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Bristow Helicopter crash deliberate –Investigation OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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ristow Helicopter, which crashed on August 3, 2007, in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, may

Chidoka

Vol. 51 N0. 1085 115

have been a deliberate action by the pilot, Cleighton Brown.

Investigation revealed how Brown, 47, an Australian by birth with British citizenship, who was one

Oba of Lagos appeals to Ndigbo

of the Bristow line training captains, boarded and crashed the Bell -412 EP helicopter, with registration number 5N-BIQ and serial number 35385.

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...PDP, BodeGeorge demand apology

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APC’s victory: Mass M defection hits PDP

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DANJUMA WILLIAMS, MSUE AZA AND THEOPHILUS ONOJEGHEN embers of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, across the country are jumping ship to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, following the outcome of the presidential and National Assembly polls.

The mass movement, National Mirror gathered, may not be unconnected with the desire of some of the defectors to ensure their states are not in opposition to the Fed-

In Delta, Gombe, Edo; Kaduna to follow Party expels Jigawa State deputy gov P.12

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2>>

Fire guts oil pipeline, claims mother, 3 children P.11

B’Haram kills 25, sacks Borno village

P.12 P1 Children having fun during Easter Monday Celebration at Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Ikeja Lagos, yesterday.

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Guber poll: No going back on card readers –INEC Owo invasion: Police arrest seven suspects

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PHOTO: ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Israel to assist Buhari fight corruption, terrorism P.6

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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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Bristow Helicopter crash deliberate –Investigation CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

A report on the accident recently published by the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, and made available to our correspondent showed that Brown had willfully crashed the helicopter due to psychological stress.

The report indicated that the deceased captain had boarded the helicopter by 7:30a.m without the co-pilot, a procedure, which negated aviation safety. He then started the engine rapidly, made radio call at 7:32.16 for a “local flight”, and lifted rapidly at7:35a.m.

The accident had occurred in a field at Qua Iboe Terminal, QIT, heliport, Eket, with the pilot being the only soul onboard.

The helicopter was barely two years old as at the time it crashed, having been manufactured in September 2005.

Investigation by AIB revealed that there was no flight schedule or request by any organisation.

The Accident Bureau, in its report stated that the pilot made two fast flight passes over the airfield and on the flight pass the aircraft descended steeply over the west end of the airfield at a high speed impacting the ground at 7:39a.m.

The analysis of the Flight Data Recorder, FDR, by AIB indicated that the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, EGPWS, warned the pilot against taking off, a warning, which he ignored and still called to the controllers that “all right” to take-off.

The AIB also reported that the pilot’s behaviour had changed 48 hours to the crash, which it traced to stress reaction that resulted in demonstration of antiauthority attitude and disregard for regulations.

The report added that the organisational safety management system did not identify, intervene and mitigate stress and crisis that developed in the circumstances of the pilot.

According to the Bureau, the pilot had on August 1, 2007, 48 hours before the crash admitted before the Acting Managing Pilot that he had “a big problem,” adding that on the same day, he was noticed depressed, withdrawn and mentioned to an engine that he had “a bad leave,” having just resumed from leave.

In the two complaints of the pilot, AIB stated that the Safety Management System, SMS, in place at Bristow Helicopters did not recognise a crisis that was developing many weeks after the event while its ‘Target Zero’ campaign did not report and intervene in the depressed situation of the pilot.

The report clarified: “Investigation revealed the pilot’s fear and anxiety and subsequent directives to his wife on security and safety of the family. The pilot was constantly disturbed and worried about the possibil-

ity of being kidnapped by the Niger Delta militants.

“While in Nigeria, he repeatedly advised the wife not to accept calls from anyone from Nigeria or indulge in any ransom negotiation in case he was kidnapped.

“The pilot enjoyed his job, liked his company, but entertains great security concerns about being kidnapped in his living and work environments.

“As stated by the next of kin, ‘the worst time during his leave was always the last few weeks prior to his return to work in Nigeria.

He demonstrated unhappi-

ness, irritability and unwillingness to travel back to the country on expiration of his last leave,” it added.

AIB emphasised that the helicopter was serviceable and airworthy as at the time it crashed, but the starting procedure was not observed, saying “the aircraft was started rapidly in a way that the engineer was unable to safely intervene.”

In its recommendation, AIB charged Bristow Helicopters Ltd, to take suitable action to provide additional training for supervisors and managers to enable them render psychological/coun-

seling support to their direct subordinates.

The Bureau also advised that the company should take suitable action to remind all maintenance staff of their professional responsibilities, the limit of their authorisation and that approval from appropriate authority is required when it becomes necessary to deviate from their approved instructions and procedures.

It also recommended to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to take suitable action to include psychological appraisal as an element in flight crew

medical requirement.

History of the pilot indicated that prior to his flying career, he had served the Australian Army Cavalry unit as an armoured personnel carrier driver and later flew for Lloyd Helicopter in Australia after gaining Australian private pilot license in 1985 and obtained USA Air Transport Pilot License, ATPL, in 1999.

While flying for Lloyd, he was demoted to co-pilot following a wrong deck landing.

He later flew Bell 4125 for Abu Dhabi Aviation, ADA, with commendable employment records.

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Urel Palti (left) with the President Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari during delivery of congratulatory letter from President of Israel Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin to General Buhari in Abuja, yesterday.

APC’s victory: Mass defection hits PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

eral Government.

National Mirror observed that lawmakers, party big wigs and ordinary members are tearing their PDP membership cards and pledging allegiance to APC. In Gombe, the Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Mamman Alkali was among hundreds of PDP members, who defected to APC yesterday.

Over fifty Personal Assistants and Special Assistants to Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo and many contractors were also among the defectors, who thronged the state Secretariat of APC where they were received by the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya.

A member of the PDP El-

ders Committee in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Zamfara, said their decision to dump PDP for APC was because of the believe by the people that Gombe should not be an opposition party to the Federal Government, following the victory of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in the presidential election.

He said they have decided to embrace change because of the many shoddy things that are happening in the PDP, as well as the lack of transparency.

He also reeled out the discriminatory attributes of the ruling party in the state, adding that the defectors felt it will be better for them to pitch their tent with the winning train so that the state could benefit and move forward.

Other notable defectors were two serving members of the state House of Assembly and two former members.

In his message while receiving the defectors, Alhaji Yahaya urged them to feel free and consider themselves as bonafide members of the party.

He said they are going to be treated fairly and without any form of discrimination, adding that it is better that they have joined the APC train now which would further enhance the acceptance of the party, ahead of Saturday’s governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections.

In Edo State, the governorship candidate of the PDP in the 2012 gubernatorial election, who is also the National

Coordinator of the Goodluck Support Group and Goodluck Youth Initiative, MajGen. Charles Arhiavbere (rtd) has led over 10,000 of his supporters to APC. Arhiavbere who joined the APC in Benin City, said his motivation was to see more development in the state.

“Since after the election of 2012 there has been heightened tension in Edo State, which has made development slow and I believe my coming to meet with the Comrade Governor and APC, which is now at the centre, speedy development will take place in Edo State.

“There will be peace, there will be stability and things can now happen faster,” he said.

Asked why he decided

to jump ship just few days after the PDP lost power at the centre, Arhiavbere said: “I would not be one of the political leaders that would move Edo State backwards, especially when the APC is now at the federal level.

“Every well-meaning politician must come to the centre for rapid development. We can only do that if we give political stability to his Excellency the Comrade Governor of Edo State.

“The party at the centre is APC and the party in Edo State is also APC. Why then should we be in opposition and I believe that I have the ground and the supporters to influence positively the election of April 11 for the state House of Assembly.”

He assured Edo people CONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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Photo News

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Fun seekers at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos during the Easter Monday celebration, yesterday.

PHOTO: YINKA ADEPARUSI

Members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Province 40, during “Let’s go a fishing” programme at Ojodu Berger, Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Children enjoying Easter Monday at Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama waving with the Easter Bunny as they greet guests participating in the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, yesterday.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

Children catching fun at the Heritage Park in Oshodi during the Easter celebration in Lagos, yesterday.

PHOTO: SAMUEL ADETIMEHIN

Children having fun during Easter celebration in Abuja, yesterday

Marketing activities at Balogun Market, Lagos, during Easter Monday.

Picnickers enjoying Easter Monday at Lagos State Secretariat Park.

PHOTO:ADEMOLA

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

PHOTO:ADEMOLA AKINLABI

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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Guber poll: No going back on card readers –INEC OMEIZA AJAYI ABUJA

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ndependent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday insisted that card readers would again be used in Saturday’s governorship and states House of Assembly elections.

This is despite the inabil-

ity of the card readers to function optimally during the just-concluded presidential and National Assembly elections.

INEC, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Augusta Ogakwu, assured that problems associated with the cards during the March 28 elections have been addressed.

The Commission said the relaxation of the guidelines for the conduct of the 2015 general elections was only with respect to the presidential and National Assembly elections.

It said: “The provision of the Guidelines for the conduct of the 2015 General Elections, which outlined what is to be done if the

Card Reader fails and cannot be replaced by the Commission within a specified time frame (i.e. Reschedule the election to the next day) will be enforced.

“The relaxation of the Guideline on 28th March 2015 was only with respect to the presidential and National Assembly elections held on that date.

“The Commission has reviewed the operation of the Card Reader in the 28th March elections, identified the challenges and has taken adequate measures to address them.”

The inability of the card readers to authenticate the biometrics of some voters had forced INEC to shift the March 28 elections to the

L-R: Former Deputy Governor of CBN, Mr. Tunde Lemo; Director of Welfare, Apostolic Faith Church, Rev. James Olaleye; former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan and District Superintendent, Apostolic Faith Mission, WECA, Rev. Emmanuel Adeniran, during the 2015 Easter concert in Lagos.

APC’s victory: Mass defection hits PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

that with Comrade Oshiomhole, the Gelegele seaport will be taken up by the APCcontrolled Federal Government, maintaining that the dualisation of the Benin –Lokoja road will be pursued to a logical conclusion.

In his remark, Governor Oshiomhole said “it is great receiving Major-General Charles Arhiavbere, who was my main opponent in the 2012 governorship election in Edo State and over the period he has seen through the political environment.

“Even as he was in PDP, we have maintained a good relationship. That he has come to join us is in line with our tradition to try to consolidate democracy, open up the party to every genuine person who wants to join the party because politics is a game of numbers but this one is a quality number which makes it much more important for us.

“It shows that our political contestation was nothing personal which is why we have no difficulties in embracing one another and

welcoming him into the APC family.”

Oshiomhole continued: “I feel fulfilled because my mission in Edo State is to provide good governance by way of applying public funds in a way that will deliver happiness to the greatest number of our people but also to clean up the political space so that godfathers are permanently put out of business and very ordinary people with ideas can have a space to engage.’’

Governor Oshiomhole who also received Hon. Richard Lamai and Maj. Gen. Shaibu both from Edo North said “the more people that join us, the deeper the message that Edo electorate are the political leaders in APC.” In the same vein, fears of mass defection has gripped the Delta State chapter of the PDP as a Niger Delta youth leader and chieftain of the party, Chief Ayiri Emami and hundreds of others defected to APC, with a vow to deliver the governorship election on Saturday.

Ayiri, who was a onetime PDP chairman in Warri South West and his loyalists decided to move to APC following unresolved grievances from the last primaries, where all their candidate lost.

The Itsekiri youth leader had before his defection held a private meeting with the governorship candidate of APC in the state, Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor and National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in Lagos.

Another youth leader who also defected with his supporters was Olorogun Jaro Egbo, former PDP House of Assembly aspirant in Ughelli North.

Since Buhari’s victory, some notable PDP chieftains have been holding nocturnal meetings with the opposition party with possible plans to work for the party’s victory underground.

Ayiri and the APC gubernatorial candidate in separate text messages to our correspondent confirmed the defection.

He was quoted to have

expressed his dissatisfaction with the PDP candidate in the state, saying that it was dead on arrival, having been built on blackmail by an individual playing ethnic sentiment.

“I am doing what is best for the Itsekiri people because under the arrangement we have no stake; the deputy was imposed by a single individual and it is not in our people’s interest. If the Itsekiri can suffer the kind of ill treatment meted on us in the recent primaries it means there is no hope for us in the party.

“I am urging my Ijaw brothers to abandon this PDP ship because it is sinking in Delta State due to the overbearing attitude of one man. Their interest in the PDP is not protected instead it is the interest of one individual who sees his family and personality as greater than the others,” Ayiri stated.

In Kaduna State, some top PDP chieftains are planning to dump Governor Mukhtar Ramalan

Yero, even as our correspondent learnt that the governor himself may defect to APC if he wins the governorship race.

Supporters of Yero in the PDP have been going about convincing voters that since his godfather, Vice President Namadi Sambo, lost with President Goodluck Jonathan, the governor will no longer attach himself to Sambo should he return to Government House.

The governor and the PDP have been holding series of meetings on how to defeat APC governorship candidate, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, since the president and National Assembly elections.

It was however gathered that some appointees of Yero and other chieftains of the PDP have commenced secret discussions with APC, with the possibility of defecting before Saturday’s polls.

PDP lost the presidential and two senate seats to APC in the just concluded elections in the state.

next day in 387 polling units spread across the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Lagos, Kebbi, Niger, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa and Taraba states.

In a related development, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo, Mr. Mike Igini, said yesterday that the National Assembly election for Orhionmwon, which was cancelled would hold on Saturday, April 11.

He announced the new date in Benin while addressing newsmen.

It would be recalled that the March 28 National Assembly election was cancelled due to non-availability of electoral materials, including result sheets.

“Quite a number of challenges which arose during the March 28 elections and were brought to our attention by the public have been acknowledged.

“I will be meeting with electoral officers after this conference to review the outcome of the March 28 polls.

“Lessons learnt will be used in planning for Saturday’s state House of Assembly elections,” he said.

Igini warned electoral officers against violating the commission’s electoral procedure.

“The April 11 election is going to be more challenging because it involves representation at the grass root level.

“As such a breach of electoral procedures would not be tolerated; reactions would be swift and immediate if there are any,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Dr. Ade Abolurin has directed the Corps personnel to remain diligent as they work towards a safer election this weekend.

Abolurin consequently urged the electorate to be vigilant in order to fish out those that are out to foment trouble.

He gave the charge yesterday in Abuja while appreciating the personnel for their gallant performance during the March 28 elections.

He also charged the zonal and state commandants to ensure effective deployment of personnel in all nooks and crannies in order to provide adequate security during the polls.

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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Israel to assist Buhari fight corruption, terrorism OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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he State of Israel has expressed willingness to assist Nigeria in the fight against corruption, terrorism and the development of agriculture.

In a congratulatory letter signed by President Reuven Rivlin and delivered to the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday in Abuja, the Israeli leader noted that the two countries faced “similar dangers and

challenges in our daily struggle against those who want to terrorise our citizens. The latest news regarding the Boko Haram-ISIS alliance underscores the need for like-minded countries to unite in the fight against such

radical terrorist organisations. I assure you that in this important campaign, Israel stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Nigeria.

“I wish you every success in the challenging task ahead and trust that under your presidency,

the relations of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Israel will continue to expand and strengthen.

“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Responding, General

Buhari expressed his warm appreciation of the Israeli gesture and pledged to work with all countries to their mutual benefits.

The congratulatory letter was delivered by Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Uri Palti.

More tourism information desks underway at airports –DG

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L-R: APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed with Media Officer, Mr Olanrewaju Thomas, during a Press Conference on the Political Situation in Rivers State ahead of gubernatorial and State Assembly election in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

PDP rues Lagos, Ekiti ‘anti-democratic tendencies’ OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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eadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called on Nigerians to stand against anti-democratic tendencies ahead of Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections, particularly with the emerging political development in Lagos and Ekiti states.

The PDP noted the impeachment move against Governor Ayo Fayose by outgoing All Progressives Congress, APC, state legislators and the barbaric death threats on non-indigenes in Lagos by Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, if they vote PDP candidate,

Jimi Agbaje, are the height of unruliness that should not be accommodated.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement in Abuja yesterday said the party “totally and unequivocally rejects the flimsy and unsubstantiated allegations concocted

by APC legislators against Governor Fayose. We state in very clear terms that we will stand with him and bear our full weight in defence of the mandate freely given to him by the people of Ekiti State.

“We invite all lovers of democracy and the international community to note the antics of APC and the deliberate plot to desta-

bilise the polity even when it is yet to assume power.”

The party also condemned assertions ascribed to the Oba of Lagos, saying it was indeed most unfortunate that a royal father of his status should attempt to drag the revered traditional institution into partisan politics to the level of threatening innocent Nigerians with the view to prevent them from freely exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right.

“Our response to the Oba of Lagos is that he cannot play God and can never be God. God owns the universe and every part of it and can never share His glory with any human no matter how highly placed. We there-

fore, call on all Nigerians in Lagos; all Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and other tribes, northerners and southerners, Christians and Muslims to turn against this unpatriotic stance, by coming out en masse to vote for PDP candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, on Saturday.

“Undoubtedly, this antiNigeria position reminds of the 2013 inhuman and callous arrest, detention and eventual ‘deportation’ of non-indigenes by the APC-led government of Lagos and confirms fears that APC is indeed on a mission to destroy our national unity, balkanise the nation and obliterate the personal freedom Nigerians enjoy today.”

Shippers want business costs slashed at ports

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hippers’ Association Lagos State, SALS, yesterday urged the incoming government to assist in reducing the cost of doing business at the seaports.

President of the association, Mr Jonathan Nicol, made the plea in an inter-

view with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos.

Nicol said high port charges had affected the cost of doing business in Nigeria, adding that this had encouraged diversion of cargoes to neighbouring countries.

“We have a very big problem in the maritime sector.

We believe that government will stick to the maritime sector as one of the most important aspects of the nation’s economy.

“This will enable other Nigerian shippers, who have gone to neighbbouring ports, to come back.

“We pledge our sup-

port for the incoming government in the aspect of revenue generation at the ports,” Nicol said.

He said that Nigerians were still expecting basic infrastructure such as good roads, water supply, uninterrupted power supply, good health facilities and free education.

igerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, yesterday said it would open more tourism information desks at the nation’s airports for travellers’ comfort.

Director-General of NTDC, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Lagos.

She said the new information desks would reposition the tourism image of the country.

Mbanefo said the initiative was arrived at in partnership with a tour operator, Viko Nigeria Ltd. She said NTDC, in collaboration with Viko Nigeria Ltd., recently opened two tourism information desks at the Murtala Muhammed Airport and the old domestic airport, Lagos.

“The idea is to ease traveller’s burden in locating tourism destinations,” Mbanefo said.

She said NTDC inaugurated a tourism information desk three weeks ago

at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

Mbanefo said the information desk had a travel information portal as well as flight schedules for tourists.

The director-general said passengers could through the portal, access tourism sites, tourism activities, tourism products, hotels, car hire services, events and festivals.

“They can also make enquiries on excursions in Nigeria.

“Tour operators and tour guides are also on ground to take travellers to various tourism sites in the country’’, she said.

The director-general urged Nigerians to support NTDC in its drive to develop tourism in Nigeria.

Mbanefo urged stakeholders in the telecommunication, oil and gas; and banking sectors to collaborate with the NTDC to create the desired awareness on tourism.

She said she would intensify efforts to ensure that domestic tourism flourished in the country.

Third-Estate sues for peaceful polls

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hird-Estate, a sociocultural group of Ilorin Emirate, has urged voters to be conscious of their right to vote peacefully during the forthcoming elections.

Rising from the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State, president of the group, Dr. Yusuf Lawal, called on major stakeholders to ensure the elections are peaceful.

He said: “With the success of the Presidential election, all the major stakeholders, especially the electoral umpire, politicians and security agencies should ensure that the process leading to, dur-

ing and after the elections must be peaceful and transparent.”

Lawal also urged elected and appointed public officers to renew their vow to continuously work for the uplift of the society and improvement of the people.

He stated: “There are huge and multidimensional challenges confronting the people which must be addressed. We cannot therefore afford to rest on our oars. We must do everything within our power to ensure that we arrest the downward slide in the quality of lives of our people and provide the much-needed opportunities.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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Impeachment: PDP members block Ekiti Assembly road • Violence can’t save Fayose -APC lawmakers

Abiodun nejo ADO EKITI

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eoples Democratic Party, PDP, members in Ekiti State yesterday massed on the road leading to the House of Assembly to prevent access by the All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmakers to the legislative house.

The action followed rumour that the 19 APC lawmakers planned to hold a sitting yesterday to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Information, Hon Lanre Ogunsuyi, said the action and peaceful atmosphere it was conducted were a demonstration of the people’s love for stability and rule of law.

He said the APC lawmakers led by Dr Adewale Omirin, erred in law by claiming

they had sent a notice of impeachment to the governor.

Ogunsuyi, who said it was a misnomer for Omirin to be claiming the speakership, while also challenging his impeachment in court, however, said nobody was preventing the APC lawmakers from coming to the Assembly for their lawmaking business, which was the purpose for which they were elected in 2011.

The PDP members had arrived in the Assembly as early as 8am and blocked the popular SecretariatAssembly road named after the late Deputy Speaker, Hon Saliu Adeoti, and other adjoining roads.

While the fanfare lasted, some of them danced to the music supplied in front of the old Assembly complex, where they were restricted by security agencies and others who sat quietly under the canopies erected in

front of the old Assembly complex.

A former Speaker of the Assembly, Hon Tunji Odeyemi, advised the APC lawmakers to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign.

Odeyemi urged them to put the interest of the state beyond parochial reasoning, saying any breakdown of law and order would affect everybody regardless of political affiliations.

Nine Hilux vans belonging to the police and the Department of State Security Services, with heavily armed personnel were stationed at the two entrances of the Assembly Complex, which had been sealed off since last Wednesday when the APC lawmakers resurfaced.

But the APC lawmakers have advised the governor to stop stoking violence in the state over his impeach-

ment notice.

They said instigating crisis is not the way to go in defending the removal notice served him by the Assembly.

The APC lawmakers in a reaction to the invasion of the Assembly by PDP members said: “Resorting to violence would not solve the burden of constitutional breaches that the governor had placed on himself.”

The lawmakers, in a statement by Special Adviser on Media to the Speaker, Wole Olujobi, stated that it was shocking that the governor could allegedly sponsor act of public disorder at a time he was facing removal from office.

“Ekiti people were shocked when news spread that the governor had asked his thugs to invade the Assembly and occupy the place to prevent the lawmakers from performing their legal duties.

L-R: Ogun State Head of Service, Mrs Modupe Adekunle; wife of the Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Elizerbeth Sonubi, at the female Public Service Easter party in Abeokuta, yesterday.

Ex-VC blames bad leaders for varsities' woes AishA TiTilAyo

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ultural pluralism as well as bad leadership has been named, among others, as some of the challenges to effectiveness of university education in Nigeria.

Making this known was the former Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, while presenting a lecture at the 11th annual public lecture/ luncheon of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Muslim Graduates' Asso-

ciation, UNIFEMGA, Lagos chapter, held at Lagoon Restaurant, Victorial Island, Lagos.

Oloyede noted that in recent times, there was usually no planning when it comes to establishment of universities, whereas past leaders established schools with proper planning and in places other than their birthplace for proper development.

Citing the late Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and others as examples, he stated that they were from Ikenne and Sokoto, but had

schools in Ile Ife and Zaria, respectively.

"People now ethnicise establishment of universities because they see them as their share of the national cake.

They develop schools in their grandparents' villages, which is actually not helping matters. Localising these universities destroys them."

He continued: "Ethnic groups now come together to fight one another when it comes to choosing vice chancellors. They would want a person from the state

the school is located to be the vice chancellor.

Vice Chancellors are also under pressure to recruit staff and students from their groups."

He narrated how much he encountered oppositions and condemnations from prominent Kwara indigenes because he wasn't from Kwara State before being made Unilorin Vice Chancellor.

He, however, stressed that Vice Chancellors’ appointed before this period served outside their states of origin and they did well.

“These PDP members were holding their meeting in their secretariat when instruction reached them that they must relocate to the Assembly premises where thugs were beating passersby and molesting motorists and residents. All these illegal acts cannot save the governor.

“What the governor is doing is a confirmation that he does not believe and cannot

tolerate democratic practice. But democracy is what Ekiti people want and so we expect people of conscience and good will to support efforts to allow Ekiti people enjoy democratic governance,” the statement said.

The lawmakers, however, advised the governor to defend the allegations against him in the impeachment notice instead of resorting to self-help.

Group flays PDP over victory party for Buhari sebAsTine ebhuomhAn BENIN

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Benin-based group, Political Watch Dog Movement, has taken a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State for criticising the state government’s party organised for youths to celebrate the success of All Progressives Congress, APC, President-elect, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, in the presidential election.

According to the pressure group, the Edo State PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, had in a statement in Benin described the victory party as a lavish celebration of an election he said the state governor contributed nothing to the success.

Reacting on Monday, president of the pressure group, Curtis Ugbo, described PDP’s reaction as the antics

of a frustrated and dying party in Edo State. He added that the PDP was not used to such celebrations since it was no longer winning elections in the state for which reason such a comment was to be expected from them.

Ugbo said: “It is quite sad that Edo State PDP at this point, where every Nigerian has embraced change, is still maintaining their only stock in trade, dishing out falsehood to hoodwink the public.”

Meanwhile, the group said the emergence of APC taking over governance of the country’s affair portends better days ahead for all and urged others to jump into the progressive train of change.

Ugbo said it was historic to see that the people used their power to change an incumbent government through the power of the ballot box, a victory that has never happened before in Nigeria.

FRSC lauds FG’s repair work on Niger Bridge FrAncis ekpone ONITSHA

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ederal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, yesterday, commended the Federal Government for the turnaround maintenance of the River Niger Bridge.

It had been observed that the bridge’s pillars had been re-strengthened while some of its bolts and nuts replaced and tightened and new iron beams fitted to support the structure and the entire structure repainted.

Coordinator of FRSC Special Marshals and Partnership in Anambra State, Mr Ben Osaka, told newsmen in Onitsha that repair work on the bridge shows that the

Federal Government was responsive to the people’s request and gives attention to it.

Osaka said this during a Public Education Exercise at the Bridge-Head axis of Onitsha, which was carried out by members of the FRSC Special Marshals as part of ongoing FRSC special Easter patrol.

He noted that the bridge was now stronger than ever, adding that it now radiates as it was during the early 70s.

The coordinator, however, urged the government to keep on with the pace of work on the 2nd Niger Bridge since it was the veritable solution for traffic congestion between Anambra and Delta states.

8

South West

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Oba Akiolu clears air on alleged threat to Igbo

…Fashola, Ambode assure all tribes of safety Francis suberu

T

he palace of Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu, has made further clarification on the statement credited to him on the national dailies in which he allegedly threatened Ndi’Igbo in Lagos with death should they vote against All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

A statement from the palace, which was signed

by Opeluwa of Lagos, Chief Lateef Aderibigbe Ajose, stated that Oba Akiolu was a father to all Lagosians irrespective of tribe, religion

or political affiliation.

According to the statement, Oba Akiolu is not disturbed or angry with the South-East and SouthSouth votes for President Jonathan, but called on Igbo chiefs to show appreciation to Lagos State by supporting his candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for continuity of excellence.

The statement reads: "My attention has been drawn to publications in national dailies where HRM Oba Riliwanu Akiolu was alleged to have threatened Igbo in Lagos to make them vote for Ambode.

"Last Sunday, all honorary Eze Ndigbo in Lagos paid a courtesy visit to HRM

Oba Akiolu. At the meeting the visitors praised the Oba for his fatherly support for and cooperation with Igbo in Lagos. They assured him of their continued good neighbourliness with other tribes in Lagos and support everything that would further strengthen that harmony.

"Oba Akiolu on his part acknowledged the enviable performance of Governor Fashola and his contribution to the growth of investments in Lagos. He gave the assurance that he was not disturbed or angry with South-East and South- South votes for President Jonathan as perceived by the Eze Ndigbo.

The Oba thereafter called

on Igbo chiefs to show appreciation to Lagos State by supporting his candidate, Mr. Ambode, for continuity of excellence as they have earlier promised.

"He assured them of his continued support and assistance where needed and the meeting ended with the traditional breaking of kolas, alligator pepper, and bitter kola and pouring of libation on the ground. It was within this context that the tradition of Lagos with regard to the lagoon came up.

It was noted that whoever works against the throne and the interest and peaceful co-existence of Lagos would end up in the lagoon as per tradition."

Oba Akiolu stated further that the Igbo people have not betrayed the throne just as Lagos has not betrayed the Igbo people, saying Lagos has done so much to make the Igbo comfortable and prosper.

"Lagos has done so much to make the Igbo comfortable and to prosper. For this, we expect reciprocal respect and understanding. The Oba of Lagos prays that the Lagoon and the throne will continue to bless and protect all those who reside and visit Lagos.

"Oba Akiolu is the father of all irrespective of tribe, religion or political persuasion. In Lagos, we have an old traditional proverb that relates to the Lagoon. The Lagoon is unique to Lagos.

"The proverb stresses the need for unity and understanding when you do business in an environment and in this case when you live and do business in Lagos.

Oba Akiolu prays for peace for the land of Lagos and prosperity for all its inhabitants."

Meanwhile, Governor Babatunde Fashola and Mr. Akinwumi Ambode yester-

day assured all tribes in Lagos of their safety, saying Lagos will remain a safe home to all ethnic groups living in the city.

The duo, who spoke at separate forum in Lagos, noted that APC stands for progress and would continue to create enabling environment for all residents to achieve their dream irrespective of where they hail.

Ambode said: “Every group in Lagos will be safe in my hands as governor.

I will not discriminate against any religious or ethnic group. It is our Lagos and we must build it together.

“In my acceptance speech after the primaries I made this note that I will be a governor for all and Lagos is safe in my hands. I want to build on the foundation of unity, peace and progress and development laid by my predecessors.

“I am your best choice for a Lagos that must continue to thrive. And though tongue and tribe may differ we stand in brotherhood in Lagos from the smallest ethnic groups to the major ones. We are all stakeholders."

Adams tasked over Jonathan's N1.6b, promised 6m votes Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

L-R: Wife of former Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Olufunke Daniel; Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje and celebrant/former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, at the 59th birthday anniversary of the governor in Lagos, yesterday.

Saturday polls: Ladoja vows to resist rigging Kemi Olaitan IBADAN

F

ew days to the gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, gubernatorial candidate of Accord Party in Oyo State, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, raised the alarm of plan by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Rufus Akeju, and the state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to rig the elections.

Ladoja, who spoke through Director General of his campaign organisation, Adeolu Adeleke, during a

press conference, said the REC and APC have already devised ways and plans to manipulate the election in favour of APC as done during the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections.

He alleged that Akeju after the last elections had a secret meeting with Governor Abiola Ajimobi to perfect the plans, stating that Accord Party will put all efforts in place to resist the plans and ensure the will of the people of the state to send the APC-led government packing prevails.

According to him, during the March 28 elections, the agents of political parties except that of the APC were

sent away from the polling booths, thereby giving free access to supporters of APC to use what he described as clone PVCs given to them by Akeju to vote for the party.

Adeleke alleged further that while many supporters of Accord Party were disenfranchised through non-issuance of PVC such as in Ilora, Afijio Local Government Area, there were no result sheets provided in all the polling booths and voting continued in many areas like Egbeda Local Government till 11pm during the last election.

He then called on both local and international observers to come to the state

and do proper monitoring of Saturday elections with an appeal to the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, to as a matter of urgency transfer the state REC in order to avert looming crisis.

Adeleke, who said he was speaking the minds of other political parties in the state apart from the APC, disclosed that the party has given a stern instruction to its agents during Saturday’s election not to yield to any form of intimidation and harassment and closely monitor activities of INEC officials in all the polling booths.

N

ational Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams, has been called upon to explain what happened to the N1.6 billion he collected from President Goodluck Jonathan and the six million votes he promised the President.

Spokesman of the National Coordinating Council of the congress, Comrade Adesina Akinpelu, made the call in a press statement he signed yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

He said one of the factors that contributed to President Jonathan’s defeat in the South West during the March 28 elections was his romance with characters like Gani Adams.

Akinpelu, who described his purported suspension from the congress over unsubstantiated allegations of working for the Peoples

Democratic Party, PDP, as laughable, insisted he remained an active member of OPC at both national level and Oyo State. He maintained that as one of the founding fathers of OPC, he had contributed in so many ways to the liberation of the Yoruba race from the shackles of oppressors, and it was based on this principle that himself and some other members of the congress decided to challenge Adams’ decision to sacrifice the Yoruba race for pecuniary gains.

While accusing Adams of turning the OPC into his personal fiefdom and sowing the ember of disunity among members, he vowed that the National Coordinating Council of OPC will liberate the congress from Adams and not allow him to start another internal war within the congress.

He said: “It is on record that Gani Adams collected N1.6bn from President Goodluck Jonathan to work for his re-election.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Owo invasion: Police arrest 7 suspects ojo oyewamide AKURE

O

ndo State Police Command has arrested seven armed robbery suspects, who invaded Owo in Owo Local Government Area of the state penultimate Thursday.

They were among 91 suspects paraded yesterday by Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke, at the state police headquarters, Akure.

Eke said the armed robbery suspects were part of those who attacked four banks in Owo, killed seven policemen, two bank officials and over 13 members of the public.

He said the suspects were arrested by a combined team of policemen and military personnel from Ondo and Edo while trying to escape.

Abba

According to him, 12,000 rounds of ammunition, six assault rifles, 17 AK-47 rifles, three riot guns, one revolver, a chief revolver, 11 dynamites and 142 magazines were recovered from them.

Also recovered from the armed robbery suspects were two sub-machine guns, six Beretta rifles, two scorpion guns, three large rifles, three dane guns, Tarakov rifle and three

pump action guns.

The police boss said the arms were part of those carted away from IkareAkoko and Owo police stations when the suspects invaded the towns last year and penultimate Thursday.

Eke added that N9.3 million cash, a pair of police uniforms, 33 canisters of teargas, police steel helmets and 13 vehicles used for the operation were recovered from the hoodlums.

The commissioner also paraded seven suspected pirates who were arrested at Ajapa in Ese Odo Local Government Area, with a cache of weapons recovered from them.

The suspects, Eke said, were arrested with the help of Gallery Security Service and military men, adding that 16 of the unrepentant militants were

killed in a gun battle with security personnel last week.

According to him, heavily armed hoodlums in military uniforms suspected to have been commanded by one General Ibori, an unrepentant militant, had attacked Gallery Security base at Akanaku community with five speedboats.

He said 16 of the pirates were killed during a gun battle while seven, including Ike Omosebi, Akpos Atunwase, Uyeweri Zacchaeus, Augustine Goto, Ekuiwasemi Loghoga, Worifaifa Simon and John Omonipere were arrested with rifles of different categories.

Eke added that 76 suspected cultists and one kidnap suspect were arrested within the last one week to keep the state free of criminal elements.

9

Rector cautions against upgrading polytechnics to varsities Saidat alauSa

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ector of Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Dr. Abdulazeez Lawal, has advised government not to upgrade all polytechnics in the country to universities.

According to him, the extinction of polytechnic education would deter technological growth in the country.

He disclosed this during a press conference on the school premises to announce activities for the institution’s 23rd convocation ceremony.

The rector also said the conversion will not help the economy of the country because basically, the essence of polytechnic education was to provide the country with technology through which the country can keep pace with developed countries of the world.

He said there was need to complement theory, which is peculiar to universities, with practical in other to create

innovations that would help the country’s economy.

“Universities will conduct research and polytechnic graduates will translate it to innovations, hence the need for polytechnics. It is only for the government to remove the discrimination against the certificates.”

Lawal further disclosed that stakeholders, especially rectors, have put in place measures to close the gap so that more students seeking admission would stop seeing polytechnic as the last option.

Highlight of activities for the convocation ceremony include the convocation lecture that holds today by 12noon at the institution.

The convocation rehearsal is slated for tomorrow, while between 12noon and 3pm same day, there would be variety show and drama presentation by the mass communication department at the institution’s auditorium.

The convocation ceremony, where a total of 7,022 students will be graduating, will take place on Thursday, April 9 at 10am.

Polls: Ajimobi drums support for party candidates

O Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun being welcomed to Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area, during his re-election campaign tour of Ogun West senatorial district, yesterday.

Don’t scrap card readers, APC urges INEC …calls critics enemies of democracy

Boladale BamigBola OSOGBO

O

sun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday said those opposing the use of card readers for governorship and state Assembly polls were doing so because of the defeat awaiting them at the elections.

In a statement issued by Director of Publicity and Strategy, Barr Kunle Oyatomi, the APC said anyone that opposes card reader for the elections was an enemy

of democracy.

The statement reads in part: "Those who are now agitating that INEC should discontinue the use of card reader are the losers at the last election, who want to recoup their losses, and gain from a fraudulent manipulation of the voting process, which they have used in the last 16 years to stay in power.

"We vehemently oppose the suggestion by some parties that INEC should not use the card reader for the governorship and House of Assembly elections.

"It will be defeatist for

INEC, retrogressive for our‎ emergent democracy and absolutely harmful to the credible electoral process, which INEC is building and Nigerians should not accept the idea either, for if they do, they will be shooting themselves in the head, which is tantamount to collective suicide."

The party maintained that efforts to force the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to discontinue card reader use in the second round of the general elections would spell doom for the country.

Regardless of the hitches‎ experienced during the presidential and national assembly polls, the party said its usage was responsible for the near elimination of rigging attempts, and the enhancement of credibility of the election management by INEC. The party then urged INEC "not to trade off this significant milestone in its efforts to sanitise the electoral process which allowed spoilers a breathing space to cynically enjoy their crooked pastime of vote rigging."

yo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday urged voters to vote for him and All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates in next Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly election, saying a vote for other candidates would be a waste in view of APC's victory at the centre.

He made the appeal while speaking on a television programme monitored in Ibadan, the state capital, yesterday.

The governor said any vote for Accord Party, AP, Labour Party, LP, or Social Democratic Party, SDP, is a vote for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which he said had already crumbled in Nigeria. He said the state could not afford to play opposition politics now when it stands a great chance of benefitting immensely from a Federal Government that is wholly the party’s.

He said having demonstrated their love for change and progressives by voting massively for the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) and its Na-

tional Assembly candidates in the state on March 28, Oyo could not afford to opt out and operate as opposition state again.

According to him, several initiatives of his administration, which required approval or cooperation of the Federal Government, could not succeed because of the latter's refusal to play its role.

Ajimobi urged voters to repeat the same massive support for him and the party in the April 11 election, now that APC had gained controlled of the centre, to ensure greater democracy dividends.

Declaring that he was confident of victory in the coming elections, the governor recalled that his policies have endeared him to people of the state who appreciate his transformation, reformation and repositioning agenda.

He recalled that his administration had succeeded in enthroning peace, improving social infrastructure, including construction of modern roads and improved water supply in Iseyin, Ayete, Saki and Ibadan, among others.

10

South East

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Abia APC warns against rigging GeorGe opara ABIA

W

ith just four days to Saturday’s gover norship and House of Assembly elections, Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said it would not tolerate what it said was “massive rigging and manipulation of election results” in the Presidential and National Assembly election of March 28 in the state.

The party also tasked the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Selina Oko, to cancel the National Assembly result election announced by the commission or in the alternative produce what they said was the authentic results, which it claimed were in its custody.

Abia APC also called for a stakeholders meeting of the REC, security operatives and election/poll officers with political party representatives to discuss modalities to ensure free, fair and credible governorship and Assembly polls on Saturday.

The party warned that it would resist any acts of intimidation, harassment and arrest of its polling agents

as allegedly done in the last election, calling for total overhaul of the electoral officers in the state.

Speaking with journalists yesterday in Umuahia, state chairman of the party, Mr. Donatus Nwankpa, described March 28 election in the entire South East “as a mockery,” saying:"We have petitioned INEC and are questioning INEC’s capacity to conduct credible election that APC is confident and has the capacity to win."

Flanked by the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Anyim Nyerere and the state and local government executive committee members, Nwankpa said that APC and its supporters were determined to vote and protect their votes.

“We should see the Saturday election as a challenge.

We should reclaim our position in the nation's polity; Abia cannot afford to be in the opposition this time.

“We condemn the manner the National Assembly election was conducted in the state on March 28 which featured late arrival of materials at the polling units, maltreatment and intimidation of election officials and parties agents among others.

Ebonyi Catholic women hold procession for peaceful polls

C

atholic Women Organisation, CWO, Abakaliki Diocese, on Monday held a rosary procession that ended with the burning of written petitions unto God. Mrs Chinwendu Muoneke, President of CWO, explained that they came out to pray for peaceful conduct of the gubernatorial elections in Ebonyi State and the entire country.

She thanked God for the peaceful conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections and prayed that the gubernatorial election, especially in Ebonyi, would be peaceful.

“The high rate of crime being experienced during these electoral processes and the challenges generally faced by people within the same period are worrisome.

“Individuals, who take political activities as do or die affair, should realise the negative sides, as youths are being used as thugs to kill and maim people.

“Youths have been used to destroy valuable proper-

ties of innocent people in the area,” she said.

According to Muoneke, activities of politicians have created fear and panic among people in the state, as they are being intimidated on daily basis.

“This is why we decided to cry unto God to ensure the polls are peaceful through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“I hereby advise women to shun acts such as discrimination, gossip, malice, among others, and ensure they monitor their children’s activities to prevent them from being used to perpetrate electoral violence,” she added.

The Administrator of St. Theresa’s Cathedral, venue of the prayer, Monsignor Alphonsus Iwueke, urged the women to continue to be prayerful as prayer was the solution to all problems.

The prayer, with the theme: ``Happy are the Peacemakers’’, attracted more than 1, 000 women from all the parishes in the diocese.

Coordinator , FRSC Special Marshals and Partnership, Mr Ben Osaka and the acting Commander, FRSC Onitsha Unit Command, Mr Obinani Ezekannagha, during Special Marshals’ Easter Monday Public Education at the Bridge-Head Axis of Onitsha in Anambra State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Third term bid: Obasanjo offered me N150m —Ihedioha Chris Njoku OWERRI

P

eoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate for Imo State and Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, yesterday in Owerri, Imo State capital, said former President Olusegun Obasanjo offered him N150 million to support his third term ambition, which he rejected.

Speaking to All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, supporters yesterday in Owerri at a reception organised by the party’s candidate for Owerri Federal Constituency, Honourable Dan Ikpeazu, Ihedioha said

because of his forthrightness he rejected the offer to back the former president to return to power for third term.

While expressing gratitude to the people for welcoming him, he said with his links and connection within and outside Nigeria, he would provide sound leadership devoid of discrimination. “Anybody who knows me would know that I am not the discriminatory type, if I don’t believe in something, I will let you know why I don’t believe in it.”

He appealed to APGA supporters to put sentiment aside and vote for him in the forthcoming governorship election on April 11, as he stands out as the best candi-

date to wrest power from incumbent Governor Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressives Congress, APC. He said he had been constituent, upright and faithful in his entire political career, adding that if they voted for him to become the state governor, he would rule with the fear of God. The deputy speaker said Imo State and South East in general was lucky that he became deputy speaker of the House of Representatives to ensure that Ndigbo still remained relevant in the decision-making of the nation.

He commended Ikpeazu, APGA standard bearer for Owerri federal constituency, for his forthrightness, adding that the former Imo

House of Assembly member shared the same traits with him.

Earlier, Ikpeazu commended Ihedioha for coming to address his supporters, adding that his only interest was how to unseat the incumbent Governor Okorocha.

He, however, disclosed that he had served notice of rejection of the National Assembly election result to INEC “wherein I called for outright cancellation on account of substantial irregularities that characterised the exercise.”

The gathering, which attracted other PDP chieftains, saw APGA members resolve to support Ihedioha in the forthcoming governorship election.

Non-indigenes back Ebonyi PDP in Saturday’s polls aliuNa GodwiN ABAKALIKI

U

rban community comprising all nonindigenes from the 36 states of the federation living in Ebonyi State has vowed to vote massively for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

Leaders of the community made this known in Abakaliki during a campaign rally organised by the PDP to galvanise support for the governorship candidate of the party, Mr Dave Umahi, held at the Peoples Club at Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway.

The rally attracted stakeholders, who fought for creation of the state from the 13 local government areas, Addressing the crowd, Umahi commended the stakeholders, assured them that he would reconstruct all bad roads in the capital city and also beef up esthetic quality of the state capital.

He assured that he would create an enabling environment for them to thrive in their various businesses, adding that he would reduce schools fees in the state’s tertiary institutions without the indigenes and non-indigene dichotomy.

Also, wife of Ebonyi State former governor, Mrs Eunice Egwu, lamented that Elechi's administration was a colossal failure because he bit the finger that fed him, adding that Elechi never contested for power.

She said: "Elechi has never contested for election. It was my husband that gave him the position, but the governor was ungrateful and decided to bite the finger that fed him."

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chukwuma Nwazunku, noted that the presidential election was a huge surprise because the

party had always performed abysmally in the urban areas in previous elections, but it was the area that gave PDP its victory.

He commended them for their show of patriotism and support for the PDP and urged them to come out enmass on Saturday and deliver the party's candidates for the transformation agenda in all sectors in the state.

On his part, former senator of Ebonyi North, Sylvanus Nguji Ngele said: "Edward Nkwegu is a contractor. He was never a politician and he is contesting for governorship in the state.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

11

North didn't gang up against Jonathan –PDP chieftain Dennis naku

PORT HARCOURT

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chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the South-South, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, has debunked the claim that people of the North and South West ganged up against President Goodluck Jonathan in the March 28 presidential election.

He said it was unfair to blame Jonathan’s defeat at the poll on the two regions, which in 2011 voted massively for the president.

Sara-Igbe told newsmen yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, that Jonathan lost the election

because of alleged non-performance.

He further stated that the president also failed to appeal to the electorate for forgiveness over the accusation, adding that Jonathan would not have polled over 12 million votes if the said poll was free and fair in the South-South and South East geo-political zones.

According to him, “President Jonathan had a sweep of the votes in the North and the South West in 2011 presidential election. So, at what point did these areas gang up against him?

“The truth is that he (Jonathan) did not perform, yet he did not appeal. There was no gang-up against Presi-

dent Jonathan. He would not have gotten the figure he scored in 2015 presidential election if there was no rigging in the South-South and the South-East geopolitical zones,” he said.

Sara-Igbe, who was security adviser to former Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili, however, called on Rivers people to vote for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, in the April 11election. He explained that the South-South was the most neglected region by the current federal administration.

He said Jonathan neglected the oil-rich Niger

Delta and refused to develop it within his six years’ reign, adding that the region decided to vote Jonathan because he was a kinsman from the region.

He warned former militants not to contemplate returning to go the creeks in protest of General Muhammad Buhari’s victory and cautioned that the new administration would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt governance.

“The Buhari administration will crush militancy in the region the way President Jonathan crushed Boko Haram within six weeks.

“If some people in the South-South say they are

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (middle) with his wife, Rachael (right) buying fruits at the Swali Ultra Modern Market, during a visit to the area in Yenagoa, recently.

Senator-elect calls for synergy among elected officials OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

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ormer chairman of Bayelsa State Scholarship Board, BSSB, Foster Ogola, has called for synergy among elected representatives as well as government at all levels to advance development in the state and the country in general.

Ogola, who was declared winner of Bayelsa West Senatorial District in last Saturday's National Assembly poll on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, pointed out that such step would ensure consultations and coordinated efforts to avert duplication of projects, which has plagued most communities in the area.

He explained that the development the area craved for will only be achievable with the support of other representatives from the area and the federal and state governments, as well as interventionist agencies.

The former chairman and member of the Constituent Assembly said his goal at the National Assembly is to work selflessly for the development of the area, just as he promised to sponsor bills that would create a pool of funds to cater for the educational and development needs of the people.

Ogola stated that such bills would also exploit opportunities for funding by local and international donor agencies and partners at minimal costs to the federal and state governments.

On the issue of northsouth divide in the National Assembly which he said was non-existent during his time at the Constituent Assembly, he called for more lobbying among federal lawmakers.

In the results of the election announced in Sagbama, the senatorial headquarters, Ogola polled 95,303 votes to beat Edi Julius of All Progressive Congress, APC who scored 1,690 votes.

Other candidates Epamowei Kakanda of Labour Party, LP and Patience Peretu of Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA polled 211 and 184 votes respectively.

He also saluted the courage and patience of voters who endured several hours

to cast their votes due to hitches with the electronic card readers and delay in arrival of voting materials.

going back to militancy, the new government will crush them. And you cannot talk because your brother (Jonathan) did it in the fight against Boko Haram,” he stressed.

On the chances of the South-South producing the next Senate President, Sara-Igbe pointed out that the chances were slim due to the pattern of voting of

the South-South people who thought Jonathan would win the election.

He, however, warned that the South-South stands the risk of losing out in the next political dispensation if it fails to vote for APC candidates, saying, “There are remedies and one of the remedies is to vote massively for APC candidates in Saturday’s election.

NEMA supports rehabilitation of 3,788 persons in C'River GlOria usman ABUJA

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ational Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has presented building materials to Cross River State government to support the reconstruction of residential and public buildings of 3,788 persons in Agwagune community of Biase Local Government Area affected by flood and landslide for several years.

A statement issued by NEMA’s Senior Information Officer, Sani Datti, said the Director General, Muhammad Sani Sidi, handed over the items to the community.

He said Sidi, represented by Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Eugene Eze, said the rehabilitation and re-settlement of Agwagune community would end the nightmare of annual floods, landslide and attendant incessant loss of means of livelihood and displacement of residents from their homes. He assured that the rehabilitated buildings would be more resilient, safer and livable.

Executive Director of

the state emergency management agency, SEMA, Vincent Aquah, said Agwagune used to be a large community, but had lost a large portion of its habitable land mass to annual floods and landslides.

He commended NEMA Director-General for actualising the relocation of 964 households, unlike failed attempts in the past years.

Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr. Tom Ogar, told the community that government was very worried and was doing everything possible to mitigate the challenges faced.

He appreciated Federal Government’s kind gesture through NEMA and assured that the items would be judiciously utilised to the benefit of all in the community.

Also, royal father, Onun Linus Inyang of Agwagune community thanked the state and federal government agencies that have assisted the community and made their dreams come true.

Fire guts oil pipeline, kills mother, three children TheOphilus OnOJeGhen WARRI

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middle-aged woman and her three children were reportedly killed when fire gutted a punctured oil pipeline at the RaipeleForcados trunk line believed to be owned by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, in Odidi, Warri, southwest of Delta State.

The incident, National Mirror gathered, occurred last weekend following fail-

ure of the alleged owner to fix the damaged line, which later resulted in fire destroying aquatic life and property of villagers in the area.

A community leader, who identified himself as Friday Deinghan, lamented that the victims were on a boat fishing three kilometres away from the scene of the incident, and got trapped in the fire.

He described the magnitude of the spill and the related fire as "unprecedented", revealing that the victims included Mrs Ebosine Photo, 36, her children,

Siyafa, 16, Gift, 6, and an unnamed toddler just under a year.

"She tried to light a hurricane lamp they usually use to illuminate their way as they mend their nets and check fishing traps. Immediately she lit it, the thing caught fire and engulfed the four of them.

"The community promptly notified Shell, demanding that firm arrests the spread, but they refused. That line is aged and that spot has undergone failure and contracted for clamping repeatedly.

12

North

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Boko Haram kills 25, sacks Borno village Inusa ndahI MAIDUGURI

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uspected Boko Haram terrorists on Sunday invaded Kwajaffa community in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, killing 25 residents before setting ablaze many houses, shops and a local church.

According to reliable sources that included fleeing residents, over 20 insurgents armed with AK-47 rifles, petrol bombs and Improvised Explosive

Devices, IEDs, stormed the community about 10pm in two Hilux vehicles and five motorcycles, wreaking havoc and sacking the entire community.

Kwajaffa, a predominantly Christian community located in a valley, had witnessed series of devastating attacks by insurgents in recent past with killing of many residents and destruction of Church of Brethren (EYN church), the most popular church with the highest number of worshippers in the village.

It is about 20kms drive

from Azare, the council headquarters of Hawul, which is south and about 215km drive to Maiduguri, the state capital.

A resident, who fled the attack and did not want his name mentioned for security reasons, told National Mirror that “the insurgents who stormed the area started chanting Allahu Akbar (God is great), threatening residents that the new government of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari would witness greater insurgent attacks than under the Jonathan-led PDP ad-

ministration.”

He confirmed that many people were killed with houses, shops and a church razed by the terrorists. He said most of those killed could not be buried as everybody scampered for safety.

Efforts to get confirmation from the security operatives proved abortive, but a credible security source confirmed the attack in Kwajaffa by Boko Haram members, insisting that many people were killed and property worth millions of naira destroyed.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

9 million people benefit from Legal Aid projects

D

irector-General of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Mrs Joy Bob-Manuel, yesterday said nine million people have benefitted from its ‘Access to Justice Project’ since 2014.

Bob-Manuel spoke yesterday with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja.

She said the World Bank-sponsored ‘Access to Justice Project’ allowed grassroots people access to justice.

The DG said the project featured campaigns at the grassroots to enable the people patronise centres at their doorsteps.

The campaigns were in the form of different radio programmes, awareness campaigns and workshops,

she said.

She said the council, under Section 8 (2) of the Legal Aid Act 2011, was empowered to provide legal representation in cases of manslaughter and malicious or willful grievous harm.

According to her, the council is also empowered to offer legal representation on assault resulting in bodily harm, stealing, rape and armed robbery.

Bob-Manuel said members of staff of the council had updated their knowledge in paralegal studies to meet with its mandate.

She said the administration staff members of the council were trained in paralegal skills to enable them take clients’ stories in the absence of lawyers.

PDP expels Jigawa deputy gov

J Women producing Zobo local drink in Suleja, Niger State, yesterday.

Buhari’s victory has shamed doomsayers, says Gowon

F

ormer Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said the peaceful conduct of March 28 Presidential poll won

by Maj.-Gen Muhammadu Buhari, has shamed those that predicted that Nigeria would break up in 2015.

“No one will ever repeat that wild and arrogant prediction that Nigeria will go under; those doomsayers have been shamed and Nigeria will grow from strength to strength,’’ Go-

won told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN in Jos. While recalling the prediction that the country would disintegrate this year, Gowon declared that those that made the prediction did not reckon with Nigeria’s ability to solve its problems.

The former Head of State expressed happiness that the polls were adjudged free and fair by local and international observers, and commend-

ed the patience and resilience of the voters, who defied rain and the scorching to cast their votes.

Gowon also commended Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC officials, especially the NYSC members, for insisting on doing the right thing, and told Nigerians to keep up the spirit so that democratic governance can come of age.

He particularly praised President Goodluck Jona-

than for quickly calling to congratulate the winner, and described that step a “very soothing balm that ended all fears and anxieties.’’

Gowon advised Buhari to listen to Nigerians and do their bidding.

While wishing Buhari divine wisdom, he challenged him to strive to do better than his predecessor so that Nigerians would see and feel the difference.

Police place Kogi politicians under surveillance

K

ogi State Police Command yesterday said it had placed certain categories of politicians in the state under surveillance, as part of efforts to ensure peaceful conduct of the April 11 elections.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Shola Adebayo, who announced this to news-

men in Lokoja, said that the move was in response to reports that some politicians were planning to attack staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on the day of the election.

He said the police have since been closely monitoring activities of politicians with a view to curtailing their excesses before, dur-

ing and after the elections.

Adebayo said that the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, had already held a meeting with leaders of political parties on the development.

He said they were all advised against embarking on any action that might breach the peace of the state.

“The commissioner has warned all of them to abide by the peace accord they signed before the election,” he said.

He said that the commissioner had directed all police formations in the state to deal decisively with any act of violence, saying that any politician caught fomenting trouble would have himself to blame.

igawa State deputy governor, Ahmad Mahmud, has been expelled from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for alleged anti-party activities.

This is contained in a statement signed by PDP chairman of Galagamma ward in Gumel, Ibrahim Kafinta, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Dutse.

The chairman said the decision to expel Mahmud was taken during a stake-

holders meeting in his ward.

Kafinta alleged that the deputy governor had sabotaged PDP during the recent National Assembly election.

He said Gumel Local Government headquarters of the party had endorsed the expulsion.

Efforts by NAN to get comments from the deputy governor on the matter were futile as he neither took the calls nor replied a text message sent to him.

Insurgency: Borno AG solicits support for victims

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orno State Accountant-General, Hajiya Mairo Bunu, yesterday appealed to donor agencies to mobilise support for the rehabilitation of victims of Boko Haram in the state.

Bunu made the appeal when she presented relief materials to Governor Kashim Shettima for the victims.

She said the insurgency had resulted in mass destruction of infrastructure, which may be difficult to rebuild without the support of the international community.

“The insurgency indeed led to mass killings and destruction all over the state. Borno requires lots of assistance to be able to restore the structure de-

stroyed by the insurgents.

“We are appealing to members of the international community, including donor organisations to come forward and lend a helping hand,” Bunu said.

She said that her gesture was aimed at encouraging donation from wealthy individuals and organisations for the upkeep of the insurgency victims.

“You can see that we have numerous Internally Displaced Persons, IDP camps all over Maiduguri.

“The state government has been trying to cater for them within its limited resources,’’ Bunu said.

She added that the state would require enormous resources to resettle the IDPs.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

SUPER TUESDAY ‘Buhari’s victory’ll boost Ogun gov’s chances’

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

13

Politics

Katsina guber: No walk over for Masari

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Reps in House Speakership race Many lawmakers who won their seats back to the House of Representatives are already jostling for the speakership position for the 8th National Assembly, writes WOLE OLADIMEJI.

N

ow that the election into the House of Representatives had been won and lost, the ranking members of the All Progressive Congress, APC, that would form the leadership of the House, have started the struggle for the speakership of the House.

It is expected that by June 6, the new President would convoke the 8th National Assembly and on that day, the new Speaker and other principal officers of the House would emerge.

Thus, the race on who becomes the next Speaker and other principal officers have commenced, especially now that APC has majority in the House and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, becomes the opposition party.

Immediately Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared the result of the March 28 polls, those who won the election have started organising clandestine meetings to push their interests forward, while those who lost are working hard to realign with those who won.

Although, the party has not come out to say where the positions would go to among the six-geo-political zones, but fillers are rife that Hon Yakubu Dogara, from the North East, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila from the South West and few others are already positioning themselves for the coveted seat.

Other members who also have interest in the seat are still studying the atmosphere, opining that time is not yet ripe to declare for the position now. In the past, dark horses often emerged the Speaker.

From available records, APC cleared all the 22 seats in Kano State, in Katsina State, APC had 11 seats and also cleared all the 11 seats in Sokoto State. It also cleared all the seats in Jigawa, Kebbi, Gombe, except in states of South South and South East.

The stronghold of the parties would determine where a particular officer would come from. Like the South South and South East, it is obvious that they would take the minority position. The majority leader and other officers would come from the stronghold of the APC, which cut across the North East, North West and North Central and South West.

From all indications, the ranking members seemed to be favourably disposed to the candidature of Hon Dogara, who won ticket back from Bauchi State because of his wealth of experience and the fact that he is lawyer.

Hon Gbajabiamila is presently the Minority Leader, who is equally gunning for the position, since he won his election to come back to the House. He is banking on the fact that the party may zone the position to the South West and if that is done, he was cock sure that Senator Bola Tinubu, APC National leader, would give him the backing.

From all indications, the returning members are already forming themselves into various groups with a view to pushing forward their candidates for acceptance before the new members.

A member, who would not want his name in print for now, hinted that members are now wiser, adding thatno person would impose any candidate on them unlike what happened when speaker Aminu Tambu-

TOP STORY Dogara

Gbajabiamila

wal emerged as Speaker.

It would also be recalled that Hon Mulikat AdeolaAkanda, who was positioned to be the speaker by the ruling PDP, was rejected by members but was later compensated with the House Leadership position.

The dynamism of picking the Speaker in the House changed during the emergence of Speaker Tambuwal and the scenario may still come to play as members refused to toe party line despite the PDP insistence on zoning the position to South West in 2011.

Some are of the view that the South West would still be given the opportunity by the APC, which explains why Hon Gbajabiamila is positioning himself for the office. There were rife insinuations that Gbajabiamila was instrumental to Adeola-Akande’s loss in the elec-

tion, as part of his strategy to emerge Speaker, but members from the North East have already positioned their candidate for the same position.

T”he source told National Mirror: “This time around we are not going to allow some people to use us again for their own selfish reason. There must be an agreement and it must be give and take, not that some group of people would impose themselves on other members.”

However, a new twist has just emerged as South East and South South are lobbying seriously and laying claims to that fourth highest political office since North West has clinched the presidency while South West has also taken the Vice President. So its just logical for the two other zones to be compensated with Speaker since it is almost certain that North Central will retain the Senate Presidency.

Meanwhile, old members who have already formed ‘old members’ association’ believed that they are stakeholders and that they too should have a say on who becomes the next speaker in June.

Information gathered from the association revealed that the move is on to enthrone the speaker that would be acceptable to Nigeria and not the Speaker that would be imposed from some quarters.

The association was said to have claimed that they are stakeholders and it behoves on them to guide members on who becomes the House Speaker because of the sensitive nature of the office.

Meanwhile, Nigerians waited with bated breath to see who emerges the Speaker of the next Eight House of Representatives. Who is it going to be? only time will tell.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT

BY JUNE 6, THE NEW

PRESIDENT WOULD CONVOKE THE 8TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND ON THAT DAY, THE NEW SPEAKER AND OTHER PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE

HOUSE WOULD

EMERGE

14

Politics

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Buhari’s victory’ll boost Ogun gov’s chances’ Special Assistant on Media to Ogun State governor, Soyombo Opeyemi, asserts that All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the presidential election, General Muhammadu Buhari’s victory is a boost to the aspiration of Ogun State governor and APC gubernatorial candidate, Ibikunle Amosun.

OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU brings excerpts: Considering the strength of the opposition in Ogun State, Governor Ibikunle Amosun must feel highly relieved by the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the presidential poll.

Everybody feels relieved. Nigeria feels relieved. The battle is over. The campaign of hate, the obscene adverts against General Muhammadu Buhari, etc. are now over.

It’s time to begin to prepare even harder for the challenges of reclaiming Nigeria. Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, is relieved just like anyone else.

But much more than that, you and I know that Amosun gave his all for the election of General Buhari. Therefore, it is natural for him to feel elated as well.

However, since your question relates to the opposition, you should know that Amosun is the candidate to beat in the gubernatorial poll. So if anyone or party was or is ever under pressure, it must be the opposition candidates or parties. They are the ones who need to prove they can be trusted with power.

In less than four years, Amosun has accomplished more than what the previous government achieved in eight years. And these are visible. So while a student that usually tops the class must continue to work hard, which is what Amosun has been doing, it is those lagging behind that must double or even tripple their efforts. Unfortunately, the opposition in Ogun is not even doing one-tenth of what the governor is doing in terms of reaching out to the electorate. Just as I predicted Buhari’s victory in the widely published article, “Jonathan, Yar’Adua and Buhari,” ahead of the presidential election, Amosun is also a few days away from being reelected.

Initially, the split in Ogun APC meant that its votes would also be split between it and Social Democratic Party, SDP. But with Buhari’s victory, is there a possible bandwagon effect that will give Amosun victory on April 11?

Your question beats my imagination, especially when viewed against the backdrop of the results of the National Assembly poll of March 28. Some people have this erroneous impression that votes are won on the pages of newspapers. Or that the more you denigrate the person of the governor, the more the number of votes you garner. It doesn’t happen that way. I don’t know if you read the study of one pro-democracy advocacy group, the CGG. It says: “The formation of SDP rather than dim the chances of APC in 2015 has resulted in sympathies for the party as the incumbent governor, Amosun, is seen by the electorate as the underdog and victim of political machinations.”

And I am not surprised by this kind of report because it is the administration of Amosun that restored peace and tranquility which eluded the state before 2011, introduced free education with supply of textbooks to every home, provided limited free health services, constructed good roads, built flyovers all over, created em-

NO ONE WILL WANT TO CHANGE A WINNING TEAM OR DO TRIAL AND ERROR AT A TIME WHEN YOU NEED TO SUSTAIN THE CURRENT MOMENTUM OF

DEVELOPMENT. AND

OGUN SDP

PDP CAN TRY THEIR LUCK IN 2019

ployment for thousands of youths, restored payment of workers’ salary as and when due, among other promasses policies. All these have endeared the APC government to the electorate and spurred further support and sympathies for the governor across the length and breadth of the state.

This is why Amosun believes in talking less and not joining issues with anyone. Such energy is better directed towards sensitising the electorate; and this is what the governor has been doing. Till date, Amosun, despite the advantage of incumbency, is the only candidate that has toured the entire 236 wards in the state. He is the only candidate that has visited virtually all the markets in the entire state. And you know how strenuous such an exercise can be. He is the only one that has met virtually all the groups and associations in this state. So Amosun would have won convincingly if the contest were to come before the presidential poll. What the victory of Buhari will do is to widen the margin of victory of the governor, because some undecided voters may now vote APC while some opposition supporters may have a change of mind.

The governorship poll in Ogun is essentially among three leading parties, SDP, PDP and APC; is your party prepared for any last-minute alliance of opposition parties either before the election or in the case of a run-off?

Every survey, every opinion poll has given APC a landslide, so the idea of a run-off does not even exist.

How can you have a run-off ? It’s not possible. Even in 2011, the total votes of the opposition were a far cry from what Amosun got. But let’s assume without conceding the possibility of a run-off. Any alliance between the SDP and PDP will only spur resentment and protest sentiments in favour of the APC and result in humiliating defeat for the duo. You know our people remember the scale of mismanagement of public funds and insecurity foisted on the state by the PDP as if they happened yesterday. And when the SDP party slogan says, “Let’s cook together and eat together,” our people recoil and ask, “What are they cooking together and what are they eating together?” You see why it is better for each of them to fight separately and lose gallantly, if the margin of defeat could in any way be considered respectable. Coalition or no coalition, APC is on course.

You may also recall that Amosun mauled this same PDP candidate in 2011 by polling three times his votes and the total votes of the candidates then were not up to Amosun’s. What do you expect now that the people have

Amosun

themselves seen the wonders that Amosun performed with such scarce resources in less than four years? Our people are very rationale. No one will want to change a winning team or do trial and error at a time when you need to sustain the current momentum of development.

Ogun SDP and PDP can try their luck in 2019. The 2015 poll is evidently beyond them or any emergency coalition of strange bedfellows.

Is it true that the Amosun government plans to downsize the workforce if re-elected?

That is the propaganda of the opposition. It is unfortunate that some people can sit in their rooms and post this kind of rubbish on the internet. I pity them. They fabricated this shameless lie in order to deceive the public. Remember that investors ran away from this state before 2011 because of insecurity. But when Amosun came on board, he said he would employ a two-pronged approach to contain the menace. Equip the law enforcement officers with state-of-the art facilities and provide employment for citizens. How can such a government then contemplate retrenchment? Does it make any sense to anyone? Considering direct and indirect employment, this government has generated over 500,000 jobs in less than four years. As I speak to you, close to 60 major industries berthed in Ogun under the current administration. And these are not small establishments but companies that employed thousands of indigenes.

Indeed, more and more thousands of workers will be employed directly and indirectly as soon as the state gets back on an even keel financially. Ogun workers are highly enlightened and are not taken in by the electioneering posturing of the same people that brought the state to its knees some years ago.

What should Nigerians expect from an APC-controlled Federal Government?

Simple. Change; positive change. Fulfillment of the electioneering promises. But we all know the economy of Nigeria is currently prostrate. Certainly, it will take some time to get our country back on its feet. However, we must keep hope alive.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

15

A PUBLICATION OF NATIONAL MIRROR NEWSPAPERS

C`River cannot afford to be in opposition —APC

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Traditional Rulers during the EPZ Ground Breaking in Delta State.

Militants give SPDC 14 days to relocate from community Julius OsahOn YENAGOA

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ust few days after the Presidential poll that saw incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, losing out to General Mohammadu Buhari, a militant group in Ekeremor local government of Bayelsa state, known as the Iduwini Volunteer Force, IVF, has given a fourteen days ultimatum to the oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, to vacate the communities or face unpleasant unrest.

The militants through a letter they wrote to President, Goodluck Jonathan and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, said the ultimatum became necessary after the oil giant unlawfully terminated a running contract between the community and the company signed in 2007 and after all attempts to make the company see reason have failed.

The militants therefore directed all their unit commanders to be on the red alert, saying that at the end of the 14 days ultimatum, should Shell and its cohorts refuse to see reason, they will have no choice but to commence immediate attacks and processes of restoring their full privilege contained in the said surveillance contract document.

In the letter made available to newsmen, they wrote, “Your Excellency will recall that as Governor of Bayelsa state from 2005 to 2007, you graciously intervened in the lingering crisis between the Iduwini volunteer force and the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, where it was resolved among others.

“That for the peace, security and safety of oil companies activities within the Iduwini area of SPDC operations, that a running surveillance contract amounting to N8, 002, 350. 00 (Eight million, two thousand, three

hundred and fifty naira) per year be awarded to the leadership of the Iduwini Volunteer Force and it was awarded.”

That the surveillance contract which started in 2007 and was dutifully carried out by the leadership of the Iduwini Volunteer Force and payment for 2007 made and while in 2008 without any known breach of contract, SPDC, unilaterally stopped the contract till date., although our boys are still rendering the services of securing oil facilities in the aforementioned areas as contained in the contract paper.”

Having dutifully carried out their side of the bargain, they demand that SPDC as a matter of urgent national importance be directed to pay them their seven years of outstanding arrears and also immediately review the contract upward or face dire consequences.

“That we make this demand in good faith not minding the political situ-

ation in the country so that those who do not have the history of our struggle in the Iduwini area will not be quick to add that Ijaw people have started making trouble now that President Jonathan has lost the presidential election.

That our struggle predates President Jonathan’s presidency and the struggle to get our rights and privileges restored has been on and well known to notable government agencies like the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and notable Nigerians who have intervened to no avail. The statement added.

It will be recalled that in June, 2007, the Iduwini Volunteer Force kidnapped six oil workers including two Germans working for the SPDC in the community which led to the intervention of then Governor of Bayelsa state, Goodluck Jonathan, and the subsequent signing of the surveillance contract in 2007.

hieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River state Friday made a passionate appeal to the state’s electorate not to allow the state remain in opposition to the incoming APC central government by voting for another party other than the APC in the April 11 elections in the state.

Following the victory of the APC Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari at the March 28 polls, the APC will take over the reins of power at the centre from the Peoples Democratic Party[PDP] which will become an opposition party from May 29.

The party noted that the state was currently in a terrible economic crunch having been indebted to the tune of N403billion coupled with its low investment portfolio from the private sector owing basically to outrageous tax regime imposed by the PDP government which has scared many operatives from the state. According to the chieftains though the APC government at the centre may extend an olive branch to its opponents at the March 28 polls but it will not compromise on the implementation of its manifesto.

They argued that the state may lose some necessary benefits from the implementation of the people-oriented manifesto of the APC government at the centre.Speaking a reception and rally to celebrate the victory of the party at the just concluded polls, the party’s Governorship Candidate for the April 11 polls, Mr. Odey Ochicha said the electorate must save the state from the looming quagmire by voting the All Progressives Congress [APC] in the coming polls.

He reassured that the APC under his watch will in concert with the central government remodel Cross River, modernize it and make it a true paradise in keeping with its nomenclature as the literary paradise.

Ochicha maintained that his government will prioritize agriculture, manufacturing and tourism with the basic aim of creating jobs and developing world class infrastructure adding that this can only be perfected through a robust partnership with the Federal Government that will open the vista for foreign partnership.

Ochicha said the state can only be important in national political reckoning through the victory of the APC at the April 11 elections.

In attendance at the rally which also took the party faithful round major streets of Calabar in a motorcade were the Deputy Governorship Candidate,Mr.Slyvester Nsa, Ochicha’s wife, Christiana,State Secretary of the party, Mr.Victor Ebong as well as the Director General of the State Campaign Council, Dr.Ntete Bassey-Duke among others.

Also speaking during a news briefing as part of the event, Deputy Governorship Candidate, Mr.Sylvester Nsa said the APC government waiting in the wings is poised to take Cross River out of the woods and sued for massive support of the electorate at the polls.

Director General of the campaign council, Dr.Ntete Bassey-Duke had disclosed that the party witnessed a number of challenges which accordingly jeopardized its chances at the just concluded polls.

He blamed the lack luster performance of the party in the presidential polls to the desperation of the PDP to manipulate the polls’ outcome adding that in the process electoral and security operatives were greatly compromised against the party’s exploit.

Dr.Bassey-Duke urged Cross Riverians to reject the opposition PDP and take their destinies in their own hands by voting massively for the APC to enact the much needed change in the state.

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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Rebuild Nigeria Initiative decamps to APC RichaRd Ndoma CALABAR

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Members of Rivers State APC celebrating Buhari/Osinbajo victory.

Windstorm displaces 2,000 in Akparabong community of C’ River RichaRd Ndoma CALABAR

O

ver 2000 persons have been rendered homeless following a windstorm that struck and pulled down roofs of about 80 houses in Akparabong community of Cross River State.

The windstorm which started at night lasted for over 2 hours bringing panic among residents of the area who ran helter skelter looking where to refuge.

Women scampered for their children while men guided and scurried them to safety from the devastated houses even as debris

from the damaged structured such as planks and piece of zinc flew dangerously around them injuring 50 persons. Consequently the most vulnerable - women and children are exposed to inclement weather and insect bites such as cold and mosquitoes compounding the already devastating situation.

Most victims of the windstorm had to take refuge in churches, school buildings and town council hall, while some were harboured by relatives friends and associates.

The storm which according to the victims was unprecedented in the area un-capped about 80 houses including schools and churches

with household property worth millions of naira destroyed.

The disquiet in the community as result of the storm also extended to farms where economic trees such as bush mangoes, pears, mangoes and cocoa were pulled down.Our correspondent who visited the community observed that the village which is the home of the senate leader, Senator Ndoma Egba lay in a sorry state as wreckages from he destroyed houses were scattered all over the place.

Parts of roofing materials hung on trees while house hold property destroyed by the rain which accompanied the storm littered the streets. The windstorm

also pull down the story building of late Assistant Commissioner of Police Supol Odey Ndifon. Son to the late Commissioner of police Anthony Odey Ndifon said the repair of the late police officer`s building would gulp about N1.5m calling of SEMA and the National Emmergency Management Agency to assist him put back the late police office`s story building in order.

Walls of most of the houses including the Akparabong Parish of the Catholic church built by the Senate Leader including a primary school were knocked down by the storm disrupting academic activities.

Non Governmental Organisation under the aegis of Rebuild Nigeria Initiative (RNI) that was hitherto sympathetic to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

State Coordinator of the group, Castro Ezama , disclosed this at the weekend in calabar when he received the APC Governorship candidate, Odey Ochicha, from Abuja.

Castro stated RNI decided to support the APC candidate inview of current happenings in the country because according to him, “ Cross River State cannot afford to be in opposition because of the economic challenges facing the state”.

Welcoming the group, the APC Gubernatorial candidate Odey Ochicha said the APC doors are open to all groups, assuring that he will run an all inclusive government where all segments of the state will be given attention If given the opportunity to serve.

The NGO`s helmsman urged Governor Lieyel Imoke to write his name in gold by allowing a free,fair and credible elections in the state. He also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the elections are free,fair and credible.

Odey said his mission in the governance of the state is to build a world class infrastructure that will stand the test of time in line with the state’s vision as a tourism destination in Africa.

He said the APC government will on May 29th declare free and functional education in the state and create standard road linking all parts of the state.

Imoke praises NEMA for giving succour to Agwueguna community RichaRd Ndoma CALABAR

T

he Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke has praised the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its sustained zeal towards the resettlement of displaced people of Agwagune Community in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The Governor made the commendation during the formal presentation of building materials for the resettlement project by the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency

Alhaji Sani Sidi at Agwagune.

Imoke said that the gesture was unprecedented pointing out that the benevolence would usher in the lost socio-economic development of the community which had experienced extreme traumas on account of flooding and landslide which has depleted the inhabitable land by over 90%.

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tom Ogar promised that the State Government would ensure that the materials were maximally put to use in order to resettle the people.

Presenting the relief materials which included cement, zinc,

nails, wood and ceiling boards the Director General of NEMA Alhaji Sani Sidi who was represented by the Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr. Eugene Eze said that it was heart warming and fulfilling to have taken a giant step towards the resettlement of the Agwagune people to a higher ground about 2 km from the original abode.

He recalled that the displacement of the people by natural disasters such as annual flooding and landslide causing the dislodgement of thousands of persons have been a national and global concern.

The Director-General appealed for the sustainability of the collab-

oration between NEMA, the State Government and the benefitting community to ensure the early completion of the Project.

According to him, the resettlement project would comprise 200 units of 4, 3 and 2 bedroom detached and semi detached bungalows.

In a remark, the Director General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Mr. Vincent Aquah said that the Agency would ensure that the project was completed in record time.

The groundbreaking ceremony was later held in one of the building sites and a tour of the affected village.

Agwagune community which is located by the bank of the Cross River State has far about 45 years been annually inundated with flood and landslide which has reduced a large inhabitable land mass of several hundreds of hectares to a strip of land.

During rainy seasons, the community can only be accessed by the use of hand dug canoes.

Over 300 houses including churches and schools have been destroyed by the natural disasters displacing over 1200 households and 10,600 persons over time.

Majority of the displaced have been squatting in neighbouring villages.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

17

The beginning of a new dawn RAUF AREGBESOLA

T

he elections of penultimate Saturday, particularly the presidential election won by the candidate of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, were a watershed in the annals of democratic elections in Nigeria.

Alhaji Buhari’s victory is the culmination of the struggle for the enthronement of peopledriven democratic governance in this country. It is also the fulfillment of the prophetic insight of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who in 1983 predicted that the progressive elements in the North and South would come together for the liberation of this country.

Indeed, the progressives have always wanted to come together but their march had always been stopped by cruel fate. The coming together of the progressives under the United Progressives Grand Alliance (UPGA) in the First Republic was cut short by military rule in 1966. The Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) was also brought to an end by the military in 1983. The progressive tendency of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) produced the Chief Moshood Abiola presidential election of 1993. It was also brought to an abrupt end by the military after the election was annulled.

The APC, however, is an idea whose time has come and there can be no stopping the match of history. It is significant that Chief Awolowo was instrumental to the formation

of UPGA and PPA. Awoists formed the bulk of SDP in the South West. Also, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the dominant party in the South West that became a major partner in APC was an offshoot of Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

It is greatly significant how the election went in Osun. Your enthusiastic response, determination, orderly procession and conduct, peaceful disposition and commitment to the defence of democracy all shone through. The pattern of the election was consistent with what obtained since our coming to office, first, during the 2011 general elections and secondly in last year’s governorship election. In 2011, you enthusiastically supported our candidates. Then, our presidential candidate won convincingly in Osun. You did the same this time again. This is in spite of the divisive campaign of ethnicity, religion and regionalism embarked upon by our opponents.

There were reports of pockets of violence and attempted manipulation of votes in some parts of the state. These are the handiwork of agents of destabilisation and political brigandage. The security agencies are looking into this and will stop at nothing in order to bring the perpetrators to book. Popular participation and freedom of choice are the essence of democracy and are guaranteed by the constitution and protected by our law. We affirm every man’s right to have these. However, criminality, disruption of voting, political violence and denial of other citizens their right to political choice will

ALHAJI BUHARI’S VICTORY IS THE CULMINATION OF THE STRUGGLE FOR THE ENTHRONEMENT OF PEOPLE-DRIVEN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN THIS COUNTRY not be tolerated. We shall defend democracy and the right of all to participate in politics and freely make a choice. Local and international observers noted your commitment to peace and determination to deepen democracy. I am very proud of you.

Indeed, we are well pleased with the exercise in Osun and especially the mammoth support we have received from voters all over the country that led to the election of our presidential candidate. Given what we witnessed penultimate Saturday, we have a measure of assurance that political power is now returning to the people through the democratic process. We must build on this; defend and guide it jealously. We should now gird our loins and give total support to the government of the people in order to have the life more abundant that we all earnestly hope for.

I must express my profound gratitude to all the people who voted for our candidates in

the other elections into the National Assembly. The officers so elected will, in the best tradition of progressive leadership, provide the best representation to their constituencies.

We want to assure you all, however, that irrespective of the political party you voted for, our mandate to govern covers every inch of our soil and covers all the people, irrespective of ideological and political affiliation, ethnic and religious identity and colour of skin. We shall continue to serve to the best of our ability, to provide leadership, defend your interest with all our might and bring life more abundant to you all.

I will like to thank all the people who made the elections a huge success in our state, beginning with all the political parties, women and their groups, market women, traders, artisans, workers, civil servants, teachers, students, transporters, drivers, commercial motorcyclists, employers of labour, organised private sector, the business community, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, youth organisations, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, security agencies, the international community, Nigerians in the Diaspora, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all people of goodwill.

This is an abridged text of the broadcast by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of the State of Osun and South West Coordinator of Buhari-Osinbajo Presidential Campaign, to the people of the state on the outcome of the March 28 elections on April 1, 2015.

Make your passion your profession OLUSOLA AKINYEMI Continued from last Tuesday

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n fact, it is the activities of creative and innovative value-driven population that enhances a nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP). China is a perfect example of this. I need to say that there must also be exploration of the knowledge of our certificate holders. I sometimes wonder why our PhD holders and professors are mostly engaged by international bodies for research and opinions than our own government and public institutions.

Without much ado, it is necessary to briefly highlight how people can discover their passion. For this, I like to use what Rick Warren in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, described as the SHAPE acronym, but with my explanation: S- Spiritual Gifts: Talent s- writing, help, administration, pioneering, leading, visionary, communication, teaching, advocacy, creativity, negotiation, conflict resolution, love for people.

H- History: Upbringing - what you enjoyed or were denied of, what irritates you and feel like changing, culture and tradition.

A- Ability: Skills - art, acting, singing, cooking, researching, designs, talking, sales, figures, organizing, coordinating, sports, construction, tidiness, health, plants, animals, farming, driving, problem solving, tailoring, planning.

P- Personality: Temperaments - Choler-

ic, sanguine (who are majorly extroverts), melancholy, and phlegmatic (majorly introverts).

E- Experience: Personal or people’s experiences, situations.

Personality mostly helps to easily determine where our natural strength lies.

Information is another viable medium of discovering passion through reading books or magazines, listening to presentations or messages or by watching videos. One can also discover his passion through people; for example, an admired person or hero’s activity (ies). The list is not exhaustive.

All these call for self-discovery. Paying attention to oneself is necessary. I once heard that those who have not discovered theirs display this passion at least one a week - especially for those in the employment they do not like. When they act on this passion, they feel elated and energetic with a sense of achievement. Some call it “find-yourbliss”. One thing about this is that you don’t need to think too deep to discover it - it’s just around you. It is a field that you don’t feel the pressure even when you have a short target time. Just pay attention to that thing you do unconsciously and effortlessly but makes you feel happy. I can also say find the simplest valuable thing you can do and become an exceptional person at it. It is the simplest thing you can do and earn a living from it. You can talk to friends, family members, “secure” superiors or a counselor to help identify this passion in you. Our nation needs public guidance and counseling personnel now than ever. You may visit http://www.churchgrowth.org/ cgi-cg/gifts.cgi. if you don’t mind.

DISCOVERY OF PASSION AND FOLLOWING IT IS THE MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH TO NATION BUILDING

After the discovery of this passion or bliss, identify the industry it falls in and discover how best to train to be a professional at it. For those who like teaching or researching in any field, university education to post graduate programmes is essential while for those interested in football, which is also a career now, a BSc may be surplus to requirement. The truth is that whatever the field of passion, there is an appropriate training platform. Just follow it, work hard in that simple thing and distinguish yourself in it.

Some people may have passion in more than one thing. This class of people should try to itemize these interests and identify them in order of preference. They will know the one to follow first or more. And some other may discover that passion in one thing may connect to another. The important factor here is that one should not be mistaken on what to do in view of where his/her interest lies. This is actually the secret to loving what you do as the resources to function well are mostly from within you.

Our nation has experienced transformation in the entertainment industry, especially in music and movie industry, this transformation should extend to art and

culture, education, science and technology, fashion and textile, cuisine (Nigerian dishes), business, public leadership, governance. This transformation will become achievable when our people discover their passion and follow it.

Discovery of passion and following it is the major breakthrough to nation building.

This will remarkably boost viable small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and sporadically improve our GDP with a multiplier effect on our national wealth. Our citizens will have what it takes to earn a living and cater for their own needs with little or no dependence on aid. It is important to state that when the government works hard at providing the basic infrastructural facilities around the nation, our people’s productivity will be more enhanced.

While we are not ignorant of the fact that poverty (of finance and knowledge) can limit people’s ability to discover their passion and follow it, it should also be noted that discovery of passion and following it is the major cure for poverty. National development is Nigeria’s dream; it will become a reality with our peoples’ special attention to their passion and following it.

Concluded Akinyemi is President, Joseph Initiative, Lagos.

Send your views by mail or sms to PMB 10001, Ikoyi, or our Email: mail@ nationalmirroronline.net mirrorlagos@ yahoo.com or 08164966858 (SMS only). The Editor reserves the right to edit and reject views or photographs.

Pseudonyms may be used but must be clearly marked as such.

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SUNDAY OLAJIDE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO SEYI FASUGBA DAILY EDITOR GBEMI OLUJOBI SATURDAY EDITOR AYO OLESIN SUNDAY EDITOR BEN MEMULETIWON GENERAL EDITOR DOZIE OKEBALAMA COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD CALLISTUS OKE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA BUREAU CHIEF AUGUSTUS IMEKAN ACTING HEAD, GRAPHICS

CBN and dollarisation of Nigerian economy

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in line with CBN Decree 24 of 1991, has decided to sanction individuals and organizations using dollar for local transactions. The apex bank, by its latest decision, is trying to stop speculative trading in foreign exchange and maintaining a robust national reserve. The new policy is part of the decisions of its Monetary Policy Committee, which met in Abuja recently. The apex bank retained Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 13 percent, Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) on Private Sector deposits at 20 percent; CRR on Public Sector deposits at 75 percent; and the liquidity ratio at 30 percent. At the end of the committee’s meeting, its chairman and CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said the currency for business transactions in Nigeria remained the Naira, adding that the CBN would examine areas where dollar requests were made just to pay for goods and services in Nigeria as opposed to using the foreign currency for imports.

It is on record that the bills for some private schools are paid in dollars in Nigeria. It is also an open secret that for social status reasons, some reckless Nigerians spray dollars at parties and ceremonies without qualms. Many organisations and individuals are asking for pay-

ment in dollars for transactions; and the development is blamed on the free and continuing fall in the value of the Naira. Since December 2008, the Naira has declined in value by 55 percent; from N116 to approximately N180 to $1 and it has been plummeting. In March 2009, the Naira almost exchanged N200 to $1. But

by November 2014, the CBN, in response to dwindling oil prices, devalued the Naira by eight percent. Since then, the Naira exchanged for N123 to $1 and depreciated further at the black market to about N213 to $1, from N210 at the Bureau De Change (BDC); while it was N307 (BDC) and N314 (at the black market) to £1. The currency has also been exchanging against Euro at N235 at the BDC and N237 at the black market. The fear is that the CBN might still devalue the Naira.

The frequent devaluation of national currencies in mono-cultural and weak economies is a common phenomenon. The Nigerian predicament is comparable to what happened in Malaysia, where the Ringgit exchange rate has dropped by 12.15 percent, moving from 3.12 MYR in June 2014 to 3.60 MYR in January 2015. Brazil has also seen her national currency declining by minus 29.41 percent from 2.21 BRL to 2.86 BRL during the corresponding period. In Angola, Kwanza has been down by minus

April 7, 1994 Rwandan Genocide: Massacres of Tutsis began in Kigali, Rwanda. The Rwandan Genocide was a genocidal mass slaughter of Tutsi and moderate Hutu in Rwanda by members of the Hutu majority. During the roughly 100-day period from April 7, 1994, to mid-July, an estimated 500,000 –1,000,000 Rwandans were killed, constituting as much as 20 percent of the country’s total population and 70 percent of the Tutsi then living in Rwanda.

HOW WELL IT (NAIRA) IS RATED INTERNATIONALLY AND ACCEPTED LOCALLY AS A MEDIUM OF

EXCHANGE AND STOREOF-VALUE WOULD

LARGELY DEPEND ON ITS STRENGTH 7.14 percent; from 97.58 AOA in June 2014 to 194.55 AOA in January 2015. Ghana‘s Cedi dropped by minus 0.90 percent from GHC 3.35 to GHC 3.38 during the period under review. Even South Africa, the second biggest economy in Africa after Nigeria, has also seen a drop in the value of the Rand by minus 10.92 percent from ZAR 10.83 in June 2014 to ZAR 11.77 in January 2015.

The World Bank recently said the constant devaluation of currencies of mono-product economies, especially those dependent on oil, would linger due mainly to the volatility of international oil prices. The way out of currency devaluation and its negative effects are, however, not limited to banning the use of dollar and other foreign currencies for local business transactions. The Nigerian economy must also be diversified. The CBN equally needs to be more vigorous in

ON THIS DAY April 7, 2009 Former Peruvian President, Alberto Fujimori, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for ordering killings and kidnappings by security forces. Fujimori (born July, 28, 1938) was a Peruvian politician. He was the President of Peru from July 28, 1990 to November 17, 2000. A controversial figure, Fujimori ended his presidency by fleeing Peru for Japan amid a major corruption scandal and allegations of human rights violations.

addressing peculiar negative tendencies in Nigerian foreign exchange market. The government must set good examples on the procurement and utilization of forex.

There was much controversy when former President Olusegun Obasanjo decided to pay two ministers in dollars, for example. Olu Adeniy (late), one time Minister of Foreign Affairs was paid $120,000 per annum, while the current Minister of Finance and Co-coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, cruised home with $245,000 per annum. But it has been acclaimed that the Naira is Nigeria’s official currency. It is also the symbol of the country’s sovereignty. How well it (Naira) is rated internationally and accepted locally as a medium of exchange and store-of-value would largely depend on its strength.

Therefore, the CBN, acting in concert with the relevant government ministries, departments and agencies, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other related bodies, should devote attention to the development of a solid and reliable financial market that has the capacity to offer novel and choice financial instruments that should save the Naira from the shocking level of deterioration of its value in the eyes of the world.

April 7, 2009 Mass protests began across Moldova in Eastern Europe , under the belief that results of the parliamentary election were fraudulent. Demonstrators claimed the elections, which saw the governing Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) win a majority of seats, were fraudulent, and demanded a recount, new election or resignation of the government. Similar demonstrations took place in the country’s other major cities.

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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Analysts flaw FG’s strategies on FMBN recapitalisation, housing deficit

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Airline crashes: Stakeholders seek intense screening of pilots 31

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Weak macroeconomic climate threat to re-insurance market – One Re boss

UN’s estimated 289m population raises Nigeria’s housing challenge For the past few years, Federal and State Governments’ efforts to bridge the national housing deficit appeared not to be yielding the desired results as millions of Nigerians still lack access to decent homes. In this report, SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE, analyses the housing challenge as projections for population growth open new chapter in the drive to reduce the housing deficit.

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AIRLINES’ FLIGHT SCHEDULES Dana Air Abuja-Lagos 9am, 1pm, 5.28pm daily Lagos-Abuja 7am, 11am, 1.23pm,3.30pm daily Lagos-PH: 7.20AM, Ph-Abuja9.54am, Abuja-ph: 3.30pm and Ph-Lagos: 5.28pm daily Lagos-Uyo: 9.20am, Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am, Abuja-Uyo 1.05pm, Uyo-Lagos: 3pm daily Weekends Lagos-Abuja: 7.02am, 9am, 3.30pm Abuja-Lagos: 9am, 2.20pm and 5.28pm Lagos -Phc: 11.07am Phc-Lagos: 1.05pm Phc-Abuja: 12.51pm Abuja-Phc: 10.50am Lagos-Uyo: 9.18am Uyo-LOS -3.03pm Uyo-Abuja: 11.07am Abuja-Uyo: 1.05pm

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igeria’s in-coming Minister of Housing will be resuming office with enormous challenges to contend with, particularly in bridging the housing deficit gap. This is because the United Nation, UN, report has estimated that Nigeria’s population would hit 289 million by the year 2050.

Beyond the UN, the United States Census Bureau, USCB, also estimated that within the same period, the nation’s population would hit 264 million, thus making Nigeria, the 80th most populous country in the world.

Experts believe that with the rising population trend, one key area the yet-to-be-appointed Housing Minister would need to focus serious attention on is in the area finding lasting solutions to the largely inadequate housing stocks.

This is particularly true given the fact that rapidly growing pop-

ulation invariably puts enormous pressure on demands for shelter as well as other basic utilities and services.

Currently, Nigeria has been unable to provide these critical socioeconomic assets, thereby making it imperative for the incoming administration to take pro-active step towards addressing the housing problems amid population explosion.

The new government should reform the Federal Housing Authority, FHA, where allegation of official corruption, mismanagement of public property, manipulation of documents and leadership ineptitude have long before now and even presently, trailed the sector.

Already, some financial analysts have estimated that Federal Government required about N25 trillion to meet the 17 million housing deficit.

However, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, has

faulted the estimated figure, saying over N56 trillion would be required to tackle the nation’s housing needs, estimated at 16 million with the cost of one house put at N3.5 million.

With the population soaring between 170 and 180 million, the deficit is believed to have been underestimated, though official figures contradict such estimation.

Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, said the figure was still a conservative calculation, according to experts, saying the shortfall did not cover the cost of providing infrastructure.

Experts are worried on how the incoming government can achieve the lofty dream, if the cost of building materials like cements, rods and others continue to skyrocket due to influx of imported building materials into the country.

This is in addition to the problem of accessing land; hence, ex-

perts expressed the need for the incoming Housing Minister to expedite action on different housing policies.

A Housing Expert, Mr Wale Alaka said, both federal and state governments have roles to play in reducing the housing deficit.

According to him, people are looking at other ways aside oil, to develop the economy, saying the real estate has the potential to change the face of Nigeria’s economy. ‘’If government decides to invest in the 17 million housing deficits, the resources coming from the sector will be bigger than that of oil. The direct and collateral income government will get from the sector will be huge. If out of the 17 million deficits, government decides to address 5 million deficits, providing houses at N5 million each. If you multiply N5 CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Lag-Abj: 06.50, 13.30, 16.30, 19.45 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun), 12.30 (Sun) 16.45 (Sat) Abj-Los: 07.30, 13.00, 19.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat, 10.30, 14.30, 19.30 (Sun, 18.30 Sat) Lag-Benin: 07.45, 11.00, 15.30 (Mon-Fri/Sat/ Sun) 12.30 (Sun 15.30 (Sat) Ben-Lag: 09.15, 12.30, 17.00 (Mon-Fri/Sat/Sun) 17.00 (Sat) 14.00 (Sun)Lag-Owe: 7.45am, 2pm daily

Med-View Airline Lagos- Abuja (Mon-Fri): 07.00, 08.50, 12.00, 16.30. Abuja- Lagos (Mon-Fri): 09.00, 14.00, 15.00, 18.30. Lagos-Yola (Mon-Fri): 8.50am. Yola-Lagos (Mon-Fri): 13.00. Lagos- PHC (Mon-Fri): 17.00. PHC-Lagos: 19.00. Abuja-Yola: 11.00. Yola-Abuja: 13.00.

Lagos-Abuja (Sat): 08.00, 08.50.

Abuja-Lagos (Sat): 10.00, 15.00.

Lagos-PHC (Sat): 17.00. PHC-Lagos (Sat): 19.00. Lagos-Yola (Sat): 08.50. Yola-Lagos (Sat): 13.00

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UN’s estimated 289m population raises Nigeria’s housing challenge CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 million by 5 million housing stocks in a year, you will be making about N25 million yearly, multiply it by the number of years the government will provide the housing stocks, and you will see that it is a huge income’’, he stated while urging government to involve the private sector in providing housing stocks.

It would be recalled that the UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, published a report on the state of African cities.

In the report, it confirmed that Africa is the fastest urbanizing continent in the world, disclosing that by the year 2030, Africa’s collective population will become 50 percent urban, with Nigeria contributing the highest number of the population.

According to UN-Habitat (2010:4), Africa currently has a slum population of 199.5 million people and this represents 61.7 per cent of its urban population.

A lecturer and UNESCO Consultant, Prof. Chinyere Okunna said Nigeria’s slum growth as estimated by the United Nation is a source of concerns to Nigerians.

While putting the slum growth rate of 250 percent, she said both the state and federal governments should articulate programmes and policies to reduce the slum growth rate in the country by building affordable hoses for Nigerians.

According to her, the public and private sector must also be involved in providing low cost houses to reduce the nation’s housing deficits.

She however noted that the present administration has done a lot in the sector, adding that if the measures are not sustained, Nigeria will have the most vibrant slum in the world.

As Nigeria’s population increases, the task of providing appropriate and affordable housing to the urban population has continued to be the most intractable problems facing the country.

Given the above situation, combined with other challenges such as city transportation, electricity and potable water provision, Nigeria has serious challenges that confront its citizens.

Long before now, the measures by the past and present administrations have included plans to construct about 2,000 housing units in each state annually within the framework of the Fourth National Development Plan from 1984 to 1985 as well as construction of about 143,000 low-cost housing units across the country.

Such measures continued between 1990 and 1992, during which the federal government intensified its services scheme to solve the issue of inadequate urban housing while commencing the construction of hundreds of housing units in Lagos and Abuja.

Prominent among the state-level housing measures taken has been the establishment of the UN-backed Master Plan for Metropolitan Lagos from 1980 to 2000.

As part of the strategy to improve housing conditions in the country, both the federal and state governments should engage in the provision of housing stocks for Nigerians.

The UN-Habitat report highlights among other things, the central problem of urban housing provision for the urban poor across

Goodluck

Mallam

IF GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO INVEST IN THE 17 MILLION

HOUSING DEFICITS, THE RESOURCES COMING FROM THE SECTOR WILL BE BIGGER THAN THAT OF OIL

Fashola

the continent.

Experts said if urgent steps are not taken to stem the tide of urbanization in Nigeria, the situation will degenerate, hence, there is need to provide “decent housing” for urban dwellers.

In June 1996, some heads of state and government from all over the world, including Nigeria met in Istanbul, Turkey, for the UN Conference on Human Settlements, where they reaffirmed, among other things, their “commitment to the full and progressive realization of the right to adequate

Federal Government, housing estate

housing as provided for in international instruments.

However, fourteen years after the conference, millions of people are still stuck in slums.

There is need for all stakeholders in the housing sector in Africa to continuously strive to provide adequate and affordable housing to the urban poor, given that acquisition of houses are central part of individual’s human rights, recognized and codified in both national and international instruments, such as the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Experts have also argued that, Nigeria has enough policy advice, stressing that the years of policy advice and pledges have not produced enough reductions in slums, thus

suggesting that something very fundamental is lacking in the sector.

Realizing the right to adequate housing demands, among other things, Nigerian government should manifest the political will to live up to its commitments, as government should be continuously pressurized through legal and peaceful strategies, to fully implement policies on affordable housing.

Arguably, as seen in the case of Lagos and Johannesburg, South Africa appears to have a relatively more “evolved approach” to pro-poor housing provision than Nigeria.

From a general perspective, contemporary strategies adopted to provide appropriate and affordable housing for the urban poor in Lagos and Johannesburg are fairly similar.

The strategy for the largest cities in both countries has revolved around the establishment of national and city-based housing policies and targets; the creation of specialized agencies to handle urban housing tasks.

The acquisition of multilateral assistance especially from the World Bank and UN to implement national or city-based housing-related projects; the tilting towards a more neo-liberal, market-based approach as far as the provision of urban services and facilities are concerned; and the resort to forced evictions as one “weapon” in the “arsenal” for dealing with the proliferation of slums.

Given such a balance sheet, it goes without saying that there are significant measures that need to be put in place, if the federal and state governments hope to provide appropriate and affordable shelter to Lagos’ urban poor and live up to their subscribed ideal of a city without slums.

Notwithstanding the strategies mentioned above, the persistence of the housing problem in Lagos has continued to put the state government under pressure to look for lasting solutions.

Recent state-level initiatives in this regard have included the establishment of the Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Project, the Lagos Island Revitalization project which aims to “upgrade derelict residential areas” in Lagos and the formulation of the Medium Term Sector Strategy of the Housing Sector for Lagos from 2011 to 2013, which has an ambitious vision to achieve “a Lagos state, where every citizen has access to quality housing that meets their needs.

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Business News

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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Nigeria loses N115bn revenue on rice imports in 2013 –Investigation FRANCIS EZEM

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trong indications emerged that the Federal Government’s policy on rice, which imposed 110 per cent tariff on imported brown and parboiled rice, is currently taking its toll on its revenue from the importation of the commodity, which has declined by over 50 per cent in the last three years.

The Federal Government had in the 2013 budget announced the imposition of additional 10 per cent import duty in addition to the 100 per cent levy on both imported brown and polished rice, bringing to a total of 110 per cent tariff, which is in line with its policy of

promoting Nigerian agriculture and industry.

This is also in line with its projection that the country will attain self-sufficiency in local rice production by the end of 2015.

Available records released by the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area One Command, which accounts for over 95 per cent of all bulk cargo imports including rice, showed that out of a total of N235.2 billion revenue generated by the command, which also covers other cargo including containerised ones, rice accounted for N131.4 billion, representing 55 per cent of the total collections.

Other commodities excluding rice accounted for N103.8 billion, representing 45 per cent of the

total revenue generated that fiscal year.

For the 2012 fiscal year, a total of N285.7 billion was collected as the total revenue for the command, out of which rice imports accounted for N125.4 billion, representing a total of 43. 9 per cent of the total revenue generation for the fiscal year.

A total of N160.3 billion was generated from other imports, representing a total of 56 per cent Meanwhile at the end of December 2013, about one year after the policy was introduced, a total of N250.2 billion was generated by the command from all the import-

ed goods handled at the port from January and December, 2013 out of which rice imports accounted for only N10.1 billion representing four per cent.

This represented a decline of over 50 per cent over the threeyear period.

However, other imports handled at the command over the one year period accounted for N240. 1 billion, representing 96.1 per cent of the total imports value.

Area Controller in charge of the command, Mr. Charles Edike, who confirmed this development, however said that the command would plug all revenue leakages to

ensure that all monies due to the government in the form of import duty, levies and charges are collected.

According to him, with the dwindling fortunes in the petroleum industry occasioned by the general glut in the supply of the product globally and the attendant decline in price, the service would do all it could to cushion the effect of this decline and augment with import revenue.

Meanwhile revenue figures for the 2014 fiscal year show a marginal increase from rice importation, which stood at N36.2 billion out of a total of N272 billion.

Foreign carriers’ multiple entries, bane of Nigerian airlines –Aligbe OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he former General Manager, Public Affairs of the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways, Mr. Chris Aligbe has urged the Federal Government to discontinue multiple designations to foreign carriers if it truly wanted Nigerian airlines to survive in the highly competitive sector.

This is just as he also advised the country’s carriers to improve their operational standards with a view to enabling them become International Air Transport Association, IATA, Operational Safety Audit, IOSA, compliant airlines.

Aligbe, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, Belujane Konsult, said that the country’s carriers could only survive if the government could restrict international carriers to only one point in the country while the local carriers ferry passengers to their final destinations within the country.

He decried that a situation where foreign carriers like Ethiopian Airlines for instance flies directly into Abuja, Enugu, Lagos and others, it would not augur well for the country’s sector.

He said: “What that simply

means is that Nigerian carriers would have carried those passengers into those points. Nigeria carriers can be encouraged by the restriction that should be imposed on the international carriers.”

Aligbe explained that most of the country’s carriers were not members of IOSA become they don’t understand the importance of the membership to their operations.

He explained that as a member of IOSA, a carrier was automatically a member of the International Air Transport Association, ITA, clearing house where a passenger could fly for instance from Milan-London-Lagos- membership of IATA clearing house would enable foreign carriers to partner with them and enhance seamless travel connection among them.

The industry expert advised: “Therefore, whenever they want to go into their financials, IATA clears everything, but most Nigerian carriers are not there and those that are there unfortunately are not maximising their IOSA. It’s one thing to be on IOSA and another thing to be in the clearing house and even if you are there, they do something they call Raiding.

L-R: winner of a brand new refrigerator of Legend Taste and Tell Activation Solution, Oguniyi; Senior Brand Manager, Stout and life, NigeriaBreweries Plc., Funsho Ayeni; winner of a 5.9kva generator ,Adekunle Adeyinka, and winner of a brand new Samsung LED TV Moshood Abiola, during the presentation in Ibadan recently.

Dearth of basic information hampering export business –NEPC ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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he Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has said that lack of basic information on exportation business remained the main factor keeping major entrepreneurs, especially the youth, out of the sector.

The Chief Executive Officer, NEPC, Olusegun Awolowo, who noted that one of the limiting factors as dearth of salient information on exported products from Nigeria, said most people who had the money still do not do well in export business because they lacked basic information.

He disclosed that as part of

efforts to address the challenge, the Council had launched special training on export projects for youths, graduates, retirees and infant exporters as part of its efforts to bridge the communication gap among the potential exporters.

In his remarks, the Director Export of the Council, Mr. Olajide Ibrahim, said the training was necessary to eradicate the limiting factor in exportation business, which has been identified as dearth of salient information, adding that the training was timely at a time when the prices of oil are seriously dwindling.

Ibrahim said the programme would help the youths, graduates, and retirees to gain the basic knowledge in exporting business,

noting that there would be curriculum for the training project, urging more aspiring exporters to register for the programme, while appealing to the existing participants to be steadfast with the programme.

The Coordinator of the programme, Mr Kola Awe, said most graduates were jobless because they were afraid to go into export business, saying the training project would start from the baby steps to giant steps in the export business.

“This training has a curriculum and it is a project for small and medium exporting companies and individuals to be grounded in the export business.’’

NRC workers task President-elect on rail transport system

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he workers of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, have said that the incoming administration should ensure the development of the rail transport in the country as a strategic option of fast-tracking the transformation of the economy.

The workers through the

leadership of their Union, Nigeria Union of Railway Workers (NUR), congratulated Gen. Buhari and tasked him on the need for his new administration to address the fate of the rail transport industry with a view to furthering the on-going asset rehabilitation and modernization of the industry.

The President General of the NUR, Comrade Raphael Okoro, that was hopeful that Nigerian Railway development would take a new and improved turn under the administration of Gen. Buhari.

“Considering his unbending patriotism and quest for national development, I am confident and

hopeful that Nigerian Railway will fair considerably better under the administration of Gen. Buhari. What it takes to take Nigeria to higher level of national development and stronger integration is a functional and effective rail transport system.

I strongly believe that what determines the extent a country

like Nigeria can go in terms of development is its commitment to attaining rail infrastructural proficiency”, Okoro said.

Comrade Okoro, however, tasked the President-elect to come to the aid of Nigerian Railway workers who he described as workers most poorly remunerated.

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Business News

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Telecoms infrastructure pushes Nigeria into high vendor revenue rank –EMEA ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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he presence of infrastructure vendor company’s in most African countries to grow the telecoms industry may have been responsible for the inclusion of the region as one, which has yielded much vendor revenue.

Currently, there are heavy presence of world class global infrastructure companies such Ciscos, Ericsson, ZTE and Huawei operating in Nigeria and having big telecoms operators in their portfolio.

Recent report from International Data Corporation, IDC, revealed that Shipments in the quarter reached close to 300 petabytes, PB, of capacity, or around 9 per cent of the total external storage capacity sold in the Middle East and Africa, EMEA, in the

same period, with an increase of more than 56 per cent year over year.

The integrated infrastructure and platforms, II&P, market in Europe, EMEA grew 35 per cent year over year in terms of vendor revenue to around $734.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 and achieved a yearly total of more than $2.5 billion in revenue in 2014.

Western Europe still accounted for more than 81 per cent of revenues of the EMEA region; the U.K. and Germany being its largest markets. Beyond them, France, the Nordics, and Benelux have built a significant presence in the segment and a good uptake is also spreading to the southern countries of Western Europe, the IDC report said.

From the applications point of view, beside typical workloads such as VDI, database, and shar-

ing tools, new workloads such as SAP HANA and Hadoop are increasingly run over integrated systems.

Senior Research Analyst with IDC’sEMEA Storage team, Silvia Cosso said that integrated systems had now become a major driver for the European infrastructure market, eliminating many management pain points of the modern data center, and the expected uptake in private and hybrid cloud will certainly fuel further growth.

He said that it was now time for the industry to address challenges such as the high price of acquisition to eliminate the barriers to easier system scalability adding that Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, CEMA, captured 19 per cent of EMEA market value in the fourth quarter of 2014, down marginally over the previous quarter.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Salary delays hamper productivity –Commissioner MESHACK IDEHEN

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on-payment of salaries by some states, local governments and private sector employers in the country is inhibiting national productivity, Kwara State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Demola Banu, has said.

According to him, only four states had been managing to promptly pay their workers’ salaries, while the private sector employers are faring worse.

He said that Kwara State would continue to pay workers’ salaries despite dwindling revenues Banu said during a Human Capital Development Summit that if workers were not paid, it would not be possible for them to give their maximum productivity, adding that it could also threaten industrial relations.

He said some states and lo-

More consumers embrace mobile apps, hardware usage drops ISAIAH ERHIAWARIEN

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Easter shoppers at Breadfruit, Street, Lagos.

Stakeholders set economic agenda for in-coming government ABOLAJI ADEBAYO

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takeholders in the Nigerian economy have charged the in-coming Alliance for Progressive Congress-led government to prioritise the development of the economy among other development imperatives by tackling key challenges undermining the development of the country.

The President, Ceramics Professionals Association of Nigeria, CPAN, Professor Patrick Eguakhide Oaikhina said the challenges were numerous but had to be addressed head-long for timely recovery of the economic loss as well as urgent repositioning of the falling economy of the country.

According to Oaikhina, as im-

cal governments in the country were insolvent because of the dwindling allocation from the federation account, stating if the trend is not urgently addressed, it might lead to a more nationwide financial crisis.

Banu also disclosed that some local governments in the country also owed their workers up to 10 months’ salaries, a development which, he noted, called for urgent attention of the state governments in the affected local governments.

He said that Kwara State Government had been augmenting salaries of local governments workers and will continue to ensure that local councils in the state do not suffer; adding the total revenue for local governments in the state in February was N1.971bn while the local governments’ expenditure excluding salary stood at N1.901bn.

portant as other factors to the economic development are; the issue of power supply requires urgent attention.

The President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, who itemized the challenges as falling oil price, high cost of doing business, erratic power supply, fiscal leakages and wastes in Government, insecurity, unfavourable tax regime, and exclusion of investors in many government’s policy making decisions, among others, said Investors’ confidence would be positively impacted by urgent actions that will make the business environment more attractive to the foreign investors.

Bello, in a statement issued on the stance of the Chamber, said that the plummeting oil price and

the impact on the fiscal outlook presented a significant challenge to the incoming administration.

He stated the foreign reserves dropping below $30 billion and persistent pressure on the naira exchange rate may affect outlook for many macroeconomic indicators.

Bello urged the incoming administration to address the fundamentals of the high cost of doing business and low productivity, which could be ascribed to macroeconomic factors, institutional challenges and structural issues.

He stated: “The government should ensure acceleration of reforms on the Oil & Gas sector in order to attract more private investments in both the upstream & downstream segments of the sector. ‘‘

ore users of mobile device across the world appear to have abandoned the old tradition of hardware for mobile apps due to the growth in the mobile world.

Gartner report stated that the mobile apps marketplace wasmaturing as users declare themselves satisfied with current engagement rates saying that users integrate apps more deeply into their lives, app providers will need to stay one step ahead and focus their development, marketing and branding more intensely toward retention strategies.

According to Research Director at Gartner, Mr. Brian Blau after

eight years of searching for, downloading and using smartphone apps, users are maturing in their usage behaviours saying that we may see those patterns change in the future as users integrate apps more deeply into their daily lives.

User interest in apps has mellowed now that they have integrated apps into their use of personal technology and their interaction with brands while online. Although usage remains high, users may not want or need more apps in the future, the report said adding, “this is calls for some concern for app providers because if users become too complacent then app businesses could suffer from lack of engagement or slowing growth.”

Outrage over Bournvita chocolate recipe change DAVID AUDU

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ondelez, owner of Cadbury, has changed the recipe of Cadbury’s Creme Eggs, prompting a consumer backlash and a viral YouTube video featuring a song paying homage to the original recipe.

Mondelez said it had changed the recipe from Dairy Milk chocolate to Cadbury chocolate but that “the fundamentals remain the same.

But consumers took to social media to decry the recipe change, with some using the hashtag #cremeegggate and calling on Mondelez to revert back to the

original chocolate shell.

However experts say the business might expect a sales boost as a result of people flocking to try the new recipe.

Vhari Russell, founder of consultancy Food Marketing Expert said it was a “risky strategy” for Mondelez to reformulate Cadbury’s Creme Egg. “I think it’s a risky strategy for an iconic brand that people are very passionate about but it can be spun in a positive way. A brand like Cadbury would have spent a lot of time testing it,” she said, adding that the timing of the announcement - ahead of Easter - was an interesting choice.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Jobs & Career

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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PIB passage delay hampers investments, job creation drive Industrial Relations Expert and State Chairman of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) Rivers State, Mr Chika Onuegbu, said in this interview with MESHACK IDEHEN, that Nigeria cannot afford the luxury of time, while millions of potential jobs and investment is stalled.

Why has the ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector not provided the enabling environment for new local and foreign investors willing to create jobs?

The current reforms in the Nigerian oil and gas sector which started about 14 years ago, specifically on April 24th 2000 with the inauguration of the Oil and Gas Implementation Committee, (OGIC) by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

We in the industry are worried that even when the OGIC submitted their report and it was approved in 2008, leading to the forwarding by the late Yardua’s administration, the 2009 Petroleum industry Bill (PIB) which was unfortunately not passed by the 6th National Assembly.

The irony of the delayed exercise was when President Goodluck Jonathan administration was advised to restart the whole process over again when the administration in January 2012 set up the Special PIB Task Force led by Senator Udo Udoma to work with relevant government bodies to produce a new version of the PIB for presentation to the National Assembly.

The PIB Technical Committee which was headed by the then Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR),Mr Osten Oloronsola submitted its report in June 2012 to the Presidency, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria on 11 July 2012. And the Presidency upon the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) forwarded the 2012 PIB to the National Assembly on 18th July 2012.

The drama in the exercise continued to linger on when the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives set up their separate Ad-hoc Committees on the PIB and the Ad hoc Committees all completed their public hearings on the PIB in 2013 which as I speak is still at the Ad-hoc committee stage, hence the wait and watch attitude been exhibited now by local and foreign investors in the oil and gas industry.

Are you saying that no new investors are willing to come into the oil and gas sector until the PIB is signed into law?

Yes. The investors have continued to adopt a wait and see attitude, refraining from making any new investment pending the passage of the PIB into law, because since 2009 when the Yar’Adua government first introduced the PIB, no new Final Investment Decision (FID) has been taken on any oil and gas project in Nigeria, not even on the government-promoted, Brass LNG project.

It is worrisome that while we are dithering in Nigeria, there are new oil discoveries all over Africa, drawing in investors just as new technology is making hitherto unreachable and uneconomic hydrocarbon deposits accessible in Europe and North America thus attracting investors to those environments.

We believe that the PIB represents a great opportunity for Nigeria to ensure a solid foundation on which the future of oil and gas operations in the country will rest. Also, that the petroleum resource which Nigeria have been endowed, work for and benefit the Nigerian people.

And as critical stakeholders, I challenge the oil and gas workers under the aegis of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) to worked very assiduously through its NUPENGASSAN Joint Committee on the PIB to articulate the oil and gas workers position to demand that the National Assembly expedite action on the passage of the bill before the end of this year.

Is there any inciting political issue that need amendment that is stalling the passage of the 2012 PIB into law?

To the best of my knowledge, the A part of 2012 PIB is a 223

One of the major areas of grave concern about Nigeria’s petroleum industry has been the opaque nature of the industry because many processes and activities are shrouded in mystery that controversies usually arise even amongst government agencies on matters such as the country’s daily production or revenue arising there from.

We have also had occasions when Nigerian presidents and their petroleum ministers award lucrative oil blocks to themselves or their cronies and it is commendable that the PIB provides that agencies and companies established under the proposed law shall be bound by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

There is a section of the PIB that however insist that to ensure greater transparency, it is important that the provision covers not only the agencies and companies created under the PIB but all companies in the petroleum sector.

We believe therefore that subjecting the NNPC successor companies to the FRA and PPA will further entrench transparency and accountability in the organisations, but we are against the provision under the PIB granting the President, powers for discretionary award of petroleum licenses and leases.

Onuegbu

We believe that the Pib rePresents a great oPPortunity for nigeria to ensure a solid foundation on Which the future of oil and gas oPerations

in the country Will rest.

also, that the Petroleum resource Which nigeria have been endoWed, Work for and benefit the

nigerian PeoPle

page document which comprises 363 sections divided into 9 parts with 5 schedules. It provides for the legal, fiscal and regulatory framework for the oil and gas industry.

The B part creates two regulatory entities, the Upstream Petroleum Inspectorate (UPI) and the Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (DRA), while the C part provides for Host Community Fund. The D part upholds in its entirety the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010, while the E part split the NNPC into three entities; two incorporated, and one not.

Could you throw some lights on the necessity of signing this 2012 PIB into law?

The outcome of signing the 2012 PIB into law by President Jonathan will determine the future of the Nigerian oil and gas industry , as well as the Nigerian workers because it would be the most influential and important legislation after the Nigerian constitution Why do you feel that the PIB when signed into law will make our political leaders more accountable and transparent?

Why are you against the provision under the PIB granting the president powers for discretionary award of petroleum licenses and leases?

We are against the provision because it is a recipe for cronyism and corruption and we therefore call for it to be expunged from the PIB. This is because, it is imperative that the PIB builds on the modest efforts of NEITI and then go further to erase the black hole perception of our oil and gas industry. To do this, the PIB must guarantee accountability and safeguard against bias by stipulating clear transparency rules.

What is the position of the oil and gas industry players on the 2012 PIB? One of the proposals in the PIB which has attracted the most strident comments from industry players is that aspect which deals with a new fiscal regime for the industry, particularly, the upstream players.

Clearly, the Nigerian government is desirous of increasing its revenue from oil and gas which under the PIB there is a provision that sought to increase the government’s take. However the industry players argue that increasing the government take will hurt the Nigerian oil and gas industry; stifle investment and eventually constrain government revenue.

There is also disagreement regarding between the government and the industry players on the exact amount of the increase in government take and how it compares with other countries. It is obvious that the Nigerian government needs more revenue to tackle the huge developmental challenges confronting us as a nation.

What then is the position of the workers’ union in this uncertain events playing out in the industry?

NUPENG and PENGASSAN as key stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas project, and as one of the main groups that fought for this democracy during the dark days of military dictatorship is also desirous of dividends of democracy.

Painfully, however, we are yet to see like most Nigerians, what government has done particularly in the 14 years of civilian rule with the huge oil revenue accruing to it. Our concern is that the late Hugo Chavez of Venezuela got into power at about the same time that we restored democracy in Nigeria in 1999, and within this period, Venezuela has reduced poverty by 50%.

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Jobs & Career

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Job interview tips for fresh graduates

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s soon as a potential employer calls for an interview, most new graduates immediately search the Internet for tips on how to perform well at a job interview. Here are tips to assists new graduates during interview.

First things first-You need to be aware that the marketplace is very competitive.

Even though you may be a new graduate, it doesn’t mean the interviewer will overlook it if you were unprepared for the interview.

Before the Interview – Do your homework. Make sure you know your resume well. Do not make things up, such as responsibilities you didn’t have or projects you didn’t do. Also do not exaggerate about what you have done. If you’ve updated your resume recently, make sure you have several fresh copies with you.

If you are contacted for an interview, it

means that you’re a potential fit for the job.

Research the company well and review the job description. Know the list of responsibilities you might assume as well as the skills required for the position.

Be Professional-In an interview, you need to dress, look, and speak professionally. Wearing a t-shirt and jeans to an interview is a big NO. Invest a little bit of time to put together a dark-coloured business suit (for men) and a jacket and matching pants or knee-length skirt (for ladies). Make sure you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. Make sure you don’t wear sneakers, tennis shoes, sandals, or any open-toed shoes. A pair of well-polished leather shoes or heels will do.

During the interview – Body posture tips-Start your interview by greeting the interviewer with a smile and a firm handshake. Make sure you maintain eye contact

ICA seeks improved credit opportunities for Nigerians

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he Institute of Credit Administration (ICA) said it has called for improved access to credit in monetary and trade terms, to boost export of made in Nigeria goods and grow the economy.

However, the institute decried poor attitude to credit, especially to public loans provided by government’s Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and lack of robust regulatory regime for the DFI sector to operate as fundamental threats to the health of the credit economy.

President and Chairman ICA, Mr Tunji Oyebanji, speaking at the inauguration of the new Governing Council of ICA, said the institute was created to foster development of credit management in Nigeria and Africa, and to ensure that standards are set based on best practices in professional and ethical conducts, as well as provision of services geared towards enhancing skills and capacity building of those involved in credit functions.

Oyebanji urged the government to be committed to enhancing the regulatory regime as well as credit regulations by providing more protection for DFIs. He also stressed the need for Nigeria to engage in free market economy to achieve remarkable overall resilience in economic activities, employment and fiscal performance.

“In today’s globalised economy, the need to advance credit to businesses and individuals and managing credit risk has taken on a much bigger dimension. In spite of this, the business community still lacks proper com-

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ollowing unyielding cases of job scammers duping unsuspecting job seekers in Lagos and other cities in Nigeria, it is important to again reiterate that job seekers report to appropriate authorities, demands for gratification to secure jobs.

On job vacancies for this week, the post for a Business Development Manager (www. findjobsafrica.com) which is to be based in Porthacourt leads available openings The business development manager is to concentrates on developing new revenue streams from existing and new products and services through, identification of project opportunities, Analysis of the market marketplace for pertinent strategic opportunities, and

mitment towards the culture of honouring credit obligations.

“In an environment of heavy and persistent national deficits and borrowings, inflationary pressures are bound to surface and negatively impact the available money supply which otherwise be deployed for productive investment and consumption,” he added.

He explained that the shortage of cash in the system has amplified the demand on banks to create more money through loans and advances.

Oyebanji noted that as demand for credit had long increased, businesses were expected to participate in the credit creation mechanism through deferred payments and credit terms granted to their customers.

He pointed out that under these economic and financial realities, competition has also driven businesses to improve and compete not only on quality and price, but more significantly so on the credit terms they provide.

Businesses today are using generous credit terms as an effective tool to gain a competitive advantage.

“This is so only if they are managed effectively, if poorly managed, credit terms could lead to a disaster. These considerations amply demonstrate that credit management cannot be more relevant than it is today. With this view in mind, the ICA is encouraged to focus its attention not only in the interest of its members, but also on the macro aspect of strengthening and sustaining our national economic development effort,” he said.

A panel of interviewers

at all times. Do not squirm around in your chair or fiddle with your fingers. If you’ve missed something the interviewer said, do not stare blankly! Ask the interviewer to repeat it.

During the interview – Responding to questions-Know the, “Tell me about yourself” part really well. It is a classic, frequently-used interview opener. When asked follow-up questions, do not answer with short sentences. Try to elaborate by giving examples. This is what the interviewer wants to hear.

Do not beat around the bush. Giving an introductory sentence is okay, but don’t

Group launches model for HR professionals Meshack Idehen

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he Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) said it has launched a human resource competency model that human resource professionals can use as an in-depth checklist to gauge their professional development from entry to executive levels.

Speaking during the unveiling, SHRM Vice President (Research), Mr. Alexander Alonso, said the innovation is a road map for ensuring development as successful HR professionals, saying stakeholders must look at competencies from a career path perspective to determine what was needed at each level, to be truly successful.

According to him, the model focuses primarily on the competencies needed for success, including technical expertise comprised of the core bodies of knowledge assessed by

Job vacancies

optimization of income from existing lines through innovative marketing and rapid exploitation of changing customer needs.

Other responsibilities include building and nurturing relationships with existing and potential clients in liaison with senior management to position the company in new markets and harvest new business opportunities, preparation of technical proposal writing and interface with the marketing staff amongst others.

Qualifications for the post is that the Ideal person must have considerable sales experience, must be an organized and strong negotiator, and be aware of and responsive to economic trends, government policies and

wander off to another topic. Do not be selfcentric when responding to questions. Give the interviewer an idea of how you would be able to contribute to the company rather than just promoting yourself. You’ll often get the question, “Do you have any questions for us?” Have at least a question or two in mind. It shows interest in the company and what it has to offer.

After the interview – What’s next?

Finally, thank the interviewer for his/her time. Also thank the receptionist or anyone who assisted you. You could even send a small thank you note by email.

Source: Yahoojobs.com

developments within the work environment.

The person must have exceptional communication, presentation, and writing skills, should have 5 years of business development and/or related contract management experience. • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Construction Management is required.

On offer also, is the position for a Human Resource/ Admin Manager (www.findjobsafrica.com) who will be based in Lagos.

The roles and responsibilities for the position include functional oversight on maintaining and updating the corporate governance framework, monitoring compliance with requirements in framework, coordinating governance committee and board member

HR Certification Institute tests.

“If you want to know whether you’re performing the behaviours of a successful HR professional, this is a way to find out if you are, and if not, how best to learn those behaviours,” Alonso said.

He explained the model has been in development since June 2011, using input from 111 focus groups with more than 1,200 HR professionals worldwide including Nigeria. In February 2012, SHRM conducted a validation survey that netted 33,000 responses. Focus group participants and survey respondents were a mix of SHRM and non-SHRM members, according to Alonso.

The model consists of nine primary competency domains. These include: HR Expertise and Practice, Relationship Management, Consultation and Organizational Leadership & Navigation.

meetings, monitoring pre- determined business processes, establishing and maintaining a record of operational procedures manuals and analysing monthly reports.

Others are to continuously review and provide insight on a fluid organisational structure in view of taking advantage of various business opportunities. Recruitment and Selection – identification of personnel gap, responsible for attracting the best fit candidates, review of applications and resumes, evaluation of skill sets and recommendations to recruiting line head as regards applicant’s qualifications; supervise and co-ordinate employment test and interviews, background investigations and reference amongst other duties.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

25

Real Estate & Environment

Analysts flaw FG’s strategies on FMBN recapitalisation, housing deficit Despite recent interventions of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria in the provision of housing finance, the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its promise to recapitalize the bank is affecting its performance and by implication, worsening the housing deficit gap in the country. OLUFEMI ADEOSUN reports.

Infrastructure bank to finance more capital projects

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n the recent time, the Federal Government had stepped up efforts towards addressing the lingering housing deficit gap estimated at 17 million units.

Apart from the sundry policy initiatives embarked upon by it to create the enabling environment for private sector participation in the housing sector, the launch of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company, NMRC, by the government to boost housing financing, is viewed by stakeholders as a bold step in the realisation of the present administration’s housing for all programme.

However, as remarkable as these efforts appeared to be, experts in the housing

sector have said that they would amount to a drop in the ocean as long as federal government fails to fulfill its promise of increasing the capital base of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria. According to them, given the high level of homelessness in the country and the increasing demands for affordable housing finance, the current N5bn capital base of the bank is grossly inadequate.

FMBN was established as a direct federal government intervention agency to accelerate its housing delivery programme. The bank is expected to expand and coordinate mortgage lending on a nation-wide basis, using resources from

New accreditation standard hits London lettings

deposits mobilised and equity contributions by the Federal Government and CBN at rates of interest below the market rates.

Since it became operational in 1978, experts said the bank has failed to fulfil its mandate to the Nigerian people because of inadequate funding. Although the clamour for the recapitalisation of the bank has remained on the lips of stakeholders for a long time, it gained prominence during a recent 4th National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development meeting held Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Tips for cleaning bathroom 30

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Real Estate & Environment

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Analysts flaw FG’s strategies on FMBN recapitalisation, housing deficit CONTINUED FROM 25 A communique issued at the end of the meeting specifically urged the federal government to speed up the process of recapitalisation of FMBN to effectively de¬liver on its core mandate of pro¬viding loans for housing finance.

Not only that, the Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Gimba Kumo, had at a forum in Abuja, revealed plans to recapitalise it to the tune of N250 billion over its current N5 billion base.

Kumo had said: “A lot of progress has been made towards the recapitalisation of the FMBN and very soon it would be concluded. What I have requested for is N250 billion, which I know will put the bank in a better position to mobilise long term funds for the housing sector as a whole.

“Discussions have been going on between the bank and the Federal Government, although there are a lot of competing needs like security, infrastructure, education, health. I know it would be granted.”

He also admitted the current capitalisation was grossly inadequate for the level of financial responsibilities required to carry out its mandate with effectiveness.

His view was also shared by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Dr.(Mrs) Akon Eyakenyi as she also said,”I wish to reiterate and assure Nigerians of the federal government’s explicit support for the FMBN and our intention to improve the capacity of the bank by recapitalizing it as part of the wider plans of overhauling housing financing institutions in Nigeria.”

Responding, an Abuja based property consultant, Mr. Opeyemi Babadiya charged government to go beyond the realm of promises, stressing that virtually every government that had ruled the country since 1999 made the same

Okonjo-Iweala

Eyakenyi

Kumo

promise without bringing it to fruition.

According to him, until the FMBN is recapitalised to meet the challenge of housing finance in the country, no effort made towards bridging the housing deficit gap in the country would heard any positive result.

He explained further,”It is a pity that successive government in Nigeria has failed to identify the potential of housing as an engine of growth and development.

All over the wold, housing sector is given adequate attention through the creation of various incentives because of its crosscutting nature.

“But this is not so in Nigeria, all we have had were promises upon promises.

The talk about recapitalisation of the FBMN has been on for over a decade and we have not seen any administration who would muster the needed political will to take it to fruition. For a nation that is eager and desirous to position its housing sector as one of the major contribu-

tors to the GDP, N5bn capital base for an institution saddled with the mandate of provision of long term housing finance is grossly inadequate.”

Also speaking, the immediate Past President of Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria, REDAN Chief Olabode Afolayan, berated the insincerity of the present administration to the issue of recapitalisation of the mortgage institution, stressing that there had been talk about it in the last six years without any concrete step being taken about it.

He said, ‘‘Federal Government has been talking about recapilisatipn in the last six years and nothing has been done except comments upon comments on the pages of newspapers. For me, rather than pushing for the commercialisation of the mortgage bank, government should do everything possible to make it operate competitively.”

In oder to make the bank competitive, the former REDAN boss also advocated

amendment of the housing related bills in the National Assembly which are stifling the operations of the bank in addition to according the bank the right status being given to development institution like the Bank of Industry. According to him, the functionality of the bank would be enhanced if it could draw facilities from foreign agencies and Central Bank of Nigeria.

Afolayan explained that as it being constituted at present, the bank would have gone insolvent were it not for the ingenuity of the present management who kept thinking out of the box to come up with numerous products through which it sustains its operations.

In his submission, former President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS ), Mr. Ajele Alufohai, noted that finance was not the only issue militating against the effectiveness of the FMBN, maintaining that except the structural imbalance is corrected, it would continue to fail in the discharge of its mandate.

He said rather than recapitalizing the bank, it should be linked with the pension fund as it being practiced all over the world. According to him, there are idle money in the pension fund from which the bank can draw to finance long time housing projects.

FEDERAL

GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT RECAPILISATIPN IN THE LAST SIX YEARS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE EXCEPT COMMENTS UPON COMMENTS ON THE PAGES OF NEWSPAPERS

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Strengthen FMBN, expert urges incoming administration

MORTGAGE NOTES with Adenike Fasanya-Osilaja Email: Nike@MVPSolutionsinc.com Fasanya-Osilaja https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=35277333

SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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Dear NMRC, Part 3

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et me start by thanking you for your patience with me so far, and promising that this will be my last part of the long letter I have spent the last three weeks writing to you. I just have a couple more questions to ask you, and will wait in hope that you will revert with answers very soon.

Regarding the debt - to - income ratios you posted in the underwriting standards, what is the accepted process for income and employment verification in your plan? I confess I am a little confused because, especially for the self-employed small to medium enterprise owner, I have not heard of any standardized mode of income and expense documentation that would accurately provide income information for them. Since you have loan amounts as low as 1.5m Naira, it should be safe to assume that the small business man as well as the junior office employees are your target market for the lower end of your loan products, so please clarify this issue for me. Actually I had to chuckle at your permissible debt-to-income ratios. I did the math, and could not figure out where in Lagos for instance, anyone making 0 to 500,000 naira monthly would be able t afford to own a home in this current market.

Also, as I have stated before, I don’t really get the rationale for the Pension fund requirement. Since it is not the norm to save for retirement in Nigeria, will the prospective home buyer need to first set up a fund before they can get a loan to make their purchase? If so, will you be the liaison between the home buyer and the Pension Company? What is the minimum they would be required to have in the bank in order to obtain a loan? Is there a process to ensure that all payments for the retirement funds are made in a timely manner? Please clarify...and please make this one of your most important home buyer education workshops.

By the way, you do intend to have home buyer workshops,

do you not? Have you started these already? How many hours of counseling is a first time home buyer required to have prior to contracting on a home?

Do you have formal locations for such workshops to hold? What will the workshops entail? In my opinion, the greatest service you could perform for your customers is to educate them fully about the responsibilities that come with owning a home. I hope there will be some down payment assistance programs provided as an incentive or reward for those who take the time to complete the home buyer workshops.

Hopefully, such workshops are already in place for implementation prior to loan disbursements.

Regarding the mortgage repayments, I read that the borrower is supposed to open up a bank account and have the funds for the monthly mortgage repayments sitting in there for the Lender to deduct. Is there a secure transmission process for this? Since one of our many “specialties” in Nigeria is the art of “mass scamming”, is there a process for earning the public’s trust by ensuring that their accounts are not compromised in the process of direct debiting but the NMRC? What is the plan for communicating pending withdrawals? What happens if the home owner is debited twice in error, causing all their other checks to bounce?

I know I have asked some hard questions, but please be aware that these are the very same questions your marketing staff will have to answer over and over again, as your target first time buyers start to even warm to the idea of obtaining a mortgage to own a home immediately. You see, one of the most admirable qualities of the Nigerian, is that we are not given to the notion of “instant gratification”, and prefer to wait until we have our money together through hard work and strong savings habits, before we consider ourselves

27

deserving of owning a home.

Your ability to flesh out your plan, and sell it to one of the most skeptical people ever created, will show how much effort was put into this program, and ultimately how successful it becomes.

Finally, allow me to praise your default reporting plan, as well as your refinance criteria.

I am very much in agreement with the plan to wait until a borrower is six months before refinancing. A pattern of home owner seriousness should show at that time, and a repayment history should be accessible to all Lenders, to help with refinance underwriting and approval. I also believe in the audit process, as it is the best way to weed out banks that just cannot get their act together, and comply with the NMRC rules and regulations.

Nigeria’s mortgage future is yours to mould, and we hope you will do a good job. It is important to conclude this letter by thanking you all so much for the hard work you have put into this laudable program.

Again, thank you so much for letting me out forward my questions on your underwriting standards to you, and I am truly excited to see this proxxxxx gram unfold.

Sincerely, Adenike Fasanya-Osilaja Comments and questions are welcomed and I hope you will make it a fantastic day.

HOPEFULLY, SUCH WORKSHOPS ARE ALREADY IN PLACE FOR IMPLEMENTATION PRIOR TO LOAN DISBURSEMENTS

ABOUT THE WRITER Fasanya-Osilaja a lawyer and mortgage expert has owned and operated Marvel Ventures Mortgage, Inc. (www.marvelmortgage.com), a Chicagobased Mortgage Brokerage Company since 2000 and has worked in the US Mortgage industry since 1996. She also consults and facilitates industryrequired activities, from set up of mortgage organisations to documentation, training and compliance.

isturbed by the dwindling fortunes of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, FMBN, a property expert, Barrister Bolajo Omowole has urged the incoming administration to strengthen the apex mortgage bank to be able to play its statutory roles in the country.

The legal practitioner, who gave the advice during an interview with National Mirror, noted that the bank had been unable to play its roles of providing affordable housing for Nigerians, due to paucity of funds.

Omowole also noted that, improving the fortunes of the bank, coupled with expected anti-corruption stance of the incoming administration would ensure the growth of the sector, thus reducing the 16 million housing deficit in the country.

According to him, any incoming Minister of Housing should keep a tab on the real sector with the aim of growing the sector to

the benefits of Nigerians. ‘’Though, the incoming administration has not said anything on the housing sector, but with its anti-corruption stand, any fund earmark for the sector will definitely be safe. With the funds invested in the sector over the years, there is nothing to show for it’’, he stated.

He recalled that the United Nations, UN, estimated that Nigeria’s population would reach 289 million by 2050 while the United States Census Bureau projects that by the year 2050, Nigeria’s population will hit 264 million, thus making the country the 80th most populous country in the world.

Rapid economic growth in population, according to him, puts enormous pressure on demands for shelter and other basic utilities and services. ‘‘Already, Nigeria has lapsed into this tight corner. We, therefore, urge the incoming government to take pro-active step towards addressing the problem of the FMBN,’’ he advised.

Fake electrical gadgets flood Lagos markets -Investigation SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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nvestigations has revealed that the nation’s markets had been flooded with fake imported electrical gadgets and household appliances.

A visit to some markets in Ikeja and Oshodi showed that some substandard products like stabilizers, electric armoured cables and extension sockets flooded the markets.

Others include, mini led flashlights, rechargeable lamps and bulbs among others.

A buyer was sighted at Oshodi market, complaining of alleged fake electrical gadgets bought from a dealer, spurring for serious fisticuffs.

The man, who only gave his name as Michael, said he bought those gadgets without testing them, saying immediately he gets home, he tested and discovered they were not working.

He said, he brought those gadgets back and the dealer refused to take them, saying they were not the gadgets he sold to him.

This led to hot argument, which nearly caused serious fisticuffs, before the situation was brought

under control by the passers-by.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Obikings Industries Limited, Chief Obiora Ifeanyi, had through one of his management staff, Mr Ubogu Kingsley raised the alarm that some of their products, especially century stabilizers had been faked, warning Nigerians to be wary of substandard products in the market.

Investigation by National Mirror further reveals that over 2,000 of Obikings faked Century stabilizers, running into millions of naira were imported by the unpatriotic imputers.

A closer look at the stabilizers revealed a fake SON registration number of 0002 and ISO9001: 2000 inscribed on all the stabilizers with the Amuwonn Odofin address written on the leaflet inside the stabilizers.

Regretting the unfortunate situation during the destruction of substandard imported products in Sagamu, Ogun state, the company said it has reputation for quality products, spanning over 30 years, warning unscrupulous importers to desist from such importations or face the wrath of the law.

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Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tips W

hether it’s a marbl suite or more aki ‘family wash’, the sanctuary of cleanliness and Given the demands place easier said than done. Howev thinking you can keep you fresh with minimal effort.

With the amount of soap s ing around an average family a minimum of a weekly cle does not become overwhelm up of muck. A light weekly 20-30 minutes if you follow o

Start with the walls & tiles.

You don’t need us to tell y get kinda steamy, which caus build up on walls and tiled su This can easily be remov mould cleaner or bleach to ta generally very strong produ test a small area before getti your hands and make sure gloves like the Ansell Supe a neoprene coating for ext chemicals and tears.

A combination of two sp vinegar, the other dusted wi gentler alternative. Use your te Kid, and with a sponge in e on then wipe off.

Constant mould is gene ventilation. Check the vent i cause if it’s clogged with dus be greatly reduced.

Source: itsdefense.com

Infrastructure bank to finance more capital projects SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

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nfrastructure Bank, formerly Urban Bank has been strengthened to finance more capital projects in the country.

Already, the bank is financing the Blue Line projects of Lagos state, which started from Okokomaiko to Marina, along with the Red Line projects, linking Agbado to Marina through Iddo and Muritala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA. This disclosure is coming on the heels of the speculation, that the Lagos state rail projects has been stalled due to ongoing electioneering campaigns in the state.

A senior official of Infrastructure bank, Mr Chima Omeike said, Lagos rail projects were still ongoing, affirming that the bank is strongly behind the Blue Line project.

Omeike said Infrastructure

Bank is a development finance institution that interfaces between the market for public sector lending and private sector infrastructure project financing on long term financial instruments and securities.

As facilitator of the transformation of Nigerian infrastructure for enhanced productivity, he said the bank has financed several projects in the country, including the Blue line project of the state government.

According to him, the project when completed on scheduled would ensure easy access to the commercial nerve centre of the country.

The Blue Line, a 27 km rail road with thirteen stations from Okokomaiko to Marina is currently undergoing construction right in the middle of LagosBadagry Expressway, which Lagos state government is currently expanding and redeveloping into a ten-lane international gateway.

It is designed to carry 400,000 passengers daily with capacity increased to 700,000 passengers daily when the rail route becomes fully operational.

Apart from rail, the infrastructure design also includes provision for BRT and multimode integration with non-motorized transport such as pedestrian walkways and overhead bridges for safe access by passengers to rail and bus stations.

The project situated in the middle of Lagos-Badagry corridor, leading to neighbouring Benin Republic and other ECOWAS countries, started on August 2009 with the Blue Line rail infrastructure awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) under design and build contract.

The company prepared the detailed plan, design and construction works for the rail infrastructure. The works include stations, roadbed, bridges, permanent way

(P-way) tracks works, pedestrian ways and other associated fixed infrastructure.

It would be recalled that the survey work on the rail project was completed between August 2009 and August 2010 while the actual construction works commenced on July 26, 2010. Construction works are still ongoing for the first phase section between National Theatre and Mile 2 and was expected to be completed within the first quarter of 2014, but was abandoned half-way.

The state government had proposed Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) types of train, which are emissions free for its Blue Line rail project. The EMUs do not pose problems of environmental pollution, usually associated with conventional diesel locomotives. They are also proven to be more efficient and easier to maintain than diesel locomotives.

Can Nigeria achie SYLVA EMEKA-OKEREKE

A

s forecasted, Nigeria is expected to achieve 25 percent forest cover this year.

However, some experts have doubted whether the country may achieve the target before the end of this year.

Experts in forestry had noted

tha est abl est A Lab vie abo ing ble

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Real Estate & Environment

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

29

for cleaning bathroom

le palace, a simple enin to a drive-through bathroom should be a d hygiene. ed on it, this is often ver with a bit of smart ur bathroom sparkling

scum, dust and hair flyy bathroom, most need ean to ensure the task ming with an over-build clean should only take our guide.

To clean an exhaust fan, gently remove the vent cover and either vacuum it or brush it clean outdoors. It’s also worth giving it a quick wash in soapy water before refitting it.

Bicarb also makes for a highly effective cleaning alternative. Try mixing this with a gentle shampoo or detergent if the chemical mix in your bathroom is getting a bit too much.

Attack the basin and vanity

Microfibre the mirrors

A mild cleaner and soft cloth is best when tackling the basin and vanity. Bicarb and vinegar can also be used if you wish.

Any build up of soap scum or mould d around the tap fittings can be easily removed using ing the same cleaning product and an old toothbrush.

For a streak-free mirror you can’t go past a good drop of methylated spirits or a glass cleaning spray.

Just remember to use a microfibre cloth for best results, as paper towel will leave lint behind. Microfibre is

lint-free and achieves a truly streak-free result – the Vileda all purpose cloth is a great option.

Touch up the taps Don’t laugh, but the best thing for cleaning taps is an old pair of stockings. Simply give your taps a once over with a mild cleanser, then give them a polish using the stocking pulled taut.

Book in the bath

you that bathrooms can ses damp and mould to urfaces. ved using a dedicated ackle the job. These are ucts though, so always ing stuck in. Be kind to you wear some strong er Gloves, which have tra resistance against

ponges, one soaked in ith bicarb of soda, is a r sponges like the Karaeach hand simply wipe

erally caused by poor in your exhaust fan best, its effectiveness will

There’s nothing better than a hot bath to wash away the stress of the day, so it pays to keep your bath sparkling clean. Getting it to sparkle is easier than you think.

Whatever product you use, make e sure it’s not too abrasive. Baths aren’tt cheap and you don’t want to go and d damage the surface. The bath magic c system has been designed specifically y for all bathroom surfaces and comes es with a detachable scouring sponge ge which is perfect for the bath.

Spray, sprinkle or drizzle your housesehold cleaner of choice (we find that hat Gumption is good for removing more ore stubborn rings and rust stains), then hen methodically wipe each and every inch nch of the bath. And don’t forget to rinse well afterwards if bathing in cleaning residue due is not what you had in mind.

NSE advocates project ownership right for Nigerians OLUFEMI ADEOSUN

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Abuja-Kaduna Railway line

he Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE) has called on the Federal Government to amend some sections of the Bureau Of Public Procurement to grant Nigerians ownership right to projects.

Under the current status of BBP, foreign firms willing to get contract in the country are required to show evidence of local partnership.

But the NSE President, Engr. Ademola Olorunfemi, at the recent First Quarterly media briefing of the Society in Abuja, called for the reversal of the aspect of the law to allow

ve 25% forest cover by 2015?

at, the anticipated target of 25 fort cover by 2015 may not be achievle due to serious pressure on fort resources.

A Professor of Forest Economics, bode Popoola in one of his interews said, the way Nigeria is going out massive a forestation, achievg the forest cover may not be feasie, saying it was a policy statement.

‘Nigeria used to achieve this per-

centage in the 70s. There was a time Nigeria had close to 30percent of its land area under forests, but the figure is as low as less than 10 percent now and there is no way we can achieve 25percent by the year 2020. It is impracticable’, he stated.

According to him, Nigeria can return to its past glory if the country engages in massive afforestation as government is spending so much on

seedling production, instead of engaging in tree planting.

‘Without forest, we are all dead. In our own little spheres, we should try as much as possible to plant at least one tree a year, even in your backyard. If he plants one, I plant one and you plant one, it means we already have three trees. If 10percent of 150 million Nigerians plant a tree each, that means 15 million trees each year.

Nigerian firms to procure foreign partnership in the best interest of the nation.

He also stated that since the operation of the Bureau is based on cost engineering, it should collaborate with the NSE cost engineering institution for effective delivery on its core mandate.

Olorunfemi also advocated the enforcement of the Nigerian Content Act in all its facets, stressing that it not only held the light to nation’s industrial development, it also helped human capital development.

He stated:”The concept of Nigerian Conteny Development presupposes deliberate patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods and services in all sectors. Few examples are computer hardware and accessories(Omatek Computers Plc), transformer and electricity meter manufacturing(Dannelec Limited , Elsewedy Electrics Limited, etc), automobile manufacturing( Inmoson Vehicles Manufacturing Limited-IVM) “The Act as it exists should be enforced absolutely at all times as far as utilisation of Nigeria human, material resources and services

are concerned. It should be complied with by all operators, alliance partners and contractors. The Act should also be relocated for all other sectors of the economy as urgently as feasible.”

According to him, government should also ensure that bi-lateral and Multi-lateral agreements, technical partners agreements in oil and gas, World Bank, regional development institutions load agreements, should be scrutinized by the National Planning Commission, implementing mi is ties and COREN, to ensure that clauses inimical to the development of indigenous capacity, use of indigenous personnel and local content, are excluded.

On the development of rail lines, Olorunfemi called on the National Assembly to ensure speed passage of the proposed railway bill with a view to opening the sector to investments.

“The prompt passage of the bill is expected to be a major panacea that would open the railway transport sub-sector up for the participation of key, reputable and technical experienced railway investors under a well-structured Public Private Partnership arrangement for optimal railway operations in Nigeria.’’

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Real Estate & Environment

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National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

New accreditation standard hits London lettings M M

Middle East property remains strong, despite oil drops

ore than 115,000 rented homes across London are now badged under the Mayor’s Rental Standard accreditation system launched last year to improve the experience of landlords and tenants.

Less than a year since its launch in May 2014, the London Rental Standard is going from strength to strength with 307 letting agent firms signed up and eight accrediting bodies licensed under the scheme.

It has been adopted by 10 of the biggest names in the lettings industry, including Spicerhaart, Andrews, CBRE, Chestertons, Douglas and Gordon, Savills, Knight Frank, Leaders, Foxtons and Stirling Ackroyd.

Londoners either letting or renting through every London branch of these firms are assured that they, and every landlord or agent displaying the London Rental Standard badge,

have met the Mayor’s set of core commitments and training levels to offer tenants a better, more professional service.

These include transparent fees, better property conditions, better communications between landlords and tenants, improved response times and repairs, and protected deposits.

Some 30 percent of London’s households now live in rented homes, and by the middle of the 2020s the number of renters is predicted to overtake the number of home owners in the capital.

In the last 10 years the number of families with children renting in London has risen 10% to almost a third yet 85% of landlords are not aware of core legislation that protects renters and 61% have no professional management training.

The London Rental Standard is fast becoming an important

feature of London’s lettings industry, helping Londoners to pick between the huge array of landlords and agents on offer in the capital. It helps landlords and agents to understand their responsibilities to their tenants and to equip them with the knowledge they need to protect themselves from mistakes which can incur hefty costs and leave tenants disgruntled.

The standard is one of a raft of measures the Mayor Boris Johnson has supported to improve the experience of London’s two million private rented sector tenants. This includes successfully lobbying for legal changes to make it compulsory for letting agents to join an independent consumer complaints scheme to help protect tenants and landlords, and banning retaliatory evictions.

iddle Eastern investors’ have sustained their appetite for global property assets, particularly in London, despite lower oil prices, according to a new report.

HSBC Tower, the New Scotland Yard site and the Savoy hotel, all in London are just a few of the prestigious properties acquired by Middle Eastern investors in the last year, the report from international real estate firm JLL reveals.

The Sovereign Wealth Funds of Gulf Co-operation Council, GCC, countries are the region’s most prolific overseas investors and allocated US$4.5 billion to global real estate in the final quarter of 2014, according to figures from JLL. Of this, over 80 percent was spent in Europe and more than US$3 billion flowed into London.

Private wealth, too, has made its way into Europe’s most prized property assets.

However, while their preoccupation with European cities is well documented, Middle East sovereign investors are beginning to seek assets outside of Europe in a bid to ‘rebalance their portfolios’, according to Fadi Moussalli, head of JLL’s

International Capital Group, MENA. ‘The region’s extensive purchasing power has been fuelled by fiscal surpluses from hydrocarbon exports and this has offered investors access to deals in the world’s gateway cities,’ he said.

Historically, the UK has received lion’s share of Middle East investment, followed by France, Germany and the United States. These mature markets have provided a safe haven for Middle Eastern capital but competition from cash rich Chinese investors is forcing these groups to step outside of their comfort zone, Moussalli pointed out.

‘During the global financial crisis Middle Eastern groups were able to acquire property deals that no one else could.

Today, there is far more liquidity in the market, not just from Asia but from some US Private Equity Groups and other nonArab Sovereign Wealth Funds,’ he explained.

He pointed out that trophy assets may rub the egos of the region’s billionaires but suburban office assets and logistics facilities are also proving popular in this current climate.

London Mayor plans 26,500 new homes

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UK property

US housing market rebounds

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any home owners in the United States, US, at the bottom third of their markets are finally in a position to sell, according to the latest index data.

Owners of the country’s lowest valued homes emerged from 2014 in a stronger position than previous years, with home values up 6.8% year on year, the latest quarterly report from Zillow shows.

Properties in the lower third of home values bottomed out in January 2012 with a median value of

$84,100 but by December 2014 they had bounced back to a median value of $101,400.

While home owners in the bottom price tier are still 17% below their pre-recession peak values, this is a distinct improvement from the 31% value loss they suffered when home values hit rock bottom in January 2012.

Returning value means many with lower valued homes who had been in negative equity are now able to sell or refinance, boosting low end inventory, which has

been tight for the past few years.

Going into the home buying season in 2015, buyers can expect to find more homes on the market and less competition from all cash bidders, the report also points out.

Metros with the biggest jump over last year in low end inventory are Las Vegas, with 66.% more low end homes on the market in December 2014 than December 2013, Riverside, with 47.3% more and Washington D.C. with 45.7% more.

blueprint for creating thousands of new homes along the River Thames has been published by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

The draft London Riverside Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) sets out the planning, regeneration and design guidance that would lead to the creation of 26,500 new homes and up to 16,000 jobs across the boroughs of Barking, Dagenham, Havering and a small part of Newham.

The Mayor has identified 38 opportunity areas across the capital. The areas include London’s major source of brownfield land with significant capacity for new housing, commercial and other developments linked to existing or potential improvements to public transport accessibility.

By establishing opportunity areas, and working closely with London boroughs and partner agencies, the Mayor will be best able to deliver significant social and economic regeneration.

The London riverside opportunity area stretches from the royal docks to Rainham Marshes, a total distance of 12 kilome-

tres.

The document, which is now open for consultation, sets out the Mayor’s strategic priorities and long term vision for the area over the next 20 years and how the area should evolve into a sustainable and successful part of the city.

In order to transform the London riverside into a thriving new part of London, the planning framework discusses the importance of improved transport connections.

This includes the potential extension of the Gospel Oak London Overground line, a new railway station at Beam Park, improvements to the A13 and new river crossings.

‘The capital is now home to a number of people and we are working tirelessly to ensure we have the homes, jobs and transport infrastructure to support the city’s unprecedented growth.

London riverside can deliver genuinely affordable high quality housing for Londoners in a fantastic Thameside setting,’ said Sir Edward Lister, Deputy Mayor for Planning.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Aviation

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Airline crashes: Stakeholders seek intense screening of pilots Following penultimate week crash of one of Lufthansa Airlines’ low cost carrier, Germanwings amongst other crashes recorded in the industry in recent times, air travellers and professionals in the sector are advocating stricter screening for pilots by the Civil Aviation Authorities, CAAs, and airlines around the world to guarantee safer air travels globally.OLUSEGUN KOIKI writes.

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esearches and other information on global air crashes indicate that at least 70 per cent of such crashes occur due to human errors, especially those of pilots. But, most of the researches and experts’ concerns have never focused on the willful resolve of pilots to crash airborne aircraft under any guise whatsoever.

However, events of the last few years have indicated that some pilots were more of risks to the safety in the industry and the passengers onboard for the reason best known to them.

Quite curiously, in recent times while some pilots had either hijacked planes to other cities or airports, others had intentionally crashed planes killing all passengers onboard by such acts just as others flagrantly disobeyed flight rules and against the advice of the air traffic controllers and other professionals with the global community thrown into mourning by such unprofessional and despicable acts In Nigeria, in October 2013, an Associated Airlines aircraft, Embraer 120 flight 361 with 20 souls onboard, crashed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos barely 31 seconds after take-off.

Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, in its preliminary report told journalists that investigations revealed that the aircraft was already faulty before the cockpit crew decided to embark on the journey.

It however said that the pilot-in-command, Capt. Abdulraham Yakubu insisted that the crew must continue with the journey even when the co-pilot suggested that the flight should be aborted.

The then Commissioner, AIB, Capt. Muktar Usman in his briefing disclosed that before the crew embarked on the flight, it received an automated warning from the onboard computer voice, which consisted of three chimes followed by “Take-off Flaps...Take-off Flaps,” which were repeated severally, but despite this the crew took off, which resulted in crash few seconds later.

Also, on the 18 February, 2014 an Ethiopian Airlines co-pilot, Hailemedhin Abera locked the pilot-in-command out of the cockpit, hijacked a plane bound for Italy and diverted it to Geneva, where he requested asylum.

One passenger said the hijacker threatened to crash the plane if the pilot did not stop pounding on the locked door. Another said passengers were terrified “for hours” as the plane, carrying 200 people, careened across the sky.

The Boeing 767-300 had taken off from Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on an overnight flight to Milan and Rome, but it sent a distress message over Sudan that it had been hijacked. Over Europe, two Italian fighter jets and French jets were scrambled to accompany it.

Besides, just two weeks ago, a Germanwings aircraft, A320 Flight 9525 with 150 souls onboard crashed in France.

Investigations carried out so far by the French authorities indicated that the co-pilot, Andreas

Wreckage of the Germanwings aircraft that crashed

We Will continue to talk about accidents in the sector. accidents cannot be eradicated, but i believe that through trainings, accidents Will be greatly reduced Lubitz likely deliberately flew himself and 149 others to their deaths in the French Alps. The reason for the suicide decision was still unknown at the moment, but German authorities who visited the co-pilot’s house, discovered that he had a health issue, which he had been hiding from his employers and the public.

One of the subtler ironies of the Germanwings accident is that the airplane involved used so-called fly-by-wire technology. The flight crew’s control inputs go not to the ailerons and elevators, but instead to a computer that decides how to execute the pilots’ commands. One of the functions of this technology, which is present in all new airliners, is to guard against faulty or ill-advised pilot actions.

But, the pilot still has the last word. If he chooses, he can override the computers. It is one of the axioms of aviation, handed down over generations, that the pilot’s authority — presumably for the safety of the flight and its passengers is absolute.

With the recent happenings in the sub-sector attributed to pilots, there are concerns from air travellers about their ‘absolute’ safety in the hands of pilots who can decide irrationally when confronted with psychological or domestic problem thereby leading to the death of

many.

However, in a bid to prevent execution of irrational behaviour by any of the cockpit crew, United States of America, U.S.A., some few years ago promulgated a law that prevents only one pilot to be in the cockpit at a time.

Such law has not been in existence in Europe and other continents, but air passengers said with the recent happenings, such law should be put in place in Europe and Africa.

Some of the passengers at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos spoken with by our correspondent called for more robust background checks and mental health screenings of both new and experienced aviators.

A passenger with Delta Air Lines, who simply identified himself as Chris charged the aviation regulatory in the country, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority of Nigeria, NCAA, and the airline operators to carry out more intrusive checks of psychological history of the pilots regularly.

Another intending passenger, Mrs. Elizabeth Olisemeke urged the regulatory body to randomly pick cockpit crew, air hostesses, engineers and other technical personnel for psychiatric and psychological tests apart from the annual medical clearance by the personnel.

She added, “This will go a long way in ensuring professionalism and check arbitrary behaviours by these set of people. If we cannot trust pilots and engineers onboard planes, I don’t know who else we can trust in this industry.

The Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, Dr. Felix Abali told our correspondent that there were lots of factors like weather, human errors and mechanical errors that could lead to accident in the industry.

He said: “We will continue to talk about accidents in the sector. Accidents cannot be eradicated, but I believe that through trainings, accidents will be greatly reduced. I went for helicopter training in Canada recently and their motto was to reduce helicopter accident to zero by 2016. So, I think a lot of people are working towards it and may be in the future we will have zero accident rates in the industry.

“We don’t hope for an accident, but when human beings are involved, you cannot rule out accidents from happening maybe inadvertently or otherwise. However, we have well-trained people in the sector and these are not reckless people, but human beings for being what we are can do things that are not expected.”

In an e-mail message to a pilot in the U.S. by our correspondent, Mr. Peter Garrison said that until now, suicide by airplane especially commercial was very rare, but was bothered about the growing trend among pilots in recent time.

He explained that in the past years, as airline engines, avionics and airframes became more reliable, pilots continued to be the cause of most accidents, although human error found fewer opportunities in the increasingly automated skies.

Garrison declared that if it turns out to be true that the first officer deliberately crashed the plane, this act would offend the sense of common humanity, adding that the industry could forget mistakes, but would not forgive a betrayal.

Andreas Lubitz

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Aviation

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Why Associated Airlines’ crash investigations report is delayed – AIB boss StorieS: oluSegun KoiKi

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he inability of pathologists and coroners to submit their finally reports on the October 4, 2013 Associated Airline’s plane crash in Lagos has been identified as the major reason why the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, is yet to make public its final report on the accident.

Also, despite the recent accidents in the industry, which has led to the loss of hundreds of lives, aviation industry is still the safest mode of transportation worldwide.

The Commissioner of AIB, Dr. Felix Abali, disclosed these in an exclusive interview with our correspondent.

Abali said that if the challenges associated with pathologists and coroners handling the crash, which claimed no fewer than 16 out of the 20 passengers on board had been resolved, AIB would have released its final report on the crash.

He explained that it would be unprofessional for the agency to release the final report without looking critically the inputs of pathologists and coroners, but assured that such challenges would be resolved very soon The industry expert disclosed that in a bid to resolve such challenges in the future; AIB was cur-

rently working with a major pathologist in the country who he said had lots of connections with some of the hospitals in different states across the nation.

He said, “That takes us back to the problems we are having with coroners and pathologists. We are actually still waiting for their reports. Accident as you know could be caused by a lot of factors. Assuming that one of the crew members was drunk, how do you determine this?

It is through pathological reports that you can know the true state of health of such crew member.

“If we don’t have such information then, the report is incomplete.

We cannot go and publish something and leave out some aspects.

What we have been doing is that we try to come to an understanding with them. We have been trying to write a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with them.

“As a matter of fact, we just started working with one of the pathologists who basically has a lot of connections with some of the hospitals in different states. These hospitals will work with this individual who will just report to us. If that works, I think the situation would be alleviated.”

Abali assured that the sector was safe for flying despite some accidents in recent time, but said that ac-

B

CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft,

degree of operational flexibility to enhance its service, with a reduced environmental footprint to promote greener, more sustainable aviation.

He added, “Deployed to increase frequencies between our more popular business routes from daily, to twice-daily flights, we are also using the aircraft to launch a third daily flight on our popular Lagos to Accra service.”

Also commenting, the President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, Mr. Mike Arcamone explained that the aircraft was designed to meet the needs of airlines in highfrequency regional markets, adding that the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft has established a reputation for excellent passenger comfort, while delivering outstanding fuel economy and up to 10 per cent cash operating cost advantage.

“We are delighted to congratulate

Airside shegzzy4live2000@yahoo.co.uk 08186007273

Germanwings crash: Are pilots still reliable?

T

AIB Commissioner, Abali

cident could not be eradicated in the industry; rather, it could be reduced to the barest minimum.

“Aviation industry is safe globally and will always be safe. Till now except the one that happened over Ukraine that the people know the cause of it, the other two or three, we don’t know the causes yet and I think in accident investigation, it is not always right to speculate. It doesn’t do the industry any good and it will not enhance safety in the system.

“Until the black boxes are discovered and the true causes of the accidents are known, we won’t be able to comment much on them. But, I want to emphasise here that aviation is still the safest mode of transportation anywhere in the world.”

Arik Air to acquire CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft

ombardier Commercial Aircraft has announced that Arik Air had placed the first dual-class CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft configured with three-abreast business-class seating into service in West Africa.

Bombardier in an online media monitored by our correspondent stated that the airlin would use the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft to increase network service on its most popular business routes in West Africa.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Arik Air, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide said that the aircraft was configured to offer the very best in-flight comfort and style for its passengers with 10 premier, threeabreast, business-class seats and 81 economy-class seats.

He added that the CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft also provides a high

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arik Air on launching service with the first dual-class CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft with a three-abreast, business-class configuration.

“This cabin configuration showcases the true flexibility of the CRJ1000 NextGen regional jet and is the key to achieving the highest passenger comfort and increased revenues,” he stated.

he recent rumoured deliberate crash of Germanwings Airbus 320 in France by the 27 years old copilot, Andreas Lubitz has once again brought to the forefront the mental state of pilots in the industry.

The crash was not the first time a pilot in command or a copilot would intentionally crash an already airborne plane. In fact, it is gradually becoming a norm among the cockpit crew to ‘take others along’ with them, whenever they are frustrated with lives.

This illicit act bothers Airside and other concerned aviation professionals. As they say in the sector, there is no parking space in the sky and for a pilot to consciously commit mass murder with other innocent souls on board; shows the regulatory authorities need to roll up the sleeves of their shirts for im-

proved work and change the current system.

Airside opines that in order to eradicate the wanton act, apart from ensuring that medical examination of pilots include their psychological states regularly, the Civil Aviation Authorities, CAAs, should also promulgate a law that forbids only one pilot from being inside the cockpit at any point in time during flights.

The two pilots should always be inside the cockpit throughout their journeys.

Airside believes that the enactment of this law would go a long way in checkmating such dastardly act by a pilot who is tired of life and doesn’t want to ‘depart’ alone. If passengers can no longer trust pilots in the sky, who else can they trust in this world? The global aviation industry needs a change even if pilots have thrown professionalism into the waste bin.

Incessant fire outbreaks at Lagos Airport

L

ast Wednesday’s fire outbreak at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos was one of the many fire incidents that had occurred at the terminal in recent times.

If care is not taken, incessant fire outbreaks at the terminal may become the norm, rather than the excepion in the Nigerian aviation industry.

In October 2014, when a similar fire incident occurred at the terminal, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, in its speedy response, dismissed the incident as a fire outbreak, rather, described it as a “minor smoke.” The question is

can there be smoke without fire? For a smoke to appear there must have been a fire.

It is a shame that FAAN, which is the airport landlord, is yet to improve the system, but rather it seems there is a ready-made press statement from the authority to immediately react to any fire incident at the terminal as “a minor smoke.”

Fire incidents at MMIA were not regular until recently and the reason for this is still not known.

Airside advises FAAN management to find a lasting solution to the occurrence before it burns down the whole environs and destroyed lives and properties therein. An unbiased umpire has spoken.

Delta, Virgin announce new summer flying

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elta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways have achieved an expansion of their trans-Atlantic partnership with the introduction of six new daily services.

The two airlines begin their summer schedule recently and will offer up to 39 return transAtlantic flights a day between the U.K. and 15 destinations across North America.

A statement by Delta Air Lines authorities hinted that the joint schedule now includes 10 daily flights between New York and London Heathrow, with eight daily departures from New York-JFK and two departures from Newark.

Customers travelling between JFK and London Heathrow would benefit from a

memory schedule of regular evening departures from New York.

“The Delta and Virgin Atlantic partnership continues to offer increased customer choice on the trans-Atlantic routes to London Heathrow – in particular from New York,” said Delta’s Senior Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Perry Cantarutti.

“The strength of Delta’s network in the United States and Virgin Atlantic’s strong presence at London Heathrow delivers a very compelling proposition that allows customers in the U.K. to easily connect to more than 200 destinations in the United States,” he added.

The statement stated that Virgin Atlantic is launching

a second daily service between Los Angeles and Heathrow, complemented by significant investment on the ground with the first-ever Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in Los Angeles due to open this month.

Combined with the Delta service launched in October 2014, the partnership would offer three daily flights from Los Angeles to London and expects to carry close to 400,000 annual passengers on the route.

Also launched recently was a seasonal second-daily Virgin Atlantic service between Atlanta and London Heathrow and a second service between San Francisco and London Heathrow that now operates five days a week over the summer.

Insurance

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

33

Weak macroeconomic climate, threat to re-insurance market – One Re boss

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he new African reinsurer, One Re, has identified the key risk drivers and threats to reinsurance companies in 2015 as weak macroeconomic climate, prolonged low interest rate environment and sovereign credit risk, particularly in the European Union.

The Chief Operating Officer of the company, Alex St James, explained that the risks posed great threat to operators’ investment returns, and thereby pressure on their combined ratios and net operating results, their asset and investment class valuations and their impact on capital base and solvency ratio.

According to him, other areas the weak macroeconomic climate and other negative factors could pose as potential dangers to re-insurers’ operations and drive for improved returns on their investment include, their sovereign rating and by so doing impact on reinsurers own credit ratings either through capital domicile or counterparty exposure or area of business focus.

James specifically noted that “risk drivers of market risk that represent threats to African economies directly are a lack of global demand and therefore a commodity price fall for natural resources, a downturn in the economies of countries who represent the majority of export trade for African countries, regional and local geo-political threats and political and civil unrest which disrupt trade and lower the economic growth forecasts.

In addition, he explained that a downgrading of sovereign ratings of African countries due to the above mentioned risk drivers and the inability or incapacity of the country to address them, and a reduction in risk appetite for African investment opportunities due to all of the above mentioned risk drivers could undermine efforts by investors to grow the industry.

Specifically, the industry player predicted that the African insurance industry in 2015 faced multiple challenges and emerging risks, not

all as a consequence of broader global economic risks threats, but those market risks that in turn drive underwriting risks are mostly as a consequence of a downturn in direct foreign and infrastructural investment which reduces growth in the insurance sector.

He noted further that a downturn in economic activity would invariably lead to a downturn in insurance purchasing locally, an increase in loss experience as operational maintenance programs are cut back and downscaled within tough operating budgets.

“A lack of local growth prospects can see local insurers competing at loss leading terms and conditions to maintain market share and even exceeding the territorial limits of their own countries in the pursuit of premium growth, with an increase in the inwards facultative acceptances from non local markets leading to a compression of risk locally and regionally amongst Africa insurers and reinsurers” James

Etisalat partners FBN Insurance on “Sure4Life” launch

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tisalat Nigeria has partnered with FBN Insurance Limited to launch ‘Sure4Life”, an airtime-based insurance product designed to increase penetration and consumer access to affordable insurance products via the mobile telephone.

Sure4Life is expected to make insurance products accessible to a ro-

Ojumah

bust portion of the uninsured Nigerian population and will provide Etisalat customers with one month free life insurance cover between May and July 2014.

According to Director, Business Segment at Etisalat Nigeria, Lucas Dada, Sure4Life is an innovative insurance product which takes away all the challenges that may be associated with taking an insurance policy and allows subscribers to the company’s network to access and maintain insurance coverage with ease.

The partnership is anticipated to bring inexpensive and easy to reach insurance products to Etisalat’s growing prepaid and postpaid customers and is open to all registered Etisalat subscribers between ages 18 and 80 years.

The plan will provide a monthly insurance premium of N100 monthly and will benefit Etisalat

subscribers with N100, 000 payable to the beneficiary in the instance of the demise of the policy holder and a maximum of N10, 000 for medical expenses in circumstances of an accident while death benefit per any one life shall be limited to NGN200, 000 to a max of two registered Etisalat numbers, amongst other plan’s benefits.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer FBN Insurance Val Ojumah, said the plan changed the idea that insurance is only for the rich and will also reduce the complexities and paperwork associated with insurance.

“We are proud of our increasing contributions to the growth and development of the insurance industry in Nigeria and assure all stakeholders of our continuous efforts to bring the latest innovations in the business for the benefit of the Nigerian populace”, Ojumah said.

said.

On the way forward for the African industry, he canvassed the need for operators to identify and take advantage of the opportunities that arise when a poorly performing insurance market, characterised by an unsustainable number of competing insurers and persistent underwriting losses, which all has a negative impact on policy holders, sees a rationalisation of insurers and reinsurers through insolvency and merger and acquisition activity.

James warned that investors, international insurance brokers, insurers and reinsurers to be aware of an increase in regulatory and fiscal authority interest in reinsurance arrangements, particularly the ar-

rangement where a local cedent insurer has a disproportionate share of risk, or none, compared to the amount of outwards reinsurance cession.

James

Mansard among growth strategy leaders in Nigeria

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ansard Insurance Plc has been recognized as one of the top growth strategy leaders in the country, ranking the first place in the insurance category of publicly listed Growth Strategy Leaders in the country for 2015.

According to a statement

by MSY analytics, the award “best of the best” growth companies, listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Nigeria was presented by MSY Analytics, a teaming partner and Nigerian representative of global research and growth consulting giant, Frost & Sullivan.

It stated that ‘using a weighted scoring methodology, the performance and financials of all publicly traded companies on Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, as of December 31, 2014 were evaluated across several metrics such as Total shareholder returns, Revenue Growth and Profitability Growth.

From within this pool, we selected elite group of ten top

companies per industry and Mansard ranked first in the Insurance Industry.

The organizers further disclosed that Emerging and Frontier markets represent over 50 per cent of world GDP and over two third of global growth and thus a strategic focus area for investors around the world.

While African continent is home to several of these markets, Nigeria, a key frontier market, enjoys a unique position as the largest GDP in Africa. Moreover, Nigerian Stock market was among the 10 best performing markets around the world during 2013 and is expected to be an attractive market for both domestic as well as global investors for coming decades.

Receiving the award, the head of Mansard’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Group, Taiwo Adeleye, appreciated MSY Analytics for the honour accorded the company.

34

Insurance

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stakeholders endorse NAICOM, FFS’ public buildings insurance plan The National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, and the Federal Fire Service, FFS, have agreed to enforce the provisions of Section 65 of the NAICOM enabling Act which made it mandatory for owners of public buildings to insure the assets.

To achieve this, a stakeholders’ enforcement committee had been put in place. TAYO ELEBIJO reports on how the new enforcement plan would impact on insurance premium generation, even as analysts foresee challenges ahead the partners in the new enforcement drive.

A

fter years of seeming prevarication, it appeared that the NAICOM had found a new channel to explore in its sustained efforts to beef up the premium generation in the insurance industry with its proposed plan to enforce, in collaboration with FSS, the mandatory provisions of the law on public building insurance in the country.

Before now, the Nigerian insurance regulatory body had initiated the Market Development and Restructuring Initiative. MDRI, as part of its reform initiatives aimed at boosting growth in the insurance industry, through a holistic redefinition of operational rules and guidelines intended to raise the practice standards to global best practices.

However, the MDRI enforcement, apart from the awareness it created and modest achievements it achieved in standardization of industry practice, had not achieved much in view of the fact that the Commission was not empowered to arrest or arraign the offenders. In its desire to ensure compliance with the provisions of its enabling Act, the Commission has continued to seek the cooperation of the security agencies. It is part of the efforts to strengthen its enforcement drive that its new partnership with the FSS could be seen.

Quite interestingly, the insurance law provided that out of the total premium generated from the public buildings, 0.25 per cent should be set aside for the procurement of fire service equipment to assist the fire fighting agency in its duty. Analysts are therefore optimistic that even if the Commission’s past efforts for security agencies support had not worked, the new alliance with the FSS offers good prospects for success.

Fola Daniel, the Commissioner of Insurance, put the total number of public buildings in the country at about 10 million but said most of the buildings were not insured and therefore constituted risks to third party users.

According to him, the regulatory body already has an enforcement team in place that

Daniel

A building on fire

the government owned public buildings at all levels should be the first port of call for the

naicom, ffs enforcement team

would ensures compliance “with our code which we can deploy for this purpose. We also have inspectors who carry out risk assessments of buildings. The task of verifying compliance with the insurance law can also be added to the checklist of our inspectors”, he said in a statement issued by NAICOM. According to NAICOM, the membership of the new enforcement committee would comprise the employees of NAICOM, the FFS, and the representatives of the insurance operators, whose responsibility would be to drive in positive results from the compulsory insurance enforcement on public buildings The importance of this new effort cannot be over-emphasized, particularly when analysed within the context of fire incidents in various parts of the country whose socioeconomic costs are immeasurable.

From Lagos to Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, Abeokuta, Makurdi, Jos, Abuja, Onitsha and many other cities, the increasing spate of fire outbreaks has continued to raise serious concern amongst stakeholders who believed it was time urgent steps should be taken to frontally tackle the problem.

For instance, only last week, there were reported cases of fire incidents across the country. The fire occurred in both the public structures and private residential buildings.

In Lagos for instance, a section of the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, caught fire on Wednesday but for the quick intervention of some concerned workers and the fire service unit at the airport, the damages would have been more.

At the popular Balogun market on the Lagos Island, several lock-up shops were razed by fire because of the petrol kept in one of the shops. A storey building next to the shops also collapsed as a result of the intensity of the fire. Clothing items worth several million were destroyed. Also in Ogun state, a two year old girl was allegedly burnt to death when a residential building was razed at Ilaje Road, Ibafo in Obafemi Owode as a result of some gallons of petrol kept in the apartment..

Reacting to the latest moves by the NAICOM, FSS and other stakeholders to find lasting solution to the socio-economic menace, Yinka Fuwa, a senior manager at the Consolidated Hallmark Insurance, Plc Lagos, told National Mirror that the joint committee being put in place by NAICOM and the FFS to enforce the compulsory insurance on public buildings is a welcome development that would boost the insurance industry.

According to him, the industry would now be able to contribute meaningfully to the

Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of the country.

Fuwa said that in advanced countries, insurance premium was usually built into every item bought and therefore there is no way people will avoid paying premium on items purchased and other critical national assets.

“The enforcement of compulsory insurance aspect on public buildings is a welcome development that would boost the insurance industry in the country. Insurance companies would now be able to pull their resources together to carry the risks of the people who have insured with them for the benefit of the economic development of the country”, he said.

Analysts are consensual on the fact that the new effort by NAICOM and the FFS to drive premium generation through the enforcement of public building provisions in the insurance law is better pursued at the government level first in order to ensure its success and people’s compliance.

A top insurance company manager who pleaded anonymity, said that “the government owned public buildings at all levels should be the first port of call for the NAICOM, FFS enforcement team. This will send the signal to other privately owned public buildings owners to comply but if the NAICOM team goes to the private owners of public buildings first, the effort may experience a setback”.

Abayomi Adesoji, the school principal at the Apata Memorial Secondry School, Isolo Lagos, told National Mirror that the school had always been a complying institution and that because of this; the school has long taken the compulsory insurance policy for its buildings. ”We have always complied with government laws, this is why we took a policy for our school buildings including the hostel”, he said.

Adesoji said that if it was true that NAICOM will soon begin the enforcement of the compulsory insurance on public buildings, there will be sanity in the erection structures within school premises without adequate space which is risky to school environment A school teacher who asked not to be mentioned, told National Mirror that if the NAICOM enforcement team really wanted to achieve result, they should liaise with the all the states’ ministries of education because they have the fact sheets on the schools in their states.

Other stakeholders interviewed agreed that there was no doubt that NAICOM needed more support from the law enforcement agencies in the country; more so, when the issue is being addressed by the commission is enacted in the law and would be useful and helpful to develop the country socially and economically.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Money

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

35

Nigerian economy attractive to investors despite uncertainties – Experts Udo onyeka

D

espite the dwindling revenue accruals to the country from crude oil exports and other challenges in the nation’s economy, experts have said that the Nigerian economic climate remained attractive still for foreign investments.

The Managing Director, Maxifund Investment and Finance Limited and former President Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, noted that in spite of the fiscal and other challenges, Nigeria was a fertile investment ground for both local and foreign investors considering the population and material resources.

He said “Nigeria has always been an attractive investment destination and now that the 2015 Presidential election has been conducted peacefully, foreign investors would begin to find their way in the country. Few hours after President Goodluck Jonathan conceded defeat and congratulated Muhammad Buhari, the elected president two foreign investors called me to indicate their interest to invest in the country.

Also Chairman, Icon Group Hotels, Chief Abimbola Aboderin, said the country was blessed with abundant natural resources, saying that this is one of the reasons that made him to come back after completing his studies overseas.

Aboderin said: “I see Nigeria as a unique and great country that’s why

CBN Gov., Emefiele

I decided to channel all my resource to this great nation. I will advise anybody to invest in Nigeria, because Nigeria is an emerging market, you will make more returns unlike Europe and American.

One thing about Nigerians the people are dynamic, fantastic and great they can deliver when you list expected.”

Another investment expert, Mr. Kalu Abosi, who spoke at the March 2015 breakfast meeting of Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, NSACC, held in Lagos, said that there were opportunities and potentials in the economy waiting to be tapped.

He explained that Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa, with Gross Domestic Product, GDP of $549.6bn was still attracting foreign investments, especially from private equity funds.

Unegbu

“Amidst the challenging economy, Nigeria’s foreign direct investment still remains the third highest in Africa. Better understanding of the vagaries of doing business in Nigeria creates savvier investors,” he said.

According to him the Monthly Foreign Portfolio Investment, FPI, transaction at the Nigeria Stock Exchange, NSE, which was N125 billion at the end of 2014, decreased to N99 billion at the beginning of 2015, down by 20.39 per cent from December, 2014.

Aboderin said that the present economic challenges faced by Nigeria were not insurmountable as things were not as bad as people made them to appear, even in the face of ongoing elections.

“This season will come to pass. Business will adopt better business practices.

This economy will continue to grow. We are being forced to look inward. Good but it will take time.”

He felt that the absence of oil would make Nigerians think better and focus on the real economy, lameting however that the infrastructure to run with is not there.

“If I am in power, I will encourage internal production; increase manufacturing capacity. I cannot continue to import.

One big challenge for the Central Bank now is allocation of forex. The coming government is going to face a difficult economy – one with less money. ” Oil dependent economy, he said, has experienced inflation as a result of headwinds, saying, overall effect will be mild if government follows through with reduced costs of governance and non-oil sectors grow “Growth in the economy will continue even if at lower than forecast rates, if government adopts reduced cost of governance by cutting wastes and fighting corruption,’’ he said.

Mr Foluso Phillips, Chairman of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce , urged the government to deal with corruption at all levels.

Foluso advised that there was the need to pay more attention to happenings at state levels in the area of infrastructural development, power and mindset of governance and how the country is being governed.

“We have a lot to achieve when we approach developmental issues from state level”, he said.

N220bn MSMEs Fund: Benue, Osun disburse N4bn to entrepreneurs

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enue and Osun States have disbursed about four billion Naira from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs Development Fund to entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, create jobs and alleviate poverty, especially at rural areas in the country.

The microcredit facility attracts a maximum interest of nine percent and minimal collateral requirements The two states had earlier set up a counterpart fund of about the amount accessed, as part of measures for state government to draw from the development fund.

In Benue State, N2 billion is currently being disbursed, as beneficia-

ries who applied as individuals, cooperatives or corporate organisations received between N50, 000 and N10 million, depending on their need, through authorised microfinance banks in the state.

Speaking in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, a member of the Benue State Micro-Credit Monitoring Unit, the specialpurpose vehicle set up

by Governor Gabriel Suswam to administer the facility, Hon. Terngu Tsegba, said about 65 percent of the fund had been disbursed since February when the state government accessed the fund from the apex bank.

Tsegba added that the amount disbursed so far was based on the

prescribed formula of 60 percent to women and 40 to men, inclusive of the two percent reserved for the physically challenged.

He said the loans were being channelled through microfinance banks and the terms deliberately made soft in order to make them accessible and affordable to the ordinary Nigerian, including business starters.

He believes the facility will boost economic activities, generate employment and reduce poverty.

In the same vein, 13 Microfinance Banks, MFBs, in Osun State have so far benefitted about N2 billion from the N220bn MSMEs development fund for onward

disbursement to entrepreneurs and active poor Nigerians in the state.

National Mirror reliably gathered that Osun State Government was able to access about N2 billion from the fund through its Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, after it was able to contribute its own counterpart fund of the same amount as part of the requirements needed to get the fund from the apex bank to empower the active poor Nigerians within the state.

Further findings show that the state government had earlier disbursed N560m as first tranche of the scheme to which the benefiting MFBs have successfully doled out to the target beneficiaries.

Recently however, the state government disbursed N1.4bn as the second tranche of the scheme through the 13 participating banks for onward lending to the entrepreneurs.

According to Managing Director, Osun State Polytechnic, Ospoly, Microfinance Bank, Mr. Femi Fapohunda, the first tranche was disbursed by the state government to the banks in October, 2014, saying, the benefiting banks have successfully lent it to the people who they felt needed this financial assistance to expand their businesses, thus, taking care of their financial and social needs.

Fapohunda, who also heads the Osun

State Committee on the MSMEs fund, added that the government guaranteed the loans and 13 MFBs are currently partaking in its disbursement.

He confirmed the disbursement of the first tranche of about N560 million in October 2014, adding that the second tranche, totalling N1.4 billion, had just been disbursed through all the participating MFBs. He pointed out that the fund must not spend more than five days in the custody of the benefiting MfBs before it is granted to the target beneficiaries, adding that any bank that contradicts this rule will be sanctioned by the apex bank.

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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Taxation Tax Relief for Pioneer Companies T

he Nigerian Government has over the years put in place many different and overlapping incentive schemes to attract both local and foreign investment. Tax exemption is generally regarded as an industrial investment device; many developing countries like Nigeria offer it as one of their major incentives.

Basically, tax incentives are designed to encourage investments in certain preferred sectors of the economy and sometimes geared towards attracting inflow of foreign exchange to complement domestic supplies for rapid economic development.

Tax exemption otherwise known as tax holiday is one of the most widespread tax incentives. Tax exemption simply means a period of exemption from payment of taxes imposed by the government and this may be complete or partial. The granting of pioneer status, for instance, gives a company a preferred position in getting established, usually through exemption of income tax payment.

A pioneer company is a company that engaged in manufacturing, processing, mining, servicing and agricultural industries whose products have been declared pioneer products on satisfying certain condition as determined by the Industrial Development Coordinating Committee (IDCC) of the Government under the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Act Cap 179 LFN 1990. The pioneer tax holiday is for an initial period of three years or subject to further extension of two years or five years (once and for all without further extension).

• Enabling Act Act Chapter 179 laws of the federation of Nigeria (LFN) 1990 but first enacted by Decree No22 of 1971 and commenced on 1/4/1970.

Commencement Date 1st April, 1970 • “An Act to repeal and re-enact, with major changes, the industries Development (Income Tax Relief) Act and to make provision for tax relief for certain industries that may be issued with pioneer certificates by the minister and other matters ancilatory there to”.

Conditions: • Industry is not being carried out on a suitable scale as required and there are prospects for further development in the industry or its product.

• If it is in the public interest to encourage the industry or its product.

• Application may be made for the inclusion of a product on the pioneer list

Okonjo-Iweala

Ag. Executive Chairman FIRS, Samuel Ogungbesan

Mode of Application • All application to be addressed to the Minister.

• State the status of the company.

• Give details of qualifying capital expenditure to be incurred.

• Give sources of qualifying capital expenditure and estimated cost.

• Specify location of Assets.

• Date of production of pioneer products.

• Any by product not being a pioneer product.

TERMS OF PIONEER CERTIFICATE • Must be in terms of the application to which it relates.

• Specify permissible by-products to be produced.

• Specify period within which company must be incorporated and conditions to be endorsed • Pioneer status will only be issued from a date when company was incorporated and shall be effective from a date not earlier than the date on which the application was submitted to the minister or date of incorporation, which ever is the later.

• Any other condition will be specified by the minister • The minimum Tax relief period not exceeding five years to be stated 3(6)(a-b) Amending of Pioneer Certificate to Add New Product Section 4 (1) – (3) allowed a company during its pioneer period to make application in writing to the Minister to add a new product.

RETROSPECTIVE PIONEER OPERATION • Where a pioneer certificate is to be operative from a retrospective date, all acts shall be treated as not having been closed or not having happened and all taxes paid (if any shall be repaid as soon as may after the expira-

tion of three months from the production day.

PRODUCTION DATE • No later than one month when the company is going into commercial production (marketable quantity), the company shall apply in writing for the certification of its production date.

• Not later than one month after the production date or any extended period granted by the FIRS, the company shall make application in writing to the FIRS for the certification of the amount incurred as qualifying capital expenditure prior to the production date.

Cancellation of Pioneer Certificate i) A Company may apply for cancellation ii) If a company contravened any provision of the Act or failed to meet conditions set.

Tax Relief Period i) Commencing from the production date, it shall continue for three years (but can be extended):ii) for another one period of two years (if the standard and rate of expansion are satisfactory), local raw material utilization expansion, training and development of Nigerians, Government Policy Priority) iii) Five years (once and for all).

TRANSITION FROM PIONEER STATUS Conditions of Old Trade or Business of a Pioneer Company * The old trade shall be deemed to ceased permanently at the end of the tax relief period. * The pioneer company deemed to have set up a new trade on the day next following the end of its relief period. * All capital expenditures incurred and used by a pioneer company shall be deemed have been incurred on that day next following the end of its tax re-

lief period. * Where it incurs a Net loss, that loss shall be deemed to have been incurred on the date on which its new trade commences i.e. it will be allowed to deduct all the losses brought forward from the pioneer period * The company must submit to the FIRS a list of its assets for certification. * At the end; the FIRS will issue a certificate of qualifying expenditure. * The Board is expected to issue the company for each year, the amount of income as ascertained and loss as arrived at (if applicable).

Treatment of Capital Allowances and Losses • A capital expenditure incurred shall be deemed to have been incurred on that day next following the end of the pioneer period. I.e. regardless of the number of years granted a pioneer company, all capital expenditures incurred in line with the provision of the second schedule within the periods shall be deemed to have been incurred after the Tax relief period.

• For losses incurred within the pioneer period, the cumulative amount will be deemed for computing total profits to have been incurred on the day, next following the pioneer period i.e. it will be allowed as a deduction in the new business.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

BY FIRS * Memorandum and Articles of Association * Certificate of Incorporation * Answer to standard questionnaire * Pioneer Certificate issued * The period approved * Production date * Products and by-products * For a going concern, the Audited accounts ended before the production date to be furnished (regardless of the number of months).

Rendition of Returns * The conditions governing the submission of tax returns in CITA are applicable to a pioneer company. * One year from commencement of production date. * Period of one year successively. * Last year of the relief period. * Example: Kano Money Lender Ltd was granted a pioneer status commencing from 1st July, 1999. The company has 31/12 as its accounting date.

The period granted was for five years. * At the expiration of the pioneer period, it submitted accounts for the years ended 31st December, 2004 and 2005 you are given these additional data

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Capital Market

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

37

Analysts predict more investments after guber polls Johnson okanlawon

I

ndications emerged that trading in the capital market will continue on a positive note after the governorship and the house of assembly election this week.

Last week, the overall performance of the domestic equity market was impressive, as the lead market index attained a significant milestone. The benchmark index recorded an increase of 16.90 per cent, while market capitalization gained N1.82 trillion.

“The week’s rally suggests that investors appear to have priced-in the outcome of the just concluded 2015 presidential election – which provided a new wave of relief driven by a positive near term outlook. This is further supported by the strong investors’ sentiment seen throughout the week,” analysts at GTI Securities Limited said.

According to the analysts, the exit of foreign investors from the equities market was a major reason for its poor performance in 2014 during which the market closed with a negative return of 16.14 per cent.

The Managing Director of APT Securities and Funds Limited, Mallam Kasimu Kurfi said the current inspiring performance of trading is a sign of confidence in the nation’s bourse.

“This is beyond anybody imagination,” he said.

He pointed out that the share prises were so low because of uncertainty around the election, saying that many investors did not believe that there wouldn’t be any crisis before, during and after election.

He said that with the peaceful conduct of the elections, confidence returned to the market, encouraging many investors to return there and putting many stocks on bid.

A stockbroker with Gruene Capital Limited, Mr Aruna Kebira said the huge gain recorded in the stock market

First Bank GMD/CEO, Bisi Onasanya

NSE DG, Oscar Onyema

the share prises were so low because of uncertainty around the election. many investors did not believe that there

wouldn’t be any crisis before, during and after election in the last two trading days was a sign of confidence in the elected president.

Initially, he said, there was capital flight by foreign and local investors from the market as nobody knew the direction post-election Nigeria would take. “But when investors saw that the election went peacefully, they had no choice than to return to the market,” he added.

In the equities market, a turnover of 2.632 billion shares worth N36.58 billion were exchanged in 21, 393 deals, compared to a total of 2.509 billion shares valued at N24.115 billion traded the preceding week.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 2.055 billion shares valued at N21.061 billion in 12,133 deals, con-

tributing 78.10 per cent and 57.57 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed with a turnover of 178.248 million shares worth N2.352 billion in 1,493 deals. The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with 118.963 million shares worth N5.585 billion in 2,816 deals.

FBN Holdings Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 834.168 million shares worth N12.16bn in 5,089 deals, contributing 31.70 per cent and 33.25 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also, data from the Nigerian Stock Exchange showed that monthly foreign portfolio investment’s transactions rose

Custodian and Allied Insurance posts N5.15bn profit

C

ustodian and Allied Plc has released its results for the year ended December 31, 2014, declaring a pre-tax profit of N5.15 billion.

The group’s total assets base rose to N48.9 billion, while its profit before tax and profit after tax were N5.15 billion and N4.09 billion, respectively, indicating a year-on-year growth of 19 per cent in profit before tax.

A statement from the company said that in furtherance of its commitment to regular dividend payment to shareholders, an interim dividend of six kobo per share was paid in

September, 2014.

It added that following the release of the audited results for the year, the Board of Directors has proposed the payment of an additional 12 kobo per share as final dividend, bringing the total dividend to 18 kobo per share in respect of the results of 2014 financial year.

According to the statement, the audited result demonstrates Custodian’s resilience in a challenging operating environment.

Custodian and Allied is a wholly-owned Nigerian investment holding company quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and with

significant investments in general and life insurance, pension fund administration, trusteeship and property holding businesses.

The statement said the company maintained a leadership position in the Other Financial Services sector, while its subsidiaries were top players in their respective sub-sectors.

The Custodian Group consists of Custodian and Allied Plc (the holding company), Custodian and Allied Insurance Limited, Custodian Life Assurance Limited, Custodian Trustees Limited and Crusader Sterling Pensions Limited.

Custodian and Allied had declared a profit after tax of N3.2 billion in the ninemonth period ended September 30, 2014, representing a 54 per cent increase year-on-year. It had posted a profit after tax of N2.06 billion in the corresponding period of 2013.

Its profit before tax for the nine-month period at N3.8 billion was 52 per cent higher than the N2.5 billion pre-tax profit it made in the nine months to September 30, 2013, while the gross revenue rose by 14 per cent to N14.5 billion from N16.2 billion

Access Bank MD, Herbert Wigwe

to N133.9 billion at the end of February, a 35.15 per cent rise from the January figure put at N99.11 billion.

It explained that domestic investors conceded about 45.22 per cent of trading to foreign investors as domestic transactions dropped from 47.76 per cent to 27.39 per cent, while foreign portfolio investment transactions increased from 52.24 per cent to 72.61 per cent in the review period.

Total foreign outflows for January were N51.08 billion, while outflows in the month of February were significantly higher at N81.60 billion.

However, total foreign portfolio investments declined 1.71 per cent in the same period of 2014, whilst the total domestic transactions dipped 19.03 per cent. Foreign portifolio investment outflows outpaced inflows which was consistent with the same period in 2014. Overall, there was a 7.15 per cent decrease in total transactions in comparison to the same period in 2014.

Analysts at Afrinvest Securities Limited, an investment frim, said that on the back of a successful and peaceful transition in government, the exchange rate will stabilize at an average of N200.00/S$1.00 at the interbank market as electioneering wraps up.

The firm stressed that the depleting rate of the Nigerian external reserves (currently at S$29.8bn and dipped 13.6 per cent year-to-date) may taper as we expect increased foreign portfolio in the near term.

“The eventual stop of the revenue leakages in the Oil & Gas space before the end of the year would increase the accretion of the external reserves.

The lag effect of the depreciation/ devaluation of the Naira will continue to take its toll on the Nigerian’s headline inflation rate. We retain our average inflation rate of 9.5 per cent for 2015.

“We retain our 5.0 per cent Gross Domestic Product, GDP, growth rate forecast for 2015 despite a challenging first quarter and second quarter as a result of elections activities that staled policy implementation,” the firm said.

38

Features

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

NAFDAC's unending war

NAFDAC DG, Dr. Paul Orhii, inspecting seized counterfeit products stored in a warehouse in Lagos.

Since inception, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has been having a running battle with food and drug counterfeiters.

DARE AKOGUN writes on the agency’s latest efforts to rid the country of harmful food and medicine.

T

he war against drugs and foods counterfeiters waged by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, is yielding result as it has discovered warehouses where counterfeit drugs are stored.

The alleged owner of the warehouses, Mr. Kenneth Okereke a suspected drug counterfeit kingpin, was declared wanted over various offences, including attempted murder of a police officer and importation of 15 container loads of fake and counterfeit pharmaceutical products into the country.

Okereke, who is said to be on the wanted list of NAFDAC for some time was able to escape because the warehouses

The alleged counTerfeiTer is on The run, buT efforTs are on To geT him arresTed, we hereby declare him wanTed and implore members of The public wiTh any useful informaTion ThaT may lead To his arresT To geT in Touch wiTh The nearesT

nafdac formaTion, The

police or oTher securiTy ouTfiTs were located in residential areas and the crack team of the agency couldn’t engage him in a shoot- out when they visited one of the warehouses to arrest him.

It was revealed that efforts by the agency’s task force to arrest him recently proved abortive as the suspect allegedly attempted to run over one of the police officers with his vehicle, leaving the officer wounded.

Leading newsmen to the warehouses located at 3, Ameze street in Shangisha area of Lagos state, Okunowo Street in Ikosi-Ketu area directly behind a Nursey School and Bello street in Oluwalogbon area of Ketu respectively, Director General of NAFDAC, Professor Paul Orhii, said three warehouses of the counterfeiter on the- run housing over 15 container loads of fake drugs, valued at N1 billion have been seized by the agency.

Orhii, who described the feat attained

by the officials of the agency as the final push towards achieving the presidential declaration of zero tolerance for fake drugs, said some of the medicines discovered included Trivid 200mg tablet, Augmetin tablet, Proviron, Novasc, Glucophage, GSK hologram, Halfan, Ciprotab among others.

“Worthy of note is the discovery of date and batch coding machines used in the revalidation of expired medicines. “The counterfeiter is on the run, but efforts are on to get him arrested, we hereby declare him wanted and implore members of the public with any useful information that may lead to his arrest to get in touch with the nearest NAFDAC formation, the police or other security outfits,” he added.

He said the people involved in this kind of business have declared war against the country, since they do not have the pity of innocent and unsuspect-

ing Nigerians at heart resulting into loss of lives. He said the agency will not rest until people involving in importation and manufacturing of substandard products are stopped .

The Director General also disclosed that the agency recently intercepted a large package containing fake printed packaging materials of injection at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Orhi said that the packaging materials E-MAL a-b Arteether injection 150mg/2ml, a brand of registered by Fidson Healthcare Ltd was imported into the country by a crime ring who specilaises in the illicit business.

He disclosed that the labeled packaging materials have fake Mobile Authentication System, MAS, code, date markings, batch numbers and NRN already inscribed on them.

He disclosed that preliminary investigation revealed that the materials were imported from India and may have been imported with intent to fake the original brand.

He said market authorization holder of the original brand; Fidson Healthcare Plc has denied any knowledge of such import.

The agency also intercepted and seized 4X40ft and 1X20ft containers filled with

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Features

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

against drug trafficking

39

various unregistered and suspected fake drugs in October 2014.

According to the DG, the discovery of the containers at the APM Terminal in Lagos was possible as a result of the cooperation of Nigeria Custom Service, Apapa Area Terminal Command and the APM Terminal Operators.

He disclosed that the agency is working with the Department of State Security Service, who are training its officers on surveillance saying that the training is already yielding results as they are discovering the different tactics used by these criminals.

He equally advised drug manufacturers to be on the lookout for any of their products being faked and report same to the agency, adding that these people are taking substantial part of their markets as drugs sold by the couterfeiters are a loss to the genuine manufacturers.

Impact of fake drugs Fake drugs have serious health implications. When patients are denied access to quality medicines, there could be treatment failures and deaths; increased hospital admissions, drug resistance, increased cost of controlling diseases, increased expenses, human suffering, loss of confidence in the health care system and increased burden on health management.

Drug counterfeiters target medicines that are used in high volume for managing diseases of public health, such as anti-malaria medications, anti-biotics, anti-hypertensives, anti-diabetic agents and lifestyle drugs.

NAFDAC has sought to impose stiffer penalty for drug counterfeiting. It has proposed a review of the law establishing it to provide for life sentence, confiscation of offenders’ assets and forfeiture of such assets.

The new law also seeks to compensate victims of fake drugs where the product is found to be the proximate cause of severe bodily injury, and to make counterfeiting a non-bailable offence. When passed, it will contain a whistle-blower clause.

The Federal Executive Council is said to have already reviewed the draft and

L-R: Mr. Obinna Ukachukwu,HOD Covenant Capital; Dr Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, Director, Registration and Regulatory Affairs, NAFDAC; Pastor Poju Oyemade, Senior Pastor, Covenant Christian Centre; Mrs. Elizabeth Awagwu, SA to DG, NAFDAC and Mrs. Rametu Momodu, Deputy Director, imported drugs, Biologics & Medical devices, NAFDAC, at an Enlightenment Seminar organised by NAFDAC for SMEs on products registration in collaboration with Covenant Capital in Lagos.

While such measure might not bring

back lost lives, it is certainly going to be more effective than the existing laughable laW of

15 years

maximum jail term or

n500, 000 option of fine, Which is merely

a slap on the Wrist of offenders Keneth Okereke, alleged counterfeit kingpin declared wanted by the agency.

will soon pass it as Executive Bill to the National Assembly for enactment.

“While such measure might not bring back lost lives, it is certainly going to be more effective than the existing laughable law of 15 years maximum jail term or

N500, 000 option of fine which is merely a slap on the wrist of offenders,” Orhii said.

Apart from the celebrated November 2008 My Pikin case, NAFDAC has secured five other convictions for fake drug offences while more than 1254 cases are

pending in various courts.

The agency has continued to make arrests and to destroy fake drugs worth billions of naira. For instance, in 2009, NAFDAC officers intercepted a huge consignment of almost 700,000 doses of fake clones of a popular Indian anti-malaria drug. It was labeled as “Made in India.”

But on further investigation, the drug was found to be made in China. NAFDAC, working with the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, was able to secure the arrest of six Chinese involved in the illicit deal. They were eventually sentenced to death.

Orhii said NAFDAC’s concerted efforts to rid the nation of all forms of substandard, fake and counterfeit regulated products as reflected in increased surveillance have led to several interception and seizures of large containers as well as arrest of suspects involved in forgery of NAFDAC documents and operating illegal production facilities that pose serious threat to public health.

...Organises seminar on product registration for SMEs

I

n its bid to encourage small scale manufacturers and the growth of local industries in Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drugs Control, NAFDAC has organised a product registration sensisitation outreach for SMEs. The seminar is organised by the agency to shed more light and serve as a handson guide on the registration of regulated products.

Presenting a paper titled ‘Essence of regulation’, Director, Registration and Regulatory Affairs, NAFDAC, Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, disclosed that the aim of the seminar is to bring the regulatory processes closer to the regulated sec-

tor.

She pointed that the seminar will serve as an opportunity to have an active engagement and advice on documentation, labeling and other requirements to facilitate registration of products.

According to her, “NAFDAC has adopted a holistic, multifaceted, diverse and well coordinated anti-counterfeiting strategy that transcends local, national and international boundaries.

“Effective regulation is key to ensuring quality and safety of regulated products.

NAFDAC is relentlessly working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that all NAFDAC registered products, irre-

spective of their origin are of good quality, wholesome, safe and efficacious”, she added.

Speaking earlier in his opening remark the Senior pastor Covenant Christian centre Poju Oyemade stated that the war against counterfeit products may be universal but in Nigeria, it is personal.

According to him, “It is a personal war for the health of a nation sustained by over 17 million small and medium scale businesses in various sectors of the economy.

He pointed that between 2012 and 2014, NAFDAC is reported to have destroyed over N2 billion worth of counterfeit products.

“We can celebrate it, and rightly so, as the continuous success of the Agency in clamping down on counterfeit and harmful products across the country.

“But we can also flip the coin; by considering the socio-economic value and multiplier effect on businesses, if those were N2 billion worth of NAFDAC certified products” he stated.

He noted that Covenant Christian Centre, through its SME Advisory Unit; Covenant Capital, is collaborating with NAFDAC for the sole purpose of bridging the knowledge gap among SMEs regarding the proper registration and regulation of food and drug related products in Nigeria.

40

Global Business

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Greek finance minister to discuss reforms with IMF chief

Stock markets hope earnings offset weak economic data G M arket focus will shift from macro to micro next week, and investors betting on gains in stocks will hope coming earnings reports will be somewhat stronger than recent disappointing economic figures.

Earnings expectations have been falling sharply in the past weeks, with the most recent estimate showing a 2.8 per cent decline in earnings growth, squeezed by dwindling expectations for the energy sector. The concern about economic growth will increase following Friday’s weaker-than-expected data on jobs growth.

Energy companies’ earnings are now expected to fall nearly 64 percent year-on-year. Investors saw the sector drop 3.6 per cent in the first quarter, bringing the ninemonth decline to 22 per cent.

Market bulls say softening economic data, including U.S. private sector jobs, factory activity and consumer spending, have weighed on stocks lately. While weak figures keep the Federal Reserve from raising rates - a positive for markets - the negative factors are a concern, said Daniel Morris, global investment strategist at TIAACREF in New York.

“We view this payroll number as more negative than positive for

U.S. equities,” he said.

The effect of the strong U.S. dollar on offshore operations and creeping inflation, in the form of higher labor costs, have also taken a toll, one that some strategists think is too pronounced. In Friday’s abbreviated trading session, equity futures fell about one per cent.

“My guess is we’ve overdone it in terms of concern,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at Wunderlich Securities in New York. “We always price in the bad news first.”

He said that both energy companies pummeled by concern about the sharp drop in oil prices and multinationals suffering from the impact of a stronger dollar might actually be set for positive surprises.

“In terms of knee-jerk reaction, surprises are going to come from where we slashed estimates the most.”

Despite the rising concern about the earnings season and the weaker data, stocks showed resilience to start the year. This past week the S&P 500 closed its ninth consecutive quarterly gain, even if it was a meager 0.4 per cent rise.

“Estimates are down and the market has already absorbed that,”

said Quincy Krosby, market strategist at Prudential Financial in Newark, New Jersey.

“All you need is some positive surprises for shorts to have to cover,” she said, speaking of investors who borrow a stock to sell it, betting on a price decline. “Positive guidance can change the tone of the market quite rapidly.”

Chipmaker Micron set a negative early tone on Wednesday, forecasting lower revenue for the current quarter on waning customer demand.

More than 80 per cent of the earnings pre-announcements this season were negative, according to Thomson Reuters data, setting the bar lower than is usually the case toward the start of earnings season.

U.S FED Chairman, Janet Yallen

Japan’s wary manufacturers resist Abe’s urge to splurge

H

irotoshi Ogura, a self-described “factory geek”, is Daikin Industries’ (6367.T) master of doing more with less – and part of the reason Japan’s recovery remains stuck in the slow lane.

As Japan heads into the season of peak demand for room air-conditioners, Ogura and other Daikin managers have been tasked with figuring out how to boost output by some 20 percent at a plant in western Japan that six years ago the company had almost given up on as unprofitable.

Abe

The wrinkle: they have no budget for new capital investment at the 45-year-old Kusatsu plant. The still-evolving workaround shown to a recent visitor involves home-made robots for ferrying parts, experimental systems using gravity rather than electricity to power parts of the line, more temporary workers on seasonal contracts and dozens of steps to chip away at the 1.63 hours it takes to make a typical new air conditioner.

“We can do a lot without spending anything,” says Ogura, a 33-year Daikin veteran who joined the company just after high school. “Anything we need, we first try to build ourselves.”

Like Daikin, a number of Japanese manufacturers are shifting production back to Japan from China and elsewhere to take advantage of a weaker yen. Rival Panasonic (6752.T) has pulled back some production of room air-conditioners, Sharp (6753.T) has brought back production of some refrigerators, and Canon (7751.T) has repatriated some output of high-end copiers, according to a list compiled by Nomura.

But even as output recovers, Japa-

nese companies remain cautious about new capital investment in factories and equipment. The trend is especially pronounced for smaller firms down the supply chain.

After increasing capital spending by 6 percent in the just-completed fiscal year, small manufacturers plan a 14 percent decrease in the current year, according to the Bank of Japan’s quarterly survey released this week.

Big manufacturers like Daikin plan a 5 percent increase, but overall investment remains 10 percent below precrisis 2007 levels.

Over the same time, corporate earnings have increased by 11 percent, shares have rallied – Daikin’s are up more than four-fold from its 2008 low - and Japanese companies have socked away a record 87 trillion yen ($730 billion) in cash.

For Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic revival plan to work, pulling Japan out of decades of stagnation and deflation, companies need to be willing to use that cash for new investment in a way they have so far baulked at in the more than two years since he took office, economists say.

reek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis will meet International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde in Washington on Sunday to discuss a set of planned reforms that Athens hopes will unlock much-needed bailout funds.

The unexpected meeting would be “an informal discussion” on Greece’s reform plan, the finance ministry and the IMF said. Varoufakis is also expected to meet U.S. Treasury officials on Monday.

Greece is fast running out of cash and its euro zone and International Monetary Fund lenders have frozen bailout aid until the leftistled government reaches agreement on a package of reforms.

Talks with lenders have been have been tense and slow-moving.

Greek officials suggested this week that the government would prioritize spending on wages and pensions over meeting the conditions necessary to unblock a roughly 450 million euro loan tranche to the IMF due on April 9, making markets nervous and reviving fears of a Greek default.

Athens denied that was its intention, with government spokesman Gabriel Sakellaridis saying there is “no chance that Greece will not meet its obligations to the IMF”.

Greece has not received bailout

Lagarde

funds since August last year and has resorted to measures such as borrowing from state entities via repo transactions to tide it over.

After a first set of planned measures failed to impress lenders, Athens sent a more detailed list to institutions representing the creditors - the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the IMF - on Wednesday.

But the list arrived too late to be discussed by euro zone deputy finance ministers - the Euro Working Group that usually prepares meetings of euro zone finance ministers who can decide whether to grant new loans to Greece - at a teleconference on Wednesday afternoon.

EU officials have said that progress had been made in talks but more work was needed for a deal to be reached.

Argentine central bank to send regulators to Citibank HQ – media

A

rgentina’s central bank will send regulators to the headquarters of CitibankArgentina on Monday, the head of the monetary authority has said, the latest move between the bank and the state over defaulted debt.

The regulators will perform “an integral inspection” to “guarantee normal functioning of (Citibank Argentina),” central bank chief Alejandro Vanoli said in a story published on Sunday in local newspaper Tiempo Argentina, four days after stripping authority from the bank’s CEO. Last month Argentina’s securities regulator said Citibank Argentina had violated local laws in striking a deal with litigating U.S. hedge funds and suspended the bank from conducting capital market operations.

Under the accord, Citibank agreed not to appeal a U.S. court ruling that interest payments on restructured bonds, subject to Argentine law, could not be processed if the bank was allowed to make two one-off payments to help it exit its local custody business.

On April 1, the central bank said Citibank Argentina head Gabriel Ribisich could no longer represent

the bank because he “ignored Argentina’s legal framework regarding sovereign debt restructuring.”

A spokesperson for Citibank Argentina’s parent group, Citigroup, could not be immediately reached for comment.

Citibank Argentina sees itself as an innocent party caught up in a years-long court battle between the Argentine government and the New York-based funds after they were awarded full payment on their defaulted debt by a U.S. judge.

The judge barred Argentina from servicing its performing debt until it settled with the creditors, but Argentina insisted Citibank keep processing payments.

Argentine Economy Minister, Axel Kicillof

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Our people cherish peace, says Eradiri

Do you see Buhari sustaining some of the policies of the government like the Amnesty Programme and other policies of the government?

Well, I wish that Buhari sustains them, but the Amnesty programme had a life span and that life span is getting nearer to conclusion. The Amnesty programme was not gazetted so it was not a policy of government; therefore any government can come and scrap it. If the likes of Amaechi, could not encourage amnesty in Rivers state but set up a robust arrangement to take care of others, I will also encourage government to look at it and set up a more robust arrangement that will take care of others. The amnesty programme was boxed to a corner for just one set of people which also start ed creating its own kind of issues around, to me, it should be fine -tuned to engage a wider population of young people in the Niger Delta. The whole idea is about training young people, it shouldn’t be limited to just a few. My appeal to General Buhari is to implement the National Conference report because the confab will address a lot of issues concerning the growth of Nigeria.

Comrade Udengs Eradiri, is President of Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, one of the most vibrant ethnic associations in Nigeria in recent times. He spoke on the recently concluded Presidential poll and the defeat of his kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan, calling on his people to accept the defeat in good faith and warning the people, especially the youth to steer clear of any act or any attempt to cause violence or attack oil pipelines. He spoke with our Correspondent, JULIUS OSAHON, in Yenagoa.

Excerpts…

How do you see the outcome of the Presidential poll and the defeat at the poll of your kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan?

First of all, I want to commend President Goodluck Jonathan for conducting the freest and fairest election that Nigeria has ever had and Africa would take example from him. I, as President of the Ijaw Youth Council would say that Ijaw people are proud to state today that we have produced the best President that Africa has ever had. A president that has started a transformation agenda in the areas of education, power, agriculture, the economy, maritime education, and you can go on and on. We are proud to say that we had a President and I am proud to say that Nigerians would begin to appreciate this President in a few months. I want to use this opportunity to congratulate Gen, Buhari who has emerged winner of the Presidential elections. As Ijaw people, we thank all those who supported us especially the Easterners, The south Easterners supported us fully and we hope that when it is their turn, we would reciprocate that gesture. We thank all Nigerians who supported this President; we tried our best but as you can see, our best was not good enough.

I hope that the PDP learns its lessons that have arisen from this election.

And so as IYC, when we had our own as President, the Igbos, the Yorubas, the Hausas were loyal to him, we will be loyal to the President elect, Gen. Buhari, who from May 29th, would become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

There are fears that there could be hostilities in this part of the country; people who are aggrieved from this part of the country might want to target oil installations or forment trouble, how will you react to this?

When you target oil installations, who are the people who would suffer? It is the immediate community who would suffer most. We condemn that; we would never encourage such things. Much as

41

Eradiri

This is The same way ThaT opposiTion would wanT To resolve The illegal bunkering and The oil ThefT ThaT is going on in The

niger delTa because iT was parT of Their manifesTo insurgency was orchestrated to make the country ungovernable for our President, we are an enlightened society; we would not degenerate to that level. I have warned communities to ensure that they stop all those people who come and carry out bunkering activities in their areas. Don’t forget that we are in a situation, where the opposition campaigned, using this pipeline vandalisation and criminality, in the Niger Delta to have won the election. So I believe that the first thing they would do is to show that they are willing to address it just as President Jonathan addressed the issue of insurgency in the North. So a lot of kudos goes to the President; he was able to address that problem in the North East before he left government. This is the same way that opposition would want to resolve the illegal bunkering and the oil theft that

is going on in the Niger Delta because it was part of their manifesto. And in doing that communities are the ones that would suffer the brunt if they continuously allow people to carry out such activities in their environment. And so I have warned that every youth should desist from doing such. Opportunities have been created to build capacity of our young people, schools are there, people should now begin to go to school, let us take the agitation to the next level.

We agitated in the beginning for economic and political space in the Nigerian context; we have been given political space and we have just squandered our political capital. It is time to begin to build economic power so that we can continuously sustain our selves and define a new approach towards our struggle in the first place.

So you are saying that you have accepted the results of the poll despite your kinsman losing out?

We will accept it, we had our own knife and yam, we were not able to cut it the way we wanted. We have no other person to blame, it is in this part of the country people were asking for money to go and vote and yet Northerners were paying their transport, Mai ruwa (water carriers) people were paying their own transport to go and exercise their rights. To go and pick their PVCs, our people were expecting to be paid to collect PVCs and the results reflected and so we have no other choice, we are the architect of our problem, so we should be able to live with it. It you go and protest, you are on your own, if you go and destroy anything, you are on your own. I, as the leader of youths in this region, we had reached out to other ethnic nationalities to canvass support, maybe we started late, may be the attention was not given that should have started with the political class. History has already recorded it. So the best we can do is to key into this administration just as the Yoruba keyed into this administration; Hausas keyed into this administration, it is time for us to also to also key into the administration of another leader… So I called on our people to steer clear of all those political manipulations.

Bayelsa/Delta communities affected by Bonga Spill –Monarch OsahOn Julius YENAGOA

T

he Paramount Ruler of Olobia Community in Koluama, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, Chief Howells Levi, has revealed how the Bonga 2011 oil spill incident from an offshore oil field operated by Shell Nigeria Production and Exploration Company (SNEPCO) affected 168,000 victims in 350 communities in Delta and Bayelsa states.

Chief Howells Levi, in an interview on

Monday in Yenagoa, noted that the oil spill victims were fishermen ordered by oil industry regulators to withdraw from fishing activities to avoid catching contaminated fish.Levi said that the fishermen who were deprived of their income whilst the oil spill response and clean-up activities lasted deserved to be compensated for the loss of income.

It will be recalled that an operational error at SNEPCO in 2011 led to the discharge of 40,000 barrels of oil into the Atlantic Ocean. The House of Representatives and

National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) had in December 2014 recommended a compensation of $3.96 billion for victims of the incident.

Levi said that the just concluded verification of claims of impacted people revealed that six LGAs along the Atlantic coastline in Delta and Bayelsa were negatively affected by the oil spill incident.

“The Bonga spill incident elicited a lot of claims many of which were very frivolous; initially more than 2,000 communities inundated Shell asking for compensation.

42

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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Legal practitioner seeks redeployment of C’River REC RichaRd ndoma CALABAR

A

Calabar-based legal practitioner, Bar. Utum Eteng has called for the redeployment of the Cross River State resident electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Sylvester Okey Ezeani before the April 11 governorship and State Assembly polls.

Briefing journalists in Calabar at the weekend,the legal practitioner who also claimed to be a political observer criticized those who organized the just concluded elections and said that the March 28 election conducted by the Cross River REC was a ‘sham’ and a ‘monumental’ failure, alleging that the REC connived with the State governor, Senator Liyel Imoke to rig the elections in favour of candidates for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) adding that the elections was marred by irregularities.

Eteng who also doubles as

a human right activist said, “I am an advocate for the request that the REC for Cross River State be immediately posted to another state before the governorship and State assembly polls because the first election conducted by him was a sham and a monumental failure.

“Dr. Ezeani mismanaged the March 28 election. Characters like him should not be allowed to orchestrate further rigging especially as the April 11 election approaches. Even the returning officers compromised the process. INEC office was shifted to governor’s office with the State governor dictating the pace” The legal luminary however called on the REC to apologize on behalf of INEC to the people of Cross River state for allegedly scuttling the clearly expressed will of the people.”

It is a failed election and posterity will judge him by his action” The legal practitioner also

said for the interest of justice and fairness, the State Police Commissioner should be reassigned or ensure the neutrality of his men in the April 11 elections which is yet to be

conducted.

Eteng averred that “Security agencies should see all political parties as equal players and desist from intimidation and harassment of the elector-

ates during elections. Imoke should not be allowed to use security agencies to coerce people in order to change election results. The will of the people should be allowed to stand”

Jonathan being welcome by traditional rulers in Delta State before the groundbreaking ceremony.

Ogidigben Gas City project to generate 5 million jobs Theophilus onojeghen WARRI

A

fter controversies that trailed the flagging-off of Ogidigben Gas City Project in Delta State, and several postponements occasioned by inter-ethnic land tussle , President Goodluck Jonathan last Thursday performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the project for take-off amid fanfare.

The project which was until now referred to as Export Processing Zone, EPZ, also has a Deep Sea Port, Gbaramtu, first of its kind in the country and largest in Africa.

President Jonathan while speaking at the ceremony said the project would generate over five million jobs for the teeming unemployed youths and as well generate huge revenue gains for both the state and federal governments.

The ground-breaking ceremony which had in attendance the Ogiame Atuwatse II, Olu of Warri and the regent of Gbaramatu Kingdom, afforded Jonathan opportunity to explain that the project was one of the numerous mile stones the present administration has started to effectively diversify the country’s natural endowment especially in the era of global fall in price of crude .He explained that the project is a public/private partnership assuring that federal government was very committed to actualization of the project as government would commit huge resources for its initial take-off.

“This region of Delta State is vital to our strategy in the industrialization of our great country. Sooner or later, we are going to be the heart of Africa largest industrial park brings this location to global event as a choice and focus of global investors.

“Despite challenging global micro economic reality, we have in the last few years

grown our economy at an interesting growth and effectively positioned Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy. I’m even more confident that with our various policies intervention and strengthening the economy, we remain on cause in achieving our objectives.”

“Like other nations of the world, the challenge of unemployment remains critical in the prime focus of this administration. The Gas Revolution initiative is an essential element of this nation agenda. In the earlier stage of this administration, I mandated the Minister of Petroleum Resources to leverage our natural gas reserves towards making the country as a regional hub of gas industries with significant multiplier effect of producing fertilizers and petrochemicals.”

Jonathan warns host communities against violence He reiterated that the project was vital towards strengthening the nation’s economy and lifting the populace from their poverty line. Adding, he stressed that the gas revolution project would benefit the host communities and entire Nigeria while urging the host communities to maintained the existing peace so as to attract foreign investors who are interested in the project to do business in the area.

Giving reasons why he postponed earlier scheduled dates, President Jonathan said the current peace in the region was very dear to him noting that he would sacrifice anything it takes to sustain the existing peaceful atmosphere. He asked the people of the area where the project to shun any act of violence as it is capable of endangering the development and inflows of foreign investors who are keen to do business in the industrial park.

He thanked the people of the area for giving peace a chance and as well as allowing the project to be sited in their land. Earlier,

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan commended Mr President for choosing Delta State as the destination of the project, noting Jonathan has shown he love the people of the state by not moving the project to a different location during turbulence times created by the host communities.

Uduaghan said although the groundbreaking ceremony was long overdue but he was happy that finally it was done. He added that the project would explore the country’s gas potentials for the overall good of the nation.

The governor , while thanking President Jonathan for being patient with the host communities while the conflict over the contentious issues raged, saying, “We pledge to protect and provide enabling environment for this project to thrive.

“This project is moving forward and will be commissioned. I am a happy man, leaving office in less than three months and seeing to this groundbreaking take place at last.”

Petroleum Minister, Allison-Madueke counts project blessings On her part, Petroleum Minister, AllisonMadueke explained that the gas revolution initiative was meant to translate wasteful gas into purposeful materials that will in turn diversify the nation economy.

According to her, the project was aimed at establishing Nigeria as the regional hub for gas and fertilizer production in Africa with investors from India, China, Romania and other nations already waiting to establish stakes at the Ogidigben gas city project.

“In the early days of this administration, Mr President recognized the transformational potentials that natural gas could have on our economy and he immediately endorsed and accelerated implementation of a focused three point agenda which aim to translate wasteful gas flare into purposeful

commercial use.

“That three point agenda comprise gas to power, gas phase industrialization and gas to export. Since that charge, we have expanded our gas supply infrastructure at the most aggressive phase in our nation history. We have redefined the commercial frame work for gas to attract investment and significantly reduce gas flaring. But more importantly, despite a difficult start we have grown gas supply at the most aggressive phase in our country’s history bringing our current domestic gas supply capacity to approximately 2billion cubic feet pay day from approximately 300million cubic feet pay day a few years ago.”

Explaining further, she posited “With such progress being made under the leadership of President Jonathan, I can confirm that we have sufficient gas supply capacity to support over 5500mega worth of power growing to almost 7000mega worth within 9 -12 months. Indeed, but for the recent unprecedentedly challenges with sabotage and vandalism of our gas pipelines, Nigerians would by now have seen the most remarkable increase in power supply and stability.

“Notwithstanding, we are working aggressively to ensure our tact infrastructures are reinstated. Nigerians and almost gas reserves are offering a unique opportunity to operate at world scale level and so as part of the three point mandate, your excellence directs a focus on gas base industrialization.

His aim was to ensure that we added value to our natural gas in the country as opposed to just exporting raw gas and creating jobs in other countries which is what we have been doing.”

Allison-Madueke said aside the massive employment opportunities for Nigerians, the project will also turn the country into one of highest exporters of fertilizers and other petrochemical materials in the world.

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Politics

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

T

he battle for the Katsina State Government House would be fought by five contestants come Saturday Governorship and state House of Assembly polls.

They include Engr. Musa Nashuni of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari, of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Senator Yakubu Lado Danmarke of the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, Abdullahi Umar Tsauri of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, and National Conscience Party, NCP’s Abdulmumini Sani.

Since 1999, the ruling PDP have been in power in the state, beginning from the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who ruled for two terms of eight years before contesting for and becoming Nigeria’s president, to incumbent Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

With last Saturday’s presidential polls, in which the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari garnered over 1.3 million votes to beat President Goodluck Jonathan with less than 100,000 votes in the state; some APC supporters are already predicting a landslide win for their party’s candidate, Masari.

But some analysts are of the opinion that the April 11 election, instead of tilting in APC’s favour, would rather be a hotly contested one by the five candidates.

They base their arguments on several factors, including war chest, quality and popularity of candidates, past election wins, among others. A look at strengths and weaknesses of the contestants would shed more light on where each candidate stands:

Nashuni PDP candidate, Nashuni’s campaign promises include ensuring continuity in governance by building on Shema’s achievements, boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, developing the power sector, harnessing the state’s solid minerals, among others.

Nashuni was former Commissioner for Resource Development in the incumbent administration, and had served in various capacities before holding the portfolio. A First Class graduate in Mining Engineering, Nashuni has the advantage of coming from the ruling party, and enjoys the support of both his party and state governor.

All the 34 council area chairmen and councillors are from the PDP, while the party has thousands of members and supporters at the grassroots; he also no doubt, has a huge war chest.

With the PDP ruling for the past 16 years, it is no wonder many of the party’s supporters are of the opinion that Nashuni could win Saturday’s polls and become the next state governor.

Masari Masari, APC candidate’s campaign promises include abolishing state-local government joint account system, heavy investment in education with political office holders to have their children attend public schools, revamping the agriculture sector, among others.

He had contested for the position in 2011 but lost to the incumbent, and speculation is that some aspirants he contested the ticket with during party’s primaries

43

Katsina guber: No walk over for Masari JAMES DANJUMA x-rays the race for the guber race in Katsina State, the home state of President-elect Muhammadu Buhari and concludes that it won’t be a tea party for All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu MAsari.

Shema

Masari

are not supporting him.

Also, being someone that hails from the Southern part of the state - Kafur council area, could work against him. All the past state governors came from Katsina Central - Yar’Adua was from Katsina while Shema is from Dutsinma council area, and it may be tough for Masari to beat the status quo.

But the Buhari factor may yet work to his advantage, as the retired General, who is from Daura council area, has a large support base in the state.

Also, Buhari’s victory at the March 28 presidential poll and APC’s win of all the National Assembly seats may yet serve as booster and work to his advantage.

of Representatives member and senator, and may yet spring surprises.

Danmarke Agriculture development and transformation of the education sector as well as youth empowerment and poverty alleviation are some of his campaign promises.

Danmarke was formerly with the PDP and had battled for the same ticket with Masari when they were both with the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. He had reportedly worked against the CPC to the advantage of the PDP in the 2011 governorship election, and was said to have received huge sums of money and juicy appointment for his effort.

But this past action, analysts say, could work against him as not a few people see him as a possible sell out should the price be right.

Also, his action had made his popularity to wane, while several people at state and grassroots level that showed support for him had left for other political parties.

He however has the merit of being a grassroots’ politician who had begun as a councillor, council chairman, House

Tsauri Like Danmarke, he intends to revamp the agriculture and education sectors, as well as alleviate poverty and promote youth empowerment.

Tsauri and several others had contested for the PDP ticket but lost to Nashuni.

His loss was what led to his defection to vie for the position on the APGA platform.

Before the PDP gubernatorial primary, he had spent billions in gift items like cars, motorcycles, sewing machines, and cash, to woo supporters. He nonetheless had tough time selling himself to the electorate as powerful elements within the PDP had frustrated him on several occasions.

But his past generosity and popularity among the youth in the state may work to his favour in Saturday’s gubernatorial.

Sani Youth empowerment, poverty reduction, dry and raining season farming, among others, are his campaign promises.

Sani has several things working against him: he is relatively unknown, does not have a strong support base, and is being alleged to be a yes-man to the ruling PDP. The unpredictability that often characterises elections in the country, and his determination to run in the race despite odds, may serve as a booster.

Being partially handicapped - he is crippled on one leg, he was said to have been reaching out to the disabled, promising them good representation if he wins.

This may also work to his advantage as

Nashuni

GOING BY PAST POLITICAL EVENTS AND ANALYSTS’

CONJECTURE, EITHER

NASHUNI OF THE PDP OR MASARI OF THE APC MIGHT

EVENTUALLY GET TO BECOME THE NEXT STATE GOVERNOR

thousands of disabled electorate could be found across the state, and may want to vote for him should he manage to reach out to them before Saturday’s polls.

But the reality is that only one person among them would emerge victorious to lead the over six million population the state currently has.

Going by past political events and analysts’ conjecture, either Nashuni of the PDP or Masari of the APC might eventually get to become the next state governor.

Who among the two would emerge winner? PDP loyalists say it is Nashuni; APC supporters argue it is Masari. But in narrowing it down to one person, some feelers say considering realities on ground, the odds may favour Nashuni. Whether their conjecture hits the nail on the head or not would be determined this Saturday when the electorate vote to elect their next state governor.

44

Politics

JAMES ABRAHAM examines the battle for the soul of Plateau State ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial election, between Senator Gyang Pwajok and Barr Simon Lalong, candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and All Progressives Congress, APC, respectively and others.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Guber race: Pwajok, Lalong draw battle line in Plateau

G

oing by the frenzy and passion which have characterised the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Plateau State in the past months, it is obvious that a tough battle lies ahead over who takes over from Governor Jonah Jang come May 29, when his two terms and final tenure of eight years will come to an end.

Over the years, gubernatorial elections in the state have always been a two-horse race between the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and a strong opposition which usually emerge from any party, as the election season approaches and from the look of things, the 2015 poll has proven not to be different Although four candidates are in the race, which include Senator Gyang Pwajok of the PDP; Barrister Simon Lalong of the All Progressives Congress, APC; Amb Bagudu Hirse of the Labour Party, LP, and Alhaji Sabiu Musa Ibrahim of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the battle appears set between the ruling PDP candidate, Senator Pwajok and that of the APC, Lalong.

While PDP and APC, the two leading parties and their candidates, are leaving nothing to chance to swing votes to their sides, the other two candidates are simply not serious as checks showed that both candidates were yet to even kick off their campaigns, despite the fact that elections are a few days away.

Nonetheless, the build up to the election is laced with a lot of politicking to the extent that even the March 28 presidential election won by the APC candidate, General Muhammed Buhari, is now being carried over to the battle for governorship in the state.

While Lalong, the APC governorship candidate and his followers believe that the party will replicate Buhari’s victory in the state in the forthcoming poll, insisting that Plateau cannot afford to miss out from being “part of the process of entrenching this final lapse of change blowing across the country,” Pwajok, the PDP gubernatorial candidate and his supporters dismissed such optimism as wishful thinking, pointing out that the politics which normally play at the national level is usually not the same with what obtains at the state level. They maintained that despite the loss of the party’s presidential candidate in the last election, PDP has a bright future in the state ahead of the governorship poll.

Analysts have however observed that the gubernatorial election in the state is attracting too much attention because the principal actors in the two leading parties had at different times worked closely with one another. Many of them had worked under the leadership of incumbent Governor Jang who is the leader of PDP in the state, before some of them found their way to the opposi-

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Pwajok

Lalong

THE BUILD UP TO THE ELECTION IS LACED WITH A LOT OF POLITICKING TO THE EXTENT THAT

MARCH 28 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WON BY BUHARI, IS NOW BEING CARRIED OVER

EVEN THE

TO THE BATTLE FOR GOVERNORSHIP tion APC. The implication is that the gladiators on both sides are not strangers to each other in the game For the APC, the days of the PDP in Plateau State are numbered. Former state chairman of PDP, Prof Dakum Shown, is one of the arrow heads of the APC which is plotting to halt the influence of Governor Jang and the PDP, which brought him to the limelight For strategic reasons, APC has tried to put on the front burner the vexed issue of zoning with its supporters whipping up sentiments and insisting that it is the turn of the Southern zone to produce the next governor of the state.

APC candidate, Lalong, is from the zone, but PDP supporters have questioned the merit of such zoning formula in a state where each of the senatorial zones had produced governors in the past under no zoning arrangement. Lalong is also said to be enjoying the support of some former commissioners in the state as well as some former PDP gubernatorial aspirants, including Amb Fidelis Tapgun, Prof. Longmas Wapmuk, some of whom left PDP for the APC immediately after failing to secure the party’s ticket during primaries.

Besides zoning, the focus of the APC gubernatorial candidate is change. During the flag-off of his campaign, Lalong, who described himself as one on a rescue mission promised to pay workers salaries as at and when due as well as bring a turnaround in the different sectors of the economy including education, youth and human capital development, agriculture, healthcare, rural development, industrialisation and wealth creation among others.

His words: “I am prepared to construct and develop a progressive state by rekindling the old spirit of the Plateau people, while repositioning the state on the path

of social and economic transformation, anchored on the principle of justice, equity and unity.”, However, one major issue that may work against the APC candidate was his association with past administration of former Governor Joshua Dariye, which has been described as “years of locust and waste”.

Lalong was the Speaker of the state Assembly during Dariye’s administration. Although the APC candidate has made several attempts to dissociate himself from the regime, many have insisted that as the head of the legislative arm, which approved the budget for the Dariye-led executive, he should be bold enough to admit that he disappointed the people of the state and as such doesn’t deserve to be tried again.

Governor Jang, who took over from Dariye will bow out in grace and honour in a few weeks time as governor. Under his tenure, he is believed to have changed the face of governance and established a development tradition in the state, and so for the PDP, continuity and greater together are the slogans.

PDP gubernatorial candidate, Pwajok, with strong backing of Governor Jang and other stakeholders, defeated 15 other aspirants to emerge the party’s standard bearer during the primaries. Since then, he has been touring every part of the state to woo voters with his agenda for a better Plateau.

The PDP candidate is making waves in the state and has everything going for him, except that his opponents are using the fact that he comes from the same Northern zone as the outgoing governor to campaign against him.

But the retention of some powerful former governorship aspirants from by the PDP both from the Central and Southern zone, particularly the refusal of the incumbent Deputy Governor, Amb Ignatius Longjan from the Southern zone to dump the

party after losing at the gubernatorial primaries have boosted Pwajok’s chances from the zone where opposition to his governorship ambition appears loudest After returning from one of his campaign outings recently, Pwajok told a group of journalists that he remained undaunted, networking with the youths in the metropolis and hinterlands, building bridges to the elders across the state and connecting the masses with his vision, which he said would definitely take the state to greater heights Pwajok said: “I believe Plateau people have to choose between competing candidates and competing politics of Plateau.

We have seen and recorded unprecedented development in the past years in the state.

We want to ensure sustainability in terms of development. We want to also avoid the mistakes of the past and be able to address the challenges ahead. I come with a promise that belonging to a generation of Plateau people, who strongly believe that we can only be greater if we work together, if we work as a people in this direction, we will be able to move to a greater height indeed.”

During the National Assembly elections in the state on March 28, PDP tightened its grip in the state when it won all the three senatorial seats and six out of the eight available federal constituencies, which was an improvement on the 2011 election where the party won the same number of federal constituency seats but lost one Senate seat to the opposition LP. Pwajok added: “One of the beautiful experiences in the state today is that we have been able to put together senators that will do us proud as a people at the national level.

We have also been able to package members of the House of Representatives that will do the state proud. And with me as governor to complement this effort is a good symbiotic relationship between the old and the young and this, no doubts, will translate to greater good of the state.”

Pwajok’s aspiration has indeed got public approval from many quarters, especially from the youths and the grassroots. Besides the support he is receiving from influential politicians within government circles, both natives and non natives have teamed up to ensure that his aspiration becomes a reality.

Only recently, natives made up of traditional rulers and other stakeholders gathered at Chief Solom Lar Amusement Park in Jos, the state capital, to endorse his candidature. One after the other, those who spoke extolled Pwajok’s virtues. They made it clear that their decision to endorse the PDP candidate was borne out of the fact that having served as senator of the Federal Republic for the past two years and as Chief of Staff to Governor Jang for two years, they were convinced that he has used the two opportunities to touch the lives of the people of the state.

Director, Non-Natives for Senator GNS Pwajok Campaign Organisation, Amb Daniel D Kaburuk, in his address at the event said the choice of Senator Pwajok whom he described as “a youth with wisdom,” was the best decision the PDP stakeholders have taken in the interest of greater Plateau and urged the voters to deliver.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Politics

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

45

Walk-over likely for el Rufai in Kaduna I

t all stated like a joke, but reality has come to stay. Many did not believe the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, umbrella will crash in the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections despite media prediction that the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, will emerge victorious in the rescheduled tensed polls.

The brave General Muhammadu Buhari has won the residency and President Goodluck Jonathan has conceded defeat, although PDP contestants are still counting their losses, APC is analysing its magic of successes as the opposition also lead in the Senate.

Political observers opined that Kaduna State governor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, popularly called ‘Dallatun Zazzau’ and his party, PDP are in serious dilemma following the outcome of the presidential elections, which did not favour President Jonathan.

Yero is facing APC gubernatorial candidate and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Nasir El-Rufai for the soul of Kaduna State come Saturday.

The opposition APC won the presidential election in Kaduna, the home state of Vice President Namadi Sambo. Ironically, in build up to the March 28 elections, Vice President Sambo boasted of producing two million votes to President Jonathan, a promise that did not come to reality.

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, records showed that Kaduna State has a total of 3,361,793 registered voters, while only 1,746,031 voters were accredited to vote and 1,650,201 voters actually voted in the March 28 elections.

As announced by Kaduna State Presidential Election Collation officer, ProF Ja’afaru Makau Kaura, General Buhari, the APC presidential candidate polled 1,127,760 votes against President Jonathan of the PDP, who polled 484,085 votes.

Apart from presidential result, the APC also won two out of three senatorial seats in Kaduna State, leaving Southern Kaduna for the PDP. APC’s Suleiman Hunkuyi defeated incumbent senator and former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi to clinch the Northern senatorial seat with 447,917 to 136,197 votes.

Activist Shehu Sani of APC won the Kaduna Central senatorial seat after defeating Senator Mohammed Mukhtar Aruwa of the PDP with 468,964 to 168,241.

Danjuma Laah of the PDP defeated APC’s Ishaku Shekarau to emerge winner of Southern Kaduna senatorial seat with 259,239 to 119,022.

The President-elect, General Buhari, had endorsed the gubernatorial aspiration of one-time Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Nasir ElRufai.

Buhari, during El-Rufai’s formal declaration to run for governor last year, had expressed confidence that the governorship candidate would provide good leadership for the state.

He said: “You are not doing El-Rufai a

The historic Presidential and National Assembly elections have come and gone, with All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, emerging the President-elect. The polls have thrown the spanners in Kaduna State political equation. Many supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who have being caught now in the political lesser fever, are weighing the implications of voting the party which lost control at the centre. MSUE AZA writes that with the recent political development, it may be a walk over for the APC gubernatorial candidate, Malam Nasir El-Rufai on Saturday.

Yero

El-Rufai

favour by voting for him, you are doing yourselves a favour.

Buhari described Mr. El-Rufai as a “pragmatic and prudent manager of resources,” who would champion the rescue mission in Kaduna State and dispense justice fairly to everyone.

He stated: “I agreed to come here to raise El-Rufai’s hand as gubernatorial aspirant in Kaduna State because he is strong and fearless in carrying out his work.”

Buhari said Kaduna is the heart of Northern Nigeria and many workers, serving and retired, made Kaduna their base and therefore people like the former FCT minister would be needed to manage public resources without turning it into their pockets.

“We need leaders that will use public resources and bring about development, let the poor get sound education, let there be security and good health care and most importantly peace and harmony irrespective religion and ethnicity, because of this, do vote him as your governor.”

Meanwhile, Yero is still battling to save his political career. Yero lost his ward, local government and zone to APC in the March 28 elections. It was said that his supporters voted and canvassed for Buhari in the last election.

National Mirror gathered that Governor Yero’s supporters have commenced secret discussion with APC chieftains in the state with a promise to decamp after the election.

However, APC governorship candidate in the state, Malam El-Rufai has warned Governor Yero to stay away from Buhari’s posters saying” “Conscious of their unpopularity, the PDP is now displaying posters of Yero that feature pictures of the APC presidential candidate, General Buhari. It is seen as an admission that the PDP’s own

presidential candidate is not sellable to the electorate, but also a demonstration of the PDP’s affinity for deception. In the said posters being paraded in the said axis, Yero is paired with Buhari while Malam El-Rufai is axed with a red ink” A statement signed by El-Rufai’s campaign spokesman, Samuel Aruwan recently said security agents recently in Zaria and Sabon Gari local government areas of Kaduna State supervised and protected PDP hoodlums as they destroyed billboards and posters of Mallam El-Rufai.

The statement reads in part: “Zaria axis is an APC stronghold, as demonstrated by the massive rallies the party held in Sabon-Gari and Zaria local governments.

El-Rufai added:”Since the campaign for the 2015 elections started, Yero has been preaching intolerance and indulging in violence. At the launch of his campaign on January 12, he announced that he had powers to stop El-Rufai from entering Kaduna or leaving his house, which he also threatened to demolish.

The audio recording of that statement has gone viral.

“Again, the PDP government in Kaduna State and their commissioned campaigners are presently inciting citizens of Kaduna State on religious and ethnic lines against the candidature of El-Rufai.

They are also engaging in series of mudslinging aimed at branding APC and its candidates as violent oriented personalities.

“We will continue to play issue based politics despite all deliberate attempts and mischief to taint our image and popularity before the good people of Kaduna State. Neither the tons of illicit money they are spreading to bribe voters nor can the violent actions designed to intimidate and frighten citizens save the

PDP in Kaduna State from the coming electoral humiliation.”

El-Rufai maintained: “The people of Kaduna State are clearly tired of an incompetent, wasteful government that has proved incapable of leading, performing or delivering public services” Another strategy of Yero is to romance with APC chieftains but Kaduna APC Campaign Council has told Governor Yero to stay off the homes of its members.

The APC also cautioned the governor against wasting public resources and using religion as a tool of political persuasion.

Yero had visited the homes of some APC chieftains in their absence, a visit considered to be a breach of their privacy and crude attempt to drag their families into partisan politics.

According to the statement, the governor’s action exposed his fears about the massive acceptability of APC in the state and the imminent defeat awaiting the PDP. APC said: “The member representing Igabi West constituency in Kaduna State House of Assembly and our member, Hon. Yusuf Zailani reported that Governor Yero visited his home without his consent and met some members of his family.

“Another chieftain reported same case. In the course of these visits, the governor attempted to induce their families and associates with unsolicited cash gifts.

“Nothing warrants the governor to trespass into other people’s homes. It is a breach of family privacy and the concerned members will be seeking appropriate redress.

“The visit is in bad taste. Yero should keep his politics of blackmail and deceit to his own circle. We are by this notice warning the governor to stay off our homes and not drag our families into his political frustration.

“Yero’s action is an act of hypocrisy.

A man who has been masterminding brutal and ferocious attacks against our members and trying to taint us as trouble makers cannot now drag our families into politics and pleading for support.

“Yero denied our leader, General Buhari, access to Murtala Square for the APC North-West zonal rally. He also maligned APC supporters as rented and misguided crowd. Yero is the power-obsessed person who also threatened to bar Malam El Rufai from entering Kaduna and to demolish his house as well. We are wondering what he now wants from Buhari’s followers to the extent of appearing uninvited at their homes. We are telling the world to know should anything happen to our members.

46

Politics

AYO ESAN

F

ormer Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George yesterday said the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, should apologise to Igbos and other non-indigenes in Lagos State over what he allegedly said at a meeting with some non-indigenes in his palace last Sunday, where he stated that any non-indigene, especially Igbos, who failed to vote for the All progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, will drown in the Lagoon within seven days of his curse.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, George, accompanied by other PDP leaders, including the former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe and the state chairman of the party, Capt.

Tunji Shelle (rtd), said that he was shell-shocked with the pronouncement of the Oba. He said Lagos is a cosmopolitan city where all Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe should be freely allowed to carry on their business and enjoy their fundamental human rights.

George said: “There is the need to draw a line. A traditional ruler is the fa-

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Oba Akiolu must apologise to Igbo, non-indigenes in Lagos –Bode George •As Reps-elect says Akiolu cannot impose Ambode on Igbos ther of all. If an Oba wants to play politics like I am doing, he should leave the throne. As a party leader, I am calling on him to apologise to Igbo in Lagos. The statement credited to him is uncalled for as we are in the 21st century and the country cannot afford another tribal war.”

Warning Oba Akiolu to remove himself from whatever political party because he is supposed to be the father of all people living in Lagos, George assured Igbos to go about their business and disregard the alleged curse of the Oba saying: “Let me assure all non-indigenes especially Igbos, nobody can hoodwink you, nobody can tell you when you will die. Go about your daily business, no curse can harm you.”

Meanwhile, newly elected member of the House of Representatives representing Oshodi-Isolo federal constituency 2, Hon. Tony Nwulu, has said that the Oba Akiolu cannot impose Ambode on non indigenes in the state.

Speaking on behalf of PDP House of Representatives-elects in Lagos, Nwulu said that such comment

Group wants new PDP national chairman to emerge from S’West BOLADALE BAMIGBOLA OSOGBO

T

o reposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for future challenges, President Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to ensure the party’s national leadership is overhauled for life as opposition.

Disclosing this during an interactive session with newsmen in Osogbo, the chairman, PDP Youth Volunteers, a group in Osun State PDP, Chief Samuel Sobande, said reenergised national leadership is needed to lead the party to stability and redirect its ship.

The group said the important roles political actors in South West played in the last presidential and National Assembly polls was a pointer to the quality of politicians

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

available to the party from the region.

It therefore urged President Jonathan to beam searchlight on the region and choose the next national chairman of the party from several good options available.

Sobande said: “We have people with solid political capacity in South West that can lead PDP as an opposition party. South West is proving to be key player in politics of Nigeria and that is why Mr. President must look towards the region regarding the choice of new national chairman of PDP. “Chief Adeseye Ogunlewe, from Lagos, Prof.

Tunde Adeniran from Ekiti and Chief Francis Fadahunshi from Osun here are few of the options Mr. President can consider as the PDP national chairman in this new dispensation.”

coming from an oba is a shame to the traditional institution.

He said: “I am moved to address this briefing because I see a deliberate attempt by the Oba in collaboration with the APC to coarse non indigenes against their will.

“The constitution protects the equal right of non

indigenes and their freedom to vote the candidate of their choice.”

Nwulu however urged the people not to be intimidated by the oba’s threat but to go out en-masse to cast their vote for PDP, adding: “The PDP has given Igbos in Lagos, three House of Representatives seats.

The Ibos, Hausas and Yo-

rubas alike and other ethnic groups know who their friends are. Those inducing any group with money will just be wasting it because the people will not vote for them.”

Nwulu, disclosed that they have reported the matter to the appropriate authorities, saying that “we will resist all intimidation.

This is democracy.”

Also speaking, Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary, Barr Taofik Gani, said that the oba does not have the right to dictate or curse anybody.

He said: “The oba’s action is condemnable. As a father to all, he should allow freedom of expression.”

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi addressing members of the Traditional Medicine Association of Oyo State at a rally at the Remembrance Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan, yesterday.

Glory of Buhari’s victory belongs to God not man –Aregbesola OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

O

sun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday said the glory of All Progressives Congress, APC, and General Muhammadu Buhari’s victory at the just concluded presidential election should be ascribed to God and not any single individual.

Aregbesola in a statement by his Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, was quoted as speaking when a group of royal fathers paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Osogbo, the state capital.

The royal fathers of Osun commended some of the monarchs who refused to be tempted by the alleged last minute distribution of foreign currencies by the ruling party to sway votes for its candidate.

Led by the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul Rauf Adedeji to the Government House, the traditional rulers went to congratulate Aregbesola and offer prayers on the victory of APC and its

...As Osun monarch hails colleagues who rejected dollar inducement candidate at the last presidential election.

Aregbesola stated that no man on earth should ascribe the success and the outcome of the election to himself, but all praises to the Lord who in His infinite mercies granted Nigeria a peaceful election.

Noting that there is nothing new that the progressives have done this time that is better than what the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election did, Aregbesola said: “Sixty-three years ago, politicians who were of the view of a political climate that will give life abundantly to the people did all they could, but they were unable to achieve their desire. Despite their entire struggle and the will to give a better leadership, they could not make it to the presidency.

“After the first attempt

by Awolowo and others came the advent of Moshood Abiola, when Nigerian voted and he won but never become the president of the country. Here we are today;

the victory is still looking to me as a dream. All the glory must be given to the Lord.”

He commended the doggedness and the fighting spirit of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the former governor of Osun, Chief Bisi Akande at ensuring that the Yoruba get their votes for a central government for the first time in 63 years.

He also congratulated both APC serving and former governors and leaders in all the states of the federation and party faithful.

Aregbesola charged traditional rulers in Yorubaland to take seriously the development of their areas, noting that God has endowed them with the power to make sure that they at all time seek the development of their God’s given domains.

He said: “I am particularly happy that the Yoruba is no longer in the opposition.

This is the first time in 63 years that this is happening in the history of Nigeria.

“No Yoruba in this dispensation should be unhappy. It is the first time

that Yoruba will have a government that the majority of the people wanted. I will only pray that God will make this government have impact on our region.

“I charge all of us in the South-West and Nigerians alike to make sure that we get it right this time.”

Speaking earlier, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abul-Rasheed Olabomi congratulated Osun indigenes and Nigerians on the victory of APC and Buhari and prayed that the much awaited change will come to people in no distant time.

He also congratulated their colleagues who refused to be induced by the “hard currencies” distributed to some by the ruling party before the elections.

The royal fathers in attendance included: Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Olatoye Olaniyan, Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Adedeji, Elerin of ErinOsun, Oba Yusuf Omoloye, Olunisa of Inisa, Oba Oladunjoye Oyedele and Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Abioye Oyebode.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Forte Oil shares rise to 1.3bn

JOHNSON OKANLAWON

F

orte Oil has increased its number of outstanding shares from 1,080,280,628 to 1,302,481,billion after its shares were marked down for dividend.

The company jerked up its shares as it proposed bonus issues, which has now been added to the company’s shares outstanding.

A total of 217,080,184 units were added to the outstanding shares resulting from the one for five bonus, hence the new total outstanding shares of the company now stood at 1,302,481,103 units.

The audited report and accounts of the company for the year ended December 31, 2014 showed impressive

growth in the top-line but huge finance cost negated its bottom-line.

The company’s revenue rose 32.9 per cent, while gross profit and operating profit increased 50.6 per cent and 29.8 per cent respectively.

However, finance cost was up 938 per cent, which depressed pre and post tax profits by 7.94 per cent and 10.95 per cent respectively.

Operating profit also grew by 29.7 per cent but was largely reduced by a sharp decrease of 78.12 per cent in other income.

The company managed its distribution and administrative expenses well enough as both line items declined compared to what was recorded in the corresponding

period of 2013.

Profit after tax declined 10.9 per cent because of a huge portion of loans and borrowings that attracted finance charges growth of 937.1 per cent compared to 2013 financial year.

The turnover rose from N128.0bn in 2013 financial year to N170.1bn in the review period, while gross profit increased from N12.3bn to N18.5bn. Operating profit grew to N8.14bn in 2014 as against N6.27bn in 2013. However, as against net finance income of N254.49m in 2013, finance cost rose to N2.13bn in 2014.

With these, profit before tax dropped from N6.52bn in 2013 to N6.01bn in 2014.

After taxes, net profit also

slipped from N5bn in 2013 to N4.46bn.

In the 2014 financial year, the company total assets appreciated 33.02 per cent to N139.2bn, from N104.7bn recorded in the same period of 2013.

This is attributed to the company increase in its current assets, which rose 67.3 per cent in the review period to N82.4bn, from N49.3bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2013.

Inventories, stood at N12.2bn, from N10.6bn in 2013, while other assets, trade and other receivables, cash and bank balances were up 34.3 per cent, 70.2 per and 136.6 per cent to N572m, N53.6bn and N16.06bn respectively.

Fidson Healthcare profit hits N870m in 2014

F

idson Healthcare has announced a profit before tax of N870.8m for the financial year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 249 per cent when compared toN249.6m recorded in the same period of 2013.

The company’s profit after tax stood at N631.8m, a rise of 308 per cent, from N154.9m recorded in the corresponding period of 2013. The company’s earnings per share increased from N0.10 in 2013 to N0.42 in 2014.

Analysis of the result showed that revenue increased by five per cent to N9.725bn from N9.247 billion

in 2013.

It grew its gross margin by seven per cent, from N5.1 billion in 2013 to N5.4 billion in 2014, while operating profit increased marginally by five per cent with operating margin remaining at 15 per cent of revenue.

Despite the economic challenges, harsh market conditions and increasing financing cost faced during the year, the company’s cash flow improved with its cash position increasing by 51 per cent from 2013.

The increase in long-term debt during the year is as a result of the issuance of a five-year fixed rate bond to

refinance some expensive short-term debt and augment working capital requirements.

The result had helped to boost demand for the company’s stocks. On Tuesday, it rose by 4.74 per cent or 17 kobo to close at N3.76 per share, having risen by 9.10 per cent a day earlier.

Fidson healthcare said its focus on extensive brand building of its innovative and high quality products enhanced its financial growth and ability to maintain significant market share in key disease areas.

According to it, that is supported by robust sales

and distribution channels as well as persistent diligence in ensuring products’ integrity through various anti-counterfeiting initiatives.

Meanwhile, Fidson’s ultra-modern WHO Good Manufacturing Practicecompliant plant, where it planned to manufacture IV fluids in addition to existing product offerings is scheduled to be operational before the end of 2015, according to the company.

The plant is expected to broaden the company’s products base, increase its capacity and consequently profitability and growth opportunities.

Dollar falls, stocks gain after US jobs data

T

he dollar weakened further yesterday but stocks on Wall Street rose after a disappointing United States jobs report on Friday likely postponed the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate increase in nearly a decade.

Major European markets remained closed for the Easter holiday, limiting trading volumes.

Asian equity markets rose after US Labour Department data for March showed employers added the fewest jobs in more than a year. The gain of 126,000 jobs last month was well below economists’ expectations for an additional 245,000.

ISM data showed the pace of growth in the US services sector fell in March to a three-month low but a measure from Markit showed the sector expanded

in March at its fastest pace since August.

Investors are concerned that a patch of soft US economic data, including jobs, factory activity and consumer spending, suggests more than a winter weather-related slowdown and instead may indicate a loss of momentum in the US economy.

“The market seems to be very confused whether bad or good news is good news,” said Randy Frederick, managing director of trading and derivatives for Charles Schwab in Austin, Texas.

He said investors are “unsure about whether we should be excited on bad news because the Fed will not raise rates, or if we should be seeing a stronger economy.”

The weak data eased concerns the dollar would strengthen further and pres-

sure results of companies with international exposure.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 90.09 points, or 0.51 per cent, to 17,853.33 points, while the S&P 500 gained 10.92 points, or 0.53 per cent, to 2,077.88 and the Nasdaq Composite added 19.90 points, or 0.41 per cent, to 4,906.84.

MSCI’s all-country world index, a measure of stock performance in 46 countries, rose 0.77 per cent.

Expectations the Fed will raise rates this year have fueled the dollar’s rally since mid-2014. Higher US rates give dollar-denominated assets a yield advantage versus other currencies where interest rates are lower.

The euro EUR= held above the $1.10 mark, but one strategist saw dollar strength returning.

“Chalk up the euro’s strength to low volumes. It

has had stiff resistance at the $1.1050 level, which goes back to the beginning of March,” said Greg Anderson, global head of foreign exchange strategy at BMO Capital Markets in New York.

Rate (%) Inflation

8.2

MPR

13

Crude oil price

$58.96

47

Source: NSE

Inter-Bank Rate Naira

US Dollar

$1

N197.00 Market indicators All-Share Index 35,728.12 points Market capitalisation 12.14trn

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

GLAXOSMITH

46.30

51.04

4.74

10.24

GUARANTY

28.93

31.88

2.95

10.20

OANDO

15.98

17.60

1.62

10.14

FO

195.22

215.00

19.78

10.13

UBA

4.47

4.92

0.45

10.07

DANGFLOUR

3.88

4.27

0.39

10.05

INTBREW

20.83

22.87

2.04

9.79

IKEJAHOTEL

4.68

5.13

0.45

9.62

FIDELITYBK

1.89

2.07

0.18

9.52

WEMABANK

1.02

1.11

0.09

8.82

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

OKOMUOIL

29.75

28.29

-1.46

-4.91

FIDSON

3.58

3.41

-0.17

-4.75

TRANSEXPR

1.29

1.24

-0.05

-3.88

PRESCO

29.17

28.50

-0.67

-2.30

STANBIC

31.61

31.00

-0.61

-1.93

UNILEVER

44.80

44.45

-0.35

-0.78

FBNH

9.57

9.54

-0.03

-0.31

ACCESS

6.69

6.67

-0.02

-0.30

FLOURMILL

36.92

36.82

-0.10

-0.27

DANGSUGAR

7.74

7.72

-0.02

-0.26

FGN Bonds

Bid

Description

Offer

Price

Yield

Price

Yield

13.05 16-AUG-2016

1.37

98.70

14.09

98.85

13.97

15.10 27-APR-2017

2.07

101.87

14.01

102.02

13.93

16.00 29-JUN-2019

4.24

105.78

14.12

106.08

14.03

16.39 27-JAN-2022

6.82

109.60

14.14

109.90

14.07

14.20 14-MAR-2024

8.95

100.44

14.11

100.74

14.05

10.00 23-JUL-2030

15.31 68.42

15.42

68.72

15.35

Closing Market Prices of April 2, 2015

Treasury Bills Maturity Date

Bid

Offer

Exchange

Rates (N)

02-Jul-15

13.59

14.07

WAUA

270

01-Oct-15

13.72

14.72

USD

197

24-Mar-16

13.46

15.50

EURO

214

CFA

0.32

YEN

1.64

SWISS FRANC

NIBOR Tenor

Rate (%)

202

O/N

10.3750

1M

14.4561

POUNDS STERLING

293

3M

15.9700

SDR

273

6M

16.7460 The Fixings of April 2, 2015

48

Capital Market

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at April 2, 2015 1st Tier Securities

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Sector

Company name

No Of Deals

Quotation(N)

Quantity Traded

Value of Shares(N)

Monday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

Community Mirror Whoever becomes the president is immaterial so long as the citizens are happy, when we are sick they go to good hospital and of course the economy blossom.

President Goodluck Jonathan

warn against using Youths manhandle BEDC Engineers refuse to reclaim land in Lagos officials in Ekiti A Y ouths of Ipole Iloro-Ekiti community in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on Saturday manhandled workers of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, who came to the area for payment verification and disconnection.

It was revealled that the exercise was going on smoothly until the BEDC employees disconnected the electricity cable of a defaulting house where a young man, simply identified as Obele, resided.

The action was said to have annoyed Obele, who with the support of some youths in the area to disrupt the activities of the workers of the electricity firm.

An eyewitness, said the youths

were led by a vulcaniser, identified as Baba Eji, he added that as the BEDC officials made to flee the area upon sighting the angry youths, Baba Eji pounced on the leader of the team, Mr. Folorunsho Oderinde, who is the marketing officer, Erijiyan Service Centre, Aramoko-Ekiti Unit. ‘‘Baba Eji was holding a stick which he used to drag Oderinde by the neck. He also ruffled his shirt and slapped him. Many people in the community cheered while the assault lasted. Other officials were also beaten up. ‘’The ladder which they came with to carry out the disconnection was damaged. An alfa (muslim cleric)in the area hailed the harassment of the workers be-

cause he said they were fond of disconnecting houses with unsettled bills from power source,’’ the witness narrated.

The matter was reported at the palace of the Olupole of Ipole Iloro, Oba Babatola Oladele, who condemned the act.

The BEDC officials also reported the matter to the police in the Erijiyan Police Post, where the police were said to have seized the vulcanising machine of Baba Eji and arrested the wife of another culprit when both men fled.

It was further learnt that the police later released the wife of the fleeing alfa and vowed to apprehend all those involved in the attack.

papa Branch Chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Mr. Olalekan Taiwo, on Monday advised against the use refuse to reclaim land in some parts of Lagos.

Taiwo noted that the practice of using refuse to reclaim land in Akute, Ajah and other swampy areas in Lagos was ``like sitting on a time bomb``.

According to him, “Refuse consists of wastes and when you use them to reclaim land, the implication is that over time, these wastes decompose.

“It decomposes and gives way and there would be so much porosity in the soil such that it would not hold any structure that is built on it.

“Those using refuse should desist from such practice. It does not cost so much to get other safer materials to reclaim land.

“It may cost much to do fill-

ing but it is the best way to reclaim a swampy land.

“With filling, you are sure of what you get but with refuse you are destroying rather than reclaiming the land,” the NSE chief said.

He disclosed that the body would partner with the Lagos State Government to educate residents on the danger of using refuse to reclaim land.

Taiwo, however, urged the state government to formulate the enabling policy and to stipulate the type of soils people could build on.

He advised residents to support the state government in the fight against flooding as the nation approaches the rainy season.

The engineer said the state government was doing a lot to clean the drains and urged the people to cooperate because the consequences of flooding usually affected them.

Revelers lament absence of film shows at National Theatre

S A man fixing a faulty overloaded commercial bus on Gbongan-Ibadan expressway in Osogbo, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Activist calls for tougher punishment for rapists

N

ational Coordinator of the Human Rights Writer’s Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko has called for the castration of rapists in the country.

Onwubiko who is also a Human rights activist and writer, said it was annoying to see rapists in this country go without punishment.

He said, “Media write about it but nothing is done by the officials handling the case as if they receive bribes to keep quiet on

the issues.’’

According to him, in England rapists are treated worse than terrorists, they are not allowed to stay close to where young girls or school children are.

According to him, in Nigeria, after a case of rape is reported to the police, they handle the case carelessly, allowing the offender to go free.

Onwubiko used the forum to call on the first lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, to champion the cause of child welfare and

reduce incidents of rape in the country.

“As a mother to Nigerian children, she should take it upon herself to see that men who rape minors are dealt with. “`There should be serious fight against sexual violation of children and government should be up and doing about this issue.’’

He said sexual maltreatment of children were on the rise because there was no strong punishment for the crime.

ome revelers at the National Theatre, Lagos, on Monday bemoaned the absence of film shows in the cinema halls in the complex.

The revelers, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said they never expected this to happen.

A house wife, who came to the theatre, Mrs. Fatimah Aliyu, expressed regret for being unable to watch a film with her children.

“I usually come here every festive period to watch films and catch fun with my family, but my family and I feel so sad not catching the expected fun.

“I do not like it at all. This is not the way the National Theatre used to be.

“Though we used to watch films at home, but there is more fun coming to the cinema, Aliyu said.

Another reveler, a trader in Somolu, Mrs Adeola Kazeem, said she was also informed that the film entertainers did not come.

Officials of the National Theatre could, however, not be reached for comments concerning why the cinema halls were not used.

“We are pleading that the management of the theatre should do something so that people around Badiya, Ajegunle, Ebute-Metta, Yaba and Oyingbo would continue to patronise the theatre, “she said.

A fashion designer, Mr. Bode Talabi, said he expected the National Theatre premises to look more excited than what he saw.

“Although I do not intend to watch films but my wife and the kids were willing and the security men told us that film presenters were not coming.

“We are still catching our fun, playing balls with the kids but the authority should make this place livelier and more entertaining,” Talabi said.

A retired teacher, Mr Olawale Agboola, urged the authority to fumigate the entire environment especially during the festive period when people would come and relax with their loved ones.

50

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

World News “The measures Obama ordered are incomplete and insufficient, and do not change the essence of this unilateral measure taken by the US government against Cuba”.

Ukrainian leader lifts objections to vote on regional power

51

PAUL ARHEWE

WITH AGENCY REPORTS

T

he Kenyan air force has destroyed two al Shabaab camps in Somalia, it said yesterday, in the first major military response since the Islamist group massacred students at a Kenyan university last week.

Al Shabaab denied the camps were hit, saying the air force bombs fell on farmland.

Gunmen from the al Qaedaaligned group killed 148 people on Thursday when they stormed the Garissa University College campus, some 200 km (120 miles) from the Somali border.

Jets pounded the camps in the Gedo region on the other side of the frontier on Sunday, Kenya Defence Forces spokesman David Obonyo said. The mission was part of efforts to stop fighters from those camps carrying out cross-border raids into Kenya.

“Our aerial images show that the camps were completely destroyed,” he said, though cloud cover made it difficult to estimate the death toll.

Al Shabaab has killed more than 400 people on Kenyan soil in the last two years, including 67 during a siege at Nairobi’s Westgate mall in 2013, piling political pressure on President Uhuru Kenyatta that intensified with last week’s killings.

–CUBAN TRADE AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT MINISTER, RODRIGO MALMIERCA

Kenya destroys two al Shabaab camps in Somalia

Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers arrive at a hospital to escort the bodies of the attackers to be put on public view, in Garissa, Kenya on Saturday,

Kenya has struggled to stop the flow of militants and weapons across its porous 700-km border with Somalia, and the violence has also damaged the economy by scaring away tourists and investors.

Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab’s military operations spokesman, told Reuters

that none of its camps were damaged in Sunday’s raid, and that the fighter jets had instead struck farmland.

“Kenya has not targeted any of our bases,” he said.

The rural Gedo region of Somalia is difficult to reach and reports about the raid could not be verified independently.

Malawi orders police to shoot attackers of albinos

M

alawi has ordered police to shoot “dangerous criminals” who attack albinos in order to sell their body parts for witchcraft.

“Shoot every criminal who is violent when caught red-handed abducting people with albinism,” the country’s police chief Lexen Kachama told officers at the week-

end, according to local media.

Six albinos have been killed in the poor southern African nation since December, according to the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi.

Kachama told officers in Machinga district in the south of the country, where most of the attacks have happened, that we cannot

Albinos have been the victim of a surge of attacks across Tanzania in recent months

just watch while our friends with albinism are being killed like animals every day.”

He said he does not want to “hear of a police officer chasing dangerous criminals especially those abducting albinos carrying teargas or any other soft weapon.

“That is why I am ordering the police to use weapons in proportion to the gravity of the offence.

We need to be secure from criminals,” he added.

Kachama, appointed last month

by President Peter Mutharika, ordered his ill-equipped force of 12,000 not to be afraid to use “live ammunition” after criminals shot a police officer in the commercial capital Blantyre last week.

“We will not put down or hold back our weapons until Malawians are living and doing their business freely,” he said.

He said police were empowered by law “to use any weapon when

Opposition, rights group demand probe for Congo mass burial

A

rights group and an opposition lawmaker called on Monday on the government of Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate the late night burial of at least 421 bodies last month.

The government said on Friday that local authorities had buried the corpses overnight on March 19 in the rural commune of Maluku, saying they were dead fetuses and still-born babies as well as unclaimed corpses.

But U.S.-based Human Rights Watch suspects the bodies might belong to people killed in antigovernment protests in January or a crackdown on Kinshasa criminals.

At least 40 people died in the violent protests against a proposed law to require a national census before an election - a move that opponents said was an attempt to delay the vote and extend President Joseph Kabila’s mandate.

AFRICA BULLETIN

Statue of Afrikaner hero defaced in new S’Africa attack A statue of an Afrikaner hero was defaced in South Africa on Sunday, the latest in a series of anti-colonial protests that has forced the country to square its racist past with the spirit of reconciliation championed

by Nelson Mandela.

“I wouldn’t go up to the Nelson Mandela statue and spoil it with paint,” said Jaco Cronje, a businessman standing in front of the paint-splattered statue of the country’s fifth president Paul Kruger in Pretoria, the country’s administrative capital.

“There’s only one word to complete the rainbow nation and that’s respect,” said Cronje.

A wave of attacks against the country’s colonial heritage began in March when young protestors at the University of Cape Town threw excrement at a statue of Cecil Rhodes, eventually forcing the university to remove the statue of the British imperialist.

The protests have gained traction in a country where over 20 years of democracy has yielded little for blacks, who today earn significantly less than whites and are more likely to be unemployed.

Constance Tjale, a 48-year-old waitress at Cafe Riche, a restaurant that looks out on the Kruger statue, showed AFP photos on her mobile phone of people wearing the red shirts of the Economic Freedom Fighters, the third-biggest party in South Africa, splashing the statue with neon green paint on Sunday.

Dutch hostage freed from al Qaeda group in Mali French commandos freed a Dutch hostage from an al Qaedalinked group in Mali yesterday, more than three years after he was taken captive while on holiday with his wife, French and Dutch officials said.

Sjaak Rijke, a 54-year-old train conductor who was kidnapped in Timbuktu in November 2011, was freed in a pre-dawn raid and has been transferred “safe and sound” to a temporary base in Tessalit, in north-east Mali. His wife had escaped armed gunmen, who took three captives.

French forces killed two militants and captured two others in the operation, said Lieutenant Colonel Michel Sabatier, a spokesman for Barkhane, the French counter-insurgency operation in the region.

French president Francois Hollande said the assault on the Islamist militant group was not designed to free the hostage and they found him by chance.

“It was a surprise for us, for our forces, to be able to free this hostage as we did not have any information on the presence of this hostage,” Hollande said. “Our battle against terrorism in Mali is not over.”

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

WORLD BULLETIN

Iran nuclear deal will not create arms race –Russia An interim agreement between six world powers and Iran on Tehran’s nuclear program will not lead to a new arms race, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in remarks published yesterday.

The deal reached last Thursday

by Iran, the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia would curb Tehran’s nuclear research for at least a decade and gradually lift Western sanctions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that a final agreement based on the terms reached in the Swiss city of Lausanne would threaten his country’s survival and increase the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.

But Lavrov, whose country took part in the talks in Lausanne, said: “There are no reasons for an arms race.”

‘Afghan Taliban leader Omar is alive, well’ The head of Afghanistan’s Taliban insurgents, Mullah Omar, is alive and in touch with current events, the group has said in a 5,000 word document released to mark his nineteenth year of leadership.

Published on a Taliban web site on Sunday in four languages, the account addresses rumours the reclusive one-eyed leader, in hiding for over a decade, is either dead or seriously ill.

“He remains in touch with the day-to-day happenings of his country, as well as the outside world,” the document said.

The U.S. State Department has a $10 million bounty on Mullah Omar’s head and the Taliban leader has not appeared in public since the American-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.

The Taliban have gained strength as foreign troops have withdrawn from Afghanistan and control swathes of rural areas, where they implement Sharia law and collect taxes.

Israel to detain Palestinian lawmaker for six months The Israeli military has placed a female Palestinian legislator under detention for six months without trial, a lawyer for the lawmaker said Monday.

Khalida Jarrar, a senior political leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a left-wing Palestinian militant group, is being held for alleged activities in a hostile organization, lawyer Mahmoud Hassan said.

Jarrar, 52, is being held under Israeli administrative detention, which allows Israel to hold detainees for up to six months at a time without charges, the lawyer said. The detention and any extensions are approved by a judge, and evidence can be kept from defense lawyers.

Israel says administrative detentions prevent attacks by militants.

Rights groups say international humanitarian law permits administrative detention in exceptional cases, but that Israel is out of bounds with its large-scale use of the method.

World News

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

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Ukrainian leader lifts objections to vote on regional power

U

krainian President Petro Poroshenko yesterday publicly lifted his objections to a referendum that could give more powers to the restive regions engulfed in more than a year of warfare, reversing his government’s previous position. Russia-backed separatists, however, dismissed Poroshenko’s gesture as meaningless.

Ukraine rebels warn they could abandon cease-fire Associated Press The conflict between Russiabacked rebels and government troops in eastern Ukraine has claimed more than 6,000 lives.

When it began, protesters in the east demanded a vote on giving their regions more autonomy. Such calls were rejected by the Ukrainian government at the time.

But Poroshenko yesterday met a parliamentary commission that is drafting amendments to the country’s main law and said in a televised meeting that if the commission decides a referendum is necessary, he would not stand in the way.

“I’m ready to launch a referendum on the issue of state governance if you decide it is necessary,” he said.

Ukraine’s eastern industrial

heartland was the support base for Kremlin-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych, who was ousted in February last year after months of protests. Sev-

eral months into the fighting, however, pro-Russia rebels said they no longer wanted autonomy, but rather an independent state.

Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko, left, followed by officials, listening to a weapons expert as he inspects weapon systems during presentation of new samples of Ukrainian-made weapons for the Ukrainian Army at a military base in Novi Petrivtsi outside Kiev, Ukraine, on Saturday

Explosion rocks China’s chemical plant

A

n explosion has ripped through a chemical plant in south-eastern China’s Fujian province, sparking a major fire.

The blast occurred on Monday evening at the plant in Zhangzhou. State news agency Xinhua reported one injury.

The plant produces paraxylene (PX), a flammable chemical

used in polyester and plastics manufacturing.

The location of PX plants in China has sparked protests from residents, including violent demonstrations last year in Guangdong province.

Many residents fear pollution from the plants is hazardous to health.

The South China Morning

Demonstrations against PX in Maoming last year turned violent

Post reported that this was the second blast at the plant in two years.

The plant in Zhangzhou is operated by Dragon Aromatics, one of the largest independent PX producers in China. It has not yet commented.

China Central Television (CCTV) carried footage of the fire, with flames shooting into

the air, but provided few details.

Xinhua said the blast occurred at about 19:00 local time (11:00 GMT) in a pumping station.

The Zhangzhou fire department said about 430 fire-fighters were at the scene.

The Post quoted one resident who lives across the harbour from the plant, about 10km (six miles) away, who said his flat shook with the explosion.

Lin Chen told the paper: “I heard a loud bang at home. Everyone in my county saw it. The plant was burning. We can still see it. But I don’t smell anything weird now. I think it’s because we’re upwind.”

Protests remain rare in China, where it is illegal to demonstrate without a permit, but environmental campaigns are growing in number.

In recent years paraxylene has become a focus of such protests, forcing the delay or cancellation of plants, much to the dismay of the national government, correspondents say.

A protest about a PX plant in Maoming, in southern Guangdong province, turned violent last April, with tear gas fired and several demonstrators injured.

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North

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Taraba APC guber candidate raises alarm over malpractices JUSTIN TYOPUUSU JALINGO

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L-R: : Reverend- in-Charge, Church of Christ in all Nations (COCIN),Kagadama, Rev. Zakka Bayero; North-East Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Shuaibu Byal and CAN Chairman, Bauchi Local Government Area, Rev. John Madaki, during Easter Monday Service at COCIN, Kagadama, Yelwan in Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO:NAN

Thugs attack Masari’s residence in Katsina JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

A

bout a dozen youths armed with sticks and knives yesterday attacked the residence of former Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Bello Masari.

Masari is the gubernatorial candidate of All

Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

The youths, suspected to be hired thugs, smashed glasses of vehicles parked at the premises and harassed men and women in the house at the time.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that some APC supporters had learnt of their coming

and had stationed themselves outside Masari’s residence.

He, however, said when the suspected thugs stormed the area, those stationed at the house and with intention to protect the residence, fled into the house.

He said the youths smashed glasses of campaign vehicles and pri-

vately-owned vehicles in the area.

At the time of filing this report, a group of anti-riot policemen were seen rushing to the area, while the suspected thugs had taken to their heels.

It was learnt that Masari was out of town and holding a political meeting in neighbouring Kano State.

4 killed in Kogi post-election violence WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

F

our persons have been confirmed dead in Kogi State, following the political voilence that erupted after last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections in the area.

The deaths were recorded at Iyano wards in Ibaji Local Government Area of the state.

APC ward Chairman, Thomas Ejimah, who disclosed this yesterday

while speaking at a press conference in Lokoja, called on the federal and state governments, Inspector General of Police and Kogi State Commissioner of Police to save the people of his community before they were exterminated.

Ejimah said a group, allegedly sponsored by a powerful politician in the area unleashed terror on Iyano community, killing one Emmanuel Ameh.

He stated that since APC won all the elections

in the ward, the same group launched fresh attack on the community, leading to the death of one Gabriel Ejimah, who was shot in the abdomen.

The APC chieftain alleged that the politician had mobilised from a neighbouring state and killed another man, Paul Egwumi, and his son, Raymond, yesterday morning while working in the farm.

“The fresh attack on our community is an aftermath of the election.

He has promised to deal

with me and eventually killed my senior brother.

Right now, our lives are at risk, my family and I are not safe,” he stated.

He lamented that despite the several report at Divisional Police station, Police headquarters and the SSS, noting has been done to arrest the situation.

He noted that the people of his community had also petitioned the state government over the matter and the man still insisted to kill everybody in Iyano community.

Bauchi crash kills 7, injures 18 EZEKIEL TITUS BAUCHI

S

even persons have been killed while 18 others sustained injuries in a ghastly motor accident at Misau road, about five kilometres from Azare town of Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Confirming the incident, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Unit Commander in Azare, Sa’adu Funtua, said the accident happened yesterday around 8:30pm and it involved a commercial bus with registration number KTG 50 YG and a military Armoured vehicle.

He said: “The 18-seater

commercial bus coming from Bauchi town was conveying passengers to Azare when one of its tyres burst.

The driver, who was on top speed, lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a military armoured vehicle on the other lane of the road, seven persons died on the spot, while 18 sustained injuries”

The Unit Commander said some minutes after the crash, officials of the FRSC raced to the scene to control the situation.

Sa’adu said the dead have been moved to a morgue in the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, while the injured were taken to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention.

overnorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Taraba State, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, yesterday submitted complaints to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, over alleged electoral malpractices in the March 28 elections.

Aisha, while submitting the letter to INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Alhaji Ahmad Makama, said elections in Southern parts of Taraba and some parts of Central zone were marred with ‘large scale fraud’.

She told the REC that the military, police and some INEC ad-hoc staff were used in areas such as Wukari, Donga and Takum by agents of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to rig the election.

“There was great interference by security agencies, especially the Army in the southern zone. The military were involved in returning of results. We are also not happy with the conduct

of INEC ad -hoc staff as some of them compromised, especially in Wukari,” she said.

Aisha, who expressed disappointment over the situation, pointed out that it was ‘immoral’ for INEC, which ought to be an independent umpire, to become partisan in the conduct of an election.

She alleged that APC agents were intimidated and forced to counter sign forged results, adding that INEC should look into the complaints and also ensure there is a level playing field for all candidates in the April 11 governorship and Assembly elections.

Aisha called on INEC to insist on the full use of card readers during Saturday’s elections so as not to provide room for any party to manipulate the process and shortchange the will of the people.

Responding, Alhaji Makama, assured the APC governorship candidate that her complaints would be looked into and addressed, adding that the last elections in the state were largely credible despite the complaints from some areas.

Polls: Kwara CNPP declares for Ahmed WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

C

ongress of Nigeria’s Political Party, CNPP, a coalition of political parties, Kwara State chapter, on Monday announced the stepping down of their candidates for Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of APC in Saturday’s governorship election.

Chairman of CNPP, Alhaji Adebayo Lawal, who made this known at a news conference on Monday in Ilorin, was accompanied to the briefing by eight chairmen of other parties.

Lawal, who is also Chairman of the Action Alliance, AA, in the state, was joined by the Progressives Peoples Alliance, PPA, United Progressives Party, UPP, Social Democratic Party, SDP, United Democratic Party, UNP, Citizen Popular Party, CPP, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and African Congress of

Democrats, ACD. “It is no longer news that General Muhammadu Buhari won the general election held on Saturday March 28, and President Goodluck Jonathan had the courage to congratulate him hours before INEC declared Buhari the winner.

“It is heart-warming and encouraging as Nigerians made their choice in a free and credible election, which the retired General won overwhelmingly to become President-elect of Nigeria,” Lawal said.

He described APC and its candidates.

He said the CNPP was taking the step in line with its perceived reason to be in the mainstream of the nation’s politics by ensuring that Governor Ahmed of the APC got reelected in Kwara.

Lawal therefore called on CNPP members to vote for APC on Saturday, April 11, 2015.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Gun attack: Emenike dazed by close shave

For me, life is good here. If Brazil still needs my services I will be available as I have always been –Orlando City midfielder, Kaka

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55

Pinnick

CAF: Pin n to crown ick, others life-pres Hayatou ident Issa Hayatou

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

N

igeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, and General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, are among delegates from 54-member countries, who are in Cairo for the 37th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that opened yesterday.

CAF President, Cameroun’s Issa Hayatou, has already wooed the delegates to remove age limit from the organisation’s statutes in order to allow him seek re-election and stay in power beyond the end of his existing tenure.

CAF requires its Executive Members who reach 70 to step down, but a proposal to scrap the rule is expected to go through at the general assembly today.

It would pave the way for Hayatou, who is 68 and in his seventh term in power, to continue his leadership of CAF beyond his current mandate which

is due to end in 2017.

The CAF congress will also renew the mandate of its all-powerful 25-man Executive Committee Members in elections expected to be stiff, with two of them selected as Africa’s representatives on the FIFA Executive Committee.

Pundits say that Tunisian Tarek Bouchamaoui and Constant Omari Selemani of DR Congo are favoured to clinch the FIFA plum jobs, likely displacing Ivorian Jacques Anouma from the committee where he has served for eight years.

According to BBC Sport, Anouma was previously a potential rival for the CAF presidency, but is now expected to join the list of Hayatou challengers who have been squeezed out of football politics.

Algerian Football Association President, Mohamed Raouraoua, who once expressed an interest in taking over from Hayatou, withdrew from the elections and loses his place in a dramatic fall from grace.

On Sunday, on the margin of the congress, the draws for the 2015 African Beach Soccer Championship and the qualification series for the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) were held in Cairo.

Nigeria’s Supersand Eagles, champions in 2007 and 2009, play host Seychelles, Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire in Group A of the African Beach Soccer Championship taking place April 1419, while Ghana, Morocco, Madagascar and Senegal play in Group B. The Super Eagles B, bronze medallists at the 3rd African Nations Championship in South Africa last year, will take on Burkina Faso’s Stallions in October for a place in Rwanda next January.

Tomorrow, there will be a meeting of the new CAF Executive Committee, to be followed by the naming of the Host Country for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals, as well as the Draw for the qualification series for the competition.

CHAN: ‘Why Eagles are seeded’

C

AF has explained why it seeded Nigeria for the next Africa Nations Cup solely for home-based players holding in Rwanda next year.

Eagles won bronze at the last edition held in South Africa and will begin their quest for a second appearance at the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda against the Stallions of Burkina Faso.

The draw held at the CAF headquarters on Sunday pits Nigeria against Burkina Faso in the first round of the CHAN. CAF explained that “the draw was done based on the zonal representation of the National Associations affiliated.”

Nigeria is one of the three seeded countries in Zone B of the qualification alongside Ghana and Niger Republic while Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire and Togo are unseeded.

The first leg between the Super Eagles and their Burkina Faso counterparts will hold in Nigeria on the weekend of October 16, 17 or 18 this year.The Burkinabes will play hosts to the second leg a week later.

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Tuesday, April 7, 2015

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Hummels

Hummels

set for Rodgers

Dortmund exit B

No unrest at Anfield

–Rodgers L

iverpool Manager, Brendan Rodgers, has denied reports of a crisis meeting at the club’s training ground on Sunday after the dismal defeat at Arsenal 24 hours earlier.

A report yesterday said the Reds boss had accused several players of “not playing for him” in a meeting at Melwood following their capitulation in north London and that some of the senior players had “reacted angrily” to the accusation.

“We have lots of meetings here in terms of analysing performance and it was no different to a whole host of meetings we have all year. Those meetings helped us recover from the bad start we had to win 10 games out of 13,” Rodgers said.

“It was just analysing performance, analysing where we are at and then feeding forward to the players. With seven games to go and an FA Cup quarter-final the objectives we can clearly achieve between now and the end of the season. It is just unfortunate something else was made up.

“I have a great bunch of players here who tirelessly every single day give me everything and you can see that in how we play.

orussia Dortmund centreback, Mats Hummels, says his club future will become clearer over the next few weeks as he considers his options.

Hummels has already demanded a stronger Dortmund team for next season, failing which he may consider his own future with a host of Europe’s top clubs linked to him.

Dortmund currently sits tenth in the Bundesliga and seems certain to miss out on a place in the Champions League next season while it may not even qualify for the Europa League, and Hummels has admitted again he may not be sticking with the club for much longer.

“That doesn’t mean that I am leaving, it just means I’m reflecting,” he Hummels said yesterday.

“There’s no particular tendency one way or the other. It’s just thoughts going through my mind.

It will all become clearer in the coming weeks.”

Manchester United has offered up to 40 million euros for Hummels services and is expected to lead the summer interest for the World Cup winner.

The 26-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract and in 2007, when he moved to Dortmund from Bayern Munich, he turned down an approach from Hoffenheim putting it down to a “gut feeling” and revealed he will be led by similar feelings this summer.

“It’s going to be the same again this time,” Hummels added.

Mata

focused on ‘special derby’

M

anchester United midfielder, Juan Mata, is focused on a derby win against Manchester City this weekend to keep hopes of a top-four finish alive.

United will look to extend its winning streak to six matches at Old Trafford on Sunday and Mata feels the side is playing well enough to maintain its push for a top four finish.

“The team performed at a very high level, this is our fifth consecutive win in the Premier League and we want to keep this streak,” the Spain international said yesterday, adding, “Winning the derby against City could be very important for the battle in the top four.”

United comes up against a City outfit who had a similarly decisive 3-0 win over West Brom in its last Premier League outing.

Taking points from City on Sunday could prove crucial in the race for the top four, but Mata recognises the talent his derby opposition can boast.

“We know they can win the game in an isolated play,” the former Chelsea player observed.

Mata

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nigeria court orders and South Africa’s SuperSport BEN MEMULETIWON

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here are now growing concerns regarding foreign investors’ disregard of our Court orders. The latest is alleged to be Super Sports of South Africa who is accused of disregarding Hon. Justice Ogala’s (Mrs) interlocutory injunction delivered in Suit No: LD/997/2013/ in her 27th June 2014 judgement.

The Hon. Justice in her judgment specifically granted an order of interlocutory injunction restraining further interfering in any way or form with the performance of the contract between the claimant (Total Promotions Ltd) and SuperSport International (Proprietary) Ltd dated 16th January, 2012 and 7th March, 2012 or reviewing the terms thereof or re-awarding the rights or any part thereof vested in the parties thereto, to any person whatsoever, pending the determination of this Suit.

Our investigation revealed that SuperSport was duly served a copy of this Court order. One’s concern and legal advice is that it is trite in law that regardless one’s views as to the efficacy of a Court judgment, whilst reserving the right of appeal, one cannot in law disregard the judgment.

SuperSport in continuing to broadcast the matches on its Channels through the auspices of LMC is in direct disregard of Ogala’s injunction and ipso facto, the judiciary of this Country.

In fact, our investigation revealed SuperSport may also be allegedly disregarding another Nigerian Court Judgment in which LMC may be said not be a juristic person / body. Justice Okorowo D.U. of Federal High Court , Abuja had on Friday 20th January, 2012 in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/179/2010 between Dr. Sam Jaja VS NFL, NFA/NFF and others directed that the plantiff (Dr Jaja) has granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining the 1st to 4th defendants (NFL, NFA/ NFF and others) and each of them, either by themselves, their agents, servants, privies, agencies or otherwise however, from taking any steps or doing anything either in the name of Nigeria Premier League or Nigeria Football Federation in relation to League Football or any aspect of football adminis-

Sports

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

tration and management.

Our investigation further revealed that this perpetual injunction order of Justice Okorowo was allegedly brought to the attention of SuperSports but once again, it declined to obey Court Judgement.

Clearly, Okorowo’s judgement was in January 2012 but in Dec 2012, in defiance of the perpetual injunction order, Maigari of NFF, who had been restrained from having anything to do with football administration and management in Nigeria in the name of NFF went ahead to inaugurate LMC as a Committee. This was clearly 11 months post this perpetual injunction order of Justice Okorowo restraining Maigari’s NFF from so doing.

Fifteen Months from date of this same perpetual injunction, Maigari’s NFF foisted another kangaroo on the public when, using the name of Nigeria Football Association, a body he (Maigari) swore in a Court affidavit as not functioning as of then, to illegally transmute LMC to a limited liability Company. All these illegalities against the backdrop of Okorowo Justice’s judgment.

The question legal minds are asking is: Will SuperSport dare in South Africa to go against any Court orders?

Would SuperSport not have distanced itself from the likes of LMC, if such order was given in South Africa? But here in Nigeria, it is believed by the likes of SuperSports that impunity is the order of the day and it may as well join the illegal train, evidence, if one was ever needed of its disrespect of Nigeria Judicial system.

It is never too late for SuperSport to demonstrate its positive change of mind by respecting Nigerian Judiciary from today. All it needs do is to respect both Justice Okorowo and Ogala’s judgments.

A foreign investor should not be riding roughshod on our institutions.

Juxtapose these illegalities with the woeful performance of Nigerian clubs in international competitions after the ouster of Enyimba International FC and Kano Pillars from this year’s CAF Champions League and it is obvious that the LMC was illegally inaugurated by Aminu Maigari to finally kill and bury Nigerian football.

55

Emenike

Gun attack:

Emenike dazed by close shave F

enerbahce striker, Emmanuel Emenike, says he is still trying to come to terms with what happened after the bus he and his Fenerbache teammates were travelling on was shot at.

The Super Eagles forward was on the bus that was attacked in Turkey on Saturday night after Fenerbahce had beaten Rizespor 5-1.

All the players and officials escaped unharmed, though the bus driver was hit by bullets.

“The incident left several players in shock on a day we should be celebrating a big away win,” Emenike told BBC Sport yesterday.

“I was on the phone with my brother when I

heard the loud sound and I thought one of our tyres had busted because the bus was swerving on the road.

“But when I found our security officer in front of the bus I knew something must have gone awfully wrong.”

Log leader Fenerbahce has since called for the League to be suspended, but Emenike admits he feels lucky just to be alive.

“It’s unbelievable that some people actually fired shots at a bus conveying footballers and officials,” he said, stressing, “It’s strange, but it’s also an indication that things happen in life and no one can be guaranteed complete safety.”

Beach soccer: Pepsi Academy shines at Gidi Festival AFOLABI GAMBARI

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epsi Football Academy’s beach football profile rose at the weekend with a commanding performance at the 2015 edition of Gidi Culture Festival in Lagos, coming on the heels of another performance at the COPA Lagos beach soccer tournament last December.

The Pepsi boys dominated JK Team in the first match with an emphatic 6-1 victory before rounding off with another win over AGMP Team in the final match to cart away the trophy.

Pepsi’s team comprised of players that starred against Barcelona FC sand team at COPA Lagos and the rejuvenated side attracted the crowd with its entertaining display that saw the spectators calling for more.

Head of Marketing, Seven Up Bottling Compa-

ny Plc, Mr. Norden Thurston, who witnessed the games, expressed delight at the players’ performance which he described as encouraging.

“The essence of the tournament at the Gidi Culture Festival is to excite the brand’s consumers at Easter,” Thuston, who was represented by the Brand Manager, Seven Up Bottling Company Plc, Mr. Segun Ogunleye, said, adding, “We are committed to developing grassroots football and beach soccer in Nigeria through the Pepsi Football Academy.”

Director of the Pepsi Football Academy, Chief Kasimawo Laloko, also expressed satisfaction at the players’ output.

“We will continue to participate in various competitions at home and abroad to create exposure for the youngsters who are the future of Nigerian football,” Laloko, who recently bagged the chieftaincy title of Olori Parakoyi of Egbaland, said.

Pepsi Football Academy team after defeating AMGP team to win the Gidi Culture Festival Beach Soccer Tournament trophy at Bar Beach, Victoria Island, Lagos last weekend

WORLD RECORD

Longest snake - ever (captivity)

N150

Vol. 05 No. 1085 Tuesday, April 7, 2015

The longest snake - ever (captivity) is Medusa, a reticulated python (python reticulatus), and is owned by Full Moon Productions Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.

Buhari and the Nigerian state

W

ithout prejudice to whatever legal or other lawful challenges that President Goodluck Jonathan and his people might institute as part of his reelection effort, let me in the meantime congratulate the winner of the March 28 presidential election, General Muhammadu Buhari.

The General’s story is one of the most inspiring stories to come out of our nation. Rejected as a military leader for running a government that had no regard for people 32 years ago, Buhari worked his way back tirelessly through the tortuous democratic route. For the past fourteen years,

Guest Columnist

Kennedy Emetulu

he’s joined others within different political parties and formations not only to actualize his ambition to return as a democratic president, but also actively participate as a stakeholder in the democratic life of the nation.

True, Buhari’s politics is not everyone’s cup of tea, but at this point, that is not the issue. I for one have been one of his most strident critics and I’m sure that won’t change very much, depending on how he chooses to operate as president; but, at this point, all he needs is our support. Buhari has very dated views about the economy and social relations, but we must expect that a huge and influential section of the national coalition that worked to get him to Aso Rock would work on these rough edges and prevail on him to brush up on what he needs to brush up on and dump what he needs to dump.

Now that he has been elected, outside the partisan fog, we need to give Buhari a clean slate and not judge him on his past, because that is what the democratic project demands. The majority of Nigerians who voted for him are not fools. They know precisely who he is and what he stands for, and have chosen to go with him, irrespective of what the rest of us think of President Goodluck Jonathan. We, the minority have had our say; but we must allow the majority to have their way. President Jonathan has done pretty well in

FOR BUHARI, HIS FIRST TASK IS TO DO AWAY WITH HIS MESSIANIC COMPLEX resuscitating agriculture and the real sectors and he’s also invested a lot in education, infrastructural development and a lot of other things. Buhari and his team must build on these. He must avoid the politics of religion, because as we can see from the Boko Haram menace, the surest way to get Nigeria destroyed is to encourage religious or ethnic politics.

Bola Tinubu would be quite influential in the incoming government. I salute his political sagacity and ability to work through the system to help achieve this victory for his party, but I’m no fan of his economics, cash and carry and accumulation politics. It’s one thing for him to economically colonize Lagos and the APC-controlled states, but quite another to think such a formula can be applied to Nigeria as a whole. He has to give the presidency and vice presidency room to breathe, because if he overplays his hand, Nigerians would not hesitate to let him know that he is no God. For Buhari, his first task is to do away with his messianic complex.

Of course, the expectations are quite high, but he has to responsibly manage those expectations and the mantra of change he’s dropped on people’s lips.

Indeed, there are things he’d promised in the course of the campaign that are plainly impossible, but now that he’s about to get back to government in a democracy, I suggest he set up a national policy review council made up of Nigerian experts in every field and opinion leaders to sit down with him and his team between now and inauguration to take a close look at what the situation is without finances and performance updates in every sector with a view to keeping those things that needed to be kept, continuing with the laudable ones already started and cutting out waste and corruption where necessary. For me, he needs to forget the highfalutin proclamations in the APC manifesto and focus proactively on what exactly exists on the ground.

In short, he has to hit the ground running, because no one will accept his age as an excuse.

Most importantly, Nigerians must now be very careful. There are many disgruntled elements out there in high places thinking this is an opportunity for them to foment trouble. Some of these persons have no respect for democracy and would think nothing of scuttling it. But if we do not encourage them or listen to them, they would remain powerless. Individuals and communities must, therefore, watch out for them.

We must continue to let Nigerians know that we are all one. True, some of us might see some ethnic and religious elements in the result of the election, but that is natural. The better way to look at it is that there is a lesson here for us all. That lesson must help to improve our democracy, rather than diminish it. We can only improve it if we appreciate that whoever is at the top only has four years or less to show us what he/she can do.

Emetulu wrote from London.

Sport Extra

W

orld number one, Novak Djokovic, outlasted Andy Murray in a typically punishing encounter to claim his fifth Miami Open title yesterday.

Djokovic powered through a brutal third set in the sear-

Tennis: Djokovic dismisses Murray to Miami title ing Florida heat to win 7-6 (73) 4-6 6-0 and extend his dominance over his Scottish rival.

The Serb’s latest Miami success extended his personal record to 18-8 over Murray and further enhanced his rep-

utation as the world’s greatest player in terms of both technique and willpower.

“I could not ask for a better start to the season, winning three big titles. Hopefully I’m able to use this for the

clay court coming up. That’s extremely important for me leading up to French Open,” Djokovic said.

“I don’t want to predict anything nor put some additional unnecessary pressure

on myself but I hope this is just the beginning,” he added.

Djokovic also became the first player to win the Indian Wells and Miami double on three separate occasions with the victory.

Djokovic

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