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ANAMBRA GUBER: D-DAY TOMORROW •Detailed analyses of parties, candidates, strengths, weaknesses •Issues that will determine election outcome •APC, PDP bicker over Jonathan’s commitment to free poll •Police arrest 185 hoodlums with fake voters’ cards •IGP orders restriction of movement Ubah

Ngige

Vol. 3 N0. 723

Obiano

P.13,14,15

Nwoye

Friday, November 15, 2013

N150

PDP to G7 governors:

Retrace your steps or face sanctions ...says New PDP members suffering from selective amnesia

That’ll be suicidal for party –Baraje faction

OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

T

he national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday warned that the G7 governors might face sanction if they failed to retrace their steps.

Already, the party hierarchy has inaugurated the Umaru Dikko-led National Disciplinary Committee.

PDP also declared that the suspension of the reinstated National Secretary of the party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, was in tandem with the proviCONTINUED ON PAGE 5>>

IG disowns DPO:

I didn’t order disruption of G7 govs’ meeting P.5

Kogi gov’s convoy crashed thrice in three months –FRSC

P.6

Vice-President Namadi Sambo (left) and President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka, during a bilateral meeting between the two countries in Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday.

Senate probes N135bn police funds

PHOTO: NAN

...reopens debate on state police

26 killed in fresh Boko Haram attacks

P.2

P7

Sanusi

LCCI calls for scrapping of new CBN monetary reforms P.2

News

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Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

LCCI calls for scrapping of new CBN monetary reforms MESHACK IDEHEN AND EMMANUEL OGBONNAYA

T

he Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to reverse its decision to replace the Wholesale Dutch Auction System, WDAS with the Retail Dutch Auction System, RDAS, as part of measures to control the foreign exchange market.

The chamber, the biggest arm of the organised private sector in Nigeria, also advised the apex bank to review its new policy on banks’ Cash Reserve Requirement, CRR, which it raised from 12 per cent to 50 per cent.

The LCCI noted that it shared the concern of the CBN to preserve the integrity of the naira and also ensure price and rate stability through policy regulations, but it would be detrimental

to the nation’s economy if the new policy was not immediately reviewed.

The chamber stressed that its introduction had been generating some negative outcomes.

Speaking at its quarterly press briefing on the state of the economy yesterday, the outgoing LCCI president, Mr. Goodie Ibru, noted that the problems created by these recent reforms in the financial sector had potentially distortionary ef-

fects on the economy.

“The apex bank had expressed concern over what it called the dollarisation of the economy. However, in trying to deal with the situation through recently introduced reforms in the foreign exchange market, other problems appear to have been created.

“The naira suffered considerable depreciation in the parallel market on the back of the new policy as the dollar sold for between

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (3rd left); his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi (4th left), Guest Speaker, Dr. Andrea Koch-Kraft (3rd right), Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris (middle behind), Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Yewande Adeshina (right back row) and others during the Lagos Livable City Conference 2013 in Lagos, yesterday.

N166 and N168 while the parallel market premium also widened”, he noted.

He explained that with this development, there was a high risk of round tripping in the foreign exchange market as the official and parallel market rates widened.

Ibru also noted that there was heightened risk of inflationary pressures as the exchange rate in the parallel market depreciated drastically.

“This is significant because the Nigerian economy is characterised by a large informal sector that sources foreign exchange mainly from the parallel market.

“There is a risk of overregulation in the market, which could create further distortions and breed corruption within the regulatory system,” he said.

Ibru added that the situation had thrown up the challenge of excessive documentation and bureaucracy, which would slow down the tempo of economic activities and created transparency problems.

“In the light of all of this, we are calling on the CBN

to review the new forex policy in order to make the processes more efficient.

We suggest a reversion to the Wholesale Dutch Auction System,” he said.

He also noted that through the efforts of the apex bank, inflation was now in a single digit and exchange rate had been stable in the official market.

Ibru, however, said the sudden and drastic increase of the CRR on public deposits from 12 per cent to 50 per cent had caused a shock on the financial system which had been profound with serious systemic implications.

“There has been heightened pressure on interest rates as a result of tighter liquidity conditions; many banks have come under pressure because of the shock of the policy, resulting in a risk of another round of banking sector distress, if the situation persists.”

He said that there was a real threat to financial systems stability as evidenced by the recent suspension of licences of some discount houses and threat to the CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

Senate probes N135bn police funds GEORGE OJI ABUJA

T

he Senate has directed its Committee on Police Affairs to probe the whereabouts of the N135bn police reforms funds.

The money accrued between 2010 and 2013.

The directive followed a motion brought by Senator Abubakar Tutare (PDPTaraba) and co-sponsored by 16 other senators on the level of funding and implementation of the Nigerian Police Force Reform Programme.

This was also as senators re-opened debate on state police.

The Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, noted that beyond poor funding, the Nigeria Police Force was being hampered by what he described as “structural defect”.

He said the situation called for the creation of state police to ensure effective policing of the country.

“The mentality of the police is still rooted in our colonial history. No matter

how much you bring, you are not going to change the police.

“The idea of a single police for all the country is inconsistent with a federal system. This motion affords us the opportunity to restructure the police in line with what is obtainable in a federalism,” NdomaEgba added.

Senator Umaru Dahiru (PDP-Sokoto) noted that considering the poor level of policing in the country in recent times, there was the need to create state police.

“I will certainly support creation of state police as 2015 approaches. As it is today, nobody can trust the federal police to provide security for the people.

“The time is ripe for us to include state police as key issue for discussion at the national conference,” Dahiru said.

In his lead presentation, Tutare said that the Federal Government in 2010 initiated police reform to address the lack of offices, residential accommodation, operational vehicles and commu-

nication equipment.

The lawmaker noted that the reform was aimed at overhauling the police force and positioning it to be “more professional, effective and efficient in the discharge of their duties with a takeoff grant of N75bn.”

He said that in spite of granting and providing to the police force N57bn between 2011 and 2013, “there is still nothing to show that the reform agenda is on-going in the Nigeria Police Force.”

Senator James Manager (PDP-Delta) said: “What we should do is to reopen the debate on decentralisation of the police.

“There is something organically wrong with the police and Nigerians have to decide whether a central police or decentralised police is appropriate.”

Senator Smart Adeyemi (PDP- Kogi) said there was the need to review how the police funds were being managed to ensure adequate welfare for the personnel.

“We need to find out what is happening to their allocation and how money

is being disbursed to the police. There is nothing wrong with having a state police.

“We must begin to look at ways to make a policeman committed and passionate about his job by providing them with the good things of life,” he said.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu (APC-Lagos) while supporting the call for state police urged the Senate to avoid trivialising the issue of security of the people.

“The entire nation is not happy with the police.

We requested for state police but many of us voted against it here.

“We, as the Senate, can do something about it right here before it even gets to the national conference,” she added.

Senator Ahmed Makarfi (PDP-Kaduna) urged the Senate to find out how the funds were being utilised.

“If there is no efficient utilisation of the money, there is no way the reform can succeed. We may be having problem over the struggle for who controls

the funds contributed for the police reforms.”

Senator Uche Chukwumerije (PDP- Abia) called for adequate funding of the police in the same way that huge allocations were provided for the army.

“More funding should be provided for police even above what the military is being given because they are closer to the people,” Chukwumerije said.

Senator Sani Saleh (APCKaduna) said a competent committee should be set up to carry out the police reforms programme.

“You can’t ask the police to reform itself or the IG to begin quarrelling with the ministry over who controls the funds.

“A competent committee outside of the Nigeria Police Force should be set up to urgently carry out the reforms.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, noted that the solution to the problem of the police called for urgent decentralisation of the police.

“About N140bn had been

made available for the reforms between 2010 and 2013, but unfortunately with these huge funds we are not going to achieve anything with the police.

“We must make up our minds to secure our people by decentralising the police”, he said.

Senate President, David Mark, also backed the call for the creation of state police to effect structural changes that would enhance effective policing of the country.

“I used to be a strong advocate of Federal Government police or central police. I am sure you have noticed that sometimes ago I also changed my mind to say that maybe we should experiment with state police and see what it is.

“There are basic problems with the current system but we must try to address them in a manner that has nothing to do with politics in any form at all because if this country does not survive we will not play politics also,” Mark said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, November 15, 2013

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4

Photo News

Friday, November 15, 2013

L-R: Vice-Principal, Doregos Private Academy, Mr Olayiwola Olasupo; Proprietress, Mrs. Abeke Doregos and Executive Director, St. Bernedette Educational Services, Mr. Olatokunbo Doregos, at a press briefing on the academy’s 10th inter-school basketball competition in Lagos, yesterday.

L-R: Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Mr. James Olotu; DirectorGeneral, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Benjamin Dikki and Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Philip Aduda, at the induction of NAPTIN’s graduate skills development trainees in Abuja, yesterday.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

L-R: Team Leader, World Rescue Organisation, Mr. Alan Patterson; International Development Project Manager, Mr. Rob Macdovgau and Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr. Osita Chidoka, during the 2013 Africa Safety Day and World Day of Remembrance for road traffic crash victims in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

L-R: President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Goodie Ibru; Deputy President, Alhaji Remi Bello and Vice-President, Chief Nike Akande, at the Chamber’s quarterly press briefing on the economy in Lagos, yesterday.

NEWS

Senate rescinds summons, asks Oduah to brief committee GEORGE OJI ABUJA

T

he embattled Minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah, is now to appear before the Senate Committee on Aviation.

Oduah had been summoned to appear before the Senate Plenary yesterday, but has been directed to brief the committee on the state of the aviation sector.

Without making reference to the day or time when the decision directing the minister to appear before the committee was taken, Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba merely disclosed that the resolution to rescind the summons on the minister was arrived at during an executive session.

The new directive, which has no timeline attached to it, followed the adoption of the prayers contained in the motion sponsored by the Senate Leader himself, entitled, “Rescission of a Senate Resolution on the

Invitation of the Minister of Aviation to brief the Senate,” and unanimously adopted by all the senators.

Incidentally, it was the same Ndoma-Egba who moved the motion that led to the summoning of the minister on October 8.

The minister’s summon, along with her chief executive officers, followed the adoption of the resolution proposed by Ndoma-Egba following the debate on the motion entitled: “Crash of the Associated Airlines Airplane.”

Rising under section 67 of the 1999 constitution, Ndoma-Egba noted that the sheer number of accidents in the country is deserving of declaring a state of emergency in the aviation sector and that the time has come for the senate to summon the minister and her chief executive officers to appear before the senate to give account of her ministry.

After what was perceived by National Assembly

watchers as planned strategy to frustrate the appearance of the minister, the senate reluctantly scheduled Oduah to appear before last week Thursday together with the chief executive officers of her ministry.

However, on that last week Thursday, the Leader informed the senate that the planned appearance of the minister would be put on temporary hold because the Senate President, David Mark, who was supposed to lead the Federal Government delegation to the United Arab Emirate to cheer the Golden Eaglets to victory in their final match with Mexico had sought the indulgence of the senators to postpone the summons till yesterday.

This was to enable Mark be physically present and pilot the proceedings when the minister eventually appears.

It turned out to be anti climax yesterday when the new twist to the invitation was introduced. Surprisingly, there was no single

debate or opposition to the motion by the leader.

Before his presentation, the leader had cited section 53(6) of the senate standing orders 2011 as amended to support his presentations.

In his lead presentation, Ndoma-Egba merely recalled that on October 8, the senate among others resolved to invite the minister and chief executive officers of the aviation agencies to brief the lawmakers on the state of the aviation sector and the high number of aviation incidents in the country.

The leader noted that the senate at its executive session resolved that the briefing be now before the senate committee on aviation.

He urged the senate to rescind its earlier resolution that the minister brief the senate in plenary and that she should instead brief the senate committee on the state of aviation sector and highlights number of aviation incidents in the country.

However, no senator offered to contribute to the debate and accordingly, Mark put the issue to voice

vote and all the senators okayed the request.

Meanwhile, fielding questions from newsmen after the plenary, Chairman of the Senate Aviation Committee, Hope Uzodinma assured that his committee would do justice to all the issues it is required to raise .

Reacting to the allegation that the leadership of the senate was under pressure by the presidency to give the minister a soft landing, Uzodinma said, “I don’t know where you heard that, but what I have just said is in order and that is the rules and that is what we are doing.

When confronted with the fact that the initial resolution of the senate to summon the minister was unanimously reached by all the senators present on the said day, the lawmaker replied, “I told you that the invitation was just in relation to the air crash, the plane crash of Associated Aircraft, the Senate became worried that there were this repeated occurrences of air crashes and that they needed to know what is happening in the sector and now, being in-

sensitive to the opinion and feelings of the people would not be good since fresh issues have emerged and that this would push us to details and full scale investigation the Senate has now, in their wisdom, decided to go into full scale investigation so as to be able to look into the sector very properly, holistically with a view to bringing to bear a permanent solution.

And that is exactly what we are going to do.”

On what Nigeria would be expecting from the committee, Uzodinma said, “Well, as usual, they should know what they expect and they should know how my committee has been working. I can assure you we are going to do a thorough job.”

Our error In our caption on page 4 of yesterday’s edition, we erroneously refered to Mr. David Adeagbo as the Deputy Managing Director of National Mirror. He is a senior staff of the company. The error is regretted.

Editor.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

News

Friday, November 15, 2013

5

IG disowns DPO: I didn’t order disruption of G7 govs’ meeting TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

T

he InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has denied ever asking a Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Mr. Nnanna Amah, to disrupt the meeting of seven aggrieved governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abuja.

He told the House of Representatives’ Committee on Police Affairs investigating the matter that he did not order anybody to storm the meeting of the governors.

The IG also denied allegations that he was partisan in the crisis rocking the PDP. The lawmakers had last week ordered Abubakar to appear before the committee over alleged partisanship of the police in the party.

The House in its resolution said the IG had to explain the role played by the DPO in charge of Asokoro, Abuja, in disrupting the meeting of the G7 governors at the Kano Lodge in the FCT The motion,raised by Hon. IdrisSaniKutigi (Niger,PDP), and

entitled “Impunity and disregard to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) by the Nigerian police” was cosponsored by 60 other PDP members.

All the sponsors of the motion belonged to the PDP faction led by Abubakar Baraje.

The motion was triggered by the alarm raised by the governors that their meeting was disrupted by police authorities.

At yesterday’s session, Mohammed said he could not have asked

any of his officers to go after the G7 governors because his primary assignment was to maintain law and order in the country.

“The DPO was not sent by anybody,” Abubakar said.

The police boss, however, explained that what transpired between the G7 governors and the DPO could not be termed disruption of meeting.

He said that the DPO, as the officer in charge of the area, had the right to know what was going on in his domain.

The IG said: “He is the

L-R: Chairman, Commomwealth Business Council, Mr. Mohan Kowl; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom and Senior Special Adviser to the Vice-President on Special Duties, Mr. Isaiah Balat, at the Commonwealth Business Forum of 2013 CHOGM in Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

DPO of the area; if anything happens he would be held responsible. He was doing his job.”

He stressed that the governors’ meeting continued after their short interaction with the DPO and wondered why the public was misled into believing that the meeting was disrupted.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. UsmanKumo (PDP-Gombe) said the police could not afford to be biased in the PDP crisis or any issue in the country.

He urged Abubakar to always think about the implication of his actions before taking it.

DPO Amah had on Sunday November 3 invaded the meeting of the rebel governors.

Sunday’s disruption of the meeting of the G7 governors was the latest in the series of police invasion of the meetings of the aggrieved governors and the new PDP. About 30 minutes into the meeting, the DPO of Asokoro police station, entered the Kano Governor’s Lodge, claiming that he had instruction to stop the meeting.

When the governors apparently got wind that the DPO was outside, they asked him to be

brought into the meeting hall.

About 10 minutes after, the DPO, CSP Ama, left the meeting venue, after he was briefed about the private nature of the meeting.

At the meeting were: the chairman of the new PDP, Abubakar Baraje, the governors of Niger, Rivers, Jigawa, Adamawa and Kano states, Babangida Aliyu, Rotimi Amaechi, Sule Lamido, Murtala Nyako and Rabiu Kwankwaso respectively; the party secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Alhaji Kashim Imam, Senators Aisha Alassan, Danjuma Goje, Abdullahi Adamu, Bukola Saraki, former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, Sam Sam Jaja, former governor of Ekiti, Chief Segun Oni and the National Vice-Chairman of the PDP, North West, Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure.

The first sign of the war of attrition against the new PDP emerged on September 7, when the headquarters of the new PDP at Number 4, Oyi Street, Off Ibrahim Babangida Way, Maitama District, Abuja, was sealed off by the Police, following a court order.

PDP to G7 governors: Retrace your steps or face sanctions

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sions of the party constitution as amended.

The G7 governors - Governors Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) - have factionalised the party with the formation of the New PDP. The party had on Monday suspended Oyinlola; the National Chairman of the splinter New PDP, Abubakar Baraje; Dr. Sam Jaja and Ambassador Ibrahim Kazaure.

On why the G7 governors were exempted from the sanction, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said that the party had “options for our other brothers.”

He, however, said that the party had given the aggrieved leaders enough

time to mend their ways and return to the party, warning that sanctions could be extended to them.

Metuh noted that Section 57 (3) of the party constitution “expressly empowers the National Working Committee, NWC, to suspend anybody at the national level and to refer the matter to the disciplinary committee.”

“The NWC, at any level of the party, and the executive committee (at the ward level) may, after preliminary hearings, suspend a member from the party for a period not exceeding one month, during which period the member so suspended shall lose his right to contest any election and shall be referred to the appropriate disciplinary committee,” he said.

Oyinlola had on Wednesday rejected his suspension on the grounds that it ran counter to the

provisions Section 57 of the party constitution which empowered the National Executive Committee, NEC, to sanction erring national officers.

He said the powers of the NWC to suspend a national officer were reinforced by the provisions of Article 29 (2b) which provides that: “In case of emergency, the NWC can act on behalf of the NEC subject to ratification by the NEC.” But Metuh described the claims by Oyinlola and members of the Baraje faction that their suspension was mischievous as “a selective reading of our constitution.”

He also accused the suspended members of adopting selective amnesia in handling the suspension slammed on them by the party.

Metuh explained that when Baraje was the national secretary of the par-

ty in 2010, he personally signed the press statement suspending former Senate President Ken Nnamani, a member of PDP national executive committee, and other key officers of the PDP Reform Forum when they were clamouring for the reform of the party.

He also reminded Oyinlola and Jaja that when they were national secretary and deputy national chairman respectively, they were part of the officers of the party that on November 13, 2012 sat and approved the suspension of the incumbent National Vice-Chairman (North-East), Alhaji Girigiri Lawal.

The PDP spokesman told Jaja that he was also part of the 307 NWC meeting of May 27, 2013 where a decision was taken to suspend Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, also a member of the NEC.

Metuh reiterated that as at the time he was addressing the press conference yesterday, the party had not been served with the ruling of the Court of Appeal which last Wednesday upturned the sack of Oyinlola.

He noted that it would be out of place for anyone to expect the party to go to the court to beg to be given or served the court judgement.

But the spokesperson of the New PDP, Chief Chukwuemeka Eze, told National Mirror that attempts by the PDP to sanction the G7 governors would result to the burial of the party.

He said: “They do not have the powers to sanction elected governors.

Let them go ahead because history will bear witness that it is during the reign of Bamanga Tukur that PDP was deregistered and that Tukur and

his gang supervised the demise of the party that they did not help in forming.”

“Is he (Metuh) telling the Nigerian public that because someone signed something in the past, therefore, the constitution of the party as amended recently should be overlooked?

“The constitution has explicitly said that the NWC has no powers to sanction a NEC member without due process. The constitution of the party said that before such person is sanctioned, such person must be invited by the leadership to hear from him before passing judgement, that has not been done.

“It is just unfortunate the kind of impunity that is going on in the party and that is what the G7 and the entire New PDP have been saying all these while.”

6

News

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kogi gov’s convoy crashed thrice in three months –Chidoka KEMI OLAITAN AND CHIDI UGWU

T

he Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, has disclosed that convoy of Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, had crashed three times within three months.

The FRSC Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Osita Chidoka, disclosed this yesterday while fielding questions from journalists during this year’s Africa Road Safety Day/ World Day for Remembrance of Road Traffic Crash Victims.

The former National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Prof. Festus Iyayi, died in an accident involving Wada’s convoy.

Iyayi was on his way to Kano for the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of ASUU. Chidoka also said the Kogi State Government had not sent its convoy drivers for a special training which the FRSC designed to certify drivers for convoy driving.

He said FRSC team was still collating the facts to understand the actual cause of the accident that took the life of the erudite professor.

The Corps Marshal added that it was still too early to determine the cause of the accident, adding investigation by FRSC was ongoing and would be made public when completed.

A member of the Iyayi family, Prof. Robert Ebewele, yesterday said the burial of former ASUU national chairman had been fixed for the first week of December.

Ebewele, who spoke when the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, Sen. Effiong Dickson Bob, paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family, said the burial would begin with a commendation service.

He said the family would liaise with the university community for the burial programme.

Earlier, Bob, who was led on the visit by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, said he was deeply hurt over the sad incident.

He said: “Though death must surely come, how and when it will come? We don’t know. But it is unfortunate that Iyayi died in the cause of finding a university system where things are done properly.

“It is my hope that his death will spur ASUU

Withdraw PDM’s registration, faction tells INEC OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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faction of the Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to withdraw the registration of the party.

The movement, a pressure group within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the chairmanship of Senator Abubakar Mahdi, rose from a meeting of its founding fathers and Elders’ Committee in Abuja on Wednesday with a communiqué demanding INEC to act in accordance with its call for the purpose of withdrawing the registration of PDM which the commission registered as a party about three months ago.

Some members of PDM, under the interim chairmanship of Mallam Bashir Ibrahim Yusuf, had filed papers with the INEC for the transformation of the movement into

a political party, which the electoral body approved.

But the Mahdi-led PDM, which said Yusuf and his collaborators acted clandestinely without consultation and due process, has continued to insist that the movement remains a pressure group in the PDP and the nation’s political space.

After the meeting of the founding fathers and members of the Elders’ Committee for several hours at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the movement resolved to concur with the views expressed

by Zonal Coordinators and State Working Committees representing 28 states of the federation that “rejected the registration of PDM as a political party without consultation and due process, and calls on INEC to reconsider the registration of PDM as a party for the purpose of withdrawing the registration”.

• Iyayi for burial Dec, says family leadership to honour him by finding a lasting solution to the strike even as I urge all those who are alive to do all they could with steadfastness and courage.”

Bob, therefore, promised that the university would assist the family to give the activist a befitting funeral.

Meanwhile, the University of Ibadan chapter of ASUU, yesterday suspended forthwith all union ac-

tivities and programmes.

A text message sent by the union to all academic staff said the decision was sequel to Iyayi’s death.

According to the message, suspending all union activities was to honour the deceased who devoted his life to fighting injustice and served the union meritoriously.

The message reads in part: “We regret to inform you that Prof. Festus Iyayi

was killed by the Kogi State governor’s convoy while on union assignment. Therefore, all union programmes are hereby postponed until further notice to mourn the dead.

Thanks. ASUU, UI.” The Chairman of UI ASUU, Dr. Olusegun Ajiboye, described Iyayi as a celebrated activist who defied threat to his life to fight for the masses.

Ajiboye regretted that

Iyayi was killed through executive waywardness.

He said the academic world had been thrown into mourning and “we are mourning our own killed in the hands of those who are supposed to uphold the law but break the law with impunity”.

According to him, many governors do not obey traffic light and lack the passion to help the masses during gridlock but enjoy terrorising people on the road.

L-R: Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Senators, Adamu Abdullahi Abubakar, Bukola Saraki and Danjuma Goje, during the first year remembrance prayer for the late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki at Ilorin Central Mosque, Ilorin, yesterday.

Excess Crude Account drops to $3.593bn TOLA AKINMUTIMI ABUJA

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he Excess Crude Account, ECA, was further drawn down by $1 billion in October following a presidential order that the amount should be withdrawn to augment distributions to the tiers of government in the face of dwindling oil revenue accruing to the country.

With the withdrawal, the ECA dropped to $3.598 billion. The October accruals into the Federation Account totalled N539.553 billion, composing of N443.052 billion of mineral earnings and N96.501 billion of non-oil mineral revenues.

Giving a breakdown of the revenue accruals and distribution components of the Federation Account at the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, meeting yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of State for

Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama, said that actual revenue collection in the month from revenue sources was N539.553 billion, an amount that was less than the N623.768 billion budgetary approvals

by N84.215 billion.

Ngama noted that while the amount collected in October exceeded the amount collected in the previous month by N11.979 billion, the non-oil mineral revenue totalling N96.501 billion was short of the budgeted projection of N158.711 billion by N62.21 billion.

He said: “In the month of October 2013, the total mineral revenue that accrued to the Federation Account is 443.052 billion. This is a little short of N465.057 billion that is in the budget for the month of October 2013 hence we have a negative variance of N22.005 billion.

“We have the total actual collection of total revenue N539.553 billion which is less than the N623.768 billion that is in

the budget by N84.215 billion.

“The total funds available for distribution have been adjusted with transfers to excess crude.

And this month we transferred N80.651 billion to excess crude, thus leaving N458.901 billion after cost of collection to Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, of N2.097 billion and cost of collection to Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, of N3.085 billion.

“There is also a refund to NCS of N0.713 billion.

So, after these deductions we had N453.006 billion left for distribution to the three tiers of government which was done as follows: Federal Government, N213.825 billion; all the states put together are going to share N108.455 billion. Then the local governments are going to share N83.614 billion.

“The oil-producing states will get their 13 per cent derivation which amounts to N47.112 bil-

lion. Total amount distributed is N525.247 billion this month.”

The minister explained that in addition to the statutory distributions to the tiers of government, the committee also approved the sharing of N35.549 billion Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, as well as the N7.617 billion refunded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, which would be shared to the states and local governments as the repayments due from the corporation into the Federation Account.

On the $1 billion ECA withdrawal, Ngama said it was also distributed among the three tiers of government based on approval by President Goodluck Jonathan to shore up available funds at the disposal of the various tiers of government consequent upon the country’s dwindling oil revenues.

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News

Friday, November 15, 2013

26 killed in renewed Boko Haram attacks INUSA NDAHI MAIDUGURI

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series of night attacks in Bdagu, Izge, Hartsa and Yazza villages of Gwoza, Damboa and Askira -Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State, suspected to have been carried out by the Boko Haram sect, has claimed over 26 lives.

Our correspondent learnt that hundreds of villagers have also been displaced while about 40 houses were set ablaze.

This was even as an unconfirmed report has it that three of the attackers were killed when some neighbouring villages of

Dille, Lassa, among others, mobilised and pursued the fleeing terrorists to a nearby bush.

Our correspondent gathered from a reliable source in Bdagu community that the attackers, between Monday and Wednesday, stormed the affected villages using two Hilux vehicles, three buses and over 30 motorcycles armed with AK-47 rifles.

They were allegedly led by insiders, going from house to house to kill, loot and set some selected residential houses ablaze.

He stated that in the Bdagu attack, over 40 residential houses were burnt by the sect members, includ-

ing some farmlands.

Gwoza, Damboa and Askira-Uba Local Government Areas of the state shares a common local borders and are located on the off-shores of the Sambisa Game Forests which harbours several terrorists’ camps claimed to have been destroyed by the defunct Military Joint Task Force (JTF).

“It is unfortunate that the attackers operate with impunity without any challenge as the villagers were unarmed and helpless.

“We want to use this medium to appeal to the state government and the General Officer Commanding the newly established 7

Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General Obidah Ethan, to immediately deploy military troops to the area, as they are now living in palpable fear of more attacks,” another source from Yazza village told said.

Due to lack of telecommunication network in Borno State for the past six months, e-mailed messages sent to the spokesman of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army Maiduguri, Colonel Mohammed Dole, were not responded to.

But a security official, who said he was not authorised to speak, confirmed the series of attacks and killings.

FG unveils new disaster response plans OLUFEMI ADEOSUN ABUJA

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n order to beef-up its resilience and guarantee effective response to any form of disaster, the Federal Government has unveiled three disaster response documents.

The three documents, which were presented to the Federal Government by the United States Deputy Chief of Mission, Maria Brewer, yesterday in Abuja, include the National Influenza Pandemic Disaster Response Plan, the Military Pandemic Disaster Contingency Plan and the Military Assistance to Civil Authori-

ties (MACA) in Disaster Contingency Plan.

While the new disaster response documents are sponsored by the United States’ Africa Command (USAFRICOM), they are implemented by the Centre for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine.

Speaking during the presentation and validation of the new documents, the Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mohammad Sani-Sidi, said they were critical to the country’s national preparedness and disaster resilience.

LCCI calls for scrapping of new CBN monetary reforms CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

L-R: Representative of Lagos State Governor, and the State Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Deputy Governor, Osun State, Mrs. Titilayo Tomori-Laoye; Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and his counterpart in Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, at the BusinessDay States Competitiveness and Good Governance Award 2013, in Lagos.

CJN wants FG to implement banking sector reforms ISE-OLUWA IGE ABUJA

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he Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam Alooma Mukhtar, yesterday requested the Federal Government to execute the various financial and economic reform programmes in the banking sector.

The implementation, which she though claimed would increase litigations

involving banks, their customers and the government, would definitely create room for equity and propriety.

The CJN spoke yesterday at the opening ceremony of the annual seminar on Banking and Allied Matters organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

The NJI, however, partnered with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to organise the

event for judges in Abuja.

Justice Murhktar, who was represented yesterday

by Justice Mahmud Mohammed, also underscored the need for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to live up to expectation in its regulatory role.

Her words; “The Central Bank of Nigeria needs to implement and enforce strict compliance with the corporate governance code, which was set out

with the main objective of mitigating the challenges that came with having bigger banks with greater liabilities, improving public confidence in the banking sector and safeguarding the interest of customers.

“The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria must ensure that it trains professional bankers and regulates the profession of banking as it is mandated to do in the enabling Act”.

$79 2014 benchmark tears Reps apart TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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sharp division yesterday attended the House of Representatives’ approval of the 20142016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and the benchmark price of crude oil at $79 against the $76.5 The division among factions of the PDP resurfaced in the Green Chamber when

the two sides could not reach a compromise after a threehour executive session.

Members of the new PDP, with an overwhelming support from the All Progressives Congress (APC), however, carried the day, arriving at a benchmark of $79.

The new PDP and APC got 79 votes while the old PDP garnered 62 votes.

This contrasted with the figure passed by the Senate which stood unchanged

from the proposed $76.50 it received from the executive.

Adopting the recommendations of the report on the MTEF and FSP submitted by the Committees on Finance, Budget and Research and Aid, Loans and Debt Management, the lawmakers also fixed the average crude oil production at 2, 3883; 2, 5007 and 2, 5497 million barrels per day for 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively.

The average exchange rate of N160 to a dollar

was approved for the next three years with corporate tax fixed at 30 percent and Value Added Tax (VAT) at 5 percent respectively.

Other recommendations include that; “The government should strengthen and consolidate its fiscal strategy to narrow the gap between projected and actual revenue for the period 20142016 curtailing oil theft and diversifying the economy to increase tax bases so as to increase tax revenue.”

7

continued participation of others in the clearing system.

“Some ongoing facilities to investors were recalled by some banks as a result of the revised conditions and a sharp profitability of banks is imminent. The policy undermines the principle of financial intermediation which is a major role of the banking system in an economy,” he said.

The chamber warned that the policy might result in the reversal of the gains of financial systems stability which the CBN itself worked very hard to achieve.

“In the light of the foregoing, we propose a review of the policy on the CRR on public sector deposits and suggest a reduction to 25 per cent,” Ibru said.

On the common external tariff, he said the move was expected to consolidate the sub-region as a customs union and create a market of an estimated 500 million people.

“This offers great opportunities for investors through the advantage of economies of scale,” he said.

Ibru recalled that leaders of the countries in the sub-region recently came together to approve the CET, with some of the highlights of the new policy regime include the scrapping of import prohibition list, scrapping of export prohibition list, abrogation of import duty waivers, abrogation of import levies and loss of sovereign authority on tariff policy.

The policy, Ibru noted, also had a downside as the impli-

cations for the economy, particularly the manufacturing sector, would be profound as the Nigerian manufacturing sector already suffering significant competitiveness issues particularly in regards to high energy costs, high costs of funds, high regulatory charges, high ports charges and other related charges and high cost of logistics.

He added that the issues were enough to worry about, especially at a time when unemployment had become a major problem for the country’s economy.

The LCCI president said that to avoid the collapse of what was left of the Nigerian manufacturing sector, some immediate policy responses were imperative.

According to the LCCI, these include reduction in corporate taxes from the current 30 per cent to 15 per cent for manufacturers and import duty on raw materials, machinery and other vital input for manufacturing be scrapped.

Ibru said other policies that needed to be scrapped were value added tax, VAT, on raw materials and machinery, while generous tax allowances on infrastructure related expenditures should be given and strong anti-dumping measures adopted to protect local industries be adopted.

Ibru also noted that the security situation in the country as continuing to take its toll on investors; while the power sector, though having made progress, continued to pose severe challenges to operators in the period under review.

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South West

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Siren usage aids kidnapping –Fashola MURITALA AYINLA

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agos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, yesterday re-echoed his dislike for the use of siren by public office holders, calling on those in the authority to develop and implement policies that would render the usage of sirens needless in the country.

Fashola’s appeal came few days after another avoidable accident that claimed

the life of the former President of the Academic Staff Union of the Universities (ASUU), Prof. Festus Iyayi, who was killed in an auto crash involving the convoy of the Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, last on Tuesday.

The governor’s convoy had collided with ASUU’s bus in which the professor and other union leaders were travelling to Kano to attend the union’s congress, where a decision was to be taken on when

the union would suspend its nationwide strike that has been on since July.

Speaking on the rot in the nation’s transportation system and the attitude of those in positions of authority at the ongoing 13th National Council on Transport, Governor Fashola queried the need for the use of siren by political office holders, if they had developed sustainable policies that make transportation in the country friendly and that can

compete in the 21st century.

Fashola bemoaned the rate at which every Tom, Dick and Harry blare the siren, saying the situation where many unqualified people use siren at will, portends dangers for the nation’s security.

He said: “I wonder how many of us have paused to ask even the damage to health by the public transport sector choices that we have made; mostly by the way we drive.

“For instance, looking at the road transport

L-R: Ogun State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Seye Senfiye; Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi; Deputy Director, Federation Accounts, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Hakeem Dosumu and Accountant-General, Lagos State, Mr. David Sunmoni, at the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee’s meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Our CCTV cameras are working –Lagos govt MURITALA AYINLA

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he Lagos State government yesterday denied the speculation making the rounds that the over 100, 000 Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras installed across the state by the Federal Government is not working.

The government said the cameras have since been activated for effective surveillance and crime monitoring.

It also said that no fewer than 100, 000 residents of the state had been captured by the Lagos Residents Registration Agency (LASRAA) from the beginning the month.

The speculation that the delay in the activation of the CCTV cameras was to enable the Federal Government organise a ceremonial commissioning before activating the projects installed by the Ministry of Police Affairs in collaboration with the

state government, had fuelled anxiety among some residents in the state, especially in view of the growing terrorists attack in the northern part of the country.

But allaying the fear yesterday at a media parley with journalists, state Commissioner of Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje, confirmed that the CCTV cameras in Lagos are working contrary to the speculation, describing the installation of the cameras as in integrated communication project.

He said: “I don’t agree that they are not working; they are designed for public safety. I have visited the command centre with some of my team members and we saw cameras working, it is security safety initiatives.

“As at the last count, we have about 9, 070 in Lagos.

They may not be enough to cover Lagos, but I can assure you they are working. It is an integrated

communication project.

“We don’t know why people say they are not working. Those who need to know are aware of their efficiency. What I can say is that they are working and people can be viewed with it. How the CCTV cameras are managed is not within our purview.

“As for whether the cameras were not activated for political reasons, I don’t know about that, they are working, I have seen it myself. So the issue of security is not for public knowledge. There are a lot of things that are going on behind that the public won’t know because they don’t need to know.”

On the ongoing registration exercise, Mabadeje urged residents of the state to cooperate with

government agents carrying out the exercise, saying the essence of the registration is to assist in the even distribution of amenities across the state.

“How can you plan for what you can’t measure?

There is need for us to know the age distribution of the residents, the old and the young who reside in Lagos. This is to enable us provide basic amenities to the citizens. It is far from being political, contrary to speculations.”

He also disclosed that arrangements have been concluded to turn Kantogoa to Internet City, saying that major players in the IT industry would soon be moved to the axis.

This, Mabadeje assured would generate jobs for hundreds of Lagosians.

policy, can you imagine in one of our state capitals, one day without blasting a car horn? Can we imagine how lovely that day will be? And this is possible.

“It is because we haven’t done the basic things, that is, train drivers appropriately, punish those who break the law.

Can we set for ourselves a day in a state without blasting the horns?

“Let us get rid of all these sirens. They aren’t made here. We buy them to enrich other economies. They were made in factories outside the country. And then we use a loud horn, especially the one used during emergencies, we complicate issues.

“Are we in a state of perpetual emergency? If those who manage the public transport policy can get away by using sirens, it will never work.

“From the day that I have become governor in this state and until this moment, I haven’t had course to use it and I don’t intend to use it. I detest noise, but I think that it is even worse that people elect us to manage public transport on their behalf and we choose

to escape from it.

“After riding in a free car paid for by the people coupled with the free fuel, it is an abdication of duty.

It must apply across the board. At least at the state level, I can speak. My commissioners have very cleared order; they will lose their job if they do.”

The governor said continuous usage of siren aids kidnapping in the country, the security personnel could not even detect who the occupants of the siren blaring vehicles, let alone protecting the occupants.

The governor, however, called for the creation of an enabling environment that enables the private sector to find public transportation attractive as a business in which they can put their resources and invest their time.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Idris Umar, said arrangements have been concluded to explore and improve all available means of transportation in the country, saying works are ongoing on revitalisation of the country’s railway system.

Group moves to industrialise Ekiti ABIODUN NEJO ADO EKITI

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s part of efforts to ensure the economic development of Ekiti State, a pressure group in the state, the E-11, has directed its members to establish their business units in the state rather than operating from outside.

E-11 Chairman, Mr. Femi Ajiniran, said the directive, which had culminated in relocating some business ventures or establishment of their branches to the state, was targeted at encouraging investments in the state and as well helping in taming unemployment.

Ajiniran, who spoke in Ado Ekiti during a press conference to herald the group’s 10th anniversary said: “To let you know how passionate we are about Ekiti, we have instructed all our members, numbering 200, to either have

the headquarters of their businesses in Ekiti or their branch offices to increase business activities in the state.

“We are also in charge of the Fountain Hotels in Ekiti.

We are running the place and we are meeting all obligations by paying all necessary dues to the government to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state and better the lots of our people,” he said.

The group, which lauded the state governor, Kayode Fayemi, for providing the enabling socio-political environment for businesses to thrive in the state, relished in the success recorded with its industrial drive.

Meanwhile, the state Deputy Governor, Prof.

Modupe Adelabu, has urged members of the group to maintain their apolitical status and see the overall development of Ekiti State as their primary focus.

Egba economic seminar holds today

F

ormer Minister of Health, Dr Onaolapo Soleye, will today chair the Egba Economic Summit holding at the main hall

of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Kuto, Abeokuta, by 10.00am.

The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Tunde

Lemo, will deliver the keynote address at the summit with the title: “Exploring the benefits of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enter-

prises in Egbaland,” while Ogun State Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, will be the special guest of honour.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South West

Friday, November 15, 2013

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Judge bars journalists from covering Osun commissioner’s trial

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he case involving Osun State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Special Needs, Stephen Kola-Balogun took a dramatic twist yesterday as some journalists who were inside the courtroom to cover the proceedings were ordered out by the presiding judge, Justice O.A. Adefope- Okojie.

The Commissioner and his wife, Taiwo were sued before the court by Justice Adeniyi Francis Adetokunbo Ademola over their alleged refusal to pay for the

rent of a property located at No. 51C, Oduduwa Crescent in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Ikeja in Lagos.

The property in question is owned by Justice Ademola, who is the claimant in the matter.

Prior to the dismissal of the journalists, the commissioner who arrived the court in company of his wife had tendered documents showing that he had paid the said rent.

Justice Adefope-Okojie expressed her displeasure over the continuous drag-

ging of the case and asked both parties in the suit to explore out of court settlement. If both parties are unable to settle before the next adjourned date, then they are to file their written addresses.

The case was thereafter adjourned to 6th of December for recall of settlement.

The claimant (Justice Ademola) had averred in the suit that the Commissioner and his wife refused to vacate the property despite the issuance of quite notice on them.

According to the state-

NDLEA arrests Burundian women with heroin OLUSEGUN KOIKI

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he National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has announced the arrest of a 38-year-old Burundian woman with substances found to be heroin.

The arrest coincided with the arrival of two detectives from Switzerland Federal Department of Justice and Police, FDJP, on drugs control cooperation mission.

The NDLEA spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said in an online statement that the Burundian was arrested with 2.390kg of heroin in

her possession.

Ofoyeju said the suspect, Uwimana Aisha, concealed the drug in her hand luggage and confessed that the bag was given to her by her Nigerian boyfriend.

“My Nigerian boyfriend gave me the bag in Tanzania. He promised to marry me and take care of my only daughter. We were to come to Nigeria together, but he later said that he will join me the following day. I trusted him because he was nice to me,” Aisha reportedly told investigators.

The NDLEA Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve

in counter-narcotic operations through effective collaboration.

Giade, who spoke while receiving two Swiss investigators, Carlo Crespi and Daniel Mona, said the global counter-narcotics campaign demanded both local and international partnership.

The chairman added that about 20 NDLEA officers had been trained in Switzerland under the project.

Speaking on the benefits of the cooperation, Crespi said both countries would be better positioned to confront drug trafficking cartels.

ment of claim, the claimant averred that the Commissioner and his wife have been living in the said apartment since August 1, 1997, and that the annual rental value of the property was N2 million.

Out of the N2 million rent for 2007, the claim-

K AYODE KETEFE

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he Special Fraud Unit of Nigeria Police Force yesterday arraigned two operators of ‘wonder bank’ before a Federal High Court in Lagos for defrauding prospective depositors of N9,088,948,000.

The two operators, who were arraigned before Justice Ibrahim Buba, are Fortune Etaba and Godwin Nwaiche, and their company, Establishment House Limited, which is located at 24, Showemimo Street, off Ajangbadi, Lagos.

The accused were alleged in a charge number FHC/L/224c/10, to have defrauded over 10,000 depositors between June and December 2009, under the pretence that they would recompense them with 50 per cent of their deposits plus the principal sum within 21 days.

cused who trades in electrical materials at Alaba International Market, before becoming the wonder banker’s principal agent, failed to remit the money collected from the depositors to the company’s account collected but diverted such to his personal account.

Okoedo also told the court that it was also confirmed from Corporate Affair Commission, CAC, that the company used by the alleged fraudsters was registered to carry out the business of cleaning, road transport, trading and farming but not as a financial institution.

He added that when investigated, no money was found in all the bank accounts being used by the accused and their company.

The judge adjourned the case till November 18 for continuation of trial.

stantial rent arrears over the years.

The claimant is, therefore, seeking an order mandating the commissioner to give up the possession of the property as well as payment of arrears until possession is given up.

Ajimobi swears in new special advisers

O

yo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday recalled that shortly after the dissolution of the last State Executive Council he was under immense pressure from all sections of the public to field their nominees as commissioners and special advisers.

Ajimobi, who spoke at the swearing-in of the newly-appointed special advisers at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, said the pressure was borne out of the willingness of several indigenes to serve his administration.

The governor, therefore, charged the new appointees

Alleged fraud: Police arraign ‘wonder bank’ operators They, however, failed to refund the promised interests or the original deposits to their respective owners.

The offences were said to have contravened the provisions of sections 8(a) and 1(1) (a) (b), (2) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act. One of accused, Godwin, however pleaded guilty to the offence.

The two accused and one Dede Kingsley, now deceased, had been originally arraigned before Justice Lima in 2010 on a 200-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence and fraud.

But in the new charge, Kingsley’s name has been removed, as the police informed the court that he had died.

At the proceeding on yesterday, the Investigative Police Officer, Inspector Julius Okoedo, told the court that the second ac-

ant stressed that the commissioner only paid N1.3 million, and consequently failed to pay the remaining N700, 000. Besides, the claimant stated that the commissioner had never paid the house rent as at when due since the first payment resulting in sub-

to be mindful of the fact that they were selected out of the several other people who were equally qualified, able and willing, and then put in their best to justify their appointment.

He urged the new appointees not to take with levity the content of their oath of office, averting their minds to the key words therein which he said would be able to make them succeed in whatever portfolio was assigned to them.

For example, the governor urged them to do justice to all without any fear or favour, and put the interest of the people above their own. Ajimobi attributed the re-appointment of some of the special advisers to their

contributions to the success of his administration during their first appointment.

He said: “You made passmarks for you to be able to get re-appointed into the cabinet but you must always reflect on your activities in order to notice your areas of imperfection.’’

The governor also told the new appointees not to be afraid of criticisms, saying “whatever you do, people will criticise you; it is normal. Today, people criticise Ajimobi; yesterday, they criticised Alao-Akala; day before, they criticised Ladoja. Many past leaders had equally been criticised.

So it is a normal phenomenon’’.

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South-East

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Confab: Igbo elders meet, seek common front DENNIS AGBO ENUGU

S

ome elders under the aegis of Igbo Leaders of Thought met in Enugu yesterday to articulate the South-East agenda for the proposed National Dialogue.

At the parley, the elders set up three committees on planning, fund-raising and outreach in readiness for the conference.

The meeting, which was convened by the renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, attracted Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s widow, Prof. Uche Azikiwe, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olisa Agbokaba (SAN), Senator Anyim Ude, former Ohanaeze President-General, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, Prof. Elo-

chukwu Amucheazi and Chief Nduka Eya. Others are Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri Ecclesiastical Catholic Diocese, Archbishop Emeritus Maxwell Anikwenwa, Senator Offia Nwali, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), Chief Mbazulike Amechi, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, Presidential Adviser on InterParty Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, Dr. Aja Nwachukwu and the National President of Igbo Youth Movement, Elliot Uko. No official of Ohanaeze Ndigbo was present at the meeting.

Nwabueze said the elders were worried over the leadership crisis rocking the Ohanaeze Ndigbo and therefore decided to come together and not only find solution to the problem but also articulate what

would ultimately become the Igbo position to be adopted for the National Conference.

Though he said the issues of Ohanaeze could not be addressed at the meeting, they mainly succeeded in setting up the committees, explaining that while he would chair the Committee on Planning with Prof Mike Echerue as deputy and Amucheazi as secretary, the Committee on Fundraising had the Obi of Onitsha as the chairman.

For the Committee on Outreach to be saddled with the responsibility of reaching out to other ethnic groups with a view to having a common ground on most of the issues that would be raised, Nwabueze said members would soon be announced.

The elder statesman,

however, expressed optimism that the elders would soon resolve the problem in Ohanaeze.

He said: “The body remains the umbrella organisation for the Igbo but there is problem in Ohanaeze; there is division in Ohanaeze. This is part of what we are here to do, we have not done it yet but we want to resolve the problem in Ohanaeze.”

Also speaking, Agbakoba said although the civil society groups would have preferred a Sovereign National Conference, SNC, it would take part in the exercise because it would afford the people an opportunity to take a critical look at the problems facing them as a nation.

He said: “Prof.

Nwabueze has always said that what Nigeria needs is a revolution. There is no

Chief of Staff, Abia State Government, Mr. Comas Ndukwe; Governor Theodore Orji and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Eze Chikamnayo, while the governor was addressing journalists on the recall of sacked non-indigenes, in Umuahia, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Kidnappers almost forced me to participate in robbery –Okeke NWABUEZE OKONKWO ONITSHA

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he Chairman of G. U. O. Motors Limited, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke, yesterday told an Onitsha High Court in Anambra State, that his kidnappers almost forced him to join them in a bank robbery.

Okeke told the court presided over by Justice Chudi Nwankwo that the kidnappers robbed a bank while he was still their hostage, a day after they abducted him in Onitsha.

At a resumed hearing of his evidence-in-chief, the G. O. U. Motors chairman, who said he was later re-

leased about 8p.m after the robbery, gave details of his encounter with the kidnappers in their various camps.

Okeke said a few hours after his breadfruit meal with his captors on that fateful Sunday afternoon at a bungalow between AdaziEnu and Neni, when he offered them N1 billion, as against N100 million they demanded, he now settled down with them for a serious negotiation.

He said he reminded the kidnappers of the newly introduced Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, policy which stated that all those who were heavily indebted to various commercial banks in the country

would have their names published in the national dailies and at the same time, have their accounts in the banks frozen.

Okeke said he now told them that it was left to them to accept whatever amount his wife could mop up before the bank could freeze all his accounts in the bank since he was actually heavily indebted to many banks in the country, adding that he specifically told them that his wife could mobilise at least something in the neighbourhood of N30 million for now.

He, however, said that on hearing N30 million, the second defendant, An-

thony Ifeanyi Okafor, became furious and hit his head with a framed photograph.

Not satisfied, Okafor, according to him, picked up a machete and gave him a cut on his left hand and blood started gushing out while he used his handkerchief to tie the wounded hand, just like he used his shirt to tie his leg shot by the kidnappers.

At that point, a woman carrying a little child on her back entered the compound to visit the owners, but her entrance rattled the abductors so much so that they wanted to grip her, but she ran out.

way you can replace what you have now with dialogue but unfortunately, the energy for revolution is not there.

“We in civil society, realising that we do not have energy to claw back power from the leaders having tried it repeatedly; remember the 12 millionman march that nearly took my life, will have to lower our expectation regrettably and engage in the process with the hope that it will take us to our destiny.

“Though we have been deceived in the past, we have to take part and find ways of blocking some of the loopholes in order to avoid a defeat.”

Agbakoba also raised the alarm that there could be a conflict between President Goodluck Jonathan and members of the National Assembly who might not be happy with the proposed dialogue.

He, however, expressed optimism that something must come out of the exercise at the end of the day.

Abia wins Good Governance awards OLAJIDE OMOJOLOMOJU

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bia State stood tall at the maiden edition of the BusinessDay Newspaper State Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards held on Wednesday in Lagos.

The God’s Own State won two performance awards at the ceremony where many state governments were recognised for good governance.

Recognised in two out of the 13 categories, Governor Theodore Orji was awarded the Best Governor in Health Development and also State with the Most Improved Security.

Governors nominated in the Best Healthcare Development category before the joint selection of Orji and Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi were those of Ondo, Niger, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Lagos, Niger and Sokoto states.

Similarly, Cross Rivers and River states gave Abia State a good fight in the State with the Most Improved Security category.

Receiving the awards on behalf of Orji, the state Deputy Governor, Sir Emeka Ananaba, commended the organisers, saying the recognition would give the governor and his team the impetus to do more for the state and the people.

He said: “This is a great honour and we are so happy that people within and outside the state recognised the massive commitment of the governor

and members of his cabinet to the Abia Project.

“Everyone knows that Abia State deserves the State with the Most Improved Security in Nigeria given the reduction of crime-related activities in the state. As we speak, you can now sleep with your two eyes closed in Abia State.”

In his opening remarks, the publisher of BusinessDay Newspaper, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, said the Good Governance awards was aimed at promoting competitiveness and good governance among the states, noting that the perception that democracy was not yielding dividends was false as many governors were developing their states.

He said: “These awards will deepen peer review mechanism and inspire competitiveness among the states.

“The battle for performance in governance is getting tense among state governments and they are competing for the growing investment flow in the country. While there is always a temptation to say some states are not performing, I want to say much is going on and our democracy is growing.”

Other winners at the event were Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers State in the Best Governor in ICT; Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State in the Best Governor in Transparency category; Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State in the Best Governor in Education category, among others.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

South South

Friday, November 15, 2013

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Sea pirates attack passengers, kill head teacher in Bayelsa EMMA GBEMUDU YENAGOA

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gang of suspected sea pirates have attacked a passenger boat and killed a head teacher, Weky Akparakazi, along Tuomo- Aleibiri water ways in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The suspects also carted away teachers’ salary and other valuable items from Akparakazi.

Investigation revealed that two victims, Daula Garuwa a native of Isampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area and a former Education Secretary in Ekeremor Local Government Area were injured during the attack.

It was gathered that the late Akparakazi, who was the Head Teacher of the Community Primary School in Foutorugbene and other passengers were attacked on November 9 at about 9:45pm by the sea pirates.

Apart from the passengers’ valuables carted away, the suspects forced them to

jump into the river.

The sea pirates also carted away the boat’s engine during their raid.

A senior staff of the State University Basic Education Board (SUBEB), who did not want his name mentioned, confirmed the incident to National Mirror, adding that the late Akparakazi had visited Yenagoa to receive teachers’ salary before the sea pirates attacked the boat.

A family source, who pleaded for anonymity, expressed shock over the untimely death of the head teacher.

The source said: “Akparakazi was with us and visited some of his friends along the Imgbi Road in Yenagoa. He came for teachers’ salaries. He left and was in a good mood.

“The pirates attacked the boat and unleash mayhem on the passengers.

They dispossessed the passengers of their money and valuables.

“They pushed the injured passengers into the river and upturned the speed boat after detaching

CBN cashless policy’ll frustrate voters’ inducement – Akpabio

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overnor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has hailed the recently introduced cashless policy of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and expressed hope that d it would eliminate the influence of money politics in Nigeria.

Akpabio, who stated this when the Chairman of Committee of e-Banking Industry Heads, Mr. Chuks Iku, paid him a visit at the Governor’s Office in Uyo, the state capital, said: “Until money is eliminated from politics, it will still become a bit difficult. Our prayer is that one day money will be totally eliminated from politics so that we can vote according to our conscience.”

He, however, said that the cashless policy would discredit politicians who induce voters with cash to get their votes.

The governor described e-banking “as a major innovation worldwide and still new in Nigeria because Nigeria still remains a major cash economy”.

Akpabio said: “Coming on a retreat to the state will afford you the opportunity

to lay the foundation for major e-revolution in the banking sector. If you really want to sit down and discuss the way forward, I think you should also go to a state that is taking the lead in transformational leadership.”

The Chairman of Committee of e-banking Industry Heads, Mr. Iku, said the committee was holding a retreat in Akwa Ibom State to address issues bordering on electronic banking in Nigeria, noting that the choice of Akwa Ibom for the retreat was based on the prime role the state is playing in the advancement of technology and infrastructure.

Iku said: “For us, Akwa Ibom represents e-business to an extent. We are aware that Akwa Ibom has a digitalised library and we are also aware that the state is currently undergoing biometric exercise for all civil servants, including the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and local government workers. Above all, we also know that in term of infrastructure, a lot is happens here.”

• JTF boss worried over losing personnel to attack the outboard engine.”

Contacted on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alex Akhigbe, said no report had been received on it.

Akhigbe, however, said the police had directed its marine unit to be on red alert.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Maj, Gen. Bata Debiro, yesterday expressed worry over the frequent killing of his personnel by

sea pirates.

Debiro said it was painful losing members of the JTF, just as he advised the officers and men to be alert and careful while on duty.

He said: “I hate losing our officers to attack by sea pirates; the Nigeria Army has been losing many of its officers.”

The JTF boss spoke yesterday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, while decorating the Media Coordinator of the security agency, Col. Onyema Nwa-

chukwu and Lt. Col. Opuwari George with their new ranks.

Until their recent promotions, Nwachukwu and George, who are alumnus of the Universities of Ibadan and Port Harcourt, were in the ranks of Lt. Col and Major respectively.

While stressing that the promotion of both officers were based on merit, Debiro urged them to be focused and diligent in their duties as senior officers.

Debiro assured that

hardworking personnel would be promoted and warned against indolence among the troops.

The JTF Commander appreciated the mutual relations existing between the media and the security agency, adding that it would be sustained.

“We are happy today to witness the promotion of two of our officer, “We rejoice with the families of Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu and Lt Col Opuwari John George for their new promotion in the Nigeria Army,” Debiro said.

Navy trainees displaying tactical manoeuvring during their passing out at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School in Onne, Rivers State, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Bayelsa, private sector to create 30,000 jobs

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he Bayelsa State Government in partnership with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) is set to create at least 30,000 jobs in oil and gas and other sectors of the economy.

In line with its Restoration Agenda, the government has stressed the need for a private sector driven economy and this has led to the proposed establishment of a fertilizer plant, the Maritime Academy and

Brass LNG at Brass Island, airport, pharmaceutical products and many others in the state.

This development will provide a platform for youths to acquire training and become employable in various aspects of the economy.

To further achieve this goal, the government has entered into a bilateral agreement with a United Kingdom-based firm, Heritage Oil Plc, to broaden the

base of the economy, generate employment and create high level skills in the state.

In view of the fore-going, Governor Seriake Dickson has expressed optimism that with the enforcement of the Federal Government’s Local Content Development Policy, the problem of unemployment would be minimised and a an enduring peace and stability would be enthroned in the state and the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Yenagoa, Governor Dickson said the state was ready for active participation in the oil and gas industry.

Under the agreement, Heritage Oil Plc, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, has an equity share of 45 per cent while Bayelsa Oil Company would take charge of 55 per cent in the joint venture, named Petrobay.

Suspension: Bishops threaten CAN with legal action SEBASTINE EBHUOMHAN BENIN

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he disagreement with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over an attempt by some bishops from the Niger Delta to reconcile the G-7 Governors with the Presidency took a new dimension yesterday after the suspension of the Bishops by South-South Chairman of the assiciation, Archbishop God-Do-Well Avwomakpa.

Reacting to the alleged

• Flay Oritsejafor’s comment suspension, leader of the bishops pursuing the peace deal on the platform of Global Peace Relief Initiative, Prophet Jones OdeErue, threatened legal action against Avwomakpa and CAN leadership.

According to Ode-Erue, South-South CAN has no power to suspend them.

“Avwomakpa has no capacity to suspend us.

He is not our member. We only invited him to join us when our delegation visited Rivers State Governor

Rotimi Amaechi. We give him 48 hours to retract the announcement of our suspension and all the bad things he said about us on Delta Television or else we will institute legal action against him and CAN,” Ode-Erue threatened.

It will be recalled that the angry clergymen under the aegis of the Niger Delta Bishops and Christian Forum as well as those of the South-South Christian Forum had on Wednesday blasted the

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, for making disparaging comments about them.

Reacting to Oritsejafor’s comment that labelled the bishops as “unknown to CAN and unregistered by CAC but merely seeking relevance by attempting to wade into the political disagreements between President Goodluck Jonathan and G7 Governors,” the angry clergymen clarified that they did not seek to settle the disagreement under the name of CAN.

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North

Friday, November 15, 2013

38, 558 persons tested HIV/AIDS positive in Niger PRISCILLA DENNIS MINNA

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he Niger State Government has said that of the 616, 994 samples tested for the dreaded HIV/AIDS virus, 38,582 are positive.

The government said that 24,988 of those tested positive are on free antiretroviral drugs.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ibrahim

Sule, who stated this after the executive council briefing in Minna, said going by the statistics from his ministry and the State Action Committee Against Aids in the last two years, the prevalence rate of the HIV/AIDS dropped to 4.0 percent below the National average of 4.1 percent Dr Sule, who spoke through the Commissioner for Livestock and

Fisheries Development, Dr Isa Vatsa, said that the achievement recorded in the fight against the disease was due to the commitment of the state government in partnership with international donor organisations.

He said that the World Bank had begun assisting Nigeria with the HIV/ AIDS campaign with an interest free loan of $225 million.

According to him, the state had got $5 million from the amount.

The commissioner, however, said that the loan has a maturity period of 40 years before states that benefitted from could start repaying the loan.

Sule added that the state got $500,000 from the Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation for the eradication of the wild polio virus.

L-R: Member, House of Representatives’ Committee on Youth and Social Development, Hon. Umar Nafada; Chairman, Hon. Kameel Akinlabi; Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Olajumoke Akinjide and Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, during inspection of facilities at the FCT National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, yesterday.

PHOTO: ROTIMI OSASONA

FG remembers 10 health workers killed by Boko Haram OTHMAN SALIHU KANO

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he Federal Government has donated N3 million to family of each of the 10 health workers that were assassinated in February by members of the Islamic Boko Haram sect.

It will be recalled that the health workers were killed by the sect during polio immunisation exercise in Kano.

Speaking at the presentation of cheques to the bereaved families on behalf of the Federal Government yesterday in Kano, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso said that the donation was to augment what his administration and President, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, had donated shortly after the incident.

Kwankwaso hailed the slain health workers, describing them as patriots who sacrificed their lives while protecting commu-

Families get N3m each nities against polio.

He assured that the attack on the health workers would not stop the government from its anti-polio campaign, appealing to all well-meaning indigenes of Kano to joins hands with the government to rid the state of polio and other preventable diseases.

Kwankwaso told the bereaved families to take solace in the fact that their breadwinners died in the service of humanity.

According to him, the financial assistance given to them was not compensation, but consolation, advising them to make the best use of the money.

Speaking on the recent discovery of polio cases in a few local government areas in the state, Kwankwaso attributed it to the laxity of some health officials and traditional rulers handling routine immunisation, promising that his administration would reverse the trend.

We owe displaced residents N200b compensation –FCTA TORDUE SALEM ABUJA

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he Federal Capital Territory Minister, Alhaji Bala Muhammed, said yesterday that the government is still owing displaced people in the city N200 billion.

Besides, Muhammed said only 11 districts of the 71 districts in the city were so far developed.

He, however, admitted that several land titles in the city were revoked or demolished in error.

The minister made the disclosure before a House

of Representatives’ Ad hoc Committee investigating allegations of land racketeering, swapping and sundry land-related corrupt practices in the nation’s capital.

Muhammed, who told the committee that he was yet to designate an area for mass development, regretted that a substantial part of Abuja remained undeveloped after 37 years.

He said: “I have not designated any area for mass development and interesting to note that out of the 71 districts, only 11 have been developed, but even the 11 that are developed,

only about 30 percent of them are developed.

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has paid over N4 billion as compensation to displaced persons and N200 billion is still outstanding for the payment of compensation”.

He claimed that the FCT, which was designed for about two million people, now has over six million residents.

The minister said to implement the FCT Master Plan fully, the FCTA would need N450 billion per annum for the next five years.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

APC to Shekarau: We are sorry over our oversight OTHMAN SALIHU KANO

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ormer Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau yesterday told the All Progressives Congress (APC) delegation that he had no illfeelings against his successor, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

According to Shekarau, APC is bigger than any individual and as such there is no room to harbor any ill-feeling towards anyone interested in joining the party.

He added every hand must be on deck to ensure the development of the party ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The presidential candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) said: “Our doors are open; we are not against anybody joining APC because we have no ill-feelings toward anyone.”

Responding to an appeal by the delegation that the leadership of the party discovered that they have committed a mistake by not inviting him when they visited Kano to woo Kwankwaso, Shekarau said: “I have no option than to accept the apology for the party to move forward.”

The delegation was led by former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Abdul’aziz Yari; former House of Representatives Speaker, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, and NorthWest Vice-Chairman of APC, Alhaji Salisu Fagge.

Yari said the stakeholders saw it as a matter of urgency to visit Kano to explain to Shekarau that the APC leadership committed some mistakes when they came to woo Kwankwaso some days back by not adequately inviting Shekarau to attend the meeting.

The Zamfara State governor said some APC leaders had met with Shekarau in Abuja to apologise to him, but said the former governor advised that the party leadership should come to Kano to publicly tender their apology before his supporters.

Yari said: “Every member of APC is an asset and important to the development of the party. We are in Kano to apologise to Malam Ibrahim Shekarau over the recent visit of our national leadership of the party. We erred and we are assured that Shekarau will continue to support the success of the party.”

Gaidam inaugurates APC stakeholders committees INUSA NDAHI DAMATURU

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obe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has inaugurated stakeholders committees of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the 17 local government areas of the state.

Gaidam inaugurated the committees yesterday to ensure full activities of the party particularly at the grassroots.

Inaugurating the committee at the council chambers of the Government House in Damaturu, the governor, represented by his deputy, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, said the inauguration was geared towards re-invigorating the party machinery by laying a solid foundation that would bring members from the merger groups through effective dialogue.

The members of the

committees, according to him, were chosen based on track records.

Gaidam, however, urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by working towards unity and success of the party at their various areas.

The governor also asked them to promote unity among members and map out strategies aimed at galvanize support from the grassroots ahead of the 2015 general elections.

While describing Yobe State as the home of APC, the governor assured that the party would present credible and reliable alternative to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the transformation of the country.

Gaidam, however, described the immergence of the APC as the best thing to happen to Nigeria.

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Politics

APGA, PDP, APC, others battle for the soul of Anambra

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APC, PDP biker over Jonathan’s commitment to free poll OBIORA IFOH ABUJA

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wo leading contenders in Saturday governorship election in Anambra State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, have accused each other of plotting to employ subterranean means to win the election.

While the APC said nothing on ground in Anambra so far points to the fact that Saturday’s election will be free, fair and transparent, despite the President’s promise, the PDP maintains

that President Goodluck Jonathan has remained resolute in his commitment to free and fair elections as reflected in his mantra of one man one vote.

PDP also noted that the drastic reduction in electoral disputes under President Jonathan is a clear testimony in this regard.

APC, however, asked President Jonathan to live up to his promise of a free and fair election in Anambra on Saturday, saying the President must be believable at all times.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday by its In-

terim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, theAPC said: “Rightly or wrongly in our country, institutions of state take a cue from the President’s body language. They know that members of the ruling PDP who engaged in electoral malfeasance and brigandage during last month’s Delta Central Senatorial election were not punished.

“They know that security agencies that turned themselves to the armed wing of the PDP were not sanctioned. In this context, therefore, the President’s promise of a free and fair

election will not mean much to those bent on repeating same in Anambra,’’ it said.

“President Jonathan should be careful in staking the credibility of his high office on these elections. His promise of free and fair elections in Ondo did not materialise, as the world knows, and the unprecedented electoral heist in Delta does not back up his administration’s claim that the country’s electoral architecture has improved under his watch.

“That is why we say the President must walk the talk. He should know that talk is cheap. If the institu-

Police arrest 185 hoodlums with fake voters’ cards, ammunition IGP orders restriction of movement

CHRIS NJOKU AND OMEIZA AJAYI

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ore than 185 people suspected to have been hired to cause mayhem in the Saturday Anambra State governorship election were yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, arrested by the Imo State Police with over 10, 000 voters’ identity cards.

The suspects, who were also arrested with two pump actions and over 15 buses with All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Dr. Chris Ngige posters all over the vehicles were allegedly apprehended at Ahijoku Convention Centre, Owerri where they were having

meeting in preparation for the governorship election in Anambra.

Items recovered from them include two pump action riffles, live ammunition, 15 buses and other incriminating materials.

Although the suspects could not mention the political party they were hired to work for, it was gathered that they were paid over N50m to rig in favour of one of the candidates.

Parading the suspects, the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Katsina, warned that Imo State will no longer be used as a breeding ground for criminal activities, adding that those arrested would be prosecuted.

He said the heavily armed hoodlums were in

vote is counted and made to count. This is not too much to ask for,” APC said But PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, also said it is proud of President Jonathan’s stand on electoral transparency and credible polls at all levels across the country.

“The APC is now living in morbid fear because the people of Anambra State and the South-East in general have rejected it on account of its tribal stance and hatred for the region as demonstrated in its sectional and anti-people policies including the recent deportation of Anambra State indigenes from Lagos which resulted in untold hardship and death of some of the victims, who were severally tortured before being dumped at Upper Iweka Head Bridge in Onitsha in the dead of the night.”

The PDP therefore told the opposition to “wake up to the reality of its rejection by the people and look elsewhere to cast its lame vituperations.”

Mammoth crowd welcome Ngige at Achina

L-R: Mr. Toye Arulogun, Mr. Gbolagade Busari, Mr. Segun Abolarinwa, Mr. Waheed Gbadamosi, Mr. Abayomi Oke and Dr. Festus Adedayo, taking oath of office, during their swearing-in as Special Advisers to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State in Ibadan, yesterday.

the state to cause breach of peace, stating that the operation against miscreants will continue unabated.

The hoodlums however, confessed that they were coming from Osun State before they were arrested around 7.30pm in a hotel in Owerri, while waiting to link up with their contact persons in Anambra Sstate.

However, one of the suspects, Salawo Ayodele, said that they were members of Justice and Equity Organisation and were mandated to monitor the Anambra election.

He disclosed that they were given N10,000 each as feeding money for the operation.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ordered the restriction of human and

tions of state that have any role to play in the election fail to live up to that role, and the ruling party continues to engage in a flagrant abuse of office by stealing votes in the most blatant of manners, then the President’s promise of a free and fair election would have been rubbished,” the party said.

It said the world will be keenly watching on Saturday to see how INEC, the police and other security agencies carry out their roles, to see how the PDP, which is not even in a pole position going into the polls, wants to emerge victorious, and to see whether all that matters to the President is a free and fair election – as he has promised – or the rubbishing, at all cost, of the election.

“The people of Anambra should be allowed to elect a governor of their own choosing. No one should impose any leader on them.

And the way to go is to ensure that every citizen is free to cast his or her vote without harassment and intimidation, and that every

vehicular movement from 6p.m. today till 6a.m. on Sunday.

Abubakar said the move is in furtherance of strategies designed to prevent electoral fraud and violence and thus ensure a smooth and orderly conduct of the polls.

The restriction of movement is within the boundaries of Anambra State.

Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, in a statement said all states contiguous to Anambra State will be heavily policed. He listed the states as Delta, Enugu, Imo and Abia, adding that people on essential duties are not affected by this order.

The Force has warned all security details to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

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o fewer than 100,000 people gathered while market stalls in Achina town, Aguata local government area of Anambra State were shut for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Chris Ngige who broke the agelong jinx as the first governorship candidate to extend campaign to the area.

National Mirror gathered that Ngige on arriving the town at about 4p.m. expressed

disappointment at the erosion menace that has almost severed the area, promising to prioritise it if given the opportunity once again.

Ngige also listed agriculture, roads, modern markets and hospitals to boost healthcare delivery there.

According to him, it was not a mistake that he stormed the peaceful community especially as no governorship candidate has since the inception of the state visited there for campaign.

Catholic denies endorsing any candidate DENNIS AGBO

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he Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha has denied the news making the rounds in some quarters that Archbishop Valerie Okeke has endorsed a certain candidate for tomorrow’s governorship election in Anambra State.

In a statement, yesterday

by the Director for Communication, Onitsha Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Pius Ukor, the church said it is apolitical and does not support any particular candidate.

“The Archbishop has warned all the priests to remain focused and distance themselves from partisan politics but if anybody is doing it, I don’t know of it and the Archbishop is not aware,” said Ukor.

14

Politics

Tomorrow Saturday, November 16, the all-important Anambra State governorship election will be held with 23 parties and candidates participating in the poll. CHARLES OKEKE reports on the elecion, parties, candidates and issues that will determine the poll’s outcome.

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wenty-four hours to the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State, the 23 political parties taking part in the contest, especially the front runners – All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA; Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; All Progressives Congress, APC; Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA and Labour Party, LP – are set for supremacy battle that will determine their future relevance in contemporary Anambra politics.

It is certain that the winner of the allimportant election will emerge from the top five parties.

The candidates Already, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has cleared 23 political parties and their candidates, to take part in tomorrow’s election.

The list of candidates jostling for the governorship position are: Chief Willie Obiano, APGA; Comrade Tony Nwoye, PDP; Senator Chris Ngige, APC; Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, PPA; Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, LP; Mr Okeke Jerry, Action Alliance; Chukwuemeka Nwankwo, Accord Party; Dr Ifeatu Ekelem, ACD; Engr. Tony Anene, ACPN; Comrade Aaron Igweze, AD; Chief Anayo A. Arinze, ADC; Patrick Ibeziako, APA; and Chief Austin Nwangwu, CPP. Others are Barrister Chijioke Ndubuisi, DPP; Christian I.Otti, ID; Chief Dennis Oguguo, Kowa Party; Pastor Simon C.Okafor, MPPP; Okonkwo Emeka Webstar, NCP; Prince Leonard Uchendu, NNPP; Hon. Basil Iwuoba, PPN; Barrister Onuora B. Onyeachonam, SDP; Barrister Okoye Mgbodile, UDP and Prof. Benedict Akanegbu, UPP. So far, the serious parties have taken their campaigns to various communities and cities, where they wooed voters with spate of inducements and promises. And as the election day approaches, the key candidates who have since rounded off their campaigns are now busy perfecting last minute strategy to win the contest.

Strengths, weaknesses of contending parties The PDP: The party has been fully entrenched in Anambra State politics since its formation in 1998, as it has notable indigenes of the state, including Second Republic Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme as one of its founders. However, today, almost all the prominent, rich and influential indigenes of Anambra are members of the PDP; a development that has made it possible for more people to seek for its membership.

As it were, most of those who are now holding influential positions in other political parties, including the APC, Labour Party and to some extent APGA were former chieftains of the PDP, who defected to their new parties when the PDP crisis became intractable.

The dominance of PDP in Anambra politics started in 1999 when it won the

Friday, November 15, 2013

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APGA, PDP, APC, others governorship election with Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju.

The party is popular in almost all the local government areas. Although, the PDP is being repositioned to win the election, its major weakness is the prevailing bad blood among the factional leaders who waged court battles over its ticket. It is doubtful whether these factional leaders who lost their bids for PDP’s ticket are ready to work for the victory of Nwoye.

Can Nwoye win for PDP? Nwoye hails from Nsugbe, a key community in Anambra East Local Government Area of the North Senatorial zone, which has been clamouring for power shift. He was a former national president of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, and also a one-time chairman of Anambra State chapter of the PDP. Although alleged to be backed by Arthur Eze, his chances is boosted by the fact that he hails from Anambra North, which sees the election as an opportunity for one of its sons to become governor.

A courageous and dogged fighter, his support base has widened since President Goodluck Jonathan and the national leadership of PDP begun to prop him up and market his candidacy.

Although, Nwoye is now being positioned as a potential winner, he still need to overcome the challenges emanating from the fact that he is a young man who is allegedly being sponsored by some strong forces, who are bent on using him to grab power and have access to the resources of the state.

APGA The party came into prominence in Anambra politics in 2003 when it won the gubernatorial election of that year with Peter Obi as its candidate. And, since then, APGA has grown from strength to strength, winning the governorship election of 2010, which gave Obi another four year tenure. It derived its strength from the personality of the late Igbo leader, Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Branded as Igbo party, it had used that connotation to campaign and woo supporters.

Since 2006,when Obi was sworn in as governor, the party has moved up in ranking, such that by 2011 when the last general election was conducted, host of PDP and defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, top leaders defected to APGA. Today, its fortunes are still rising as Obi and Victor Umeh, APGA national chairman, have resolved their initial hostile relationship.

Today, APGA is being ranked as one of the key front runners in the election. Like the PDP, its major contender, APGA is popular in more than two-thirds of the 21 local government areas of the state. It is embedded with most people who see it as the identity of the South-East.

Obiano

Ngige

Nwoye

And, as part of the strategy to win the election, APGA under the leadership of Obi had on August 26 during its primary election held in Awka, fulfilled its pledge to zone the governorship to the North, when they selected Chief Willie Obiano, an indigene of Aguleri and former Fidelity Bank Plc Director as the gubernatorial candidate of APGA. The governor and his team had since gone full swing, marketing Obiano to the electorate. The chances of APGA is boosted by the fact that the initial crisis which trailed its primary has been resolved as those who competed for the party’s ticket and lost are now working for the success of Obiano.

Willie Obiano Apart from his very rich credentials and an unblemished personality, very little is known about Obiano in Anambra State politics before now. His entry into the race for the APGA ticket took everybody by surprise.

He came in at a time nobody was expecting him. However, his fortunes have drastically changed for good since he became Obi’s anointed candidate. When he declared intention to contest on the platform of APGA, Obiano told party leaders that he is in the race to win and move on with Obi’s developmental philosophy of Anambra State Inte-

ALTHOUGH, NWOYE IS NOW BEING POSITIONED AS A POTENTIAL WINNER, HE STILL NEEDS TO OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES EMANATING FROM THE FACT THAT HE IS A YOUNG MAN WHO IS ALLEGEDLY BEING SPONSORED BY SOME STRONG FORCES, WHO ARE BENT ON USING HIM TO GRAB POWER

grated Development Strategy, ANIDS. When he visited the state secretariat of APGA in Awka and interacted with the state executive members led by Chief Mike Kwentoh, Obiano said: “I will continue with the good work of Obi and that is why I am contesting. All that Obi is doing and has done, we would continue there. I will use the ANIDS blueprint to govern Anambra State and continue where Obi stopped.”

He listed the four pillars of development he will pursue to include, mechanised agriculture, job creation, oil and gas development and provision of security.

Although Obiano is new in the politics of Anambra, Governor Obi has by dint of hard work positioned him so well that he is now regarded as a possible winner.

The prospect for him is bright as the camp of Obi is doing all that were vital to deliver to him victory and for APGA to retain power after his exit from office.

Meanwhile, the campaign team of Obiano has fought hard to neutralise the impact of Nwoye, who is seen as the APGA’s major obstacle in the North, where both of them are indigenes.

Labour Party It came into prominence for the first time in Anambra politics in 2010 when it fielded Senator Andy Uba as its gubernatorial candidate. Although, it lost the election, those who are managing it have used the experience from that election to rebuild the party to the level it has reached today in Anambra, to the extent that a key candidate in the election, Dr. Ubah has since waged campaigns with the party’s ticket. Although it is one of the highly ranked party in Anambra by vir-

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15

battle for the soul of Anambra

Ubah

tue of its labour name and inclination, its membership and strength is limited by the fact that it is composed of mainly defectors from other parties, particularly the PDP, APGA, ADC, the defunct ACN and ANPP. Over the years, the LP had been the targeted destination of most governorship aspirants who could not win the ticket of their favourable parties. And, as its membership is narrow, it does not have strong presence in all the 326 wards and 21 local government areas of Anambra State.

Although the current state chairman of the party, Sam Osita Oraegbunam, who joined the party from the defunct ACN, is working hard to reposition it effectively for the local government and governorship elections, the fact is that take out Ubah from the party and it would collapse, as there could not be any other rich and influential person for now to fund it and mobilise support for its numerous programmes.

The party does not have mass followership in Anambra, a factor that may hinder its chances during tomorrow election.

When Ubah formally won the Labour Party ticket at a ceremony in Awka, he gave hint about the direction he would take if he wins the election.

Ubah is a Lagos-based business man. He hails from Nnewi in Anambra South Senatorial zone. Before now, he was not involved in Anambra politics. However, all that changed in the Christmas of 2011 when his Capital Oil and Gas company started distributing free kerosene and rice to thousands of people. He has been marching on despite the fact that the North, clamouring for power shift is fielding two strong candidates in the election.

His rich potential have not been fully harnessed as he is a lone ranger in the race, and that’s why his campaign has since lost the steam and vigour it was associated with initially. He has a strong support from Nnewi North, which has 44,159 registered voters.

He has the task of marketing himself successfully to the people of Anambra Central and the North, who also have two strong candidates in the election.

APC: Can Ngige make it again?

The party’s flag bearer in the election is a former governor of the state, Dr. Chris Ngige. The emergence of Ngige as the APC candidate has led to the defection of some key chieftains of the party, like Chief Godwin Ezeemo to PPA, where he is now a gubernatorial candidate

As it is now, everything about the APC revolves around Ngige Ngige, a veteran in Anambra politics is now fighting the greatest political battle of his life. His fortune in politics which dimmed after he was sacked as governor has been re-energised since he won the Anambra Central Senate seat during the 2011 general elections.

His strength is boosted by the support he is receiving from the South-West and Northern elements in APC, who are desirous of propelling him to victory and taking over power in Anambra. The APC national leadership is reputed to have given him full support, both financial and logistics as he prepares to confront his major opponents tomorrow. He has a strong support base in the whole of Idemili areas, where he hails from and a section of Oruma North and South, as well as Aguata and other communities where he cited some projects during his reign as governor.

Although, the number of registered voters for Idemili North and South, where he hails from stands as 259,563 jointly, it is doubtful whether these figures which he is bound to share with other key contenders, are enough to deliver victory to him.

Although he is well equipped for the coming electoral battle, Ngige’s major challenge would bother on the issues of how to handle the challenges arising from the crave by the North to produce the next governor of Anambra State and the fallout of the deportation saga which his opponents have fully exploited during the campaigns.

There is also the factor of APC being branded an Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba party by the other competing parties.

Ngige has toured various parts of the state, where he wooed voters and doled out sundry gifts to his supporters. Like other serious contenders, Ngige is expected to make a serious impact in the election.

Zoning: A burning issue The issue of zoning of the governorship to any part of the state has never been the feature of Anambra politics since the creation of the state in 1991.

Already, APGA has fulfilled its pledge to zone the governorship to the North by selecting Obiano, an indigene of the North as its candidate in the governorship election.

Apart from APGA, another political party that has embraced zoning now is the PDP which is fielding Nwoye in the contest.

The parties that did not embraced zoning as being canvassed by the North, include, the APC which selected Ngige as its candidate. The Labour Party also does not support zoning, having given its ticket to Ubah, a native of Anambra South. Both the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the Accord Party as well as host other parties preparing for the electoral contest have ignored the zoning issue and selected their candidates from the Central and South senatorial zones, bearing in mind that no zone can win the election without receiving votes and support from other zones.

There is no doubt that the issue of zoning would take a prominent position during the voting process, as the North are likely to vote for their sons.

Before now, the first democratic election conducted in 1992 was won by the candidate of the defunct Social Democratic Par-

NGIGE’S MAJOR

CHALLENGE WOULD BOTHER ON THE ISSUES OF HOW TO HANDLE THE CHALLENGES ARISING FROM THE

CRAVE BY THE NORTH TO PRODUCE THE NEXT GOVERNOR OF

ANAMBRA STATE

ty, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, an indigene of Igboukwu in Aguata Local Government of the South Senatorial zone.

And, with the return of democracy in 1999, another candidate from the South Senatorial zone, Mbadinuju, who ran on the PDP platform also won the election to become the second civilian governor of the new Anambra State.

With the conclusion of Mbadinuju’s first tenure in 2003, another governorship election which was consequently held was won

by Ngige, as the PDP candidate. Ngige hails from the Central Senatorial Zone. Ngige reigned as governor for three and half years before he was sacked by the Court of Appeal, which upheld the nullification of his electoral victory by the Election Petition Tribunal.

And with the sacking of Ngige from office, another candidate from the Central in the person of Obi, who was the APGA candidate in the general election of 2003 took over power in 2006 as governor of Anambra State.

Obi was still running his first tenure when another governorship election which was conducted in 2007 was won by Dr. Andy Uba, another candidate from the South who ran on the ticket of PDP. Uba served for 17 days as governor before he was sacked by the Supreme Court, which granted all the reliefs sought by Obi in his tenure interpretation suit. Obi has served as governor for over seven years now, and as the next governorship election closes in, the politics of zoning of the governorship to the North has become a common theme in the discussions and speeches and statements emanating from the various elites and interest groups from the seven local government areas that constitute Anambra North Senatorial Zone.

Incumbency factor There is a general assumption in Nigeria that incumbent governors usually determine the outcome of elections and had proceeded from there to install their successors, and such has been the trend in many states of the federation.

Hence, the question of whether the incumbency factor would influence the outcome of the exercise has become pertinent.

Suffices it to state that the only time incumbency factor played a major role in the governorship contest was in February 2010, when Obi, as a sitting governor contested in the election of that year and won, after defeating the likes of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo (PDP), Andy Uba (LP),Nicholas Ukachukwu, Chris Ngige and other serious contenders in the contest.

Tomorrow, history is about to repeat itself as

Obi is grooming his own successor in Obiano.

As a governor of eight years standing and with a sound record to fall back on, as well as enormous resources at his disposal, it is apparent that the camp of Obi has been well positioned long ago to beat their opponents and consequently get Obiano declared as winner of the gubernatorial election.

Beside the PDP factor, which if fully harnessed would hinder to some extent the incumbency factor, there is also the APC challenge, which is also a veritable instrument that could be used to mitigate the influence of the incumbency factor, when it is fully deployed by those who manages the party in Abuja and Lagos.

The totality of it all is that those who are banking on the incumbency factor have a big task on their hands as the forces they will confront tomorrow are very tested and formidable ones.

The chances of less popular parties There are many less popular parties already lined up to take part in the election.

These are parties which usually rear their heads any time an election comes up in Anambra, and immediately the elections are concluded, they would disappear into oblivion until another election year.

Today, they have resurfaced with their billboards dotting the major streets in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi. Their membership is narrow, while they lack structures at ward, local government and state levels.

Usually, their tickets were offered to aspirants who could not secure the support of their preferred big parties, like PDP, APC, APGA and Labour Party.

Although, they are fielding retinue of candidates in the election, it is doubtful whether they are going to perform creditably during the contest proper in view of their limited resources and apparent lack of preparedness.

Alleged plans to rig election Like every serious electoral contest, candidates and their sponsors have since been working discreetly and perfecting plan on how to beat their opponents and win the election.

Already, agents of the competing camps have stated trading allegation of plans to rig tomorrow’s election. There is the allegation that some people are already engaging in the unlawful act of buying of voters’ cards with which to rig the election.

Again, recently, the agents of a key aspirant were alleged to have been involved in the game of importation of foreign voters who allegedly came to participate in the voter continuous registration exercise recently conducted by INEC in the entire 326 wards of the state.

These allegations are yet to abate, when a syndicate went on the internet and circulated a story alleging that some forces in the electoral contest, with the active support of their foreign masters, were perfecting plans on how to win the election, conquer Anambra people and thereafter bring the state under their control. Again, the APC has also alleged that there are moves to weaken them in their stronghold of Idemili North and South by using mayhem to scare away voters.

Who carries the day among the array of candidates battling for the soul of Anambra State? It is just a matter of hours before a winner emerges.

16

Editoria l Editorial

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All the Facts, All the Sides A PUBLICATION OF GLOBAL MEDIA MIRROR LTD BARRISTER JIMOH IBRAHIM, OFR PUBLISHER

FIDELIS LEMCHI OWOAMANAM

ACTING MD/CEO

BOLAJI TUNJI

DAILY EDITOR

SEYI FASUGBA

SUNDAY EDITOR

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COORDINATOR, EDITORIAL BOARD

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EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR

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HEAD, GRAPHICS

R

Police repression in the land

ecent activities of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) suggest very strongly that it is yet to wean itself from its age-long fascist inclinations. The Police have proven themselves to be working strictly for the Federal Government instead of Nigerian people. It is not that Nigerians are unaware of this.

But the extent of police repression in the country has become a major source of concern because the Police, which claim to be ‘your friend’, are increasingly becoming an avowed enemy.

We recall, for example, that the Association of Market Women held an anti-ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities) rally a few weeks ago in Abuja.

The women groups had a field day and were not disturbed by the Nigeria Police. But ASUU rallies in Abuja, Kano, Calabar and other cities were disrupted by the same Police. The union’s crime was that it organized rallies to mobilize Nigerians for the implementation of the 2009 Federal Government/ASUU agreement; and draw attention to the rot dogging tertiary education in the country. The members of ASUU, it must be realised, are intellectuals who clearly understand the issues involved. They are endowed with the requisite knowledge to educate the world on the contradictions in a nation like Nigeria, where unaffordable private

universities, most of them constructed by funds probably stolen from the system, are springing up like nursery schools, while public universities and polytechnics, et cetera, are becoming sordid monuments.

The Police prevented academics from drumming this reality into the deaf ears of Nigeria’s unyielding ruling class.

Is it not quite interesting, though stranger than fiction that market women were allowed to freely march on the streets against scholars, and the latter are denied the privilege of expressing their own views? Is it not a contradiction that, in spite of the scandalous pilfering of public funds in billions and trillions of naira by public officials, the Nigerian government is recruiting the police to undemocratically weaken ASUU members and compel them to abandon their principled mission through intimidation and harassment?

Had the government been wise enough, for example, it would have done everything possible to shield the N255 million aviation sector bullet proof cars scandal which is still on the ground from the public. But it did not.

The scam, on being exposed, led to pro and counter protests, especially in Abuja. Protesters who supported those behind the scandalous spending enjoyed unfettered space to rally support for

IT IS THE ABUSE OF THE POLICE IN

THE COUNTRY THAT HEIGHTENS THE AGITATION FOR STATE POLICE FROM TIME TO TIME their sponsors. But the rally held to sensitize Nigerians against the perceived corrupt and profligate spending was disrupted by the Police. Some of the ant-corruption protesters were also arrested. The N255 million scandal has now assumed an ethnic colouration, a development that is so disastrous to the FG’s purported anti-corruption drive.

The impunity in Rivers State, which the Police have been condoning, is also there. It has been glaring, from the Rivers State legislature to the Government House in Port Harcourt, despite the hollow laughs and pleasantries being occasionally exchanged by President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi in public. But they know better. Everyone is aware of how the Police are also being used to disorganize political opponents (the rebellious G7 governors for example) and for election rigging. The control of the Nigeria Police by the FG has

ensured that state governors, especially those outside FG’s ‘Book of Life’, remain as mere puppets in the hands of the police hierarchy, whose major briefs, it would seem, are the protection of the Presidency and its interests, no matter how other citizens feel. Even privileged Nigerians who acquired wealth and affluence through legitimate means come second when it comes to police coverage. The rest only hear that the Nigeria Police exists. They are scarcely considered as worthy of police protection, except when being arrested, harassed or shot. But for the vicissitudes of life, not many Nigerians would dare to step into any police station in any part of the country. It is the abuse of the Police in the country that heightens the agitation for state police from time to time.

Now that the FG says it wants the country’s federating units to jaw-jaw instead of war-war, the over-bearing hold of the FG on the police should be trashed out once and for all at the proposed national conference. The fear of governors abusing state police is no longer an excuse.

What is sauce for a president as the chief executive of the nation should also be sauce for a governor as the chief executive of a state. State police is consistent with the principle of federalism.

ON THIS DAY November 15, 1988 Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: An independent State of Palestine was proclaimed by the Palestinian National Council.

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is the ongoing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians that began in the early 20th century. The conflict is wide-ranging, and the term is also used in reference to the earlier phases of the same conflict, between the Zionist yishuv and the Arab population living in Palestine under Ottoman and then British rule.

Letters tothe theEditor Editor Letters to

November 15, 2006 Al Jazeera English was launched worldwide. Al Jazeera English (AJE) is an international 24-hour English-language news and current affairs television channel headquartered in Doha, Qatar. It is a sister channel of both the United States-based English-language channel, Al Jazeera America (AJAM), and of the original, Arabic-language, Al Jazeera - sometimes, albeit incorrectly referred to as ‘Al Jazeera Arabic’.

November 15, 2007 Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh, killed an estimated 5,000 people and destroyed the world’s largest mangrove forest, Sundarbans. A group, ‘Save the Children’, estimated the number of deaths to be between 5,000 and 10,000, while the Red Crescent Society reported on November 18 that the number of deaths could be up to 10,000. International groups pledged $95 million to repair the resultant damage estimated at $1.7 billion.

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FIFA U-17 World Cup: Lessons for Nigerians THINKING WITH PRINCEWILL

ALOZIE

T

he Nigerian under 17 world cup team played very well and deserved the trophy given. The Nigerian U-17 team has won the trophy for the fourth time. This in itself is another world record. The dynamics that made such victory possible should be studied, and possibly emulated by other Nigerian sports team.

One major lesson to be learnt by this singular victory, is that Nigeria is packed full of talents. Let it not be assumed that the talents are only in football. Thinking of football, you may ask yourself, if defeating the United States of America, Germany, China or Russia translates to Nigeria becoming an economic, industrial, military power. Football and power politics are not necessarily equivalent.

There are however vital lessons for Nigerians to learn from this football victory, if there is any commitment of making the polity habitable and comfortable for the majority. I think it is possible to have such a Nigeria.

The first lesson is that the name of the coach MANU GARBA does not suggest he is from Abia, Rivers, or Ekiti. Nigerians supported him, because they felt he can perform

OMOLERE OMOETAN

N

igeria is about the only country where political discussions and interfaces are not based on developmental issues, but rather on mundane matters, most politicians’ waste resources propagating issues that do not have direct bearing on welfare of the masses.

In other climes, election time provides opportunity for politicians to proffer solutions to the plethora of problems plaguing the society. While critically examining the shortcomings of the government of the day, they never attack personalities but issues. Political opponents are accorded the respect they deserve. The same cannot be said of how politics is done in Nigeria. In our country, politicians are adept at coming up with issues ranging from where a candidate hails from or issues such as the candidate being too old or too young. They focus on such comical issues while more pressing matters are ignored.

The above scenario is about to play out again in Oyo State as we approach another election year. Politicians who lack the capacity to engage in intellectually-based political debates have started “a whisper campaign” feeding the electorates with inanities. The word the indolent politicians are spreading is that a certain candidate who is yet to show interest in the governorship race is too old to contest the forthcoming elections! The former governor is being advised to leave the arena for younger ones with no antecedent whatsoever. The only criteria they boast of,is that they are young-

well, irrespective of where he comes from. It must be stated immediately, that if we have a truly developed Nigerian state, an Abubakar or an Abdulkadir, or a Garba could be a citizen from Abia, Rivers or Ekiti. The indegenship mental fixation is a reflection of our inability to fix up the Nigerian state.

The point about the coach or the president of the country is that, wherever Nigerians find the appropriate national leader, they should draft or recruit such a leader. Nigerians must be reminded that there was a deep national mourning when General Murtala Muhammed was assassinated. He was of Northern extraction. Even Igbos whom he fought against during the Nigerian civil war, mourned his death.

The truth is that Gen. Murtala Mohammed after the civil war, was a transformed personality. He demonstrated in concrete terms that he regretted some of the things he did wrongly during the civil war. He had a vision of Nigeria and Africa that is yet to be rivaled by successive Nigerian leaders. He was selfless and did not believe in amassing personal wealth. Indeed, the money he got from Benin Central Bank was returned to the Nigerian treasury.

The FIFA U-17 Nigerian team has a coach, but the Nigerian state is searching for a coach that will make Nigerians who have fled to other countries to return. The Nigerian political elite is understandably thinking of rotation of leadership between North and South, between East and West, between mineral oil producing and non-mineral producing states. It is understandable because, what is at stake for them, is not the welfare of Nigerians but the wealth they intend to

NIGERIANS MAY HAVE TO REFLECT ON THE PROCESSES THAT PRODUCED THE

NIGERIAN UNDER – 17 WORLD CUP TEAM, AND CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF DOING SAME TO THE POLITICAL SCENE.

make personally from political office.

Nigeria needs a politics coach, who will enable the oil producing communities benefit from the wealth that comes from their land and environment. Such a political coach will not collude with the multi- national corporations to shortchange Nigerians economically and environmentally. Despite amnesty packages in the Niger Delta Region, annoying and avoidable poverty persist.

The Nigerian political coach will help fix the problems in the Northern parts of the country. If we follow the misleading stereotype of considering the North as monolithic, we could say that majority of Nigerian leaders have come from the North. With a possible exception of Gen. Murtala Muhammed, those Northern leaders under – developed that part of the country. The Boko Haram phenomenon is taking root because of the extreme poverty, neglect, and ignorance that pervade the region. As long as the Nigerian political coaches allow

Oyo and the politics of inanities AGE IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP IS NOT

UNUSUAL.

HISTORY

IS REPLETE WITH

LEADERS WHO, AT

ADVANCED AGE, LEFT INDELIBLE MARKS IN THE HEARTS OF THEIR PEOPLES.

er! As if youthfulness equals capability.

Senator Rasidi Ladoja governed Oyo from 2003-2007. During this period, the state achieved monumental strides in education, agriculture, infrastructures and health development. None of these “younger generation” can fault his economic policies or leadership style. To them, the only reason why Ladoja should not contest is because he is advanced in age, not for being incompetent nor fraudulent but because he became more astute and experienced by reason of age.

One of those going about with this illogicality was in the senate for eight years, four of which he was Senate leader. While there, he was not known to be vibrant. He was one of those referred to as “I-support Senator”. Though young, he never left any lasting impression and at the end chamber, he was accused of

murder and detained in a correctional facility. He made himself a bad example of a young man who could not manage success that opportunity bestowed on him. If Senator Ladoja was to leave the political stage should it be for persons like him?

Another young and inordinately ambitious politician who should still be under political tutelage but for greed and desire for power took a wrong turn. He was a former SSG in Oyo State, from his first day in office; he had shown interest in his boss’s seat and betraying him at every turn. He like others came up with the hare brained idea that Ladoja is advanced in age and as a high chief should not be eligible to contest.

Age in political leadership is not unusual. History is replete with leaders who, at advanced age, left indelible marks in the hearts of their peoples. Let’s take a few examples of those who, at old age, made a difference. Winston Churchill became prime minister in 1940 at 66 years.

In 1951, he was again elected at the age of 77. The history of modern Britain would be incomplete without the contributions of Winston Churchill. Charles de Gaulle, one of France’s most accomplished leaders, was elected President in 1958, when he was 68 years old. In modern times, we have Giorgio Napolitano who is the President of Italy at the age of 88. If the above names seem farfetched, the following state governors who though advanced in age are performing creditably well, include, Martin Elechi of Ebonyi, Jonah Jang of Plateau

a yawning gap between the poor and the rich; fail to focus on the industrialization of the country; neglect the promotion of science, technology, social science history and philosophy; the country will be having Niger-Delta militancy, Boko Haram problems, armed robbery, kidnapping, prostitution, and religious bigotry. Nigerians may have to reflect on the processes that produced the Nigerian under – 17 world cup team, and consider the possibility of doing same to the political scene.

The second lesson for Nigerians on the U – 17 performances is that they worked or played as a team. The obnoxious quota system you find even in the educational admission policy was not the guiding principle for selecting players.

Given the fact that the current political registered parties do not seem to appreciate the urgency for selecting the correct coach and political team that will make Nigerians proud of their nation, there is invitation for concerned citizens to scout for an appropriate team and coach for a veritable socio-economic transformation agenda. In Cross River State, for instance, the consideration for the next governorship position is the place of origin of the contestants – North, Central or South. In Lagos State, in addition to geographical location of the future governorship candidates, there is the consideration of featuring a Christian or Muslim.

Focus on selecting political coaches and teams that will transform the Nigerian polity into the twenty-first century is not the focus, as this replicated discordant pattern in the whole country shows. and Mutarla Nyako of Adamawa. These governors have performed outstandingly well in spite of age. Others who though advanced in age are still a force to reckon with,include the BOT chairman of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih who at 80 years old is still very active and contributing his quota to the development of the country,I ncluding Gen. Mahamadu Buhari of the APC, who at over 70 still hopes to be president of the country one day.

The present government in the state is headed by a man younger than Senator Ladoja. His poor administrative style has demonstrated that age is still very much needed to salvage the state. This government is stunted by ineptitude, excessive intra-party power play and an obsessive desire to pauperise the state through questionable economic policies with attendant cost of project execution.

It was Esther Williams who said that “The wisdom acquired with the passage of time is a useless gift except you share it”. If Senator Ladoja decides to run in the 2015 elections, it should be known that he realises the need to share the wisdom he has acquired over the years for the betterment of the good people of Oyo State.

Omolere Omoetan,is a Public commentator resident in Awotan Ibadan.

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.

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Mail Mirror

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Bravo Governor Amosun

M Protecting ourselves against cholera

W

ith the harmattan season comes epidemics like cholera, Lassa fever, meningitis, cold, catarrh, and eye diseases, as a result of the dusty wind and other particles from the desert.

Thankfully, the National Emergency management Agency, has adopted sensitization of the people against the disadvantages of harmattan, mostly on its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/nemanigeria and twitter page @nemanigeria. It is now left for us to protect our families against seasonal diseases such as Cholera.

Cholera is an infection of the small intestine caused by bacteria that produce a watery diarrhea and rapidly leads to dehydration. Thebacteria spreads through the intake of dirty water, dirty fruits, and dirty method of food preparation and so on.

Cholera is fast becoming a menace, the earlier we treat symptoms in our bodies, and take preventive measures, the better.

To know if one has been infected by this disease, the main symptoms are watery and smelly diarrhea, vomiting, low blood pressure, dry mouth, rapid heart rate. People infected with cholera often have diarrhea.

In other to protect your family from being infected, adopt the method of chlorinating or sterilising water before drinking or cooking, it can be through boiling of water to kill all bacteria in it. Teach your children to wash fruits thoroughly before eating and to cover food properly. If you have already been infected

by Cholera, see a doctor immediately as delay is dangerous, and make sure you take plenty of water and food while taking medication for quick recovery.

The prompt administration of oral rehydration salts to replace lost fluids nearly always results in cure. In especially severe cases, administration of fluids may be required to save the patient’s life.

The goal is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes using a simple rehydration solution, Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), it can be gotten in reputable pharmacies.

The ORS solution is available as a powder that can be reconstituted in boiled or bottled water. Without rehydration, approximately half the people with cholera die. With treatment, the number of fatalities drops to less than one percent.

Adetola Ojo,NEMA, Abuja

onday, October 19,2013 will remain indelible in the minds of residents of Sango-Ijoko-AkuteOjodu Abiodun area. It was the day the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, kicked off the reconstruction of the 32 kilometre road.

Overjoyed by the visit, the residents poured into the streets to welcome him and his entourage.

The residences have good reasons to be effusive. The road has long been abandoned by successive administrations, with several unfulfilled promises. The road which links Sango-Ota to Ojodu Berger in Lagos remains

a massive embarrassment to whatever performance feat being claimed by any government at Oke-Mosan. The road remains a total eyesore and a headache for users due to several failed sections that has defied all palliative efforts. Motorists plying the road spend several man-hours in traffic gridlock.

Their plight is worsened during rainy season as mini swimming pools emerge through which cars must wade daily.

The pathetic condition of this strategic road spanning border areas has sent several residents, who could not afford the financial damage to secure alternative

accommodation outside the area.

Even residents courageous enough not to have relocated to another area are known to have severally refused to pay their taxes and levies as they tease tax officials about what the taxes they collected in the past were used for. That for a government whose unique selling point is its urban renewal programme is poor advertisement.

Interestingly, some politicians are already cashing in on the delay in the reconstruction of the road. A member representing the area at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, who ordinarily should

be at the vanguard to get the road fixed, was being comical.

While the state government delayed, she went to town alleging that the governor lied to the people of the area and that there was no plan to fix the roads. She argued that the road which, would cost about N52 billion, should have been the number one priority of the government if it were sincere.

Hon Adeleye was aware of the frustrations and financial plight of the government, yet she chose to be mischievous. But the residents of the area saw through her fraudulent argument. They accused her of being instrumental to the abandonment of the area in terms of development projects due to her unfocused obstinacy and agitations which is meant for gaining relevance.

Lijadu, Ijoko-Ota, Ogun State

NA must not vet new Constitution

G

Two young porters waiting for customers on Oba Akran Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Gov. Obi should provide power for computers

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oday, our world has become a global village owing to the giant strides, which scientists recorded in the area of science and technology. That is why developed countries of the world do not pay lip service to education in their countries.

Not being unaware of the benefits of equipping the youths with qualitative education, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has taken measures to revamp the comatose educational system in the state. Even his worst traducers and political opponents acknowledge that he has recorded giant strides in the area of resuscitating the collapsed educational system.

So, it is not surprising, he has been receiving laudatory commendations from diverse organisations within and outside Nigeria.

Obi has returned schools to their original owners, the church.

Letters to the Editor

This is to ensure that the schools are efficiently run; and, against the background of the erosion of values in our society, schools run by churches can instill morals into our youths. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons that informed him to return schools to the church.

More so, good learning environment can facilitate the students’ acquisition of knowledge. So, he has built class room blocks for schools whose school buildings were decrepit. Not only has he built class room blocks, he, also, has given money and buses to many post-primary schools for the smooth-running of the schools.

And, who doesn’t know that one’s knowledge of computer science can put one at the cutting edge of the information technology? Now, many official duties in offices are performed with the help of the computer. We are in

the internet and digital age.

So, in order to ensure that the products of post-primary schools in Anambra State are not left behind in our digital age, Peter Obi has been distributing computers to post-primary schools in the State. Recently, he issued a cheque of N2.65 billion to some companies for the procurement of 25,000 computers and internet connectivity for schools.

But, private schools in the state are being discriminated against in the distribution of computers.

And incidentally, many Anambra children privately owned schools as most parents have misgivings about the ability of teachers in public schools to offer qualitative teaching to their children. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gender as regarding the distribution of computers.

But, are the recipients of the

iven the controversies already surrounding the National Conference by political opponents bent on derailing it. President Jonathan should know that those orchestrating the move also are in the National Assembly, especially the Senate. If at the day, Nigerians come together to fashion out a Constitution on how to live together as citizens of one country, he would have written his name in gold and into history. But if he sends the recommendation to the National Assembly and it is defeated there, the President would not only ave failed but would be judged harshly by history.

Bolaji Adeleke, Abeokuta.

computers putting them to good use? Most of the post-primary schools that received computers from the state government do not have electricity with which to power them. Those that have electricity, the students seldom practice how to operate the computers, due to epileptic electricity. So, the students make do with the theoretical knowledge they receive from their computer science teachers. Can a man become a nerd and computer wizard without his practicing how to operate a computer?

The state government should take urgent steps to address this issue of under-utilization of computers in post-primary schools in the state.

The government sole aim for giving computers to schools is defeated if the students cannot get hands-on-training (practical) on how to use a computer.A stitch in time saves nine Chiedu Uche Okoye, Obosi, Anambra State

Send your letters or or mails mailsto toPMB PMB10001, 10001,Ikoyi, Ikoyi,ororour ourEmail: Email:mirrorlagos@yahoo.com mirrorlagos@yahoo.com and info@nationalmirroronline.netor or 08056180209, 07033375481 and info@nationalmirroronline.net 08054103275, 07033375481 (SMS (SMS only).Editor The Editor reserves thetoright edit and letters reject letters or photographs.

Psuedonyms may be but used, butbe must be clearly marked as such. only). The reserves the right edit to and reject or photographs.

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Your

FRIDAY

Flavour

Friday, November 15, 2013

Christy Essien Igbokwe

ALL OF CHRISTY ESSIENS-IGBOKWE’S ROYALTIES FROM RECORDS HAVE ALWAYS GONE TO CHARITY out a major activity to remember her.

“This is somebody you lived with for almost 32 yeare, so what other reason could there be? She was part of me. We are part of each other. I don’t know what else to say than that it is being done to carry on her legacy. It is a memorial foundation

to carry on with what she had and passed through as a human being because all her life, she has been a philanthropic person”, Igbokwe explained.

He stated further that his wife never spent any kobo of the royalties she got from record sales on her family; “all of her royalties from records have

Christy’s son, Kaka

WEEKEND STARTERS Eko, The Musical

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agosians should get ready for a night of music and dance, its Eko, The Musical happening tomorrow at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos by 5pm. The event features a cultural constellation and artistic fest of entertainment, offering a rare delight of listening to the best of Jazz, Classical, Afro Beat, Neo-soul, Reggae and Blues. It will have a kaleidoscope of 2 riveting plays and an avante-garde art exhibition.

November, Creative Nigeria Project will host the city of Lagos to an exciting evening of harmonies and memories, featuring a cultural constellation and artistic fest of sophisticated entertainment. It offers the rare delight of listening to an exciting mix of timeless favorite old school Lagos hit songs.

Obiwon in ‘Gold Water’ concert

U

rban gospel recording artiste, Obiora Obiwon will launch his new album, Gold Water this Sunday with a stellar 90-minute concert at The Grand Ball Room, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria

Island, Lagos by 5:15pm till 8:30pm. Guests scheduled to attend include Ali Baba, Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edwards, Kenny K’ore, Mike Abdul, Nikki Laoye, ID Cabasa, Jodie, Soluchi, DVD, Alien Nation, Tochi and Victoria.

Folkwang photo archive opens in Lagos

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ne of Germany’s most important museums, the Essen-based Museum Folkwang, is exhibiting parts of its photography archive for the first time in Africa. The opening event holds tomorrow at the Federal Government Press, Broad Street,

Lagos, by 4.00 p.m.

The two-week exhibition will feature images from Folkwang’s collection by Rolf Gillhausen, Germaine Krull, Robert Lebeck, Malick Sidibé and Wolfgang Weber, as well as images by renowned Nigerian photographer, J.D. Ojeikhere and

archive material of the Federal Ministry of Information, Nigeria.

“Voyage/Retour” explores intercultural relations between Africa and Europe from the 1920s to 1970s and is sponsored by the German Federal Foreign Office.

LABAF: the book event begins

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he 15th edition of the Lagos Book & Art Festival, LABAF, opens today at THE Freedom Park, Broad Street-Lagos, with series of activities lined up.

Today, comedian, Julius Agwu and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai open the festival at 11.00 a.m. with discussions around their books Jokes Apart – How Did I Get Here? and The Accidental Public Servant respectively. The day also features a festival colloquium, Crown Troupe of Nigeria in a stage presentation of Yoruba Ronu, a classic play by Hubert Ogunde. “Jazz Night@ Freedom” produced by Ayoola Shadare of In-

spiro Productions is also on offer. Tomorrow, at 10.00 a.m., DADA Books presents LAGOS_2060, an anthology of short fiction set in Lagos 100 years after Nigeria’s independence from British rule. Saturday will witness “Concert@FreedomPark” to celebrate art patrons and artists who have clocked landmark birthdays in 2013, led by Mrs. Francesca Emmanuel, Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi and ‘King’ Dejumo Lewis.

Julius Agwu

Arty News Critics P. 22-23

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n Sunday, InterContinental Hotel, Lagos will be agog with the launch of the foundation and album in memory of the late Lady of Songs, Christy Essien-Igbokwe, who died in 2011.

The chief host for the event will be the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who will be assisted by his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Godswill Akpabio as well as Mr. Ben Bruce, among many others.

The album is titled: All of a Sudden’, while the foundation, formerly, ‘Essential Childcare Foundation’, has been renamed, ‘The Christy Essien Igbokwe Foundation’.

Edwin Igbokwe, husband of the late iconic and philanthropic singer, told Friday Flavour that the event is to carry on the late singer’s legacy and that members of the Board of Trustees of the foundation are also expected at the event, as well as friends, associates and admirers.

Among the members of the board are: Senator Ben Obi, General Sunday Chikwe (rtd), Dr. Austin Izagbo, Professor Dora Akunyili and Mr. Tonye Princewill.

Since the death of the Lady of Songs no year passes with-

always gone to charity”.

He said the foundation will continue with her works of charity and that she had always wanted to do an album all of a sudden so the title is in memory of that decision “This album is a collection of songs she did before. Her son, Kaka, was the last producer she had, so there are one or two songs there that she did in conjunction with him”, Igbokwe said, adding that there are plans to shoot videos for the songs in the future.

Christy Essien-Igbokwe, otherwise known as The Lady of Songs, died in June 2011. She was former Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, PMAN, president and a famous actress.

Born on November 11, 1960, she began her musical career in secondary school, where she sang at various clubs and hers was the voice that ruled the airwaves in the 1970s. She was Apeno in the NTA drama series, The New Masquerade, the cast of which she joined in 1976. She went on to initiate the first move which culminated in the forming of PMAN. There is, no doubt, that she was a very creative and talented artiste and it will be difficult for family, friends, well wishers and, indeed, the whole country to forget her.

P. 26

TERH AGBEDEH

’Denrele’s Day P. 34

Fashola, Akpabio, Ben Bruce for launch of Christy Essien-Igbokwe’s album, foundation

P. 31

16 PAGES OF ARTS, REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE AND BUZZ TO START YOUR WEEKEND

Mirror Mongers

VOL. 3 No. 753

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Artman In The House

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Nowhere in Africa are people Tade Ipadeola is a lawyer, the President of PEN Nigeria Centre and award winning poet, who emerged winner of the 2013 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Literature worth $100,000 and endowed by the Nigeria LNG Limited. In this interview with TERH AGBEDEH immediately after he was shortlisted among the last three and when he was announced winner, he talks about African writing and sundry issues.

How does it feel now that you have won the 2013 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Literature?

One is joyful. It is almost surreal because this is the biggest prize in African literature. One is grateful because one has gotten support from so many quarters. One is hopeful that now, one can write even better.

You were in India; what did you go to do there?

The Academy of Letters, the Society Academy invited Odia Ofeimun and I to come and read poetry and generally discuss with other Commonwealth poets.

It was a very interesting experience. We got to meet people in the Commonwealth, compare notes on what is going on in Barbados, what is going on here and generally catch up with some friends, see where you are missing something.

Did you get to see anything that we are missing as a people?

Institutionally speaking, I think India is ahead of even the west. When you are talking about literature in English, you see the narrowness of the challenge. In Europe, English is dominant, in America, English is dominant, but Africa is a different ballgame. We have almost 2800 languages, all of which have aural literatures of their own, then you have English, Portuguese, Arabic and French. The challenge and how the Indians have addressed it is interesting. India is a plural society with many languages, so what they did was to have an Academy of Letters that treats English as just one language in which Indians express themselves in literature. So, you have this huge academy, which by the way was instituted by Nehru, one of their prime ministers. Basically, what they do is create this forum through which experts in different languages can receive literature coming from those languages, produce them first in Indian languages and then in a separate journal in English in translation. So you don’t miss anything. In Hindi you have close to 300 million readers. Let’s say your book in Hindi is a good book and you have just 10 percent of that number reading your book, you are made. You don’t have to write in English if you are in India.

Only three out of D.O. Fagunwa’s five books have been translated. Were this system in place in the country that would

Ipadeola

most likely not have been the case. You discover that schools are no longer teaching Fagunwa in the country.

The tragedy of African literature is that, as Professor Harry Garba pointed out, there is a circuit of value and it exists in such a way that except your work gets published in English, you are not likely to gain traction the way you ought to. It is because; one, experts with indigenous languages with doctoral degrees are lazy. Two, the state has not yet matured enough. India was lucky to have Nehru, who knew that literature was essential to Indian rising; the democracy of India, the plurality of India. He recognised that early and invested in this huge structure. And of course, you know India is ahead in information technology so they used the little resources they had in built space together with the huge infrastructure they have in information technology and built on it.

Do you think we will ever get there in Nigeria?

We will but it will take time...

Because the people who have Phd in indigenous languages are lazy?

They are lazy.

And with a government which will start something like Bring Back the Book and let it die…

I will give you an instance, in 2009 there was a Delphic Games in Korea and I was there to represent Nigeria. Eventually, out of 28 aspirants from 28 countries, my work was picked as the laurel winner. There are four categories; there is a gold, silver and bronze, then there is the laurel. And imme-

I HAVE READ ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE HAVE

DONE IN ARABIC, WHAT PEOPLE HAVE DONE IN

FRENCH, WHAT EVEN

SOME SCIENTISTS HAVE DONE IN SWEDE. BUT WHERE IS ENGLISH

LITERATURE REGARDING THE SAHARA?

diately they assigned two professors of Korean to my work, two professors in Korean who also understood English so that they could effectively translate into Korean. The question is, do Koreans really need to read Tade Ipadeola in their own language? I would say probably not. But they have gone the extra mile having invested so much in inviting all these great people from all over the world to consolidate because the Delphic Games have participants in spoken art, music, dance, architecture, imagine if Nigeria were to organise such a game and at that meet, people from all over the world brought their ideas. You could leapfrog. I mean, surprising results came out. For example, in the architecture competition at the Delphic Games, Japan took gold, silver and bronze. This is a competition in which Italians were also competing. And 50, 70, even 40 years ago, Italy was the capital of architecture, now you have Japanese architects doing wonderful things. So, why don’t we challenge our people in that way, why don’t we go that extra mile and see what

young Nigerians are capable of doing?

This is your third collection and the feeling one gets is that you did a lot of travel to come up with Sahara Testaments.

Yes, I did.

Did you do that out of your pocket or somebody paid you to do it?

No, nobody paid me but I took advantage of the opportunities that came my way over a four-year period to go to different African countries, especially within the sub-saharan realm. And a few journeys I took outside the continent.

Now, I think that my trip to India in 2010 was probably one of the more faithful events because I took a daytime trip first from Lagos to Dubai from Dubai to Delhi.

If you travel daytime over the Sahara, you get to see a lot of the Sahara. It is so hot at noon that there is no cloud between the plane 34 or 36,000 feet and the ground. You can actually see everything. I was lucky I took a window seat and it just struck me that okay, I have read about what people have done in Arabic, what people have done in French, what even some scientists have done in Swede. But where is English literature regarding the Sahara, where is it?

Where is the poetry? And this is one of the most fascinating places in terms of human ingenuity and what human beings have done to survive. This is where some of the greatest books mankind has written…St. Augustine wrote City of God, Confessions, all those great books in the Sahara. People forgot that. And when you go back in time you find that significant contributions in astronomy, geometry, literature occurred in the Sahara because naturally it is a geography that encourages these reflections, you know that you are dealing with stack

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Artman In The House

Friday, November 15, 2013

21

writing like in Nigeria –Ipadeola FACT FILE

reality, no frills, no fuss, just you and nature. We have not utilised that. I would like to stay for a month in Sokoto and learn even more about the Sahara because it is a place of many paradoxes and contradictions, more people die of drowning than of thirst in the Sahara. It is counterintuitive but human beings are prepared once they know that they are going to the desert, they get water but nobody is prepared for the rain. And it does rain in the Sahara so except you really know, you will perish. Then of course, the Sahara just happens to be in the most revealing space for the desperation that young Africans have to get out of the country and hundreds of young black Africans die, hundreds are victims of really sacrilegious crimes. Recently they discovered more than 700 bodies of Sudanese, Nigerians, Nigeriens, Chadians, trying to cross into Europe, who were overtaken by human body parts dealers. They would harvest their organs and leave them to die in the desert because the state has not yet taken responsibility for its youths. The whole continent has failed to take responsibility for its youths so you find these young people in their 20s, some in their teens doing this desperate bid to get into Europe by crossing the Sahara and they fall victim to all kinds of disasters.

It is true the continent has failed its youths since that is the only desert that remains unclaimed in the whole world…

Yes, the Sahara is the only desert that is waste and the tragedy is that for the first time in human history, we have the knowhow, the technology and the finance to transform that place. Really, how much money, how many engineers do we need to transform the Chad basin for example, into a livable space? Very little money. Why can’t we have a superhighway running from Bayelsa to Alexandria in Egypt? We have everything it takes, imagine the commerce between Port Harcourt and Cairo.

That will be incredible. One of the poems is in pidgin; what informed that?

I wanted to capture as much of the flavour of speech because I get accused of using very high register in my poetry. I wanted to capture some of the flavour of the speech pattern and I remember that when listening to one of the great persons that has lived in this place, Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem was pan Africanist, he died young

•

Born in 1970, Tade Ipadeola attended the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he obtained a Bachelor of Law degree in 1991.

•

He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992 after he finished from The Nigerian Law School the same year.

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Apart from The Sahara Testaments (2012), Ipadeola, winner of the Delphic Laurel in Poetry has two other poetry collections to his name: A Time of Signs (2000) and The Rain Fardel (2005).

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Married with children, Ipadeola, who lives in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, has been published in several anthologies including: 25 New Nigerian Poets (2000), A Melody of Stones(2003), Drumvoices Revue (20012008) and Weaverbird Short Stories(2007).

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Partner, PD Jacob Associates (Solicitors) since 2000 Ipadeola does book reviews for The Guardian (Nigeria) and plays chess.

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He has translated The Divine Cryptograph (2010, D.O Fagunwa), The Pleasant Potentate of Ibudo (2010, D.O Fagunwa) and Lamilami (2012, W.H Auden).

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He was Legal Adviser, Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA (2009-2011), Co-Editor, Khalam Editions (Publishers, 2005-present) and President, PEN Nigeria Centre (2011-present).

in the cause of forging closer ties between Africans, I just discovered I couldn’t do it in pure English. But the lament in my heart naturally came in pidgin and so I wrote that portion in pidgin because it is part of our reality.

It looks like The Sahara Testaments is one long poem?

Yes, that is largely correct because think about the Sahara as geography, it is very vast geography. I mean, if you fly across the Sahara, six hours you are still flying across.

How do you seriously try to write the poetry of such vast space where a lot of history has transpired? A lot of history like: Mansa Musa, Second World War, Songhai, Ghana, the first Roman settlement in Africa. You have to try really to restrain yourself, constrain yourself and not let yourself go so that at the end of the day the map is not as big as the territory. It is really one long poem but I try to put two interludes, I wrote it in three books and then two interludes; one for the Atlantic middle passage era, the slave trade, and two, what is going on now through the Mediterranean but the rest is largely devoted to the geography of the desert itself but also to the metaphor.

T.S. Elliot already wrote ‘Wasteland’, I don’t need to write another Wasteland, nobody else needs to but if you look closely you will see that what Europe was facing in the early 20th century is what we are facing in the early 21st century. If Europe can overcome its huge disadvantages, we can, we can do actually better.

In 2009 some people came as far as the longlist and the organisers of the prize decided that the poems were not good enough. Do you see that happening again?

No, I don’t.

If it does happen, and that is a big if, would you feel like you have been used?

I don’t see what happened in 2009 happening now because clearly, people have…when you look at the longlist, when you look at the books on the list you see that Nigerian poets have gone the extra mile in putting effort to bear on what they are writing. And when you look at the shortlist, you see that in many respects, the works that are surfacing are different. They are different quali-

tatively and quantitatively and these are not the usual run. If you read my book, you will see that I borrowed an epigraph from Afam Akeh because I read contemporary poets. There are fantastic writers. It is such a pity that Afam Akeh is not on the shortlist but I will continue to regard him as one of the greatest. There is nowhere in Africa that people are writing the way they are writing in Nigeria, and, by the way, poetry as a genre is ahead of prose. Of course, we have more popular writers in prose but when you talk about the literary quality, Nigerian poets are head and shoulders above (the rest).

When the long list was announced people felt it was a battle between the older generation and the one after that. Because the people who emerged in the final shortlist are younger, do you think this is a triumph over the older generation poets?

Well, there are many ways of seeing it. When the longlist or the initial shortlist was put out, some people saw it as a contest between Diaspora writers those home-based.

Some saw it as a contest between the older generation writers and the younger generation writers but I think in the final analysis, you find the average, the mean coming out. I mean, the shortlist is consisting of three people who have been writing a long time. I mean, a really long time. Not one person on the shortlist has written for less than 20 years. I can speak for myself, I have been writing competitive essays and poetry since 1985. I actually won the regional prize for essays in 1985 and the award was N50 but it took me a long way because in those days your tuition fee in the university was N90. So it took me a long way in enjoying my first year in the university. Now you cannot say that is young, you are talking about people with history, Amu Nnadi is a guy with great history, he has been recognised as a major poet.

But you guys are not Femi Osofisan.

No, we are not. But you also have to recognise that these are writers who are recognised in their own right for other things apart from poetry. Professor Osofisan is the most prolific playwright in Africa. I can name a few people on that longlist who are accomplished scholars but it just so happened that when the shortlist came out, it is down to what the judges say it is.

Have you read all the books shortlisted?

No, I have not read all the books but I have read Amu Nnadi closely. I have his book, I think that is an excellent collection. He has been at it for a long time. You don’t just wake up and write…

How did you get introduced to reading?

I didn’t have a choice in the matter of reading really. My parents were both school teachers and I was introduced to reading even before I went to school by my mother.

She taught primary school and my dad taught secondary school literature so I really didn’t have a choice.

But by far the greatest influence on me in terms of aesthetics is my late grandmother, Apinke. She never went to school, all her conversations were in Yoruba but she was such a beautiful speaker that if you had money, you would pay her to just keep speaking because she knew how to use words. She had different sayings that are for me, immortal. Because they were always bringing quarrels to her to settle she would say that a clever chap is in trouble, the ignorant chap has such bliss. I had her; I had my maternal grandmother, who was a beautiful speaker of English. She grew up with missionaries. If she was in the room and you were outside, you couldn’t tell who was who because she grew up speaking English like an English person. If you have those two influences in your life and then you have two school teachers for parents, you don’t have a choice, you have to read.

I discovered poetry for myself, I discovered JP Clarke, Wole Soyinka, Christopher Okigbo, Odia Ofeimun, Niyi Osundare and finally, my contemporaries like Chiedu Ezeani, Afam Akeh and many others.

22

Critics

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Music

Mafikizolo’s barrier-scaling song After tragic losses and successful solo careers, the duo who now makeup South African music group, Mafikizolo, ‘reunited’ to release their hit making studio album, Mafikizolo Reunited. This group’s impact on their listeners is profound, creating songs the public love to listen to and can relate to. Khona (featuring Uhuru) is the chart-topping single off the latest album and PRINCE ADEWALE ORESHADE reviews its lyrics and literary meaning from a Nigerian’s perspective.

T

he first phenomenon one has to address in this song is the language.

The song was written and sung in the Zulu Language and in some parts of the song, it did flirt with other local languages. Some Zulus from a province called Mpumalanga are influenced by an inland country called Swaziland, so they tend to mix their vowels. It has a feel of English too –‘Rose’ and ‘Mama’. But then, Mama is one of those words that its meaning is universal. Mama means mother in almost all languages and Zulu is not an exception.

To understand this song – Khona, one has to understand the personal lives of the members of the Mafikizolo and Uhuru also. The members of Mafikizolo are Theo Kgosinkwe, Nhlanhla Nciza and Tebogo Madingoane; the genre of music this group makes is called Kwaito. Their kind of song can be called Afro-Pop. It has a peculiar Angolian-Swahili feel too; quite eccentric, at least, to non-South Africans.

Khona is one of the tracks on the group’s February 2013 album titled Mafikizolo Reunited, it is also their first album since they went solo in 2008. From the lyrics of the song one will see that Reunited is not just the persons reuniting but a unification of their experiences in sonorous-lines. ‘Khona’ is a sample of one of the tracks that unites their sad experiences.

Before one goes into their personal experiences, it is pertinent to understand or have an idea what ‘Khona’ means. ‘Khona’ means ‘there’ or ‘at that place’ and the song is more of a dialogue-type song. So, for every persons mentioned in the song, ‘Khona’ is a rhetorical call to them to ‘come back. All of them that are ‘there’, at that ‘other side’ or ‘that place’ should come back. It’s kind of a sad plea; ‘Khona’ being an euphemism for death’s Hades

and cracks of a broken heart. Even Theo’s dance of throwing his arms and thighs in the forward and then backward direction in the video portrays the come-back-Khona message.

So, the question arises, who are these people Mafikizolo sang this song for? One of the trio of Mafikizolo is Tebogo Madingoane, one of the two male singers in the group. Amidst the peak of their success in 2004, on February 14 to be precise, Tebogo was shot after an argument got heated with another driver in traffic. His death touched the soul of Mafikizolo and it has always been in their hearts since.

Nhlanhla Nciza, the female member of the group also had her share of misfortune when she lost her five-year old daughter, Zinathi, in a car accident in December 2009. Her death and request to come back was portrayed at the end of the music video where the smoke from the ghastly car which was supposed to disperse in the air, was seen reverting into the car from the car’s windscreen. The pain of a bereaved mum was also evident in Nhlanhla’s choice of attires and gestures.

From the lyrics, it is also evident that Theo Kgosinkwe lost his love, Rose, who is his sister, daughter or lover. His call for Sesi Rose to come back was deep and passionate. Sitting on a black horse which is known to represent strength and power shows his graphic toast to Rose. Perhaps, those are the qualities that were missing in Theo hitherto. But like a Knight riding back from a war, he is victorious.

It is evident from the lyrics that Uhuru who is not a member of the Mafikizolo also had a piece of the sad cake losing a loved one– his mother. With the name Uhuru, what readily comes to mind is the Lesotho 70’s and 80’s band. Or better still, the South American Black Uhuru Band or perhaps, Kenyan’s Uhuru Ke-

KHONA: The Zulu lyrics Za izaka su, Za izakasu *27 times at the background most times* Ewu eee Ewu eee!

Khor!

cela ulibuyisele Lapho ulithathe Ngiyalifuna Lapho liphuma Ngiyalifun Libuyisele, sele

Khona *4 times* Khona! *17 times at the background of the first verse below*

Uthando lwami likuphi na?

Cela ulibuyisele Lapho ulithathe Lapho liphuma Ngiyalifuna Libuyisele eh,eh,eh

Uthando lwami lakuphi na?

Za izaka su, Za izakasu *8 times* Sesi ya rose Sesi Ulise Thanlo lwami, yee yeyeye Libuyisele Lapho ulithathe Ngiyalifuna Lapho liphuma Libuyisele Sele sele ye ye ye ye eee

Sele sele ye *twice* Khona *9 times* Za izaka su, Za izakasu *16 times* Khor!

Khona! *18 times* Mama mama ma Mama ma Mama mama mam ela mama Mama mama

AS A NIGERIAN, THE NOSTALGIA OF THE UTOPIA THAT USED TO EXIST IN OUR COUNTRY MAKES US LISTEN, DANCE

AND SING-ALONG TO

‘KHONA’

nyatta. Uhuru, however, is a Swahilian word that means ‘freedom’. Whether this Uhuru is an offshoot of the Black Jesus’ Uhuru is yet unknown. But one thing is clear, this Uhuru sings and he does it well. Singing is the only thing he would do if he wasn’t singing –that wasn’t a typo. His dramatic performance and passion about his demised mother was captivating; it got me replaying the song over and over. So, the first verse of the song was for Tebogo and the second was for Nhlanhla’s daughter. The third one was for Theo’s Rose and the fourth was for Uhuru’s mum.

Getting the Zulu rendition wasn’t as hard as interpreting it. Thanks to my South African Zulu friends; Amanda Toetsie Mkhonza and Ofentse Kgonego Motlhasedi. Amanda was of the view that most of the catchy phrases don’t have actual Zulu meanings; they were

mam ela mama Eeee ila mama e!

Za izaka su, Za izakasu *16 times* Khona *18 times* Sesi! Sesi Sesi a Se Jalabringo Se se Uthando lwami lakuphi na?

cela ulibuyisele Lapho ulithathe Ngiyalifuna Lapho liphuma Ngiyalifun Libuyisele, sele Za izaka su, Za izakasu *16 times* Sesi ya rose Sesi Ulise Thanlo lwami, yee yeyeye Libuyisele

just used for sonorous leverages. But they can pass as exclamatory expressions. Examples are ‘Ewu e, za izakasu’ and the continuous melodious ‘eeeee’ sounds.

She said ‘Uthando’ is a noun that means love and saying ‘I love you’ in Zulu is ‘Ngiyakuthanda’.

That said, the crux of all the verses is that of nostalgia but with different people as subjects. ‘Khona’ is a sad love song but one with a beam of optimistic hopelessness. We’ve all lost something and we all miss something. For all of us that have lost and missed something and wish it to come back; this song is for us.

‘Khona’ to our demised friends and family; ‘Khona’ to our broken hearts; ‘Khona’ to those strangers that gave us a cheering smile whilst walking past; ‘Khona’ to those lost precious times. Albeit a lost cause, it’s still uplifting to yearn for them. Perhaps, just perhaps, we may have them back. Maybe not in person; they always can reincarnate in others.

As a Nigerian, the nostalgia of the utopia that used to exist in our country makes us listen, dance and sing-along to ‘Khona’–it’s a call for our basic human rights; a call for peace, unity and progress; a call to Glory!

Prince Adewale is a lawyer, poet, novelist and social engineer with great passion for world peace, culture and arts. Culled from citrusmusiclive.com.

Lapho ulithathe Ngiyalifuna Lapho liphuma Libuyisele Za izaka su, Za izakasu *16 times* Sele Lapho ulithathe Ngiyalifuna Libuyisele Za izaka su, Za izakasu *16

times* Basic interpretation for the chorus Where is my love?

Please return it To where you found it.

I want it to return To me from that place Bring it back, bring it back, I want it back.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Critics

Friday, November 15, 2013

Performance

All that Jazz and poetry @1004

23

Video

Arguably, this should go down as one of the most rewarding shows packaged by Inspiro Productions in recent times. The entertainment company brought Jazz and spoken word talents to the highbrow residential of 1004 for an evening of mentally stimulating fun.

ADENRELE NIYI

I

nspiro plays@1004 was a well-thought out concept by the multi-media and entertainment production company which has had a couple of shows like the “Shaddie Bobo and Friends” (hosted by City People) and “NAIJAZZ celebrates Victor Olaiya” to its credit. But the package of leisure with which it stormed the 1004 Flats to cap the Sallah holidays will remain subject of discourse for a long time.

Themed “Play@1004”, it was a first of its kind top notch event in one of the city’s elitist environment. The suggestive theme went beyond its expectations.

The show ignited the neighbourhood with stellar performances from the best of Highlife, Jazz, poetry and every genre of arts and entertainment. “Play@1004” pooled a mixed audience who were nothing less than delighted. Right from the gate of the venue, breezy and sensational Jazz tunes filled the air, luring the neighbourhood to an evening of sheer tasteful blend of entertainment.

Guests were seated ahead of time at the tennis court of the prestigious 1004 Estate Club B where a mini stage had been set up to create the right ambiance for the evening. Some were in the swimming pool and even the neighbours who could not be drawn into the tennis were contented to watch from their balconies.

Inside the club’s reserved area, artistes on the bill were ecstatic, doing the meet and greet, as a blend of nervousness and excitement chocked the air. An hour behind schedule, the show kicked off with Adeh, an afro jazz guitarist.

They set the trend for other performers to follow, teasing the audience with his rhythmic tunes. One of the songs that got the audience hooked to his groove was his interpretation of ‘Eddie Kwansa’, a

Agboola Shadare performing

popular theme song of the 90s TV sitcom **The Masquerade**. Other artistes who performed at the event were Lekkihood Finest and Obadice, amongst others.

Was it another evening of girl power?

Obviously this was the case at the event as the female artistes used their vocal arsenal to thrill the audience. Starting with the new sensational personality on spoken word, Titilope Sonuga, the audience was awed by the young engineer whose words cracked like fireworks on stage. She stirred provoking thoughts as she flawlessly delivered one of her piece ‘I Come from a Place -Lagos’; a narrative that clearly depicts the lifestyle of its residents, painting a clear picture of hustling and bustling in the city.

Titilope returned on stage with another pondering lines and a clear message for all: loving yourself without shame is the most important thing you must always fight for. Ebisan and Ego were not intimidated as they thrilled the audience with their jazzy and soul tunes as well.

Of all the new talents that rocked the show, M Gabriel proved to be a man of talents, from the Reggae flavour to Afrobeat performance, adding to the fact that it was Felabration week, he was quite an eclectic performer.

Dapo Dina, the Afro Jazz pianist wasted no time as he put his exploratory fingers at work even though there was a technical glitch with the keyboard. He redefined songs from ace musicians such as Dr. Tunji Oyelana and King Sunny Ade. His rendition of ‘Ekilo f ’omo Ode’ was particularly well appreciated; he added flavour and spice to the music piece. Bright Gain later joined him on stage to perform.

Saving the best for last was absolutely what the organisers had in mind, Agboola Shadare, another iconic jazz guitarist drew the curtains for the night with Joe’s ‘I Wanna Know’.

Screenshot from the video

Iyanya: What’s in a waist?

Iyanya has been on this road before with considerable success, so it’s understandable why he is on it again. This time, Le Kwa Ukwu directed by Sesan will leave variegated impressions.

NGOZI EMEDOLIBE

T

hese are both interesting and predictable times in the Nigerian music. For the artistes, it means staying afloat with commercial success, but for the discerning audience, it means loss of creativity. This is the impression that will hit anyone who spends three minutes watching Iyanya’s new video directed by famous music video director, Sesan.

Taking a cue from his previos works, Iyanya and his producer arrived at a rhythm that would sound acceptable to the Nigerian music audience, on which rather meaningless lyrics about the ‘waist’ of a woman was laced. Ideally, Inyanya took time idolising the virtues of a woman he meets at a pub, and even without seeing her waist started blabbing about it in the song. The director does not drag the attention of the audience to this important factor ‘waist’ which has unimpressively been dominating a lot of the lyrics in Nigeria these days.

And this brings one to the big question. What is about waists that tend to drive Nigerian artistes crazy? From Flavour to Wiz Kid and Iyanya, it is fast becoming a fad to talk about the ‘back side of a woman’ in songs, leaving a lot of issues that music as an art form should address. Of course, it is certain that the gains of dwelling on frivolous themes are what have been driving this trend.

While some may end up on the opposite side with Iyanya on the lyrics, of this song, it is pertinent to note however that this video is unique in a lot of ways, and kudos must be given to Sesan who in spite of the numerous video directing jobs he gets constantly saddled with still manages to come up with brilliant concepts. For once he has avoided the flashes and dark backgrounds in this video.

Beginning with the choreography, Inyanya and his dancers put up a brilliant showmanship which was accentuated with their nice costumes. The various attires from suits to the dresses by the models, showed a musician that has made a frank effort to cover up the immoral lyrics with clean images. Yes,

FROM FLAVOUR TO WIZ KID AND IYANYA, IT IS FAST BECOMING A FAD TO TALK ABOUT THE

‘BACK SIDE OF A WOMAN’ IN SONGS, LEAVING A LOT OF ISSUES THAT MUSIC AS AN ART FORM SHOULD ADDRESS despite the fact that this song is about waists, the shots of this film only highlighted this sort of scene once throughout the length of the video.

The audience will also find interesting some of the props used in the video, particularly the brand of car which was conveying Iyanya. It is classy and cannot be defined in terms of age. It looks like one of those ageless brands of car which while not spelling sophistication is classy enough to attract attention.

Whoever has that idea gets a commendation here.

Also commendable is the choice on location. With an increasing number of Nigerian artistes flying to South Africa to shoot music videos, Iyanya’s ‘LeKwa Ukwu’ looks like one of those done on the other side of the world but several scenes make one attempt to believe it is Nigeria. The great work done was to direct camera shots in a way, the actual location is not highlighted. Nigerian musicians cannot continue to be the tourism mouth pieces of South Africa whom they always end up promoting in their various videos, perhaps at no cost.

Of course, Iyanya should also be commended for the choice of language he has demonstrated in the song where he used not only English but Igbo, Yoruba and Pidgin English to drive home the upbeat tempo rhythm that is the hallmark of this song.

Nigerian fans will need very deep understanding to understand where this man is headed. It seems commerce remains the driving force.

24

Inside FCT

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

FCT residents celebrate Eaglets’ cup victory GIVING THEM MONEY

JOEL AJAYI

A

lthough the Nigerian Under-17 football squad, the Golden Eaglets, may not have been treated to champagne popping social reception to match the celebrations for the Super Eagles that won the African Nations Cup in South Africa early this year, but residents of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, had at the weekend applauded the outstanding performance of the young Eaglets for winning the World Under 17 Football Cup for the record fourth time.

Residents in their thousands, comprising school children, military personnel, political office holders, artisans, market women and civil servant celebrated the Eaglets for the superlative outing that further raised the nation’s ratings in the global round leather game.

The superlative Eaglets have, by their latest feat last Friday, stunned many analysts given the not-highly-promising skills they displayed during qualifying stages of the tournament. The boys have pushed Nigeria into an enviable position as the only country in the world to win the under-17 FIFA world cup four times (1985, 1993, 2007 and 2013) surpassing Brazil’s record of three times. Although the tournament has come and gone, FCT residents have said the game will remain fresh in the nation’s football history.

Most of them including youth, sports

SHOULD NOT BE PRIORITY ALWAYS BECAUSE THE MONEY MAY INTOXICATE MOST OF THEM, HAVING

NEVER HANDLED SUCH MONEY BEFORE fans, analysts and writers who interacted with Inside FCT expressed joy over the Eaglets’ superlative performance at the justconcluded tourney in United Arab Emirates, UAE, describing the ‘boys’ as symbols of the Nigerian strength despite our sociocultural and religious diversities.

Reacting to the victory of the Eaglets, Joe, cold sports lover who resides in Zone 3, Abuja, said: “I think the success of these guys is based on diversity in the selection of players. If you look at the team, you will find out that it is not based on ethnicity or religious beliefs even as the head coach is from North. He did not select players from the North alone, he picked the players across the tribes.

“Imagine, the team has names like Yahaya, Kelechi, Awoniyi, Obasi, unlike the senior team in which one hardly find a Yoruba player in the team because the gaffer is not from that tribe. But this crop

Eaglets celebrate their victory on the medals podium in UAE

of players was carefully selected from all over the country. I think this gives them an edge and they deserved to win”, he concluded.

Another resident, Joshua Abimbola, a sport member of the press in Abuja said: “Giving them money should not be priority always because the money may intoxicate most of them, having never handled such money before. What should be done with all eagerness is to promote them to U-20 and give them individual scholarships to study at any Nigeria University or abroad or any sports academy in the

world. I think this is the best thing government can do to assist this young lads”.

As for Collins Ben, he opined that the National Sports Commission, NSC, should also concentrate on other sports not only football alone. “Personally, I love handball and volleyball and if they can spend half of money they spend on football on other sports, I think this country flag will soar anywhere in the world. After all, Jamaica, Kenya, and Ethiopia are known for sprints or long distance racing, while India is known for cricket, as the United States is known for basketball

Admission rigours of FCT

Students of Anglican Girls Grammar School, Apo, Abuja

MARCUS FATUNMOLE

T

he Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is distinct in all standards of life. Be it economic, social, political and cultural aspects of human life, Abuja is simply phenomenal. All strata of social classes in the city desire to achieve maximum comfort and happiness by exploring huge oppor-

tunities available in the land.

Being a region with mainly educated residents, most parents offer, or earnestly desire to offer their children quality education, as a means of preparing them to be fit for the future. But, securing admission into the schools, especially public primary and secondary schools is a tasking objective.

For instance, a student who has just completed Junior

Secondary School in another state and desires to continue his academic quest in the FCT will be required to go through some processes which are hardly obtainable in any parts of Nigeria. These processes are applicable to both public primary and secondary schools in the FCT. First, the student will be required to write a placement examination of which just about

N500 would be charged. He or she comes back to the school a week or two later to check the result. Prospective student who scores less than 50 percent in the examination will never secure admission. And the test comprises of English Language, Mathematics and any other subject as desired by the prospective school of the candidate.

The prospective student is required to come along with the original copy of his or her JSS certificate, birth certificate, testimonial and result of genotype and blood group to be carried out at a reputable hospital. This is his or her medical report.

Having assembled these, he or she continues the strenuous journey to the possibility of being on the list of students in FCT schools. The prospective goes to obtain the admission form at the Education Resource Centre, an office that could be more than 70 kilometres to

some of the city’s numerous satellite communities. When he or she gets there, he or she is asked to go to a Microfinance bank, Aso Bank, for payment of N2000 fee for the form.

The payment teller has to be taken back to the ERC office which would be changed to a receipt at the ERC. This receipt is taken to Room 14, the busiest office at the ERC, where the student is given the form.

On the average, Room 14 hosts 1000 people in a day when admission process is at its peak in the city. The prospective student fills the form, attaches all his or her other credentials to it and takes it to his or her school of choice. There, the school principal either states there is room for admission for the child in the school or not.

If endorsed for admission, the child then journeys again to the ERC to submit the form for final approval; no matter where he or she lives in the nation’s capital. At Room 14 is

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Inside FCT

Friday, November 15, 2013

25

Growing refuse threatens health, environment • AEPB asks residents to report defaulting waste removal contractors ADEOLA TUKURU

A

and Cuban is famous for boxing, among other countries. Nigeria, as a country has crops of talents that can excel in any sports in the world”, Collins declared.

It would be recalled that when the tournament started in October, pundits touted the Eaglets as the team to beat having humiliated the defending champion Mexico in their group match by six goals to one; played three all draw with Sweden, humbled Iraq by four goals to one to top Group F. Proceeding to the quarter finals, the 2013 FIFA U-17 soccer champions

crushed Iran five goals to nothing, beat Uruguay two goals to nil and meeting Sweden in the semi finals (after playing a draw at the group stage), Eaglets showed their supremacy by eliminating them three goals to nothing to book a final ticket with Mexico.

The final promised to be interesting and nail-biting for fans of the Golden Eaglets having humiliated Mexico in the group stage; but the resilient Eaglets found the back of Mexico net thrice to win the junior world cup. Having won it in 1985, 1993, 2007 and now 2014.

primary, secondary schools THE MOST TASKING PART OF IN-SCHOOL REGISTRATION IS THE LENGTH OF TIME IT TAKES THE

VICE PRINCIPAL (ACADEMICS) TO

ASSIGN THE CHILD TO A CLASS a relatively old but hardworking and amiable man, whose signature alone can offer any child admission into any public secondary school in the FCT. There, the man or some of his assistants in the office, collect the form and tells the child to check back in about a week after the submission.

The child gets the forms thereafter; if offered admission, he takes it back to his school of choice.

At the school, the student is asked to go to the school bank and pay two different fees, depending on the

school he or she chooses. An estimated sum of N15,000 is paid altogether (as obtained in three schools used for this report.) Unfortunately, most satellite communities in the FCT don’t have banks, so the student may have to travel about 50 kilometres again to make the payment. He or she then takes the teller back to the school.

When the student submits the teller at the Account Department, he or she is asked to bring a hoe, cutlass, mop and bucket as the first criterion for admission. Once these items are sighted, registration can commence.

During the registration, which may take over a week depending on how fast the processes are, the child is given a school uniform, a dozen of 60-leave exercise book, a copy of English and Mathematics textbook, cardigan and beret, free. Given the experience of this reporter, the most tasking part of in-school registration is the length of time it takes the Vice Principal (Academics) to assign the child to a class. The child may have to queue before the Vice Principal’s window for four hours under the scorching sun!

buja residents have decried the late evacuation of waste in the city, describing it as unacceptable by the territory’s cleaning contractors.

Some of the residents who spoke to Inside FCT lamented that sometimes it takes the contractors days or weeks to evacuate the waste, even after payments had been made.

A resident of as estate in Gwarinpa, Mr. Ojo Makinde, said the contractor in charge of his estate often failed to evacuate waste as at when due. According to him, the bad odour emanating from the heap of waste in front of some houses had made the affected areas uninhabitable for residents. Makinde stated that he always ensured he paid his waste bills on time.

“This kind of odour can cause some kind of deadly diseases to the human system; at times I don’t even open the window of my house because of the heap of dustbins in my area.

“I make sure that I pay all my bills, but I still notice that it takes days for the contractors to evacuate the waste in front of the house”.

Another resident in Kubwa village, Mrs. Grace Odeyi, said the odour emanating from accumulated waste in every household makes the area uninhabitable.

“I urge the relevant authority to come to our aid to clean up this mess.

Most of this waste comes from the market and it is mostly dumped at the road side”, she said. Another resident in Ap , Sunny Orji, expressed dismay of the delay in evacuation and suggested that alternative means of evacuating the waste should be devised.

According to him, dumping waste in front of houses for days without evacuation was unacceptable.

Sunny also faulted the attitude of some contractors who litter the area with refuse when transporting, stating

that the way they handle the litter bins was not proper. “They upturn the refuse bins carelessly and throw the empty bins aside without thought thereby breaking the plastic and littering the whole place”.

A resident of Area 3, Hajia Talatu Dogoshe said that in order not to keep the waste in front of the house for days, she disposes of them indiscriminately.

She said: “Sometimes, I can’t keep waiting for them to come and pick the waste; therefore, on my own, I dispose of them anyhow. We also depend on scavengers popularly known as “Maibola” and if we don’t see them for two or three days, we just have to dump it outside the house so as to avoid the offensive smell in the house”.

The Head of Information and Outreach programme, Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, Mr. Joe Ukairo, said one of the board’s challenges was poor road accessibility to the dump sites.

He noted that the contract for the rehabilitation of the road had been awarded and would be completed soon to ensure easy movement of waste trucks.

Ukairo also revealed that some blocks of flats had only one or two waste bins serving all the flats; he advised each flat to get individual bins or additional waste bags and to always pack their waste neatly to avoid littering their residential areas.

“Some residents in Gwarinpa dump their waste on the ground and complain that the contractors do not evacuate them; if the wastes are properly containerised, it will not be an eyesore”, he said.

Ukairo explained that the board would soon start bin enforcement and that offenders would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

However, the senior AEPB official called on residents to report contractors who failed to evacuate waste for a whole week, promising that action would be taken against such contractor. “If any contractor fails to deliver his services, the board will render the services and then surcharge the contractor”, he said.

An abandoned refuse dump at Peace Park plaza, Utako, Abuja.

Mirror Mongers

26

Friday, November 15, 2013

Cossy Orjiakor, Joe Igbokwe at dinner

Kawu Baraje’s unique insignia

I

O

f course, the two personalities are on parallel lanes career-wise: while Cossy is an actress who likes to flaunt her ample mammary glands, Joe Igbokwe is a politician who likes to ‘carpet’ the opposition on the pages of the newspapers. But last week, at the Sheraton Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, the two met in an atmosphere of conviviality that also had the necessary political ambience. It was called the ‘Nollywood Dinner with Chris Ngige’.

Organised by a section of the movie industry that was not carried along at the previous (but controversial) dinners with candidates like Willy Obiano of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, and Ifeanyi Ubah of Labour Party towards the election holding in Anambra tomorrow, the event afforded the two personalities a

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Orjiakor

Igbokwe

chance to meet.

Interestingly, Cossy walked in on a day when her controversial breast insurance story was an issue, forcing everyone on the high table including Joe, to steal a glance at the item(s) being insured.

But when it came for Joe to talk, he told the audience how a gridlock at Onitsha (which he blamed on Governor Obi)

forced him to hire a motor bike for N5000 to take him to Asaba Airport in order to be able to make it to the event to see the sweet people in Nollywood (including Cossy, of course). By the way, he did not address what someone in his shoes who happens to be in Lagos would do in the same circumstance with the ban of motorbikes on Lagos roads.

Madam Osas Jessica vs Oshiomhole

National Dialogue and salient truths

D

T

he African proverb that says ‘the firewood available in every land is best suited for cooking in that land’, cannot be faulted as regards issues concerning women in the northern part of the country. A few months ago, women in Sokoto State had a protest to draw attention to their plight, which is loneliness in the absence of suitors to take them into matrimony. Apparently in response to the plague, the governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, used his good offices to approve the sum of N100,000 for anyone who would step forward to take the hands of some of the widows and divorcees in marriage.

But the ongoing visitations of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue led by Femi Okoromoun, which berthed in Bauchi State this week, has highlighted that the issue of loneliness is still a dear one for the women indeed.

MM gathered that women from Taraba State, as part of their suggestions, are putting forward an end to prostitution through a bill that will mandate men to marry at least four wives! To them, this will take the prostitutes out of the streets.

Oshiomhole

ONE-SECOND Q&A

efinitely, the name of Madam Osas Jessica would not have been on the front burner, had the Government of Edo State not banned the operations of motor bikes in Edo State capital, Benin. The buzz is that the ban has made life difficult for the members of Madam Osas Jessica’s association in Benin. And for those wondering the name of the association where Madam Osas is the spokesperson, it is called Association of Nigerian Prostitutes, Edo State chapter. A story which emanated from the zone said the ban on bikes has made prostitutes inaccessible to potential clients; and Madam Osas and her group are having plans to protest to the governor to consider them in his arrangement, after all, it is a democracy according to them.

f you are conversant with the crises rocking the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, you will understand who Kawu Baraje is, although court proclamations will restrict some people from identifying him with what he is popular fornPDP. But how does Kawo Baraje sees himself ? The politician defined himself recently while writing his resignation to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, as the chairman of the board of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC. Baraje’s letter-headed paper identified him as Alhaji Kawu Baraje, CON, ‘Former and Immediate Past National Chairman, PDP’, ‘Former National Secretary of PDP’. Of course, while the issue of the new PDP was glaringly missing, what is noteworthy is that Baraje reminds one of the complimentary card that once went viral online, where someone identified himself, as ‘Friend of the Governor’ on his call card, as if that was his career.

Baraje

FOLUKE DARAMOLA-SALAKO

Award winning actress, Foluke Daramola met her new husband, Kayode Salako, while he was married to Olubukola Salako and the affair between the Nollywood star and Kayode led to the breakdown of the marriage. In a recent interview, Foluke speaks about that and how she will counter a similar occurrence in her marriage.

How would you react to insinuations that you deliberately broke Kayode Salako’s initial marriage?

I

Daramola-Salako

n the first instance, did you read in the Bible that any of the people who were the apples of God’s eyes had one wife? As it is now, if Kayode goes ahead and impregnates a woman, will I leave him because of that? If I decide to leave my home because my husband is dating another woman or impregnated a woman, who will lose; my husband or me? At the end of the day, it is the woman that owns the home and you hold it the way you want to hold it. So, if my husband is misbehaving and I decide to quit, I shouldn’t blame another person for coming in.

Friday, November 15, 2013 Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharam 12, 1435AH

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

27

Call to Worship

On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the Messenger of All, the prophet said: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

RELATED BY BUKHARI AND MUSLIM

Zakat donation gives hope to hole-in-heart girl I got an unexpected call from the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) to come for the cheque and here we are with my wife and Aisha. I pray God continue to bless the foundation.” That was one of the beneficiaries of the Zakat distribution done by ZSF, Mr. Ibrahim Kewulere whose daughter, Miss Aisha Kewulere is battling with hole in the heart who got N1.2 million for surgery abroad.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Shakirat Atanda, a trader tried so hard to control her emotion. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she received N4.6 million cheque from the Chief Executive Officer of Baytuzeenah, Hajia Saidat Otiti who assisted the foundation to present it. Mrs. Atanda who is billed for India for Kidney transplant thanked the foundation for coming to his aid.

“I have been managing the kidney problem since four years ago and lately borrowed money for the regular dialysis after expending all my money including the ones using to trade. I cannot thank this foundation enough. May God continue to uplift those behind the foundation,” she said.

ZSF, a faith based humanitarian organisation, just gave out N24 million to 23 people battling with different health challenges for treatment outside the country. Among the beneficiaries were people with hole in the heart; one with kidney transplant challenge; two with breast cancer; one with femur cancer, one with cervical cancer and one with Esophageal structure among others.

During his speech before the distribution, ZSF Executive Director, Imam Abdullahi Shuaib said the foundation was deeply touched about the plights of these people and empathized with them for the pains and agony they have gone through in the past few months.

According to him, their situation is unacceptable in a country richly endowed with abundant natural resources and one of the richest oil-producing nations in the world.

“Ironically, more than 70 percent of Nigerians live below the poverty line and yet, Nigeria is regarded as a very rich country in the world. Worst still, more than 80 percent of our people cannot access quality medical treatment in the country.

Finding ourselves in this precarious and deplorable condition makes our hearts to bleed for the less-privileged

Hijrah: Some spiritual aspects 28

L-R: Chief Missioner, Al-Fatiu Quareeb Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Sulaiman Adangba; assisted by the Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF), Imam Abdullahi Shuaib (right) to present cheque to a little girl with hole in the heart for operation

L-R: Chief Missioner, Al-Fatiu Quareeb Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Sulaiman Adangba; Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF), Imam Abdullahi Shuaib and ZSF Shariah Panel Grand Mufti, Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’i; Mini-Zakat Distribution worth N23 million at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Complex, Lagos Island. and ZSF Operation Manager, Mallam Ahmed Ma’aruf

Nigerians. Unfortunately, our hearts got broken when the news of the death of one of the beneficiaries (Mr Ahmed Muritala) a few days ago. It was a painful loss! The family of the deceased had expended so much such that their living condition is now worst-off,” he said.

Imam Shuaib explained further that despite the desired of the foundation to solve the health challenges of the 23

Muharram: The divine month of Allah 28

people three months ago, “we were constrained by medical and administrative processes to be followed by the various consultants handling their cases. Our situation then was not because of lack of fund but simply adherence to due process and ensuring probity and transparency of the cases at hands. Be that as it may, the journey towards accessing qualitative medications and treatments for these

poor Nigerians has become a reality.

We therefore wish to give these 22 patients glad-tidings that their travails have become a thing of the past. Distinguished beneficiaries, cry no more, rejoice and be prayerful!

The Almighty God will make your trip in search of sound health a fruitful one.”

He praised Nigerians especially the Zakat payers for their support and charity during the year ended 1434AH.

Stop fixing confab meeting for Jumat period 29

28

Call to Worship

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharam 12, 1435AH Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Hijrah: Some spiritual aspects

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he Hijrah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) will ever remain a reference point for Muslim callers, planners, strategists, historians and all human beings. It will always come to remind us how mortals dared God. It will always lay bare to us how truth and falsehood could never co-exist; so the same the supporters of either.

It is not enough to tell the stories and downplay its lessons. All those who narrate this historical event must act rightly.

Is it not the case today that some Muslims are the ones acting as Meccans, pursuing Muhammad (SAW) and wanting to kill him? This, they do by actions and words when they oppose or fail to represent Islam truly.

The intelligent believer who wants to learn from history should liberate himself from all affiliations that are antithetical to the spirit and letters of Islam.

He must not be deterred by the predominance or ascendancy of corruption and its agents. He has succor in some occurrences during the Prophet’s Hijrah.

The enemies actually plotted to kill the Prophet (SAW) as their last resort. They

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his is an honoured and distinguished month before Allah (SWT). Therefore, pious and fortunate is he who takes cognizance of his thoughts and actions before his trivial and insignificant deeds are taken into account (on the Day of Judgment) and unfortunate is he who turned aside from the right path and followed the wrong one.”

This Islamic calendar has divine touch and connotations. Each and every month has its own peculiarities.

Muharram is among the four sacred months which wars, battles and wrangling are forbidden strictly. Rajab, Dhul Qaada and Dhul Hijjah belong to this class and categories.

The non-Islamic, Jewish and Gregorian calendars were initiated by the Romans and therefore cannot be more than 4000 (four thousand) years old. The Islamic lunar calendar is more than 4,000,000 (four millions) years old. It was decreed and named

by Allah Tahala Himself since the day when Allah created the heavens and earth (Quran 9 v 36). It was started practically by the government of Sayiddina

MUHAMMAD (SAW) STILL WEAPONLESS, AND EVEN FAR FROM MAKKAH SEEN

held an extra-ordinary meeting which had Shaytaan in attendance. They had a thorough deliberation and which way to go about their terrible plot. But Allah (SWT) Who saw and know all, foiled their plan. On convergence at the Prophet’s house at the zero hours, the Prophet asked Ali Ibn Abu Talib to sleep in his bed and even cover up with his green cloak. He knew that they cannot harm him. When they were all set (about 11 or 14 of them), with their dangerous weapons, to kill just one man who was weaponless, at the still of the night; it was then he walked out of his house. Then, Allah (SWT) made them not to see Muhammad (SAW) though they were not sleeping. He humiliated them by making Muhammad (SAW) dotted sand on their heads. By the

AL-FATHIU QUAREEB MESSAGE

SHEIKH

with

Muharram: The divine month of Allah

THEY WOULD HAVE

ADANGBA

e-mail: ustazadangba@yahoo.com Umar (as) the third caliph First of Muharram is meant for reflection on the past year to correct the wrongs of the previous year and determined to live a prosperous new year, increase your spiritual life and move closer to your creature, the tenth day of the same month is also to atone for our past sins and we are forgiven by Allah as said by the holy prophet (saw).

People are more conscious of Allah nowadays, mosques are everywhere, and churches are in every nooks and crannies.

Religious societies have taken over every activity yet crimes rate are on the increase.

The quest for material wealth responsible for this vices. Goodness, sincerity in our belief in Allah, patience and truth has vanished from the society, individual and those in power. Allah says in the holy Quran103 verses 1-3.

The time (dawn period) man is in loss except those who believe (in Islamic monotheism) and do righteous good deeds order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-

Maruf) which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar) which Allah has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience. (For the sufferings, harms and injuries which one may encounter in Allah’s cause during preaching His religion of Islamic monotheism).

Our society if guided by the divine laws becomes a better society, these societies are man-made efforts. When individuals imbibe the spirit of goodness, sincerity, patience and trust, our society will be habitable honorable and progressive.

This is the period to change and ask for forgiveness of sins. Abu Qatadah relates that the holy prophet was asked about observing the fast on the 10th day of Muharram and answered: It atones for the sins of the preceding year. Let your hijrah be on four cardinal points. Goodness, patience, truth and sincere belief in Allah.

Allah responded to His prophets, request during this sacred months.

time they would realize what was happening, he has gone.

Now, their ‘foe’ has escaped. He has left Makkah for them since he was not wanted. That should have sufficed for them but they chose to still pursue him and even in later years went into battle fields. In the course of their search, destiny again brought them to the cave (of Thawr) where he hid for three days. They climbed the more than 700 metres mountain to no avail. They were at the mouth of the cave and that if they had looked just a little down, they would have seen Muhammad (SAW) still weaponless, and even far from Makkah. Abu Bakr heard their conversations and was terribly gripped with fear that the enemies would kill Muhammad in his company. But the Prophet told him that, “do not be afraid, Allah is with us”.

As if their search and price tag of 100 camels would work, a man called Suraqah Ibn Malik was opportune to pursue Muhammad with his arms. He actually had the opportunity to kill him; but again, Allah made him see signs that frightened him. His horse fell thrice and

he had to withdraw from his evil plan.

As a believer, you have a lot to learn from these episodes. Your deep faith and trust in Allah (SWT) is your greatest weapons. Allah (SWT) can come to your aid in numerous ways that you can never imagine even if your enemies are already at your back or even in your front.

The multitude of the enemies is immaterial if your faith in your Lord is deep and sincere.

So, keep on building your faith by always obeying your Lord and working for the peaceful existence of humanity. Do always support any good cause and don’t be lured into any evil group no matter the gains. Be stable and steadfast in upholding the truth.

• Dr. Zafaran is the Director, Vanguards Academy

Islamic position on stigmization

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cquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease which attacks and breaks down the defence system of the body.

The current cause of this deadly epidemic is unlikely to change unless the people affected and those at risk make a concerted effort to adopt preventive measures.

Apart from transmission from mother to child, sharing objects such as needle, blade, etc with an infected person, certain types of behaviour like unprotected sexual intercourse place individuals at increased risk for HIV and AIDS. When we assume that the only cause of HIV infection is sexual promiscuity, then our attempts to deal with it will not really yield the expected results.

For example, when the mother of Prophet Isah (pbuh) was pregnant, people said all sorts of things about her. She was accused of infidelity by people who knew nothing about her personal life and Allah’s plans for her.

The disease is therefore largely avoidable by changes in personal behaviour. Containment of the AIDS epidemic thus depends on effecting a change in behaviour and lifestyle to break the chain of transmission.

Muslims are expected to live responsibly. In fact, we are all obliged to get tested for HIV – know our status, view our bodies as well as the bodies of other persons as a trust from Allah, understand the social factors that work against us as a community and take responsibility for our lives by actively work against the negative social factors.

Unfortunately, in an environment like ours, people use to discriminate against the infected persons thereby stigmatizing such fellows.

They go to the extent of not touching whatever the victim might have touched!

The word “stigma” can be likened to words like “mark of shame or discredit,” “disgrace,” “dishonour.”

These are some of the words associated with Muslims affected by HIV/AIDS. It must be noted that labels are for packages not people. Also, judgment is for Allah. The only way to kill stigmas, labels

and ignorance is with education, counseling and awareness.

The holy prophet Mohammed (SAW) tells us that seeking knowledge is incumbent upon the Muslim. The knowledge is not limited to only Quran and Hadith but knowledge that benefits and uplifts people and communities.

He also enjoins us to be our brother’s keeper all the time.

None of the examples of stigmas suggests that having HIV/AIDS negates ones Islam.

If so, why will a Muslim brother or sister with HIV virus be abandoned by the same Muslim community that is expected to be his rallying point at this distressed stage?

Meanwhile, it must be noted that Islam frowns at revealing secrets of fellow human beings. For example, Quran chapter 24, verse 19 states that “Indeed, those who like that immorality should be spread or publicized among those who have believed will have a painful punishment in this world and the hereafter. And Allah knows and you do not know”.

Sheikh Abdul Ganniyy Umar Arikunkewu is the Founder/National Chief Missioner of Jublatu Rohfatu Llahi Islamic Society of Nigeria (JUBFAT)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Call to Worship

Friday, November 15, 2013 Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharam 12, 1435AH

29

MAPAMA holds convention

Groups to committee: Stop fixing conM fab meeting for Jumat period MURITALA AYINLA AND AISHA TITILAYO

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he Muslim Rights concern (MURIC) and the Ahmaddiyah Muslim Jama’at Nigeria have called on the National Conference Committee (NCC) to stop fixing their sittings for Jumat period on Fridays.

Speaking while honouring some journalists in Lagos recently, the Amir, Ammadiyyah Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Dr. Moshood Fashola, also urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, honour the agreement it willingly made with the union, saying it is characteristic of a hypocrite not to fulfil agreement.

The clergy said injustice, hypocrisy and some other self-created problems are the bane of the

nation’s problems, urging both Muslim and Christians to endeavour to speak the truth to those in authority. He added that any national conference that is insensitive to peoples’ beliefs and norms is bound to fail.

Some of the journalists honoured by the Jama’at include Hajia Sekinah Lawal of National Mirror, Alhaji Abdulfatah Oladeinde of the Sun, Alhaji Waheed Odusile of the Nation among others.

After the Committee’s first and second meetings in Akure and Lagos respectively, both of which were slated for Friday at 1:30pm, MURIC, in a press release signed by its Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, observed that to have slated such a sensitive sitting for the Muslim prayer time is not only mischievous but preposterous,

disdainful and absolutely unacceptable.

“It is also most undemocratic because democracy is all about participation and equal opportunity to participate.”

MURIC therefore envisaged that the result of this badly planned pre-National Conference meeting held in Akure and Lagos was the exclusion of the Muslim population and their representatives and added that the exclusion of Muslims from the pre-National Conference meetings in the South West is part of a massive plan to permanently keep Muslims from the geo-political zone at bay.

Noting that there is no gainsaying the fact that religion has been responsible for most conflicts in this country, MURIC regarded the need to raise and fully discuss religious

matters at the conference as fundamental and nonnegotiable and any attempt to hold a national conference in this country without discussing religion will be an exercise in futility.

MURIC therefore demanded that the committee fixes other dates for the sub-region and the dates must be given due publicity in the print and electronic media. “A national conference is not a child’s play and cannot be prepared for in secrecy.”

Ahmadiyyah also kicked against the timing of the consultation meeting and accused the Federal Government of being hypocritical over the lingering strike action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU).

oshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta Muslim Alumni (MAPAMA) holds her 2013 biennial National convention on Saturday, November 23 in Lagos.

The one-day convention expected to play host to over 150 members across the country is with the theme: “Creating Wealth through Sustainable Business Partnership.” The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (FCA) who is also an Alumnus of the institution, is the Special Guest of Honour, while Dr

Jubril Salaudeen, Managing Director Citiserve and Dr Basheer Oshodi, the Group Head, Non-interest Banking (NIB), Sterling Bank PLC are the convention’s Chairman and Guest speaker respectively. Other guests expected at the national assemblage to hold at Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference Hall Alausa Ikeja, are the former and present Rectors of MAPOLY, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri and Arch. Fowode respectively among others.

‘Muslims need attitudinal change’

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uslims need attitudinal change in order to properly propagate Islam.

This call was made by Imam Muhammed Jamiu of the Ansarudeen Central Mosque, Ebutte metta-Lagos. He was speaking at the public presentation of a new magazine, Advertislam designed to educate the Muslims and general public on inherent values and knowledge about the religion.

He recommended that the Advertislam Magazine be sent to libraries of both secondary schools and tertiary institutions to aid in research work of students since it would be distributed free.

Prince Abdulrazaq Qadri, a former President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria also corroborated his position saying that the magazine is meant to let the various

segments of the society understand the nitty gritty of Islam.

The chief launcher at the occasion, Prince Abdulrazaq Qadri said that the magazine has come to put the record straight on some issues that sometimes attract arguments among Muslims and nonMuslims alike.

While urging participants to support the spread of the magazine, Qadri said he has no doubt that Advertislam will be a pride to Islam and the faithful. The author of Advertislam, Ustaz Abdulhakeem Olapade said the past three editions were in form of newsletters, adding that the fourth edition being launched is a magazine meant to propagate Islam in accordance with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as laid down by Allah.

MMPN holds Hijrah lecture

L-R: Media Ambassador to Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo, one of the awardees, Alhaji Waheed Soluade, his wife, Alhaja Rasheedat and other dignitaries during the annual conference of MSSN in Lagos recently.

The conscious man AL-FAJR WITH ABDULWAARITH

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n my recent Fajr reflections, I extrapolated life to be in three phases: the first is the phase dependence and guidance. It can also be termed as the phase of education, orientation or Tarbiyyah, the phase when we are to learn and assimilate to prepare us for the second phase, the phase of struggle and sacrifice, the phase of expression and contention of what we learnt, when we are either enslaved or we exhibit our freedom

from the guidance or orientation we received: this is the phase of jihad.

The third phase of life is conditioned on the contents of our tarbiyyah in the first phase and its application in the second phase. So if the first phase of our life is rich and wholesome and the contents are positively deployed or utilized in the second phase, there is every possibility that the third phase will be one of peace and tranquillity. Usually this phase is the phase of spirituality, a sublime state of submission and acceptance, of gratitude.

I call it the phase of Islam. But we can only attain this phase of Islam if we are conscious of the imperatives of each phase. The Question then is who is a conscious man?

I take my understanding of the conscious man from the fountain of the ultimate knowledge, the book of Allah which in several parts calls our attention to why man was created in the first instance. Man was not created for a jest.

The conscious man is the one that understands the essence of his being, that he was created for a purpose, which is service

to Allah, the purpose of being a vicegerent of Allah on the surface of the earth, the purpose of khilaafah, managing the coordinating the resources of Allah on the earth, establishing the authority of Allah on the earth. But most of mankind fail in this sublime mandate of mastering the world because they do not have the knowledge of Allah or the mission of the prophets and the purpose of creation, either because they are corrupted in learning or they did not embrace learning, the right learning.

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he Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ibadan Chapter will hold its annual Hijrah lecture on Sunday Nov. 17.

In a statement by the committee chairman, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the lecture will hold at Bodija Islamic Centre, Housing, Ibadan.

The statement added that the chairman of the Oodua Group of Companies, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, will chair the occasion while Alhaja Kudirat Adetunji will be the mother of the day.

This year’s Hijrah 1435 A.H (the Islamic new year) began on Monday Nov. 4 globally.

UNIFEMGA holds education summit

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orried about the decadence in the educational sector, Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) is convening a national education summit in Abuja tomorrow.

The chairman of the planning committee, Abdulbasit Bakare stated that the summit will hold at

Grand Ibro Hotel Annex, Sokede Crescent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

UNIFEMGA said the summit geared towards proffering solutions to some observed inadequacies in the Islamic education system in Nigeria especially in the area of structure, manpower development, planning and curriculum development.

Call to Worship

30

Every Friday with

Khalifatul

Ahmadiyya

Don’t take laws into your hands

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enerally speaking, in the modern era, most governments are run democratically.

Therefore if a person or group wishes to change the government, then they should do so by following the proper democratic process. They should make themselves heard by voting at the ballot box. Votes should not be cast on the basis of personal preferences or personal interests, but in fact, Islam teaches that a person’s vote should be exercised with a sense of loyalty and love for his country. A person’s vote should be cast with the betterment of the nation in mind.

Therefore, a person should not look at his own priorities and from which candidate or party he can personally benefit; instead, a person should make his decision in a balanced way whereby he assesses which candidate or party will help the entire nation progress.

The keys to government are a huge trust and thus they should only be handed over to the party who the voter honestly believes is best suited and most deserving.

This is the true Islam, and

this is true loyalty.

Indeed, in Chapter 4, verse 59 of the Holy Quran, Allah has commanded that a person should only hand over trusts to those who are entitled, and that when judging between people, he should make his decision with justice and honesty.

Thus, loyalty to one’s nation requires that the power of the government should be given to those who are truly entitled to it, so that the nation can progress and come to stand at the forefront amongst the nations of the world.

In many parts of the world, we find that members of the public take part in strikes and protests against government policies. Furthermore, in certain Third World countries, the protesters vandalise or damage possessions and properties belonging either to the state or to private citizens.

Though they may claim to be acting out of love, the truth is that such acts have nothing to do with loyalty or love for the nation. It should be remembered that even where protests or strikes are conducted peacefully, without recourse to crimi-

Yaum al-Jumu’ah, Muharam 12, 1435AH Friday, November 15, 2013

nal damage or violence, it still can have a very negative effect. This is because even peaceful protests often result in a loss of millions to the economy of the nation.

Under no circumstances can such behaviour be considered to be an example of loyalty to the nation. A golden principle taught by the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at was that under all circumstances, we must always remain obedient to Allah, to the Prophets and to the rulers of our nation. This is the same teaching given in the Holy Quran. Hence, even where a country permits strikes or protests to take place, they should only be conducted to the extent where they do not harm or cause damage to the nation or to the economy.

Another question that often arises is whether Muslims can join the military forces of the Western countries, and if they are permitted to join, can they then partake in military attacks on Muslim countries?

One underlying principle of Islam is that no person should assist in acts of cruelty. This key command must always remain at the forefront of any Muslim’s mind. Where a Muslim country is attacked, because it has itself acted in a cruel and unjust manner and took the first step of aggression, then in such circumstances the Quran has instructed Muslim governments that they should stop the hand of the oppressor. This means they should stop the cruelty and endeavour to establish peace.

Give us our rights -MCLS

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he Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has advocated that in the interest of equity, justice and fairness, the Federal and various state governments should give Nigerian Muslims their rights by making 1st day of Muharram every year a public holiday for Muslims.

In a release signed by its Secretary, Joint Technical Committee, Alhaji Shakiri Giwa to mark the

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new Islamic year, stated that another area of concern is the way corruption swells in the country. What can one say on a country that cannot feed its citizen but could afford to buy two (2) armoured cars in the tune of two Hundred and fifty-five million (N255,000,000.00). There is need to refrain from riba (usury) and rishwah (corruption) and return to Zero tolerance for usury and corruption for the

country to move forward.

“The issue of Hijab is yet to be resolved in Lagos State. And it is our wish that the state government should respect the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended, which guarantees freedom of Association and freedom of Religion. Hijab is part of Muslim code of dressing and our female children should not be deprived of their constitutional right.”

ZAKAT S 2.5% OF YOUR TOTAL WEALTH KNOWN AS NISAB AFTER HAVING FULFILLED ALL OBLIGATIONS, PAY YOUR ZAKAT

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Missionary in-charge, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Maulvi Abdul Khalique Nayyar; Amir, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Javadi and National Secretary, Tabliq, Dr. Sa’eed Timehin of Lagos State University, Lagos, during a courtesy visit by the Cultural Consulate Iran, at Ojokoro Ijaiye, Lagos recently.

L-R: Coordinator of Madrazatu Tahfisul Quran LIL Banaat (Female Hafis Class), Ustas Alliy Akewugberu; National Financial Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyyi Idris and National General Secretary, Alhaji Abbas Iromini, during the courtesy visit.

L-R: Barrister Badr Muhammed Bashir; Sadr. Khuddam-ul- Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Bro. Abdul Rafi Abdul Quadir and Personal Assistant to the Amir, Muhammad Salih Akewugberu, at the event.

PHOTOS: BAYOOR EWUOSO

Mursi’s trial is case of apartheid and a travesty of justice-NMI

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s the attention of the world once again focused Egypt where the unrepresentative, unelected and Junta-backed administration brings to trial, the deposed, first elected president of that country, Dr. Muhammad Mursi over spurious charges of murder, and incitement to murder among countless other charges, this development in one of Africa’s most important nations and the most populous Arab nation on earth calls for concern.

This was contained in a press release signed by Comrade Shakiru Yekini, the Partnership and Advocacy Officer of Nigerian Muslim Initiative (NMI) saying that forces of retrogression that the military and its civilian collaborators represent appear to

be having a field day with their tyranny, supported as it were by the silence of global powers who remain some of the largest beneficiaries of an undemocratic Egypt.

We declare this trial as not only a travesty of justice, but also a practice of apartheid going by the biases and discrimination involved.”

The group said that the context within which this charade of a trial is taking place is worrisome. It alleged that the basis of the trial itself is flawed.

What gives concern and discomfort is the selection of one particular case – that under Mursi- which was a clash between citizens, not directly instigated by him, as against the other two instigated

by Mubarak and El Sisi which were direct mili-

tary orders to kill civilians! Also the charge file brought against Mursi only gave names of 3 of the 11 dead in the clash for which he is standing trial ignoring the other 8 who were members of the MB, just as the death of hundreds of Mursi’s supporters on El Sisi’s orders were passed over. This is home grown apartheid.

The NMI implored all well meaning individuals and organizations to persist in keeping the Egyptian issue in the front burner of discourse with the following demands: a restitution of the structures and institutions of democracy including the reinstatement of Mursi, an immediate halt to the persecution and fake trial of Muslim Brotherhood members and an immediate end to the Junta’s rule.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Arty News

Friday, November 15, 2013

Sodimu, Obalana, Ogundele jostle for NANTAP presidency

Kiss Events presents Xmas Fantasy ADEBIMPE OLATUJA

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ne of the biggest celebrations of the 2013 Christmas promises to be a memorable one for kids and their family, as Kiss Events Managers Ltd, proudly presents its third edition of “The Xmas Fantasy Island”.

Xmas Fantasy Island is a unique themed packed experience for the family; the event ensures that families enjoy the Christmas experience in a safe and fun environment, as childhood fantasies are brought to life through various theme packages.

The event which is scheduled to hold on December 14 at The National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos will be admitting kids for free to the beautiful experience of ‘Xmas Fantasy’. Young guests will be experiencing a fun-filled day with lots of packages that include: special guest artistes’ appearance by Olamide and Chidinma (Miss Kedike) and live performances by Nigerian comedians.

Other programmes include: ‘The Fun Arena’ – where kids would ride horses, do face painting, go on the bouncy castle, win prizes in the dance competition, etc.

There’s also ‘The Games Arcade’ with lots of computer game, table soccer, table tennis and other. Part characters like teleTubbies, Power Ranger, Mickey Mouse, ben 10 and Simba would be around to play with the children. Also, the man of the hour, Santa Claus, will be presenting free gifts amid all the excitement, eating, singing and dancing to music by DJ Ralph.

Sodimu

JERRY A DESEWO

T

he 15th National Delegates Convention of the National Association of Nigerian

Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP, ends tomorrow in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State, with the election of a new president to pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years and an awards and gala event.

Since yesterday, November 14, delegates had gathered for the annual convention, while activities have included a business session to ratify the newly reviewed constitution of the association.

Contesting to carrying on after Greg Odutayo, current NANTAP president (who had a six-year tenure), are Ogundele Steph Olabisi, an actor, producer/ director, stage manager and serv-

TERH AGBEDEH

ADENRELE NIYI Chris Attoch as Nii and Leonora Okine as Malaika in Shuga

L

event.

ing Secretary General of NANTAP; Babatunde Obalana, a writer, project and event consultant who has also served NANTAP in various capacities in the past (1st Sec-Gen. of NANTAP-1990-91 and 2nd National Vice-President 1995-97), among other ad-hoc responsibilities. Yemi Shodimu, the third candidate for NANTAP’s presidency, is probably most remembered for his frontline role in that popular Nigerian film, **O Le Ku**. A graduate of Dramatic Arts from the University of Ife, Yemi, a onetime Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Ogun State government is also an accomplished broadcaster.

The annual NANTAP awards and gala night will hold tomorrow evening.

BON nominees’ dinner to hold in PH

Countdown to a Lagos party agos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, organiser of “Lagos Countdown”, a world-class celebration of the end of year and the beginning of another in Lagos State, has announced preparations are in top gear for the 2013 edition.

“Lagos Countdown” was conceived by the State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, in order to put Lagos on the global map and at level with top cities such as New York, Dubai, London, Sydney, and other major destinations that commemorate the cross over into the New Year. The first edition held in December 2012 hosted by ‘IK’ Osakioduwa, alongside co-hosts Ariyike Akinbobola and Quest.

The Bar Beach stretch along Victoria Island will host this year’s edition for a second time and the event commences on December 7 and culminates on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2014 with an official countdown into the year.

Speaking on the event, Managing Director of LASAA, Mr. George Noah stressed that the “Lagos Countdown” is about instituting an enduring crossover tradition, commerce, employment generation, leisure, entertainment and tourism. “What LASAA is doing on behalf of the state government is leveraging the position of Lagos as a premium destination for business and leisure”, Noah said.

The 2013 event promises to be more exciting with display of fireworks and the parade of over 40 top Nigerian artistes including 2Face Idibia, Davido, Omawumi, Bracket, J Martins, Morell, Duncan Mighty, Timaya, Wizkid, Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, D’Prince, MI, Ice Prince, Burna Boy, Tiwa performing at the 2012 Iyanya and more.

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Star-studded Shuga premieres Nov 26 ADENRELE NIYI

W

ith the long-awaited world premiere just over two weeks away and World AIDs Day 2013 fast approaching on December 1, MTV Base and the MTV Staying Alive team are putting the final touches to the third series of **Shuga**, the award winning drama about love, life and relationships among urban African youth.

Director Biyi Bandele and cast members from Nigeria and around the world are expected at the glittering red carpet premiere of **Shuga** Series 3, to be held at the Silverbird Galleria in Lagos on November 26.

Set against the clubs, bars and student hangouts of Lagos, **Shuga** relates a bitter-sweet tale of love, betrayal, relationships and miscommunication among the youth of contemporary Lagos as they navigate the alluring yet hazard-strewn landscape of love, passion, sex, temptation, relationships, growing up and learning to be a responsible adults in contemporary Africa.

Written by Kemi Adesoye, Tunde Aladese, Omotunde Akiode, Ayoade Adeyanju, Victor Sanchez and Biyi Bandele, it features Maria Okanrende, Tiwa Savage, Okezie Morro, Chris Attoh, Ikubese Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Nick Mutuma, Dorcas Shola Fapson and Leonora Okine, as well as a host of other stars.

Ice Prince, Iyanya and MTV VJ Ehis Okoeguale make cameo appearances in the series. The title track for the series, “Sweet Like Shuga” was written and produced by Del B in collaboration with Nigerian artists Flavour, Sound Sultan, Chidinma, Kcee and South African Kwaito star Professor. The music video for “Sweet Like Shuga” was directed by Clarence Peters and will be released in a few weeks. **Shuga** will kick off with a double-episode on MTV Base on Sunday, December 1 (World AIDS Day) and the series will subsequently air on MTV and multiple TV and digital platforms around the world.

T

he Rivers State Government will on Sunday, host the nominees of this year’s edition of the Best of Nollywood, BON Awards to a special dinner in the state capital, Port Harcourt.

“We are hosting this year’s BON nominees’ dinner because of our belief in their art and their industry; we believe that they represent the finest breed of Nollywood talents and we want to treat them to our pristine and preeminent hospitality in Rivers State”, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Nnabuihe Nabbs Imegwu said.

Dr. Imegwu further said that the Governor Rotimi Amaechi administration is acutely aware of

Oloketuyi

the fact that the entertainment industry, especially Nollywood, is a major component of tourism, which the state government is committed to promoting for the advancement of its economy.

The executive producer of BON, Seun Oloketuyi, said the Rivers State Government’s acceptance to sponsor the nominees’ dinner is a further testament of how far BON has come in the last five years.

“When we started preparations for this year’s edition, we decided that being our fifth anniversary, we would not do things the same way we have been doing them since inception”, Oloketuyi said.

He explained that it was why BON came up with some novel activities like the Talent Meets Class, which had Professor Pat Utomi as special guest and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, as host.

“We are delighted that Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has also identified with BON and we are optimistic of a beautiful time in Port Harcourt on Sunday”, Oloketuyi added. Meanwhile, the Best of Nollywood Awards ceremony, hosted by the Delta State Government, would now hold on November 30 at The Dome, Asaba, Delta State.

32

Escape

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Afrocentric vibe of Lagos carnivals ADENRELE NIYI

D

ecember, the month synonymous with Christmas trees, lightings and carols is shy of about two weeks. Slowly but surely, the tempo is building towards the period, which signifies the end of 2013, and holds promises of a fresh start -2014.

Interestingly, for purely pleasurable reasons, indigenes and residents of Lagos Island anticipate the Christmas holidays and receive its coming with aplomb. Ironically, during public holidays, the streets and alleyways of Lagos Island, the chief mercantile hub of Lagos State, take on a decidedly sedate ambience devoid of its characteristic ebullience.

Not necessarily because human activities grind to a halt and the metropolitan island lying in the Lagos Lagoon shuts down as corporate organisations, international business concerns, local entrepreneurs and street peddlers close shop to honour holidays. The reality is that over the din of transactions and networking occupying office towers, high rises, market stalls and lock-up shops, the original residents of Lagos Island and their exuberant lifestyle take the back seat allowing their ‘guests’ to enjoy front row attention –albeit temporarily.

For if there is one thing the Islander knows how do, it is to put up a spectacular cultural exhibition in typical ‘Eko for Show’ style and the three major festive seasons; Christmas, New Year and Easter perfectly suit residents of the prime harbour settlement, once home to the Yoruba fishing village of Eko, to roll out the drums for a resplendent display of cultural fusion in carnival-themed fiestas.

I had the delight of experiencing the three major carnival events Lagos is known for and though the far-reaching influence of foreign cultures like Brazilian and more recently Chinese, are seen in the conceptualisation of these street parades, the influences are overshadowed by the vivacious spirit of Lagos.

From the seemingly endless Broad Street which terminates at Olowogbowo’s side of Marina, to the somewhat squalid Isale Eko (Lower Eko) quarters, bubbly Lafiaji, Campos, Ita Faaji, Epetedo, Obalende and more, the island becomes engorged with a different form of animated activity −the really fun type– in the Yuletide period and psychedelic splashes of colour from ribbons and other decorations hanging on power lines flutter in the sky. Participating carnival trains from these various settlements strive to out-do one another in costume and float designs during the day and boisterous but relatively harmless street parties at night.

Most of the parades follow a fairly regimented pattern: Similar age groups band up to showcase distinguishing cultural elements of their settlement. Some of them use animal or natural symbols in mascot designs while others simply opt for a

Female member of Olowogbowo Carnival group during 2013 Easter parade

carnival queen/king or a bandleader on horseback.

“Every year, we are happy to hold this carnival, it is so much fun. Many of our people who live overseas wait for the Christmas holiday before coming home because everybody wants to be around for the carnival. It is part of our life in Lagos now”, said Alhaji Ayinde, a gold-toothed resident of Olowogbowo area, which had generously extended an invitation to Escape for their 2013 New Year Carnival held on January 1.

Even equally fascinating and of diverse concepts are the contemporary and gusty street parties/shindigs hosted around neighbourhoods –taking a wide curve from the traditional Owambe for which Lagosians are well-reputed. From about a week earlier (December 26), Lafiaji and Campos threw lavish, unencumbered night parties preceded by mid-day street parades. Campos had likewise invited me (through my job as a travel/culture writer) to be part of the all-night carousing, which I gleefully jumped at. Contrary to widespread myths about malevolent elements lurking on the unfettered, hard-life

streets of Lagos Island, this writer braved the ‘lion’s den’ and came out unscathed.

Although, for the night and to err on the side of caution, a highly recommended and hospitable resident, Sule ‘Swagger’, accompanied me and he proved to be savvy with exploring nooks and crannies of Lagos Island. In his mid 30s, the native of Ibadan, Oyo State, has lived on the Island for most of his adult life and married one of the ‘daughters of the land’.

“There is nothing to be afraid of ”, Sule reassured while we navigated through the jam-packed Bamgbose Street as Afro hiphop music blared out of huge speakers mounted on the streets. Sule came along with a small group: two male friends, his pretty wife and their three gregarious children (aged six, five and three respectively) and an adult female whom I presumed to the wife’s friend. Going by the teeming party crowd consisting of children, pre-teens, young adults and the gray-haired, hanging out and dancing to high-energy music, my initial apprehension abated. He did confirm that for nonresidents, certain neighbourhoods were no-go areas.

Campus/Brazilian quarters carnival group at the 2013 Easter parade.

“There is a certain street where a party is holding right now which I can’t take you. Most of the partygoers there are young and hot-blooded, sometimes they are irrational and troublesome”, he explained. “That area is our hot spot”. This sets the tone for the various violenceprone street carnivals which mars celebrations in some parts of Lagos Island –a milder form of which I shockingly witnessed firsthand on the tour.

Walking along a somewhat less animated and crowded street as we meandered through parties, a group of gorgeously dressed ladies strolling leisurely ahead of us suddenly broke apart as one of them ‘flew’ out of the neat hurdle and lunged at an unidentified man standing among revellers at the roadside. A babble of Yoruba language curse words and a firm grip on the man’s trouser’s waist band suggested the pretty lady was certainly very incensed with her ‘victim’. I was alarmed but Sule humorously waved it off –as did nearly every other person within earshot of the verbal exchange between the feuding couple. Sule’s subsequent interpretation of the drama playing out explained why: The man, an absentee baby daddy, had been nabbed by the mother of his child after many weeks of eluding her and failing to perform responsibilities expected of a father!

Domestic incidences of this manner colour the daily life of Lagos Island dwellers and realistically, any living enclave with high rates of out-of-wedlock-pregnancies would find this cropping up –even on nights of public merrymaking.

The group proceeded, and each turn we made into another street was an acoustic nightmare –various Dee-Jays had been contracted by the different organisers so, harmonising the music content was out of question. The bright side for revellers was that if one fancied the music coming from the other street more than yours,

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Escape

Friday, November 15, 2013

33

Sule (in black T-shirt), his wife and their children.

The children carnival brigade

Well-lit signpost announcing the famous Lagos Island streets

A carnival participant

then just make a quick dash there. A few cars which dared to ply the streets that night travelled cautiously at snail speed swarmed by people on every side. It is best to park cars at the less populated areas around the Lagos City Hall and make the rest of the journey on foot into the heart of the parties. Some less adventurous residents of the tightly packed multi-storey homes in Lagos Island choose to line balconies of their apartments to partake in the shenanigan unfolding below.

At Campos Square, where one finds the famous ‘Brazilian’ quarters, a larger number of adults took seats under canopies or in the open. The arena had a more controlled air and the street sparsely packed but music still blared from speakers. There, we also saw Saint Janet, a wellknown Yoruba music artiste (infamous for her lewd lyrics), performing for a select group of revellers.

For Campos and Lafiaji parties, each street’s organising committee provides food and drinks individually, but Olowogbowo community takes the idea of a street party several notches higher with their cow barbeque tradition. This year, they bought seven cows for the New Year party; six were slaughtered, portioned and stewed to accompany the white rice served to party attendees and community dwellers. But one was eventually barbequed whole and subsequently eaten bone-bare by the time the last merrymaker had gone home.

Alhaji Ayinde, one of the organisers also saddled with the responsibility of supervising the butchers during preparation, explained that many of the rich residents unreservedly donate to the carnival purse.

“No cost is spared when we want to hold the carnival. Once we have a budget, we contact our sponsors and rich people who support us with generous amounts.

We always want to have the best carnival

The cow barbecue. Inset: What’s left of the cow by night time.

in Lagos Island that’s why we do all these things”.

Yet, Campos prides itself on being the bedstead for the flourishing culture of carnivals in Lagos as a result of its historic role in accommodating repatriated educated Africans emancipados –slave returnees from Brazil in the 19th century. In the midst of the healthy rivalry is a convivial atmosphere of kindred minds uniting to celebrate culture; a reality attested to earlier by the number one citizen of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN. The government of the state is a firm believer in and supporter of the enriching cultural practices of Lagos.

Since 2010, during the annual Christian commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Lagos State hosts the flamboyant Easter Carnival Fun Fair on April 1. Similar in religious undertones to Mardi Gras, a carnival held in some countries on Ash Wednesday, it involved series of events, including a spectacular boat regatta, scheduled over the three-day Easter festivity. It climaxes in the carnival which features parade trains populated by students and representatives of different local government areas of the state strutting, dancing and jiggling through a mapped out course (for the last four editions, take off point has been Awolowo Road in Ikoyi). The richly costumed mascots and bands congregate at the imposing Tafawa Balewa Square located in Central Lagos Island for a show-stopping finale of music, dazzling parade, deft acrobatics and stunning choreography.

Addressing teeming revellers at the last event, Babatunde Fashola alluded to the historical antecedent of the Lagos carnival describing it as “a tradition that spans over a hundred years”.

Much more than official rhetoric, Lagos carnivals are steeped in history dating back to the late 19th century during a

POCKETS OF VIOLENCE, DOMESTIC DISTURBANCES OR AMPLIFIED EAR-

DEAFENING DIN FROM MUSIC SPEAKERS OR NOT; CARNIVALS

ARE THE PULSE OF

LAGOS ISLAND

time often described by historians as the emancipation period. Lagos Island carnival takes its roots from South American culture, the Brazilian Carnival which is one of the best-known celebrations in the world today.

Once a slave port, Lagos received slave returnees and their descendants from Brazil, Bahia, Salvador, Sierra Leone, Liberia and other countries at that time.

The Sierra Leoneans were known as Akus or Saros, the Brazilians and Cubans as Agudas.

They settled in Campos area, otherwise called Popo Aguda and Brazilian Quarters, before spreading to Olowogbowo, Lafiaji and other localities within the precincts of Lagos. As part of their strong cultural retention from Brazil, the returnees who settled around Campos area often held Caretta Parades (later known as Fanti) to commemorate important occasions; the carnival was a time of fun, laughter and merriment.

As time went by, people living in Lafiaji area started participating in the carnival.

Over time, the colourful and entertaining street carnival parades became entrenched as part of the culture of Lagos Island indigenes; which is being repli-

St. Janet perfoming at Campos Square at the night party

cated across the length and breadth of Lagos State by indigenes and non-indigenes alike, especially at Christmas. Starting from December 25 of the outgoing year into the January 1 of the New Year, local clubs and associations spearhead the organisation of daytime carnivals and revelling that follow later at night. Heralded by colourful balloons and decorative ribbons hung on streetlamps and electric poles, Yuletide and its myriad carnivals across Lagos metropolis demands a lot of hard work from street carnival organisers. Preparations vary across settlements in the metropolis and funding is aggressively solicited from residents, even as tough looking youths set up barricades on inner city streets to enable them extract compulsory donations from commuting residents and non-residents. It’s build up activity Lagos has come to tolerate without fuss.

So, pockets of violence, domestic disturbances or amplified ear-deafening din from music speakers or not; carnivals are the pulse of Lagos Island and the festivities attract non-Lagosians and non-Island dwellers like a magnet. Each occasion is marked by the migration of music, dance and fun loving youths from all parts of the metropolis to Lagos Island for the highly entertaining, colourful and exotic carnivals. And I suspect after the shortlived feud is resolved, the baby daddy and mummy, may call an uneasy truce and reunite to party up the rest of night. For such is the enchanting nature of Lagos’ groovy, energised lifestyle.

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Denrele’s Day Adenrele Niyi

Friday, November 15, 2013

Sex tape drama

Denrele’s Day is a collection of witty & sincere articles inspired sin by b a zany imagination

CLAPPERBOARD with

denrele@nationalmirroronline.net Follow on Twitter@MizNiyi

Eddie Ugbomah

F

or those who haven’t heard about or seen the sex tape which went viral on Nigeria’s cyberspace earlier this week (Monday to be precise) purportedly depicting young music diva Chidinma Ekile and a male partner in a bedroom romp, well, you haven’t exactly missed out on much. Except, perhaps, you have an appetite for the sleaze found in grainy, homemade pornography that’s a throwback to Hollywood’s silent film era.

I remember in 2011, in the heat of electioneering, pictures emerged online of a state governor in a homosexual tryst with an unidentified male. Later, the ruse was uncovered for what it was –a photoshopped smear campaign. Whoever went after Chidinma with this sex tape is very convincing –the girl in the poorly shot video bears an uncanny resemblance to the 2010 MTN Project Fame winner. So, I called up IllBliss, one of the bosses at Capital Hill Music Company where Chidinma is signed on. Our conversation is reproduced below with IllBliss’ permission– not as an official statement but an exclusive discussion with Denrele’s Day and National Mirror. Excerpts: This isn’t coming as news to you, but what exactly is going on with the so-called Chidinma sex tape?

I think this entire thing started from about two weeks ago. I don’t know who they are but some people opened about two or three fictitious Twitter accounts in Chidinma’s name and passed themselves off as her. They started to send out tweets to her fans, cussing out at them and just putting up tweets like it was coming from Chidinma. I told her to change her Twitter account and password so they can’t hack into the new one.

All of the sudden, this sex tape comes up. If you watch the video, as disgusting as it is, you can see the resolution is really poor. The funny thing is that the girl in the video actually looks like her.

Yes, the resemblance is close but I noticed the girl’s got longer hair.

Well, it is definitely not Chidinma. It is sad because whoever has done this is basically trying to taint that innocence; the good girl image Chidinma has. She is like your girl-next-door and a Christian. But clearly, they want mess it up. Last month they accused her of posing nude in a photograph; meanwhile she was wearing a tube dress (strapless dress). I don’t know what the girl has done to them but we leave these people to God. She’s God’s child.

But how is the record label responding to this?

I’m not putting out any press release now, there’s no time –at the right time we would go to proper and reputable news media and blogs. We would do a proper interview and get it out of the way. I don’t want to fuel the negativity; this sex tape thing is certainly not good PR but instead of fighting it, I’m going to focus on the work. If she scores big hits and continues to respect and carry herself as she’s always done, this issue would die in three days. It is not

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

www.edifosafilm.com

Is Goodluck Jonathan for 2015?

A Chidinma

an issue and I refuse to see it as an issue.

So it’s not true the reports in some news media that Capital plans to sue?

Sue who now? It is not true at all. When we strike, you’ll hear about it but for now, the work continues. A lot of concerned people in the industry have been calling us. People who the video was sent to and should have published are calling us saying they can’t do it.

How about gist that she was dismissed from her church choir, any truth to that?

Chidinma is a lead vocalist with Foresquare Church, Ikorodu. She still sang in the choir last Sunday and she will be in choir for this Sunday’s service, God willing. She goes to her choir rehearsal every Wednesday and Saturday –she is fully involved! When people look at your brand and it looks like there are no scandals, they would develop something!

How is Chidinma dealing with the drama?

Oh she’s fine. Yesterday (Tuesday) though, she cried her eyes out, but I told her if you want to be in the entertainment industry, you have to be hard –like metal.

They’re going to keep throwing things at you, after this other things will follow. But I told her that the best way is to remain visible and refer them to God. Whenever she’s writing her songs, she should remember all these things and use them as ladders to create big hits. She should continue her charitable works and give back to society. I keep telling her these things.

I know the artiste I signed. You can’t vouch for anybody 100% but I know my artiste; she is focused. Number one she is a bread winner. All Chidinma does is write her songs, record, do interviews and her church activities. But one thing is sure, Chidinma is not stupid. With everything I’ve taught her in this business, she can’t be that stupid.

Did you watch that video? Those people knew they were being recorded- they were staring at the camera clearly. So my question is, if Chidinma decides that she wants to start having sex now, is it to video it and put it out? (End) Need I say more..? Oh yes, I should add that I couldn’t bring myself to watch the video (I saw screen shots from the video) -it just defiles a certain picture of Chidinma I have in my head.

Love and peace for the weekend.

ll the oil producing states governors and politicians are crying for more money from oil revenue; they all forget one example going on now. Northern governors “chopped and cleaned mouth” and now, their people are fed up so it was easy to start Boko Haram.

To pacify the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and Ministry of Niger Delta were set up and Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta, MEND and others like them are being made rich individually. What have the nine governors of oil producing states done since 1999 when civilians took over? What jobs have they created or what have they done to calm these restless boys? With all of the money spent on the agencies just to calm the people of Niger Delta.

If President Jonathan continues to ignore the atrocities of some governors, I bet he won’t be able to return after his Presidency. How many ex- Governors from these areas have the guts to go home? If Mr. President doesn’t quickly arrest the situation and force the governors, NDDC, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC) and Niger Delta Ministry to do something tangible instead of enriching some unsavoury elements, yawa go gas. The boys will go back to the creeks and the Joint Task Force, JTF, used for Boko Haram will be used to tackle Niger Delta rebels.

At the initial stage, I was in support of those fighting for the liberation of the Niger Delta because the road to my town Aboh and other towns have been under construction for the past 40 years. The houses we built to retire to have all been ruined by gas flaring, our sons are used for oil bunkering and our girls have fatherless babies who may become future thugs. Yet, our man is in Aso Rock. But I am a supporter of Goodluck Jonathan and I am not happy with the way he is watching some people commit financial crime. Even if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, prosecutes them it one of these result: Four years in jail; cases that never end; election into the House of Assembly or maybe take refuge in South Africa.

This is a serious topic Mr. President should look into to avoid crisis in the region; Niger Delta must be made habitable and conducive for the indigenes.

All the zoning and change politicians are crying for is really all about the oil money; who cares who the President of this country was, if we are not tribalistic and full of Nepotism. Everything in Nigeria is who you knoweven in the Armed Forces; applicants are told to get recommendation from senators, governors or ministers. But

I AM A SUPPORTER OF GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE WAY HE IS WATCHING SOME PEOPLE COMMIT FINANCIAL CRIMES how many ordinary Nigerians have the opportunity to meet or get recommendations from them? We make our kids angry and when they misbehave we start blaming them.

I am sure People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and Jonathan will win the 2015 election so let others wait for next election which will be harder. My advice to Nigeria is that we must all sit and talk; nobody has the right to claim the Presidency of Nigeria. But let me ask, what is type of government do we really need in Nigeria? Is it ‘Presidency’ or ‘Premier’ government? We have copied the Americans in our doings just to keep up with the Jones and is it paying us? Imagine in our Constitution nothing is said about Arts and Culture and the industry stakeholders are never invited to participate or have any input. Yet a country without cultural awareness has no identity and this means our kids will be singing rubbish and making vulgar videos and nobody cares while they rot away.

My view of the country is to advice and talk to politicians if they will listen or learn from past mistakes and experiences. I know how angry these Niger Delta boys are because I have them as nephews and nieces. They are so sensitive and I also suffer their pain because whenever I go home, they expect me to solve their hardships overnight. There are two heavy oil installations near my village- in Abalagada, only two kilometres away -with oil gas flaring. Our homes have turned white, fish ponds are ruined and the lands are spoilt. If the President, who is the head, doesn’t force Niger Delta governors to do something, the rebellion will be epic. Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Libya and Greece are there as examples for us to avoid.

I hope the President and PDP will do something soon because the future of Nigeria is bleak. An angry man is a devil’s palace, so I am advising our leaders to sit up. Though in crisis, they can run away with their direct family, how about their relatives and town folks?

This is the only country we have so we must protect it and not allow Africa to fail. This is a clarion call to Mr. President.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

People In The Mirror

Friday, November 15, 2013

35

Book on Fashola launched in Lagos Babatunde Fashola: A Story in Photographs by Lukman Olaonipekun, personal photographer to the governor of Lagos State, was recently presented to the public at the iconic City Hall on Lagos Island. Wife of the governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola, was present as guest of honour and also a representative of her husband at the event that drew people from all walks of life.

L-R: Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; founding Partner, Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe and Belgore, Mr. Ebun Sofunde (SAN) and wife of Lagos State Governor, Abimbola Fashola, the author and his wife at the launch

Founding Partner, Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe and Belgore, Mr. Ebun Sofunde (SAN) presenting the book as others look on

L-R: Wife of the author, Mrs. Remilekun Olaonipekun; Mr. Lukman Olaonipekun; his mother, Mrs. Funmilayo Olaonipekun and former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and Publisher of the book, Mr. Olasupo Shasore SAN.

LoudNProud series holds On Thursday, 31st October, 2013, LoudNProud Live Series held another edition of its music show tagged “Capital Dreams/Crispy Fresh Collective” at the 284 Lounge, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event was hosted by Koch Okoye, Maria Okanrende and Ehiz. The night witnessed performances by Illbliss, Tha Suspect, Chidinma, Ayoola, Saeon, Pucado, K.Brouillette, Jade Rose, Kamar and Hzone.

Chidinma & Tha Suspect.

Ehiz & Maria Okanrende.

Jade Rose performing.

For the monthly Golden Breakthrough Auditions (GBT), the judges were Nigerian media personalities Anita “Omalicha” Isedeh and Hauwa Mukan, as well as Mark Redguard of Spinlet. After a rigorous screening exercise, Whaley Ore

GBT Judges – Omalicha, Mark Redguard & Hauwa Mukan

L-R Ayoola, Ngozi Omambala, IllBliss and Tha Suspect

Glo shakes Kumasi with Slide & Bounce Thousands of Glo Mobile subscribers based in Kumasi, Ghana, and environs stormed the Jubilee Park venue of the Glo Slide & Bounce musical concert last Saturday for an evening of entertainment and fun brought by iconic Nigerian and Ghanaian artistes. Performers included: African Rapper Number One, MI, Wande Coal, Ghanaian Hip Life Songstress, Sherifa Gunu, Reggie Rockstone, DJ Black, Humorist Okey Bakassi Asem and Edem.

Ghanaian songstress, Sherifa flanked by new Glo Ambassador, Wande Coal (l and ace Ghanaian rapper, Edem at the concert

Sea of heads of attendees at the event.

Sherifa on stage with her dancers.

Friday November 15, 2013

36

2014 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II

Big, bold, beautiful OLUSEGUN KOIKI

A

uto stakeholders will soon see a sudden surge in the number of new premium luxury Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs in the country. The fact that Aston Martin, Bentley and even Lamborghini are considering to add an all-wheel-drive sports utility vehicle to their lineup in Nigeria is evident to the current market situation where uberpremium SUVs are in higher demand.

Aston Martin is pursuing the reintroduction of Lagonda in the form of a luxury SUV; Lamborghini has already unveiled the Urus concept and Bentley is contemplating an SUV that would satisfy the needs of the average Bentley buyer.

Quintessential luxury carmaker, Rolls Royce, is aware of developments taking place in this segment.

For the BMW-owned British luxury marquee that has been the crown jewel of the segment for years, it might not be as easy as it seems. Rolls Royce cars have always had a special place in the hearts and minds of not only those who own them, but also those who admire them for their timeless charm. Despite the potential negatives, a Rolls Royce SUV is in the cards, thanks to the aforementioned spike in interest.

Rolls Royce brought a very special car to the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, and it happens to be the fastest Rolls Royce ever produced. The 2014 Phantom Series II was thus launched, keeping a unique set of individuals in mind: Young billionaires who prefer a bit of sportiness along with unadulterated luxury. The RollsRoyce Wraith delivers on both fronts.

The Phantom is available as a sedan, a coupe and a convertible, stands alone at the pinnacle of very large prestige automobiles, the ultimate symbolic convey-

THE PHANTOM IS A LONG WAY FROM BEING A SPORTS CAR, BUT IT HOLDS THE LINE A DRIVER SETS FOR IT AS THOUGH PRESSED DOWN BY AERODYNAMICS AS IN A RACING CAR ance for “the one per cent”. Even Bentley’s impressive Mulsanne is directly comparable only to the “entry level” Rolls-Royce Ghost, not the huge Phantom. ‘R-R’ CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes emphasises that the company has no interest in cars selling below a quarter-million dollars and has no concerns about other companies entering that rarefied, demand-driven segment.

As Daimler’s overblown Maybach now relegated to history books for the second time, shows, it is impossible to invent heritage, however soundly based. Profiting from its impeccable, continuous 106-year history, Rolls-Royce sold some 3500 cars in 2011, its best ever year in terms of volume.

Most of them were sold more for what they represent than for what they do.

The Phantom is powerful, quiet, and supremely comfortable. On the toll road, the driver would be struck by the level of wind noise, not by any annoying whistles caused by leaks, but by the simple sound of a silent vehicle’s passage through the air mass, just as one is aware of movement in a sailplane.

Stability at speed is unaffected by wind or road surface, as one might expect from the Phantom’s considerable weight, very large tire footprint, and carefully designed suspension.

Even more impressive is the big sedan’s behaviour on narrow, winding mountain roads. It is a long way from being a sports car, but it holds the line a driver sets for it as though pressed down by aerodynamics as in a racing car, rath-

er than just by its own weight.

One is subliminally aware of that weight on initial takeoff from rest. Push your foot down and there are a few thousandths of a second when the sound of the V-12 engine - newly mated to an eight-speed automatic rises, but the car doesn’t move. The Phantom’s 0-to-60-mph time of well under six seconds belies one’s fleeting sense of immovability. Yet the Rolls is really not a driver’s car, as it is intended primarily for people who prefer to be chauffeured.

The Phantom Coupe and the Drophead Coupe (convertible) are a different story entirely. Getting in through their rear-hinged doors is so effortless that it is easy to understand why they were ubiquitous in the classic era, despite less capable latches.

Steering feel is slightly more positive, self-return a bit stronger and the dampening feels firmer, but does not hamper the still outstanding ride comfort. Braking power of all Phantoms is absolutely phenomenal, whether roads are dry or streaming from a sudden downpour.

The cabins in all of the Phantom variants are, of course, finished to the expected highest standards with lovely wood, soft leather, bright chrome bezels and tactile handles and buttons. Everything you touch or that touches you has the right texture and tension to tell you it’s the best possible solution. The steering wheels themselves are magnificent, evocative of the traditional, very plain, black steering wheels of yore, but with multiple buttons integrated around the hub.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

As your time at the wheel increases, the cars feel smaller and handier, and the odd ergonomics are less intrusive.

Rolls-Royce thinks most controls should be tucked away until needed, but having to open an obstructive central console lid that tips forward and upward in order to be able to adjust a seat seems illogical.

The counter to that criticism was that one becomes used to such things once you have lived with the car for a while.

Interior Considering the back is such an enticing part of this car. The individual rear seats (a popular option – lounge type seating is standard) are more like thrones – each sits 0.7-inches higher than the fronts and is fully adjustable.

There is a pull out veneer picnic table and 12-inch liquid crystal display screen (hooked up to a six disc CD/DVD changer) to keep each occupant entertained, plus the previously mentioned drinks cooler (first class on Singapore Airlines isn’t this good). The soft tan leather (16 different options are available, including such colours as Consort, Oatmeal and Moccasin); is perfectly stitched and sumptuously soft.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Mirror Drive

Friday November 15, 2013

37

Ford launches conservation, environmental grants in Nigeria

T

he giant United States automobile company, Ford Motor Company yesterday revealed that it has launched its 2013 Conservation and Environmental Grants Programme in Nigeria with a $25,000 donation.

The programme, Ford stated, supports deserving local projects in markets around the world that are dedicated to environmental protection. This initiative is the first-ever private initiative of its kind in the Nigerian automobile industry.

An online statement signed by the auto company’s media agent in Nigeria stated that the company is now accepting applications for the 2013 programme from on-going not for profit environmental projects that are seeking additional funding.

The statement stated that the sum ($25,000) is available to deserving environmental projects that are working towards raising awareness about the environment and much-needed

Generous head and rear legroom (38.5 and 37.3 inches respectively) provides more riding comfort than most living rooms we’ve sat in (the Extended Wheelbase Phantom, with 47.1 inches of extra legroom even more so). The rear doors open with a touch of a button and contained within each is a Teflon coated umbrella; to ensure one doesn’t get wet upon exit – trust the British to think of this.

Back then, the company did not disclose any plans of a convertible —Drophead, as R-R calls it— version of the Rolls-Royce Wraith. Now, Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Müller-Ötvös has confirmed via Autocar that the Wraith Drophead Coupe will see the light of day in a couple of years. Like the Phantom, the Wraith will get a folding soft top and the company would start taking orders in 2015.

Speaking of the Wraith, Müller-Ötvös felt happy the way things have progressed since the launch of the product in mid-2013. The company has received positive feedback about the Wraith, and it has been able to attract first-time buyers to the exclusive luxury brand.

According to Müller-Ötvös, the sporty character of the Wraith has also attracted previous Ferrari owners, and these are people who know their performance cars. The Wraith delivers on its promise of high performance along with bespoke luxury, and that is the primary reason why the Wraith gets a thumbs up — even from Ferrari owners.

efforts for conservation.

The programme follows the Henry Ford European Conservation Awards (now Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants), which originated in Britain in the early 80’s with the vision of encouraging a wide range of projects that support, preserve or restore the local environment, heritage and natural resources.

Commenting on the initiative, the Senior Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ford, Eugene Prinsloo stated that Ford Auto Company is poised to contribute to a better environment through its various programmes.

He acknowledged that that green economy would enhance the ability to manage natural resources sustainably and with lower negative environmental impacts, increase resource efficiency and reduce waste.

Prinslooo noted that there are many environmental projects that

needed funding in Nigeria, stressing that the auto company was happy to support project initiators to carry on with their work as well as create an opportunity for future winners to meet other environmentalists.

The statement added, “Application forms for the 2013 Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants programme are available for download on our website. Completed applications can be sent till November 22, 2013.

“An independent panel of jurors consisting of experts, the media, Ford dealers and academicians from environmental agencies and institutions will choose the winning projects. The jury panel, selected based on experience and gender equality, will look for initiatives that demonstrate a well-defined sense of purpose, a commitment to maximizing available resources, and a reputation for meeting objectives and delivering planned programmes and services”.

Dana partners Renault to boost sales OLUSEGUN KOIKI

D

ana Group of Companies says that it is partnering with the French Auto Company, Renault in the extensive marketing of its brands in Nigeria.

Dana Group, which successfully marketed KIA products in Nigeria, said the essence of the partnership was to further improve the sales of Renault brands in Nigeria and make them more acceptable to Nigerian auto buyers.

Speaking at the unveiling of the partnership recently in Lagos, the Chief Commercial for Dana Cars, Mr. Sandeep Malhotra said with the partnership, Dana would commence mar-

keting eight brands of Renault before the end of the year. The brands are: Lodgy, Dokker, Duster, Koleos, Fluence, Logan, Sandero Stepway and Latitude.

Malhortra informed that Renault has been in Africa, building quality cars made with European technology for the past 40 years and aims to increase its market share in the region as the global trend of foreign direct investments shifts focus from Europe to Africa.

He stated that in view of this, Renault has sought after a reliable partnership with the technical-knowhow and experience to drive the change.

He said; “We are totally dedicated to quality products, which we are determined to promote in Nigeria. The

vehicles that will be brought in are value for money and will be very competitive in the market. The vehicles will be brought in from Romania”.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Head of Marketing for Dana Cars and Service, Mr. Kayode Adejumo said that plans are underway to open a 3S facility for the new brands in Lagos before the end of the year, adding that it would equally commence after-sales-services for the products.

He added, “Dana car will aim to position Renault as a European brand, providing pleasure driving and very reliable cars with high quality service, tropicalised to suit Nigerian weather and road conditions”.

MAINTENANCE TIPS

How to clean vehicle dashboard, console

T

he dashboard and console are two of the most-seen parts of your vehicle, so it makes sense that you would want to keep them clean. Many people don’t know the correct way to clean their dashboard and console –they just wipe them with a paper towel. But there are specific ways of cleaning and protecting your dashboard and console so that they will stay in good condition and look great all the way down the road.

Dashboard Wet a towel with warm water and wipe down your dashboard to prepare it for cleaning. Now spray your dashboard with a liquid car cleaner, which can be found at any major automotive store. Use a soft cloth to work the cleaner into the dashboard. Continue over the whole dashboard. Let the area dry before moving on to the next step.

Then, spray a vinyl protectant spray on a clean cloth, and wipe down the dashboard. Continue spraying and wiping until you have covered the whole dashboard. Spraying the cloth allows you to clean your dashboard without getting any spray on your windshield or

other areas. Allow the protectant spray to sit for five to eight minutes.

Now use a microfiber towel to wipe the dashboard. The towel will remove any leftover dust and particles and give the dashboard a smooth finish.

Console To clean the console, you will need a toothbrush and an all-purpose cleaning spray. Lightly spray the area of the console you would like to clean first.

Take the toothbrush and scrub the areas that a washcloth cannot reach. Continue spraying those areas and scrubbing with the toothbrush until you

have removed as much dirt as you can.

After cleaning with the toothbrush, take a small damp cloth and wipe the console with the cloth. Use paper towels to remove any dust or particles that you have picked up with the cloth. Continue wiping the console until you have wiped up all the remaining dirt and grime.

When cleaning areas with the towel, be sure to spray the towel and not the console, so you don’t use too much spray (which can get everywhere). Wipe the console with the towel until it comes up clean.

Cocktail

38

Friday, November 15, 2013

FOR YOUR SUCCESS

Oddities

WITH DR. DEJI FOLUTILE

Today's Tonic (232) Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are.

– Anonymous Be Yourself !

It is foolish to compare yourself with someone else. God made you is His own image. God made you unique. God gave you talents. No one can be like you on the earth. I am told that no two leaves on a tree are exactly the same. I am told that no finger print can be like my own in the whole world. I am unique. You are unique. I came to this world for a reason. You came to this world for a reason. I do not need to copy you or compare myself to you. Each of us is uniquely gifted to make our mark in this world. This is what we should be busy doing and stop living a life of envy and comparison. Be who you are. Be all you can be!

DR. DEJI FOLUTILE Tel: 08035219966 Email: deji.folutile@gmail.com Follow me on Twitter @folutile

World’s most expensive diamond sells for £51.7m

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he world’s most expensive diamond was sold tonight for a staggering £51.7 million.

The plum-sized “Pink Star” mined in South Africa was sold to an unknown buyer for £14.1 million more than the “ very reasonable” book price of £37.6 million in Geneva.

The flawless 59.60-carat pink diamond is the largest in its class ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), with the second biggest less than half its size.

Sotheby’s David Bennett said: “It’s really extraordi-

narily rare. Very, very few of these stones have ever appeared at auction.”

The sparkling oval-cut rock, which has received the highest possible GIA colour and clarity rating, was part of the auction house’s Magnificent Jewels sale at a luxury hotel on Wednesday evening.

Set on a ring, it measures 2.69 by 2.06 centimetres and weighs 11.92 grammes. Mr Bennett added:” The international demand for exceptional diamonds keeps on growing,” he said.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

A

Mona Lisa recreated on banana skins

Japanese artist has taken a decided that canvas is far too run of the mill for him - and literally gone bananas.

Daisuke Skagami uses a needle to puncture small holes in the banana’s skin which in turn leads to chemical compounds in the fruit oxidising leading to a change in colour.

Skagami’s banana artworks include Sir Richard Branson, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece The Mona Lisa.

“I was bored of looking at the usual stuff,” said the 40-year-old. “I felt that it would be interesting to do this if I involved some animation and design on bananas.”

The artist, who makes his works under the name End Cape, says each piece takes anything from between one and five hours from start to finish.

A lyricist and subculture

artist by profession, Skagami maintains that creating banana artwork is just a hobby.

The Tokyo-based artist tried his hand on many other fruits with varying degrees of success, before eventually settling on a soggy banana.

But despite so much ef-

fort, Skagami regrets not being able to save his works for posterity.

“Each banana lasts up to two days only. I can’t save what I draw on them,” Skagami said.

“But I am trying out ways and means to preserve the bananas. I hope there is a way to keep them fresh for

Japanese Artist Daisuke Skagami And His Banana Art

a long period of time.”

At present the artist has a novel way of disposing of his works once they begin to wilt - consuming them.

“I eat most of these bananas. I offer them to my friends if they are around.

It is useless to keep them and watch them go stale,” he added.

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

39

Business & Finance Rates recorded in October indicate a continually downward trend for the 10th consecutive month.

This is also the lowest rate recorded in the index since March 2008.

We will sell the banks. We have over 10,000 loans that we are pursuing, and selling the banks will not distract us from doing our job.

– Chief Executive Officer, National Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Yemi Kale

UDO ONYEKA

T

he future of the banking industry in the country will rely on their capacity to compete in the Retail and Small and Medium Enterprises lending space, as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policies continue to impact negatively on profitability.

The CBN’s increased monetary tightening, aimed at ensuring price and exchange rate stability and other recent measures have affected non-interest income sources for banks in recent weeks.

The situation, according to investment banking firm, Afrinvest, puts the fate of small players in the sector hanging in the balance as banking in the country is gradually evolving into a “game of size with scale economies becoming a competitive advantage among the banks.

Afrinvest analysts in a new report released yesterday, pointed out that having hit it big in profit earnings in 2012, banks within the last nine months have been grappling with the “policy induced” earnings shrink, in addition to the aggressive competition for cheaper deposits.

They however believe the future banks earnings reside in retail and SMEs lending.

According the analysts many banks are retooling their strategies with the aim of focusing in these areas.

For instance, the Afrinvest report observed that Guaranty Trust Bank, GT Bank, has grown

– MANAGING DIRECTOR, AMCON, MR. MUSTAFA CHIKE-OBI

Retail, SME lending future of banking –Afrinvest its retail banking business to 23.4 per cent as at the end of the third quarter of 2013 from 21.7 per cent in the prior year period.

Afrinvest also noted that Zenith Bank and United Bank for Africa, UBA, are in the game of expanding their lending opportunities with Zenith Bank maintaining a deposit mobilisation strategy from the mass affluent, lending to the multinationals.

“UBA is well established in

the retail banking space with N2.2tn in deposit liability. However, it needs to leverage the evolving technological environment to adapt and extract more value from their client base, while maintaining market position.

“Diamond Bank is well established in the SME and retail businesses as it has less appetite for lending to low-risk blue chip companies and multinationals at below market interest rates”, Afr-

invest analysts said.

The analysts said developments in the sector are in line with their expectations as reported in their 2013 Banking Sector Report titled “Standing on the 4th Pillar”.

“We noted that the era of real banking appears to be gradually re-emerging as traditional sources of high income continue to face significant threat from tighter regulation and increased competition.

ABUJA

T

he Federal, State, and Local Governments, which are the shareholders of the National Integrated Power Projects, NIPP, have asked the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, to reinvest the proceeds from the sales of the 10 power plants in the development of hy-

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IRS

Managing Director/ Chief Executive, NEXIM Bank, Mr. Roberts Orya and former President, African Development Bank, Mr. Babacar N’diaye, during a meeting on the Regional Sealink project in Abuja.

NDHC urged to reinvest proceeds of NIPPS sale in hydro power

CHIDI UGWU

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

dropower.

The Managing Director, NDPHC, Mr. James Olutu, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja during the induction of 308 trainees for the NAPTIN Graduate Skills Development Programme, NGSDP. He said “We are already on the verge of privatising the power generation plants that we are building, which require manpower to man those positions that are going to be opened. What we will be able to get from this privatisation, our shareholders- the three tiers of

government have approved that money be reinvested on power in hydro power development.”

According to him, NDPHC developing about 10 power plants in hydro that require the cooperation with the Ministry of Power, Ministry of Water Resources and other relevant agencies to ensure that there is over 6000 mega watts from hydro.

He also revealed that the company would earmark $1.8billion for electricity transmission in view of the 16,000 mega watts projection.

He however noted that “but no

matter the investment you put in infrastructure, if you don’t develop the human capacity, to run or manage these machines of infrastructure, we are in danger. And that is why I said that NDPHC will continue to partner with you. We will do far more for NAPTIN than we have ever done.”

The Director General, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, NAPTIN, Engr. Reuben Okeke, revealed that 17,000 technical staff are required to support the production of 40,000mw in the power sector.

Chevron Minister canvasses concludes women employment asset sale to 3 towards MDGs local firms realisation

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Lagos-Abuja 7.30 8.30 7.45 8.45 09.30 10.30 10.30 11.30 12.30 13.30 14.30 15.30 16.30 17.30 Lagos-Kano 08.00 09.15 10.30 11.45 14.30 15.40 18.15 19.30 Los-Maid&Yola (Mon-Thur) 09.30 11.30 Fri- Sun 10.30 12.30 KanoLagos 07.30 08.45 14.00 15.15 17.30 18.45 Kano-Abj 10.45 11.30 Abj-Lagos 09.00 10.30 11.00 12.00 12.00 13.00

FAO, WHO seek to improve nutrition globally 44

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Business News

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Chevron concludes asset sale to 3 local firms UDEME AKPAN

S

eplat has won the bid for Chevron’s 40 per cent equity in the gas rich Oil Mining Lease, OML 53, in the eastern onshore Niger Delta basin. Amni Petroleum is the preferred bidder for OML 52 while Belema Oil Company clinched OML 55.

These separate victories con-

test the thesis that Chevron had preferred, all along, to offer the assets to a company who bid for the three assets in a package.

All three companies however have Memoranda of Understanding to work with each other in the three acreages. In fact, as it stands, Chevron is handling over the three assets to a consortium of the three companies.

The African oil and gas report

has it that Chevron is however the big winner as it would pocket at least $900million (ex whatever tax is applicable), after all this is over. The company will then move on to finalise the sale of its 40 per cent equity in OMLs 83 and 85, offshore of the current mouth of the Niger Delta Basin.

It stated that Seplat bid for the three assets when the race kicked off in July. It indicated in its bid

that it was partnering with Amni Petroleum for OML 52, which lies astride Amni’s OML 117, where the company produces Ima and Okoro fields. It was willing to pay for OMLs 53 and 55 and share payment with OML 52 with Amni.

The report stated that Seplat has figured itself as a key player in the Nigerian domestic gas market, and had been keen on OML 53, whose undeveloped Ohaji South Field had been the subject of a unitisation discussion of a straddling gas structure between Chevron and Shell.

The acreage is also the most resourced of the three properties, to go by the figures supplied in Chevron’s Information Memorandum, quoting the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR. Out of the P1 (proven) reserves estimates of 555MMBOE for the three tracts, OML 53 is assigned 310MMBOE. Amni’s decision to go for OML 52 is premised on a field

development of the Tubu field, the acreage’s signature asset, which takes advantage of the proximity to the neighbouring Ima field facility.

Belema Oil Company is a special purpose vehicle, reportedly promoted by host communities in OML 55, formed for the purpose of acquiring the asset.

The bid for these three acreages has been quite competitive.

Before, July 29, 2013, which was the deadline stipulated for submitting indicative offers, there were over 25 companies lining up for the prizes.

Shell, the country’s largest operator, crashed out early out of the race. After a second round of weeding, 11 companies were left.

The anxieties among the bidders in the five weeks following the final submissions have fueled speculation about whether Britannia U could have won, on account of its $1.6Billion bid for the three acreages.

Gold demand falls to four-year low

IFAD Programme Coordinator, Mrs Irene Jumbo-Ibeakuzie (left) and Executive Director, Wholesale Finance, Bank of Agriculture, Alhaji Ahmadu Waziri, at the signing of a memorandum of understanding on agricultural credit for Niger Delta farmers in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Financial experts predict poor earnings for banks over CRR review

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ome financial experts on Thursday attributed the mixed results released by banks on their third quarter operations to tight monetary policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. They told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos that the upward review of the Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR, on public sector deposits affected banks’ free funds and inter-bank operations.

NAN reports that the apex bank in July raised the CRR on public sector deposits from 12 per cent to 50 per cent, which comprises deposits from all tiers of government.

The CRR is the percentage of bank’s deposits that they must keep as reserve.

The reserve ratio is one of the monetary policy instruments used to influence money supply in the financial system.

The Managing Director, Standard Union Securities in Lagos, Mr. Sehinde Adenagbe, said that the tight monetary policy led to liquidity squeeze in the banking industry.

Adenagbe said that the high CRR on public sector deposits, under the new policy of the CBN, had reduced profits made by banks through lending.

He said that the development had dampened investors’ interest in banking equities on the Nige-

rian Stock Exchange, NSE, with fears that banks’ dividend payment in 2013 financial year might drop.

Mr. Olaleye Williams, the Managing Director, GlobalView Consult & Investments in Lagos, said that the review of the CRR impacted negatively on banks’ profitability.

Williams advised banks to strengthen their deposit mobilisation strategies by reaching out to the unbanked to ensure effective lending to the real sector and increase in their revenue.

According to him, banks should concentrate on their core functions because the days when they depended solely on public sector funds to shore up profits

T

were gone.

NAN reports that Skye Bank during the period under review declared a pre-tax profit of N14.56 billion against N16.55 billion posted in 2012, a decrease of 12 per cent.

However, the bank’s gross earnings improved by 8.40 per cent to N102.04 billion in contrast with N94.13 billion achieved in the comparative period of 2012.

Access Bank nine months pretax profit also fell by nine per cent to N35.08 billion from N38.54 billion posted in the corresponding period of 2012.

Gross earnings declined by four per cent to N154.43 billion compared with N160.39 billion declared in 2012

G

lobal gold demand fell to a four-year low in the third quarter amid widespread investor disillusionment with the precious metal, according to data published on Thursday.

Many analysts and investors have proclaimed the end of gold’s decade-long bull run this year, as the metal has tumbled as much as 38 per cent from 2011’s record high amid heavy selling.

Gold demand was 869 tonnes between July and September, according to data published by the World Gold Council, an industry lobby group. That was down 21 per cent from a year earlier and the lowest since the third quarter of 2009.

The data cover investor buying of bars, coins and exchange traded funds, as well as demand from the jewellery and electronics sectors and central bank purchases of the yellow metal.

Marcus Grubb, managing director for investment at the WGC, acknowledged that the sentiment in the market had

shifted. Gold prices have risen every year since 2001, but at current prices of $1,271 a troy ounce the precious metal is down 24 per cent since the start of 2013.

“It’s unlikely you’ll get the same kinds of returns we’ve seen in the last decade,” Grubb said. “Technically the bull run is over because we are going to have a down year for the first time in 13 years.”

The main driver of the drop was a collapse in demand from India, traditionally the world’s largest consumer of gold, but likely to be overtaken this year by China. A series of government restrictions on gold imports have weighed on Indian consumption, which fell 32 per cent over the quarter to just 148 tonnes, the lowest since early 2009.

However, Mr Grubb observed the country’s demand for the year to date was in fact higher than last year, since Indian buying had been particularly strong in anticipation of the restrictions.

Resort Savings & Loans posts N3.4bn net profit

he Resort Savings and Loans Plc, a mortgagebanking firm, on Thursday said that it posted net profit of N3.4 billion in 2012.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Abimbola Olayinka, disclosed this at the 7th Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the company in Ibadan.

“Our bank made a comprehensive net income of N3.4 billion with an operating income of N1.4 billion in the year 2012 “, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria,

NAN, reports that the outfit is a real estate investor with housing projects at Lekki, Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry, Ado-Ekiti, Ofada, Yola, Jalingo and Abuja.

Olayinka, who compared the report to the N1.0 billion of the year 2011, said it was surely a remarkable achievement.

“Our basic Earnings per Share stood at 30k from a negative position of 9k in the year 2011,” he said.

He said that the bank, which has the vision to be a leading and reputable mortgage banking ser-

vice provider, was being guided by core values of Professionalism, Reliability, Integrity, Team Work and Excellence, PRITE. He said that in spite of the difficulties in the operating environment caused by violence, flood and improved regulation of financial institution, it would strive to exceed stakeholders’ expectations in terms of returns and assets.

Chief Babatunde Adefarati, Chairman of the bank, who reviewed the operating environment, said that the year was “one

of refocusing for the outfit in all fronts leading to impressive returns”.

“Without doubt, the result achieved is sustainable in the foreseeable future,” he said.

Adefarati said that in spite of the operating challenges in the economy arising from on-going reforms in the financial system, the banking sector returned profits in the first quarter of the year.

NAN reports that both the management and shareholders agreed at the AGM that there would be no payment of dividends.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Business News

Friday, November 15, 2013

FG, Lagos feud deepens over control of inland waterways FRANCIS EZEM

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trong indications emerged that the ongoing silent war between the Federal and the Lagos State Government over the ownership and control of the waterways in the may have deepened as the says it is not bound by the provisions of the National Inland Waterways Act, which provides the power of the central government and the federating units in terms of inland waters regulation.

Under the Act, NIWA is the apex regulatory organ for Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways as well as some jetties and other loading and discharging facilities within the inland waters, as stakeholders believe that such sweeping powers may infringe on the rights of coastal states.

Newly appointed managing director of NIWA, Hajia Innah Ciroma, had recently threatened to ask the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to institute a legal action against the state over alleged encroachment on a parcel

of land on the waterfront of Lekki Phase 1 Housing Scheme near the Banana Island.

Governor Fashola, who spoke in Lagos yesterday at the ongoing 13th National Council on Transport meeting, objected strongly to some sections of the NIWA Act, which requires that the state government should obtain permit before it could carry out some projects.

The governor, who noted that the state has the capacity to fully develop and utilise the potential of the abundant inland water resources to its advantages, however regretted that some provisions of the NIWA Act have proved a clog in the wheel of progress in this direction.

“Let us reflect on the role of NIWA as it relates to municipal water transportation services as far as it is within the city of Lagos”, the governor said.

“I find it difficult to believe that I should obtain a permit or license from NIWA before it could build jetties and bridges in Lagos State across the lagoons that would promote water transport” While calling for the immedi-

ate review of the NIWA Act, insisted that the activities of some parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Transport, especially NIWA have proved to be a clog in the wheel of progress of the state.

According to him, the Federal Government has a lot to do in terms of providing the enabling environment for participation of private investors in the waterway transport in the country.

Citing the cases of huge investments by the private investors in the land transport segment such as the like likes of Izuchukwu Transport, Ekenedilichukwu Transport and others, the governor argued that that could be replicated in the water transport segment if the government creates the enabling environment.

Minister of Transport, Mallam Idris Umar, while speaking at the event, noted that its theme” Transformation of Transport Infrastructure: Catalyst for Socioeconomic Growth” is consistent with the transformation agenda of the present administration for the various sectors of the economy especially the transport sector.

41

CSR: Mobil organises three-day health campaign UDUAKABASI PATRICK PORT HARCOURT.

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obil producing Nigeria, the ExxonMobil subsidiary operators of the NNPC/MPC Joint Venture, has organized a three- day medical campaign for the people of the Onne Town area of Rivers state.

According to a company source, the programme is aimed at sensitising the people on health and treatments of diseases, even as the company also donated hospital equipment worth N5.8 million to the General Hospital, Eleme, to provide medical assistance for people of the area.

The campaign was held between November 13, 2013 and November 15, 2013 at the State Primary School Ground, Onne and it featured some minor surgeries, clinical consultation and de- worming of children.

Speaking at the occasion, the General Manager, Public and Government Affairs Mobil Pro-

ducing Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arinze told the people of the area that, the equipment are to be used in key sections of the Hospital like the Delivery Ward, Emergency ward surgical ward and Outpatient department, adding that it has a total component of one thousand four hundred units.

Arinze, who was represented

by Mr. Adeyemi Fakayejo, reiterated his company’s, commitment to the provision of opportunities for the weak and less privileged by through various community development which are used to support the government in its quest to provide basic social amenities for the people.

“Over the last five years we have executed various infrastructures and empowerment programs for Onne community, about 85 women were trained in agro-allied skills recently and in October we handed over a school block worth over N10.5m to the management of the Nigeria Navy Primary School, Onne.”

Overheating HP Chromebook 11 laptops taken off sale

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ll HP Chromebook 11 laptops have been removed from sale following reports the devices’ chargers had been overheating.

The decision to halt sales came from HP and Google after owners complained about broken chargers.

The two companies have also issued advice to existing owners telling them not to use the charger that came in the box with the computer.

Instead, they said, owners should use third-party chargers to keep the gadget going.

US reports suggest the machines have been taken off shelves at retailer Best Buy and the gadget can no longer be found in the Google, HP and Amazon online stores.

In a joint statement, Google and HP said they had received a

“small number” of reports from users saying their original charger had been damaged by overheating.

The companies said they were now looking into the problem to see what was making the chargers overheat. They apologised to customers for the inconvenience caused by the faulty chargers and added that more information would follow shortly.

The statement said that microUSB chargers that work with other tablets and smartphones should be used instead of the bundled charger. Technology news site Ars Technica noted that this advice would mean that Chromebooks took much longer to charge than they would with the original charger.

HP’s Chromebook 11 was released in early October 2013 and cost about £230 in the UK.

First Bank redefines promo with First Club loyalty reward L-R: Head of Corporate and Government Affairs, Cadbury West Africa, Mr. Bala Yesufu; Marketing Director, Cadbury Nigeria, Mr. Amir Shansi; Founder, Run For Cure Africa, Mrs. Ebele Mbanugo and Managing Director, Cadbury Nigeria, Mr. Emil Moskofian, during the ‘Run For Cure 2013’ breast cancer awareness campaign in Lagos.

Seme Customs Command generated N656m in October

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he Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service generated N656.5 million in October.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday in Badagry, the command’s Spokesman, Mr. Ernest Olottah, noted that the revenue was less than the N698 million the command generated in September.

Olottah said: “The revenue for the month of October is lower than that of September due to low patronage.

“Hopefully, things will pick up; patronage usually picks up by

the end of the year,’’ he said.

According to Olottah, the command generated more than N7.98 billion in 2012, an amount less than its target by N8 billion.

He expressed optimism that the command would realise the N13 billion target it set for this year.

The spokesman told NAN that the command also made 73 seizures in October, with a Duty Paid Value, DPV, of N34.5 million.

He listed the seized items to include cars, bags of rice, vegetable oil, secondhand clothes, frozen poultry products and general

goods.

Olottah said that the command arrested three suspects in the month over alleged smuggling.

He gave the assurance that the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations.

He urged Nigerians to desist from smuggling goods into the country because of its adverse effect on the economy.

“We need to realise that smuggling is not good for the economy; we must work together to save our economy.’’

He advised Nigerians to follow due process in importing and exporting any products.

ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI

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oving away from the norm to create a unique experience for all customers against game of luck promo, First Bank of Nigeria group has launched ‘First Club,’ a reward system designed for the bank’s kind customer.

According to bank during the launch at the four points Sheraton hotel, the enterprise loyalty scheme cuts across all the First bank group operations and transactions for valuable customers, serving as a platform to reward and appreciate them for every moment of engagement with the group.

The Group Managing Director of First Bank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya

who was represented by the Chief Finance Officer of the group, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu described the launch of the ‘First Club’ as another statement of the bank’s record of scoring first in initiatives and products, that transforms the process of interaction between banks and customers.

Onasanya affirmed that the “First Club” is targeted at the middle and upper class of customers.

He further affirmed that every transaction of the First bank customer from deposits, savings, paying utility bills, point of sales and other forms of transactions, gives ample opportunity to customers to win points and thereby qualify them to redeem them at various designated merchant locations.

42

Maritime

The worsening build up of imported cargo at most Nigeria’s seaports is currently giving sleepless nights to port management authorities, concessionaires and even the Federal Government. FRANCIS EZEM examines the issues.

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Yuletide: Checkmating worsening cargo congestion at seaports

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o say that cargo build-up also called ‘congestion’ in maritime parlance has become a major feature of Nigeria’s port system is to state the obvious. Since the infamous ‘cement armada’ in the late 1970s when the Federal Military Government had to import cement and other building materials during the post civil war reconstruction era far and above the capacity of existing port facilities, Nigeria’s port system has come to be synonymous with congestion. Since then, the nation’s seaports, especially those designated container terminals experience massive congestion mostly towards the last quarter of the year. Las year was probably an exception to this general rule, when Nigeria had to experience a decline in import volume occasioned by the economic recession that ravaged most Western nations, including Europe and America.

Congestion occurs when the volume of cargo that comes into the ports is higher than the volume that goes out, a development that reduces the capacity of the port terminals to absorb consignments. Nigeria as an importdependent nation imports virtually everything to cater for her 160 million population ranging from healthcare, information technology equipment, automobiles and even industrial equipment for its dwindling real sector, partly accounts for the build-up of cargo. So in the light of this, consumption level increases in the last quarter of the year due to preparation for the Yuletide and New Year celebrations. Another potent factor is the problem associated with the long dwell time of cargo occasioned by unprofessional trade practices by most individual importers in the country and their clearing agents or freight forwarders. More often than not, these importers deliberately leave their consignments at the port terminals, which they consider more cost-effective than keeping them in warehouses.

Over the years, congestion has been more prevalent at the Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa, which accounts for over 65 percent of the nation’s container traffic.

But most stakeholders became curious when sometime in July, it was discovered that most of the terminals, especially Ashaye Container Terminal concessioned to the Tin Can Island Container Terminal Limited was massively congested. In response to this, the leadership of the two major associations, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Associated of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) issued a one-week ultimatum to the management of the of the company to upgrade its fleet of equipment or face a shutdown. The belief of the associations was that the primary cause of the congestion was the dearth of equipment at the terminal.

But in a swift reaction, managing director of the company, Mr. Yehuda Kotic, noted that the congestion at the terminal was not caused by dearth of equipment.

“Apart from being a global firm with two major shareholders from China and France with international best practices, we have enough equipment here. In fact we are the first to acquire Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes in Nigeria, which are noted for efficiency and safety in the handling of containers, most of which are currently underutilised”, he said.

According to him, the company has over 150 pieces of refer plugs, more than seven units of mobile harbour cranes, 15 units of rubber tyre gantry cranes and also operates Terminal Operating System about 13 pieces of reach stackers, four units of top loaders, about 47 pieces of tug masters, three forklifts and over 51 units of yard trucks etc.

“The problem is that clearing agents use our terminals to store containers until they conclude their ‘negotiations’ with the Customs. You understand what I mean and then the containers will be in the terminal and they will not take it out”, Kotic also alleged.

Heaps of improperly stacked containers at the Tin Can Island Container Terminal, Apapa, Lagos.

He noted that even with the best equipment and technology, there will still be congestion if the dwell time of cargo is high and if the supporting transport infrastructure is not there as is the present situation in Apapa.

Apart from this, it was also gathered that over 2, 500 Twenty Equivalent Units (TEUs) of additional cargo have been abandoned at the terminal since 2006 by both Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

On the way forward, he noted that the Federal Government should approach the issue of congestion from two different perspectives comprising of short and long term approaches.

According to him, in the short term, the government should commence the transfer of all abandoned and other overtime containers to off dock facilities such as the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal to increase the capacity of the already congested terminal.

Still on the short term, the government should also compel all shipping lines to begin to stem containers at the Nigeria Customs Service bonded terminals, where they will be examined and released to the owners by the relevant government agencies and released to the respective owners.

He also said: Government should as a matter of urgency find ways of discouraging clearing agents from using the terminals as their storage facilities while ‘negotiating’ the release of their consignments with Customs, which make the cargo dwell time unnecessarily long”.

He argued that the average dwell time of cargo at Nigeria’s seaports is 21 days and above, while it is between three to five days elsewhere, and that as long as the dwell time of cargo remains long, the ports will continue to experience congestion, which does not speak good of Nigeria’s image among comity of maritime nations.

On the long term, efforts should be made to ensure that all the government agencies at the ports operate 24 hours

POOR INFRASTRUCTURE AROUND THE PORTS, HIGH VOLUME OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AND THE ATTENDANT BOTTLENECK CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE OF THE CONGESTION AT THE PORTS, SO GOVERNMENT

SHOULD IMPROVE ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO ELIMINATE ALL BOTTLENECKS

per day and seven days of the week to facilitate constant cargo delivery.

This, according to him is because the concessionaire operates 24 hour per day and seven days of the week, arguing that even during the public holidays, the terminal operators keeps receiving containers from the ships even as no container will be delivered because the other agencies do not work at the weekends and public holidays.

“Poor infrastructure around the ports, high volume of vehicular traffic and the attendant bottleneck contribute to the cause of the congestion at the ports, so government should as a long term deliberate strategy strive to improve on the infrastructure to eliminate all bottlenecks impeding smooth and efficient cargo delivery”, he also suggested As if to underscore the importance of having a congestion-free port, the Minister of Transport, Mallam Idris Umar undertook a fact finding tour of the facility.

He had frowned at what he described as the slow and unprofessional manner of cargo transfer from the terminal to the scanning site, managed by Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited, the service provider in charge of the Ashaye terminal.

The minister had linked the cargo build-up to the inadequate logistics supply by the concessionaire, TICT. He had also bemoaned the slow process of transfer of cargo by the terminal operator and also expressed worries at the incessant breakdown of the concessionaire’s server, which he said compounded the problem by making goods clearing procedure very slow.

He therefore warned that the government would not tolerate complacency on the part of any concessionaire, who fails to comply with any area of the concessionaire especially by failing to provide the necessary logistics that aid efficient cargo delivery at the seaports.

Meanwhile Customs area controller of the Tin Can Island command, Mallam Zakari Jibrin toured the port at the wake of the congestion, while speaking with news men recently on the activities of the command blamed the congestion on the inability of the terminal operator, TICT to supply containers to the scanning site.

“TICT has a lot of cargo, no space because empty containers have taken over most of the available spaces.

Cotecna is waiting to scan but there is usually no transfer of cargo from TICT because of logistic problem”, the Customs boss said.

Jibrin also said: “Cotecna has told us that they have capacity to can scan more than 400 containers daily but TICT can only make 200 available to them and sometimes less because the trucks are inadequate.

In view of the obvious challenges, rather than pass bulk, the stakeholders should work together to ensure that the problem does not escalate beyond the current level, especially as the Yuletide and New Year celebrations draw near.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Maritime

Friday, November 15, 2013

STORIES: FRANCIS EZEM

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orried by the seeming domination of the men folk in all aspects of Nigeria’s political economy, Minister of Transport, Mallam Idris Umar has made a strong case for the building of capacity for women to increase their competitiveness with the men folk..

The Minister spoke at the induction ceremony of the MMS Plus Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame organised by Kings Communication Limited in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social to Development in Lagos recently as part of efforts to inspire younger generation of women in the maritime, finance and oil and gas sectors to bring out the best in them.

According to him, building capacity among women both in the formal and informal sectors of the economy would engender equal development as the nation moves toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The Minister, who was represented by the Deputy Director in charge of press of the Ministry, Mrs. Yetunde Sonaike however charged the organisers of the event to also look out for women in the informal sector of the economy in order to honour them.

“I want to say that by next year, apart from these women who are in formal sector, we should identify and honour those who are also in the informal sector, who, have equally excelled in their trades so that together, all of us can have a sense of be-

Minister canvasses women empowerment towards MDGs realisation

Idris Umar

DG NIMASA. Patrick Akpobolokemi

longing and be motivated to do more.”, the Minister said.

“Women who sell akara (bean cake) along the streetS, who have done very well should be encouraged by being honoured so as to encourage them in their own little way.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina while speaking at the event said there was need to build synergy with the organisers of the event to establish a sustainable collaboration that will transform the lives of women.

“The vision behind the initiative plays a complementary role with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and it is on this premise that the ministry

finds the need to identify and collaborate with Kings Communications Limited, the organisers of MMS Plus Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame. We hope to build a sustainable collaboration that will transform the lives of women”, she said.

The minister, who was represented by a director in the ministry, Mrs. Ibironke Lapite, however charged women in both the formal and informal sectors of the economy to contribute their quota towards the development of the economy in their own little way.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun, who extolled the virtues of women, said “Women have become veritable tools in the world. Women have done wonderfully spiritually, physically and in all ways.

CILT charges govt on investments in maritime education

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hartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has said that only massive investment in maritime education and capacity building would launch Nigeria into the global arena as a serious maritime nation.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), apex maritime regulatory agency also charged with the responsibility of building capacity is currently running the National Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) under which it hopes to boost a pool of seafarers both for the local industry and export.

Under the programme, which is designed to bridge the shortage in the supply of seafarers in Nigeria and the global market, the Federal Government is targeting foreign exchange earnings in excess of $6billion annually from the export of seafarers.

Newly elected chairman of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the institute, Dr. Innocent Ezeala, who spoke at the inauguration of the new executives, observed that as a maritime nation, Nigeria needed to investment more in maritime education and capacity building.

The chairman on spoke on the topic: ‘Challenges of Maritime Education in Nigeria’ noted that maritime education and capacity building are critical to the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

“Nigeria needs to invest more in maritime education if she wants to be a force to be reckoned with in the global maritime industry”, Ezeala further argued.

He therefore charged the government to make more investments in the area of mar-

43

itime education despite what it has done in the past or is doing now, adding that such investment is critical to the growth and development of the industry.

Outgoing chairman of the chapter, Dr. (Mrs.) Arit Mkpandiok, while speaking at the event also harped on the need to build adequate capacity to facilitate the growth and development of the industry.

She also noted that there was need to bring women into the mainstream of running the industry to also enable them contribute their quota to growth of the industry.

“If women are carried along in the planning and execution of development projects not only in the maritime industry but also in all aspects economic and socio-political life, Nigeria will witness more growth than she is currently experiencing”, Mrs. Mkpandiok further argued.

Meanwhile, rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Mr. Joshua Okpo, who also spoke at the event pledged to continue to partner the newly inaugurated executives in order to achieve the goals of the institute.

The rector, who was represented by Captain Francis Kponu, a director of the academy in charge of Nautical Sciences department, said the academy will continue to assist the institute in any way possible towards the realisation of its vision and mission.

The rector however thanked the out gone executive under the leadership of Dr. Mkpandiok for its efforts that has bought due recognition to the Akwa Ibom branch of the institute.

He also thanked corporate organisa-

tions and governments and agencies who have deemed it necessary to sponsor cadets to the academy but appealed to them to grant such beneficiaries study leave to enable them have enough time to meet up with the man hours required to maximise the full benefits of the programmes they undertake at the academy.

The MAN-boss however regretted that there are not enough women in the maritime industry, a development, he said, should be urgently addressed to enable them compete with their men folk.

National President of the body, Major General Usman (rtd) who spoke at the occasion, challenged the new executives to surpass their predecessors, urging them to carry their new members along in everything they do .

The national president, who emphasised on the need to create a succession plan, also warned the new chairman against being an arm chairman but that he rather add value to activities of his branch in order to remain relevant in the scheme of thing.

Industry stakeholders set to storm NIFF workshop Barring any last minute change of mind, chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) Princess Vicky Haastrup will tomorrow lead a team of maritime stakeholders who will engage registered freight forwarders in a robust interactive training session.

This training workshop marks the end of year Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme of the Nigerian Institute of Freight Forwarders (NIFF).

Ogbeifun, who listed some women who have made their marks in their different areas of endeavour, noted that such women have become a means of inspiration to the younger generations, arguing that women are more dependable and less corrupt hence, the need to play more intellectual roles in the society.

Meanwhile, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and current Secretary-General of Abuja MOU, Mrs. Mfom Usoro, who spoke at the occasion, charged women to undergo developmental studies that will enhance their growth.

“It is important to make sure that you develop yourselves, get the skills that are required for positions you are to achieve and then work and invest towards achieving your goals,” she said.

She enjoined the women folk to dare all the odds to get to their goals.

“Most of us are capable but for cultural reasons, we do rule ourselves out. We have to blow our trumpets with reasons. It is important we go beyond the cultural barriers that we find ourselves in and so, we should be determined to stop categorising other women who are goal- getters as aggressive because those are the negative gender bias that men use, we should stop saying nasty things about women who have the courage to bring themselves forward.” Usoro insisted.

Maritime stakeholders storm freight forwarders’ workshop

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hairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) Princess Vicky Haastrup will on Saturday, November 16, 2013 lead the team of Maritime Stakeholders who will engage registered freight forwarders in a robust interactive training session marking the end of year Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programme of the Nigerian Institute of Freight Forwarders.

The training programme which is conducted under the statutory powers of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria will bring together all freight forwarders who have been registered by the Council as a condition for the issuance of the annual practicing license which is mandated by law to be issued by the CRFFN A statement signed by Barrister Valentino Buoro, Executive Secretary of the Institute, said that other facilitators that have been lined up for the programme include erudite maritime lawyer and arbitrator, Mrs Jean Anishere; and a top ranking Customs Officer. This end of year training will also feature key industry personalities such as Otunba Kunle Folarin, Chairman of the Port Consultative Forum sitting as Chairman of a training session. Other personalities that have been accepted to chair sessions at the knowledge-packed programme are Sir Mike Jukwe, Registrar/CEO of the CRFFN; Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, Founder NAGAFF and Prince Olayiwola Shittu, President Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).

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Agri Business

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, November 15, 2013

wants regulatory FAO, WHO seek to improve WaterAid commission for water sector nutrition globally I

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he UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, says food systems will need to change significantly to tackle severe nutrition problems that currently afflict more than half of the world’s population.

FAO’s Director-General, Mr. Jose Graziano da Silva, made this known in Rome at a threeday meeting, organised by FAO and the World Health Organisation, WHO. The meeting aims to boost coordination of international efforts to address the agricultural, economic, health and food systems and other factors that negatively influence what and how people eat, especially in developing countries.

“It is clear that the ways in which food is managed today are failing to result in sufficient improvements in nutrition and the most shocking fact is that over 840 million people still suffer from hunger today, in spite of the fact that the world already

produces enough food for all, and wastes one-third of it.’’

He said that the total amount of food produced but not consumed would be enough to feed an additional two billion.

“But, the truth of the matter is that today, consumers are not receiving the right signals from current policies about how to eat healthily. That is what we need to address,’’ he noted.

Mr Hans Troedsson, Executive Director of the WHO Director-General’s Office, called for a rethinking of the way in which the food system was managed, saying diet was a key factor in tackling the global burden of disease.

Troedsson stated: “If we, in the past, were mainly challenged by malnutrition in children, we are today facing an epidemic of poor diets and low physical activity, leading to high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and overweight.

“The nutrition and health

threats have actually expanded and worsened and this will not go away by itself. We need to address it urgently now and in the future.’’

He added that the health sector and the food sector needed to work together.

According to FAO, over half of the world’s population is affected by some form of malnutrition, while 842 million people are chronically hungry, many more die or suffer the ill effects of inadequate nutrition.

It said that around two billion people were affected by micro nutrient deficiencies, close to seven million children die before their fifth birthday every year.

And 162 million children under five are stunted. In addition, 500 million people are obese.

The meeting is a preparatory event designed to lay the groundwork for the Second International Conference on Nutrition, ICN2, scheduled to take place in November 2014.

A cocoa farm

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n an effort to enhance the quality of water in the country, WaterAid, an NGO, on Wednesday pushed for the establishment of a commission to regulate the water sector.

The Country Representative of WaterAid, Mr Timeyin Uwejamomere, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja.

He also urged state governments to similar outfits at their level to help in the supervision of the water sector.

“Nigeria has to have its own regulatory system ensuring that water quality is maintained. We should have a water regulator; there should be a commission or a body in Nigeria or at different state level that has responsibility for regulation of the water industry.

“This commission will have a responsibility for the regulating of the price of water; regulating the standard and quality of water that people drink and it will also have the responsibility for ensuring that the utilities of the rural water agencies take particular responsibility to set up investment targets that would extend water to different parts of our country.”

According to Uwejamomere, most states in the country, especially the rural areas, suffer from lack of potable water, a situation, which has resulted in the outbreak of water-borne diseases that have killed many children.

He urged state governments to invest in their water boards to ensure that the people had access to clean water and sanitation.

The country representative stressed the need for politicians to stop the habit of promising to provide free water to the people as a water board could function well only when bills were being paid by customers constantly.

Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwumi Adesina

“A candidate goes to become governor of a state and he goes to the political rostrum and he tells the people that when I become governor I would give you free water – it is dividends of democracy.

“But that is not possible in the kind of country that we are in because you need money to invest in producing water services and one of the main ways by which you can raise money is to charge for the service; we have 150 million people in Nigeria and an average state has five million, 10 million population.

“I do not think that any state can afford to invest money in those services and give water to everybody in their state; so it is only responsible for politicians to stop making statements that does not help these water board because when the staff go out to serve bills people refuse to pay because the candidate has said water is dividends of democracy; it’s not fair on these utility managers and it’s one of the things we think should be addressed in Nigeria.’’

Farmers laud grazing land project in Jigawa

armers in Malammadori Local Government Council of Jigawa State yesterday commended the state government for initiating the grazing land and cattle route development project in the area.

Cross section of farmers gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Malamadori.

One of them, Alhaji Sule Harka said

the project would encourage agriculture and livestock production.

Harka, who is also the chairman of one of the farmers groups in the area, said the project would also curb incessant farmer and herdsmen clashes.

“We commend the state government for the establishment of grazing land, cattle routes and wind pumps.

“The projects will encourage productivity and enhance access to safe drink-

ing water for animal and human consumption,” he said.

NAN reports that the Jigawa Government had established modern grazing sites at Kashindila, Chutari, Agayan and Ciromari villages, in a bid to encourage herdsmen to settle down and minimise clashes with farmers.

The grazing lands were equipped with pastures, water points and veterinary centres.

Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Capital Market

Friday, November 15, 2013

45

Index sheds 0.5% in bullish trading JOHNSON OKANLAWON

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rading in equities continued on bullish note on the Nigerian Stock Exchange yesterday, as more investors sold their holdings to take profit.

Specifically, the All Share Index lost 0.46 per cent to close at 37,772.86 points, compared to the decline of 0.89 per cent recorded the preceding day to close at 37,949.11 points.

Market capitalization depreciated N57bn to close at N12.067trn, lower than the decrease of N110bn recorded the preceding day

to close at N12.124trn.

On the sectorial indices, the NSE 30-Index lost 0.49 per cent to close at 1,754.29 points, while the Banking Index rose 0.85 per cent to close at 404.03 POINTS. THE Insurance Index gained 2.36 per cent to close at 138.09 points, while the Consumer Goods Index shed 1.37 per cent to close at 1,074.96 points.

The Oil and Gas Index appreciated 2.93 per cent to close at 286.40 points, while the Lotus Islamic Index increased 0.95 per cent to close at 2,676.31 points.

The Industrial Index lost 0.17 per cent to close at 2,275.94 points, while the Alternative Securities Market remained unchanged.

MRS Oil Plc led the gainers’ table with N4.42 or 10.23 per cent to close at N47.63 per share, followed

by Conoil Plc with N7.05 or 10.22 per cent to close at N76.00 per share.

Transcorp Plc gained 30 kobo or 10 per cent to close at N3.30 per share, while Oando Plc appreciated 55 kobo or 4.95 per cent to close at N11.65 per share.

Learn Africa Plc was up eight kobo or 4.68 per

cent to close at N1.79 per share.

Conversely, Cutix Plc shed nine kobo or 4.86 per cent to close at N1.76 per share, while Neimeth Plc fell five kobo or 4.81 per cent to close 99 kobo per share.

Livestock Plc declined 16 kobo or 4.47 per cent to close at N3.42 per share, while Sterling Bank Plc dipped eight kobo or 3.39 per cent to close at N2.28 per share.

FCMB Plc depreciated 10 kobo or 2.78 per cent to close at N3.50 per share.

A total of 278.7 million shares valued at N2.93bn were traded in 4,358 deals.

Source: NSE

CBO Capital acquires stake in Union Dicon Salt JOHNSON OKANLAWON

U

nion Dicon Salt yesterday announced that a new core investor, CBO, Capital Partners, has become a significant minority shareholder in the company.

A statement from the company said CBO Capita Partners has been given a management contract to turnaround the company.

With the deal, CBO Capital has acquired 41

million ordinary shares of the company and has also acquired an option to purchase a further 240 million ordinary shares for a consideration of N3.36bn.

The statement quoted the Managing Director of the company, Mr. Henry Mgbemena, as saying that the company is glad to have on board CBO to rejuvenate the company.

According to him, the company will soon announce a strategy that will involve investment of

billion of Naira over the next two years.

The Executive Director of CBO Capital, Mr. Bex Nwawudu, said, “CBO Capital is very conscious of the exceptional history of the company, and we fully intend to take it to greater heights. This is a part of our investment philosophy of dedicated to developing Nigeria.

“We are grateful to the board and management of Union Dicon Salt Plc for their understanding of professionalism during

negotiations and we are proud to become shareholders of this illustrious company.”

He added that the turnaround programme for the company is being finalized with the current management and implementation will commence in the first quarter of 2014.

“The company is currently concluding on a variety of strategic option for a 2014 capex requirement of N4bn that will be imminently announced,” he said.

Source: FMDA

Market indicators All-Share Index 37,772.86 points Market capitalisation 12.10 trillion

Stock Updates GAINERS COMPANY

OPENING

CLOSING

CHANGE

% CHANGE

MRS

43.21

47.63

4.42

10.23

CONOIL

68.95

76.00

7.05

10.22

TRANSCORP

3.00

3.30

0.30

10.00

OANDO

11.10

11.65

0.55

4.95

LEARNAFRCA

1.71

1.79

0.08

4.68

AGLEVENT

1.50

1.57

0.07

4.67

CONTINSURE

1.08

1.13

0.05

4.63

IPWA

0.70

0.73

0.03

4.29

CILEASING

0.50

0.52

0.02

4.00

REDSTAREX

4.33

4.50

0.17

3.93

CHANGE

% CHANGE

LOSERS COMPANY

Global shares rally on Yellen hopes, sagging growth hits euro

G

lobal equity markets mostly rose yesterday after Janet Yellen, President Obama’s choice to lead the Federal Reserve, signaled the United States central bank’s loose monetary policy would remain in place for some time, while weak euro zone growth lifted the dollar.

Yellen defended the Fed’s bold steps to spur economic growth, calling efforts to boost hiring imperative during a hearing over her nomination before the US Senate Banking Committee.

Yellen’s comments drove the Dow and the S&P 500 to fresh record highs after her prepared remarks on Wednesday spurred the two indices to closing highs and lifted European shares on Thursday before the hearing.

Canada’s main stock

index hit a two-week high, while the major stock indices in Mexico and Brazil rallied.

Earlier in the session, the prepared remarks sparked a broad rally in Asia, led by a 2.1 per cent jump in Japan’s Nikkei to a six-month high.

US Treasury debt prices rose, while spot gold prices rose 1.6 per cent to extend gains for a second session.

The market initially had a bearish reaction to Yellen’s responses to questions from the committee, “but as her comments have rolled in the market has found a little bit of stability and stocks rallied,” said Ian Lyngen, senior government bond strategist at CRT Capital in Stamford, Connecticut.

MSCI’s all-country world stock index rose 0.72 per cent while, while the pan-European FTSEu-

rofirst 300 index gained 0.83 per cent to close at a provisional 1,294.27 points.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 36.16 points, or 0.23 per cent, at 15,857.79 points, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was up 6.25 points, or 0.35 per cent, at 1,788.25 points. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 4.59 points, or 0.12 per cent, at 3,960.99 points.

Investors view Yellen, along with out-going Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, as a strong proponent of the Fed’s current ultraloose monetary policy.

They reckon a Fed under Yellen’s leadership will continue stimulus with the goal to lower unemployment and to raise inflation.

The euro fell as the euro zone reported weakening growth, while the dollar touched a two-month

high against the yen after Japan’s finance minister said currency intervention was still a policy option.

The data showed the euro zone only just emerged from recession in the third quarter with growth of 0.1 per cent, dragged down by a contraction in France.

The euro was down 0.08 percent at $1.3473 after climbing to a five-day peak of $1.3497 earlier.

OPENING

CLOSING

CUTIX

1.85

1.76

-0.09

-4.86

NEIMETH

1.04

0.99

-0.05

-4.81

LIVESTOCK

3.58

3.42

-0.16

-4.47

STERLNBANK

2.36

2.28

-0.08

-3.39

FCMB

3.60

3.50

-0.10

-2.78

IKEJAHOTEL

0.73

0.71

-0.02

-2.74

NESTLE

1,160.00

1,129.00

-31.00

-2.67

UBA

7.89

7.72

-0.17

-2.15

INTENEGINS

0.53

0.52

-0.01

-1.89

ASHAKACEM

21.86

21.45

-0.41

-1.88

Primary Market Auction TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

91-Day

22,057.31

11.50

07-Nov-13

182-Day

30,000.00

11.59

07-Nov-13

182-Day

47,786.39

13.05

07-Nov-13

Open Market Operations TENOR

AMOUNT (N’mn)

RATE (%)

DATE

178-Day

86,709.13

12.35

07-Nov-13

175-Day

95,368.69

12.35

07-Nov-13

-

-

-

-

Wholesale Dutch Auction System

Bernanke

AMOUNT OFFERED

MARKET DEMAND

AMOUNT SOLD

DATE

$350m

N/A

$343m

04-Nov-13

$400m

N/A

$399m

30-Oct-13

46

Capital Market

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Stock exchange daily equities summary Equities as at November 14, 2013

1st Tier Securities Sector

Company name

1st Tier Securities 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)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Friday, November 15, 2013

47

Community Mirror I firmly believe that democracy is the panacea to the numerous afflictions besetting Africa.

SENATE PRESIDENT, DAVID MARK

Grief, outpouring of emotion as Deji Falae is buried HAKEEM GBADAMOSI AKURE

I

t was raw grief, great outpouring of emotion yesterday as Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Deji Fa-

lae, who died in the Associated Airline crash on October 3, was laid to rest.

The remains of Deji, the son of the former Minister of Finance, Chief Olu Falae, were laid to rest at the cemetery of St. David’s

Cathedral Church, Ijomu, Akure, around 11am after a brief church service attended by family members, government officials, political associates, colleagues of the late commissioner and friends.

Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, wife of the deceased, family members and friends could not hide their emotions as they burst into in tears immediately Falae’s body was committed to mother earth.

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (left), his wife, Olukemi (2nd left), Mrs Eseh Falae, Widow of the late Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barr Deji Falae, being consoled by family members, during the interment of the late Commissioner, at the Cemetery of St David’s Anglican Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, on Thursday

The widow, Ezeh, could not mutter a word as she was just starring blankly into space while family members provided support for her at the graveside.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Akure Diocese, Rt. Rev. Borokini, admonished the people to be closer to their creator and be upright in their dealings in life.

The cleric, who likened the world to a market place, said everyone would give account of his activities on earth at the appointed time.

He urged the people to be mindful of their dealings on earth, saying one day, there would be a call to eternal rest.

The burial ceremony began on Wednesday with a wake-keep at the state Cultural Centre which was filled to capacity, as many of the well wishers, especially the staff of Ministry of Culture and Tourism, were clad in black T-shirts branded with the picture of the deceased.

Rev. Adaramewa Ijatuyi of St David’s Anglican Cathedral Church, Akure, who officiated at the service, reminded Christians that both heaven and hell were real and urged the people to live a holy life so that they could reign with God in heaven.

Ijatuyi noted that the good testimonies which trailed Falae’s death showed that he lived a life worthy of emulation even at his very young age.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the interment service, Mimiko described the late Deji as an industrious and humble person who was ready to serve the people at any time, saying the death of the “young man was a great loss to the family, the state and the country at large”.

Falae was one of the 15 people who lost their lives in the Associated Airlines plane crash which was conveying the remains of former governor of Ondo state, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, from Lagos to Akure.

Agency boss tasks FG on job creation CHRIS NJOKU OWERRI

A Deji’s last born, Oreoluwa performing dust to dust right

Deji’s first daughter, Wonuola weeping at the cementray

How armed robber killed security guard –Witness WALE IGBINTADE

A

Lagos based business woman, Alhaja Maimunat Muhammed, yesterday gave a graphic account before a Lagos High Court of how a suspected armed robber, Victor Agwu murdered her security guard.

The armed robbery suspect, Agwu was being re-arraigned before Justice Aishat Opesanwo

on a three-count charge bordering on murder, conspiracy and attempted armed robbery.

The business woman, Alhaja Maimunat Muhammed who was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Mr W.A Quadri, said her security guard was murdered in her residence in 2011.

According to her, on December 12, 2011, around 1:45 a.m, she was already asleep when she heard the

sound of someone jumping into her compound.

“The sound of the intruder woke me up, I later heard gunshots twice then I peeped through my window and saw my security guard on the floor.

“It was the defendant I saw, and after the gunshots he climbed my compound fence to jump back into an uncompleted building which was beside my house, I was frightened but summoned cour-

age to call police and a neighbour whose house is not far from my house.

“My neighbour also called police, and before day break, police responded, surrounded the building and arrested the defendant”, she said.

Under cross-examination by the defendant counsel, Mr A.K Omodele’ the witness admitted that she did not see the defendant shoot her security guard but only heard the gunshots.

call has gone to the Federal Government to come up with a broad policy that will ensure creation of employment opportunities for the teeming youths across the nation.

The Director-General, Imo State Orientation Agency, Chief Prince-Ford Ozumba made the call while receiving the leadership of the National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS) who paid him a courtesy visit.

The orientation boss reaffirmed that job creation will give the youths a sense of direction and help to reduce restiveness.

Prince Ozumba disclosed that Imo State Orientation Agency had in the past organised seminars/ workshops

aimed at repositioning the psyche of the youths for useful engagements, adding that the state government will continue to embark on programmes that will positively affect the youths.

He commended the leadership of NAISS for recognising and appreciating the achievements of his agency and expressed the need for all student bodies in the state to come together under one umbrella for better management.

Earlier, leader of the delegation and National Senate President, NAISS, Mr. Celestine Uzoma had said they were at the agency to show their appreciation as a way of acknowledging its modest achievement in the area of awareness creation as well as campaign for positive attitudinal change.

48

B

Transition

Friday, November 15, 2013

Madu West: Passage to the great beyond

orn 53 years ago into a quiet and humbly family of Mr and Mrs Sunday Madu in Naze, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State; Augustine Madu west, a dye in the wool journalist had his early education at St. Jude’s Primary school, Naze and Secondary at Egbu Comprehensive School also in Naza.

Soon after his secondary education, he took to journalism informally, by serving as office boy to some veteran journalists at Mbaise road, then known as the fleet street of Owerri.

He later joined a political newspaper called the Eagle, based in Aba. Though raw and untrained, he was productive, obedient and ready to learn.

He did not get satisfied with what he was doing with Eagle in Aba, Mr Bonny Ajogu, the then Chief correspondent of the Standard Group of Newspapers gave him my name as a sub editor in the Jos based Standard Newspapers. Armed with this, he hit the road to Jos. We pressed all the necessary buttons but could not succeed for him to work for the company. Various reasons were advanced for their inability to give him a job even as a trainee reporter.

I directed him to one Lady Stella Salamatu, who was then the subeditor of the Triumph newspaper, a Kano State Government owned newspaper. Here also there was no luck. This was in early eighties.

At home with his senior sister, he started freelancing for the then Daily Star newspaper owned then by Anambra State with its headquarters in Enugu. In his usual amiable and friendly character, he ran into the State Chairman, Kano State NUJ, Prince Ajayi memaiyetan who quickly recommended him to authorities of the Punch newspapers.

What actually stimulated his recom-

mendation were his paper cuttings, especially his activities in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, then Fernando PO. While in Fernando PO, Austino as he was fondly called picked up a job as farm hand in Cocoa plantation while actually doing a media freelance job to expose the slave labour and maltreatment of Nigerian labourers on that Island. He was later detected, arrested, detained later released and sent packing. This particular act of bravery helped sell him to the Punch newspapers.

He worked for upwards of 15 years for the paper and even rose to the rank of Assistant news editor. When the punch transferred him to Lagos, he resigned because he was getting married to a woman journalist who worked for the New Nigerian newspapers. She was former Miss Theresa Echibe who also came from the same state as him. They had two daughters before the union broke down irretrievably.

When the marriage was formally dissolved, Theresa left Nigeria for Europe with their two daughters. The two daughters who live In England are successful; happily married and now have children.

One of the daughters is a lawyer while the other is a medical doctor.

Soon after he left the Punch, the Independent group of newspapers welcomed him into their fold on the same level he left the Punch. His last medium as a journalist was the National Mirror where he served them as Bureau Chief Kano. He studied Mass Communication at Bayero University Kano (BUK).

As Austin who died on September 12 2013 is being buried today Friday November 15, we say may God accept his humble soul. Adieu Madu West.

By Mike Ugoh

Oshiomole’s aide loses mother

T

he remains of Chief Mrs. Scholastica Alice Musa who passed away on September 3, 2013 will be interred today at Iraokho, Etsakor Central Council, Edo State.

Thanksgiving service will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2013 at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Iraokho by8:300am.

Chief Mrs. Scholastica Musa who passed on at the age of 80 after a protracted illness is survived by many children and grand children, among whom is Mr. Ebomhiana Musa, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Comrade Adam Oshiomole of Edo State.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Kayode Bammeke

T

he death has been announced of Mr. Amos Kayode Bammeke. He was aged 48 years. Until his death on November 7, 2013 after a brief illness, he was a Lagos businessman and socialite.

While alive, he was an active member and choirmaster of The Apostolic Church, Idimu, Lagos.

A statement by the Bammeke family of Ilaro, Ogun State, said the deceased was born on February 14, 1965 in Lagos.

It said further that he had his primary and secondary education in Lagos State.

Late Bammeke, a Business Administration graduate initially pursued his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) programme at the Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin.

He thereafter attended Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos where he completed his Higher National Diploma (HND) programme. After his National Youth Service Corps NYSC, Bammeke secured an appointment as a Manager with the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC).

When he resigned from NBC, he joined Guinness Nigeria as a Sales Representative. He was exposed to several manage-

C

ment training courses and he worked for several years till 2000 when he left to set up his own business.

A pleasant and likeable personality, the late Bammeke was a patron to some youth clubs and societies.

He is survived by his wife, Mojisola, children, brothers, sisters and relatives.

The deceased was interred yesterday at his Idimu residence, Lagos after a burial service conducted by the Apostolic Church, Idimu.

Anenih condoles Shema over father’s death

hairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, has condoled Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema over the death of his father, Alhaji Shehu Shema.

Anenih, in a letter of condolence to Governor Shema dated November 12, 2013, said the death of his father who had availed him tremendous counsel in overseeing the affairs of the State must indeed be painful; adding that he shared in the pains of the loss, Anenih declared that “the loss of such a dear one can be most painful because

of the void created and which usually is impossible to fill.”

He encouraged Governor Shema to take solace in the fact that his father lived a worthy life and left behind an enviable legacy, for which he will forever be remembered.

Anenih said in the one-page letter: “On behalf of myself and my family, I join your numerous associates and friends nationwide to extend my sincere condolence to you, your family and the entire people of Katsina over the great loss. It is my prayer that the Almighty God will grant eternal rest to the departed soul.”

Pa Oluyinka Shodipo

T

he death has occurred of Pa Samson Oluyinka Shodipo, the head, Soji dynasty of Soji compound, Igbore, Abeokuta, Ogun State and former Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Sango Ota Police Divisional Headquarters, Ogun State. He died on Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the age of 87.

He is survived by wife, children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

During his career in the Nigeria Police Force, which he joined on July 1, 1949, Pa Shodipo served in various Police formations across the country’s six geo-political zones as Divisional Police Officer DPO, Divisional Crime Officer DCO, Divisional Traffic Officer, DTO and MOPOL Unit Commander, among others.

He was also in the Nigeria Police contingent to Congo Leopoville on peace keeping mission in 1962.

Pa Shodipo, who retired from the Nigeria Police Force on April 1, 1988, would be well remembered in the Nigeria Police Force as the first Police Officer to be honoured with the Inspector-General of Police (IG) merit award for his gallantry in ensuring estoration of peace and order

and protection of lives and property during the famous Badagry Water Disaster in 1955.

In a statement made available by one of his sons, Mr. Seyi Shodipo, a journalist and public affairs analyst, the Soji dynasty and Shodipo family received the news of the death of their patriarch, with sorrow, adding that it was a big tragedy not only to the family but to Egbaland at large.

The statement further added that burial arrangements will be announced later.

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

49

World News

U.S. carrier starts Philippine storm relief as Aquino comes under pressure

A

bout 23,000 Ethiopians have surrendered to Saudi authorities since a clampdown on illegal migrant workers began in the oil-rich kingdom last week, officials have said.

The clampdown has led to clashes in the capital, Riyadh, with at least five people killed.

Saudi authorities say they are trying to reduce the 12 per cent unemployment rate among native Saudis.

An estimated nine million migrant workers are in Saudi Arabia.

They are said to make up more than half the workforce, filling manual, clerical and service jobs.

Ethiopia’s ambassador in Riyadh, Muhammed Hassan Kabiera, said the embassy had been informed by Saudi officials that some 23,000 Ethiopians had so far handed themselves in.

Some of them have already been repatriated, with the first group arriving in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, on Wednesday, reports from Ethiopia say.

In renewed clashes on Wednesday in Riyadh’s Manfuhah district, a Sudanese national was killed, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned SPA news agency reports.

Illegal migrants “rioted, hurling rocks at passersby and cars”, it quoted police as saying.

Riyadh governor Prince Khaled bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz

50

T

–US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

Ethiopians ‘surrender’ in Saudi after clamp down

Saudi soldiers arresting illegal immigrants in Riyadh.

said the clamp down was aimed at illegal migrants, and not any “specific group”.

“We will continue these campaigns until we ensure all residents in our country are staying legally,” he is quoted by al-Riyadh newspaper as saying.

Earlier this month, the authorities began rounding up the migrants following the expiry of a seven-month amnesty for them to formalise their status.

Nearly a million Bangladeshis, Indians, Filipinos, Nepalis, Pakistanis and Yemenis are estimated

Egypt’s Morsi supporters jailed for 17 years over unrest welve supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi have been jailed for 17 years each for taking part in a violent protest in October.

They were found guilty of thuggery, assault and sabotage at the Al-Azhar University, where they were students.

Since Morsi was ousted in July, thousands of his sup-

I completely get how upsetting this can be for many Americans. To those Americans: I hear you loud and clear.

porters have been rounded up.

Many of them, including Morsi himself, have been put on trial.

Meanwhile, Egypt has lifted a nationwide state of emergency.

The state of emergency, which included nightly curfews, was introduced in the middle of August amid the bloodshed and unrest which followed the army’s removal of

The students-led protests at Al-Azhar university came amid widespread unrest over Morsi’s removal from power.

PHOTO:REUTERS

Morsi from power.

It allowed the authorities to make arrests without warrants and search people’s homes, but it has also been blamed for a fall in business in Cairo, at a time when the government is trying to create jobs and revive the economy.

A court had ruled the special measures should be lifted on Tuesday, but Egypt’s cabinet said on Wednesday that it was waiting for official notification.

A government spokesman confirmed on Thursday that it was over.

Morsi has said Egypt will not be stable until he returns to power.

The government has said it will bolster security forces in city centres and main streets, and is expected to introduce a new law which activists say will give police the power to ban protests outright.

Hundreds of people have also been killed in clashes with security forces.

PHOTO:REUTERS

to have left the country in the past three months.

More than 30,000 Yemenis have reportedly crossed to their home country in the past two weeks.

Four million other migrants obtained work permits before the deadline expired.

Poll: Most Kenyans want president to stand trial

A

majority of Kenyans want to see their president appear in court to face charges of crimes against humanity.

That’s according to a new poll on Thursday that found that 67 per cent of 2,060 Kenyans surveyed think President Uhuru Kenyatta should attend his trial at the International Criminal Court.

Kenyatta faces charges related to accusations he helped orchestrate the country’s 2007-08 postelection violence that saw more than 1,000 people killed.

Kenyatta has successfully rallied leaders across Africa to denounce The Hague, Netherlandsbased court as an institution that unfairly targets Africans.

Last month the continental body, the African Union, said the ICC should delay its trial of Kenya’s president, in part because Kenya faces increased security challenges after September’s militant attack on Nairobi’s Westgate Mall that killed 67 people.

WORLD BULLETIN

French priest kidnapped in Cameroun

A French priest has been kidnapped in northern Cameroun close to the border with Nigeria, the French foreign ministry says.

Georges Vandenbeusch was seized in the early hours of yesterday in Koza, about 30km (19 miles) from the border.

“We are working with Camerounian authorities to secure his release,” French officials said in a statement.

The Nigerian Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, is known to operate in the area.

France says it warned people that the area was dangerous but that “Father Georges chose to remain in his parish to carry out his work.”

Earlier this year, seven members of a French family - four of them children - were abducted by Islamist militants and held hostage for two months.

The Moulin-Fournier family was first abducted near Cameroon’s northern Waza National Park, which lies just a few kilometres from the Nigerian border, in February.

They were taken over the border to neighbouring Nigeria.

Boko Haram was paid more than $3m (£2m) before releasing the family, according to a confidential Nigerian government report.

The report, seen by Reuters news agency, did not say who paid the money.

Both France and Cameroon denied paying a ransom while Nigeria has not commented on the issue.

Libya has lost $6 billion from oil protests –Minister

Libya has lost some $6bn due to protests at ports and oil fields that have reduced the North African country’s crude exports to a trickle, its economy minister said on Thursday.

Tribes, armed militia and members of the Berber minority have seized most oil ports and fields since August to demand more rights or better pay, adding to chaos in Libya two years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi.

“If these blockages continue it will have a big negative impact,” Economy Minister Mustafa Abu Fanas told reporters, putting the losses at almost 8 billion Libyan dinars ($6.43 billion) since summer.

He said the government would be able to pay public salaries and other expenditures by drawing in on other sources. He did not elaborate but Libya has built up reserves from times of high oil prices.

“There are now very intense efforts so this problem will perhaps be solved,” he said of the oil protests.

Libya’s economy is expected to shrink by 5.1 per cent this year, the International Monetary Fund said this week.

50

World News

WORLD BULLETIN

President Obama announces ‘Obamacare’ fix US President Barack Obama has announced a one-year reprieve for millions of Americans facing cancellation of their health insurance policies under his embattled healthcare law.

He said insurers could extend individually purchased plans that would otherwise be cancelled.

While pushing for the law’s passage, he vowed people with individual plans who liked their policies could keep them.

“We fumbled the rollout on this healthcare law,” he said.

There are a number of problems with the president’s fix. It is debatable if his reputation will be changed by a tweak that makes his original words true - for another twelve months.

In recent weeks insurance companies have sent letters to their customers announcing the cancellation of coverage that does not meet the Affordable Care Act’s strict new requirements for policies sold on the individual private market.

The law included a provision that would allow individual plans that did not meet the standard to continue as long as they were created before 2010. But many firms did not maintain these plans.

While Obama said on Thursday that those people could keep their old plans, he encouraged them to shop around for better, more costeffective coverage.

Under the change announced on Thursday, insurance companies that extend those plans will be required to inform customers of which medical care they do not cover, and inform them that other insurance options offering more coverage may be available.

Obama also said he expected to have to “win back” credibility and the “confidence” of the American people in the wake of ongoing issues with the health law, his signature domestic policy initiative.

“I completely get how upsetting this can be for many Americans,” he said, acknowledging that he had made assurances that anyone who wanted to keep their plans would be able to. “To those Americans: I hear you loud and clear.”

Cameron promises Sri Lanka ‘tough message’ on alleged war crimes

David Cameron has promised to send a “tough message” to Sri Lanka’s government over alleged war crimes after it warned him not to question ministers at the Commonwealth summit.

The UK prime minister, who has rejected calls to boycott the meeting in Colombo, said there had to be “proper inquiries” into events in 2009.

But Sri Lanka’s government said he had no right to bring up the subject, as he had not been invited on that basis.

The conference begins on Friday.

The Prince of Wales, who celebrated his 65th birthday on Thursday, is representing the Queen at the biennial event.

Cameron’s attendance follows trade talks with his Indian counterpart, Manmohan Singh, who is among those avoiding the event.

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

U.S. carrier starts Philippine storm relief as Aquino comes under pressure A U.S. aircraft carrier “strike group” started unloading food and water to the typhoon-ravaged central Philippines on Thursday, as President Benigno Aquino faced mounting pressure to speed up the distribution of supplies.

While relief efforts picked up, local authorities began burying the dead - an important, if grim, milestone for a city shredded by one of the world’s most powerful typhoons and the tsunami-like wall of seawater believed to have killed thousands.

“There are still bodies on the road,” said Alfred Romualdez, mayor of Tacloban, a city of 220,000 people reduced to rubble in worst-hit Leyte province. “It’s scary. There is a request from a community to come and collect bodies. They say it’s five or 10.

When we get there, it’s 40.”

Many petrol station owners whose businesses were spared have refused to reopen, leaving little fuel for trucks needed to move supplies and medical teams around the devastated areas nearly a week after

A typhoon victim holds a placard asking for food while standing amongst the ruins of houses destroyed by super typhoon Haiyan in Tanauan, Leyte.

Typhoon Haiyan struck.

“The choice is to use the same truck either to distribute food or collect bodies,” Romualdez added.

The nuclear-powered USS George Washington aircraft carrier and accompanying ships arrived off wind-swept eastern Samar province, carrying 5,000 crew and more than 80 aircraft, after what strike force commander Rear Admiral Mark Montgom-

ery called a “high-speed transit” from Hong Kong.

It is moored near where U.S. General Douglas MacArthur’s force of 174,000 men landed on October 20, 1944, in one of the biggest allied victories of World War Two. “Operation Damayan” started with the George Washington and two cruisers taking up position off Samar to assess damage and provide logistical and emergency

German ex-President Wulff goes on trial over ‘favours’

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ormer German President Christian Wulff has gone on trial accused of receiving and granting favours in office.

He is alleged to have accepted the payment of hotel bills by a film producer in return for lobbying while he was premier of Lower Saxony in 2008.

Wulff, who rejects all the charges against him, told the court the damage to him and his family would last “probably for the rest of my life”.

He stepped down in February 2012 after less than two years in his post.

Film producer David Groenewold also faces similar charges.

Arriving for his trial, Wulff told reporters: “This is not an easy day for me.”

But he said he was certain he would dispel the allegations against him “because I always behaved correctly in office.”

Wulff is alleged to have allowed film producer David Groenewold to pay hotel bills in Munich during the Oktoberfest beer festival in 2008 and on the northern island of Sylt in 2007.

In return, he is accused of having lobbied German companies to support Groenewold’s work.

Prosecutors had sought to put the former president on trial for corruption, but the court only approved the less serious charges.

If convicted, he faces up to three years in jail or a fine.

Wulff and Groenewold had rejected an offer from the prosecutor in March to settle the case with a fine - a procedure allowed for cases not considered especially serious.

The former president of the Bundestag (the lower house of parliament) Wolfgang Thierse, from the rival Social Democrats, told German radio that the pros-

Germans have been closely following the fall from grace of their former president (right)

ecution of Wulff was “somewhat out of proportion”.

“He’s already been punished enough by the whole affair and his resignation,” he said.

Nevertheless Thierse was very critical of his behaviour in office, saying “he gave the impression he wanted to make use of every advantage he had”.

Wulff, Chancellor Angela Merkel’s choice for president, resigned amid a welter of unfavourable coverage in the German media dealing with his links to businessmen.

The pressure on him increased at the end of December 2011 with allegations, published in the mass circulation Bild newspaper, about a low interest home loan received from the wife of a wealthy businessman in 2008.

He was accused of giving misleading statements about the loan and later apologised to the editor of Bild, Kai Diekmann, for leaving an angry message on his voicemail threatening him if the story was published.

Merkel had pushed strongly to get Wulff, from her centreright CDU party, appointed to the largely ceremonial post in 2010.

At the time of his resignation, she said she accepted it “with respect but also with regret” and that she was convinced he had “acted legally.”

Wulff was succeeded by the Lutheran pastor and former East German anti-communist campaigner, Joachim Gauck.

support such as fresh water.

Ships carried 11 pallets ashore - eight containing 1,920 gallons of water and three containing food - at Tacloban airfield. Several pallets of water were taken to Guiuan, home to home to 45,000 people, which was also badly hit by the storm.

The carrier moved some fixedwing aircraft ashore to make more room for the helicopters on the flight deck.

Aquino has been on the defensive over his handling of the storm given warnings of its projected strength and the risk of a storm surge, and now the pace of relief efforts.

He has said the death toll might have been higher had it not been for the evacuation of people and the readying of relief supplies, but survivors from worst-affected areas say they had little warning of a tsunami-like wall of water.

Hundreds held over Canada child porn olice in Canada say 348

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people have been arrested and nearly 400 children rescued during a threeyear investigation into child pornography.

At the centre of the inquiry was a Toronto-based firm that allegedly sold DVDs and streamed videos of naked children.

Azov Films marketed the footage as “naturist” and claimed it was legal in Canada and the US. The films were distributed in 94 countries, police said.

In Canada, 108 arrests were made, with another 76 in the US and 164 in other countries during the investigation codenamed Project Spade.

Inspector Joanna BeavanDesjardins, from Toronto police, said the number of suspects who had close contact with children was of particular concern to investigators.

Doctors, school teachers, foster carers and priests were among those detained, she said.

The head of Azov Films, identified as Canadian Brian Way, 42, has been in custody since his arrest in May 2011, following an undercover operation.

He is accused of paying people to film the children and has been charged with 11 offences.

The company has been shut down.

The Toronto Police Service (TPS) Child Exploitation Section was able to determine the identities of customers using Azov Films’ databases.

US investigators then joined the inquiry because many of the films were being exported to addresses in America.

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

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Friday, November 15, 2013

DfID targets 30, 000 jobs by 2015 WALE IBRAHIM LOKOJA

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n line with the determination to provide conducive environment for business and create employment opportunities, the Department for International Development (DfID) through its Growth and Employment in States Business (GEMS3) programme has said that the organisation is targeting the creation of 30, 000 jobs across the country by 2015.

The DfID said this will serve as a means of improving the business and employment fortunes of women entrepreneurs.

Project Manager of GEMS, Alexandra Mehnaz, made this known yesterday while speaking during the

GEMS3 - Business Environment Focus Group Discussion workshop facilitated by the office of the Special Adviser to the state Government on Youths Women Advancement.

Alexandra said the agencies will work in the areas of land, taxation and investment related environment to meet up with the need of each state through assessment of the opportunities and helping out in the financial constraints facing women entrepreneur.

He also noted that the organisation has planned to implement its business environment improvement framework in 12 states which will commence in Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos and

Kogi State.

Earlier in her address, the Special Adviser to the Kogi State Government on Youth and Advancement, Mrs. Temitope Shinkaye, who commended the GEMD for its consideration, said her office decided to facilitate the programme in view of the importance youths and women entrepreneur will gain from the programme.

Shinkaiye, who was represented at the occasion by the Director of Administration, state Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Bello, said the issues of land and burden of taxation has greatly affected women which has affected their business growth in the state.

She said the introduc-

tion and empowerment programme of the GEMS will go a long way to assist women entrepreneur in tackling some of the problem entrepreneur women in the state faces.

A participant at the event said that the involvement of the World Bank in assisting them harness financial supports will also go a long way to bring stability to the home front.

Mrs. Funmilayo Olowosegun, who is the President, National Council for Women Society (NCWS), explained that the programme is timely as women from the state have suffered greatly, especially on issue of land inheritance and over taxation which has led to the closure of some businesses by women.

51

One year after, Kwara citizens remember Saraki WOLE ADEDEJI ILORIN

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ignitaries, particularly political associates of Senator Bukola Saraki gathered in Ilorin yesterday for the one year anniversary and prayer for the former Senate leader, late Dr. Olusola Saraki.

It was another occasion to eulogise and extol the philanthropic nature of the late Kwara politician and his political wizardry, which dominated political affairs of the state for over four decades.

Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir, who led the prayers, described the late Saraki as a man whose love for the masses was uncommon and prayed Allah to grant him eternal rest.

Some of the late Saraki’s associates who paid glowing tributes to him included former Perma-

nent Representative at the United Nations, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, former Commissioner of Finance in Kwara State in the second republic, Alhaji Usman Mustapha and Senator Ahmed Ahmed.

Other dignitaries include Sokoto State governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamako, former Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Adamu Aliero and the former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Also present were the former Gombe State governor, Senator Danjuma Goje, former Governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former Governor of Nassarawa State, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi, Chairman PDP faction of new PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje and multibillionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

Ahmed voted ‘Best Governor in Agriculture’

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L-R: Deputy Commander-General, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Alhaji Umaru Muhammad; Assistant CommanderGeneral, Administration, Mr. Mohammed Azare; Assistant Commander-General, Mr Abdulmalik Shuab; Assistant Commander, Admininistration, FCT, Mr. Matthew Omojuni and Chairman, House Committee on Interior, Hon. Umar Bature, during the group’s courtesy visit to the House of Representatives in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

FCTA moves to solve transportation challenges OMEIZA AJAYI

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he Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has moved to solve the myriad of challenges in its transportation sector by open-

ing up the system for more investment and private sector participation.

The administration said the move would help to tackle the challenges faced by the dearth of infrastructural investment in the transportation sector.

Spokesperson of the FCT Transportation Secretariat, Stella Ojeme, said plans are afoot to hold a Transportation Investment Summit next week in Abuja.

She said the investment summit is aimed at high-

lighting the investment potentials in the areas of Rail Mass Transit; Bus Mass Transit; Organised Taxi system; Development and Management of Parking systems and Development of Transportation Centre, Sector Centres and Terminals.

8, who are brothers and Haliru, 7, who was assisting in them in the excavation process.

The incident which occurred at about 10.30am saw sympathisers making hours of frantic efforts to dig out the victims from the hole.

It was learnt that the clay was being excavated for use in constructing mud houses and that the site had quality clay which

was frequently patronised by the villagers.

Confirming the incident, Secretary of the council area, Garba Inuwa, said the incidence happened at about 10.30am and that efforts were made to dig out the victims up till 1.00pm.

Inuwa said the hole in which the victims were buried was also a resting place for the excavators and that three of the victims

were resting while one was working at the time the incidence took place.

He said the victims were later exhumed and taken to their various homes for burial.

He added that the council’s Chairman, Nasiru Iyatawa, had since visited families of the victims and commiserated with them over the loss as well as donated food and other items to them.

Four killed in Katsina clay excavation site JAMES DANJUMA KATSINA

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our people yesterday lost their lives at Funtawa village in Rimi Local Government Area of Katsina State after they were buried alive at a clay excavation site.

A source in the village identified the victims to include; Mallam Maharazu, 20, who is married; Marufu, 12 and Nabiru,

wara State’s strides in agricultural development was again given recognition yesterday when the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, won the ‘Best Governor in Agriculture’ at the first BusinessDay States Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards in Lagos.

The governor emerged winner in the agriculture category, which featured eight other governors including Sokoto State’s, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, with whom he jointly won the award.

The organisers, who also nominated Ahmed in the ‘Ease of Doing Business Category,’ said the governor got the nod for initiating agricultural policies and programmes in the last 12 months as well as the positive outcomes of the previous initiatives to boost agriculture.

Represented by Dr. Muideen Akorede, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Governor Ahmed dedicated the award to his predecessor, Sen. Bukola Saraki, who started the state’s agricultural revolution.

Gastroenteritis kills five in Kebbi

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n outbreak of gastro enteritis in Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State has resulted in the death of five people and the hospitalisation of 20 others.

The Director, Primary Health Care Department of the council, Alhaji Musa Kwaifa, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Jega.

“Out of the 50 cases, 25 have been treated and discharged from the hospital while 20 are on admission, receiving necessary medical attention and five have lost their lives,” he said.

He added that those on admission had been isolated to avoid the spread of the disease.

Kwaifa said health personnel had been deployed to the affected areas to contain the situation.

He also said that intervention drugs had been provided by the state government with the assistance of Medicine San Frontier (Doctors Without Borders), a medical aid group.

When contacted, state Director of Epidemiology, Alhaji Usman Bunza, confirmed the report, saying efforts had been intensified to stop the disease from spreading.

Bunza called on the public to embrace the culture of personal hygiene and proper environmental sanitation to forestall a reoccurrence of the disease in the state.

52

News

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

‘Diabetes, cause of 70% of deaths in developing countries’

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inister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, yesterday said over 70 percent of deaths occurring in developing countries, including Nigeria, are caused by diabetes and that one person dies every 10 seconds as a result of the ailment.

Chukwu stated this in Abuja at the launch of the ‘Stop Diabetes Initiative’ to mark the

2013 World Diabetes Day. The campaign in the country, he said, is targeted at the elimination of the risk factors of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases; an effort he said would help improve the management of these diseases and prevention of complications arising from them.

Represented by Director of Public Health, Dr Bridg-

et Okoeguale, the minister noted that findings had revealed that there “is a close association between tobacco smoking and diabetes,” adding that “Nigeria will record a tremendous improvement in the frequency of diabetes if the use of tobacco can be curtailed.”

He appealed to tobacco producing companies to “key into the initiative so

that Nigeria can halt the rise in diabetes. If we can curb the scourge of tobacco, then we would have solved many other health problems including diabetes,” he said.

Besides, he said diabetes was fast becoming an epidemic among adolescents and young adults, the reason he said the ministry engaged relevant stakeholders in a ‘Stop Diabe-

tes Initiative’ in order to strengthen the prevention and control of the disease.

He also bemoaned low awareness among people on the disease, stressing that a lot of sufferers are unaware of their condition until things gets out of control.

In a paper titled: “Diabetes Management and its Challenges in Nigeria”, a Consultant Endocrinolo-

gist at the Asokoro General Hospital, Dr. Henry Onyegbutulem, said Nigerians needed to be cautious of their lifestyles, the factor he attributed to impact on diabetes greatly.

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PUBLIC NOTICE OGHENEVWEDE SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA, AGBARHO

This is to notify the general public that Oghenevwede Social Club of Nigeria, Agbarho with Reg. No. CAC/IT/NO25811 by a resolution passed on 28/04/2013 at the club’s monthly general meeting appointed the under listed persons as the club’s current members of Board of Trustees to run its affairs.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

1. Mr. Akpohirhowho Daniel 2. Mr. Blessing Onovughakpor 3. Mr. Ochuko Edudje 4. Mr. Akpojotor Samuel 5. Mr. Eseyovwe Godwin 6. Mr. Ihohi Felix

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

– Chairman – Secretary – Treasurer – Member – Member – Member

The aim is to promote the spirit of oneness, love and loyalty among members.

Notice: Any objection to this appointment should be forwarded within 21 days to CAC, Abuja

Signed: Mr. Eseyovwe Godwin President

Mr Ojakorotu Godspower Gen. Secretary

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TASLY ! TASLY !! TASLY !!!

This is inform the general public that Tasly World (Nigeria) co.

Ltd, has opened A new TASLY SPECIALTY SHOP NO. NG 713 at 8 Federal Housing Estate Road,Olomore,Abeokuta,Ogun State for Tasly unique Health (Traditional Chinese Medicine) products.

Tasly Distributors and End-users in Abeokuta and and environs to note.

Free Health /Business Seminar every Monday 11.00 a.m.

Management 07046129903; 08033183836; 08033242459

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This is to confirm that I, Uchenwoke Harrison, now wish to be known and addressed as Anukam Harrison. That both Uchenwoke Harrison and Anukam Harrison are referring to one and the same person. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

OLADIRAN: Formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladiran Mopelola Joyce, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Onakoya Mopelola Joyce. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLABODE: Formerly known and addressed as Miss. Olabode Rachael Olajumoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyeleke Olajumoke Abimbola.

All other documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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Friday, November 15, 2013

Brazil 2014 play-offs: Glory and heartbreak beckon Africans

54

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

53

Sport

At this stage, nothing short of victory will be needed by the eagles to stamp authority over Ethiopia

– FORMER SUPER EAGLES’ DEFENDER, PASCAL PATRICK

Ethiopia likely to make change

W

alya Antelopes of Ethiopia are likely to make just one change to their starting 11 to face the Super Eagles in a final World Cup qualifying play-off match in Calabar tomorrow..

Midfielder Getaneh Kabede of Bidvest Wits in South Africa returns after missing the first leg match on October 13 in Addis Ababa due to injury.

His return means Benhailu Gobeze, who started in his place and scored in the 2-1 defeat in the first leg, is expected to be relegated to the bench.

And expect no change to the Ethiopian backline despite conceding three penalties in as many games against Super Eagles this year alone.

On the disciplinary front, Adane Girma, Tesfaye Seyoum and Aynalem Hailu head into the return leg in Calabar with a yellow card each.

Ethiopia coach, Bishaw Sewnet, has boasted his team can turn the table against Nigeria just as he included Getaneh Kebede in his final squad.

“The principle of the game is to win. We have seen the Nigerians, and the goals we gave away came from our own mistakes. We will try to correct those and face them in their country, and we hope to qualify there,” the coach said.

“In the very begin-

ning we set ourselves a goal, which was to qualify for the African Cup of Nations and the World Cup. To achieve that goal we have had to work very hard and that was our plan. We are training every day and night to achieve our goal. We have 90 minutes more, and we will fight to the maximum. And I am confident we will qualify.”

The 69-year-old tactician has worked with Ethiopia at U-17 and U-19 levels, before he took over the full international team.

Battle of Calabar: Eagles set to pick W/Cup ticket

Walya probable XI Goalkeeper: Jamal Tasew Defenders: Seyoum Tesfaye, Abebaw Butako, Degu Debebe (C), Aynalem Hailu Midfielders: Asrat Megersa, Getaneh Kebede, Shimelis Bekele, Minyahel Teshome, Strikers: Saladin Said, Adane Girma

Kenneth Omeruo returns for Super Eagles

EVEREST ONYEWUCHI

N

igeria’s Super Eagles are set to pick the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup ticket tomorrow in Calabar, Cross River State, at the expense of Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia.

The match will be the 214th game of the senior national team under the Aminu Maigari administration at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

And Maigari, whose administration has leapt to the fore as the most successful NFF regime in history, says victory is guaranteed for Nigeria’s flag

…Walya Antelopes in Calabar to fly in Brazil next year summer.

“I am confident that the Eagles will overpower the Antelopes at our beloved U.J. Esuene Stadium on Saturday. It has been a 17-month journey from the time we defeated Namibia in Calabar in June 2012, but a happy ending makes it worthwhile for everyone involved,” Maigari was quoted in a statement yesterday, by the Federation’s spokesman, Ademola Olajire.

In its 38-and-half months of existence, the Maigari NFF has played

213 matches, winning 124 and drawing 32, while losing the rest.

Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes flew into Calabar direct from Addis Ababa yesterday aboard a chartered aircraft, as all arrangements for the team’s security and transport at its preferred Channel View Hotel were made by Nigeria.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg, Super Eagles are favourites to secure one of the continent’s five tickets to football’s biggest showpiece, at the final whistle

by Gambian referee, Ba-

kary Papa Gassama.

Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, and the Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; as well as the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Senate sports committee chairman, Senator Adamu Gumba; House of Reps’ sports committee chairman, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, members of the Cross River State cabinet, captains of industry and the full compliment of NFF Executive Committee and Management are expected to grace the big match.

Coach Sewnet

Imo rewards Iheanacho, others with cash, land, scholarship CHRIS NJOKU, OWERRI

T

he Imo State Government has rewarded its citizens in the victorious Golden Eaglets that won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with money, land and scholarship.

Receiving Assistant Coach of the team, Emmanuel Amuneke, and four

players -Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidiebere Nwakali, Chidera Eze and Odinaka Uzoho -at the Government House in Owerri, Governor Rochas Okorocha announced the gifts.

The governor who was excited at the reception announced a cash donation of N2million to Amuneke and N1million to each of the players, who are also to enjoy scholarship to the university level. He also

announced the donation of parcel of land to each of them at choice area in the state capital, Owerri.

Okorocha described them as true Imo Ambassadors for making the state proud and redeeming the prestige of the nation among the nations of the world.

In his remarks earlier, the State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, noted that out of the 26

goals scored by the Golden Eaglets at the tournament, Iheanacho from Ohaji Egbema scored six goals emerging as the Most Valuable Player.

Amuneke and the players were received at the Sam Mbakwe Airport and their convoy passed through the major streets of Owerri to the Government House where they were received with admiration and cheers.

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, (4th left), his wife, Nneoma, and cabinet members in a group photograph with four members of the Golden Eaglets from the state at a reception for the players at Government House, Owerri

54

Sport

Friday, November 15, 2013

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Brazil 2014 play-offs: Glory and heartbreak beckon Africans While the first legs have been contested, the second legs of the 2014 African World Cup play-offs will be completed this weekend of November 16 to 19 with five fixtures on the cards.

Out of 10 nations that topped their respective groups in the last stage, only five will advance to the World Cup in Brazil next year to join 27 other nations while the other five will set their targets for the next edition of the African Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco early in 2015.

Nigeria vs Ethiopia The Nigerians managed to win away from home 2-1 in the first leg.

The African champions will be too difficult to contain for the Walya Ibex in Calabar tomorrow, as Coach Stephen Keshi has selected a squad that includes John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and first leg hero Emmanuel Emenike, who plays his club football for Turkish giant Fenerbache.

Senegal vs Cote d’Ivoire The Senegalese are not surely out after going down 3-1 in Abidjan. The Ivorians looked to have won by three clear goals but a last minute strike by Newcastle United star Papiss Cisse gave the Lions of Teranga some hope going back home as a 2-0 win will see them reach their first World Cup finals since 2002 in Korea/Japan.

Cote d’Ivoire cannot afford to slip up in the last match of their road to the World Cup and they will surely be too strong for a Senegal side that are without Chelsea striker Demba Ba. Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and Manchester City free-kick specialist Yaya Toure will lead the Elephants to the global tournament for the third time in a row.

Algeria vs Burkina Faso The first leg of this tie was one of the most exciting encounters in African football history with the match played on a hot sunny afternoon in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The Algerians, who made a surprising appearance in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, looked to have snatched a draw with two away goals but the referee of the day awarded a late penalty to raise the hopes of the Stallions.

A 3-2 win in the first leg will favour Algeria, who are going to play in their backyard boosted by away goals, but Burkina Faso can achieve glory if they repeat the performance that led them to the 2013 African Cup of Nations finals. The second-leg will see them being boosted by the return of Alain Traore, who missed out in the first leg due to an injury setback.

Emmanuel Emenike ( Nigeria)

Cameroun vs Tunisia The Cameroonians are favourites in this fixture after holding the Tunisians to a goalless draw inside an almost sold out Stade Olympique Rades in the capital of Tunisia.

But the Indomitable Lions will have to be alert at home not to concede a goal that will give the Tunisians an advantage.

The Eagles of Carthage are coached by Dutch tactician Mohamed Aboutrika (Egypt) Ruud Krol who is currently acting as an interim and I see him reaching the first World Cup finals as a coach after leading the Netherlands to the runner-ups spot in 1974 and 1978 as skipper. The Cameroonians are just not ready for a big tournament after failing to reach the African Cup of Nations in their last two attempts and the Tunisians can get back in the mix after missing out on the 2010 edition on African soil.

Egypt vs Ghana This was one of the highest scoring matches in African football as Ghana thrashed the Egyptians 6-1 in Kumasi.

The away loss for the Pharaohs dented their hopes of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time since 1990 as the feat to overturn a 6-1 deficit looks impossible for a country that does not have league football at their disposal.

Ghana will cruise to the World Cup finals for the third time in a row, from 2006 to 2010, where they became a surprise package and finished in the quarter-finals.

Samuel Eto’o (Cameroun)

Yaya Toure (Cote d’Ivorie)

Jonathan Pitriopa (Bukina Faso)

National Mirror www.nationalmirroronline.net

Sport

Friday, November 15, 2013

55

Squash: Stars stall Lagos Classics YEMI OLUS

T

he Lagos International Squash Classics has been postponed by two weeks following the inability of some of the foreign players to arrive for the event.

Chairman, Lagos State

Squash Association, Sanya Akindele, said the shift in date became as organisers moved to restore image of the competition earlier scheduled to smash off on Wednesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

“The international players from the Democratic Republic of Congo

and Zambia had flight issues which could not be resolved before the commencement of the championship,” Akindele explained.

“Other players from Egypt and Botswana also pulled out because of other engagements, while Adrian Grant from the UK suffered

a pulled hamstring injury during training,” he added.

Akindele said the stars would be present when the competition begins on November 27.

“It will end on November 30 and logistics have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free outing,” he submitted.

Abdullahi

A Abdullahi visits athletes, ccommends AFN YEMI OLUS

S

ports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday visited the th Athletics Federation of o Nigeria (AFN) athletes’ camp for Glasgow 2014 c Commonwealth Games in C Abuja.

A The AFN set up a training in camp to create an enabling environment for a athletes to do their build a up u for the new season Abdullahi, who arrived at a the camp in the morning, in commended the fed-

Eaglets’ Coach, Manu Garba

Emulate Eaglets’ virtue, TUC urges Nigerians

Ilorin 2013: Kenya lollies awaits U-13 winner AFOLABI

MESHACK IDEHEN

T

he Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on politicians, public servants and ordinary Nigerians to imbibe the lessons inherent in the recent victory achieved by Golden Eaglets in the United Arab

Emirates where Nigeria won the FIFA U-17 World Cup for a record fourth time.

“The team spirit, patriotic zeal and total commitment to a common cause exhibited by the Eaglets deserve emulation,” TUC President, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, and General Secretary, Barrister Musa Lawal, said

in a joint statement.

“Public servants and politicians must shun all divisive sentiments so that we can make optimal progress as a nation,” the statement said.

“Indeed the team’s conduct and victory affirmed the fact that Nigerians have reason to be hopeful despite the challenges we face today,

and is a proof that there is nothing we cannot achieve as a nation if we remain united.

“We call on all Nigerians to be united so that as the Golden Eaglets collectively took on every opponent so we can and must successfully take on the challenges that bedevil our nation.”

CY Cup: Jogo, Mourinho in semis FRSC boss advocates cycling

D

efending champion Jogo FC has booked a semi final spot in the CY Cup Football Competition after edging Alhaji FC through penalty shootout in the quarter finals.

Jogo will now meet Ogundele FC who also scaled through on penalties after a goalless draw with Owosheni FC. Surprise team of the competition, All Stars FC, beat San Siro FC 2-0 to book a semi final date with Mourinho FC who has enthralled the crowd at match venues with deft controls and crisp passes.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Organising Com-

mittee, Cyprian Ukpai, has expressed gratitude to fans that have thronged the venues in their hundreds since the competition started last month.

“It is nearly unbelievable attracting the kind of crowd that has been attended the games, even on days when matches are being played in the popular EPL,” Ukpai said.

“I think it means we have been doing some things right and we are really delighted, especially as the appreciative crowd kept asking if we could make this competition twice a year,” he added.

JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

C

orps Marshal and the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Osita Chidoka, yesterday urged Nigerians to promote cycling in the country, saying the sport will ensure healthy living.

Chidoka, who made the call in Abuja during his inauguration as a member of Nigeria Cycling Federation, stated that the sport possessed numerous advantages.

“I have strong passion

for and on my wedding day I went to church on a bicycle because I believe in cycling as a mode of transportation.

“I have identified with cycling to bring the level of awareness that would make it possible for cyclists in Nigeria to ride safely on the road.

“The Cycling Week scheduled for November 18 to 24 will be the first step to be taken by the FRSC 18th to 24 is the first step by FRSC in engaging the nation on the issue of making cycling a safe mode of transportation,” he explained.

eration for not waiting for the government before starting its programme, while pledging the sports ministry’s support for the athletes.

Abdullahi also urged the athletes to be good ambassadors at all times and to shun all vices that could tarnish the image of Nigeria.

Secretary General of AFN, Olumide Bamiduro, thanked the minister for his visit, assuring that the AFN and the athletes would not let the nation down.

GAMBARI

O

rganisers of the U-13 fotball tournament at the 6th National School Sports Festival holding in Ilorin, the Kwara State from November 20 said the winner will represent Nigeria at the Milo African Championship scheduled for Nairobi, Kenya next year.

Brand Manager, Milo, Funmi Osineye, who disclosed this yesterday at the competition’s logo-unveiling ceremony in Lagos said Nestle was committed to grassroots sports development.

“We believe in the abundance of sports talents in

Nigeria and have worked assiduously to fire up these talents to greater heights,” she said.

On Nestle’s relationship with the Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Osineye said: “We have enjoyed strong partnership over the past 15 years on the various Milo sports engagement platforms, amongst which are the Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship, Milo Football Clinic and the National School Sports Festival.

“Giving these children international exposure on a continental platform would boost their confidence and determination to make them future champions.”

Lagos State won the last

Golf: Deshi set to explore advantage JOEL AJAYI ABUJA

T

he newly-elected President of Nigerian Golf Federation (NGF), Dr, Peter Deshi, has promised to demystify the illusion and misconception that the game is meant for rich alone, saying it is for everybody.

“We intend to take golf to grassroots, secondary school, as well as local community,” Deshi said.

“Nigeria has two comparative advantages compared to sport and tourism.

So, if we develop our golf very well, we will use it to attract tourism.

“It will only take Nigerians to make this idea a reality.”

WORLD RECORD

Most players in a basketball exhibition Vol. 03 No. 723

I

Friday, November 15, 2013

On tomorrow’s Anambra governorship poll

f wishes were horses, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that has smashed itself into smithereens by its own making would cherish producing the governor of Anambra State at the end of the gubernatorial election in the state tomorrow. That is the dream of President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Turkur; Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweranmadu and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, who were at the formal flagging-off of the party’s governorship campaign at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, recently. Indeed, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), whose members have been idling away at home since July 1, courtesy of the disagreement between the Federal Government

FRIDAY WITH Dozie Okebalama

dozieokeama@yahoo.co.uk 08164966858 (SMS only) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), was reportedly credited as saying it was relocating to Awka, the Anambra State capital, to ensure victory for Tony Nwoye, the PDP candidate for the contest. The ruling party in Anambra, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is presenting Chief Willie Obiano as its flag bearer, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) picked Senator Chris Nigige, both of whom Anambra people adjudge as heavy weights, to stand for the election.

But before one is misconstrued, it is perhaps necessary to stress the fact that this piece is not meant to wish the PDP ill-luck at tomorrow’s election. Rather, the intention is to draw the attention of the self-acclaimed largest party in Africa to the sad implications of self destruct, and the need to clear all encumbrances that might be consciously erected, either by ‘Abuja’ or ‘Awka’, to pervert the electoral process in Anambra State tomorrow. This is particularly in view of the assurance given by President Jonathan through Vice President Sambo at the official flag-off of Nwoye’s campaign, that … “there will be a free and fair election (in Anambra) characterised by one man, one vote” come November 16, 2013.

Perhaps, no one would doubt the capacity of the PDP to perform wonders at the poll had it been conducting its affairs as a peaceful and united family. During the 2010 governorship poll in the state, the

ance Armstrong’s lifetime ban from cycling could be cut to eight years, according to the man who played a key role in proving he doped during all seven of his Tour de France wins.

United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), Travis Tygart, said such a reduction is “technically possible” should the American, 42,

THERE ARE SEVERAL REASONS FOR NIGERIANS TO BE VIGILANT ABOUT THE

ANAMBRA ELECTION

AND ITS EVENTUAL OUTCOME Anambra PDP was so factionalised that many PDP top shots interested in the governorship race defected to other political parties to contest the election. Till date, the party is strife-torn in Anambra State as was evident during the party’s governorship primaries. Those conversant with the Holy Scriptures would remember what Jesus Christ said in portions of the Book of Matthew 12:25 when the Pharisees were of the opinion that he was casting out demons through the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.

Christ turned to the Pharisees and said: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand”. If the truth must be told, who says the rival PDP factions in Anambra would want victory for the party at the poll? It will be an interesting turn of events if the PDP manages to prove the Holy Scriptures wrong tomorrow. But if it fails to, it should realise the need to put its house in order before the cancer affects it in more

states and, perhaps, at the federal level.

There are several reasons for Nigerians to be vigilant about the Anambra election and its eventual outcome. Number one is the fact that the ruling party at the centre is very much interested in it. The second reason is that the ruling party at the state level will also go to any length to retain its hold on power, while the APC, widely viewed as a formidable opposition party, would like to test its strength with the governorship poll.

Indeed, victory for the APC would relegate APGA to the backwaters of Nigerian politics, as well as rattle the PDP and its warweary leadership. Besides, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials alleged that polling units were located at awkward places, like shrines, thick forests, the compounds of political heavy weights and other very suspicious points.

The logical implication is that there were ready made plots to rig the poll. And whereas the INEC headquarters was reported to have ordered the relocation of the polling units to the appropriate places, it is not to public knowledge that the instruction has been carried out to the letter.

Although the electioneering could not be rightly adjudged as violent or bloody, so far, the adoration ground stampede that claimed scores of lives in Uke, Idemili North Local Government Area on the first Saturday of this month, cancelled out the relative peace that trailed political campaigns preparatory to the election.

Therefore, allowing the poll to be marred by further violence or bloodshed is unacceptable. The FG, INEC and the Anambra State government should not allow the adoration ground deaths to be in vain because of the lust for political power.

Enough security precaution should be taken, with a back-up, if necessary. President Jonathan, in the past, voiced his support for free and fair polls in Ondo State (2012) and Edo State (also 2012), among others, and discharged himself with integrity. No less is expected from the Anambra governorship poll tomorrow.

Sport Extra

w

L

N150

The most players in a basketball exhibition match is 1,464 was achieved by the Fiesta Nacional del Básquet in Estadio Club Estudiantes, Bahia Blanca, Argentina, from 7-9 September 2012

‘Armstrong may get life ban reduction’ agree to reveal all about his past.

“He’s had plenty of opportunities to come in before now and there’s no sense that is actually now going to happen,” Tygart told BBC Sport.

“We’ll see if there is still an

opportunity for him to get any reduction.”

Armstrong was banned for life by USADA in August 2012 and stripped of the seven Tour de France titles he won between 1999 and 2005.

After repeatedly denying accusations of doping, the Texan finally admitted in an interview with television chat show host, Oprah Winfrey, in January that he took performance-enhancing drugs during his career.

Musa Armstrong

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