Wednessay March 12 2014

Boko Haram: Our mission ended, camps closed –Suspects

N300bn rice imports:

Reps summon OkonjoIweala, Aganga

Govt has failed to protect Nigerians, says Tambuwal

OMEIZA AJAYI, INUSA NDAHI, WOLE OLADIMEJI AND UBONG UKPONG Badeh

Vol. 4 N0. 806

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cores of wounded Boko Haram insurgents captured by security forces in the ongoing military offensive in the North-East have asked

troops to spare their lives, saying that their mission has ended.

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, in a statement CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

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Tambuwal

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

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APC’s gang-up will fail in 2015, says Jonathan THE NEAREST PARTY TO US IS ANC - AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS OF SOUTH AFRICA. THE ANC IS OVER 103 YEARS OLD. IT IS OLDER THAN NIGERIA AS A STATE. IT IS STILL ANC TODAY. SO, WHEN YOU SEE PARTIES CHANGING COLOURS, CHANGING NAMES, KNOW THAT THAT IS NOT WHERE TO GO

A ZA MSUE, K ADUNA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the gang up against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of 2015 general elections would fail.

Jonathan, who said this while assuring his supporters that the PDP would retain Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states, predicted that the party would CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Lagos to close Dopemu, Iyana-Ipaja bridges L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan; National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Adamu Mua’zu and Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, at the party’s North-West rally in Kaduna yesterday.

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Scarcity: FG accused of plotting fuel price hike

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Minister denies ‘rumour’, insists on privatisation of refineries

Finally, EFCC arraigns Ajudua for alleged $5.9m fraud

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President, S’West govs in closed-door meeting P.6

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Scarcity: FG accused of plotting fuel price hike OBIORA IFOH, GEORGE OJI, TORDUE SALEM AND CHIDI UGWU

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arious reasons emerged yesterday for the lingering fuel scarcity nationwide with the All Progressives Congress, APC, accusing the Federal Government of acting out a clandestine script to increase fuel prices through the back door.

The APC said the nationwide scarcity may have been induced to make higher fuel prices a fait accompli for Nigerians but Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, said the scarcity was due to diversion and “rumours” of the price hike.

Independent marketers, on their part, said the scarcity was due to the failure of government to pay nine months fuel subsidy arrears that had led to import reductions.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the fact that the fuel scarcity has persisted despite the claims and counter-claims by the government and oil marketers is the clearest indication of official deception.

The party said that the situation has continued in spite

of measures purportedly taken by the government to ameliorate the situation.

“The more fuel trucks the government claims to have sent to major cities to ease the scarcity, the more difficult it is for Nigerians to obtain the product.

“This is an old trick and Nigerians should not be hoodwinked into believing there will be no increase in fuel prices. The only deterrent is to let the government know Nigerians will resist any price hike.

“The truth is that with the elections approaching, the PDP-led Federal Government is desperately seeking all possible avenues to raise funds for its usual electoral shenanigans, and increasing fuel prices has always been an attractive option to the government, not minding what the impact will be on the same people it has impoverished since 1999”, it said.

APC said the lingering scarcity has already forced many Nigerians to pay as much as N120 per litre, which is exactly as the Federal Government, wants it to be.

“The next refrain from the government will be that only higher prices will guarantee the availability of the product, and that many marketers are unwilling to import the product because of low profit margin. We urge Nigerians not to swallow this bait,” the party said.

It commended the Nigeria

Labour Congress, NLC, for its timely warning against any plan to hike fuel prices, saying the Jonathan administration’s assurances on the issue are not worth anything because the government is credibility-deficient.

Allison-Madueke however attributed the scarcity to the rumored increase in the pump price of the product by the Federal Government.

The minister also fingered the problem of diversion as another factor that has combined to make the product scarce.

Fielding questions from newsmen at the end of her ministry’s 2014 budget defense before the Senate Joint Committees on Petroleum (Upstream and Down-

stream) and Gas yesterday, Madueke also explained that she was personally working round the clock to ensure that normalcy returns regarding the supply of petroleum products throughout the country.

The minister assured that the country has enough supply of the products that will last it for some time.

According to the minister, “I wouldn’t call the current fuel shortage, a recurring development because there has been no shortage in the last three years until two weeks ago. The shortage has a lot to do with a number of issues.

Explaining why the planned privatisation of the refineries have been put on hold, the minister disclosed

that this was due to the stand of the trade unions, which put up stout opposition to the policy.

Notwithstanding the position of the trade unions, Madueke said the Federal Government still considers that policy as the best for the country in the present circumstances, stressing that privatisation of the refineries remained the best way to tackle the problems in the petroleum sector.

She further stated that even though rehabilitation of the refineries had slowed down because of the planned privatisation, government has since re-commenced the rehabilitation of the refineries.

IPMAN blamed the short-

age on the inability of government to clear outstanding subsidy claims of its members, saying that over six months arrears are yet to be paid.

The association also insisted that it can no longer import petroleum products unless the major part of the arrears is cleared.

Speaking during its National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja yesterday, the National President of association, Alhaji Aminu Abdulkardir, said that Nigerians have to go through the difficulties of fuel scarcity this time due to non-payment of accumulated subsidy claims owed marketers in the past nine CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

Some members of Boko Haram captured in Maiduguri, Borno State, yesterday.

APC’s gang-up will fail in 2015, says Jonathan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

win back Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto states from the opposition.

The President, who stated this during a rally organised by the party’s North-West Zone in Kaduna, said that the PDP remained the only party that was yet to change its name since its formation in 1998.

He described the NorthWest as a special zone, which had seven states, stressing that the event was not a political campaign but a unity rally for PDP family members.

“PDP is the only party that whatever is happening to the PDP is happening to Nigeria. PDP is the only party that you can say is for the people, by the people and of the people. We have been told that some people are ganging up in some different names.

“I can assure you, don’t

be bothered about any gang up. This is not the first time that there has been a gang up. From 1999 there was a gang up. Two, three political parties came together. They brought presidential candidate from one and vice-presidential candidate from one party. The gang up will fail.

And I used to tell people that if you put oil in a container, then pour kerosene in that container, then pour sulfuric acid in that container, you bring petrol and pour in that container and then hydrochloric acid, what will come out of the that container? It is a disaster.

“So the gang up will fail.

It is just as you mix acid and other things in a container.

So don’t be worried, it is not a new thing. They will continue to gang up, but will fail.

“And you ask yourself look at the history of great political parties all over

the world - parties that we know as great political parties. Look at their histories throughout the world; they don’t change everyday like rocks going through metamorphosis.”

“The nearest party to us is ANC - African National Congress of South Africa.

The ANC is over 103 years old. It is older than Nigeria as a state. It is still ANC today. So, when you see parties changing colours, changing names, know that that is not where to go. Be committed to PDP, you are in the right place to be.

“PDP is the only party that can lead us to where we want to go. PDP is the only democratic party that anybody can rise up to the highest level in the party.

“It is the party that gives me and you the opportunity to be what we want to be. So continue to support the PDP, continue to be with the PDP.

I want to thank the NorthWest people, we have security challenges because of your commitment working with government, we have been able to control these security challenges.

“Continue with your commitment to our great party, don’t be worried.

Some people say they are changing - yes people can change. If today, you carry a cob of corn on your head and the next day you drop the corn and pick a pen on your head because you have changed, so allow people to make changes, but PDP will remain stable.

“We don’t know where they are taking Kano State.

But with Shekarau and others joining PDP, we will take Kano back. Kano State will surely come back to PDP. The same thing with Sokoto State. PDP will take over Sokoto State, and will continue to rule Sokoto State. The only

state that has never been in the control of the PDP is Zamfara State. But it is a friendly state, and we have been assured that we will win Zamfara come 2015.”

The PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, said the party had brought about positive changes to Nigeria and Nigerians in the past 14 years.

Mu’azu accused the APC of copying PDP manifesto, saying since the advent of political dispensation in 1999, his party had provided the dividends of democracy throughout the nation.

He said: “I want to assure you that our party remains the only party in this country, it is the only party to beat because our records speak for us.

“Even our critics know that our score card is an excellent one; that is why if you take the manifesto of the party that is oppos-

ing us today, you will notice that the manifesto is just a section of our manifesto.

They just copied parts of our manifesto and therefore that tells you, even in action and governance they will only do part of what we are able to do.

“I will soon call a conference of all our party leaders and elders, past and present as well as members of the party to update our manifesto to make it conscious of the needs and aspirations of our people.”

Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, appealed to Nigerian youths to be law abiding.”We want peace in this country, we want peace during the election, we want peace before the election and we want peace after the election. I appeal to leaders of PDP to imbibe the spirit of sincere reconciliation and embrace unity.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

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Photo News

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

L-R: Wife of former President, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo; his escort, Commander John Odibe and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, decorating Odibe with new rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP in Abeokuta.

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson; President, Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies, Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu and Sen. Nimi Barigha Amange, during the 20th International Conference on Small and Medium Enterprises pre-event luncheon with business stakeholders in Lagos, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Sen. Gyang Pwajok of Plateau Central; former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and Sen. Gbenga Obadara of Ogun Central at Westminster Abbey for the observance of the Commonwealth Day with the Queen of England in London, yesterday.

L-R: USAID Country Director, Mr. Mike Harvey; U.S. Consular-General (Lagos), Mr. Jeffy Hawkins and Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State, Mr. Laolu Omosilade, during a news conference by the U.S. Consular-General on peaceful conduct of 2015 general election in Nigeria, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

National News

Ombatse: Ewuga faults committee’s report

…says Nasarawa govt criminalising Egon people GEORGE OJI ABUJA

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he senator representing Nasarawa North, Senator Solomon Ewuga has accused Governor Umar Tanko Al Makura of criminalising Egon elites over the crisis that led to the killing of many security operatives in the state last year.

Ewuga, who is one of the Egon elites also faulted the panel report, which indicted him of involvement in the Ombatse crises as contained in the report of Justice Joseph Fola Gbadeyanled Commission of inquiry, which was set up to look into the Alakyo killings of May 7, 2013.

Ewuga told newsmen at the National Assembly yesterday that though he was yet to see the white paper of the report, for the governor to have read the six-vol-

ume paper and swiftly emerged with appropriate punishment within two days indicated it was premeditated.

Ewuga, who serves as Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, also expressed surprise that a panel, which only invited him as a witness and not as an accused could find him guilty of an offense without giving him the opportunity of fair hearing.

He said: “I have not seen the White Paper and the Panel’s recommendation, but whatever my response is today is based on what I saw on the media, first on AIT on Monday and then, on the pages of the newspapers on Tuesday.

“The report was handed in on Friday and it is a six-volume report. For the fact that the White Paper is already out indicates a premeditation

because it was an ingenuous thing to have read those volumes and to decipher the appropriateness of the punishment or otherwise within two days.

“Secondly, I was invited as a witness to the Panel not as an accused and I was not availed of any cross examination of purported accusation against me, which you know by virtue of the provision of the Constitution, breaches my fundamental rights to fair hearing.

“And to my understanding of the issues, my invitation as a witness was supposed to establish the credibility or otherwise of what I know within my purview of the event related to whatever circumstance the Ombatse is involved in.”

Exonerating himself from the alleged financing of the activities

of Ombatse Cultural Group, Ewuga said he was being witch hunted for being politically visible in the state and also, for coming from Nasarawa Eggon, a tribe criminalised by the state government.

“I am Eggon and by extension, the White Papers indicted Eggon elites for abating or hedging. So, it is presumed that every member who is Eggon had a disposition towards Ombatse.

“Not only did it not stop there, it also indicted our traditional Council. So, there is a wholesome criminalisation. The only thing is that the identity of some people must be established because of their clear visibility and I think this is where I fall in,” he added.

Explaining further on why he is being allegedly roped into the

crisis, Ewuga said: “I have political roles in Nasarawa State and I am sure this no doubt, accounts to what is happening. One thing about it is this, it talks about false statement, that is perjury, that again is a subject of another kind of discussion but the thing is, the fact before me are perjured for the panel.

“The issue of me financing the Ombatse is a very curious position . Gracefully, it is not the law court because I am going to be prosecuted.

So, it is good to establish the import of whatever the criminality is going to be.

“The last one is the issue of suspicion. Our laws have a different orientation from what I am hearing of being suspected. I don’t know whether our laws allow for suspicion to be a ground upon which you

classify anybody in this country.

“I want to make a very formal statement once I get the White Paper. I will give you the history of certain events that took place and it is for the history to be told the way things emerged.

“I needed to give you all these things so that you know where I am coming from. I don’t know where I am going to yet but this is the position that myself as Solomon Ewuga belong but it is also good to know that I have both in terms of family and in terms of extension, a very rich pedigree, not to undermine the Constitution and values that this country represent.”

Senator Ewuga has recently indicated interest in moving from the All Progressives Congress, APC to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a step he is about to formalise.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

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Boko Haram: Our mission ended, camps closed –Suspects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

yesterday in Abuja signed by its Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, said that the captured insurgents made the declarations in their confessions to interrogators.

He said the arrested members of the dreaded sect claimed that their clerics had directed them to disband their camps and escape and that the mission

had ended.

Olukolade said that terrorists who had escaped from various camps stormed by security forces were captured in the fringes of Lake Chad.

According to him, “The captured terrorists, some of whom are fatally wounded, are already making useful statements to interrogators of the Multi-National Joint Task Force.

“Others were captured by

troops in locations around Dikwa, Cross Kauwa, Kukawa and Alargarmo.

“In their confessions, it was revealed that some of the camps have been disbanded following the directive of their clerics who declared that the operation of the sect had come to an end as the mission could no longer be sustained.

“The terrorists, who are giving useful information as to the locations of their

remnant forces, are full of apologies and pleas for their lives to be spared promising to cooperate.

“They confirmed that starvation was a major problem in addition to ceaseless bombardments on the camp locations even when they kept relocating.

“They also confirmed that several members of the group have been wounded and no treatment was forth coming.”

Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Andrew Yakubu (left) and Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, after the budget defence with the House Committee on Petroleum in Abuja, yesterday.

Scarcity: FG accused of plotting fuel price hike CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

months.

He equally directed all members of the association to ensure safe reception of petroleum products supplied to NNPC and delivery to the various filling stations.

“The current contraction in the supply of the products is a result of non-payment of marketers’ subsidy. The non-payment is partly quarterly. Quarter four (2013) not completely paid and we are quarter one (2014). Our national consumption today is been supplied by the NNPC. And it is only that 50 per cent of NNPC product that is in circulation.

“They have stepped up their supply trying to do what every stakeholder is supposed to be doing, but it is evidently clear that they alone cannot do it.

“I therefore use this medium, to appeal to the ministry of finance as a matter of urgency, to intervene and pay marketers accordingly, so that the argumentation of this shortfall can be achieved in a short while so that this

scarcity will be a thing of the past.

“We are being owed Q3 subsidy payment, which is last year, another Q4 and Q1 is piling up to about nine months unpaid subsidy to marketers. We need to be paid this money because we are in business,” he said.

Aminu disclosed that his men are now moving products from coastal areas to the hinterland through the roads even as he admitted that congestion at the terminals in Lagos was slowing down products evacuation to the northern and eastern parts of the country.

The major challenge in the exercise, Aminu said is the wide supply gap that has been created as a result of a break in the chain of processes at the tank farms.

Commenting on the allegations of products diversion by marketers, the IPMAN president explaining that the products are never been diverted to another country but still being sold to Nigerians within Nigeria.

He said stakeholders are

putting heads together to ensure that the vehicular gridlock does not stall product evacuation, assuring Nigerians that “neither government nor marketers are withholding the product.”

In another development, members of the House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Upstream, Downstream and Gas yesterday engaged in a prolonged shouting match during a closed (technical) session which included Mrs. AlisonMadueke.

Alison-Madueke was before the Committee to defend the expenditure of the Ministry’s 2013 Budget and also justify the 2014 proposal currently before the National Assembly.

Though the fracas occurred in a closed door session, our correspondent gathered that the lawmakers were at daggers drawn when one of them suggested that the minister ought to be given the boot over alleged malpractices in the ministry under her watch.

Hon. Yusuf Bala (PDP-

Kaduna) accused the chairmen of the joint committee of covering up the minister despite the lingering fuel scarcity across the country, apart from other offences for which she ought to be punished.

Bala later stormed out of the meeting in anger 20 minutes after it commenced with others trailing him.

Earlier in her presentation of the 2013 performance to the committee, AlisonMadueke told the committee that the total budget allocation for the ministry was N60.9bn last year.

Of this amount, the minister said N50.4bn went to personnel cost while N1.85bn and N8.5bn went to overhead cost and capital expenditure respectively representing 50.2 per cent.

She disclosed that the total budget proposal for the ministry this year is N61.9bn with N53.8bn allocated for personnel cost while N1.85bn is for overhead and N6.22bn for capital respectively.

The increase notwithCONTINUED ON PAGE 48>>

The DDI said troops had continued their assault on other locations across the states covered by the state of emergency.

He, however, warned members of the public who had been trooping to some dislodged camps and fringes of forests such as Sambisa and others to desist from doing so as operations were still ongoing.

Olukolade stressed that the general area still remained a theatre of war and movement remained restricted, as the environment had to be cleared for safety of citizens.

“The public will be informed when the locations are safe enough”, he said.

Meanwhile, Boko Haram sect yesterday ambushed the convoy of the Caretaker Chairman of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Dr. Hamma Jumba, along Firgi-Gwoza highway.

While the chairman escaped by a whisker, three policemen and two civilians in the convoy are still missing.

Jumba was said to have gone to his local government council to distribute relief materials to people affected by a recent attack by the insurgents.

He was attacked on his way back to Maiduguri, the state capital, on Monday about 4:30p.m. when suspected terrorists ambushed his convoy.

One of the survivors of the attack, one of the drivers (name withheld) attached to the Government House, told our correspondent that he was lucky to survive the attack.

He said the attackers, about 100, were armed with sophisticated weapons, adding that immediately they started hearing sounds of gunshots coming towards the convoy, many of them jumped out of their vehicles and took to their heels.

According to him, while some were lucky to escape, three policemen, two civilians and two vehicles were still missing.

The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Lawal Tanko, confirmed the incident. He said that he did not have any further details as the said policemen on the escort did not inform him that they would accompany the council boss to Gwoza.

“I have not been officially informed by those policemen that accompanied the

caretaker chairman of Gwoza.

“Under normal circumstances, as the commissioner of police, any of my officers and men who will embark on any duty outside the state must come to my knowledge, but as I am talking to you now, nobody told me that some of my men will accompany any government official to Gwoza yesterday,” Tanko said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, yesterday said that the inability of the Federal Government to curb the menace of the Boko Haram sect was an indication that politicians had failed the country.

Tambuwal made the statement in an emotionalladen speech during a special session of the House on the killing of students and other Nigerians through terrorist actions. The session was tagged the “Day of mourning, one massacre too many.”

He said that government no longer had any excuse for its inability to protect defenseless children from violence.

He said: “Today is not a day for apportioning blames. It is a day for the expression of our sense of personal and national loss.

It is also a day for us to look for concrete solutions.

“In my brief statement immediately after that attack, I warned that Nigeria is running out of excuses for our failure to live up to our responsibility to protect our citizens.

“We cannot claim to be one nation if we cannot find unity in grief, just as we cannot claim to be a great nation when we are incapable of preventing horrendous attacks on our children peacefully asleep in their beds.

“Today, I wish to amend that comment and declare that we have run out of excuses. We no longer have any excuse for our inability to protect our innocent defenseless children from gratuitous violence.

“In recent times, it seems the nation wakes up every morning to the sad news of one gory tale of bloodletting and killing of innocent Nigerians or another in the North East states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, in the North Central states CONTINUED ON PAGE 48>>

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Wednesday March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

N300bn rice imports: Reps summon Okonjo-Iweala, Aganga TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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or allegedly permitting the loss of N300bn to rice importation in the last one year, the House of Representatives Committee on Customs has invited the

Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her Trade and Investment counterpart, Mr. Olusegun Aganga to appear before it.

Also invited is Agriculture Minister, Mr. Akinwumi Adesina.

Chairman of the Com-

mittee, Hon. Sabo Mohammed Nakudu, who disclosed this yesterday, said the three ministers are to appear before a public hearing to be organised by the committee on the issue soon.

He said the committee’s resolve for the public hear-

ing followed a February 19 resolution of the House on the matter.

The resolution was sequel to a motion brought by Hon. Nasiru Baballe Ila. He said the hearing would be to ascertain the level of the implementation of the Federal Govern-

ment’s policy on rice importation.

According to him, the committee had written letters to the three ministers and other stakeholders, calling for position papers and notifying them of the development.

The Federal Govern-

ment policy, which was introduced last year, bans any form of rice importation into the country.

Following the introduction of the policy, rice smugglers allegedly took advantage, causing Nigeria to lose over N300bn late last year.

Second Niger Bridge will boost commercial, social activities-PDP OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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Students of Federal Government Girls’ College, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, listening to an address by a resource person, Mr. Harry Suofia, during a mock Commonwealth of Nations’ meeting to commemorate the World Commonwealth Day on the school’s premises, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Hoodlums attack Suswam’s convoy

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he convoy of Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State was attacked yesterday by suspected herdsmen on his way to Guma Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Suswam was visiting the council on a fact finding mission, following the continuous invasion of the area by hoodlums.

NAN learnt that the governor’s convoy was also attacked by the hoodlums at Tse-Akenyi and this led to an exchange of gun shots

between Suswam’s security guards and the herdsmen.

The governor, who visited the people at Gbajimba, the council headquarters, to sympathise with them, said that the situation was disturbing.

He added that people must defend themselves if the security operatives failed to do their job.

“I salute each and every one of you for your courage and steadfastness throughout this period. This is beyond the herdsmen, this is real war.

“On my way to this place,

they exchanged gun shots with us for over one hour before we were able to come here.

“My people are being killed, butchered and their homes destroyed. So, if the security agents, especially the military, cannot provide security for us we will defend ourselves.

“I cannot abandon you people at this point in time to die. You voted me to provide security for you and that I must do that for you.

“These Fulani are not like the real Fulanis we used to know.

“Please return to your homes and defend your land, do not allow anybody to make you slaves in your home land,” he said.

In his speech, the council Chairman, Mr. Frank Adi, condemned the continuous killings of his people and destruction of their homes by the herdsmen.

Adi, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Godwin Viashima, appealed to the government to provide them with security operatives for the purpose of safe guarding the citizens.

Jonathan, South-West governors in closed door meeting ROTIMI FADEYI ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met four governors from the South West behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja The governors, who met with the President, are Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Ibikunle Amosu (Ogun) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun).

Two other governors from the zone, Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) were absent

at the meeting.

Fashola, Fayemi and Aregbesola went into the President’s office accompanied by the Chief of Staff to the President, Brig-Gen. Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa (rtd), while Amosu came in later to join them.

Some ministers from the zone, including Mrs. Omobola Johnson (Communications), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide (Minister of State, FCT) and Musiliu Obanikoro (Minister of State, Defence) were seen going to the President’s office,

It was not clear however, whether the ministers were also part of the meeting.

None of the governors was ready to disclose the outcome of their discussion with the President to State House correspondents.

But when pressed further, Fayemi who was walking along with his colleagues said: “We came to see the President and it is in connection with issues of national importance and for the development of the South West.”

Fashola on his own part simply said: “We came to

see the President.” He declined to say anything further.

It would be recalled that on May 31, 2012, the governors also met with Jonathan on the state of infrastructure in the South West zone, particularly the deplorable state of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Fayemi had told State House correspondents that the meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss with the President the state of other Federal Government roads in the zone.

he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that the Second Niger Bridge, when completed will boost commercial and social activities in the country.

President Goodluck Jonathan kick-start the construction of the bridge on Monday and the PDP said the infrastructure will not only broaden the horizon for business partnerships but also promote massive job and wealth creation.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday, said the party is particularly impressed with the President for embarking on landmark projects, which have impacted positively on the economy and social life in the country.

He said the resolve of President Jonathan o ensure the completion of the bridge in record time was

instructive in many ways, one of which was his commitment towards the unity of the nation, knowing that the bridge is the major link between the South East and other parts of the country.

This, Metuh said, was in addition to the upgrading of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

Noting that the President’s commitment towards transforming the nation has remained unprecedented, Metuh said Nigeria has witnessed a revolution in critical sectors such as the dualisation and rehabilitation of major trunk roads across the country.

“The Lagos- Ibadan, Benin-Ore-Sagamu, Lokoja-Benin-Auchi, AbujaAbaji-Lokoja roads, repair of the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge and a host of other road projects as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of major inter-state roads across the country are all testimonies to this.

Ecobank announces new Group CEO JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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cobank Transnational Incorporated has announced Mr. Albert Essien, as Group Chief Executive Officer with effect from today He replaces Mr. Thierry Tanoh, who joined the Ecobank Group as CEO designate in July 2012 and commenced his executive role in October 2012 prior to being appointed Group CEO in January 2013. Until his appointment, Esien was Deputy CEO/ Group Executive Director for Corporate and Investment Bank.

Announcing the replacement ETI Interim Chairman, André Siaka, said “We wish to thank Thierry Tanoh for his service to Ecobank and we wish him every success

in the future. We believe that Mr Albert Essien has the experience and knowledge that Ecobank needs to take us forward as we continue to implement our strategy which is to deliver outstanding customer service, to improve long-term shareholder value and returns and to be the employer of choice in our markets.”

Prior to becoming Deputy CEO, Essien was the Regional Head for the Anglophone West Africa (excluding Nigeria) and Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) regions. He started his banking career in 1986 with the National Investment Bank in Accra, Ghana and joined the Corporate Banking Department of Ecobank Ghana in 1990.

In 1997, he became Country Risk Manager.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

7

17 boys paraded for cultism, pastor duping for client of N3.7m FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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L-R: Senator Akin Odunsi; Managing Director, Juli Pharmacy, Prince Julius Adeluyi and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, during the inaugural Public Lecture of Lagos chapter of the Alumni Association of Nigeria Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Rivers police kill three suspected robbers, parade seven kidnappers SAM OLUWALANA

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he Rivers State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 30 suspects for various criminal activities, while it also killed three suspected armed robbers in a shootout.

In a parade where the suspects were shown to the press on Tuesday at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Ogunsakin, said the police waged a serious battle against the criminals in the past few weeks.

During the parade, Ogunsakin said two of the suspects, Thompson Order and Daniel Ikimi, were arrested on February 20, 2014 by men of the anti-kidnapping unit after a distress call, while attempting to kidnap one Mrs. Ibiso Atiegoba.

On March 1, 2014, Tamuno Michael and Inyenime Morga were arrested for armed robbery.

They were arrested by men of the anti-robbery unit after they had invaded a cosmetic store at No 3, Masa Street, Off Abuloma Road, Port Harcourt.

The police recovered one beretta pistol with six rounds of ammunition from Tamuno Michael, while a locally-made pistol was recovered from Inyenime Morgan.

Ogunsakin added that the command’s commitment to tackle crimes in the state led to exchange of fire with men of the underworld.

Gun duels with men of the underworld at Umelelu Elele and Bori Market led to the killing of three armed robbers and the arrest of two others, as the police recovered a black Golf car, two AK 47, one locally-made pistol with live ammunitions, jewelries and a lap top from them.

The police also arrested 10 suspects at the notorious Abalama Forest following a one-week intense cordon of the forest.

The forest is a hideout for criminals.

One AK 47 rifle and one locally-made pistol were recovered from the suspects.

According to Mr. Ogunsakin, the suspects will be charged to court after investigation.

The effort of the command yielded another breakthrough when on March 5, 2014 its men arrested five armed robbers who operated in Navy and Army uniforms.

The suspects had earlier robbed a truck load of cement along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road before they were arrested.

The suspects had, in connivance with the

driver, one Mohammed Ilyasu, Mohammed Nura and Joseph John, contacted one Chmezie Egenti, who acted as the middleman and introduced them to Ona Theophilus, the receiver of the stolen goods.

One Chibuike Njoke was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a one-yearold boy, Master Fabulous Orinye, along Edegelem Road in Igbo-Etche.

Immediately Njoke kidnapped the baby, he bolted with the infant to a bush.

He was arrested after a thorough search of the bush.

Njoke was arrested with a locally-made pistol with which he had earlier shot one Mike Mwigwe.

The kidnapped child has since been reunited with his mother.

Another incident was the kidnapping of three men namely, Apostle Favour Divine, Godwin Mark and Chibueze Nwosu, along Igbo-Etchie Road by a gang of six gunmen.

Ogunsakin said he mobilised detectives with a clear instruction that the victims must be rescued.

The detectives immediately swung into action and after an intensive search, two of the hoodlums were apprehended with a locally-made pistol.

he Ogun State Police Command yesterday paraded 17 young boys suspected to be members of a yet to be ascertained secret cult at Iperu in Remo North Local Government Area of the state.

The boys were arrested by the police following a tip that they were planning to initiate fresh members into their cult group.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikemefuna Okoye, who paraded the suspects, said the police recovered items such as one locally-made short single barrelled gun and two axes among others at the scene of the initiation.

Other suspected criminals paraded by the police included one Audu Rabiu, who led seven other members of his gang to rob his father at his Bureau De Change office in Abeoku-

ta metropolis of the state.

Okoye said the eightman robbery gang was arrested at their hideout in Iyana -Ilogbo area in Sango- Ifo axis of the state where they were strategising on how to rob a filling station.

The police commissioner said that items recovered from Rabiu and his robbery gang included a pump action gun, one cutto-size double barrelled gun, two double barrelled pistols as well as25 live cartridges.

The police also paraded a fake pastor identified as Ndubuisi Ignatus.

Ignatus was accused of disguising as a spiritual father and allegedly held one James Nwosu hostage in Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government Area of the state.

While parading the fake pastor at the command’s headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, Okoye, explained that Ignatus had been a spiritual father for Nwosu’s family

for over six months before he was arrested on February 25, 2014 after defrauding his “client” of N3.7 million.

Okoye further said that the fake pastor had confessed to the crime, saying he would be charged to court after investigation.

The police also paraded a-three man gang at Igbesa in Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government after dispossessing one Obanla Isiaka of a sum of N650, 000 he withdrew from a bank in the area.

Okoye said that the victim shortly after he was robbed by the gang reported the matter to the police.

According to him the police chased the suspects and arrested them.

The police commissioner however, vowed to make Ogun State uncomfortable for criminals, saying his men are always at alert to confront any criminal in any part of the state.

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South West

Wednesday March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Customs intercepts 30,000 live cartridges in Oyo KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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he Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday paraded a 45-year-old man, Abdulraheem Adegoke, for alleg-

edly transporting 30,000 live cartridges in a Toyota Hiace bus from the border town of Saki in Oyo State.

The live cartridges, which were been transported into Ibadan from a neighbouring Benin

Republic, were carefully concealed among tubers of yam before Customs personnel intercepted them at Oje-Owode/Ago Are Road.

NCS Comptroller, Mr. Oteri Richard, told journalists that the items were

packed in 20 cartoons, stating that the team led by S.C. Okoli intercepted the white colour bus marked Kwara XC 286 SHH in the early hours of Monday.

According to him, the cartridges were concealed

among yam tubers and bags of dried cassava tubers.

It will be recalled that Customs similarly made a seizure of 56,750 live cartridges along the same Saki axis on May 18, 2013.

Richard, however, said the seizure was commendable against the backdrop of the heightened insecurity in the country.

He warned those engaging in smuggling of unwholesome goods to shun the habit.

Richard said: “We are more determined now than ever to make Oyo/Osun command a no-hiding place for their nefarious activities while promising trade facilitation to all legitimate businessmen and women

in the area.

“We will continue to partner with other security agencies to make the command and indeed the country at large a safe place to dwell in.”

But Adegoke denied ownership of the cartridges, saying that he was only hired to transport them to Ibadan.

He said he was not aware that the items were concealed in the bus, adding that what was bargained with him were yam tubers and flour.

The suspect and the items were later handed over to the police further investigation and prosecution.

Anenih urges unity in South-West PDP OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

L-R: Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun State), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun State), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos State) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti State), during the South-West governors’ meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja, yesterday.

Finally, EFCC arraigns Ajudua for alleged $5.9m fraud WALE IGBINTADE

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fter several months of hideand-seek, an alleged fraudster, Fred Ajudua, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ikeja High Court for defrauding former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, of about $5.9 million.

Before his arraignment, Ajudua had filed several applications to stall his trail, contending that he had a

pending appeal before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, challenging the earlier ruling of the court.

But the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye, overruled his objection, insisting that his appeal could not automatically stall his trial more so when the appeal had not been properly entered at the Court of Appeal.

Consequently, Justice Ipaye directed the court registrar to read the charges to the defendant.

When the charge was read to him, Ajudua pleaded not guilty to the 14-count charge.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter till April 8, 2014 for hearing of pending applications.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged that Ajudua conspired with others (now at large) to perpetrate the fraud between November 2004 and June 2005.

According to the EFCC,

the defendant defrauded Bamaiyi while they were both remanded for separate crimes at Kirikiri prison in Lagos.

The EFCC said Ajudua obtained the money from Bamaiyi by claiming that it represented the professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle his case.

He was also alleged to have claimed that the money would help to facilitate Bamaiyi’s release from prison.

Confab: Yewa-Awori people protest non-inclusion of Olu of Ilaro FEMI OYEWESO ABEOKUTA

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he Yewa/Awori people in Ogun West Senatorial District have decried the non-inclusion of the Olu of Ilaro in the list of delegates representing the state at the forthcoming national conference.

In a statement signed on Tuesday in Abeokuta by the spokesmen of the Ogun West Consultative Forum on National Conference, Chief Kayode Odunaro and Elder Adetokunbo Fakeye, the Yewa-Awori people appealed to President Good-

luck Jonathan to redress what they described as injustice to Yewaland.

National Mirror recalled that the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, was among the eight members initially presented as representatives of Ogun State at the conference.

But when the final list of delegates representing Ogun was eventually released by Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Pius Ayim, name of the monarch had been dropped from the list.

Condemning the development, the Yewa-Awori people referred to as Egbado in Nigeria’s Constitution stressed that they would not be bound by any of the decision arrived at the conference.

They said in the statement: “It is thus with utmost shock and disbelieve that we received the report of the royal father’s name exclusion from the list of delegates as released by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Pius Ayim.

Indeed, it was thought to be a grave error until we confirmed that his name was

drop without any justifiable reason.

“We, the people of Ogun West Senatorial District, as represented by the Ogun West Consultative Forum on National Conference totally condemn and reject the exclusion of our duly nominated delegate to the National Conference and call on President Goodluck Jonathan to, as a matter of urgenc,y redress this anomaly that seeks to exclude the representative of a whole senatorial district with many ethnic nationalities from contributing to the national question.

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hairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, has urged the need to reconcile the party’s leaders in the South-West.

Anenih spoke when members of the South West Network (SWN), a group within the PDP, visited him at his Abuja residence.

He urged the group to work with the PDP leaders as part of the measures to enhance the party’s unity in the South-West.

The BoT chairman, however, commended the group’s initiative and promised his support for its determination to ensure the party’s victory in the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

He said: “You must brace up to remain steadfast because some other people will try to attack you, but since your goals are noble and genuine, then you have my blessing.”

SWN Chairman, Senator Hosea Agboola, said the group was formed to redress the sliding relevance of the South-West in the nation’s political development, adding that disunity and continuous bickering had contributed to the marginalisation of the zone.

He said the group was embarking on reconciliation of leaders and

providing the platform to bring the South-West members of the PDP together for common purpose.

Agboola , who is the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, hailed Anenih for his relentless effort to address the crisis rocking the party.

Speaking separately when he granted audience to SWN, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, told the group to continue to sensitise the people of the South-West on the need to see themselves as important segment of the country.

He said: “Your group should look beyond the elections and contribute to developing the consciousness of the people towards the transformation agenda of the present administration. From the calibre of the members, your integrity and level of achievement, your group possesses the capacity and credibility to represent the interest of the South-West.”

Anyim asked the group to support efforts by the South-West leaders of the PDP to achieve unity and reconciliation among members.

Members of the group include former Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode; former PDP governorship candidate in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Oke; Hon. Funmi Lamuye, Mr. Segun Ilori, Hon Wole Oke, Mrs. Tolani Animashaun and Mrs. A. Otiti.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

9

Funsho Williams: Prosecution loses bid to obtain fresh blood sample WALE IGBINTADE

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Lagos High Court judge, Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, yesterday refused an application by the prosecution asking the court to allow it collect fresh blood samples from the suspected killers of Mr. Funsho Williams, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2003 governorship candidate in Lagos State.

The suspects, Musa Maina, Bulama Kolo, David Cassidy, Tunani So-

nani, Mustapha Kayode and Okponwasa Imariabie, have been in prison custody since 2006.

The Lagos State Government had told the court that the exhibits for forensic evidence collected from the defendants at the commencement of the case, including Funsho Williams’ eyes, had been damaged due to epileptic power supply.

Consequently, the state government brought an application praying the court to allow it collect fresh blood

samples from the defendants for forensic investigation.

Ruling on the application, Justice Adebajo held all the legal authorities cited by the prosecution had no relevance to the case.

The court held that to allow the prosecution to carry out another forensic investigation would further delay the trial, saying “there must be an end to litigation.”

Justice Adebajo said: “In view of the foregoing, the application in my own opinion lacks

Traffic on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway after a downpour in Lagos, yesterday.

merit and it is hereby dismissed.”

Consequentially, the court ordered the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to file and serve on the defendants, the report of the earlier blood samples taken on the order of a Magistrate’s Court.

The prosecution had drawn court’s attention to an application dated October 28, 2013, seeking an order to take blood samples from the defendants for forensic examination.

But defence lawyer

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he Lagos State Government has said that it would close both Dopemu and IyanaIpaja bridges from March 15, 2014 to April 5, 2014 to pave way for their maintenance.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Transportation and signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, the state government will begin maintenance work on the bridges and they will not be available for public use during the period.

The projects were contracted to Chinese Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC).

In the first 10 days, CCECC will work at Dopemu Bridge and thereafter

move to the Iyana-Ipaja Bridge for the remaining 10 days.

The statement said: “During the period, vehicles approaching Dopemu Bridge from Ile- Zik inward Iyana Ipaja could make a U-turn back to Dopemu Bridge via the opened median along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway or take a left turn into Alimoso Road and use the following link roads back to Akowonjo or Iyana Ipaja. “`The link roads are: Irepodun Street, Alaguntan, Vincent Street, Akiwowo road and Cash Street, all off Alimoso road.

“Similarly, vehicles coming from Orile Agege and environs approaching Dopemu Bridge will take a right turn through Surulere road to link Lagos Abeokuta Expressway and make use of the opended

median Barrier into the earlier mentioned link roads.

“In addition, vehicles from Akowonjo, Shasha going into Agege will go through Lagos Abeokuta Expressway and turn at Ile Zik back to Agege.

“Upon the completion of the maintenance work at Dopemu Bridge, the contractor will commence work at the Iyana Bridge, which is also expected to be completed within 10 days.

Within this period, the bridge will also be closed for public use.

“Therefore, vehicles coming from Dopemu along Lagos- Abeokuta Expressway inward Iyana Bus Stop and proposing to use the Iyana- Ipaja Bridge will either make a U-turn back to Iyana-Ipaja Bridge or a left turn into Abule Oki Street at the proposed

He argued that allowing the prosecution would delay justice.

Agbara claimed that the prosecution’s prayer should be disregarded on grounds that an attached exhibit marked “A,” which is a ruling from a magistrate’s court was not signed.

He said the ruling only contained the stamp and endorsement of the court’s registrar, as such cannot be relied on.

The matter was, therefore, adjourned till April 15 and 16 for continuation of trial.

Flood on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos after a downpour, yesterday. PHOTOS: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Lagos to close Dopemu, Iyana-Ipaja bridges for 20 days FRANCIS SUBERU

Okezie Agbara urged the court not to allow the prosecution to re-open investigation at this stage of the trial.

Agbara said: “Since the prosecution said the initial samples had been destroyed by lack of electricity, which samples will they match it with?”

He said an accused person should be prosecuted within reasonable time, adding that since the matter has dragged since 2007 which he said was enough for the prosecution to gather fresh samples.

median Barrier opening along Lagos – Abeokuta Expressway, go through Chief Adebayo Street back to Iyana Ipaja Roundabout.”

The statement added that vehicles coming from Iyana-Ipaja Road will also use the Abule-Oki Street and navigate through Chief Adebayo Street back to Iyana Ipaja Roundabout, while vehicles coming from Iyana-Ipaja road going into Ipaja road will have to go through Dopemu Bridge.

Motorists and other road users were, however, advised to use alternative routes provided to avoid delays during the maintenance period.

The state government appealed for caution and cooperation from all road users by obeying all traffic regulations during the period of the closure.

Ondo by-election: Choice of candidate stokes crisis in APC HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AND OJO OYEWAMIDE

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State may record poor performance in the April 5 by-election into the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives if efforts are not made to reconcile aggrieved members of the party.

The APC last week announced a former Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas, (OSOPADEC), Mr. Adewale Omojuwa, as its candidate for the by-election.

However, it was learnt that the choice of Omojuwa has led to crisis in the constituency as some members have vowed not to support him.

A former student union leader and banker, Mr. Bola Ajimuda, was said to have

been earlier recommended by the APC Screening/Selection Committee as the party’s flag bearer.

Sources said the committee headed by a Second Republic Senator, Olorunnimbe Farukanmi, conducted the selection following the failure of the Ilaje/Ese-Odo APC Elders’ Forum led by Prof. Fola Ebisemiju to pick a candidate from 11 aspirants.

The selection committee considered the academic background, managerial and political experience, acceptability, integrity, propensity for performance, articulation and communication skill, charisma capability of the aspirants.

According to Farukanmi in his report, four of the aspirants, Olusoji Ehinlanwo, Adebambo Odoro, Ajimuda and Omojuwa, showed the capacity to represent the constituency.

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South East

Obi denies interest in SGF position CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

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he Senior Special Assistant to Governor Peter Obi on Media and Publicity, Mr. Valentine Obienyem has described as false and misleading reports in some newspapers alleging that Obi is being considered for the post of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Obienyem also said that Obi is neither interested in ministerial or ambassadorial appointments, among others.

In a release made available to National Mirror yesterday, Obienyem said that the speculation surrounding Governor Obi’s next move after handing over to his successor on March17 was understandable, stressing that Obi’s only wish was to hand over successfully having taken Anambra from grass to glory.

Obienyem added that Obi has taken Anambra from a state that witnessed many bank robberies to one

that has not witnessed any bank robbery in four years.

“As you are aware, Obi is still the Governor of Anambra State. His major concern is to finish strong.

Associating any federal appointment to him is speculation and rumour and should be treated as such,” Obienyem stressed.

According to Obienyem what should be people’s concern for now is how Obi would end successfully and support the in-coming governor for the good of the state.

He said those circulating the contentious story are only trying to plant seeds of discord.

He said that Governor Obi has done so well in Anambra State.

“He has shown what governance ought to be.

He lifted Anambra to glory without borrowing or raising bonds. His major concern is to give all necessary support to his successor and not on Federal Government appointments as being speculated.” Obienyem concluded.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Obiano’s inauguration begins Thursday CHARLES OKEKE AWKA

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he Inauguration Committee overseeing arrangement for the swearing-in ceremony of Anambra State Governor-elect, Chief Willie Obiano yesterday said the event will begin tomorrow with a church service at Saint Faith Anglican Church, Awka where the incoming administration will be dedicate to God. Announcing the schedule of events in Awka, yesterday, Chairman of the 14-member Inaugura-

tion Committee, Prince Chinedu Idigo, said that other events that will usher in the swearing-in ceremony billed for Monday March 17 include, inaugural talk to be delivered by Dr Ikechukwu and Bishop Udeogu on Friday March 14 and on Saturday, March 15, there will be youth rally across major streets in Awka.

According to him, the evening event billed to take place at the Ekwueme Square will feature cultural displays and conferment of chieftaincy title on Governor Peter Obi by

traditional rulers.

Idigo added that there will be an inaugural service on Sunday, March 16 at the Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, Awka, and in the evening, there will be a polo exhibition tournament involving Anambra State indigenes, who are members of Port Harcourt Polo Club at the Emmause House in Awka.

He also stated that the final event, which is the swearing-in ceremony will begins Monday, March 17 with an inauguration parade and taking of Oaths of Office and allegiance,

and in the evening, there will be an inauguration ball to welcome the new governor, his wife and the Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, an event that will be strictly by invitation.

Idigo, said that their major task is to ensure that the swearing-in ceremony is held successfully.

Idigo however, did not disclose the cost of staging the elaborate event, but said the committee looked at the best price offer in chasing contractors who handled jobs for the event.

Final year FUTO student, others arrested for robbery CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

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mo State Police Command yesterday arrested a 400 level student of Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Unamaka Bright for alleged armed robbery.

Bright who hails from Akabo in Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state was arrested after a shoot–out with the Police by some hoodlums suspected to be armed robbers operating inside a hotel located along FUTO Ihiagwa Road.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali who disclosed this to newsmen in Owerri while parading the suspects along with others arrested for various crimes, said that upon arrest, one locally made Signal barrel pistol and live cartridges were recovered from the said Bright.

According to Abdulmajid “acting on a tip off on the kidnap of one Cyril Echesi who was abducted on the Express Road along

Uli-Ihiala LGA, Anambra State by gunmen numbering about four and a lady operating in a black Toyota Camry car, our men through its interstate dragnet intercepted the hoodlums between the boundary of Ohaji, Imo State and River state.”

In the process, the police boss said Cyprian Uduak Sylvester aged 37 from Akwa Ibom State, Endurance Happ 21, Chima Obi Omelo and Chijioke Odunze aged 24 were arrested.

Abdulmajid added that his men on March 2 through its community dragnets arrested one of the members of a threeman gang who specialised in baby stealing for ritual and money making purposes.

According to him, the three men had jumped the fence of one Susnne Udeze of Umuduruji Umuchoke Amaigbo in the Nwagele LGA into her kitchen and forcefully carried away her one year and eight months grand son and escaped into the bush.

L-R: Members of the Swearing-in Committee of Anambra Governor-elect, Dr. Ify Madukasi; Chairman of the committee, Mr. Chinedu Idigo and Secretary, Chief Chikodi Anarah, at a news conference on the ceremony in Awka, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Ebonyi Assembly approves N15bn bond ALIUNA GODWIN EBONYI

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ontroversy yesterday trailed the passing into law a bill for N15 billion naira bond submitted by the state governor, Chief Martin Elechi to the state House of Assembly, as the minority leader Hon. Enyi C. Enyi of the All Progressive congress (APC) and two other members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) walked out of the chamber while deliberations on the proposal was ongoing.

The deliberations followed a letter to the Speaker of the House, Chukwuma Nwazunku, requesting the assembly to approve the proposal to obtain the loan which was read on the floor of the house during plenary by house leader, Sam Nwali.

Elechi said the loan is

being sought because of the need to complete various ongoing projects embarked upon by his administration before leaving office in 2015.

Governor Elechi had in 2010 accessed N16.5 billion bond from the capital market which according to him the state will complete the repayment in April next year.

The repayment of the new bond, Elechi said, will be completed in 84 months.

A breakdown of the bond shows that five billion naira will be utilised to refinance the existing bank facilities.

Completion of Ukawu water scheme and the access road leading to the water scheme would gulp one billion.

Of the N15 billion bonds, N1.5 billion is earmarked for completion of international market while reticu-

lation from the Oferekpe water scheme to Abakaliki will take another N1.5 billion.

Also, completion, furnishing and landscaping of the state secretariat is expected to gulp N3 billion while the fencing, internal roads, water and electricity into Ebonyi State University will take N2 billion.

The House leader, Sam Nwali asked the house to support the governor in his bid to transform the socio- economic landscape of the state while Oliver Nwachukwu representing Abakaliki North moved a motion which was supported by Hon Val Okike representing Onicha West that the house approves the proposal to allow the governor to obtain the bond.

The motion was put to a voice vote and was unani-

mously approved by 18 members present at the chamber while six of PDP abstain from the seating.

Speaking to National Mirror shortly after the sitting, Enyi who represents Ezza North West alleged that the state government intends to use the money to fund the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign during the 2015 elections.

“I just walked out, I tried to change their opinion during the executive session, but they couldn’t understand. I see it as the money they want to use for their 2015 politics. It is most unfortunate.”

The speaker, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku however directed the Clark of the house to write a memo to the governor stating the support and approval of the loan by the House.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

11

Ex-Edo SSG ‘hospitalised’ after first night in prison SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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ormer Secretary to the State Government of Edo, Dr. Simon Imuekemhe, who was remanded on Monday following his trial for alleged

N113 million fraud, has fallen ill.

Sources said Imuekemhe had, however, been rushed from the Medium Security Prisons at Oko, Benin City, to a hospital for an undisclosed ailment.

Effort made to confirm the development from the Prisons authorities failed as none of the official could be reached.

But a source, who did not want his name mentioned, said Imuekemhe was hospitalised on Tues-

day morning after spending the first night in the prison.

It will be recalled that Imuekemhe drove to the court on Monday in a black tinted Honda CRV car marked EDO DP 88 BEN.

During his trial, he sat with calm and intermittently wiped his sweaty face with a handkerchief.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned Imuekemhe and three other persons before Justice Esther Edigin of Edo State High Court for eight-count of conspiring and spending N113 million State Universal Basic Education

Board (SUBEB) fund on unauthorised projects.

The other accused persons are the former state SUBEB Chairman, Mr. Joseph Sule Emoabino; former SUBEB Secretary, Mr. David Eson Igbinoba; and former SUBEB Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Aghator Gaskin Efe. All the accused persons pleaded not guilty and applied for bail.

Navy reiterates commitment to end oil theft, sea piracy RICHARD NDOMA CALABAR

T L-R: Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi; former Prime Minister of Ireland, John Bruton and former British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, during the International Conference on Democracy and Good Governance in Port Harcourt, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Gunmen abduct Bayelsa commissioner’s sister •Police arrest six suspected kidnappers EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

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unmen have kidnapped Joyce Ebua, sister to the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, Mietama Obodor at Oloibiri, in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

The gunmen invaded the victim’s residence at about 8.55pm and whisked her away through the creeks after sporadic shooting.

Ebua was kidnapped barely three weeks after Chief Inengite Nitabai, cousin of President Goodluck Jonathan, was abduct-

ed at Otuoke.

An eye witness, who did not want his name mentioned, claimed that one of the Ebua’s kidnappers wore police uniform.

The witness said: “The kidnappers were five. One of them wore police uniform. They forcibly abducted the victim and put her in a waiting speedboat at the waterfront behind her house to an unknown location.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilary Opara, confirmed Ebua’s abduction, adding that detective had begun investigating the matter.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State Police Command said it had arrested six suspected kidnappers who robbed a victim at Diebu in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

The police said detectives recovered three AK 47 rifles from the suspects and freed their victim.

A source said the suspects stormed the woman’s home, carted away valuables and escaped with her.

The source said: “The kidnappers were armed with AK47 rifles. They stormed a home, stole many valuables. Curiously, they took a woman

along with them maybe to demand ransom later. But luck ran out on them when some marine policemen intercepted them along the Southern Ijaw waterways and arrested them.

They are currently being detained at the police headquarters in Yenagoa”.

The police commissioner confirmed the recovery of the three AK47 rifles from the suspects.

He said: “We are working hard. We are not sleeping. This state cannot accommodate kidnappers and other criminals. We will get and deal with them according to the law.”

Govt challenges court jurisdiction over sale of Edo House WALE IGBINTADE

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he Edo State Government has challenged the jurisdiction of a Lagos State High Court to adjudicate on a suit instituted by an estate surveyor, Mr. Albert Elaiho, over the planned sale of Edo House located in Lagos.

Edo State Governor Ad-

ams Oshiomhole had announced plans to sell the disputed house which in on 1225, Ahmadu Bello Way and 1225 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos and use the proceeds to develop Edo. But the claimant, through his lawyer, Sugun Oladimeji, prayed a Lagos High Court presided over

by Justice Samuel CandideJohnson to stop the state

government from carrying out the sales.

Defendants in the suit are Governor Oshiomhole, Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Henry Idahagbon and an estate agent, Mr. Segun Asaju.

Consequently, Justice Candide-Johnson restrained Edo State Government and its agents from the sale of Edo House,

pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by Elaiho.

But the Edo State Government, through its lawyer, Dr. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), challenged the jurisdiction of the Lagos court to interpret Edo State Procurement Law 2012.

In addition, he submitted that the claimant has no right or interest whatsoever in or over the said property.

he Nigerian Navy said on Tuesday that it would tackle oil theft and sea piracy within the Calabar Inland waterways The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Obi Charles Medani, stated this at the first bi-annual inspection tour of the Nigerian Navy ship NNS Victory Command in Calabar.

Medani said time had come for perpetrators of maritime crimes along the Calabar channels to stop their nefarious activities.

He said: “Henceforth, sea thieves will no longer have any hiding place as the Navy has put a mechanism in place to fish them out. Navy is ready to fight the thieves to a standstill.

“The Chief of Naval Staff

has made it clear that the Nigerian Navy will fight maritime crime to a standstill especially the shameful practice of widespread stealing of the country’s crude oil by organised syndicates.

“In order to achieve the objective, Navy is embarking on qualitative training, timely maintenance and increased availability of platforms and strict adherence to the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service to improve operational efficiency.”

Medani said his major target as the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command would be “to step up the fight against crude oil theft through vigorous patrol of the seas where this crime is known to take place; stopping unauthorised tankers from entering our waters, and curbing acts of piracy and sea robbery.”

Edo teachers’ assessment holds March 22

T

he planned assessment of teachers in public primary and secondary schools in Edo State has been fixed for March 22.

Chairman of the Assessment Committee, Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor, said in a statement: “Pursuant to the desire by the government and people of the state to urgently halt the unacceptable state of delay in its education sector, the sevenman committee has commenced its assignment by adopting a special approach that would be beneficial to all concerned.

“The committee started by holding interactive sessions with all relevant government stakeholders,

Chief Inspector of Education (CIE) Education Secretaries, Principals and Heads of randomly selected secondary and primary schools and paying on the spot assessment visits to schools in order to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the education system.

“In line with international best practices which support the need for continuous professional development and continuous assessment for performance evaluation, the committee will ensure a total systematic assessment by observing the teacher in their classrooms and interacting with the teachers on the subject they teach.”

12

North

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

National Conference: Northern delegates may meet NGF •Advised to walk out if…

OTHMAN SALIHU KANO

D

elegates representing the northern part of the country at the proposed National Conference may meet with the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) before the kick-off of the talk shop if the outcome of the two-day meeting of northern elders in Kano is anything to go by.

Besides, the delegates

have been advised to stage a walk-out should they observe that the deliberation at the conference is derailing from its set objectives, and especially against the North and the nation as a whole.

Presenting the communiqué at the close of the two-day meeting, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, a former federal permanent secretary who read the document on behalf of the elders under the aegis of the Northern

Elders Forum, (NEF) advised northern delegates to stage a walk- out immediately they observe any obvious anecdote at the conference.

It also insisted that the imbalance in representation between geo-political zones, religious and order interests should be addressed before the conference commences.

Baba Ahmed said: “The meeting observed that in spite of widespread criticism against

the planned National Conference, President Goodluck Jonathan has decided to organise it.

The composition of delegates to this conference moreover represents a serious indictment of the administration’s plan to organise a conference that will address the complex problems of the nation, because it violates all the principles of justice, fairness, inclusiveness and equity.

“A conference built

L-R: Executive Director, Lake Chad Research Institute, Dr. Olusina Olabanji; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Asebe Ahmed during the inspection of a wheat field at the 2014 Farmers’ Wheat Day in Kadawa, Kano State yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Reps uncover N24bn scam in Police pension WOLE OLADIMEJI ABUJA

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embers of the House of Representatives on Public Accounts were taken aback yesterday when the Director General of Pension Transitional Arrangement Department (PTAD), Mrs Nellie Mayshak told the committee that there was no documentary evidence on the whereabouts of N24 billion released from service wide vote in 2010 for Police Pension Fund.

Members of the committee who could not believe what they heard, however summoned the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Accountant General of

the Federation, Mr Jonah Otunla, Auditor General of the Federation, Mr Samuel Ukura and the Director General Budget Office, Dr. Bright Okogwu to appear before the committee to explain how the missing fund could be recovered.

The committee also ordered the DG budget office to come before the committee with memo showing the request for the missing N24 billion, and also asked First Bank plc to show how much was deposited in the bank and how much was disbursed and as well come up with the bank detail of the transaction.

Mayshak in her submission explained that she was not around when the money was released; adding that she just resumed

newly managing the newly established PTAD adding that the money was received and expended before her appointment.

According to her, “We have no evidence, we have no record. It just looks bad on our part. We rather tell you the truth or make it up”.

While confirming the tale woes from the Director General, the Internal Auditor of the Pension office, Mr Adeyemo Julius Adebolu, stated that the N24 billion was received by the Pension office for the payment of pensioners in 2010.

He told the committee that when the money was released he advised the office to lodge the money in a First Bank account, stressing that, after the lodge-

ment, he was kept in the dark on further disbursement of the money to pensioners.

Adebolu also told the committee that a consulting firm was contracted to disburse the pension fund, instead of the staff of the police pension office, noting that he had to come in when some of the pensioners after receiving their money complained of being short-changed by the consulting firm.

Adebolu added that he was not also involved in the auditing process of the account.

The Chairman of the committee said “I am taken aback, because what you are telling us is that, service wide vote is a slush account, it is an account that is used to settle the boys”.

on a foundation of injustice and contempt for all known values which should assure all citizens that it is not a design to weaken them will not produce any conclusions that are useful.” The communiqué reads.

The four paged communiqué also added that, “The meeting resolved to advise particularly northern delegates to demand that the obvious imbalance in representation between geo-political zones, religious and other interests should be addressed before the conference commence any business.

“It also advises all delegates to ensure that the Conference agenda is carefully chosen so that issues which may further threaten our peace, security, harmonious co-existence, the 2015 elections or which may offend the provisions of the constitution are avoided.”

With regards to decision making, the meeting advised delegates to seek to achieve full consensus on issues.

It added that voting on any issue should be avoided, particularly in view of the possibility that majority are likely to be contrived from the skewed composition of pronounced partisan interests.

Delegates are also advised to be true to their consciences, and to withdraw from the conference as soon as it becomes clear that it will be used to injure the interests of Nigerians.

On the 2015 general polls, the elders observed that the elections would severely challenges the electoral process, given the very high stakes, including the possibility that President Jonathan will be a candidate.

“In the light of the high expectations of Nigerians that the elections will be credible and peaceful, the meeting called on all politicians to develop highest level of tolerance and a willingness to respect the will of the Nigerian people.” The communiqué said.

On the escalating vio-

lence in the North, the elders resolved to defend and protect the region, if the Federal Government failed to bring an immediate end to spate of violence.

The elders requested that the Federal Government should improve its capacity to protect citizens in the region, especially the North East adding that failure to bring about an immediate end to violence in the North East, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kaduna states will be interpreted by people in the North as having been abandoned by the government.

It said that, “The shocking audacity with which the Boko Haram insurgents attack and kill people, destroy towns and villages and commit unspeakable atrocities calls to question the existence of any political will to fight it, or the capacity of our military to successfully defeat it.

“The absence of any evidence that the Federal Government is pursuing other options to the current unproductive strategies is also very worrisome, adding that failure to implement past reports and recommendations by the Federal Government and the current levels of anger and hopelessness among the populations are alienating entire communities from the Federal Government.

“The meeting resolved to demand that the federal Government improves its capacity to protect citizens in the North East and many other parts of the North as the most minimal evidence that it is serious about its responsibilities.”

“The failure to bring about an immediate end to violence in the North East, and in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kaduna states will be interpreted by the people of the North as having been abandoned by the Federal Government. In that event, communities will be left with the only option of taking steps to protects themselves”, the elders said.

Wednesday March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Al-Makura, deputy in battle of wits IGBAWASE UKUMBA writes on the unease calm between Nasarawa State governor, Tanko Al-Makura and his deputy, Dameshi Luka over the latter’s defection to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Al-Makura

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here were rumours early in February this year of the possible defection of Nasarawa State deputy governor, Hon. Dameshi Barau Luka, from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Luka was rumoured then to have perfected plans secure alternative platform to confront his principal, the governor, Tanko Al-Makura, for the governorship of the North central state in the 2015 elections, since the zoning arrangement on ground favoured his zone, Nasarawa North, to produce the next chief executive of the state.

Although no one could authoritavely confirm the rumours then, it plunged the political environment in the state into frenzy and National Mirror authoritatively confirmed that the relationship between the number two citizen and Governor Al-Makura had started going sour over a period of time.

The source of the sour relationship was not unconnected with the governor’s choice of the All Progressives Congress, APC, interim chairman, Arc. Stanley Buba, who is believed to be the deputy governor’s political rival and kinsman, without consulting him.

Also, close watchers of political events in the state have also observed that the deputy governor has not been carried along in running the affairs of the state by his principal.

But the rumours were laid to rest last week when the deputy governor decamped from the ruling APC to the opposition PDP. At a reception to receive him into the PDP fold, held at the Nasarawa State PDP secretariat by top ranking members of the PDP including PDP state chairman, Yunana Iliya, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Musa Ahmed Mohammed, principal officers of the Assembly and members of the state executive of the PDP and

Luka

THE CULTURE OF POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY, DISRESPECT FOR THE RULE OF LAW, HATRED AND OUTRIGHT LIES AS WELL AS EXCLUSION POLITICS OF THE GOVERNOR ARE ALSO SOME OF THE REASONS THAT FORCED ME OUT OF THE APC

the 2011 gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Nawani Aboki Ezekiel, Luka disclosed that his decision to defect from the APC to join forces with the PDP was in the best interest of his supporters and those who believe in fairness, transparency and accountability.

Hitting back at Al-Makura for misconstruing him as a traitor and insisting that his stance on all issues affecting the state has always being known, the deputy governor wondered why his long standing reputation of several years would be dragged into the mud.

Luka noted that the dark clouds that loom over the state got thickened as far back as October 2013 when President Goodluck Jonathan invited Christian governors and their deputies to accompany him to Israel on holy pilgrimage, a development which the governor misinterpreted as a plan to unseat him, even though the governor himself regular-

ly performs the hajj.

Luka said: “I am still shocked that the man I looked up to as an example and mentor could go down this low, deliberately orchestrating lies and spreading outright falsehood to malign my person before the public.

Recently, I was in a church service at Living Faith Church in Goshen, Nasarawa State together with President Jonathan and this earned me suspension from the APC.” According to him, “the governor’s hatchet men veiled the reason of my suspension by referring only to a statement credited to me where I expressed a different opinion on the directives given by the APC leadership to its National Assembly members to block all executive bills including the 2014 appropriation bill.”

He described his purported suspension from the APC as hurriedly arranged to humiliate him while he was out of the country.

Faulting the appointment of the state interim chairman of the APC in the state, Buba, who Barau claimed that was not a member of any the legacy parties that fused into the APC, the deputy governor said: “The culture of political uncertainty, disrespect for the rule of law, hatred and outright lies as well as exclusion politics of the governor are also some of the reasons that forced me out of the APC.” Deputy Governor Luka warned that the present state of affairs in the state, with its conspicuous rock hard structures of false hood and deceit, will only aggravates the dearth of morality and leads to more confusion in the state.

Following the defection of the deputy governor to the PDP, 10 commissioners in the state executive cabinet are CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

14

Politics

Wednesday March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Al-Makura, deputy in battle of wits CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 also said to be set to dump the APC for the PDP at the appropriate time. The commissioners are those said to be loyal to the deputy governor, whose political strength transcends that of his estranged principal, Al- Makura.

National Mirror gathered that the 10 commissioners have vowed to remain loyal to Luka and as such, have perfected plans to dump the ruling party in the state, to pitch tent with the PDP, where it is hoped that the deputy governor would actualise his gubernatorial ambition come 2015.

One of the commissioners, who confided in National Mirror, expressed reservations at the manner in which the state is being run; berating the governor for the woes of the APC in the state. According to the commissioner, who pleaded anonymity, their constituents no longer welcome them any time they visit their homes, as their people believed that they were not reaching out to them as it is expected of politicians.

Findings by National Mirror revealed further that the monthly running costs of ministries has been slashed down from the N500,000 the Al-Makura administration inherited from his predecessor, former Governor Aliyu Akwe Doma, to a meagre N200,000 only.

This, according to the commissioners, was usually not enough to even run the office effectively.

Another cabinet source, who also pleaded anonymity, said: “Our people are angry with us, any time we visit our communities they no longer welcome us because they feel we should be reaching out but they fail to understand the difficulties we are going through in this government.”

National Mirror further gathered that just about a week ago, Al-Makura turned down the resignation letter of a commissioner, whose ministry is central to the running of government. The gale of defection of the APC members to the PDP has drastically reduced the popularity of the APC, which is the ruling party in the state.

Iliya

THE YOUTHS ALSO DECLARED LUKA, THEIR KINSMAN, WAS A BETRAYER FOR DEFECTING

FROM THE RULING APC TO THE OPPOSIT6ION PDP

However, the state Commissioner for Information and Ethical Orientation, Hamza Elayo, denied that there was no such plan.

This was just as the 17 serving commissioners in the

US to partner INEC on free, fair poll –Envoy ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

T

he United States of America, USA, yesterday expressed determination to work hand in hand with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on the deliverance of free, fair and credible poll during the 2014 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states and the 2015 general election in Nigeria.

US Consular-General in Nigeria, Mr Jeffrey Hawkins, said the collaboration was necessary to ensure that everything was in place so that the elections could be free and fair.

Hawkins spoke at a press conference in Ado Ekiti yesterday after a seminar on New Social Media as Tool for Effective Coverage and Monitoring of Elections organised by the consulate for journalists in Ekiti State.

The envoy, who was in Ekiti for meetings with

INEC, police and critical stakeholders in the June 21 governorship in the state, charged participants in the elections to behave responsively and as well prevent violence for the conduct of credible polls.

He said that the US Government had budgeted $15 million as support to Nigeria to strengthen the electoral process.

Expressing confidence in the ability of the Professor Attahiru Jega-led INEC, Hawkins said that he believed that the 2015 elections will mark the watershed of credible election in

Nigeria, if the stakeholders can eschew violence.

He told INEC to be thorough with Ekiti and Osun states governorship elections, saying the two polls were critical to the success of the 2015 polls.

Saying that the US had demonstrated its desire for the entrenchment of democracy and good governance in Nigeria through the listing of the Boko Haram sect as a terrorist group and several other supports targeted at boosting the economy, Hawkins said: “Nigeria is a great country and it is strategic in the African continent.

We are not only providing fund to help the country, but we are going to help in the technical aspects for the 2015 elections to be a success.”

He decried the senseless killings of innocent children in Yobe State by Boko Haram, saying the activities of the sect could mar the conduct of the 2015 general elections in Nigeria if not checkmated.

EBERE NDUKWU

T

he Youth of All Nation, YOANEA, has called on youths of the country to be wise and open minded in their choice of a party.

The youths, who made this call through Mr. Happyday Ukpong, YOANEA South-South zonal Youth Leader, in a release made available to National Mirror last Monday, said it was disheartening and very disturbing that those who are supposed to have the interest of youths and this nation at heart have failed to do so.

His words: “This is not a campaign of calumny or an attempt to disparage senior citizens of this nation. Rather, it is a pathetic call for sober reflection and wake-up call for all especially, youths to open their eyes wide to the truth.

“There is no doubt that our country has suffered from many things. These afflictions are self-inflicted

state cabinet recently paid a solidarity visit to their principal, Al-Makura, at the Government House, Lafia, pledging their unflinching loyalty to the governor. They assured him that they would not defect to the PDP as being rumoured around.

Spokesman of the commissioners, who came together under the umbrella of Nasarawa Commissioners’ Forum, Dr. Meshi, told Al-Makura that they will not destroy what it took them years to build; hence they have remained steadfast in the promotion of the APC image in order to sustain its winning spree in the state.

Also, hundreds of Mada youths from Akwanga Local Government Area of the state, where the deputy governor, Luka, hails from recently staged a peaceful rally to declare support for the administration of Governor Al-Makura.

The youths also declared Luka, their kinsman, was a betrayer for defecting from the ruling APC to the opposit6ion PDP. A Mada elder in his 70s, Aboki Waziri, speaking almost in tears showered gratitude on the youths for staging the rally. Waziri said: “Out of the different ethnic groups across the state, the Mada people are the luckiest and happiest people to receive Al-Makura, but our surprise, some people have betrayed the people by defecting to the PDP. If Dameshi will not consider Al-Makura as a human being, then he is fighting against the angels.”

But political analysts in the state are pondering on how easy it would be for Luka to clinch the PDP gubernatorial ticket in 2015, following the array of candidates already lining up in the PDP to slug it out for the party’s ticket.

The March 22 local government poll will be a veritable testing ground to test the readiness of the PDP to wrest power from the APC in 2015. It is also expected to be a test of popularity for Al-Makura and the APC. Will the APC continue with its winning streak in the North Central state?

Time will definitely tell.

Be wise in your choice of party, group tells Nigerian youths and avoidable. Regrettably, the most afflictions are from people that are regarded as leaders. At a time like this, it is obvious that several efforts are required to salvage the situation we are in.

Some are making genuine moves while others are taking undue advantage of the predicament we all found ourselves as a nation.”

YOANEA Youth Leader and chairman of its BoT, Comrade Jeff E. Joshua, pointed accusing fingers at the national leaders of the All Progressive Congress, APC, saying: “APC national leaders have demonstrated that to us by turning noble project to serve their interest and that of the APC. To them nothing really matters, not even the future of Nigerian youths, except politics. It is unimaginable that the rich APC leaders defraud poor Nigerian youths.

One of their leaders in Lagos has continued to show

that despite wearing toga of apostle of change and progress, nothing has changed about his old ways.”

He said for the activities of the so called APC national leaders, Nigerian youths, including of YOANEA, will longer trust the APC. “We do not need a prophet to tell us that all the noisemaking, cross-carpeting, governors snatching, pointing accusing fingers at present government, are not in the interest of the country but to grab power at all cost to serve their own selfish pursuits. As a result, youths of this country would not identify with the APC. YOANEA president, Babatunde Ifenuga said that the group is is taking bold steps to support Nigerian youths find fulfilment saying that “unfortunately, we found out that some so-called champions of change/progress are toying with lives of youths.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror National News www.nationalmirroronline.net

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From The Civil Service FCTA Civil servants jittery over sack threat 16

FG insists on workers contribution to health insurance scheme MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

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he Federal Government yesterday insisted all paid workers in Nigeria should contribute to the health insurance Scheme.

Government’s position came less than 48 hours after the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, faulted the scheme and described it as unbeneficial to their members.

The unions also said it was absolute responsibility of government to cater for the health needs of its citizens.

NLC chief economist, Peter Ozu Eson, and Com-

rade Bala Kaıgama of TUC kicked against the scheme at the Pre-Summit Technical Session in Abuja on Saturday.

While speaking at the Presidential Summit in Abuja yesterday President Goodluck Jonathan said the decade-old scheme had positively impacted the citizens and that it was compulsory that every citizen who receives salary contribute to the scheme.

Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo said: Every Nigerian, who earns an income, has an obligation to contribute to his/her healthcare, and we all owe it to those who do not have

the means, to provide for themselves. If all the states, LGAs and the organized private sector join some form of prepayment scheme today, our coverage level will increase by over 100%.

The additional revenue coming to health will help improve infrastructure, train and hire more qualified health workers and improve the quality of care. Bigger revenue pools will also allow cross-subsidization between income levels.”

Currently, each federal government employee pays 1.7 percent while government pays about 10 percent of premium required for the scheme under the new consolidated

salary scheme. Prior to the new arrangement, workers had paid five percent while government’s contribution stood at 10 percent President Jonathan said the theme of the Summit “Health Coverage: The Vehicle for Sustainable Growth and Development” captured the emphasis which his administration Transformation Agenda placed on healthcare for the citizens.

“We are therefore hosting this Summit to establish a unified front, and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage that meets the needs of our people. We are determined to elevate

Universal Health Coverage to a national movement with substantial participation by local and international stakeholders, supported by government and the private sector at all levels.

“Government is not unaware of the numerous challenges limiting the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UCH) in our country, and the importance of political commitment in surmounting these challenges.

“Our gathering here is to reaffirm our commitment as political leaders both at federal and state levels that we will do all within our powers to proCONTINUED ON PAGE 42

L-R: Minister i interior, Mr. Abba-Moro; Minister of state or Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Minister o Labour and Productivity, Chie Emeka Wogu and Mister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Orum at the Federal Execurtive Council Meeting in Abuja, recently.

Edo teachers sue government over assessment P.41

Fulani group decries exclusion from National Conference P.42

Niger to increase animal health workers salaries by 55 percent

Kwara civil servants to write promotion exams

T

he Kwara State Civil Service Commission has fixed between March 18 and 20 for promotion examination for qualified civil servants in the state.The Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Adelodun Ibrahim, announced this at a meeting with the management staff of the Commission on Monday in Ilorin.He said that the examination was geared towards lifting the state civil service to greater height, and in line with the vision of the state administration.

He urged eligible civil servants to take note of the dates, adding that the Commission would not reschedule another date for anyone that missed the examination..

Alhaji Isiaka Ndakotsu, a director in the Commission, said that the exercise would be conducted in groups, adding that those in Group C: GL 07-09, would be examined on March 18.He said those in Group B: GL 10-13, would be examined on March 19, while Group A: GL 14-16, would write their test on March 20.Ndakotsu urged all affected officers to come to the examination centre with their examination numbers and identity cards.The Commissioner also noted that the examination would start at 9.00 a.m. daily at the Staff Development College, Ilorin.

P.41

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Civil Service

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NIWA to prosecute offenders of water transportation laws PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA.

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he Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hajiya Nna Maryam Ciroma has said that the authority is coming up with the maritime Water Ways Code that will make it possible to prosecute offenders of water ways transportion laws so as to minimize the rate of accidents in the nation.

According to the managing director the decision was taken to enforce strict compliance with the laws guiding water transport to guide against avoidable boat mishaps that has claimed lives on the water ways.

She made the disclosure during a sensitization, awareness campaign visit and distribution of 500 life jackets, 500 stickers and 500 T-shits to the two riverine communities of Nupeko in Lavun and Malale in Borgu local governments of Niger state that recorded boat mishaps.

The boat accidents, it would be recalled occurred, last year claiming many lives in the communities.

According to her, “we

are here to let them know that the use of life jacket is mandatory and is maritime global requirement by law as anybody who is taken on to the river or ocean must wear life jacket, in fact anybody who did not wear life jacket while on board is an offender punishable by law and that is why we are coming up with the water ways code to reduce accidents and control usage of water ways.”

She explained that it is against this backdrop that the agency decided to embark on the sensitization visits that would be a continous process.

Recieving the materials, the district heads of Nupeko, Alhaji Mohammed Muregi Kuta and Malale, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed in the 2 local governments all thanked the federal government for its kind gesture, while assuring that the materials given would be judiciously used in their communities.

Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Borgu Local Government, Alhaji Isah Ibrahim called on NIWA to set up an station at Malale as well as help in cutting down the grown trees in the river that were the major cause of boat accidents.

Minister of State for Health, Dr Alhassan Khaliru (left), being welcomed to the Ministry by Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu in Abuja yesterday.

PHOTO:NAN

Federal civil service directors get 8-year tenure TORDUE SALEM

ABUJA

D

irectors in the federal civil service may not be retired until they compulsorily spend eight years on the post, Justice B. B. Kanyip of the National Industrial Court, Abuja has .The ruling was in response to suit No: NICN/ ABJ/123/2011 brought

before the court by Ambassador D.C.B Nwanna against the National Intelligence Agency and two others.The suit is a result of a directive of government which asked directors in the federal civil service to retire before their actual exit date because they have been notionally promoted just so that they could maintain their seniority in service.

The directive which emanated from the office of the former head of service of the federation,Stephen Oronsaye, was contained in a circularr Ref No: HCSF 1061/S.1/III/68 dated August 26, 2009.It was entitled: “Tenure of Office for Permanent Secretaries and Directors”.

It stated that government had approved that “Permanent Secretaries shall

FCTA civil servants jittery over sack threat OMEIZA AJAYI

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here is now palpable fear among top civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA following threats by the FCT minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed to sanction erring members of staff who operate contrary to the “vision” of the administration.

Senator Mohammed had on Monday asked all nonperforming Directors in the FCT Administration to either resign or be sacked He made the threat after an on-the-spot assessment of projects and social services in the Federal Capital City, FCC, Abuja

Some directors have had to up their game since the threat. Specifically, the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services, DRTS were seen all over the city yesterday executing their mandate They were also around areas along the Muritala Mohammed (Kubwa) Expressway where they had a running battle with commercial motor-cyclists who had dared to ply routes they were barred from.

In the end, several motorcycles were impounded while their owners fled into bushes The minister had told journalists that his Administration decided to revolutionalize the act of governance by carrying the whole members of the FCT

Operations for briefing in addition to some members of the FCT Security Committee to assess the actual state of metropolitan services in the city..

According to him, some of the Directors of the Operational Departments are economical with the true state of services available for the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, which is unacceptable.

He warned Directors of Operational Departments to “either shape in or shape out,” as enough is enough because there are no more excuses.

Senator Mohammed thus, announced the setting up of an High Powered Task Force headed by the FCT Police Commission-

er, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu to galvanize all security agencies in the Territory to effectively enforce all FCT By-Laws including the ban on Commercial Motorcycles, restriction of Tricycle (KEKE-NAPEP) to designated areas in the Abuja metropolis, street hawkers, beggars as well as menace of the commercial sex workers.

Having undertaken a tour of the FCT, Mohammed concluded that civil servants have often frustrated his effort to develop the city and accused departmental directors of often lying to him about the true situation of the city.

“A city like Abuja cannot be allowed to degenerate to what it is today. And you

have seen things for yourself and I have shown the directors that all the information they have been giving me are lies.

“They told me that all the city is clean and it is not true.

And we have gone round with you (journalists) and it is not true. They told me that there are no street traders but there are street traders everywhere. They told me there are no beggars, and we saw them everywhere. They told me there are no Okada riders, but now in fact, the Okadas are even more than vehicles. So, definitely, we can see, what they have told you and I, they are not true, and that’s why it is good to always go on inspection”, he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 41

hold office for a term of four years, renewable for a further term of four years, subject to satisfactory performance and no more.” In the case of Directors, the circular was emphatic when it said “they shall compulsorily retire upon serving eight years on the post.” Justice Kanyip however disagreed with the circular and upheld the demand of the plantifs.According to Justice Kanyip, “one cannot be promoted to one’s disadvantage. In other words, promotion must be for one’s benefit.

So where a promotion is disadvantageous to the employee is that really a promotion?”The trial judge posited that for the 8-year tenure policy to apply, it must be that the director has served eight years on the post since those on notional promotion do not enjoy any financial benefit from their promotion “and cannot be said to have been promoted to their benefit.Consequently, Justice Kanyip held that “the 8-year tenure policy applies to Directors who have actually spent eight years on the post, not notionally as provided for in Rule 02810(iv)(a) of the Public Service Rules 2008.

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On Nigeria’s Centenary celebrations PUBLIC DOMAIN

DELE

SETEOLU

deleseteolu@nationalmirroronline.net (08033137577 SMS only)

T

he ongoing centenary celebrations of Nigeria organized by the President Goodluck Jonathan administration have elicited robust debates on its appropriateness, relevance and historical meaning. Proponents insist the centenary celebrations were historical accounts of Nigeria’s pre-colonial and colonial history.

They argue that the country has achieved modest growth in socio-economic and political life since independence.

To critics, the centenary celebrations were ahistorical, unresponsive to the country’s current realities, and re-affirm imperialist penetration and imposition of the Nigerian state on hitherto independent ethnic-nationalities. They argue that the contradictions in the Nigerian federation, its economic crisis; security deficit, social infrastructure and virtual absence of social provisioning are sign posts of a troubled country, a failing state owing to its receding capability to perform state functions that include social welfare and social security. The cited growths are pilloried as peripheral and dependent occasioned by externally defined and anti-Nigeria economic policies.

The country’s centenary celebrations held against the backdrop of attacks by the Boko Haram group. It attacked the Federal Government

College, Buni Yadi, Yobe State, which led to the death of about 50 students. The group pursued a similar and seemingly coordinated attack in Borno State that also led to the death of about 42 victims. Critics felt it was insensitive of the government to continue with the celebrations following the national calamity occasioned by the killings.

This writer is not disposed to the centenary celebrations; they are wasteful and do not involve the Nigerian populace. The Nigerian people are traumatised by hunger, poverty, mass joblessness, mass housing deficit, security deficit and uncertain future. The 1914 amalgamation occasioned centrifugal forces on the polity and subsequently a skewed federation. The military rule furthered stultified the growth of the federation and shifted the polity to a unitary system.

Meanwhile, the centenary celebrations were marked by awards to Nigerians and former heads of state, including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo et al. It is ironical that the only criterion for honouring these former leaders is being past leaders irrespective of their records in office. The Shagari administration was characterised by electoral malfeasance that truncated the Second Republic, and massive corruption. The Obasanjo military administration was assertive in its foreign policy, but did not exploit the relatively strong oil economy to build a strong, self-reliant and diversified economy. The Obasanjo civilian administration vitiated the gains of military period through the adoption of foreign imposed economic reform measures that undermined the sovereignty of the country, alienated its people and underdeveloped its economy.

The Abacha award elicited intense reactions in the public domain. The late General Sani Aba-

THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION DID NOT INVOLVE THE

NIGERIAN PEOPLE; IT WAS A ‘PARTY’ OF THE GOVERNING ELITE AND THEIR CRONIES TO REALISE SELF SERVING CLASS INTERESTS cha overthrew the Chairman, Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Sonekan. He loathed opposition and relied on political assassination as a strategy of containment. He sought to transmute to a civilian leader on the platform of five political parties within the context of a political transition agenda.

The other awardees include the late Afro beat king, Fela Anikulapo Kuti; the late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and globally acclaimed poet and playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka. The families of Fela and Fawehimi rejected the awards; and the playwright called the award an insult. The Abacha family reacted by calling Professor Soyinka a mere writer. The rejection of Abacha awards by relatives of intended recipients somewhat underscores the perception of Abacha administration as authoritarian and anti-people.

The Abacha government was indicted for political corruption and mass transfer of state

resources to foreign banks. We will recall that the media claimed the Obasanjo administration recovered $2 billion Abacha loot from foreign accounts. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, however, disclosed that the Obasanjo administration only retrieved $500 million.

It is noteworthy that the American government froze $458 million Abacha loot when the centenary celebrations held. The American government should release the loot; it is a public resource that had been appropriated by a dictator.

The perverted centenary Abacha award is not a sufficient ground to freeze Nigeria’s looted fund.

The previous governments, however, have not justified the appropriation of Abacha loot.

Dr. Okonjo Iweala argued that the $500m recovered by the Obasanjo administration was appropriated to the rural sector in Nigeria. We demand that the minister should identify the specific projects and where. The rural people have been impoverished, alienated and pauperised by state economic policies. The failure of state policies explains the emergence of non-state actors and community-based organisations as alternative platforms of local governance.

The state actors in Nigeria arrogantly insist on their plans; and are insensitive to the socioeconomic conditions of urban poor and rural peasants. The state is increasingly distanced from the populace and creates the perception of a philosopher-king that is all-knowing. The centenary celebration did not involve the Nigerian people; it was a ‘party’ of the governing elite and their cronies to realise self serving class interests. The Nigerian people are under- siege of insurgency, food deficit, joblessness, homelessness, mass poverty and deprivation amid the chicaneries of their political elite.

The dynamics that favour Jonathan’s second term bid JOHN OLA MAFO CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

P

rior to the emergence of the present six geo-political zones, Nigeria operated the regional system, whereby the entire North, though not altogether monolithic, operated as a single region, whereas the South had three regions, namely Western, Mid West and Eastern regions. This was the set-up before the creation of 12 states by the General Yakubu Gowon-led military government in 1967 sequel to the commencement of the Nigeria-Biafra War. It should be noted that the then South Eastern State (present Cross River and Akwa Ibom) and Rivers State (now Rivers and Bayelsa) were combined with the old Midwest Region (Now Edo and Delta) to form the present South South zone.

By accident of history, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan became the first President from South South, first by accident in 2010 and later by election in 2011. Since the area is made up of the Southern minorities, it is understandable that the zone will seek the understanding of fellow Nigerians to enable it make full use of the present opportunity, as it may take a matter of decades before the presidency rotates back to the sensitive area, which since the seventies had become the wealth basket for Nigeria.

Happily enough some elements from the northern side of the country are already

SINCE THIS IS A CONSTITUTIONAL MATTER, THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO RESOLVE THE STACCATO OF OPINIONS AND ROAD SIDE INTERPRETATIONS THAN A RECOURSE TO JUDICIAL INTERVENTION conscious of this necessity and therefore, receptive to the zone’s yearnings.

Once that is settled, the North will then be expected to approach their quest for the return of power in 2019 with the highest regard to justifiable sensibility, bearing in mind that the South East will require a lot of convincing and pacification for things to work out amicably. That is about the glaring path of honour and sanity to enhance peaceful co-existence, political stability and national unity, which are all vital ingredients for the survival of Nigeria as an indivisible and indissoluble entity.

From the fore-going, it does appear, to all intent and purposes that this piece had thrown a lot of light on the nagging question

of where the next President should come from, if not actually on who should be the next President. The little task that appears outstanding is on the eligibility of President Jonathan.

Since this is a constitutional matter, there is no better way to resolve the staccato of opinions and road side interpretations than a recourse to judicial intervention. In a recently decided case it was held that Dr. Jonathan is entitled to second term. Except an appellate court otherwise decides that judgment remains binding, with the full force of law.

Meanwhile, it was highly amusing to come across a two-page advertorial in a national daily, where one Udeme Michael Umoh, a legal practitioner, argued without any conviction that President Jonathan is not eligible for second term. This writer will refrain from a point-by-point response on this matter. It is therefore, sufficient to say that there is no amount of fire brigade interpretation that can be imputed into sections 135 and 137 of the Constitution that can turn the one year of unexpired term of President Yar’Adua to a full term of four years for President Jonathan. The combined reading of sections 135 (2) and 137 (1) (b) clearly guarantee a two-term tenure of eight years for a Nigerian President, if he could be re-elected by the people. The choice is that of Nigerians.

For the avoidance of doubt, with or without the application of any ‘Doctrine of Necessity’, section 146 of the Constitution endows the Vice President with power to hold the office of the President if and when the office becomes vacant as a result of death, resignation, im-

peachment, permanent incapacity, etc. There is nothing in our Constitution to support any suggestion to reckon with any unexpired term inherited by a Vice President in the calculation of the two-term tenure of eight years provided for a President. The wordings of section 137 (1) (b) makes this clearer, which state that “A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of the President if he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections.” It is therefore, clear that the tenure of four years provided in section 135 begins after an election, not an inheritance.

It should equally be considered that the makers of the constitution could never have designed a situation where the two terms of eight years guaranteed in sections 135 and 137 would be turned to 5 or six years, hence if there is any lacuna or mischief in our law, it is that which allows a free term, long or short, to a present holder enjoying an unexpired term, which our Constitution, as it is, made no provision to regulate. The attempt to compare our Constitution with that of America after the 22nd Amendment cannot hold water.

Concluded Mafo is an Abuja-based legal practitioner.

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Editorial

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NHRC report on electoral impunity

T

he damning verdict of a 146-page report prepared by a seven-member expert Technical Working Group (TWG) constituted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which was made public recently, merely confirmed how rotten the nation’s electoral process still is, despite purported efforts by the Federal Government to effect electoral reforms.

Titled ‘An Independent Review of Evidence of Gross Violations of the Rights to Participate in Government to Public Service and to Fair Trial Through the Election Petition Process in Nigeria — 2007 and 2011’, the report found that the judiciary, the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unwittingly encouraged electoral impunity in the country.

The NHRC report considered petitions filed at various election petition tribunals across the country’s six geo-political zones.

It revealed, for example, that in one particular case, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) was identified before an electoral petition tribunal to have signed results as an agent of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

And in a ward in Anambra State in the 2007 election, while 2,089 names were on the voters’ register, more than 7,000 were re-

THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE UWAIS

COMMITTEE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS A STARTING POINT turned as having voted.

The aforementioned report is a reminder of the observations and recommendations of the 22-member Electoral Reform Committee headed by former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Muhammadu Lawal Uwais, which was set up on August 28, 2007 by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Recall that the Uwais committee rightly noted that Nigeria’s experience with democratic elections since independence had been a mixed grill; and that whereas the country has managed to transit from one administration to another, hardly any election conducted in the country was completely free of charges of irregularities, electoral malpractices, violence and various degrees of disruptions. The factors fingered by the committee as responsible for the elaborate aberration include the “character of the Nigerian State as the arena for electoral contests; the existence of weak

democratic institutions and processes; negative political culture; weak legal/constitutional framework; and lack of independence and capacity of the Election Management Bodies (EMBs)” It said the country’s history showed that elections conducted by the military tended to be more credible than those conducted by civilian authorities; the primary reason being the plot by politicians to perpetuate their hold on power at all cost. “Over the years, politicians have become more desperate and daring in taking and retaining political power; more reckless and greedy in their use and abuse of power; and more intolerant of the opposition, criticism and efforts at replacing them”, Uwais and his team said.

The committee’s report also confirmed the unholy matrimony between (EMBs), security agencies and legal provisions that guide the conduct of elections, stressing that these institutional arrangements were, over the years, the focal points at which elections were compromised. The power of incumbency; corruption, poverty and disregard for the welfare of Nigerians by those in authority, poor civil, moral and political education; unending contests over electoral outcomes contests, among others, were likewise identified as the

bane of the country’s electoral process.

In the final report the Uwais committee presented to the FG in December 2008, the panel recommended the re-organization of the INEC, which it said should be re-positioned to ensure its independence and professionalism in the conduct of elections in the country. The committee suggested that the 1999 Constitution should be amended to ensure that INEC became truly independent, non-partisan, impartial, professional, transparent and reliable as an institution and in the performance of its constitutional functions, etc.; and warned against dragging the judiciary into politics; even when it is obvious that politicians have compromised the integrity of the bench.

For obvious political reasons, however, the FG and the political elite tossed the far-reaching report under the rug.

But with the commendable revelation of the NHRC’s TWG, it is apparent that the mere promises of credible elections come 2015 by the Professor Attahiru Jegaled INEC are baseless except something concrete is done to reform the electoral process. The recommendations of the Uwais committee should be considered as a starting point whenever it pleases the FG to do the needful.

ON THIS DAY

March 12, 2004 The President of South Korea, Roh Moo-hyun, was impeached by the country’s National Assembly: the first of such in the country’s history. Moohyun was the ninth President of the Republic of Korea (2003–2008). His pre-presidential political career was focused on human rights advocacy for student activists in South Korea. His electoral career later expanded to a focus on overcoming regionalism in South Korean politics.

March 12, 2009 Financier, Bernard Madoff, pleaded guilty in New York to scamming $18 billion, the largest in Wall Street’s history. On December 10, 2008, Madoff ’s sons told authorities that their father had confessed to them that the asset management unit of his firm was a massive Ponzi scheme, and quoted him as describing it as ‘one big lie.’ The following day, FBI agents arrested Madoff and charged him with one count of securities’ fraud.

March 12, 2011 A reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Japan, melted, exploded and released radioactivity into the atmosphere a day after Japan’s earthquake.

The incident permanently damaged several reactors making them impossible to restart. The disaster disabled the reactor cooling systems, which led to radioactivity releases and triggered a 30-km evacuation zone around the plant.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

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Health & Wellbeing Healthy eating may reduce risk of preterm delivery 22

Nigeria needs foot care policy 20

36 million Nigerians have kidney disorders -Expert FRANKA OSAKWE

N

igeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2014 World Kidney Day tomorrow, amidst startling revelation that no fewer than 36.8 million people or 23% of the population suffer from various stages of kidney disorders.

Speaking at an awareness programme organised by St Nicholas Hospital in Lagos weekend, the President-elect, Nigeria Association of Nephrology and Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Ebun Bamgboye also disclosed that an estimated 15,000 new patients are diagnosed every year in the country.

“Chronic kidney disease prevalence is a problem in our environment. Estimates suggest that one out of every seven Nigerians has one stage of chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, out of 50,000 patients who should ideally be on dialysis, less than 1,000 are currently on dialysis as at today,” he said.

“Unfortunately, if you have kidney failure and you don’t do dialysis or transplant within two weeks you will die. You can imagine the number of people that are dying every day because of kidney disease.”

Dr. Bamgboye

World Kidney Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of the kidneys to health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. The focus for the 2014 World Kindney Day is on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and aging In Lagos, the Kidney Foundation staged a public walk, weekend

to draw attention to the growing incidence of kidney disease in the country. Distributing leaflets and urging the public to go for regular screening to prevent advanced chronic renal failure, especially for individuals with high blood pressure and diabetes. Founder of the Foundation, Dr. Bose Peters described the kidneys as sophisticated reprocessing machines which help sift our waste products and extra water from the body. The wastes and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters According to her, when the kidneys fail as a result of different factors, the individuals especially people with advanced chronic renal failure. .

“Renal replacement therapy (RRT) is required when the kidneys are functioning at less than 10– 15%, and is accomplished through Dialysis or kidney transplant. People with advanced chronic renal failure (CRF) who have progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) usually require dialysis. People with advanced chronic renal failure are advised to prepare for dialysis before it is needed, instead of having to rely on it in a crisis” She further said that the aim of KFA is to raise awareness of the

importance of the kidney to the overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems across the country.

A recent study in Nigerian Medical Journal has identified Acute renal failure is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. The early detection

and prompt treatment of dialysis to the kidneys may prevent renal failure which is capital intensive in its management. Majority of Nigerians cannot afford the cost of renal substitution therapy which is scarce and expensive. There is no renal replacement therapy subsidy and the National Health Insurance Scheme is yet to be implemented.

Why kidneys fail

M

ost kidney diseases attack the nephrons, causing them to lose their filtering capacity. Damage to the nephrons can happen quickly, often as the result of injury or poisoning. But most kidney diseases destroy the nephrons slowly and silently. Only after years or even decades will the damage become apparent. Most kidney diseases attack both kidneys simultaneously.

The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. People with a family history of any kind of kidney problem are also at risk for kidney disease.

Diabetic Kidney Disease Diabetes is a disease that keeps the body from using glucose, a

form of sugar, as it should. If glucose stays in the blood instead of breaking down, it can act like a poison. Damage to the nephrons from unused glucose in the blood is called diabetic kidney disease.

Keeping blood glucose levels down can delay or prevent diabetic kidney disease. Use of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to treat high blood pressure can also slow or delay the progression of diabetic kidney disease.

High Blood Pressure High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. The damaged vessels cannot filter wastes from the blood as

they are supposed to.

A doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication. ACE inhibitors and ARBs have been found to protect the kidneys even more than other medicines that lower blood pressure to similar levels. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), one of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that people with diabetes or reduced kidney function keep their blood pressure below 130/80.

Glomerular Diseases Several types of kidney disease are grouped together under this category, including autoimmune diseases, infection-related diseases, and sclerotic diseases. As the name indicates, glomerular diseases

attack the tiny blood vessels, or glomeruli, within the kidney. The most common primary glomerular diseases include membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

The first sign of a glomerular disease is often proteinuria, which is too much protein in the urine. Another common sign is hematuria, which is blood in the urine. Some people may have both proteinuria and hematuria. Glomerular diseases can slowly destroy kidney function. Blood pressure control is important with any kidney disease.

Glomerular diseases are usually diagnosed with a biopsy—a procedure that involves taking a piece of kidney tissue for examination

with a microscope. Treatments for glomerular diseases may include immunosuppressive drugs or steroids to reduce inflammation and proteinuria, depending on the specific disease.

Inherited and Congenital Kidney Diseases Some kidney diseases result from hereditary factors. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), for example, is a genetic disorder in which many cysts grow in the kidneys. PKD cysts can slowly replace much of the mass of the kidneys, reducing kidney function and leading to kidney failure.

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

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Health & Wellbeing

Nutrition for Health Chizoba Nwobu chizobanwobu@yahoo.com 08065651922 (sms only)

N

utrition label is guidance or a summary of the required statements that must appear on drug or food labels under the laws and regulations that guides their production and consumption in any community, society or nation in relation to accepted global standards.

In this vein, nutritionists are health experts who know the right food for sound health, just as pharmacists’ advice people about the right drug for any ailment with reference to the composition of the drug and its label. In the same vein, manufacturers-nutritionists’ labels help you to choose a more balanced diet. They also help to make you cut down on fat (especially saturated fat), salt and added sugars; base your meals on starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, pasta and rice, choosing wholegrain where possible; and eat lots of fruit and vegetables. Aim for at least five portions of a variety every day such as some protein-rich foods like meat, fish, pulses and milk and dairy foods.

Though many manufacturers state the contents of the products on the packets by using colour code, it is not everybody that

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Why you should read nutritional labels on drugs, packaged food knows what the colours stand for. Some front-of-pack nutrition labels use red, amber and green colour-coding. Red means high; amber means medium and green means low.

If you buy a food that has all or mostly green lights, you know straight away that it is a healthier choice. Amber light means neither high nor low, so you can eat foods with all or mostly amber lights most of the time. But a red light means the food is high in fat, saturated fat, salt or sugars and these are the foods we should cut down on. Try to eat these foods less often and in small amounts.

Most pre-packed food products also have a list of ingredients on the packaging or on an attached label. The ingredients list can also help you work out how healthy the product is. Ingredients are listed in order of weight, so the main ingredients in the packaged food always come first. That means that if the first few ingredients are high-fat ingredients, such as cream, butter or oil, then the food in question is a highfat food.

However, there are some tips that you can rely on for shopping stated in the following paragraphs. If you are buying

ready meals, check to see if there is a nutrition label on the front of the pack, and then see how your choices stack up when it comes to the amount of energy, fat, saturated fat, sugars and salt.

If the nutrition labels use colour-coding, you will often find a mixture of red, amber and green. So, when you are choosing between similar products, try to go for more greens and ambers, and fewer reds, if you want to make a healthier choice.

But remember that even healthier ready meals may be higher in fat and energy than the homemade equivalent. If you make the meal yourself, you could save money, too.

Therefore, it is very important that you should always check the label of any drug or consumable food item packaged for sales at any departmental store or eatery centre, before buying it for consumption.

Nonetheless, though most pre-packed foods have a nutrition label on the back or side of the packaging; many people don’t care to read it to know the nutritional composition. Nutrition labels usually include information on energy in kilojoules (kJ) or kilocalories (kcal), usually referred to as calories. They also include informa-

result of a disturbance during the development of the tooth structure. Fluorosis is common in Nigeria in some parts of the north central and North- eastern regions notably in Maiduguri, Adamawa and Yobe states.

Fluorosis affects both sets of dentition that is the primary (deciduous ) and the permanent dentition, however the risks of it occurring in the deciduous dentition is higher because the danger of overexposure is higher in children during the developmental, stages of the dentition.

The general appearance of fluorosed teeth depends on the degree of severity and the concentration of fluoride in the drinking water. The appearance varies from specks to streaks of discoloration, stains and sometimes very severe brownish stains on the teeth.

The tooth structure is made of layers of enamel, dentine and the nutritive part of the tooth the pulp where the nerves and blood vessels run.

The enamel which is the outer-most layer is made of hydroxyl apatite crystals of calcium. The substance fluoride is able to get incorporated into the enamel structure to make it stronger and less resistant to attack by acid produced by bacteria acting on the carbohydrate substance, debris in the mouth. So fluoride is a good guy in the scheme of things. Fluoride makes it more difficult for the tooth to be dissolved by the acid, in this case lactic acid.

The danger of teeth getting exposed gets less by the time the teeth erupts into the mouth. Excessive fluoride will therefore lead to the staining of the teeth and pitting of the enamel surfaces. Fluoride excess also affects other bones of the body especially the long bones.

The severity of the condition depends on factors such as the amount of fluoride the affected individual is exposed to, age of the child, other individual variations like weight, nutrition and bone growth, The concentration of fluoride in toothpastes, mouth-rinses, bottled water, public water supplies, food types consumed, types of supplements and several other sources which have not undergone biochemical assays. It is the duty of the water boards and corporations to carry out these assays and monitor the ionic content of even packaged sachet water and make these findings available in public domain. Government fluoridation programmes where carried out should

Fluorosis

F

luorosis is a condition that affects the teeth due to the presence of excessive fluoride in the tooth structure. The condition is also known as enamel mottling or mottling of the tooth.

The cause of the condition as earlier stated is the excessive incorporation of fluoride, the same substance added in tooth pastes, mouth-rinses and dentifrices to make the teeth more resistant to dental caries, tooth decay. Fluoride is similarly available as supplements in the tablet form, in gels where they are used for topical application especially in children; fluoride is similarly available in its ionic forms in sources of water, spring water, bore-hole water, bottled water in various concentrations.

Fluorosis itself is a developmental disturbance by which it means that it is a

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tion on protein, carbohydrate and fat.

They may provide additional information on saturated fat, sugars, sodium and salt.

All nutrition information is provided per 100 grams and sometimes per portion of the food.

ORAL HEALTH CARE Dr. Samuel Awosolu Samawosolu@yahoo.co.

08108155239 be meticulous to assess fluoride ion concentration in drinking water so as not to make the fluoride concentration higher than the optimum level of one part of fluoride per million of water.

Fluoride is also available in tea and brick tea and pollution from high fluoride coal, so societies with a high consumption of tea need to be aware of these, a note here, the writer is not discouraging the consumption of tea or saying the consumption of tea causes fluorosis.

There are conditions that mimic the appearance of fluorosed teeth, some are genetic and some are developmental examples are enamel defects caused by environmental factors, amelogenesis imperfecta just to mention a few.

Drinking of water from shallow wells may likewise increase the incidence of fluorosis, similarly the use of hand pumping water machines.

The risk of teeth fluorosis from the consumption of drinking water alone is minimal. It is the combination of drinking water fluoride ion concentration and fluoride ion concentration from other sources including children swallowing tooth-pastes, fluoride mouth-wash, mouth rinses, un-assayed food supplements sold over the counter and high fluoride containing food that is most likely contributor to fluorosis. Should an individual have fluorosis a visit to the dental surgery will help.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

21

Nigeria needs foot care policy FRANKA OSAKWE

W

ith statistics rating diabetes mellitus foot as the second leading cause of diabetes-related deaths in Nigeria and accounting for 19.5 to 24 percent of all diabetes mortality, an endocrinologist Dr. Afoke Isiavwe has advocated the need for a foot care policy in the country.

Speaking to journalists at the weekend on the forth coming Podiatric conference organised by the Rainbow Specialist Clinic in Lagos, Dr. Isiavwe cited a study which showed that diabetes-related foot ulceration accounted for 12 percent of total hospital admissions in a tertiary hospital in Lagos; while diabetes mellitus foot syndrome was also responsible for most amputation in the surgical unit (55.14 percent of all amputation).

Unfortunately, she said, lack of policy on foot care and the dearth of specialists

have prevented the country from adopting necessary measure to curb the growing incidence of diabetes foot and also manage the problem effectively.

To help bridge this training gap and raise awareness on the condition, Dr. Isiavwe disclosed that Rainbow Specialist Clinic has established the Podiatry Initiative Nigeria and will be training Nigerian medical doctors in this sub-specialty at the nation’s first Podiatric conference. According to her, the aim is to bring together trainers from the USA to empower Nigerians in the area of Podiatry Medicine; especially targeting the Diabetes foot Ulcers in Nigeria.

“The pilot training will hold in Lagos but we will reach out to doctors in the different geo-political zones of the Nation to come for the trainings.

The first lap is scheduled to take off from March 17th 2014 to March 21st 2014.”

Dr. Isiavwe urged people with diabetes to go for an

annual foot examination to identify high-risk foot conditions. *The presence of erythema, warmth, or callus formation may indicate areas of tissue damage with impending breakdown,. bony deformities, limitation in joint mobility, and prob-

A

and N4 million.

Bukola, 39, now undergoes dialysis three times a week. This is in addition to the cost of blood transfusion as it was discovered she has low blood count on admission.

The family spends

cose tolerance. Dr. Isiavwe says early recognition and management of independent risk factors for ulcers and amputations could prevent or delay the onset of adverse outcomes. According to her, risk identification is fundamental for effective preventive management of

the foot in people with diabetes, adding that the risk of ulcers or amputations is increased in people who have had diabetes for more than10 years, are male, have poor glucose control, or have cardiovascular, retinal, or renal complications.

L-R: New College President, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Prof. Rasheed Arogundade; Immediate past President, Prof. Victor Wakwe, College Vice President, Prof. Ademola Olaitan and College Treasurer, Prof. Benedict da-Lilly Tariah, during the Investiture of Prof Arogundade as the 18th College president, at the College Auditorium, Ijanikin, Lagos.

Lawyer needs N4m for kidney transplant

lawyer, Miss Bukola Comfort Obafemi, lying critically ill at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan urgently needs N4 million for kidney transplant.

The ailment manifested during her visit to her mother in Ibadan, Oyo State in January, when she was rushed to the UCH under the care of a Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. S. O. Ajayi of the Nephrology Unit, according to Mrs. Iyabode Salako, sister to the patient.

Subsequently, the medical team in charge of her case discovered that she has damaged kidneys.

According to the team, the permanent solution to her predicament is a kidney transplant, the cost of which is put at between N3million

lems with gait and balance should be assessed,” she further said.

Studies by international diabetes federation, shows that Nigeria has the highest number of people living with diabetes in Africa, and also the highest number of persons with impaired glu-

N150,000 weekly on the dialysis sessions, drugs, tests and other hospital expenses. The three times a week dialysis sessions are required to keep her alive, pending when sufficient funds can be raised for the transplant.

Sadly, her family, having exhausted all its savings in the course of providing care for her, does not have the required money for the transplant and the weekly expenses.

Bukola, through her family, has therefore appealed to Nigerians to help save her life by donating the needed funds to enable her finance the treatment.

Her bank account details are: Olubukola Comfort Obafemi & Iyabode, Account Number: 1004427853, Zenith Bank.

GAIN, NAFDAC partner on food fortification campaign MARCUS FATUNMOLE ABUJA

T

he Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Campaign, NAFDAC, have commenced a social marketing communication campaign intended help increase awareness of Nigerian consumers on the importance of fortified foods in nutrition and health.

Speaking at the campaign launch in Mushin, Lagos State recently,

GAIN Country Manager, Larry Umunna said GAIN is supporting NAFDAC in strengthening its regulatory ability to monitor and enforce compliance with legislation concerning implementation of the national food fortification program.

He said, “It is the right of every Nigerian to consume fortified foods.

Therefore it is important that the consumers begin to demand for fortified staples. The food industry must be challenged by the consumers to comply with the fortification stan-

dards. We hope that the campaign being flagged off today will result in more educated and informed consumers who fully understand the benefits of fortified foods.”

Director General, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, said the social marketing campaign demonstrated the commitment of stakeholders in ensuring the success of food fortification program in Nigeria, which, according to him, is in alignment with NAFDAC’s core mandate of ‘safeguarding the health of the nation’.

Poor funding of health sector deserves attention –Arogundade SEKINAH L AWAL AND SAIDAT ALAUSA

A

clarion call has gone to the Federal Government to look critically into the poor funding experience by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) and other health institutions in the country.

Making the call recently at the investiture of the 18th College President of NPMCN, were the new President, Prof. Rasheed Arogundade and the Na-

tional President of NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele.

They urged the FG to assist the college in being able to produce better-prepared specialists in order to halt travelling abroad for medical treatment.

Enabulelel commended the college for its great strides despite poor funding. “The college must be commended for keeping the spirit of quality training inspite funding challenges.” He also charged the new Coillege President to hit the ground running by ensuring the implementation of the enabling

act that establish the college, ensure continuous quality medical training, mentoring and availability of modern state of arts medical infrastructure.

The new College President, Prof. Arogundade promised to build a college that is able to superintend over world standard training centers equipped with modern teaching and learning facilities by focusing on quality training standards, curbing incomplete training syndrome as well physical development of the college.

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Health & Wellbeing

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria needs foot care policy Healthy eating may reduce FRANKA OSAKWE

W

ith statistics rating diabetes mellitus foot as the second leading cause of diabetes-related deaths in Nigeria and accounting for 19.5 to 24 percent of all diabetes mortality, an endocrinologist Dr. Afoke Isiavwe has advocated the need for a foot care policy in the country.

Speaking to journalists at the weekend on the forth coming Podiatric conference organised by the Rainbow Specialist Clinic in Lagos, Dr. Isiavwe cited a study which showed that diabetes-related foot ulceration accounted for 12 percent of total hospital admissions in a tertiary hospital in Lagos; while diabetes mellitus foot syndrome was also responsible for most amputation in the surgical unit (55.14 percent of all amputation).

Unfortunately, she said, lack of policy on foot care and the dearth of specialists have prevented the country from adopting necessary measure to curb the growing incidence of diabetes foot and also manage the problem effectively.

To help bridge this train-

ing gap and raise awareness on the condition, Dr. Isiavwe disclosed that Rainbow Specialist Clinic has established the Podiatry Initiative Nigeria and will be training Nigerian medical doctors in this sub-specialty at the nation’s first Podiatric conference. According to her, the aim is to bring together trainers from the USA to empower Nigerians in the area of Podiatry Medicine; especially targeting the Diabetes foot Ulcers in Nigeria.

“The pilot training will hold in Lagos but we will reach out to doctors in the different geo-political zones of the Nation to come for the trainings.

The first lap is scheduled to take off from March 17th 2014 to March 21st 2014.”

Dr. Isiavwe urged people with diabetes to go for an annual foot examination to identify high-risk foot conditions. *The presence of erythema, warmth, or callus formation may indicate areas of tissue damage with impending breakdown,. bony deformities, limitation in joint mobility, and problems with gait and balance should be assessed,”

she further said.

Studies by international diabetes federation, shows that Nigeria has the highest number of people living with diabetes in Africa, and also the highest number of persons with impaired glucose tolerance. Dr. Isiavwe says early recognition and management of independent risk factors for ulcers and amputations could prevent or delay the onset of adverse outcomes. According to her, risk identification is fundamental for effective preventive management of the foot in people with diabetes, adding that the risk of ulcers or amputations is increased in people who have had diabetes for more than10 years, are male, have poor glucose control, or have cardiovascular, retinal, or renal complications.

Also, the endocrinologist advised that people with evidence of increased plantar pressure (e.g., erythema, warmth, callus, or measured pressure) should use footwear that cushions and redistributes the pressure.

Callus can be debrided with a scalpel by a foot care specialist or other health professional with experience and training in foot care.

Stakeholders seek concurrence, passage of National Health Bill FATUNMOLE ABUJA

A

nxious over probable recurrence of what befell the National Health Bill at the 6th National Assembly, stakeholders in the health sector have called on the House of Representatives to pass the bill to enable it merit President’s assent.

This is even as they said the bill, when passed into law, would be the first legal document stipulating commitments and modes of health care delivery in Nigeria.

Senate had passed the bill last month, leaving it for passage and concurrence with the lower chamber before it is forwarded to the President for assent.

The stakeholders were unanimous in their calls at a “Thematic Panel on the National Health Bill,” convened by Health Reform

Foundation of Nigeria, HERFON, in Abuja that absence of legal provision for health care services in the country had been responsible for poor health performance and commitments from tiers of government in the country.

Speaking, Chairman, HERFON, Dr Ben Ayene, said the only provision for health in the country’s 1999 constitution was Section 17: subsection 3C and 4th Schedule of the constitution,” which he said only spelt out supervisory roles for leaders in health care delivery, stressing “there is no document to challenge anything concerning health issues in Nigeria.”

The Health Bill, he noted, had gone through several stages in its 12 years of conception and stay at the National Assembly, as it had earlier suffered denial of assent by the President.

In his reminiscence of

how the bill came into being, Ayene stated the process started in 2002. “This year was the year of change agent programme in the sector. Prof Lambo (former Minister of Health) brought proposal that the nation’s health sector needed a change agent which should be all-inclusive.

A team was constituted to look at the challenges in the sector. At the time, Nigeria was rated 187 out of 191 countries. 1999 constitution has nothing on health. The committee took a journey to African countries where things work, not develop countries.”

He added: “the team was totally embarrassed when it got to Ghana and became sober by the time it came back to Nigeria.

He maintained that many of the policies being paraded in Nigeria at the time were obsolete even before independence; and that as at then, Lambo was not yet a minister.”

risk of preterm delivery

I

n a new study, participants completed a scientifically evaluated questionnaire about what they had been eating and drinking since becoming pregnant.

The results show that the group of women with the ‘healthiest’ pregnancy diet had a roughly 15% lower risk of preterm delivery compared with those with the most unhealthy diet. The correlation remained after controlling for ten other known risk factors for preterm delivery. n the study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, the participants completed a scientifically evaluated questionnaire about what they had been eating and drinking since becoming pregnant.

The researchers also had access to information about the women’s general lifestyle e.g. level of education, living conditions, income, weight, physical activity, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, number of children and medical factors such as history of preterm delivery.

The results show that the group of women with the ‘healthiest’ pregnancy diet had a roughly 15% lower risk of preterm delivery compared with those with the most unhealthy diet. The correlation remained after controlling for ten other known risk factors for preterm delivery.

‘Pregnant women have

SCIENCE

Compiled by Franka Osakwe

many reasons to choose a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruit, whole grain products and some types of fish, but this is the first time we can statistically link healthy eating habits to reduced risk of preterm delivery,’ says Linda Englund-Ögge, researcher at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg.

Preterm delivery, defined as spontaneous or induced delivery before the end of gestational week 37, can be associated with acute and longterm complications and is a major problem in modern maternity care.

Measures to prevent preterm delivery are therefore of high priority.

Should this lead to revised dietary recommendations for pregnant women?

‘No, and it is not harmful to occasionally eat something unhealthy.

But our study shows that the dietary recommendations given to pregnant

women are important,’ says Englund-Ögge: ‘Dietary studies can be very complex. Any given food item may contain a wide range of substances and is usually consumed together with other foods. This makes it difficult to find out its exact effects of one single food.

We show that there is a statistically established link between a healthy diet and reduced risk of preterm delivery, but our study wasn’t designed to identify any underlying mechanisms.

Englund-Ögge says that studies of the overall dietary pattern and the total quality of the foods consumed are important complements to coming studies of how single food items affect the risk of preterm delivery. The researchers are hoping that the study will inspire doctors, midwives and others who work with pregnant women to encourage healthy eating habits.

Wednesday, March Wednesday, June 12, 12, 2014 2013

National Mirror Mirror National www.nationalmirroronline.net www.nationalmirroronline.net

23

Arts Lounge

People want something different - Oranmiyan

Drama in Nigeria : Trend, focus and development

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24

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

N

igeria in the 70s and 80s captured what excellence in television programming entails; if you ask many people. As the prime time approached, neighbours, who were not privileged to own television sets would cluster around any that was available in the vicinity. The audience would be glued to the sets, taking in every action and emotions of the characters. Thereafter, they would leave with so much suspense, wondering what would happen next. Often times, some members of the audience would shed tears over the agonies of a character. Some would rejoice over the triumphs of their heroes. Those were the days of the monumentally successful soap operas like ‘New Masquerade’,’ Village Headmaster’, ‘Behind the Clouds’, ‘Checkmate’, ‘Mirror in the Sun’, and \Cock Crow at Dawn’ to mention a few.

But this excitement seems to have left the Nigerian audience. Although a few soap operas, like ‘Tinsel’, ‘Spider’, ‘Domino’, ‘Treasures’, ‘Clinic Matters’ ‘Super Story’ and ‘Footprints’, amongst others have emerged in the last couple of years, fortified with excellent acting, and good technical details, none has been able to sway the audience like it was the case in those days, when acting and filming were probably at their lowest ebbs in Nigeria’s televisions history.

The situation however portends a scary picture when compared to the reaction of the Nigerian audience to soap operas imported from South America like ‘Passion’, ‘Secrets of the Sands’, ‘The Rich also Cry’, ‘When You are Mine’ and ‘Second Chance’, which have over the years, recorded astounding success with the Nigerian audience that the faces of the stars in the soaps are currently ‘illegally’ branding products in Nigeria.

Arts Lounge inquiries revealed that the advertising revenues in Mexican soaps, like ‘When you are Mine’, was so much that the local marketing company in charge of advertising became selective about the commercials show. While the local soap opera producers are keen to see the industry blossom, a lot of challenges seem to be confronting them.

Chico Ejiro is a director, who has a soap, ‘Treasures’ running on TV stations, and he says the problems being encountered by producers of soap operas are a reflection of the problems afflicting the entire nation. “One of the biggest challenges we have is the lack of sponsorship, which is traceable to the economy. The truth is that we have many shows pursuing the few commercials. If you take a look at the movie industry, you will realise that there was a time when the sales were high, until people came from all walks of life. The same thing is happening in the soap opera industry now. But a few of us, who have a knack for quality, still manage to confront the challenges. But it is

Clinic Matters cast cast: Inset of Footprints

Battle to save Nigerian soap opera industry Over time, the frenzy associated with soap operas has waned considerably. Is the problem with content, the audience, the producers or the air time vendors? Another look at how the soap opera culture could be saved. not easy.”

Bolaji Dawodu, a director, whose directorial skills excited audiences in ‘Checkmate’, heaps the blame on the poor talent in the industry. “If you produce a soap that is good, there is no way, advertisers will not come. I tell the young ones that they must come up with fantastic ideas that advertisers cannot afford to resist, before complaining that things are so bad.

When we were younger, we understudied people; that has been thrown overboard today. These days, what they do is to graduate and think they can do it one day. It has never worked that way”.

Jerry Isichei, who produces ‘Footprints’, another soap opera currently running on 20 stations, told Arts Lounge that he decided to branch off to television soap operas when it became difficult to recoup investments in the movie industry, but cited one of the greatest pains of the TV soap industry as the price of airtime. “There was a movie I shot in Nollywood a couple of years back, and I was almost drowned in debts because of piracy. That was why I decided to move to soap operas because here we do not bother about pirates, but things are not so well here as well. After sourcing funds

ASIDE THIS, THE

NIGERIAN AUDIENCE APPEARS NOT TO BE HAVING THE SUSPENSE THAT WOULD COMMAND

VIEWERSHIP, WHICH IS VITAL FOR THE SUCCESS OF A SOAP to make the soap opera, you will have to contend with the greatest challenge, which is paying for air time.”

Air time, Arts Lounge, learnt is as high as N1.2million on the network service of the African Independent Television for an episode of a soap opera that runs for thirty minutes. At Silverbird Television, with five television stations on its network, it is not any easier as most soap opera producers are usually asked to pay at least 70% of the value of the cost of the air time in a quarter before the programme begins to

run. It is only when these conditions are met that the producer would begin to look for commercials.

Aside this, the Nigerian audience appears not to be having the suspense that would command viewership, which is vital for the success of a soap. Mojaide Mariah, a publisher, who once documented the lives of some Mexican stars on Nigerian TV, told Arts Lounge that suspense is what the Mexican writers have over their Nigerian counterparts. “If you follow the Mexican soap opera, you will realise that they have suspense, which makes Nigerians want to see the end of the programme. I have published a number of books on the stars from the Mexican soap and they sold well, but can I do that with the stars in our local soap opera? Mexicans soaps know how to hold the audience and since they are shown on daily basis in most cases, Nigerians do not have any option than following the story because they are equally interesting.”

Nigerian can do a great deal also by creating stories that are indigenous to them, which would hold audiences for long similar to what ‘Coronation Street’, has been able to do in the Western World as the longest running soap in history.

24

Arts Lounge VOICES

STEPHEN INEGBE

I

n Nigeria, theatre is a reflection of life.

Right from the pre-colonial, pre-literate days, it has been in existence and it is reflected in the people’s festivals, rituals, mythology and other forms of social engagements. The typical African is bound to frown on theatre as entertainment because, to him, it transcends that. It is a medium through which he reaches out to, or better still, courts the supernatural world and certain enigmatic developments or phenomena of life in order to transcend them. However, the African man’s contact with the colonial world has eroded some of the importance attached to certain African values. Exposure to education and other seemly more refined religious practices has diminished, significantly, the importance that was once attached to certain beliefs and notions. Today, the story has changed. Nigerian playwrights in the years before and immediately after independence wrote to correct certain misheld notions about her people. Others wrote to magnify and eulogise those aspects of the Nigerian culture that promote goodwill and social harmony.

So much have been said about the origins and development of dramatic and theatrical activities in the Nigerian society that it would amount to a mere rehash, a re-cycling of ideas of some sort, if I should embark on the same venture. In this essay, therefore, I should like to concentrate my effort on dramatic and theatrical activities in the Nigerian society in the years after Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate.

In 1981, a respected Nigerian theatre critic and scholar, Yemi Ogunbiyi, had edited a book titled, ‘Drama and Theatre in Nigeria: A Critical Source Book’. In the book, which turned out to be a compendium of essays on dramatic and theatrical activities in certain festivals and rituals among certain Nigerian ethnic sub-sets, Ogunbiyi had argued that it is rather a misnomer or better still, a falsity to refer to “Nigerian drama and theatre” since the theatrical vaunting of the country rests on dramatic and theatrical activities in the many ethnic groupings (over eight hundred of them), that constitute the Nigerian

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Drama in Nigeria

Trend, focus and development IT IS MY CONTENTION THAT THE YOUNGER AND EVEN MUCH YOUNGER GENERATION OF

NIGERIAN

DRAMATISTS HAVE BEEN DOING SOME GOOD WORK AND SHOULD BE GIVEN SOME MEASURE OF EXPOSURE AS WELL nation. The book was also written to correct certain misheld notions about earlier Eurocentric theatre critics, especially in the West, who had written “books” on “Nigerian and African theatre and drama” practices, based on knowledge that were grossly inadequate, thwarted and lacking in hindsight.

Three years before, precisely in 1978, two foremost Nigerian theatre and drama critics, Oyin Ogunba and Abiola Irele, had made a similar and remarkable attempt in their brilliantly edited book, ‘Theatre in Africa’. Since then, a good number of books have been written and essays have either been published as articles in books and other learned journals, or as project dissertations and theses locked up in many institutions of higher learning across the Nigerian nation. One of such remarkable

Inegbe

essays is Dapo Adelugba’s “The Development of Drama and Theatre in Nigeria”.

His disputations that Nigeria’s development in drama and theatre has taken many forms: the development of pedagogy and research, the development of personnel, spaces and equipment, organisational and artistic, the development of published dramas and performed plays, musicals, dance-dramas, choreographed dances and mixed forms, the development of dance and music in theory and praxis and the development of scholarship, criticism, concepts, taste and a national conscience is an affirmation of, and attestation to Ogunbiyi’s earlier claim of “the

MEMORABLE READS

Bola Essien-Nelson Author of the Diary of a Desperate Naija Woman series and **True Confessions**

What book are you reading now?

I am reading Abimbola Dare’s ‘The Small Print, Stormie Omartian’s ‘Praying God’s will for your life’ and Audrey JoeEzigbo’s Uniquely Woman (this one is my commute to work companion).

Chase books in the house!

But I promise, they opened my mind to the world out there and till today I can still see in my mind’s eye, the bar scenes with blue cigar smoke rings being puffed into the air by some evil mogul.

How did you get introduced to reading?

My father did this to me! Growing up, we had shelves and shelves of books in the house. At first I used to play ‘Shop owner’ selling the books to my brother and other imaginary friends! But one day I picked out one of the books – ‘That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles’ by James Hadley Chase and that was the end! I became addicted to them. I doubt now that, at eight or nine years old, I should have been reading them, but I read all the James Hadley

What is your favourite book of all time?

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young.

Who is your favourite author?

When I was young, it was Sidney Sheldon and of course James Hadley Chase.

Today, I like Paul Coelho. You need to read **The Alchemist**. For Nigerians I really like how Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie writes but it will be so unfair to name any favorites because I love so many, especially the female ones so I shall not.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

existence, in many Nigerian societies, of a robust theatrical tradition”. Dramatic and theatrical activities in Nigeria is, indeed, very robust, vibrant and dynamic. Dapo Adelugba’s translation of Bakary Traore’s thesis, christened ‘The Black African Theatre and Its Social Functions’ is a worthy testimony to this. Other note worthy testimonies include : Biodun Jeyifo’s’The Yoruba Popular Travelling Theatre of Nigeria’, Onuora Ossie Enekwe’s ‘Igbo Masks: The Oneness of Ritual and Theatre’, Ebun Clark’s Hubert Ogunde: ‘The Making of Nigerian Theatre’ and a host of others. All these are academic endeavours towards explicating on the trend of dramatic and theatrical activities in the Nigerian society.

In the same vein, books have been written on “the masters of contemporary Nigerian dramas” and on their art. It is, however, a sad commentary on the Nigerian literati that efforts of our literary critics have been directional, focusing on the old generation of writers like the Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, and the world acclaimed novelist, Chinua Achebe, even long after the former had won the laureate and the later has been over-exposed internationally. Not even their contemporaries like the chemist novelist, Cyprian Ekwensi and the domestic dramatist, James Ene Henshaw, to mention a few, have enjoyed half the kind of attention which they have commanded.

The argument may be that there is always something new to talk about in their work.

In as much as I do not intend to hold this argument in doubt, it is my contention that the younger and even much younger generation of Nigerian dramatists have been doing some good work, too, and should be given some measure of exposure as well.

If, otherwise, the consequence is that to the international community of literary writers, only one or two “cardinal” writers have emerged from the Nigerian society.

My intention in this essay is to argue that since Soyinka and Achebe, drama and theatre in Nigeria have witnessed two major literary landmarks; the post-Soyinka Nigerian literary tradition and the post Osofisan literary engagement, each of these, unique and vibrant in its explications of societal trends.

Stephen Inegbe teaches drama, theatre and folkloric studies at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

ARTISTE UNCENSORED Oranmiyan Ajagundade is multitalented; he writes his own songs, sings them and also produces them.

People want something different - Oranmiyan I AM A CULTURALLY

TERH AGBEDEH

INCLINED PERSON

O

ranmiyan Ajagundade has a band in Canada where he is based but if he wanted he could release an album all by himself since he plays the keyboard, drums and guitar as well as does background vocals. He has even completed a reggae album in Yoruba to be released this year and performed last year at the monthly Afropolitan Vibes in Lagos.

“I am a culturally inclined person and one major aspect of my music is to promote my culture, which is the Yoruba culture. The Yoruba language is one of the richest; the language is all around the world and you find out that people, even in North America, are speaking the Yoruba language. It is a language that has already made waves across the sea so it is another way of pushing the culture stronger outside the country, introduce the culture and riches of the language to the world,” he said explaining why he sings in Yoruba and his music leans towards Afrobeat, hip hop.

Because he is based in Canada it was natural to know how the reception for his music is back there. His response is that it has been very good because every stage he has mounted to perform there has always been a strong response from the people because of the tone of the music.

“The tone of the language wrapped around the music is really different because it is a different feel for the people even if they don’t understand what the song is saying. The beauty of the language is a strong avenue of interest to the crowd so I have been making a strong impact with my music,” he stated.

What is more? The reception in Nigeria is the same, he said, because the people want something different since nowadays a lot of people are going towards the same direction in the music industry in Nigeria.

“When you look at it, the youths are not retaining the cultural influence in their music, everybody is singing in other languages. When you come out the way I sing, I use some really strong Yoruba vocabulary like adages. So, it creates a lot of interest, people want to know what

MIDWEEK JUMP To celebrate its first batch of 10 books and also make up the company’s next 10, NS Publishing Ltd is holding a writing contest, while calling for manuscripts from members of Naijastories.com and beyond.

All authors who submit manuscripts of between 15,000 to 40,000 words between March 3 and 31 will be entered for a chance at having their book published and receiving an advance on a royalty contract.

25

AND ONE MAJOR ASPECT OF MY MUSIC IS TO PROMOTE MY CULTURE, WHICH

YORUBA CULTURE.

IS THE

Oranmiyan

you are really talking about. Sometimes when I get off the stage, a lot of people come forward to ask me if I can explain to them what that means. People are really interested in the language,” he said.

Oranmiyan aligned with the belief

that Nigerian music is taking over the world.

“I can say that Nigerian music is really penetrating into the world at large because when you listen to a song like ‘Made in Africa’ from Steven Marley

Oranmiyan flanked by Bantu (left) and late Fatai Rolling Dollar

Naija Stories holds writing contest The winners will be chosen in early April. All authors who submit manuscripts during the contest time frame will then be notified for the next stage.

Please make sure to only submit complete manuscripts.

The advance royalty ranging from first prize of N25,000, second prize, N15,000 and third prize of N10,000, will be paid when the winners sign the contract.

To be eligible the novel must not have been under contract or published before in print and the contest is open to Nigerians worldwide, but the work must be in English and must have Nigerian main characters. The contest is open to all genres including poetry, but word count must be between 15,000 and 40,000 words.

Interested writers can find submission guidelines and further details on the Naija Stories website.

you can actually hear that parts of the song are done in Yoruba language. That is to tell you the influence of the Yoruba language on other cultures around the world,” he said.

He went on to explain that African music is really taking over and even in Canada there is a lot of Afrobeat bands even though they don’t speak the Yoruba language or pidgin but they create their own lyrics with their own language, which is English. He said that they are really studying Afrobeat and the way they perform it is really interesting.

Oranmiyan, who released his first album in 1997 is not only a multi-instrumentalist, he is also at home with any genre of music.

“There is no music form that I don’t perform, I do all kinds of music. I do my music based on the inspiration that I get.

I do reggae, Afrobeat, soul, hip hop, it depends on what the inspiration brings,” he stated.

Since 1997 his focus has been on learning more about the production aspect of music and doing production for other people.

“I do lots of collaborations and I have worked on Tony Allen’s album and worked with a band in Europe. Then I did collaboration with Nneka, worked with Fatai Rolling Dollar, I stage-managed him for a year, travelled with him all over the country. So, it is now that I am really coming back,” he said.

That come back will manifest in the reggae album in Yoruba titled: ‘Dugbe dugbe’ which he said is inspired by his stay in Canada.

“Here in Canada, the first band I was able to put together was a multinational reggae band. The base player is from Newfoundland, the drummer, keyboard player are from Jamaica, the first guitar player is from Cuba the second is from Greece,” he said.

But music is not the only business Oranmiyan is involved in.

“I do a lot of writing and show organisation, promotion and a lot of production. Majorly, everything I have done when I am doing my music, you can be rest assured that the production is done by me. I do most of the production for my music myself. I do all my own background vocals, write my songs and do the vocals myself,” he explained.

26

Arts Lounge

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FAR AND NEAR

Emelonye dedicates AMVCA victory to fans EMEDOLIBE NGOZI

T

he 2014 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, AMVCA, has come and gone with big time winner’s reacting to their success at the event. One of them, Obi Emelonye, who got six nominations for his film, ‘Last Flight to Abuja’, eventually clinched the Best Sound Editor award category for which he has been expressing his gratitude to his numerous fans across the globe who have stood solidly behind his art.

According to Emelonye, ‘Last Flight to Abuja’, just won the eleventh award, a reason why he has decided to dedicate the victory to the fans because they are part of the forces that have always driven him to success.

“Film is an all-encompassing medium, involving a lot of professionals working in concert to bring certain experiences to the consciousness of others.

The film, Last Flight to Abuja, has garnered a lot of recognition both in Nigeria and internationally. At the last count, the film alone had cornered over eleven awards in the last couple of months. But I do not want to take the credit alone. A lot of people worked with me to actualise this and they equally de-

Ugonma on stage

TOM brings Ugonma to Terra OLAYIWOLA AWAKAN

T Emelonye

serve the honour. But for standing solidly behind my art, I wish to dedicate this AMVCA honour to my numerous fans across the world. This journey is long and we would need each other on it.

I am proud of what my team and I achieved with the film and I thank God for the many doors it has opened for us all. Amaka, my beautiful wife has remained my rock and my inspiration. My

beautiful children have been a welcome distraction from this madness. Their kind words and support have been critical to my success as a film maker”.

Emelonye’s Last Flight to Abuja, which captured the pulsating emotions associated with air mishaps, has remained a reference point in terms of technical quality exhibited by any film in Nollywood.

he Theatre on the Mainland (TOM) series has said that they will entertain lovers of theatre who reside on Lagos Island with the performance of ‘Ugonma’ written and directed by Ikenna Jude Okpala every Sunday all through the month of March 2014 at Terra Kulture as part of the ‘Theatre@Terra’ monthly live theatre tradition.

‘Ugonma’ an unusual tale of love written and directed was premiered on Sunday March 2, 2014 at Terra Kulture, V.I, Lagos for the lovers of theatre to experience another entertaining blockbuster filled with romance, deceit and passion of love. The TOM series in the just concluded Alejo performance in January has been living up to expectation in bringing back the potency of live theatre for

Aganga endorses AFRIMA

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inister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, has said that his ministry will be glad to partner with the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA. This is in line with the ministry’s vision to formulate and implement policies and programmes to attract investment, boost industrialisation, increase trade and exports and develop enterprises in Nigeria.

He further revealed his ministry’s intention to target the booming entertainment industry in Nigeria for job creation and to improve the GDP of the country.

Dr. Aganga disclosed this in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, when members of the International Committee of AFRIMA visited his office to seek the ministry’s support for the 2014 All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA to be hosted in Nige-

ria.

“The potential of the entertainment industry needs to be tapped to create employment/ entrepreneurial opportunities for the youth and to improve the country’s economy,” said the minister.

In his earlier presentation, AFRIMA President and Executive Producer, Mr. Mike Dada said the award project is not all about social engagements such as “On the Way to AFRIMA” a music concert billed for cities around Africa and overseas and the “On the Road to AFRIMA” documentary bus tour of Africa to experience the music and culture of places along the bus route. In addition to these mentioned activities on the six-month event calendar, there will be a one-day media workshop and a two-day Africa music summit with the theme: “The Economic Power of Mu-

AFRIMA organisers

sic” that will precede the main award ceremony slated for October 11.

Mr. Dada explained that the summit is to engage both local and international stakeholders in the industry on how to drive the industry in a business-like manner that will be enduring and sustainable. Other members of the AFRIMA team who visited the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment are Director, Brand Communication and

Sponsorship, Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi; Member, AFRIMA Media Committee (Nigeria), Mr. Loye Amzat and Chairman, Security and Protocol Committee, Ms. Marilyn Ogar.

The 2014 All Africa Music Awards will produce a star-studded, world-class event to be held in Nigeria on Saturday, October 25, with live performances and television broadcast to 84 countries on 109 television stations around the world.

people to take advantage of for relaxation and entertainment.

In the same vein, ‘Ugonma’ has been set to run all through the month of March.

The play is the story of a lady, Ugonma, whom after marriage with Ezibe runs mad and remains in the state of insanity for two years. Fortune eventually smiles at her when Ochudo, a young hunter heals her in the forest with his sonorous voice which pounces on Ugonma like a love spell. The healing on Ugonma made her fall in love with Ochudo who happens to be the closest friend of Ezibe.

The conflict in the play arises when Ezibe is set to welcome his wife back home and ironically, Ugonma is already deeply in love with Ochudo. Unluckily for her, Ochudo turns down her love. After persuasions from all quarters to Ochudo, he decides to consider Ugonma’s love, by visiting her for just a night. Unknown to Ugonma that Ezibe has eventually approved that Ochudo should go ahead and marry her, she over applies a love portion she got to seal the love, in Ochudo’s food on the night of the visit. It is the overused love concoction that eventually kills Ochudo. Ugonma is then banished from the village as she loses both Ochudo and Ezibe.

The artistic input by the director to bring to live the rich culture from the Eastern part of Nigeria is well-positioned and properly achieved on stage.

Expectedly, songs and dances are brought to bear in the play.

There is also a side attraction by J-Stanley, who sings and plays his guitar dexterously.

According to the Producer, Olawale Olabanji, the play is created to tell the story of love in another dimension different from what people are used to. He further calls on lovers of theatre across Lagos to come around and see “Ugonma” at Terra Kulture all through the Sundays in the month of March 2014.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

Business & Finance The Copyright Levy on Materials Order 2012 received the necessary We also made it clear that our strategy for developing and approval from the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the protecting the Nigerian capital market would be driven by collaboration with market participants.

Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN. DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NIGERIA COPYRIGHT COMMISSION, MR. AFAM EZEKUDE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE NIGERIA STOCK EXCHANGE, OSCAR ONYEMA

FEC approves disbursement of N45bn Vessel Acquisition Fund FRANCIS EZEM

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he Federal Executive Council FEC has approved the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund currently estimated at over N50bn; $300m more than 10 years after the fund was established.

This is sequel to the shortlisting of six indigenous shipping firms by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, the custodian of the fund, which also appointed four banks in the country to act as Primary Lending Institutions PLIs for the disbursement of the fund.

The CVFF was created under the Coastal and Inland Shipping,Cabotage, Act, 2003, which is derived from two per cent deduction from every contract sum awarded under the scheme, was designed to enable indigenous shipping companies to acquire vessels in order to participate in coastal and inland trade, which had been dominated by foreign interests, who also hold sway in deep sea shipping activities Minister of Transport, Mallam Idris Umar, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the opening ceremony of the

ongoing of the Nigeria Maritime Expo 2014 with the theme: “100 Years of Maritime Development in Nigeria”, said that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to ensure the disbursement of the fund as part of measures to assist in building indigenous capacity.

He however hinted that the actual disbursement of the fund will commence after all necessary due diligence and other approval processes were concluded.

The Minister, who also restated government’s commitment towards enhancing indigenous participation in the shipping business, currently dominated by foreign operators, hinted that this informed its decision to issue fresh draft policy guidelines for granting of ministerial waivers under the Cabotage regime.

He also noted that the Ministry presented the draft document to stakeholders at a forum, where it was robustly and holistically

examined with a view to producing an acceptable document that will facilitate more effective implementation of the Cabotage regime in Nigeria so as to effectively discourage the granting of the ministerial waivers.

The Minister also hinted that the government has commenced a phased implementation of recommendations of the Presidential Maritime Retreat with the re-introduction of bunkering services.

M

arketers who need to grow their companies’ profits should understand the consumer through re-

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L-R: Minister of State for Power Hon. Wakili Mohammed; Chairman of the event/Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam and Chairman ,National Council on Privatization, Atedo Peterside at Financial Bid Opening for NDPHC Generation Companies in Abuja, recently PHOTO:ROTIMI OSASONA

Experts hinge success of companies on research, marketing JOHNSON OKANLAWON

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

search and analysis data available.

It is said that lack of understanding of consumer needs has led to trial and error of marketing strategies and closure of companies.

Speaking at a forum organised

by Lagos Business School Alumni Association in Lagos, Head of Marketing West Africa, Standard chartered Bank, Mr. Chima Nwuke, pointed out that marketers must have a clearer understanding of their target segments.

He said, “You need to put your consumers different baskets and every basket should be a homogenous entity .And how you reach and preach to them depends on their lifestyle and media habit.”

According to him, the 2014 marketing manager must be somebody who had clear understanding of the entire value chain, noting at any point the marketer must know whether the problem is distribution or advertisement.

The Marketing Director for

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Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

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Africa at GlaxoSmithKline, Mr. Reuben Onwubiko, who believes in the use of metrics in marketing to measure impact, said marketers need to develop the right insight from the data that exist today and also recognize the coming trends through digitalization of the world.

Onwubiko reiterated the need for marketers to understand consumers’ media consumption habit to reach target audience effectively.

Strict adherence Jonathan flags-off construction of to Nigerian Trade N117bn 2nd Niger Hub will eliminate Bridge import delays –Dikko 30 28

Marketers flood stations with imported fuel to tackle shortage 33

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Executive Discourse

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Strict adherence to Nigerian Trade Hub With the takeover by Nigeria Customs Service of the Destination Inspection Scheme from the Service providers December 2, 2013, the service has been saddled with the full responsibility of import documentation and scanning.

Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, who fielded questions from newsmen in Lagos recently, insists that importing and exporting in Nigeria will be a lot easier if importers fully utilise the window offered by the newly introduced Nigerian Trade Hub. FRANCIS EZEM, who was there.

About three months after the takeover of the Destination Inspection scheme, how do you assess the scheme?

I will say it is a success story. We have started since December 2, 2013. However, we cannot look at the faces of Nigerians and say we have achieved a 100 per cent success, because there are hitches here and there. But we sincerely thank and appreciate Nigerians for not creating any anxiety, because we have an option which we are working towards.. But we inherited a backlog of Risk Assessment Reports RAR from the service providers, which could not be captured under the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report PAAR platform, we are however trying to clear them. Then, we have new ones uploading in the system, that one is clearly slowing the effectiveness of the PAR. But actually, we have gone far and we are receiving tremendous cooperation from Nigerians. I must also tell you here that in terms of compliance, we have seen a very big improvement from Nigerian stakeholders and in terms of integrity, you know that some may still want to exhibit their bad habit.

What is the revenue profile like under the new regime?

In the area of revenue generation, we have seen sharp increase, which is better than what we used to have before now. So, I can say that these are three things that I can say are the elements of the big success we have recorded so far.

Some people have said that there is no adequate public enlightenment about the PAAR regime, which replaced RAR. What is your take?

You know Nigeria is very big. But I must say that it is the best hands that we have that we have deployed to manage the PAAR. I had a meeting on PAAR and I have mandated all the zonal coordinators to go round, whether it is the market, town halls, villages, cities to make sure that Nigerians understand the position of the service on these issues and where we are heading to. In fact, we are now rolling out a lot of media campaigns ranging from electronic, print media and some of the messages have even been translated into native languages for wider reach. So, I believe that this will help us address some of these small issues. It will also help people to understand what exactly we are doing.

How far have you been able to deploy the Nigerian Trade Hub to facilitate trade under the new regime?

You know PAAR is basically not for everybody, it is for those who actually do import business. But actually the message we want to send across to the people is mainly about the Trade Hub, which a systematic and

Dikko

most simplified way of doing business import and export business in Nigeria. Basically, that is the message we are sending to our traders, big or small. So, we are going to combine the PAAR and the trade hub so that Nigerians will understand that Nigeria Customs has made it very easy for them to import or export. If all importers and exporters embrace the hub, the process of documentation and release will be very easy.

There are insinuations especially around the seaports in Lagos that the documentation of PAAR currently

clashes with that of Form M. What do you think?

No, I don’t think there is any reason for there to be such clash because the Form M document issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria forms the basis for which the service issues the PAAR. It is the information on the Form M that will bring up the PAAR. So, I believe that can only happen if one passes the wrong information or that the Form M is not valid. When we come across Form M that is not well cleared in terms of issuance or a Form M that we feel is not genuine, we become suspicious and so we reject it. So, if that

ACTUALLY, WE WILL TAKE THE BURDEN OF TRAINING OFFICERS’ CHILDREN. WHILE THE MARINE OFFICERS CAN STAY INSIDE THE WATER, THE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS CAN STAY AT THE BORDER FOR A LONG TIME, THEIR CHILDREN WILL BE LEFT WITH THE MOTHERS ALONE, SOMETIMES, THE MOTHERS WILL GO OUT FOR THE FAMILY’S DAILY NEEDS. SO, WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT WE BUILD SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH BOARDING FACILITIES WHERE OUR CHILDREN WOULD ATTEND CLASSES AND ALSO LIVE WITHIN

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Executive Discourse

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

29

will eliminate import delays –Dikko is what they call the conflict, it is better explained that probably there is a problem with the Form M and that is why it is rejected. Actually, we don’t have any conflict.

What is this issue with the scanners you inherited from the service providers?

In the contractual agreement before the service providers disengaged for the service to take over, they were required to put their scanners in perfect condition in terms of operations for use by the Nigeria Customs Service. So, basically we were using them and hoping that they will comply with the provisions of the contractual agreement. But when they were finally disengaging, we expected that the scanners should be put in the position of use. But now, we are using the scanners and we are manning them alone.

We don’t have any problem with them. If we encounter any problem, there are technicians within the Service who can fix them.

How do you assess your revenue and anti-smuggling profiles?

Well, the records available. For us in the service, we have done tremendously well. Seizures have also been very high. I believe that with the seizures of last year, we forced those who are doing illegal business to comply with import regulations because if one loses his capital, he would not go to try another bad game. So, I believe that we have done well in revenue collection.

You have seen what we collected, very close to the target, if not because of some issues. At the same time, we have made serious seizures and we will make sure that things are improved upon.

What is your present agenda in the coming years for capacity building and further enhancing the welfare of officers and men of the service, especially considering what has been done in the past?

Welfare is a continuous process. We will continue to bring something new at least to motivate officers so that they will be up and doing and we will ensure that they are attached to their jobs and attached to their commitment to national development. So, we don’t mind. We want to look at how we are going to have our own secondary school, which is going to be the best in the country, whereby our officers will have a place they will take their children to have a very excellent education. Actually, we will take the burden of training officers’ children, while the marine officers can stay inside the water, the enforcement officers can stay at the border for a long time, then you find out that their children will be left in the hands of the mothers alone, where as you find out that sometimes, the mother will go out for the family’ daily needs. So, we will make sure that we build secondary schools with boarding facilities where our children would attend classes and also live within. Also, we have started owner- occupier housing scheme, where our officers will own their homes and pay over a long period of time. We will take little part of their salaries and much more contributions from the Service. So, there are so many things that we will continue to do to ensure that our officers are well taken care of. We are sure that this will improve their efficiency, build more integrity in them and this will in the long run translate to more revenue that will come to the Nigerian nation.

What plans do you have for trade facilitation in the New Year?

Yes, trade facilitation. The trade hub that we introduced is one of the best ways of trade facilitation, because before now somebody will come to the Customs House all the way from Kaduna, or from Lagos to come and settle a tariff. But with what we have now, it has

Dikko

I DON’T THINK THERE IS ANY REASON FOR THERE TO BE SUCH CLASH BECAUSE THE FORM M DOCUMENT ISSUED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA FORMS THE BASIS FOR WHICH THE SERVICE ISSUES THE PAAR. IT IS THE INFORMATION ON THE FORM M THAT WILL BRING UP THE PAAR. SO, I BELIEVE THAT CAN ONLY HAPPEN IF ONE PASSES THE WRONG INFORMATION OR THAT THE

FORM M IS NOT VALID

given you the avenue to go straight to the classification of an item. I believe we have done a lot.

We had to do that because the world in now a global village. You can also see that today, the dwell time of cargo at the ports in Nigeria has drastically reduced.

The introduction of trade hub which will allow an importer to go to the system and find out where things are manufactured, what is the freight that brings it to Nigeria, who are the relevant government agencies that have something to do with the cargo etc. So, all these ones are even prepared before you do the importation so that at least we will give you the opportunity that when the import arrives, the port will remain a transit place where cargo comes in and goes out immediately not a storage facility. At the same time, we have so many lines of communication, all we are saying is that once you experience hitches in the process of clearing your cargo, please call for an intervention and information on how to further facilitate the movement of cargo outside the port will be made available.

As you are aware we have been interfacing with various security agencies and other relevant agencies that have something to do with port operations, and we are communicating with them online, if there is any cargo that comes, one can get in touch with them and they do their due process and relevant activities and we clear the cargo. So, basically, what we warn people is that the Nigerian Customs are up and doing to reduce the cargo clearing time and we are friendly. We have our ways of communication so that anybody who

wants to do business in Nigeria can contact us for further enquiry and information on what to do, to make sure that you are safely an investor in Nigeria. And we make sure that your capital that comes into Nigeria is well protected and facilitated, to ensure that you have a very big and quick turn-over. Investors who are doing business in Nigeria could testify that there is a lot changes.

Once more a lot of questions are being asked about PAAR. What is your response to these questions?

Yes, you know, it is a system and it has to do with operational issues. Now, we have said several times that people who are not living up to the required level of compliance will continue to impede trade facilitation and generating revenue. But we are very much conscious that some are coming up with table values, some portions which are not coming up. Normally, you know the beginning is always difficult. We try to make sure that what we are doing, we are perfecting it with time. Surely, the first two to three months, we are going to have teething problems. But we are very much happy that Nigerians are fully understanding that yes, this thing has not been with us for long, that we are just taking it. Really, there are problems and we are listening to those problems and we are upgrading our system, we are making sure that things are done the normal way. So, I am not doubting that there are problems.

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Jonathan flags-off construction of N117bn 2nd Niger Bridge OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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resident Goodluck Jonathan yesterday flagged-off the construction of the N117bn 2nd Niger Bridge to ease traffic on the old and dilapidated 49 years old 1st Niger Bridge.

The President had at the inception of his administration promised to deliver the 2nd Niger Bridge to the people of Nigeria.

It would be recalled that there have been stringent calls, not only from the people of the South-East, but the entire Nigerians for the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge to replace the existing one under serious imminent collapse.

The new bridge which is 1,590 meters long will be constructed by Julius Berger/AIIM Consortium.

The project, which is packaged under Public Private Partnership

arrangement for a period of 25 years, will be delivered under design, finance, built, operate and transfer model.

Speaking during the flag-off in Onitsha, Anambra State, President Goodluck Jonathan said the construction of the bridge was in fulfillment of his electoral promise to the people of South East states.

He said the bridge is a strategic national infrastructure which would not only help to link the people of Delta State with those in Onitsha, but would also boost economic activities of the whole South-East states.

Jonathan said “You may recall that during my Presidential campaign for the 2011 general election , I promised the good people of South-East and Delta that if elected President I will ensure that the 2nd Niger Bridge is constructed.

Today, I have come as the President who you voted into office to flag- off this vital project in order to bring this solemn pledge of my sincere promise into concrete reality.

“The 2nd Niger Bridge whose foundation we are laying today is a strategic national infrastructure that will boost the economic prospect of the contiguous states and indeed for the entire nation. It is an important economic artery that will connect the great market of Onitsha and Aba and as well as the industrial hub of Nnewi to the rest of the country.

“On completion, the bridge will alleviate the pains experienced by travelers as a result of congestion, especially during festive periods.

It would not only improve road transportation in South-East, but significantly improve communication between the South-East and

L-R: Managing Director, Meristem Securities Ltd, Mr. Oluwole Abegunde; Managing Director, Meristem Wealth Management Ltd, Mr.Sulaiman Adedokun and Divisional Head Stockbroking, Meristem Securities Ltd, Gbadunola Sokunbi, at the launch of Meritrade Online Stock Trading platform Lagos, recently.

‘Mining sector can contribute 10% to GDP in 2020’

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he Progressive Miners Empowerment Association, PMEA, on Monday said the mining sector could contribute 10 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, by 2020 if there was the political will.

The President of the association, Mr Sunday Ekozin, who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja, said that with good regulation of the industry and “political will”, the target would be attained.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development had in 2012 launched a roadmap to the development of the solid minerals sector.

The ministry established some goals, which included increasing the mining sector’s contribution to the GDP from 0.4 per cent to 10 per cent and the production of geological maps covering the entire country in 2020.

“Everybody is aware of the fact that Nigeria is hugely endowed in terms of solid mineral resources.

The problem has been how to harness these potential. “We have heard several talks on the matter but I think that the target of developing the solid minerals sector by 2014 and beyond is achievable if the government matches its words with actions,’’ Ekozin said.

He described the Federal Government’s strategies toward developing the mining sector between 2014 and 2020 as “good and pragmatic”, saying that the plans were achievable if there was a political will. He recall that he had in 2009 conducted a study which revealed that more than two million jobs could be created in the mining sector and expressed delight that the government had made the same projection. “To me, I stand by the creation of two million jobs in 2014 if all the parameters submitted to the government are considered

but it is one thing to make proposals and another thing to implement the proposals. ``My emphasis as an operator and as someone who has put in more than 24 years in mining activities has always been when we speak, let us walk the talk. “If we walk the talk, all of these aspirations are achievable but let me tell you the major impediment and hindrance to the development of the mining sector is lack of political will,’’ he said.

Okonzie disclosed that the World Bank’s first phase intervention fund of 120 million dollars for mining sector, which disbursement started in 2004 ended in May, 2013 after series of extensions. He, however, regretted that the second phase, which involved 80 million dollars for small and medium scale mining operations in the country, could not be implemented due to the poor handling of the first phase funds.

South-West geo-political zones”.

According to him, the bridges include Eweto Bridge linking Nasarawa and Benue State and the 2nd Niger Bridge connecting Delta State and the Anambra State.

He however denied that he deliberately decided to delay the flag off of the project for political exigencies, stressing that it was undergoing due procurement

process with a view to ensure adequate funding.

The Minister of Works, Arc Mike Onolememen who provided details on the proposed bridge, stated that the federal government with the support of the World Bank would commence the procurement and construction of two By-passes to the 2nd Niger Bridge.

Ecobank sets up committee to search for board members

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cobank Transnational Incorporated announced that it has set up a new committee to search for new Board members. The seven member search Committee consists of two former chairmen, Mr. Gervais Djondo and Chief Philip Asiodu, two representatives of the current board and three shareholder representatives.

In a statement by the bank the Committee has been established as part of the detailed 51 point Governance Action Plan agreed by shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting, EGM, held in Lomé recently.

The bank said the search committee which will be assisted by an external search firm, is a move to reconstitute the Board at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated following recommendations made

by West African regulators of the Stock Exchanges where Ecobank is listed as well as from a report by the Global Board Center of the renowned Swiss business school, the International Institute for

Management Development, IMD. According to bank the IMD report by their Global Board Center followed a review of ETI’s corporate governance, including the size and constitution of the Board, its procedures for managing related party transactions as well as its committee structures and incentive policies.

“The search committee will recommend potential board members to the shareholders of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated at their Annual General Meeting, to be held in June.

“At their Extraordinary General Meeting March 3, the shareholders agreed to limit the size of the Board to a maximum of fifteen people.

It will comprise representatives of both majority and minority shareholders; executives and independent directors. In addition the reconstituted Board will reflect the geographical spread of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated as well as a more balanced gender and professional mix.

Dana Air boosts operations, appoints Director of Flight Operations OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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ana Air on Monday said that the appointment of Director of Operations will further boost its entire flight operations.

Dana Air had last week appointed one Mr. Francois Bouteiller as its Director of Flight Operations.

Speaking yesterday in Lagos, the Chief Operating Officer of the airline, Mr. Yvan Drewinsky said that the assumption of duty Bouteiller was part of the airline’s management to reposition the airline for improved flight operations and for the benefit of its clients.

Drewinsky told aviation journalists that Bouteiller is bringing a wealth of experience to the airline having managed flight operations for several years in the aviation sector, especially as a commander that produced the JAR Operating Manual(OM PartB) for the Swiss International airlines fleet of AVRO RJ.

He said, “We are consistently reviewing our operations with a view to sustaining standards in the industry and our commitment is to recruit the right personnel to occupy and manage our operations in line with global best practices.”

Prior to Bouteiller’s appointment at Dana Air, he had worked in similar capacity with NASAIR and Swiss international Airlines.

Bouteiller according to Drewinsky is a seasoned aviation expert with over 25 years experience in aircraft operations and has functioned in different capacities ranging from policy formulations to commander of airplanes as well as a certified International Operational Safety Audit, IOSA, auditor.

Dana Air is the first Nigerian airline that has successfully undergone an operational audit conducted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Flight Safety Group in partnership with foreign their foreign partners.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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he Central Bank of Nigeria ,CBN, has projected that financial literacy as a distinct subject would be integrated into the nation’s primary and secondary schools’ curriculum effective next year if ongoing discussions with the relevant key regulatory institutions and other stakeholders on the matter are finalised by the end of this year.

Giving the hint at the Global Money Week Road Show sponsored by the apex bank in which scores of primary and second-

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

31

Financial literacy curriculum for schools out by 2015 –CBN ary school students participated in Abuja, the Assistant Director of the Financial Literacy Unit of the Consumer Protection Department, Mallam Ibrahim Hassan, said discussions with the relevant agencies and regulatory public institutions on the development of the curriculum to guide the teaching in schools had reached an advanced stage.

Hassan, who represented that

Director of the Consumer Protection Department, Hadjia Umma Dutse, told journalists at the sidelines of the Road Show event that already, the Nigerian Education Research Council, NERC, the Federal Ministry of Education and other interest groups, including the Capital Market, Insurance and Pensions, were being engaged with a view to ensuring that financial literacy is

introduced as a distinct subject and taught in Nigerian schools He said: “This programme is specifically targeted at school children to raise their awareness and the CBN in conjunction with other stakeholders in the financial literacy steering committee and the Ministry of Education is developing the financial literacy curriculum to be included in the Nigerian school system, so that

we can develop the children.

“The idea is about educating children about the knowledge and skills and it will help them to manage their finances when they grow up. Like I said, we have different programmes for different phases; this is not about nomination or anything but basically targeting school children and the youth in Nigeria,’’ Hassan added.

Sterling Bank extends services through agents UDO ONYEKA

S L-R: Zonal Coordinator, National Lottery Commission, Enugu, Mr. Eke Michael; Business Development Manager, First Bank Onitsha, Mrs. Jane Ngoka; Business Development Manager, First Bank Owerri, Austin Agbahiwe; Ag. Head, Consumer Banking First Bank, Mrs. Adebimpe Ihekuna and Manager, KPMG Advisory, Mr. Martins Olajide at the Bi-Monthly draw of the FirstBank Big Splash Promo which took place in Enugu recently.

Operator calls for micro insurance products for informal sector

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roup Managing Director of Mutual Benefits Assurance, Mr Akin Ogunbiyi, on Monday urged insurance operators to create micro insurance products for the informal sector.

Ogunbiyi gave this advice at the First Business Journal Insurance Summit and Exhibition 2014 in Lagos.

The theme of the summit was: “Closing Insurance Awareness Gap for Business Growth.”

Ogunbiyi, who spoke on “Prospects & Challenges of Micro Insurance in Nigeria,” said that the informal sector

would boost insurance penetration in the country.

“The industry needs to take strength in the informality of the sector and create affordable products that will meet their needs.

“To do this, the operators have to create a structure by organinising those in this sector into cooperative societies.

“And from experience, this group of people never fail in repayment of whatever assistance given to them either as loans to enable them buy insurance products,” he said.

Ogunbiyi said that Mutual Benefits Assurance had ben-

efitted from the product and had accumulated huge sums as premium from it.

He said that the coming together of the operators to offer micro insurance products would help to institutionalise it.

President of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, Mr Kayode Lawal said that micro insurance was the future of the industry in Nigeria.

He said that once it was achieved, it would help to move insurance from cities to all nooks and crannies of the Federation.

terling Bank has said it intends to extend its service to the unbanked population of the country through its agent banking model.

According to the bank’s Executive Director, Lagos, Mr Devendra Puri, Sterling bank has set out through the agent banking to capture i8nto the banking system about 10 per cent of the financially excluded Nigerians estimated at 35 per cent of the population.

Mr. Puri, who disclosed this on Monday in Lagos while briefing journalists on the bank’s plan to embark on awareness programme on its agent banking platform, noted that the bank’s aim was to ensure that many Nigerians, if not all, were financially included by capturing them through the agent banking platform.

He said that the bank’s efforts through the agent banking would have multiplier effective on the economy adding that the model intends to ensure there were banking services on every street in the country.

According to him Sterling Bank is in the fore front of driving the financial inclusion of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, through the agent banking model.

He said agent banking is the practice whereby the bank point of sales ,PoS, machines would be

placed in the office or business premises of agents for use by customers.

Group Head, E- Business, Mr Fatai Amoo, disclosed that agent banking would bring an end to challenges being faced by the financially excluded segment of the population, either because they were illiterates or unbanked.

He said that the biometrics PoS the bank is using for the project is simple and would pose difficulty to both the literate and illiterate persons in the society.

Amoo said that the new PoS, with biometric capture mechanism operated agents, would tame frauds associated with divulgence of Personal Information Numbers ,PIN, while using electronic channels.

He said that customers could carry out transactions on their accounts at any hour, especially after the banking hours, including deposit, withdrawal and account verification.

Amoo said that customers could also enjoy the benefits of using the agent banking platform for value added services such as paying for utility bills The bank official said that the bank’s awareness programme would involve general public engagement, jingles and adverts.

He said that one of the benefits of agent banking to customers would be the ability to get loan facilities from bank and also interest on one’s savings.

FG promises to develop deep sea ports to reduce congestion

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resident Goodluck Jonathan on Monday said the Federal Government would develop deep sea ports to check congestion at the existing sea ports.

Jonathan stated this in Lagos at the opening of a three-day 2014 Nigeria Maritime Expo ,NIMAREX, with the theme:“100 years of Maritime Development in Nige-

ria’’ .

Jonathan said that developing deep sea ports was the only way to solve the problems associated with port congestion and sustain the ongoing implementation of 24-hour ports operation.

He said that the Federal Executive Council had approved the development of the Lekki deep sea port in Lagos to handle bigger

vessels and create employment under the Public-Private-Partnership arrangement.

The president, who was represented by the Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, also said that the steering and project delivery committee had submitted a draft report on the Ibaka deep sea port in Akwa Ibom.

He said that discussion was on-

going among the Federal Ministry of Transport, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Lagos State Government and some investors on the development of Badagry deep sea port.

He said that similar arrangement was also being made with the Ogun, Bayelsa and Ondo State governments to develop the Olokola deep sea port and Agge deep

sea port, respectively.

The Chairman of NIMAREX, Mrs Marga ret Onyema-Orakwusi, said that the focus of the expo was to harness the country’s abundant maritime resources.

Onyema-Orakwusi said that Nigeria would “take over the world” if the country’s marine resources and mineral wealth were properly harnessed.

32

Business & Finance

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Group acknowledges FG’s infrastructure drive BABALOLA YUSUF

T

he President, Federation of Construction Industries, FOCI, Mr. Solomon Ogunbusola, has said that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has invested massively in the provision of infrastructure in the country.

The FOCI boss said that Jonathan has invested massively in roads in all part of the country, “If you go to the far North, you will see massive investment in road and rail infrastructure.”

Ogunbusola said this at the 2014 Building, Construction and Mining Mart, which ended recently in Lagos.

According to him, most of the roads in the eastern and northern parts of the country are being expanded into dual carriageways.

“As all these are going on,

some of our 125 members, especially the big ones like Julius Berger, Dantata and Sawoe, and PW, among others, are getting involved and if it goes on like that, I am sure that by 2021, their investment value will triple,” he said.

Ogunbusola said contrary to the belief that the government had preference for foreign firms in the award of contracts; the reverse was the case as the government now patronised indigenous construction firms.

He said the current policy of the Federal Ministry of Works was that any contract below N5bn should be given to indigenous firms.

The president said urged members of FOCI to take advantage of the opportunity to boost the growth of the industry.

Ogunbusola also said the industry was worried about the dearth of artisans in the country, adding FOCI was in Canada last

year to source for artisans.

“We wanted technical colleges in this country to help us to train our people who would return home and be hired by our member industries. We are making progress and we are on this effort with the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria,” he said.

He also said that the expected growth in the construction industry will be driven by the Federal Government’s transformation agenda, which has led to infrastructural development in various parts of the country.

He said, “The growth in our members’ investment value will be driven by the Federal Government’s transformation agenda.

The government is doing a lot of transformation, and in the construction industry, we are not just talking about road construction, we are also talking about transformation in rail and air transport.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

P&G to commission new multi-billion naira factory ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

L

eading global consumer goods company, Procter & Gamble Nigeria, will on Thursday March 13, commission its new multi-million dollar consumer goods plant in Agbara Industrial Estate, Ogun State.

The event is expected to be chaired by his Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and witnessed by many top dignitaries, the diplomatic community and partners. P&G’s new investment marks the biggest US investment in Nigeria to date in industry.

The plant commissioning is coming on the heels of a successful ground breaking which held just 18months ago, with a commitment to complete the plant by 2014. The new factory is built on over 40.2 hectares of land and is a Greenfield investment after the

Guaranty Trust Bank plans convertible car for undergraduates JOHNSON OKANLAWON

G

L-R: Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dangote Group, Mr. Oare Ojeikere; Chief Executive Officer , Proximity Communications , Mr. Rotimi Olaniyan; Head of Marketing (West Africa), Consumer Banking , Standard Chartered Bank, Chima Nwuke; Africa Marketing Director Consumer Health Care Glaxosmith, Consumer HealthCare, Mr. Rueben Onwubiko and Director Strategic Proximity Communications, Mr. Chris Oyetayo, during the Proximity Marketing colloquium, an annual marketing leadership forum entitled; ‘The Next Big Things’ in Lagos, recently.

AfDB offers SEK 1billion Green Bond UDO ONYEKA

A

frican Development Bank, AfDB, launched its second Swedish Krona, SEK, Green Bond transaction, coming after its inaugural SEK 5-year Green Bond in floating rate format.

The bank said it is taking advantage of the strong positive momentum and demand created from the first deal to follow up with another SEK 1 billion 5-year transaction – this time in fixed rate format.

In a statement the bank said the transaction has a 5-year maturity matched to the Swedish Government Bond ,SGB 1052 and was priced at 5-year mid-swap Flat, equivalent to a yield of 1.865 per cent, and a

spread of 38.5 basis points to the SGB 1052 at time of pricing.

“Swedish domestic demand accounted for the majority of the transaction and nondomestic investors attracted by AfDB’s SEK Green Bond participated with 15 per cent of the order book”, the bank said.

The new bond is AfDB’s third Green Bond transaction under its new Green Bond Framework and Nordea Markets was the sole lead manager for the transaction.

“We are delighted to return so swiftly to the SEK bond market with our Green Bond transaction,” said Treasurer, African Development Bank. Pierre Van Peteghem, “Our Ten-Year Strategy adopted last year has a clear objective of helping Africa gradually transition to growth. It promotes

the sustainable use of the natural resources of the continent. We are delighted by the demand for the bond that again highlights the important role capital market investors have in supporting us in fulfilling our development mandate in Africa.” He said.

“Nordea is immensely proud to have introduced AfDB to the Swedish Krona market and SRI investors through two consecutive successful Green Bond transactions,” said, Director and Head of SSA Origination, Kamal Grossard-Amin “It is another milestone for AfDB and the development of the Green Bond market. With its second Swedish Krona benchmark within weeks, the African Development Bank has created a significant footprint in the Nordic market,’’ he said.

1st plant in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Managing Director for P&G Nigeria, Mr. George Nassar said the new factory would be fully dedicated to the production of Pampers in this initial phase, with the capacity to expand production to accommodate other trusted P&G brands in the future.

He added that the new factory is expected to create thousands of new direct and indirect jobs and hundreds of SMEs in the country.

“This investment supports Nigeria’s transformation objectives notably in the areas of job creation, inclusive growth and human capital development.

P&G is the world’s largest consumer goods manufacturer and the largest U.S. manufacturing company in Nigeria. This new plant makes Procter & Gamble the largest U.S. non-oil investment in Nigeria and supporting the much desired diversification of the economy”.

uaranty Trust Bank has announced the start of its 2014 annual GTCrea8 Promo campaign for Nigerian undergraduates, an initiative aimed at rewarding the bank’s customers studying in tertiary institutions across the nation.

A statement from the bank yesterday quoted the Managing Director, Mr. Segun Agbaje as saying that the nine months initiative provides a unique avenue for the bank to stay in touch and reward its GTCRea8 eSavers customers, who have a unique role to play in the continent’s future development.

According to him, the initiative involves awareness storms in 27 major tertiary institutions in the country to promote values such as professionalism, Integrity and the benefits of hard work.

“Alongside the event are monthly raffle draws during which account holders win monthly scholarships. One undergraduate will emerge the winner of the campaign grand prize: a mini cooper convertible car during the December 2014 final raffle draw,” he said.

Agbaje explained that the initiative, which the bank introduced last year as part of a social awareness and marketing programme aimed at promoting adoption of the right values by our future leaders and getting feedback regarding their needs as customers.

NSE expands product offerings

T

he Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, is to expand its products offering with the listing of Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Fund, VG 30 ETF,in March 2014.

The NSE stated this in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos.

The statement said that the VG 30 ETF was designed to track the performance of the constituent companies of the NSE 30 Index.

NAN reports that the NSE 30 Index comprises the top 30 companies listed on the NSE in terms of market capitalisation and liquidity.

Commenting on the product, Mr Haruna Jalo-Waziri, NSE Executive Director, Business Development, said that VG 30 ETF was an open-ended fund that would be

listed on the NSE in March.

Jalo-Waziri said that the product would provide an alternative investment window for investors.

He said that the ETF product category would open-up cost-effective diversification opportunities for discerning investors.

The first ETF was launched on the Nigeria bourse in December 2011.

“This listing of the VG 30 ETF is anticipated to help advance the investor market in Africa’s fastest growing economy. ``It will further broaden the choice of asset classes open to local investors,” Jalo-Waziri said.

Mr Osahon Aire, the NSE Product Lead for ETFs, said that ETFs were essentially index funds listed and traded on the NSE like shares.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

33

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Energy Week

udemea@rocketmail.com 07031546994

Marketers flood stations with imported fuel to tackle shortage As the long queues of automobiles continue to disappear from filling stations, many motorists have started wondering how long it would take for them to reappear. UDEME AKPAN who has been monitoring developments reports that shortage would not likely return, especially as major and independent marketers have started to import fuel into the nation.

Fuel queue

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otorists and other users of petrol have started to heave a sigh of relief. For the past two weeks, long queues of automobiles took over almost all filling stations in the nation as a result of shortage. The development was fuelled by many reasons.

First, the shortage was a direct delay in the making of 2014 first quarter import allocation to marketers.

Second, it was also fuelled by speculation that there were limited stocks for domestic consumption. Third, many marketers also take to hoarding because of their perception that the Federal Government was set to increase the price of fuel from N97 to over N100 per litre.

The hoarding was to enable them make brisk business. Consequently, most of the operators either sell through the use of a few pumps or closed their outlets while the long queues extend to several kilometers.

The development was however tack-

THE INCREASED MONITORING OF AGENCIES SUCH AS THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES, THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION, NNPC, THE PIPELINES PRODUCT MARKETING COMPANY, PPMC AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES, DPR WENT A LONG WAY TO CHECKING THE EXCESSES OF MANY MARKETERS led through a combination of factors.

First, the Federal Government declaration that it was not going to hike the price of fuel assisted to eliminate speculation and by extension panic buying.

Second, increased monitoring of agencies such as the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian National Petro-

leum Corporation, NNPC, the Pipelines Product Marketing Company, PPMC and the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR went a long way to checking the excesses of many marketers.

More than that, the intervention of the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Engr. Andrew Yakubu and the

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke in Abuja and Lagos respectively also made positive impact. For instance, Alison-Madueke who started monitoring at the depots and filling stations in Lagos and its environs over the weekend said there was commercial quantity of the product.

Alison-Madueke who commenced the exercise shortly after his return from official assignment in Houston, United States has directed the Federal Government task force to ensure the product was sold to motorists and other users without many problems. She said, “We have enough fuel to wet the country, but the challenge we are having is that, after loading, some truck drivers will not supply the lifted products at the designated filling stations.

Alison-Madueke who was accompanied by officials of relevant agencies CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

34

Energy Week

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Marketers flood stations with imported fuel to tackle shortage CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 such as the Nigerian National petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Pipelines Products Marketing Company, PPMC, and the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR said many marketers hoarded the product in anticipation to increase in price.

She said the Federal Government has no intension to increase the price of the product from N97 to over N100 a speculated in some quarters. The Ministers directed marketers and other stakeholders to ensure the product gets the depots to filling stations in all parts of the nation.

She said, “Having gone round the state (Lagos) it is not just the filling stations at Ikoyi that appeared to be wet with product, but other extreme locations like Ajah and other parts in Surulere.

She stated “It appears there are lots of factors militating against efficient delivery of fuel. We learnt that some of the marketers instructed their drivers to change the number plates of their trucks to make it difficult for tracking.

Does it mean those markets they are diverting the product to are more lucrative than intended market.

The Minister said, “I have directed the heads of the agencies, DPR, PPMC and PPPRA, to get back to me today and give me a clear picture and timeline in terms of numbers of trucks coming in to Lagos, the volumes and where they are getting to in terms of the market.”

She stated, “There is diversion and I want some ideas about the diversion. If we can establish there is, I want to know when and how this is being done. They need to supply me how these trucks are being tracked because diversion is not easy to do. There will be sanctioned and I’m ready to publish names of anybody that may be involved.”

The minister assured Nigerians that there are enough products in strategic reserves that will last for over two weeks even if importation of fuel is suspended. The minister visited over 15 filling stations in Surulere, Ikoyi, Ajah and Iponri areas in Lagos State.

Also, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Engr. Andrew Yakubu also led a team of the Corporation’s top Management on a similar inspection tour of filling stations across the Federal Capital Territory over the weekend. Yakubu and his team visited over a dozen fuel stations across Garki, Asokoro, Maitama as well as Central Business District of Abuja while pledging to extend the exercise to other areas of the Federal Capital Territory in the days ahead.

The GMD noted that the NNPC has increased fuel supply to the FCT by increasing the number of truck allocation from the Suleja depot to Abuja and its environs to decimate the noticeable queues in fuel stations.

“Ordinarily we about 100 trucks into Abuja but with this intervention we have increased it to 150 trucks per day,’’ he said.

The Acting Group Public Affairs Manager in the Group Public Affairs

Jonathan

Alison-Madueke

WE LEARNT THAT SOME OF THE MARKETERS INSTRUCTED THEIR DRIVERS TO CHANGE THE NUMBER PLATES OF THEIR TRUCKS TO MAKE IT

DIFFICULT FOR TRACKING.

DOES IT MEAN THOSE

MARKETS THEY ARE DIVERTING THE PRODUCT TO ARE MORE LUCRATIVE THAN INTENDED MARKET Division of the Corporation, Dr Omar Faruok stated that the apex oil company has also started the monitoring in Abuja. Farouk said, “The intension is to ensure that petrol and other petroleum products are delivered through appropriate channels from the depots to the filling stations.

Indeed, the various efforts have assisted to tackle the shortage. But the questions many observers are asking are: how long would it take before another shortage emerges in the nation and what can the government and other stakeholders to guarantee sustainable supply?

Investigations showed that the fuel shortage may not return soon as marketers who got allocation has started importation. The Executive Secretary of Major Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Timothy Olawore who confirmed the massive importation stated, “We have since started to import petrol.

The quantity imported are discharged and lifted at various locations.

Although the reliance of imported petrol has assisted the nation to tackle its domestic fuel challenge, some energy experts, including Mr. Zaka Bala stated that it was not right for the nation to depend on imported fuel. He stated, “I do not think it is proper for the nation to depend on importation at the detriment of its scarce foreign exchange to meet domestic demand. I think the foreign exchange expended should have been conserved for other purposes if the nation has adequate refining capacity to satisfy its citizens.”

He stated that there is a great need

to rehabilitate old refineries as well as build new plants to ensure that the nation refines adequate fuel and other petroleum products for domestic consumption and export. However, the NNPC stated that efforts have already been made to repair some old plants located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Warri, Delta State and Kaduna State.

The government which initially denied its plan to privatise the refineries has also declared its plan to sale the old refineries. For instance, the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, stated that it will privatise the four refineries as part of the ongoing oil sector reforms.

This is the second time government is disclosing plans to privatise its refineries as the minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, had earlier said that the four governmentowned refineries would be privatised in the first quarter of next year.

The BPE spokesman, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe is said t have stated, “The plans are currently at the preliminary stage.

We are working with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources on this. We are just in the preliminary discussion with them and very soon, we will make public the work plan for the processes, including the engagement of advisers, to advise us on the transaction.

Anichebe said that the privatisation would be handled in line with the usual strategy of the bureau, which is to sell a certain percentage of shares and reserve a certain percentage for the workers, host communities and the Nigeri-

Andrew Yakubu

ans public. He urged Nigerians not to be apprehensive about the refineries’ sale because only capable and visionary investors would be considered in the privatisation process.

He stated “People should not be edgy about this transaction because we have done this over and over again. When we first started with the telecommunications sector, people were worried that we will give it to the wrong people. People were also worried about the security implications and all that. I believe that whether these companies end up with local or foreign investors, what is important is the efficiency of whoever is handling it.

Anichebe stated, “We don’t bother about where they come from, as long as they are coming with clean money to invest in our economy. So, when we are doing our evaluation of investors for the transaction, that is what we will look at,” he stressed.

But the execution of the policy may face at least a little opposition as some labour unions have vowed to oppose its implementation. The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has backed moves by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NUPENG to go on strike this year to protest bid by the federal government to sell the nation’s four refineries.

It cautioned that the privatisation of the refineries would cause more hardship to the masses, adding that Nigerians are bound to react against any ‘bad policy.’ NUPENG has already expressed its preparedness to mobilise its members for a nationwide strike to resist the proposed sale.

However, many operators in the oil and gas industry believe that the privatisation is desirable as private investors have the expertise and capacity to improve the operations and management of the plants. They also called on the Federal Government to work towards the construction of modern refineries with bigger capacities in order to meet daily national demand presently estimated at about 36 million litres per day.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

UDEME AKPAN

T

he price of the Organisation of petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC basket of 12 crudes has risen from $104.37 to $104.98 per barrel, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Investigations showed that the global oil market may remain stable in the coming months. The Secretary General of OPEC, Dr. Abdalla S. El-Badri stated, “The size, scope, and complexity of the global oil market make it almost unique among physical commodities. Currently more than 90 million barrels of oil are produced and consumed every day.

He stated that beyond the scale of this trade, the strategic importance of oil and the crucial role that it plays in the global economy make it a commodity like no other.

The Secretary General said, “It is the backbone of the global transportation sector, and is used to develop and produce a vast array of everyday products.

He stated, “The price of oil is, of course, a central component to all this.

In fact, how oil prices evolve in the future matters to every one of us.

The Secretary General said, “Whether you are a consumer purchasing a pe-

35

OPEC basket price rises to $104.98 per barrel or control prices. However, it is crucial we better understand how the market can help realize a stable and fair oil price and eliminate excessive fluctuations. It means looking at the price from both the short- and long-term perspectives.

El-Badri stated that short-term price fluctuations caused by such issues as geopolitics, supply disruptions, economic developments and weather are natural.

He stated, “They are expected. They are unavoidable. They are absolutely normal. However, it is important that we differentiate between such normal fluctuations and those that can be viewed as ‘extreme’.

The Secretary General stated, “Over the past decade, we have witnessed the increased financialization of oil markets.

Oil has increasingly being treated as an individual asset class by financial investors. Speculative funds flowing into – and out of – the commodity futures markets, have exposed the physical oil market to financial market volatility.

He stated, “Since 2005, the total open interest of the NYMEX and ICE futures and options has increased sharply. And what has evolved is a close link between crude oil prices and speculative activity.

This has meant that some price movements have not been driven by fundamentals or the normal ebbs and flows of the market. They have been driven by market speculation.

El-Badri

troleum product at the pump, or the refined products for your airlines, ships and trains; or whether you are a producer looking at oil investments and future prices, a stable and fair oil price is vital.

He said, “High oil prices, for example, are bad for consumers today and lead to situations that are bad for producers tomorrow.

And low oil prices are bad for producers today and lead to situations that are bad for consumers tomorrow.

The Secretary General said, extreme prices – either too high or too low – are not in the interests of either producers or consumers.

He stated, “I think it is important to initially stress that past experience has shown us that no one country or institution can set

Source: Oilprice.com

How preferred bidders emerged for 10 NIPP power plants CHIDI UGWU

T

he preferred bidders have emerged for Nigeria’s 10 power plants. The firms are to take over 80 per cent equity of the 10 gas-fired independent power generation companies under the federal Government’s National Integrated Power Projects, NIPP. Federal Government expects to rake in billions of dollars from the gas-fired plants when the transactions are concluded successfully.

The plants are Alaoji Power Station in Abia State; Calabar Power Station in Cross River State; Egbema Power Station in Imo State; Geregu Power Station in Kogi State; Ogorode Power Station; Olorunsogo Power Station Ogun State; Omoku Power Station in Rivers State; Omotosho in Ondo State; Gbarain Power station in Bayelsa State and Ogorode power station.

AlTEO Consortium, the only bidder for the Alaoji generation company initially

bided $680 million which fell below the reserved bid price but was given the opportunity to up its bid to $902 million emerging the preferred bidder for the Alaoji generation company.

EMA Consortium out-bided the Index Consortium in the financial bid for the Benin generation company, with a bid of $580 million as against the latter’s $575 million, while Nebular Power Generation Consortium emerged preferred bidder for the Calabar generation company with a bid of $623,750,000 being the highest of the three companies that bided for the company.

Three companies bided for Egbema, Including Alteo, Dozzy integrated power, and Essential international Limited Consortium. However, Dozzy Integrated Power limited became the highest bidder for Egbema Generation Company with $415,750, 000, followed by ALTEO Consortium $392 million and Essential International which came third with a bid of $289,332,000.

Also, KDI Energy Resources won the bid for the Gbarain generation company with

$340 million being the highest for the plant by six bidders including Azikel Power Limited, $305, 090, 665, CET Power Consortium, $181 Million, EMA Consortium, $190 million, ESOP Power Limited, $258, 876, 000 and Tempo Energy Consortium $231, 987,000.

Five investors bided for the Geregu generation company, the Seoul Electric Limited emerged highest bidder with $690,200 000, followed closely by the YellowStone Electric limited which bided $613,111,113 and the third with a bid price of $590 million.

Also, five companies contested for the ownership of the Olorunsogo generation company but while ALTEO withdrew along the line, ENL Consortium Limited emerged highest bidder with $751,240,000, followed

by Index Consortium which bided $730 million and thirdly the SEPCO Pacific Partners Limited bidding $702 million for the plant.

Shayobe International Limited emerged highest bidder for the Omoku generation company with $318,710, 840, followed by

Commodity

Units

Price

Change

% Change

Time(ET)

Crude Oil (WTI)

USD/bbl.

101.08

-1.50

-1.46%

15:25:58

Crude Oil (Brent)

USD/bbl.

108.03

-0.97

-0.89%

15:25:58

TOCOM Crude Oil

JPY/kl

66,260.00

-10.00

-0.02%

14:59:59

NYMEX Natural Gas

USD/MMBtu

4.65

+0.03

+0.63%

15:26:28

Source: Bloomberg

ALTEO Consortium $312, 500,000, and the DFC Alliance Energy Limited which bided $255,926,000.

Nine companies contested for the soul of Omotosho generation with Omotosho Electric Power out-bidding others with $659,999,000, followed by ENL Consortium $645,156,220, and Nebular Consortium $603 million.

When the successful bidders complete the payment for the plants they will acquire 80% equity while government retains the remaining 20% per cent equity in the plants.

At the financial bid opening which took place at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, which all players adjudged to have been conducted in transparent manner, the government selected a preferred bidder being the highest financial bid offering for each of the 10 gasfired plants.

The chairman, technical Committee on privatization, Peterside Atedo following the successful completion of the financial bidding, the committee would sent the bid result to the National Council of Privatization for final approval.

Atedo however, noted that it was not yet time for payment as the Council will have to deliberate and design payment model.

The Director-general Bureau of Public Enterprise Mr. Benjamin Dikki, noted that while thanking all the bidders noted that every bidder was given fair chance to win, stressing that every bidder that failed knew why he or she failed.

36

Energy Week

Expro wins Subsea UK award for global exports

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eading international oilfield services company, Expro, has won the Global Exports Award at the Subsea UK Business Awards 2014.

The Award, which was presented last night at the AECC, Aberdeen, recognises a company’s successful exploitation of, and export to a global subsea market. The judges based their decision on Expro’s Subsea product line’s export strategy, adaptability to foreign markets and demonstrable success.

The components of Expro’s Subsea Safety Systems ensure well integrity throughout the commissioning or intervention phases of a subsea well.

As subsea wells are located in deeper water environments, fast response systems were developed by the company meet new market requirements.

The engineering and manufacture of this product is undertaken in the UK, and exported to the major subsea regions including Sub Saharan Africa and Asia. In response to its strong growth throughout the deepwater regions, Expro set up subsea-specific hubs in Norway, USA, Nigeria, Australia, Brazil, Angola, China, Malaysia, Ghana and India, with potential future expansion into Azerbaijan.

Colin Mackenzie, Expro’s Subsea Director said: “Our international investment is driven by a combination of customer and technology demand.

“Our engineering and delivery teams work tirelessly to provide tailor-made technical solutions for the most challenging environments.”

“This includes working with a range of operators in deepwater and frontier areas. This strategy has seen us achieve leadership in West Africa, the Gulf of Mexico and Asia.

“We take pride in our export strategy and adaptability to the changing subsea markets and are thrilled to receive this prestigious award. Our success is in part due to the recognition of global leadership in this sector, and this award will reinforce our position and help perpetuate the success that our teams have built.”

Expro was shortlisted alongside ROVOP and Subsea Innovation Limited within the Global Exports category, and was awarded due to its retained leadership in subsea landing strings, providing evidence of continued product development through its market leading Subsea Safety Systems.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Foreign investors seek local partners in oil, gas UDEME AKPAN

F

oreign investors from France and Belgium have arrived Nigeria to woo investors in the oil and gas industry.

The three-man delegation, from Belgium/France consortium, Brenntag Export made a strategic stop over at the office of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, in continuation of business visit to Rivers State to woo PHCCIMA members, establish business relationship, and seek for representative in their diverse business interest as the hub of the private sector in the state.

Speaking on behalf of other members of the delegation, Mr. Gilles Roignnat and Mr. Yves Deconink, the leader of the group, Mr. S.J Ashto said Brenntag is the world’s leading distributor of chemicals and solvents on behalf major oil and general chemical companies globally.

He said the consortium also offers full range of products for every phase in the movement of oil from drilling, through refining, to the petrol and diesel in the tank.

He noted that the group wishes to establish a strong presence within the Port Harcourt area, especially in the area of warehousing of its product and

Oil platform

also very importantly in the area of having sole representatives in the following business areas mentioned thereof.

He said the group will be needing representation from companies basically dealing on, Drilling, Mud Services, Chemical Supplies, Pipelines Cleaning and Related Services, including companies that supply Chemicals for Dredging.

For the mid stream activities Mr. Ashto explained that the group will like to deal with companies with Contact details for refineries, companies supplying chemicals (Especially Solvent) to the Refining Industry and Companies supplying services to the refining Industry.

He said in the downstream

activities, it will need representation from companies engaged in the blending and supply of lubricant, companies engaged in the supply of chemical additives for lubricants among others..

The leader of the delegation requested that the companies whose areas of interests are stated above should indicate interest and have business contact through the management of the Port Harcourt chamber of commerce.

In his remark the Director General of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Erasmus Chukunda who stood in for the president, Engr.

Emeka Unachukwu welcomed the delegation to the hallowed

chamber of PHCCIMA. , He gave assurances that their visit was apt and timely saying they have come to the right place. He said one of PHCCIMA’s major objectives is to ensure that businesses and commerce thrive within their city of operation and beyond; this according to him is achieved by opening vistas of green opportunities of this nature for its members and creating invaluable partnership with foreign companies that will be mutually beneficial to all.

He assured them that the message will be firmly dispersed and in no time PHCCIMA companies will start indicating interest, and their names will forwarded.

Electricity consumers take complaints to Eko forum

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lectricity consumers in the Lagos area have started taking their complaints to Eko forum for resolution.The forum was created by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC to enable consumers present their problems to the commission Consumers who preferred not to be named stated that they were at the forum to present their different cases, ranging from overbilling to lack of power supply One of them said, “I am here because the bills are too high in recent times. I don’t have the new metre because the metre is just not available.

He said, the Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOS should ensure that they improve on their services. They should also review their billing systems to ensure that consumers are not exploited.”

The management of NERC, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company and other stakeholders in electricity converged at No 6, Odulami Street in Lagos to commission Eko Forum office of NERC as part of its commit-

ment to electricity customers some weeks ago.

NERC Chairman, Dr Sam Amadi represented by the Commissioner, Government and Consumer Affairs, Dr Abba Ibrahim, said that the forum was created for the benefit of customers, taking into cognizance that so much has been done to improve customer service.

Amadi referred to the power sector roadmap launched in Lagos in 2013 as being successful and said that the commissioning of the Eko Forum office of the NERC will be a success. He pointed out that the forum will provide an avenue for redress for electricity customers.

“The setting up of the forum office is to ensure customers have a say in what affects them as customers of electricity providers’’.

The Chairman lauded Eko Electricity Distribution Company’s(EKEDC) effort in resolving complaints, but stated that the NERC forum office was needed to carter for issues that may not have been sorted out by the EKEDC, now owned by West

by declaring that the management of the EKEDC needs to work at resolving metering issues as well as provide the necessary enlightenment to the people.She was emphatic on the role of the Commission as the regulatory body for the sector.

She said ‘’ NERC is telling you that it is your right to complain and be served’’.

Amadi

Power and Gas Limited.

At the occasion, Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, represented by the state Commissioner for Energy, Taofeek Tijani said that customers are important, noting that the state government has been working assiduously to change the life of the people of the state, including in the area of electricity availability.

Member of the House Committee on Power, Abike Dabiri Erewa, spoke in the same vein

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the EKEDC, Engineer Oladele Amoda said the company always ensures it complies with global best practice in its conducts. He disclosed that EKEDC has embarked on re-orientation of its staff following the reformed power sector.

He decried the activities of some electricity workers who engage in illicit practices and urged customers to report cases of corruption.

He said that the EKEDC was exploiting the option of embedded generation to supplement power supply from the grid while working with its technical partners to eradicate technical faults with the system.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Energy Week

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Emadeb tank farm to boost fuel supply —Yaro

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he newly commissioned Emadeb Ultra modern Petroleum Depot in Lagos has been described as intelligent tank farms which places high premium on the safety of people and the Multi billion investment in its environment Engr. Philip B. Yaro, Managing Director, Cakasa Engineering Group, the EPC contractor that built the facility, made the remarks during a facility tour of the depot at Folarin Waterside, Ijegun, Lagos.

Reflecting on his company’s experience in storage tank construction, Engr. Yaro pointed out that Emadeb depot has opened an new dimension in this technology driven business as an intelligent facility built with safety in mind from conception to completion describing it as top of the range in the country today.

As an intelligent depot powered by state-of-the-art Terminal Automation System (TAS) from FMC/CSI, Enraf and Cakasa, the owner can have the status update of operations without being physically present at his depot saying the feat is a testimony to the ingenuity, capability and competency of Nigerian engineers in this stra-

tegic business.

Giving the technical details of the state- of- the- art equipment at the new tank farm, Engr.

Yaro explained to dignitaries that Emadeb petroleum terminal is equipped with five big storage tanks with capacity to store 50 million Litres of white products adding that three of these tanks were earmarked for PMS while the remaining two will store AGO

and DPK. Beside, this modern depot, according to him, equally boasts of a fortified Jetty that could berth two large vessels simultaneously with sophisticated firefighting equipment as well as trained personnel to wade off fire incidence of any sort and a trailer park for an average of 400 trucks.

Another compliment of modern facility of this magnitude

OneSubsea wins new oil contract

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neSubsea has been awarded a contract of more than $80 million from Pharaonic Petroleum Company to supply subsea equipment for the East Nile Delta END-3 development offshore Egypt.

The scope of supply for the four well systems includes subsea production equipment, wet gas flow meters, HIPPS and installation and operational spares. This is an expansion of the Taurt development to which OneSubsea supplied equipment in 2006.

The development is located approximately 43 mi (70 km) offshore Egypt. This field was the first to utilize the OneSubsea Broadband Communication System which provides high speed fiberoptic communication for long step outs OneSubsea CEO Scott Rowe said, “The Taurt development has been extremely successful and we look forward to being a part of this continuing success and furthering our relationship with PhPC.” OneSubsea™ has signed a five-year frame agreement with Woodside to supply subsea equipment and services for developments in offshore

Schlumberger emerges with new rotary system

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Tank farm

Australia.

The agreement covers the potential to provide subsea engineering services, subsea production systems and life of field services.

OneSubsea opened a new facility in Perth in 2013 which was built specifically to support the growing business needs in the Australia region and will provide the life of field services to Woodside under this agreement.

OneSubsea CEO John Carne stated, “I am very excited to establish this agreement with Woodside. They are a major supplier of LNG in Australia

Oil vessel

with a large portfolio of future prospects where reliable subsea technology will play an important part. OneSubsea welcomes the opportunity to support Woodside in their development plans.”

Also, OneSubsea has signed a five-year frame agreement with Woodside to supply subsea equipment and services for developments in offshore Australia.

The agreement covers the potential to provide subsea engineering services, subsea production systems and life of field services.

OneSubsea opened a new

worthy of mention is the loading gantry fitted with Internet compliant Accuload Metering systems that could load about 200 trucks on daily basis and equipped with automatic fire resistant system feed by a big water hydrant tank .Engr. Yaro said an engineering office and workshop was built within the facility for prompt attention to any hiccup in system operations.

facility in Perth in 2013 which was built specifically to support the growing business needs in the Australia region and will provide the life of field services to Woodside under this agreement.

OneSubsea CEO John Carne stated, “I am very excited to establish this agreement with Woodside.

They are a major supplier of LNG in Australia with a large portfolio of future prospects where reliable subsea technology will play an important part. OneSubsea welcomes the opportunity to support Woodside in their development plans.”

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chlumberger announced today the launch of the PowerDrive Orbit rotary steerable system. The new RSS expands the operating envelope of rotary steerable technology by extending system life, delivering precise directional control, and increasing drilling efficiency.

“PowerDrive Orbit technology enhances trajectory control to provide precise positioning and improved hole quality,” said Steve Kaufmann, president, Drilling & Measurements, Schlumberger. “This enables customers to drill longer and faster in fewer runs, thus increasing drilling efficiency and reducing overall costs.”

The newly designed pad actuation system, combined with real-time three-axis shockand-vibration measurements, allows the PowerDrive Orbit RSS to withstand the most difficult drilling conditions and operate at higher rotational speeds than conventional systems. The multiaxis continuous inclination and azimuthal gamma ray capabilities reduce the uncertainty of well positioning, and enable selfsteering to deliver a smoother wellbore.

The PowerDrive Orbit RSS was field tested in more than 500 runs over two years in challenging onshore and offshore drilling conditions in regions that included the Middle East, US land, US Gulf of Mexico, Colombia, Mexico, China, Venezuela and the North Sea. In the Middle East, a customer had a requirement to maintain directional control while drilling deep laterals in a challenging onshore oil well.

The PowerDrive Orbit RSS drilled a record 12,690 ft in a single run, extending the lateral length of previous wells by 33% and completing the operation 21 days ahead of schedule.

This service is the latest addition to the PowerDrive* technology RSS portfolio, which has drilled more than 135 million ft globally since the first tool was introduced 16 years ago.

Schlumberger is the world’s leading supplier of technology, integrated project management and information solutions to customers working in the oil and gas industry worldwide.

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Energy Week

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bashneft reports 133.7% reserve replacement Lagos State moves to tackle power, climate change ratio in 2013 UDEME AKPAN laration of Human Rights of 1948 and the

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SOC Bashneft has announced the results of the latest independent audit of hydrocarbon reserves conducted

by Miller and Lents, Ltd. in accordance with PRMS classification.

The auditor has evaluated reserves at the Company’s oil and gas condensate fields in oil and gas provinces in the Urals and Volga Region and in Western Siberia, as well as part of hydrocarbon reserves at the R. Trebs and A. Titov fields in the Timan-Pechora oil and gas province (only those included in a pilot production project).

The audit findings show that by December 31, 2013 Bashneft’s proved reserves had increased by 1.9per cent to 2,045.3 million barrels. In 2013 the reserve replacement ratio totaled 133.7per cent. The audit findings suggest that Bashneft’s reserves-to-production ratio amounts to 17.9 years.

“The key drivers behind the increase in proved reserves include the fact that the auditor has confirmed the efficiency of geological and engineering operations at the Company’s wells and of the formation pressure maintenance system. The launch of production at the Trebs and Titov fields and a favourable pricing environment has also promoted growth,” commented Mikhail Stavskiy, Bashneft’s First Vice President for Upstream and Geology.

According to Miller and Lents, as of December 31, 2013 Bashneft’s total probable and possible reserves (including the R. Trebs and A. Titov fields) amounted to 1,191.5 million barrels. Probable reserves increased by 0.1per cent to 528.7 million barrels, while possible reserves added 0.8per cent and reached 662.8 million barrels.

The start of oil production at the R. Trebs and A. Titov fields in August 2013 has enabled the auditor for the first time to factor in reserves of these fields in the amount to be produced during pilot production.

According to Miller and Lents, as of December 31, 2013 proved oil reserves at the R. Trebs and A. Titov fields included in the pilot production project totaled 21.3 million barrels, while total reserves (3P) amounted to 81.9 million barrels (under a barrel-tonne conversion factor of 7.45).

Miller and Lents also evaluated oil resources at the subsoil area including the R. Trebs and A. Titov fields as of December 31, 2013. Taking into account the results of geological exploration, the auditor has assessed 3C (maximum estimate) contingent oil resources of these fields at 649.4 million barrels, while prospective resources have been estimated at 60.3 million barrels. In 2013 contingent resources decreased by 12.6% due to part of resources being reclassified as recoverable reserves.

At the R. Trebs and A. Titov fields Bashneft is proceeding with exploration drilling (including core sample collection and formation testing), 2D and 3D seismic surveys, seismic data processing and additional tests at exploration wells drilled earlier.

This is also the first time that Miller and Lents has evaluated recoverable reserves and contingent resources of natural gas and condensate at four gas condensate fields of the Saratovsko-Berkutovskoye group in the Republic of Bashkortostan.

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he Lagos State government has intensified efforts to boost electricity and climate change in the state.

The Coordinator of Policy Advocacy Partnership on Climate Change, PACC an Advocacy Partner of SAVI, Mr. Toyin Oshinawa said: “We in Policy Advocacy on Climate Change, PACC have assisted government in developing frameworks that will help produce robust climate change policy in the state.

He said recently we organised a workshop with the participation of the British High Commission where the UK government affirmed its determination to work with the state government to generate energy from renewable sources and to make better use of renewable resources to reduce human impact on climate change.

He stated, “During the workshop the High Commission affirmed its determination to work in collaboration with the Civil Society Organisations to support initiatives of the country to harness its huge gas deposits for electricity generations and other effective uses than constantly flaring it and causing more harm to the environment.

Oshinawa said, “So we are also supporting the Lagos government on energy conservation and solar energy initiatives to free up energy from the national grid and to build expertise on renewable energy to achieve better energy mix and it is laudable that some British companies are committed to set up small power stations to use flared gas for electricity generation.

He stated, “If you look at the CSO partnership with the state there is affirmative action on proper budget monitoring and implementation and the ten point agenda of the state which tilts toward developing the energy sector to help drive development across other critical sectors of the economy.

Fashola

Oshinawa stated that this was one of the major fundamentals and our involvement to ensure all funds appropriated for that purpose is judiciously utilised for the benefit of the people. Over time this sort of cooperation has not happened and we need to build on this synergy to achieve the expected results.

He stated, “In December 1966, the International Convention On Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was adopted by the United Nations, UN General Assembly and on June 1993, the World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna affirms that ‘Extreme Poverty and Social Exclusion constitute a violation of human dignity and urgent steps are necessary to put an end to them and to promote the enjoyment of fruits of social progress.

Oshinawa stated that it became essential for states to foster participation by the poorest people in the decision-making process by the community in which they live, the promotion of human rights and the efforts to combat extreme poverty.

He stated, “This, plus the Universal Dec-

Political Rights of 1966 form an integral part of the International Bill of Human Rights.

Oshinawa said the modern Nigerian state which came into being in 1914 has witnessed her own thick and thin, and one of the major challenges in the country which has equally brought great conflict and social catastrophe is the lack of citizen participation in the affairs of the state especially as regards governance and public expenditure.

Oshinawa stated, “Specifically speaking, I believe that It was in view of the above anomalies and the critical socio-economic challenges facing the Lagos state that the Lagos Civil Society Partnership (LACSOP) with huge support from PACC which has actually identified the major devastating economic effect caused by the climate change initiated steps to engage both the Executive Arm and the Lagos state Legislature on the need to actively involve the citizens in the entire process of budget formulation, debate and implementation. We believed that such involvement would usher a new era of development, reduce tension and improve on welfare of the people by addressing climate change phenomenon.

He also stated, “The Partnership believes also that every government must accept the fact that citizens have the right to know how public finances are administered and that by denying citizens participation in decision making the government is only setting the process for abrasion, public mistrust, social unrests and political upheavals. You will agree with me that isolationist to deny the people the right to participate in the budget process if you go through history has led to sombre distrust and even conflicts, in the cause of the development of human civilisation. Naturally most leaders do not want to be questioned, preferring a one dimensional society and this has not helped sustainable human development.”

General Electric to complete river cleanup

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eneral Electric, GE is set to finish one of the largest and most logistically complex environmental cleanups in U.S. history on a 40-mile stretch of the Hudson River.

The company has removed nearly two million cubic yards of sediment containing polychlorinated biphenyls from the New York State waterway since 2009.The project is due to conclude in 2016.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is overseeing the project, has stated that the dredging is meeting its cleanup goals and protects human health and the environment.

In 2002, the EPA issued a decision that called for the removal of an estimated 2.65 million cubic yards of PCBs from 493 acres of the river.

GE used PCBs at its Hudson Falls and Fort Edward plants.

The company held valid per-

mits at all times necessary for discharging them to the river.

In 2005, GE assembled a technical team to address the challenges. They included taking over 60,000 samples from the riverbed to map the areas to dredge, customizing the dredging and sediment processing equipment, and building a 110-acre facility to process the sediments and load them for transport via rail to government approved landfills.

Dredging began in 2009.

The engineers used 3-D virtual reality software dubbed “Nintendo,” a custom-built digital positioning system and other instruments to map the irregular bottom of the river and guide dredges to the precise locations of PCBs in sediment. The “Nintendo” allowed the equipment operators to virtually “see” the riverbed in real time and

A power plant.

excavate the right sediment.

A wireless data transmission system also simultaneously sent the data to engineers monitoring the progress of dredging.

The team integrated the software with the excavator’s hydraulic system. The resulting data allows workers to customize the details of the dredge plan based on actual performance and minimize

the amount of “under- or over-dig.”

The operation generates nearly a terabyte of data every day. The team stores it in the cloud and makes it immediately accessible to crews managing the on-water efforts, at the office, and also at home. A core team of GE and EPA managers use it to determine the direction of the project for the next 24 hours.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Global Business

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

China tobacco ban faces hurdles to beat habit

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he representative from a north-eastern province and a two-pack-a-day man for four decades, is among the 300 million tobacco users China’s government hopes to curb as it weighs a national ban on smoking in public spaces.

In December, the government took an early step by ordering cadres to stop lighting up at official functions and in public premises such as government buildings and sporting venues.

That directive didn’t stop Gai and other cadres from puffing on cigarettes outside Beijing’s Great Hall of the People as the annual congressional meeting took off on March 5.

Cheap and ubiquitous cigarettes are often exchanged as a social courtesy -- almost like a handshake -- in China, home to about a third of the world’s smokers. Surging health-care costs are forcing the government to weigh stricter legislative rules on smoking in public locations. The country’s health commission is drafting the proposed national ban, which also is being studied by other parts of the government.

“We smoke in small group meetings, when we surf the Internet and when we eat and

Jintao

drink, and we smoke the most when we chit-chat among friends,” said Gai, as he puffed on a cigarette outside the hall.

“It’s a habit that we can’t easily change.”

The efforts to restrict tobacco use pits future economic gains from a healthier population against more than $95 billion in annual tax revenue from an industry in which the regula-

tor, the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, also runs the China National Tobacco Corp., producer of 97 percent of China’s cigarettes.

Last year China raised its annual budget for medical and health care to 260.25 billion Yuan ($42.5 billion), a 27 percent increase from the year earlier.

The government said Feb. 8 it would expand a program to enable people with serious illnesses to get more compensation from medical insurance plans.

“We’re actively promoting the creation of a national law against smoking in public spaces,” Li Bin, minister in charge of China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission, said at a press conference in Beijing held on March 6. “Smokers need to stop doing so in public spaces, for their own health and for those of others around them,” she said.

Drafting of the law began last year and various government arms are studying the proposals with the aim of having the State Council issuing the ban in indoor public spaces such as restaurants and hotel lobbies by this year, the commission’s spokesman Mao Qun’an said during a Jan. 7 briefing.

Pizza chain Sbarro files for bankruptcy protection

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izza chain Sbarro LLC has filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in three years after struggling with too much debt and fewer customers in malls that house many of its restaurants.

Lenders would take control of the Melville; New York-based Company under a “pre-packaged” Chapter 11 reorganization, which Sbarro on Monday said could allow it to make a “quick exit” from bankruptcy before May 7.

Sbarro expects to cut its debt load by more than 80 percent, and said nearly all its lenders support its restructuring, which requires court approval. The company will invite other buyers to submit better offers.

Founded in 1956, Sbarro had tried to boost sales by revamping its recipes to entice diners who increasingly favor “fast casual” chains such as Chipotle and Panera Bread.

But an “unprecedented decline in mall traffic” and an “unsustainable” balance sheet necessitated a restructuring, including the closure of hundreds of restaurants, Chief Financial Officer Carolyn Spatafora said in a court filing.

“Sbarro has been stuck with an outdated business model,” said Michael Whiteman, a restaurant consultant and president of Baum & Whiteman LLC in Brooklyn, New York. “Its biggest shortcom-

ing is that it sells food that has been sitting out for a while, and more people want food made to order.”

The company said it recently closed more than 180 money-losing restaurants, and expects to shed about 50 more locations. It said it now has 799 restaurants in over 40 countries, employing more than 2,700 people. Sbarro said the bankruptcy does not affect the 582 restaurants owned by franchisees.

Last month, the company announced plans to close 155 of its 400 company-owned restaurants in North America.

Sbarro was founded in Brooklyn by Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro, a married couple who had emigrated from Naples, Italy.

It expanded in the New York City area before launching in

Obama

1967 its typical restaurant format, which includes an open kitchen and lets customers serve themselves.

Sbarro and 33 affiliates filed for protection from creditors with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan.

The company reported assets of $175.4 million and liabilities of $165.2 million. It plans to shed $140 million of secured debt in the reorganization. Advisers include Moelis & Co, Loughlin Management and the law firm Kirkland & Ellis.

Sbarro previously filed for bankruptcy protection in April 2011, and emerged from Chapter 11 the following November.

“The board and senior management team are committed to ensuring Sbarro’s future growth and success and today’s filing is a necessary step,” Chief Executive David Karam said.

Karam joined Sbarro last March from the hamburger chain Wendy’s Co (WEN.O), where he was a president.”I don’t know that it has a sustainable business over the longer term,” he said.

“The way to turn the company around in the short haul is to get out of money-losing leases and close stores, which it has been doing.”The case is In re: Sbarro LLC, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York, No. 14-10557.

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Western Australia treasurer resigns after breakdown

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estern Australia Treasurer Troy Buswell has resigned from Cabinet following a breakdown, two months before he was due to deliver the state budget.

Buswell is still receiving medical treatment after more than a week in hospital, state Premier Colin Barnett told reporters today. Barnett confirmed media reports that Buswell had crashed a ministerial car into a gate last month and had been emotional and upset.

“He’s had a breakdown, he’s been hospitalized for about 10 days,” Barnett said. “He’s facing up to reality.”As Treasurer,

Buswell was spearheading the state’s attempt to regain a AAA credit rating after it was cut one level by Standard & Poor’s in September. The state government said in December it expected an operating surplus of A$437 million ($395 million) in 2013-14, about a A$50 million improvement on the surplus forecast in August.

Buswell lost the leadership of the state Liberal Party in 2008 after he admitted sniffing a female staffer’s chair in Parliament House. He stepped down from the front bench in 2010 after an affair with a lawmaker in the Greens Party.

EBay rejects Icahn board nominees, asks investors to do same

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Bay Inc on Monday rejected activist investor Carl Icahn’s two nominees to its board, saying both were unqualified and urged shareholders to vote against them at its next annual meeting.

Icahn, who owns just over 2 percent of the e-commerce company, has been pressuring eBay for weeks to spin off its PayPal payments business. He has also repeatedly accused eBay of poor corporate governance.

The billionaire nominated Icahn Enterprises LP employees Daniel Ninivaggi and Jonathan Christodoro, both of whom Icahn regularly nominates to boards.

The chairman of eBay’s corporate governance and nomi-

nating committee, Richard Schlosberg III, said the board considered both but rejected them because “neither nominee has relevant experience or expertise.”

EBay said since each Icahn nominee currently sits on four public company boards, they are not in compliance with eBay’s guidelines on “overboarding.”

EBay founder and Chairman Pierre Omidyar in a statement urged shareholders to support the company’s slate, which includes chief executive John Donahoe.The Company did not in its preliminary proxy statement set the date for its next annual shareholders meeting, which is expected to take place in the spring.

Unilever plans manufacturing in Ethiopia to emulate Vietnam

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nilever (UNA), the world’s second-biggest consumer-products maker, plans to open a manufacturing plant in Ethiopia during the next year in a bid to emulate its expansion into Vietnam, a company official said.

The London- and Rotterdambased company is renting premises for a plant in the Chinesebuilt Eastern Industry Zone in Dukem, 31 kilometres (19 miles) southeast of the capital, Addis Ababa, Dougie Brew, head of corporate affairs in Africa, said in a phone interview on March 4. Unilever, which already imports Knorr stock cubes and Omo detergent into Ethiopia, may initially make fabric-cleaning soaps before moving into food, he said.

“The plans are ambitious for Ethiopia because we see it as a growing market,” Brew said from London. “We’ve taken a long-term investment decision in Ethiopia because of the demography, broad-based growth and opportunity to create a gen-

uinely inclusive and sustainable business model from scratch.”

Ethiopia’s economy is projected to expand 8 percent in the fiscal year to July 7 after growing an average of 9.3 percent for the past four years, according to an October report by the International Monetary Fund. The country’s estimated population last year of 93.9 million people, sub-Saharan Africa’s secondlargest, is increasing at 2.9 percent a year, according to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook.

Yum! Brands Inc. (YUM), the owner of the KFC fast-food chain, said on March 6 it’s considering entering Ethiopia as it expands across the continent.

Unilever invested $130 million in Vietnam as the business grew annually at more than 10 percent for 14 years after opening in 1995, a 2009 report by a thinktank at the Southeast Asian nation’s Planning and Investment Ministry said. The company is looking at a “similar scale” operation in Ethiopia, Brew said.

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Civil Service

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

41

Bureau chairman tasks HODs

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Newly appointed Ministers during swearing-in ceremony in Abuja, recently

Niger to increase animal health workers salaries by 55% N

country to stimulate them to put their best in their work. ‘‘Government decided to take this action to bridge the gap between human and animal workers, animal health workers are exposed to high risks in the performance of their

duty, they need to be well encouraged. And with this increase, it is expected that they will perform their duties maximally,” Vatsa stated.

Edo teachers sue government over assessment

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

iger State Government has said it plans to increase the salary of all the 139 animal health workers in its workforce by 55 percent. with immediate effect in the state.

It said the increase would bring the animal

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enin City.

The planned assessment test for teachers in public primary and secondary schools in Edo State has been fixed for Saturday, March 22nd, 2014. The government’s Assessment Committee announced on Tuesday in Benin City.

But the much criticized test may not hold, after all, as a group of public secondary school teachers also took the state government to court on Tuesday, seeking interlocutory injunctions to stop the Assessment Test but also seven other reliefs that seek to take away the power of teachers’ assessment from the state government.

However, in a statement from the Government House, Chairman of the Assessment Committee, Professor Dennis Agbonlahor said, “Pursuant to the desire by the government and people of the state to urgently halt the unacceptable state of delay in its education sector, the

health workers’ salary to be at par with what is obtain in other health sectors both in the state and the country.

The state Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries development Dr Isa Vatsa, who made the disclosure in Minna, said the upward review

seven-man Committee has commenced its assignment by adopting a special approach that would be beneficial to all concerned.”

“The Committee started by holding interactive sessions with all relevant Government Stakeholders, Chief Inspectors of Education (CIE), Education Secretaries, Principals and Heads of randomly selected Secondary and Primary Schools and paying on the spot assessment visits to schools in order to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the education system.”

“In line with International Best Practices, which support the need for continuous professional development and continuous assessment for performance evaluation, the Committee will ensure a total systematic assessment by observing the teacher in their classrooms and interacting with the teachers on the subject they teach,” Agbonlahor concluded.

of their emolument would increase the wage bill of government by additional N10. 2 million monthly.

The increase new salary policy, according to him got the nod of the state executive council and is expected to be the first for any animal health worker in the

But four teachers, Messrs Okoekpen Emmanuel, Ebare Sunday, Bola Sunday and Osayande Samuel, acting for themselves and on behalf of the other secondary school teachers in Edo State, same day dragged the state government to the National Industrial Court in Akure Division, Ondo State in a dual action that seek to stop the test and take the power of assessment from the state government.

While no date has been fixed for the formal hearing of the case, counsel to the claimants, Mr. Afolabi Olayiwola listed the defendants to include the Edo State Government; Attorney-General of Edo State; Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria; Professor Dennis Agbonlahor; Mrs. Yemi Keri (Head of Edo State Information and Communication Technology Agency); Head of Service of Edo State; Ministry of Basic Education of

Edo State; and Ministry of Higher Education of Edo State in the above order of appearance.

The litigants are asking the court for two main orders: “An Order of Interlocutory Injunction restraining the defendants excluding the 3rd defendant whether by themselves, their agents or privies from conducting the purported competency test or any test in any disguise for the claimants pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit,” and “An Order of Interlocutory Injunction restraining the defendants from taking any step or doing anything inconsistent with the claimants’ employment by withholding their salaries and or any of their entitlements or terminating their appointment as a result of the said competency test pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

he Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Mr Sam Saba, has called on all Heads of Department of the organisation to be bold in the review of their departmental activities.

In a statement signed by the CCB Head of Press and Protocol, Mrs Iyabo Akinwale in Abuja, Saba urged the HODs to speak freely without any fear on issues bothering their minds.

According to the statement the Chairman made the call at a meeting with HODs and the Strategic Plan Management Committee (SPMC).

It quoted the chairman as saying that constituting the SPMC and the adoption of the strategic plan was the best thing that happened to the bureau.

FCTA Civil servants jittery over sack threat Senator Mohammed who was accompanied on the tour by heads of security agencies in the territory, including the Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu said he has again warned the civil servants to desist from lying ..

He said if they are not ready to work within his vision, he would be forced to source for consultants who would undertake such jobs. He added that he felt embarrassed having to be summoned by the president to explain why certain jobs were not being done, saying he has become tired of talking to civil servants and vowed to wield the big stick.

“It is either they resign honourably or we show them the way out...this has become necessary because we have been talking and talking. I felt highly disgusted and so we had to go on this inspection.

“I was becoming disillusioned and disgruntled.

I’ve read the riot act to all directors. We are sending notice to all those who love

to flout our bye laws. We won’t allow Abuja to become a jungle”, he added.

Sen. Mohammed also used the opportunity to donate 45 Hilux patrol vehicles to security agencies in the territory The vehicles which cost about N400m are fitted with communication gadgets.

Last month, an apparently enraged Minister of State in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide chided the Director of Sports in the Social Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration, Alhaji Musa Halim, accusing him of frustrating her especially with regards to the inauguration of Sports Associations in the territory She expressed shock that even though she had approved membership of the committees over six months ago, the director was yet to follow up on the development or revert to her if he met any brickwall.

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Civil Service

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Adamawa Govt allocates 20% of 2014 budget to boards, parastatals

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he Adamawa Government has allocated 20 per cent of its 2014 budget as subvention to its boards and parastatals.

Alhaji Ibrahim Vokna, the state Commissioner for Finance, disclosed this in Yola while giving a breakdown of the approved budget on Tuesday.

Vokna said that the subvention to the affected boards and parastatals would gulp more than N19.6 billion or 20.07 per cent of the budget.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Murtala Nyako has assented to N97, 929,298,870.100k approved by the State House of Assembly. ``Adamawa State House of Assembly has approved the sum of

N97, 929,298,870.100k and signed into law by Governor Murtala Nyako the budget of fiscal year 2014. ``Which means 20.07 per cent of the total budget is allocated to the subvention of boards and parastatals,” Vokna said.

He said that while the subvention of the boards and parastatals got the lion share in the budget,the Ministry of Education received the allocation of more than N3.7 billion.

According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources was allocated over N1.8 billion, while the Ministry of Works got the second largest share of N13.7 billion Others are the Office of the Secretary to the State Government N5.7 billion, Government House N4.5

billion, while Security and Special Services got N4.3 billion.

The State House of Assembly was earmarked N6.4 billion, State University in Mubi N6.006 billion, and Deputy Governor’s Office N428,332,740.00.

The Adamawa Investment and Property Development agency got the least allocation of N20 million or 0.02 per cent of the total budget.

Vokna pledged diligent implementation of the appropriation bill and solicited for support to enable the government deliver democracy dividends to the people.

FCT police command decorates 1,487 newly promoted officers The FCT Police Command on Tuesday decorated the 1,487 personnel under its

command, who benefited in the recent mass promotion in the force, with their new ranks.

The breakdown of the beneficiaries showed that 11 Superintendents, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Central Area, Nana Garba and Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), Karu, Aisha Yusuf, were promoted to Chief Superintendent.

Sixteen Deputy Superintendents were elevated to Superintendent; 30 Assistant Superintendents to Deputy Superintendent; 200 Inspectors to Assistant Superintendent and 226 Sergeants to Inspectors.

The others are 613 Corporals promoted to Sergeant and 391 Constables to Corporal

L-R; Members of the newly inaugurated State Audit Commission and Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Ayodele Adebusoye; Mrs. Omotayo Lateefat Itseumah; Mr. Wale Eletu; Mr. Akin Onimole; Mrs. Oluwayomi Modupe Akinwolemiwa; Mr. Olalekan Lasisi and Mr. Kenneth Segun Odusenye, taking Oath of Office before the Lagos State Governor during their swearing-in ceremony at the Lagos yesterday.

Fulani group decries exclusion from National Conference ADEOLA TUKURU, ABUJA

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Fulani socio-cultural association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore has said that the National Conference, will fail if the Fulanis are not included.

The National President of the association, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, stated this over the weekend after meeting with its members,adding that the Fulanis are ready to

express their problems at the conference, but they are not named in the recent list of delegates issued out by the Federal Government.

“We are surprised that the government did not recognise the fulani socio-cultural organisation in their activities.

When the list of delegates to the National conference was announced last Friday, we expected to see the names of our our representatives, but we did not

see any. Asking those who do not know the problem of the fulani to represent us does not augur well.

Government should choose those people who know the problems that the fulanis are facing,” Bodejo said.

Bodejo called on President Goodluck Jonathan to use his good office to reverse this problem before the commencement of the conference.

According to him, the fulanis contributed about

99.9 percent of economic growth in Nigeria but government is not taking them serious, especially in tackling the problems of grazing reserve and farmer/Fulani crisis in some parts of the country.

He added that farmers/Fulani crisis alone is enough to have a conference to put an end to a situation where many Nigerians are dying day by day.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT, Mr Joseph Mbu, charged the officers to put in their best to justify the promotion and ensure there was adequate security in the territory.

Mbu said the exercise, which cut across the ranks, was part of the welfare package designed by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, to motivate the force.

Niger State tasks top govt functionaries on security PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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iger State Government has tasked top civil servants in the state to be security conscious at all time adding that due to the high offices they occupy they are easy targets during violence, armed robbery attacks, mischief, especially in getting information on the activities of government.”

The call was made during a sensitisation workshop held for top civil servants comprising of Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Parastatals in the state with tips on ways to handle security issues, as part of measures aimed at preparing them for the challenges of insecurity confronting the nation.

Declaring open the workshop in Minna, the state Head of Service, Barrister Abass Bello said the issue of insecurity has come to the front burner in the country, hence the need to sensitise top government functionaries on how to be security conscious at all times.

Though the state has continued to enjoy peace, he said the prevailing insecurity in the country, calls for renewed vigour in address-

ing the challenges at both individual and community levels.

“This sensitisation workshop is apt because Permanent Secretaries, occupy the highest office of the public service and therefore, are easy targets during violence, armed robbery attacks, mischief, especially in getting information on the activities of government.”

Bello also enjoined participants to pay adequate attention the sensitisation workshop so that the benefits derived from it could be put into personal and official use. “ The present administration in the state has achieved a lot in the area of providing adequate security for its citizens, therefore, I want to urge you to pass the knowledge acquired from this work shop to your subordinate staff,” Bello urged the participants.

Speaking, the Resource Person, Alhaji Abu Sani, a Chief Superintendent of Police said the sensitisation workshop was part of the cooperation sorted by the office of the Head of Service from the Niger Police command, especially in areas of safety, security awareness, among others.

FG insists on workers contribution to health insurance scheme CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

vide Universal Health Coverage for our people,” the President added.

He stressed his administration’s commitment to achieve 30 percent coverage of the population by the end of 2015.

In a remark, chan, Director General, World Health Organization,[ WHO] advised Nigeria that there is no universal formula for reaching universal coverage. Each country, according to her, must carve its own way to attaining it.

Chan, represented by Country Director WHO, Dr Rui Vaz, however informed that “universal health care in isolation is no guarantee of efficient and effective care. In addition to political will, UHC requires sufficient number of well-trained and motivated staff with adequate resources for promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and professional development, to nurture a culture of good governance’’.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Wednesday March 12, 2014

Prince Yinka Oni is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ekiti State. In this interview with KEMI OLAITAN in Ibadan, he speaks on the political situation in the state and why the PDP will send the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government packing. Excerpts:

Many governorship aspirants, a plus for PDP -Yinka Oni tics. You do not forsake counsel of the elders, if you don’t want to go astray. Thus I don’t know if there is any other meaning of godfather that you have in mind than that.

You contested for your party’s ticket in 2006, prior to the 2007 election, but you didn’t get it, what then informed your return this time around?

It has been an ambition close to my chest since 2006. It is just that I picked up my campaign later than I did earlier on; I mean it is somehow unusual. But the most important thing is that when you have the structure, you can begin your campaign for any political office at any point in time.

The structure is there, well oiled and functional. I know that by the grace of God, this time, we are going to get to the position to serve the people of Ekiti State.

What in your view is the interest of President Goodluck Jonathan in the coming governorship election in the state, considering that he recently exited the Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, from his cabinet?

I cannot speak for Olubolade and the President. There is nobody that is watching the activities of the Federal Government that will not know that the change in cabinet members is about enhancing service delivery. If my brother, Olubolade, was asked to go, the President must have rationalised it very well before taking such action.

He has done his bit in that cabinet.

Where is the structure you talked about and what has become of it since the last governorship election?

The structure is very well on ground. Since 2006 when we last had a shot at the governorship race, it has grown. It has been doing a lot since then, although most of its activities are social and to me there is no way you can divorce that from politics. Only last year, we inaugurated what we call our in-house turn-around programme, though it was low-keyed. The programme was part of our efforts to empower our people.

What is your take on the clamouring for a particular South agenda in filling the governorship slot?

It was initially a well worked-out agenda, but it didn’t see the light of day. The current governor, Kayode Fayemi, is from the North. The agenda has not worked out. Anyway, the PDP is trying to sort that out.

What we have on ground now; what is important to us now is that the PDP wants to win the state back. Any candidate that will do just that; that will win the state from the opposition’s grip, from any part of the state, will be the right candidate to be presented.

There are many aspirants jostling for the party’s governorship ticket, don’t you think that that will be an undoing for the party?

I think that the party has learnt from its past mistakes and I also think that despite the seeming confusion that we have right now, we will reach a reasonable conclusion.

I am sure that one person will emerge as the party’s candidate and we will all help to ensure the success of that person in the election proper.

What I know that is uppermost in our minds collectively is that we do not want the All Progressives Congress, APC, in government any longer. In the PDP, we are very sure footing, the electorate love us and we are sure of effortlessly bringing about the change that Ekiti needs.

Don’t worry about the cacophony of noises about many contestants; certainly we will streamline as and when due.

Which one will you prefer for the party’s candidate to emerge, through primaries or consensus?

I don’t want to hold brief for the party over this. But, at a point before now, we were saying it would be consensus. The nature of our campaigns has been based on that.

But later, some people said holding primaries would be the best for the party, but I think it is going to be very difficult to hold primaries right now, particularly now that the election time is very near.

What is your take on the current APC-led government in the state?

I believe that the present administration in the state has done its best but there is enough room to do more. In the PDP, we have the opportunity to take over, do more and perform better than what they are doing.

Politicians are fond of having godfathers, who then is your own in this project?

While I don’t know what you mean by godfather, all I know is that the Yoruba environment give room for godfathers and the PDP represents the Yoruba environment.

There are older people, more experienced people everywhere and they are there to mentor and guide you aright.

You should not be surprised that people are supporting me. We need such in every sphere of life; not only in poli-

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Aren’t you scared of many entrenched politicians and veterans in the governorship race such as former Governor Ayo Fayose? How do you intend to upstage such people and clinch the ticket?

It is the choice of the people that will determine that.

First, it is the choice of the party. And then, the people come in. You are talking about just one person. What about the other over 17 people gunning for the same ticket?

If they are not scared, I am not scared. It is an interesting movie to watch. And I must tell you, I am enjoying how it is playing out.

Oni

What should the people expect from you if you eventually get the party’s ticket and you become the governor?

I will promise all the good things that all governorship aspirants or candidates promise before election. What will be unique about me is putting proper structure in place.

The idea is to put a stop to the idea of starting again once government changes. We will put a stop to that.

The economy also needs more collaborators; I mean competent people to collaborate with the state on the economy and education. We can find right partners to further develop, particularly in our education sector. We can find partners to rationalise our farmlands to better our agriculture. Our education sector has improved over time, but we can achieve more. We can get back to the status of true fountain of education that we used to have. There is a lot more that we have in the offing for our dear state. We will unveil all these when the campaigns proper start.

Confab: Okonkwo galvanises support for Ohanaeze OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

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s the national conference becomes a reality amidst high hopes, expectations and scepticisms, a front line Igbo nationalist campaigner for equality, equity and fair access to national resources and op-

Okonkwo

portunities, Senator Annie Okonkwo has urged Igbos to wholeheartedly support Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s position on the confab.

Okonkwo, who is the President of Committee 21, an Igbo socio-political group drew from experiential insights and historical reflections to assert that “any opportunity for a national jaw-jaw of this dimension is better than war-war.” He argued that the potency to correct structural and social injustices is best served through dialogue than the violence of warfare, adding that in any case, people must appreciate that it’s better late than never.

He said: “It’s on this premise that I call on Ndig-

bo of all persuasions to strategically stand behind Ohanaeze Ndigbo as our delegates go to the conference to canvass our position and interests, because the Igbos must make a statement that on this very issue of national dialogue, we are one, since the consequences of our collective deprivations as a people is neither discriminatory nor selective.”

Cautioning Igbo delegates to the confab, whether selected or appointed, that “it will be a lamentable self inflicted disaster, difficult to forgive, much less forget if the policies and protocols of governance that will shape the future of this country is negotiated without the best of our deepest inputs

from our cerebral fountain of knowledge, wisdom and prized attributes,” Okonkwo added that it was important that Igbo delegates should never make the mistake of coming home with analogue rating when we clearly have a digital capacity.”

He agreed however that sacrifices and concessions may be necessary here and there, but only on the platform of transparent beneficial consensus, counselling that if the Igbos courageously stand up to cast out the speck that pulls them down by speaking with one voice, they will be energised and enhanced to help a grateful Nigeria remove the log that hinder their progress in concert with other nationalities.

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Politics

Wednesday March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

2015: Anenih calls for unity in S’West PDP OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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hairman of the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Annenih has counselled on the need for reconciliation and unity of the PDP leaders in the South-West to enhance the success of the party in the coming elections.

This was also Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has said that all parts of the federation has a stake in the continued stability and political development of the country adding that the Goodluck Jonathan administration was giving atten-

•As SGF says united Nigeria, concern of all regions tion to all segments in its programmes.

Anenih spoke when he received executives and members of the SouthWest Network, SWN, a pressure group within the PDP at his Abuja residence.

He emphasised that it is imperative for the group to work with elders of the party at the states and the national level to stem the sliding fortunes of the party in the zone.

He however commended the initiative of the group and pledged his support for the group’s determination to ensure victory of the party at the forth coming governorship election in Ekiti and Osun states and

other future elections.

He said: “You must brace up to remain steadfast because some other people will try to attack you but since your goals are noble and genuine, then you have my blessing.”

Also speaking, chairman of the SWN, Senator Hosea Agboola, said the group was formed to redress the sliding relevance of the South West in the Nigerian political space, adding that disunity, continuous bickering and leadership vacuum has contributed to the marginalisation

of the zone.

Agboola , who is also the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, commended Anenih for his leadership and relentless effort to stem the crisis in the party, adding that a new lease of life was returning to the party which has helped the reconciliation process.

Speaking separately when he granted audience to the SWN, Anyim admonished it to continue to sensitise the people of the zone on the need to see themselves as important segment of the federation and contribute to empow-

erment of the people at the grassroots “Your group should look beyond the elections and contribute to developing the consciousness of the people towards the transformation agenda of the present administration. From the calibre of the members, your integrity and level of achievement, your group possesses the capacity and credibility to represent the interest of the South-West,” Anyim said Earlier, Agboola said the group was formed to provide credible interface be-

tween the zone and the present administration in the attempt to redress the sliding relevance of the SouthWest in Nigerian politics.

He said the group is embarking on reconciliation of leaders and providing the platform to rally round the South-West members of the PDP to take their rightful position in the scheme of things.

Agboola said the SWN had visited Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Tony Anenih, former Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Chief Bode George and Chief Shuaib Oyedokun.

Oyo PDP assures of managing its crisis KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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he leadership of the Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday assured of its commitment to ensure that peace finally return to the party.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, gave the commitment while speaking with journalists at the end of the party’s elders’ meeting held at the party’s secretariat, Queen Elizabeth road, Mokola, Ibadan.

He said the elders are putting up an arrangement to ensure that everybody that matter in the party is taken care of.

He added that the committee has “gone far,” stating that by the time the elders meet again on Monday, March 21, “there will be more representatives than we had now. And sooner or later we will be reporting to the house.”

His words: “The government of the day also has so many aspirants. We are bound to have array of aspirants, the more the merrier. We are going to get a crisis management committee to manage this issue, people who would be up to the task.”

Adeojo maintained that the PDP in Oyo State is now one united entity, stating that there is no iota of truth in the insinuation that some high ranking members like the former governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao-

Akala, the Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide and others are not part of the committee.

He said: “There have been series of reconciliation meetings. Alao-Akala has been to my house and I had visited him. Akinjide was also aware of the development here, everybody is carried along. As you know, Rome was not built in a day. We’re still meeting and sorting things out in order to come out stronger.

“There is no room to dissolve the state executive committee now. The time is so limited for such; anybody who wants to dissolve this executive does not wish us well.

“The Independent National Electoral Committee, INEC, has released the time table for next election. We must take care of everybody with genuine and sincere reconciliation. So we can harmonise and forge ahead.”

Speaking on next year election, Adeojo said that there is no room for second term in the state, stating that he has told Governor Abiola Ajimobi to his face.

Cross section of PDP supporters during North-West rally in Kaduna yesterday.

Group seeks involvement of women in nation building ODINAKA URUAKPA

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omen in Nigeria converged at the Sonnic Restaurant Isolo, Lagos recently under the aegis of Mothers of the Nation to discuss the poor state of affairs in the country, particularly, political misdemeanour on the part of men who presently are at the helm of affairs.

They accused the men of relegating the women to the background and thereby make them second

fiddle when it comes to nation building.

Convener of the conference, Bishop Priscilia Otuya, said men, especially political leaders, have failed the nation as they steer the affairs of the country under the influence of their own worldly wisdom.

Saying that the man on the street bears the brunt of such action, she maintained that if men in authority are performing the statutory responsibilities to the people in righteousness and Godly manners,

Senator lauds Jonathan on Arogbofa’s appointment

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resident Goodluck Jonathan has been described as a listening leader, who does not discriminate against any section or geo-political zone as the whole country is his constituency.

The Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola, made the remark in a release signed by Malam Ade-

bayo Muritala on Monday.

Agboola commended President Jonathan on the appointment of Brig-Gen. Jones O. Arogbofa (rtd) as his Chief of Staff. The release said that the appointment was evidence that the President did not forget the SouthWest zone in the scheme of things as some people falsely believed, adding that the

South-West deserves more dividends of democracy.

Agboola assured the President that the PDP in the South-West would not only support his quest for the party’s ticket, but also do the necessary grassroots campaign that would ensure that the electorate repeat what they did for him in 2011.

the country would not find itself in the dilemma it is in at the moment.

Her words: “The genesis of the countless problems facing the country, especially the incessant killings of innocent citizens by the Boko Haram sect was because Nigeria was founded on a faulty foundation by the colonial masters, who had their own selfish interest and personal agendas as they went about looking for colonies to conquer and rule.

“We wake up every day in this country and we are confronted with one problem or the other. It is apparent that the problems and crises we are facing at the moment in Nigeria have defied all solutions; it has defied the government, it has defied men in authority.

“We have come together today to compare what we call spiritual notes on what we feel is going on in the country. As ministers of God and His servants, we

have come to x-ray these problems which have spiritual undertones and the reasons they continue to elude all forms of solutions to salvage them.”

While calling on women to rise up to the occasion to salvage the country, she added: “Until women in the nation agree to work together as one, then God will give them the divine strategy to salvage the country just like the Hebrew midwives in Egypt agreed to save the situation of their people.

“For women in power especially the first ladies; they must realise that God put them there for a purpose; they must not forget where they are coming from. And for the sake of the women, innocent children and the poor who are the voiceless in our society, God will not judge the country unjustly but He will surely judge the leaders who have ruled the people in an unjust manner and put the nation in a riotous state.”

Tuesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Community Mirror Let me assure the contractor that you are safe in this place, your workers are safe and your equipment and facilities are safe too.

Petrol: Queues end as NNPC supplies fuel

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GOVERNOR EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN OF DELTA STATE

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Rape: Police boss identifies relations as culprits KEMI OLAITAN IBADAN

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ith incidents of rape and defilement of young girls rising daily in the country, parents have been advised to be on the lookout as most of the suspects are those close or related to their victims.

The Oyo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Mu-

hammed Indabawa, who made the disclosure at a Community Policing Outreach programme in Ibadan, charged parents to be mindful of older males who take sexually related jokes to the extreme with their kids.

He said, “From cases we handle daily, we have discovered that most suspects arrested for defiling young girls are those

close or related to the victims or their parents.

They are usually uncles, cousins and neighbours.

So, parents need to watch the people who crack jokes with their children especially the young girls.”

The police boss represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Olabisi Ilubanafor, enjoined young girls to

avoid walking on lonely roads and visiting people unknown to their parents.

He said the outreach, an initiative by the command is to educate the society and allow them interact with security experts.

According to him, it is necessary to reach out to school children so that they do not become victims of criminals.

While answering ques-

tions from pupils at the ceremony, he dismissed the notion that indecent dressing was a major reason why some girls are raped or defiled.

Describing rape suspects as “psychologically sick”, he said “no doubt indecent dressing may lead to some cases but what of the old man who raped one year old and three years old? How indecently dressed could such babies be. Most of these suspects are psychologically sick”.

He however warned mothers to learn to cover

the private parts of their babies as some of psychologically sick men may get aroused and make attempts to defile them.

He also asked the boys to desist from drug abuse, pornography, libido boosting drinks and acts that may lead to uncontrollable urge.

The council chairman, Mr. Ambali Mukaila Abiola, lauded the police for instituting the community policing outreach, stating that rape and defilement cases are some of the worst offences known.

Hearing on Epe chieftaincy tussle resumes WALE IGBINTADE

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Global Walk for Money procession to mark the 2014 Global Money Week in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Centre offers free dialysis for kidney patients FRANCIS SUBERU

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s Nigeria joins other nations to celebrate World Kidney Day, the out-patient dialysis centre at Lagos - Renal Dialysis Centre, RDC, is offering free dialysis to patients suffering from kidney problem.

World Kidney Day, a global joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrologists, ISN, and the International Federation of Kidney Foundation, IFKF, has since 2006 been celebrated annually on second Thursday of every year.

Management of Renal Dialysis Centre said this year’s celebration, with the theme “Chronic Kidney Disease and Aging”, was aimed at raising awareness on importance of the kidneys to overall health and reducing the frequency and impact of the disease and associated problems worldwide.

Director of the centre, Dr. Gbolahan Agbeyangi, said at a news conference that awareness of the disease was important in order for people to know what to do if they notice any signs or symptoms, adding that one in every

10 persons has some level of kidney disease or the other.

According to Agbeyangi, the most prominent factors responsible for chronic kidney disease are diabetes and High Blood Pressure, HPB, which together account for over 65 percent of persons with chronic kidney disease, adding that if not detected early and managed appropriately, the conditions could lead to kidney failure and even death.

As a mark of concern for victims of the disease, the centre has chosen to celebrate this year’s World

Kidney Day by offering free and discounted dialysis sessions to selected patients, adding that the free sessions will avail selected patients the opportunity of comprehensive reviews by in-house consultants and renal specialists towards management of their condition.

Agbeyangi directed interested patients to go to any branch of the centre on 19B Adeboye Solanke Street, off Allen Avenue Ikeja, or 314 Ikorodu Road, Anthony Village, Lagos or call 0700DIALYSIS, 08100000178, 09030639422 or 09030536907 for an appointment.

ustice Kazeem Alogba of a Lagos High Court will today hear arguments in a suit filed by Alhaji Mukaila Adekunle Kila challenging a bid by the Olu of Epe Kingdom, Oba Shefiu Olatunji Adewale to install one Tajudeen Ajiborisha as Bashorun of the ancient town.

Justice Alogba had restrained the defendants in the matter from parading any candidate as the selected candidate for the vacant stool, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

Specifically, the court is expected to hear arguments on a motion for interlocutory injunction filed by the first plaintiff (Kila) seeking to halt the nomination of Ajiborisha as Bashorun of Epe Kingdom, pending the determination of the substantive matter.

In the substantive case, Kila is claiming to be the duly nominated Bashorun in accordance with the 1958 chieftaincy declaration of the Eko-Epe Community.

He added that in the declaration, which is the

applicable law, the power to nominate a candidate for Bashorun stool is vested in the concerned ward without interference from any quarters.

The plaintiff stressed that all the traditional rites to signify his acceptance as candidate for the Bashorun chieftaincy have been concluded, and tributes accepted, adding that Oba Adewale was not in any position to interfere with the selection process under the applicable law.

However, the plaintiff averred that the wrongful action of Oba Adewale and others in purporting to select Ajiborisha for the vacant stool was already causing breach of peace and order in Epe. He added that the action of Oba Adewale was contrary to the traditional customary practice of the town, and that same had caused untold hardship and brought the entire Epe kingdom in turmoil.

He is therefore seeking N50 million damages and a perpetual injunction restraining the Lagos State Government from approving the nomination of any other candidate apart from himself.

46

Community Mirror

National Mirror Wednesday, March 12, 2014 www.nationalmirroronline.net

FCTA demolishes illegal settlements in Abuja

R

Cars queueing for fuel at the NNPC mega station in Owerri, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Petrol: Queues end as NNPC supplies fuel DARE AKOGUN

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that it will begin new measures to guard against artificially induced fuel scarcity which was witnessed in various parts of the country last week.

This was contained in a statement signed by the acting Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Dr. Omar Ibrahim that in conjunction with the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, and Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, said it will commence detailed monitoring of fuel stations in Lagos and environs.

NNPC further explained that the monitoring which will also extend to other states of the federation in order to checkmate the incidence of hoarding and panic buying amongst marketers and consumers alike.

The long queues at filling stations resurfaced nationwide last week due to

what the NNPC attributed to the disruptions in the pipeline network leading to its depots.

Motorist and commuters especially in Lagos urged the federal government to be more proactive and ensure the fuel reserves should not be allowed to be exhausted before replacing them.

Motorists and commuters in Lagos went through hardship and harrowing experiences to get to their various places of work.

Filling stations in Lagos dispensed premium motor spirit known as petrol between N100 and N120 per litre, while sold for as high as N150 to N200.

On some routes, fares were hiked by 150 per cent, while others saw an increase of between 50 and 100 per cent.

Most of them blamed the hike in fares on the sudden illegal increase in the pump price of the premium motor spirit, and time spent queueing for the commodity at the few filling stations selling it.

The scarcity increased overcrowding of commut-

ers at the bus stops of the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, and LAGBUS. Some commuters had to stand inside the buses to be able to get to their various destinations.

The NNPC Group Managing Director Mr. Andrew Yakubu, attributed the fuel scarcity in the country to the disruptions in the pipeline network leading to its depots.

Yakubu made the claim while answering questions from journalists after defending the agency’s 2014 budget before the Joint National Assembly Committee on Upstream Petroleum and Gas, said the NNPC had 20 depots with pipelines stretching as long as 5,000 kilometres.

Yakubu said that this type of fuel scarcity only occurs when the distribution network is breached, but promised, that the challenge is temporary as effort is being made to fix the breach and forestall future occurence.

“The best way to distribute fuel is through the pipeline network to our various depots that are all

over the country. We have over 20 of them and about 5, 000 kilometres stretch of pipelines and that is the best and the most efficient way, but when they are breached, then you have this kind of challenge”, he said.

esidents of Katampe area of Abuja have been thrown into confusion as officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, demolished illegal settlements in the area.

The affected settlements are Katampe extension, and Gishiri Village where shanties belonging to some scavengers were removed.

The FCTA departments involved in the joint cleanup exercise were Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Department of Development Control, Abuja Environmental Protection Board and the Satellite Towns Development Agency.

At Katampe extension, the scavengers were seen trying recover properties as their shanties were demolished.

Malam Mohammed Abdullahi, said that it was insensitive of the government to evict them from a place, they have lived for several years.

“We have been here for five years, struggling to survive. These properties they are destroying mean a lot to us; this is unfair.

They should allow poor people to survive in Abuja,’’ he said.

At Gishiri Village, several newly-constructed houses were demolished as residents scrambled to save some of their belongings.

Most of the residents

complained that they did not make alternative arrangement for accommodation because they were not notified of the exercise.

Mrs Medina Adebayo said that Gishiri was her ancestral village,claiming it was wrong for FCTA to demolish the village since the indigenes were not relocated.

“This is my ancestral home. They have not compensated us for acquiring this place and therefore cannot demolish it. I was with the Director of Development Control and he assured me that they will not demolish this place, but I am surprised at what they are doing now,’’ she said.

Mrs Mercy Ezekiel, nursing mother, said the demolition of her residence would negatively affect the baby’s health.

Development Control District Officer in charge of Katampe, Mr Kalu Amadi, said that the exercise was necessary to prepare the area for more infrastructures.

He advised Abuja residents to be cautious in acquiring land, saying that plots that were not allocated by the FCT Minister were illegal.

“You can see that most of the demolished houses are built on the road. FCT residents should desist from acquiring land from unauthorised sources,’’ he advised.

Trader arraigned for breach of peace, felony

A

56-year-old trader, Chimaobi Ogbuagu, has been arraigned before an Umuahia Magistrates’ Court charged with breach of the peace and felony.

The prosecutor, Mr Maduabuchi Onyendilefu, told the court that on Jan. 27, at Mission Hill in Umuahia North, the accused and others at large conspired to cause malicious damage.

Onyendilefu said the accused breached the peace by forcefully gaining entry to a piece of land at Uzu-ubi Umuagom community belonging to one Enyinnaya Onwumere.

He said that Ogbuagu and his accomplices de-

stroyed a six-bedroom apartment being constructed on the land and 15 bags of cement valued at N500, 000.

He said the accused and his accomplices chased the labourers away and took one of them, Nduka Onyenze, into unlawful custody.

He said the actions of the accused person were contrary and punishable under the Criminal Code Cap C.38 Laws of the Federation.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the fourcount charge preferred against him.

Mr Dan Ibe, the defence counsel, made an oral application for bail of the accused person on the most

liberal terms.

The magistrate granted the accused person bail of N100,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the matter to April 14 for further hearing.

Orji

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DIVINE GRACE FOOD SAFETY AND EDUCATION INITIATIVE

This is to inform the general public that the above named -organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the company and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

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The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Organization applied for registration under the Companies and Allied Matter Act 2004 Part C. 1. Pastor Niyi Segun Ojedokun 2. Bishop Taiwo Victor Adelakun 3. Apostle Sunday Popoola 4. Bishop David Bakare 5. Mr. Olaniyi Kehinde

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AJEJE OWO PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION THE TRUSTEES ARE:

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: .

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This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration, under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

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1. Owadoghon Joshua A. 2. Moshood Yusuf 3. Alex James 4. Olabisi Olaotan 5. Kolawole Idowu THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote economic welfare of the association member 2. To promote mutual understanding, discipline, social welfare among the members of the association 3. To create a forum for the exchange of idea among the association member 4. To promote peace and unity within the community of the association Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

48

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

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Our mission ended, camps closed –Suspects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

of Benue and Plateau and in other parts of Nigeria,” Tambuwal said.

The Speaker, who called for a one-minute silence top honour the victims, said the Federal Government must rise to the occasion.

“And by government, I do not mean only the executive.

We in the legislature are also part of government. And we cannot, therefore, merely join in the chorus of lamentations. Our duty is to act swiftly and decisively in the protection of the citizenry,” he added.

Tambuwal said that the House had initiated and supported all measures needed to combat terrorism in the country.

“We have passed over 20 resolutions on the issue of national security. We amended the Anti-terrorism Act, 2011 to strengthen security agencies. We have appropriated huge sums of money for the security agencies.

“Only recently, January

30, 2014, the House in making its recommendations for constitutional amendment voted to include the national security agencies and the Nigerian Police on the first line charge for purpose of ensuring their financial independence and timely release of funds when appropriated.

“While we await the completion of the constitutional amendment process in which we have thus sought to remove the funding bottleneck that impedes the operational effectiveness of our security institutions, we must in the interim adopt definite measures to ensure that the security agencies have all the support they needed to put an end to this long-running orgy of bloodbath so that Nigerians can sleep with both eyes closed.

“That is the most basic service citizens expect from their government.

“Let us not forget that we have in place a state of emergency in the three affected North East states. Yet,

the killings have continued unabated in spite of the gallant efforts of our security forces.

“It is therefore clear that we need to come up with other ideas for a solution.

There are certain questions that this House must now ask,” he added.

The Speaker said that at this stage of the country’s journey to nationhood, Nigerians should be highlighting the ties that bound them.

“We should be promoting the elements of our common heritage and emphasising the imperatives of our common destiny.

“In the light of a heartwrenching tragedy like this, our people must now see that those political, sectional and sectarian differences that have made it impossible for us to present a united front against our challenges are petty and self-absorbed.

“If a tragedy of the Buni Yadi magnitude does not bring us together as one nation, if the loss of our innocent children whose only

offence was that they went to school to gain education and wisdom in preparation for a future of service to Nigeria and humanity does not unite us in grief, then we need to ask ourselves if we truly meet the basic spiritual requirements of nationhood,” Tambuwal said.

He, however, appealed to Nigerians to join in the struggle for the soul of the nation and “embrace as a sacred duty” the mission of restoring peace and stability in Nigeria.

“We must draw from the heartbreak of Buni Yadi and other areas affected by mindless violence, an inspiration to rededicate ourselves to the cause of nation building.

“Our nation is in mourning and it is in urgent need of consolation, our nation is in pain and in urgent need of healing, our nation is puzzled and in urgent need of answers, our nation is disillusioned and in urgent need of reassurance”, he said.

Also yesterday, the Fed-

Applicants waiting to be interviewed in Akko local government area council of Gombe State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Scarcity: FG accused of plotting fuel price hike CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

standing, the minister regretted the budget allocation for her ministry, but assured that it will consolidate on the achievements despite the sundry challenges, and boost revenue generation within the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, as a result of the scarcity of fuel being experienced in some parts of the country, commercial drivers have increased transport fares in Katsina State.

A visit to some filing stations in Katsina, Kankia, Malumfashi, Charanchi and Dutsin-ma Local Government Areas showed that only

the NNPC mega stations are selling the commodity at the official rate of N97 per litre.

Our correspondent observed that the commodity is being sold at N140 per litre in the few filling stations opened for business, even as the scarcity had led to long queues at the stations.

The situation had also jerked up transport fares, which had gone up by about 20 per cent.

Passengers travelling to Kaduna from Katsina now pay N1,300 as against N1,000; those going from Kankia to Malumfashi now pay N450 instead of N350;

Katsina to Kankia, N250 as against N200, while Katsina to Funtua attracts N800 as against N700.

In Jos, Plateau State, nearly all the filling stations were shut down yesterday.

Only the NNPC mega filling station on Murtala Muhammed Way dispensed the product to consumers at the official pump price of N97 per litre.

The scarcity had forced a long queue to emerge at the filling station which extended to the ever-busy Yakubu Gowon Way, with the attendant traffic jam.

The queue consisted

mostly of civil servants who could not afford to patronise black marketers.

One of the motorists, Mr. Philip Onye, who was the tail end of the one-kilometre-long queue, told NAN that his tank was empty adding that he could not afford to buy from roadside hawkers.

While black market operators beside the NNPC mega station, Jos, sold their products at N130 per litre, others in suburbs of Jos like Langtang, Pankshin and Mangu are selling at at between N135 and N150 per litre.

eral Government said it will soon resuscitate and deploy air border patrol in the North East in order to curtail the activities of the rampaging Boko Haram insurgents.

Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, said this in Abuja at a meeting with the management of Dornier Aviation Services Limited, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Mark Snoxell Dornier.

According to the minister, the measures become necessary to take proper control of the country’s borders, especially in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states where security challenges remain very high.

He explained that intelligence reports had revealed that most of those engaged in the ongoing killings were foreigners who came into the country through illegal entry points.

“This visit has been long in waiting, especially against the backdrop that I have paid a similar visit to your organisation almost immediately I assumed office as the minister of interior.

“I felt then and I still feel that air border surveillance is a very critical component of our overall desire to take proper control of our borders. As you are well aware, we have a serious internal security now; as you are equally aware, some of the perpetrators of mayhem in the country have been identified as foreigners who have illegally come in through our borders.

“You are equally aware especially that in the northern part our borders are very porous and so the three attributes that we try to develop to control our borders were vehicular border patrol, the construction of border plazas, the deployment of high technology equipment to be able to survey our borders and of course, the air patrol that we are talking about,” Moro said.

He said the government had taken some other steps to see how it could resuscitate air border patrol, adding that he had earlier set up a committee to examine Nigeria’s existing preparedness to undertake border patrol against the backdrop of its existing aircraft.

Dornier, who led the delegation, expressed the readiness of his company to

partner the ministry by providing the necessary training for immigration personnel expected to take up the responsibility.

He told the minister that his company currently had two aircraft capable of delivering such service, stressing that the age of an aircraft had nothing to do with its efficiency so far as it was adequately maintained.

In a related development, there was tension in Abuja yesterday following reports of a bomb scare at the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Located within the Central Business District, the NNPC Towers has often been viewed as a possible attraction to insurgents who had in the past struck landmark buildings like the Nigeria Force Headquarters and the United Nations Common Office.

Since then, security around the NNPC building has heightened with operatives barricading the whole place and even blocking one lane of the road.

However, there was an unusual presence of additional security personnel as well as heavy surveillance of the area following what a police source described as a “routine operation”.

Our correspondent, however, gathered that the operatives were acting on an intelligence report, which had indicated that Abuja could be the next target of attacks by the insurgents.

“The recent renewed attacks in Borno and Yobe states were thought to be an indication that the insurgents have been pushed backwards to certain parts of those states to the extent that they sometimes run into Cameroun.

“As much as this is true, they (insurgents) may want to spring a surprise attack elsewhere so that they can remain media-relevant. We are working on rounding up remnants of the sect in Niger and Kaduna states.

If they will attack Abuja, those are the likely places from where the foot-soldiers would be recruited,” said a police officer who did not want to be named.

According to him, there was no bomb scare at the NNPC Towers, explaining that workers would have been evacuated in such situation.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

“I want to make clear that I will not accept an agreement that does not cancel the (refugees’) right of return and which does not include Palestinian recognition of the Jewish state”

‘Missing Malaysian plane changed course’

–ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER, BENJAMIN NETANYAHU

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Libyan parliament sacks PM after rebels export oil Paul Arhewe

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

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ibya’s parliament voted Prime Minister Ali Zeidan out of office yesterday after a tanker loaded with oil from a rebel-held port escaped the navy, officials said.

Zeidan, a liberal weakened for months by infighting with Islamists, will be temporarily replaced by Defence Minister Abdallah al-Thinni, parliament spokesman Omar Hmeidan told reporters.

The news deepens the turmoil in the North African country, a member of the OPEC oil producer group, where the government has struggled to impose order and rein in militias that helped oust Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 but now defy state authority.

Deputies said they had mounted a no-confidence vote after the tanker managed to load crude at Es Sider port and escaped the navy, which earlier claimed it had seized the ship.

Zeidan had told Reuters late on Monday in an interview the navy and allied militias had halted the

Libya’s Prime Minister Ali Zeidan speaking during a news conference in Tripoli, recently.

PHOTO: REUTERS

tanker and were escorting it to a government-controlled port in western Libya.

He had for months been facing rising opposition from Islamists and the wider public, which blamed him for Libya’s bumpy transition since the 2011 NATObacked uprising.

The spectacular tanker escape was the tipping point.

“The government has been weakened for a time and we need

a new personality,” said al-Sharif al-Wafi, an independent lawmaker. A new prime minister will be elected by deputies within two weeks, he said.

On Saturday, Zeidan had said the navy would bomb the tanker if it tried to leave the port, one of three occupied by eastern rebels demanding a greater share of oil wealth and power.

But the ship had moved into international waters early on

Israeli Embassy suspends services over workers protest

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he Embassy of the State of Israel in Nigeria has announced the suspension of all Protocol, Diplomatic and Consular services in the country until further notice following the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the Workers of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs to press home for improved conditions of service for the entire Foreign Service personnel worldwide.

According to a statement from the Foreign Workers’ Association in Jerusalem, the action became necessary “because of the procrastination on the part of the Finance Ministry and its failure to make any progress in resolving the labour dispute”.

The measures are being implemented by all Israel Missions abroad and are

the result of a full year be issued. In keeping with of fruitless negotiations directive of the Foreign between the Israel For- Workers Association, the eign Ministry’s Workers’ Ambassador of Israel to Union and the Israel Min- Nigeria, Mr. Uriel Palti istry of Finance. This is a and other diplomatic staff last resort according to the dress casually to work and recognized rights of work- would not attend any ofers under Israeli law. ficial functions. The EmThe Foreign Service bassy wishes to apologize Workers’ Association for any inconvenience this wishes to inform you that might cause the members all Protocol and Consular of the public. services and treatment provided to the foreign diplomatic corps – missions and international organizations, diplomatic staff, and foreign domestic employees working for the missions and residences would be suspended with effect from Wednesday 5 March, until further notice. As part of the suspension, the Israel Missions will not be able to deal with matters pertaining to official visits to Israel and no visas to Israel will Israeli Ambassador, Uriel Palti

Tuesday morning after a brief firefight with government forces, port workers allied to the rebels and an oil official said.

“We escorted the tanker out of the port at 3 a.m.,” said a rebel fighter at the harbour. “We came under fire from light arms (from the navy) but there were no casualties.”

In another worrying sign for the Tripoli government, rebel gunmen blocked the gate to an airbase in Sirte, a city located close to Es Sider.

Residents reported clashes in the afternoon between pro-government forces and rebels in the coastal city.

In Tripoli and the western city of Misrata, armed young men could be seen gathering to join a government force, residents said.

Western powers worry the conflict might break up the vast country dominated by competing tribes and militias, all heavily armed.

The port rebels also demand autonomy for the east, which had been neglected under Gaddafi as he concentrated power and wealth in Tripoli as well as his home region of Sirte.

Pistorius had big love for guns, friend tells court

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friend of Oscar Pistorius has told his murder trial that the athlete “had a big love” for guns.

Darren Fresco said that he had been with him on two occasions when a gun had been fired in public.

Pistorius had once accidentally fired a gun in a restaurant but made him take the blame, Fresco said.

The Paralympic athlete denies intentionally killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and says he mistook her for a burglar.

Darren Fresco, in a black suit with shoulderlength, slicked-back light brown hair, seemed confident - some may even say cocky - as he answered defence lawyer Barry Roux’s questions.

Roux has a tendency to ask the same question over and over again pressing witnesses on details, which can make them seem unsure, and Mr Fresco was no exception.

For one, he could not explain why his statement had not mentioned Oscar Pistorius asking him to be his fall guy at Tasha’s restaurant, or that he had made up a story to the restaurant owners about how the gun had gone off.

WORLD BULLETIN Militant Islamist website calls for attacks on France, Hollande A militant Islamist website has created a series of posters calling for attacks on France and for the assassination of President Francois Hollande in reprisal for the country’s policies in Mali and the Central African Republic, the SITE monitoring service said late on Monday.

In addition to assisting Mali in its war against Islamists, France sent troops four months ago to the majority Christian Central African Republic, where predominantly Muslim “Seleka” rebels seized power a year ago. The Seleka have since been pushed back by Christian “anti-balaka” - “anti-machete” in the local language - militia.

The al Minbar Jihadi Media Network, a well-known Islamist website, created six posters as part of a campaign it dubbed, “We will not be silent, O France,” SITE said.

The forum’s “Media soldiers for the support of Islam” designed the posters, which can be downloaded and printed by visitors to the site.

France’s troops in the Central African Republic, around 2,000 soldiers, are supporting a 6,000-strong African Union peacekeeping mission.

“To our lone-wolves in France, assassinate the president of disbelief and criminality, terrify his cursed government, and bomb them and scare them as a support to the vulnerable in the Central African Republic,” one of the posters said.

South Sudan’s alleged coup plotters face treason trial Four top South Sudanese politicians have gone on trial on charges of treason after being accused of plotting a coup against the government.

This was their first court appearance since their arrest in December, when a rebellion that has killed thousands of people broke out in South Sudan.

The accused held senior posts in the governing party before falling out with President Salva Kiir.

They have not yet pleaded to the 11 charges read out in court.

However, they have previously denied the charges - which carry the maximum sentence of death.

They were smartly dressed in suits - not prison uniforms when they appeared in court in the capital, Juba, says journalist Mading Ngor, who was there.

Heavily armed soldiers were in court and the public gallery was packed as dozens of people turned up to follow the trial, he says.

50

World News

‘Missing Malaysian plane changed course’

WORLD BULLETIN Palestinian recalcitrance endangers peace talks –Netanyahu

Airport staff move a white board plastered with messages of hope and encouragement to all involved with the missing Malaysia Airlines jet, MH370, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, yesterday. Photo: AP

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Syrian soldiers backed by Lebanese Hezbollah militants took full control yesterday of farmland on the northern edge of Yabroud, the last major rebel stronghold near the Lebanese border north of Damascus, military sources said.

The sources, who were in contact with fighters on the ground, said the Syrian army killed dozens of rebel fighters as they took over the Rima Farms district outside the town.

“The army is now directly facing Yabroud,” one of the sources told Reuters.

Capturing Yabroud would help President Bashar al-Assad secure the land route linking his Mediterranean coastal stronghold with the capital Damascus, and choke off a cross-border rebel supply line from Lebanon.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADENUGA: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Adenuga Jumoke Oluwasola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogunyemi Jumoke Oluwasola.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

aoist rebels ambushed police and killed 16 involved in a mine clearing operation in a remote part of eastern India region on Tuesday, police said, as the insurgents demonstrated their strength ahead of a general election next month.

The victims were clearing mines laid by rebels on a road through a densely forested area in resource-rich Chhattisgarh state when the rebels attacked from all sides, according to a senior home ministry official.

The head of anti-Maoist operations in the state police force told Reuters one civilian was among the dead.

“Total death 16 ... including one civilian,” R.K. Vij said in a text message sent from a helicopter after the attack. However, there were conflicting accounts of the death toll, with other officers telling local media at least 20 died.

Television images from the site showed a heavy truck smouldering with its tires burning.

The rebels have operated for decades across a wide swath of central and eastern India, and grew in strength during recent times in areas where poor, tribal villagers came into conflict with mining companies seeking resources for industrialization.

The Maoists seek the violent overthrow of the Indian state but have so far not managed to spread significantly into urban areas. Attacks picked up slightly for the first time last year peaking in 2010.

ilitary radar suggests cars. He knew the two men who how her son was during his brief the missing Malaysia boarded flight MH370; he went to stay in Malaysia. Mohammad told Airlines plane turned school with one of them, Pouria the Malaysian authorities everywest, away from its planned Nour Mohammad Mehrdad, and thing he knew early on Sunday. It route, before vanishing, Malay- they both stayed the night with took them three days to make that sia’s air force said. him before the flight. He helped information public.

The international police organFlight MH370 from Kuala print out their emailed tickets, Lumpur to Beijing went miss- and spotted the different names isation Interpol’s Tehran bureau ing on Saturday, after taking off on them from the stolen Italian has said the two Iranians had no with 239 people on board. and Austrian passports. He then criminal records and had left Iran legally. One of the men is believed The international search for took them to the airport. any wreckage has been wid“They were nervous,” he said. to have been migrating to Gerened.

They checked in separately. But many.

There are reports that the plane Earlier, it emerged two men he insists they were not terrorists. travelling on stolen passports on “They were young like me,” veered from its route and reached board the plane were Iranians he said. “Pouria was quiet, nice, the Malacca Strait, west of Malaywith no apparent links to terror- he was never naughty. So was his sia.

The Malaysian authorities ist groups, officials said. friend. I heard them talking - they The dreary brown shopping wanted to go to Europe to seek initially said flight MH370 disapcentre in the Kuala Lumpur sub- asylum.” Pouria wanted to join peared about an hour after it took off from Kuala Lumpur Internaurb of Bukit Jalil offers a win- his mother in Germany, he said. dow into Malaysia’s diverse imPouria’s mother, who is in Ham- tional Airport, as it flew over the migrant communities. Africans, burg, has been calling Mohammad South China Sea, south of VietSouth Asians and Arabs mix since MH370 vanished, asking nam’s Ca Mau peninsula. with the local Chinese and Malay residents.

CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME LAWRENCE: Formerly known NNAJI: Formerly known and That’s where I met OGUNBUYIDE: Formerly known and and addressed as Miss.Lawrence addressed as Miss Nnaji Ebere as Miss Ogunbuyide Mohammad, a young addressed Izibefianwo,now wish to be known and Caroline Olajumoke, now wish to Francisca, now wish to be known addressed as Mrs.Agoro Izibefianwo Iranian student with be known and addressed as Mrs and addressed as Mrs. Nnaji Alade Caroline Olajumoke. All former Phina. All former documents remain Ebere Francisca. All former a penchant for Gothic documents remain valid. L.G.E.A. valid.Niger Delta University, Amasoma documents remain valid. General jewellery and fast Ondo West, SUBEB Akure and and general public take note.

Syrian forces advance close to rebel’s border town

CHANGE OF NAME

Indian Maoists kill 16 in attack on police

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Palestinian refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state and insistence on the right of return imperils the peace talks, Israel’s prime minister said yesterday.

“They said this week that they will never recognize a Jewish state or give up the right of return,” Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told members of his ruling Likud faction. “I won’t bring a deal that doesn’t cancel the right of return and doesn’t involve the Palestinians recognizing a Jewish state.

These are just fundamental conditions. The Palestinians aren’t showing any sign of willingness to reach a practical and fair deal.”

IBEH: Formerly known as Miss Ibeh Nkiru Josephine, now wish to be known as Mrs Nwabueze Nkiru Josephine. All former documents remain valid. Alvan Ikoku Federal College Of Education Owerri, NYSC and the general public take note.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

public take note.

general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ANEKE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Aneke Ukamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ukodim E. Ukamaka. All former documents remain valid. Abia Poly, NYSC and the public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

OLADEJO: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladejo Mobolaji Janet now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olorunnisomo Mobolaji Janet.

All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note

PUBLIC NOTICE

NWAKEGO ARETE FOUNDATION. This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the company and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Agbanyero Chukwudebe.

2. Chukwuweta Steven Chukwudebe.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

To educate and Award Scholarship for child development.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

Formerly known and addressed as Miss Paulina Ishaku now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Paulina Ishaku Tiyoyo.

All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

OLE: Formerly known and addressed as Mr Uchenna Ole, now wish to known and addressed as Ole Wereuche Ferdinard. All former documents remain valid. General public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

AROSANYIN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Arosanyin Folasade now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Babatunde Folasade Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note

OTUYEMI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Otuyemi Joyce Labake now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Micheal Oluwanifemi Joyce. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Adeyemi college of Education,Ondo and general public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

IFUDU: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifudu Amaka Georgenia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ekwueme Amaka Georgina. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

1. HRM Oba James Adelusi Aladesuru II 3. High Chief Clement Akinwale Osunlusi 5. High Chief Sunday Thomas Alade 7. Chief (Mrs) Tinu Adebayo 9. Barr Tunde-Felix Olaolorun

2. High Chief E.Akinsola Adetona 4. High Chief Busuyi Olorunyomi Famudele 6. High Chief Peter A.Olayinka Adeleye 8. Chief(Mrs) Alice A.Seriki 10. Mr Oluropo Adeleke.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

1. Providing a forum where all citizens of Igede-Ekiti can meet wherever they live,to discuss issues affecting the general well-being of the town.

2. Promoting the overall welfare of the citizens of Igede-Ekiti 3. Promoting activities which can enhance the rapid development of education and intellectual capabilities of its citizens 4. Pursuing goals which can encourage physical improvement and expansion of the town through corporate and individual efforts.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: BARR. TUNDE-FELIX OLAOLORUN PRESIDENT, IPA

ANI: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Ani Oluchukwu Juliet, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kanu Oluchukwu Juliet. All former documents remain valid NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

SALIMONU: Formerly known and addressed as Aboderin Olanrewaju Salimonu, now wish to be known and addressed as Aboluwarin Olanrewaju Solomon.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

CHANGE OF NAME

ATUANYA: Formerly known and addressed as Atuanya Chidimma Ann, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anene Chidimma Ann. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

GODSLIGHT HELPINGHAND MINISTRY

IGEDE-EKITI HERITAGE PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION (IPA)

This is to inform the general public that the above named -organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the company and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 1990.

CHANGE OF NAME

OBERUWO: Formerly known and addressed as Mr. Oberuwo Augustine Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Micheal Austin Oluwaseun.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

The general public is hereby notified that the above-named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C20 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Mr. Godslight Emmanuel Odeey Mrs. Godslight Victoria Pearl Barr. Onyeneho Edwin Rev. Nkworji Maurice Mr. Dozie Vitus

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To assist Gospel Ministers to promote gospel evangelization and consumption of organic foods.

2. To assist Gospel Ministers and Christians to enjoy good health through alternative medicine practice and nutritional therapy.

Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: EDWIN ONYENEHO ESQ. 08036686576

Wednesday March 12, 2014

We want to emulate Eaglets –Chiejine

53

S

Sport

A 2013 Nigeria Glo Premier League action

…Reps to intervene “We believe the LMC should have recommended its findings to the NFF for action, not rushing to the media to announce the clubs’ exclusion which amounts to usurping the powers of the NFF’s Annual General Assembly.”

According to Chukwuemeka, the club owners’ body met in Abuja yesterday to solidarise with the affected clubs.

“We are here also to find out the true position of the issues on ground so that we can present it to our larger forum and other relevant quarters,” he explained.

City and Giwa FC were thrown out of the Glo Premier League for failing to meet substantial minimum requirements that included failure to meet the minimum

51

I believe our performance against Egypt will not reflect in our outing at the World Cup finals –Bosnia and Hezegovinia striker, Edin Dzeko

‘LMC lacks powers to axe Nembe, Giwa’ equel to the exclusion of two privately-owned clubs, Nembe City FC and Giwa FC by the League Management Company (LMC) from participating in the 2013/14 Glo Premier League over alleged noncompliance with registration requirements, the Association of Club Owners has described the decision as hasty.

“The LMC lacks powers to take such decision,” Acting Secretary of the club owners’ body, Alloy Chukwuemeka, said yesterday in Abuja.

“The exclusive powers to relegate, promote, dismiss, exclude and suspend any team from any cadre of the leagues in Nigeria resides with the Nigeria Football Federation,” he contended..

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

wage cap and medical certification of their players.

Nembe City have written to the Nigerian lower house, the House of Representatives, to intervene in their expulsion from the country’s premier division.

Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, has assured that they would look into the matter.

He added that he “also got a call from the proprietor of Giwa FC” over his club also being expelled for failure to meet substantial minimum requirement.

“There are other issues we are looking into, not only that of Nembe City FC; I also got a call from the proprietor of Giwa FC, saying the same thing too.”

Success swells Nigeria’s Granada exports

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igeria U-17 striker, Isaac Success, will this week join up with La Liga side, Granada, on loan from Udinese.

MTNFootball.com specially gathered that Success got his visa to enter Spain on Monday and so will join up with his new club later this week.

The big striker has already clocked 18 years and so he is eligible to play professionally in Europe.

Former Nigeria U-20 midfielder, Uche Agbo, will also join Granada also on loan from Udinese.

Agbo

was part of the Flying Eagles squad to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

Success was goal king at the 2013 Africa U-17 Championship in Morocco, but a hamstring injury cut short his FIFA U-17 campaign in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where Kelechi Iheanacho shone for the Golden Eaglets to win the trophy.

Another Nigerian, Odion Jude Ighalo, has been on loan to Granada for the past three seasons from Udinese.

Granada are 12th on the La Liga table with 30 points from 27 matches.

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Sports

Wednesday March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Parisians calm on ‘dead rubber’

Champions League...

Busquets propels Barca resurgence B

arcelona midfielder, Sergio Busquets, yesterday said his team needs to rediscover the desire to win every game.

“We have had enough after the loss against Villadolid last weekend,” Busquets said.

“We also realised that the time has come for us to inspire ourselves to return to winning ways as well as to re-assure our fans that we are the same pulverising team that they know.

“For me, I am determined to play my part at ensuring we wrap up this game with City.

My mates have also expressed their desire to work harder against City who are now like raging bulls after losing last week in the English FA Cup. “On a lighter mood, however, both of us are losers going to this Champions League game and we are struggling to ensure we win as they are.”

Barcelona is playing its worst football since the end of last season, when the team limped to the Spanish league title.

After apparently being rejuvenated under first-year coach Gerard Martino, the side has dropped points in five of the last nine rounds to go from pacesetter to chasing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

With its domestic title defence in question, failing to protect a 2-0 first-leg advantage over City at the Camp Nou and an early exit from Europe would be nothing less than disastrous for the Catalan club.

The match comes four days after Barcelona lost 1-0 at relegation-threatened Valladolid, when only Lionel Messi appeared up to the task.

Meanwhile, City will be hoping to build on its winning momentum since lifting the League Cup, especially as the Etihad side will have forward Sergio Aguero back from injury to push for the needed goals in this encounter.

Today’s fixtures

Barcelona vs Man City PSG vs Leverkusen

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Sergio Busquets

aris Saint Germain is all but qualified for the quarter-finals and this gives Coach Laurent Blanc the chance to give some of his key players a breather for the return leg against Leverkusen who they beat 4-0 in the first leg away.

Only a monumental collapse of PSG will see the German side through but with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in a hungry

mood and PSG scoring freely, it seems another huge victory will be garnered against Leverkusen which has lost five of its past six games.

With a tough match to follow on Sunday against in-form Saint-Etienne, it seems Blanc is already preparing ahead.

“We have an important game against Saint-Etienne coming up,” the PSG gaffer said yesterday.

“Whatever team is selected, there’s always the same desire to win. It’s important for the big teams to have this.”

Although Ibrahimovic should start, he could come off in the second half, thus giving Blanc the chance to switch Edinson Cavani from the right wing and play him in his favoured centreforward role.

Seedorf’s job safe–Milan

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C Milan Vice President, Adriano Galliani, says Coach Clarence Seedorf ’s position is safe.

Galliani also said the result of last night’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid would have no bearing on Seedorf ’s long term future at the club.

“It’s bad to see that Juventus have double the amount of points that we have but that’s the type of season we are having,” the club official said yesterday.

“Whatever happens at Atletico would not affect Clarence in any way and this is a certainty. He is the one we have chosen and he still has two years remaining on his contract.

“We are trying to finish as high as possible in the league, we can’t afford to turn our noses up at the Europa League.”

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Seedorf

Reina eyes Anfield return

apoli goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, insists his Liverpool career is not over.

According to Reina, Reds’ Manager, Brendan Rodgers, had closed the door on him returning to Liverpool.

“Liverpool got another goalkeeper and they told me they were happy to loan me for a season,” the former Valencia keeper said yesterday.

“It was strange but I don’t regret it.

There are always ups and downs-like

the last two-and-a-half years at Liverpool, there were different methods.

“Perhaps I didn’t do as good as I used to under Rafa Benitez but I don’t think I was bad.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sports

Wednesday March 12, 2014

53

We want to emulate Eaglets–Chiejine AFOLABI GAMBARI

WITH AGENCY REPORT

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ssistant Coach of the Nigeria U-17 Women National Team, Ann Chiejine, has said that the success of the Golden Eaglets at last year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates will motivate the Flamingoes to also excel at the FIFA U-17 Women World Cup in Costa Rica.

Nigeria will begin its campaign against China in Group D on Sunday at the tournament that holds from March 15 to April 4.

“The Golden Eaglets have given the girls a morale booster that they can do it too,” the former Super Falcons goalkeeper said yesterday.

“But I think our first game is

important as the final match and

by God’s grace we will triumph.

“We have prepared enough and done everything we could do in terms of tactical, technical and physical aspect of it, which the girls have adapted well to.

“There is understanding and cohesion in the team but we will not leave anything to chance as we target the trophy in Costa Rica.”

Chiejine, however, counseled the four players dropped from the 25-player list not to lose focus but await future opportunities.

“It is not that you are bad players but it not just their time yet,” she explained, adding, “The most important thing for them is to continue to work hard as there will be opportunity ahead for them in the U-20 next time.”

Chiwendu Ihezuo (right) is one of the Flamingoes’ forwards that Nigeria relies on in Costa Rica

Qualifier: Taekwondists brace for Olympics, Worlds he added.

“Training in camp has been educative, and I have learnt a lot. Speed techniques and movement are some of those key areas I have learnt some things. I hope I can win a medal in Taiwan,” Mohammed Bashir of Yobe State also said, adding, “The camp makes us to feel the Olympics

is not only for the adults.”

Meanwhile, coordinator of the camping, and 2008 Beijing Olympics bronze medalist, Chika Chukwumerije, has highlighted the gains for the invited athletes.

“Two or three of them stand a slight chance but I do not expect them to win medals on their very first inter-

national competition with no prior international experience and extended training,” Chukwumerije said.

“I think the inspiration from this trip would ensure and guarantee future success.

Most important, it would increase Nigerian taekwondo’s chances for next year’s AAG and Rio Olympics.”

Lagos set for wrestling tourney A FOLABI G AMBARI

Young taekwondoists during a training session in Abuja last weekend

A

thletes selected as part of Team Nigeria to this month’s World Taekwondo Federation Youth Olympics qualifiers and the world junior championships in Chinese Taipei are in high spirit as the events approach.

The contingent members are in Abuja tuning up for the cham-

pionships scheduled for March 20 to 27.

“I feel great to be representing Nigeria for the very first time,” captain of the team, Shola Olowookere of Lagos State, said.

“It has not been difficult to combine my school with participating in sports. The camp has been interactive and we have learnt so much from each other,”

T

he Lagos State Wrestling Association Coaches and Technical Secretary in conjunction with Dozage Wrestling Club and Red Bull have concluded arrangement to host Lagos State Close Wrestling Championship at the Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba Lagos on Friday.

According to the Public Relations Officer of Lagos

State Sports Council, Bashiru Agunloye, the championship is designed to prepare the state’s athletes ahead of the Lagos State Sports Festival (Ibile Games) and National Sports Festival in Calabar, Cross River State later this year.

Wrestling clubs expected at the championship include Nigeria Army Force Wrestling Club, Nigerian Police Force Club, Angle Wrestling Club, T-Gold Wrestling Club and Dozage Wrestling Club.

Tade, Seagate thrill parents, guests FISAYO FALODI

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ompetitors thrilled parents and guests last weekend during Tade School and Seagate College’s third joint bi-annual inter-house sports held at the Union Bank Sports Club, Bode Thomas, Surulere Lagos. Both schools are located in Apapa, Lagos State.

Pupils displayed radiant and beautiful cultural performance to the excitement of parents and guests.

The pupils, grouped into four hous-

es–Blue, Green, Yellow and Red–competed to win various medals presented by the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Babatunde Erinjogunola; the Chief Host and Director of the schools, Mrs. Jokotade Jawando; and the Special Guest, Commodore Ayuba.

Among the events performed by the competitors are 50m tiny tots for the nursery category; 100m tiny tots for primary school category; 100m tiny tots for junior secondary school; 100m tiny tots for senior secondary school and filling the basket for the nursery

category.

Others are egg race, three legged race, 200m race for junior and senior categories, sack race for boys and girls and 4 x 100 relay for boys and girls Notable schools like Radiance College, Festac Town participated in interschool relay race at the event while teachers, parents and former students also participated in their own race.

Other dignitaries that attended the occasion are Senator Muse, Mr. A. A. Kuja, Captain and Mrs. Amao and Mrs. Galtima.

Others are Hulkmaina Wrestling Club, Laofem Wrestling Club and Deaf Wrestling Club.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Dozage Wrestling Club, Oluwaseun Dosunmu, has said that wrestling will achieve great height in Nigeria if corporate bodies and individuals sponsor the Lagos State Wrestling Association.

Cash and various gift items will be awarded participants, amidst other side attractions are planned for the one-day event.

NOC, others mourn ‘Fireman’

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resident of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engineer Sani Ndanusa, has expressed shock at the death of veteran sports journalist, Alahji Demola Ali a.k.a ‘Fireman’, describing the latter as an all-round sports man. ‘’His life was all about sports and we pray that God grants him eternal rest,’’ Ndanusa said yesterday.

Alli, a famed former national table tennis player, journalist and long-serving publicist of the NOC, died on Monday, aged 83 years.

Among those who have expressed sadness at Alli’s demise include a member of the Sports Veterans’ Club, Mr. Paul Bassey, and Director of Sports, Lagos State, Dr. Kweku Tandoh.

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Sports

Wednesday March 12, 2014

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World Cup: 2014 won’t be like 1950 –Pele T

he hosting of the 2014 FIFA World Cup is a great opportunity for Brazil, according the country’s all-time great, Pele, in an interview. The legend revealed his confidence that the tournament will be a memorable one for all the right reasons while also backing the Luiz Felipe Scolari-coached team to handle the huge pressure of being host.

“This is a great opportunity. It will be fantastic for Brazil,” Pele said.

“I think after we had the experience of the Confederations Cup the government has been better

organised for the World Cup. So I hope we will have an excellent World Cup. We deserve it.”

Winner of the World Cup three times, in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele says the one tournament that left its mark on him more than any other was the 1966 competition in England, when he was kicked off the park and Brazil bowed out at the group stage. At least, he is not associated with Brazil’s greatest failure, the country’s defeat to Uruguay in the deciding game in 1950, the last time the country hosted the tournament.

In contrast, Pele’s child-

hood idol Zizinho was part of that team and became a symbol of the 2-1 loss which traumatised the huge country.

Now, the pressure on Scolari’s team to deliver this time on home soil is enormous, and Barcelona star Neymar, just 22, carries the hopes of a nation more than any other.

Pele, who was just 17 when he rose to international prominence at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, admits that the fear of failure this time around is massive.

“This is Neymar’s first World Cup and nobody knows exactly what is go-

ing to happen. It is a big responsibility for him,” Pele, who spoke in Paris as the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola stopped off in the city.

“But the best thing for Neymar was to come to play in Spain, to play in Europe, the best thing for Brazil. It was like him going off to university for six months and then coming back to play with Brazil, because then they come with more experience. That was fantastic for him.

“The problem of pressure is not only a problem for Neymar. It is a problem for the whole team,

no doubt. Of course, the country, the people, they want to win. In Brazil we had one bad experience-in 1950 when we played the World Cup in Brazil and lost to Uruguay. Now the people are afraid of the same thing happening.

But I think it will be different now.”

Pele, who earned his nickname “O Rei” after scoring a hat-trick against France in the 1958 semi-finals, brackets the current Brazil team among the favourites, but sees Chile as potential dark horse in the tournament, which gets underway on June 12.

“We have two or three teams who right now, three months before the World Cup, we can say are very good. I’m thinking of Germany, because I have seen them play many times; Spain, because they have had the same team for eight years, and of course Brazil. But you must respect Italy, and in South America Chile is the best team today. The World Cup is always a box of surprises.”

Brazil, who will come up against Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon in Group A, could potentially meet Chile-who are in Group B-in the last 16.

Wada Queens maintain unbeaten run AFOLABI GAMBARI

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onfluence Queens Football Club of Lokoja have yet to lose a game in the 2013/14 Nigeria Women Premier League after a 3-1 win over Edo Queens of Benin at the Lokoja Confluence Stadium last weekend.

The Wada Queens have now bagged four points after two matches, sequel to the goalless encounter with Bayelsa Queens of Yenagoa on the opening day of the league.

Media Officer of the Queens, Tosin Ojo, told Na-

Governor Wada

tional Mirror yesterday that the objective of the side remained winning the league at the end of the season.

“It’s still early to predict anything but we are highly resolved not to waver in our effort,” she said.

“We have received adequate support from the state government and are determined to reciprocate the support by achieving the objective.

“Of course, we are not unaware that the task will be enormous. But as we have proven so far, we will be equal to the task.”

Goals from Rosemary

Okoro, Chioma Wogu and Mariam Abdulrasheed Aluko in last weekend’s game were enough for the Queens to stay top of the League.

“The club has been impressed with the players’ performance and I believe the motivation the get can only make them get better in the weeks ahead,” Ojo further said.

The Queens will be away to Delta Queens in Warri this weekend, as Coach Suleiman Adamu expresses optimism of clinching a win.

“Delta Queens are a strong team but we hope to

return from the match with excellent result,” Adamu said, adding, “We have the quality to get points from any team, whether at home or away.”

Meanwhile, Team Manager of Confluence Queens, David Ayokunle Owolabi, has expressed confidence that the team will compliment efforts of the state Governor, Idris Wada.

“We promised to make Governor Wada and the entire state proud this season and we are ready to do better than the last season,” Owolabi National Mirror yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

North

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

55

Kwara, APC governors to host ex-minister Abdullahi WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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he immediate past Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, will soon be hosted by the Kwara State Government.

The minister, who was sacked last week by President Goodluck Jonathan, will be hosted at a ceremony with all the All Progressives Congress, APC, governors in attendance.

However, in order to clear the ex-minister of the insinuations that he was an APC member and a mole in the Federal Executive Council, his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Julius Ogunro, said Abdullahi “is still a technocrat and not a politician”.

“Alhaji Abdulfatah

Ahmed, the governor of Kwara State, which is the home state of the exminister, and Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi are close friends. The governor believes the ex-minister served exceptionally well in Abuja and he is a very good son of Kwara, an Omoluabi deserving the commendations.

“There is nothing wrong if his friend and governor hosted him for his exceptional service to the country. It is just coincidental that the governor is APC and is inviting his friends. The reception is not a party affair. It is the people of Kwara hosting the former minister and showing appreciation for the good work he did,” he added.

Nyako suspends four officials over teachers’ unpaid salaries LIVINUS MENEDI YOLA

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damawa State Governor Murtala Nyako has approved the suspension of four government officials over alleged fraud in the state Post-Primary Schools Management Board.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Administration, Mallam Mohammed Sa’ad, listed the affected officers as Dahiru Gomina and Garba Kyari of e-payment department of the state Accountant-General Office as well as Dauda Ali and Elam Sule of the Post- Primary Schools Management Board.

The sack of the officials followed the fraud alleged to have been responsible for the state government’s inability to pay the teachers employed under the state Post-Primary Schools Management Board.

The non-payment resulted in the protest staged by over 3,000 teachers in the state last week.

The state government, which announced the sack of the officials in Yola yesterday, said Mrs. Bilkisu Khalid would replace Mallam Ayuba Njidda as the Executive Secretary of the board while other replacements being awaited would be announced by the commissioner of education.

“Following the recom-

mendation of the committee on investigation of fraud in the salary payroll of Adamawa State PostPrimary Schools Management Board, Governor Murtala Nyako has approved the suspension of Dahiru Gomina, Garba Kyari, Dauda Audu and Elam Sule.

“The above mentioned officers remain suspended until investigations are concluded. Meanwhile, Bilkisu Khalid has been appointed as the Executive Secretary Post-Primary Schools Management Board, Yola, while the former executive secretary is to be re-assigned by the state Ministry of Education,” the statement said.

It will be recalled that over 3,000 teachers employed by the state government last week protested the non-payment of salaries 18 months after their engagement.

The teachers, who took to the streets in Yola, called on the state government to pay them their entitlements.

Investigations by National Mirror revealed that the sacked officials along with other accomplices had continued to defy a government circular directing that the payment be made to the affected teachers.

They were said to have been introducing ghost workers into the government payroll before the deal went awry.

L-R: Former ministers: Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule; Paul Unongo and former Plateau State Deputy Governor, Dame Pauline Tallen, during the Conference of Leaders and Elders of Northern Nigeria in Kano on Monday.

Reps probe PPPRA over missing N4.2bn WOLE OLADIMEJI ABUJA

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he House of Representatives Committee on Public Account yesterday ordered the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, to furnish the committee the Central Bank of Nigeria details on the N4.2bn credited to its account but could not be traced.

The committee, chaired

by Hon. Solomon Adeola

Olamilekan, after listening to the presentation of the Executive Secretary of PPPRA over the amount, suspended discussion on the matter until the approval for release and the CBN details on the lodgement was submitted to the committee for scrutiny.

The PPPRA executive secretary told the committee that the approval was given for the money to be used for subsidy and was released but it was not uti-

lised until the money was moved out of the account be the CBN. Worried by the information given by the PPPRA executive secretary, the chairman of the committee demanded to know the name of the bank where the money was domiciled, the bank rate and how much interest accrued to N4.2bn within the 34 days the money was in the bank.

He said: “The bank must tell us the interest

rate for 34 days. Yes, money came to your account.

Where is the bank statement? We need a confirmation from the CBN that the money in question was reverted from the PPPRA account. We need the details.”

The chairman ruled that the PPPRA representatives should go back and perfect their papers before they would reappear before the committee next week so that the money could be traced properly.

Race to 2015: Kwara police boss reads Riot Act WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

K

wara State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ambrose Aisabo, yesterday told political stakeholders in the state of his resolve to be fair to all political parties in the build-up to next year’s general elections.

He, however, warned that he would be firm and ruthless with any acts of ‘political rascality’ from them.

Aisabo, who hosted the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to a stakeholders’ meeting with journalists, said he was a first and foremost a policeman and not a politician.

He stressed that people should stop insinuating that he was in the state to

favour a particular political party.

The police boss noted that only the PDP and the APC appeared to be alive in the state, adding that the development had made the job of policing the state easier politics.

He warned those causing disaffection for the police in order to find grounds to foist anarchy and threats to peace to be prepared to face the music.

According to him, politicians should know that the electoral time table as released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, stipulates November 16, 2014 as the kick off of election campaigns which must be strictly adhered to in the state.

He added that there would be no political meetings, rallies, proces-

sions and outdoor receptions for political defectors at least 24 hours before such events were held so that adequate security arrangements would be provided The police commissioner stressed that even as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the PDP in the state still served notice on February 23 to the police for the President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit on March 3.

Meanwhile, Aisabo said he had advised the Kwara State Signage & Advertisement Agency, KWASAA, to be mindful of their operations so that it would not amount to targeting opposing political parties in the state.

The police commissioner disclosed that the general manager of KWASAA had approached him that

his agency should be provided with police protection so that he could start removing political billboards on the eve of President Jonathan’s visit to the state last week.

He said the police had, however, arrested some individuals defacing billboards of politicians and were being prosecuted in court.

Ahmed

WORLD RECORD

Longest marathon hosting a radio talk show (team) Vol. 04 No. 806

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

N150

The longest marathon hosting a radio talk show by a team is 57 hours and was achieved by WZAQ 92.3 WAY FM (USA) in Louisa, Kentucky, USA, on 1-3 December 2011.

Imperatives of a National Conference

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arring any last minute hitch, the long awaited national conference will begin on Monday, March 17, 2014 in Abuja. As is usual with such conferences, most of the delegates have been putting finishing touches to their position papers with a view to influencing the outcome in their favour. It is such group thought of wanting to score political victory from an ethnic, religious and political stand point that has been responsible for the flurry of activities and even protests that have so far greeted the delegate list. We all know that the list, especially that of the federal government include religious leaders, elders statesmen, academics, politicians, labour leaders and other professionals. Much as the majority belongs to the old, tired and recycled political brigade, a lot of people are wondering what new perspective and think-

bn

Okay Osuji (okayosuji@nationalmirroronline.net) 08034729256 (sms only)

ing they will bring to the conference as to positively affect a tectonic shift in the way Nigerians see themselves and their country.

The reason is that, individual and group view of each other had for long been that learnt from this group of ethnic bigots now heading to the conference hall to graft a new society for us. For example, while delegates from the core North are not rooting for any change in the status quo, those from the West want a return to regionalism, even as the Eastern delegates are bent on dismantling the present political architecture which they say was designed to marginalise them. For northern minorities, the battle cry has been that of freedom to be masters of their own destiny, rather than fodders in the fight for political supremacy.

For long, delegates from the South south have been shouting themselves hoarse over resource control and want to take over the crude oil gushing out from creeks of the Niger Delta. To most people, the conference may turn out to be another Greek gift and talk shop for delegates who will be living off state resources while it lasts. Even at that, observers are of the view that the conference will expose the hypocrisy and falsehood of Nigeria’s nationhood. One thing is certain; the deliberation is bound to expose the cracks, fissures and pretences in the relationship among those living within the geographical space called Nigeria. This is not the first time an exercise to fashion out a Modus Vivendi for inter ethnic and religious co-existence among Nigerians will be held, but it is the most comprehensive in terms of composition and agenda.

FACT IS THAT POLITICAL DYNAMICS ALL OVER THE WORLD ARE FAST CHANGING AND THOSE NOW LIVING IN GILDED CAGES COULD BECOME THE HUNTED TOMORROW Even at that, not all roads are paved with good intentions. This is so because there are those who want it to fail to enable them score political points against the Jonathan administration. And like vultures, they are already circling in the air and pouring all manner of vituperations against the conference with a purpose to derail it, if only to allow them continue business as usual. We are being told that the conference price tag is a princely N7billion for 492 delegates. This is a lot of money, especially in an economy where majority of the citizens live below $1 per day. But that would be money well spent if at end of the day the deliberations come up with the best possible ways of addressing the genuine fears of the various ethnic and religious groups in the country.

Incidentally, no such goodwill exists among Nigerians. In a predatory climate designed on a notion of zero-sum game,

it is becoming difficult for any group to trade its short term political advantage for the long term interest of the country and future generations. With such mindset that encourages scorched earth policy against neighbours, it remains to be seen whether the conference will open a window of opportunity for genuine camaraderie and national reconciliation.

Fifty three years after Independence and a centenary to the bargain, it is a crying shame that Nigeria is yet to evolve a governance structure that would adequately address the genuine fears of the majority of her citizens. On top of this, the conference may not come up with an acceptable prescription, if those charged with doing so are only interested in fighting their corners and protecting selfish political interests.

Fact is that political dynamics all over the world are fast changing and those now living in gilded cages could become the hunted tomorrow. In many corners of the world, people, especially youths are rising against oppression and injustice and are not only overthrowing tin pot dictators, they are insisting on recreating society on their own terms.

Danger is that such revolutions usually end up bloody and most times throw the country into deeper turmoil in which it takes generations to recover from the dislocation. Nigeria could spare herself such fate if there is a genuine desire by the oligarchs and conservative forces holding it by the jugular accept to build a truly free and cosmopolitan society, where everyone will live out his or her dreams without fear of violence and discrimination on account of race or religion. No matter what, President Jonathan should be commended for the recent effort to bring Nigerians together to tell each other the truth on the wobbly state of the nation. Past administrations only paid lip service to such exercise and merely employed them as facades to embellish their political stature. Such charade must give way if only to save Nigeria from future catastrophe.

Sport Extra

D

efending champion, Rafael Nadal, was a surprise casualty at the BNP Paribas Open after suffering a three-set loss to Alexandr Dolgopolov in Indian Wells.

The world number one

Tennis: Nadal sinks in Indian Wells had won all five of his previous meetings against the Ukrainian– including in the final of the Rio Open a fortnight ago.

However Dolgopolov gained revenge as he held

his nerve to claim a 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7-5) victory– although Nadal blew a 4-2 lead in the deciding tiebreak.

Nadal, who also won the title in Indian Wells in 2007 and 2009, insists he will

now turn his attentions to the Sony Open.

“I wanted to play very well here,” he said yesterday, adding, “I had good success in this tournament in the past, a tournament I

always feel good about.”

Dolgopolov, the 28th seed, will now face number 13 Fabio Fognini after the Italian ground out a 6-2 3-6 7-5 victory over Gael Monfils.

Nadal

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