customers on the Bank’s status and also regain confidence of its stakeholders in the zone.

He stressed that the current challenges facing the Bank had, indeed, been surmounted as the new management of Union Bank is pursuing new strategies that would see the Bank coming out stronger and very reliable, especially in the areas of customer service delivery, IT and meeting customers’ expectations, among others.

Mr. Olufidipe stated that Union Bank was quite willing to assist the growth of the Bauchi State economy, especially in the areas of agriculture, SME financing and contractor-financing, among others, disclosing that the Bank had already set aside the sum of N500 million for lending to farmers in the state.

He stressed that the Bank’s brand was still very strong considering its robust customer base, strong customer loyalty and committed staff, and also solicited for more business relationship with the Bauchi State Government that would be beneficial to both parties.

Mr. Olufidipe was accompanied on the visit by Mr. Onazi Onazi-Ogebe, Assistant General Manager (Risk Management & Control); Abdulkadir Ja’afaru, Assistant General Manager/Zonal Co-ordinator, Jos Zonal Office and Alhaji Mohammed Bello Hussaini, BDC Manager, Bauchi Business Development Centre.

“We are determined to use the enormous resources of our bank, especially its goodwill, to return it to a stable and more dependable level,”” Osibodu said.She said that Union Bank would harness its resources to address the findings of the examiners so that it could return to its enviable position in the banking industry.

The bank chief executive said that to achieve the objectives, the bank would focus on risk management and control, marketing and business development, as well as people management. Osibodu said that the bank’’s decision-making relating to credit risk operation would be strengthened through aggressive loan recovery.According to her, both internal machinery and other resources placed at the bank’’s disposal by the law enforcement agencies would be used to reposition the bank.She said the bank would also monitor and reduce its concentrated risks by ensuring that the loan portfolio was more evenly spread, with less impact on the bank by large ticket items.

On the operational side, Osibodu said that Union Bank would ensure the integrity of its accounting and financial reporting systems. She said that appropriate controls, including a system for monitoring risks, financial probity and compliance with the law would be adopted, while corporate governance structure would focus on enhancing transparency and accountability.Osibodu said that the organisational structure of the bank would change and reflect new expectations, while its business module and portfolio would be reinvigorated to tap opportunities in diversified spheres.

“Until recently, there was no separation between the operations and marketing function in our branches. The branches were bogged down by operational issues and consequently had little time for marketing and business development,” she added.

She stated that “the change is to create strong enabling environment for growth of the Bank whilst enhancing several of the transformation going on within the Bank. As with all changes, there will be questions and fears by all stakeholders. You have my assurances that the change and the additional funding will positively enhance the Bank”.

The chief executive appreciated the warmth reception accorded to her by the exiting Group Managing Director and other exiting Executive Directors as well as members of the General Management.

assuring staff not to entertain any fear of the change because Union Bank was being reinvigorated to face the challenges of serving its esteemed customers much better and swifter.

Mrs. Osibodu is bringing to Union Bank almost three decades cumulative banking experience from a versatile background where she had excelled in both retail and corporate banking. She was the Managing Director/Chief Executive of MBC International Bank and Ecobank Nigeria PLC, before becoming a director in the parent holding company of Ecobank, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

She has been a director of many companies including Consolidated Discounts Limited, First Securities Discount House Limited, ValuCard, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, MBC Securities Limited and ESL Securities Limited. She is Chairman, Citi Investments Limited, Vice Chairman of Nigeria Economic Summit Group and a director of Enterprises for Development International, a Non-Governmental Organisation and the Centre for Law and Business - a private law university.

In addition to an excellent banking career, Mrs. Osibodu has held various positions of prominence in the business community and has served in various national committees. An alumna of the Harvard Business School, she is also a recipient of various awards.
Mrs. Osibodu, a graduate of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University was the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Vigeo Capital Limited, a member of the Vigeo Group before her current appointment.

He was drafted to join the team that set up the Energy Department in 1996 as a Senior Manager. He was promoted to Principal Manager in 2000 and Assistant General Manager in 2005. Mr. Tadaferua brings to the Board, a vastly experience in Energy Finance and has packaged several local and international Energy transactions during the tenor.

Mr. Tadaferua, holds Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Benin, 1987, B.Sc from University of Ibadan 1978 and had attended courses and training workshops, including the Bank’s advances course, mining conference, mini oil and gas (MBA) London, Leadership Building, London, project finance and petroleum economist. He is also a fellow of Chartered Institute of Credit Administration and Senior Member of Chartered Institute of Bankers.

Meanwhile, the Board of Directors also confirmed the appointment of three Assistant General Managers who had been operating in acting capacity to substantive Assistant General Manager to energize its efficient operations.

The new Assistant General Managers are Messrs Pekun Tonade, Information Technology, George Udoh, Information Technology and Mrs. Rose Nwayo, Finance and Planning.

This appointment strictly followed the Bank’s culture of professionalism and best ethical practices which ensured that the best personnel are placed in strategic leadership positions.

It would be recalled that the Bank had earlier recruited 500 fresh graduates in order to regenerate its workforce in accordance with the bank’s enterprise-wide transformation programme code-named Project Gear. The management has been religiously implementing the outcome of Project Gear aimed at repositioning the bank ahead of the competition.

The exceptional provision by the group is in line with its ongoing commitment to implementing a robust enterprise risk management system across its global operations. It must be noted that the bank recently embarked on implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and BASEL 2. This entails an integrated implementation of key international best practices in risk management, financial reporting, internal controls and corporate governance

According to the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, “the bank’s key performance indicators remain very strong with operating income up by 20%, liquid assets at N670bn, liquidity ratio at 41% (16% above regulatory minimum) while its deposit base remains one of the strongest in the country.”

He noted further that UBA has maintained the momentum of growth on its deposit base to N1.12 trillion rising from N834bn in 2008 with shareholder funds of N208 billion noting that this strong base will impact positively on the bank’s future results.

“We have been involved in strategic deals in recent times such as the US$265 million NNPC/Exxon Mobil Upstream financing with UBA as lead arranger, the N75bn Federal Government Agric fund inflow and the successful conclusion of the N18.5 billion Imo state bond issue. With this development, I am optimistic that this and other strategic alliances will readily provide UBA the platform for enhanced performance in future” he said.

As further recognition of UBA’s ability to support private and public enterprises across the African Continent, the African Development Bank (AfDB) recently granted UBA a US$150 million facility under its Trade Finance Initiative. This facility will be used to fund projects and trade finance operations in Africa and also provide the bank the leverage to deepen its play in the corporate banking space.

This facility is the largest commitment to a single bank in Africa by the development finance organization and is a testament to both UBA’s position as a pre-eminent African financial institution and ability to support trade business across the African Continent.

The Group also participated in the provision of a $151m facility for MTN Cote D’Ivoire.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) plc has consolidated its position as leading African banking brand with more subsidiaries springing up in different parts of the continent. In 2009 alone the bank has opened additional six subsidiaries across the continent growing its footprint on the continent to 12 with plans to be in 25 African countries by end of 2009. This is in addition to the bank’s presence in key international financial markets such as London, New York, and Paris.

They are:

· United National Party for Development (UNPD);

· National Movement of Progressives Party (NMPP);

· Kowa Party(KP);

· People for Democratic Change(PDC)

The registration was approved at the meeting of the Commission which held, July

16, 2007.

This brings to 54 the number of political parties so far registered by the

Commission to participate in electoral contests in Nigeria.The Commission said it

approved the registration of the four political parties after they had satisfied all

requirements specified in section 222 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2006.The Commission further stated that it was

considering applications from political associations that have applied for

registration and that its position on their applications would be made known soon,

adding that it was bound by law to register any political association which

satisfies the requirements of the Constitution and the Electoral Act,

2006.

Umenger.I. Emmanuel,

Acting Director, Public Affairs

By Rose Oriaran

The GMD/CE explained that it was too early to determine the extent of damage immediately since technical experts had just commenced the assessment of the incident.

The Union Bank boss said that the good news was that the fire had been well curtailed by a combined team of Union Bank Fire and Rescue Unit, the Lagos State Fire and Safety Service and the Nigerian Ports Fire Service. He expressed optimism on early return to normalcy at the branch.

Union Bank is equipped with modern and sophisticated fire fighting equipment which it solely procured to rescue buildings of over 42 meters high. Many high rise buildings within Island have continued to benefit from its capability.

Dr Adeyemi, who represented the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive at the event held at Alausa, Lagos recently, said the Bank was very proud to associate with this positive and progressive step towards overcoming the challenges of transportation in Lagos State.

He stressed that as a Bank that was ever committed to the rapid socio-economic development of Nigeria, it has over the past 90 years played key roles in lending to the critical sectors of the economy, particularly infrastructures, energy, education, agriculture, oil and gas, transportation, housing, etc.

Dr Adeyemi also stressed that the Bank was under-going an enterprise-wide transformation to enable it serve its teeming customers more efficiently and more satisfactorily.

Addressing the guests and stakeholders, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), said the major investment that had been made by Union Bank and investors in the scheme was a huge signature of confidence in the Lagos State economy.

“It is a vote of confidence of the opportunities that exist in the transport sector in Lagos State. It confirms that the private sector is the engine of growth and government policies and actions are the fuel that drive the engine of growth”, the Governor stated.

While commending Union Bank for its immense support for the scheme, Mr Fashola noted that the event represented one of the success stories of Lagos State and added that government partnership with the private sector had yielded yet another good result.

In her speech, Honourable (Mrs) Joke-Orelope Adefulire, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, also commended Union Bank for its continuous commitment to the socio-economic growth of the country, spanning over nine decade

“Being a strong financial power house in the country, one hopes that the Bank will continue to make its resources available for the well-being of the society”, she said.

Also, speaking, Professor Bamidele Badejo, Commissioner for Transportation, lauded the efforts of Union Bank and other investors in the scheme, and reiterated that the Lagos State government was ready to provide the enabling environment for Public Private Participation (PPP) to thrive in the provision of services and infrastructure “to support the new Lagos of our dream”.

He averred that the savings bonanza was a sort of motivation and leverage to the banking public to continue banking despite the impact of the financial meltdown emphasising that the bonanza was also a testament that despite the financial meltdown, Union Bank is still big, strong, reliable. “The primary aim of the bonanza is to reward customers for their unalloyed loyalty to the bank over the years while encouraging them to continue their banking culture” he said.

Earlier at the media launch, the Chief Executive had posited that money outside the banking system was estimated to be over N1trillion as at the end of 2008, stressing that the bonanza was aimed at bringing the money into the banking system.

Under the bonanza, he pointed out five categories of incentives for participants. The prizes are the lucky dip-instant win for customers who deposit N10,000 and above into their savings account; lucky dip grand - 180 motor cycles to be won by customers who deposit a minimum of N30,000 into their savings account for 90 days and the gold prize for N25million different cash gifts for customers who deposit N50,000 and above in their savings account for 90 days. Others are the super grand prize - 36 Toyota corolla cars, to be won by customers who deposit a minimum of N100,000 into their savings account for 90 days while the ultimate stallion prize - three Toyota Prado Jeeps and two houses; a 3-bed room bungalow in Abuja and luxury flats in Lagos to be won by customers who deposit the sum of N250,000 in their savings account.

Meanwhile, the Bank had showcased the benefits of the bonanza to its numerous customers in different parts of the country. These are Owerri, Port Harcourt, Benin, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Lagos and Uyo

The Abuja Zonal Coordinator and Deputy General Manager of the bank, Mr Louis Ezeonyim echoed the position of the chief executive, adding that no amount of gift items or prizes given to the customers could be deemed too much for the loyalty of the customers to the Bank.

Apart from inculcating the banking culture into the people and rewarding their loyalty to the bank, Ezeonyim said that it was also aimed at creating awareness for the bank’s array of products and services that are targeted at babies, teenagers, students, youth corps members, newly employed and pensioners, adding that Union bank caters to the need of its customers from the cradle to the age of retirement.

Meanwhile the bank had took the savings bonanza roadshow to Abuja at the weekend to excite the entire federal capital territory as customers took their turn to endorse the programme.

Published by The Banker Magazine, a member of The Financial Times Group: 07 July, 2009.

Highlights:

• Of the top 21 sub-Saharan African banks that made it into The Banker’s Top 1000 rankings, five were South African, 13 were Nigerian and two were Mauritian.

• Nigeria’s banks continued to amass Tier 1 capital in calendar year 2008, making them even stronger than last year (and in better position to weather the storms of the global financial meltdown), when compared with the traditionally dominant South African Banks.

• Whereas last year Nigeria’s banks made up 34% of total Tier 1 capital from the sub-Saharan banks, this year they made up 43.4%. South Africa’s share of total Tier 1 capital fell from 62% in last year’s rankings to 52.8%.

• A tough year in global banking did not directly affect Africa’s bank profits for calendar year 2008. Total pre-tax profits for sub-Saharan Africa grew a healthy 8.9% to $11.4bn, moving up from $10.7bn in calendar year 2007.

• The Nigerian banking sector as a whole boosted its total pre-tax profits substantially in calendar year 2008, from $1.9bn in 2007 to $3.1bn last year.

• Next year’s rankings will undoubtedly reveal a somewhat more sober set of results.

• South African bank profits were slightly down on the year before. Total pre-tax profits from South African banks in the Top 1000 fell by about 20% in calendar year 2008 from about $8bn in calendar year 2007 to just over $6bn.

• In terms of regional rankings, South Africa’s banks remain static. In Nigeria, however, the picture is much more fluid. First Bank of Nigeria tops the Nigerian league for Tier 1 capital and is placed fifth in the regional total.

• The seemingly unstoppable march of the Nigerian banks up the global rankings appears to have cooled somewhat. Whereas last year Nigerian banks dominated the highest movers’ category of the Top 1000, this year their performance has been solid rather than spectacular.

Also, in line with its corporate social responsibility policy and strategy the bank has completed a 1000-seater Lecture Hall and an ultramodern students hostel for Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU) Akungba Akoko in Ondo State worth over N150million.

Intercontinental Bank State Scholarship Scheme is fundamentally the bank’s way of partnering with State Governments in enhancing access to quality education. Hitherto the bank has over 1500 students from 13 states namely Bayelsa, Edo, Kwara, Anambra, Ekiti, Kogi, Niger, Osun, Lagos, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ebonyi and Sokoto States enjoying its scholarships and many states have been lined up for commencement later this year.

This number, is in addition to the annual Intercontinental Diamond Fund (IDF) Scholarship Programme targeted at the wards of the customers across the country. The number of beneficiaries in this programme is about 500 bringing the cumulative number of beneficiaries of Intercontinental Bank’s Scholarship to over 2000 across the country.

The bank in a statement, explained why it chose to invest in educational sector, saying that the involvement in education is deeper than giving scholarships. “We are strongly committed to helping in the building of a world-class educational system in the country. We are concerned with the continuous decline in the quality of graduates from our tertiary educational institutions”.

The bank is also concerned about the absence of world class facilities required for qualitative academic endeavour in Nigerian universities which has not only resulted in the upsurge of social vices, but also in the appalling quality of research and innovations in the universities.

According to the Bank’s Group Chief Executive, Dr. Erastus Akingbola, the deplorable situation, is largely the reason Intercontinental Bank has and will continue to intervene directly in the provision of world class students’ hostel infrastructure and lecture halls in schools. To date, the bank has donated such projects to 18 tertiary institutions in Nigeria and about five more are currently underway for commissioning later in the year.

In the past five years Intercontinental Bank, has spent over N1billion on this crucial sector alone.

By Rose Oriaran

“As we prepare for the 2011 elections, there is an attempt to corrupt messages coming out of the Election Management Body” [EMB] he lamented.
Professor Iwu regretted a situation where considered and well thought out suggestions made by the Commission on how to reform the electoral system and other vital messages were being deliberately distorted by some sections of the media.

Ibadan.

WHAT PROFESSOR IWU SAID

The attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been

drawn to the Nigerian Tribune editorial of Thursday, July 9, 2009 in which the INEC

Chairman was portrayed as an umpire whose national stature was on the decline.

According to the newspaper, the INEC Chairman while addressing the

quadrennial delegates conference of the Nigerian Civil Service Union in Enugu a

fortnight ago, claimed he had saved Vice President Goodluck Jonathan from being

killed by plotters who were put to flight by his (Iwu’s) bravery.The story, to say

the least, is brazenly preposterous.

The Commission would not have been bothered by what is manifestly fictitious

but for the fact that it is an editorial material being served the readers by a

newspaper which in the estimation of most Nigerians ranks among the national

newspapers that have been classified as serious tabloids. What Professor Iwu

said pointedly is that, the successful conduct of 2007 General Elections saved

Nigeria from sliding into anarchy which was what many anti-democratic forces

wanted.

The INEC Chairman had at various fora decried the debilitating phenomena of

violence during elections. This is sustained by a negative mindset with which our

political actors enter into electoral contests. Lamenting the limiting impacts of

violence on our electoral process, Professor Iwu took members of the Nigerian Civil

Service Union back to the general insecurity that pervaded the political

environment in the run up to the 2007 general elections, the spate of politically

motivated killings and youth restiveness in the Niger Delta which snowballed into

the bombing of Vice President Goodluck’s residence in his home state Bayelsa.

The problems of electoral violence, excessive deployment of financial resources by

political actors, gender inequality which limits the level of effective feminine

gender participation in politics and a mindset that conceptualizes electoral contest

as a do or die affair have been the bane of our efforts at enthroning democratic

culture in this country. These problems are still with us.

Our political terrain is replete with a few elements who threaten fire and brimstone

when they fail to achieve their ambition. Such people unleash recriminations on

perceived enemies and assault the entire system in an attempt to capture political

power.

This do or die spirit that has become the character of electoral contests in Nigeria

goes against the very foundation of our electoral system. It was this negative

mindset about elections that propelled political opponents to bomb Goodluck

Jonathan’s residence and this was the context in which his name was mentioned

during Iwu’s lecture to delegates at the quadrennial conference of Nigerian civil

Service Union which held in Enugu recently.

With regards to the outcomes of the 2007 general elections which the editorial

says are hotly being contested in election tribunals, it is the contention of the

Commission that the phenomenon is not aberrant to our electoral system. If

anything, it enriches the system and instills the confidence of the aggrieved

contestants in our electoral process.

To attempt to portray pronouncements by the tribunals as indictment only betrays

the psychology of the rich and most powerful few in our midst who continue to

trample on the defenseless in society. Moreover, INEC does not expect to be

hugged when we ask such people to obey laws governing the conduct of elections.

Emmanuel I. Umenger,

Acting Director, Public affairs

By Rose Oriaran

The INEC Chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu made this known while addressing

participants at a two-day workshop organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),

Abuja Council on post-election reporting.
He emphasized that the Fellowship will be targeted at such thorny areas as violence in

Nigerian politics, gender inequity, and excessive use of money in politics and the mindsets

of Nigerians toward elections.
He charged Journalists to use their investigative skills to find out how women fared in the

last elections and how they could be encouraged to participate in future elections. He also

enjoined them to research into the high cost of politics and ways of reducing the cost so as

to encourage more people of talent and integrity.
The INEC Chairman further implored professional Journalist interested in the Fellowship to

secure the consent of their employers so that they do not lose their job at the end of the

one-year sabbatical.

By Rose oriaran